Chapter 296: Rivers of Blood Flow, The Monsters Cultivated by Liu Tianning

In the medical ward of the Divine Wood Institute, the three siblings Wen Weiqi, Xin Bojian, and Yu Gongzhi gathered.

Xin Bojian asked in a low voice, "Junior sister, what excuse did you use to run?"

Wen Weiqi touched her stomach, "Awaiting labor."

Xin Bojian gave a thumbs-up, then looked at Yu Gongzhi, "Junior brother, what about you?"

Yu Gongzhi also touched his stomach, "Brought her here to await labor."

Xin Bojian, wrapped in bandages, said, "Junior brother truly has quick wit."

Yu Gongzhi shrugged and said, "How could I not be quick? Liu Tianning's disciples have already cultivated top-tier Dharma bodies. Though young and only just entering the Fourth Grade, they could completely hang me up and beat me."

"Engage him in a struggle over the Great Dao? I haven't lived long enough yet!"

Wen Weiqi walked over and sat beside Xin Bojian, looking him over and asking, "Senior brother, why are you wearing bandages for a stomach ache?"

"My arm is broken."

"?" She still looks quite convincing." Wen Weiqi punched him.

"Don't touch, it hurts!"

"Hiss, Senior brother, you really have a fracture?" Yu Gongzhi used the Five Elements Observation to take a look and couldn't help but exclaim, "Even several intestines are broken. Is this really necessary?"

"This time is different," Xin Bojian grimaced, slapping his thigh, "Liu Tianning has issued an ultimatum."

"He will complete a Dao Vow before the Ten Thousand Dao Tree. This concerns not only him, but also the direction of Shangluo Academy for the next several hundred years; how can it be treated as a game?"

Xin Bojian said, "I naturally do not need to face him, but his disciple is not someone to be trifled with."

"If we are selected by the elders of the institute at that time, should we go or not?"

"Rather than putting the elders in a difficult position and bringing shame to the institute later, it is better not to go from the start."

"I am doing this for the greater good!"

Yu Gongzhi said moved, "Senior brother's intentions are deep and hard; truly a model for us all. I shall follow Senior brother immediately!"

"Thank you, Junior brother, for the praise." Xin Bojian bowed with one hand.

Wen Weiqi, her face red, looked at the two of them and couldn't help but sigh, "I am still not as good as the two Senior brothers."

Their skin has already been cultivated thicker than the bark of a thousand-year iron tree!

Yu Gongzhi found a root of grass in one of the medicine boxes.

"Junior sister, eat it quickly."

"Okay."

Having said that, Wen Weiqi and Yu Gongzhi chewed the root named 【Venerable Han Bing's Essence-Draining Grass】.

Immediately, their stomachs rapidly expanded to the limit, then quickly shrank, and their entire Yuan Qi dropped to freezing point.

In an instant, both of them showed symptoms of 'severe Yuan Qi injury', and their faces turned iron-green.

"Two Senior brothers, with us looking like this, surely we won't be selected?" Wen Weiqi panted heavily.

"Impossible," Xin Bojian smiled.

"By the way, where are Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning?"

"We cannot fight him, but there is no problem in meeting him; let us see what kind of majesty the Marquis of Divine Might, whom so many geniuses avoid, actually possesses."

"They have already crossed the Luo River."

Shangluo Academy is located in Shangluo Commandery of Daoyuanzhou.

Within its borders lies the spiritual mountain named Shang and the water named Luo.

This place is also the source of the Luo River.

Just like Kunyuan Academy, Shangluo Academy occupies most of Shangluo Commandery.

At this moment, Zhao Xing was no longer on Liu Tianning's Golden Dragon Warship, but on his own Silver Dragon Flying Boat.

He stood at the bow, with the Three Flowers Canopy bestowed by the imperial court above his head; the phantom images of three divine flowers shimmered above him.

He wore the Five Qi Robe, with the Five Elements Yuan Qi of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth orbiting around him.

His chest was embroidered with a picture of a Qilin treading the sea, and his two sleeves bore cloud patterns.

On his feet were gold-woven Cloud-Treading Boots, with pale golden cloud qi swirling around them, as if half a sun was hidden within the clouds.

His belt was the Bright Moon Belt, all in the shape of a half-moon, symbolizing Lesser Yin.

Clipped to the belt was the Marquis Sword, with a silver ribbon and gold seal hanging from it, upon which the characters 'Divine Might' were carved.

His left hand held the Cloud and Rain Pearl above, while his right hand held a yellow tally staff, positioned slightly below.

Zhao Xing stood proudly at the bow, maintaining this pose for two double-hours.

There was no choice; this time he came to Shangluo Academy as Liu Tianning's disciple to assist his master in ascending.

The First Dao-Follower under Liu Tianning!

Just like the first merit of following the dragon for a new emperor ascending the throne!

He must put on a show!

He has no choice but to put on a show!

"Not to mention, this outfit custom-made by the imperial court is really good," said Luo Wang on the warship, looking down at the flying boat accompanying the ship's railing ten meters below.

"He was handsome before, but now there is a sense of majesty mixed with his handsomeness."

Tianyan Wang beside him smiled and said, "Mm, this young man can indeed carry off this outfit."

Duke of Wei stroked his beard and said, "How spirited! Looking at him, I feel as if I see Liu Tianning from back in the day."

"Indeed," said Luo Wang, whose expression was usually cold, a trace of trance now appearing in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Duke of Wei and Tianyan Wang also nodded.

As supporters of Liu Tianning, of course they had to come to show their support this time!

When returning home in fine clothes to Taihe Commandery, sending a person would suffice, but this time, they will attend in person!

The purpose of the platform is to eliminate all accidents, such as political oppression or pressure from other aspects.

If some old stubborn ones of Shangluo Academy with First Grade strength want to use some despicable means to stop Liu Tianning from ascending?

Then it is perfect! The great army outside Shangluo Commandery can be directly transferred over to carry out a purge in the name of righteousness.

The Jing Emperor would even welcome someone doing this!

In short, it is four words: Show your head and get instantly killed!

"How old is he now?" asked the Luo Wang.

"Forty-one." King Tianyan replied quickly. "The Dingxin Calendar has a total of 278 years; Zhao Xing was born in the third month of the 274th year of the Dingxin Calendar, and is now already 41 years old."

"He is even faster than Liu Tianning." The Luo Wang sighed.

"Of course! You don't know..."

"Know what?" The Luo Wang and the Duke of Wei quickly looked at King Tianyan.

"You don't know that Liu Tianning is already 146 years old; when he was 41, he was not as outstanding as Zhao Xing."

The Luo Wang and the Duke of Wei immediately chuckled lightly.

The former guessed that what King Tianyan wanted to say was probably a secret he did not know.

The Duke of Wei, on the other hand, felt that a very high-level sealing technique had taken effect.

The good thing about the rituals of the Li school is that people are not machines; even machines make mistakes sometimes!

Once the sealing technique is cast, it is impossible to speak the forbidden content even in a dream.

"It is said that the Princess has also come?" the Duke of Wei changed the subject and asked.

"Mm." King Tianyan nodded. "She is returning to Tianyongzhou and will take a look along the way, but she will not appear in public unless there is a necessity."

The one so highly regarded by the three was naturally Princess Youruo.

At this moment, Princess Youruo was on the observation deck one level higher on the warship, looking down at the Silver Dragon Flying Boat below.

Princess Ji Zixuan stood quietly beside her.

Both were looking at Zhao Xing, but their feelings were completely different.

"It is said that back then, he alone with one boat charged towards the Dao Academy." Princess Youruo's mood was complex.

She did not participate in Liu Tianning's past; at that time she was very young and had not yet been granted a title.

She had only heard the stories of Liu Tianning overturning many Dao Academies for his beloved.

At that time, she was incredibly envious of the woman in the story, which later turned into hatred.

She hated herself for not being the heroine in the story.

"Senior Brother is becoming even more dazzling." Ji Zixuan's eyes were hazy.

When they first met, she only analyzed rationally, thinking Zhao Xing was a suitable husband; later she developed some liking, but it was not yet adoration.

Now, her heart was beating uncontrollably.

On the Silver Dragon warship, Zhao Xing felt many gazes.

There were even voices of discussion reaching his ears.

"First Grade Divine Might Marquis, cultivating a top-tier Dharma Body at just over forty? A genius!"

"Not only that, he is even proficient in the Dharma Theory of Heavenly Timing, having authored the 'Treatise on the Great Zhou Tian of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi'. In early May, the imperial court began promoting this scripture and treatise, listing it as a mandatory examination topic for low-grade Agricultural Officials."

"It does not only affect the low-grade; mid-grade Agricultural Officials can also use this treatise for Heavenly Timing adjustments. It is said there is also a treatise on Cave Heaven Numerology within it,"

"which played a great role, but it is unknown if it is true or false."

"Ahem, such matters must be secrets, so let us not discuss them."

"I heard he is skilled in the Dharma of Earthly Advantage; the Kunyuan Academy once killed many rebels because of him, including the descendants of rebel kings."

"Is there such a thing? It must be false; I have never heard of any treatise from the Dili Sect."

"It should be a rumor, but it is true that he knows the Dharma of the Earth Palace."

"At only forty-one, I happen to have a granddaughter; I will find Liu Dao to discuss it another day."

"Duke of Yang, you still say 'another day'? The Duke of Wei asked long ago, but Liu said Zhao Xing needs to focus on cultivation now and is not suitable for marriage." "Oh? Is there such a thing?"

"The ones who came to the door recently were all asking about this matter; they have formed a line!"

1

Zhao Xing stood at the bow of the boat, listening to the discussions around him, feeling somewhat helpless.

He felt like a commodity, being picked over and judged by others.

Inside the cabin, Zhao Xing's clone closed his eyes and began to enter the Memory Palace.

"The Great Zhou Xuanhuang Calendar records 530,000 years."

"One hundred and twenty years make one Ji. Now it is the 72nd year of the 4,416th Ji of the Xuanhuang Calendar."

"The Jing Emperor ascended the throne at 78 years old; the Jing Emperor reign lasted a total of 922 years."

"The Two Governance periods lasted 158 years."

"During the Jiazi Great Governance, the sixty years were spent slowly forging those noble families; at this time, I absolutely cannot engage in any marriage alliances with anyone," Zhao Xing thought silently.

"It is best not to do anything before the Wu Di ascends the throne."

"After the Jiazi Great Governance, the Eternal Governance lasted 98 years; the Wu Di was born in the 63rd year of the Eternal Governance."

"However, in this world, it might happen early; if it happens early, is it still the Wu Di?" Zhao Xing pondered. "The Wu Di is the Mandate of Heaven; the current time node has not changed much, so it should still be that time."

Zhao Xing's plan was not unchangeable; it was adjusted at any time.

"Voom~"

Just then, the Golden Dragon warship descended.

The Silver Dragon Flying Boat also lowered its altitude together, and the clouds ahead automatically parted.

Revealing the ancient palace complex below.

At a height of one hundred meters, the fleet passed through a gate tower one hundred meters tall.

"We have arrived at Shangluo Academy."

Zhao Xing looked ahead.

Stepping into the territory of Shangluo Academy felt like taking a step into a new world.

The gate tower stood towering, carved from ancient divine wood, covered in strange runes and mysterious patterns, emitting a faint glow.

On both sides of the main gate stood two lifelike divine beast statues, neither dragon nor tiger, their eyes bright, majestic beyond measure, as if guarding this sacred land.

The gate tower was one hundred meters high; beyond it lay a wide avenue.

The avenue was paved with multicolored jade, lined on both sides with various tall and wondrous plants.

Some plants emitted brilliant light like stars in the night sky; others swayed with gorgeous colors, as if the most beautiful painting under a painter's brush; still others released a captivating fragrance that made one feel refreshed and at ease.

"The Divine Wood Avenue, long absent." Zhao Xing sighed.

His main impression of Shangluo Academy from his previous life began in the Wu Di era.

Back then, the entire world was in a state of war mobilization; Shangluo Academy was filled with a grim, martial atmosphere, completely different from its current style.

The divine trees planted on both sides were all 【Giant King Trees】 serving the war, not the current 【Hu Cang Divine Woods】.

Later still, Shangluo Academy underwent a chaotic millennium of great change, experiencing partial destruction and reconstruction.

At its darkest hour, it was nearly annihilated; only with the resurgence of spiritual energy did Shangluo Academy regain its vitality, becoming even more glorious than before.

"Splash!"

Clear bird songs and the sound of trickling water reached his ears.

Passing through the Divine Wood Avenue surrounded by the Luo River, they entered the interior of the academy.

Looking up, they saw lush green trees within the academy, with pavilions and towers scattered throughout.

Between the towers, clear streams wound their way; floating upon the water were colorful lotus flowers, emitting a mysterious aura. In the center of the academy stood a massive Ten Thousand Methods Square!

Various farming tools and wondrous vessels were arranged upon the square.

"Automatic seedling separators, seven-section ridge dividers, Gui Yuan wheel carts, method-separation arrays," Zhao Xing looked down. "All will be mine in the future."

The flying boats and warships continued flying, quickly passing the other branch academies.

A group of Benwo Sect agricultural officials were busily moving among them, wearing simple long robes, their faces filled with focus and joy.

Occasionally, someone would look up, observing the arrival of this group of distinguished guests.

Soon Zhao Xing saw another classic area of Shangluo Academy: the Divine Hua Farm. Within the farm, some agricultural officials were carefully sowing precious seeds.

Some agricultural officials were meticulously watering already sprouted seedlings; others were carefully observing the growth of plants, recording every subtle change.

The lush farm had a large tree planting zone.

Mostly towering trees with thick trunks and lush foliage, hanging with strange fruits.

There was a vine zone, where vines wrapped around supports, blooming with gorgeous flowers.

Some plants had peculiar shapes, difficult to describe, as if creatures from another world.

"We have arrived at the Twin Birth Academy."

Zhao Xing looked down; suddenly a seven-colored area appeared below.

Mysterious greenhouses. The walls of the greenhouses were made of transparent crystal, allowing one to clearly see the treasures planted inside.

"The largest greenhouse complex in the world!" Zhao Xing reflected. "Back then, I even brought my ex-girlfriend here to steal vegetables; unfortunately, I failed to show off and instead lost a level—"

The flying boat began to lower its altitude further; in the distance, streets and buildings began to appear, connected into a continuous expanse.

"Shangluo Library." Zhao Xing looked ahead. "Inside each library are the most complete plant catalogs: 'The Materia Medica',

'The Great View of Trees', 'The Benwo Treatise on Heavenly Things', 'The Tianzhu Catalog'."

"In the deepest part, the largest building also houses the original editions of 'The Growth Map of All Things' and 'The Yin Yang Benwo Classic'."

The warship and flying boat fleet finally landed at the 【Lin Hai Tower Ship Bureau】 of Shangluo Academy, which is also the largest docking area for tower ships in Shangluo Academy.

It possessed not only a vast landing platform, but also a lake district tower ship bureau and an underground tunnel tower ship bureau.

This was because some tower ships arrived via underground tunnels or waterway teleportation.

"There are many people here to welcome us." Zhao Xing looked at the formation ahead; those welcoming and those watching the spectacle added up to ten thousand people.

"The heads of the seven major branch academies have basically all arrived."

When Liu Tianning disembarked, Zhao Xing also stepped down from the flying boat, following beside Liu Tianning.

The first few dozen people in the formation included the directors and deputy directors of the Divine Hua Academy, Divine Wood Academy, Path of Rites Academy, Yuan Ming Academy, Yuan Ji Academy, Military Envoys Academy, and Twin Birth Academy.

Usually there was one director and three deputies, but there were also many honorary titles; they did not handle affairs, but simply possessed sufficient strength.

At the very front stood an old man in a green robe, with silver-white hair, sunken eyes, and a face full of wrinkles.

"He must be Xu Xing." Zhao Xing looked at the old man in the green robe. "His true body has already reached the final stage of power decline."

Xu Xing had naturally come in his true body, and his true body looked exactly like this!

When approaching the limit of one's lifespan, a person's soul begins to age.

Especially for someone like Xu Xing, an old man of 783 years.

Of course, this did not mean Xu Xing had become weak.

Until his death, he could still exert tremendous combat power.

It was just that maintaining his physical body in a fresh state required wasting a great deal of energy; since the true body did not need to go out and fight anyway, Xu Xing was too lazy to waste the energy.

"We pay our respects to the Dean." Liu Tianning bowed respectfully.

"We pay our respects to the Dean." Zhao Xing also bowed; behind him, anyone who was a Benwo Sect agricultural official also bowed their heads.

Even Luo Wang, King Tianyan, and others clasped their hands and bowed to show respect.

Xu Xing, as the leader of the Benwo Sect, was a legendary figure of his generation.

Under his leadership, Shangluo Academy contributed the 'Yuan Eighteen' Yuan rice strain during the Jing Di era, added over ten thousand new medicinal materials (derived strains) to the Medical Bureau, and provided the Heavenly Works Bureau with over seven thousand new mechanical materials.

Even a First-Rank Prince would bow to Xu Xing.

"Vice Dean Liu, honored guests, please proceed to the guest house to rest." Xu Xing returned the bow.

This was a public occasion, so he addressed Liu Tianning by his title.

Of course, once the formalities were done and they were on their way to the guest house, such formality was unnecessary.

Liu Tianning stepped forward quickly: "Master, please allow me to support you."

"Good." Xu Xing smiled. "Tianning, congratulations on being granted the title of Commandery Prince."

"It is all because Master taught so well." Liu Tianning bowed slightly, keeping his head lowered while speaking, for he was a head taller than Xu Xing.

"Who is that?" Xu Xing, leaning on his staff, looked toward Zhao Xing.

Liu Tianning turned his body slightly: "Master, he is my disciple, Zhao Xing."

"Zhao Xing, come forward and pay respects to your Grandmaster."

Zhao Xing immediately stepped forward and, before a sea of guests, performed a great bow: "This grand-disciple pays respects to his Grandmaster."

"Good, good." Xu Xing nodded with a smile. "Get up quickly and come to your Grandmaster's side."

"Yes." Zhao Xing dispersed the Five Qi of his magnificent robes, ran to Xu Xing's right, and supported him.

He and Liu Tianning, one on the left and one on the right, supported Xu Xing as they walked along the great road.

The three Ministers of Agriculture who had cultivated the Straw Man Method to its peak were, at this very moment, in the same frame, walking slowly along the great road.

Whether the surrounding guests or the own people of Shangluo Academy, all could not help but feel moved.

"When Xu Xing perfected the Straw Man Method, he was exactly eighty years old; this is also the record of all previous Deans of this dynasty, a genius among geniuses."

"Liu Tianning reached the peak exactly at sixty years old."

"Zhao Xing, on the other hand, perfected it at forty."

"All exact ages." King Tianyan walked slowly behind, filled with many thoughts.

Was it fate, or mere coincidence?

"Each generation is younger than the last," Duke Wei said. "Perhaps Shangluo Academy will truly produce a Grand Minister of Agriculture."

"Each generation is also stronger than the last," King Luo said. "Xu Xing possessed Five Dharma Bodies; Liu Tianning now has Seven Dharma Bodies; Zhao Xing may perhaps be even stronger in the future."

"Definitely stronger." King Tianyan smiled. "Luo, shall we bet?"

Luo:

Duke Wei laughed: "Tianyan, don't keep swindling only King Luo; how many times has this happened?"

"Luo, you too. Knowing he is an official appointed by fate, you still bet with him. I know you believe man can conquer heaven, but Tianyan knows far more secrets."

King Luo said: "I feel like beating him up, but I fear he might die before my eyes."

"Forget it, forget it. Let's not bet this time."

King Tianyan smiled triumphantly.

In the Shenmu Academy group, Zhuang Dawen looked at the three people ahead and could not help but shake his head: "It is not that Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing are supporting him; clearly, he is supporting his disciples and grand-disciples."

"Master, don't be envious; we will support you too." Yu Gongzhi, Wen Weiqi, and Xin Bojian immediately crowded over.

Zhuang Danen saw the three disciples looking half-dead and instantly flew into a rage: "You three get the hell out of here! Don't show yourselves before the Ten Thousand Dao Tree later!"

One was wrapped in bandages, one had a swollen belly, and the other had a greenish face.

If anyone didn't know better, they would think Zhuang Danen's disciples were all old, weak, sick, or disabled!

It was truly shameful!

"As you command!" This time, the three obeyed Zhuang Danen's will very quickly, let go, and vanished.

"What a mess." Zhuang Danen could not help but sigh.

Hearing Zhuang Dawen's sigh, Chu Chu Qianqiu of the Military Commissioner Academy felt deep sympathy.

He looked around and found that few in the Military Commissioner Academy were willing to fight Zhao Xing.

"Qianqiu, do you still intend to continue?" The giant Jiang Chunyao, supported by the wind beside him, asked via telepathy.

"Yes." Chu Chu Qianqiu's tone was calm, but his gaze was firm. "Someone has to die."

"Junior Uncle, if I die at his hands, then you must hand over the Sky Soul Tree."

"Alas, why must you do this?" Jiang Yaochun sighed. Chu Chu Qianqiu smiled: "Whether the Academy has me or not is unimportant. What becomes of the Academy in Liu Tianning's hands is very important."

The moment he saw Liu Tianning, Chu Chu Qianqiu knew he had no chance of victory.

Yet Chu Chu Qianqiu still decided to die to warn Liu Tianning, to prevent him from getting too deeply entangled with the royal family and ruining the Academy's future.

With Zhao Xing accompanying Xu Xing, he received even more attention.

However, at this moment, his attention was on Xu Xing.

Undoubtedly, Xu Xing was a First-Rank powerhouse.

A First-Rank Fate Palace could already alter the rules of a region, no longer merely distorting or influencing them.

Just as when they first saw the Water and Fire Spirit, fire born within water—that was something completely contrary to the natural order of heaven and earth.

Every movement of Xu Xing contained the essence of the Dao.

In terms of combat power alone, he could even defeat Li Boqian, who had not yet inherited the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture.

If one did not count the amplification brought by official rank and fortune, nor the various divine artifacts mastered by the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

Fighting bare-handed, Li Boqian, as the leader of the Benwo Sect, would still be unable to defeat Xu Xing.

Emperor Jing had once considered appointing Xu Xing as Grand Minister of Agriculture, but while the leaders of the Benwo Sect were indeed powerful, they all shared one drawback: they went mad.

The stronger they were, the more severely they went mad.

The Grand Minister of Agriculture serves as the model for all Ministers of Agriculture under heaven and can wield the three divine artifacts of Heaven, Earth, and Grain; if Xu Xing went mad, there would be no need to fight the Southern Barbarian War at all.

There was no choice; after much deliberation, Emperor Jing could only abandon Xu Xing and appoint Li Boqian instead.

Later, Xu Xing indeed went mad, causing many unnecessary casualties.

But these are all secrets; only because he had stayed by King Tianyan's side for so long did he know a few of them.

"Disciple's disciple, have you looked enough?" Xu Xing suddenly turned his head and smiled at Zhao Xing.

"This disciple's disciple is impolite," Zhao Xing quickly lowered his head.

"Hahaha, it is not that I forbid you from looking," Xu Xing laughed. "Your Yin-Yang Original Self Sutra is only at the second layer, yet you want to ponder my Dao; that is too far ahead. The path must be walked slowly to be steady."

"Once we arrive before the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, if no one challenges you, you may go up and look your fill."

"Yes," Zhao Xing said respectfully.

He knew that to view the Ten Thousand Dao Tree at close range, he must fight until no one dared challenge him.

"I wonder how many will come to die," a trace of excitement flashed in Zhao Xing's eyes.

Xu Xing led the crowd to a key location of the Shangluo Academy—the Ten Thousand Dao Plain.

There stood a tree of immense size, its thickest branch exceeding twenty meters in diameter.

The entire Ten Thousand Dao Tree is ten thousand meters tall!

It is also one of the precious treasures of the Shangluo Academy, belonging to the level of rare and extraordinary wonders.

The Ten Thousand Dao Tree has lived for over five hundred thousand years; it is extremely ancient.

It can store the realizations of the Dao by the powerful figures of past generations of the Shangluo Academy.

Every leaf contains the Dao realized by the sages; its branches are lush and dense, and countless branches and leaves represent countless realizations of the Dao.

The Dao contained in the leaves are all left by First Grade masters.

Only a Super Grade powerhouse can cause the Ten Thousand Dao Tree to grow new branches.

"The Ten Thousand Dao Tree," Zhao Xing gazed from afar at the tree in the center of the plain. A manifestation residing in the Silver Dragon Flying Boat closed its eyes. "Such a huge Ten Thousand Dao Tree is not common even in the Universe Version; it counts as a unique specimen of the Xuan Huang Realm."

The size of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree represents the foundation of a Sacred Land, because its growth mainly absorbs the Dao-essence of powerful figures.

Merely gazing from afar, numerous realizations surged in Zhao Xing's heart.

What he sees now is merely the scene after being locked by a barrier formation. Entering and ascending the Dao Tree to contemplate is where the true benefit lies.

Upon reaching the Ten Thousand Dao Plain, the onlookers became fewer.

Those who could come to watch were basically Fifth Grade and above Agricultural Officials.

There was no choice; here at the Shangluo Academy, Fifth Grade could be considered the middle tier.

Unlike the other two factions, where Sixth Grade marked the beginning of the middle tier.

After arriving, Xu Xing rested for one shichen.

Giving Liu Tianning and those opposing Liu Tianning the final time to communicate.

Because both Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing's true body had arrived.

With the true body present, in the eyes of Second Grade and First Grade masters, they could clearly see the situation of Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing.

For instance, Chu Qianqiu, upon one glance at Liu Tianning, knew he could not win.

The Heavenly Fate and Fate Palace could both perceive some trajectories of future events to a certain degree, gaining a vague intuition from the unseen.

It was not that kind of metaphysical divination, but an intuition based on strength.

In the sky, the wind howled, intertwining and surging against each other.

Clearly, an intense exchange was taking place.

"We withdraw; the Tianzhu Garden will obey Liu Tianning's orders."

"The intuition regarding the Dao is intense; Liu Tianning's strength is stronger than imagined. We cannot fight."

"Hmm, indeed we should not fight."

"How to decide on Liu's cultivation plan?"

"His entanglement with the Ji Royal House is too deep; it violates the ancient precepts."

"He could be the Dean, but his planning is hard to accept."

"Let's see further; check the quality of his disciples."

"Sigh..."

Zhao Xing could occasionally hear fragments of words coming from the sky.

But these had nothing to do with him; he only needed to fight.

One shichen passed quickly.

Xu Xing used his ceremonial staff as a cane, tapped it lightly, and then flew into the sky.

He knew why so many people had come today; the others of the Shangluo Academy were also clear about why these noble guests had arrived.

Xu Xing wasted no words, pointed toward the Ten Thousand Dao Tree behind him, and said, "Today, there are three matters for all of you to deliberate!"

Swish-swish~

Everyone fell silent; not even a wisp of wind blew in the sky, and all looked at Xu Xing.

The Ten Thousand Dao Tree swayed slightly, seeming to grow larger.

"The first matter," Xu Xing's voice echoed through heaven and earth, "Former Vice Dean of the Twin Birth Academy, Liu Tianning, is promoted to First Vice Dean of the Shangluo Academy,

acting in the capacity of the Dean. Is there any objection?"

Heaven and earth were so silent that the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.

It was as if everyone had been collectively subjected to a Silence Spell; not a single person opened their mouth.

"Is there any objection?"

"Is there any objection?"

Xu Xing asked three times, with an interval of ten breaths each time.

When the final inquiry passed ten breaths.

Xu Xing shouted, "Where is Liu Tianning!"

"Present!"

Liu Tianning stepped on clouds, flew into the sky, and landed beside Xu Xing, half a meter lower.

"From this day forward, you shall be the First Vice Dean of Shangluo Academy, acting in the Dean's stead!"

Having spoken, Xu Xing handed the emerald-green, crystal-clear staff in his hand horizontally to Liu Tianning.

"Yes, Tianning will certainly not betray the Dean's and the Academy's high expectations!" Liu Tianning replied respectfully, holding with both hands the 【Shangluo Jade Staff】 representing the power of Shangluo Academy.

There were no heavenly or earthly anomalies, nor did anyone shout; everything happened so quietly.

The transfer of power began at this very moment.

Except for still holding a nominal title, Xu Xing would not participate in any affairs or decisions of Shangluo Academy from now on.

Of course, that layer of nominal title was still useful; the imperial court would send a special investiture, and this title would bring effects of extending life and increasing fortune.

Usually, the Dean of Shangluo Academy would also receive some rewards and be assigned a high official rank.

However, that was a matter for later.

At least within the Academy, from this moment on, Liu Tianning would be regarded as the actual Dean.

"Second Vice Dean, Chu Chu Qianqiu, Dean of the Military Envoys Institute!"

"Third Vice Dean, Yu Xia, Dean of the Twin Birth Institute!"

"Fourth Vice Dean, Zhuang my lord, Dean of the Divine Wood Institute!"

"Fifth—"

A total of seven people flew into the sky, standing at the same height as Liu Tianning.

Afterward came the transfers of certain vice deans, Five Classics Scholars, and officials of various departments within the institutes.

The number of people grew larger and larger; over five hundred people had already appeared in the sky.

Forty percent of them were at the Second Rank Realm!

The foundation of Shangluo Academy revealed a corner at this moment.

Because this was a change of generations, some of the older power holders would retire to the background; they were a group from the same era as Xu Xing.

But they were not dead; they could still exert powerful combat strength, it was just that they would not live much longer.

There were also those unwilling to hold power and manage specific affairs, but if Shangluo Academy commanded it, they would also stand up.

Therefore, the people in the sky now were only a part of Shangluo Academy's foundation.

Even so, it was enough to make the honored guests watching the ceremony marvel.

"Zhao Xing!" Xu Xing's voice rang out again.

Fwoosh~ Zhao Xing also soared straight up on clouds.

"You shall be a Five Classics Scholar of the Twin Birth Institute; I hope you can exert your talents within the Twin Birth Institute," Xu Xing said hopefully.

"Yes." Zhao Xing bowed respectfully; being a Five Classics Scholar was already the highest status among the Governance of Classics Scholars, and such people were rare even within the entire Twin Birth Institute.

Even Gu Changqing at Kunyuan Academy was merely a Five Classics Scholar.

Zhao Xing's name was also the last one.

After finishing the reading, Xu Xing let everyone descend.

Subsequently, he spoke again:

"The second matter!"

"Vice Dean Liu Tianning has proposed the 'Green Shoots Law'.

"This law will determine the future direction of talent cultivation and resource allocation for Shangluo Academy."

"Are there any objections?"

Xu Xing had only asked the first time when someone stepped forward.

"Dean, I have an objection!"

A Second Rank Realm expert flew out from the direction of the Divine Wood Institute.

Liu Tianning's gaze instantly turned cold, and Zhao Xing also carried killing intent.

The plan proposed by Old Liu, having reached this stage, had already undergone countless discussions.

Those jumping out to oppose now were basically irreconcilable contradictions.

Just as when the Emperor issues an edict, having already discussed it multiple times with many ministers in the Inner Palace, the court deliberation is merely a formality.

To jump out and oppose publicly now is to slap the face!

Xu Xing fell silent for a moment, then said: "Kang Zhengxian, what is your objection?"

"Liu Tianning's law overdraws the Academy's future and may not yield results; therefore, I do not agree!" Kang Zhengxian was too lazy to specify exactly where it failed.

Because at this stage, ultimately, a fight was required.

As the saying goes, those with different paths cannot plan together.

Then there was no need to speak further; let each fight for victory with their own path!

"I have an objection!"

"I have an objection!"

"I have an objection!"

Quickly, three more people jumped out, including Chu Chu Qianqiu, the Dean of the Military Envoys Institute and the second candidate in line.

Xu Xing looked at Liu Tianning, who immediately flew up as well, standing opposite the four.

"I have a disciple named Zhao Xing, who is precisely a beneficiary of the Green Shoots Law."

As Liu spoke, Zhao Xing also flew to his side.

"Zhao Xing is forty-one years old this year. When I took him as my disciple, it was the seventeenth year of the Jingxin Era; at that time, he was at the Seventh Rank Realm."

"Now, exactly twenty years later, he has reached the perfection of the Fourth Rank Realm and has cultivated the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body!"

Saying this, Liu Tianning's gaze turned icy as he swept across the four men.

"Since you all have objections, send forth your most accomplished disciples!"

"Let them engage in a Contest of the Dao!"

"Strength or weakness—let the contest decide!"

This method was still a form of moderation.

Internal conflict was always a drain.

At this moment, those with objections could refuse and withdraw gracefully.

Only the Contest of the Dao forced them to accept, for it would determine the Academy's direction for centuries to come.

Kang Zhengxian, Chu Qianqiu, Jiang Hua, and Zhong Yuan scanned Zhao Xing.

Among the four, Jiang Hua's gaze flickered slightly, for he received a sense: his disciple would struggle to defeat Liu Tianning's.

Xu Xing asked at just the right moment: "Gentlemen, is President Liu's explanation satisfactory?"

Jiang Hua bowed smoothly and went along with it: "I have no objections. I accept President Liu's proposal and will follow the arrangement."

He took the offered ladder and stepped down.

But the other three remained unmoved.

They accepted Liu's "disciple duel."

"Zhong He!"

"Xia Zhu!"

"Lian Tianyu!"

"Huang Jing!"

"Wu Ziteng!"

"Lin Haishan!"

"Zhang Han!"

The three called out their disciples' names.

Whirrr—seven figures appeared in the sky.

"Hmph, these three fools." In a distant pavilion among the guests, Princess Youruo sneered.

Princess Youruo knew exactly why they opposed: they resented Liu Tianning's closeness to the Ji royal house.

That closeness included her, Princess Youruo.

Second, Liu Tianning had done much for Emperor Jing during the Pacification of the Southern Tribes.

The Green Sprout Law likely had Emperor Jing's push as well.

"So many stayed silent—only these three dared oppose." Princess Youruo's eyes held malice. "They're asking for death!"

Relative to the scale of Shangluo Academy, only three opposing was already remarkably few.

When Xu Xing rose to power, he executed over three hundred high-ranking officials. Back then, the civil emperor's policies had been too merciful—the Dao Academy and the Academy had grown too comfortable.

Xu Xing had no choice but to slaughter mercilessly, to shake them awake.

After centuries of Emperor Jing's discipline, and with Liu Tianning's undeniable strength, everyone had become far more obedient now.

There was no help for it—Emperor Jing was no civil emperor; he had nothing to do with mercy.

"Chu Qianqiu still chose to step forward," the Marquis of Wei observed quietly. "A pity."

"To become Director of the Military Affairs Bureau, Chu Qianqiu must be powerful. His talent back then was nearly equal to Liu Tianning's."

"We've negotiated many times, over many years," Lord Luo snorted. "To remain obstinate is no longer a matter of pity."

In the sky, Xu Xing looked at Zhao Xing.

At this moment, the three second-rank experts had briefly introduced their disciples.

All were at the peak of the fourth realm, all once-in-a-million geniuses, seasoned in countless battles.

Some had even fought in the Pacification of the Southern Tribes; two had been enfeoffed as marquises.

"Zhao Xing, whom do you wish to face first?" Xu Xing asked. "You may choose."

"Yes, Director." Zhao Xing flew closer, his gaze sweeping over the seven, then he snorted.

"No need to waste everyone's time—you seven, come at once!"

"I accept your collective Contest of the Dao!"

"Let it decide superiority—and life or death!"

Zhao Xing's voice carried on the wind, echoing through heaven and earth.

Xu Xing's eyes flickered with a hint of amusement—he had expected this of Zhao Xing.

Liu Tianning showed no expression; he had absolute faith in Zhao Xing.

Lord Luo, King Tianyan, and Princess Youruo were unsurprised.

Only the Marquis of Wei blinked: "Is this boy not too arrogant?"

"He has the right to be," Lord Luo glanced at King Tianyan.

King Tianyan smiled: "Don't look at me—it's not my fight. I can't say a thing."

"I can only say I trust him completely."

Those who knew Zhao Xing thought his words perfectly normal.

Those who didn't were furious and baffled.

"Arrogant!"

"Who do you think you are?"

"How dare you look down on me so!"

"The Ten Thousand Methods Avatar may be invincible in external combat, but in a Benwo Sect Agricultural Officer internal battle, facing so many troop types, Zhao Xing might not necessarily prevail."

"Being invincible at the same level is already arrogant enough—fighting seven at once? He's completely disregarding the top disciples of the Three Great Masters."

"Interesting. This trip wasn't a waste."

"Could any Agricultural Officer brothers explain? Otherwise we won't understand what's happening."

"Hey, you really love to crowd into the action."

Chu Qianqiu, Kang Zhengxian, and Zhong Yuan's expressions darkened.

They had expected Liu Tianning's disciple to be arrogant, but not this arrogant.

As for the seven men, some were furious, some thoughtful, others resigned to death.

The Ten Thousand Methods Avatar's reputation is too great—only Benwo Sect Agricultural Officers truly understand its terror.

"Zhao Xing, are you certain?" Xu Xing asked.

"Certain."

"Good!" Xu Xing roared, and behind him countless shadowy figures emerged.

The next instant, countless avatars appeared throughout heaven and earth.

"Great Dao Barrier, rise!"

Each Xu Xing's hands and feet emitted a ray of light, connecting to one another.

The positions of the avatars were carefully arranged; some sank into the ground, forming a spherical barrier with a radius of three kilometers.

Three kilometers was already a vast range, yet for Agricultural Officers, it was still not large.

"In the Great Dao Contest, no divine weapons may be used—victory is decided solely by Dao arts."

"For any Agricultural Officer Dao, all spells are permitted."

Xu Xing's voice echoed, and beyond that, no further rules were given.

As for spells, any Agricultural Officer spell would do.

The Agricultural Officers of Shangluo Academy were still Agricultural Officers—they studied Heaven's Timing and Earth's Advantage arts too, just with primary and secondary emphasis, not complete abandonment.

"Shhh~"

The Great Dao barrier emitted a red glow, pinning Zhao Xing and the seven challengers to opposite ends of the barrier's ground.

The moment the red light faded, the suppression vanished.

The Great Dao Contest began!

"Pure Origin Projection!"

In that instant, all seven challengers activated the Pure Origin Projection.

The reason was simple: as Benwo Sect Agricultural Officers, their combat power came entirely from troop types.

Some among them also mastered Heaven's Timing and Earth's Advantage arts.

But none could possibly match Zhao Xing, who possessed the Ten Thousand Methods Avatar.

Whether raising clouds or using Earth Palace arts to suppress, none could compete.

If Zhao Xing knew even one or two top-tier spells, the combined power of a thousand Zhao Xings would be terrifying.

Thus, Pure Origin Projection—summoning troop types—was the first choice.

As long as the Pure Origin Projection spread out, within the Great Dao barrier, even Zhao Xing's countless avatars could be destroyed by their combined force!

"Pure Origin Projection!"

Zhao Xing's first move was also Pure Origin Projection!

Because to release his avatars, he had to draw them from the Pure Origin space.

He did not choose to raise clouds, because raising clouds was not the fastest method!

"Yu"

All eight within the barrier activated Benwo Sect techniques at once.

But the result stunned everyone.

Kang Zhengxian, Chu Qianqiu, and Zhong Yuan—the three Second Rank cultivators—leapt to their feet in shock.

"How is this possible!"

"This can't be!"

"He's only cultivated for how long—how could he—"

Many Benwo Sect experts were deeply astonished.

For within the barrier, there was only one shadow!

That shadow—Zhao Xing's Pure Origin Projection, unleashed from the eastern position!

"Boom~"

The Pure Origin Projection spreading from Zhao Xing's front surged forward like a tidal wave of darkness.

Of the seven challengers opposite, four could not activate their Pure Origin Projection at all—they were completely suppressed.

The other three—Lian Tianyu, Zhang Han, and Lin Haishan—could only project a radius of less than fifty meters.

As their shadows extended outward, they collided with Zhao Xing's advancing wave of darkness.

They could not fully unfold at all!

All seven challengers were stunned.

As Benwo Sect Agricultural Officers, they had cultivated their Pure Origin soil far longer than Zhao Xing.

After years of Qi nourishment, they believed themselves at the peak of Fourth Rank Agricultural Officers!

Zhang Han, Lian Tianyu, and Lin Haishan's Pure Origin soil ranges were nearly approaching Third Rank.

Yet now, before Zhao Xing, they were utterly overwhelmed.

Zhang Han summoned only fifty Sixth-Rank Cold Nether Flowers.

He had over a thousand within his body, yet now not even one-tenth had been summoned!

Lin Haishan's 【War Iron Tree】 merely showed its canopy; the sharp thorns on it flickered in and out of view, while the trunk could not fully solidify from the shadows because the range was insufficient!

Having been struck by Zhao Xing's projection, he was utterly unable to fully release his troops.

The War Iron Tree seemed stuck between reality and illusion.

As for Zhong He, Xia Zhu, Huang Jing, and Wu Ziteng, they did not summon them immediately; by the second second, they had only deployed projections with a ten-meter radius.

This resulted in only one Sixth-Rank herb-type troop appearing before Zhong He, while a purple bamboo appeared before Xia Zhu, but it was merely a Fifth-Rank Lightning Bamboo in its growth stage.

Before Huang Jing, thorns had already crawled everywhere, and behind Wu Ziteng, a vine covered him.

But what use was that?

It was of some use.

It provided entertainment for Old Master Zhao.

"Kill!"

Within the territory covered by shadows, over a thousand Soul-Devouring Dharma Bodies appeared!

"Zzzzzz~"

The Heaven Thunder Finger immediately locked onto the seven.

"Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh~"

In a single instant, the weakest among them—Zhong He, Xia Zhu, Huang Jing, and Wu Ziteng—were killed by the Heaven Thunder Finger.

"Bang bang bang bang!"

Four crisp sounds rang out; the four were directly exploded by the Heaven Thunder Finger.

Blood qi filled the sky, turning into a massive blood mist; severed limbs flew about, and a great number of plant troops burst apart.

When masters clash, even a single tiny error leads to death!

In one exchange, four were completely dead!

"Every plant becomes a soldier; Cold Nether protects the body!"

At the critical moment of life and death, Zhang Han immediately shifted his projection range.

One hundred blooming Cold Nether Flowers wrapped around him layer by layer.

"Puff Puff Puff~"

The penetrating power of the Heaven Thunder Finger pierced through the layers of petals.

The black Cold Nether Flowers that had just closed up were instantly dyed purple; some shattered, others withered.

"Puff~"

Zhang Han spat out a mouthful of blood; a large hole appeared on his shoulder.

But, he did manage to last one round,

not dying in the first wave of attacks.

Originally, he should not have been so miserable; his troop arrangement and combination were both offensive and defensive.

However, the projection range was too small; only the offensive Cold Nether Flowers emerged, while the defensive troops had not yet appeared.

Forcing the Cold Nether Flowers to defend using "Every plant becomes a soldier" resulted in all troops dying, and he himself suffered heavy impact.

"Golden Radiance Divine Pillar!" Zhang Han immediately summoned a second wave of defensive troops before himself.

Resembling a cactus, the Golden Radiance Pillars shimmered with pale golden light; they were Seventh-Rank defensive plants.

There were seven in total; each was massive in size, twenty or thirty meters tall, possessing defensive capabilities comparable to a Third-Rank martial artist.

The needles on them were arranged like points on a formation array, connecting to one another and shimmering with secret runes, surrounding him completely.

The 【War Iron Tree】 summoned by Lin Haishan also blocked the vast majority of the attacks.

He even knew a top-tier First-Cycle King Di Zang Dharma, raising eight earthen walls that resembled turtle shells.

But that was merely barely enough to withstand the first wave.

Only Lian Tianyu reacted swiftly; discovering the anomaly immediately, he burrowed into the ground, directly abandoning the casting of the Pure Origin Projection.

Yet this instinctive dodge only served to delay the time of death.

"Die!"

Zhao Xing unleashed his full firepower, spinning the Origin Dantian vortex within his body to its extreme.

The suppressing power of the Pure Origin Projection was fully revealed.

The shadows surged like a tide, swift and heavy as a mountain.

At this moment, Zhang Han and Lin Haishan completely felt despair.

Because they discovered the projection range had shrunk again!

Zhao Xing indeed had little time to cultivate powerful plant troops, but his Pure Origin Soil had been nurtured by spiritual qi!

After Grandpa Mi's Profound Yellow Origin Extraction Art refined it, the spiritual qi merged with the Pure Origin Soil, producing absolute suppression!

Zhao Xing was no novice; his understanding of the Pure Origin Projection surpassed that of the other seven!

The second wave of Heaven Thunder Fingers was launched; Zhang Han and Lin Haishan, whose living space had been suppressed, also exploded into a ball of blood mist!

In merely two breaths, of the seven challengers, only Lian Shanyu remained, fleeing underground.

"Heavens, six died at once!"

"What exactly happened?!"

"Why is his Pure Origin Projection so strong!"

"A demon—""

"A top-tier Dharma, the Heaven Thunder Finger, over a thousand Dharma Bodies; how did he master them?"

"Fourth Rank, yet he can command over a thousand supreme Dharma bodies?"

The powerful observers watching the battle were all shaken.

For according to common logic, even if one cultivated the first layer of the Great Expansion Divine Art and could command supreme Dharma bodies, it should be impossible to do so with such ease.

Moreover, Zhao Xing had actually cultivated a supreme Thunder Technique; just watching his spellcasting and moves, they were as smooth as a textbook.

Even Liu Tianning in his day did not have this many clones, nor was he this smooth!

However, what would surprise them even more was yet to come.

"Boom~ Boom~"

The earth suddenly cracked and churned.

Lianshan Yu, who had originally burrowed underground to save his life, actually emerged as a corpse.

He had been crushed into meat paste! Only bones with some flesh still clinging to them could be seen.

A vast amount of blood had already been drained, flowing like small streams through the cracks.

"Supreme Earth Palace Technique?!"

"Hiss! This youth actually masters all three schools?!"

"Terrifying—"

Many thoughts collided around them; a High-Rank Agricultural Official could clearly see the details of the battle, instantly analyzing the techniques and their power.

They originally thought that facing seven opponents, he could at least hold on for a while, but they never expected Zhao Xing to exceed their expectations!

The battle was completely one-sided; in just two rounds, all seven challengers were dead!

"What kind of monster did Liu Tianning raise after all—" Chu Chu Qianqiu, Kang Zhengxian, and Zhong Yuan, their expressions shaken, instantly had the same thought arise in their minds.