Chapter 226: Spiritual Bathing, Fire Luck Qi Refinement, Princess and Noble Lady

"Zhao Xing, what kind of treasure is down there?" Long Xiao asked. "I feel my blood surging and my mouth is parched."

"I also feel like jumping down immediately," Xia Jing said, taking a deep breath. "Why is it so attractive to me?"

Though Ji Ziyun and Chen Shijie remained silent, their expressions betrayed their feelings; it was clear they felt the same way.

However, all four of them possessed exceptionally high military aptitude. When traveling together, they operated strictly as a military unit. As the leader, Zhao Xing had not given the order, so all four restrained themselves from acting.

"The essence of heaven and earth gathers here, and the fire element is born in water—this is truly a wondrous sight," Zhao Xing exclaimed. "According to 'The Five Elements of Feng Shui and Fortune,' this is a spiritual manifestation of the fire element."

"Spiritual manifestations of fortune are also divided by the Five Elements?" Long Xiao scratched his head.

"I also have some knowledge of Feng Shui and fortune," Ji Ziyun said. "Innate fortune is divided into Five Elements, and the Twelve Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches delineate the years of fortune. Fire governs Wù and Guǐ. Those with strong fire element fortune will experience great luck in Wù and Guǐ years."

Zhao Xing nodded, saying, "As expected of Heir Ji, you are truly knowledgeable and versatile."

Xia Jing twitched his nose. "What do you mean by that? Are you implying that I, as an heir, am just for show?"

"Hahahaha." Ji Ziyun and Zhao Xing laughed together.

"However, I don't know what kind of book 'The Five Elements of Feng Shui and Fortune' is."

"Just a miscellaneous book," Zhao Xing said casually. In reality, it was a volume from 'The Great Evolution Sutra.'

After reaching the Yan-four level of fortune, cultivators' perception of fortune gradually strengthens. If one cultivates 'The Great Evolution Sutra' or similar secret texts, they can perceive the rise and fall of fortune to some extent, even without reaching the Second-Rank 'Heavenly Fortune Realm.' Simultaneously, the understanding of where fortune manifests and its classifications becomes more detailed.

'The Great Evolution Sutra' states: 'When the fortune manifests as crimson with hints of azure and purple light (Yan-four level), one can seek enhancement from the Five Elements of heaven and earth, search for spiritual essences, famous mountains, great marshes, or bury ancestors in auspicious Feng Shui locations.' This means that upon reaching the Yan-four level, one can proactively seek ways to augment their fortune according to the Five Elements, thereby making advancement easier.

When Zhao Xing was previously promoted, he had felt an urge to refine a 'Fortune Golden Dragon.' To actually do so would require an extremely profound 'Qi Cultivation Technique.' The haphazard absorption of fortune, like he had done previously at Donghu Spiritual Mountain in Gucheng, was only suitable for lower-level fortune. Not only was it wasteful, but it was also ineffective for advancing high-level fortune.

"What you're saying is too complicated; I don't really understand," Long Xiao said, scratching his head. "Zhao Xing, just tell me directly how to get the benefits from this place."

"Simple," Zhao Xing replied with a smile. "Go down and take a bath."

"Huh?" Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, and Xia Jing were all stunned. "Bathing in spiritual essence?"

"Yes, bathing in the spiritual hot springs," Zhao Xing said, looking at the valley below. "There are many hot springs in the valley. We'll go down, each choose one, and bathe. The fire element fortune will naturally increase."

Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, and Xia Jing did not know how to refine fortune. Zhao Xing was unsure if Ji Ziyun did. He himself knew a little; 'The Great Evolution Sutra' contained a section on the Five Elements Transformation Fortune Art. Zhao Xing could only go down and try. Destiny-type secret texts were too profound. Even with his Great Evolution Qi-Gazing Art cultivated to the mid-tier complete level and his Heavenly Eye activated, he wasn't entirely confident of success. Let alone teaching it to Old Chen and the others to cultivate.

"Cousins, be careful when you enter the springs," Ji Ziyun warned. "The Five Elements' fire fortune can have some effects on people. Just bathe; absolutely do not practice cultivation in them, lest you suffer from Qigong deviation."

Zhao Xing slapped his forehead, almost forgetting this. "As expected, Brother Ji is thoughtful. I almost forgot to mention it... Brother Ji is right. If you see any illusions, ignore them. Unless Brother Ji and I pull you out."

"Understood, I won't move recklessly," Long Xiao said, rubbing his hands.

"Let's go down."

At Zhao Xing's command, the Qilin flying boat carrying the five landed in the valley.

After disembarking from the flying boat, Long Xiao hesitated, wanting to say something. "Um..."

Zhao Xing asked, "What's wrong?"

"Should we take it down for a wash too?" Long Xiao pointed at Aotian Meow.

Zhao Xing laughed. "You really treat the wildcat like your son, sharing such a good thing with it too?"

"Sure, of course. Just make sure it doesn't run off; there are plenty of hot springs here."

These spiritual hot springs were one of the greater opportunities in the Daofeng Mountains, literally "great" in scale. Even if dozens more people came to bathe, it would be fine, as one person simply couldn't absorb that much fire fortune in a short time.

"Okay, I promise to keep a close eye on it," Long Xiao said happily, carrying Aotian Meow away.

"Why don't you just give the wildcat to Long Xiao?" Xia Jing said, watching Long Xiao's retreating back. "I've noticed he truly loves that cat."

"It's not out of the question." For Zhao Xing, a pet was just a pet—something to keep for entertainment or to relieve boredom. He would never treat a pet like a son, as Long Xiao did. Long Xiao's nature was relatively simple, making him suitable for owning a pet. Giving the wildcat to Long Xiao would indeed be a good home for it. One day, when he returned to Gucheng, he would visit Donghu Mountain again, ask the mountain spirit to dissolve the master-servant contract, and then give the cat to Long Xiao.

This was a minor matter, so Zhao Xing didn't dwell on it. He flew around the valley, then chose a small hot spring to test the water.

"Old Chen, you or me?"

"You go, your Five Elements Mist Concealment is more suitable."

"Okay." Zhao Xing raised his hand and pointed to the sky, activating Five Elements Mist Concealment. This valley was then hidden from any map by the Mist Concealment technique. If anyone passed by, unless they could see through high-level Five Elements Mist Concealment, they would not be able to discover this treasure trove.

"Done. Time for a bath."

Zhao Xing took off his clothes and jumped in. *Plop* Although he had jumped into a hot spring, a burst of fire splashed up. The fire was warm, had the texture of water, but was also burning.

"It's only warm, yet I feel restless, irritable, and even lustful."

"These are the side effects of absorbing fire fortune," Zhao Xing assessed. However, the jade pendant in his embrace immediately emitted a cool sensation, dispelling all discomfort.

"Dragon Soul Pendant." Zhao Xing took out his Dragon Soul Pendant. The Sixth-Tier Dragon Soul Pendant, a special royal supply, could continuously strengthen one's life soul when carried close to the body for long periods. It also warded off evil and illusions, significantly reducing the chance of Qigong deviation. The Soul Armor was also Sixth-Tier, but it was purely defensive. The Dragon Soul Pendant was more auxiliary, while the Soul Armor emphasized defense. Old Master Zhao didn't even experience illusions. Without these side effects, he was truly just soaking in a hot spring now.

Lying in the hot spring, Zhao Xing entered a meditative state. Recalling the Five Elements of Feng Shui and Fortune from 'The Great Evolution Sutra,' as well as the accompanying 'Fire Fortune Qi Cultivation Method,' he attempted to actively absorb the spiritual essence of the fire fortune.

"Heaven's fortune is my fortune, Heaven's will is my will..." Zhao Xing muttered as if asleep. Soon, he entered a state of cultivation within his dreams.

*Gurgle*

A quarter of an hour later, the 'flames' in the hot spring, previously flowing chaotically, began to move orderly, flowing towards the corner where Zhao Xing was. After touching Zhao Xing's body, *Puff* the flames passed through his body as if they were insubstantial. However, upon closer inspection, one could notice that the brightness of the flames had slightly diminished. A mere fifteen minutes of cultivation in his dream, trying the 'Fire Fortune Qi Cultivation Method,' had already yielded initial results!

Half an hour later, the flow rate of the flames in the water suddenly accelerated. They surged rapidly towards Zhao Xing. The weakening was almost visible to the naked eye. An hour later, this small five-meter-diameter hot spring became incredibly clear. The flames in the water had completely vanished, and the water gradually grew cold.

The change in water temperature woke Zhao Xing from his meditative state. Observing the Five Elements within himself and checking the time, Zhao Xing realized he had been asleep for an hour and noticed the changes in the hot spring.

"Excellent, excellent, the effect is truly good," Zhao Xing said, climbing out of the cool pool water. "I've heard that the Li Fire Daoist Academy has a 'Nine Purple Li Fire Fortune' technique. If I can obtain it, it's said to be stronger than the 'Fire Fortune Qi Cultivation Method' in 'The Great Evolution Sutra.' I should pay them a visit someday."

The predecessor of the Li Fire Daoist Academy, the Li Fire Sect, was once one of the Ten Great Divine Sects of antiquity, on par with the Dream God Sect (Nightmare Sect). The 'Fire Fortune Qi Cultivation Method' provided in 'The Great Evolution Sutra' was merely of medium quality. It had mentioned the Li Fire Sect's 'Nine Purple Li Fire Fortune,' which was the true top-tier fortune cultivation method.

"The Nine Purple Li Fire Fortune can turn one's fortune pillar purple simply by absorbing fire fortune. It also aids cultivation, and during Wù and Guǐ years, one is guaranteed to experience great fortune. 'The Great Evolution Sutra' once stated that the Li Fire Sect, whenever engaging in warfare, would always choose Wù or Guǐ years for campaigning or withdrawing troops. Disciples of the sect would even choose specific times for fights. 'The Great Evolution Sutra' warned not to contend with Li Fire Sect members during Wù months, Wù days, Wù years, Guǐ months, Guǐ days, or Guǐ years."

This was not just a rumor but a factual occurrence. In his previous life, sorcerers from the Li Fire Daoist Academy all possessed a 'temporal buff.' In Zhao Xing's previous life, he had encountered a man with a 'Wù Xū hour buff.' During the Xū hour, this person's combat power increased by 30-100%! This was strikingly similar to the 'Opportunistic Combat Strategy.' Those who cultivated 'Nine Purple Li Fire Fortune' and received its true transmission not only had significantly increased combat power but also experienced miraculous phenomena at certain times. If the enemy's strength was equal, their meridians would suddenly become chaotic during a fight. Those with lower cultivation might even suffer from Qigong deviation, self-destruct, and die, which was incredibly exaggerated. If the enemy's cultivation was higher and they were being pursued, strange things would always happen, helping the Li Fire Sect disciples escape and making them impossible to kill.

"However, the Nine Purple Li Fire Fortune also has flaws. If one encounters someone from the Azure Water Daoist Academy, such as Princess Youruo, who cultivates 'Six Tribulations Azure Water Fortune,' they become each other's bane. 'Bing-Xin years, water fortune governs.' Bing and Xin years are good years for disciples of the Azure Water Sect."

Due to the 'Establishing Dao with Grand Vows' mechanism, various deities would contend for specific 'hours' to assert their presence. But there were only twelve hours in a day; how could they accommodate so many deities? Therefore, in ancient times, many sects fought tooth and nail. Things were naturally different now, but if Princess Youruo encountered someone from the Li Fire Daoist Academy, she would still instinctively feel a sense of aversion.

"That woman Murong Qing is truly disgusting! She's already married, yet she still comes to provoke you! My dear Liu, I'll go kill her for you!"

Inside the Palace of Ten Thousand Laws, Princess Youruo rose from her bed, radiating killing intent, because she had just learned that Murong Qing from Yuanhe Commandery, Daoyuan Continent, had recently visited the Palace of Ten Thousand Laws.

"Stop!" Liu Tianning stood in front of her. "She was just passing by to pay a visit. How did she provoke you?"

"You're yelling at me?" Princess Youruo bit her lip. "You're actually yelling at me for that hussy? You still have feelings for her, don't you?"

"What are you talking about? She's already married. We've known each other since childhood, can't I even meet her—" Before he could finish, this clone was cleaved in half by Princess Youruo's hand. Another clone of Liu Tianning appeared before her.

"Get out of my way!" Princess Youruo cleaved this clone again.

*Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!*

It was unknown how many clones she had destroyed, but Princess Youruo couldn't even get past the main gate. There was no way; Liu Tianning had too many clones! She hadn't even left, yet she was already panting with exhaustion. Liu Tianning remained silent, letting her continue to strike. Only when Princess Youruo had vented her anger did his true body appear. "Are you satisfied?"

"Hmph." Princess Youruo turned and sat back on the bed.

"I told you, she was only here to ask for an investigation envoy position."

"Business is business, but why did she have to come to the Palace of Ten Thousand Laws?" Princess Youruo said. "Didn't you take on a disciple? Such a small matter, you could have just sent him to run the errand. If you can't even train your own disciples, then I'll do it for you!"

Liu Tianning's eyebrows furrowed, and his expression turned cold. "How I conduct my affairs is none of your business to teach. Youruo, I warn you, do not even think about my disciple."

Seeing Liu Tianning's expression, Princess Youruo knew her lover was angry. "My dear Liu, it was my fault..." Princess Youruo's expression quickly softened.

Liu Tianning remained unmoved, his face still cold.

Princess Youruo giggled as she came over, took Liu Tianning's hand, and pressed herself against him. "I said the wrong thing. I won't do it again. Please don't be angry..."

Liu Tianning shook off her hand. "Remember what I said."

"Yes, this servant remembers," Princess Youruo said, her eyes narrowed seductively. She pressed herself against him again, intending to kiss Liu Tianning. Unexpectedly, Liu Tianning simply shook her off and left.

Princess Youruo found herself embracing empty air but wasn't angry. She merely watched Liu Tianning's retreating back, her eyes dazed. The more he acted this way, the more she liked him. After a moment of dazedness, she chased after him, following closely behind Liu Tianning.

"My dear Liu, I also want an investigation envoy position."

Bringing up serious matters, Liu Tianning no longer kept a cold face. "Who do you want it for?"

Youruo said, "My niece, Ji Zixuan. She has also arrived in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven."

Liu Tianning: "Didn't King Tianyan give you three positions?"

Youruo giggled. "No, I want yours. If Murong Qing can get one, why can't I?"

Unable to withstand Princess Youruo's persistence, Liu Tianning said, "Fine, let her be added."

Zhao Xing was soaking in the hot spring when the Earth Mirror placed nearby suddenly vibrated. He ignored the first vibration, but then it vibrated again a moment later. Zhao Xing picked up the Earth Mirror and saw two new messages:

Murong Xue has joined the investigation team! Approver: Liu TianningJi Zixuan has joined the investigation team! Approver: Liu Tianning

He glanced at them and then tossed the mirror aside. Old Liu had also approved a few people these past few days, but it was nothing he needed to worry about. Unexpectedly, just as he put it down, the Earth Mirror vibrated again. This time, it was Liu Tianning contacting him. Zhao Xing didn't think much of it and directly connected.

*Buzz*

A projection appeared above the hot spring. Liu Tianning and Princess Youruo were in a pavilion in a garden within the Palace of Ten Thousand Laws.

"Teacher, this... I didn't know the Princess was also present. This disciple is impolite."

Zhao Xing hadn't expected Old Liu to be video calling him with his lover present, especially since he was shirtless. Princess Youruo, however, smiled and said, "It's fine, it's not like we can see anything."

Liu Tianning glared at her, and she flinched. "Put on your clothes first. I have something to tell you."

Liu Tianning ended the communication. Zhao Xing quickly got out of the water, got dressed, and then called Liu Tianning's projection.

"Teacher, what is the important matter?"

Liu Tianning said, "Did you see the two people who just joined the investigation team?"

"Yes, I did."

"Those two are not familiar with the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven. You are to guide them."

Old Master Zhao was very reluctant but had to agree. Liu Tianning rarely gave him orders, so these two must be quite important to him. Perhaps they were even his nieces or nephews.

"Yes, I have a straw puppet in Yangcheng. If Teacher tells me the address, I can go pick them up."

"No need," Liu Tianning said. "I will have them go to Huailiu Courtyard to find you."

"Understood."

Princess Youruo asked curiously, "Zhao Xing, were you just bathing in a hot spring? Fiery currents in the water—have you found a treasure trove?"

Zhao Xing replied, "To answer the Princess, your subject was fortunate enough to find a place that seemed extraordinary, so I came to try it out."

"It's better to arrive at the right moment than too early," Youruo said with a slight smile. "Does your treasure trove have any spare spots? Let my niece share in your good fortune."

Zhao Xing looked troubled. "There are spots, but due to gender differences, I'm afraid it might be inconvenient..."

Princess Youruo chuckled. "I didn't realize you were so conservative, completely unlike your teacher... Have you never participated in the Spring Sacrificial Festival?"

Zhao Xing was left speechless. The Great Zhou Dynasty had an open social atmosphere, especially regarding gender relations. How open was it? An example would make it clear. The 'Spring Sacrificial Festival' Princess Youruo referred to was held during the spring equinox, making it the grandest festival of the year. Besides paying respects to heaven and earth and the She God (local land deity, or in some places, conceptual deities of mountains, water, etc.), it also had an official purpose: providing a venue for romantic encounters between men and women.

During the reign of Emperor Taizu, the Spring Sacrificial Festival was even written into the 'Zhou Code': "During the Spring Sacrificial Festival, county-level officials must investigate all unmarried individuals in their county who have passed the coming-of-age ceremonies for girls and boys, organize their participation in the festival, and provide venues, food, and entertainment facilities." This rule was abolished in the later period of Emperor Wen's reign. Why? Because it was too unrestrained. During the Spring Sacrificial Festival, men and women would go on spring outings, and if they took a liking to each other, they would directly engage in intercourse in the wilderness! During Emperor Wen's reign, the population experienced explosive growth, so the decree was abolished, no longer making it compulsory, and the concept of propriety gradually strengthened. However, many places still retained these traditions, especially the Southern Barbarian tribes who admired the Great Zhou; they even copied the decree verbatim, only changing the festival's name to the 'God Union Festival.'

Princess Youruo's words were tantamount to asking Zhao Xing: "Oh, you're so conservative, could it be that you're still a virgin?" This left Old Master Zhao quite embarrassed.

Liu Tianning shot her a glare. "Why are you talking about that!"

Princess Youruo covered her mouth, chuckling.

Liu Tianning said earnestly, "Zhao Xing, arrange it as you see fit. If it's inconvenient, you don't necessarily have to bring them here. You can wait a few days."

"Yes. This disciple understands." Zhao Xing nodded.

Princess Youruo spoke again: "Zhao Xing, please take good care of my niece. Make sure she doesn't suffer any grievances. As for the other one, you can just give her a perfunctory treatment."

After ending the call, Zhao Xing closed his eyes with a hint of helplessness. He began activating the straw puppet in Huailiu Courtyard, awaiting the arrival of the two connected individuals.

Meanwhile, his main body found Xia Jing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Ji Ziyun.

"Bad news!"

Long Xiao immediately jumped out of the hot spring. "What happened? What happened?" He was stark naked. Zhao Xing glanced at him, finding it quite an eyeful—truly a martial artist.

"Get dressed, then come to the flying boat for a meeting."

Once everyone was assembled, Zhao Xing said, "Teacher has assigned two connected individuals to me, and they're both women."

Long Xiao frowned. "The Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven is so vast, why do these two connected individuals have to be with you?"

Chen Shijie glared. "You're also a connected individual. What right do you have to talk?"

"What's their background?" Xia Jing asked.

"One is an imperial daughter named Ji Zixuan. I wonder if Brother Ji knows her. The other is named Murong Xue; she is Teacher's... well, the daughter of an old acquaintance."

Xia Jing said, "Since your teacher arranged it, you can't refuse. Ji Zixuan... I don't have much of an impression. How about you, Cousin?"

Ji Ziyun also shook his head. "There are millions, if not eight million, members of the Great Zhou imperial clan. How could I know everyone? I only know those with significant status." The 'status' Ji Ziyun referred to meant the four ranks of imperial daughters: Wengzhu, Commandery Princess, Royal Princess, and Princess. There was no strict hierarchy between Commandery Princess and Royal Princess; it merely distinguished their lineage within the imperial clan. Princess was the most noble bloodline.

"In short, this is bad news," Zhao Xing said dispiritedly. "Heirs, the matter of dealing with them falls to you two."

"No problem," Xia Jing said with a slight smile. "Cousin is best at dealing with women. It won't be difficult to leave this to him."

Ji Ziyun glared. "Why are you slandering my reputation? You make me sound like a dissolute playboy."

"Alright, I'll try to stall for time," Zhao Xing said. "You all hurry and absorb in the hot springs, reach your limit as quickly as possible. Afterward, I can arrange for them to be here, leave a clone to watch over them, and then the five of us can go elsewhere."

"An imperial daughter and a noble, yet from your mouth, it sounds like you're sending away beggars," Xia Jing laughed. "If it were Cousin, he'd probably be bathing with the imperial daughter and noble lady."

"Qilin Child, get lost!" Ji Ziyun cursed.

"Hahahahaha."

While they chatted on the flying boat, outside the gates of the Eighteen Scholar's Willow Courtyard, two beautiful figures appeared. Murong Xue and Ji Zixuan appeared simultaneously outside the courtyard gate.

"Excuse me, is Senior Brother Zhao here?" one of the girls, dressed in a cerulean blue long dress, asked. Her voice was clear and carried into the courtyard.

Zhao Xing flew to the courtyard gate. Ji Zixuan took a look at him, then gracefully bowed. "Ji Zixuan of the Azure Water Daoist Academy greets Senior Brother Zhao. We trouble Senior Brother to lead the way."

Beside her, a woman in a white dress and a veil spoke with a cool voice, "Murong Xue of Taihe Commandery greets Master Zhao."

Zhao Xing returned the bow, then invited them into the courtyard. "Please enter, ladies."