Chapter 223: Cave Heaven's Spiritual Beauty Arrives

Early on March 2nd, Zhao Xing received a message via his Earth Mirror:

"Liu Tianning has invited you to join the 'Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven Top-Tier Investigation Team'. Do you accept the invitation?"

"That fast? Old Liu is reliable!" Zhao Xing was overjoyed. He had assumed that after Princess Youruo approached Liu Tianning, Liu wouldn't have time to arrange the investigation team. That's why, after leaving the Myriad Dharma Palace yesterday, he immediately messaged Xia Jing, urging him to secure an 'Investigator Envoy slot' as soon as possible. If he hadn't heard anything by today, he intended to talk to Tian Yan about it. It was good to have multiple preparations; any one of them working would be fine. Unexpectedly, Liu Tianning was so dependable. He got it done today!

"Accept!" Zhao Xing quickly chose to accept. Immediately, several more messages appeared in the Earth Mirror.

"You have joined the 'Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven Top-Tier Investigation Group'!""Liu Tianning has appointed you as a Senior Investigator Envoy! You have obtained 'Senior Investigator Envoy' qualification.""Liu Tianning has appointed you as 'Deputy Envoy of the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven Top-Tier Investigation Group'. You now have the authority to invite and dismiss other members.""'Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven Top-Tier Investigation Group' member count: 2/30""Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven Top-Tier Investigation Group missions (none currently), can be actively submitted (all categories, all regions)."

"Master is amazing!" Zhao Xing couldn't help but exclaim. "This is what professionalism looks like!" He had originally expected Liu Tianning to form a small investigation team, with perhaps three or four slots at most. He hadn't expected a full investigation group! All categories, all regions – now he could go anywhere in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. And being directly appointed 'Deputy Envoy of the Group' gave him the authority to recruit people.

"Efficient in his work, no wonder the Martial Emperor favors him," Zhao Xing praised inwardly. "Besides, he has many clones; dealing with one Princess Youruo is nothing. A hundred wouldn't be enough to faze him. I underestimated him."

At the very end of the Earth Mirror display, there was also a private message from Liu Tianning.

"Permissions have been activated for you. Do not come to Myriad Dharma Palace unless there is a major issue. Also, reserve 10 member slots; you may decide on the rest."

Seeing this message, Zhao Xing pondered: "Liu Tianning told me to reserve ten slots. It seems my guess was correct; someone has sought his help. Princess Youruo, Murong Qing, and perhaps other acquaintances."

Zhao Xing didn't know Liu Tianning's background or network. In his previous life, when he knew Liu Tianning well, Old Liu was already incredibly powerful. If there was any background left to speak of, it could only be the Martial Emperor. However, the Liu family from Taihe Commandery in Daoyuan Prefecture was a millennium-old aristocratic family. From the time of the Grand Ancestor until now, there had always been high-ranking officials in court from their family. Liu Zonghai, the founder of "Liu's Code of Law," even held a second-rank official position. Old Liu was undeniably a descendant of a prominent aristocratic family; having connections and a network was normal. Although Liu Tianning was the most outstanding of his generation, he wasn't the current head of the Liu family. His father had passed away, but several of his elder brothers still held official positions in court.

"With this qualification, the next steps will be much easier," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Zhao Xing wouldn't abuse the slots. Excluding the 10 that Old Liu said to reserve, every remaining slot was extremely valuable. Currently, Liu Tianning might not yet realize how precious these slots were, as relatively few dignitaries had arrived yet. Furthermore, they only knew something good was happening, but not the full extent of it. Zhao Xing also had to anticipate that Liu Tianning would need to fill more slots with people later.

"However, even if I can only decide on three or four slots, it would still be an immense favor. If these slots are used well, they could affect the rise or fall of a family," Zhao Xing mused.

First, he decided on the recipients of two slots: Chen Shijie and Long Xiao. These two brothers definitely had no connections to get the 'Senior Investigator Envoy' qualification. Even before the slots tightened, the Senior Investigator Envoy qualification wasn't easy to obtain. For Intermediate Investigator Envoy slots, the process would take too long; there wasn't enough time, let alone for Senior ones. Old Chen and Long Xiao could approach Yang An, but Yang An was a military general after all, and handling this matter wouldn't be as convenient as for someone like Liu Tianning, a Minister of Agriculture. After the policy tightened, it would become even harder. Because Yang An had Prince Liang pressing down on him—Yang An had once offended Prince Liang. Although he was reinstated, it didn't mean Prince Liang had forgiven him. Even if Prince Liang said nothing, his faction would subconsciously suppress Yang An.

"Whether Old Chen's fate can change depends on this wave," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

As for Xia Jing, Zhao Xing was waiting for his news. If Xia Jing could sort it out himself, Zhao Xing could save a slot. When the Grotto-Heaven's spiritual essence erupted, fewer group members would naturally be better, and it was best if they were all acquaintances, otherwise it would be difficult to divide the benefits. After sending a reply to Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing left his residence.

Zhao Xing obtained the slots on March 2nd. Everything in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven remained normal, and most people still didn't know what was about to happen. It wasn't until the morning of March 7th that numerous princes, dukes, nobles, and figures from millennium-old aristocratic families suddenly appeared in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. That same evening, Xia Jing rushed to the Eighteen Locust-Willow Courtyard and knocked on the door.

Zhao Xing opened the door, and Xia Jing immediately said as he entered:

"Zhao Xing, you were absolutely right! Something big is about to happen!"

"Oh? What is it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"The specific details aren't clear yet, but my father secured several Investigator Envoy slots for me. He said only those with this qualification can participate."

"Investigator Envoy?"

"Don't say so much for now." Xia Jing pulled out his Earth Mirror and said, "I got you an Intermediate Investigator Envoy slot for the Extreme Night Sea. I'm inviting you now; accept quickly, and we can talk details later."

Seeing this, Zhao Xing smiled and extended his hand: "Brother, don't rush, sit down first."

"Don't rush?" Xia Jing said, "You have no idea what this means. My father and uncle have been making rounds these past few days. Uncle Xiao, the Xia family's diviner, only managed to secure this opportunity by sacrificing fifty years of his life, getting me a senior investigation team for the Extreme Night Sea. But even though I'm a Senior Investigator Envoy, I can only give you an Intermediate Investigator Envoy slot... Huh? Why can't I invite you?"

Xia Jing fumbled for a bit, then realized he couldn't invite Zhao Xing. The Earth Mirror displayed: 'The invitee is already a Senior Investigator Envoy, unable to invite.'

"What?" Xia Jing was stunned. He looked up at Zhao Xing, who had already sat down and was drinking tea. "You... when did you become a Senior Investigator Envoy?" Xia Jing asked, bewildered.

"I told you not to rush," Zhao Xing said. "Sit down first, let me explain slowly."

This time, Xia Jing calmed down a bit and sat down. Zhao Xing had already prepared his words: "This matter, I stumbled upon it by chance. Ever since I calculated that all of you would have good fortune last time, I thought that if everyone had good fortune, then this would be a matter involving the entire Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven."

"Yes, my uncle said the same thing," Xia Jing nodded.

Zhao Xing continued, "Coincidentally at that time, various exploration and investigation tasks related to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven significantly decreased, and the assessments for various qualifications slightly tightened. That day, I went to find my master, Liu Tianning. My master is a fifth-rank Minister of Agriculture. He seemed to have also noticed the anomaly and casually applied to create a 'Top-Tier Investigation Group'."

Zhao Xing's explanation completely muddled the cause and effect. By saying this, it made it seem like he was just lucky, happening to attach himself to the influential Liu Tianning, rather than him having noticed and guided everything.

"Top-tier?!" Xia Jing's eyes widened. "An unrestricted, all-category, all-region top-tier investigation group?"

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "I was lucky; Master just happens to be suitable for this kind of work."

"No wonder you told me not to rush," Xia Jing said. "So, you already have something better."

"Brother Xia, do you want to join my group?" Zhao Xing asked. "I can give you a Senior Investigator Envoy slot, the kind that isn't restricted by region."

Xia Jing was astonished: "You can decide that?"

Zhao Xing said, "Master is busy. After creating this group, he's left it unsupervised and appointed me as Deputy Envoy, so I can freely recruit people."

Xia Jing was speechless. He had thought that with his prominent family background, he had already gained the upper hand. He hadn't expected Zhao Xing to not only become a Senior Investigator Envoy but also control the slots. However, it was understandable. Zhao Xing had approached Liu Tianning on March 1st. Liu Tianning acted on it that same day, and it was approved the next morning. As for Xia Jing, he only calculated to get the slots on March 4th, and it was truly settled on March 7th. For such a good opportunity, delaying by even a day drastically increased the difficulty. Xia Jing was still among the first batch to secure it; he obtained the Senior Investigator Envoy qualification (restricted to a specific area). A few more days later, even princes, dukes, and high-ranking officials would find it extremely difficult to secure Senior Investigator Envoy qualifications for others. Intermediate Investigator Envoy slots would be fiercely contended for, as they were the entry tickets.

"These slots of yours are extremely valuable. I imagine people will come to greet your master later. He has given you authority now, but that might not be the case afterward," Xia Jing said. "Are you sure you can let me in? I'm afraid it might put you in a difficult position."

"That's easy," Zhao Xing said. "Keep your current investigation group. If such a situation truly arises, you can transfer back."

Xia Jing was still hesitant because he would greatly benefit from this. Although their relationship was good, he couldn't just accept it for free. Zhao Xing naturally saw Xia Jing's hesitation: "Brother Xia, with our relationship, do we still need to consider such worldly gains? Your joining also helps me. My master will definitely try to insert people, and your presence will increase my influence. If we encounter any unobservant aristocratic scions, we'll still need to rely on your esteemed father's reputation to back us up."

This made Xia Jing feel much better. "Alright." Xia Jing paused, looking as if he wanted to say something but held back. Zhao Xing feigned anger: "See? You're being uncomfortable again. Say what you want to say! Are you not treating me as a brother?"

Xia Jing immediately said, "Brother Zhao, do you have any more slots?"

"Yes, besides the spots reserved for you, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao, I can also decide on a few more."

Xia Jing said, "My cousin Ji Ziyun is the Heir Apparent of Prince Pingyang. Last time, when you asked me to send someone to the Hundred Weapons Dao Academy, it was through my uncle's connections. If you're willing to let him in, I'll owe you a favor. I was originally going to join him. Now that I've come here, my father and uncle will certainly send me to ask you to bring him along too. Since that's the case, it's better if I ask."

Xia Jing's aunt had married into the imperial clan; Pingyang Commandery was not in Pinghai Prefecture but in the neighboring Yuanpin Prefecture, which was where Yue Lingzhi, the future Divine Craftsman Zhao Xing had invested in, was headed. When Zhao Xing wanted to send Yue Lingzhi to the Hundred Weapons Dao Academy in Youyuan Prefecture, Yuanpin Prefecture, Xia Jing used his uncle's connections. However, Xia Jing was actually a bit hesitant when saying this. The main reason was that Yuanpin Prefecture was a bit far, and Zhao Xing was in Pinghai Prefecture, so he might not be willing to accept this favor.

"What's difficult about that?" Zhao Xing chuckled. "Of course, you can." Xia Jing was really overthinking it. Master Zhao was eager to cultivate more connections outside of his prefecture.

"Alright, without further ado, I'll go back and discuss it now."

"Be quick," Zhao Xing said. "I plan to depart tomorrow."

"Wait for my news." Xia Jing quickly left.

After Xia Jing left, Zhao Xing sent a message to Liu Tianning. Old Liu had only told him not to disturb him at the Myriad Dharma Palace; sending a message was fine. With so many straw-man dharma bodies, he had plenty of time to check messages. Indeed, after a short while, Liu Tianning replied. It was still a very short message:

"Understood. From now on, collect favors according to this standard."

Seeing the reply, Zhao Xing was filled with emotion. "Out of 30 slots, Old Liu and I occupy two. After deducting the ten slots Old Liu asked to reserve, and then deducting Old Chen, Long Xiao, Xia Jing, and Ji Ziyun, I still have fourteen slots I can decide on. Each slot can be considered a favor equivalent to a Prince of a Commandery. Even if I don't seek spiritual essence this time, the gains will exceed my expectations."

Zhao Xing had never expected that becoming Liu Tianning's disciple would bring such immense benefits. Who could have imagined that the ruthless 'Madman Liu,' as he would be known later, would now show such favoritism towards a disciple? Given Liu Tianning's connections, he must now realize the importance of the investigation group he created! However, he still hadn't revoked Zhao Xing's authority, clearly wanting to help his disciple build connections. The standard wasn't low either; at the very least, it would be equivalent to a Prince of a Commandery, or a Martial Marquis as powerful as the Xiahou family. People would certainly make things difficult for Liu Tianning, but he bore the pressure, leaving the favors for his disciple to collect.

Zhao Xing also marveled at the strangeness of fate. In his previous life, Liu Tianning had given him psychological trauma from beheading him. He never expected that in this life, he would become Liu Tianning's favored disciple.

At the hour of Mao (5-7 AM) on March 8th, the long-unheard sound of a bamboo horse rang out, faintly accompanied by the beating of gongs and drums.

"Marquis Yuanrang! Come out and receive your rewards!"

Zhao Xing ran out to look, and saw Gao Ming on his bamboo horse stopped at the courtyard gate, with a procession following him. When Emperor Jing bestowed his rewards, there were flying boats, jade ruyis, and exotic beasts. The flying boat was a Qilin Flying Boat, a fifth-tier top-grade item. This vehicle not only had excellent performance but also symbolized status. Anyone who saw a Qilin Flying Boat would know a Marquis was inside. The flying boat was a flying vehicle for formal appearances. In addition, there was a 'Bronze Beast-Headed Chariot', also a fifth-tier top-grade item. The Azure-Eyed Dragon Lions were specifically for pulling Zhao Xing's chariot.

At this moment, behind Gao Ming, there were two exotic beasts over three meters tall. Their heads resembled lions, but their limbs and bodies were covered in silver dragon scales. Their eyes were like brass bells, without eyelids, slightly protruding, and their eyeballs were azure. These were mixed-blood dragon-species exotic beasts. Both were at the peak of the Earth Fiend Realm, but their combat power could rival human martial artists in the early Sky Gang Realm.

"Brother Gao, why are you delivering the rewards? Isn't this the job of the ceremonial officials?" Zhao Xing chuckled. "Your scope of work is quite broad."

"Heh, this humble one is indeed one of the Supervisors of Ceremonies in Yang City," Gao Ming said proudly.

"Impressive, impressive," Zhao Xing praised.

Gao Ming feigned modesty for a second, then broke character and complained: "Sigh, being a supervisor isn't easy either. Once you've gloriously completed your ceremonial duties, aren't we the ones who have to do all the grunt work? You have no idea, brother; I've been watching over a thousand exotic beasts these past few days. I almost smell like them."

Gao Ming spoke pitifully. "You've worked hard, Brother Gao."

"Don't just talk, I'm still waiting for Marquis Yuanrang's reward," Gao Ming said with a grin, extending his hand.

"Hahaha, easily done," Zhao Xing had already prepared 'red packets' for the ceremonial officials delivering the rewards. With a wave, over a dozen gift boxes flew out from inside the room. The large gift box flew into Gao Ming's hand, while smaller boxes were distributed to the people behind him.

"Thank you, Marquis, for the reward!" Gao Ming held the box and bowed formally.

"Thank you, Marquis, for the reward!" the people behind him also cheered.

"Carry them in for the Marquis," Gao Ming waved his hand. Soon, those leading the lions, carrying the boats, and beating gongs and drums entered. After the crowd had left, Zhao Xing was about to inspect the two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lions.

*Snort* The two Dragon Lions snorted twice. Immediately, a black shadow darted out, blocking Zhao Xing's path, arching its back and growling at the two Dragon Lions.

"Meow!"

The two Dragon Lions immediately recoiled a few steps.

"Hahaha, such big beasts, yet not as fierce as our Aotian," Long Xiao laughed.

"Is he jealous?" Chen Shijie also smiled, because the mountain cat was blocking Zhao Xing's path, preventing him from going further.

Zhao Xing patted Aotian Miao's head: "They're just mounts for pulling chariots. How can they compare to you, the Cloud-Soaring Marquis's own son? Good boy, move aside." Aotian Miao raised its head and ran to the side.

"Zhao Xing, these two beasts aren't easy to tame. Want some help?" Long Xiao rubbed his hands. "My two tiger beasts were subdued by a good beating."

"No need," Zhao Xing said indifferently. Then he unleashed his Sky Gang Realm aura and approached step by step. The two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lions retreated step by step, not daring to look up at Zhao Xing. *Whoosh* Zhao Xing leaped onto the Bronze Beast-Headed Chariot, picked up the reins, and commanded in a low voice: "Come here, harness yourselves!"

The two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lions, startled by Zhao Xing's command, actually obediently harnessed themselves into the chariot's traces. *Hum* The beast-head on the chariot lit up, and the two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lions raised their forelegs, roaring towards the sky. Zhao Xing stood on the chariot, unmoving. With a flick of the reins, he controlled the chariot, making it gallop across the manor's grassy field.

Seeing how quickly he subdued the two fierce exotic beasts, Long Xiao couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Zhao Xing's strength has grown again."

"Indeed," Chen Shijie said, deeply moved as he looked at the figure on the chariot. "Who would have thought that the young man from Gucheng would become the formidable Marquis Yuanrang in just two years?"

"When you helped him back then, did you ever imagine benefiting from him today?" Long Xiao asked with a smile.

"Who could have imagined it?" Chen Shijie shook his head. "He can even easily acquire Senior Investigator Envoy slots."

"Come on, there will be more good things in the future," Long Xiao patted Chen Shijie's shoulder and strode towards Zhao Xing. Chen Shijie smiled and followed him.

On March 10th, the suns in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven successively disappeared, leaving only one great sun suspended in the entire grotto-heaven. At the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) that day, streaks of spiritual light suddenly shot up into the sky from various regions. Above Yang City, various anomalous phenomena also appeared. By noon, the Three Kings of the Military Realm announced the sealing of all entrances and exits of the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, prohibiting movement of personnel. At the hour of Wu San Ke (12:45 PM), the Ministry of Agriculture announced that the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven had been upgraded to a Blessed Land.

Zhao Xing's long-awaited spiritual essence eruption in the grotto-heaven had finally arrived!