Chapter 264: The Shock of the King of Heavenly Derivation, a Record-Breaking Cultivation Speed!

"Learn it within three years? If you fail, abandon your official post and focus solely on the Heavenly Timing Method? Zhao Xing, you are far too dismissive of top-tier Heavenly Timing Methods." Heng Yuan, usually calm, began to frown upon hearing this.

Zhao Xing's words were overconfident, bordering on arrogant!

One must know that mastering a top-tier method within five years is already extremely rare; those who achieve it within five years are said to possess top-tier comprehension!

Mastering it within three years? That is even harder, something one would only find recorded in history books.

"For cultivating a top-tier method, a Third Rank practitioner requires an average of over fifteen years!"

"Moreover, you are not even at the Third Rank Yuan Soul Realm."

"Comprehending methods and the Dao are both tied to the Life Soul; how dare you make such an arrogant claim?"

As the Doctor of Classics at the Profound Heaven Academy, Heng Yuan was very clear on these figures.

At this moment, he felt Zhao Xing simply did not want to go, which was why he said this, and even suspected Zhao Xing was belittling the Heavenly Timing Method.

Why did Heng Yuan feel this way?

Let us assume Zhao Xing is a top-tier genius, yet there is still a prerequisite condition.

That is, a clone must go to comprehend it!

The Ten Thousand Methods Clone has many limitations.

Since the clone lacks a complete Life Soul, the effect of its comprehension is greatly diminished.

For instance, Zhao Xing is currently at the 'Hundred Method Body' level; if his clone goes to comprehend, the effect might be only one percent to one-tenth of the original body's.

This is like a normal person who walks and reads with two eyes suddenly going blind in one eye and losing a leg.

Naturally, they cannot walk fast, nor see clearly.

After all, a clone is merely a clone; it is impossible for its effect to be completely consistent with the original body.

Especially in comprehension, because comprehending the Dao is primarily the human soul's realization!

If Sima Yunhai were here, he would likely be so happy he could fly, immediately bringing out a contract to sign these conditions with Zhao Xing.

Because if Zhao Xing fails to achieve this within three years, he must truly join the Profound Heaven Academy and completely sever ties with the other two factions.

This would allow him to avenge his junior brother's manipulation by Liu Tianning.

"My Lord Heng, do not misunderstand; I have never had any thought of looking down on the Heavenly Timing Dao," Zhao Xing said calmly, "nor was this a jest to tease the two of you."

"Prove it to me," Heng Yuan said, somewhat angry; was this Zhao Xing still arguing back? Who understands better, you or me?

Zhao Xing nodded, rose from his desk, and then walked to the center of the hall.

He extended his hand and pointed at the ground.

"Voom~"

The surrounding tables immediately began to shake.

At the same time, specks of starlight emerged from beneath the ground, attaching themselves to the bodies of Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang.

"Hmm?" Heng Yuan's eye twitched slightly, for he felt a pulling force.

This force attempted to draw out his Yuan energy.

Geng Shouchang's eyes lit up: "The Yuan-Siphoning Earth Palace Method? No, it is far not as powerful as the Yuan-Siphoning Earth Palace Method. However, it already possesses the embryonic form of a top-tier method."

What Zhao Xing cast was the eleventh transformation spell of the Boundless Earth Palace, 【Boundless Starlight】; it could counteract the effect of the Yuan-Siphoning Earth Palace, and naturally, like the Yuan-Siphoning Earth Palace, it could also draw out the Yuan energy within a person's body.

Of course, its power was far inferior to what Gu Changqing cast, amounting to roughly one-tenth of the power of the first transformation of a top-tier method.

However, judging purely from the essence of the spell, this already surpassed the completion level of high-tier methods.

Moreover, this miraculous effect is something high-tier methods do not possess.

"Why do you cast a Earth-Advantage Method before us two?" Heng Yuan asked.

Geng Shouchang blocked Heng Yuan, saying, "Wait and hear what he has to say."

Zhao Xing clasped his hands, then directed another spell of Jin Guang at the ground.

"Voom~"

Subsequently, the teacups, utensils, and documents within the living room silently turned to powder.

The twelfth transformation, Boundless Vortex!

"Please, my lords, offer your guidance."

As soon as Zhao Xing finished speaking, this crushing force swept over Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang.

A wisp of Lei Guang roamed over Geng Shouchang's body surface, while Heng Yuan had a gentle wind swirling around his entire body.

Both simultaneously cast top-tier methods, easily neutralizing Zhao Xing's spell.

"Not bad; it is already very close to a top-tier method," Geng Shouchang commented.

Even Heng Yuan nodded.

This was because Zhao Xing's second Earth-Advantage Method had climbed another level compared to the previous one.

Given time, with further refinement, it could well become a new top-tier method.

He is only Fifth Rank; achieving such a feat is truly rare.

However, Heng Yuan still did not understand what Zhao Xing wanted to prove.

But the following words left him utterly shocked.

"My lords, I created these two spells in only two months," Zhao Xing said.

Silence; a profound silence filled the great hall. Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang simply stared at the youth standing below.

He stood in the center of the powder, his calm words striking the hearts of the two like a meteor, stirring up towering waves.

After a long while, Geng Shouchang finally recalled something: "Did you comprehend this in the first heaven of the Canghai Divine Realm?"

"Indeed."

Geng Shouchang immediately understood; no wonder Meng Kun was willing to fight him outside the gate just to secure Zhao Xing.

Such comprehension is simply astonishing, as if from a heavenly being!

"This..." Heng Yuan could no longer hold back. "You had no one to teach you, yet by observing Gu Changqing's Jiyuan Earth Palace Method on your own, you comprehended these two techniques?"

Having someone teach you and having no one teach you are completely different concepts.

Spells are not like physical objects; divine weapons and puppets can be disassembled and reverse-engineered to reveal some principles, but comprehending them just by observing spells? Heng Yuan felt it was incredibly unreal.

To learn one thing and apply it to ten others, to be self-taught without a master—could such astonishing talent truly exist in the world?

"My aptitude for the Heavenly Timing Method is no worse than for the Earthly Advantage Method," Zhao Xing said. "My Lord Heng, if I looked down on the Heavenly Timing Method, how could I have cultivated it so diligently?"

"I misunderstood you," Heng Yuan said, clasping his hands in a bow. He truly had nothing to say.

This person truly possessed such talent!

Geng Shouchang felt extremely regretful. If Zhao Xing had such talent, how much better it would be if he specialized solely in the Heavenly Timing Method?

Unfortunately, the greater the genius, the greater the ambition.

"I will help you resolve the matter of going to the Academy as soon as possible," Geng Shouchang said. "The Jianxiusan Sect is destined to be a winding and difficult path; you will face numerous doubts and criticisms. If you do not succeed after three years, you may reconsider your future direction."

"Yes, thank you, My Lord Geng," Zhao Xing said, clasping his hands in a bow.

He naturally knew it would not be that easy; to unify the three sects and become the leader of all Agricultural Officials was how difficult.

Prejudices between factions were deeply rooted; it was not simply a matter of having talent.

Even if Zhao Xing's talent was even stronger, if he was not from their own sect, it would be very difficult to gain acceptance, or at least not full acceptance.

It was not just the Agricultural Officials profession that had factional strife. The Martial Artists profession had it too.

For example, among Martial Artists, there was a distinction between the Sword Sect and the Qi Sect.

Which one was the orthodox tradition, and which one was the Great Dao?

For this matter, the two sects had engaged in the "Great Dao Contention" many times; every year, many people died in this struggle over orthodoxy.

People like Geng Shouchang and Heng Yuan were still easy to talk to; later, when he went to the Profound Heaven Academy with his Ten Thousand Methods Avatar, he would probably encounter many doubts.

…………

Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang left.

Geng Shouchang had arrived happily, but left feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Although he had successfully pulled Zhao Xing into the Heavenly Timing Sect, he had only pulled in an avatar.

Getting Zhao Xing inside was truly not easy; he had to withstand quite a bit of pressure.

Mainly because Zhao Xing's going there involved the inheritance of Top-Tier Methods.

Below Top-Tier Methods, one could learn freely.

Because the Great Zhou government itself had collected low, medium, and high-grade methods and promoted them for free; Top-Tier Methods were not something one could learn just like that.

"Brother Heng, I have a request to make," Geng Shouchang transmitted via sound.

"Brother Geng, please speak."

"Regarding today's events, especially the part where Zhao Xing demonstrated the Earth Palace Method, please do not tell Sima Yunhai."

Upon hearing this, Heng Yuan nodded: "Rest assured, I will keep my lips sealed."

If Zhao Xing's talent were told to Sima Yunhai, Sima Yunhai would probably not be the recommender, but the opponent.

Because that scoundrel was not genuinely recommending him in the first place; he just wanted to complete his revenge on Liu Tianning.

"Thank you."

As soon as the two stepped out, Meng Kun and Gu Changqing immediately raised their heads.

Seeing the expressions on Geng Shouchang and Heng Yuan's faces, Meng Kun immediately laughed.

Because he noticed these two did not seem very comfortable, while Zhao Xing, facing them with a smile, invited them inside.

That meant they still had plenty of opportunities!

"Changqing, let us go in."

Meng Kun and Gu Changqing quickly flew inside.

…………

When Xiao Ming served the second round of tea, he found the living room inside the Listening Rain Pavilion was already a mess.

He did not dare to say much, nor did he dare to tell Zhao Xing that he had "damaged public property of the relay station."

He only sent a minor clerk over to ask Zhao Xing if he needed cleaning and a rearrangement.

"Go and reply to My Lord Xiao, asking him to renovate it; I will compensate for whatever is damaged at full price," Zhao Xing said.

"Yes," the clerk obediently withdrew.

Afterwards, he clasped his hands in a bow toward Meng Kun and Gu Changqing: "Truly sorry; there was an unexpected incident just now. Please wait a moment, My Lords."

He also did not dare to lead people to the side hall for a conversation.

Why invite people to the main hall when the Heavenly Timing Sect comes, but to the side hall when it is the Dili Sect? Who are you looking down on!

However, Meng Kun and Gu Changqing did not care at all about such trifles.

Seeing people cleaning the main hall, Meng Kun simply did not go in.

He pointed at the grass outside, and immediately molded three tables and stone stools out of the earth.

Meng Kun turned guest into host, directly pulling Gu Changqing to sit down, and then beckoned Zhao Xing over.

As soon as he sat down, Meng Kun spoke:

"Zhao Xing, join the Kunyuan Academy!"

"I can take charge and let you become a Doctor of Classical Studies; you will receive three hundred million in Classical Studies public funds every year!"

"Additionally, my Kunyuan Academy possesses the most Blessed Lands and Spirit Mountains!"

"Doctors of Classical Studies have the opportunity to go to these places for secluded cultivation every year!"

"You can learn any Top-Tier Method; I guarantee you will have three teachers every year, each dedicating one month to teach you."

Meng Kun unleashed his ultimate move right from the start, speaking entirely of concrete benefits, and he had even thought of the teacher candidates, simply waiting for Zhao Xing to come.

Unlike Hengyuan and Geng Shouchang, Meng Kun had long known Zhao Xing's talent, because the two spells Zhao Xing comprehended were derived from the Yuan-Draining Earth Palace arranged by Gu Changqing.

Two months, self-taught to comprehend two spells nearing the top tier? Meng Kun was certainly willing to snatch him!

Seeing Meng Kun and Gu Changqing so down-to-earth, Zhao Xing did not beat around the bush, nodding directly: "Thank you, my lords. I am willing to go."

Meng Kun and Gu Changqing were stunned; he agreed so readily?

They had originally thought they would need to spend some effort.

"However, I have one difficulty; I must ask permission from you two my lords in advance," Zhao Xing said.

"Speak," Meng Kun said. "What difficulty? As long as we can solve it, we will do our utmost to solve it for you."

"In recent years, I will only send my Myriad Methods Divisions."

After Zhao Xing finished speaking, Meng Kun and Gu Changqing were immediately stunned.

So he was waiting for this.

No wonder he agreed so easily.

No wonder Hengyuan and Geng Shouchang looked so uncomfortable.

"You also agreed to Old Man Geng?" Gu Changqing asked. "Are you also going to send a Division to the Profound Heaven Academy?"

"Yes."

Meng Kun and Gu Changqing were immediately doused with a bucket of cold water.

If this were the case, the significance of recruiting Zhao Xing would be greatly diminished.

"How can you have so much energy?" Gu Changqing said. "You might as well consider it further."

"Give me three years, my lords," Zhao Xing said. "If I truly accomplish nothing within three years, I am willing to abandon all other paths and official posts, and focus solely on studying the Dili Art."

"Very well, let you try!" Meng Kun was relatively decisive.

Three years is not very long; if Zhao Xing fails to achieve anything within three years, he will naturally know it is unworkable and change his mind.

At worst, it is just wasting three years; Zhao Xing is still very young, so there is absolutely no problem.

The sectarian prejudice of the Dili Sect is not that severe, because the classic of the Dili Sect, the "Hou Tu Returning to Origin," produces Hou Tu gravel that ultimately evolves into 'Pure Origin Soil'.

However, the process of condensing it, as well as opening the Pure Origin Space, requires precise cultivation of the Benwo Sect's "Yin Yang Benwo Sutra."

The relationship between the Dili Sect and the Benwo Sect is inseparable.

Their rejection of the Benwo Sect is not severe; they are purely worried that Zhao Xing will waste his energy.

"The conditions I just offered remain unchanged," Meng Kun smiled. "However, those resources can only be claimed when your true body has time to come over."

"Thank you, Lord Meng."

"Then when can you depart?"

"I can go now." Zhao Xing's figure swayed, a shadow appeared behind him, and then a Division manifested.

This was one of his nine strongest Divisions.

"Good, then this Division of yours will go with me," Meng Kun said. "Coincidentally, we must return to the Kunyuan Academy in one month."

Meng Kun was also straightforward; taking Zhao Xing's Division, he and Gu Changqing left.

…………

After Meng Kun and Gu Changqing left, Long Xiao walked out from the rear courtyard.

"Finished talking?"

"Mm." Zhao Xing nodded.

"You are going to be a teacher at the Academy?" Long Xiao asked.

"Only the Division is going."

"Then where will your true body stay?" Long Xiao asked curiously. "The true body occupies the most of your energy; two great academies invite you, yet your true body does not move. Do you have a better place to go?"

"Yes." Zhao Xing smiled. "However, this involves confidentiality regulations; I cannot tell you."

The true body, of course, would focus on researching the "Yanshen Art."

As for the official post, it would be best to stay in Chongming Fucheng and find a leisurely position to idle away the days.

If the true body cultivates the Yanshen Art and succeeds, the Divisions will also be stronger and able to comprehend spells faster.

Zhao Xing's confidence in comprehending spells within three years mainly stemmed from the Yanshen Art.

Once the Yanshen Art breaks through, his spell-comprehension speed will also break through.

"Alright, then I won't stay long either," Long Xiao said. Zhao Xing working so hard made Long Xiao feel a bit embarrassed to play around any longer.

"Are you returning home for the New Year this year?" Zhao Xing asked. "You have accumulated quite a bit of money at your estates in Dongyang; you should come back and take a look. The people in the estate haven't seen you, the great master, in several years."

"How much income can a few estates generate? Keep it," Long Xiao said.

"Alright, then thank you. I will accept these twenty million."

"Mm... what? How much?!" Long Xiao almost thought he had misheard.

"Twenty million," Zhao Xing repeated.

Long Xiao's eyes widened: "How can it be so much? Where did my few estates get such income?"

Zhao Xing shrugged and said: "It's been ten years; is earning twenty million very much?"

Long Xiao exclaimed: "Much, of course it's much! Damn, how did you do it!"

Zhao Xing said: "You only remember I am the Military Granary Administrator, right? Have you forgotten that the Grand Granary Administrator controls the financial power?"

"The Grand Granary Administrator oversees the Inner Treasury, the Fengchen Treasury, the Zhihou Treasury, the Pang Yuan Feng Treasury, the Cloth Treasury, the Tea Treasury, the Miscellaneous Goods Treasury, the Grain Bureau, the Audit Office, the Miscellaneous Purchase Office, the Miscellaneous Sale Market, the Exchange Certificate Treasury, the Pledge Office, the Medicine Bureau, the People's Benefit Bureau, the Shop and Residence Office, the Charcoal Yard, the Incense and Medicine Treasury..."

"My ambition is the Grand Granary Administrator; how could I not know how to make money?"

"In these ten years, I just casually managed things for you and stirred up twenty million."

"Old Chen's few estates are about the same; just selling medicinal herbs in the first two years earned a huge sum. Never mind, you wouldn't understand. Anyway, from ten years ago until now, two million lies in your account, and it is all liquid capital."

"Is it too late for me to change careers?" Long Xiao asked.

"Hahaha, are you going to use your Seven Stars Divine Sword to pull weeds?"

Long Xiao: "..."

After a long while, Long Xiao finally accepted this reality.

"Hold this money for me for now."

"Alright." Zhao Xing nodded. "The Bai family's wealth is theirs—I'll save some private funds for you."

"Good brother!"

…………

In the thirtieth year of the Jingxin Calendar, the twenty-second day of the ninth month, Autumn Equinox.

Half a month ago, Zhao Xing had met Fan Hongyi, the Prefect of Chongming Prefecture, and Wang Xuanyi, and declared his desire for a quiet post.

Fan Hongyi and Wang Xuanyi had no objection, so after the Autumn Equinox, his transfer was completed.

Transferred from the Twin Dragon Horse Supervision back to Chongming Prefecture, assigned to the Prefecture's Department of Agriculture Supervision as Director of the Earth God Hall, Rank 5 Upper.

The Earth God is the deity of the land; the Director of the Earth God Hall is an official office where the Department of Agriculture and the shrine overlap.

It may be held by an agricultural official or a priest, primarily to travel to various regions during spring planting and autumn harvest to set up altars, perform rituals, and pray to the Earth God for favorable weather and bountiful crops.

Many agricultural officials believe in relying on heaven's bounty, acknowledging the existence of the Earth God and the Four Seasonal Spirits who protect the Nineteen Provinces.

Zhao Xing's belief in "human will triumphing over heaven" is typically held only by military agricultural officials.

The Director of the Earth God Hall primarily oversees agricultural rituals.

For example, during spring planting, officials at all levels must personally till the government's public fields to set an example and encourage farming.

During this time, altars must be erected, sacrifices offered, magic displayed, and reports submitted to show that heaven has answered the prayers.

This entire process is managed by the Director of the Earth God Hall.

Additionally, the opening and sealing of the Prefecture's spirit mountains are also handled by the Director of the Earth God Hall.

Previously, in Donghu Spirit Mountain of Nanyang Commandery, officials from the Commandery's Department of Agriculture Supervision held a sacrifice and performed the mountain-opening ritual—actually worshiping the Earth God.

There are also related activities concerning the Spring She Festival.

Of course, this position seems busy but is in fact rarely so.

Because the year only has three busy periods: the Spring She Festival, spring planting, and autumn harvest.

Spirit mountains at the Prefecture level are mostly "Great Sealed Mountains," meaning they open only once every ten, thirty, or fifty years.

This post brings no graft but offers peace and quiet.

Being assigned here is essentially a retirement posting.

Zhao Xing, a genius agricultural official with a brilliant future, was now assigned as Director of the Earth God Hall—this puzzled many.

Especially Yin Qiquan, who was thoroughly baffled.

Last year, he had finally managed to place Qi Ming as county magistrate on Twin Island.

Now this year, Zhao Xing was transferred away—and to such a place.

Attempting to harm Zhao Xing had become vastly more difficult—almost impossible.

He reported this to the Blood Spirit Sovereign.

Upon hearing this, the Blood Spirit Sovereign was speechless.

He had been preparing an assassination, but Zhao Xing had retreated into the Prefecture, right under the eyes of the Yin Spirit.

"It feels like he knows someone wants to kill him," the Blood Spirit Sovereign mused. "Forget it—I'll find another opportunity. He'll have to come out eventually."

Someone like Zhao Xing cannot remain indefinitely in a quiet post—he will inevitably be reassigned sooner or later.

…………

Accompanying Zhao Xing in his transfer was Chen Shijie.

Although the Earth God Hall is quiet, there is still much work to be done.

So when he was promoted, he also requested Chen Shijie be assigned as Right Director of the Earth God Hall to assist him.

Chen Shijie had been promoted by one rank without understanding why—he now held the rank of 5 Lower.

"So that's why I suddenly got promoted, and across such a different department—it was you," Chen Shijie realized the moment he saw Zhao Xing.

"Heh, you were too bored on the island. Better to come back."

"Come back and we'll both be bored?" Chen Shijie said. "You don't know the Divine Invocation Art, and neither do I—what kind of Directors are we going to be?"

"If you don't know, you can learn," Zhao Xing said. "You're from the Dili Sect—how can you not revere the Earth God?"

"Fine, then I'll learn," Chen Shijie said. He had never studied the Divine Invocation Art before.

Even though Divine Invocation Art is one of the core courses for military agricultural officials.

Primarily because the priestly profession is too powerful, and the Great Zhou has many potent Yin Spirits; other professions must all learn at least some form of spirit-possession magic.

On the twenty-sixth day of the ninth month, Zhao Xing entered the shrine again for a blessing of destiny.

This time, however, he did not go to the Tianxin Hall, but to the Divine Beasts Hall.

This blessing came entirely from the Mountain Cat, Cangni, and Spirit Illusion Goat.

Because the Mountain Cat, Cangni, and Spirit Illusion Goat had performed outstandingly in the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition, they were granted the special official title "Third-Rank Heavenly Fortune Official," along with the Third-Rank Marquis title.

This official title carries no rank or actual authority.

But the noble title is real—the imperial court granted each of the three battle beasts a plot of land and ordered the construction of Tuoquan Palace for them, to be overseen by Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing examined the destiny share granted by the three battle beasts: his lifespan increased by five years, and using the Five-Finger Destiny Calculation, he found his fortune slightly strengthened.

This increase was roughly equivalent to one full promotion in rank.

"You three, go with Long Xiao for proper training. Behave yourselves—I'll take you to Long Court for good food later," Zhao Xing said.

"Woof!" Three voices replied.

"Long Xiao, take good care of them—I'll need them when I enter the Long Court Ancient Land ten years from now," Zhao Xing said.

"Don't worry, I'll never shortchange those three," Long Xiao grinned. "Just wait and see."

Chen Shijie chuckled beside him: "He saves money for you, you raise his beast—neither of you loses. Looks like I'd better do more in my position as Right Palm Officer."

"What, does Gui Niang control your money too?"

"Get lost! Why bring up the one thing that hurts?"

"Hahaha."

………

In the thirtieth year of Jingxin Calendar, October 7th, Frost's Descent.

Zhao Xing's main body arrived at the Military Realm's Celestial Mechanism Pavilion, Star Palace, to cultivate the Great Expansion Divine Art.

"Start with the Soul Nourishment Chapter of the Seven Stars Soul Map from the first layer."

King Tianyan brought Zhao Xing to a side hall of the Star Palace.

Inside the hall were seven pools, shrouded in mist, each filled with countless herbs swirling within.

Zhao Xing sniffed—the air was thick with the stench of various herbs.

"The soul has three parts; the seven po have names: first, Tian Chong; second, Ling Hui; third, Qi; fourth, Li; fifth, Zhong Shu; sixth, Jing; seventh, Ying."

"Each of these seven Soul Nourishment pools is boiled with tens of thousands of sixth-rank supreme-grade herbs."

"Enter the Qi Po pool and visualize the Seven Stars Soul Map. When all seven pools have dried up, your Soul Nourishment will be complete—and you will reach Foundation Establishment's peak."

"Yes." Zhao Xing immediately stripped naked and leapt into the pool.

The seven po of the physical body must be cultivated in order.

The first pool Zhao Xing jumped into was the 【Li Po】 pool.

Li Po governs strength.

Completing the strengthening of Li Po means entering the early stage of the fourth rank.

"Gulong~"

Bubbles continuously rose from the pool; Zhao Xing instantly felt his entire body grow scorching hot, his bones tingling and itching, a burning sensation spreading across his skin.

He involuntarily visualized the Seven Stars Soul Map.

At the same time, a star in the sky ignited, casting a beam of light over Zhao Xing's body.

Less than a quarter-hour later, Zhao Xing felt his body swell by a full circle.

His bones thickened, his flesh grew, and he became visibly 'fat.'

Yet the starlight continued to shine upon him, soon restoring him to his normal form.

In this cycle of expansion and contraction, Zhao Xing felt his Golden Bones grow denser, his meridians tougher.

After half an hour, Zhao Xing concluded his cultivation in the Li Po pool.

"Good. Your foundation is solid. Cultivating the Soul Po as a Farming Officer is especially difficult—you're quite fast," King Tianyan nodded.

Zhao Xing leapt into the second pool.

How could his foundation not be solid? He had consumed countless Spirit-Exquisite herbs; his Golden Bones were already fully formed.

Typically, Farming Officers have fragile physiques, far weaker than martial artists, making the Soul Po trials hard to endure.

But Zhao Xing didn't need to endure the Li Po trial at all.

The second pool was the Qi Po pool.

Qi Po governs primordial qi—its direct effect is increasing total primordial qi and extending combat endurance.

Before cultivating Qi Po, Zhao Xing could cast seven spells in one breath; by the seventh spell, he needed to pause and breathe.

Experts could seize this moment in battle.

So Zhao Xing always activated Mist Concealment before fighting—he needed to hide within the mist to catch his breath.

But after completing Qi Po strengthening, he could cast seventy spells in one continuous breath.

"Cultivating Qi Po took over two hours, and I had to change the herbal bath once," King Tianyan watched the gradually drying pool. "He's opened pure primordial soil—his total primordial qi is already higher than ordinary people."

After cultivating Qi Po, Zhao Xing's Pure Primordial Soil advanced to Level Four!

Its total area reached 320,000 square meters.

This was another benefit of cultivating Qi Po.

"Puto~"

Zhao Xing then leapt into the Jing Po and Ying Po pools.

Jing Po governs spiritual power; Ying Po governs willpower.

Cultivating these two po still strengthens the body, but not in terms of qi or strength—rather, it increases resistance.

Cultivating these two po primarily fortifies the internal organs: detoxification and antidote functions greatly improve; wounds heal faster; resistance to heat, cold, and other elements grows stronger, making life force more resilient.

In gaming terms, cultivating these two po increases all types of resistance values.

At the Tian Gang and Di Sha stages, the same two po are strengthened too—but this time, the enhancement is deeper and more comprehensive.

Later, Ling Hui and Tian Chong enhance spell comprehension, wisdom, and spiritual will.

The final stage, Zhong Shu Po, brings a full-body enhancement.

After cultivating all seven po, Zhao Xing spent half a month.

Half a month later, Zhao Xing leapt out of the final pool.

His entire body glowed with Jin Guang, his gaze sharp as lightning.

He had reached Foundation Establishment's peak!

"Good. Your Soul Po cultivation speed is fast—you rank ninth among this batch of thirty-eight," King Tianyan appeared beside the pool.

"Only ninth?" Zhao Xing blinked.

"You're a Farming Officer—ninth is already excellent. Do you expect to rank first?" King Tianyan smiled lightly. "What would the martial artists say?"

To enter the Dragon Court Ancient Ground, one must bring a battle beast, so it's not necessary to be a true Beast Tamer to participate.

Zhao Xing guessed that many of these thirty-eight people weren't true Beast Tamers.

"Now you may begin soul cultivation," said King Tianyan slowly. "Cultivating the spirit is easy; cultivating the soul is hard."

"The spirit cultivation section of the Seven Stars Spirit Map is merely the foundation for soul refinement."

"Whether you can master the first layer depends entirely on your talent—external aids have almost no effect," said King Tianyan.

Zhao Xing nodded. Some spells and secret techniques simply cannot be aided by external means.

Neither transmission paintings nor Dragon Soul pendants will work.

Because the Seven Stars Spirit Map itself is a type of transmission painting, its priority supersedes all external aids.

If you cannot attain enlightenment by studying the Seven Stars Spirit Map, nothing else will help.

The imperial court's national fortune purification only advances one's realm, not one's spiritual insight.

Of course, if one is Third Rank Primordial Soul realm, practicing the Great Expansion Spirit Scripture does slightly reduce the difficulty.

Because both the life soul and physical body grow stronger, understanding the Dao of Heaven and Earth naturally becomes easier.

King Tianyan led Zhao Xing to the four magical walls.

"There are two ways to attain the first layer."

"One is to directly contemplate the magical wall's patterns—best if you succeed, and relatively low-risk."

"The other is the Secret Glyph Stars."

"Above the Star Platform are seven stars. Once you begin contemplation, your life soul will follow their movement."

King Tianyan found a button beside the magical wall and tapped it lightly.

"Boom~"

Seven stars instantly emitted light, then rapidly drew closer until they filled Zhao Xing's entire field of vision.

Each star was encircled by orbital rings, within which countless secret glyphs, symbols, and patterns flickered and formed the rings.

The surface of each planet was also engraved with ancient patterns.

They were identical to the patterns on the first magical wall.

"When you activate this button, your life soul will involuntarily follow their rotation."

"It's like seven grinding stones inside your mind, relentlessly crushing your soul."

"If you can't bear it, immediately tap this button to stop cultivation."

King Tianyan waved his hand, and thirty-six blue vials appeared before him.

"These are Primordial Soul Elixir. Each vial contains thirty drops."

"Extracted from the ninth-rank yin-world plant 'Primordial Soul Grass,' it repairs the life soul."

"Thirty-six vials will last you three years of cultivation."

"Its supply is extremely limited. If you exhaust all thirty-six vials and still haven't mastered the first layer, it means you cannot master this art—Heaven's Mechanism Hall will provide no more," said King Tianyan. "If you wish to try again, you must reach Third Rank."

"Yes, I understand."

Cultivating the Great Expansion Spirit Scripture carries a high risk of injury!

Primordial Soul Elixir thus became an extremely precious auxiliary item.

It offers no direct help with enlightenment—it only repairs life soul injuries.

If the second method were offered without this treasure, one would easily become an idiot.

"Be careful. Never push yourself beyond your limits," King Tianyan said sternly. "If you can't master it now, you'll still have a chance once you reach Third Rank."

"Yes, I will be extremely cautious."

…………

After King Tianyan left, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged beside the magical wall.

At this moment, the seven stars were completely still.

Even so, Zhao Xing felt dizzy just looking at the secret glyphs.

This dizziness was not physical—it came from his life soul.

"First, contemplate the patterns on the magical wall."

Zhao Xing shifted his gaze to the patterns on the magical wall.

Compared to the stars, the wall's patterns seemed far less miraculous.

Because they were copies, they lacked a touch of spiritual essence.

In his mind, Zhao Xing visualized seven stars; their faint shadows appeared in his consciousness, casting a dim glow upon his life soul.

He felt a slight stinging sensation; instinct urged him to end this contemplation.

"Even just visualization brings this much pressure," Zhao Xing thought. "No wonder it's the ultimate soul technique."

"But fortunately, I've consumed the Primordial Spirit Fruit—I can endure it."

Zhao Xing cast aside distractions and began focused cultivation.

By the end of the first day, he had fully grown accustomed to the seven star shadows in his mind.

"The Seven Stars shining upon my life soul—I can still handle it easily."

"This is thanks to my cultivation of the Ten Thousand Methods Doll, and having consumed Life Soul Pills and Primordial Spirit Fruit," Zhao Xing thought.

The stinging sensation had vanished; now he felt warm all over.

As if actual light were shining upon his body.

"The initial stage of mastering the first layer is 'Consciousness Mirroring the Seven Stars.'"

"If no seven-star shadows appear in your consciousness during visualization…"

"If shadows appear but you cannot withstand their radiance, then you have no choice but to use the mechanism on the Star Platform—the seven massive secret glyph stars above your head—and force a try."

"But this makes it more dangerous."

Two layers of filtering.

The first is to comprehend directly through the rubbings of the Law Wall; if 'Seven Stars Reflect in the Sea of Consciousness' appears and the Fate Soul can withstand it, that proves talent.

The second is the Secret Pattern Seven Stars suspended in the sky; this is a far more perilous training method, equivalent to direct combat, comprehending through actual fighting. But it is more likely that one will be injured, or even die, in the combat.

"Endure a little longer." Although Zhao Xing felt he could try, it was only the first day.

He chose to continue meditating on the Seven Stars pattern on the Law Wall.

The ultimate goal of the first layer is 'Fate Soul Imprinted with Seven Stars'.

From 'Seven Stars Reflect in the Sea of Consciousness' to 'Fate Soul Imprinted with Seven Stars', there is a great difference.

…………

Days passed; Zhao Xing's true body remained on the Star Platform, meditating on the Seven Stars of the Law Wall.

Half a month later, Zhao Xing stopped meditating.

At this moment, his Fate Soul underwent a great change.

Points of starlight circled around the Fate Soul, appearing extremely brilliant.

"Controlling the Myriad Laws Divisions has become easier; the Fate Soul has become more condensed. If before the Division casting spells could only manifest fifty percent of the True Body's power, now it can manifest fifty-five percent."

"The True Body and the Division's comprehension of the Dao has also become clearer."

"Just comprehending the surface details yields such great benefits; truly worthy of being the Ultimate Law."

Zhao Xing looked up, gazing at the massive Secret Pattern Star in the sky.

"I can try imprinting the Seven Stars onto the Fate Soul."

Zhao Xing took a deep breath, then activated the switch.

"Boom~"

The seven stars immediately began to rotate.

Noticing the commotion, King Tianyan also appeared in the Star Palace, watching Zhao Xing from afar.

"Why is he so eager to start cultivating with the Secret Pattern Stars?" King Tianyan frowned.

"It has only been half a month."

King Tianyan felt Zhao Xing was too impulsive; he should have first strived to comprehend through the Law Wall.

"Still too young; facing the temptation of the Ultimate Law, one cannot help but become restless," King Tianyan thought silently.

…………

"Boom~"

The massive Secret Pattern Stars all began to revolve.

Zhao Xing looked at these seven Secret Pattern Stars.

At this moment, his soul seemed to solidify.

The seven stars seemed to drill into his Sea of Consciousness through his eyes.

The stars originally existing in the Sea of Consciousness were no longer illusory shadows but became as brilliant as solid objects.

"Boom~ Boom~"

The seven Secret Pattern Stars rolled forward, charging toward the Fate Soul in the Sea of Consciousness.

Pain, so much pain!

The moment the seven Secret Pattern Stars touched the Fate Soul, they rolled constantly over his body.

They were incredibly heavy, relentlessly crushing the Fate Soul; it was like a millstone, trying to tear him apart.

"Ahhh—"

Zhao Xing couldn't help but shout out.

The soul began to be flattened and deformed, but Zhao Xing's Fate Soul, having undergone previous meditation, already possessed great resilience.

He still gritted his teeth and persisted.

"Boom~"

One of the Secret Pattern Stars suddenly vanished, merging into Zhao Xing's Fate Soul.

Fate Soul Imprinted with a Star; the first star, success!

"Boom~"

The remaining six Secret Pattern Stars attacked Zhao Xing again.

"Boom~"

The second star was also accommodated.

"Ahhh—"

The pain instantly reached its peak; Zhao Xing couldn't help but shout out again.

While struggling to accommodate the third star, his Fate Soul had already begun to tear; Zhao Xing knew he had reached his limit and had to stop immediately.

"Hum~"

As his hand slapped the mechanism button, the Secret Pattern Stars in the sky immediately stopped.

At the same time, Zhao Xing's Sea of Consciousness also returned to calm.

"Pop~" He pulled out the bottle stopper and poured a drop of Yuan Soul Liquid into his mouth.

But it felt like eating air; the Yuan Soul Liquid dripped directly into his Sea of Consciousness and was absorbed by the Fate Soul.

The tears were instantly repaired, and the Fate Soul returned to its original state.

"Huff~"

Zhao Xing let out a long breath.

King Tianyan, seeing this, appeared before Zhao Xing.

"You are too impulsive. I told you to be extremely cautious; how could you begin soul-refining after only half a month of comprehension?"

"How do you feel now? Do you need to take another drop?" King Tianyan asked.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern," Zhao Xing said with a bow. "I underestimated it; the Fate Soul Star Imprint is indeed difficult. When I imprinted the third star, my Fate Soul began to tear."

"However, thanks to the Yuan Soul Liquid Your Highness gave me, I am fine now."

King Tianyan was stunned: "What did you say? You have already reached the Fate Soul Star Imprint stage? And cultivated two Fate Stars?"

A trace of shock flashed in King Tianyan's eyes; in only half a month, he cultivated two Fate Stars?

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "When I reached the third one, my Fate Soul began to show signs of tearing and collapse, so I stopped... Your Highness, Your Highness?"

Zhao Xing noticed King Tianyan looking at him with a very strange expression.

King Tianyan forced down the shock in his heart: "Good, well done. You, you continue to work hard. No, you rest first."

King Tianyan left quickly.

What did he go do?

King Tianyan went to check the records.

Because he discovered that Zhao Xing's cultivation speed seemed comparable to the fastest cultivation record ever documented.

He could not wait to know whether this record had truly been broken.

Who would not want to witness history? Moreover, the person breaking the record was one King Tianyan himself had unearthed!

"This young man is truly a demon! The fastest two-star record? Let me check... Hiss... It really was broken by him?!"

King Tianyan looked at a sealed Juan Sect document, on which it was clearly written: First Layer of the Tianyan Divine Art, two stars; the fastest cultivation record is eighteen days!

"Hahaha, I've found a treasure!" King Tianyan burst into laughter.