The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

"Princess, we've entered the borders of Pinghai Prefecture."

"In seven days, we'll cross the Canglan River."

Onboard the royal ceremonial ship, behind a screen, Liu Wanliang's voice was soft and measured.

Beyond the screen, Princess Ji Anlan sat in a kneeling posture at a low table, her figure completely still.

Liu Wanliang continued his subdued report, "The bridal escort team from the Fiery Light Court has already arrived at the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture to await further proceedings. The journey has been entirely peaceful thus far…"

At this point, even Liu Wanliang couldn't suppress a pang of guilt.

Such an uneventful journey seemed almost cruel to Princess You Ruo.

However, her tone remained calm. "Understood. You may leave."

Liu Wanliang hesitated, as if he had a thousand things to say. Ultimately, he simply bowed. "Yes."

On the other side of the screen.

Ji Anlan knelt in a daze, her entire body shimmering.

Besides the luxurious clothes and the fine jewelry adorning her, a golden, miniature dragon-shaped shadow hovered above her head.

The dragon glowed with a radiant light that enveloped her entirely. The golden dragon's body was, in fact, a divine edict visible only to her.

Princess You Ruo couldn't help but recall the moment in the palace following the second deliberation. That had been the last time she saw her father before leaving the imperial court.

Ji Mingjing had been dressed in a plain green robe, with a simple wooden hairpin on his head—so unassuming it barely seemed imperial.

Just like today, she knelt before a table, watching as her father stepped into the sealed palace hall.

It was the first time she truly saw her father as he was, not as the Emperor. It was also the closest she had ever been to him.

He knelt across from her. Father and daughter locked eyes, both appearing to have much to say, yet remained silent for a long while.

"Anlan, shall we make a wager?" Ji Mingjing finally spoke.

"Father, please speak," Ji Anlan replied softly.

"Participate in the sacrificial ceremony as planned. I will ensure Liu Tianning learns of this situation."

"If, upon hearing the news, he manages to retrieve you before the Southern Barbarian emissaries do, I will give you two a chance."

"But if he does not come, it will prove that he prioritizes his career and ambitions over you. It will show that in his heart, you are not so important."

Ji Mingjing fixed his gaze on his daughter.

"In that case, do not blame Great Zhou. Instead, fulfill your duty to secure time for your brother to complete his mission."

Princess You Ruo returned his gaze unwaveringly.

"I am willing to wager with you, Father."

Recalling that conversation, Ji Anlan's heart brimmed with anticipation.

She believed in him, believed he would come to save her.

Even though only seven days remained before she would leave Great Zhou's borders, she was confident that as long as Liu Tianning learned of this, he would understand her intentions and rush to her side, no matter the cost.

Indeed, Liu Tianning was speeding toward the Canglan River. As the Prince of Taihe Prefecture, he had mobilized both the Golden Dragon Warship and the Hall of Myriad Laws. There was no one to stop him. Zhao Xing's Wuyao-class warship followed closely behind.

Had he seen the last conversation between Emperor Jing and Princess You Ruo, he might have understood how the "wicked witch" of the past came to be.

He might also have understood why the Princess, upon her return to Great Zhou in a previous life, harbored deep hatred toward him, yet none toward the dynasty itself. Instead, she had provided critical intelligence that had greatly aided Emperor Wu's campaigns against the Southern Barbarians.

At that moment, Master Zhao was aboard the Wuyao warship, meticulously refining the details of his plan to steal the bride.

"First, we must wait for the Great Zhou bridal escort team to leave. Once Princess You Ruo crosses out of Great Zhou's territory…"

"That way, at least we won't be blatantly defying Old Jing's decree within his jurisdiction."

"If we can snatch Ji Anlan from the hands of the Southern Barbarian elites, it would highlight the Southern Court's failure to protect the Princess or, worse, reveal their neglect of her safety. This leaves ample room for the great scholars to debate the matter."

"Next, the theft must be brazen and aboveboard—no sneaky or underhanded tricks. Additionally, only Old Liu and I will act. Ji Che will merely observe and must not bring anyone else along," Zhao Xing mused to himself.

As for what would happen after the theft? There were always excuses to cover the act.

"Ancient legends tell of the Red Emperor's daughter, Ji Su, who was kind-hearted and beloved by the people. She fell in love with a cultivator named Chi Songzi.

"However, the Red Emperor was misled by his national advisor into arranging Ji Su's marriage to the Wormwood Wastelands."

"Chi Songzi's ancestor, acting out of desperation, led a group to rescue Ji Su and bring her back to his tribe."

"Together, they taught the locals how to cultivate five grains, earning their enduring respect and admiration."

"Every year since then, the villagers of Pucheng hold a grand festival to commemorate the Red Emperor and Ji Su's contributions to their agricultural prosperity."

Liu Tianning, listening with a blank expression, finally blurted out, "I don't recall the Shangluo Academy having such historical legends. Since when did agricultural blessings have this kind of backstory?"

"I've never heard it either. Brother, did you make that up?" Ji Che asked, captivated by the tale.

"Chi Songzi must be Dean Liu. So, the Red Emperor and his daughter are His Majesty and the Princess, right?"

"But doesn't this ancestor seem a bit over the top? Also, Brother, why am I not included in the story?"

Zhao Xing chuckled. "History is vast, full of things waiting to be discovered."

Exactly! Who writes history? Isn't it whoever's around to tell the tale? Ji Che suddenly felt a new horizon of possibilities open up.

Big Brother truly was a genius!

Distracted by the banter, Liu Tianning found himself grinning. He hadn't overthought the matter.

Just grab the bride. Afterward, leave the consequences to fate. Whatever justification the Emperor needed to save face wasn't Liu Tianning's problem.

Wasn't that what the Ministry of Rites was for?

Zhao Xing, for his part, was merely entertaining himself with the tale.

Would Old Jing, an emperor so shrewd, really cling to his dignity? The moment the Princess's marriage had fulfilled its purpose, Ji Mingjing wouldn't push for her to be forcibly wed.

After all, Ji Mingjing was the type to demand the goods while bargaining down the price.

Thus, this operation was entirely feasible. If Emperor Jing had been dead set on this marriage, the plan would never have gotten off the ground. Someone would have intervened long ago to stop Princess You Ruo from leaving Lingxu Blessed Land.

"The Fiery Light Court's bridal escort team has reached Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture. It's said to include five individuals at the First-Rank Destiny Palace realm, seven Second-Rank leaders, and five hundred Third-Rank soldiers," Zhao Xing noted.

"We kill as many as we can. If possible, wipe them out entirely," he added.

Liu Tianning nodded in agreement. This would effectively sever any chance of defection, creating an irreparable grudge with the Fiery Light Court.

What better way to demonstrate loyalty than by forging such a personal enmity?

"Excellent!" Ji Che slapped his thigh in excitement. "Kill them all! Leave no one alive!"

"We can't act while in Great Zhou territory," Zhao Xing reminded.

"According to protocol, once they reach Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, a smaller guard and ceremonial escort will accompany the Princess to the Fiery Light Court."

"When we act, our people can't be harmed or killed—not a single one," Zhao Xing emphasized, staring directly at Liu Tianning.

By "our people," Zhao Xing meant anyone from Great Zhou, regardless of faction. They were all off-limits.

Liu Tianning also understood Zhao Xing's intentions. "Don't worry, I won't act impulsively."

Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning had their plan to intercept the princess, but naturally, others would also be sent to escort her, ensuring the event proceeded smoothly.

Given Liu Tianning's current status and power, few noble families dared to challenge such a move.

Only the powerhouses from the Seventy-Two Academies had the audacity to intervene.

Even then, Zhao Xing couldn't allow Liu Tianning to act recklessly and kill indiscriminately.

His main reason for coming along was to restrain Liu Tianning, preventing him from going overboard. This situation was far graver than the time Liu Tianning sought Murong Qing.

This time, it wasn't just a matter of dealing with fourth or fifth-ranked individuals. The opponents were of much higher caliber. If things escalated, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Time passed swiftly, and soon, Princess You Ruo's ship crossed the Canglan River, docking briefly at Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture.

At the same time, Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning arrived at the riverside.

"Big Brother, why are we stopping here?" Ji Che asked in confusion.

"You stay here and cheer us on," Zhao Xing replied, dragging over a massive ground mirror. "You know how to use this, right?"

"I can't go with you?" Ji Che patted his sword. "Big Brother, don't underestimate me! My sword has yet to meet a foe it can't defeat!"

"With my three-foot Qingfeng sword in hand, I can still take down a few small fries!"

"You lack reconnaissance straw puppets, so you'll have to stay here," Zhao Xing said firmly.

Ji Che understood, albeit reluctantly. "Alright."

He reluctantly sheathed his sword and raised his hand, summoning intermediate-level straw puppets from the ship's cabin.

Four techniques combined to form flying sacred shield explosive reconnaissance straw puppets.

Zhao Xing had only taught him intermediate straw puppet techniques.

"Go!"

Straw puppets rose into the air, dozens at a time. Even though Ji Che couldn't cross the river, he seemed intent on venting his frustration by sending his puppets over to create chaos.

Worried about Ji Che harboring rebellious intentions, Zhao Xing left a clone behind to keep an eye on him.

Ji Che pouted but had no choice but to stay in Jiangbei City.

Meanwhile, his straw puppet clone followed the group forward.

Zhao Xing and his master weren't taking the same route as the princess.

After Princess You Ruo crossed the river, her destination was Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture. Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning, however, entered the Southern Barbarian buffer zone, a harsh and desolate wasteland.

"The Southern Barbarian lands are truly terrifying," Ji Che remarked through his straw puppet. He could see the massive thunder snakes streaking across the sky and the unrelenting gale winds, and he couldn't help but marvel.

"This isn't even close to being truly terrifying," Zhao Xing explained. "It doesn't even count as a sliver of the real thing."

Staying within the boundaries of the Nineteen Provinces felt drastically different from venturing into the Southern Barbarian region.

In the Great Zhou, such horrifying weather phenomena were rare, but in the Southern Barbarian region, they were commonplace.

Two warships had just crossed the river a hundred miles when Zhao Xing squinted toward the horizon.

"Someone's coming."

Liu Tianning also looked ahead.

Despite being a first-rank expert, Liu Tianning's spiritual perception wasn't as strong as Zhao Xing's.

It took him three breaths after Zhao Xing's warning to detect the figure flickering amidst the thunderclouds ahead.

"Zhan Sancheng of the Jinling Dao Academy," Liu Tianning said coldly. "He's the elder brother of Zhan Sigong and the honorary deputy dean of Jinling Dao Academy."

"A second-rank late-stage Sword Sect martial artist."

"He's skilled in the Four Divine Sword Techniques of Jinling and uses the second-rank true intent 'Lesser Yin Xin Metal' as his foundation, cultivating the 'Golden Battle Body.'"

Zhao Xing turned to ask, "Was he one of the villains back then?"

Liu Tianning snorted, "No, it was his younger brother. But even he wasn't free of blame. His indulgence led to everything. His younger brother met his end at my hands during the fifth year of Great Governance."

Ji Che's straw puppet suddenly squeezed between them, its eyes gleaming. "Big Brother! Big Brother! What do you mean? Villains from the past? What other stories from back then?"

"I'll tell you later," Zhao Xing said, pushing the puppet aside. "There's a time and place for everything."

"Oh," Ji Che muttered.

Zhao Xing glanced toward the thunderclouds. "Master, there's no need for you to make a move. I'll handle this."

Liu Tianning nodded silently.

Indeed, he wasn't suitable to act. Murong Qing had been a deep pain in his past, and he feared losing control if he intervened.

This had nothing to do with clarity or rationale; Liu Tianning simply had a grudge against those people.

Having been thwarted once centuries ago, they dared to appear again?

If Liu Tianning were to take action, he might either go mad or drive himself into a frenzy.

"Swish!"

Zhao Xing shot out of the warship, flying into the clouds.

When Zhan Sancheng saw Zhao Xing approach, his expression turned disdainful. "What's this? Liu Tianning killed my younger brother, and now he doesn't even have the courage to face me himself? He sends his disciple to take the hit instead?"

"He's certainly bold when it comes to women!"

Hearing this, Zhao Xing immediately pegged Zhan Sancheng as a bitter old cynic with zero discernment, unable to recognize his level of cultivation.

Faced with such an arrogant fool, Zhao Xing had no intention of engaging in conversation.

His body flickered and instantly produced twelve clones, all vanishing into the clouds.

"Attacking a stronger opponent first? Zhao Xing, you brought this upon yourself!" Zhan Sancheng roared, activating his Golden Battle Body.

His blood energy surged, causing his body to expand.

Logically, upon entering the third stage of his Martial Dao Golden Body transformation, his body would grow larger, and his resistance to techniques would greatly increase.

While his body indeed expanded, it didn't match his expectations.

Why were there no radiant golden divine images?

And why had his nose suddenly grown longer?

Confused, Zhan Sancheng let out a strange sound, followed by a pig-like squeal.

"Oink~ Oink~"

Zhan Sancheng: "???"

He was utterly dumbfounded.

Plop.

Raindrops fell from the clouds.

A single drop slid past his pig-like eyes, reflecting his current appearance—a massive pig's head.

"!!!"

Zhan Sancheng let out a desperate screech, struggling wildly.

It was futile. Moments later, a vine wrapped tightly around his rotund body.

The floating vine's branches constricted him, while its leaves sealed his mouth and nose.

"Shh~" Zhao Xing placed a finger to his lips and gestured to a nearby clone. "Quiet, we're recording."

Zhan Sancheng looked over and saw a clone holding a large recording snail and a Mirage Pearl for live footage.

Zhan Sancheng: "!!!"

Zhao Xing grinned. "Zhan whatever-your-name-is, you wouldn't want your pig-headed form shown to your disciples, friends, and family, would you?"

"If not, then stay quiet."

"This Marquis is kind-hearted. As long as you behave, I won't do anything too outrageous. Kekeke~"

Lightning illuminated Zhao Xing's face, casting flickering shadows that accentuated his sinister smile. The eerie sound he emitted caused Zhan Sancheng's pig skin to shudder involuntarily, leaving the whole pig stunned and submissive.

"Death isn't the scariest thing—social death is far worse!"

Zhan Sancheng realized just how big of a mistake it was to have come here.

Liu Tianning was outright insane. At worst, Zhan Sancheng could accept dying, but this disciple? Too terrifying!

Seeing Zhan Sancheng now obedient, Zhao Xing led him out of the clouds. Instead of delivering him to Liu Tianning's Golden Dragon Warship, he returned to the Wu Yao Warship instead.

"Whoa! What a huge golden pig!"

Ji Che's straw puppet stood on the deck, completely dumbfounded at the sight of Zhan Sancheng.

He had never seen a pig this massive before.

"Big Brother, is this the Pig Transformation Law you once mentioned, passed down from the first Shennong, Wu Cheng?" Ji Che asked with a look of admiration in his eyes.

"Indeed," Zhao Xing nodded, "But compared to Senior Wu Cheng, I still fall far short.

"This is an ultimate-level technique, but I've only cultivated it to the level of supreme perfection."

"If it were fully perfected, the pig would be indistinguishable from an ordinary one in size and behavior."

"After seven days, it will completely transform into a pig."

"However, as it stands, its massive size still gives it considerable combat strength, enough to injure a Third-Rank Primary cultivator."

Zhao Xing used the External Mutation Technique to suppress Zhan Sancheng's power to this level.

Even so, it was already formidable.

Zhan Sancheng was, after all, at the later stages of the Second Rank! Now, as a pig, he could no longer kill a Third-Rank cultivator but could only injure one.

Additionally, Zhao Xing's Pig Transformation Law lasted for a full three months. While it lacked the sheer lethality of Wu Cheng's version, it was an exquisite form of torment.

Ji Che, known by his nickname, couldn't help but poke and prod at the enormous pig.

He even lifted Zhan Sancheng's pig ears to take a closer look.

This left Zhan Sancheng utterly humiliated, wishing for death.

But he was bound tightly by Floating Vine, and the more he struggled, the tighter it became. Eventually, he gave up all resistance.

At this point, Zhan Sancheng resigned himself to the situation. Perhaps they wouldn't figure out his identity?

Zhao Xing dangled a Mirage Pearl and an Echo Snail before Zhan Sancheng's eyes, signaling for him to remain silent.

Despair consumed Zhan Sancheng as he collapsed motionless onto the ground.

"You've truly learned a lot during your seclusion," Liu Tianning observed. He had witnessed the entire battle.

What surprised him the most was that Zhao Xing's clone could deploy a pinnacle-level External Mutation Technique, only one step away from perfection.

As for the Pig Transformation Law? Liu Tianning couldn't even comprehend it.

The ultimate External Mutation Technique was not something that could be easily mastered.

Only someone like Zhao Xing, who excelled in three different schools, could achieve such seamless integration, not only mastering it but also creating his own unique version.

"This is worse than killing him," Liu Tianning chuckled heartily. "Why didn't I think of using this method to deal with those old stubborn fools before?"

The Dao Academy's elders cherished their ancient traditions and reputations.

Zhan Sancheng's current predicament must be eating him alive.

"Teacher, you are upright and pure-hearted," Zhao Xing remarked.

Liu Tianning could act boldly against injustice, storming into a bandit den and slaying them all, but he wouldn't have thought of using such underhanded tactics.

Zhao Xing, however, was a different story. What outrageous trick hadn't he pulled off before?

"This is exactly the kind of thing he would do."

In the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Palace, high in the western skies, Lord Luo stood on the observation deck of the Matrix Pavilion. Before him were countless Earth Mirrors.

These mirrors weren't just monitoring the Princess Guard and Southern Barbarian clans but also keeping a close eye on every anomaly surrounding the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Palace.

As a staunch advocate of war, Lord Luo never believed that a marriage alliance could resolve the Southern Barbarian issue.

Every move he made stemmed from the strategic premise that the Southern Barbarians were mortal enemies.

Thus, surveillance was absolutely necessary.

On another note, he also needed to keep an eye on Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing.

It was crucial to prevent them from doing anything too extreme, provoking the aging Emperor Jing, and causing irreparable consequences.

"Marshal, are you sure this won't be a problem?" Minor Artisan Lu Ying stared dumbfoundedly at the sight of Zhan Sancheng as a pig.

"What could go wrong? Right now, they're all operating as private individuals abroad. What's the issue?"

Lu Ying hesitated. "I'm worried that Zhan might not turn back. How would we explain that?"

"Don't worry." Lord Luo's tone was indifferent. "Zhao Chen'an always knows his limits."

Even Zhao Xing's impulsive act of cursing out King Liang had proven to be a stroke of genius in hindsight.

Too bad King Tianyan didn't live to see this. And given his strained relationship with Ji Si, there was no choice but to reminisce about old times with Minor Artisan Lu Ying.

"Back in those days, he—"

The warship pressed on, taking a detour around the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Palace to intercept from the south.

The princess's wedding escort route was straightforward, making their movements predictable.

It wasn't long before a second group of interceptors appeared.

"Liu Tianning!"

In the middle of a desert, three fiery-red figures shot into the sky, quickly catching up with the warship.

"From the Cangyan Dao Academy. One of them is named 'Cang.' Back in the seventh year of the Great Governance Era, I killed four deputy deans from their academy," Liu Tianning said with a grin.

"One of them was this Cang's senior brother."

"The bald one in the Heavenly Fire Robes is a Mechanist named 'Yan Yan.'"

"As for the third person, I don't recognize him." Liu Tianning's eyes narrowed. "I've made so many enemies in the Dao Academy that I sometimes don't even know why. And honestly, I don't care to ask."

Zhao Xing chuckled. That was just Liu Tianning's style—completely dismissive of petty grudges.

Though the trio seemed formidable, their combined strength wasn't even on par with Zhan Sancheng. Only one of them was in the Fortune Realm, while the other two were Third-Rank cultivators.

Zhao Xing couldn't fathom what these three were thinking.

Were they betting their lives just to test whether Liu Tianning would follow the rules?

What a disgrace.

"Become pigs!"

Zhao Xing darted forward.

The moment the trio rose into the air, they were transformed into three hairless, fiery-red pigs.

To prevent them from attempting suicide, Zhao Xing reinforced the transformation with a [Thunderous Primordial Lock], binding them tightly.

He even carried his oversized Echo Snail and Mirage Pearl throughout the process.

"Oink, oink!"

Zhao Xing used his Sleep Bug Technique to extract several parasitic soul worms from the trio's bodies, keeping them as spares.

"These pigs are so ugly—red and black patches everywhere, not even a single hair. Disgusting," Ji Che remarked, leaving the three humiliated beyond words.

If only they could just die.

But Zhao Xing had taken away their Sleep Bugs, forcing them to remain painfully conscious.

Once Zhao Xing picked up his Mirage Pearl and Echo Snail again, the trio decided to feign death, shutting their eyes completely.

The group continued their journey, fighting along the way.

The number of pigs on the Wuyao warship gradually increased, filling several compartments.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel baffled at the sight.

"Old Liu sure made a lot of enemies. During his years as an inspector, how many people from the academies did he mess with?" Zhao Xing murmured.

"Oh, and don't forget the grand purge of Jiazi and that period when he went mad," someone chimed in.

Zhao Xing silently pondered, "No wonder so many people were killed in the past life. There were reasons for it all."

"If I were the emperor, I'd also use Old Liu to the extreme. With Liu Tianning's hands, it'd be easy to subdue all seventy-two academies and make them obedient."

For an ordinary person, facing the retaliation from the academies would be unbearable.

But Liu Tianning was different. His numerous clones made it nearly impossible for anyone to seek revenge.

"Kill the clones? Sure, go ahead! You might even get slapped with charges for assaulting an official," Zhao Xing mused with amusement.

Meanwhile, Liu Tianning's true body remained safely tucked away in Shangluo Academy. No matter how hard the academies tried, their revenge efforts would be in vain.

Zhao Xing himself had fought fourteen rounds by now, winning each one decisively.

All his opponents? Turned into pigs and locked away on the Wuyao warship.

However, when the fifteenth wave of challengers arrived, a formidable first-rank expert finally appeared.

Standing on the deck of the warship was You Xuanfeng, dressed in a flowing moon-white robe that seemed to blend seamlessly with the heavens and earth. His face was stern, and his gaze was as profound as the stars.

"The Dean of Tianfeng Academy, You Xuanfeng, a first-rank Five Elements Divine Talisman Practitioner," Liu Tianning said calmly, his eyes fixed ahead.

His gaze then shifted to the two figures beside You Xuanfeng.

"Yao Wuji from Shenwu Academy and Chen Ju from Moshou Dao Palace."

"Even the three of you together won't stop me."

Facing three first-rank Destiny Palace experts, Liu Tianning stood with his hands behind his back, radiating an air of unshakable confidence.

Zhao Xing observed carefully. These three weren't the kind of Destiny Palace experts who had just stepped into the realm. Each of them occupied a distinct corner of the sky.

The heavens and earth seemed to be under their control. Without looking with the naked eye, one might not even distinguish them from the surrounding spiritual energy.

"They can briefly distort the rules of heaven and earth, having already cultivated their own personal domains," Zhao Xing thought. "These three are truly masters."

A second-rank Heavenly Luck practitioner could only influence the rules of heaven and earth to a limited degree.

But a first-rank Destiny Palace practitioner could completely twist those rules to create a [Domain] that was overwhelmingly favorable to themselves.

"Liu Tianning! You're too arrogant!" Yao Wuji barked from You Xuanfeng's side. "Do you really think you're invincible?"

"At least to you, I am," Liu Tianning replied nonchalantly.

Yao Wuji was incensed and was about to retort further when You Xuanfeng intervened.

"Liu Tianning, you may disregard the three of us, but do you also disregard His Majesty?"

"The princess's journey to the Southern Barbarians was a grand plan for peace decreed by His Majesty."

"Do you really think you can do whatever you please?"

Liu Tianning didn't respond.

He had anticipated that someone would bring up the royal decree, so when faced with such questions, he always chose silence.

His answer was simple—action.

"Shua-shua~"

In an instant, Liu Tianning darted off the Golden Dragon warship.

"Buzz~"

Unexpectedly, it wasn't Yao Wuji who made the first move, but You Xuanfeng and Chen Ju.

"Crash~"

At a distance of ten thousand meters from Liu Tianning's warship, ninety-nine divine talismans suddenly appeared.

"A Forbidden Talisman Formation?"

Zhao Xing, positioned on the Wuyao warship far from the fray, was outside its range.

This was intentional on You Xuanfeng's part. He didn't want to implicate Zhao Xing.

From the outside world's perspective, Liu Tianning was the "main culprit," while Zhao Xing was, at best, an "accomplice." As a newly advanced second-rank practitioner, Zhao Xing wasn't worth targeting.

No one wanted to bully a junior. Causing trouble for Zhao Xing might incite the wrath of the three Shennong factions—a risk no one could bear.

Even Emperor Jing would not allow Zhao Xing, a key researcher of the "Derivation of the Divine Spirit Technique," to be harmed.

"It should be called the Hunyuan Forbidden Talisman Grand Formation," You Xuanfeng said, pointing to the divine talismans surrounding the Golden Dragon warship. These talismans emitted a terrifying fluctuation of elemental energy as they spun rapidly.

When the talismans reached a certain speed, they vanished from sight entirely, becoming one with the void. "Within my Hunyuan Forbidden Talisman Grand Formation, no one but the caster can use magic."

"Each of these talismans has been tempered for hundreds of years by the sages."

"Liu Tianning, surrender."

You Xuanfeng fixed his gaze on Liu Tianning. "For the princess, for yourself, and for the peace of the Great Zhou."

Zhao Xing watched quietly. Ji Che, on the other hand, shouted loudly, "To hell with your hypocrisy! Why don't you send your mother or sister to marry for peace?"

"You claim to be ambassadors of peace, but you're just cowards who fear battle. Yet you turn these techniques against your own people? Shameless!"

Unfortunately, Ji Che's words couldn't be heard beyond the talisman barrier. Frustrated, he vented his anger by kicking a nearby fat pig.

"Oink~" The pig snorted angrily, its nostrils flaring. "Why me? I didn't even say anything!"

Zhao Xing operated the Wuyao warship, aligning its Fire Source Divine Cannon and Divine Dragon Heavenly Sword toward You Xuanfeng.

Sensing the presence of such a "heavy weapon," Chen Ju glanced in Zhao Xing's direction.

"Marquis Shenwei, please don't act impulsively," Chen Ju advised.

As he spoke, Chen Ju adjusted a layered compass on his belt.

The next moment, Zhao Xing noticed that the weapon formations on his warship had lost their functionality.

"Damn it!"

He almost forgot that these weapons were invented by the Gong family.

Using them here was akin to "showing off one's blade skills in front of Guan Yu."

"Truly experts in internal conflicts," Zhao Xing grumbled, abandoning his plan to use the warship.

There was no helping it. Chen Ju was a first-rank Mechanist. The techniques he practiced would eventually allow him to cultivate a unique entity within his body known as [Infinite Matrix].

This was akin to the Shennong's Seasonal Qi Command, Pure Essence Soil, or Five Element Particles.

Chen Ju specialized in the [Dao Soldier Stream], enabling him to manipulate micro spell formations—even those of his enemies.

Only Mechanists who followed the [Dao Soldier Stream] and cultivated [Infinite Matrix] could achieve such feats. Mechanists of the Shenluo Stream, like the Shenluo King, couldn't replicate this.

In other words, Chen Ju was a Mechanist of the Self School, and a highly talented one at that.

Still, Zhao Xing was only making a show of support. He didn't believe for a moment that Liu Tianning's reputation as "the world's strongest" was mere hype.

If You Xuanfeng's formation had trapped Liu Tianning in one move, then all of Liu Tianning's effort in rebuilding his strength would have been for nothing.

As expected, Liu Tianning didn't disappoint.

"The Five Elements Hunyuan Forbidden Talismans can suppress techniques of heavenly timing and earthly advantage, but not those of the Self School."

Far from being flustered, Liu Tianning even began explaining to Zhao Xing from his clone aboard the Wuyao warship.

"By binding the rules of heaven and earth, they fail to understand that a Shennong of the Self School already embodies their own heaven and earth, and requires no external forces."

As Liu Tianning finished speaking, a shadow quickly spread across the deck of the Golden Dragon warship.

The previously concealed talismans reappeared, transforming into a dazzling sphere that was almost hypnotic to watch.

"Crack, crack, crack~"

Sharp spikes suddenly protruded from the talismans, piercing into their surface.

These were projections of Pure Essence directly imprinted onto the ninety-nine talismans.

"Ninth-Rank Heavenly Horn Bamboo!" Zhao Xing exclaimed, his eyes fixed firmly on the scene.

Around Liu Tianning, seven bare bamboo stalks materialized. Each bamboo was incredibly sturdy, radiating seven distinct colors corresponding to the powers of metal, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, and thunder.

"Whoosh~"

You Xuanfeng clasped his hands together, causing the spherical talisman formation to rotate chaotically.

However, with each rotation of the talismans, the seven bamboo stalks shifted their positions in sync with the projected movement.

"Heavenly Horn Bamboo, so named because it's said to pierce even the heavens. The seven types represent the five elements, wind, and thunder. Each time it resists a talisman's power, the Heavenly Horn Bamboo absorbs its energy."

Liu Tianning's calm voice carried across the battlefield as he continued to lecture Zhao Xing. "It's a simple principle. As metal bamboo counters wood talismans, wood bamboo counters earth talismans, earth counters water, water counters fire, and fire counters metal. The cycle is endless."

"Though the power of these talismans exceeds that of the Heavenly Horn Bamboo, talismans are inherently finite in strength. Meanwhile, the Heavenly Horn Bamboo can draw energy from both the talismans and the Pure Essence Soil."

"With this cycle, they can't trap me."

"This method originates from the Soldiers' Academy's Heavenly Horn Five Elements Formation-Breaking Technique. It works not only with Heavenly Horn Bamboo but also with other divine wood branches of various elements."

Zhao Xing nodded in understanding as he observed the process closely.

At this moment, You Xuanfeng's effort seemed visibly strained, while Liu Tianning still had the composure to explain his methods, clearly demonstrating his control over the situation.

The Self School wasn't just about the myriad clones technique—it also included powerful plant-based strategies.

Zhao Xing had once participated in similar "Impossible Training" and knew the limits of such formations.

Moreover, if this formation could truly suppress Liu Tianning's myriad clones, his clone aboard the Wuyao warship would have already fallen silent.

It was obvious that You Xuanfeng, the Dean, still lacked sufficient mastery.

His frantic hand movements were reduced to blurry afterimages, yet he failed to make the talisman formation coalesce and fully seal Liu Tianning. Instead, the formation expanded, swelling like a breathing jellyfish, growing larger with each pulse.

Continuation

"I'll assist you, Dean You!" Yao Wuji declared as he transformed into a streak of light, attempting to enter the battlefield.

However, before he could even breach the combat zone, a blood-red vine lashed out and struck him away.

"Bang!"

Yao Wuji's black battle armor bore a visible dent, the mark of the vine imprinted clearly on its surface.

It was a Floating Vine!

But unlike Zhao Xing's green Floating Vine, Liu Tianning's was blood-colored.

Both were Ninth-Rank, yet Liu Tianning's vine was clearly far more ferocious.

As Yao Wuji struggled to recover from the blow, Chen Ju prepared to intervene.

Zhao Xing immediately sent a message, his tone sharp: "Chen Ju, don't act recklessly! You'll regret it deeply if you do!"

Chen Ju paused mid-action and turned to glance at Zhao Xing. "Marquis Shenwei, what do you mean by this?"

Zhao Xing snorted. "Don't play dumb! As a first-rank expert from Moshou Dao Academy, you should know that what I brought back isn't just the Giant Divine Soldier for the King of Shenluo."

Chen Ju's expression changed subtly, and Zhao Xing immediately recognized his knowledge of the Fuming Furnace.

He continued through voice transmission, "Chen Ju, regardless of whether you're for or against conflict, the Fuming Furnace is now in your Mechanists' hands. At the very least, you owe me a favor!"

Chen Ju initially feigned ignorance, but there was no way to keep up the pretense.

With a sigh, he relented, "Since Marquis Shenwei has put it this way, I'll withdraw."

"Still," he added, "let me offer you a piece of advice. Don't act impulsively and end up harming yourself."

Zhao Xing dismissed the warning. "That's none of your concern. Now step aside—I'm about to fire the cannon!"

Chen Ju hesitated for a moment but ultimately retreated. From the mechanism box behind him unfolded a pair of silver wings, which transformed into a streak of silver light as he flew away.

Continuation

"Boom!"

No sooner had Chen Ju left than a Fire Origin Divine Cannon shell exploded in the air near You Xuanfeng.

"Boom~"

The blast sent You Xuanfeng reeling, his head spinning as he emerged from the smoke, looking disheveled and covered in ash. He blinked in confusion, only to realize Chen Ju had disappeared.

At the same time, the Shenluo Heavenly Sword fired, targeting Yao Wuji.

The burly man, still unsteady from being struck by the vine, saw a gleaming golden sword covered in dragon scales hurtling toward him.

"What?!" Yao Wuji exclaimed in shock.

And he had every reason to be alarmed.

This was a new weapon designed by Great Zhou artisans, modeled after Yin Xiu's Dragon King Reverse-Scale Sword.

After nearly a century of research, they had perfected it to the point where it could even break the rules of a domain.

Though the Wuyao warship was a Ninth-Rank vessel, its weaponry was cutting-edge. After all, Zhao Xing was no ordinary figure.

As a candidate for the Dragon Emperor, Zhao Xing had access to countless rare treasures and materials. Obtaining something of this caliber was mere child's play for him.

The Dragon King Reverse-Scale Sword replica was only possible with Zhao Xing's explicit approval. Without it, even Yin Xiu wouldn't have cooperated.

Having brought Chen Ju along as a contingency, Zhao Xing had clearly prepared for every eventuality. Chen Ju's technique, Infinite Matrix, had already been countered by Zhao Xing's foresight.

Such a formidable mechanist should have no reason to be unaware of the Fuming Furnace.

If he knew, then he would automatically owe Master Zhao a considerable favor.

"Boom, boom, boom~"

Following a wave of intense motion, You Xuanfeng was left covered in dust, while Yao Wuji fared even worse—he had lost an arm.

"First warning!" Zhao Xing's voice echoed from the ship. "Dean You, next time it won't just be a mere explosion. Yao Wuji, next time, I'll sever your head!"

"I've also mastered the Myriad Law Straw Puppet. But even I can lose my sanity," Zhao Xing said ominously.

For a moment, both men were stunned by Zhao Xing's dominance.

If Liu Tianning were to strike them down, the consequences would be severe.

But Zhao Xing… that might not be so certain.

From their perspective, the widespread adoption of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit had already led to numerous First-Rank masters deciphering it. Coupled with the influence of the Dragon Court and the authority of the three Shennong factions, Zhao Xing's weight in their eyes exceeded that of Liu Tianning.

He was clearly one of Emperor Jing's appointed trusted aides for the next generation.

Zhao Xing was still so young. If he impulsively killed someone, would Emperor Jing really execute him to avenge them? Especially for a private affair that occurred outside the borders? They weren't even following an imperial decree to interfere here.

Who could say whether Zhao Xing was in a clear state of mind? They certainly couldn't!

And with Chen Ju gone, they weren't a match for Liu Tianning anyway. In that fleeting moment of realization, You Xuanfeng and Yao Wuji decided to withdraw.

"Whoosh~"

The two vanished instantly.

"Ha ha ha, big brother, that was impressive!" Ji Che cheered, waving his arms and leaping with joy.

"They might not have intended to die stopping us; they're likely just putting on a show for His Majesty," Zhao Xing said.

"Exactly. That's why they're so infuriating," Ji Che said. "If they were genuinely determined to block us at the cost of their lives, I might even respect them. But—huh—such hypocrites!"

Zhao Xing glanced at Ji Che and couldn't help but chuckle.

At this moment, the young Martial Emperor was a true idealistic youth.

Not bad, not bad.

Inside the Mirror Palace, King Luo observed the ground mirror and also chuckled.

"Pacifist factions are always prone to compromise. It makes sense—if they're willing to negotiate with enemies, how could they remain steadfast?"

"That's exactly right," Lu Ying, a military mechanist, and an adamant hawk within the Mo Mechanist faction, agreed. "End wars through war; that's the only way!"

"Chen Ju, hmph, what a waste of his talents!"

Time passed, and with the departure of the three First-Rank cultivators, no one else stepped forward to obstruct Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing.

Meanwhile, within the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, the Southern Barbarian escort teams had completed their handover duties.

Large groups of escorts and ceremonial troops remained stationed in the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, with only a small contingent continuing on with Princess You Ruo.

As they fully left the borders of Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, Princess You Ruo's expression grew increasingly despondent.

She clutched a small straw puppet tightly in her hands, murmuring, "Are you truly going to let me lose?"

"You overturned half the Dao Academies across the land for Murong Qing, burned your fleeting life for Zhao Xing's rescue, yet you won't act recklessly just once for me…"

Her fingers turned pale as she clutched the puppet, her expression becoming one of utter despair.

Just as she was about to tear the puppet apart, someone shouted, "Protect the princess!"

"Enemy attack!"

"What? Sleeping at a time like this?!"

"Get up now!"

"What are these vines?!"

Princess You Ruo's ears perked up, and a glimmer of hope reignited in her eyes.

She called toward the door, "Liu Sichen, what's happening outside?"

Liu Wanliang didn't respond immediately, but a shadow appeared behind the screen.

"My princess, I have arrived late."

Upon hearing the familiar voice, tears streamed down Princess You Ruo's cheeks.

Simultaneously, the dragon-shaped imperial decree that hovered over Ji Anlan dissolved into nothingness.

As the golden light dissipated, Princess You Ruo seized the decree and hurriedly walked off the dragon bed that had confined her for days. She rushed past the screen and threw herself into Liu Tianning's arms, clinging tightly to him and pounding on his back.

"Ugh… ugh…"

"There, there, I'm here now. Don't cry," Liu Tianning gently caressed her face.

"The battle outside continues. I can't keep Zhao Xing waiting too long."

Princess You Ruo lifted her head. "Is Zhao Chen'an here too?"

"Ahem, seems I arrived at the wrong time?" Zhao Xing's figure appeared from the side.

He hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but the old Liu was just too… dramatic.

He'd only casually mentioned something earlier, and yet Liu's first words to You Ruo were so… overly sentimental.

Master Zhao was genuinely intrigued by this gossip. While he wasn't interested in romance himself, he enjoyed watching others.

"You two…"

Princess You Ruo's face turned uncharacteristically red.

"Ahem," Zhao Xing cleared his throat and bowed. "Madam, please move to the Hall of Myriad Laws. We'll handle everything here."

"Wait!" Princess You Ruo quickly composed herself, retrieving an imperial decree from her sleeve.

"Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing, hear the decree!"

Zhao Xing froze, and Liu Tianning instinctively knelt, pulling Zhao Xing down with him.

Princess You Ruo waved her hand, unfurling the decree, and a stern voice echoed:

"Southern Barbarian heretics, speaking vile words, have sullied the dignity of the royal family and harbored malicious intent!"

"I hereby command the two of you to join forces with the army, eradicate the Southern Barbarian royalty, and escort the princess back!"

"For your crime of abducting the princess, I shall deal with you both upon your return!"

"If you fail to complete this mission, or if my daughter loses a single strand of hair, bring your heads to me!"

"Your servant obeys the decree!!!"

Zhao Xing bellowed.

Damn that Emperor Jing. He plays both the good guy and the bad guy! Fine, I admit defeat!