The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

Zhao Xing speculated that King Liang's premature downfall might be connected to something deeper.

However, without another major event to test his hypothesis, he simply noted it down for later.

On December 8th, in the thirty-sixth year of the Jingxin Era, Zhao Xing left the Star Palace.

"We're already at the stage of beating a drowning dog," Zhao Xing mused. "With news of King Liang's defeat in Luliang Prefecture soon to spread across the land, there's no need for me to fight over the scraps."

Zhao Xing flew to the Heavenly Horse Villa at the Princess Manor as soon as he exited the Star Palace.

A wisp of mist swept into Chen Shijie's estate.

"Old Chen," Zhao Xing called softly.

He extended a gentle kick, sending a wave of vitality rippling into the ground to search for Chen Shijie's secluded cultivation chamber.

"Got you," Zhao Xing murmured as he sensed Chen Shijie's location.

It was a subterranean palace 3,000 meters below ground.

A Soul-Refining Earth Palace!

As a senior Shennong specializing in geomantic cultivation, Chen Shijie had chosen one of the most solid methods—the Earth Palace Refinement Technique.

Over the past two years of relative peace, Chen Shijie had spent 90% of his time in the Earth Palace, so much so that even Gui Niang, his partner, rarely saw him.

"Old Chen~ Old Chen~" Zhao Xing sent rhythmic, steady earth vibrations into the Earth Palace.

"Hmm?"

Seated cross-legged within the earth veins, Chen Shijie opened his eyes.

In moments, he ascended rapidly, exiting the Earth Palace and appearing on the surface.

"Zhao Xing, is it time?" Chen Shijie asked, his tone calm and measured.

"It is," Zhao Xing confirmed with a glance at Chen Shijie.

Chen Shijie's aura had transformed completely in the past two years—he had ascended to the fourth rank.

The Seven Spirits had fully refined, and his foundation was both solid and far beyond the ordinary.

Chen Shijie's talent and potential had been considered below average at the start of the Jingxin Era, with only his comprehension being slightly above par.

However, after benefitting from promotions and fortune during the early Southern Barbarian War, the blessings of the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, a decade of training in the Eastern Sea, and two years of consolidation with resources from the Princess Manor, Chen Shijie had undergone a complete metamorphosis.

"It's time. With King Liang defeated, it's your turn to step into the light," Zhao Xing said, sharing recent intelligence with Chen Shijie.

Apart from a flicker of emotion upon hearing of King Liang's fall, Chen Shijie remained composed.

The earth carried all things with its vast and selfless virtue. Chen Shijie's mind reflected this, exuding a calmness so profound it seemed as though nothing, not even the collapse of the heavens, could unsettle him.

"Done reading?" Zhao Xing asked after a moment.

"Yes," Chen Shijie replied simply.

"Chen Shijie, receive your decree!" Zhao Xing pulled out an imperial edict, which he had acquired from Lord Luo.

"Your servant is present," Chen Shijie said, arranging his robes and kneeling.

This was an imperial decree imbued with the Emperor's authority.

As a fifth-ranked official awaiting reassignment, Chen Shijie was required to kneel to receive it.

Zhao Xing unfolded the decree.

A faint projection appeared above it, revealing Lord Luo clad in imperial armor and wielding the King's Command Sword and the Momentous Prison Bow.

"By order of His Majesty, this king appoints you as the Shennong Overseer of Tongming Prefecture, concurrently serving as the Military Shennong Commander of the Yuanming Army and as a Special Envoy of the Grade Four Earth Dao Division. You are to report to Tongming Prefecture immediately," the projection declared.

"Your servant accepts the decree," Chen Shijie said, raising his hands above his head.

Zhao Xing placed the decree in his hands.

Chen Shijie felt its weight—it was physically heavy, but its significance was even greater.

The positions granted to him—Shennong Overseer of Tongming Prefecture, Military Shennong Commander, and Special Envoy of the Earth Dao Division—were all fourth-rank posts. The Shennong Overseer role alone was a primary fourth-rank position.

For someone who had spent years as a dormant fifth-rank official, previously holding roles like Dragon Horse Director and Deputy Administrator of the Earth God Temple, this appointment was nothing short of extraordinary.

Though it was technically a temporary assignment, as long as he performed well, transitioning to a permanent role was almost guaranteed.

"You managed to secure such a decree from the ruling prince?" Chen Shijie asked, his tone tinged with amazement as he rose.

Zhao Xing chuckled. "You're worthy of the appointment, Old Chen. If you were an incompetent official, even with my request, the decree wouldn't have held. Not only would you fail to advance, but you might even face demotion."

"With Tongming Prefecture in ruins, rebuilding will be grueling. Old Chen, be prepared for hardship," Zhao Xing added, his tone teasing.

Chen Shijie laughed heartily. "Only you, Zhao Chen'an, could frame a promotion as 'hardship.'"

The reality was clear: this was an unparalleled opportunity for political achievements. Even doing the bare minimum would result in success, given the state of Tongming Prefecture.

Tongming Prefecture was currently a land of ruins, and every position Chen Shijie was granted was tied to the restoration of its geomantic energy.

With the chaos in Pinghai Province subsiding, the land would naturally begin to heal itself. Furthermore, Xuanyuan Qingtian, the leader of the Earth School, had used the divine artifact Mountain and River Diagram to cast the Mountain and River Everlasting Spell.

Simply by assuming his post, Chen Shijie would reap merits effortlessly.

"Time is of the essence; set out immediately," Zhao Xing said.

Though this was a temporary appointment, how far Chen Shijie could rise would depend on his own abilities.

Zhao Xing had chosen this position for Chen Shijie after much deliberation, believing that with Chen Shijie's capabilities, he would undoubtedly make a significant impact.

"Let's go," Chen Shijie said, leaving a brief message for Gui Niang before departing the Princess Manor with Zhao Xing.

Tongming Prefecture was a considerable distance from Chongming Prefecture. It wasn't a journey that could be completed quickly.

However, with Zhao Xing leveraging his Dao Field privileges, they arrived at Tongming Prefecture within a single day.

"I won't accompany you to the administrative office," Zhao Xing said.

"No need, I can handle it," Chen Shijie replied confidently.

By this point, if he couldn't manage his subordinates, peers, or superiors, he might as well crash his head into a wall.

Having Zhao Xing accompany him would be akin to spoon-feeding him. That wasn't how officials were meant to function.

"Alright, I'll await your good news," Zhao Xing said, parting ways with Chen Shijie.

After seeing Chen Shijie off, Zhao Xing activated the Biyou Canghai formation to teleport to his next destination: Dayuan Prefecture, in Nanyang County—his homeland.

"Swish~"

Zhao Xing arrived swiftly at the divine temple in Nanyang County.

Inside the temple, Zhao Xing flicked his fingers, igniting the incense burner.

"Day and Night Patrol Deities, where are you?"

"Swish~"

Two divine statues revealed their true forms.

The original Day and Night Patrol Deities had already perished, and the newly appointed ones from the Netherworld still lacked sufficient power, their forms faint and illusory.

"Greetings, Inspector," they said, bowing deeply.

When minor yin deities encountered a high-ranking official, they were obliged to perform formal salutations.

"Where is Zong Shichang, the Seventh Rank Pinghuai Magistrate of Nanyang County, currently stationed?" Zhao Xing asked.

"He is patrolling Wangjia Village in Yuhe County," replied one of the deities.

"Very well, you may step back," Zhao Xing instructed.

Once he had the information he needed, Zhao Xing disappeared from the temple.

Zong Shichang had been an Eighth Rank official in the twenty-second year of the Jingxin Era. By the thirty-sixth year, he had only risen to the lower Seventh Rank.

Such was the nature of governing in a small locality; it often took decades to secure even a slight promotion.

The only reason Zong Shichang managed to rise from Eighth to Seventh Rank was because Zhao Xing had intervened on his behalf when he returned to Nanyang County years ago. This prompted the county magistrate to provide Zong with an opportunity.

Even so, Seventh Rank appeared to be his limit. Advancing to a middle-ranked official position wasn't a simple feat.

With the chaos in Pinghai Province nearing its end, opportunities had begun to surface. However, Zhao Xing needed to assess Zong Shichang's intentions and capabilities. If Zong wasn't prepared or capable, forcibly promoting him to a higher position would only harm him.

In Wangjia Village, Yuhe County, Zong Shichang's voice boomed across the cold, snow-covered village square.

"Where is Gongsun Bo's Return-to-Origin Waterwheel? Why hasn't it been installed yet?!" he roared.

"Sir Zong," a subordinate replied nervously, "Lord Gongsun said the weather is too cold, and the mechanists from Tiangong Workshop are unwilling to enter the water. The construction might need to be delayed by a few days."

"Rubbish! That old dog is just slacking off! Go, find Inspector Wu and have him drag that old mutt out of his den!"

"But this... Sir..."

"Go, I said!" Zong bellowed.

Just as Zhao Xing arrived, he was greeted by Zong Shichang's furious reprimands.

"Sir Zong, quite the commanding presence you've got there," Zhao Xing teased.

"Who's there?!" Zong spun around, only to see a familiar face smiling at him. "Ha! Zhao Xing!" Zong Shichang exclaimed, his anger melting into joy. "What brings you back here?!"

"Let's put my reasons aside for now. What's going on here?" Zhao Xing asked, gesturing toward the chaos.

Zong Shichang let out a heavy sigh before responding, "What else? The bitter cold has made everyone at Tiangong Workshop unwilling to work. That Gongsun Bo is the worst—lazy and insufferable—"

Snowflakes swirled in the sky, blanketing the ground as Zong vented his frustrations. The two stood by the surging river, one listening and the other lamenting.

Chunks of ice plunged into the current, carried away by the powerful flow as the water surged onward, relentless and unyielding.

After listening and mentally calculating the situation, Zhao Xing loosened his fingers, quickly understanding the core issue.

The water disaster caused by the Southern Barbarians exploiting the Canglan River had left lingering effects.

For counties and towns near the river, including Nanyang County and Dayuan Prefecture, water levels were unusually high this year.

Despite the chaos, Nanyang County had never fallen into enemy hands. Occasional rebel factions were swiftly eliminated, and the region remained under imperial control.

As such, the court had not declared the area a disaster zone.

Without disaster status, resources—both manpower and supplies—were directed elsewhere, leaving Nanyang in relative neglect.

From the court's perspective, the impact on the larger picture was minimal.

But for local villagers, especially those in riverside towns and villages that had been submerged, this was nothing short of a major catastrophe.

As Pinghuai Magistrate, Zong Shichang was responsible for managing rural waterways. His tasks included constructing mechanized waterwheels and digging canals.

However, he faced two significant obstacles: a lack of funding and insufficient manpower.

Pinghai Province had been drained of both finances and labor over the past two years. While rebellion and nature could be subdued, economic recovery was a much slower process. True relief wouldn't come until a period of prosperity.

After venting for a while, Zong Shichang finally calmed down. "Still, I can't entirely blame them," he admitted, his tone tinged with resignation. "I lack the ability to coordinate all parties effectively, and the court hasn't provided funding. It's all on me, I suppose."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly. "If your position were higher, you could better serve the people."

Zong Shichang, oblivious to Zhao Xing's underlying meaning, replied with a wry smile. "What good would that do? I can't even manage these small rivers—"

His words trailed off as he glanced at the sky, puzzled. Undoing his collar, he muttered, "Why does it feel warmer all of a sudden? And the river—why has the water level dropped so much?!"

Zhao Xing smiled. "Perhaps the heavens were moved by your diligence, and Wangjia Village's disaster has been alleviated."

"Really?" Zong Shichang's eyes widened with doubt as he shot Zhao Xing a suspicious look before running into a nearby bamboo shed.

After examining several instruments, he exclaimed, "The water level really has dropped! The yin-yang meter shifted by one mark and three segments to the left. According to Wu Jining's agricultural manual, this indicates the dissipation of a calamity!"

He checked other indicators. "The spiritual grass lost five leaves, and the Wenhua Bottle dropped by seven notches—"

"Could it be that I've truly moved the heavens?" Zong Shichang asked, bewildered. "I don't even worship often!"

Though he didn't understand, he was clearly shaken.

As reports from various subordinate officials confirmed similar phenomena, Zong Shichang realized the disaster was dissipating—not just in Wangjia Village but across multiple regions.

Turning to Zhao Xing, he asked suspiciously, "Did you do this? You arrived, and suddenly the disaster began to fade. Did you enlist some powerful figure's help?"

"It's indeed related to me," Zhao Xing admitted.

"It was you?!" Zong Shichang's disbelief was evident. Though he knew Zhao Xing had grown stronger over the years, he couldn't fathom the extent of his abilities.

"If you're this capable now, does that mean I can tag along and get promoted? Haha!" Zong Shichang joked.

Zhao Xing chuckled. "Why not? With your talent, a Sixth Rank position is within reach. With enough tempering, you could even qualify for Fifth Rank."

"However," Zhao Xing continued, his tone serious, "there aren't many opportunities here in Nanyang County. Would you be willing to leave home and serve in a foreign land?"

"If you agree, I can recommend you for a temporary Sixth Rank position elsewhere. Whether you're confirmed in that role, or how quickly, will depend on your ability."

Zong Shichang froze in shock. "Are you serious?"

When Zhao Xing confirmed his sincerity, Zong Shichang fell silent, deep in thought.

After much deliberation, he ultimately declined.

"Zhao Xing, thank you for your kindness," Zong Shichang said, rubbing his face as if to sober himself up. "Honestly, I don't have that kind of ambition. I just want to settle down peacefully with Qing'er. If I can bring some good fortune to the people along the way, that's enough for me."

"You understand what I mean, right?" he asked earnestly.

Zhao Xing patted Zong Shichang's shoulder with a knowing smile. "I get it. Not everyone dreams of climbing high in politics. Some just want to live a happy and content life. Eagles have their ambitions, and wild boars have their own way of living. Everyone has different pursuits—there's no need to force anything."

"Yes, exactly! That's what I meant," Zong Shichang agreed enthusiastically before suddenly hesitating. "Wait… Are you implying I'm an unambitious, lazy oaf waiting to coast through life?"

"Don't overthink it," Zhao Xing replied flatly.

"Why you—! You scoundrel, take this punch!" Zong laughed, swinging playfully at Zhao Xing.

"Hahaha! Remember, you owe me ten taels of silver!" Zhao Xing joked, dodging effortlessly.

"Hahaha, put it on a tab! I'll add eighteen more punches!" Zong shot back with a laugh.

Yunbei Lake, the largest lake in Dongchang Prefecture and the largest inland lake in all of Pinghai Province, lay tranquil yet vast. Following the recent turmoil in Pinghai Province, the lake had grown significantly larger than before.

"Whoosh~"

Suddenly, a section of the lake water bulged upward, as though something massive lurked beneath the surface.

"Gloop~"

A massive bubble broke the surface, expanding until it reached a twenty-meter radius before bursting violently.

"Ugh… ugh… cough, cough!" A figure appeared above the lake's surface, his silhouette shrouded in mist. It was Ji Chen, who had fled from the Eastern Sea.

After the Eastern Sea rebellion had failed, Ji Chen did not follow Hong Yuanshou in escaping deeper into the sea. Instead, he took an unexpected route, traveling inland with the help of permissions granted by Bishui Dao Academy. This path led him to Yunbei Lake in Dongchang Prefecture.

His timing had been impeccable. At that moment, the teleportation permissions controlled by King Liang were still active, allowing him to traverse swiftly.

Ji Chen's ultimate goal was to reach the Southern Wilderness. His father, before being surrounded, had instructed him to flee southward as their only chance of survival.

"Ugh… cough, cough!" Ji Chen coughed violently, his body trembling. Despite his Third-Rank cultivation, his condition was dire. His shoulder bore a golden sword lodged deep into his flesh—a weapon so potent that his injuries couldn't heal.

"Ahhh!" Ji Chen let out a frustrated yell, attempting to pull the golden sword from his shoulder. But as soon as he extracted it by half a foot, a surge of overwhelming sword intent erupted from the blade, ravaging his body.

To make matters worse, the divine sword seemed to grow larger whenever Ji Chen tried to manipulate his energy.

"Sizzle!" Smoke rose from Ji Chen's hand as he gripped the hilt, forcing him to abandon the attempt.

"Damn you, Long Xiao! Damn you!" Ji Chen cursed through gritted teeth.

His escape had been flawless, every detail carefully concealed. Yet Long Xiao, a swordsman, had found him.

Ji Chen hadn't anticipated that Long Xiao would not only track him down but also lie in wait, striking at the exact moment Ji Chen attempted to teleport.

Of the seven swords Long Xiao had unleashed, Ji Chen evaded six, but the seventh had pierced him through, rendering him gravely injured.

"How did he know I would take this route? Not even Hong Yuanshou knew my escape plan," Ji Chen muttered bitterly. "I've cloaked myself with the strongest celestial concealment—"

He couldn't fathom how he had been discovered. Could his father's assurances of "absolute concealment" have been false?

For now, Ji Chen had no choice but to pause and tend to his wounds while strategizing his next move.

Yet barely a moment passed before the surface of the lake three thousand meters behind him rippled ominously. A single bubble rose, heralding the arrival of a man carrying a massive sword on his back.

Sword qi spiraled around the newcomer like a celestial shroud, giving him the aura of a deity descending to the mortal realm.

At the same time, the golden sword embedded in Ji Chen's shoulder began vibrating violently.

"What?!" Ji Chen exclaimed, his face paling. "It's Long Xiao! He's here again!"

Understanding the identity of his pursuer, Ji Chen's thoughts raced. Simultaneously, through the Seven-Star Divine Sword's resonance, Long Xiao pinpointed Ji Chen's location.

The Seven-Star Divine Sword, originally a treasure bestowed by Emperor Jing to Bai Mingchuan, possessed unique properties. Its materials shared similarities with the Heaven and Earth Fishhook, granting it the [Seven-Star Positioning] feature.

As part of the aquatic Bai clan, Bai Mingchuan had been deeply grateful for Emperor Jing's generosity in gifting him this exquisite Eighth-Rank weapon set. However, not being a swordsman himself, he had passed it on to Long Xiao.

"Found you!" Long Xiao's eyes blazed with fury as he spotted Ji Chen. "You scum, return the Marquis' life!"

Ji Chen stopped fleeing. He knew there was no escaping Long Xiao unless he dealt with him directly.

He slapped two talismans onto his chest and back, suppressing the Seven-Star Divine Sword's effect as best he could.

"Long Xiao, don't you want to know Yang An's final words?" Ji Chen called out, trying to buy time as he prepared to counterattack. "I was on the battlefield that day—I saw his death with my own eyes."

Long Xiao hesitated, pausing midair.

But the respite was short-lived. Six divine swords emerged from Long Xiao's back, slicing through the air like dragons, encircling Ji Chen in a formation of lethal intent.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!" The swords formed a dazzling array, trapping Ji Chen completely.

This was no longer the hot-headed officer from years ago. Long Xiao had honed his skills over the past decade, tempering his fury with wisdom.

"Slash, slash, slash!" Sword qi crisscrossed through the formation, leaving Ji Chen scrambling to dodge.

In his desperation, Ji Chen laughed maniacally, shouting, "Yang An! Hahaha! He died a wretched death!"

"I ordered Luo Zhen to betray him, and Yang An fell for it, just as I planned!"

"Oh, and by the way, Luo Zhen later became King Xier, right at the former Shenwei Army garrison! Hahaha!"

"Yang An was such a fool! He had the chance to escape, but for the sake of his comrades, he refused to withdraw alone."

"In the end, he died of exhaustion. Even his soul couldn't escape. His final cries were filled with pain—do you know why?"

"Hahaha! It was the Soul-Scorching Gu!"

Despite the unbearable pain, Ji Chen continued taunting Long Xiao while evading the relentless sword qi. His treasure-laden body allowed him to hold his ground within the Seven-Star Sword Array, enduring the barrage of attacks.

"Soul-Scorching Gu, the most excruciating, torturous method in the world!" Ji Chen shouted, his voice tinged with both mockery and madness. "Yang An had incredible willpower. Even with the Soul-Scorching Gu tormenting him, it took a full month to dissolve his soul into nothingness!"

Ji Chen's taunts caused Long Xiao's body to tremble as though the searing anger within him would erupt uncontrollably. Yet, while fury burned in his veins, his eyes grew colder with each passing second. The blend of his growing anger and surging sword intent seemed to converge into a breakthrough.

In a blink, something inside Long Xiao snapped through its limit.

Ji Chen's heart sank instantly as he noticed the transformation. His attempt to provoke Long Xiao hadn't yielded the expected distraction. Instead, it had triggered a breakthrough in Long Xiao's swordsmanship.

Within the Seven-Star Sword Array, the number of sword qi attacks surged from one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand in an instant.

Clang, clang, clang!

The dense sword qi turned the surrounding two-thousand-meter radius into a realm of pure blades. Initially, each strand of sword qi emitted by the Seven-Star Divine Sword carried the strength of a Third-Rank Early Stage attack. But now, the power of these attacks climbed steadily. The two hundred thousand strands soon became five hundred thousand, and each carried the force of a Third-Rank Mid Stage strike.

Ji Chen's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Long Xiao's only at Fourth Rank, but he's unleashing such terrifying strength! Even Yang An, back in his prime, might not have been this powerful. And this... I caused this with my own provocation!" Ji Chen dared not utter another word. His heart raced as he felt the terrifying surge of sword qi converging upon him.

Though he relied heavily on his defensive treasures, they were designed to mitigate sword qi but not completely nullify its relentless impact. Defensive artifacts with barrier capabilities had limits, and Ji Chen, despite his status as a Third-Rank cultivator, couldn't fully activate their potential. What's more, Long Xiao's ambush had disrupted Ji Chen's control over many of his treasures.

For instance, the Gold Feather Battle Armor covering his body provided near-complete protection, yet its chest section remained exposed due to the interference of the Seven-Star Divine Sword embedded in him.

"Damn it!" Ji Chen's expression twisted as he realized his plight. The protective barrier activated by his Wolf Fang Jade Pendant was weakening rapidly. Every defensive barrier had an energy limit, and his was depleting fast under the relentless assault.

Though the Gold Feather Battle Armor could absorb 90% of the sword qi's impact, Ji Chen could only activate 80% of its defensive capability due to his injuries and compromised state.

Crash!

Under the ceaseless barrage of sword qi, even the Eighth-Rank Superior-grade defensive barrier finally shattered. Now, Ji Chen had nothing left but his body and armor to endure the storm.

He grit his teeth as he felt the pressure mounting. With the armor's reduced defensive capability, Ji Chen could barely withstand the relentless impacts.

"Long Xiao! Yang An isn't really dead!" Ji Chen shouted, panic breaking through his bravado. "I hid his soul! Spare me, and I'll take you to him!"

"Ahhh—" Ji Chen's voice cracked with desperation. He spun lies to stall for time, hoping to sow doubt. But Long Xiao's cold gaze told him the words fell on deaf ears.

"No, no! Stop! Yang An truly isn't dead—" Ji Chen's pleading was abruptly cut off.

Thump!

A sharp pain pierced Ji Chen's chest as his body convulsed. When he looked down, he saw the golden sword embedded in his body had vanished, leaving a massive, gaping hole in its place.

Splurt!

Sword qi surged into the open wound, shredding the remaining layers of protection. The once-imposing Gold Feather Battle Armor disassembled under Long Xiao's relentless attacks, falling apart piece by piece. In mere moments, the renowned armor had liquefied into molten metal, pooling around Ji Chen's feet. Now, he stood exposed and gravely injured.

Splat, splat, splat!

Seven divine swords emerged, nailing Ji Chen mid-air, pinning him like a helpless insect. Flames erupted from his body as he struggled against the binds, but the swords held him firmly. He couldn't even escape the hold of one blade, let alone seven.

"Help me! Help—" Ji Chen's cries for aid became muffled, as though his voice had been silenced by an unseen force. Long Xiao didn't react, his resolve as cold as the icy glint of his swords.

Suddenly, the overwhelming sword qi dissipated. Long Xiao's relentless onslaught paused.

Ji Chen stared at Long Xiao with wide eyes filled with despair. To his horror, he noticed that Long Xiao, who had been at the Fourth Rank moments ago, had ascended to the Third Rank.

"What monstrous talent!" Ji Chen thought, trembling. Yet, what crushed him even more was the realization that Long Xiao had no intention of ending things quickly. If he'd wanted to kill Ji Chen outright, the instant the Gold Feather Battle Armor was dismantled would have been enough.

"Long Xiao! Come on, kill me! Use your cruelest methods!" Ji Chen bellowed hysterically, his face contorted with desperation and madness. "Let me see just how far you can go!"

He laughed maniacally, his voice hoarse. "Yang An suffered terribly! See this pouch on my left hip? Inside, there's a bottle of Yuan-Piercing Water. One drop on me, and my pain will increase ten thousandfold. It's what I used on Yang An—"

Long Xiao's eyes flashed with cruelty as he raised his hand, prepared to act.

"Stop!"

A sudden voice echoed in Long Xiao's ears, cutting through his dark thoughts. A transmission talisman in his chest pocket burned brightly before disintegrating into ashes.

"Long Xiao, don't become the kind of person your enemies want you to be," the familiar voice said, calm yet firm.

Long Xiao's body tensed, his grip faltering as he replied hoarsely, "You heard what he said. He deserves—"

"Marquis would never want you to do this. Kill him cleanly and come to Anping Prefecture. I have important matters to discuss with you," the voice interrupted firmly.

In the distant city, Zhao Xing gazed into the sky as though witnessing the scene unfold. He knew what Long Xiao was about to do and hoped to prevent it. Torturing Ji Chen would undoubtedly bring momentary satisfaction, but it could destroy Long Xiao's sword heart in the long run.

By feeding into hatred, Long Xiao risked building his path to the Third Rank on rage. If he gave in to Ji Chen's provocations and enacted cruel vengeance, it would irreparably harm his future cultivation.

"Long Xiao!" Zhao Xing's voice turned sharper through the talisman. "Kill him swiftly and come back at once!"

"Ahhhh!!!"

Finally, Long Xiao heeded the advice. With a surge of sword qi, the myriad blades reappeared, instantly tearing Ji Chen's body and life soul to shreds.

As Ji Chen's remains scattered, the crimson tint in Long Xiao's eyes faded, leaving behind two streams of tears running down his face.

"Sob… Marquis…" His voice trembled with grief as the tears continued to fall.

On the other side, Zhao Xing let out a deep sigh of relief, listening quietly to the sound of Long Xiao's cries through the transmission talisman.

A moment later, Long Xiao's hoarse voice came through, steady yet weary. "Zhao Xing, I've cried it out. Now, where do I go?"

"Anping Prefecture," Zhao Xing instructed. "Head east along the tributaries of the Canglan River. Clear out the remaining enemies there."

The areas along the Canglan River were the last significant stronghold of their adversaries. The inner regions had already been dealt with, leaving only minor threats and scattered resistance, too insignificant to be of concern.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xing had tasked Chen Shijie with managing the administrative structures, urging him to swiftly establish order and governance. As for Long Xiao, a military commander, his path lay in earning accolades through battle.

"Got it. I'll leave now," Long Xiao replied firmly.

Zhao Xing gave a final warning. "I'm out of talismans, so remember this: kill if you must, but don't torture your enemies cruelly. It will harm your path."

"If you ever feel overwhelmed by bloodlust, go to the temple and resolve it there. Otherwise, you risk straying into madness."

"Understood," Long Xiao's voice had calmed, his determination evident.

"Keep me updated." With that, the talisman burned out, and Zhao Xing's voice faded away.

Long Xiao swiftly gathered the items scattered from Ji Chen's remains and disappeared from the vicinity of Yunbei Lake.

The Wild Marshes Beneath Datong Prefecture

Deep underground, nearly three thousand meters below the surface, lay a vast network of underground cities. In the planting zone of the seventh city, Xia Jing ran excitedly toward a straw puppet diligently tilling the soil.

"Zhao Xing, Zhao Xing! King Liang is dead!" Xia Jing exclaimed, his face alight with excitement.

The straw puppet paused momentarily, nodding before continuing its task. "I know."

"No, I mean King Liang is really dead!" Xia Jing repeated, frustrated by the lack of reaction. "Shouldn't we be doing something about it?"

"Aren't we already?" Zhao Xing's calm voice emerged from the puppet as it turned slightly to face Xia Jing.

"Don't we need to do something else?" Xia Jing pressed. "Many remnants of the enemy forces are fleeing southeast. Along the Canglan River, it's all big targets now!"

Xia Jing, well-informed as always, knew that this was the perfect moment to strike down the scattered remnants. The fall of King Liang signified a golden opportunity to eliminate their enemies entirely.

"Brother Xia, I wouldn't advise you to go," Zhao Xing said evenly.

"What? Why not?" Xia Jing asked, puzzled. "Isn't this the perfect chance?"

"Because you're too weak," Zhao Xing replied bluntly.

"Excuse me?" Xia Jing nearly tore the straw puppet apart in frustration. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that, relative to the current battlefield, you're too weak," Zhao Xing clarified. "Without the strength of a Third Rank cultivator, you won't even get a share of the spoils."

"The main army has already entered Pinghai Prefecture, bringing countless powerful experts. What space is left for you to claim any credit?" Zhao Xing's tone remained steady, though his words stung.

"Even if you were a Third Rank, it still wouldn't be enough. You might end up working hard for nothing," he added.

Xia Jing finally understood and gave a bitter smile. "You could have phrased it more gently, you know."

"If I sugarcoated it, I'd worry you wouldn't take it seriously," Zhao Xing replied. "Listen, brother, you're still in the Fourth Rank Essence Soul stage. If you were to encounter a rogue First or Second Rank enemy during these final stages of the conflict, it could mean your death."

"Focus on the refuge and underground city projects. That's already more than enough to keep you busy."

Xia Jing nodded reluctantly. "It's not that I can't control myself; it's just that I'm not acting alone anymore."

Since the 35th year of the Jingxin Era, the ventures Xia Jing and Zhao Xing had undertaken had expanded to an immense scale, mobilizing resources exceeding three trillion in value. Much of this had been squeezed from the hands of aristocrats and nobles, who now expected returns for their investments. Even if immediate repayment wasn't required, Xia Jing's success directly impacted their future opportunities to claim favors.

"Be patient," Zhao Xing advised, covering the last clump of soil over the newly planted seedlings. "The Great Zhou Dynasty already has plenty of capable generals. But those who can both fight and govern are scarce."

"When this is all over, and those in power look down at the aftermath, you'll have the chance to stand out."

Xia Jing rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Do you think there'll still be wars after this? Should I consider switching to a civil official role?"

Zhao Xing shook his head. "Emperor Jing won't launch another Southern Barbarian Campaign. The upcoming two-governance period will see the Great Zhou shift toward defense. The military budget will be significantly reduced, and promotions for generals will become rare."

"Moreover, he'll find every excuse to cut powers, reclaim authority, and consolidate the kingdom's resources, leaving something stable for his heir."

"Don't be fooled by the current bloodshed," Zhao Xing continued in a low voice. "Those generals fighting fiercely for merit now will find it hard to truly stand out. Even promotions within the middle ranks will be sparse."

"After all, this was an internal rebellion—a civil war. It's not something to be celebrated or widely publicized."

Zhao Xing's voice grew more solemn. "Brother Xia, not only do I advise against chasing merit, but I also suggest that your father voluntarily plead for reduced military authority and tax exemptions on your fief. Follow the arrangements and hand over the rights."

"As for the refuge project, I'll transfer full control to the government before the Spring Festival."

"Others grow greedy when you are fearful; others grow fearful when you are greedy. Right now, it's time to be fearful."

Xia Jing looked conflicted. "My uncle once said something similar, though not as harshly as you did. My father's opinion is the opposite. Why?"

"Because your father believes that the Southern Barbarian War will continue and that the military will remain in high demand. I think that's unlikely," Zhao Xing explained.

After a moment's thought, Xia Jing gritted his teeth. "Alright, I'll try to convince my father."

"Do it quickly. It's already December. The Spring Festival is in February, and the administrative adjustments happen in April. Miss the window, and it'll be too late."

"I understand." Xia Jing nodded firmly before hurrying off.

On December 8th, Zhao Xing's true body left the Celestial Palace of Stars. By late December, he arrived at the Tianyuan Academy branch.

At this point, the Tianyuan Academy branch had become the command hub of Grand Shennong Li Boqian.

Zhao Xing had no intention of asserting his influence further but couldn't sit idle either. He planned to take on the most grueling tasks assigned by Li Boqian.

"Being targeted by assassin squads, working tirelessly to establish refuges, and then taking on more hardship—it's exhausting working under Emperor Jing," Zhao Xing muttered with a sigh as he descended toward the academy. By the time he reached Tianyuan Academy on December 21st, snowflakes were already falling thickly.

Zhao Xing had spent some time recollecting his scattered avatars from various prefectures. Now that order had returned to Pinghai Prefecture and the Golden Dragon Fortune had stabilized, he could no longer act solely based on his own intentions. Instead, he resolved to take on the unpleasant but necessary tasks assigned by his superiors as part of wrapping up his responsibilities.

However, Li Boqian, the Grand Shennong, did not personally meet him. Instead, Zhao Xing was greeted by Wang Tianzhi, the Minor Shennong Officer.

With his numerous identities, Zhao Xing was still formally listed as a Professor of Canonical Studies at the Xuantian Academy.

When Zhao Xing expressed his willingness to take on heavy tasks, Wang Tianzhi gave him a peculiar look. "Everyone else fights to take on easier tasks that guarantee swift promotions. Yet, Chen'an, you choose the opposite?"

Zhao Xing clasped his hands respectfully and replied, "Sir, I have a peculiar disposition. I've never liked crowded places."

Wang Tianzhi chuckled and responded, "You're quite the pioneer, preferring challenges over comfort."

"Very well, I'll assign you two tasks," he continued, pulling out two dossiers.

"First, the periodic calculations for the Military Realm Passage. You've already been assisting Hu Yang with this task, so continue with your contributions."

"Given that you've cultivated the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, you're uniquely suited for large-scale computational tasks."

Zhao Xing nodded in agreement. The workload was substantial, aligning well with his expectations.

"Second," Wang Tianzhi said, handing over another document, "is the task of sorting out the Cave-Heaven disturbances in Pinghai Prefecture. Many desolate areas are experiencing spiritual energy riots. Since you've cultivated the Kunpeng Transformation, you can go places others cannot."

The chaos caused by King Liang's rebellion wasn't confined to Pinghai Prefecture; it had also disrupted many Cave-Heaven realms. These realms, being contested battlefields due to their strategic entrances, had seen some of the fiercest fights during the rebellion.

"I accept the orders," Zhao Xing replied firmly, taking the two assignments before bowing and leaving respectfully.

Shortly after Zhao Xing exited, Lu Chunhua entered the room, bowing to Wang Tianzhi. Seeing the thoughtful expression on Wang Tianzhi's face, Lu Chunhua couldn't help but ask, "Shishu, what's on your mind?"

Wang Tianzhi snapped out of his thoughts and smiled. "Oh, nothing much—just that I came across a clever individual."

"How clever?"

"Smart enough that I might end up working under him someday," Wang Tianzhi said with a faint smile.

After retrieving his avatars, Zhao Xing assigned most of them to the Observatory Department of the Phenology Institute. There, they assisted Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing, his fellow cultivators, with the intensive calculations.

When Zhao Xing arrived, Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing were visibly overjoyed.

"Ha ha ha! Shadong, look who's here!"

A massive, emerald-green spider with a thousand eyes descended from a mountain of scrolls, transforming mid-air into a middle-aged man. This was Zhang Tianxing, Hu Yang's senior martial brother.

"Where?" From another direction, a golden bird shot through the air before reverting to human form.

"Oh my, it's the Holy Son of the Kunpeng Sect. Quick, Shige, let's bow to the Holy Son!" Hu Yang said, feigning exaggerated reverence.

The two then made as if to kneel before Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing quickly followed suit, pretending to kneel as well. "No, no, esteemed Elders of the Sect, how can the elders bow to a Holy Son? It should be I bowing to you."

"No, no, it's us who should kneel."

"Ah, ah, stop this!"

After a round of playful banter, all three of them burst into laughter.

"Come in, come in," they said, ushering Zhao Xing inside.

"Chen'an, your timing is perfect," Hu Yang lamented, rubbing his head. "Shige and I were pulling our hair out. Yesterday, when I walked to the Mechanist Hall for tools, people mistook me for a Mechanist because of my bald spots!"

Zhang Tianxing quipped, "What an offense! Not all Mechanists have thinning hair."

Zhao Xing added with a grin, "Perhaps it's because Shige was wearing a horizontally striped Shenluo robe?"

For a moment, both Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing froze before bursting into laughter.

Within moments, Zhao Xing's knack for quick wit and Mechanist-related jokes helped him seamlessly integrate into their work. Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing, both pranksters at heart, found in Zhao Xing a kindred spirit.

During the following days, their calculations were punctuated by humorous exchanges.

"That day," Hu Yang began, "I used the Kunpeng Transformation to speed my way to the Mechanist Hall. Passing their training grounds, a Mechanist wearing a Tianheng Detector actually waved me over."

"What did you do?" Zhao Xing asked, intrigued.

"I joined his puppet-bird formation for fun," Hu Yang said with a mischievous grin. "When he told me to fly east, I flew west."

"That poor guy was doubting his life by the time I left, thinking his puppet birds were malfunctioning. He inspected every single one of them."

"Ha ha ha! Shidi, you're too cruel!" Zhang Tianxing said, clutching his sides. "Chen'an, don't follow his example."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Zhao Xing replied, his voice playful. "I'd just become the lead bird and ensure the entire formation went haywire."

"Ha ha ha!"

The dull monotony of the calculations was lightened considerably by their camaraderie. With Zhao Xing's arrival, the duo of jokers became a trio. Both Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing grew increasingly fond of him, appreciating his humor and adaptability.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xing's true body had already set out for the White Stone Cave-Heaven in Tianyuan Prefecture to address the riots of spiritual energy.

"Zhao Xing," the commanding voice of Tao Guangyao, the Chief Agronomist, greeted him. "This mission is both arduous and dangerous. Although you've been sent by the Minor Shennong Office, don't expect any special treatment from me!"

"During this task, you may sustain injuries. If you wish to withdraw now, I'll pretend you were never here."

"But if you accept and then slack off, I won't hesitate to file a Grade-C performance review or even label you as incompetent!"

Tao Guangyao's dark complexion and wiry frame gave him a particularly stern appearance. His blunt, no-nonsense tone reflected his determination to treat Zhao Xing no differently, despite the latter's reputation as a Shennong prodigy.

Zhao Xing straightened his expression and replied earnestly, "Please rest assured, Sir Tao. There's no 'genius Zhao Xing' here—only Zhao Xing, the Shennong officer."

Tao Guangyao nodded slightly before spreading a map across the table. "The 'Tianhai' region of White Stone Cave-Heaven is currently experiencing a Level-Twelve tsunami, along with violent waterspouts, hurricanes, and seaquakes."

"The disturbances are expanding outward. You, along with Shang He and Wu Long, will be responsible for managing the southeastern zone of the Level-Seven area. Do you have any objections?"

Zhao Xing reviewed the information carefully before replying, "No objections, sir."

"Good. Rest for a moment. I'll have you dispatched in a quarter-hour."

"Understood!"

An hour later, Zhao Xing set off with Shang He and Wu Long. As he boarded the ship, both men gave him curious looks.

"Who are you, and how did you end up on this ship?" Wu Long asked.

"Zhao Xing, at your service," Zhao Xing replied with a respectful bow. "I'm assigned to this mission alongside you both."

"Zhao Xing? Never heard of you—are you really a Fourth-Rank cultivator?" Shang He frowned suspiciously.

"Yes," Zhao Xing responded calmly.

"This must be a joke!" Wu Long immediately stood up, exclaiming, "Stop the ship! I'll speak to Lord Tao."

Neither of them had heard of Zhao Xing. After all, his rise had been meteoric, occurring over just two to three years. In contrast, most powerful cultivators at the Third Rank or higher often spent years, if not decades, in seclusion or carrying out long-term missions, especially those entrenched in the isolated realms of the Cave-Heavens.

"It was Lord Tao Guangyao who assigned me," Zhao Xing explained evenly. "I've already mastered the Kunpeng Transformation. Please don't worry; you'll see my capabilities once we're in the field."

White Stone Cave-Heaven had become so chaotic due to the violent spiritual energy that communication with the outside world was entirely reliant on physical messengers. Seeing Zhao Xing's unwavering confidence and aware of the urgency of the mission, Shang He and Wu Long reluctantly resumed their seats.

"Let me make one thing clear," Wu Long warned. "If you get yourself into trouble, we won't have the time to save you."

"Rest assured, I will not drag you down," Zhao Xing replied firmly.

Shang He nodded. "Fine, then let's set sail."

The winds howled violently, and the sky seemed to collapse into chaos. As the warship carried its three passengers toward their destination, it came to an abrupt halt upon entering an airspace filled with turbulent energy.

Wu Long and Shang He stepped out of the cabin, with Zhao Xing following closely behind.

To their astonishment, the scene before them was an endless expanse of ocean, suspended in the sky itself. They had all seen cloud oceans before, but this was the first time they had encountered a true Heavenly Sea.

The waves were so enormous that it was impossible to discern their height. Above and below, water dominated the sky, stretching beyond the horizon in a seamless aquatic expanse.

"RUMBLE! RUMBLE!"

Waves collided violently, sending powerful shockwaves radiating outward.

Zhao Xing had initially assumed that the term "seaquake" referred to underwater seismic activity. He now realized that it was something entirely different.

"A massive landmass has been pulled into the Heavenly Sea," Wu Long explained grimly. "It's being torn apart by the waves and collapsing under their force. Waterspouts are uprooting mountains and hurling them elsewhere, while the chaotic spiritual energy vortices grow stronger by the minute. If left unchecked, this will eventually consume the entire White Stone Cave-Heaven."

Zhao Xing activated his Heavenly Eye, scanning through layers of wind and waves to assess the situation in the Heavenly Sea. The disasters in the Cave-Heavens were often far more sudden and irrational than those in the outside world.

"ROAR!"

With a thunderous cry, Wu Long leaped into the air. His body rapidly expanded as he transformed into a massive beast with a dragon's head and a human's torso.

"Inner Cultivation—Hou Transformation Technique: Jimon Form," Zhao Xing murmured.

The hallmark of inner cultivation in the Hou Transformation Technique was that the practitioner's transformation reflected the mythical beast they emulated. In Wu Long's case, it was Jimon—a being with a dragon's head and a human's body, eternally dwelling in the depths of rivers, and accompanied by storms wherever it traveled.

As Wu Long soared into the sky, Shang He underwent his own transformation.

"Eight heads, eight faces, a tiger's body, eight legs, and eight tails—emerald and yellow in hue, spewing clouds and mist, and a master of water."

"The ancient beast Tianwu," Zhao Xing remarked to himself. Shang He had cultivated the Tianwu Transformation.

Neither Wu Long nor Shang He even glanced back at Zhao Xing as they charged toward the Heavenly Sea. If Zhao Xing was capable, he would know what to do. If not, or if he lost his nerve, he could always return with the ship.

"My turn," Zhao Xing muttered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

With a powerful leap, his body began to transform. His acupoints radiated divine light as his blood surged with the shadows of a Kunpeng roaring through his veins.

By the time Zhao Xing burst through the deck's barrier, he had fully transformed into a colossal fish spanning over a kilometer in length.

The Kunpeng Transformation—the Kun Form.

"This vast space is perfect. Finally, I can let loose and test my limits," Zhao Xing thought, exhilarated. During his time training this technique under Li Boqian in Tianyuan Prefecture, he had never been able to unleash its full potential due to spatial constraints.

Despite those limitations, he had advanced to the peak of the Third Transformation, mastering the Kun form and gaining access to its innate abilities.

"Expand! Expand! Expand!"

Zhao Xing's dantian rotated wildly, and the Kunpeng True Blood he had refined surged through him. His acupoints and flesh carried intertwining shadows of the Kun and Peng, but as he channeled his power, the Kun's shadow grew increasingly solid while the Peng's gradually faded.

"ANGGGGG—"

A primordial and melancholic cry, as if echoing from the depths of the ancient seas, resounded through the air. Wu Long and Shang He, flying ahead, froze momentarily as they heard the sound.

"What the—how is it this massive?"

"He's a Fourth-Rank cultivator, but he's mastered the Kunpeng Transformation?" Both were visibly shocked.

Even their transformations, impressive as they were, paled in comparison. Each of their forms measured over a kilometer in length, yet they seemed diminutive next to Zhao Xing's enormous figure.

The Kun's eyes alone spanned over a hundred meters, its body so vast it appeared endless. Next to Zhao Xing, Wu Long and Shang He were like ants before a giant.

For Zhao Xing, the feeling was mutual. Reaching his full potential made Shang He and Wu Long seem no more than slightly larger ants in his eyes.

"In the farthest north lies the Sea of Darkness, also known as the Heavenly Pool," Shang He murmured. "Within it dwells a fish, thousands of miles wide and long, called the Kun."

"Lord Shennong Li Boqian's ultimate technique… Someone has truly mastered it," he muttered in disbelief.

"It's said that the Kun has vanished from the world. The far north is now a frozen wasteland with no trace of the Heavenly Pool or the Kun," Wu Long added. "A creature of this size simply cannot exist in today's world. To witness it now… is beyond belief."

Of course, Zhao Xing's transformation did not yet qualify as a true giant. His current Kun form spanned only nine kilometers—a far cry from the thousands of miles attributed to the legendary Kun.

"The standard Kunpeng Transformation at the Third Transformation level is about three kilometers," Zhao Xing mused. "But with the purity of the Kunpeng True Blood I refined, coupled with the solid foundation of my Myriad Law Manifastation, I've reached over nine kilometers."

"Compared to an actual Kun, I'm nothing more than a newborn."

He could not break through the ten-thousand-meter limit because his inner world restrained him, preventing further expansion.

If he tried to force a breakthrough, his body would not grow larger. Instead, it would collapse, causing anomalies within his transformation.

Zhao Xing knew better than to push past his limits. The Hou Transformation Technique was inherently dangerous, and reckless attempts could lead to disastrous consequences.

"Once I transform into the Kun form, I can use the technique Kun Swallows Heaven and Earth, which allows me to absorb water, spiritual energy, and clouds to convert them into my own strength."

Zhao Xing began to move his massive body, gliding toward the Heavenly Sea.

Wu Long and Shang He quickly got out of the way, altering their paths.

This thing was just too damn big!

They had been directly in his way.

If Zhao Xing's tail casually swiped, they would be sent flying.

"Let's go!"

The two quickly recovered their composure and sped toward the Heavenly Sea.

As the giant Kun entered the Heavenly Sea, Zhao Xing instantly felt a powerful force of impact and an overwhelming pull.

Massive boulders, each the size of small mountains, hurtled toward him, smashing against his massive form.

Simultaneously, tornado-like whirlpools tore at his body.

Yet, none of it had any real effect.

"The Kunpeng Transformation really is powerful."

"No wonder it's considered the strongest lineage within the Heaven School."

Zhao Xing swam freely through the sea.

Attacks that could easily shred a Third-Rank cultivator, or giant rocks that would crush most to death, were nothing more than minor irritants to him.

Of course, such a colossal form had its limitations.

While it rendered him almost invulnerable to most attacks, it also made him somewhat cumbersome.

In battle, while Third-Rank cultivators might not be able to harm him, he would struggle to catch them.

His sheer size made his movements conspicuous, giving his enemies ample time to evade.

"Kun Swallows Heaven and Earth!"

The enormous Kun opened its maw, and Zhao Xing began his mission to pacify the raging forces.

Time passed swiftly.

Before long, it was the 37th year of the Jingxin Era.

Zhao Xing's avatars had begun withdrawing from their roles in the Refuge Plan.

He coordinated with King Luo and King Tianyan, and after consulting with Lu Bang and Lord Tian, started transferring control of various regions to the local governments.

With the re-establishment of administrative structures across Pinghai Prefecture, these responsibilities were due to be handed over.

Xia Jing's faction of influential nobles, led by figures like her uncle King Pingyang, were the first to step back decisively.

However, not everyone was willing to withdraw so easily.

Many lamented the investments they had made, feeling they had gained little in return and were reluctant to give up now.

Zhao Xing spent considerable effort persuading them.

Gradually, around 80 to 90 percent of his supporters followed his lead.

As for the remaining few who failed to see the bigger picture, Zhao Xing could do little to change their minds.

By the end of January, a long-absent figure finally reappeared—Liu Tianning.

"Teacher, is the mission complete?" Zhao Xing asked.

"It's concluded for now," Liu Tianning replied, his projection nodding. "I've been intercepting King Liang's forces and participating in the siege against the high-ranking military units in Luliang Prefecture."

"I see," Zhao Xing said, his earlier suspicions confirmed. He had guessed that Liu Tianning was not in Pinghai Prefecture during this time.

Now that the mission was declassified, Liu Tianning no longer needed to keep it a secret.

"I've reached the early stage of the Heavenly Luck Realm," Liu Tianning said, dropping a significant revelation.

"Congratulations, Teacher," Zhao Xing replied, though his smile was somewhat strained.

Deep down, he was concerned about Liu Tianning's state.

From the memories of his past life, Liu Tianning's progress seemed unusually fast—much faster than what Zhao Xing had known from his previous experience.

He distinctly remembered that Liu Tianning had only reached the Third Rank after King Liang's rebellion ended. Now, however, he was already at the Second Rank.

"After April, follow me to Shangluo Academy," Liu Tianning continued. "You'll meet Xu Xing and familiarize yourself with the key figures at Shangluo Academy."

"Understood," Zhao Xing agreed.

This was inevitable. Even if he hadn't written the Theory of Self and Natural Harmony, he would still need to meet Shangluo Academy's leadership.

After all, he was Liu Tianning's sole protégé.

Liu Tianning's role at Shangluo Academy was to assume the position of First Vice Dean.

Once Xu Xing passed away, Liu Tianning would become the undisputed leader of the Self School. No one could contest him.

This was a significant moment, and Zhao Xing had to be present.

After all, from the very beginning, Zhao Xing had been nurtured as part of the Self School's resource cultivation plan. He was an integral member of Liu Tianning's faction.

"King Tianyan doesn't have much time left," Liu Tianning continued, sharing more news. "However, King Luo will succeed him as the Grand Marshal, be elevated to First-Rank Ruling King, and simultaneously serve as the Hall Master of the Martial God Hall and Dean of the Divine Martial Academy."

"King Tianyan's time is short?" Zhao Xing asked. "Won't he be granted the title of First-Rank Prince?"

"Judging by the current political climate, it's highly unlikely," Liu Tianning said, shaking his head. "His Majesty has no intention of granting such a title. A rebellious prince has just been eliminated—how could he quickly crown another?"

The risks posed by First-Rank Princes were too great. Holding divine artifacts, they could easily fracture the Great Zhou's core fortunes.

Zhao Xing sighed inwardly. The Emperor was clearly still deliberating, reluctant to make such a decision so soon after King Liang's death.

His memories of King Tianyan were faint, as fortune officers often operated behind the scenes, shrouded in mystery.

"What else are you managing with your main body and avatars?" Liu Tianning asked. "Are the Refuge Plan and the underground cities still under your control?"

"The Refuge Plan is in the process of being transferred," Zhao Xing explained. "With local governments restored, I've been handing over control as soon as possible."

"You must expedite the process, and all accounts must be clear and transparent," Liu Tianning instructed firmly. "Eliminate anyone who dares to engage in corruption. Show no hesitation. I'll dispatch inspectors to oversee the transition."

Zhao Xing was startled—not by the instructions themselves, but by Liu Tianning's tone.

His teacher seemed to be overlapping with the image Zhao Xing had known in his past life.

"Understood. I'll withdraw as quickly as possible. But, Teacher—" Zhao Xing hesitated. "Have you noticed anything unusual with your practice of the Myriad Laws Avatars technique?"

Liu Tianning fell silent.

After a long pause, his voice was low. "Zhao Xing, I owe you an apology."

Zhao Xing was stunned. "Teacher, what are you saying?"

Liu Tianning sighed. "The Myriad Laws Avatars technique has flaws. I thought I could resolve them."

"After all, even Xu Xing couldn't match me! He only had five top-tier avatars, while I've cultivated seven! And my numbers far exceed his!"

"But I've failed. I can't overcome this issue."

"On the contrary, the stronger I become, the more severe the problem grows."

"Only by succeeding as the dean can I temporarily suppress it," Liu Tianning said solemnly. "Throughout history, there has never been an era where two individuals successfully cultivated the supreme Myriad Laws Avatars without experiencing calamities as they aged."

He sighed heavily, his expression clouded. "I led you down this path, yet I can't resolve the issues it brings. Now that you've already achieved a supreme avatar, if you continue, you will inevitably encounter the same problems I have."

Zhao Xing fell silent for a moment before shaking his head. "Teacher, this is not your fault. I, too, have noticed the flaws in this technique, but I believe it is not without hope of resolution."

He truly didn't blame Liu Tianning. After all, he had actively sought to learn the technique; becoming a disciple had only been a subsequent decision.

Furthermore, Zhao Xing was aware that the issues with Myriad Laws Avatars had potential solutions.

Perhaps Liu Tianning did not know, but the version of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Zhao Xing practiced was fundamentally different from his teacher's.

Based on his current understanding, there was a correct way to practice the technique—one that could safely harness the power of the Myriad Laws Avatars.

"Teacher, there are some things I can't explain just yet," Zhao Xing said, his tone measured. "But I am certain there is a solution."

Liu Tianning's projection fixed him with a searching gaze, clearly uncertain whether Zhao Xing was trying to reassure him or genuinely withholding critical knowledge.

"Alright," Liu Tianning finally said, his voice softening. "I believe you. Let's work together to solve this problem as master and disciple."

By February of the 37th year of the Jingxin Era, the chaos in Pinghai Prefecture had largely subsided.

The restoration of governance was progressing rapidly.

Without external interference, the strength of the Great Zhou Dynasty made the recovery of Pinghai Prefecture's disrupted natural phenomena and geography a straightforward task.

The top-tier restoration techniques of the Earth School, particularly Kunyuan Reconstruction, were especially effective. When deployed, they could cover an entire county, speeding up the process immensely.

Because King Liang had been defeated prematurely, his rebellion had not spread further. As a result, Zhao Xing observed that the Great Zhou Dynasty had suffered less damage in this life compared to the previous one.

At least, based on the records from Pinghai Prefecture, this seemed to hold true.

This observation reinforced certain suspicions Zhao Xing had been harboring.

On February 10th, the Spring Festival arrived.

A large number of imperial envoys entered Pinghai Prefecture.

Simultaneously, King Tianyan subtly hinted at forthcoming developments.

It became clear that the court was about to review the causes of the Pinghai Prefecture unrest and conduct a deeper, more detailed investigation.

Zhao Xing understood instantly—this was the beginning of the post-crisis purge.

With Emperor Jing having decided against continuing the Southern Barbarian War, he now had the resources and focus to eliminate internal threats.

The question loomed: how many foreign forces had used the chaos to conceal their activities?

Could loyalty be assured simply because they had not accepted the Black Dragon Fortune's imperial decrees? Had they secretly supported King Liang's faction?

"Any involvement, no matter how small, is a serious issue," Zhao Xing thought grimly. "Fortunately, I began laying the groundwork back at Ten Sun Cave-Heaven. I, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao—our opposition to King Liang led to our demotions, and later, assassination attempts in the Eastern Sea."

"Many events seemed inconsequential at the time, but now, upon review, they serve as key evidence."

From early February to late March of the 37th year of the Jingxin Era, Pinghai Prefecture saw clear skies and calm land. Yet, an oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on everyone.

Over these two months, a significant number of officials were executed or imprisoned. Lesser penalties included demotions, title revocations, and the confiscation of fiefdoms and honorary distinctions.

Military leaders and oligarchs were particularly targeted; even minor infractions were magnified into major offenses.

Even the Seventy-Two Dao Academies were not immune, each required to provide a thorough account to Emperor Jing.

Amid this tense climate, Zhao Xing's avatars retreated, focusing their efforts on completing the two tasks assigned by Wang Tianzhi in Tianyuan Prefecture.

By late April, the tense atmosphere seemed to ease slightly.

The first wave of imperial rewards had been issued.

On this particular day, Zhao Xing was working diligently in a cave-heaven world, while one of his avatars labored in the Xuantian Academy, when a summons arrived.

"Zhao Xing, return to Tianyuan Prefecture immediately—there is an imperial decree awaiting you!"