Chapter 297: First-Rank True Meaning, Four-Season Divine Splendor, Shattering Third Rank, Floating Drift Awakens
Silence, then a tremendous roar erupted across the Plain of Ten Thousand Paths.
"Too fast—what just happened?"
"I didn't see it—how is there only a corpse left?"
"Pure Origin projection! It was a crushing domination by Pure Origin projection—did Zhao Xing break through to Third Rank?"
"Lian Tianyu and Zhang Han were both Military Marquises—battle-hardened veterans who survived mountains of corpses and seas of blood—and they're just gone?"
"Terrifying—Liu Tianning actually trained a disciple like this."
"Who can even summon a Pure Origin projection? Who's left to challenge Zhao Xing?"
"Hahahaha! You opposed me? Come on—send more!"
"Kang Zhengxian, Chu Qianqiu, Zhong Yuan—keep sending your disciples!"
Below, the trio of Yun Bing Can stared blankly at this scene.
"Senior brothers, am I seeing things? Is this even possible for a human?" Wen Weiqi was stunned.
"You're not seeing things—he truly fought seven at once, and won with brutal efficiency." Yu Gongzhi couldn't help glancing at the blood-soaked corpses, "If we had gone up, we'd be corpses too."
"No—we might not even have left corpses behind," Xin Bojian said. "We're not stronger than Lian Tianyu."
"Your decision, Senior Brother, was truly wise!" Wen Weiqi and Yu Gongzhi said, still shaken.
If our teacher had been foolish enough to send us against Zhao Xing.
Even if we faced ten, what fate could we possibly escape?
Zhao Xing's combat power exceeded many people's expectations.
Not just Kang, Chu, Zhong, and their backers—even Liu Tianning and Xu Xing were surprised.
Because Zhao Xing's Pure Origin soil seemed far stronger than others'.
The same Level Five soil produced a crushing domination effect!
"Who else?!"
Zhao Xing's thousands of projections roared in unison: "Who dares oppose my master's plan?!"
Xu Xing watched Zhao Xing roaring within the barrier and quietly gave Liu Tianning a thumbs-up.
Your disciple is excellent!
Liu Tianning smiled.
Because Chu, Kang, and Zhong had all stopped sending disciples forward.
The shock effect was obvious!
"Chancellor Chu, Chancellor Kang, Chancellor Zhong—how do you find my disciple's caliber?"
Liu Tianning asked coolly.
Kang and Zhong immediately conceded: "We never imagined Chancellor Liu's esteemed disciple could be so formidable—the Green Sprout Law is indeed worth promoting; we misjudged it."
Saying this, they bowed in apology and flew down.
Liu Tianning's gaze fell on Chu Qianqiu.
In his eyes appeared a flicker of confusion and struggle.
Among the seven just defeated, three were his own disciples!
Zhang Han, Lian Tianyu, Lin Haishan—all of them.
The Military Envoy Academy's combat strength was indeed formidable, lasting one more round.
But still, they were utterly crushed.
His heart wavered.
Seeing Chu Qianqiu still obstinate, Liu Tianning's gaze grew colder.
"Chancellor—
Just as their Dao contest was about to begin.
Suddenly, a fat figure struggled painfully up into the sky, and his voice rang out: "Chancellor Liu, we have no objections."
"Uncle Jiang—you—" Chu Qianqiu froze, surprised Jiang Yaochun had appeared.
"Qianqiu, your uncle hopes you stand for what is right," Jiang Yaochun said. "And as I understand, Zhao Xing's Green Sprout Law resources are only from Phase One—Phase Two has not even officially begun."
Chu Qianqiu's expression grew complex.
Yes—Zhao Xing had received only hundreds of millions in resources from Shangluo Academy, not billions.
To grow this powerful in such a short time, his resistance had no foundation.
One could say Liu Tianning chose his disciple well—or that Zhao Xing was a prodigy.
But facts speak louder than words—Zhao Xing has now demonstrated a decisive, overwhelming lead!
"Understood." Chu Qianqiu took a deep breath, his eyes gradually clearing.
His gaze reflected the distant Tree of Ten Thousand Paths: "I will fully support Chancellor Liu's Green Sprout Law initiative."
Saying this, he flew down with Jiang Yaochun.
Liu Tianning was also surprised.
He had wanted Zhao Xing to demonstrate momentum, to make an impact.
But this impact—was perhaps too strong.
It cleared all obstacles for him outright!
On the viewing platform, Luo Wang and King Tianyan Wang could not help but smile.
"Liu Tianning didn't even need to lift a finger—this boy handled it all."
"Who else? So bold—I like it!" Luo Wang said. "A Divine Might Marquis should have the aura of being number one under heaven, invincible and sweeping all before him. The title wasn't given in vain." Wei Duke nodded in agreement.
King Tianyan Wang pointed down and laughed: "Look—how many from Shangluo Academy pre-injured themselves just to avoid combat!"
"It's an old tradition," Wei Duke said. "When Liu Tianning first arrived at Shangluo Academy, his peers did the same thing back then."!
High above the sky, Xu Xing spoke again.
"Are there any objections?"
"Are there any objections?"
Following the regulations, he repeated the inquiry three times. Seeing no one come forward to oppose,
Xu Xing nodded slightly.
This transfer of power was even more peaceful than imagined.
"From today on, the Green Seed Method, led by Dean Liu Tianning, shall be fully implemented!"
Princess Youruo, who had been somewhat unhappy, now smiled: "Zhao Chen'an, well done."
Some of the opponents at Shangluo Academy were targeting her.
They did not want Liu Tianning to get too close to the Ji Royal House.
Now that Zhao Xing was held up as an example, proving Liu Tianning's plan viable, there were fewer people opposing his alliance with Princess Youruo.
Otherwise, even if they truly killed these people, they could not extinguish the heart of opposition.
"Senior Brother is truly amazing." Ji Zixuan's eyes sparkled.
Seeing the plan proceed smoothly, Zhao Xing immediately retracted his clone and exited the scene,
"Chu Qianqiu and Zhuang Dashen indeed did not die. Perhaps it is because of the existence of that Tree Servant?"
Zhao Xing looked at the massive Jiang Yaochun. The latter seemed to sense his gaze, looked back, and nodded slightly.
"Good. Keeping some strong ones will benefit me when I later take charge of Shangluo Academy," Zhao Xing thought silently.
From a national perspective, cultivating Third Rank Benwo Sect Agronomists is not difficult.
But high ranks, especially Second Rank, are quite rare.
If one dies, it takes a long time to replace them.
Shangluo Academy, having developed for nearly three thousand years during the Great Zhou, has kept the number of high-rankers stable at a relatively low scale.
And this is during peacetime!
If Zhao Xing were to hold power in the future, he certainly did not wish to be a lone ruler with not a single usable soldier in hand.
"The third matter!"
Xu Xing continued.
"The barrier of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree will open precisely at Mao hour tomorrow, lasting for a month."
"During this period, everyone may enter the Ten Thousand Dharma Plain to observe the Ten Thousand Dao Tree."
Boom—Cheers erupted from below immediately.
Not only the Agronomists, but also the guests who had traveled from afar showed smiles.
Many among them came to Shangluo Academy specifically for the Ten Thousand Dao Tree.
If it were only for the ceremony, the number of people would likely be cut by more than half.
Who has the leisure to travel such a long distance just to watch others fight internally?
"The Ten Thousand Dao Tree is a treasure. It is usually not opened on such a large scale, let alone for a whole month."
"I heard that every leaf contains the Dao realization left by the sages. Only Dao surpassing First Rank causes the tree trunk to grow."
"Although it focuses on Agronomists, the realization of the Dao still cannot escape the Yin-Yang and Five Elements rules of heaven and earth."
"A month? Then I must eat my fill. Once I go up, I won't come down!"
"Go up? A single leaf of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree carries its own pressure. Very few can climb the tree for a close view. Merely watching from a distance brings immense benefit!"
"......"
7
"Let's go, let's go, go prepare."
On the Ten Thousand Dharma Plain, many people stayed behind, waiting for the opening tomorrow.
Zhao Xing also returned to the warship with Liu Tianning.
"Well done." Liu Tianning looked at Zhao Xing and praised him without holding back. "I never expected you to have grown to this extent."
"It is all thanks to the teacher's cultivation," Zhao Xing said, clasping his hands.
Without the help of Liu Tianning and Princess Youruo, he could not have obtained his first Qi.
At that time, he would not have broken through to Fifth Rank so quickly.
As for later, during the Liang Wang rebellion incident, it was because of Liu Tianning that he arranged two identities, allowing him to seize the initiative beforehand.
The Heavenly Spirit Pearl afterwards would not have been possible to discuss.
Setting aside the factors of Liu Tianning and Princess Youruo, Zhao Xing estimated that surviving as a Fifth Rank official in the Jing Emperor's court would be normal speed; with good luck, reaching Fourth Rank would be about it.
But look at now: the Jing Emperor's court has not even ended, yet he is already Third Rank, with the title of First Class Marquis. Although the Third Rank luck-based title has not yet been claimed, he can claim it once he returns from the Dragon Court Ancient Land.
"I have now officially become the first candidate for Shangluo Academy," Liu Tianning said. "There are still some urgent matters to discuss with Dean Xu and the key figures of the various academies."
"For these days, just stay here. You can contemplate the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, or visit other treasure grounds."
"Once there is a result, I will come to notify you."
Liu's result was a true result.
Simply put, he was going to ask for some benefits for Zhao Xing!
Certain treasure-grade and rare-grade great trees produce fruits with enormous effects.
The drawback of the Ten Thousand Dharma Clone has always been a knot in Liu Tianning's heart, especially since he led Zhao Xing onto this path.
He must prepare early for Zhao Xing, trying to delay the time of its eruption as much as possible.
"The teacher can be busy first; I am not in a hurry," Zhao Xing said with a smile.
"I'm just going to contemplate at the Ten Thousand Dao Tree."
He could tell Liu Tianning was somewhat agitated, and this agitation had something to do with him.
But he couldn't tell Liu Tianning now that his cultivation of the Great Expansion Spirit Scripture was different—the highest-level sealing technique meant he couldn't speak of it even if he wanted to.
"Hmm, go ahead. But don't contemplate too deeply—I'll call you over anytime for food. Some rare fruits bloom and fruit in an instant."
"Yes." Zhao Xing bowed and took his leave.
After leaving the Golden Dragon Warship, Zhao Xing planned to ride his Silver Dragon Airship to the barrier entrance of the Ten Thousand Dao Plain and wait.
"Senior Brother, are you going to wait at the Ten Thousand Dao Plain for the Ten Thousand Dao Tree to open?" Ji Ji Zixuan appeared on the ship's prow.
"Little Sister, are you going too?"
"Yes." Ji Ji Zixuan nodded. "May I ride with you, Senior Brother?"
"Of course, get on." Zhao Xing gave Ji Ji Zixuan a curious glance.
They had known each other for over a decade—they were old acquaintances.
He noticed that recently, Ji Ji Zixuan seemed somewhat uneasy around him.
"Thank you, Senior Brother." Ji Ji Zixuan flew onto the ship and eagerly took over piloting it for Zhao Xing.
But they hadn't flown far before they were surrounded by a crowd.
"Marquis Shenwei! Zhang Zhen, Lecturer in Classic Studies of Tianzhu Academy, Shangluo Academy, requests an audience!"
"Dr. Zhao, I'm Wu Lei from the Purple Wisteria Academy, sincerely seeking your guidance."
"Master Zhao, could you explain your 'New Treatise on Benwo Naturalism'?"
"Dr. Zhao, I have a question—"
Various small airships around them drew near, all gazing at Zhao Xing with eager eyes.
"Senior Brother," Ji Ji Zixuan turned and called out, "so many people are seeking you."
"Hm?" Zhao Xing stepped out.
Before him, a dense crowd of people and small airships filled the sky.
All were calling his name.
"So I've become this famous?" Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile slightly.
Previously, he had been Liu Tianning's "top general," arriving on a mission.
Back then, who would dare approach him for advice?
Now that the Dao Contest was over, there were no more reservations.
The moment Zhao Xing's Silver Dragon Airship departed, everyone rushed after him!
Zhao Xing understood perfectly why this was happening.
The New Treatise on Benwo Naturalism!
At the time, two new treatises had been brought back by Pang Yuanzhen.
After over a year of fermenting, everyone in Shangluo Academy now knew of them!
The upper echelons praised the new treatise highly; the middle and lower ranks worshipped it!
Because Zhao Xing's Benwo Naturalism elevated the status of the Benwo Sect!
Today, the Tian Shi Sect was mainstream; the Dili Sect was no less prominent—both were established schools.
Only the Benwo Sect was regarded as a minor path!
The Benwo Sect's Five Phases and Four Seasons theory was mocked by the Tian Shi and Dili Sects as the "Little Five Phases and Four Seasons Theory."
Annoying! Infuriating!
But they had little to refute it with.
Yet Zhao Xing's two new treatises sent the Shangluo Academy's Agricultural Officers into ecstatic raptures!
Using miraculous plants to alter the heavenly timing and nourish the earth,
It completely placed the Benwo Sect above the Tian Shi and Dili Sects!
From now on, when encountering Agricultural Officers from the other two sects, they wouldn't have to merely nod and agree.
They could argue with reason and evidence—challenge them if they dared!
Ji Ji Zixuan: "Senior Brother, the path is completely blocked—they've all come for your new work."
"So many are wearing doctoral robes—even some deans' robes."
"Senior Brother, why not give them a lecture?"
Zhao Xing said: "This isn't the right place to lecture—too many mixed elements."
Ji Ji Zixuan nodded: "True. If someone like Lin Yuejia or Liu Hui shows up, and someone disrespects you, they might just attack."
Zhao Xing gave her a curious look: "How do you know so much?"
Lin Yuejia was the first student who came to listen when he taught at Xuantian Academy.
Liu Hui had originally been sent by Zhou Cheng to cause trouble, but during that lecture, Zhao Xing presented the "Great Theory of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi's Grand Celestial Cycle."
Not only was Liu Hui convinced, but even his master defected to Zhao Xing's side.
Logically, this was a minor incident—how could Ji Ji Zixuan know about it?
"Was Lin Yuejia arranged by you?" Zhao Xing stared at Ji Ji Zixuan.
Her face showed a flicker of panic. "I—I didn't mean to disrespect you, I just wanted to—"
Zhao Xing laughed: "How could I blame you? If you're hiring stooges, get more—otherwise it lacks persuasiveness. Little Sister, next time, be more bold."
Ji Ji Zixuan froze, then nodded obediently: "Yes, Senior Brother is right—I'll be more careful next time."
The crowd grew larger—this couldn't go on.
More and more people gathered around; this could not go on.
Zhao Xing rose with the wind and transmitted his voice: "I am honored by your favor, but the Ten Thousand Dao Tree is about to begin, making this place unsuitable for debating the Dao with you all."
"I will present my humble efforts at the Dao Debate Hall of Shangluo Academy in one month's time. For now, I ask everyone to disperse."
The voice rose with the wind, expanding outward in concentric circles.
Hearing this, the crowd, though reluctant, knew this chaotic place was unsuitable for seeking instruction.
Moreover, people from the academy emerged to maintain order, so they all dispersed.
Jingxin Year 37, the 10th day of the 6th month, Mao hour.
As soon as the hour struck, the barrier of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree at Shangluo Academy opened.
The crowd, having waited long on the plain, immediately flew toward the Ten Thousand Dao Tree.
Zhao Xing also rode the clouds, flying forward with the others.
The ten-thousand-meter-high tree swayed and shimmered between heaven and earth.
As the saying goes, seeing the mountain kills the horse; though the Dao Tree seemed right before their eyes, it actually took two or three minutes to fly to its front.
"Yu—"
When still a hundred meters from the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, Zhao Xing felt a force of heaven and earth pushing outward.
"When numerous Dao essences gather in one place, ordinary people find it difficult to approach."
Zhao Xing looked ahead; he clearly felt his speed slowing down.
If one cannot withstand the pressure of the Dao essences, one cannot continue forward.
Many, upon finding their limits, sat down and contemplated from afar.
"Senior Brother, I cannot advance further." Ji Zixuan's face flushed red.
Her body was illuminated by the true intent of the Fire element; if she continued forward, she would not even be able to maintain flight.
"Fifth Rank reaching here, Junior Sister, you are quite good," Zhao Xing said. "Contemplate here."
"Yes, Senior Brother need not worry about me."
Zhao Xing nodded and continued flying forward.
The pressure of the Dao essences grew stronger and stronger.
Yet he was still able to fly forward.
"When I broke through the Pure Origin Realm, I comprehended the Five Elements Dao to the highest perfection for each path. At that time, the Straw Man Dharma Image merged, forming the Ten Thousand Dharma Dao Body through the complete Five Elements."
"Now, my resistance to the pressure of the Dao essences is far stronger than that of ordinary people."
Condensing the Pure Origin Dao Body requires comprehending the Five Elements Dao.
The vast majority of people, whether martial or magical professions, enter the Dao through a single element.
The names differ; martial artists call it Han Bing Golden Body, Lie Yang Golden Body, Lei Ting Golden Body, while mages call it Han Bing Dao Body, Lie Yang Dao Body, Lei Ting Dao Body, and so on.
Comprehending the Dao to the highest level and drawing a specific path from a certain element to condense the Pure Origin Body, causing the body to begin transforming, is the process of the Fifth Rank Pure Origin Realm.
But with each additional path, the difficulty doubles; talent and energy determine that most people can only comprehend a single path.
This creates advantages in certain aspects but also defects.
For instance, Han Bing Golden Body performs weakly in places heavy with Fire Qi. But in certain environments, it has advantages; for example, during the Polar Night Sea, when fishing for Lingxiu Fish beneath the ice, Han Bing Golden Body and Dao Body were highly sought after.
Now, the numerous Dao essences radiating from the leaves and branches of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree are influencing the rotation of the Five Elements Qi between heaven and earth.
Dao power is generally at the True Intent level; cultivating a single Dao makes it very difficult to approach the Ten Thousand Dao Tree. Of course, if one reaches a high rank, it is different.
Cultivating a single Dao allows one to proceed as well.
The Ten Thousand Dharma Dao Body, formed by the gathering of the Five Elements, is exclusive to geniuses.
Zhao Xing's Dao Body has almost no defects.
He reached the front of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree relatively easily.
"Let us start with the leaves."
Zhao Xing did not continue forward, because the branches and the main trunk are extremely strong Dao, left by First Rank and Super First Rank experts.
That is a Dao that completely twists the rules of heaven and earth; if Zhao Xing contemplated it, he would see nothing at all and might easily become trapped.
"Proceed step by step."
Zhao Xing flew around the outer layer of the dense foliage.
"The leaves of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree are very concentrated; golden leaves represent the Metal element, green ones the Wood element."
"Comprehending the Five Elements Dao to the top level is the third layer of the Yin Yang True Self Sutra, where one can see 'Five Elements Particles'."
"My Ten Thousand Dharma Dao Body will also reach the top level; at that time, I can break through to the Third Rank Realm," Zhao Xing thought silently.
What is the difference between him now and the Third Rank Yuan Soul Realm?
It lies in his physical body, and the deep integration of Yuan Qi and Fate Soul.
"A stronger physique, the Fate Soul residing in the womb; this house becomes larger."
"When the Fate Soul and Yuan Qi merge, and the physical body contains top-level Dao essences, one can achieve Yuan Soul Departure."
It is called Yuan Soul Departure, not Fate Soul Departure, because Yuan Qi is also a crucial part of the departure.
"At that time, one can wander the soul through the Yin Realm, farming in the Yin Realm and seeking treasures."
Zhao Xing searched for leaves that could stir him.
His Fate Soul had long been Third Rank.
As long as the other conditions were met, he could truly enter the Third Rank Realm.
"Many people get stuck at this stage on the realm of their Fate Soul, but I am different," Zhao Xing smiled.
Since the Great Zhou does not promote Fate Soul cultivation methods, advancing from Fourth Rank to Third Rank during this period is extremely difficult.
One might have entered the Fourth Rank Perfection Realm for many years, yet the Fate Soul remains merely Fourth Rank early stage, or even Fifth Rank.
The mainstream method is to be bestowed the Fate Soul cultivation method by the imperial court,
Once a reward is granted, it means you are to be promoted to Third Rank to serve.
If no reward is obtained, consuming certain rare Life-Soul treasures, such as Life-Soul Pills or Sky-Soul Fruits, will also suffice.
If neither of the above two conditions is met, one may also go to the battlefield to engage in life-and-death combat.
On the battlefield, with spirits on high alert, the life-and-death struggle is equivalent to high-intensity training for the Life-Soul.
Of course, this kind of training is relatively inefficient; only one in ten thousand can cultivate this way.
Thus, it is evident how difficult self-cultivation is; even if the path upward is opened, success is not guaranteed.
"Pitter-patter~"
A blue leaf swayed, and within a ten-meter radius ahead, a light rain suddenly fell.
Zhao Xing shifted his thought and instantly arrived beneath this water-attribute leaf.
"Pitter-patter~"
The leaf was oval-shaped, twenty meters long and four meters wide.
At this moment, three individuals at the peak of Fourth Rank were meditating beneath the blue leaf.
Seeing Zhao Xing approach, one of them immediately rose from his seated meditation, bowed to Zhao Xing, and said, "I am Yang Long of the Divine Martial Academy, Marquis of Divine Might. Please."
"Marquis of Divine Might, please."
The other two also rose immediately.
All three were martial artists, specifically coming for the Ten Thousand Dao Tree.
They were extremely polite to Zhao Xing.
Even somewhat intimate, for Zhao Xing hailed from the military and had slain Xia Wang during the suppression of rebellion; regarding martial prowess and military merit, Zhao Xing deserved their respect.
"Brother Yang, there is no need for such politeness." Zhao Xing also bowed, "I shall occupy just one corner."
The space was large enough; after all, this leaf was twenty meters long.
Time was precious, so the few exchanged no further pleasantries.
The three martial artists and Zhao Xing resumed their meditation.
"Pitter-patter~"
Blue raindrops fell.
They quickly soaked into the body, constantly scouring Zhao Xing's Ten Thousand Dharma Dao Body.
"Chew~"
The water-attribute True Meaning contained within the droplets rapidly destroyed Zhao Xing's body.
Zhao Xing's flesh, blood, and meridians were all damaged.
However, in an instant, they were repaired by the primordial energy within his body.
"Water drops entering the body break the foundation of the Dao body, but this degree of destruction is controllable," Zhao Xing thought inwardly. "It is equivalent to improving one's understanding of the water attribute through the process of being destroyed and
"During the restoration process, elevate your comprehension of the Water element."
Yang Long and the other two had all condensed water-attribute Golden Bodies; one of them possessed the Venerable Han Bing Golden Body, while another possessed the Weak Water Golden Body.
While accepting the destruction caused by the water droplets, their water-attribute Golden Bodies were also undergoing rapid self-repair.
"Many water drops falling together are like a group of top-tier soldiers attacking the city that is the body."
"Do this a few times, and one will know how to defend the city that is the body."
"At the same time, one oneself transforms to the top tier."
While meditating, Zhao Xing would occasionally use his Heaven Eye to observe the comprehension of the three.
The principle seems simple, yet it is not difficult.
Zhao Xing had only sat for a short while before he initially comprehended the top-tier Dao of the water attribute.
"Pitter-patter~"
The water drops fell upon his flesh and blood but could no longer destroy his body; instead, they flowed down along it.
"Hmm?"
Yang Long and the others sensed something and could not help but open their eyes.
"Marquis of Divine Might, have you comprehended it?"
"Yes, by luck, I have comprehended the Third Rank True Meaning of Dust Water."
The True Meaning of Dust Water is the lowest grade, the most ordinary water, found everywhere in the world.
Water-attribute Dao Bodies and Golden Bodies entering Third Rank with this True Meaning are the most common.
Commonality means that most people can only comprehend this level.
Yang Long and the others possessed self-awareness.
If even the True Meaning of Dust Water is difficult to master, what can be said of others?
Zhao Xing bowed and said, "I will not disturb the three of you; I intend to go elsewhere to take a look."
"Marquis of Divine Might, please."
The three bowed; smoke was still rising from their bodies.
Where the water drops fell upon them, there was a small hole.
They truly had no way to spare attention.
Merely watching Zhao Xing so easily comprehend a water True Meaning, Yang Long and the others could not help but sigh at the gap between people.
Zhao Xing had only been here for the time it takes to burn an incense stick before he comprehended it.
It seemed he even looked down upon the 'True Meaning of Dust Water' and did not intend to enter Third Rank via this Dao.
"The gap between people is even greater than the gap between people and dogs," Yang Long sighed, then resumed his meditation.
Zhao Xing's talent in the water attribute was superior to that of other attributes.
After finding a leaf inscribed with the "True Meaning of Dust-Water," he casually contemplated it for about ten minutes and effortlessly mastered it.
However, to enter the Third Rank with a supreme Dao Body, the True Meaning of Dust-Water would not suffice.
"The True Meanings of Water that can be cultivated to the First Rank include One Yuan Heavy Water, Tianyi True Water, Xuanming True Water, Weak Water, Taiyin True Water, Three Lights Divine Water,
and North Sea Gui Water, among others."
"The True Meanings of Fire that can be cultivated to the First Rank include Nanming Li Fire, Solar True Fire, Six Ding Divine Fire, Three Flavor True Fire, Nine Heavens Xuan Fire, and so on."
"The True Meanings of Wood that can be cultivated to the First Rank include Qingqiu Yi Wood, Taiyin Jian Wood, Solar Tian Sang, Cangwu, Undying, and Yellow Springs, among others."
"The True Meanings of Metal that can be cultivated to the First Rank include Solar Geng Metal, Taiyin Xin Metal, and Taiyi Refined Metal."
"The True Meanings of Earth that can be cultivated to the First Rank include Tianchu Xu Earth, King Di Zang, Xuan Earth, and the True Meaning of Spirit Mountain."
"Whether it is a Golden Body or a Dao Body, the stronger the Dao one masters, the further one can go."
"A supreme Dao Body is also slightly more durable," Zhao Xing thought silently.
Although he is a spell-casting profession, it is best to strengthen his physical constitution a bit.
For instance, among the True Meanings of Wood cultivable to the First Rank, there is the Undying True Meaning.
It is rumored that an Undying Divine Tree exists between heaven and earth; the Undying True Meaning is an analysis of this divine tree. If one masters the Undying True Meaning, the vitality of their Dao Body will flow endlessly, with a recovery rate unmatched in the world.
As long as one is not instantly killed, they simply cannot be beaten to death.
Of course, this statement is somewhat exaggerated.
At most, one cannot be worn down to death; it is impossible to be truly unkillable.
"Upper, Middle, and Lower Ranks: within each major tier, the gap in combat power limits becomes very large."
"Ye Yukong's Third Rank, the Golden Body he condensed, is also of the supreme tier, sufficient to twist the rules of heaven and earth."
Refining the Dao Body and Golden Body with the Five Elements True Meanings provides the foundation; only then can every movement and action influence the rules of heaven and earth, otherwise it is impossible to even speak of it.
The same set of Wu Ji or spells will yield different power levels when cast by different people.
"The Ten Thousand Dao Tree basically contains all Daos; here, what one wants can mostly be found, it only depends on whether one can comprehend it thoroughly and learn it." Zhao Xing scanned the surroundings.
The Shangluo Academy is one of the Sacred Lands of the Divine Farmer; the Ten Thousand Dao Tree is a rare treasure within the Sacred Land.
Actually, from Zhao Xing's perspective, although there are still a few Ten Thousand Dao Trees under heaven, the unique one at the Shangluo Academy should be counted among the 【Peerless Treasures】.
However, the Shangluo Academy need not fight for this empty name, because everyone in the world knows that the Ten Thousand Dao Tree here is the most powerful.
"There are quite a few True Meanings of the Five Elements cultivable to the First Rank; let's see which ones suit me better." Zhao Xing quickly found many leaves and branches.
How to determine suitability? If comprehension is relatively easy, that proves it is suitable.
Otherwise, it is unsuitable.
Time passed; in the blink of an eye, three days went by.
On June 13, Zhao Xing sat on a branch of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, looking at the three leaves before him.
The leaves were only palm-sized, as if newly grown.
All three leaves bore patterns of the sun, moon, and stars, emitting a hazy blue light.
The lights intertwined, assaulting Zhao Xing's body.
Moments later, the same light appeared on Zhao Xing's surface; the power of the Water Dao formed stars, sun, and moon, interwoven together.
The oppressive feeling vanished instantly.
"Three Lights Divine Water True Meaning." Zhao Xing opened his eyes and smiled, clasping his hands toward a wooden tablet at the junction of the branch and the main trunk.
"Thank you, 'Senior Mang Ya Zi'."
Who was Mang Ya Zi? Zhao Xing did not know; the wooden tablet bore only a name and noted the time: the 13th year of the 2005th Epoch of the Xuanhuang Calendar.
Year.
One Epoch is one hundred and twenty years; now it is the 72nd year of the 4416th Epoch of the Xuanhuang Calendar.
Two hundred and ninety thousand years have passed since then.
The distance is too great; many deeds have become blurred.
What remains is only the Dao left behind by predecessors.
On June 13, Zhao Xing began to contemplate the Solar Geng Metal True Meaning.
He arrived at a treehouse.
All the surrounding leaves were golden, narrow and sharp; when Zhao Xing stepped into this area, he felt stinging and burning sensations throughout his body.
"The Solar Geng Metal True Meaning, cultivable to the First Rank."
Zhao Xing looked at the treehouse hidden beneath the leaves; it was as if a sun had fallen upon the tree, incredibly dazzling.
Even with the Heavenly Eye activated and exerting all his strength, Zhao Xing could only see a few ancient characters and discern their meaning.
"Ago? Is this a name or a place name?"
"Never mind, it is not important."
Zhao Xing entered this area and began to contemplate.
Whenever he gained some comprehension, he took a step forward, attempting to approach the treehouse.
Although the tree trunk beneath his feet was as thick as an eight-horse carriage road, Zhao Xing walking on it felt like treading on a tightrope, or as if stepping upon a mountain of knives.
On June 20, Zhao Xing arrived outside the door of the treehouse.
By then, he had already gained a preliminary grasp of the Solar Geng Metal True Meaning.
After much thought, he did not continue to press forward.
"Perhaps there are good things passed down from ancient times inside, but I do not necessarily need to obtain them."
"My goal is only to break through to the Third Rank; a preliminary grasp is sufficient, no need to waste more time."
To condense a Third Rank Dao Body, only a preliminary grasp is needed; the First Rank True Meaning can be cultivated to the First Rank gradually in the future.
Zhao Xing clasped his hands and decisively withdrew.
That afternoon, he found another wooden hut.
"What magnificent vitality!"
Zhao Xing felt his blood and qi instantly fill up and begin to circulate automatically.
In an instant, his heartbeat quickened, and his blood surged like a vast ocean.
The intense meaning of vitality seemed to cover the sky and earth, as if it were about to crush the structure of human life!
Zhao Xing actually grew three centimeters taller in that instant.
Moreover, he subconsciously wanted to activate the Great Roc Transformation.
"Incredible! Such boundless vitality, like heaven and earth, actually gives one the feeling of having mistakenly practiced the Marquis Transformation Method."
"Only the Dao of the True Meaning of Cangwu could produce such a sensation." Zhao Xing immediately deduced this.
Any Dao's True Meaning cultivated to the First Rank is easily recognized, because they are all unique existences.
Zhao Xing did not hesitate; he immediately sat down to comprehend it.
Time slowly passed, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the eighth day of the seventh month.
Liu Tianning arrived at the Ten Thousand Dao Plains piloting the Golden Dragon Warship, gazing from afar at the Ten Thousand Dao Tree.
Whoosh, whoosh! Ji Zixuan saw the warship flying over and immediately ran onto the deck.
"Dean Liu."
"Hmm, is he still inside the Ten Thousand Dao Tree?"
"Yes." Ji Zixuan nodded obediently.
"Good, I understand." Liu Tianning nodded.
Afterwards, he turned to a middle-aged man with a simple, honest appearance beside him and said, "Ren Jiu, go to the Ten Thousand Dao Array Office. If my disciple is still comprehending the Dao the day after tomorrow, do not disturb him."
"Yes, Dean." Ren Jiu was a Third Rank Artificer.
Although the Ten Thousand Dao Tree is only open for one month, Zhao Xing can comprehend for as long as he wishes.
Who else could he be but Liu Tianning's disciple?
Since the takeover went more smoothly than expected, Liu Tianning did not immediately call Zhao Xing out.
His current situation allowed him to make treasures wait for a person, rather than forcing Zhao Xing to come out and wait for the treasures.
On the tenth day of the seventh month, the barrier of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree reopened, and the vast majority of people were teleported out.
Only some distinguished guests, as well as the top geniuses and powerful figures of the Shangluo Academy, remained inside to continue their comprehension.
Zhao Xing was one of them.
The True Meaning of the Three Lights Divine Water, the True Meaning of Cangwu, and the True Meaning of the Sun's Geng Metal.
He was currently comprehending the fourth True Meaning—the True Meaning of Li Fire.
"The Dao of Li Fire, I encountered it when I was at the Ninth Rank. The Dao of the Li Fire True Lord altered the rules of heaven and earth, embedding his own Dao into the world to replace it."
"In the twenty-odd years since, I have frequently entered the Li Fire Dao Academy to use the Li Fire Divine Altar."
"That sensation was of a higher level than what I am comprehending now; it had already reached the level of 'Establishing a Dao to Become Heaven and Earth.' Even with the resurgence of spiritual energy, it remains the ceiling level of the Xuan Huang World."
"Looking back on those scenes where I acted by borrowing the Li Fire Divine Altar, I spent fifteen days to initially master the True Meaning of Li Fire."
Zhao Xing brushed a small wisp of flame from his clothes.
Three days to master the True Meaning of the Three Lights Divine Water, seven days to master the True Meaning of the Sun's Geng Metal, five days to master the True Meaning of Cangwu, and fifteen days to master the True Meaning of Li Fire.
"Now, only the True Meaning of Earth remains to be mastered."
In fact, Zhao Xing could have broken through to the Third Rank as soon as he mastered the first True Meaning.
However, his standards were too high; how could he possibly choose just one Dao to follow?
"Hmm? It is already the tenth day of the seventh month. Why have I not been teleported out yet?"
Xu Xing said it would be open for one month, meaning from the tenth day of the sixth month to the tenth day of the seventh month.
Yet now it is already the tenth day of the seventh month, and he still has not been teleported out by the formation.
He checked the Earth Realm and found a message from Old Liu on it.
"Telling me not to rush, to stay as long as I wish?"
Zhao Xing let out a speechless smile.
"True. Following Dean Liu into the Shangluo Academy, that one battle consumed all the suffering I would have faced in the rest of my life."
"Everything remaining is pure enjoyment."
If the Shangluo Academy were compared to a nation.
Old Liu is the Emperor, then he is the Crown Prince!
"Hehe, hehe."
Zhao Xing smiled proudly.
When he fought that battle, he had also thrown himself into it with total concentration.
He devoted ten parts of his energy to that fight, determined to secure a magnificent opening for Old Liu.
Little did he expect that the opening would also be the finale.
"Then let us comprehend well and master the final True Meaning of Earth as well."
Zhao Xing quickly searched for a True Meaning of Earth suitable for himself.
The eleventh day of the seventh month.
Beneath the main trunk of the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, Zhao Xing found an exposed root.
Many patterns of mountains were painted on the root.
"The True Meaning of Spirit Mountains."
Zhao Xing seemed to have an epiphany.
Since this root segment was enormous and extended deep underground, Zhao Xing had to employ a concealment technique to delve beneath the earth and observe.
From the eleventh day of the seventh month to the eleventh day of the eighth month.
Zhao Xing spent a full month mastering the True Meaning of the Spirit Mountain.
The True Meaning of the Spirit Mountain is actually not the primary choice for condensing a supreme Dao Body; considering he would need to learn Mountain Techniques later, Zhao Xing had to master it.
Because later, when his Ten Thousand Laws Dao Body casts Mountain Techniques, having mastered the True Meaning of the Spirit Mountain, he will naturally learn faster and the power will be greater; for instance, the Ninth-Rank Heavy Artifact 【Ten Thousand Mountains】 in the Kunyuan Earth Palace is a precious treasure of the Spirit Mountain Court.
He could drive this colossal divine weapon with great ease.
If he had mastered a different True Meaning, the Yuan Qi expended to drive it would be even greater.
Assuming he had not mastered the True Meaning of Earth, or possessed a weaker version of the True Meaning of Earth, driving it would yield half the result with double the effort.
Before the mountain even crashed down, he would have exhausted himself to death.
"It's about enough."
Zhao Xing cast the technique "A Foot Away, Ten Thousand Miles," left the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, and appeared on the outer plain.
"Master, I need a place abundant in Yuan Qi, and I require a large quantity of items that nourish Yuan Qi."
Zhao Xing immediately sent a message to Liu Tianning.
"Come find me at the entrance of the Shen Hua Court."
Liu Tianning's reply was very concise.
Zhao Xing judged the direction, then activated "A Foot Away, Ten Thousand Miles," vanishing rapidly from his spot.
Shen Hua Court; this is one of the Four Techniques of the Benwo Sect, the birthplace of the Condensed Essence Technique.
It is rumored that one of the founders of the Shangluo Academy created the Condensed Essence series of spells here.
Since then, the Farmers of the Benwo Sect gained a new spell.
The characteristic of the Condensed Essence Technique is adjusting oneself according to the environment to obtain the optimal growth path.
It differs from the Foundation Strengthening Technique; it does not destructively seize Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi, but rather achieves harmonious coexistence with Heaven and Earth.
Liu Tianning appeared at the entrance and sized up his disciple: "Are you about to break through to Third Rank?"
"Yes." Zhao Xing nodded.
"The Five Elements True Meanings, which five have you chosen?" Liu Tianning asked.
Those who cultivate the Ten Thousand Laws Straw Man are basically all of the Ten Thousand Laws Dao Body; there is no other choice.
"Cangwu, Geng Metal, Three Lights, Spirit Mountain, Li Fire."
Liu Tianning nodded in satisfaction: "Excellent; all are Dao True Meanings that can be cultivated to First Rank."
Zhao Xing had learned the Supreme Technique two years ago.
Once the Technique is learned, as long as one organizes what one has studied and then comprehends the pure Way of Heaven and Earth, it becomes much easier.
Should one cultivate the Technique first or comprehend the Dao first? Either is fine; it depends on the individual.
For geniuses like Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing, the difference is negligible.
"Go to the Shen Hua Pool," Liu Tianning said.
"Isn't the Shen Hua Pool opened only once every ten years?" Zhao Xing was stunned. "Master, I don't need such extravagance—"
"I say it opens today, then it opens today," Liu Tianning said calmly.
"You can also absorb the 'Four Seasons Divine Essence' within the Shen Hua Pool."
"It will be of immense benefit to the growth of your Pure Yuan Soil and your Floating Seed."
"You are the third Farmer in the world to master the Supreme Straw Man Technique; how can this be called extravagance and waste?"
Liu Tianning's goodwill could not be refused; Zhao Xing could only cup his hands: "Master is wise."
Liu Tianning took Zhao Xing's hand; a pair of wings composed of vines appeared behind him: "Let's go."
Whoosh! The Floating Seed Heaven and Earth technique activated.
In the next instant, Liu Tianning brought Zhao Xing before a pool filled with a misty, fragrant breath.
"This place is the area within the Shen Hua Court with the most concentrated Yuan Qi."
"The sky above the Shen Hua Pool follows the great changes of the Heavenly Seasons; six Qi are born in rotation every breath."
"Gather the essence of the six Qi: the Morning Dawn of Heaven, the Noon of the Sun, the Flying Spring, the Flow, the Qi of Heaven, and the Qi of Earth."
"Place them above the Shen Hua Pool."
"The earth beneath the Shen Hua Pool has severed a piece from the nineteen provinces' earth veins, comprising twenty-eight types of supreme earth veins; this is called harvesting the essence of the Earth."
Liu Tianning was proficient in both Technique and Principle; in his youth, he had once annotated the classics of the Three Sects.
During his hundred years of secluded cultivation in the Soldier Realm, he even wrote "The One Hundred and Forty-Nine Changes of the Monthly Orders," which collected various changes of the Hou found in Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands, explained their principles, and described how to calm and utilize them.
Since taking over the Shangluo Academy, whether it was a precious land, a treasure, or an ancient formation, he could get to grips with it very quickly.
"On the four sides of the Shen Hua Pool, Spring rules the East; plant Early, Mid, and Late Spring Divine Trees, totaling one hundred and eight thousand."
"Winter rules the North; plant Early Winter, Mid Winter, and Deep Winter, the Three Yin Divine Trees, no more and no less, also one hundred and eight thousand." East Spring, South Summer, West Autumn, North Winter. "Summer rules the South; plant Early Summer, Mid Summer, and Late Summer, the Three Yang Divine Trees, one hundred and eight thousand."
"Autumn rules the West; plant Early Autumn, Mid Autumn, Late Autumn, the Three Autumn Divine Trees, one hundred and eight thousand."
Zhao Xing feigned curiosity and asked: "What about water? Master."
Liu Tianning smiled: "That inside is not water; it is Yuan Qi."
"The Yuan Qi is liquefied; the Shen Hua Pool is entirely the essence of Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi."
Zhao Xing displayed a hint of surprise at just the right moment.
Liu Tianning nodded in satisfaction; he felt he owed Zhao Xing something and now simply wanted to give Zhao Xing the best things.
"Absorb the Four Seasons Divine Essence and break through to Third Rank within the liquefied Yuan Qi."
"With the might of the Yuan Qi, the ferocity of the Yuan Soul, and the power of the Dao Body, you can be the Third Rank with the strongest foundation in the world!"
Zhao Xing, of course, knew this statement was not false.
The strongest place for Third Rank Foundation Establishment—where else could it be but the Shangluo Academy?
And he is the strongest practitioner of the first layer of the Divine Expansion Art; even Old Liu at Third Rank could not compare to him!
"Are you ready?" Liu Tianning asked.
"Mm." Zhao Xing nodded, somewhat excited.
His cultivation path in this life is simply perfect!
"Divine Radiance Pool, open!"
Holding the Shangluo Jade Tally, Liu Tianning sent a beam of Jin Guang into the nitrogen-hydrogen mist ahead.
"Go!"
Immediately after, Liu Tianning pushed Zhao Xing forward.
Gulu~~
Zhao Xing immediately fell into a pool brimming with Primordial Qi.
"I absorb!!"
Three Flowers appeared above his head, Five Qi surged from his body.
Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, Five Qi Paying Homage to the Origin; without Zhao Xing needing to consciously absorb, the Primordial Qi rushed wildly into his body on its own.
At the same time, from the four directions of Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast, a beam of Divine Light shone upon Zhao Xing's body.
The Four Seasons Divine Radiance!
Part of the light was intercepted by the Seven Souls, then shone into his Sea of Consciousness.
The Life Soul began to merge with the Primordial Qi.
"Ah~~"
Zhao Xing cried out in comfort.
Top-tier comprehension, top-tier cultivation path, top-tier breakthrough location, top-tier cultivation resources—even the timing was chosen as an auspicious hour!
With Heaven's Timing, Earth's Advantage, and Human Harmony, Zhao Xing immediately began his breakthrough journey.
Time passed; in the blink of an eye, Zhao Xing had already stayed in the Divine Radiance Pool for seven days.
At this moment, even Xu Xing could not help but run over.
"More than seven days?"
"Mm." Liu Tianning nodded.
"You've surpassed me," Xu Xing sighed. "You only stayed in the Divine Radiance Pool for seven days."
"My number-one Third Rank foundation in the world has been maintained for several hundred years, yet yours, not even a hundred years, has been broken by a disciple."
"A disciple need not be inferior to his master; that he surpasses me proves that the blue comes from the indigo but is bluer than the indigo," Liu Tianning said with a happy face.
Inside the Divine Radiance Pool, Zhao Xing absorbed to his heart's content.
At this moment, his Pure Origin Soil broke through once again.
From 2505 meters, it expanded to 10086 meters.
Level Six Soil!
"The Four Seasons Divine Radiance is the most extreme method of utilizing Primordial Qi in the current age."
"It nurtures the Pure Origin Soil, endowing the Pure Origin Soil with the characteristics of the four seasons."
"From now on, within my Pure Origin Space, I can plant plants of any season; I no longer need to carefully select them."
Zhao Xing's consciousness sank down, arriving at the center of the soil.
At this time, a vine was flourishing and covering the area.
"The Floating Vine has finally matured at this very moment."
"A Seventh Rank Peak Floating Vine!"
The Floating Vine seedling was a gift from Liu Tianning when Zhao Xing left the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.
That was in the twentieth year of Jingxin.
Seventeen years passed before the Floating Vine could mature! And it entered its peak period.
"Truly not easy," Zhao Xing sighed.
He then looked at a fist-sized seed in the center of the soil.
A faint gray mist emanated from it.
"This Void Seed shows no sign of sprouting yet."
The mysterious seed was obtained from the Great Dream Academy.
At that time, Zhao Xing only judged it to be a Void Seed.
But he did not know exactly what it was.
Without sprouting, no one could judge it.
"To make the Void Seed sprout, perhaps only the Dragon Court Ancient Land possesses the conditions," Zhao Xing thought silently.
The Shangluo Academy should also have the capability, but he would not abuse Old Liu's authority.
Because the cultivation of the Void Seed consumes resources on a completely different scale.
If it could be of great use, that would be best.
If it were to grow something that does not belong to this era, that would be a great burden for the Shangluo Academy.
"The Dragon Court Ancient Land, the Southern Barbarian Holy Mountain—both are good places," Zhao Xing thought truthfully.
After the Pure Origin Soil broke through, Zhao Xing's own evolution continued.
With the Life Soul merging with the Primordial Qi, he already possessed the characteristics of the Origin Soul leaving the body.
At this moment, the entire Divine Radiance Pool was filled with Zhao Xing's shadow.
That was his fate soul splitting, every fragment absorbing!
On the twenty-fifth day, a beam of seven-colored radiance erupted from the Divine Brilliance Pool.
Then a figure walked out from the seven-colored divine brilliance.
"He's out!"
"Twenty-five days, that's a new record."
"Heavens, could it be that in this era, our Shangluo Academy is truly about to rise?"
"Stopping in time was the right move."
"Yes, a correct choice was made."
At this moment, beside the Divine Brilliance Pool, many powerful wills were communicating.
They had all witnessed the birth of a new era.
After Liu Tianning broke Xu Xing's record for the strongest Third Rank foundation.
His disciple Zhao Xing broke a new record!
Raising the upper limit of the strongest Third Rank foundation by another level.
A full twenty-five days!
Even the highest recorded record in Shangluo Academy's history.
"How is it?" Liu Tianning asked.
"It feels great!" Zhao Xing grinned.
"Hahaha." Liu Tianning also laughed heartily, a rare occurrence.
"Shangluo Academy has successors now," Xu Xing said cheerfully. "To hear such news before dying, even death would be without regret!"
Xu Xing could not become the God of Agriculture, for his fate soul had split, driving him mad.
After death, he could not transform into a Yin Spirit; forcing the transformation would turn him into an Evil God.
Back when Zhao Xing was at Tianhe Prefecture, he had not seen the leader of the Benwo Sect.
Zhao Xing then realized there were many big shots around, such as Yu Xia, Jiang Yaochun, Zhuang my lord, and Chu Qianqiu, so he quickly reined in his wild demeanor.
Zhuang my lord looked at Zhao Xing, feeling infinitely relieved in his heart.
What's the point of competing against such a monster?
Lucky he didn't send his disciple to die.
Chu Qianqiu's expression was complex; Liu Tianning's faction was simply stronger with each generation.
"Grand-disciple," Xu Xing said slowly, "this breakthrough of yours has already reached the end of August."
Zhao Xing nodded: "Yes, Grand-Grandmaster."
Xu Xing said, "You previously promised to debate with many Doctors on the Ten Thousand Dao Plains; now nearly two months have passed. If you are not tired, go to the Debate Arena and speak."
Zhao Xing nodded; he had indeed been delayed by matters.
Now was indeed the time to visit the Debate Arena. Having used Shangluo Academy's resources, only with sufficient fame and enough contributions to match one's position would one avoid criticism.
"Grand-Grandmaster, Teacher, I am very energetic now," Zhao Xing smiled. "I will go to the Debate Arena immediately."
Xu Xing smiled. "I heard your new chapter on the Benwo Heavenly Artifact Theory still has many parts not written in detail?"
"Yes."
"Hahaha, good," Xu Xing said. "This time, do not rush."
"Speak slowly, explain well; even I, your Grand-Grandmaster, will go to listen to your high theories!"
End of Chapter
