Chapter 302: In the Dragon Court, Starting a Speedrun! (15,000)

Profound Heaven Academy, Heavenly Thunder Court.

Amidst the cloud-choked valley, a figure like a demon god sat cross-legged, floating in midair.

"Boom-crack!" A thunderclap rang out. Zhao Xing opened his eyes, his gaze cold and sharp, slicing through the sky like lightning.

At the very moment he opened his eyes, another purple figure suddenly appeared at the other end of the valley.

"Zhao Xing!" Wang Tianzhi's eyes lit up. "Come on, hit me!"

Wang Tianzhi descended, and the air around him seemed churned by an invisible force, the temperature plummeting sharply.

His robes snapped in the wind, black hair flying wildly, while a faint, deep-blue glow shimmered on his skin. He saw his hands rapidly form seals; every shift of the hand seals drew up a wisp of black qi.

Zhao Xing mirrored Wang Tianzhi's movements, his fingers like agile spirit snakes, crossing and flipping with rapid speed, the seal patterns complex yet orderly.

Only that shadows of Zhao Xing were present at every corner of the valley.

Faint gray arcs of electricity danced at his fingertips, making a "sizzle-sizzle" sound.

In an instant, the gray arcs swelled, their color deepening into a dark, ghostly purple.

Zhao Xing's aura climbed continuously, merging with the power of the Thunder Seal.

When he formed the Taiyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin Thunder Seals, a powerful suction force surged from his palms.

The surrounding yin qi went mad, rushing to converge upon him.

In an instant, the dark clouds in the sky seemed pulled by an invisible giant hand, spinning rapidly to form a massive vortex.

The center of the vortex was black as the deepest night, with muffled thunder rumbling faintly within.

"Good lad, pretending to cast the Three Yin Thunder Seals, yet you have already comprehended the Cold Evil Thunder Domain?" Wang Tianzhi couldn't help but laugh, his Thunder Technique remaining perfectly synchronized with Zhao Xing.

"Go!"

Zhao Xing roared, shoving both hands forward with force. Between his palms, a Thunder Seal glowing with purple-black light shot forth with a howl.

Every clone in the valley released the Thunder Seal at the exact same moment, all heading straight for Wang Tianzhi.

Wherever the Thunder Seal passed, space seemed to tear, emitting a chilling "crack-crack" sound.

Stones on the ground were shattered into dust, scattering into the air as powder.

The Thunder Seal, like a massive ghostly shadow, charged toward its target with an aura of total destruction.

The air around it was compressed, forming visible ripples; any grass or trees it touched withered instantly, their moisture sucked dry, leaving only scorched black marks.

In the instant the Three Yin Thunder Seals were released, a "Wong~" sound echoed.

A layer of ice-blue mist spread around the clones.

A foot away, yet a thousand miles!

"Hmm?" A flash of shock crossed Wang Tianzhi's eyes.

Zhao Xing had cast the Three Yin Thunder Seals and the Cold Evil Thunder Domain; Wang Tianzhi was only surprised by the opponent's proficiency.

To advance the Yin Thunder Technique from the first rotation to the sixth in such a short time was indeed a rare talent.

But now that Zhao Xing's clones were casting 【A Foot Away, Yet a Thousand Miles】, Wang Tianzhi felt not just surprise, but utter shock.

"My senior brother's A Foot Away, Yet a Thousand Miles is nothing like this. Has he modified it?"

"The cloud qi turned into ice mist, using A Foot Away, Yet a Thousand Miles to guide the cold yin energy upward, allowing the Cold Evil Thunder Domain to form a blockade similar to the Boundary Stele Great Array?"

The cold mist, as if emanating from the thunder itself, rapidly enveloped the surrounding space.

The Prison-Suppressing Chapter of the Profound Heaven Thunder Technique was originally comprehended during the Great Cold solar term.

Wang Tianzhi knew this Thunder Technique inside out, and was equally familiar with A Foot Away, Yet a Thousand Miles.

Yet seeing the two combined, perfectly fused, was truly a first for him.

Every time Zhao Xing flashed, a blue thread of lightning appeared within the mist.

Over a thousand Dharma Body clones flashed together; in the blink of an eye, the lightning threads wove and crisscrossed through the mist, gradually forming a massive thunder net.

Upon the thunder net, cold lightning flickered, making a "crackle-pop" sound; every thread of cold lightning contained power enough to freeze a soul.

"Hah!"

With Zhao Xing's roar, he slammed both hands downward with force.

In an instant, the ice-blue mist across the entire region churned violently, and the thunder net woven of cold lightning expanded rapidly.

From the dark clouds in the sky, countless ice-blue Lei Zhu descended; the Lei Zhu connected with the thunder net on the ground, forming a massive thunder domain—the Cold Evil Thunder Domain.

Wang Tianzhi was completely locked within it.

Inside the thunder domain, the temperature plummeted to the extreme, as if even time itself had frozen.

Wang Tianzhi stopped attacking, standing still to tank Zhao Xing's move. His body was instantly wrapped in a thick layer of ice, which compressed inward continuously, crushing him.

The Lei Zhu bombarded him relentlessly, while the lightning threads within the cold qi constantly dismantled his 【Heavenly Thunder Dao Body】.

"It really hurts." Wang Tianzhi spat out a mouthful of cold breath; frost and arcs of lightning flickered between his brows.

"Zhao Xing, do you have any stronger moves?"

"No." The thousand Zhao Xings all shook their heads.

"Hah!"

Wang Tianzhi spread his arms, and a powerful yang aura rose like the blazing sun.

Scorching Lei Guang, like flames, surged along the lightning threads, melting them all.

The Yang Thunder Secret Technique of the Profound Heaven Thunder Technique—the Heaven-Burning Thunder.

In an instant, Wang Tianzhi shattered the Cold Evil Thunder Domain; the entire valley was leveled and utterly vanished in that very moment.

"Bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang!"

Many Dharma Bodies exploded into fragments.

Zhao Xing, on the contrary, was quite delighted.

For in past battles, when Wang Tianzhi sparred with him, he could always control his power with such precision that he could neutralize Zhao Xing's assault without harming any of his thousand clones.

This time, he couldn't do it.

If the power was too weak, it couldn't be neutralized; if too strong, he couldn't precisely control it without harming Zhao Xing's clones.

"Shi shi~"

Gray rain fell around, for the mounds had turned to ash, rising into the sky and entangling with the rain.

"Shua shua~"

Wang Tianzhi and the remaining clones of Zhao Xing left this now-raging region.

After the sparring ended, came the summary and analysis.

"Chen'an, your technique is truly excellent," Wang Tianzhi praised. "My Heavenly Thunder Body even ached from it."

"You flatter me," Zhao Xing replied respectfully. "My slight progress owes entirely to your guidance, Dean."

After resigning from all official posts, Wang Tianzhi returned to the main academy and took up the position of Dean of the Thunder Academy.

He devoted himself to studying the principles of cultivation, just as Zhao Xing was seeking someone to teach him Thunder Law.

Grand Minister of Agriculture Li Boqian was unavailable; a Third Rank Thunder Law expert's guidance was insufficient, and First Rank experts were all too busy.

Wang Tianzhi happened to be the perfect candidate—he approached Zhao Xing voluntarily to train him in Thunder Law.

He didn't realize how formidable it was until he trained.

Only then did Wang Tianzhi fully grasp the terrifying nature of Zhao Xing's cultivation talent.

"The Yin Thunder section of the Profound Heaven Thunder Law was awakened from the Great Cold solar term, comprising three secret techniques."

"'Three Yin Thunder Seals,' 'Cold Death Thunder Domain,' and 'Five Element Yin Thunder Realm.'"

"In less than a year, you've mastered Cold Death Thunder Domain—and achieved such transformations. This can't be called mere minor changes."

Wang Tianzhi felt deeply moved.

Learning Chi Tianya isn't impressive—he could do it too!

But to modify and adapt Chi Tianya to suit oneself—

To integrate this peculiar Cloud Art into Cold Death Thunder Domain during actual combat—

That was exceedingly rare!

No wonder the Shangluo Academy held Zhao Xing in such high esteem, calling him a genius worthy of founding a sect.

"Your technique even blocks the escape routes of those who also know Chi Tianya."

"There are many secret methods to evade using Cloud Dao, but this move targets internal conflicts—weak Second Rank cultivators will fall victim to it," Wang Tianzhi remarked.

The essence of Chi Tianya lies in exploiting the forward-backward momentum differential of Cloud Dao to teleport.

But once Zhao Xing deployed his thousands of clones, others could no longer evade.

Only by bracing the impact—or, like him, forcibly breaking through with a perfected top-tier technique paired with stronger Thunder Dao intent—could one counter it.

Wang Tianzhi looked at Zhao Xing.

"You've just forced me to use seven-tenths of my power in Thunder Law."

"At this stage, I have nothing left to teach you."

Indeed, even if Wang Tianzhi himself used Cold Death Thunder Domain, he could only overpower with raw strength.

In technique, there was nothing more to impart.

Zhao Xing's fusion of Chi Tianya and Cold Death Thunder Domain was something Wang Tianzhi could not replicate.

Because he lacked the Ten Thousand Methods Clones.

"Chen'an, you may leave the Thunder Academy," Wang Tianzhi smiled. "When you ascend further in the future, come back to the Quiet Cultivation Grounds to find me."

"Thank you for your guidance, Dean," Zhao Xing said respectfully. "Xing takes his leave."

Watching Zhao Xing's departing figure, Wang Tianzhi pulled out the Earth Mirror.

"Tianzhi, what is it?"

Wang Tianzhi gripped the Earth Mirror. "Brother, please set aside some time each year."

"Why? I'm very busy—there's always so much official business to handle."

Wang Tianzhi stared at the image in the mirror, left speechless.

Brother, where are you busy?

You're clearly lying beside a swimming pool, basking in the sun, sipping juice!

"Brother, I want you to train me!" Wang Tianzhi said firmly.

"Oh? That's novel," Li Boqian set down his crystal cup, intrigued.

Wang Tianzhi hadn't said such a thing in decades.

What had provoked him?

"How do you want to be trained?"

Wang Tianzhi said: "The highest-level special training! Whether to the Extreme Ice Eye or the Earth Fire Abyss—whatever it takes, I want to become stronger!"

Li Boqian, seeing Wang Tianzhi's serious expression, chuckled. "Fine!"

Zhao Xing had no idea that because of him, Wang Tianzhi had applied to Li Boqian for brutal, hellish training.

After leaving the Thunder Academy, he returned to the Hou Bian Academy.

Meanwhile, all other clones of Zhao Xing training across the Profound Heaven Academy also completed their special training on the twenty-fifth day of the fourth month.

Within the Ten Transformations Heaven.

"Soo~"

A medium-sized fire dragon flew to the lakeside.

"Dean," Zhao Xing took human form, gazing at the massive dragon lying beside the lake as if asleep.

"Leaving?" The massive dragon opened eyes like bronze bells.

"Yes, I must leave now. Less than two months remain before the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds open, and it will take time to get there." Zhao Xing said respectfully.

"Remember, do not speak of the Wan Hua Cave Heaven to anyone."

"Yes, I swear by my three souls I will tell no one." Zhao Xing made a vow with curled fingers.

"Hmm, go." Ling Tianchen closed his eyes again.

"Your student takes leave."

The true body shot upward and swiftly departed from the Wan Hua Cave Heaven.

He soon appeared in a deserted mountain hollow outside.

Zhao Xing glanced at the entrance behind him, then carefully exited through the layered arrays.

He had already learned the method of entering and exiting the Wan Hua Cave Heaven—this was what Ling Tianchen taught him.

Thus, Ling Tianchen did not need to escort him out this time.

"Moo~"

Fire Transformation activated; Zhao Xing quickly arrived at the villa arranged for him by Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing.

At this moment, Tian Yan Wang had already been waiting a long time.

"Your Highness."

"Zhao Xing, you've finally emerged!" Tian Yan Wang's eyes lit with delight. After speaking, he knew this was Zhao Xing's true body. "Hurry, hurry—the time is urgent. We must return to Pinghaizhou."

"Wait a moment." Zhao Xing activated Chi Tianya and quickly located Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing.

"Is it time?" Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing were calculating something beneath a patch of stars in the pavilion.

"Yes." Zhao Xing nodded.

"Holy Son, take your leave—we won't see you off." Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing bowed with smiles.

With Tian Yan Wang gone, they felt at ease around Zhao Xing.

"Take care, Elder Brothers," Zhao Xing smiled. "Especially take care of your hair."

"Hahaha."

Daoyuanzhou, Qianqing Commandery.

Qiantian Ancient Road.

A silver dragon airship traveled through the tunnel.

This tunnel connected Qianqing Commandery in Daoyuanzhou directly to Tianhai Commandery at Daoyuanzhou's edge.

Since their departure was sudden, Lihuo Dao Academy needed time to prepare, so they would first go to Tianhai Commandery.

The route to Pinghaizhou was still swift; Liu Tianning took seven days last time, and Tian Yan Wang and Zhao Xing would take roughly the same.

Within seven days, Zhao Xing and Tian Yan Wang did not idle.

Tian Yan Wang continuously received intelligence from all sides.

Zhao Xing organized his studies and gains from the past three years.

"Third Rank mid-stage realm, Third Rank late-stage soul-spirit."

"Top-tier Soul-Eating Body Form increased to 1,999. To break further, I must master a second top-tier Body Form—but I have no time to train more, and the drawbacks remain unresolved." Zhao Xing thought to himself. He would have to try again in the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds.

"Liu Tianning has reached Layer Two of the Tianyan Scripture. Rebuilding his foundation will be difficult—his situation differs from mine. I must consider his condition holistically."

"The number and tier of top-tier techniques have expanded dramatically."

"The top-tier Wanfa Dao Body allows me to learn all techniques at great speed."

"My Kunpeng Transformation is now at Fourth Turn; Fire Transformation is at Sixth Turn; Zhu Luo Fa is at Third Turn."

"Zhu Luo Fa is an external cultivation method; the clones can also use it."

"The Yang Thunder Technique from Xuantian Thunder Art is at Sixth Turn."

"I have mastered 【Heavenly Thunder Finger】 and 【Lei Ting Hunyuan Lock】."

"【Lei Ting Hunyuan Lock】 is a forbidden technique that seals an opponent's Qi with thunder. Once sealed, their life or death lies in my single thought."

"This technique can be paired with the seasonal commands of Jingzhe, Lixia, Xiaoshu, and Dashu to enhance thunder power."

"Yin Thunder Technique is also at Sixth Turn (Minor Success); 【Three Yin Thunder Seals】 and 【Cold Poison Thunder Domain】 can be paired with Xiao Han, Dahan, and Qingming seasonal commands."

"Though my Twenty-Four Solar Terms Art has seen no major breakthrough, the complete set of Li Da's seasonal commands is enough to rival the power of top-tier techniques at Third Turn."

"As a top-tier Wanfa Dao Body, once activated, I can achieve the level of 'distorting the rules.'" Zhao Xing thought.

Now, thunder techniques had become his strongest attack.

Primarily because he could amplify their power through his Wanfa clones and the seasonal command set.

Hou Bian Fa can only be used by the true body; its strength lies in defense, mobility, and unusual combat tactics that are hard to evade.

In pure offensive power, it falls short of thunder techniques.

"The top-tier Wind Technique remains unmastered, but Rain Technique has been perfected into 【Heavenly Erosion】, reaching Minor Success at Fourth Turn."

"Cloud Gate Technique barely reached Fourth Turn; the range of the Cloud Gate Domain has grown again." Zhao Xing thought.

Though he planned to learn all, he temporarily abandoned Wind Technique, as encountering Wang Tianzhi naturally shifted his focus.

Since he was heading to the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds, he focused primarily on offensive techniques.

Combat came first; everything else could wait.

As for Earth Advantage Techniques, there was no change—he still possessed the Hanhai Underground Palace, Xianshui Underground Palace, and Earth Spirit Divine Treasury Method.

"I learned almost no defensive techniques; I rely entirely on equipment and plant troops—especially Fuyou, now mature and at Peak Seventh Rank."

With his Wanfa clones, his true body is rarely harmed.

The clones need not worry about defense—they're all forged from Seventh Rank materials.

Their defensive tier is inherently Third Rank.

If a threat truly reaches his true body, and the danger level is low, he can block it with Hou Bian Fa.

The threat level is high, involving my life and death—use the Shang Tang Decree to summon the Ancient Yin Warship and flee.

"For soul defense, there's an Eighth-Rank Supreme Soul Armor; for attack, the Purple Moon Soul Lantern; for techniques, the Soul-Extinguishing Bell."

"The Dragon Language Incantations for Unsealing, Binding, and Commanding have all reached Upper Tier Level 3."

"After transforming into fire, your rank can rise another two levels, reaching Upper Tier Level 5."

"Shi Wenzhuan passed all three Death Curses to me; though I can't use them yet, once I enter the Dragon Court, I may well be able to."

"King Tianyan is so eager to take me back—he must have another layer of reinforcement lined up."

"With all these techniques and treasures, plus Tian Yan's fortune and the three ancient coins—if I don't act recklessly, the Dragon Court trip shouldn't turn out like what I saw on the Island of Heavenly Choice," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

On the Island of Heavenly Choice, he had seen the deaths of the Mountain Cat, the Upside-Down Goat, and the Gray Dog, and his own bones reduced to dust.

Danger is certain—it's one of the supreme dungeons of the Xuan Huang Realm; how could there be no danger?

Even a First-Rank cultivator entering isn't guaranteed to survive.

If Zhao Xing were to compete directly with a First-Rank, it would be suicide—but at the Third-Rank stage, he can absolutely dominate.

Even if he encounters a Second-Rank, he needn't fear so much.

"I've already become this strong? I'm already considering a Second-Rank Heaven-Fate cultivator as my opponent."

"My progress over the past three years has been immense."

Zhao Xing sighed deeply.

Seven days later, in Pinghaizhou, Chongming Prefecture.

"I'm finally back!"

But before Zhao Xing could even voice his sentiment, King Tianyan yanked him into the Star Palace.

"Zhao Xing, it's already the second day of the fifth month."

"The Dragon Court Ancient Ground opens in only forty days."

"After accounting for ten days of travel, you have only one month left—if any further logistical arrangements are needed, another ten days must be reserved."

"You have only twenty days left—can you break through now and reach the second layer of the Divine Decree?" King Tianyan asked, full of anticipation.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh bitterly: "Your Highness, do you think the second layer of the Divine Decree is paper on a window, easily torn?"

King Tianyan thought over his own words and realized they were excessive.

"Since you can't break through the second layer, your cultivation matters can wait," King Tianyan said. "Come, choose your treasures."

"Yes." Zhao Xing followed King Tianyan into the storage chamber.

As they passed a dried-up pool, King Tianyan let out a grunt.

Zhao Xing's heart grew uneasy.

This was the pool he had used to store Soul Essence Fluid.

When Liang Wang rebelled, Zhao Xing had used the Soul Essence Fluid to rapidly restore his soul.

He bathed in it directly—this stuff, even for a Mid-Rank, is measured in drops!

Later, Zhao Xing simply used it by the bucketful.

In addition, all the materials for his Supreme Body Formation were taken from the Star Palace's storeroom.

King Tianyan clearly remembered this now.

Entering the storage, half of it was empty.

Zhao Xing grew even more silent.

Seeing Zhao Xing's demeanor, King Tianyan found it amusing: "So now you feel ashamed? When you were ransacking it, why didn't you think to leave some behind?"

"When I came back, I nearly thought a thief had broken in."

"Your Highness is right to reprimand me," Zhao Xing replied obediently.

In truth, all that remained here were Seventh-Rank Divine Weapons and Eighth-Rank materials.

The Soul Essence Fluid he consumed was Eighth-Rank Supreme material; he hadn't touched a single Divine Weapon, but he'd taken plenty of materials.

King Tianyan led Zhao Xing to a secret chamber within the storage.

Zhao Xing had been here before.

The layout was unchanged from last time, but the tier had risen.

"Still the Three Items of the Fate Office."

"But this time, I've upgraded their rank."

"An Eighth-Rank Supreme Heaven-Weave Robe—this is the undergarment; it won't interfere with wearing other battle armors."

"Once worn, others cannot perceive your fortune, nor track you by it."

"There are Ninth-Rank versions, but you cannot activate them fully—their power won't match their rank, so the Eighth-Rank Supreme is more suitable."

Zhao Xing nodded. Non-consumable high-tier artifacts' power always depended on the user's strength.

Artifacts interact strongly with their wielders.

The Eighth-Rank Supreme Heaven-Weave Robe resembled the Seventh-Rank Superior version.

It bore the same four patterns: sun, moon, turtle, and snake.

The turtle bore heaven and earth; the snake devoured sun and moon—these four patterns were the standard insignia of the Fate Office.

The Heaven-Weave Robe primarily defended against external foes.

Outside the Fate Office, few in the Great Zhou could use "fortune" to track enemies.

"An Eighth-Rank Superior Celestial Calendar," King Tianyan handed over a calendar. "It not only wards off misfortune but also attracts good fortune."

"Your priority in the Dragon Court is survival; treasure hunting comes second."

2

"The Heaven-Weave Pavilion has a mission for you—here is the list of possible Dragon Court treasures and their hidden locations," King Tianyan handed him a register.

"Do not look at it now; it bears a special great power. You must endure the barrier of the Ancient Dragon Court before opening it."

"Yes." Zhao Xing put away this "Catalog of Dragon Court Treasures."

The Great Zhou invested massive resources to cultivate people to enter; naturally, they expected some harvest.

Otherwise, if only people died with no benefit, they would not have made such a grand mobilization.

"This is a Tier Eight Supreme Ink-Defense Jade Pendant. After you wear it, you can actively activate it to form a mobile small barrier. It can block all attacks except 'soul-spirit' methods from a Tier Two Heavenly Fate Realm expert, lasting one shichen."

"However, you must remember, this is the standard level of Tier Two; supreme experts are not included."

"I understand," Zhao Xing said. "There are myriad techniques in the world; no treasure dares to claim it can absolutely block or break everything."

"Being able to block the recognized standard strength of Tier Two already accounts for ninety-nine percent of situations."

Whoever forges a treasure cannot account for the existence of all extreme treasures, techniques, and individuals.

To argue by citing examples rather than extreme cases is the same principle.

Zhao Xing carefully hung the Ink-Defense Jade Pendant around his neck.

"The original Soul-Suppressing Bell will not be given," King Tianyan said.

"You obtained the Tier Eight Supreme Treasure Purple Moon Soul Lamp and the 'Primordial Yin Sacred Scripture' in the war; they are far more useful than the Soul-Suppressing Bell."

King Tianyan knew the sources of Zhao Xing's treasures.

Although those items of his were precious, his status allowed him to possess such treasures.

He is a dignified First-Rank Divine Might Marquis and a Holy Son of the Three Sects; what is wrong with having these few treasures?

If they are not divine artifacts capable of influencing chaos throughout the world, then for the Great Zhou, it does not matter.

Of course, if they are contraband, such as super-heavy weapons, warships, and similar treasures, that is another matter.

Individuals find it difficult to operate such things, nor can they hide them.

If one must use them, there are legal channels.

For instance, engineers like the Shenluo King legally possess the 'Fire Source Divine Cannon' and can deploy the Boundary Stele Great Array. They possess the 'Machine God Needle' and the Great Heaven Mixed Origin Great Array formation artifacts, these great killing weapons.

"Stand on the Eight Trigrams Platform." King Tianyan led Zhao Xing to a high platform shaped like a Yin-Yang Fish.

It was a familiar operation: using the Creation Disk to shield heavenly secrets.

"The heavenly and earthly rules of the Dragon Court, even the Dao, differ from the outside world."

"The Creation Disk will cloak you with this layer of concealment for a certain duration," King Tianyan said.

"Typically, it can last fifteen years."

"But if you pass through forbidden lands or go to certain special checkpoints, the duration may weaken or even vanish completely."

After ending the concealment, King Tianyan spoke very seriously:

"There is one final step."

"Your Highness, please speak."

"Now, swear by your Three Souls: after entering the Ancient Dragon Court, prioritize survival above all else, and never act on impulse!"

King Tianyan looked extremely serious.

Zhao Xing's face was heavy: "I swear by my Three Souls: after entering the Ancient Dragon Court, I will prioritize survival above all else and never act on impulse!"

Seeing the oath was complete, King Tianyan breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhao Xing was too young; he was only forty-four years old now.

Youth implies the possibility of impulsiveness; perhaps he would be attracted by the heavy treasures inside the Dragon Court, lose control, and rush in with a hot head.

Zhao Xing walked the correct path of the Divine Transformation Art; this would have a huge impact on the Great Zhou's high-end strength.

He is currently only at the first layer; if the second layer could also be different from others, one can imagine that in the future, it would raise the overall strength of Great Zhou practitioners of the Divine Transformation Art by one layer.

The effects of the Divine Transformation Art are stronger, with impacts in every aspect.

Engineers operating numerous mechanical arrays, even if they operate one thousand more mechanical puppets or mechanical matrices,

the accumulated difference is worlds apart.

For example, Liu Tianning cultivates the Ten Thousand Laws Straw Man; perhaps his drawbacks can be resolved.

There is also the martial artist's control over deep-layer power, and the fate official's deduction methods...

Any profession; as long as one can master the Divine Transformation Art, they can benefit!

Therefore, Zhao Xing's role for the Great Zhou is very important.

Originally, King Tianyan did not intend to let Zhao Xing go to the Ancient Dragon Court.

But the Jing Emperor, citing that Zhao Xing needed training, vetoed his proposal.

King Tianyan said, "For this campaign into the Ancient Dragon Court, Your Majesty has a secret edict: your special nature will be known to certain Tier One experts."

"When you encounter danger, they will do their utmost to protect you."

"This is the greatest guarantee the imperial court can offer."

Zhao Xing said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Majesty."

King Tianyan smiled and said, "For this remaining time, I will not force you to cultivate."

"You have not returned home for three years; go back and take a look."

"Yes." Zhao Xing respectfully bowed, then withdrew from the Star Palace.

On the way flying to the Bixian Commandery, Zhao Xing closed his eyes and fell asleep.

"Sss, I have indeed entered the Jing Emperor's sight, and it is the important kind."

"Even Tier One experts will protect me? Is this time really that dangerous?"

"The saint's heart is hard to fathom; I cannot guess at all what the Jing Emperor is thinking."

Zhao Xing wandered within the Memory Palace, his mood somewhat complex.

Fortunately, the Two Reigns period has only this little time left; this old man Jing Emperor won't cause any major trouble, so Zhao Xing felt somewhat confident in his heart.

If this were the early Dingxin era, he would be nervously anxious right now.

When he opened his eyes again, Zhao Xing had arrived at the Wang Fu in Bixian County.

Princess Youruo was not at the mansion at this time.

She had left the interior lands ahead of schedule and headed for the Eastern Sea.

As the largest landowner in the Eastern Sea, Princess Youruo wielded great influence among the aquatic clans, supported by a powerful aquatic force and Dao Academy network, and had many matters to attend to.

"Huh?"

Zhao Xing landed beside Tianma Lake at a villa.

"Ah, who are you?!"

Just as he landed, he saw a pink-cheeked little brat pointing a wooden sword at him.

Zhao Xing blinked: "Who are you? You're so young—why are you wandering around alone?"

"My name is Zhao Yuling."

Inside the small gate, a woman heard the noise and stepped out.

Upon seeing Zhao Xing, she was startled, immediately scooped up Zhao Yuling, and knelt on the ground.

"Young Master, this servant is guilty for failing to watch over the Young Lady."

Zhao Xing waved his hand. "Young Lady? Get up. Tell me everything."

"Yes." The middle-aged woman rose shakily and began to explain.

During the three years Zhao Xing had been away from Pinghaizhou, the ever-vigorous Zhao Ruide had once again made Madam Cai pregnant.

For two and a half years since the Liang Wang's rebellion, during the third year of Daizhi, Zhao Ruide had remained idle at home, holding no official post.

During those two-plus years of rebellion, he had mostly stayed within the Princess's mansion.

At the time, worried about his son's safety, he had no desire to father another child.

But after the rebellion was quelled and his son became a First-Class Marquis, Zhao Ruide's heart finally eased.

He did not resume his former post, because small bands of bandits were still roaming.

With the purges ongoing, if Zhao Ruide, an Eighth-Rank Patrol Guard, were reinstated, he would have to fight—there was no way he could sit idle collecting pay.

Since Zhao Xing had been placed on standby, Zhao Ruide remained on standby as well.

With nothing to do, Zhao Ruide turned to Madam Cai.

Thus, after Zhao Yuhuan, Madam Cai gave birth to Zhao Yuling.

Far away in Daoyuanzhou and Yongzhou, Zhao Xing had received no news.

After resigning his post, his high-level access to the Earth Mirror had been revoked.

Cross-province communication was never easy; unknown to him, even Meng Kun had failed to intercept him—Zhao Xing's movements were erratic, and his family had no way to inform him even if they wanted to.

"So that's how it is." Zhao Xing couldn't help smiling, crouching down to pinch his sister's cheek. "You just asked who I am? I'm your big brother. Say 'Big Brother.'"

"Waaah~~" Zhao Yuling burst into tears.

"Ah." Old Master Zhao retracted his hand.

Hearing Zhao Yuling's crying, the whole household rushed out to investigate.

"Wang Cui, why is Ling'er crying? How did you take care of her?!"

Madam Cai, wearing a red hairpin and elegant robes, flung open her skirt and leapt out.

The woman holding Zhao Yuling stammered helplessly.

She couldn't say it was the Young Master who made her cry.

As Madam Cai leapt out, another blue streak shot forth.

"Big Brother!"

Before the figure arrived, a clear, excited voice reached Zhao Xing's ears.

Then came a graceful young maiden, flying on colorful ribbons.

She was Zhao Ruide's first daughter, Zhao Yuhuan.

"Big Brother, you've finally come back." Zhao Yuhuan hugged his arm tightly, overjoyed.

"Zhu Zhu is already so grown." Zhao Xing patted his sister's head.

Zhao Yuhuan was born in the twenty-second year of Jingxin, and was now eighteen.

"Big Brother."

Another bearded, burly young man stepped out from the gate—it was his younger brother, Zhao Zheng.

"Good, you're home too." Zhao Xing walked over, clapped Zhao Zheng on the shoulder, then bowed to Madam Cai.

"Come inside, let's talk."

Daizhi Third Year, May 25th.

Zhao Xing left a doppelgänger at home and quietly departed the Princess's mansion.

He arrived at a secluded spot and began to think.

"Excluding travel time, I only have ten days left."

"Should I go see the Grand Dream Academy?"

Zhao Xing hesitated because he had once sworn an oath to the Heavenly Fate Black Phoenix to aid it fully.

But during his visit before the rebellion, he discovered the Heavenly Fate Black Phoenix could choose whether to give its full strength.

Its demeanor shifted too—sometimes a foolish bird, sometimes profoundly inscrutable.

"I'll go anyway."

"Now that I've reached Third-Rank Soul, even if something's amiss, I should sense it."

"When I signed the Dream God Pact, if I find anything wrong this time, I can split my main soul into seven parts—losing one main soul won't be the end."

Zhao Xing cast a evasion technique and arrived deep underground.

"Split!"

Zhao Xing's true body and his clone simultaneously manifested identical Life Souls.

Afterwards, he carved out a space underground, lay down, pasted a talisman onto his body, and chanted: "Student Zhao Xing, respectfully requests the Great Dream Academy to open the Gate of Learning."

"Voom~"

Entering this time, Zhao Xing could clearly feel a sense of separation; his true body and main soul outside remained in a state of clear awareness.

It was the clone of the main soul that slept.

At the same time, another perspective appeared.

The Great Dream Academy.

The Hall of Heavenly Secrets.

"Yuu~"

Zhao Xing still appeared directly inside the Hall of Heavenly Secrets, without passing through the Academy's gate.

"Gag gag gag~"

Upon arriving, he heard the cry of the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird.

The familiar cabinet, the familiar bald bird.

Zhao Xing still cupped his hands toward the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird: "Greetings, senior."

"Zhao Xing, you are still alive; I am very happy." The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird's tone sounded somewhat excited: "And you have actually become so powerful."

"A Third Rank Life Soul, gag gag gag!"

"It seems the turmoil in the dynasty where you reside has subsided, and you have gained immense benefits."

Zhao Xing smiled: "Thank you for the senior's assistance; I have indeed reached the Third Rank realm."

"I wonder if there is anything I can do to help the senior?"

The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird shook its head: "No, you cannot help me yet."

Zhao Xing nodded: "Then is the senior still well?"

The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird still shook its head: "I am very well; in over five years, I am nearly recovered. Do you have a request?"

He wasn't telling the truth—Zhao Xing shook his head impassively: "This time, there is no need to trouble the senior to make a great effort; I only wish to stroll around the Hall of Heavenly Secrets and check some records."

A flicker of thought passed through the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird's eyes: "Very well, what do you wish to see?"

"Does the senior have any records regarding the Dragon Court here?"

The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird tilted its head: "The Dragon Court? The Dragon Court of the ancient era? Let me think—yes, I remember!"

Zhao Xing was stunned; he had just asked casually, yet there really was some?

While he was stunned, the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird suddenly left the cabinet and flew upward.

In a short while, it returned carrying a pile of books, stone tablets, and carvings.

"Clatter~"

The items immediately piled up like a mountain.

"They should all be here." The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird flapped its wings. "Take a look; is this what you want?"

Zhao Xing cupped his hands: "Thank you, senior."

Afterwards, he began to watch and flip through the records piled like a mountain.

This time, while watching, Zhao Xing sought not enlightenment, but only strong memorization.

While he read, the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird also sat above the cabinet, quietly watching Zhao Xing.

Yet Zhao Xing's expression remained calm throughout, with not a single ripple of emotion.

Until nine days had passed in the outside world, Zhao Xing finally rose from the mountain of books.

"Hoo~" Zhao Xing exhaled a breath.

"Thank you, senior; I have gained much."

"Good, good to have gained something, gag." The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird let out two dry laughs.

"I will not disturb the senior's quiet rest; this junior takes his leave first."

After the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird nodded, Zhao Xing vanished from the Hall of Heavenly Secrets.

Watching the vanishing figure, a flash of red light passed through the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird's eyes.

"He has discovered your anomaly~" The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird suddenly opened its mouth, emitting a mocking voice.

"Yang Yanzhen!" The Mandate of Heaven Black Bird let out a sharp cry, "Why must you be a lingering ghost that will not leave!"

"Hmph, you are the bird of Great Li when alive, and the dead bird of Great Li when dead!"

"Gag!!! Go die, gag!!!"

In the underground space, Zhao Xing's clone of the main soul awoke from a dream.

After carefully recalling everything, the true body did not absorb the clone of the main soul.

Instead, it directly ordered this clone of the main soul to explode and scatter.

"Boom!"

Zhao Xing's complexion turned somewhat pale.

Afterwards, the true body unfolded the Pure Yuan Projection, took out two fruits bearing white mist from within, and swallowed them.

Zhao Xing held the Purple Moon Soul Lamp, calculated with his fingers, then used the convergence of the Three Gods to examine the Causal Soul, and finally opened his eyes: "The Dream God Contract binds me, but not the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird."

"I do not know since when, although the one making a deal with me is still the Mandate of Heaven Black Bird, a third power has appeared in the Dream God Contract to interfere."

Now that Zhao Xing had reached the Third Rank Life Soul, with the concealment of the Fortune Plate and the protection of the Heavenly Secrets Robe and the Purple Moon Soul Lamp, he had also captured the specific source of the anomaly.

"It must be the First Guardian within the Great Dream Academy."

The Heavenly Mandate Black Bird is the Second Guardian; the one capable of suppressing it is the First Guardian.

"The Great Dream Academy cannot be visited for now," Zhao Xing said, shaking his head, while inwardly sighing: "Foolish bird, I will still fulfill the Dream God contract and release you from confinement. But in my past life, I never heard of a mechanical divine beast like you. Whether you can truly survive in the future depends on yourself."

By the time they emerged from the Great Dream Academy, it was already the fourth day of the sixth month.

The plan was to depart on the fifth and arrive at the entrance to the Dragon Court Ancient Land on the fifteenth of June.

At this time, King Tianyan no longer accompanied Zhao Xing.

This was because he outwardly remained at Fourth Rank strength, still within the ranks of mid-level officials, and held the quota he had originally fought for.

He did not travel with the high-ranking court officials whose quotas had long been allocated.

On the fifth day of the sixth month, Zhao Xing first boarded an official ship from Chongming Prefecture, passed through the Tower Ship Office, and arrived at Zixiao Island.

Afterwards, he took off from the Tower Ship Office on Zixiao Island and arrived at the Eastern Sea Aquatic Race region.

The leading figures heading the Eastern Sea contingent were precisely the three King-level experts: Bai Yun Wu, Ao Tian, and Tang Yinglong.

The five hundred men from the Eastern Sea were all on the ship at this time, but due to Liang Wang's rebellion.

Many of the original five hundred who had obtained quotas had already died.

They had no choice but to make additional replacements.

Zhao Xing met Long Xiao on the Long family's territory.

"Why have you arrived so late? I expected you two days ago. The ship is set to take off in two hours," Long Xiao asked with curiosity as soon as he saw Zhao Xing disembark.

"Something delayed me," Zhao Xing said. "Where are Ao Tian and the others?"

"They are staying in the rooms on the ship," Long Xiao laughed. "Rest assured, Lord Sheep, Lord Dog, and Lord Cat are all being well attended to."

Zhao Xing also smiled; the Mountain Cat, the Azure-Visage Dog, and the Upside-Down Sheep all held specially granted official titles, and he had previously gained several years of lifespan due to the blessings of his war pets.

In fact, Zhao Xing had already reached Third Rank and could enter without needing to bring any pets at all.

This was because the Dragon Court identified outsiders through Dragon bloodline, Upper Dragon Tongue, and special tokens.

High-rank individuals basically possessed at least one of these three; only mid-rank individuals needed to bring war pets with divine beast bloodlines to enter.

However, the Mountain Cat, the Azure-Visage Dog, and the Upside-Down Sheep were already registered; since the performance had to be complete, if Zhao Xing was to disguise himself, they had to go along.

"What is this? Your posture suggests you are going too?" Zhao Xing looked at Long Xiao.

"I recall you do not know the Upper Dragon Tongue and have no war pet. Did the Bai family give you a Dragon Court token? That thing is extremely precious."

Zhao Xing saw Long Xiao fully armed, with a squad of guards following behind him; it did not look like he was there to escort, but rather to enter personally.

Long Xiao waved his hand and said, "No, how could I speak the Upper Dragon Tongue? No token was given to me either."

Then he must have a war pet.

What would Long Xiao raise? Zhao Xing was quite curious.

"Where is it?"

Long Xiao suppressed his laughter, stepped aside, and revealed Bai Yang behind him.

Zhao Xing was instantly stunned: "You are using your brother-in-law as a war pet?"

Commander Bai Yang was somewhat helpless: "Marquis Shenwei, that is not how it is put. How can he be called a war pet? I am just, just—"

Bai Yang could not find a reasonable explanation at that moment; he truly could not think of a suitable term.

This was too ridiculous!

Zhao Xing recalled the scene of Long Xiao and Bai Yang merging and couldn't help but feel it was somewhat eye-searing.

"Hey, hey, don't think the wrong thing," Bai Yang said immediately upon noticing Zhao Xing's strange look. "I will not merge with my brother-in-law; I will only emit my aura to help him pass."

"Mm, mm, I won't think that."

Bai Yang:

You scoundrel! With that look, you clearly are thinking exactly that!

"Brother-in-law, are you still laughing?!" Bai Yang was indignant.

"I am not laughing at you," Long Xiao suppressed his words.

"Then why are you doing that!"

"I remembered something happy," Long Xiao paused and said, "Your sister is giving birth."

Bai Yang:

Zhao Xing:

This statement was truly not a lie; Long Xiao's wife, Bai Ling'er, was half-dragon and half-human.

Her gestation period was much slower than that of normal humans.

How much slower?

She conceived at the end of the twenty-ninth year of the Jingxin Era and did not give birth until the third year of the Great Peace.

Humans have a ten-month pregnancy; she has a ten-year pregnancy.

"Ahem, let's talk on the ship," Long Xiao said, seeing many people looking over. He dared not continue discussing his brother-in-law's dignity outside; he was nearly steaming and could not joke any further.

Inside the warship's cabin.

"Meow~" The Mountain Cat rubbed its head against Zhao Xing.

At this time, Ao Tian the Cat had grown to over two meters in height, completely a large cat.

As for the Azure-Visage Dog and the Upside-Down Sheep, they had also doubled in size.

Except for the Mountain Cat, the Azure and the Upside-Down Sheep had fully entered their peak period, while the Mountain Cat remained in its adult stage, far from its peak.

All three war pets were at the realm of Fourth Rank perfection.

As soon as Zhao Xing entered, he was nearly knocked down by the three.

It had been too long since they last met!

"Haha, good, good, good, stop licking."

"I know, I know, isn't it here now?"

"Hey, Huantian, why are you still biting my pants?"

The excited emotions only slowly calmed once the warship set sail.

Three Wangs led five hundred Third Rank officials, riding the imperial court's bestowed 'Sea God Warship', departing from the Canghai Cave Heaven of Bai Yun Island and speeding eastward.

When they had completely left the East Sea region, Zhao Xing felt the luck of many officials on the ship fluctuate.

It had decreased, more or less.

"Far from Great Zhou, the protection of the luck dynasty weakens somewhat," Zhao Xing observed the crowd pacing back and forth.

"Even my luck has begun to fluctuate, jumping back and forth between Yan Five and Yan Six."

Where there are peaks in luck, there are naturally valleys; it is not a straight line.

Especially on June 13th, the range of luck's fluctuation became Yan Four to Yan Six.

Seeing this, Zhao Xing immediately gazed far out toward the ship's exterior.

His Heaven Eye Technique, gazing over the great sea, could see very far.

He saw that in the distance, a gigantic Baigu warship was approaching from the south.

The Baigu ship's bow was crafted from a massive dragon skull.

Green flames flickered within the dragon bone's eye sockets, as if someone were struggling inside.

Many flags hung on the Baigu ship, but upon closer inspection, what the hell kind of flags were these?

They were clearly Baigu Banners commonly used by sects!

Countless shadowy figures were struggling within them!

"Top-tier sect, Baigu Sect, with the Wang Ting flag of the Purple Dragon above it," Zhao Xing gazed from afar.

Not only Zhao Xing noticed the disturbance; at this moment, Long Xiao and the others walked out of the cabin, looking at the Baigu warship appearing on the horizon.

"There's one in the west too," Long Xiao warned, and Zhao Xing looked toward the other side.

He saw a massive ancient bronze coffin flying through the sky, pulled by sky horses.

Black qi condensed around it without dispersing, dyeing both sky and sea a pitch-black color.

"What is this? Why use a coffin as a warship?" Long Xiao asked.

"Corpse Puppet Sect," Zhao Xing said. "These sect members are terrifying; they possess multiple physical bodies. The characteristic of this sect's demons is carrying a coffin on their backs."

"Kill one, and a spare body lies inside the coffin; the primordial soul quickly possesses it, and the body within the coffin is even stronger."

"However, generally, an elder-level cultivator has only three corpse puppets; normally it is two. Crafting such bodies, cultivating properly, is not easy."

"Does Great Zhou have a Corpse Puppet Academy?" Long Xiao asked.

"No," Zhao Xing shook his head. "The Taizu does not accept just anyone; this sect's core technique harms the harmony of heaven and earth too severely, and it is impossible to split it into any normal technique. If split, it would no longer be the Corpse Puppet Sect."

Pausing, Zhao Xing said, "The Creation Academy might preserve some samples."

Long Xiao snorted, "So there are still such evil arts in the world; indeed, they are demons!"

"Do not be impulsive," Zhao Xing said in a deep voice. "This coffin is named 【Coffin of Desirelessness】; there is definitely a First Rank cultivator inside."

"Inside is either a Grand Elder or an Ancestor-level figure; combined with the Coffin of Desirelessness, they can exert combat power beyond First Rank."

Long Xiao scanned ahead, then pointed to another spot, saying, "The Corpse Puppet Sect is hard to fight; surely the Eastern Barbarians of Japan are not hard to fight?"

Zhao Xing looked where Long Xiao pointed and saw a snake blocking out the sky and sun pulling a snake-shaped warship flying high in the sky, occupying a sea area.

He shook his head again: "That is the Great Snake Nation, a First Rank snake; its combat power can almost kill most First Ranks. I do not know if the current Great Snake Divine Lord has arrived; if he has, merging with the snake, he too possesses combat power beyond First Rank."

Long Xiao said somewhat gloomily, "Then is there nothing left to cut?"

Zhao Xing smiled lightly: "How could I let you cut? Those who can reach here are factions qualified to share a portion of the spoils."

"From the Taizu era until now, Great Zhou's quota has increased, but from beginning to end, no faction has ever withdrawn; it is merely a matter of taking more or less."

"If Great Zhou conquers the Southern Barbarians, then it could monopolize it, and no one would dare to compete."

"Outside, no fighting will occur," Zhao Xing said.

"Am I not inside—. -"

"Can you stop always thinking about killing, killing, killing?" Zhao Xing frowned. "It has been three years; how can you still not control your killing intent?"

Long Xiao entered the Third Rank Dao through killing intent; his temperament had undergone a earth-shattering change compared to before.

Only because Zhao Xing was nearby; others dared not come onto the ship to deal with Long Xiao, finding him terrifying just to look at.

"I will try my best," Long Xiao scratched his head.

On June 15th, all factions had basically arrived.

Among them, the Great Zhou faction residing in the true east had the most people.

Just the First Rank experts Zhao Xing saw suspected to be First Rank exceeded one hundred.

Was there anyone beyond First Rank? Zhao Xing did not know; he guessed such an occasion certainly had them, but did not know where.

Because he was staying within the East Sea formation of five hundred people, unable to see the full picture: "Speaking purely of First Rank combat power, the quantity gathered here even exceeds the peak of the Southern Barbarian War."

"However, this is not a time to fight," Zhao Xing watched silently.

The divine sense of powerful ones from all sides collided in the sky; occasionally there were disputes and friction, but these were extremely rare.

On the Great Zhou side, although they had not conquered the Southern Barbarians and even suffered the Liang Wang rebellion, at this moment no one dared to provoke them.

The entire area was quiet, and the sky was bright and clear.

"Long Xiao, Zhao Xing," suddenly a voice reached the ears of the two.

"Grandfather."

"Your Highness."

Long Xiao and Zhao Xing lowered their heads to respond.

"The Dragon Court Gate is about to open; our Great Zhou people will be the first to enter."

"But once inside, those without a Dragon Duke title will have random positions."

"Once you two enter, quickly figure out the surrounding terrain, which Dragon Kingdom you are in, and what power holds sway."

"Gain freedom of movement as fast as possible, and rush to Wang Cheng as soon as you can."

"I will also search for your tracks."

Bai Yun Wu's voice resonated in their ears.

"Yes."

Zhao Xing and Long Xiao nodded.

Clearly, Bai Yun Wu knew Zhao Xing was special.

After the voice transmission, Long Xiao found Zhao Xing: "My grandfather told me some news———"

Zhao Xing listened silently; Long Xiao did not know that Bai Yun Wu had also transmitted a voice to him.

In the end, Long Xiao said:

"Is there anything else you want to say?"

"No." Zhao Xing shook his head. "Your grandfather has a title, so his entry position is fixed; we do not. Following the plan given by the imperial court is the optimal solution for us."

"I must go now. You, take care." Long Xiao was Third Rank and could not enter in the same batch as Zhao Xing.

"Take care." Zhao Xing instructed, "Don't be impulsive. If you really can't control yourself, think of your child."

"I know." Long Xiao nodded heavily.

Having spoken, he rode his sword, left the warship, and shot up into the high sky.

June 15th, Mao hour.

The sky was just beginning to lighten.

"Splash~"

The ten-thousand-li sea suddenly collapsed as a whole.

"Boom~"

A massive whirlpool appeared without any warning.

The sea and the sky seemed to tremble together!

Even the bright sky on the Great Zhou side became unsteady.

"Ao~"

An ancient voice seemed to come from the primordial chaos.

A huge Longmen, spanning a hundred li, emerged from the sea whirlpool.

Two five-clawed Jin Guang dragons drilled out from the giant gems on the top frame of the Longmen.

They seemed like real, tangible existences, swimming around the left and right sides of the frame.

"Ao~"

An incredibly clear sound echoed through heaven and earth.

"Obeying the Dragon Court's order, the Heaven and Earth Longmen opens today!" Zhao Xing could understand Dragon Language, so naturally he could understand the meaning contained in the dragon roar.

The clear sound of the dragon roar spread to all sides, continuing until noon.

The speed of the two swimming dragons decreased; the dragon heads fixed themselves at the center above the frame, while the dragon bodies lay across the left and right sides of the frame.

A Jin Guang shot out from the wall-like frame, then gradually intensified, forming a massive golden light gate.

Inside the light gate, dragon shadows were layered, filled with majesty.

"It's here."

Zhao Xing licked his lips.

The greatest opportunity of Emperor Jing's reign had finally arrived.

"Meow~" The mountain cat, Cang Ni, and the Upside-Down Sheep also grew excited.

"Everyone, ascend!"

At this moment, Bai Mingchuan's voice roared; he was now in dragon form, transformed into a green flying dragon.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh~"

In the Eastern Sea formation, figures broke through the air from three warships among the Sea God Tower Ships.

"Enter!"

Bai Mingchuan shouted.

Whoosh whoosh~

The Middle Realm experts of Great Zhou all flew toward the Longmen at this moment.

The other factions waited quietly.

They had to wait until all of Great Zhou's quotas were filled before it would be their turn.

Zhao Xing followed behind the main force and charged into the Dragon Court light gate.

Passing through the light gate felt like entering a time-space tunnel.

Zhao Xing felt that he and his three battle pets were stretched infinitely, as if the light gate was banishing them to a distant, unknowable place.

But the connection between the battle pets and their master made them regard themselves as a single whole, never separating.

Finally, at a certain moment, the golden expanse before his eyes was replaced by gray earth.

"Boom~"

Falling, falling at extreme speed!

The attraction of the Dragon Court Ancient Land's earth veins was beyond imagination; Zhao Xing only fully stabilized his form on the second breath.

Below lay a vast, desolate land.

Massive stones, scales glinting; yellow sand stirred up.

"Where is this?"

Zhao Xing took out the map issued by the imperial court, but found no recognizable landmarks.

Without reference points, he could only search.

The first method was Cloud Passage: spreading the cloud layer to greatly expand detection range, but it created too much disturbance.

The second method was Multiform Division: sending out multiple divisions in different directions—quiet, and more precise.

"Multiform Division!"

"Great Expansion Gazing Technique!"

Zhao Xing released numerous divisions, then activated the Great Expansion Gazing Technique.

All living things in heaven and earth possess their own destiny.

The Multiform Divisions scoured in all directions; wherever they detected concentrated streams of destiny, it proved the presence of dragon kin.

Zhao Xing could now identify reference points.

"Sssssssss~"

Half an hour after the divisions were dispatched.

The information Zhao Xing received gradually increased.

After an hour, he opened his eyes and pulled out the map.

"Judging from the gathered data, this area should belong to—'Gu Ting' Kingdom? And it's still close to the city?"

After triple-checking, Zhao Xing's expression turned remarkably vivid.

"Is my luck this good? I've been teleported directly into Gu Ting Kingdom—one of the Ten Great Kingdoms of the Dragon Court—and the very dragon realm I knew best in my past life."

Random teleportation might land you on minor territories far from the Dragon Court's core regions—places where only low-bloodline dragon kin gathered, offering no real benefit.

To obtain treasure, you must head toward the Central Dragon Court—at least to the level of the Ten Great Kingdoms—before you stand a chance of finding relics from ancient times.

The Great Zhou, and all other external factions, had spent years preparing with great effort.

Their ultimate goal was always the legacy and treasure of the Central Dragon Court; everything else held no real value.

"Perfect." Zhao Xing smiled faintly.

"Meow?" The mountain cat mewed in confusion, unsure why its master was grinning like an idiot.

Zhao Xing patted the mountain cat's head and chuckled: "Thanks for the invite—I'm in the Dragon Court, and I'm speedrunning."

An hour later, the vast majority of the divisions returned; Zhao Xing then set off toward Gu Ting Wang Cheng with his three battle beasts.