The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

The little child, nicknamed "Little Pig," charged forward like a bull, vanishing from view in the blink of an eye.

However, Liu Wanliang didn't chase after him. Instead, he signaled for some guards to search for the boy, acting as if the child truly was just a relative visiting.

Seeing Liu Wanliang remain still, Zhao Xing remembered that the manager had come to see him for something.

"Chen'an, you've been spacing out by the lake every day. The princess is a little worried about you and asked me to check on you," Liu Wanliang said.

"I'm fine," Zhao Xing replied. "It's just a bottleneck."

"Mountain techniques gather Fortune—it's not something accomplished in a day. Don't let your other training suffer while focusing on the Myriad Straw Puppet Techniques. You don't want to make people worry," Liu Wanliang advised.

Zhao Xing immediately understood. Bowing slightly, he said, "I'll go see the princess right away."

Liu Wanliang nodded with a smile.

With a wave of his hand, Zhao Xing's attire shimmered, transitioning seamlessly from plain to elegant in an instant.

Princess You Ruo wasn't entirely worried about him—after all, he had been cultivating right under her nose. Aside from zoning out a little more often due to practicing the Mountain Techniques, his avatars stationed at home for decades hadn't shown any signs of abnormality.

The primary concern wasn't Zhao Xing—it was Liu Tianning.

Liu Tianning was far away, millions of miles distant, and had been in seclusion for many years. Though his avatars continued to handle public affairs, compared to Zhao Xing, Princess You Ruo had more reasons to worry about her teacher.

Since the 26th year of the Great Governance Era, Liu Tianning's true body had undergone two major periods of seclusion.

The first lasted from the 26th year to the 56th year, a full thirty years.

During this time, Princess You Ruo didn't see Liu Tianning's true body even once.

He emerged in the 57th year but only briefly—less than a month passed before he returned to seclusion.

"During those thirty years of seclusion, Liu Tianning completed the first stage of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit's reconstruction."

"But Princess You Ruo doesn't know this, as it's a highly classified matter. Her concern stems from ignorance of the reasons behind his absence," Zhao Xing mused as he walked. "I can't tell her either. All I can do is reassure her that her teacher is safe."

Zhao Xing recalled Liu Tianning's activities: "He came out of seclusion in the 57th year and focused on administrative tasks."

"In the 58th year, he began covert inspections across nineteen provinces to assess the implementation of the Green Seedling Law, issuing rewards and penalties for branch academies."

"By this time, the Self School's officials had significantly increased compared to the Jingxin Era. In certain provinces, Self School Shennong practitioners outnumbered those from the other two schools."

"This is his foundation for vying for the Grand Shennong position; he cannot afford to neglect it."

"After three years of inspections, he returned to Daoyuan Continent in the first year of the Eternal Governance Era. There, he entered the Dao Field and challenged Yun Zhen, the Dean of Yunzhong Academy at Xuantian Academy."

"According to tradition, the competition among the three schools, especially between Grand Shennong candidates, allows for up to ten battles, each held ten years apart."

"Why ten battles at most? Because if someone is defeated enough in the early rounds, there's no need to proceed further."

"But if they remain unconvinced, the battles continue every decade."

"Sometimes, exceptional governance and accomplishments might persuade others to concede, negating the need for further combat."

"After nine rounds, if no resolution is reached, the final duel is a 'Struggle for the Dao.'"

"In the first nine rounds, victory and defeat are determined, but not life and death. The victor must also show restraint to avoid permanently injuring their opponent."

"Following each battle, the competitors sit down to discuss their philosophies, seeking common ground while respecting differences."

"If, after nine rounds, no agreement is reached, the Struggle for the Dao ensues."

"This usually doesn't happen. However, Liu Tianning is the Dean of Shangluo Academy and a member of the Self School."

"The Self School has never produced a Grand Shennong, so it's likely to reach the tenth round."

"For example, in the Eternal Governance Era's first year, after defeating Yun Zhen, Liu Tianning didn't sit down to discuss matters with him. Instead, Yun Zhen left after declaring they would battle again in ten years."

"Such actions show just how much opposition Liu Tianning faces in his quest for the Grand Shennong position."

"Of course, sometimes candidates are willing to concede but are compelled to continue fighting because they represent more than just themselves—they carry the honor and interests of an entire school."

"Even knowing they will lose, they have no choice but to fight. Dying on the Dao Field is preferable to surrendering, as it provides an explanation to their supporters: 'I fought to the death for our ideals, repaying the centuries of support.'"

"In the first year of the Eternal Governance Era, Liu Tianning participated in eight battles. Xuantian Academy fielded four challengers, all from the Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Cloud divisions, each led by a dean or deputy dean."

"Without exception, all were defeated by Liu Tianning."

"However, Ling Tianchen and Wang Tianzhi were not among them."

"This was Liu Tianning after reconstructing only the first layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit," Zhao Xing reflected. "His cultivation talent is unparalleled among Shennong practitioners, even surpassing me in certain aspects."

Zhao Xing had been practicing Mountain Techniques for 82 years yet remained stuck at the peak of the Heavenly Luck Realm, unable to break through. Liu Tianning, on the other hand, had advanced to the First Rank in just three years.

Of course, Liu Tianning wasn't using Mountain Techniques to nurture Fortune but the Divine Wood Method. Though their essence was the same, Mountain Techniques were inherently more challenging.

As a result, Liu Tianning's progress in the Heavenly Luck Realm was smoother. His family had controlled one-third of the Shennong fortune since the founding of the dynasty.

The Myriad Straw Puppet Technique, a hallmark of the Self School, was created by his great-grandfather and further elevated under his guidance.

With thousands of years of accumulated fortune tied to the Shennong lineage, Liu Tianning's progress was unparalleled in this realm.

Even Zhao Xing, with his overpowered status, had to admit Liu Tianning's superiority in this aspect.

"However, when it comes to the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, things are different."

While nurturing Qitian Mountain for 82 years, Zhao Xing had not neglected the Derivation of the Divine Spirit.

After all, this technique concerned not only Liu Tianning's life but also his own.

"As I reached the Second Rank of the Heavenly Luck Realm, I too had to advance to the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit."

"Despite my focus on Mountain Techniques, I achieved perfection in the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit in less than ten years. My soul split into five hundred thousand, and my Karmic Soul imprint spread like a starry sky, breaking historical records."

"Subsequent years were spent summarizing the correct cultivation methods for the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, tailoring them to the needs of top-tier practitioners, including Liu Tianning."

"From the first year of the Eternal Governance Era, I began guiding Liu Tianning through the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, creating a custom approach for him."

"After eight battles, defeating four Heavenly Timing practitioners and four Earthly Advantage practitioners, he returned to seclusion."

"Since then, he's emerged every ten years, engaging in more battles—eighteen so far."

"The most persistent opponents have faced him four times, while others only once."

"Wang Tianzhi and Ling Tianchen still haven't fought him, but Meng Kun and Qin Shanyue have both been beaten."

"None of the defeated challengers have conceded entirely—it would be too humiliating. As a Shennong of the Self School, they must hold out until at least the ninth battle."

"Eternal Governance has 98 years. Li Boqian will pass away late in this era, leaving the Grand Shennong position vacant for several years. By Emperor Wu's second year, the competition will conclude."

"With long lifespans, time validates achievements, methods, theories, and morality. A century is sufficient to determine who among the three schools is most suited to the Grand Shennong position."

"Liu Tianning excels in many areas, even surpassing me in the Heavenly Luck Realm, but his reconstruction of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit has been slow."

"It's now the 46th year of the Eternal Governance Era. Compared to other talented practitioners, his progress in reconstruction is relatively sluggish," Zhao Xing noted.

Reconstruction in this context wasn't about starting over from scratch. It was a corrective and healing process that refined and perfected the foundation.

Vital energy can be dispersed and reconstructed, but how can the soul's methods be dispersed? What does it mean to turn oneself into a ghostly state?

If it were that easy, the flaws of the Myriad Straw Puppet Technique wouldn't have remained unresolved for so many years.

"Princess You Ruo's concerns aren't unfounded. But she has her own troubles. I hope she can keep a clear mind and avoid rash decisions."

Zhao Xing thought as he walked into the Yonghua Hall.

"Your servant greets the Princess."

Princess You Ruo, Ji Anlan, sat upright at the desk. Her brows were slightly furrowed as she reviewed official documents.

She heard Zhao Xing's greeting but didn't immediately respond.

Zhao Xing remained bowed in salute, silently waiting.

He knew that Princess You Ruo was already quite displeased with both his teacher and him.

And understandably so. Her beloved was someone she might not see for decades at a time.

Avatars? What meaning do they hold? Just a perfunctory attempt to pacify a child!

When asked for a reason, no one would provide a clear answer.

Even as a disciple, Zhao Xing was in seclusion. This much she knew. Cultivating the Ling Mountain Method to nurture Fortune was something Princess You Ruo understood well. This was a critical stage for Zhao Xing.

The higher the mountain, the greater the Fortune! Ultimately, the benefits would reflect in personal Fortune. Yet, personal Fortune was only one aspect of what Fortune represented.

Still, understanding didn't ease her feelings. She was frustrated nonetheless.

When she questioned Liu Tianning and received no answers, Zhao Xing too avoided the topic, replying with vague assurances like "It's fine, it's fine."

Princess You Ruo was now over two hundred years old, and her lifespan would certainly allow her to live to the peak of the First Rank.

Even so, at over two hundred years, Princess You Ruo had reached a critical stage—she needed to consider marriage.

But under these circumstances, how could she marry? She couldn't even find someone suitable!

"Whoosh!" The increasingly frustrated Princess You Ruo suddenly flung her writing brush.

"Thud!" The brush embedded itself in a pillar within the hall, its tail quivering.

"Crash~" She swept the neatly arranged documents into disarray.

"Slap!" One of the papers landed squarely on Zhao Xing's back.

Zhao Xing stepped forward two paces to make it easier for the Princess to vent her frustration.

Paper couldn't hurt anyone. If she wanted to throw something, she should pick up a sturdy wooden pen holder or an official seal.

Princess You Ruo was simply letting out her anger.

In the past, Princess You Ruo wouldn't have silently fumed.

She would vent openly, scolding and striking in the heat of her temper.

Now, without a valid reason, she couldn't even justify her anger—it was classified as the highest-level secret. What could Zhao Xing do?

Without a reason, all she could do was silently fume.

This wasn't a sustainable situation. Zhao Xing stepped forward slightly and said in a low voice, "Master's wife, you are the nation's eldest Princess. Such behavior is unbefitting."

Perfect—a reason for her outburst presented itself.

Princess You Ruo grabbed a pen holder and hurled it at him, yelling, "Who are you to teach me manners, you ungrateful scoundrel?!"

*Crash! Bang! Bang! Bang!*

Princess You Ruo's scolding grew more intense, but she quickly ran out of objects to throw.

Without things to throw, merely yelling lacked impact.

Zhao Xing curled his fingers, and a gust of wind gathered the scattered objects back onto the table.

With more things to throw, Princess You Ruo resumed her tirade with renewed fervor: "Zhao Chen'an, you wretched scoundrel! Even you dare to deceive me with your avatars!"

"I swear, I'll shatter you, you useless block of wood!"

At this moment, a small child, who had just shaken off his guards and was planning to brag to his elder sister, approached Yonghua Hall.

When he saw this scene, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Ah!"

The child covered his mouth, hurriedly crouched outside the door, and began wriggling to the side.

The threshold was high, and once he lowered himself, he disappeared from sight. He pinched his nose and vanished entirely.

The guards who had followed him stepped onto the veranda, looking confused.

Where was the child?

Had he truly gotten lost?

"Shh."

Liu Wanliang suddenly appeared on the veranda, motioning for the guards to retreat.

He quietly scooped up the child, covering his eyes. "Don't look. It's all fake."

"Fake?" The child pried Liu Wanliang's fingers apart.

But in the next moment, he realized he was no longer outside Yonghua Hall but standing in a pavilion.

"Oh, I can't see it anymore."

"Uncle Liu, what do you mean by 'fake'?"

Liu Wanliang smiled. "There's a kind of magic in this world called illusion."

"Just like this."

Liu Wanliang shook his body, instantly transforming into the figure of a woman.

The child immediately forgot about what he had just seen.

"This is amazing! I want to learn it!"

He began imitating Liu Wanliang's movements. Unexpectedly, his face briefly transformed into that of a little girl—the very image Liu Wanliang had just created.

But it lasted only a second before reverting to his original appearance.

"This…" Liu Wanliang was secretly astonished. "The young master truly is a prodigy."

"Why did it fail?" The child jumped up, landing on Liu Wanliang's shoulder.

He tugged at Liu Wanliang's eyelids and hair, completely forgetting what had happened earlier.

Liu Wanliang chuckled and set him down. "If you want to learn, I'll teach you."

---

Back inside Yonghua Hall, Princess You Ruo had finally calmed down.

Everything returned to its original state, even the brush back in her hand.

If the child had been there, he would have exclaimed, "Fake! It's all fake!"

Princess You Ruo looked at Zhao Xing, who remained bowing in salute, and said with a huff, "Find yourself a seat."

"Thank you, Princess." Zhao Xing straightened and knelt by a nearby desk.

"Let me ask you—what's going on with Liu Tianning?"

"One moment he's out handling affairs and fighting at the Dao Field, the next he's in seclusion, leaving only a few avatars to mechanically deal with public matters. Forget it, I'll ask just one thing: has he lost control?"

"No," Zhao Xing replied firmly. "Teacher would never act like Xu Xing."

"Then why haven't you ever lost control?"

Zhao Xing fell silent.

He couldn't explain.

Without Emperor Jing's clearance, no one could.

Seeing Zhao Xing dodge yet another question, Princess You Ruo's irritation flared again. "Get out!"

Zhao Xing rose, respectfully saluted, and said, "Master's wife, there is something I must say, though I'm unsure if I should."

"Speak quickly!"

"I believe you've been overworking yourself all these years. If you could relax and rest more, it might ease your worries and reduce your anxiety. You could take a walk and enjoy yourself."

Princess You Ruo almost started scolding again but paused. Zhao Xing's suggestion was well-intentioned, so she held back. "I understand."

"Your disciple takes his leave."

"Wait."

Princess You Ruo seemed to recall something. "There's a young relative staying in the manor. If you have time, spend more time with him. In a few months, you might even teach him the ways of the Shennong."

Zhao Xing nodded. "Understood."

Exiting Yonghua Hall, Zhao Xing shook his head.

He wasn't sure if Princess You Ruo had taken his advice to heart.

But he had taken her words seriously.

"It seems Emperor Jing doesn't intend to keep me in the dark. If he didn't want me to know that the prince was being raised in the Princess's manor, I wouldn't even notice, even if I saw him."

Times had changed.

Back then, Zhao Xing's plan to nurture dragons in the Eastern Sea was twofold: raising dragons for the Dragon Court and supporting Emperor Wu, the True Dragon!

Originally, his goal was to secure a Fifth Rank position in Emperor Jing's reign and spend a short period close to Emperor Wu.

Even a brief association would bring great fortune and benefits.

"But now, I've already reached the Second Rank of the Heavenly Luck Realm."

"There's no need for me to seek him out deliberately—Liu Wanliang has directly brought Emperor Wu to me."

Let me know if you'd like to continue with the next section of the translation!

"Princess You Ruo asking me to accompany Emperor Wu and teach him the Shennong techniques—this couldn't have happened without Emperor Jing's approval."

Many plans needed to be adjusted. Zhao Xing had prepared extensively before, but now there was no need to be overly deliberate.

"Fortune aligns with my path. I don't need to seek opportunities; they'll come to me naturally. I simply have to follow the flow." Zhao Xing's understanding of the Heavenly Luck Realm deepened further.

Returning to the Northern Pegasus Courtyard, Zhao Xing noticed the Zhao residence had expanded slightly compared to before.

"Eighty-two years have passed. I am now 147 years old, and my younger brother, Zhao Zheng, is 138."

"My second sister, Zhao Yuhuan, is 121."

"My third sister, Zhao Yuling, has reached 103."

"And my fourth brother, Zhao Chuanzong, born in the 20th year of Eternal Governance, is now 86."

Zhao Xing reflected on this.

Zhao Ruide had his struggles as well.

The first four children, all exceptionally accomplished with bright futures, were too focused on their careers to start families. Left with no other option, the old man decided to step in himself, resulting in Zhao Chuanzong's birth.

"Chuanzong," what a straightforward wish!

Zhao Chuanzong proved capable. Married with children by the age of 30, he wed the daughter of a Marquis as his primary wife and took the direct descendants of noble families as nine additional concubines.

Then came a steady effort to expand the family.

By 60, Zhao Chuanzong was already being called "Grandfather."

Now, his branch of the family had separated and flourished, with four or five dozen descendants in total.

"Adoptive father Zhao Ruide celebrated his 200th birthday last year, having reached the Sixth Rank as an Inspector-General."

"Adoptive mother Madam Cai, now 171 years old, has also received multiple minor lifespan extensions."

Small lifespan extensions had occurred several times.

For instance, Zhao Zheng, now a lower Fifth Rank military general, earned Madam Cai the title of 'Martial Glory Madam,' a Seventh Rank honorific for women.

It didn't grant real power or military authority, only prestige and a lifespan boost.

Zhao Yuhuan, the second sister, had achieved the position of a Fifth Rank Preaching Master.

The third sister, Zhao Yuling, served as a Fifth Rank Weaver.

While they hadn't made significant achievements, they still brought small lifespan extensions to Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai.

A major lifespan extension happened once, during Emperor Jing's 900th birthday celebration.

In rewarding his ministers, Emperor Jing praised Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai for their great love and contribution in raising a virtuous and capable subject like the Marquis of Shenwei. Zhao Ruide was promoted to Fifth Rank Martial Inspector-General, and Madam Cai was granted a Fifth Rank title, becoming the 'Martial Glory Lady.'

Once they reached these ranks, matters became easier. They could consume treasures to maximize their current lifespan.

Thus, Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai could live at least another century.

By Emperor Wu's reign, more rewards were certain. They could easily live another two to three centuries.

Of course, Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai had stopped having children.

Zhao Chuanzong's prolific offspring were enough of a headache.

And now, they all wanted to rely on Zhao Xing, the eldest brother, for benefits.

Though Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai weren't born into prominent families, after living in the Princess's residence for so many years, how could they not understand the intricacies of the situation?

They knew better than to burden their eldest son.

Thus, Zhao Ruide not only stopped expanding the family but also arranged for Zhao Chuanzong's branch to move out independently.

Zhao Xing had some affection for his two sisters but felt more indifferent towards Zhao Chuanzong.

Nonetheless, Zhao Chuanzong's branch still benefited greatly, at least financially.

"Except for Zhao Zheng, I've never intervened in the careers of my siblings. But I've never let them lack for wealth."

Zhao Zheng was an exception. With his decent talent, Zhao Xing personally arranged for him to join the Shenwei Army under the guidance of Liao Rulong. Now he served as a standing deputy general.

Years spent along the Canglan River saw little major warfare, and even with his talent, Zhao Zheng remained a lower Fifth Rank military general at over a century old.

"Speaking of talent, none compare to the Emperor's." Zhao Xing thought to himself.

The Emperor could be considered a profession in its own right!

It surpassed even the capabilities of priests. Priests mastered all professions by invoking divine assistance, but the Emperor naturally excelled at every field.

Of course, the Emperor wouldn't achieve the pinnacle of any single profession. For instance, his aptitude in Shennong techniques couldn't surpass Liu Wanfa or Zhao Xing.

In Shennong techniques, his talent would only slightly surpass that of Wang Tianzhi and Ling Tianchen.

In martial arts, he was just above Ye Yukong.

This pattern repeated across various fields—each time, an exceptional genius, but not the greatest.

Yet mastery across all disciplines was frightening enough.

"They want me to teach Emperor Wu Shennong techniques?" Zhao Xing couldn't help but anticipate. "If I'm responsible for nurturing Emperor Wu, I'll need to give it my all."

Starting from the early months of the 46th year of Eternal Governance, the young Emperor Wu began visiting the Northern Pegasus Courtyard occasionally to spend time with Zhao Xing.

The principle of teaching techniques but not imparting the Dao was adhered to strictly. Imparting the Dao to a prince carried tremendous karmic implications—far beyond what any subject could bear.

When the prince ascended the throne, the consequences would be even more severe. Thus, only techniques were taught, while the Dao was left untouched.

A prince practiced the Dao of the Human Sovereign, and only the Emperor could impart the Dao.

For now, the time wasn't right.

Both Liu Wanliang and Princess You Ruo had the young Emperor Wu address Zhao Xing as either 'Marquis Shenwei' or 'Big Brother.'

At first, the young Emperor refused.

"No, I don't want to go!"

The child kicked his legs wildly in Liu Wanliang's arms.

"What's so fun about farming? Let me go, Uncle Liu!"

Liu Wanliang reluctantly set him down.

"Whoosh~"

As soon as his feet touched the ground, he vanished.

But this time, Zhao Xing wasn't going to let him escape.

Swish!

Two figures blurred, and the next moment, Zhao Xing was holding the young Emperor by the collar, soaring into the sky.

"Waaah!"

The young Emperor opened his eyes to see the ground far below, and his fear of heights kicked in instantly.

"Let me go! Let me go!"

"Are you sure you want me to let you go?" Zhao Xing asked. "We're ten thousand meters in the air. If I drop you, you'll splat into a pile of mush."

"Ah, no! Don't let go—"

But he was too late.

Zhao Xing's hand had already released him.

"Ahhh!"

A loud scream tore through the sky.

The young Emperor Wu, falling freely, had his hair whipped straight by the wind.

After falling two thousand meters, a sudden burst of energy radiated from his body, and his descent began to slow.

By the time another thousand meters had passed, this little guy had unexpectedly comprehended the martial technique 'Air Dance Art'.

"I can fly now!"

Watching this scene, Zhao Xing couldn't help but nod slightly in approval.

Currently, Emperor Wu was only about four or five years old, but he had already surpassed the Ninth Rank Essence Gathering Stage, reaching the Eighth Rank Spirit Bridge Stage.

Considering the royal rule that princes focused on learning knowledge rather than cultivating martial techniques, all while mastering the Hundred Schools of Thought from a young age, his talent was terrifying.

In the air, Emperor Wu flailed his arms and legs as if swimming in water, trying to escape.

Zhao Xing snorted. "Oh, you think I can't deal with you?"

With a casual gesture, he pointed at Emperor Wu, instantly sealing the young one's energy.

"?" Mid-air, Emperor Wu froze, his face blank, before he started plummeting again.

"Ahhh!" Upon nearing the ground, Zhao Xing caught him.

"How was it? Fun?"

"Fun!" Emperor Wu exclaimed.

"Do you want to learn?"

"No!" came the defiant reply.

Oh? Still had some backbone.

"Off you go!"

With that, Zhao Xing sent Emperor Wu soaring back into the air with another loud scream.

Below, Liu Sichen stood behind Ji Anlan, watching the spectacle above. "Princess, is the Marquis Shenwei really allowed to do this?"

Princess You Ruo replied, "Why not? This child is naturally proud and resilient. Without a similarly stubborn teacher, there's no way to guide him."

"Zhao Chen'an knows his limits. You needn't worry."

"Just fetch him back in two hours."

"Understood," Liu Wanliang bowed his head slightly before following Princess You Ruo away.

Indeed, Emperor Wu was proud. On the first day under Zhao Xing's tutelage, despite the two hours of torment, he refused to relent.

"Alright, you've got guts!" Zhao Xing placed him back on the ground. "We'll continue tomorrow."

"Hmph! I just won't learn!" Emperor Wu stormed off, his little head held high.

The next day? More bungee jumping.

The third day? Still bungee jumping.

The fourth day? You guessed it—bungee jumping.

By the seventh day, Emperor Wu could no longer hold it in.

"Stop! Let me speak!"

Zhao Xing grabbed the back of his neck. "Speak."

"I'll learn from you, but you have to teach me something fun—something I've never seen before."

This deadlock wasn't working. The little Emperor's playtime was already limited, and Zhao Xing's methods were wasting half of it. How could he bear that?

"Deal," Zhao Xing smiled faintly and let go of the boy's collar. "But first, what should you call me?"

"Marquis Shenwei," Emperor Wu muttered reluctantly.

"Hmm?"

"Big Brother." Emperor Wu's eyes darted mischievously as he offered a formal bow.

"Hahaha, Fifth Brother!" Zhao Xing returned the bow with a hearty laugh.

"Huh? Why am I fifth?" Emperor Wu asked, puzzled.

"Because I already have a few brothers ahead of you. You're ranked fifth. Fifth Brother suits you," Zhao Xing said with a grin.

Unbothered, Emperor Wu pressed on. "What fun thing are you going to teach me?"

Zhao Xing pointed behind him. "Look back."

Obediently, Emperor Wu turned around and froze in shock, his eyes wide.

"Wow! So many Big Brothers!"

Before him, behind him, and even in the sky, the space was filled with countless duplicates of Zhao Xing.

Feeling his pant leg move, Emperor Wu looked down to see a head popping out from the ground, grinning up at him. "Is it fun?"

"Marvelous! Marvelous! Marvelous!" the child clapped excitedly. "Big Brother, I want to learn this!"

Time passed swiftly, and before long, it was early spring of the 47th Year of Eternal Governance.

In the Lingxu Blessed Land, atop Qitian Mountain, Zhao Xing once again sensed the imminent severance of a karmic thread.

A figure appeared in his mind—someone holding a compass, shining its light over him.

As Zhao Xing observed, the figure in his thoughts turned slightly, nodded at him, and smiled faintly.

Tianyong Prefecture, Fengjing.

In the western part of the city, in front of a refined waterside pavilion, Ji Tianyan looked up and smiled faintly.

"Zhao Xing, you're here."

"Your Highness." Amid a dispersing cloud of mist, Zhao Xing's figure landed outside the pavilion steps.

"Come in and sit," King Tianyan gestured. "I don't have much time left, but there are matters I must entrust to you."

"Please, Your Highness," Zhao Xing said, sitting across from him.

"The first matter concerns my successor," King Tianyan said, pouring Zhao Xing a cup of tea. "After I'm gone, Ji Si will take over my position."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly. This was expected.

Officials could only be chosen from the royal family. Ji Si was King Tianyan's younger brother, though two hundred years younger. He could at least oversee matters until Emperor Wu's early reign.

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"Although he and I are both descendants of Prince You, his personality differs from mine. While he appears gentle, he is utterly impersonal. His principles are entirely based on maximizing the royal family's interests."

Ji Si would undoubtedly be unpopular, but the Emperor would appreciate him.

Of course, in his previous life, Zhao Xing had no memory of Ji Si. Officials of this rank remained hidden and seldom interacted with others.

Still, Zhao Xing understood what King Tianyan meant.

"After Ji Si takes over, he will continue refining the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit."

"The number of practitioners re-exploring different paths is increasing. It is expected to be completed soon."

"This is a century-long plan, and I ask that you ensure it continues."

The Derivation of the Divine Spirit inherently varied due to individual differences, leading to distinct paths and flaws. No single solution could fix all problems.

Right now, Zhao Xing was deeply involved because it aligned with his and Liu Tianning's interests.

But what about the future? When Zhao Xing climbed higher in rank, would he still have time for this? Would he still care?

After all, this project brought little credit, took years to bear fruit, and could even lead to blame if problems arose.

That was why King Tianyan was pleading.

"I promise you," Zhao Xing said earnestly. "I will not slack off and will give it my all."

"I believe in you," King Tianyan replied with a smile. "It's just a pity that I won't live to see that day."

Zhao Xing fell silent. Like the emperor or the mad Xu Xing, the fate of a Fate Officer was to vanish into nothingness upon death.

Peering into the future, simulating the past—this power ultimately exacted a price: one's life.

Of course, it was also because King Tianyan had not reached the Rule Realm. If he had ascended to the superlative Rule Realm, he could have preserved his life soul.

But even his current first-rank status was a gift from Emperor Jing. Emperor Jing himself had only barely reached the Rule Realm, so he couldn't possibly enable King Tianyan to reach such heights. Even if he had the means, it was unlikely he'd use them for him.

"You don't need to feel sorrow; this is my destiny," King Tianyan said, smiling. "To have witnessed the birth of the historical records of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit in the last century of my life and contributed to refining its first and second layers—this is enough for me."

"How many princes have existed throughout history? Countless!"

"But I, Ji Tianyan, will leave my name in the annals of history. There will always be people who remember me!"

"Isn't that far better than being just another prince or a shadowy figure of the Yin God?"

Zhao Xing chuckled. "You're absolutely right."

"Let's toast with tea, shall we?" King Tianyan raised his teacup.

"Cheers."

Their cups clinked softly.

After placing his cup down, King Tianyan continued, "The Heavenly Secret Pavilion is currently overseeing three major projects."

"Two of them I am not permitted to share, as I lack the authority."

"But one of them involves the Shennong Office, and it is imperative that I inform you."

Seeing King Tianyan's solemn expression, Zhao Xing straightened up. "Please, do tell."

"In the future, a massive natural calamity will engulf the entire Xuanhuang Realm."

"Every region—be it the Southern Barbarian lands, Dongying, the Four Seas, the Nineteen Provinces, or even the Cave-Heavens—will undergo catastrophic changes."

King Tianyan's expression turned grave. "Centennial climate anomalies will become commonplace, and millennial-scale disasters will no longer be rare."

"In countless scenarios I observed, there were scenes of life being utterly extinguished."

"The earth quaking, subterranean fires erupting, tsunamis surging—"

"Faced with such a calamity, not even the Shennong Officers can stop it."

Zhao Xing's face darkened. "Not even a future Grand Shennong Officer?"

King Tianyan paused in thought. "I am uncertain."

"What do you mean?"

"Although these events appear frequently in the simulations, indicating a high likelihood, I cannot discern the figures of those in the future."

"I don't know if the future Grand Shennong Officer will intervene—or if they even can. It's beyond the scope of what we can calculate."

"This is why the simulations are ongoing and remain one of the primary focuses of the Fate Officers' projections."

"Why tell me this?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Because I saw you," King Tianyan said. "I saw your silhouette."

"You're not suggesting that I am the one to prevent the calamity, are you?" Zhao Xing looked surprised.

"No. It cannot be stopped," King Tianyan said. "In many of the projected outcomes, the calamity has already occurred, with no signs of any preventive measures."

"I saw you, but I don't know what you were doing, nor do I know if you are the key to salvation," King Tianyan added. "I only caught a glimpse of your back."

"Just my back? And you're certain it's me?" Zhao Xing asked, skeptical. He understood divination techniques enough to know this didn't align with the fundamental principles of fate reading.

"A hunch," King Tianyan said with a faint smile. "Think of it as the Fate Officers taking precautions. Whether it's you or not doesn't matter. If it is, then informing you in advance is undoubtedly beneficial."

"I understand," Zhao Xing nodded. "Is there anything else you wish to say?"

"Nothing more. The other two matters are beyond my authority to disclose unless His Majesty permits it."

Zhao Xing nodded. Fate Officers were not part of the bureaucracy and served only the emperor. Even the Grand Shennong Officer had no right to inquire about their affairs.

"Oh, just a personal matter," King Tianyan said. "That rascal Luo still owes me several seventh-rank divine weapons. I think he's trying to weasel out of it. Help me collect that debt someday."

"You really know how to joke."

"Hahaha!" King Tianyan burst into laughter. "Alright, boy. Let me read your fortune."

"What aspect of my life?"

"Your future," King Tianyan said, theatrically pressing his fingers together. "Within a century, you will become the Grand Shennong Officer!"

"And you're using a teacup to divine that?"

"Hahaha!"

Eternal Governance Year 47: Qingming Festival.

First-rank Fate Officer Ji Tianyan passed away.

The funeral was conducted with great discretion, and few were aware of it.

Lingxu Blessed Land, atop Qitian Mountain.

A sigh emanated from a small mound of stones and snow.

"King Tianyan has left us as well."

"What he mentioned must be the forthcoming Yuanqi Tides."

"There are two other major projects that the Fate Officers are simulating? I have no clue about those, but one is definitely related to the Southern Barbarian War. What could the other one be?"

"Never mind. When I need to know, I will."

Zhao Xing's thoughts calmed, returning from activity to stillness.

Ever since Qitian Mountain reached the ten-thousand-meter threshold, his contemplations had grown weightier.

Though the peak had not grown taller, its breadth had expanded.

For many consecutive years, precious earth-element resources had been poured into its construction.

Zhao Xing steadily expanded the limits of his Heavenly Luck Stage through consistent accumulation. His fortune grew like a mountain, layer upon layer, reaching new heights with every passing year.

When Zhao Xing's thoughts became active again, the year had already turned to Eternal Governance Year 56.

"Another ten years have passed."

Standing by the lakeside, Zhao Xing appeared dazed. Emperor Wu had departed from the Princess' Residence last year, leaving Zhao Xing often lost in thought by the banks of Tianma Lake.

Occasionally, the Heavenly Horses grazing near the lake would pass by him without fear, even nudging him affectionately. This was because Zhao Xing's body exuded a natural and intimate aura, soothing the spirits of these celestial beasts.

May

Chen Shijie and Xia Jing visited Lingxu Blessed Land. Both of them had recently stepped into the Third Rank of the cultivation stages, marking significant milestones in their journeys.

As was customary, they took extended leaves to consolidate their Primordial Soul Realm cultivation. However, after observing Zhao Xing's tranquil demeanor and how he seemed wholly absorbed in his own state, they left without disturbing him.

July

At the beginning of July, Zhao Xing sensed a loosening in his bottleneck. The barriers in his cultivation had begun to waver, hinting at imminent progress.

At the same time, troubling news reached him.

"Envoys from the Southern Barbarian Saintlight Court have arrived in the capital, seeking a marriage alliance for the Crown Prince with one of the imperial princesses. They proposed a peace treaty and expressed their willingness to recognize the Great Zhou as their suzerain state."

"Her Highness, Princess You Ruo, has been bestowed in marriage!"

The panicked voice of Liu Wanliang broke Zhao Xing's reverie.

Zhao Xing, who had been gazing blankly at the lake, turned his head. His expression gradually became animated.

"I understand."

Zhao Xing nodded calmly. "Liu Shicheng, please travel to the capital and convey to the princess that both my master and I are aware of this matter."

Liu Wanliang stared at Zhao Xing for a moment before sighing deeply. "You should hurry."

After Liu Wanliang departed, Zhao Xing closed his eyes.

"History repeats itself. Princess You Ruo has still been given in marriage."

"I've warned her many times, yet why doesn't she listen?"

Zhao Xing let out a long sigh.

"Emperor Jing will not even spare his brothers; how could he tolerate a princess wielding control over the Eastern Sea trade routes, commanding Dao Academies, and possessing wealth comparable to the imperial treasury?"

"Truly, an observer sees clearly while those involved remain confused," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

From Eternal Governance Year 1, when Princess Ji Yingluo was born, Zhao Xing had seen the writing on the wall.

Why would Emperor Jing change the era name for a mere princess? Why would he bestow her with a title immediately and shower her with greater favor than Princess You Ruo?

"Princess Ji Yingluo's birth mother was nothing more than the legitimate daughter of a modest ducal family," Zhao Xing muttered. "This was already a clear signal."

"I urged Princess You Ruo to relinquish her duties and travel more often. It was my way of hinting at Emperor Jing's intentions—encouraging her to surrender her authority willingly. The Eastern Sea trade routes were secondary; the real focus was the power of the Dao Academies and the Water Tribes."

"Around Eternal Governance Year 40, Emperor Jing sent the young Emperor Wu to her care, providing her with a layer of protection."

"This was because Emperor Jing had already concentrated all his resources on Emperor Wu. The so-called competition among the nine imperial heirs was nothing but a facade. Emperor Wu was the sole chosen one!"

"Thus, Emperor Wu advanced faster than the other princes, embodying the imperial standard with his talents."

Could Zhao Xing voice such truths aloud? He could not.

A father reclaiming his daughter's power could never be so blunt.

Emperor Jing had preserved his dignity while leaving a test behind. How could outsiders interfere in imperial family matters or sow discord between father and daughter?

"The dissemination of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit continues to grow, yet its secrets remain concealed from Princess You Ruo," Zhao Xing reflected.

"Princess You Ruo barely stirred the waters, yet Emperor Jing seized the opportunity to act. The last thirty years of Eternal Governance have been a time of imperial power reallocation. Emperor Jing truly desires peace in these decades."

"Alas, this wasn't a test for her alone. Neither Liu Tianning nor I can remain untouched."

"You sly old schemer!" Zhao Xing cursed inwardly.