The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

"I think it's time I made a mistake," Zhao Xing murmured as he opened his eyes. "But what kind of mistake? To what extent? That requires careful thought."

He couldn't act impulsively, not before understanding the situation fully, including the attitudes of all involved parties. This wasn't something he could decide on a whim.

According to historical records from his previous life, Princess You Ruo had allegedly volunteered for the marriage alliance.

But based on Zhao Xing's understanding of Princess You Ruo, there was no way she would genuinely want such a thing.

Princess You Ruo wasn't just loved by the Water Tribes and supported by the Bishui Dao Academy because of her status.

All Great Zhou princesses wielded significant power, but Princess You Ruo held even greater authority. Managing such an extensive region and balancing its factions required much more than just her royal identity.

"Still," Zhao Xing reflected on the first time he met Princess You Ruo. "She does have the pride and impulsiveness expected of a princess. Combine that with a heart ruled by romance, and she's capable of doing anything. People are complicated, after all. Even King Liang, before his rebellion, was once celebrated as a wise and virtuous ruler."

Rising from the lakeside, Zhao Xing strolled as he pondered. The first step was to understand the sequence of events clearly, then gauge the opinions of the involved parties. How many were opposed? How many supported it?

Most crucially, he needed to discern Emperor Jing's stance. How resolute was the emperor? Was this marriage decree merely an oral order, or had an official edict been issued?

Even if an edict existed, Princess You Ruo's marriage to the Southern Barbarians was a matter of national significance. Had the decree only been marked with the emperor's personal seal, or had it passed through the six central seals, thereby becoming a public proclamation?

How many envoys had the Southern Barbarians sent? Beyond their allegiance to their suzerain, what benefits were being offered in return?

In short, he needed to plan carefully, ensuring he didn't overstep any boundaries.

"I've lived here for over a century," Zhao Xing muttered, glancing at the princess's residence. "It's time to do something."

A moment later, over ten thousand of his avatars silently departed from Bishui Prefecture.

In Tianyong Prefecture, Fengjing, at the residence of the Morning Light Princess Ji Zixuan, Zhao Xing arrived.

As Princess You Ruo's disciple, Ji Zixuan was the ideal person to consult for more details.

Meeting Princess You Ruo in person was impossible for now. She had taken residence in the imperial palace and was entirely inaccessible.

"Senior Brother!" Ji Zixuan rushed toward him as though seeing a savior. Her expression was frantic. "You must help the princess! She doesn't want to marry into the Southern Barbarians!"

"Calm yourself," Zhao Xing said, soothing her. "Speak slowly. I heard the princess volunteered for this marriage. Is that true?"

Ji Zixuan bit her lip, hesitant. "It's true, but the princess said it out of anger. She didn't mean it! I was there—I swear!"

Zhao Xing placed his hand gently on her head. "Close your eyes and relax."

"Yes," Ji Zixuan obeyed without resistance.

Moments later, a heavy drowsiness overcame her, and she fell into a deep dream.

Zhao Xing entered her dreamscape, assuming her perspective.

Inside Qianqing Palace, Emperor Jing's residence, Ji Zixuan knelt before the emperor.

She had accompanied Princess You Ruo to greet the emperor that day.

Initially, the conversation was casual, the usual exchange of pleasantries between a father and his daughter.

However, the atmosphere shifted when the topic of Liu Tianning arose.

"Father~"

"Can you tell me how Liu Tianning is doing?" Princess You Ruo asked coyly, the same way she always did when seeking a favor. "Please, just tell me!"

"That is a matter of national security," Emperor Jing replied evenly. "You already have so much to manage—why concern yourself with him?"

"Come on! I just want to know," she pressed.

"No."

At this point in the memory, Zhao Xing could tell Emperor Jing's refusal wasn't subtle. His tone alone should have been enough of a hint.

Yet, Princess You Ruo seemed oblivious. When her usual coquettish charm failed, she grew frustrated, repeating herself.

"Secrets, secrets—everything's always a secret!" She stood up straight, raising her voice. "Why can so many people know, but not me? Don't you understand my feelings?"

Emperor Jing's tone turned sharper. "I'm dealing with the Southern Barbarian envoys seeking a marriage alliance. I don't have time to explain this to you. Leave."

"Even your own daughter is off-limits to you? I've managed the Eastern Sea affairs for years! I may not have achieved greatness, but I've worked hard. And yet, you won't even grant me this small favor?"

"You dare to think of me this way?"

"Am I wrong? I've loved Liu Tianning for years. Why won't you arrange a marriage for us? Or do you simply not care about your daughter because you have so many sons—"

"Silence!"

The argument escalated rapidly. Ji Zixuan knelt, barely daring to breathe.

But Princess You Ruo's next words cut deeply into Emperor Jing's composure.

"If you're so annoyed by me, why not send me to the Southern Barbarians?"

"Fine!" Emperor Jing slammed his hand on the dragon throne. "Someone, draft a decree! Princess You Ruo has volunteered to marry into the Southern Barbarians. Deliver this immediately for central approval and sealing!"

"Your Majesty, you can't—"

"Escort her out!"

The memory ended abruptly as the dream dissipated.

Ji Zixuan woke with a jolt, her face pale with fear.

"Senior Brother—"

"I understand," Zhao Xing said, nodding. "Stay here. Don't wander around or spread this matter further."

"Yes," she agreed quietly.

After Zhao Xing departed, Ji Zixuan clenched her fists tightly, biting her lip.

"I may be a princess too, but my authority is far too limited. I can't do anything… Now, I can only rely on Senior Brother."

On Qitian Mountain's peak, Zhao Xing opened his eyes.

"So, that's how she 'volunteered' for the marriage alliance."

"History truly is a malleable thing," he said, chuckling softly.

To be fair, Princess You Ruo wasn't usually so reckless. Her outburst had been impulsive and born of frustration.

Though beloved, she had crossed a dangerous line. Emperor Jing was an emperor first and a father second.

The mention of the Eastern Sea was particularly inflammatory.

As an observer, Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel as though Emperor Jing had steered the conversation intentionally.

"The Great Zhou princesses have always held substantial power. Princess You Ruo, favored as she was, likely never considered that her father might take it away. She believed herself to be an exception."

"Emperor Jing withholding information about Liu Tianning was likely a negotiation tactic. If Princess You Ruo relinquished her authority, he might have granted her wish for marriage. It could have been a win-win scenario."

"With Emperor Wu spending his childhood in her residence, how could she possibly end up mistreated later?" From Emperor Jing's perspective, Zhao Xing thought, his approach was entirely reasonable.

"Why would you only rely on charm? Can't you consider your father's position for once?"

Perhaps Emperor Jing wanted to ask: After all the heads I've cut off, do you still not understand your father's intentions?

"Today's issues with marriage and parenthood strike again," Zhao Xing muttered. "Ordinary family disputes are hard enough—royal family tensions are even worse."

Master Zhao was now even more resolute in his decision to remain unmarried and childless. Even if forced to one day, he would ensure proper discipline first.

"If things follow the development of the previous lifetime, Old Liu probably doesn't have the ability to change this decree right now," Zhao Xing mused. "At this stage, he should still be busy suppressing factional conflicts and dealing with the flaws of the myriad straw puppets."

"And Princess You Ruo herself volunteered to marry. There's no real justification for interfering."

"Even now, Emperor Jing's decree has already left the inner palace and is heading to the six ministries at the central administration. Stopping it would be extremely difficult," Zhao Xing thought silently.

After gathering information from various sources, he concluded that supporters outnumbered opponents.

In Da Zhou, just like elsewhere, there were pro-war and pro-peace factions. If the royal family was willing to engage in a marriage alliance and avoid war, who wouldn't agree?

Wars caused death! Looking at the pacification campaigns against the Southern Barbarians during the two new eras, it could basically be said they fought for nothing.

Not many new nobles emerged, while the old ones either died or were severely injured. After a cyclical purge, their days were truly grim.

How could this compare to Emperor Wen's era? Although Emperor Wen led by example in practicing frugality, he didn't force his ministers to do the same. Whether frugal or not, they could still live leisurely behind closed doors.

Now that Emperor Jing had issued an edict, and the princess herself volunteered, peace could be secured. Why would anyone oppose it?

The opposition mainly came from the East Sea region and certain staunch pro-war factions.

Especially some conservative ministers, who argued that the Southern Barbarians were mere savages. How could they be worthy of marrying Princess You Ruo, a grand princess? Wasn't this a disgrace?

Even during Emperor Wen's reign, they only selected a distant royal relative from the Ji clan, casually gave her the title of a princess, and sent her off. Even then, it was criticized for a thousand years.

"Fortunately, during my journey to the Dragon Court, I achieved significant results, reducing the Southern Barbarians' threat to some extent. Otherwise, there might be even more supporters now," Zhao Xing thought.

"Fulfilling Princess You Ruo and Liu Tianning's wish is much easier this time around than in the previous life."

Under normal circumstances, during the last Dragon Court visit, Bai Yunwu was surrounded, and Da Zhou clashed with the opposing alliance.

On paper, it was roughly evenly matched, but with so many high-level casualties, it would inevitably draw criticism for being overly aggressive.

Although many still died in this life, the gains Zhao Xing brought back were enormous, enough to overshadow the impact of losing 400 elites.

Looking at the overall situation in Da Zhou, the two lifetimes presented vastly different scenarios.

"Still, the supporters of Princess You Ruo's marriage outnumber the opponents," Zhao Xing confirmed after sending his many clones to investigate the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites. "With Emperor Jing's decree and the princess's own request, those opposing the marriage alliance lack confidence. They're too scared of Emperor Jing."

"Even so, petitions must still be submitted. It's worth a try."

As a Grand Consultant of Ceremonial Rites, Zhao Xing had every reason to submit such a memorial to the throne. It was both logical and within protocol.

"Besides, I need to get Liu Tianning, Lord Luo, and other supporters to express their stance. Without someone leading the charge, who would dare submit anything?"

"I can read Ji Zixuan's memories, and they aren't shielded by celestial mechanisms. Doesn't this mean I'm allowed to see them?"

Zhao Xing immediately pulled out a geoscope and began rallying friends and family to submit memorials opposing Princess You Ruo's marriage.

"Brother Zhao, what's the justification?" Xia Jing asked through a message. At this point, Xia Jing had already reached the Third Transformation stage, though he didn't hold a Third Rank official position.

Of course, submitting such a petition wasn't tied to official ranks. It was all about one's influence.

Xia Jing certainly had enough. His father, Xia Hou, and his uncle, a member of the royal family, had spent nearly a century building their network, which Xia Jing was now starting to take over.

"Fiery Light Court, mere savages—how could they deserve to marry Princess You Ruo? Just borrow the rhetoric of the pro-war faction," Zhao Xing replied.

The real reason, of course, couldn't be mentioned. That would mean slapping Emperor Jing in the face and airing the royal family's dirty laundry.

"Understood. I'll get started immediately," Xia Jing nodded. He had been visiting the princess's residence and meeting with Zhao Xing regularly over the years, maintaining a close relationship. Besides, he was technically related to Princess You Ruo.

After finishing his conversation with Xia Jing, Zhao Xing contacted Long Xiao.

"Zhao Xing, something big has happened! Have you heard?" Long Xiao asked urgently.

"I've heard. What's the general sentiment among the aquatic tribes?" Zhao Xing asked.

"There's all sorts of talk," Long Xiao said. "Some say the princess was forced into this, others claim she's been confined. My father-in-law has already set off for Fengjing to seek an audience with the emperor. The Tang and Ao families are also sending representatives."

"What's going on? How could Princess You Ruo be used for a marriage alliance?"

Zhao Xing replied, "That's just how it is. Don't ask too much. Don't you also hold a loose-rank title? Just copy a petition and submit it."

"Got it!"

In the Military Realm, inside the Hundred Weapons Tower.

Zhao Xing met with Prince Xin. The previous Prince Xin, Liu Yong, had already passed away. The current Prince Xin was his son, Liu Cheng'an—the same heir Zhao Xing had once nurtured with spiritual essence in the Ten Suns Cave-Heaven.

Prince Xin's title hadn't been downgraded. The original fiefdom was small, covering only one county, and he didn't hold military power. His role was purely ceremonial, much like Lord Lingde.

Thus, Liu Cheng'an inherited his father's county lordship. As for the former Lords Lingde and Anning, they had long since passed away.

"Brother Zhao," Liu Cheng'an greeted, addressing Zhao Xing as an equal, despite being a prince and Zhao Xing merely a marquis.

"Brother Liu," Zhao Xing responded. "I assume you've guessed why I'm here?"

"I have," Liu Cheng'an said, raising the official document in his hand. "I was just about to submit this."

"Thank you," Zhao Xing said with a bow before heading straight to the top floor of the Hundred Weapons Tower to meet with Lord Luo.

On the top floor, Lord Luo stood before a sand table, surrounded by towering geoscopes.

"My lord," Zhao Xing greeted with a bow.

"Has Liu Tianning not emerged from seclusion yet?" Lord Luo asked.

"He hasn't," Zhao Xing replied. Since Liu Tianning had entered seclusion, Zhao Xing was the only one able to contact him.

Unlike Zhao Xing's seclusion practices, Liu Tianning's clones only handled routine tasks and weren't connected to his main consciousness.

This was a method Zhao Xing had specifically designed for him, known as the "Segmentation Technique." Every decade or so, the main body would recall the clones, use the main soul to replace the fragmented ones, and then release new clones—a process akin to renewal. This allowed for effective retraining.

"Thank you for running around on his behalf," Lord Luo said.

"Princess You Ruo has cared for me and my family for over a century. My relatives have lived in the princess's residence for generations. Even without Master Liu's connection, I would still oppose this marriage," Zhao Xing stated firmly.

"This matter is difficult," Lord Luo sighed. "I requested an audience with His Majesty, but he refused. Now I can't even meet with the princess, and Liu Tianning is still in seclusion. Many officials in the Six Ministries are at a loss about what to do."

Lord Luo was completely baffled by Emperor Jing's intentions, feeling only that imperial will was unpredictable.

After a pause, Lord Luo continued, "The first decision in the Six Ministries' deliberation will be led by me. I'll step forward to oppose it and temporarily shelve the matter."

"But the second deliberation, scheduled for seven days from now, will be led by the Acting Chancellor, Tong Wensheng. He'll undoubtedly support the marriage."

"The third deliberation will be presided over by Li Boqian, but..." Lord Luo hesitated. "I suspect he won't involve himself in this matter."

"You're absolutely correct, Lord Luo. I won't be meddling in this," Li Boqian remarked lazily. "The issue between Princess You Ruo and Liu Tianning is a personal matter."

"Not adding insult to injury is already my demonstration of impartiality."

At Daoyuan Continent, within a residence of the Xuantian Academy, Zhao Xing also met with Li Boqian.

Feeling helpless, Zhao Xing noted that the factional struggles within the Shennong Division had reached their final stages. Liu Tianning's performance in the Dao Field battles was impeccable, winning every match decisively.

This left the Xuantian Academy's inner circle feeling humiliated.

Li Boqian himself had long since relinquished authority. Even routine government affairs were managed by several deputy officials of the Shennong Division.

Having abandoned public duties, how could Li Boqian concern himself with royal family matters?

Li Boqian, a key figure within the Heavenly Timing faction, could never help Liu Tianning resolve such personal matters.

"If you were the one marrying the princess, that might be different," Li Boqian teased with a grin. "I'd even crawl on the ground to help you with that."

"You even want to crawl over here to uphold justice?"

"What kind of barbarian dares to compete with the Heavenly Son from our Heaven Faction?"

"You still have the nerve to joke at a time like this?" Zhao Xing replied helplessly.

"No jokes." Li Boqian suddenly sat upright, chuckling mischievously. "How about you marry Princess You Ruo? I'd absolutely step forward and wave the banner for you."

"With your influence across the three factions, it would be as easy as flipping your palm."

Zhao Xing was at a loss for words.

Using his influence over the three factions for something like this?

The old man had truly grown more humorous with age.

Seeing Li Boqian in this state, Zhao Xing knew further discussion would be futile.

"You should rest well. I'll visit you again later."

"Come sooner," Li Boqian called out as Zhao Xing turned to leave. "You haven't even mastered Yuan Feng yet. I can't hold on much longer. If I'm gone, learning it underground will be far less convenient!"

"Got it!" Zhao Xing replied, dissipating into a mist.

"Fascinating, truly fascinating," Li Boqian muttered, shaking his fan. "Even his avatars have mastered the art of A Step to Infinity to an extraordinary level."

Li Boqian's focus was entirely elsewhere. He cared only about Zhao Xing's accomplishments, not the political affairs at hand.

At Kunyuan Academy, Xuan Yuan Qingtian shared a similar indifference.

"If Liu Tianning had expressed his desire to marry the princess earlier, there might have been a chance."

"But now—it's too difficult."

"Master Uncle, what do you mean?" Meng Kun asked from beside him. "Isn't Liu Tianning far superior to some barbarian from the Fiery Light Court?"

Meng Kun held deep prejudice against the Southern Barbarians, largely because of the Babok Worms.

These creatures, adept at burrowing tunnels, had robbed his people of livelihood for generations.

Historically, wars against the Southern Barbarians avoided tunnel-digging precisely due to the existence of these vile creatures.

Their destructive tunneling capabilities had led to numerous casualties, hindering construction efforts and earning them nothing but animosity from the Earth Faction of the Shennong Division.

Among the Four Great Courts, the Fiery Light Court was undoubtedly the most detested by the Earth Faction.

"I'm not saying he's unworthy," Xuan Yuan Qingtian replied. "The problem isn't so surface-level."

"Not surface-level?" Meng Kun was puzzled.

"Little Kun Kun, you need to dig deeper into problems. You have to unearth the topsoil to understand how the roots are intertwined."

Meng Kun's face darkened. "Can you please not call me that? I'm almost 400 years old."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Xing listened in silence, realizing Xuan Yuan Qingtian was wise enough to see through the intricacies of the matter.

But it was equally clear that he wouldn't challenge the royal court's superficial narrative.

Why risk offending Emperor Jing over Liu Tianning's personal matters?

At Xuan Yuan Qingtian's place, Zhao Xing didn't receive any support either. Like Li Boqian, Xuan Yuan was an elder approaching the end of his days, unwilling to meddle in volatile affairs.

Had Zhao Xing himself been the one requesting, Xuan Yuan would have moved mountains to fulfill his wish. But for Liu Tianning? It wasn't worth it.

On July 15th, Lord Luo presided over the Six Ministries' deliberations, opposing the marriage of Princess You Ruo with a rationale borrowed from the main arguments of the war faction.

The core message boiled down to four words: The Southern Barbarians are unworthy.

As a staunch supporter of Liu Tianning, Lord Luo held significant sway.

In the military world, the relationship between logistics and combat was crucial.

If the Grand Secretary and the Grand Shennong couldn't see eye to eye, wars would be unmanageable.

During Liu Tianning's tenure as Inspector-General of the military, he garnered widespread support among military commanders.

The first deliberation ended in predictable failure, with the proposal sent back to the inner court for Emperor Jing to reconsider.

However, only a few days later, Emperor Jing's original decree resurfaced, unchanged.

This time, he explicitly named Acting Chancellor Tong Wensheng to oversee the deliberations seven days hence, determined to reach a satisfactory outcome.

Support for the proposal gradually increased.

At Shangluo Academy's Divine Wood Courtyard, near the Spirit Spring Fountain.

A figure emerged from a towering tree—it was Zhao Xing.

Near the fountain sat Liu Tianning, cross-legged, his expression serene, his breathing steady.

During Liu Tianning's seclusion, only Zhao Xing had unrestricted access to this place.

As Liu Tianning worked on the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, his connection between avatars and his original form was managed using the Segmentation Technique.

At this moment, Liu Tianning was entirely unaware of the outside world.

Unlike Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing had no such restrictions, which allowed him to gather intelligence freely.

This disconnection often baffled others, such as Ji Anlan, who found it vexing. Conversations with one avatar would be forgotten by the next, leading to endless frustration.

Yet, the method's benefits were undeniable. Since starting the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, Liu Tianning had shown no signs of the madness that once plagued him.

His sparring matches in the Dao Field demonstrated this stability.

Had he been unstable, he would have fought to the death, leaving rivers of blood in his wake. At the very least, his opponents would have suffered grievous injuries.

But now, all the candidates who sparred against him remained alive and well.

"Teacher~"

"Teacher~"

Zhao Xing's voice, gentle as ripples, emanated outward, gradually penetrating the Spirit Spring Fountain.

The soft tones spread slowly until they reached Liu Tianning.

Liu Tianning opened his eyes slowly, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Chen'an, what brings you here? Have you made a breakthrough?"

Zhao Xing shook his head. "The princess has been betrothed."

Liu Tianning froze. For a moment, all his avatars seemed to stop in unison.

After a long silence, his voice emerged, hoarse and trembling. "To… whom?"

"To the crown prince of the Fiery Light Court, Wan."

"Has the decree been issued?"

"His Majesty drafted the decree in early July. It passed through the inner court and reached the central Six Ministries for the first deliberation, but Lord Luo opposed it and sent it back to the inner court, requesting His Majesty reconsider."

"And the outcome?" Liu Tianning's tone grew anxious.

"Yesterday, His Majesty reissued the decree without any modifications. Moreover, he reiterated that Princess You Ruo volunteered for the marriage."

"Acting Chancellor Tong Wensheng has been appointed to preside over the matter," Zhao Xing explained. "The opposition will likely dwindle, while support grows."

"Impossible!" Liu Tianning shouted. "Absolutely impossible!"

"Our dynasty may have a precedent for arranged marriages, but how could You Ruo be treated like any other princess?"

"Volunteered? Preposterous!"

"You're lying to me?" Liu Tianning's gaze fixed on Zhao Xing, as if searching for any trace of deceit. "Are you using this to temper my mind?"

Silence.

Both fell silent as despair clouded Liu Tianning's expression. His soul energy began to surge violently. "How could this happen? How could this be possible—?"

"Teacher." Zhao Xing's voice was calm, like a resonant bell, soothing Liu Tianning's agitated soul. "What are your thoughts? Have you ever considered marrying Princess You Ruo yourself?"

"Of course, I do!" Liu Tianning declared without hesitation. "I had planned to marry her after becoming the Grand Shennong, so the world would know that I, Liu Tianning, am worthy of this Eastern Sea Pearl."

"Only the position of Grand Shennong would not wrong her!"

Zhao Xing was left speechless. You two truly make a perfect pair.

The Princess You Ruo wanted to bring her lavish dowry to marry you, reluctant to leave the Eastern Sea, and you, on the other hand, wanted to ascend to the position of Grand Shennong before marrying her. Neither of you cares about what Emperor Jing thinks, do you?

"Teacher, if everything goes as you wish, don't you think your authority would become too vast?" Zhao Xing asked softly.

"My loyalty to His Majesty is unwavering!"

"It's not about what you think. It's about what I think."

Liu Tianning fell silent.

Zhao Xing also remained quiet. Over the years, Liu Tianning had indeed become muddled and complacent.

Even his supporters probably hadn't expected him to rise so smoothly to such a high position. Most believed that the pinnacle of his career would be leading the Shangluo Academy.

After a moment, Liu Tianning's hoarse voice broke the silence, "Is it already too late to change anything now?"

The second resolution was undoubtedly going to pass; that was a given.

Even if someone wanted to oppose it, they couldn't conspire with officials to block it.

Otherwise, the entire nature of the situation would change completely.

That would invoke the wrath of Emperor Jing in his most frenzied state!

"It's not too late," Zhao Xing said thoughtfully. "It just depends on how much you want to be with the princess."

In Fengjing, within the Hall of Four Tribes, peals of hearty laughter echoed.

Two men, bare-chested and dressed in animal hides, with tail feathers adorning their heads, were drinking merrily.

The two, Xingge and Xingchang, both in the Third Rank, were overjoyed.

These brothers were the chief guards of the Flaming Light Royal Court.

"I thought this trip would be a bitter ordeal," Xingge said, sighing. "I never imagined it would turn out like this."

Emperor Jing was nothing like Emperor Wen. In the eyes of foreigners, Ji Mingjing was a cunning and treacherous wolf king capable of anything.

Asking for a princess could very well have led to their heads being chopped off and sent back.

But contrary to their fears, not only did Emperor Jing spare them, but he even gave them a princess!

"Indeed, who would have thought?" Xingchang agreed, taking another swig of wine. "It seems Great Zhou really doesn't want to continue fighting. And rightly so. Their territory is vast, but with so many leaders and kings to appease, who would want to keep waging war when there's no profit to be gained?"

"Exactly. Just like the Golden Feather, Purple Dragon, and Sacred Spirit clans, many of the chiefs refuse to follow orders. They'll join a profitable war, but otherwise, they'll find every excuse not to show up."

"When we return, this will surely count as a great achievement!"

"Hehe, I heard that Princess You Ruo has the Biyu Dao Body by nature, with unmatched grace and flexibility. I wonder what she would be like—"

Bang!

Suddenly, Xingge flew backward and crashed hard against the warding wall.

Xingchang, startled by the scene, trembled and quickly knelt.

Before them stood an elder clad in a white shaman's robe.

This elder, their revered sage "Yun," was now shouting furiously, "You two fools! If I ever hear you speaking such nonsense again, I'll have your souls dug out and fed to the Sacred Beasts!"

"Sage, we wouldn't dare!" The two stammered, prostrating themselves in fear.

"The Eastern Sea's powerhouses are already in the capital. The outside world is vehemently opposed to this matter. Unless absolutely necessary, you are forbidden to wander about aimlessly!" Yun scolded. "Otherwise, you'll lose your lives. Understood?"

"Y-Yes," they replied, shaking as they complied, though inwardly they dismissed his warnings.

The second resolution passed without any suspense. The six departments affixed their seals, and the official documents were distributed to all the prefectures.

The news caused a nationwide uproar, with the Eastern Sea in particular descending into chaos.

However, amid the heated reactions—

On the second day of the eighth month, Princess You Ruo made a public appearance. She attended a sacrificial ceremony held by the Ministry of Rites, where she expressed her intentions openly.

"As a royal princess, Anlan is willing to contribute her humble efforts to the peace between the southern foreigners and Great Zhou. I offer this sacrifice to the ancestors of heaven and earth, praying that the citizens of Great Zhou may forever be free from the ravages of war."

Zhao Xing also attended the ceremony as an observer.

Through one of his avatars, he watched from a distance.

In Zhao Xing's eyes, Princess You Ruo appeared emotionless, as though she were simply reading from a prepared script, merely going through the motions.

Yet, to others, the princess exuded a solemn and dignified presence, her demeanor embodying the regal bearing of royalty and a heartfelt compassion for the people.

For a time, the praise for her was overwhelming.

In Bixian Prefecture, within the Princess's residence.

"Zhao Xing, this doesn't make sense. Is the princess truly willing to marry into the Southern Barbarians?" Xia Jing asked.

The matter had caused such a sensation that he came personally to question Zhao Xing.

Even the heir apparent found himself utterly baffled by the situation.

"Coercion! It must be coercion!" Long Xiao shouted.

"Don't spout nonsense," Xia Jing snapped at Long Xiao. "Princess Ji Anlan has already ascended to royal status. Who could possibly coerce her?"

What, are you implying Emperor Jing forced her? Do you have a death wish?

"What do we do now?" Chen Shijie asked. "Should we move out?"

Chen Shijie's family and Zhao Xing's family had been living on the princess's granted land in Bixian Prefecture.

Surely, they couldn't continue staying here under the circumstances.

"Don't rush," Zhao Xing replied, shaking his head.

Xia Jing's eyes lit up. "Does this mean there's still a chance?"

"It's a done deal. What can we possibly do now?" Long Xiao slammed his fist against the wall. "It's been announced to the whole world. My Ling'er has cried herself silly, cursing the incompetence of the Eastern Sea powerhouses who came to the capital."

"I said, don't rush." Zhao Xing glanced out the window. "Remember what we said back at Flame Mountain?"

"What did we say?" Long Xiao looked utterly confused.

Chen Shijie and Xia Jing exchanged glances. Xia Jing was the first to respond, "Man proposes; God disposes!"

Chen Shijie asked, "Who are you waiting for?"

Zhao Xing was indeed waiting for someone, though not a high-ranking official or a powerful martial artist.

In recent days, a faint but tenacious force had been working tirelessly in the shadows.

He had originally been training in the Guixu Cave-Heaven, a realm teetering on the brink of extinction.

But in early July, he had abruptly ended his training and emerged through the entrance in Redstone Prefecture.

"Wei Gong! I must see my father! I must see my father!"

A tall, sword-wielding youth with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes suddenly appeared at the Wei Gong Mansion.

The sky was a muted shade of green, and light rain fell steadily.

"You left the Eastern Sea only a year ago and abruptly interrupted your training, already violating the ancestral precepts," Wei Gongming sighed. "And now you wish to storm into the palace to confront His Majesty? This is far from wise."

"Wei Gong, just report it! I'll bear all the consequences!" Ji Che's eyes shone with an alarming intensity. Though young, his aura was imposing, and his commanding presence made it difficult for Wei Gongming to meet his gaze directly.

Facing this young man with the bearing of a First-Rank Ritual Official, Wei Gongming felt the pressure with every step. "If you help me report this, I'll remember your kindness for a lifetime!"

Conversely, if you don't, I'll hold this against you for life!

Wei Gongming looked at the rain-drenched youth and, after a moment of contemplation, nodded. "Very well. I'll take you to the capital."

When Ji Che and Wei Gongming arrived in Fengjing, the decree had already been issued to all departments.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Wei Gongming noticed the dejected young man seated with a sullen aura. Feeling a pang of sympathy, he suggested, "Young master, perhaps if you return to the Eastern Sea now, you can still see the princess one last time."

As the sacrificial ceremony held by the Ministry of Rites in Fengjing concluded, an auspicious date was quickly set. The bridal escort team and the accompanying delegation were scheduled to depart in early September.

Their journey would begin in Fengjing, pass through Tianyong Province, Daoyuan Continent, then proceed to Fuzhou, Pinghai Province, and finally cross the Canglan River.

When the bridal escort team passed through Daoyuan Continent—

On the peak of Qitian Mountain, loose stones gradually fell.

Zhao Xing's true body emerged from within the white snowstone.

As his thoughts slowly reawakened from dormancy, Zhao Xing took a deep breath.

He gazed out at the sea of clouds ahead. Among the other twenty-eight mountains in Lingxu Blessed Land, none were taller than his Qitian Mountain.

The highest of them barely reached 8,000 meters.

"For nearly a hundred years, I have cultivated this mountain, understanding the fortune of heaven and earth. My foundation in the Heavenly Luck realm is unmatched." Zhao Xing sighed. Originally, the twenty-nine peaks were spaced far apart from one another.

But now, Qitian Mountain had grown to an exaggerated extent. Though still standing at a height of 9,999 meters, it had begun to expand horizontally.

At this point, Qitian Mountain had already encroached on the domain of Peak No. 28, "Zhiming Mountain."

"I can't let it expand toward Xie Zhiming's peak; I should let it grow toward Peak No. 1 instead. Otherwise, it would affect others' cultivation of fortune." Zhao Xing said. "Perfect timing—I can step out for a while."

Zhao Xing's true body transformed into the shadow of a dragon, swiftly flying toward the entrance of Lingxu Blessed Land.

An hour later, he arrived at Shangluo Academy.

By the fountain of spiritual energy, Liu Tianning's split souls were repeatedly entering and exiting.

Old fragments of his soul entered, while new fragments emerged, returning to the straw puppet avatars.

Between his true body and avatars, the transitions flickered inconsistently. Some avatars even collapsed or disintegrated abruptly.

The renewal effects of the Split Soul Technique were impressive.

Zhao Xing could clearly sense Liu Tianning's soul growing stronger, without any extreme shifts in his temperament.

As someone who had achieved mastery in the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit technique, capable of splitting his soul into 500,000 fragments, Zhao Xing was the pioneer of this path!

He could fully discern the changes occurring within Liu Tianning.

After waiting for a long time, Liu Tianning's transformations finally ceased. He opened his eyes.

"Welcome back, Teacher," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands respectfully.

"Ninety years of wandering beyond the heavens, today I return to the mortal world," Liu Tianning murmured to himself.

By this point, Liu Tianning had resolved all his shortcomings. Like Zhao Xing, he was no longer plagued by the side effects of the Myriad Law Straw Puppet.

Inwardly, Zhao Xing sighed, "Once a madman in the mortal world, now reborn as a divine figure."

He saw before him a radiant and confident Liu Tianning—a figure who once dominated the world, standing tall on Xunyang River, quelling floodwaters with a single gesture.

Gone was the eccentric, unpredictable aura of the past.

Now, every one of Liu Tianning's avatars exuded the same refined demeanor.

"Chen'an, I owe you my gratitude." Liu Tianning bowed deeply to Zhao Xing.

"Teacher, there's no need for such formality," Zhao Xing replied with a smile. "Now that you've fully awakened and are free from the constraints of techniques, I have only one question for you: will you act, or won't you?"

Liu Tianning raised an eyebrow, and a virtual divine tree spread across the sky behind him. "Damn right I will!"

"Haha! Let's go!" Zhao Xing laughed heartily.

In Bixian Prefecture, at the Princess's residence—

The once-glorious Princess's mansion had lost its former luster.

Ji Che returned to find numerous officials from the Bureau of Transport moving items.

Many of the belongings from Princess You Ruo's palace were being relocated to the banks of the Canglan River to join the bridal escort team.

Of course, this wasn't demolition—only the valuable items were being moved.

Even the heavenly horses were being sent as part of the convoy.

The young man felt a pang of sadness. Though the mansion's layout remained, it was now filled with unfamiliar faces.

"Big Sister."

Ji Che descended from the sky, and those around him acted as though they couldn't see him.

"I've only been away for a year and a half. How did it come to this?"

He reminisced about his childhood. He had arrived here at the age of four and spent nearly ten years in this place.

He had little memory of his mother, but his eldest sister, Ji Anlan, held a unique and irreplaceable place in his heart.

"A year ago, I left this mansion full of ambition, vowing to achieve great things to make Big Sister proud."

"At that time, Big Sister personally embroidered a Ming Emperor Robe for me and even helped me wear the Purple Heaven Watercloud Armor…"

"How did it come to this?"

Ji Che looked at the hurried laborers, their faces unfamiliar.

Instinctively, he searched for a familiar figure and quickly made his way to the edge of Heavenly Horse Lake.

There, he finally saw a familiar face.

"Brother!" Ji Che called out as he ran over.

"Fifth Brother," Zhao Xing nodded with a smile.

Ji Che, seeing Zhao Xing as if he were a lifeline, asked eagerly, "Brother, do you have any way to stop the eldest princess from leaving?"

He paused, noticing Zhao Xing's avatars carrying crates as if packing.

"Sorry, I was rambling nonsense," Ji Che said dejectedly.

Although Zhao Xing was the Marquis of Shenwei and a cultivator of the Second Rank, what could he possibly do?

The matter was settled; even he had to comply with the relocation.

"Brother, where are you moving to?"

"Who said I was moving?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

Zhao Xing gestured toward the crates. "Do these look like moving supplies to you?"

Ji Che took a closer look and realized the crates contained items like Fire Origin Divine Crystals, formation stones for the Hunyuan Array, and Shenluo components.

Following the direction of the crates, he saw that they were being loaded onto a massive warship.

A Wuyao-class warship—an ultimate Ninth-Rank masterpiece!

As a special privilege granted by Emperor Jing, Zhao Xing's warship was authorized to carry military-grade equipment.

"Big Brother, what are you planning to do?" Ji Che asked, bewildered.

"I'm going to make a mistake," Zhao Xing said nonchalantly.

"You're—" Ji Che, a bright and intelligent youth, quickly pieced together what Zhao Xing intended. A shocking thought crossed his mind.

As this realization dawned, Ji Che's mouth fell open, but his eyes sparkled with excitement.

Zhao Xing leapt onto the ship's deck and glanced back. "Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking."

"I want to go too!" Ji Che exclaimed as he jumped aboard.

"You're still young. Take that one instead." Zhao Xing placed a hand on Ji Che's head, then pointed to the sky where a golden dragon warship was slowly descending. On its deck stood the radiant Hall of Myriad Laws.

"Fifth Brother, Big Brother is taking you to crash the wedding. Excited?" Zhao Xing chuckled inwardly as he observed Ji Che's reaction.

The moment Ji Che saw the Hall of Myriad Laws, he erupted with wild cheers.

"Yes! Big Brother, we're going to bring the eldest princess back!"