Chapter 295: Extracting the Heavenly Spirit Pearl, Soaring Soil, the Soul of Heaven Tree

After the golden dragon warship's ceremonial procession entered the fire pit, the surging flames engulfed the entire procession.

The warship's barrier was also dyed a fiery red.

Traveling from Pinghaizhou to Daoyuanzhou requires passing through three Dazhou.

In peacetime, relying on the Louchuan Bureau for transfers, even taking a ninth-rank Louchuan would take three months.

The Li Huo Divine Altar is different; crossing between prefectures, including preparation time, basically takes place within a single day.

When traveling across provinces, it depends on how many prefectures lie along that route.

For the fire pit teleportation from Tianyuan Prefecture in Pinghaizhou to Daoguang Prefecture in Daoyuanzhou, the shortest route spans three provinces and fifteen prefectures.

For urgent military actions during wartime, preparations are made in advance, and the efficacy of the Li Huo Divine Altar is pushed to its limit, shortening the fire pit's lifespan to reduce travel time.

Three provinces and fifteen prefectures can be reached within a single day.

Such overloading causes damage to the Li Huo Divine Altar, and the fire pit also requires precious materials to maintain operation.

However, even during wartime, such situations rarely occur; for instance, when Liang Wang rebelled, extreme teleportation was used only once, and the Great Campaign against the Barbarians did not activate it.

Relying solely on the Li Huo Divine Altar, the Dao Academy would not agree anyway. Therefore, it basically requires combining other travel methods, such as Biyou Canghai plus Li Huo Divine Altar plus Ancient Underground Passages.

Liu Tianning did not choose the shortest route, and it is not wartime now.

He chose a travel route spanning three provinces and eighteen prefectures.

Along the way, they must also traverse the Ancient Road.

Returning to Taihe Commandery in Daoyuanzhou will take about seven days, meaning arrival on May 10th.

Seven days is quite fast; Liu Tianning is now a Wang Jue, and the current Wang Jue titles have been greatly reduced. As a Wang Jue with actual power, preparations along the way are very short, basically requiring no long waits.

On May 4th, they entered the borders of Lüliangzhou.

On May 5th, they switched to the Ancient Underground Passages.

This is because the fire pits in several directions within Lüliangzhou were severely damaged; originally it would have been half a day faster, but now that is impossible.

Liang Wang was defeated and perished last December; it is only May now, so repairs are not that easy.

Liu Tianning sometimes has to go out to display his majesty with the ceremonial procession; after passing three more prefectures, he will also need to chat briefly with certain great figures who support him.

Zhao Xing estimates that it will be difficult to reach Shangluo Xuegong this May.

On May 8th, the ceremonial procession entered the borders of Daoyuanzhou.

Zhao Xing also came out of the cabin to view the scenery outside the ship.

"Daoyuanzhou, a miraculous place."

Zhao Xing could not help but sigh with emotion.

The three Great Divine Lands of the Ministry of Agriculture are all located in Daoyuanzhou.

In addition, one of the Martial Arts Divine Lands, the 【Divine Martial Academy】, one of the Weaver Divine Lands, the 【Divine Weaving Academy】, and the Physician Divine Land, the 【Tianyi Xuegong】, are all in Daoyuanzhou.

"The primordial qi of Daoyuanzhou is far more abundant than in other provinces; its population is also the densest, the highest among the nineteen provinces, and its fortune ranks second in the world, second only to Tianyongzhou."

There is a saying that goes well: He who possesses Daoyuanzhou possesses the world.

"Daoyuanzhou nurtures people; so many talents come from here. Its innate environment is too good; ordinary people growing up here easily reach the threshold to reach entry into the ranked realm."

"Among them, the sixteen commanderies are the most dense with primordial qi; many blessed lands are located in the sixteen commanderies of Daoyuanzhou."

"One of the national capitals, 'Luoyi', is right here; it is also known as Daojing."

"Buying a house here is truly worth its weight in gold per inch of land."

Zhao Xing looked down at the land below; Daoyuanzhou has many cities and many tall, majestic buildings, with various skyscrapers piercing the clouds visible everywhere.

Retracting his gaze, Zhao Xing walked casually on the deck.

Just as he turned a corner, he encountered Pang Yuanzhen.

"Junior Brother Zhao."

Zhao Xing frowned; why does this person always try to take advantage of me?

He and Pang Yuanzhen had merely cooperated to complete the mission in Mingyue Prefecture.

If it were a normal exchange of acquaintances, it would be fine, but this person keeps trying to forge a relationship with him.

Isn't that just creating extra karmic ties for oneself for no reason?

That simply won't do!

The current Lord Zhao has already passed through several Tianyuan Pears and is at the stage where he can shoulder great karmic ties for others.

"Doctor Pang, I am traveling on official business; please address me by my title."

Pang Yuanzhen was stunned: "Official business again? I wonder what official business it is."

"It is confidential; today is not a suitable time to discuss the Dao with Doctor Pang."

Zhao Xing bowed lightly and then turned to leave.

Pang Yuanzhen helplessly shook his head.

He originally thought that after their cooperation in Mingyue Prefecture, their relationship would be somewhat closer.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing still carried a sense of distance.

Zhao Xing arrived at the exhibition area.

A row of ceremonial boats was lined up at the stern.

"The rewards for being made a Wang Jue indeed have some prestige."

"The gifts are loaded boat by boat."

"Hmm? So fragrant, what is this?"

Zhao Xing suddenly twitched his nose; he saw a scent of wine coming from ahead, which quickly filled the entire corridor.

He vaguely saw a figure walking at the end of the corridor, carrying a bronze lu vessel, heading into a room.

"It seems a distinguished guest has arrived," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

It is one of the Nine Bestowments, and also the national liquor; the vessel that holds it is called Lu.

There are handled Lu, Immortal Lu, Tiger-Head Lu—these bronze vessels differ in appearance but are exclusively for the royal family.

Without a princely title or imperial grant, using one warrants beheading.

Just as he was about to leave, Zhao Xing heard a voice reach him.

"Zhao Xing, come to Taihe Hall and join me in receiving our guests."

"Yes."

Upon arriving in Dao Yuan Province, Liu Tianning ceased teleportation and instead flew using a warship.

He must entertain some, and be entertained by others.

Returning home in glory is like this—except Liu Tianning's stature is higher; even before reaching Taihe Commandery, as soon as he entered Dao Yuan Province, reactions came from all sides, and people began rushing to present gifts.

"Old Liu's Golden Dragon Warship doesn't stop lightly; when it does, someone is sure to bring a gift, and he will accept it."

"All have been pre-screened."

The gifts are not valuable—just normal social exchanges.

Yet even so, ordinary Hou Jue have no qualifications to offer them,

At minimum, one must be a Second-Class Wu Hou—and even then, one is merely qualified to present a gift, never to invite Liu Tianning down for a small gathering or to board his ship.

But being able to present a gift at all signifies some status; whether one is later invited to a banquet, and how long one must wait in line—that is known only to Heaven.

As Liu Tianning's disciple, Zhao Xing naturally had to accompany him in receiving and seeing off guests.

From Nanmu Prefecture in Dao Yuan Province to Taihe Commandery in Dao Guang Prefecture, the journey took thirteen days.

Thirty-four titled Wang Jue and eight Guo Gong sent their direct descendants to present gifts.

"Really impressive," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

After finally reaching Taihe Commandery, it was already May 21.

Another round of music, drums, and ceremonial procedures.

Fortunately, both Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning had body doubles.

While their true bodies attended the ceremonies, their doubles could attend to other matters.

When Zhao Xing met guests with Liu Tianning, he often sent his double; only for those of truly high status—such as ruling Wang Jue, Guo Gong, or First-Class Hou Jue—

did the true body go, to show respect.

During this time, Zhao Xing's true body was not idle.

"Heavenly Spirit Pearl."

In a sealed chamber, Zhao Xing flipped his hand, and a fist-sized, seven-colored pearl appeared in his palm.

"My Pure Soil is Level Four."

"Total area: approximately 550,000 square meters."

"Radius: approximately 420 meters."

"I obtained two strands of Spiritual Qi: one from Princess Youruo's treasure vault, and another from a Xuantian Sect outpost, taken from the Xuantian Spirit Coffin."

"Thanks to the Yin-Yang Separation Technique, my Pure Soil is far stronger than standard Level Four."

"Now, here are five strands of Spiritual Qi!"

Zhao Xing stared at the Heavenly Spirit Pearl.

It burst forth from the body of Prince Yanda.

The moment he saw it, Zhao Xing spent one of his favors to acquire it from the Divine Luo Wang.

"Five strands of Spiritual Qi are contained within the Heavenly Spirit Pearl."

"All five elements are present, and each strand is twice as potent as any I previously obtained."

"The Southern Barbarians know how to use Spiritual Qi, but their methods are crude; the Tianyuan Pearl forged from the Five Elements activated only the Wood Qi's vitality—pure waste."

The Wood Qi provided life, ensuring constant vitality—but Prince Yanda was too weak.

No matter how strong the life recovery, if you're killed instantly, it's useless.

"Yin-Yang Separation Technique!"

"Pure Soil Projection!"

Zhao Xing passed his hands over the Heavenly Spirit Pearl, and a shadow covered the translucent, gleaming pearl.

"Hummm~ hummmmm~"

Five strands of Spiritual Qi were extracted.

The Heavenly Spirit Pearl shattered.

Zhao Xing immediately retracted the Pure Soil Projection, the shadow wrapping the Five Elements Qi and drawing it back into his body.

"Ah… so satisfying."

Zhao Xing felt a surge of exhilaration.

His spirit sank downward, entering the Pure Soil space.

"Boom—~ boom boom~"

The five strands of Spiritual Qi appeared enormous within the space—like giant discs the size of millstones—rushing into the soil.

Expand!

Wildly expand!

The range of the Pure Soil, including the Pure Soil space itself, expanded.

The surrounding gray mist vanished, revealing new soil.

"Like the opening of heaven and earth."

Zhao Xing watched it all.

Five threads of spiritual energy fell like meteors onto the earth, causing the ground to boil like water.

The gray mist representing Kai within the Pure Origin Space dispersed.

The change lasted for a long time!

Finally, the dust settled.

"2502 meters."

Zhao Xing watched with a smile.

"With a radius exceeding a thousand, this is Level Five Pure Origin Soil; the planting limit has risen to the Eighth Tier."

"It can nurture large-scale Sixth-Tier plants, causing them to mature rapidly."

"It can make Seventh-Tier plants grow quickly."

"It can sustain the normal survival of Eighth-Tier plants."

"The total area has reached 19.6 million square meters, approaching 30,000 mu of land!"

Watching the Pure Origin Soil expand, Zhao Xing felt deeply gratified.

"The area has increased nearly fortyfold; a Level Five Pure Origin Space, and even by Level Five standards, this is extremely formidable."

"The key point is that the Five Elements spiritual energy is complete; my Pure Origin Soil has preliminarily acquired Five Elements characteristics. When casting Pure Origin Projection, I can suppress others from casting theirs."

"This is the extra effect brought by spiritual energy; normally, cultivating Pure Origin Soil with primal energy could absolutely not achieve this," Zhao Xing thought inwardly.

To summon plant soldiers, one must first cast Pure Origin Projection.

When two Benwo Sect Farming Officials engage in civil war, the first thing they do is cast Pure Origin Projection, just as when the Heavenly Timing Faction battles, they must immediately raise the Clouds.

Both are fighting to seize control over heaven and earth.

If a person is suppressed to the point where they cannot even cast Pure Origin Projection, or their range shrinks significantly.

Then there is no need to fight.

"The spiritual energy of heaven and earth, inheriting creation, nurtures all things. Its power level is different from primal energy."

"Shangluo Academy must possess spiritual energy; I wonder if, this time, I can Si Nong Dao some," a hint of longing appeared in Zhao Xing's eyes.

Whether for future ascension or extending life, spiritual energy is crucial.

"Xu Xing probably passed away in the seventeenth year of the Dazhi era."

"This is something that can be calculated; basically everyone knows."

"After Old Liu became the First Vice Dean, he could more or less exercise some of the Dean's rights."

Cultivating a successor is always done early; power is also gradually transferred, so it does not suddenly press down on one person after death.

"However, Liu Tianning is Liu Tianning, and I am me; funds are earmarked for specific uses. Things he can use himself may not necessarily be available for me," Zhao Xing thought inwardly.

Just as back then, Liu Tianning gave Zhao Xing hundreds of millions to cultivate, but it could only be used for his own cultivation; giving it to others was impossible.

"Let me calculate."

Zhao Xing came to his Silver Dragon Flying Boat and dragged out a turtle shell the size of a single room.

The Ten-Thousand-Year Black Turtle, after years of fire alchemy, had become much smaller.

"Turtle Divination Method asks for auspiciousness."

Zhao Xing pointed with a finger, and the flames burned Xiong Xiong.

Afterwards, he combined it with the Five Fingers of Heavenly Fate to test his own fortune.

"Great Auspiciousness."

Finally, Zhao Xing arrived at this result.

"I just don't know if I will obtain spiritual energy," Zhao Xing thought inwardly. "The direction is still not clear enough."

"If I do not use the ancient coins, I can only reach this extent."

Ancient coins are rare; how could he squander them here?

"My own fortune remains at Yan Six; the Fourth-Tier official title did not promote me to the next realm."

"If my fortune could stabilize at Yan Seven, that would be comfortable."

In Pinghaizhou, he could find three ancient coins, all occurring when his fortune fluctuation reached Yan Seven.

"However, Yan Seven fortune is too rare."

"Yan Seven fortune is basically the standard equipment for veteran Tianyun Realm cultivators."

"Yan Six possesses the qualification to enter the Tianyun Realm."

"After reaching the Second-Tier Tianyun Realm, many strong ones, to stabilize their realm, will invite their sect to a blessed land to accumulate Tianyun; only with sufficient fortune can one slowly reach the perfection of the Tianyun Realm."

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, calmed his mind, and then walked out of the Silver Dragon Flying Boat.

On the third day of the sixth month, Liu Tianning's "returning home in glory" was basically finished.

The remaining trivial matters could be handed over to the clone.

It was also on the third day of the sixth month that Liu Tianning took Zhao Xing to Shangluo Academy.

Since this was Zhao Xing's first visit, Liu Tianning began to introduce it to him:

"Shangluo Academy has seven important branch colleges: Shen Hua, Jie Dao, Yuan Ming, Yuan Ji, Bing Shi, Shuang Sheng, and Shen Mu."

"The others, such as Tian Zhu, Bai Hua, Qinghe, Zi Teng, and Shang Heng, etc., number several dozen in total, large and small, but their fame is relatively small, and the world rarely hears of them."

Zhao Xing asked with some confusion, "Is the Shang Heng College not famous?"

Shang Heng was one of the founders; in Zhao Xing's view, this fame should not be small at all.

For example, Shang Heng Yi, which is a measuring instrument widely used.

Additionally, the Wenhua Vase was also invented by Shang Heng.

Liu Tianning said, "The Shang Heng College mainly researches and manufactures agricultural divine weapons and magical arrays. Although some achievements are not inferior to some Artisan Sacred Lands, in our research on low-to-mid-range mechanical magical arrays and the production of divine weapons, we generally cannot compare with pure Artisan schools."

"Indeed," Zhao Xing nodded.

Specialization exists in every craft; perhaps other professions might steal some thunder in a specific area, but could they possibly steal it all?

For instance, the Priest profession can also summon the God of Agriculture to cast Farming Family spells.

But if truly compared, they generally cannot match a pure God of Agriculture.

"Divine Splendor, Rite of the Season, Primordial Clarity, Primordial Foundation—these correspond to the Four Methods of the Benwo Sect: Condensing Splendor, Folding the Season, Analyzing the Primordial, and Strengthening the Foundation."

"The Martial Envoy Academy is specifically responsible for plant soldiers; combat-type Benwo Gods of Agriculture basically originate from the Martial Envoy Academy."

"The Twin Birth Academy researches native species and derivative species."

"The Divine Wood Academy has an ancient lineage and possesses living plants that have survived for over five hundred thousand years."

Zhao Xing nodded as he listened; in fact, he was already very familiar with these matters, but since Liu Tianning was in high spirits, he did not wish to interrupt.

There are seven important branch academies; four were founded based on the Four Methods of the Benwo Sect, while the Martial Envoy Academy was created specifically for combat.

"Every blade of grass becomes a soldier, and leaping through the jungle"—these are the mandatory techniques of the Martial Envoy Academy.

Gods of Agriculture who graduate from the Martial Envoy Academy basically do not plant economic crops; all are soldiers used for fighting or assisting in battle.

The space within Pure Yuan Soil is limited; they must calculate every inch of land with extreme precision.

The Twin Birth Academy researches the native species of the world, using them as a foundation to cultivate derivative species.

Back when Zhao Xing was in the Eternal Night Sea, he obtained seeds from the top research institute of the Shangluo Academy: the Azure Sea Cloud Vine and the Fish-Devouring Grass.

These were all improved derivative species, with effects far superior to those of the same tier.

Many basic crops planted in the world today, such as the Primordial Rice, are improved varieties known as the Primordial Number Eighteen Rice Seed.

There was also the Tianyuan Pear that Chen Shijie ate back then, which was also an improved variety originating from the Twin Birth Academy of the Shangluo Academy.

Based on these alone, the Shangluo Academy can be said to have boundless merit; no dynasty would ever dare to move against them.

Even though the path of the Benwo Sect is difficult, reaching the Fifth Rank is merely the entry level; yet every dynasty has still provided resources to support the Shangluo Academy, ensuring that Benwo Sect Gods of Agriculture never die out.

"Teacher, the Divine Wood Academy has the most ancient lineage; does any tree of rare treasure level exist there now?" Zhao Xing asked.

What interested him most was still the Divine Wood Academy,

because its lineage was the most ancient.

Plants exceeding ten thousand years are common sights in the Divine Wood Academy; those of a hundred thousand years are nothing special.

Of course, only large tree-type plants can possess such a long lifespan.

Other types would find it difficult even to maintain a lineage for such a long time.

"Of course there are," Liu Tianning smiled. "I have seen one and eaten the fruit from two of them."

"Which ones?" Zhao Xing's eyes lit up.

"This is a secret; I have been bound by a sealing spell from the Rites Cultivation and cannot tell you."

Liu Tianning said, "However, once I become the Dean, I will take you in to see them and pick some to eat."

Zhao Xing nodded; at this period, the protection of the Divine Trees was still very strict.

"The Divine Wood Academy bears the responsibility of inheritance."

"The Gods of Agriculture of the Divine Wood Academy spend their entire lives preparing to inherit the ancient trees left by the sages."

"Once successful, they will plant only one tree for the rest of their lives."

"From that moment on, this God of Agriculture will basically never leave the Divine Wood Academy."

"First, there is the fear of accidents; if this God of Agriculture dies unexpectedly in a foreign land, the Pure Yuan Soil within their body will explode and scatter, exposing the Divine Tree. With the Divine Tree's rank, once exposed and taking root in barren soil, its life will quickly end in death."

"Even if it happens to be a blessed land, a sudden move to an unfamiliar environment is unfavorable for future generations to inherit and transplant it."

"During the reign of the Taizu, such an accident actually occurred."

Zhao Xing listened quietly as Liu Tianning recounted the ancient history.

"At that time, during the late period of the War of Ten Thousand States, a Vice Dean of the Divine Wood Academy met with an accident on the road while being summoned by the Taizu; he was ambushed by a mysterious powerful figure."

"A treasure-level Divine Tree within his body, the 'Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree', was stolen by someone."

"It is rumored to have been done by the Great Snake Divine Lord of the Yinghuang, though others say it was stolen by Anzu, the Sky Shaman of the Southern Wastelands."

Zhao Xing was stunned: "The Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree?"

Liu Tianning: "It seems you have heard of it."

Zhao Xing nodded: "Yes, disciple saw it in the secret archives of King Tianyan."

"Rumor has it the Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree can bear two types of fruit: the Elephant God Fruit and the Dragon God Fruit!"

"Eating them grants the power of the ancient Dragon and Elephant."

Liu Tianning nodded: "Correct, this tree is also involved in a supreme secret technique, the Dragon-Elephant Golden Body. Martial artists who consume it can cultivate the legendary Dragon-Elephant Golden Body."

"In the past, Ji Shuang, known as the Martial God, cultivated the Dragon-Elephant Golden Body; this method is also known as the Martial God Golden Body."

"The Taizu summoned the Dean of the Divine Wood Academy because he wanted to cultivate a few more Dragon-Elephant Martial Artists."

"Unfortunately, an accident occurred."

The Martial God Ji Shuang is the Duke of Zhao.

Zhao Xing was very familiar with this history because, in his previous life, the Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree appeared as a dungeon event during the Wu Di era. Many top players in the Eastern Wastelands at the time received a mission: to escort a God of Agriculture into the royal forbidden grounds of the Great Snake Kingdom of the Eastern Wastelands to complete the transplant.

Zhao Xing had been invited by a Great Guild to join a top-tier team, but they ultimately failed to complete this mission; the Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree was snatched away by another top-tier team a step ahead.

"We shouldn't have split up back then; that idiot Ba Dao Zhan Zhan Zhan..." Zhao Xing was chatting with Old Liu and felt quite relaxed, so he cursed without thinking.

"What did you say?" Liu Tianning frowned.

"Oh, I just remembered a martial artist I know; his skills were too poor."

"If the martial artist team escorting the Divine Wood back then had been stronger, why would it have been stolen?" Zhao Xing made an excuse.

"Is there a problem with your cultivation?" Liu Tianning seemed to think of something; he, in turn, worried that Zhao Xing might go mad.

"It's fine," Zhao Xing said. "There is no loss of control for now; Teacher, please continue."

Liu Tianning said: "Various accidents occurred in history; later, the successors of the Divine Trees in the Divine Wood Academy basically stopped going out."

"Second, the nurturing and inheritance of the Divine Tree cannot be separated from certain special places."

Zhao Xing nodded.

The vast majority of Benwo Sect Agronomists, after planting that tree, dedicate all their essence, qi, and spirit to nurturing it.

They are mostly devoid of combat capability.

It is best not to go anywhere; staying at the Shangluo Academy headquarters is the safest option.

Furthermore, the Divine Tree cannot be nurtured solely by the Pure Yuan Soil of an Agronomist. Such a treasure of the age, a rare wonder of the world, cannot bloom and bear fruit relying on just one person.

They must basically be planted in blessed lands, or cultivated by concentrating vast amounts of primal qi.

The world's highest-grade Di Zang Gui Yuan Formation Array, although arranged by Dili Sect Agronomists, is not located at Kunyuan Academy, but at Shangluo Academy.

Afterwards, Liu Tianning introduced secrets and legends of the other courts.

Zhao Xing knew much of this for the first time, because in his past life during this period he was not formidable and could not access high-level Benwo Sect secrets; he could only analyze based on later circumstances.

"Hearing the teacher speak thus, the disciple finally understands," Zhao Xing said. "No wonder, back at the Eternal Night Sea, Liang Wang's several sons all wanted to recruit the teacher, even though the teacher had killed their Scholar Feng Chen."

Later, when Zhao Xing publicly cursed Liang Wang on the battlefield, nothing happened. Ji Ye even tried to mediate. Finally, unable to endure it any longer, after Zhao Xing cursed him continuously for a year or two and constantly exposed scandals of the Liang Wang faction, the mask was completely torn off, forcing Zhao Xing to leave the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

If Liang Wang could have recruited any one of the three sects, he would not have fallen so quickly. If all three sects had supported him, there might truly have been a chance of success.

However, this is impossible; what Liang Wang did also contradicted the ideals and purposes of the Agronomists.

"I wonder which of the seven courts the teacher has been assigned to?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Previously, I was only assigned as the Vice Dean of the Twin Birth Court," Liu Tianning said. "What we are now fighting for is the Vice Dean position of Shangluo Academy, and specifically the first in line."

Zhao Xing nodded; one managing the overall, the other managing specific courts, the significance is different.

"The remaining obstacles for the teacher seem to come mainly from the Military Envoy Court and the Divine Tree Court."

"About right," Liu Tianning said. "Actually, no one can stop me anymore."

"But I must make them see more clearly; it is not enough for them to flatter me and give perfunctory answers when I issue orders."

"What I want is complete control."

"Regarding certain fundamental interests, some old stubborn ones will still not understand."

Liu Tianning said calmly: "If the mouth obeys but the heart does not, how can it work? Some things cannot be compromised from the start, otherwise a heap of trouble will follow later."

Zhao Xing also understood Old Liu's meaning.

He is now going to become this Vice Dean, the first candidate, and already has eighty or ninety percent support.

Before this, whether demonstrating personal martial might at the dojo, or his coordination ability during the Great War against the Barbarians, as well as his background and connections, had all been tested.

Now, even without a fight, Xu Xing's position would be his.

Yet, Liu Tianning is unwilling to ascend with missing portions; he wants all the power!

Because his goal is not merely to be the leader of the Benwo Sect, but to compete for the position of Grand Agronomist.

In the future, when Li Boqian passes away, Liu Tianning intends to compete with the other two sects for the Grand Agronomist position.

The Benwo Sect is inherently at a disadvantage.

If they drop the ball at a critical moment and drag the leg, how can they win?

"Currently, there are still some discordant and questioning voices in every court, but they mainly come from certain people in the Military Envoy Court and the Divine Tree Court. Coincidentally, they hold things I want in their hands."

Zhao Xing asked curiously, "For example?"

Liu Tianning said, "For example, in the Divine Tree Court, there is a Vice Dean named Zhuang my lord. He is at the peak of the Second Grade realm and possesses three irreplaceable Ninth Grade Great Herbs."

"These medicinal materials can be given to Alchemists to refine pills that allow martial artists to advance further. They can also be given to physicians to treat certain difficult and mysterious illnesses."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly; that is indeed important.

Controlling three irreplaceable Ninth Grade Great Herbs allows one to mobilize many alchemists, martial artists, and physicians.

"He is unwilling to hand them over?" Zhao Xing asked.

"It is not that he is unwilling to hand them over, but his conditions are harsh," Liu Tianning said calmly. "Besides, if everyone else negotiates with him, then I, as the Dean, would still be held hostage by him, wouldn't I?"

"I have communicated with him several times, and have also asked others to talk to him several times in between."

"The conditions he proposed have always been unacceptable."

"Another example is Chu Qianqiu of the Military Envoy Court," Liu Tianning said. "Behind him stands a supporter who inherited a treasure of the age, named the Heavenly Soul Fruit Tree."

"After consuming this fruit, assuming a Yin Soul is beaten into the state of 'Yi' (obliteration), it will not truly vanish, but after a period of time, will return to the state of 'Xi' (existence). Do you say this is important?"

"Important!" Zhao Xing said without hesitation. If this were true, it would be equivalent to deceiving the enemy.

If Yang An had eaten such a fruit, he could resurrect as a Yin Spirit from the Heavenly Soul Temple.

"However, Chu Qianqiu has decided on this allocation right; how it is used is entirely up to him."

"Even Xu Xing's words, he only listens to half."

"Even if I successfully become the Dean, if the result is like this, I absolutely cannot accept it!"

Speaking to this point, a flash of coldness passed through Liu Tianning's eyes:

"This time I am going to Shangluo Academy for the final ultimatum, and this is the last chance."

"If they still refuse to accept the conditions I offer, I will have no choice but to engage them in a Great Dao Showdown!"

In certain situations, the 【Great Dao Showdown】 cannot be refused; it is the moment that decides the future direction of Shangluo Academy.

Of course, if they are willing to surrender power, then naturally they can refuse.

If they stubbornly hold out to the end, then they can only truly die.

If he crushes them, Liu Tianning will still have the opportunity to obtain those treasures.

Old Liu and his supporters behind him are clearly not negotiating with those people for the first time.

But this time is the final ultimatum.

Either the other candidates kill Liu Tianning, proving they can bring a brighter future to the academy.

Or they are killed by Liu Tianning!

"Teacher, what can I do?" Zhao Xing asked.

"You are my disciple, my sole successor, and the best proof of my cultivation plan," Liu Tianning said, looking at Zhao Xing. "If someone challenges you, you must accept the duels and defeat them—that is the greatest support you can give me."

Cultivation plan? Zhao Xing couldn't help recalling the three stages Lao Liu had originally assigned him.

The second stage was cultivating sixth-rank plant troops and fifth-rank soil, which would yield a hundred billion resources.

"The reason I brought you along in my bid for position is to implement the Benwo Sect's Agricultural Officer cultivation plan—the very one I told you about before," Liu Tianning said.

"Previously, I listed you among the first batch, and no one opposed it, because although I seemed to give you much, it didn't actually involve unique, precious resources."

"Now that you've grown stronger, the plan will change."

"I will fight to secure more precious resources for you, because ordinary resources are already useless to you."

"I understand," Zhao Xing's gaze sharpened. "Rest assured, Teacher."

The meal at Shangluo Academy's table was meant for ten people; now that I'm to eat, someone must step down.

Because if I eat, I grow stronger—and so does Shangluo Academy.

"I have no doubt about your strength," Liu Tianning said coolly. "My demand is this: if any fool dares challenge you in a Dao contest, you must kill them—show no mercy."

Zhao Xing's brow twitched—so Lao Liu thought he wasn't ruthless enough!

What gave Lao Liu that impression?

Oh, right.

Back at Lihuo Dao Academy, he'd encountered something similar—but held back then.

And at Xuantian Academy, when facing widespread criticism, he hadn't accepted any of their challenges.

Those incidents must have made Liu Tianning think he was perhaps too soft.

"Teacher, I understand," Zhao Xing nodded.

This challenge was unlike any before.

There was no help for it—some people would rather die than let go; there were always those who could never be convinced.

Old Zhao never fought a battle without profit—but this time, the profit was immense!

He would not hold back!

"Hummm~"

After speaking for hours, the barrier outside the warship shifted from fiery red to crystal clear.

They were about to arrive at Shangluo Academy.

Liu Tianning still had to speak with others and deliver his final ultimatum.

Seeing him busy, Zhao Xing found a room to rest.

After speaking with Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing unconsciously closed his eyes and fell asleep, entering a dream to review his past-life memories. Moments later, new doubts arose.

"Chu Qianqiu? Is that the Chu Qianqiu?"—Lao Liu didn't kill him, so why does Chu Qianqiu now seem like he won't live long?

"The man surnamed Zhuang—I've heard that name too. Did I misremember?" Zhao Xing was puzzled.

In his past-life memories, Chu Qianqiu had not died, and Zhuang my lord was also familiar to him.

"I don't know what's going on. Only by going there will I find out."

Shangluo Academy, Military Affairs Bureau.

Inside a vast estate, the houses were surrounded by dense, peculiar plants resembling iron swords, standing a hundred meters tall.

Sword Bamboo Grove—this was the secluded cultivation ground of Deputy Director Chu Qianqiu.

Many students from the Military Affairs Bureau came to beg Chu Qianqiu for a single Sword Bamboo.

The plant troops under his control in the Sword Bamboo Grove were far stronger—roughly twice as powerful as those obtained elsewhere.

Yet few ever succeeded, for passing Chu Qianqiu's trials was extremely difficult.

The process was also tedious; obtaining a precious plant troop was no easy feat.

Still, people kept coming.

In past Junes, this was always the season when Sword Bamboos ripened.

But now, the once-bustling Sword Bamboo Grove stood empty.

Because Deputy Director Chu Qianqiu had sealed off the grove, pacing restlessly among the bamboo.

Soon, the entire Sword Bamboo Grove grew cold and grim.

"Qianqiu~"

A voice drifted through the chilling wind.

Chu Qianqiu stopped. Someone had appeared in the grove.

"Uncle, what brings you here?"

Chu Qianqiu stood before a colossal figure, so massive he could be called bloated.

His uncle, Jiang Yaochun, was Chu Qianqiu's most steadfast supporter.

And the controller of the Heavenly Soul Divine Tree.

"Liu Tianning is coming," said Jiang Yaochun, whose height exceeded five meters and width three, resembling a flesh ball. His voice was low and grim.

"He's issued his final ultimatum."

"Final ultimatum?" Chu Qianqiu frowned. "I'm late-stage Second Rank. He's barely entered Second Rank. How can he be so confident?"

"Qianqiu, you cannot win against him," Jiang Yaochun sighed. "From every angle, you have no chance."

"He aims to make Shangluo Academy the preeminent school of the age, surpassing Xuantian and Kunyuan. He has too many supporters."

"He himself is a peerless genius—even Xu Xing's talent doesn't match his."

Chu Qianqiu was a rare genius himself, his background no lesser than Liu Tianning's. His methods—Plants as Soldiers, Divine Bamboo Sword Array—had earned praise from many elder masters.

But he was up against Liu Tianning.

Even after calculating ten thousand times, Chu Qianqiu had no chance of competing with Liu Tianning.

"Yes, Junior Uncle." Although Chu Qianqiu was proud, he understood that his Junior Uncle's words made sense.

"I suggest you accept his conditions."

"Junior Uncle," Chu Qianqiu suppressed his anger, "I can withdraw from the contest, but his conditions are too excessive."

"What you gained by trading your life, why must it become his stepping stone? I won't agree!"

Chu Qianqiu held great respect for this Junior Uncle, because his Junior Uncle was also Second Grade, and his Yuan Qi exceeded a perfect Second Grade by more than ten times!

However, the price was the current state: neither human nor ghost.

Feeding the tree with one's body, never leaving the Shangluo Academy for a lifetime, and possessing not a shred of combat power.

"Qianqiu, the Divine Tree is not mine; I merely inherited it, and I feel honored." Jiang Yaochun looked at Chu Qianqiu kindly. "Are you feeling it is unworthy of me, or are you reluctant to give up the authority in your hands?"

Chu Qianqiu fell silent for a moment, then said, "To not hide it from you, Junior Uncle, both."

"This is because I do not believe Liu Tianning can lead the Shangluo Academy to rise; his cultivation plan will drain the Academy's treasury dry."

"Ancient legends say the glory of the Shangluo Academy belongs to the next revival period, absolutely not now."

"True, he is stronger than me, even stronger than Xu Xing!"

"But he will also go mad sooner than Xu Xing; if he encounters a warlike monarch of the next generation, the Academy's future is worrying."

Jiang Yaochun nodded: "You have your convictions; since you can see yourself clearly, whatever decision you make, Junior Uncle will support you."

"Thank you, Junior Uncle."

In the Divine Wood Courtyard, Zhuang my lord paced back and forth, the fat on his face jiggling.

"Damn, so ruthless; if you don't submit, you die. He's a match for Old Xu in his youth."

"Tell me, why is he in such a hurry? It's not like I refuse to let him be this Dean."

"Sooner or later it's all his anyway; I have no selfish motives."

"It's all for the good of the Academy, right?"

Zhuang my lord looked at a middle-aged woman with an elegant temperament sitting on the mat.

"The words have been spoken many times, Vice Dean Zhuang."

"This is not our first discussion."

The middle-aged woman put down her teacup and said calmly, "Vice Dean Zhuang, now only one reply is needed: agree or disagree."

"If you agree, swear by your Life Soul."

"If you disagree, one sentence suffices; I will leave right now."

Having spoken, the middle-aged woman rose to her feet.

"Hey, hey, wait." Zhuang my lord said, "Don't go; I agree. I agree, is that not enough?"

Having spoken, Zhuang Dawen swore by his Life Soul; the three Ninth-Grade Great Herbs in his hand would all be decided by Liu Tianning regarding their destination.

"Good." The middle-aged woman smiled. "Dean Zhuang, farewell."

"Let me see you off?"

"Stay where you are."

Watching the woman leave, Zhuang my lord's face immediately sagged.

"Sigh, this truly makes me furious."

Just then, three disciples rushed in hurriedly.

"Teacher, Liu Tianning and his disciple Tang Seng have already arrived at the Shangluo Academy."

Zhuang my lord's eyes rolled, and he looked at one of the disciples: "Xin Bojian, you go challenge Tang Seng."

Hearing this, Xin Bojian was truly speechless.

Why don't you go catch Tang Seng yourself?

This is no different from sending me to my death.

"This—Teacher, I suddenly feel a bit uncomfortable in my stomach; I need to see the physician—"

Zhuang my lord snorted, then looked at another female disciple: "Wen Weiqi, you go."

Wen Weiqi's face suddenly flushed red: "Teacher, I am already six months pregnant and seem to be about to give birth; I, I—"

Yu Gongzhi beside her immediately said: "Junior Sister, I will take you to see the physician right away."

Having spoken, the two slipped away hand in hand.

"Useless things!"

Zhuang my lord cursed, letting the disciples slip away.

Then he turned to look at the spirit tablet on the offering table: "See, everyone, don't blame me for not leaving them a family foundation. It's simply that they are not striving themselves; I have no choice—"