Chapter 222: Two Lifetimes Mystery Solved, Sixth-Level Dragon Soul Jade

Inside the Myriad Laws Palace, everything remained much the same as before, with various straw figures practicing spells everywhere. However, the complexity of the spells had significantly increased. When he was initially invited to teach classes, the demonstrated techniques were quite basic. Now, looking at them again, Zhao Xing realized they contained profound intricacies.

For instance, the two teams of straw figures patrolling at the foot of the mountain—Zhao Xing had initially thought their arrangement was random. Upon closer inspection, he now discovered that these straw figures were following the routes of the 'Eight Gates Four Symbols Array'.

"'Injure, Du, Jing, Die, Jing, Kai, Xiu, Sheng' – this Eight Gates Array is a mobile formation. Wherever the straw figures go, the array moves with them, and it can also adapt its configuration based on the enemy's movements within the formation."

Flying halfway up the mountain, Zhao Xing noticed nine more straw figures he hadn't seen before. They appeared to be aimlessly wandering, but in reality, their movements held significant meaning.

"'Soul-binding straw figures woven from 'Time Grass.' The spirits are hidden within the straw figures: Jiazi, Jiaxu, Jiashen, Jiawu, Jiachen, Jiayin... Are these the Six Jia Yin Gods?'"

"'Using the Six Jia Yin Gods to set up a mountain sealing spell?' Zhao Xing recalled the mountain sealing spell of East Lake Mountain, which contained a verse: 'Three commands to eight directions, True Monarchs guard the path; the road may be traversed, but plants and trees shall not be harmed.'"

Liu Tianning's Myriad Laws Palace was built on a mountain, which naturally had no Yin Gods. However, Liu Tianning himself created the Six Jia Yin Gods using soul-binding straw figures, substituting them for the 'True Monarchs of Eight Directions' in the incantation, making the mountain sealing spell equally effective. Outside the Great Zhou, mountains and rivers were not bestowed with True Monarchs. Liu Tianning's Six Jia Yin God technique effectively meant he consecrated 'Yin Gods' himself, replacing the traditional incantation.

"'Old Liu truly masters the straw figure technique to an astonishing degree,' Zhao Xing marveled silently as he observed the straw figure techniques on the mountain."

Since he hadn't fully learned the straw figure technique in his previous life, Zhao Xing had never seen many of these things before. He could only recognize a small portion, relying on inferences from hearsay. Liu Tianning's straw figure technique was rumored to be unparalleled, and this was no exaggeration; even a first-rank Grand Minister of Agriculture might not surpass him in this art.

Flying directly to the entrance of the Myriad Laws Palace, Zhao Xing landed and walked towards the palace gate. Liu Tianning's true body had returned from Soul Sacrifice Pass. He had only gone there to help, and since he wasn't part of the Divine Might Army, Black Armored Army, or Garrison Sea Army, he had no obligation to engage in a confrontation. Why was it said to be his true body back then? Because Liu Tianning had employed 'Pure Essence Projection,' releasing a seventh-tier plant-based military unit from his dantian.

Myriad Laws Straw Figures cannot form Pure Essence Soil, nor can they genuinely perform Pure Essence Projection. Therefore, for ministers of agriculture of the fifth rank or higher, the ability to use Pure Essence Projection is the key to determining if it's their true body. However, forcing a Pure Essence Projection out is also not simple.

Inside the Hall of Myriad Laws within the Myriad Laws Palace, Zhao Xing met Liu Tianning.

"Teacher," Zhao Xing bowed respectfully.

"Summon the straw figures," Liu Tianning said without preamble, immediately wanting to test Zhao Xing's cultivation progress.

"Yes," Zhao Xing replied, casting the spell before he could even state his purpose.

The 'summoning of straw figures' Liu Tianning referred to was, naturally, not a mere mid-tier straw figure technique.

Zhao Xing stepped outside the hall, took a deep breath, and with a golden flash of his finger, commanded: "Wind, come!"

Gale-force winds surged, cutting down two 'Dragon Bamboos' from the east of the plaza. As they flew, the bamboo was instantly decomposed into strips of material by the winds. From the west of the plaza, a bundle of five locust woods was swept up and split into four parts as it flew over. Subsequently, materials like Soul-Returning Willow, Sangyu Flowers, Cypress branches, and Heaven's Heart Grass were swept in from the south and north of the plaza.

"Arise!" When these materials converged before him, Zhao Xing shouted again.

Four straw figures materialized, then transformed into Zhao Xing's likeness, a result of integrating the 'Illusionary Form Straw Figure' technique. The four straw figures and his true self then re-entered the hall, bowing to Liu Tianning with cupped hands, saying: "Please guide us, Teacher."

"Excellent, your straw figure technique has achieved minor success," Liu Tianning stated. "At this point, you only need to continue delving into the path of your innate Five Elements. We can discuss further guidance when you encounter a bottleneck at the seventh rotation."

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded.

His Innate Straw Figure had just passed the fourth rotation, and indeed, there was no specific area that required guidance. Before the seventh rotation, the path was very clear; Zhao Xing only needed to perfect his skills through practice and would not encounter any bottlenecks. Liu Tianning's test was merely to see if Zhao Xing had been slacking off and if he had truly dedicated himself to the straw figure technique. Although Liu Tianning was strict, he wasn't strict for the sake of being strict. If a disciple performed well, he acknowledged it as such, never deliberately belittling them merely to push them harder.

"Do you need me to intervene in something?" Liu Tianning asked. "If it involves illegal matters, then there's no need to speak."

Zhao Xing quickly replied, "Your disciple would not dare."

"It's just that your disciple has now retired from the battlefield and has nothing to do, so I wish to explore various regions of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven."

Zhao Xing carefully chose his words: "According to the regulations of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, exploring its various perilous and unusual places requires various 'Explorer' qualifications."

Surveying the land, patrolling the skies, searching mountains, inspecting seas—each area required corresponding qualifications to enter. It was akin to needing a 'certification.' Some perilous grotto-heavens were very fragile, such as the Geothermal Plains. Back then, Zhao Xing, a ninth-rank cultivator, had somehow triggered a level five geothermal outburst by employing his 'Gambler's Battle Tactic.' That particular place might tolerate such outbursts, but other areas could not permit recklessness and required specific qualifications for entry. Later, the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven also used this regulation to restrict outside entry. By that time, even obtaining a 'Junior Explorer' qualification would be incredibly difficult.

Liu Tianning said, "With your strength, passing the examination for a Mid-level Explorer isn't difficult; you don't need to consult me."

It wasn't difficult, but it was already March 1st. If he were to take the examination himself for a Mid-level Explorer, the process would be too slow. In early March, the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was expected to experience a surge of spiritual energy, and Yang City would react quickly, tightening qualification requirements. Once it was confirmed as a 'Grotto-Heaven Upgrade' phenomenon, obtaining qualifications would become incredibly difficult. There simply wasn't enough time.

Furthermore, a Mid-level Explorer qualification was not what Zhao Xing truly desired. He needed to be a Senior Explorer or a Top-tier Explorer, and one with full category access. He certainly couldn't obtain that himself, but Liu Tianning definitely could. And by being part of Liu Tianning's group, he would have convenient access.

Zhao Xing said, "Your disciple wishes to visit many places, some of which are not easily accessible. I would like to ask Teacher to accept a top-tier grotto-heaven exploration mission from the military and establish a research group."

Liu Tianning frowned. To be honest, Zhao Xing's request wasn't excessive. For example, Fan Zhaoli had previously taken on a top-tier grotto-heaven exploration mission, established a research group, and ultimately earned 1 billion points. However, Liu Tianning himself had never done this before, nor did he intend to research grotto-heavens. Zhao Xing's request felt a bit like 'hoping his teacher becomes a dragon,' which was rather odd.

"Would a Senior Explorer qualification suffice?" Liu Tianning asked. If it were a Senior Explorer qualification, Liu Tianning could obtain it immediately, without even needing to take an exam. An application would be approved instantly! Why? What was Old Liu famous for? The straw figure technique! When it came to exploration, he was the most suitable person.

Hearing Liu Tianning's reply, Zhao Xing showed a hesitant expression. If Old Liu became a Senior Explorer, as his student, Zhao Xing would still only be a Mid-level Explorer, which wasn't much different and came with regional restrictions. Only a Top-tier Explorer had access to all categories, and with that title, he could go anywhere. Even if policies tightened later, this title would still be effective.

Liu Tianning saw this and understood Zhao Xing's stance.

"Alright, then a Top-tier Explorer it is," he conceded. "Exploring grotto-heaven realms indeed has benefits for you." The Yin-Yang Innate Self Sutra focuses on studying the internal Five Elements and cosmos. Grotto-heaven worlds are essentially another type of small Five Elements cosmos.

Liu Tianning was quite good to his disciples; as long as it didn't violate his principles, he generally granted their requests.

"Thank you, Teacher!" Zhao Xing was overjoyed. "Please create a few more slots when you establish the group."

"Mmm," Liu Tianning nodded. Since he had already agreed, a few extra slots were not a big deal.

"You..." Liu Tianning was about to say something but suddenly frowned. "Go back first, use the side entrance."

Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised, unsure what was happening, but he didn't ask further.

"Yes, your disciple takes his leave."

After Zhao Xing left the Myriad Laws Palace, Liu Tianning sighed. "Here she comes again. Even in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, why does she still chase after me..."

Zhao Xing exited the Myriad Laws Palace and headed towards the side entrance. Not long after stepping out, he noticed a thick fog rising within the palace grounds. The mist enveloped the entire mountain; he wasn't sure what Liu Tianning was doing.

Stepping out of the side entrance of the Myriad Laws Palace, Zhao Xing prepared to fly down the mountain. However, he hadn't flown far when suddenly—

Swish!

A multicolored streak of light abruptly emerged from the clouds and shot directly towards Zhao Xing.

"Who's there!" Zhao Xing was startled and immediately conjured gale-force winds to evade. He genuinely hadn't expected someone to attack him here. But who was Master Zhao? A military minister of agriculture with peak vigilance. The Nine Heavens Gale Winds descended like nine azure dragons, immediately rushing towards the multicolored light. He instinctively cast the Mist Concealment technique, vanishing into the fog.

Boom!

Unexpectedly, the nine gale-wind azure dragons were actually defeated by the multicolored light! The light emitted seven-colored rays, which even broke through his Five Elements Mist Concealment, forcing him to reveal himself. However, the multicolored light was also obstructed, and its speed slowed down. Only then did Zhao Xing clearly see that it was, in fact, a multicolored ribbon.

"Oh? As expected of his disciple, you do have some skill," a female voice came from the sky ahead.

"Seven-colored Cloud Brocade, embroidered with dragons and phoenixes... Is this a sixth-tier divine weapon?" Zhao Xing was stunned at the sight of the ribbon. The Seven-colored Dragon-Phoenix Cloud Brocade was steeped in dragon and phoenix blood; it wasn't something ordinary people could use, but was exclusively for royalty!

"May I ask which esteemed person is blocking my descent from the mountain?" Zhao Xing called out to his surroundings. "This subordinate, Zhao Xing, is a sixth-rank Protectorate Commandant of the Divine Might Army. I am unaware of how I may have offended you."

Swish!

The Seven-colored Dragon-Phoenix Cloud Brocade suddenly curved and coiled, revealing a magnificent figure where it bent. Zhao Xing's heart leaped with alarm at a single glance, and the 'Great Zhou Official Attire Regulations' immediately flashed through his mind.

"Golden dragon head holding a jade pearl, coiling dragon hairpins with tassels. Nine trees of floral ornaments, small flowers equal in number to large flowers, and two sideburn ornaments. Ancestral robes woven in blue, patterned with the shape of a shaking pheasant. Plain gauze inner robe with a black-and-white embroidered collar, sleeves and borders of silk gauze, all in crimson. The knee-covering apron, matching the skirt's color, had a purple collar trim and a shaking pheasant emblem. Her flowing celestial ribbon is seven-colored; she is either a princess or a consort." Zhao Xing was utterly stunned by the noblewoman's attire. It wasn't the attire itself that shocked him, but rather that this person was an acquaintance. He immediately knelt on one knee on his cloud, cupping his hands and bowing: "Your humble servant, Zhao Xing, greets Princess Youruo."

"Oh? Rise quickly!" The noblewoman immediately showed a joyous smile.

"Thank you, Princess," Zhao Xing stood up.

"Has Liu Tianning mentioned me to you?" Princess Youruo suddenly spoke in a soft, gentle voice.

"I haven't been his disciple for long," Zhao Xing paused, then added, "I once had the honor of seeing a portrait of Your Highness." Both statements were true. Zhao Xing had indeed only recently become a disciple, and he had seen a portrait of Princess Youruo before. This was how he could explain why, among so many princesses and county princesses in the world, he could identify her identity simply from her ceremonial attire. However, these two facts had no actual connection; it was purely Master Zhao's quick thinking in a crisis. But to Princess Youruo's ears, it sounded like Zhao Xing had seen her portrait in the Myriad Laws Palace not long after becoming a disciple.

"He... he still keeps my portrait..." Princess Youruo's eyes visibly brightened.

Zhao Xing, however, couldn't help but glance at Princess Youruo's waist. Princess Youruo possessed a famous artifact called the 'Earth Soul Bell.' This was an eighth-tier soul-type divine weapon! Soul-type divine weapons at eighth-tier were comparable to ninth-tier items, making them the second-highest tier of weapons in the world! Who was she? She was Emperor Jing's daughter, born in the late years of the Dingxin era, and was now only in her seventies. The Emperor had many daughters; whether they were favored depended entirely on the influence of their maternal family. Princess Youruo's maternal family belonged to the 'Azure Water Daoist Academy,' one of the seventy-two Daoist academies. In other words, Princess Youruo's mother was once the sect leader of the Azure Water Sect. Tracing further back, her great-great-grandmother was the revered 'Azure Radiance Empress.'

Why could Zhao Xing recognize her at a glance? Primarily, Princess Youruo was one of his employers in his previous life. Princess Youruo was also the most relentless pursuer of Liu Tianning during Emperor Wu's reign, arguably his number one enemy! Only Emperor Wu's elder sister would dare to repeatedly attempt to assassinate a retired first-rank Grand Minister of Agriculture. Zhao Xing had accepted several missions from her, but he could never understand why this 'old witch' kept hounding Liu Tianning. Now, the mystery was solved... Well, looking at the situation, it was clearly a debt of love. However, at this point in time, Princess Youruo wasn't as twisted as she would become later, and she still looked like a young girl.

"Princess, if there's nothing else, your humble servant will take his leave now." Zhao Xing had no desire to provoke this 'old witch.'

"Wait, why are you flustered! I... am I that terrifying?" Princess Youruo's eyebrows arched in indignation. Just as she was about to lash out, she remembered Zhao Xing was Liu Tianning's disciple, and her tone softened slightly: "Don't blame me, it was just a misunderstanding earlier. Your teacher and I are old acquaintances."

Zhao Xing was speechless. *You just came up and tied someone with the Seven-colored Dragon-Phoenix Celestial Ribbon—anyone would be flustered, alright?*

"Your humble servant would not dare," he said.

"Zhao Xing, since you are his disciple, I shall give you a welcoming gift," Princess Youruo said with a smile.

Zhao Xing secretly groaned, wondering whether to accept it or not. Old Liu was clearly avoiding her. But Princess Youruo didn't give Zhao Xing a chance to refuse. With a flick of her finger, a streak of light flew towards Zhao Xing. A jade pendant, radiating purple energy, landed before Zhao Xing. Upon seeing the jade pendant, Zhao Xing almost acknowledged her as his teacher's wife on the spot. Because this was a sixth-tier low-grade Dragon Soul Jade! He had originally not wanted to accept it, but Princess Youruo had given too much!

"Since it is a gift from an elder, your student thanks you for the reward." Zhao Xing respectfully took the jade pendant, no longer performing official etiquette, but instead using a disciple's bow.

"Good, good, good," Princess Youruo was overjoyed. "Lead me inside to see him."

"Yes," Zhao Xing readily 'sold out' Old Liu; this 'cheap' teacher's wife was too generous.

Riding the clouds to the mountainside, they saw rolling mist that blocked their descent.

"Princess, please return," Liu Tianning's voice came from the mountain.

"My dear Liu, why do you refuse to see me?" Princess Youruo said. "A respectable man, do you not even have the courage to face me?"

Liu Tianning remained silent. Zhao Xing saw that things were going south and immediately wanted to slip away. However, Princess Youruo reached out, and the celestial ribbon flew out again, snatching Zhao Xing back. This damn woman was a fourth-rank spellcaster; Master Zhao had no power to resist and was instantly pulled next to Youruo.

"My dear Liu, do you truly refuse to see me?!" Princess Youruo's voice gradually turned cold. The air around Zhao Xing was sucked out, and a powerful negative pressure squeezed his body, making him instantly gasp for breath. *'Damn, this old witch changes her mood faster than a dog's face! Flipping out just like that!' Master Zhao wanted to cry but had no tears. 'Liu Tianning, come out and see her now! Damn it!'*

"Stop!" Liu Tianning's figure quickly emerged from the mist. Zhao Xing was the successor he had sought for a long time; if he were to be ruined by Youruo, he didn't know when he would find another.

"Our private matters are unrelated to outsiders," Liu Tianning said. "Let him go."

Youruo smiled brightly and released Zhao Xing. "My dear Liu, how could I bear to harm your disciple? It was merely a joke, Zhao Xing, isn't that right?"

"Yes. The Princess did not intend to harm me," Zhao Xing nodded. He had been able to sense that Princess Youruo had no murderous intent. If she truly had, Master Zhao would not have offered no resistance at all at the moment she made her move.

"Youruo, come in," Liu Tianning then said to Zhao Xing, "You may withdraw first."

"Yes, your disciple takes his leave." Zhao Xing bowed to Liu Tianning, then bowed to Princess Youruo. Afterward, he promptly departed.

Watching Liu Tianning and Princess Youruo disappear into the mist, Zhao Xing finally breathed a sigh of relief, his gossip-loving heart burning brightly.

"The mystery of two lives has finally been solved today.""If this were my previous life, posting it on a forum would definitely get thousands of replies.""I thought Liu Tianning had crossed the Grand Princess's interest group. Who knew this 'old witch' was actually Liu Tianning's lover!""There's a story here... no, there's an affair!"

Zhao Xing's heart itched; he wished he could split off a straw figure to sneak over and eavesdrop. However, that was just a thought. Liu Tianning was a fifth-rank official with fourth-rank combat power, and Princess Youruo was a fourth-rank directly, possessing numerous magical artifacts. Any gossip about these two would have to wait.

"I never would have thought that Liu Tianning, such a cold-hearted madman, had a romantic entanglement in his youth, and with a princess, no less. Tsk, tsk."

Liu Tianning had agreed to let him start an exploration group, and today he'd even heard some gossip. Zhao Xing felt his trip wasn't in vain.

Just as Zhao Xing was about to fly away, an airship appeared in the sky, blocking his path.

"Hmm? Magnolia Airship?" Zhao Xing looked at the airship, adorned with beautiful flowers and plants, and even a vibrant green bamboo growing on it.

"Young brother, please hold your steps," a gentle female voice carried on the wind from the airship. A soft breeze spread the sound, and Zhao Xing stopped. The wind was directed at him, but it wasn't offensive, appearing very polite.

"Does the distinguished guest have any instructions?" Zhao Xing stopped. The Magnolia Airship was now sideways to him. A bead curtain rose from the window, but a veil still obscured the view, revealing only a vague silhouette of a woman inside. Her head also bore many decorations, but with the veil in between, Zhao Xing couldn't ascertain her origin. Judging solely from the airship, the visitor's identity was clearly not simple either.

"Not at all, I merely wish to ask, young brother, is Master Liu Tianning on the mountain ahead?" the gentle female voice inquired.

*No way... another one looking for Old Liu?*

Zhao Xing replied, "I am Zhao Xing. You are indeed looking for my teacher. May I ask your esteemed name?"

"Murong Qing from Yuanhe County, Dao Yuan Continent. So you are Master Liu's esteemed disciple. Might you inform him that an old acquaintance has come to visit?"

Upon hearing that name, Zhao Xing was utterly stunned. *'I never would have guessed, Liu Tianning, with your seemingly earnest demeanor, that you have so many romantic debts! A princess just left, and now another one?'* As he stood dumbfounded, a light and clear voice came from inside the cabin: "Mother, the Myriad Laws Palace is just ahead; let's go directly..." "Silence, how can you be so rude?"

Hearing this voice, Zhao Xing froze. *'She even brought a daughter?'*

"My teacher is currently entertaining a guest, but I can inform him. Please wait here for a moment."

"Thank you."

Zhao Xing took out his ground mirror and quickly sent a message to Liu Tianning. But Old Liu didn't reply; he didn't know if he had even seen the message. Zhao Xing could only say, "Madam, my teacher is currently receiving a guest and is temporarily unavailable. Please kindly return." He couldn't let Old Liu's situation escalate into a real fight, or he might not have time to help Zhao Xing with his affairs.

Upon hearing this, the mistress of the Magnolia Airship seemed somewhat disappointed. However, her manners were much better than Princess Youruo's.

"Since it's not a convenient time, I shall visit another day. Please inform him that I will return in three days."

"Madam, travel safely. I will certainly inform him," Zhao Xing cupped his hands.

The Magnolia Airship turned its bow and quickly disappeared into the horizon. Watching the airship depart, Zhao Xing didn't know what to say.

"Given Princess Youruo's temperament, if they had met, it would have surely been a battlefield," Zhao Xing mused. "A Shura field between potential teachers' wives—what a strange setup."

Zhao Xing informed Liu Tianning about Murong Qing's arrival and her promise to visit in three days. After waiting for a moment and seeing no one else approach the Myriad Laws Palace territory, he finally left.

Returning to the Eighteen Scholar-Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing suddenly realized something.

"The impending spiritual surge in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven has probably been foreseen by many powerful figures.""The sudden appearance of so many dignitaries from various regions is clear proof of this.""Princess Youruo and Murong Qing might not have come specifically for Liu Tianning. Otherwise, why would they choose this precise moment to seek him out, instead of earlier or later?"

Zhao Xing's eyes narrowed slightly. *Dao Yuan Continent—that's more than a hundred thousand li away! Yet, they've already caught wind of it!*

"No, I must finalize this matter quickly and also inform Xia Jing. They need to secure a slot as soon as possible and make thorough preparations! Any delay, and it will be too late!"