Chapter 251: Howling Sky Dog and Upturned Sheep, Winter Preliminaries (Main Chapter)

Qin Hongying sent Zhai Zhong and Wen Ji from Bidao Academy to discuss further cooperation. Meanwhile, Zhao Xing's main body was preparing to leave Twin Islands.

After being busy for so long, Master Zhao also planned to return to Bixian County for a visit. First, he wanted to see how Zhao Ruide and Lady Cai were doing, and second, he wanted to check on Zhao Zheng's situation at Bidao Academy. Additionally, he needed to visit the Prince's Mansion. It was already mid-November, and he still hadn't seen the Old Witch. This simply wouldn't do. Relationships thrive on interaction; how could they not see each other for an entire year? Moreover, the 10,000-year Black Tortoise shell and the preliminary competition slots that the Old Witch promised him hadn't been delivered yet. Hearing that she had returned to Bixian County, Zhao Xing knew he had to go quickly while she was there.

He now understood why Sun Shizhao had been so excited back then. Meeting Princess Youruo was truly not easy. Before leaving, however, Zhao Xing needed to prepare and couldn't go empty-handed.

"When giving a gift to the Old Witch, sincerity is key. I'll pick some fruits from the planting zone."

Zhao Xing went to a plantation on Lul Island, which was his private garden. It was heavily guarded by magic arrays, prohibiting anyone from approaching. Holding a token, Zhao Xing passed through the barrier and landed inside the plantation. He had brought many seeds and saplings from the Military Realm, and when he took office on Twin Islands, he planted them all here. Counting the time, it had almost been a year. Given Princess Youruo's status, she lacked nothing. Zhao Xing really couldn't come up with anything novel to give her as a gift.

Zhao Xing first transplanted several Golden Emerald Bamboos from a bamboo grove. Golden Emerald Bamboo is a fifth-tier ornamental plant, with a crystalline green stalk and golden branches and leaves. It could also be used to craft a Sibu Farmer's weapon: a magical staff. While its practicality was mediocre, it was very cool and could add a layer of golden jade splendor to spells. He didn't like such flashy but impractical items, but high-ranking officials and nobles did. Its eye-catching effects made spellcasting appear more noble. He had originally planted this Golden Emerald Bamboo with the intention of giving it away as a gift.

"Rise!"

Zhao Xing transplanted eighty-eight stalks onto the Taicang flying boat, which was specifically designed by Master Wen Sibu for transporting crops. Zhao Xing made the flying boat hover, then flew a short distance to a cave. This cave connected to an underground lava lake. Zhao Xing then selected a five-meter-tall willow tree, dark red throughout.

"This is a fifth-tier Vermilion Curtain Willow. Flames flow through its willow branches, cascading like a vermilion curtain made of fire. Its willow catkins drift like bursting fireworks."

Zhao Xing used the Folding Branch Technique to trim seven of the willow trees, making them even more beautiful, and then transplanted them onto the Taicang flying boat. Finally, he arrived at the center of the estate, where twelve large trees were planted. However, only one had blossomed and borne fruit, yielding only nine fruits.

"The sixth-tier Purple Iris Fruits are ripe. I'll send them to the Old Witch first." Zhao Xing picked the nine Purple Iris Fruits. Even though he had spent a fortune building the Earth Store Return Array, turning this place into a "secondary treasure land," the Purple Iris Fruit tree had only just barely matured, producing only low-grade sixth-tier fruits. Despite meticulous care and adjusting the environmental conditions, only one Purple Iris Fruit tree had matured in a year. Woody plants have very long growth cycles, especially at the sixth-tier. This was already the limit of what Zhao Xing could cultivate. The sixth-tier plants he had seen in the Extreme Night Sea, like Fish-Eating Grass and Azure Sea Cloud Vine, were all vines or herbaceous plants. In terms of growth cycles, woody plants take longer than climbing plants, which take longer than herbaceous plants. The growth cycle of woody plants is typically hundreds or thousands of times longer than that of climbing or herbaceous plants.

Take the Plankton for example: if Liu Tianning had given him a seventh-tier woody plant instead of the Plankton back then, Zhao Xing wouldn't have wanted it. Why? Because it would take too long. Even if he broke through to the fifth rank and cultivated pure primal soil in the future, he couldn't just start planting trees right away; it would be too much of a burden on his body. In the Ego Sect, what was the situation with Sibu Farmers who planted trees? They were generations upon generations cultivating the same tree! The grandfather would cultivate it during its sapling stage, passing it to his father upon his death. The father would cultivate it during its growth period, and the grandson would take over, cultivating it to maturity, and then pass it to the great-grandson upon his death. It might not even bear fruit, and would have to be passed on further.

Wu Cheng, the Grand Sibu Farmer during the reign of Emperor Taizu, cultivated a peerless wonder (an ultra-grade plant exceeding the ninth-tier). It is said that this divine tree is over 2,500 years old. It was passed down through seven generations of Grand Sibu Farmers but still hadn't reached maturity. It finally matured during the reign of Emperor Wu, but only bore fruit once before regressing back to its growth stage.

At Shangluo Academy, divine trees and immortal branches of rare wonder level have been passed down through generations. These are one level below peerless wonders, but their effects are also extremely potent. However, it is only passed down to the leader of the Ego Sect, who usually also serves as the dean of Shangluo Academy.

"That should be enough."

After preparing the gifts, Zhao Xing piloted the flying boat and left Twin Islands. Upon returning to Bixian County, he first went to Dongyang County to visit his foster father. Upon his return, he found the mansion adorned with lanterns and streamers, radiating joy. A group of older women continuously congratulated Lady Cai, who held her head high, looking very proud.

*Swoosh*

Zhao Xing stepped off the clouds into the adjacent courtyard and found Zhao Ruide distributing rewards. "Foster Father, what's the happy occasion? How come I don't know about it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Xing'er, you've come at just the right time," Zhao Ruide said cheerfully. "Your mother just got a positive pregnancy diagnosis. You're going to be an older brother again."

"Congratulations, Foster Father." Zhao Xing smiled as well.

Thanks to the wealth and connections Zhao Xing brought back, Zhao Ruide donated a substantial amount of money to the 'Caring Home' institution of the Nanyang County government. He subsequently obtained the honorary official title of 'Caring Doctor.' While this title offered no substantial benefits, it opened his self-cultivation path up to the seventh rank. Zhao Ruide was already a martial artist, and after consuming some of the treasures Zhao Xing brought back, he became a ninth-rank martial artist at the age of sixty-one. Later, upon arriving in Bixian County, Zhao Ruide, having nothing to do, applied for a patrol guard position in Dongyang County. For the father of Marquis Yuanrang to become a humble patrol guard was naturally an easy feat. In just one year, Zhao Ruide became the Deputy Commissioner of the Dongyang Patrol Department and broke through to the eighth-rank martial artist realm. At the eighth rank, sixty years old was no longer considered old, and his previous hidden injuries had naturally disappeared. And so, Lady Cai became pregnant again.

"Foster Father, do you hope for a daughter or another son?" Zhao Xing asked.

"While a son is a joy, a daughter would be even more so," Zhao Ruide chuckled. "You and Zheng'er have caused enough trouble already."

Zhao Xing chuckled wryly. However, Zhao Ruide was right; he had indeed caused a lot of trouble, having moved his family a million miles from their homeland. Zhao Zheng had also been a handful as a child, completely disregarding his father's words, climbing roofs, catching fish in the water, setting off firecrackers in outhouses—he was extremely mischievous.

"I hope for a little sister too," Zhao Xing smiled. "She'll probably be much more well-behaved than Zheng'er."

After chatting with Zhao Ruide for a while, Zhao Xing planned to go to the Prince's Mansion in the county seat. Before he left, Zhao Ruide pulled Zhao Xing aside and asked, "I've asked several gentlemen in the county to suggest courtesy names for you. We've selected four in total."

"Which four?"

"Zeyu, Yuanyou, Xizhen, Chen'an."

"'A gentleman like jade, benefiting all directions' – Zeyu suits your name well. This was chosen by Grandfather Yang, the Imperial Censor of the County Prefecture."

"'Rare talent, confident and decisive' – Xizhen matches your character. This was chosen by Mr. Yue Lu, the former County Governor of Bixian County."

"'Yuanyou's five elements are wood and earth. As a Sibu Farmer, you protect all people, and using this character to express your ambition is excellent. This was chosen by Steward Liu from the Princess's Mansion," Zhao Ruide recalled.

"Foster Father, you know so many important people now! Who chose Chen'an?" Zhao Xing asked with a smile.

Zhao Ruide pointed to himself: "Chen'an was chosen by me. I hope you are safe and sound every hour."

Zhao Xing's smile faltered for a moment, then returned. He cupped his hands and said, "Then, as you wish, I will take the courtesy name Chen'an."

Zhao Ruide immediately beamed with joy.

On November 12th, the 21st year of the Jingxin calendar, just after the Start of Winter. Zhao Xing stayed home for one day after returning, then went to the Prince's Mansion to pay respects to Princess Youruo.

"Mistress, your student has come to pay his respects."

"Just come when you like, why bring so many gifts?" Princess Youruo said, though a hint of delight showed in her eyes. Zhao Xing hadn't given her anything else; everything was grown by him and meticulously trimmed, making the Golden Emerald Bamboos and Vermilion Curtain Willows even more ornamental. The Purple Iris Fruits were sixth-tier fruits, showing not only his thoughtfulness but also his capability. This proved that he hadn't wasted the resources Princess Youruo had provided.

"This is a token of my regard, Mistress," Zhao Xing said. "I planted them for you when I arrived here a year ago."

Planted a year ago? Princess Youruo felt even more pleased hearing this. Although they weren't particularly useful to her, Zhao Xing's willingness to do these things for her proved his sincerity.

"Come, walk with me, and let's plant these."

"Yes."

Zhao Xing followed Princess Youruo to a garden. They transplanted the Golden Emerald Bamboos, Vermilion Curtain Willows, and other plants there.

"Not bad, they are indeed beautiful," Princess Youruo praised, clearly appreciating them. "Regarding the 10,000-year Black Tortoise shell I promised you earlier, go with Steward Liu to select one. After you've chosen, have dinner at the mansion before you leave."

"Yes," Zhao Xing bowed and followed Liu Wanliang, the Prince's Mansion Steward, towards the treasury. The Prince's Mansion Steward was an official position in the Great Zhou, responsible for managing the affairs of royals like princesses and princes, essentially a housekeeper serving the imperial family. Princess Youruo had many stewards because she possessed numerous temporary palaces and residences. This Liu Wanliang was the chief steward, holding a fourth-rank official position, and his personal strength was unfathomable. Zhao Xing remembered this person because he had followed Princess Youruo when she later married into the Sacred Light Royal Court, showing extreme loyalty. Later, when Princess Youruo became the Old Witch, Liu Wanliang also handled many of her clandestine affairs.

The Prince's Mansion's inner treasury was not just one room, but a series of palace complexes. Each palace housed different treasures. Liu Wanliang led Zhao Xing to leap into a lake. Within the lake was a crystal palace. After entering the palace's barrier, Zhao Xing was immediately dazzled. A vast array of rare and exotic treasures from the seabed were neatly arranged and displayed throughout the palace. If he were to take just one and sell it, he wouldn't be able to spend all the money in several lifetimes.

"Marquis Yuanrang," Liu Wanliang said, leading Zhao Xing to a side hall deep within the crystal palace, surrounded by various underwater greenery and corals. In the side hall, many enormous tortoise shells were displayed.

"Marquis Yuanrang, all the 10,000-year-old tortoise shells are here. There are Black Tortoises, Fire Tortoises, Alligator Snapping Turtles, Dragon Tortoises..." Liu Wanliang introduced them. "Marquis Yuanrang may choose freely."

Zhao Xing was not greedy; he only wanted one item: a 10,000-year-old Black Tortoise shell. "I don't need to choose carefully. Please pick a 10,000-year-old Black Tortoise shell for me, sir."

"Just one?"

"Just one."

"Very well," Liu Wanliang nodded, then floated forward, pointed his hand, and commanded, "Rise!"

A crack opened in the ground, and then a colossal creature, shimmering with an ethereal glow, emerged from beneath. He hadn't expected there to be another layer underground for storing treasures.

*Rumble* *Rumble*

A small mountain emerged from the ground. When its full size became visible in the water, Zhao Xing was startled. So big! The tortoise shell was a thousand meters long from front to back! Its upper part was oval, while the bottom was flat, with a height of nearly fifty meters from top to bottom. It resembled a small mountain. While the 10,000-year Black Tortoise's size couldn't compare to the Dragon Whale he had seen in the Extreme Night Sea, it was still extremely exaggerated. The hexagonal patterns on its shell were large enough to build a three-bedroom, one-living-room apartment.

"Tortoise shell patterns are growth patterns. A 10,000-year Black Tortoise's dense back patterns contain more universal principles," Zhao Xing observed. "If used to cast the 'Tortoise Divination Technique,' it could withstand a higher cost." When Liang Ruohai had divined his own fate, if he had had a 10,000-year Black Tortoise shell nearby, he wouldn't have been destined to die within ten years. He could have completely borne the burden using this Black Tortoise shell. Of course, this item couldn't be used directly. After bringing it back, it would still need to be refined using the Fire Refining Technique.

"It needs to be refined with heavenly fire for half a year using the Fire Refining Technique to fully utilize its effects," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

*Splash* *Splash*

The mountain-like tortoise shell was conjured up by Liu Wanliang. It was loaded onto a cargo warship docked beside the lake.

"Thank you, Sir Liu," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands in gratitude.

"Marquis Yuanrang, there's no need to be so polite," Liu Wanliang replied, returning the gesture. "This warship will be moored here for now. Her Royal Highness has also prepared some other gifts for you. We can go elsewhere first; by the time we return, the Black Tortoise here should be loaded onto the ship."

More? As expected of the East Sea Princess. She never gave just a single item as a reward. Zhao Xing then followed Liu Wanliang, flying to another palace.

*Woof woof* *Howl howl*

Faint dog barks came from the palace ahead, making Zhao Xing pause in surprise. Before he even landed, Liu Wanliang introduced, "This is the Divine Dog Palace. Her Royal Highness said you are participating in the Myriad Beasts Competition, so she arranged for you to select a cub here at the Divine Dog Palace. Many renowned dogs, including the Ten Divine Dogs, are raised here."

"I can choose a Divine Dog too?" Zhao Xing was stunned.

"Of course," Liu Wanliang nodded. "Does Marquis Yuanrang know which are the Ten Divine Dogs?"

"Frost-Flower Falcon, Star-Gazer Wolf, Golden-Winged Hounds, Azure Water Dragon, Ink Jade Glaze, Yellow-Mane Leopard, Snow-Claw Lu, Sky-Soaring Magpie, Spotted Brocade Puma, and Cerulean Hound. These ten are the world's divine dogs."

Liu Wanliang nodded slightly. "Since Marquis Yuanrang is aware, I won't elaborate. Inside the Divine Dog Palace, all Ten Divine Dogs have cubs; you may choose freely. As for adult dogs, their handlers have already formed soul contracts. Canine beasts are unlike others; their loyalty is absolute. Even if the soul contract is dissolved, they won't change masters, and forcing a change would only lead to them dying of sorrow. In the eastern hall, there are also famous dogs like Peach Blossom, Oolong, Jade Dog, Yellow Cang, and Yellow Ear—all are renowned dogs among famous breeds, and their combat strength is no less than that of divine dogs."

Zhao Xing nodded. The 'Distinguished,' 'Renowned,' and 'Divine' bloodlines only offered a higher innate starting point. True combat beasts still depended on how they were raised later. It was like human cultivation; Long Xiao, despite his humble origins, would still become one of the Ten Great Sword Immortals in the future. The mountain cat's bloodline was also very ordinary, but through later cultivation, it was now a 'Spiritually Gifted Variant,' no less than a divine bloodline.

*Woof woof* *Howl*

After landing, Zhao Xing entered the palace and activated his Heaven's Eye to scan the kennels. "Peach Blossom, Yellow Cang, Yellow Ear, Oolong—these are all Greyhounds, with slender builds and slightly smaller bodies, commonly known as 'sighthounds'."

Though extraordinary, Zhao Xing personally didn't particularly like Greyhounds. They were fine as pets, but for fighting, they were a bit lacking. This significantly narrowed down his options. This was because nine out of the Ten Divine Dogs were Greyhounds. Only the Cerulean Hound was a Mastiff.

"A strong man should raise a Mastiff."

Thinking this, Zhao Xing walked and stopped in front of the Cerulean Hound kennel. "Mr. Liu, I choose the Cerulean Hound."

Liu Wanliang said, "Won't you reconsider? Some Greyhounds are also good fighters. Each of the Ten Divine Dogs has its strengths; the Cerulean Hound's main advantage is its strength." The Cerulean Hound possessed great strength; both its physical power and stamina surpassed other divine dogs. Of course, the other divine dogs also had their advantages, such as excelling in speed, possessing innate illusionary abilities, or being skilled in treasure hunting and evasion techniques.

"I've already decided," Zhao Xing said. "I prefer Mastiffs."

Liu Wanliang nodded, then waved his hand, opening the barrier to the Cerulean Hound kennel, and accompanied Zhao Xing inside.

*Woof woof* *Woof woof* *Grrr*

As soon as they entered, numerous cubs began barking at the two of them. However, these Cerulean Hounds were all in their juvenile stage; the youngest had just turned one month old, and the oldest was only three months. They had little imposing presence and instead appeared somewhat cute. Zhao Xing glanced around; there were over two hundred puppies here. With a quick calculation, he immediately identified three Cerulean Hound puppies.

"Despite the same feeding environment, these three puppies grew faster and better, promising greater future achievements." Using physiognomy to select the cubs, Zhao Xing easily saw that the three in the corner by the east wall were the most suitable to take. Zhao Xing then walked over to the innermost kennel. Seeing this, Liu Wanliang couldn't help but praise, "Marquis Yuanrang has excellent judgment."

"You can just call me Chen'an, sir."

Liu Wanliang chuckled and asked, "Chen'an, your discernment is impressive; you immediately identified the strongest three puppies. Have you studied physiognomy?"

"Just a little," Zhao Xing replied modestly.

"Someone, prepare the soul contract!" Liu Wanliang waved his hand to the back, and a dog keeper immediately walked over. "Chen'an, which one do you want?"

"All three are similar," Zhao Xing smiled. "Let's see who is willing to come with me."

"Please hold this ring, Marquis Yuanrang," the official next to him said, handing over a collar. It was so large that even an elephant could fit through it.

*Buzz* As Zhao Xing grasped the Ring of Contract, a pulling force emanated from it, tugging at his life soul. Zhao Xing didn't resist, instead injecting a wisp of soul power into it. The three puppies, sensing an unusual scent, growled softly towards Zhao Xing. Mastiffs have a strong sense of territory. When these three Cerulean Hounds barked, the surrounding puppies all scattered.

"Unwilling to come?" Seeing the three strongest ones continuously retreating, taking a step back for every step he took forward. Zhao Xing stopped advancing after his third step, shook his head, and turned away. He could have forcibly taken one, but fate shouldn't be compelled.

After turning around, Zhao Xing held the Ring of Contract horizontally at chest height and gently pushed it towards the group of puppies. "Whoever is willing to come with me, enter this ring." With that, Zhao Xing quietly watched. If no puppy chose him, he would abandon the Cerulean Hound and select one of the other Greyhounds. Since learning fate-related spells, Zhao Xing had come to believe in destiny.

*Woof woof* Eight puppies, seemingly understanding Zhao Xing's words or perhaps just curious, slowly approached the Ring of Contract. Just as one was about to put its head through, suddenly—

*Whoosh*

A dark shadow leaped from behind the group of dogs, stepping on its companions' backs, and darted forward.

*Buzz* It bit the ring, trying to drag it down.

*Whine whine* The Cerulean Hound puppy hung in the air, shaking its head frantically and flailing its limbs, but the Ring of Contract remained motionless. Zhao Xing found it amusing; the little one was treating it like a toy. Unable to bite through or drag it down, it let go and dropped to the ground with a thud. However, it continued to struggle. *Woof* It also prohibited other similar puppies from approaching.

It was very young, only just a month old, yet it was extremely combative. There were bite marks on its forehead, waist, and legs, and it had lost a lot of fur. While other cubs also had some, none had as many as this one.

"This one is the most combative," the dog keeper next to him said. "It loses fights but refuses to give up, even challenging the three largest ones."

Hearing this, Zhao Xing took a few steps closer. However, this scruffy Cerulean Hound puppy, while driving away its peers, did not drive away Zhao Xing. Instead, it stared at him curiously. Zhao Xing crouched down: "Are you willing to come with me? If so, crawl through." By now, the Ring of Contract had shrunk considerably. Zhao Xing held it in one hand, resting it on the ground. The scruffy Cerulean Hound puppy only needed to take two steps to enter.

*Woof*

It wagged its tail, lowered its head, and crawled through the ring.

*Buzz*

The ring rapidly shrank, forming a pale golden collar that hung around its neck. Zhao Xing felt a faint connection with the Cerulean Hound, understanding that the soul contract had been established.

"Congratulations, Marquis Yuanrang," the dog keeper nearby congratulated.

"Chen'an, Cerulean Hounds are not usually affectionate with people. This little one actually took the initiative to approach you. It seems you two are fated," Liu Wanliang chuckled.

"Indeed, we are fated," Zhao Xing said, carrying the Cerulean Hound out. However, after only holding it for a short while, the little one couldn't sit still and started squirming around. Zhao Xing also let it run around freely in the palace.

Looking at the energetic Cerulean Hound puppy, Liu Wanliang asked, "Chen'an, what do you plan to name it?"

Zhao Xing and Liu Wanliang walked out of the palace side by side. At this moment, the Cerulean Hound jumped onto a white jade carved pillar and howled towards the sky. Zhao Xing pointed at it and chuckled, "I have a cat named Ao Tian. This one shall be named Xiao Tian." With Ao Tian the cat and Xiao Tian the dog, Master Zhao now had both cats and dogs.

After the dinner party, Princess Youruo asked Zhao Xing and Ji Zixuan to accompany her for a walk around the Sky Lake.

"Why did you only choose one? I was going to give you a few more preliminary competition slots for the Myriad Beasts Competition."

Zhao Xing replied, "It's about quality, not quantity, in warfare. For this year's winter evaluation preliminaries, I'm just going to join the fun. Three additional slots from you, Mistress, are already more than enough."

The Myriad Beasts Competition held preliminary rounds every year, continuing until ten years before the main event began. In fact, the winter preliminary slots for the Purple Cloud Islands had already been decided for this year. Princess Youruo was essentially adding him in as a last-minute entry. In Zhao Xing's current situation, he could truly only participate for the experience. This was because even in the preliminaries, there were many fifth- and fourth-rank combat beasts participating, and very few sixth-rank ones. For instance, Dragon-Lion Island, ranked first in the western part of the archipelago, had three fourth-rank combat beasts registered. The mountain cat was only early fifth-rank, and the Cerulean Hound was merely an entry-level juvenile. Therefore, this year he could only test the waters.

Princess Youruo said, "If you want, I can also give you a few fourth-rank combat beasts and assign you some senior beastmasters."

Zhao Xing shook his head. He wanted to leverage Princess Youruo's influence but didn't want to become too deeply tied, as it could affect his future promotions. Of course, what he said was different: "Thank you for your kindness, Mistress. I have already received many benefits. If you intervene further, it could harm your reputation. I wouldn't want anyone to criticize you behind your back, Mistress."

Princess Youruo smiled, "Who would dare to speak ill of me? But this is fine too. I heard your contract with Bidao Academy is progressing well. Even Qin Hongying came to the Prince's Mansion to inquire about you. With your performance, you haven't disgraced your teacher's name. It's time for you to make your own way, otherwise your teacher might accuse me of meddling."

Ji Zixuan, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel admiration. Her senior brother truly was extraordinary, refusing even benefits.

"I heard your foster father is holding a belated coming-of-age ceremony for you. Is that true?" Princess Youruo suddenly remembered something. "I recall Steward Liu also gave a suggestion, I think it was Yuanyou? Which one did you end up using?"

"Chen'an, which means 'safe and sound every hour'."

"Oh, that's not bad either."

After walking with the Old Witch for a while longer and seeing a hint of fatigue on her face, he began to rise: "Mistress, please do not overexert yourself. Your student will take his leave now."

"Go on. Visit the Prince's Mansion when you have time."

"Yes."

Master Zhao, now with both cats and dogs, returned to Dongyang County contentedly, hauling the 10,000-year Black Tortoise and a pile of gifts.

On November 13th, Zhao Ruide held a belated coming-of-age ceremony for Zhao Xing. He sent invitations to friends, colleagues, and superiors he had met over the past year in Dongyang County and Bixian County. Zhao Ruide also sent an invitation to Bixian Temporary Palace, but Princess Youruo was out on official business and not in Bixian County. She dispatched Liu Wanliang, the Prince's Mansion Steward, to attend the banquet discreetly. Nevertheless, he was discovered. As a result, Zhao Ruide, who had originally planned a small affair, had to issue hundreds more invitations. This was because Steward Liu, dispatched by Princess Youruo, was her longest-serving and highest-ranking steward. With a figure of such importance attending a banquet in Dongyang County, how could the officials of Bixian County not know?

Consequently, many people approached the Dongyang County Magistrate and the Commissioner of the Patrol Department, asking them to request additional invitations from Zhao Ruide! People with no direct connection somehow managed to find various excuses to insist on attending: "I'm the superior of Zhao Ruide's superior's superior. It's perfectly reasonable for me to attend a celebratory banquet, isn't it?" "I was the one who recommended Zhao Ruide's superior. It's not too much to ask for an invitation, is it?" "I was the previous Commissioner of the Bixian County Patrol Department. Zhao Ruide would have been my old subordinate if only for another year. It's perfectly logical for me to attend the banquet."

As a result, an invitation issued by a humble eighth-rank Deputy Commissioner in Dongyang County unexpectedly attracted numerous high-ranking officials and nobles from Bixian County. Guests arrived in continuous waves. Because attending the banquet itself wasn't important, and whether they knew Marquis Yuanrang or not was irrelevant. Being able to enter this banquet signified belonging to certain circles, and perhaps they could even meet influential people there! If the banquet hadn't ended so quickly, even people from Chongming Prefecture might have arrived.

"Your belated coming-of-age ceremony drew such a crowd; anyone unaware would think it was a banquet hosted by a high-ranking official."

At the Zhao Mansion, on the night after the guests had dispersed, Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing chatted in a waterside pavilion. "Who would have thought," Zhao Xing said with a chuckle. "These people just smelled the opportunity and came swarming. They couldn't be stopped, even ordering my father's superior to demand an invitation. The former Commissioner of the Patrol Department shamelessly insisted on crashing the banquet. It was truly infuriating yet amusing."

Chen Shijie sighed, "The official circles in the inland regions are intricate and complex, with countless opportunists. It's better to be in the military; there aren't as many twists and turns."

Zhao Xing glanced at Old Chen: "Did you encounter trouble on Firefly Island? Did someone make things difficult for you?"

Chen Shijie shook his head. "I did encounter some unpleasantness, but it's within normal bounds. You don't need to interfere."

Zhao Xing was already leveraging Princess Youruo's influence; it was acceptable for him to enjoy this prestige. However, if he were to use it to help Chen Shijie, it would seem like he was using Princess Youruo's name to bully others. Reaching too far was not a good thing. Ultimately, Zhao Xing himself was merely a sixth-rank Inspector and a third-class Marquis. What if one day Princess Youruo decided not to support him anymore? What if she and Liu Tianning broke up? Chen Shijie didn't want Zhao Xing to waste these favors too much for his sake.

"I also need to remind you of something. Your belated coming-of-age ceremony attracted many fifth-rank officials from the county to send gifts, which looks very impressive. But don't get carried away," Chen Shijie cautioned. "The Princess has not married your teacher after all. If one day she and your teacher go their separate ways, and she withdraws all support for you, you must be able to stand on your own."

Old Chen's words came from the heart, and only he would speak them when Zhao Xing was basking in success. Zhao Xing nodded, "I understand, thank you for the reminder." Another person might not have listened, but Zhao Xing was receptive to advice. Moreover, he knew Chen Shijie was right. According to the Old Witch and Old Liu's past lives, they would have a falling out by the time of the Great Peace era.

Chen Shijie chuckled, "Between us, is there a need to be so polite? By the way, why didn't Long Xiao show up? Didn't you invite him?"

Zhao Xing pulled out his earth mirror: "I invited him, but