The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

Xuantian Academy, Heavenly Heavenly Thunder Academy.

Within a valley shrouded by dense black clouds, a figure, as imposing as a demonic god, sat cross-legged, floating mid-air.

"Boom—crack!"

A clap of thunder resounded as Zhao Xing opened his eyes, their sharp gaze cutting through the sky like lightning.

As soon as his eyes opened, another purple-clad figure appeared at the other end of the valley.

"Zhao Xing!" Wang Tianzhi's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Come, hit me!"

Descending to the ground, Wang Tianzhi's presence stirred the air around him, the temperature dropping precipitously.

His garments flapped wildly, his black hair flowing, while a faint bluish glow emerged over his skin. With a practiced precision, his hands moved through a series of seals. Each seal seemed to summon a swirling black energy current.

Zhao Xing mirrored Wang Tianzhi's movements. His fingers interwove, quick as serpents, forming intricate, orderly seals.

The valley's edges seemed to echo with Zhao Xing's movements, his shadow appearing in multiple places simultaneously.

A faint gray arc of electricity flickered at his fingertips, crackling with a faint "z-z-z" sound.

In a flash, the gray lightning intensified, darkening into a deep violet hue.

Zhao Xing's aura surged, harmonizing perfectly with the power of the lightning seals.

When he formed the Taiyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin lightning seals, a powerful suction force erupted from his palms, drawing the surrounding Yin energy toward him at an alarming rate.

Above, the black clouds seemed to be pulled by an invisible hand, spiraling rapidly into a massive vortex.

At its center, darkness reigned, as deep and profound as the night, with low rumblings of thunder echoing ominously.

"Well done, pretending to use the Three Yin Lightning Seal while already comprehending the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain!" Wang Tianzhi laughed heartily, his hands moving in sync with Zhao Xing's.

"Go!"

With a loud shout, Zhao Xing thrust his hands forward, releasing a lightning seal that glowed with a sinister purple-black light.

In unison, Zhao Xing's countless shadows throughout the valley released identical lightning seals, all aimed directly at Wang Tianzhi.

Where the seals traveled, the space around them seemed to tear apart with an eerie "crack-crack" sound.

The ground shattered into fragments, which disintegrated into fine dust and drifted into the air.

The lightning seals, massive and shadowy, charged forward with an overwhelming aura of annihilation.

The air around the seals compressed into visible ripples. Grass and vegetation withered instantly as their moisture was drained, leaving behind blackened, charred remnants.

Just as the Three Yin Lightning Seal erupted from all his shadows, an icy blue mist enveloped the area.

"A Step to Infinity!"

"Hm?" Wang Tianzhi's expression turned serious, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes.

It wasn't the Three Yin Lightning Seal or the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain that surprised him—rather, it was Zhao Xing's adeptness in deploying them.

In such a short time, Zhao Xing had advanced his mastery of the Yin Lightning techniques from the First Transformation to the Sixth Transformation. Such talent was exceedingly rare.

But what shocked Wang Tianzhi even more was Zhao Xing's usage of A Step to Infinity.

"Senior Brother's A Step to Infinity wasn't like this… Did he modify it?"

"Mist instead of vapor clouds, leveraging the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain to elevate cold Yin energy upward, forming a seal reminiscent of the Boundary Stele Array?"

The frigid mist seemed to emanate from the very lightning, rapidly blanketing the entire area.

The Prison chapter of the Xuantian Lightning Technique had originally been derived during the Major Cold solar term.

Wang Tianzhi, deeply familiar with this technique and A Step to Infinity, found their seamless fusion both unprecedented and intriguing.

Each time Zhao Xing moved, a thread of blue lightning appeared within the mist.

With over a thousand manifestations of Zhao Xing simultaneously weaving through the fog, the lightning threads intertwined, forming a colossal lightning net.

The net shimmered with cold lightning, crackling with energy. Each strand carried enough power to freeze not only flesh but the very soul.

"Haah!"

Zhao Xing roared, slamming his palms downward.

Instantly, the blue mist churned violently, and the lightning net expanded rapidly.

Above, countless icy-blue lightning pillars descended from the swirling clouds, connecting seamlessly with the ground's lightning net to form a vast lightning domain—the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain.

Wang Tianzhi found himself entirely ensnared.

Within the domain, the temperature plummeted to an extreme, as if time itself had frozen.

Wang Tianzhi, instead of countering, stood still, enduring Zhao Xing's technique. A thick layer of ice formed over him, steadily compressing inward, threatening to crush him entirely.

The lightning pillars rained down relentlessly, while the cold-infused lightning threads gnawed at his Heavenly Lightning Dao Body.

"This hurts," Wang Tianzhi admitted, exhaling a visible puff of frosty breath. Frost and lightning arcs danced across his furrowed brow.

"Zhao Xing, is this your strongest move?"

"That's all I've got," answered the thousands of Zhao Xing's manifestations in unison, shaking their heads.

"Hah!"

Wang Tianzhi spread his arms wide, releasing an intense burst of fiery yang energy, blazing like the sun itself.

The scorching lightning surged through the threads, instantly melting the cold mist.

It was the Sky-Burning Lightning, a yang lightning secret technique from the Xuantian Lightning Technique.

In mere moments, Wang Tianzhi shattered the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain, leveling the entire valley in the process.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Countless manifestations of Zhao Xing burst apart.

Rather than disheartened, Zhao Xing seemed delighted.

In their past duels, Wang Tianzhi had always managed to precisely counter Zhao Xing's techniques without harming any of his manifestations.

This time, however, Wang Tianzhi failed to maintain his usual precision.

If he used less power, he couldn't dispel the attack; if he used more, he couldn't avoid damaging Zhao Xing's manifestations.

Gray rain began to fall around them—a mixture of ash from the pulverized earth and water vapor condensed into droplets.

Wang Tianzhi and the remaining Zhao Xing manifestations left the now-ruined battlefield together.

After every sparring session came an analysis and review.

"Chen'an, your move was truly impressive," Wang Tianzhi praised. "It even hurt my Heavenly Lightning Dao Body."

"You flatter me, Dean Wang," Zhao Xing replied respectfully. "Whatever progress I've made is thanks to your guidance."

After resigning from all his official posts, Wang Tianzhi had returned to the main academy, taking up the position of Dean of the Heavenly Heavenly Thunder Academy.

Devoting himself to the study of lightning techniques, he happened to meet Zhao Xing, who was seeking a mentor in this domain.

Grand Shennong Li Boqian was too busy, and while Third-Rank lightning experts weren't skilled enough, First-Rank experts were too preoccupied.

Wang Tianzhi was the perfect candidate and volunteered to train Zhao Xing.

But what started as routine lessons quickly turned into a revelation—Zhao Xing's aptitude was simply monstrous.

"The Yin Lightning chapter of the Xuantian Lightning Technique, derived from the Major Cold solar term, comprises three secret arts:

"Three Yin Lightning Seal, Cold Fiend Lightning Domain, and Five Elements Yin Lightning Realm..."

"Within less than a year, you've not only mastered the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain but also achieved this level of transformation. To call it a mere change would be an understatement," Wang Tianzhi said with genuine admiration.

Mastering A Step to Infinity wasn't anything extraordinary—after all, Wang Tianzhi could perform it himself.

But being able to modify A Step to Infinity to suit oneself better, and integrating it seamlessly into the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain during combat?

That was something rare and remarkable.

No wonder the scholars at Shangluo Academy praised Zhao Xing so highly, calling him a prodigy of such caliber that he could establish his own sect someday.

"Your move doesn't just expand A Step to Infinity—it blocks off escape routes for others who also rely on this technique," Wang Tianzhi evaluated.

"There are plenty of techniques that utilize cloud-based displacement to evade attacks, but your move would easily overpower them in a battle against peers. Even a weaker Second-Rank cultivator would inevitably fall into your trap."

The essence of A Step to Infinity lay in leveraging the disparity of momentum between the cloud layers to enable rapid displacement.

However, once Zhao Xing deployed his thousands of manifestations, it rendered this displacement ineffective for others.

The only options left were to endure the attacks head-on or use a perfected, top-rank technique, enhanced with superior lightning comprehension, to forcefully counteract it—as Wang Tianzhi had done.

Wang Tianzhi studied Zhao Xing intently.

"You just forced me to use 70% of my strength in the Dao of Lightning."

"At this stage, there's nothing more I can teach you," Wang Tianzhi admitted with a hint of pride.

Indeed, even if Wang Tianzhi himself performed the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain, it would merely be a matter of raw power suppression.

When it came to technique, there was little he could impart further.

Zhao Xing's fusion of A Step to Infinity and the Cold Fiend Lightning Domain was something even Wang Tianzhi couldn't replicate.

After all, Wang Tianzhi lacked Zhao Xing's Thousand Manifestations Body.

"Chen'an, you're ready to leave the Heavenly Thunder Academy," Wang Tianzhi said with a smile. "When you reach even greater heights, you may return to the meditation grounds to find me."

"Thank you for your guidance, Dean Wang," Zhao Xing responded respectfully. "This disciple takes his leave."

Watching Zhao Xing's retreating figure, Wang Tianzhi pulled out a communication mirror.

"Tianzhi, what's the matter?" a voice asked from the other side.

Holding the mirror tightly, Wang Tianzhi said, "Senior Brother, I need you to set aside some time every year to train me."

"What? I'm extremely busy, you know. I have countless official matters to handle every day," the voice replied.

Looking at the image reflected in the mirror, Wang Tianzhi fell silent.

Busy? Senior Brother, you're clearly lounging by a pool, sunbathing and sipping fruit juice!

"Senior Brother, I want you to train me!" Wang Tianzhi declared with uncharacteristic determination.

"Oh? Now, this is interesting," said Li Boqian, setting aside his crystal cup with piqued curiosity.

It had been decades since Wang Tianzhi had last made such a request.

What on earth could have inspired this?

"How do you want me to train you?" Li Boqian asked, intrigued.

"With the highest level of special training! Whether it's braving the Extreme Night Sea or descending into the Earth Fire Abyss—I want to become stronger!"

Li Boqian chuckled at Wang Tianzhi's resolute expression. "Very well!"

Unbeknownst to Zhao Xing, his achievements had inspired Wang Tianzhi to apply for a brutal, hellish training regimen under Li Boqian.

After leaving the Heavenly Thunder Academy, Zhao Xing returned to the Houbian Academy.

At the same time, his other manifestations, spread across various parts of Xuantian Academy for training, also concluded their special training on the twenty-fifth of April.

Inside the Ten Thousand Transformations Cave-Heaven, a mid-sized firebird flapped its wings as it landed beside a serene lake.

"Dean," Zhao Xing's form materialized into his human shape as he addressed the large dragon lying by the lakeside, seemingly asleep.

"You're leaving?" The giant dragon opened its bronze-bell-sized eyes.

"Yes, it's time for me to go. The Dragon Court Ancient Land will open in less than two months, and traveling there will take time," Zhao Xing said respectfully.

"Remember, never reveal the secrets of the Ten Thousand Transformations Cave-Heaven to anyone," the dragon cautioned.

"I swear by my three souls, I will never disclose anything to anyone," Zhao Xing vowed solemnly.

"Good. You may go," the dragon said, closing its eyes once more.

"Thank you, Dean. This student takes his leave."

With that, Zhao Xing soared into the sky, swiftly leaving the Ten Thousand Transformations Cave-Heaven.

He soon emerged in a secluded mountain valley in the outside world.

Glancing back at the entrance of the cave-heaven, Zhao Xing carefully navigated through layers of protective formations before departing.

Thanks to the guidance of the dragon, Ling Tianchen, Zhao Xing had learned how to enter and exit the Ten Thousand Transformations Cave-Heaven without assistance.

"Roar—"

Activating his Fire Transformation, Zhao Xing quickly arrived at the private academy arranged for him by Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing.

By the time he arrived, Lord Tianyan had already been waiting for some time.

"Lord Tianyan," Zhao Xing greeted.

"Zhao Xing, you're finally here," Lord Tianyan said with a hint of relief, immediately recognizing that this was Zhao Xing's true body. "Let's go. Time is of the essence—we still need to return to Pinghai Prefecture."

"Give me a moment," Zhao Xing said as he activated A Step to Infinity to locate Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing.

"Is it time?" Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing were in the attic beneath a starry canopy, engrossed in calculations.

"Yes," Zhao Xing confirmed with a nod.

"Take care, Holy Son. We won't see you off," Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing said with a smile, clasping their hands in farewell.

With Lord Tianyan absent, they felt much more at ease around Zhao Xing.

"Take care, elders," Zhao Xing replied with a smile. "And especially take care of your hair."

"Hahaha!"

Daoyuan Continent, Qianqing Commandery.

On the Qiantian Ancient Path, a Silver Dragon Airship sped through the underground passageway.

This path connected Qianqing Commandery at the heart of Daoyuan Continent to its periphery at Tianhai Commandery.

Due to the sudden departure, the Lihuo Dao Academy required some preparation time, so they planned to meet at Tianhai Commandery first.

The journey to Pinghai Prefecture was relatively quick—last time, Liu Tianning had taken seven days; this time, Lord Tianyan and Zhao Xing expected the same duration.

During these seven days, neither Zhao Xing nor Lord Tianyan remained idle.

Lord Tianyan was busy receiving and analyzing information from various sources, while Zhao Xing reviewed and consolidated his studies and achievements from the past three years.

"Mid-Third Rank cultivation realm, Late-Third Rank Life Soul," Zhao Xing noted internally.

"My top-rank Soul-Devouring Dharma Body has increased to 1,999 manifestations. To break through further, I need to master a second top-rank Dharma Body, but I don't have time to train for it now. Besides, its drawbacks remain unresolved," he thought.

"I'll have to attempt further breakthroughs once I reach the Dragon Court Ancient Land."

"Liu Tianning has already reached the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit. Restarting from scratch is cumbersome for him and quite different from my circumstances. I'll have to assess his situation comprehensively," Zhao Xing reflected.

"My repertoire of top-rank techniques has expanded significantly in both quantity and depth."

"With the Thousand Manifestations Dao Body, my speed in learning various techniques has accelerated tremendously."

"As for my transformation techniques: Kunpeng Transformation is at the fourth stage, Fire Transformation at the sixth, and Pig Transformation Technique at the third."

"The Zhuoluo Technique is primarily for external refinement and can also be performed by avatars," Zhao Xing murmured to himself while continuing to sort through his insights. "For the Yang Thunder Technique within the Xuantian Thunder Technique, it has reached the sixth transformation. I have mastered both the [Heavenly Thunder Finger] and the [Thunder Primordial Lock]."

"The Thunder Primordial Lock is a restrictive spell. By sealing the target's vitality with thunder energy, it places their life or death within my grasp. This Technique, combined with the Seasonal Qi Commands for Jingzhe, Lixia, Xiaoshu, and Dashu, significantly enhances the power of thunder-based techniques."

"As for the Yin Thunder Technique, it is also at the sixth transformation (minor success). I've integrated the [Three Yin Thunder Seal] and the [Frostbane Thunder Domain], which synergize well with the Xiaohan, Dahan, and Qingming Seasonal Qi Commands."

"My progress with the Twenty-Four Seasonal Qi Commands isn't groundbreaking, but with the Da Li Seasonal Qi Command set, their power rivals the upper-rank third transformation of top-rank techniques. With my supreme Myriad Technique Dao Body, these techniques can reach the 'rule-twisting' level when deployed," Zhao Xing reflected inwardly.

At present, his thunder techniques were unquestionably his strongest. The reason lay in their compatibility with his Myriad Law Manifestation and the Seasonal Qi Command sets, allowing their power to be amplified exponentially.

The Hou Transformation Technique, exclusive to his main body, excelled in defense, rapid movement, and unconventional combat tactics, making it difficult for opponents to counter. However, in terms of sheer lethality, it was still outmatched by his thunder techniques.

"Regarding wind techniques, I haven't fully developed any top-rank Techniques, though I have achieved a minor success with the [Heaven's Eclipse], a top-rank rain technique, now at the fourth transformation." Zhao Xing made a mental note. "As for the Cloud Gate Technique, it barely reached the fourth transformation, but the domain of the Cloud Gate Field has expanded significantly."

Although Zhao Xing's initial plan was to master a wide array of techniques, circumstances had dictated his priorities. Meeting Wang Tianzhi had shifted his focus to thunder techniques, given their immediate combat utility. His impending journey to the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds necessitated learning techniques tailored for lethal encounters, leaving other techniques to be studied later.

As for the geospatial techniques, there had been no significant changes. He still relied on the Boundless Ocean Earth Palace, the Profound Water Earth Palace, and the Earth Spirit Repository Technique.

"Defensive spells haven't been my focus, as I mostly rely on equipment and plant-based troops. Notably, the Floater plant has matured to a seventh-rank peak." Zhao Xing smiled faintly. "With the Myriad Law Manifestation, my main body is rarely in danger."

Since his avatars were crafted from seventh-rank materials, there was no need to concern himself with their defensive capabilities. Their natural durability placed them at the third-grade level in strength. Should his main body face minimal threats, he could use the Hou Transformation Technique to defend himself. For more significant threats, particularly those endangering his life, the [Shang Tang Command] could summon the [Ancient Yin Warship] for a swift retreat.

"For soul defense, I have an eighth-rank supreme-grade soul armor. For offense, there's the Purple Moon Soul Lamp and the [Soul-Crushing Bell]."

"My Dragon Language Sealing Incantations, including the Unsealing Curse, Restriction Curse, and Command Curse, have all reached the third rank of the upper level. After transforming into fire, their rank and potency can be raised by two levels, achieving the fifth rank at the upper level."

"Shi Wenxuan passed on the Three Death Curses to me. While I can't currently use them, they might become viable after entering the Dragon Court."

"King Tianyan is in such a hurry to take me back because there's likely another opportunity for enhancement waiting."

"With numerous techniques and treasures, the Fortune of Derivation Six, and three ancient coins in my possession—as long as I don't court disaster—the journey to the Dragon Court shouldn't end in the same dire fate I foresaw on the Island of the Chosen," Zhao Xing mused.

The memory of the Island of the Chosen still lingered vividly. There, he had witnessed the deaths of his Mountain Cat, Upside-Down Goat, and Blue Hound, along with his own gruesome demise.

"Though danger is inevitable, given that the Dragon Court is among the most elite 'dungeons' in the Xuanhuang Realm, even a first-grade cultivator isn't guaranteed to emerge unscathed."

Zhao Xing smirked faintly. "However, at the third-grade stage, I can dominate the competition. Even against second-grade opponents, I no longer need to shy away."

"To think that I've reached this point—where I can seriously consider challenging second-grade Heavenly Fortune cultivators," he thought, a wave of emotion washing over him. "The progress I've made in the past three years is astonishing."

Seven days later, in Pinghai Province's Chongming Prefecture—

"Finally, we're back!" Zhao Xing exclaimed.

However, before he could savor the moment, King Tianyan pulled him into the Stellar Palace.

"Zhao Xing, it's already the second day of May," King Tianyan said briskly. "The Dragon Court Ancient Grounds will open in forty days."

"Considering ten days for travel, you'll only have a month left to prepare. And if any further scheduling adjustments arise, you'll need to set aside another ten days, leaving just twenty days. Can you break through to the second layer of the Derivation Spirit Technique in that time?" King Tianyan asked expectantly.

Zhao Xing chuckled helplessly. "King, do you think the second layer of the Derivation Spirit Technique is as thin as paper, ready to break at a single poke?"

King Tianyan, reflecting on his words, acknowledged the absurdity of his expectations. "If the second layer isn't achievable, then it's time to conclude your cultivation preparations. Now, follow me—it's treasure-picking time."

"Yes, Your Highness," Zhao Xing replied, following King Tianyan into the treasure vault.

As they passed a dried-up pool, King Tianyan couldn't help but snort in displeasure. Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat. This pool had once been used to store Yuan Soul Liquid.

Back during King Liang's rebellion, Zhao Xing had soaked himself in the precious Yuan Soul Liquid to accelerate the recovery of his Life Soul. For most cultivators, this liquid was rationed drop by drop. But Zhao Xing had poured it directly into the pool for immersion, even going so far as to mix in other precious materials. Later, he had consumed it recklessly, treating the liquid as a casual enhancement rather than the priceless resource it was.

Beyond that, many top-rank materials for creating advanced dharma bodies had also been taken from the Stellar Palace's reserves. King Tianyan's expression left no doubt that he hadn't forgotten.

Inside the treasure vault, the scene wasn't much better—half the shelves were empty. Zhao Xing silently cursed his past self and tried to shrink into the shadows.

Seeing Zhao Xing's guilty demeanor, King Tianyan smirked. "What's wrong? Feeling sheepish now? You didn't seem the least bit guilty when you were raiding my stash like a bandit."

"I almost thought thieves had broken into my palace."

"Your Highness's scolding is justified," Zhao Xing replied obediently, lowering his head.

The truth was, most of what he had taken were eighth-rank supreme-grade materials and divine weapons. He hadn't dared to touch the ninth-rank artifacts, knowing their activation requirements far exceeded his abilities. Even so, the Yuan Soul Liquid he had "borrowed" was an irreplaceable treasure.

Leading Zhao Xing into a secret chamber within the treasure vault, King Tianyan gestured for him to enter. This particular room was no stranger to Zhao Xing—he had been here before. Yet, the current setup seemed even more refined, with its energy levels noticeably elevated.

"It's still the Commanding Official's Standard Trio," King Tianyan began, referring to the core set of treasures usually given to key retainers. "But this time, I've upgraded their rank."

"This," he said, holding up a radiant piece of fabric, "is an eighth-rank supreme-grade Heavenly Mechanism Robe. It's an undergarment, so you can still wear your battle armor over it."

"When you wear it, others won't be able to perceive your Fortune or track you using it."

"There's a ninth-rank version," King Tianyan continued, "but you wouldn't be able to activate it fully, so it wouldn't be as effective. This eighth-rank supreme-grade robe is the best fit for your current abilities."

Zhao Xing nodded. High-rank treasures that weren't consumables often had their effectiveness linked closely to the user's personal strength.

This was because treasures interacted deeply with their wielders.

The eighth-rank supreme-grade Heavenly Mechanism Robe, much like its seventh-rank counterpart, bore the four distinctive symbols of the sun, moon, turtle, and serpent.

The turtle supported the heavens, while the serpent devoured the sun and moon. These motifs were the standard markings of Fate Officers in charge of Fortune manipulation.

The Heavenly Mechanism Robe's primary function was to defend against external enemies.

In the Great Zhou, only Fate Officers could use Fortune to track others. Very few outside this circle could achieve the same.

"This is an eighth-rank supreme-grade Yellow Almanac." Lord Tianyan handed Zhao Xing a yellow booklet. "It doesn't just ward off misfortune—it actively attracts fortune."

"When you venture into the Dragon Court, your top priority is survival, with treasure hunting being secondary."

Lord Tianyan then handed Zhao Xing another item. "This is a mission from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Here's a catalog of possible Dragon Court treasures, along with their suspected locations."

"Don't look at it now," he added. "This list contains a special power that can only be activated after breaching the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds' barrier."

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

The Great Zhou had invested significant resources into training and deploying personnel to the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds. Of course, they expected results in return. If the expedition only resulted in casualties with no gains, such an effort would not warrant this level of mobilization.

"This is the eighth-rank supreme-grade Guardian Jade Pendant," Lord Tianyan continued. "Once worn, it can be actively triggered to create a portable, miniature barrier."

"This barrier can block all attacks below the second primary level of the Heavenly Luck Stage, except for soul-based techniques. It lasts for one hour."

"However," Lord Tianyan cautioned, "this protection is calibrated against the standard second-primary level. Exceptionally strong individuals are not included."

"I understand," Zhao Xing said solemnly. "No treasure can claim absolute defense or offense in this vast world of countless techniques and artifacts."

"As long as it can block attacks from the generally accepted second-primary standard, it's already covering 99% of cases."

No artifact maker could account for every extreme treasure, spell, or unique individual when creating their work.

Generalizations, rather than outlier scenarios, defined most treasure calibrations.

Zhao Xing carefully hung the Guardian Jade Pendant around his neck.

"The previous Soul-Calming Bell won't be included," Lord Tianyan said. "After all, during the war, you acquired the eighth-rank supreme-grade Purple Moon Soul Lamp and the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex. Both are far superior to the Soul-Calming Bell."

Lord Tianyan knew the origins of all Zhao Xing's treasures.

While precious, these items were fitting for someone of Zhao Xing's status.

As a Marquis of Shenwei, a Holy Son of three sects, Zhao Xing had every right to own such treasures.

Unless they were highly restricted items—like heavy siege weapons or warships—they didn't matter much to the Great Zhou.

Restricted items, such as warships or giant siege treasures, couldn't be hidden or operated by individuals. Even if one wanted to use them, there were legal avenues.

For example, Mechanist Lords like Shenluo could legally possess weapons like the Fire Origin Divine Cannon or set up formations such as the Heavenly Luo Mixed-Origin Array using the Mechanist Prayer Spike and other apparatus.

"Step onto the Eight Trigram Platform," Lord Tianyan instructed, leading Zhao Xing to a high platform marked with the Yin-Yang fish symbol.

Zhao Xing immediately recognized the familiar process: the Creation Disk would be used to shield him from divinations and detections.

"The rules of heaven and earth within the Dragon Court differ from those outside," Lord Tianyan explained.

"The Creation Disk's cloaking layer offers a limited duration of protection."

"Normally, it lasts for fifteen years," he continued. "But if you traverse forbidden zones or pass through certain special checkpoints, its efficacy might diminish—or even disappear entirely."

After setting up the cloaking mechanism, Lord Tianyan spoke with a stern expression.

"And now, the final step."

"Please elaborate, Your Highness," Zhao Xing responded respectfully.

"You must now swear upon your Three Souls: after entering the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds, you will prioritize your survival above all else and never act recklessly!"

Lord Tianyan's tone was unusually grave.

Zhao Xing, too, grew solemn. "I swear upon my Three Souls: after entering the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds, I will prioritize survival above all else and will not act on impulse!"

Hearing the oath, Lord Tianyan finally exhaled in relief.

Zhao Xing was still very young—only forty-four years old.

Youth often bred impulsiveness. The allure of the Dragon Court's treasures could easily cloud one's judgment, leading to rash decisions.

But Zhao Xing's mastery of the Derivation One technique had already shown its value to the Great Zhou. His continued progress could greatly enhance the strength of Zhou's high-level practitioners.

Even at his current stage, Zhao Xing was unique among his peers. If he reached the second layer of mastery, it could elevate the overall capabilities of all Derivation One cultivators in the Great Zhou.

This technique had ripple effects across all fields:

Mechanists could control thousands more puppets or arrays simultaneously.

Cultivators like Liu Tianning, who specialized in the Myriad Straw Puppet Technique, could mitigate their weaknesses.

Fate Officers could further refine their divinations.

Every occupation benefited from fortune.

This made Zhao Xing invaluable to the Great Zhou.

Initially, Lord Tianyan had no intention of letting Zhao Xing venture into the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds.

However, Emperor Jing had overruled this suggestion, arguing that Zhao Xing needed practical experience.

"This Dragon Court expedition carries a secret decree from His Majesty," Lord Tianyan said. "Your unique identity will be known to certain first-primary stage experts."

"They will spare no effort to protect you if you face danger."

"This is the maximum guarantee the court can provide."

Zhao Xing bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lord Tianyan smiled faintly. "Use the remaining time wisely. I won't pressure you to cultivate further."

"It's been three years since you've visited your family. Go home and see them."

"Yes." Zhao Xing saluted and left the Stellar Palace.

On his flight to Bixian Commandery, Zhao Xing closed his eyes to rest.

"Hah, I've finally caught the Emperor's attention—and in a significant way."

"Even first-primary stage experts will be protecting me? This mission must be incredibly dangerous."

"His Majesty's thoughts are always unfathomable."

Zhao Xing paced around the halls of his Memory Palace, his emotions mixed.

Fortunately, the Jingxin Era was nearing its end. Emperor Jing likely wouldn't initiate any grand changes now.

Had this been at the start of the Reformation Era, Zhao Xing would've been plagued by unease.

When Zhao Xing opened his eyes again, he had arrived at the Bixian Commandery Palace.

At the Bixian Commandery Palace, Zhao Xing descended and walked toward the lakeside retreat near Heavenly Horse Lake.

"Who are you?!" a sharp, youthful voice called out.

Zhao Xing paused mid-step, startled. A small child with rosy cheeks stood before him, holding a wooden sword aimed directly at him.

He blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Who are you? Why are you out here wandering around on your own?"

"I'm Zhao Yuling," the child replied with a proud lift of their chin.

Just then, a woman emerged from a nearby doorway. Upon seeing Zhao Xing, her face turned pale. She rushed forward, scooped the child into her arms, and knelt on the ground trembling.

"Eldest Young Master! This servant is at fault for not keeping a closer watch over Miss!"

Zhao Xing waved his hand dismissively. "Miss? Stand up and explain everything clearly."

"Yes, I understand," the middle-aged woman replied cautiously as she stood up and began her explanation.

It turned out that during the three years Zhao Xing had been away from Pinghai Prefecture, Zhao Ruide, despite his advanced age, had once again fathered a child with Madam Cai.

During the two-and-a-half-year rebellion led by King Liang, followed by the three years of restoration, Zhao Ruide had remained idle, holding no official position. During the rebellion, confined to the Princess' Manor due to safety concerns for his son, Zhao Ruide had little time or energy to think of expanding his family.

However, once the rebellion was quelled, and Zhao Xing rose to the title of Marquis of the First Rank, Zhao Ruide's worries eased considerably. Even so, he did not resume his official duties. Small bands of bandits still roamed the region, and during the ensuing purges, if Zhao Ruide, an Eighth-Rank Patrol Guard, were reinstated, he would be required to fight in the field. With his son's growing prominence, his own reassignment was put on hold.

Left with no pressing responsibilities, Zhao Ruide spent his idle days with Madam Cai, leading to the birth of Zhao Yuling, their second child after Zhao Yuhuan.

Far away in Daoyuan Continent and Tianyong Prefecture, Zhao Xing had remained unaware of these developments. After stepping down from his previous post, his access to higher-rank permissions on the Earth Mirror had been revoked, and cross-province messaging was no simple feat. Even Meng Kun, who once tried to intercept him, had failed to do so. With Zhao Xing's unpredictable movements, notifying him of family matters had been nearly impossible.

"I see," Zhao Xing remarked, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He crouched down and gently pinched his young sister's chubby cheeks. "So, earlier, you asked me who I am? I'm your big brother. Call me 'Big Brother.'"

"Waahhh~~!" Zhao Yuling burst into tears at his touch.

"Ah," Zhao Xing quickly retracted his hand, helplessly watching as the little one cried.

Hearing Zhao Yuling's wails, the entire household rushed out to investigate.

"Wang Cui! Why is Ling'er crying? How are you taking care of her?"

Dressed in a luxurious outfit, Madam Cai stormed out, her golden hairpin glinting as she lifted her hemline to hurry over.

The woman holding Zhao Yuling froze in panic, unable to utter a word. She certainly couldn't admit that it was the eldest young master who had startled the child.

Just as Madam Cai reached them, a streak of blue light shot out from the manor.

"Big Brother!"

Before the figure even landed, an excited and melodious voice had already reached Zhao Xing's ears.

Moments later, a graceful young lady descended, ribbons fluttering around her as she landed in a lively, cheerful manner.

It was none other than Zhao Ruide's first daughter, Zhao Yuhuan.

"Big Brother, you're finally back!" Zhao Yuhuan exclaimed, hugging Zhao Xing's arm tightly in delight.

"My little Zhuzhu has grown so much," Zhao Xing said with a warm chuckle as he patted her head.

Zhao Yuhuan had been born in the twenty-second year of the Jingxin Era, making her eighteen years old now.

"Big Brother," another voice called out. A burly young man with a rugged beard emerged from the doorway. It was Zhao Zheng, Zhao Xing's younger brother.

"You're home as well," Zhao Xing remarked, smiling as he approached Zhao Zheng and gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. He then turned to Madam Cai and bowed politely.

"Let's go inside and talk."

On May 25th of the third year of Great Governance, Zhao Xing discreetly left a clone at the Princess' Manor and slipped away to a secluded area to think.

"Considering the time required for travel, there are only ten days left," Zhao Xing muttered to himself. "Should I visit the Grand Dream Academy?"

His hesitation stemmed from his prior oath to the Fate Blackbird, where he pledged to assist it with all his strength. However, during his visit before the rebellion, he discovered that the Fate Blackbird had the ability to choose how much power it would exert. Its demeanor was inconsistent, sometimes appearing like a clueless bird, and other times shrouded in profound mystery.

"Still, I should go."

"Now that I've reached the Third Rank in Fate Soul, if anything unusual occurs, I should be able to detect it."

"Back when I signed the Dream God Contract, I split my primary soul into seven parts. If something truly goes wrong this time, losing one part of my primary soul would be the worst-case scenario."

With his mind made up, Zhao Xing used his stealth techniques and descended deep underground.

"Divide!"

His original body and clone simultaneously manifested identical Fate Souls.

He carved out a secluded space underground, laid down, and attached a talisman to his body. Chanting softly, he said, "Student Zhao Xing humbly requests the Grand Dream Academy to open its doors for learning."

"Buzz~"

This time, upon re-entry, Zhao Xing immediately felt a sense of separation. While his original body and primary soul above ground remained fully conscious, it was his soul clone that entered the state of slumber.

Simultaneously, another perspective emerged.

Grand Dream Academy.

Heavenly Secrets Hall.

"Caw~"

As Zhao Xing materialized within the Heavenly Secrets Hall, skipping past the academy's main entrance, the distinctive cry of the Fate Blackbird greeted him.

The familiar cabinet and the same bald bird.

Zhao Xing respectfully cupped his hands in a bow toward the Fate Blackbird. "Greetings, Senior."

"Zhao Xing, you're alive. I'm delighted!" the Fate Blackbird exclaimed in an unusually enthusiastic tone. "And you've grown so much stronger!"

"To think you've reached the Third Rank in Fate Soul. Caw, caw, caw!"

"It seems the turmoil in your dynasty has settled, and you've reaped significant benefits."

Zhao Xing replied with a polite smile. "Thanks to Senior's guidance, I've indeed reached the Third Rank."

"Is there anything I can do to assist you, Senior?"

The Fate Blackbird shook its head. "Not yet. At your current level, you can't help me."

Zhao Xing nodded. "Then I trust Senior is doing well?"

Again, the Fate Blackbird shook its head. "I'm recovering well. It's been over five years, and I'm nearly there. Do you have any requests?"

Clearly, the bird wasn't being entirely truthful—but Zhao Xing kept his expression neutral and merely shook his head slightly. "There's no need to trouble you, Senior. I just wish to explore the Heavenly Secrets Hall and browse its records."

A glint of thought flashed in the Fate Blackbird's eyes. "Very well. What are you looking for?"

"Senior, do you have any records concerning the Dragon Court?" Zhao Xing asked.

The Fate Blackbird tilted its head thoughtfully. "The Dragon Court? The ancient Dragon Court? Let me think... Ah, yes, I do remember something!"

Zhao Xing was startled—he had only asked on a whim. Could it be that such records truly existed?

While he stood stunned, the Fate Blackbird suddenly left its perch and flew to the upper shelves. Moments later, it returned, carrying a heap of books, stone tablets, and carvings, which it dropped into a pile before him.

"Clang~"

The materials formed a small mountain.

"This should cover everything," the Fate Blackbird said, flapping its wings. "See if it's what you're looking for."

Zhao Xing bowed again. "Thank you, Senior."

He immediately settled in and began sifting through the massive trove of information.

Zhao Xing sat quietly among the towering piles of ancient tomes and records, his expression unchanging as he flipped through pages filled with profound knowledge. He wasn't there to comprehend or delve into the mysteries contained within these texts. No, his sole focus was memorization—committing every word and detail to memory.

Above him, perched atop the tall shelf, the Fate Blackbird observed him silently, its eyes glinting with an inscrutable light. The stillness of Zhao Xing's demeanor never wavered, his emotions remaining steadfastly calm and detached. Time passed swiftly in the Grand Dream Academy's mysterious dimension. By the time nine days had elapsed in the outside world, Zhao Xing finally rose to his feet.

"Whew—" Zhao Xing exhaled a deep breath, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he put down the final book.

"Many thanks, Senior. I have gained much," he said, bowing respectfully toward the Fate Blackbird.

The bird let out two raspy laughs, its tone playful. "Good, good! Gains are always good—ga ga!"

"Then, I shall not disturb your rest further. I will take my leave now," Zhao Xing said with another bow.

The Fate Blackbird nodded in acknowledgment, and Zhao Xing's figure vanished from the Hall of Heaven's Secrets. As his silhouette disappeared, a faint, sinister red glow flickered briefly in the bird's eyes.

"He's noticed something's wrong with you," a voice, foreign and mocking, emerged from the Fate Blackbird's open beak.

The bird screeched, its voice sharp and piercing. "Yang Yanzhen! Why do you persist in haunting me?!"

"Hmph. Whether you live or die, you belong to the Da Li Dynasty. Your fate is sealed!" The voice's declaration reverberated through the hall.

The Fate Blackbird let out an enraged scream. "Ga! You wretched thing! Go die already—ga!"

Meanwhile, deep underground, Zhao Xing's primary soul awakened from its slumber. His consciousness rapidly reviewed the events experienced by his soul projection within the Grand Dream Academy. Frowning slightly, he refrained from reabsorbing the fragmented soul. Instead, he immediately caused it to self-destruct.

Boom!

The soul burst apart, leaving Zhao Xing's face pale and drained from the exertion. Without hesitation, he retrieved two white mist-shrouded fruits from his Pure Essence Projection and consumed them. Holding the Violet Moon Soul Lamp in one hand, Zhao Xing began performing calculations, combining the Divine Calculation Art with the Three Divine Soul Convergence to examine the karmic threads connecting him to the Fate Blackbird.

Opening his eyes, he murmured, "The Dream God Contract restricts me, but it does not bind the Fate Blackbird."

"It's clear now—somewhere along the line, a third force has meddled in our agreement. The interference is undeniable."

With his current cultivation realm of Third-Rank Fate Soul and the combined protection of the Creation Disk, Heavenly Mechanism Robe, and Violet Moon Soul Lamp, Zhao Xing had managed to pinpoint the origin of the anomaly.

"It's likely the first guardian of the Grand Dream Academy."

The Fate Blackbird was the second guardian. Whatever could suppress it had to be the first guardian—a being of even greater power and mystery.

"For now, I can't risk returning to the Grand Dream Academy," Zhao Xing muttered, shaking his head. A wry smile crept onto his lips. "You foolish bird. I'll still fulfill the Dream God Contract and help you regain your freedom, but whether you survive beyond that is up to you."

By the time Zhao Xing emerged from the Grand Dream Academy, the calendar had turned to the fourth day of the sixth lunar month. His schedule was tight. According to the plan, he would set off on the fifth day and arrive at the entrance to the Ancient Dragon Court by the fifteenth.

For this venture, the Heavenly Derivation King would not be accompanying him. Officially, Zhao Xing was still registered as a Fourth-Rank cultivator, holding a mid-rank bureaucratic position earned during the court's distribution of exploration slots. As such, he traveled separately from the higher-ranking officials.

On the fifth day, Zhao Xing boarded an official ship in Chongming Prefecture. Using the connections of the Tower Ship Division, he reached Purple Cloud Island. From there, he transferred to another vessel under the division's jurisdiction and set off for the Eastern Sea's aquatic territories.

The Eastern Sea expedition was led by three King-rank cultivators: Bai Yunwu, Ao Tian, and Tang Yinglong. The five hundred selected participants from the Eastern Sea region were already aboard the ships. However, due to the chaos wrought by King Liang's rebellion, many of the original slot holders had perished, necessitating last-minute replacements.

At the Bai family's stronghold, Zhao Xing encountered Long Xiao.

"Why are you so late? I expected you two days ago," Long Xiao remarked as Zhao Xing disembarked. "The ship leaves in two hours."

"Some matters delayed me," Zhao Xing replied. "Where are Ao Tian and the others?"

"They're resting in their quarters aboard the ship," Long Xiao said with a grin. "Don't worry; Lord Goat, Lord Dog, and Lord Cat are all being well cared for."

Zhao Xing chuckled. The Mountain Cat, Blue Hound, and Upside-Down Goat were officially registered as officers with honorary titles, earning him additional years of longevity thanks to their auspicious presence during previous campaigns.

Technically, with his current Third-Rank status, Zhao Xing no longer needed to bring pets for identification at the Ancient Dragon Court. The entry requirements—dragon bloodline, High Dragon Language proficiency, or a special token—were easily met by high-ranking cultivators. Only mid-rank participants required spirit-beast companions for entry verification.

Still, the Mountain Cat and the others had been officially documented as part of his entourage. Since Zhao Xing was maintaining his disguise, the pets were part of the act and would accompany him.

"You're all geared up. Are you planning to join the expedition yourself?" Zhao Xing asked, eyeing Long Xiao's fully armored appearance and the escort team trailing behind him. It didn't seem like he was merely there to see someone off.

"You don't speak High Dragon Language, nor do you have any war pets. Did the Bai family give you one of the Dragon Court tokens? Those are incredibly rare."

Long Xiao waved dismissively. "No, no. I don't speak the language, and they didn't give me a token."

"Then you must have a companion," Zhao Xing guessed, curious. "What kind of pet did you bring?"

Long Xiao smirked and stepped aside, revealing Bai Yang standing behind him.

Zhao Xing blinked in surprise. "You're using your brother-in-law as a war pet?"

Bai Yang, the Bai family's commander, looked both helpless and exasperated. "Marquis Shenwei, it's not like that. I'm just… just…"

Struggling to find the right words, Bai Yang could only sigh at the absurdity of the situation.

Zhao Xing burst into laughter. The memory of Long Xiao and Bai Yang's combined techniques during a previous battle was both hilarious and slightly unsettling.

"Hey! Don't think about it like that!" Bai Yang protested. "I'm not fusing with my brother-in-law! I just release my aura to help him pass through the barrier."

"Of course, of course," Zhao Xing said, nodding with feigned seriousness.

Bai Yang:

Damn it! That's exactly what you're thinking!

"Brother-in-law, why are you laughing?" Bai Yang demanded, turning to Long Xiao.

"I'm not laughing at you," Long Xiao replied, struggling to keep a straight face. "I just remembered something happy."

"What could possibly be so—"

"Your sister had a child," Long Xiao said, pausing dramatically.

Bai Yang:

Zhao Xing:

Long Xiao wasn't joking. His wife, Bai Ling'er—a half-dragon, half-human hybrid—had an unusually long gestation period. She had conceived in the winter of Year 29 of the Jingxin Era and only gave birth in Year 3 of the Great Peace Era. For humans, pregnancy lasted ten months. For Bai Ling'er, it had lasted ten years.

"Ahem. Let's discuss this on the ship," Long Xiao said, noticing the curious stares of the nearby crowd. Bai Yang, his face flushed with embarrassment, could only grumble as they made their way aboard.

Inside the cabin, the Mountain Cat affectionately nuzzled Zhao Xing, purring loudly. The once-small creature had grown to a towering height of over two meters, resembling a majestic panther.

The ship creaked as it prepared to set sail, its course set for the Ancient Dragon Court.

As Zhao Xing entered the room, the three battle pets, Long Aotian, the Xiaotian, and the Huantian, quickly swarmed around him. The Mountain Cat, now over two meters tall, excitedly rubbed its massive head against him, while the other two, both having fully matured and reached their peak at the Fourth Rank Perfection, barked and bleated happily.

"Haha, alright, alright! Stop licking!" Zhao Xing laughed as he patted each of them affectionately. "Yes, I'm here now. Relax, Huantian, stop tugging at my pants."

Their excitement only began to subside once the warship finally launched. The Sea God Warship, bestowed by the imperial court, carried the five hundred mid-rank officials led by the three titled kings—Bai Yunwu, Ao Tian, and Tang Yinglong—from the Eastern Sea's Canghai Cave-Heaven towards the vast eastern territories.

Once the ship left the Eastern Sea's boundaries, Zhao Xing couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in the fortune of those aboard. The movements of fortune—often fluctuating between peaks and troughs—became more evident.

"Far from the Great Zhou, the dynasty's protective fortune weakens," Zhao Xing thought as he observed the officials walking about the ship. Even his own fortune began fluctuating between Derivation Five and Derivation Six.

By the thirteenth of June, the fluctuations had grown more pronounced, ranging from Derivation Four to Derivation Six. Sensing something unusual, Zhao Xing activated his Heavenly Eye Technique, looking far into the ocean's expanse. A massive warship made entirely of white bone loomed in the southern waters.

The bone-crafted ship's bow was shaped like an enormous dragon's skull, its empty sockets glowing with eerie green flames, as if something was trapped within, struggling to break free. The ship bore banners that, upon closer inspection, weren't fabric but the sect's signature Bone Banners. The flags writhed with countless human shadows, endlessly twisting and struggling.

"A top-rank sect, the Bone Sect, with the Violet Dragon Court's banner as well," Zhao Xing muttered as he gazed at the approaching ship.

The anomaly was soon noticed by others, including Long Xiao, who stepped out of the cabin and glanced at the bone warship on the horizon. "There's another one to the west," Long Xiao remarked, prompting Zhao Xing to shift his gaze.

In the western skies, a colossal bronze coffin flew through the air, pulled by winged celestial horses. Dark energy radiated from the coffin, tainting the skies and seas below it with a blackened hue.

"What kind of force uses coffins as warships?" Long Xiao asked in bewilderment.

"That would be the Corpse Puppet Sect," Zhao Xing replied. "They specialize in crafting multiple physical vessels for their souls. Their signature technique involves carrying coffins. When one body is destroyed, their soul can quickly transfer to a spare vessel. The spare bodies, carefully cultivated, can sometimes be even stronger than the original."

"How many can they create?" Long Xiao asked.

"Most elders manage two or three. Crafting these puppets requires significant resources and expertise," Zhao Xing explained. "The Great Zhou does not house a branch of the Corpse Puppet Sect. The core techniques of this sect are far too destructive to the natural order, and there's no way to strip them down into something more neutral."

Pausing for a moment, Zhao Xing added, "That said, the Dao of Creation Academy likely preserves samples of their techniques for research purposes."

"Hmph," Long Xiao scoffed. "Such practices confirm their identity as demonic practitioners."

"Do not act rashly," Zhao Xing warned, his tone serious. "That coffin is the Desireless Coffin, and it likely houses a First Rank powerhouse."

"A First Rank expert?" Long Xiao echoed.

"Or possibly someone at the elder or ancestor level. Combined with the Desireless Coffin, they can temporarily exert strength beyond the First Rank," Zhao Xing clarified.

Long Xiao's gaze shifted. Spotting another approaching force, he asked, "What about that eastern contingent? Surely they're not as fearsome."

Zhao Xing turned his attention to the east, where an immense serpent slithered through the skies, pulling a serpent-shaped warship. The creature was so massive it seemed to blot out the sun.

"That would be the Snake Kingdom," Zhao Xing replied, shaking his head. "That is a First Rank serpent. It could single-handedly eliminate most First Rank experts. If their Serpent Sovereign has arrived and merged with the creature, their combined strength would also surpass the First Rank."

Long Xiao sighed in frustration. "Then there's nothing left for me to fight?"

Zhao Xing chuckled. "Why would anyone let you fight here? Every faction present is qualified to claim a share of the Dragon Court's fortune. From the founding of the Great Zhou to now, not a single faction has been ousted. It's only a matter of how much they can claim."

He continued, "If the Great Zhou had conquered the Southern Barbarians entirely, we might have monopolized the fortune. For now, no one dares to start a fight outside the Dragon Court."

"What about inside?" Long Xiao's eyes glinted with excitement.

Zhao Xing frowned. "Can't you stop thinking about fighting all the time? It's been three years, and you still can't suppress your killing intent?"

Long Xiao, whose path to the Third Rank relied on his killing intent, had a demeanor that intimidated even those of similar rank. Were it not for Zhao Xing's presence, others would likely avoid interacting with him altogether.

"I'll try," Long Xiao replied, scratching his head awkwardly.

By June 15th, most of the factions had gathered. Among them, the Great Zhou's contingent, positioned to the east, had the largest numbers. Zhao Xing estimated over a hundred suspected First Rank experts present, though he could not ascertain if there were any beings surpassing the First Rank.

"The concentration of First Rank combatants here exceeds even the peak of the Southern Barbarian War," Zhao Xing observed. "But this is not a battlefield."

While the divine senses of various powerhouses clashed intermittently in the sky, open conflicts were rare. Despite the rebellion of King Liang, no one dared to provoke the Great Zhou, which remained a formidable presence.

"Long Xiao, Zhao Xing," a voice suddenly transmitted to their ears.

"Grandfather," Long Xiao responded respectfully.

"Lord Bai Yunwu," Zhao Xing also replied.

"The gates to the Dragon Court will soon open. The Great Zhou contingent will enter first. However, those without dragon titles will have randomized entry locations. Once inside, you must quickly determine your surroundings—what Dragon Kingdom you've entered and the factions present. Secure freedom of movement and head for the royal city as swiftly as possible. I will locate you as needed," Bai Yunwu's voice resonated in their minds.

"Yes," the two replied in unison.

Bai Yunwu was clearly aware of Zhao Xing's unique nature. After the message ended, Long Xiao leaned toward Zhao Xing. "My grandfather shared some additional information—"

Zhao Xing remained silent, listening attentively. Unaware that Bai Yunwu had also transmitted the message to Zhao Xing, Long Xiao finished with, "Do you have anything to add?"

"No," Zhao Xing replied calmly. "Your grandfather has a dragon title, so his location is fixed upon entry. Ours isn't. The court's strategy is the best plan to follow."

"I have to go now. Take care of yourself." Long Xiao, being at the Third Rank, could not enter the Dragon Gate with Zhao Xing at the same time.

"Take care." Zhao Xing cautioned him, "Don't be impulsive. If you feel like you can't control yourself, think of your child."

"I understand." Long Xiao nodded heavily.

With that, he activated his sword flight, left the warship, and soared into the sky.

June 15th, at the hour of the rabbit (approximately 5:00 AM).

The sky was just beginning to brighten.

"Hua-la~"

The boundless sea suddenly sank as if collapsing in on itself.

"Boom~"

A massive vortex appeared without any warning.

It was as if both the sea and sky trembled together!

"Ang~"

An ancient sound, as if echoing from the primordial wilderness, reverberated through the air.

A colossal Dragon Gate, spanning hundreds of miles, emerged from the swirling sea.

Two five-clawed golden dragons emerged from enormous gemstones embedded atop the gate's frame. The dragons appeared vividly real, swimming along either side of the gate.

"Ang~"

The clear and resounding dragon roar echoed across heaven and earth.

"By decree of the Dragon Court, the Dragon Gate opens today!" Zhao Xing could understand the meaning embedded within the dragon's roar thanks to his knowledge of the dragon language.

The melodious dragon chant transmitted across the various forces, persisting all the way until midday.

The two dragons slowed their movement, fixing their heads at the top center of the gate's frame while their bodies draped along its sides.

A golden beam of light shot forth from the gate's massive frame, gradually intensifying and forming a towering golden portal.

Dragon shadows roamed endlessly within the portal, radiating an air of absolute majesty.

"They're here," Zhao Xing murmured, licking his lips.

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

"Meow~" The mountain cat, Long Aotian, along with Blue Hound and the Upside-Down Goat, all became visibly excited.

"Everyone, ascend!" came the booming voice of Bai Mingchuan, who had taken on his dragon form, appearing as a magnificent azure dragon.

"Shua-shua-shua-shua-shua~"

Figures burst forth from three Seagod Warships stationed within the Eastern Sea formation, soaring into the air.

"Go!" Bai Mingchuan commanded.

"Shua-shua~"

At that moment, all the mid-ranked officials of the Great Zhou surged toward the Dragon Gate.

The other forces waited patiently, knowing they had to allow Great Zhou to fill their allocated spots before they could move forward.

Zhao Xing followed closely behind the main group, rushing into the glowing Dragon Gate.

Upon passing through the golden portal, it felt like stepping into a time tunnel.

Zhao Xing's body, along with his three contracted war pets, seemed to stretch infinitely, as though the Dragon Gate was banishing them to some distant, unknown realm.

However, the unbreakable bond between him and his pets held them together as a unified entity, preventing separation.

Finally, at a certain moment, the golden light dissipated, revealing a gray expanse of land.

"Boom~"

The sensation of falling—a rapid, unstoppable descent!

The gravitational pull of the Dragon Court's ancient terrain was far beyond imagination. Zhao Xing only managed to stabilize himself on his second breath.

Beneath him stretched a desolate expanse.

Boulders dotted the landscape, and yellow sand swirled in the air.

"Where is this place?" Zhao Xing wondered as he pulled out the map provided by the court, scanning for landmarks.

Finding no identifiable points of reference, he was left with no choice but to explore.

The first Technique was "cloud manipulation," which spread clouds outward, drastically expanding his detection range. However, this approach created too much commotion.

The second Technique was to deploy clones using the "Myriad Laws Manifestation" technique. By sending them in different directions, the process was quieter and more thorough.

"Myriad Laws Manifestation!"

Great Derivation Qi Observation Technique

Zhao Xing unleashed numerous clones and activated the observation technique.

All life carried its own fortune.

The clones dispersed in all directions. If one encountered a significant gathering of fortune, it would signify the presence of dragons in that area.

By identifying such gatherings, Zhao Xing would be able to find a reliable point of reference.

"Shua-shua-shua-shua-shua-shua~"

Half an hour later, the clones began returning with information.

An hour later, Zhao Xing opened his eyes, cross-referenced the gathered details with the map, and made a judgment.

"Based on the information, this location should belong to... the 'Gu Ting' Kingdom? And it's close to the city?"

After triple-checking his findings, Zhao Xing's expression grew jubilant.

"What incredible fortune! To think I would land directly in one of the Ten Great Dragon Kingdoms—Gu Ting Kingdom—and it's the dragon domain I'm most familiar with from my past life!"

The random teleportation could have easily sent him to a minor territory, far from the central Dragon Court. Those regions were typically inhabited by low-bloodline dragon clans with little to offer.

To find ancient treasures, one had to move toward the central Dragon Court, ideally reaching at least the level of the Ten Great Kingdoms. Only there could one hope to obtain artifacts from the ancient era.

Both the Great Zhou and external forces had spent years preparing for this.

Their ultimate goal was the inheritance and treasures within the central Dragon Court. The rest held little value.

"Perfect." A faint smile spread across Zhao Xing's lips.

"Meow?" The mountain cat tilted its head, confused by its master's sudden joy.

Zhao Xing stroked the cat's head with amusement, murmuring, "Thanks for the invitation. I'm here in the Dragon Court and ready for a speedrun."

An hour later, most of his clones had returned. Gathering his pets, Zhao Xing made his way straight for the Gu Ting Kingdom's royal city.