Chapter 238: Fortune Breakthrough, Zhao Xing's New Investment

“What? The Nineteenth Prince is clashing with Liu Tianning? Two of his subordinates killed, and dozens of Combat Golems lost?” On the Black Dragon warship, Thirteenth Prince Ji Chen immediately stood up upon hearing the news.

“Yes, the news has spread,” a scholar reported. “Ji Ye broke Liu Tianning’s rules by using Fifth-Rank experts to pursue his disciple, Zhao Xing.”

“Foolish,” Ji Chen shook his head. “Even I wouldn't dare to break Liu Tianning's rules, yet he insisted on trying. He’s always been like this since childhood – unconventional. He always tries what others wouldn't dare. Now, look, problems have arisen.”

Ji Chen looked at the images in the Mirage Orb. “Good heavens, Liu Wanfa has truly grown stronger again!”

“Please write a letter immediately, along with some treasures, to apologize on behalf of the Nineteenth Prince,” a strategist advised.

“Let me think,” Ji Chen said. “Before, it was a minor conflict, but now he has killed Nineteenth Prince’s capable subordinates. If I do this, I fear I'll be criticized for disunity among brothers.”

The strategist explained, “Not so. As his elder brother, this action will demonstrate your magnanimity. Furthermore, Liu Tianning is only 127 years old. The imperial court has never had a Grand Minister of Agriculture from our sect. Liu Tianning is very likely to gain strong support from our sect in the future, becoming a new leader! Perhaps even reaching the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture! You are not just sending a signal to Liu Tianning alone, but striving for the support of an entire faction! So what if there's idle chatter? To achieve great things, one must not be bothered by trivialities.”

Hearing this, Ji Chen’s heart was swayed. “Alright, we’ll do as you say.”

“Liu Tianning has made his move,” Pei Yuanchang observed from the intelligence. “Hmm? Zhao Xing can actually endure pursuit by Fifth-Rank experts for this long?”

Pei Yuanchang’s focus was not on Liu Tianning, but on Zhao Xing. Although both were Fifth-Rank, he and Liu Tianning were generations apart. Befriending Zhao Xing was more beneficial than befriending Liu Tianning, so his attention was primarily on Zhao Xing.

“What a Yuanrang Marquis! When I saw him over a month ago, he was only in the mid-stage of the Heavenly Gang Realm. Now he's at the complete Heavenly Gang Realm and has even cultivated a spell domain?”

Observing the images on the Mirage Orb closely, one could see that despite being surrounded, Zhao Xing was not flustered; he remained calm amidst the flames. There was also a faint mist surrounding him. Clearly, he had more tricks up his sleeve.

“The master is invincible, and the disciple also possesses an invincible demeanor,” Pei Yuanchang mused. “Fortunately, I decisively invited him over then, not hesitating to grant him territory.”

Initially, there was no concrete idea of how much weight Zhao Xing, as a student, held in Liu Tianning's heart. However, Pei Yuanchang had bet early. He, a direct descendant of a King, at Fifth-Rank complete, had befriended Zhao Xing, who was then only in the mid-stage of Sixth-Rank.

“This is called foresight,” Pei Yuanchang said, patting his thigh gently as he lay on the chair. “Someone!”

“Present!”

“Go to the fish hold and retrieve my treasured collection. Send it to Yuanrang Marquis.”

“Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song are dead?” Xing Ming was greatly startled, looking at the Mirage Orb his friend handed him. Liu Tianning had spared the Sixth-Rank cultivators, and the records on the orb were circulated from Ji Ye's subordinate's high-level exploration team. Xing Ming activated the Mirage Orb, and immediately the pursuit process and the scene of Liu Tianning's arrival appeared.

“Over three thousand Myriad Law Clones!” Xing Ming gasped, choked.

Liu Tianning naturally wouldn't use fake tricks to deceive; by releasing them, it proved that each of these clones possessed considerable combat power.

“I just found out too; apparently, each of his clones has the strength of a Fifth-Rank complete,” the muscular man with the great axe sighed. “Ninety years of research have made Liu Tianning's Straw Effigy Art even more formidable.”

“Liu Tianning shouldn't even be at the Fifth-Rank Realm,” Xing Ming said with a wry smile. “Who ever heard of a Fifth-Rank like this? Fighting Liu Tianning one-on-one was like fighting thousands of Fifth-Rank cultivators. Even this time, Liu Tianning only used some of his clones, without forming battle formations or deploying his sect's plant-based soldiers.”

“He really shouldn't be Fifth-Rank,” the muscular man with the great axe said. “I heard from my father that he paid a certain price for challenging the Daoist Academy back then. It was King Rahu who eventually stepped in to vouch for him, making Liu Tianning remain at Fifth-Rank for a hundred years, which finally settled the matter.”

“I actually didn't know about this,” Xing Ming said, surprised. “I thought it was just an ordinary sparring match and training.”

“How could an ordinary sparring match and training not have any footage leaked?” the muscular man with the great axe scoffed. “It's because those old geezers from the Daoist Academy felt embarrassed.”

Xing Ming shook his head. “With a Fifth-Rank like him around, how are we supposed to compete?”

The muscular man with the great axe said, “Don't worry. My father said that as long as we abide by Liu Tianning's rules, there will be no trouble. He himself doesn't ask for much.”

Xing Ming pointed to the Mirage Orb. “He might not ask for anything, but his disciple Zhao Xing is quite adept at taking advantage of situations. He's already at Sixth-Rank complete, and his strength is constantly growing.”

Even before Liu Tianning arrived, Zhao Xing's performance had caught Xing Ming's attention. Two Fifth-Rank experts and numerous Combat Golems pursued him, yet failed to quickly subdue him. The battle seemed intense, but in reality, Zhao Xing was completely unharmed and still had reserves of strength.

The muscular man with the great axe said nonchalantly, “Just let him eat his fill. Zhao Xing is already at Sixth-Rank complete; no matter how much he consumes, he can't absorb much more spiritual essence. The Abyssal Night Sea is vast. I even think we could send him some spiritual essence so he eats his fill sooner. Once he leaves, that formidable figure Liu Tianning will naturally depart as well.”

Xing Ming's expression was strange. If you can't deal with him, then quickly feed him until he's satisfied?

“This... is indeed a method.”

In the Military Realm, at the Hundred Weapons Pagoda, the Three Kings were staring at a scene on the Earth Mirror.

“Over three thousand Myriad Law Clones?” King Lingde couldn't help but exclaim. “Rahu, is this Liu Tianning's full strength?”

It was no wonder he was astonished. King Lingde was merely a Prince of a Commandery; his strength was only upper Fourth-Rank, barely crossing the Third-Rank threshold with court enhancements, allowing him to traverse the Great Void with his soul. But purely in terms of personal skill, King Lingde vaguely felt he couldn't even suppress Liu Tianning.

“Full strength?” King Rahu smiled. “You underestimate him. Imprisoned in the Military Realm for ninety years, he specifically researched the Straw Effigy Art, and his mastery has already surpassed that of his ancestor. If his clones aren't in the tens of thousands, how can he be called Liu Wanfa (Myriad Law Liu)?”

“What?” King Lingde was startled. “Tens of thousands?” If the Myriad Law Clones alone numbered in the tens of thousands, and Liu Tianning had also cultivated Pure Essence Soil and hadn't even released his cultivated plant soldiers, how powerful would that be?

“As expected of Rahu, your insight is truly sharp,” King Tianyan praised. “If you hadn't vouched for him back then, Liu's potential might have been ruined.”

“Hmph, those old fogeys? Emperor Wen was too good to them!” Rahu snorted.

“Let's not dwell on old matters; Liu Tianning himself has moved on,” King Tianyan quickly changed the subject, seeing Rahu's inclination to criticize court affairs. “Now he has taken on a good disciple. This disciple of his is much more adaptable.”

“Indeed,” King Rahu smiled. “Infiltrating Fire Dragon Pass, traversing the Flame Mountain... A twenty-something Liu Tianning couldn't have done that. He was too impulsive; he would only charge into the bandit strongholds and slaughter them all.”

“Killing them all, how is that not a form of infiltration?” King Lingde said humorously.

King Tianyan and King Rahu both burst into laughter.

“Although his strength has risen quickly, he has built a solid foundation,” King Tianyan said, waving his hand. The image on the Earth Mirror rewound to the beginning of Zhao Xing's pursuit. “Look, from ten miles away, he detected Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song. Both were even wearing cloaking artifacts.”

“Indeed,” King Lingde nodded. “He seemed to be cultivating; in a normal state, he might have detected them even earlier.”

His subsequent spell domain, the Houbian method, drastically reduced their speed. Had those two Dragon Pleasure Boats not been moving at high speed themselves, he would have escaped.

“This lad has many tricks,” King Rahu nodded. “If he were in a normal state, allowing him to set up, it would be debatable whether he'd even need to run.”

Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song had launched a surprise attack, while Zhao Xing's flying boat was stationary, and he was still cultivating. Yet, he almost escaped. The Three Kings unanimously agreed that despite Zhao Xing's rapid advancement, his foundation was very solid.

As Zhao Xing returned to the Myriad Law Battleship with Liu Tianning, he also carefully observed Old Liu. Liu Tianning was carrying Zhao Xing as they flew, but the flying speed was still astonishingly fast, much quicker than a flying boat!

“Old Liu's Drifting Parasite species is quite rare in this era,” Zhao Xing thought, somewhat envious.

The Drifting Parasite is a Seventh-Tier plant-based soldier. It can root itself in flesh and grow alongside its master. Once fully grown, the Drifting Parasite can form a Drifting Vine Armor according to its master's will! Even the Golden Feather Battle Armor of the Golden Feather Royal Court paled in comparison to it. Because this item cannot be mass-produced; it must be planted within the body from its seedling stage, and only cultivators of the Agricultural path can use it. It had many wondrous uses, but its primary benefit was its "speed" augmentation.

“Floating through the world, traversing ten thousand meters in an instant, and even faster if one burns their life force.”

Old Master Zhao had also witnessed the power of the Drifting Parasite. In his previous life, he was part of a group attempting to assassinate Old Liu in his later years. Once, after enduring countless hardships, they finally encountered Liu Tianning's true form. They had thought that by taking advantage of his muddled state, they would have an opportunity to strike. But Old Liu, wearing the Drifting Vine Armor, instantly leaped out of the encirclement and vanished. After that, Zhao Xing never accepted assassination missions again, because he simply couldn't be killed. At that time, Liu Tianning's Drifting Parasite was said to have broken the boundaries of Ninth-Tier plant life. Even if Liu Tianning was in a semi-crazed state and stood there letting them kill him, the Drifting Vines would instinctively carry Old Liu away.

Zhao Xing now understood why Liu Tianning looked down on the spiritual essence of the Abyssal Night Sea. With countless such fortuitous encounters, what he consumed and used could only be better than Tian Yan's.

After flying for less than half an hour, the surrounding scenery gradually sharpened from a blur. The speed decreased, and Zhao Xing could clearly see the nearby surroundings; they had returned to the Myriad Law Battleship. Liu Tianning set Zhao Xing down and then entered his room; he still had some matters to attend to.

“Senior Brother, are you alright?” Ji Zixuan flew down, asking with concern.

“I'm fine,” Zhao Xing shook his head.

“That's good,” Ji Zixuan examined Zhao Xing. “Is this Senior Brother's true form?”

Zhao Xing glanced at Ji Zixuan. What was this girl trying to do, trying to identify his true form?

“I'm going back to my room to rest first.” Zhao Xing said, and then went straight back to his room.

“Withdraw!”

Zhao Xing retrieved the life-soul power from his other clones, leaving only twelve capable of casting high-tier spells. He moved his body around, felt he could still endure it, and continued to retrieve the soul power from his clones. Eventually, the remaining clones lost their magical effects and became empty shells. Only five Myriad Law Clones remained.

“These five Myriad Law Clones cost more in terms of materials and effort, and their distributed life-soul power is also greater. They now possess thirty percent of my full strength.” Thirty percent of his strength was enough to easily defeat early Sixth-Rank cultivators.

As for the other clones, they were simply created on a whim. Previously, Zhao Xing had only used his clones for errands, not intending them for serious combat. But now that his life-soul had greatly improved, and having seen Liu Tianning perform the Myriad Law Clones, Zhao Xing decided to put more effort into practicing the Straw Effigy Art.

“Although I now have a Fifth-Rank life-soul, I still need to control the number of straw effigies. Myriad Law Clones should be about quality, not quantity. If I had more time, these five clones would be useful, and I wouldn't have been immediately seen through by Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song.”

Furthermore, Zhao Xing always kept the drawbacks of the Myriad Law Clones in mind. Creating too many carried the hidden risk of going mad.

“Life-soul power disperses; I'll retrieve it periodically and slowly increase the number, never rushing into it,” Zhao Xing mused. Of course, he was doing the opposite now. His life-soul was too strong, and he needed clones to alleviate it; otherwise, he always had the strange feeling that his mind was keeping up but his body wasn't. Having just broken through, he needed to refine his Straw Effigy Art to adapt to this situation.

He returned to the Myriad Law Battleship that day and had fully adapted by the next. Mainly, Zhao Xing didn't just have the Straw Effigy Art to assist him; he also had the top-tier Great Dream Spring and Autumn method for adjustment.

“Phew, now I'm in a comfortable state. Even if I continue to eat Yin-Yang fish, it won't matter,” Zhao Xing revealed a slight smile.

Just as he stepped out for some fresh air, he saw Murong Xue waiting outside his door.

“Is something wrong?” Zhao Xing asked.

“Are you alright, Lord Zhao?” Murong Xue asked softly. “I heard you encountered danger.”

“I'm fine,” Zhao Xing replied.

“Murong takes her leave.”

She seemed to have come specifically to visit him, and left after speaking.

“Being a bodyguard for so many days wasn't in vain after all,” Zhao Xing chuckled.

Suddenly, a wisp of wind swirled past. Zhao Xing reached out and grasped it, and a voice entered his ear.

“Zhao Xing, come to the Myriad Law Hall.” Liu Tianning had called for him.

Adjusting his attire, Zhao Xing flew towards the Myriad Law Hall.

“Master.”

“Here's a list,” Liu Tianning said. “For the next few days, don't leave the ship. If you need anything, you can find it on this list.”

Zhao Xing took the list and saw that it was a record of gifts exchanged as favors. “Good heavens, every faction except Ji Ye's exploration team has sent gifts! Even Yin-Yang fish are here!”

Zhao Xing looked at the gift list and, combined with Liu Tianning's words, immediately guessed what was happening. “The Six States perished not because their weapons were dull or their battles poor, but because of their corruption of Qin. Bribing Qin weakened their power, leading to their demise…” Zhao Xing chuckled softly.

At this moment, the six major exploration teams sending gifts to Old Liu had a similar implication. Liu Tianning didn't lack spiritual essence, so these exploration teams intended to feed him until he was full, hoping he would leave quickly! They couldn't afford to support Liu Tianning, and there was nothing for Old Liu to covet anyway. But could they not afford to support one Zhao Xing? Only sending Sixth-Rank cultivators to compete was insufficient; the younger ones couldn't win. Zhao Xing's previous record had already proven this. Sending Fifth-Rank experts meant that after they dealt with the younger ones, the older ones would arrive. Qin Chongwu and Huangfu Song's bodies were still fresh. So, they might as well let Zhao Xing eat his fill, and then he could leave quickly after finishing, instead of loitering around!

“Why are you laughing?” Liu Tianning looked at his disciple curiously.

“Master, although they are sending gifts to curry favor and offer a personal connection, to your disciple, it always feels a bit like they're sending off a plague god. It makes me laugh to think about it. Master is indeed mighty!”

Hearing this, Liu Tianning also revealed a slight smile. When a disciple praises his master, the master is naturally happy. Furthermore, Zhao Xing's performance had met Liu Tianning's expectations. Otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed to this plan of keeping Zhao Xing on the ship. Zhao Xing had already fought enough Sixth-Rank opponents to solidify his foundation. Fighting Fifth-Rank experts would excessively exhaust his potential. Moreover, this place involved multiple interests. Liu Tianning was immensely powerful, arguably the strongest within the established rules. If he monopolized everything, he wouldn't be securing benefits or favors for his disciple, but rather inviting hatred. The current situation was just right.

“Eat all the spiritual essence you can to your limit. Stay on the ship these days,” Liu Tianning said. “When the time is right, I'll take you to hunt that Dragon Whale.”

“Yes,” Zhao Xing nodded.

Now in the Abyssal Night Sea, he lacked nothing. Only that Dragon Whale was worth thinking about. However, the Dragon Whale dwelled deep in the seabed; he would have to wait for it to surface to have a chance to hunt it. With the dramatic changes in the Grotto-Heaven and the continued thawing of the Abyssal Night Sea, it would surface sooner or later.

On the eighteenth of May, Liu Tianning accepted the gifts. All parties were greatly relieved; those who wished to contend continued to contend, and those who wished to fight continued to fight. The Myriad Law Battleship remained aloof from external affairs, and Zhao Xing no longer disembarked, cultivating and eating fish on board.

On the nineteenth of May, Zhao Xing, while rummaging through the fish hold, discovered over a dozen “Wood-Eating Armored Fish,” which fed on water-element plant life and contained “Wood Luck” spiritual essence. It was discovered by Cui Yang, the direct descendant of King Tianjue. That day, Zhao Xing contacted Cui Yang to initiate “resource exchange.” The Myriad Law Battleship did not engage in fishing, but it had the widest variety of spiritual fish. Cui Yang did not lose out by exchanging resources with Zhao Xing; he quickly agreed. Thus, Zhao Xing successively acquired a large quantity of “Wood-Eating Armored Fish” from Cui Yang.

By the twenty-fifth of May, the Wood-Eating Armored Fish had zero effect. The Wood Luck of the Five Elements had been absorbed to its limit.

On the twenty-sixth of May, Zhao Xing found “Sand Loach,” containing “Earth Luck” spiritual essence, among Pei Yuanchang's “treasured collection.” However, the quantity was relatively small. Zhao Xing, under the name of the Myriad Law Battleship, began exchanging resources with all major exploration teams except Ji Ye's. After half a month, he continued to collect until the eleventh of June. Earth Luck was also gathered by Zhao Xing.

“The Luck Level has finally broken through again,” Zhao Xing said, looking at his panel.

Luck Level: Evolution Five

“Luck at Evolution Five should be reddish with purplish-blue, and the inner core of the pillars would begin to permanently exhibit purplish-blue hues.” Zhao Xing recalled the records in the Great Evolution Scripture.

“Reaching Luck Level Evolution Five means I have basically achieved my expectations.” With the spiritual essence outburst in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, Zhao Xing avoided being greedy and losing his life. He set a goal for himself. Achieving his goal would be the time to withdraw.

Among them, his cultivation goal was to reach the complete Heavenly Gang Realm. This had already been achieved. His spell goal was to find the Heavenly Gate in the Inverted Peak Mountains and break through the limitations of fate-type spells. It was extremely difficult for fate-type spells to reach high-tier. Even under established Kings, there might not be any physiognomists or fate masters proficient in high-tier spells. Liang Ruohai was one, but he had cultivated for many years; how long had Zhao Xing cultivated? Reaching the high-tier level would mean completing his set goal. The deduction ability of the Five-Finger Destiny Secret Art had already been cultivated to high-tier. The two spells contained within it, Destiny as a Blade and Profound Destiny Concealment, were directly pushed to high-tier complete by the journey to the Heavenly Gate. This far exceeded expectations.

“His four new spells—high-tier Cloud Domain, high-tier Ice Seal spell, high-tier Heavenly Fire spell, and high-tier Boundless Underground Palace Domain—along with various other spells, all showed progress. Now, with my Luck Level breaking through to Evolution Five, my previously set goals are basically complete,” Zhao Xing mused.

Why “basically”? Because in terms of lifespan, Zhao Xing had set no limits. He wanted as much as he could get! “During Emperor Jing's reign, there were still 176 years left! If his lifespan wasn't extended, even a prodigy would eventually turn to dust!”

“The Dragon Whale in the Abyssal Night Sea was far larger than ordinary ones. Barring any surprises, it should possess the effect of lifespan spiritual essence.” Zhao Xing hadn't seen or heard of this Dragon Whale in his previous life, but he could infer its existence. “Eating the Dragon Whale will increase my lifespan, and perhaps have other effects as well. Once this is done, I can stop,” Zhao Xing mused. “It's almost June, and the Ten Suns Soaring event is around late August. He couldn't cut it too close. If the goal was achieved, leaving early would bring peace of mind.”

Entering the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven was not easy, but leaving was relatively simple. The reason was simple: publicly announce that he was preparing to break through to the Pure Essence Realm. Even if he didn't leave, staying within the Yang City area was safe.

With his Luck Level breaking through to Evolution Five, Zhao Xing didn't stay idle while waiting for news of the Dragon Whale. Instead, he pulled out his Earth Mirror and began to search for a list of individuals who had entered the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven.

“While my luck is strong, I should quickly invest in some potential prospects. Previously on the Pacification Battlefield, I operated in a small area and only invested in Yue Lingzhi. Now, people from all corners of the world have come to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven; it's time to plan for the future.”

Most of those who could enter the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven had backgrounds and connections. However, some individuals had backgrounds and connections but couldn't use them. For example, Ji Zixuan, she was the granddaughter of King Chenglan from Cuixian Commandery in Pinghai Province. But she couldn't leverage much of her family's power at all. Even after encountering Princess Youruo, her status only slightly improved. Because Ji Zixuan had just broken through to Seventh-Rank, and she wasn't willing to follow her family's arrangements, wanting to forge her own career, it was normal for her not to be highly regarded. Princess Youruo also found it difficult to interfere in others' family affairs and could only give Ji Zixuan an opportunity to develop on her own. Ji Zixuan's situation was still relatively good.

Some aristocratic families and powerful figures sent many illegitimate sons, granting them a “Junior Investigator” slot. This was less costly, and after they entered, they were completely left to their own devices. Whether they lived or died, rose or fell, depended entirely on these illegitimate sons themselves. With many descendants, as long as one succeeded, it was a profit. It was cruel, but this was reality.

“Hmm? Yun Yi? From Heyuan Commandery, the illegitimate son of Earl Hesang, is that him?” Zhao Xing's gaze fell upon a name on the list: Yun Yi. Yun Yi was merely a Junior Investigator, and his area of activity was limited to the Ten Thousand Miles Thunder Pool and the Gale Wind Mountain Range. Zhao Xing immediately sent a message to the Earth Mirror of Wang Weimin, the leader of the intermediate exploration team where Yun Yi was located. His authority was high enough to contact Yun Yi directly, but doing so would be too abrupt. It was better to contact his team leader first.

In the Ten Thousand Miles Thunder Pool, thunderclouds rolled. In the outer mountain range, a warlock dressed in purple lightning robes was carefully leading twenty team members on an exploration. They were searching for treasures; if they submitted enough to the Yang City Armory, they could be promoted to Intermediate Investigator, or exchange for exploration permits in other areas.

“Stop!”

Suddenly, the leading warlock, Wang Weimin, ordered a halt. “Everyone retreat, leave the outer area!”

“Brother Wang, what's wrong?” a martial artist asked in confusion. “We were searching so well, why retreat?”

“Something big!” Wang Weimin's hands trembled slightly. “Zhao Xing, the Yuanrang Marquis and Deputy Envoy of the top-tier exploration team, suddenly contacted me, asking me to find a quiet place to speak with him.”

“What? Yuanrang Marquis Zhao Xing, the one who swept through Sixth-Rank cultivators in the Abyssal Night Sea?” The others were astonished. “He's Supervising Envoy Liu's top disciple. Do you know him, Brother Wang?”

“It's precisely because I don't know him that I'm uneasy,” Wang Weimin said. “I don't know why he's looking for me.”

“Brother Wang, you're going to get rich! I hear great figures like to promote junior talents and invest in rising stars. It must be your recent performance that caught the Yuanrang Marquis's eye!” an Eighth-Rank martial artist nearby flattered him. This was pure nonsense. Wang Weimin was a full generation older than Zhao Xing. In terms of age, Zhao Xing was the rising star. However, Wang Weimin accepted the flattery. After all, the Yuanrang Marquis held a high position and great power, while he was of low rank and minor influence; wasn't he indeed a junior?

“Brother Wang, don't forget me if you become successful in the future.”

“Brother Wang, congratulations!”

“What are you all talking about? It's not even confirmed yet,” Wang Weimin said, but his heart was filled with joy. Such investments were not uncommon in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. He had indeed had good returns recently, frequently completing missions. Could he truly have been favored by the Yuanrang Marquis?

He led everyone out of the outer perimeter of the Thunder Pool. Wang Weimin quickly adjusted his attire, found a quiet place, carefully placed the Earth Mirror, and waited for Zhao Xing's communication. Before long, at the appointed time, the Earth Mirror lit up. Wang Weimin answered instantly.

*Buzz*

Zhao Xing's phantom image appeared on the flat rock. Wang Weimin bowed in worship below the stone platform. “Your humble subordinate, Wang Weimin, greets Yuanrang Marquis.”

“Dispense with the formalities, Lord Wang,” Zhao Xing smiled. “I've kept you waiting.”

“Not long, not long at all,” Wang Weimin quickly replied. “To be sought out by Yuanrang Marquis is my good fortune.”

“I do have something to discuss with you,” Zhao Xing went straight to the point. “Is there a martial artist named Yun Yi in your exploration team? Is he skilled in swordsmanship?”

“Looking for Yun Yi?” Wang Weimin felt a bit disappointed, but he immediately replied, “Yes, Yuanrang Marquis, there is such a person.”

“Have him come here to see me.”

“Yes, please wait a moment, Yuanrang Marquis.” Wang Weimin quickly departed to find his small team.

At this time, a group of people were resting on the ground, while only a young man in a green robe, holding a sword, stood on a distant rock, keeping watch for everyone.

“Yun Yi,” Wang Weimin called out. “Come down quickly.”

*Swish!* Yun Yi immediately leaped down and appeared beside Wang Weimin. “Captain Wang, what's the matter?”

“Yuanrang Marquis Zhao Xing, do you know him?” Wang Weimin asked tentatively.

“I only know of his name, but haven't met him,” Yun Yi replied.

“You have no relation to him? Are you connected by kinship?”

Yun Yi was puzzled. “What do you mean, Captain Wang? The Yuanrang Marquis's hometown is Gucheng in Nanyang Commandery, while I am from Heyuan Commandery. One is in the southern part of Pinghai Province, the other in the northern part. How could we be related? Is there a grudge? Captain, what's wrong with you?” Yun Yi wondered. “I am merely a low-ranking Eighth-Rank civil official. To have a grudge with the Yuanrang Marquis... you think too highly of me.”

“The Yuanrang Marquis specifically asked to see you,” Wang Weimin's eyes darted. “Xiao Yi, since you joined my team, I haven't treated you unfairly, have I? You should look out for me more in the future.”

“You…”

Yun Yi was bewildered, still wanting to ask something, but was pulled by Wang Weimin to the stone platform where the Earth Mirror was placed.

“Greetings, Yuanrang Marquis,” Yun Yi, following Wang Weimin, bowed to the phantom image on the stone platform.

“Yun Yi.” Zhao Xing, seeing the young man's face, immediately confirmed that this person was one of Pinghai Province's future top ten sword cultivators! Among Pinghai Province's top ten sword cultivators, Yun Yi ranked ninth! Long Xiao ranked third. The first and second were much older, not from the same generation.

“Yun Yi, your performance during the Ten Thousand Miles Thunder Pool expedition was commendable. Are you willing to accept a favor from me?” Zhao Xing asked directly. In truth, Yun Yi's performance at this time was merely average, nothing special. But such pleasantries could be said however one wished, couldn't they?

“Yuanrang Marquis.” Yun Yi's face still held a hint of naiveté. Faced with such immense fortune, he actually shook his head. “My ambition is not in the military.”

Wang Weimin, standing by, was frantic. This foolish boy actually refused? He wished he could take his place!

“I'm not asking you to join the military. Once you leave the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, you can do whatever you wish,” Zhao Xing chuckled. “I merely wish to offer you a fortuitous opportunity.”

Wang Weimin frantically signaled Yun Yi, almost answering for him. Good heavens, with no conditions asked, where could one find such a good thing?

Fortunately, Yun Yi finally nodded. “As Yuanrang Marquis commands.”

“Good,” Zhao Xing smiled, looking at Wang Weimin. “Captain Wang, please trouble yourself to send him back to Yang City. Go find Gao Ming at the Ministry of Agriculture's residence; there will be a reward for you.”

“I wouldn't dare to hope for a reward; being able to serve Yuanrang Marquis is a blessing,” Wang Weimin quickly said. When he looked up again, Zhao Xing's phantom image had already vanished. Only a somewhat bewildered Yun Yi and a secretly pleased Wang Weimin remained.

On the Myriad Law Battleship, one of Zhao Xing's clones put down the Earth Mirror.

“Ding, your Sword Immortal +1,” Zhao Xing said to himself, amused. He didn't need to make any demands at all. Once Yun Yi cultivated to the level of Pinghai Province's top ten sword cultivators, he would naturally come to repay this karmic debt. Otherwise, his Earth Soul would frequently remind him of this matter, making his thoughts not clear. Of course, those with lower cultivation realms didn't have this burden.

“Long Xiao on the left, Yun Yi on the right, and then equip them with divine swords forged by Yue Lingzhi. Sword Immortals clearing the way, musicians playing, dancers soaring, and then raising a few dragons and phoenixes to pull my war chariot... Once I become Grand Minister of Agriculture, I should have such grandeur.” Old Master Zhao thought with great delight.