Chapter 423: A single Qi breath spans a million miles, ascending to the Coral rank!

Coral City, Eastern District, Tianrui Manor.

Amidst a sea of flowers, the flora and trees were all swirling at an astonishing speed around a silver-haired youth at the center.

The earth seemed to have become a Yin-Yang diagram, with two diametrically opposed forces constantly merging and separating.

Suddenly, the entire sea of flowers went still. Pu Tianrui looked at the sky with some confusion; reflected in his eyes was a pale golden silhouette seen from behind.

"Hmm? Why have all my straw men disintegrated?"

"And who is this figure?"

Pu Tianrui immediately began sending inquiries to his master.

……

Coral City, within a vast primeval forest, Fairy Youling looked at her own exploded straw man, unable to help but show a look of shock.

"By my Three Treasures Ancestor... did the Mushroom King really master Zuo Qiyu's technique?"

She was relatively familiar with Zhao Xing; after over a thousand years of acquaintance, even if Zhao Xing was just a silhouette and wearing the Cicada Gold Dharma Robe, she recognized him!

"I should have swapped earlier if I'd known. I'll go take a look..." Fairy Youling immediately flew toward Seaweed City.

…………

Seaweed City, on an endless field.

Several thousand 'Yuan Qiusheng' clones, wearing coir rain capes and conical hats while working, suddenly lost control and exploded.

"What's going on?"

Yuan Qiusheng's true self quickly rushed to the spell experimental field, his eyes filled with shock and heartache.

The straw men exploding had ruined quite a few of his seedlings.

"Is that Brother Zhao's silhouette?" Yuan Qiusheng looked up at the sky, his eyes also reflecting Zhao Xing's silhouette.

"Brother Zhao, what kind of spell have you actually mastered? These straw men of mine were all at the Five Elements Dao Domain realm..."

Yuan Qiusheng muttered to himself.

……

Coral City, at a boundary star arena.

Han Qianye and True Person Miaosong were sparring with straw men.

The planet was divided into two distinct camps; one hemisphere was scorching hot, belonging to Han Qianye's Giant Cauldron and Heavenly Sun straw men.

The other hemisphere was cold and dark, belonging to True Person Miaosong's Antarctic straw men and Heavenly Demon straw men.

"Brother Han, in ten more days, you will lose. This time, I have won."

Outside the boundary star, on a floating platform, True Person Miaosong smiled at Han Qianye beside him.

"Hmph, until the very end, the outcome is unknown." Han Qianye continued his micro-management, though his territory was clearly shrinking.

"Hahaha, Brother Han, no matter how you operate, your straw man army is merely fodder for me. Must you fight to the last man before admitting defeat? That's so boring."

"Surrender now, and I'll count it as you only losing by half." True Person Miaosong laughed.

"In my, Han Qianye's, dictionary, there is no such thing as surr... Hmm?"

Bang bang bang bang bang!

Suddenly, violent explosions erupted from the boundary star arena.

In an instant, the arena was filled with spiritual energy dust, and the void trembled.

All the straw men exploded simultaneously.

"What?" True Person Miaosong and Han Qianye were both startled.

They both tried to control their straw men to stop at the first moment, but everything happened too fast; the explosions occurred in an instant.

Moreover, just as they wanted to exert control, a silhouette wearing a dark golden dharma robe with an imposing figure suddenly appeared before their eyes.

The silhouette was like the embodiment of the Dao, completely severing their control over the straw men.

"Damn, this suppression... is it Zuo Qiyu's Void Straw Man?!" True Person Miaosong exclaimed.

"How could Zuo Qiyu take action against us? This clearly means Zhao Xing has mastered it!" Han Qianye was both shocked and excited. "The rumors are actually true; can the Void Straw Man really suppress a domain?"

The two looked at each other, then said in unison: "Let's go, find him in Seaweed City!"

…………

Coral City, within a dense primeval forest.

A cold-looking black-haired youth sat under a large tree. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, and a withered leaf mark appeared on his forehead.

"Such a domineering spell."

Tuo Sen's eyes lit up with a sharp gleam.

He did not cultivate the straw man technique, but at this moment, he too sensed the existence of the Void Straw Man.

……

The sensation quickly spread; there were not a few in the entire Primordial Realm who could recognize the Void Straw Man.

Many Dao Domain realm and Reincarnation realm experts instantly realized that someone new had mastered the Void Straw Man.

Because Zuo Qiyu couldn't have been the one to act; if he had, the straw men of the Reincarnation realm Farmers wouldn't have been able to maintain themselves.

Judging by the intensity, it could only be that a new Farmer had mastered the Void Straw Man!

"Who exactly is it?"

"Doesn't Zuo Qiyu refuse to take disciples or pass on his techniques?"

"Let's ask the Enforcement Hall."

"Hehe, another master-slayer has appeared. This is interesting."

……

Seaweed City, Huailiu Courtyard.

After Zhao Xing mastered the Void Straw Man, he felt the commotion he had caused and immediately withdrew his supernatural ability.

"Goodness, so many Farmers are using straw men to work; I've really poked a hornet's nest of straw men."

Although it was only for a split second, Zhao Xing still sensed tens of trillions of straw men.

And that was only counting the high-grade ones, such as Han Qianye's Giant Cauldron and Heavenly Sun straw men; True Person Miaosong's Heavenly Demon and Antarctic straw men.

As for the lesser straw men, Zhao Xing couldn't even count them.

"Straw men come in diverse types and have wide applications. In the Primordial Realm, whether they are of the Heavenly Timing, Earthly Advantage, or Self-Nature schools, almost every Farmer knows a trick or two of straw man spells. Even auxiliary Farmers use straw men to work."

"Now that I've caused such a stir, will I be punished by the Primordial Realm?"

Zhao Xing felt a bit uneasy; he hadn't intended to show off.

At the moment of mastery, the spell was just at the introductory level, and he still couldn't quite control its power.

That was why he had even put on the Cicada Gold Dharma Robe, just to enhance his control over the straw men.

"Although they only saw my silhouette, with so many great powers in the Primordial Realm, they should know it was me."

"Confession brings leniency."

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and immediately sent messages to Zuo Qiyu, Gu Luohe, and the Five Poisons Emperor.

Then he flew out of the training room in Huailiu Courtyard and waited above the barrier.

As expected, above his Huailiu Courtyard, two phalanxes had already appeared, waiting.

They wore black dharma robes and armor, looking majestic, numbering about a thousand.

"Is that Gong Fa from the Primordial Enforcement Hall? Oh right, he's still in the Enforcement Hall at this time." Zhao Xing looked at the leader.

'Gong Fa' was a veteran Reincarnation realm Farmer.

Master Zhao had a deep memory of him, because in his previous life, he had once asked Gong Fa for advice, only for the other party to curse him out before he could say two words: 'Your aptitude is truly rotten wood, a low-quality original seed, unworthy of cultivating this technique.'

Gong Fa didn't speak after appearing; a handsome youth with golden hair and blue eyes beside him stepped out, holding a green jade scepter.

He looked at Zhao Xing below with some surprise: "Seaweed-rank member Zhao Xing, the recent disturbance was caused by him. My lord, could there be a mistake?"

Zhao Xing also looked at the youth beside Gong Fa.

This person was named Carlos Yang, the very same Carlos who was in the top ten of the Self-Nature school's combat division at the Primordial Assembly.

The custom in the star system where Carlos's family resided was to have very long names; Carlos Yang was just a simplified form.

In the year 1775 of the Primordial Realm, the original Seaweed-rank members already included dozens of Coral-rank members.

Carlos Yang was one of them, and he had joined the Primordial Enforcement Hall department.

Carlos Yang had a deep impression of Zhao Xing because of the title of Gu Luohe's disciple, and furthermore, Zhao Xing's persistence in breaking through the Taichu City trials for over a thousand years was known to many.

Conversely, Carlos Yang knew nothing about the Great Zhou's affairs in the Annihilation Star Corridor.

Receiving a mission to mobilize today, Carlos had thought it was to handle a dispute between military generals, not expecting it to be Zhao Xing.

"There is no mistake." Gong Fa glanced below.

"What exactly did he do to warrant you coming out personally, and bringing so many people?" Carlos was curious.

Even if one wanted to cause trouble, one had to have the ability. Usually, if a Farmer blew up a lab or something, it was a minor matter, and no one would care.

Gong Fa didn't answer Carlos Yang's question, just looked up in a certain direction.

The Five Poisons Emperor and Zuo Qiyu appeared one after another.

"Gong Fa, Zhao Xing is my student; his spell caused the fluctuation, so the responsibility is mine," Zuo Qiyu transmitted his voice. "As for whatever losses everyone suffered, he will pay for them."

The Five Poisons Emperor said with an unwilling face: "You take full responsibility, I pay the money? What kind of idiotic logic is that?"

Zuo Qiyu: "That's how it's settled."

Gong Fa didn't say a word; after cupping his hands, he transmitted to the phalanx behind him: "Withdraw."

The enforcement team came quickly; this was their duty, and regardless, this response speed was necessary.

Coming without immediately arresting and questioning was just waiting for someone, because Gong Fa had also recognized the Void Straw Man—how could he dare to actually arrest him?

Clearly, the person they were waiting for had arrived, so of course they could leave; after all, this wasn't a major matter.

Only Carlos was left bewildered.

"Why did they withdraw again?"

"What exactly happened?"

Carlos Yang came inexplicably and left inexplicably.

He couldn't help but look back at Zhao Xing below, before flying away with the main force.

After the enforcement team left, only Zuo Qiyu and the Five Poisons Emperor were left arguing above Huailiu Courtyard.

The appearance of Gu Luohe ended their daily bickering.

"Senior."

"Hmm." Gu Luohe nodded slightly, then looked at Zhao Xing below, revealing a rare smile: "Not bad."

"Greetings, Master Gu, Senior Zuo, Master. Student just now..." Zhao Xing wanted to explain after paying his respects.

Gu Luohe interrupted: "You just mastered it and are not yet proficient; it is understandable, no need to worry."

"That's right, if you want to blame someone, blame those mechanism masters in the Primordial Realm; their formation barriers aren't sturdy enough!" the Five Poisons Emperor immediately said.

"Qiyu, you handle the public face; Five Elements, you pay the money." Gu Luohe left a sentence and walked away.

The Five Poisons Emperor was stunned, then slapped himself: "I really have a loose mouth; I almost forgot that most of the formation barriers were handled by Senior Gu."

Zuo Qiyu opened his mouth with a look of contempt and cursed silently.

"Old beast, curse me again if you dare!"

The Five Poisons Emperor lunged forward, but Zuo Qiyu disappeared from where he stood.

"Coward, only knows how to hide."

The Five Poisons Emperor flew down, still feeling unsatisfied, and looked at Zhao Xing:

"Disciple, you curse him too."

"Master, this disciple dares not," Zhao Xing said honestly.

"What are you afraid of?" the Five Poisons Emperor said with a straight face: "You'll have to fight him sooner or later; if you don't even dare to curse him, you're also a coward."

"……"

Zhao Xing was also speechless; you dare to curse because you have the ability, if I curse, isn't that asking for a beating?

But the Five Poisons Emperor had this temper; when his temper flared, he would even curse himself, so what else could be said?

Seeing Zhao Xing silent, the Five Poisons Emperor ranted for another half an hour.

The scope of his criticism quickly expanded from Zhao Xing and Zuo Qiyu to the entire Farmer profession.

"……The people of the Primordial Hill are also a bunch of good-for-nothings; it's been over three thousand years, and the Sea Passage Ancient Road still hasn't been opened."

"A single Three-Fold Boundary Mountain takes 325 years to deal with; what a waste of the Empire's money. If it were me, I would have chiseled it open long ago. And he's the eldest disciple of the Hongshan Emperor? A big good-for-nothing is more like it……"

Zhao Xing listened quietly to the Five Poisons Emperor's roar, extracting some important information.

"……Delayed for so long, now it's even worse; the two families splitting the money is about to become several families splitting the money."

"If you ask me, we shouldn't have let them join in the first place."

"……"

The speed of his speech was so fast that Zhao Xing couldn't get a word in.

After a while, the Five Poisons Emperor finally slowed down.

Zhao Xing then seized the opportunity and said cautiously: "Master, do you mean that the cooperation between the Empire and the Primordial Hill to develop the Empire's northwestern wasteland is not going smoothly? Is the Hongshan Emperor coming too?"

The Five Poisons Emperor stopped and glanced at Zhao Xing: "It's more than that; soon, the Source Heavenly Palace, the Wasteland Ancient Kingdom Alliance, and the forces of the Reincarnation Temple will all be coming."

"What do you mean?" Zhao Xing was stunned.

"You aren't qualified to hear such secrets yet," the Five Poisons Emperor shook his head. "Become a Coral-rank member as soon as possible; there isn't much time left for you."

Having said that, the Five Poisons Emperor, having vented his anger, drifted away.

Leaving Zhao Xing messy in the wind.

"I don't know what happened; how did the exploration of the Siyue Wasteland involve so many forces?"

Zhao Xing pondered for a while, then quickly returned to his room and opened the Star Mirror to check the Empire's latest map.

He also searched for events that had occurred in the Xuanling Star Domain over the past two thousand years. A few days later, a look of realization appeared on Zhao Xing's face.

"So that's how it is."

"After the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom Dharma Assembly incident, the map of the ancient kingdoms in the Shenluo Wasteland has undergone tremendous changes."

"The wasteland belt has further expanded; compared to my previous life, it has accelerated its expansion by more than three times."

"The expansion of the wasteland belt means a decrease in habitable spiritual energy territory."

"Conflicts between the human race and the demon race have become much more frequent in the last two thousand years," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

The impact of that Dharma Assembly in the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom was profound.

It wasn't as if modifying memories could make everything go back to normal.

"During that Dharma Assembly in the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, only tens of thousands of Reincarnation realm experts died, but the number of Dao Domain realm experts was countless."

"To support the resurrection of Lao Qing and the Eastern Extension Ancient God, I'm afraid the number of sacrifices in the Dao Domain realm also exceeded that of my previous life," Zhao Xing speculated.

"And the Dao Domain realm is actually the backbone force against wastelandification."

The Reincarnation realm counts as the upper echelon, but how many of the upper echelon actually do the work? Most of the work of personally guarding the wasteland is done by Dao Domain realm experts.

With fewer Dao Domain realm experts, the expansion of wastelandification naturally accelerated.

"Although the Empire's territory is far from the Shenluo Wasteland, after two thousand years, it has also been affected."

"The demon race wants to compete with the human race for territory, and the pressure on the Empire's frontiers has also increased," Zhao Xing said, looking at the intelligence reports.

"In my previous life, the Empire cast off other forces and only cooperated with the Primordial Hill for exploration. Now that the landscape has changed, even the Source Heavenly Palace, the Ancient Kingdom Alliance, and even the Reincarnation Temple want to participate?"

Zhao Xing felt his analysis was likely correct.

"I really have to hurry."

The situation was becoming complex, and Zhao Xing had no idea about the future; only by becoming strong quickly could he deal with all the variables.

Closing the Star Mirror, Zhao Xing opened the points leaderboard.

【Name: Zhao Xing】

【Rank: Seaweed 7th Tier (19. 5 million / 25. million)】

【Available Points: 850, 00】

【Extra Points: 19. 5 million】

"In this session, counting only Farmers, there are already hundreds of Coral-rank members."

"Counting all professions, there are over five thousand Coral-rank members."

"However, among the Farmers of the Self-Nature school, there are only eighty-something."

In the 1775 years, Zhao Xing indeed hadn't deliberately accumulated extra points, and he was still at the Seaweed 7th Tier.

"Seaweed 9th Tier requires 51. million points."

"Ascending to Coral 1st Tier requires 102. million points."

"After focusing on cultivation for 1775 years, it's time to reap the benefits of the Primordial Realm."

Zhao Xing closed the Star Mirror and immediately flew out of Huailiu Courtyard.

"The first stop is the Primordial Ocean."

……

Primordial Ocean, West Coast.

"Pop~"

Zhao Xing was spat out by the Instant Flower.

At this time, the West Coast was still teeming with people.

"Brother Zhao!"

"Zhao Xing, are the rumors true?"

"Mushroom King, dare you have a battle with me?"

As soon as Zhao Xing appeared, he immediately caused a sensation.

The legend of the Void Straw Man had already spread; now, not only did Farmers know, but even other professions had heard of Zhao Xing's affairs.

"Divine Gold, who has the time to play with you all."

Zhao Xing ignored them completely and disappeared from the shore.

……

Primordial Ocean, at the 100, 01 nautical mile mark.

"Splash~"

The surging ocean connected into a line, like a moving city wall, sweeping across.

"Go!"

The Void Straw Man was immediately released by Zhao Xing.

As soon as the two-meter-tall straw man appeared, it opened its mouth, and the already chaotic Primordial Ocean actually formed a stable void crack.

It backhanded and swallowed Zhao Xing's true self into it.

"Boom~"

The waves quickly rushed over.

The Void Straw Man opened its mouth again, and a larger crack appeared horizontally in front of it.

"Splash~~"

All the sea waves flowed along the crack to the back.

The Void Straw Man was like drawing a groove in front of itself, directly letting the waves bypass it.

"A petty trick." The Void Straw Man revealed a faint smile.

Then it flew over the wave crest, which was only ten meters high.

……

Flying, flying all the way, Zhao Xing's Void Straw Man completely ignored the impact of the Primordial Ocean.

In just the time it takes to burn an incense stick, it rushed from the 100, 00-mile area to the 900, 00-mile mark.

Unobstructed!

"The Void Straw Man is truly enjoyable."

The true self staying in the straw man's belly couldn't help but smile.

"The impact of the Primordial Ocean is first weakened by 99% by the Void Straw Man, and those invisible impacts, mind and will-type attacks, also cannot penetrate the Void Straw Man to reach the true self inside."

The Void Straw Man contains a vast space.

Because advancing from the Giant Sun Straw Man to the Void Straw Man is, to some extent, a practice of comprehending the Void Dao.

Zhao Xing only took one step, but it was a qualitative leap! Reflected in the Void Straw Man technique, the amplification was even more terrifying.

The exquisite combination of technique and Dao brought the Void Straw Man's strength to an exaggerated level.

As for how exaggerated? Zhao Xing's current trial was also a test of the Void Straw Man.

"Mind attacks, soul attacks, these attacks without substance, when transmitted into the Void Straw Man's body, are offset by the distant spatial distance."

Zhao Xing's true self lay down comfortably.

"The void is folded countless times; it's like someone standing ten thousand light-years away launching a mind attack at me, and the attack dissipates halfway."

"Too far away, everything is futile."

When he was assassinated by the Shadow Temple's mind curse master Wei Jiu, the opponent also had to sneak within a certain distance for the spell to reach maximum power.

If the distance was too far, it would be obstructed and offset by the various Daos operating in the cosmic void.

Now that Zhao Xing's true self was staying inside the Void Straw Man, he reached the 990, 00-mile mark very easily.

……

At the million-mile mark of the Primordial Ocean, there were islands along the line, and on the islands were courtyards.

On every island, there was an 'Ocean Guardian'.

By the time the Primordial Ocean reached the million-mile mark, its power was already terrifying, and trial-takers were very likely to be injured because the teleportation formation couldn't operate in time.

So the Ocean Guardian's duty was to prevent accidents.

On Guardian Island No. 188, Lans, who was meditating, suddenly opened his eyes.

"Someone has reached the million-mile mark."

"I wonder who it is."

Lans stretched out his palm, which suddenly turned into a mirror surface, showing the situation in the sea area he was responsible for.

He was a Life-Death Dao Domain realm Mech Warrior.

"No one?"

Lans was a bit strange; he only saw the roaring waves but didn't find the trial-taker.

"No, there is someone, and they've even reached the 990, 00-mile mark." Lans searched deeply a second time, only then discovering Zhao Xing's existence.

The Void Straw Man was only two meters tall, and the trial-taking method was very peculiar, so he had almost overlooked it.

"Two meters tall, what kind of spell is this?"

Lans immediately checked the trial-taker's information.

"Seaweed 7th Tier member, Farmer Zhao Xing."

"Entered from the West Coast two days ago and rushed to the 990, 00-mile mark in one go?" A flash of surprise crossed Lans's eyes.

"A Seaweed 7th Tier member can reach here in one go?"

Splash~

A pair of mechanical wings unfolded behind Lans, and the void vibrated like a water surface; the next moment, Lans appeared high above the million-mile warning line.

He looked down at Zhao Xing, who was close at hand.

"Such profound spellcraft, actually utilizing the Void Dao to this extent?"

"A straw man, the materials used aren't even peculiar, at most they count as materials for low-grade Taiyin Dao Soldiers, yet it can reach here."

Lans watched with anticipation.

Soon, Zhao Xing crossed the million-mile boundary line.

"Boom~"

Crossing the million-mile boundary line was the watershed between the Yin-Yang Dao Domain realm and the Life-Death Dao Domain realm.

At least one aspect had to reach the standard of the Life-Death Dao Domain realm to stand firm at the million-mile mark for ten breaths.

"Can he hold on for ten breaths?" Lans stared fixedly, ready to act at any time.

The sea waves rose sharply, almost forming a water world; above and below, water boundary walls formed in an instant.

Once here, the Primordial Ocean made no sound; everything seemed to be in slow motion.

It was as if a world had reached the end of its life, wrapping around Zhao Xing, collapsing and imploding inward.

"Ten, nine, eight……"

Lans counted down silently.

Void cracks appeared around the Void Straw Man, like a cage, isolating it from the outside world.

However, the seawater still flowed slowly through the void cracks, forming an encirclement and squeezing toward the Void Straw Man.

"The pressure of the Water Dao is too great; the Void Straw Man is also about to be unable to hold on." Zhao Xing's true self was no longer relaxed and stood up seriously.

"Although the Void Dao has the advantage, the Dao level of this Ocean Boundary is higher. I only took one step, but the attack I'm facing is like one launched by a practitioner who has taken seven or eight steps."

Sizzle sizzle~

The flowing seawater was like an adhesive, filling the void cracks.

The Void Straw Man tried its best to cast spells, but it was still surrounded by the ubiquitous ocean currents.

"Pop~"

A huge squeeze came, and Zhao Xing's true self immediately felt extremely uncomfortable, as if facing the fear of death.

Heaven's might is unfathomable!

"The power of nature truly possesses the ability of a ghost-axe and divine craftsmanship!" Zhao Xing could no longer hold on and was directly knocked unconscious.

……

The coma didn't last long; Zhao Xing soon woke up from a soft bed.

Opening his eyes, he saw a man with mechanical wings and a hat standing in front of the bed; his attire had patterns of oceans and islands.

"You're awake." Lans turned around, his smile warm.

"Who is your Excellency?" Zhao Xing got up and bowed.

"I am Ocean Guardian No. 188, Lans."

"Congratulations, Farmer Zhao, you held on for ten breaths at the million-mile mark of the Primordial Ocean." Lans returned the bow, then took out his Star Mirror: "According to the regulations of the Primordial Realm, this process will be certified by me. After certification, you will be a Coral-rank member."

Zhao Xing handed over his Star Mirror, and Lans's Star Mirror touched it briefly.

Both Star Mirrors emitted a burst of red light.

On the back of Zhao Xing's Star Mirror, the Seaweed logo twisted and changed into a red coral logo.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Lans."

Zhao Xing took the Star Mirror with some emotion.

"Crossing a million miles of ocean in two days, holding on for ten breaths at the peak of the weather—this is the strongest straw man technique I have ever seen." Lans placed his hat on his chest and bowed slightly: "It is my honor to witness the rise of a genius."