Chapter 254: Eight Years Later, News of Mi Fu, Breaking Through to Fifth Rank

Zhao Xing, accompanied by his Cloud Leopard, Azure Luan, and Tiger Jiao, landed at Kaiyang Hall in Tianjing City, drawing countless gazes.

Ji An was utterly stunned at this moment.

"The Cloud Leopard... it belongs to Brother Zhao?!"

The other leaders from Seven Star Island quickly stood up, adopting defensive postures.

They only relaxed after realizing the Cloud Leopard had entered an adjacent courtyard.

Soon after, Zhao Xing approached Ji An to bid farewell: "Brother Ji, I'm afraid we might cause trouble for you later, so we've decided to find another place to stay."

Ji An asked, "Have you already found a new place, Brother Zhao?"

"Yes, we have."

"Very well, then let's meet again another day."

After Zhao Xing and his companions left, someone next to Ji An remarked:

"Brother Ji, that cat was his? Truly extraordinary."

"Why didn't you try to keep him?"

Ji An glanced at the speaker, who was Gu Yi, the same person who had previously opposed inviting Zhao Xing to join their group.

"You didn't agree earlier."

"What's the point of saying that now?" Ji An said indifferently. "Let's continue searching for flags."

Zhao Xing purchased an estate and moved his people to the new location.

For the next six days, he familiarized himself with the beast tamer's spells within the estate.

On the eleventh day, the Flag Capture competition concluded.

A large number of combat beasts were eliminated.

The very next day marked the start of the 'Survival Competition.'

Wang Xuanyi, a third-rank Minister of Agriculture, took action, disrupting the weather and geographical conditions of Tianjing Island.

Outside the city areas, the rest of Tianjing Island was ravaged by terrifying natural phenomena.

Volcanic eruptions, extreme freezing, and acid rain from the sky... a single cloud enveloped the entire Tianjing Island.

This lasted for seven full days. During this period, all life on the island withered, and no supplies could be obtained outside the human activity zones.

In such harsh conditions, vital energy was depleted rapidly with no means of replenishment.

By the time the survival competition ended, both the Tiger Jiao and Azure Luan were on the verge of collapse, their bodies visibly thinner.

Even the Cloud Leopard, usually so energetic, devoured fish voraciously as soon as it returned, having lost its usual liveliness.

On December 18th, the survival competition concluded.

With only one day, the Tiger Jiao and Azure Luan couldn't possibly recover.

This was because the 'Ice Seal Training' began immediately on the 19th. The arena was underwater, requiring participants to swim a full circle around the island—starting from the northern outer sea of Tianjing Island, going east, south, and west, and returning to the starting point.

Zhao Xing did not send the Azure Luan and Tiger Jiao to their deaths; he directly had both combat beasts withdraw from the competition.

Only the Cloud Leopard proceeded to the third trial.

Ten days later, in a certain sea area, the Cloud Leopard burst through the ice.

It lay sprawled on the ice, its stomach rumbling with hunger.

Since the Cloud Leopard had not undergone this type of training, and Zhao Xing was merely a novice tamer, the Cloud Leopard fell significantly behind in this round.

It returned to the starting point in the 1,070th position.

However, it had little time to rest, as a large aerial free-for-all was scheduled for the very next day.

Exotic beasts were forbidden from landing and had to engage in continuous aerial combat, another test of endurance and fighting prowess.

The final round was truly brutal.

The Frost Roc Bear, wielding a giant axe, the Demonic Soul Dragon in custom dragon armor, and the Imperial Crocodile and Rhino Reverent, equipped with divine weapon sets, began to team up and eliminate the remaining combat beasts.

One by one, combat beasts fell, their vital essence then devoured by stronger opponents.

Countless combat beasts perished in the sky. The Cloud Leopard, having learned its lesson, only roamed the fringes, relying on its agile movements to evade danger.

Two days later, three thousand combat beasts passed the preliminary selection.

The sea surface had turned blood-red. The Cloud Leopard returned to the city and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Zhao Xing looked at the blood-soaked Cloud Leopard and gave it a thorough cleaning. Upon realizing it was the blood of other combat beasts, he felt relieved.

"After all, the Cloud Leopard isn't a true combat beast. Although powerful, it still lacks many things compared to genuine combat beasts. It needs much more training in the future."

"I also need to become a true tamer, otherwise, I'll only be holding the Cloud Leopard back."

Zhao Xing summarized his experience and decided not to participate in the preliminary rounds for the next few years, focusing instead on cultivating the Cloud Leopard, Howler, and Inverted Ram.

Upon his return at the end of December, the Cloud Leopard's performance attracted the attention of numerous forces across the Purple Heaven Archipelago.

Many learned of the news and rushed to Twin Dragon-Horse Stable, eager to purchase the Cloud Leopard.

"Marquis Yuanrang, name your price. This Cloud Leopard is wasted in your hands."

"Can't you speak properly? Get out!"

"Marquis Yuanrang, I'm willing to trade ten fourth-grade combat beasts, all with Divine-tier 3rd-rank bloodlines, for your Cloud Leopard."

"Do you take my lord for a fool? Escort them out!"

"Marquis Yuanrang..."

"No visitors!"

Some genuinely sought to buy it legitimately, while others harbored ulterior motives.

On the larger islands of the Purple Heaven Archipelago, governmental institutions held significant authority, with many officials holding fourth-grade ranks.

Since he wouldn't sell the cat, they decided to poach Zhao Xing as well!

"Isn't he a sixth-rank official? Promote him to fifth-rank and transfer him to our prefecture, then the cat will be ours too, won't it?"

Consequently, a strange scene unfolded in Chongming Prefecture.

Many high-ranking fourth-grade officials traveled to Chongming Prefecture, attempting to lobby for Zhao Xing's inclusion on the promotion candidate list.

Upon learning of this, Zhao Xing was utterly bewildered.

He had intended to use the Cloud Leopard to gain entry into the Dragon Court Ancient Land and thereby secure a promotion, but he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.

However, Zhao Xing chose to decline. If he was to be promoted, it had to be based on his own merit!

If he wanted to use backdoors, would he need these profit-driven individuals?

Furthermore, Zhao Xing was still preparing to break through to the fifth rank; a promotion now would disrupt his plans.

Thus, in January of the 22nd year of the Jingxin calendar, Zhao Xing made a trip to Chongming Prefecture, asking Wang Xuanyi to block all these ill-intentioned individuals.

The reason was simple: he had been there for less than two years and only had one year of excellent performance. How could he possibly be promoted to a full fifth-rank official? This would undoubtedly ruin his future prospects.

Wang Xuanyi personally promised that no one would interfere with Zhao Xing's promotion.

On the tenth day of the second lunar month, the Spring Festival day, in the 22nd year of the Jingxin calendar.

Zhao Xing traveled by multi-decked boat back to Dongyang County in Bixian Prefecture to celebrate the New Year.

Chen Shijie and Gui Niang also returned, but Long Xiao still hadn't come home.

"Long Xiao, he's not spending New Year's at the Baiyun Wu family, is he?" Zhao Xing asked.

"No, not at all," Chen Shijie replied. "This year, he was genuinely kept on duty by his superior."

"Hmm? Didn't Bai Ling conscript him?" Zhao Xing inquired.

"Apparently, they had an argument. Bai Ling had Long Xiao's superior assign him additional tasks and forbade him from leaving Red Rock Island."

Zhao Xing was speechless. It sounded like another Princess Youruo.

Speaking of which, Princess Youruo also seemed to be at odds with Liu Tianning recently.

Zhao Xing had arranged a meeting date in advance, but Princess Youruo didn't even reply.

It was Ji Zixuan who secretly told him that Princess Youruo had been furious a few days prior, cursing Liu Tianning loudly in her palace.

Zhao Xing also asked Ji Zixuan for the reason.

He heard that Princess Youruo wanted Liu Tianning's main body to come and keep her company, while his clones could handle his duties.

However, Old Liu refused, citing busy official duties.

The old hag didn't even go to accompany Emperor Jing this year, planning instead to celebrate the festival with her beloved.

But after a huge argument, Old Liu not only didn't come in person but also didn't even send a single clone.

"Old Liu is truly insensible. I'm still operating on their territory," Zhao Xing sighed.

However, he also knew he couldn't blame Liu Tianning.

Because by the end of this year, the Mid-Grade War would commence, and the low-grade military training would completely conclude.

Emperor Jing would dispatch seven armies from the Ten Great Grotto-Heavens to participate: Tongyou, Jiuxiao, Huangquan, Xuanming, Tiancang, Taixu, and Wuyao.

The deployment of these seven powerful Grotto-Heaven armies was the highest configuration possible, short of the Emperor personally leading the expedition.

If Emperor Jing were to personally lead, he would bring his three imperial guards: Jinwu, Luanyi, and Shenxiu.

With the Mid-Grade War commencing at year-end, Liu Tianning, as the Transport Commissioner, was naturally overwhelmed. Although he had tens of thousands of clones, his mental energy was limited, and he truly had no time to come at this moment.

Perhaps he could spare a clone to make an appearance, but his main body was absolutely out of the question.

"My... my teacher and Princess Youruo also had an argument," Zhao Xing sighed. "I probably won't even be able to enter the Princess's Residence this year. Old Chen, you're right, one must stand on their own feet. No patron is as strong as oneself."

"Last year, even for a belated coming-of-age ceremony, a crowd of officials visited. This year, my home is much quieter."

Chen Shijie smiled and said, "It's better to have some peace. During New Year's and festivals, let's not talk about such things. Come on, let's go make festive rice together."

"Alright."

In March of the 22nd year of the Jingxin calendar, Zhao Xing returned to Twin Dragon-Horse Stable.

He primarily focused on three tasks: first, breeding warhorses for the Black Armored Army, Wuluo Army, and Jiujiang Army.

This formed the foundation of his political achievements; as long as orders existed each year, his performance would not be poor.

Second, fulfilling orders from the Jade Water Academy, primarily custom-made items for the Beast Taming Department.

This year, Zhao Xing added a condition to his contract renewal: he requested a high-grade beast tamer from the Jade Water Academy to teach him.

The third task was cultivating the Howler Hound, Arrogant Sky Cat, and Inverted Ram.

These were his tickets to the Dragon Court Ancient Land, where rare and profoundly influential treasures awaited, which he absolutely could not miss.

The Dragon Court Ancient Land might also yield spiritual energy items, which would greatly benefit him in cultivating Pure Yuan Soil and practicing the Self-Nature School.

Additionally, there were valuable plant-based military species: Void Seeds and Parasitic Seeds.

"Old Liu's Myriad Law Clones are powerful, but not powerful enough. If my Myriad Law Clones were based on ancient dragon vines, with true dragons as bones and dragon blood as a source, I could possess a Myriad Law True Dragon Clone with terrifying combat power."

"The Dragon Court Ancient Land also offers Void Seeds, which can root themselves in the void. This would be enough to compensate for the Self-Nature School's cultivators' deficiency in aerial firepower."

"As long as I can acquire these items, when I go to Shangluo Academy in the future, I can smoothly take over Old Liu's position and become the leader of the Self-Nature School."

He absolutely had to go to the Dragon Court Ancient Land; that was Zhao Xing's initial reason for coming to the East Sea.

Inside Tuoquan Palace.

Arrogant Sky Cloud Leopard was staring at the little Howler.

"Woof woof," the Howler Hound barked twice at the Cloud Leopard and even tried to bite its tail.

"Whap!" Arrogant Sky swatted it away with a sweep of its tail, a look of disdain on its face.

But Howler got up again, sniffed here and there, and slowly crept back.

"Meow!" The Cloud Leopard suddenly bristled, pinning the Howler Hound with a paw.

That dog dared to lick its belly! "This cat is male, where would I get milk for you?!"

"Woof woof," Howler whimpered, expressing its great grievance; it was hungry.

The Cloud Leopard, resigned, unleashed a gust of gale, which instantly struck the bronze bell hanging above the palace, causing it to chime.

Soon after, Tao Anchun, from the Divine Feeding Department, appeared outside the door.

He walked in, carrying several large buckets of food, and looked at the bronze bell with some confusion.

"Why did the Vitality Warning Bell ring? It's not yet time for feeding and vital energy replenishment."

Nevertheless, since he was already there, Tao Anchun still provided extra meals for all the combat beasts.

After Tao Anchun left, the Cloud Leopard pointed at the bronze bell, then at the food laid out on the ground, and meowed at the Howler Hound.

The Howler Hound suddenly understood.

That night, at midnight.

"Clang! Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!"

Tao Anchun, who had just intended to go to sleep, changed his expression.

Why was the Vitality Warning Bell ringing again?

He had already run eight times today!

"Could a warhorse have broken through, needing food replenishment?" Tao Anchun immediately got up again, dragging a boatload of food, and flew towards Tuoquan Palace.

As soon as he arrived at Tuoquan Palace, he saw Zhao Xing also there.

"My lord, were you disturbed by the Vitality Warning Bell?" Tao Anchun asked.

"Yes, and I thought I'd come over to check."

"I wonder how many warhorses have broken through."

"No breakthroughs. It's that Azure Lion playing tricks," Zhao Xing said, pointing at the door to the room where the Howler Hound was kept. "It bit through the security gate, and now it's banging the Vitality Warning Bell."

Tao Anchun: "..."

Zhao Xing found the Cloud Leopard lying nearby: "Did you teach it to do this?"

The Cloud Leopard nodded obediently.

"I told you to train the dog, not teach it these tricks," Zhao Xing said irritably.

"This isn't dog training; it's clearly training people."

"No wonder Tao Anchun has been coming to Tuoquan Palace to feed them eight times a day."

Tao Anchun chuckled, "My lord, these two combat beasts are truly intelligent."

"This won't do. I still need to find a professional beast tamer to teach me," Zhao Xing said. "Lord Tao, when will Zhai Zhong from the Jade Water Academy arrive?"

"He's scheduled for the first day of the fourth month."

In early April of the 22nd year of the Jingxin calendar, the spring season of the Myriad Beasts Arena began.

After Zhao Xing completed the latest round of orders, Qin Hongying, the branch dean of Jade Water Academy, sent Zhai Zhong to Twin Island to instruct Zhao Xing in the art of beast taming.

In May, the Howler Hound and Inverted Ram transitioned from their cub stage to adulthood, reaching the eighth-grade Spirit Bridge Realm.

Their vital energy absorption rate accelerated, and they ate significantly more.

"You've raised them quite well," Zhai Zhong said, feeling Howler's bones.

"The Azure Lion naturally possesses the bloodline of the ancient divine beast Suanni. With sustained training, it's growing exceptionally well, and its bloodline power has activated to the third stage."

Zhao Xing nodded. If a beast simply ate and slept all day, even the strongest bloodline would be wasted.

The same applied to human cultivators; if they were constantly lazy and gluttonous, even a genius would become useless within three years.

"I hope Master Zhai will continue to offer guidance in the future."

In mid-April, the spring season of the Myriad Beasts Arena began.

Quint, from Nine Dragon Island, having mustered all his strength, brought fifty combat beasts with divine beast bloodlines to compete this time.

However, he did not see Twin Island on the roster.

Zhao Xing also did not participate in the summer or autumn seasons.

The scene of the Cloud Leopard slaying a god last winter seemed like a mere fleeting glimpse.

On November 7th of the 22nd year of the Jingxin calendar, marking the Beginning of Winter.

The low-grade military training on the Pacification Battlefield concluded.

The original four Grotto-Heavens — Shiyang, Danxia, Huanyou, Yuanhua, and Zhaoshi — were relegated to auxiliary roles.

Seven major Grotto-Heavens — Tongyou, Jiuxiao, Huangquan, Xuanming, Tiancang, Taixu, and Wuyao — entered the war.

All individuals below the sixth rank withdrew from the battlefield.

The sixth-rank Heavenly Gang Realm became the minimum threshold for participation.

Fourth-rank Yuan Po Realm cultivators became the main commanders.

The commanders of the Divine Might Army, whom Zhao Xing knew well — Marquis Boping Yang An, Marquis Mingwei Xiang Kui of the Black Armored Army, Marquis Mingwu Xu Xinming of the Tiger Jiao Army, and Marquis Yangwu Ding Yang of the Scorching Sun Army — all returned to the battlefield.

"Lu Yuanwei was promoted to fifth-rank, and he remained to participate in the war with the Divine Thunder Army."

"Xia Jing also rose to fifth-rank and continued to participate in the mid-grade war alongside his cousin, Xia Tong."

"And Pei Yuanchang, Ji Chen..."

Zhao Xing looked at the intelligence reports, closed his eyes, and entered a dream.

"Compared to my previous life, the Mid-Grade War has started three years early. It was supposed to begin in the 25th year of the Jingxin calendar and end in the 34th year."

"But now so much has changed. It seems the influence of the Ten Suns Hovering has altered the course of events," Zhao Xing mused.

In this life, the Ten Suns Hovering event resulted in far fewer deaths among mid-level generals.

Of course, Zhao Xing speculated that fewer deaths might not be the main reason.

Ultimately, the nature of the Ten Suns Hovering event itself had changed.

In his previous life, it was classified as a natural disaster, but in this life, it was mixed with human elements.

"The discovery of the Profound Heaven Sect made the Great Zhou more enraged, and Emperor Jing immediately dispatched seven of the top ten powerful armies from the very beginning."

"In my previous life, there were only three imperial armies at the start, and it was much later that they increased to seven."

"I wonder what impact this will have."

Zhao Xing pondered for a while in his dream.

Then he awoke.

He went to the temple in Twin County, Bay Island, and activated the Earth Mirror to remotely contact Liu Tianning.

"Teacher, I heard there have been changes on the Pacification Battlefield. Has it affected you?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I've taken on the concurrent post of Commissioner of Intelligence for the Shangyu Department in Pinghai Prefecture and sent some clones to the Yanjiang Royal Court," Liu Tianning replied.

"Shangyu Department?" Zhao Xing was startled. Wasn't that an intelligence agency? Why was Old Liu dabbling in undercover operations?

However, Liu Tianning did not elaborate further: "You must also be careful in the East Sea and guard against those with ill intentions."

"Who are you referring to, Teacher?" Zhao Xing asked.

"The Prince Liang faction, the Eastern Wilderness forces, and the Seventy-Two Heretical Sects," Liu Tianning said. "You're in the East Sea; even if I wanted to help you, I'd be beyond my reach. You need to keep a low profile there."

"Understood."

Zhao Xing pondered.

Old Liu must have uncovered something; otherwise, now that he was in the East Sea, there would be no need to warn him about Prince Liang.

And what about the Seventy-Two Heretical Sects and the Eastern Island forces?

After ending his conversation with Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing re-entered his dream.

He found that the impact of the Ten Suns Hovering event was far-reaching.

Although the Great Zhou categorized it as a natural disaster mixed with human factors, with the former being primary.

However, in the Southern Wilderness's propaganda, the credit was entirely attributed to the Profound Heaven Sect.

Blood Spirit Venerable's overthrow of Shiyang Grotto-Heaven greatly invigorated the outside monastic sects.

Coupled with the decline of the Great Zhou at the end of the low-grade military training phase, all corners of the world became restless.

"Emperor Jing urgently needed a great victory to deter the world, which must be why he started the Mid-Grade War three years early."

"The Seventy-Two Heretical Sects split off from the Seventy-Two Daoist Academies. What outside forces are in the deep East Sea? The Jade Water Heretical Sect? The Heavenly Gui Heretical Sect?" Zhao Xing felt that even the aquatic races might become restless.

"I don't know what the future will be like. I hope Emperor Jing doesn't lose too badly this time. Otherwise, by the time it reaches Emperor Wu, who knows what will happen? Hmm? With it being three years early, will Emperor Wu even be born?"

Zhao Xing suddenly realized that the Jingxin calendar was originally supposed to last until its 37th year. If it ended three years early, could Emperor Jing still give birth to Emperor Wu?

"Never mind. Whoever becomes emperor won't affect my becoming Grand Minister of Agriculture."

"As long as I can become the leader of any branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, I'll eventually reach that position."

In the 23rd year of the Jingxin calendar, Zhao Xing remained on Twin Island as its Left Administrator.

In the first half of the year, Zhao Xing still did not get to see Princess Youruo.

The old hag seemed to have completely forgotten about Zhao Xing's existence.

However, Zhao Xing continued to send gifts and greetings to the Princess's Residence on important festivals.

To Zhao Xing's relief, the old hag still accepted the gifts he sent.

She simply didn't want to see him in person.

Mid-year, the Cloud Leopard advanced from early fifth-rank to mid fifth-rank.

The Howler Hound and Inverted Ram, meanwhile, entered the late seventh-rank Earth Fiend Realm.

Zhao Xing's beast taming spells also became increasingly proficient.

At year-end, Chongming Prefecture still gave him an excellent rating for his performance.

Early in the 24th year of the Jingxin calendar.

Yang An, with a single sword stroke in the Southern Wilderness, slew a third-rank Heavenly Witch, earning him renown across the land and the title of Marquis Divine Might.

That same summer, Shang Ziyan and Su Minghui from the Beast Taming Department of Jade Water Academy participated in the summer preliminaries, emerging as promising talents.

In winter, the Cloud Leopard entered the late fifth-rank, while the Howler Hound and Inverted Ram entered the early sixth-rank.

Autumn of the 25th year of the Jingxin calendar.

The Howler Hound and Inverted Ram entered the early fifth-rank and passed the autumn season preliminaries.

This time, Zhao Xing was much more low-key; Howler and the Inverted Ram did not display overly strong abilities.

In the second-to-last preliminary round on Tianjing Island, Howler and the Inverted Ram barely scraped through.

By the end of December, the Myriad Beasts Arena preliminaries concluded. They now only needed to participate in one group stage match within the next five years to qualify from the East Sea.

After the Myriad Beasts Arena, Zhao Xing followed Liu Tianning's advice and maintained a low profile, focusing on farming on Twin Island.

He rarely even paid attention to the Pacification War.

Aside from daily official duties, he dedicated all his energy to studying the Myriad Law Grass Figures, cultivating combat beasts, and comprehending the three great secret scriptures.

He only occasionally wrote to Yun Yi, Li Fuhan, and Yue Lingzhi, whom he had previously invested in, sending them some precious medicinal herbs and resources from the island.

In the daily routine of farming and cultivation, time seemed to accelerate.

In the blink of an eye, it was already the 29th year of the Jingxin calendar.

March 5th, the Day of Awakening of Insects, in the 29th year of the Jingxin calendar.

In an unnamed sea area far from Twin Island, five thousand meters below the surface.

A completely black Azure Lion floated on the seabed.

"Gulp!"

Howler exhaled a circle of bubbles, which rapidly expanded to half a meter in diameter.

A wisp of red light appeared from Howler's mouth.

"Pop!" It was as if a fire dragon burst from Howler's mouth, a dragon-shaped beam of light instantly extending a thousand meters away.

The powerful impact created a negative pressure air blast in the deep sea.

"Boom!" The red light beam struck a floating magic wall in the distance.

On the sea surface, Zhao Xing, sitting cross-legged on the deck of the multi-decked boat, heard the crisp ringing of wind chimes beside him.

"Ding-a-ling."

Zhao Xing opened his eyes and saw a crystal nearby projecting text onto the ground.

Identification test: Secret Skill is the high-tier secret skill 'Flame of Destruction.'

Test Power: Early Yuan Po Realm.

Test Distance: 1200 meters.

Lethal Range: 3-meter radius.

"An attack from 1,200 meters underwater, reaching the power of early Yuan Po Realm. This trip truly wasn't in vain," Zhao Xing said with a smile.

"Howler, come up."

"Woof!"

The Azure Lion in the deep sea immediately transformed into a streak of rainbow light and swam upwards.

The sea surface exploded, a pillar of water shot skyward, and a black and red figure shot out with a whoosh, landing on the deck.

"Woof woof!" Howler panted with its tongue out, wagging its tail at Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing extended a finger, took a drop of blood from Howler, and placed it into the 'Shangheng Device.'

The advanced Shangheng Device then displayed its detailed information.

Name: Azure LionGrade: Mid-Fifth RankBloodline: Divine-tier 7th-rankInnate Secret Skill: Suanni PowerBloodline ability inherited from the ancient divine beast Suanni. When activated, vital energy is significantly boosted to the mid-Yuan Po Realm. Estimated duration: two hours.Innate Secret Skill: Suanni ManifestationWhen the Suanni bloodline reaches the seventh-tier level, the Suanni Manifestation can be cast. The power of all fire-element secret skills is increased sevenfold, lasting for one hour.Innate Secret Skill: Destructive ImpactAttack Power: Mid-Yuan Po RealmInnate Secret Skill: Fire Element Domain (Triple)Effect: Burns all enemies within the domain using the power of fire from heaven and earth.Effective Range: 3000 meters. Maximum Lethal Range: 300 meters.Second Transformation: Scorching Sun Pure Yuan BodyPure Yuan Possession: (Conditions for possession met)Overall Combat Power Rating: Mid-Fourth Rank Yuan Po Realm.

"Its overall combat power rating has reached mid-fourth rank Yuan Po Realm. Truly worthy of a divine beast bloodline," Zhao Xing said, closing the Shangheng Device.

"However, there's still a lot of room for improvement."

The Howler Hound is currently only mid-fifth rank, and the maximum grade for participation in the Myriad Beasts Arena is fourth rank.

"Let's see where the next maritime 'houbian' will occur."

Zhao Xing walked into the multi-decked boat.

Inside the Cloud-Rain multi-decked boat, there was a very spacious room containing only one item: the shell of a Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Tortoise.

After eight years of refinement using the Fire Forging Method, the Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Tortoise shell had shrunk tenfold and could finally be loaded onto the ship.

If it were still its original size, this Cloud-Rain multi-decked boat couldn't hold it; a warship would be needed.

"My Divination Law has reached the high-tier third-rotation level. This spell is specifically used to predict 'houbian' changes between heaven and earth."

"Although it's only high-tier third-rotation, the Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Tortoise shell can achieve the effect of high-tier perfection."

The 'Divination Law' is divided into land and sea sections. For the past few years, Zhao Xing had focused on cultivating the part that specifically predicted maritime 'houbian.'

His own Startling Thunder 'houbian' had certain limitations; it worked best on earth-attributed exotic beasts, while being less effective on other attributes.

The higher the combat beast's grade, the harder it was for the Startling Thunder 'houbian' to succeed.

Therefore, starting seven years ago, Zhao Xing began to pursue 'maritime houbian.'

"Above and below the ocean, the number of 'houbian' events is far greater than on land, and their types are diverse."

"In seven years, a total of 594 'ten-year houbian' events and 24 'hundred-year houbian' events were discovered."

"Not a single 'thousand-year houbian' level event was found," Zhao Xing recalled.

"Only one-fifth of the ten-year level 'houbian' events proved useful."

"Hundred-year 'houbian' events were even rarer, with only six suitable ones. The rest carried significant risks and uncontrollable consequences."

Once a maritime 'houbian' location was found, Zhao Xing cleared the area of other creatures, leaving only Howler and the Inverted Ram to occupy the 'houbian' zone.

As for Arrogant Sky Cloud Leopard, 'houbian' events of the hundred-year level were no longer very useful for it.

The Howler Hound and Inverted Ram, being amidst the heaven and earth 'houbian' events, had both grown tremendously.

The Spirit Illusionary Goat breed, skilled in illusions, at the mid-fifth rank Pure Yuan Realm, also reached a comprehensive combat power rating of mid-fourth rank Yuan Po Realm.

"I recall a thousand-year 'houbian' occurring in the East Sea, where a giant Kun transformed into a Great Roc."

"I've been calculating for seven years and have found the landmark reference points, but I don't know the exact location or time of its occurrence."

Zhao Xing pointed a finger, and flames ignited within the room, causing the entire Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Tortoise shell to burn.

Zhao Xing, with his Heavenly Eye open, scanned the tortoise shell, and the results were the same as before.

In his mind, a black sea area appeared, with three peculiar islands rising within it, like warblades standing between heaven and earth.

Seeing no more information, Zhao Xing opened his eyes. After burning, the tortoise shell had shrunk slightly.

"Since I can still see it, it proves it hasn't happened yet," Zhao Xing mused. "I wonder if Long Xiao can help find this place."

It was now spring of the 29th year of the Jingxin calendar. Since the end of the 20th year of Jingxin, the three of them had come to the East Sea to serve as officials.

Now, Long Xiao had been promoted to fifth-rank, left Red Rock Prefecture, and joined the White-Eyed Azure Dragon Army, becoming a full fifth-rank Sea Patrol Emissary.

He and Chen Shijie, however, remained full sixth-rank top.

Long Xiao was faster than both of them, having been promoted in the 27th year. His was a special speed; Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing would have to endure two more years, which was the normal pace.

Of course, Zhao Xing could be promoted at any time, but he didn't want to be, as a fifth-rank position meant leaving Twin Island and being transferred to a larger island.

Liu Tianning advised him to keep a low profile, and he didn't object. Prince Liang's faction was growing increasingly influential in the East Sea. In recent years, some outside monastic sects had even caused trouble at sea, disguising themselves as pirates to intercept shipping lanes.

Since he could be promoted anytime, it was better to continue developing on Twin Island. He had, after all, invested considerable effort into Twin Island.

"With Long Xiao's help in finding the place, if it still can't be found, then I simply have no destiny with this location, and I won't force it."

Zhao Xing again employed the Divination Law to calculate hundred-year level 'houbian' events. After receiving enlightenment, he prepared to sail south.

During the voyage, Zhao Xing used the Five-Finger Heavenly Fate method to calculate his own fortune.

"Heaven's will sought, long-held desire fulfilled, auspicious."

"Hmm? What does this mean? 'Long-held desire fulfilled,' could it be...?" Zhao Xing closed his eyes.

Meanwhile, the Myriad Law Clone on Twin Island came online.

As soon as it came online, Zhao Xing noticed the Earth Mirror on this clone vibrating.

Zhao Xing realized the message was from Xia Jing.

"Buzz."

A phantom image appeared, showing Xia Jing's figure.

At this time, Xia Jing was already a fifth-rank martial general in the Black Armored Army. Compared to a few years ago, he had matured considerably and grown a beard.

"What's wrong, Brother Xia? Is the attack not going well?" Zhao Xing asked.

At this point, the mid-grade phase of the Pacification War had been going on for seven years. The war was no longer smoothly progressing as it once was, but had entered a protracted stalemate.

Territories seized today might be recaptured by the Southern Wilderness tomorrow, and many fourth-rank martial generals had even died.

"No," Xia Jing said. "Our army has been resting and stationed in Mingfeng City for three months now. General Xiang has no further offensive plans yet."

"Then why are you suddenly looking for me?"

"There's news about Mi Fu, whom you asked me to find earlier," Xia Jing cursed. "Damn it, our brothers have been looking for this old dog for nearly ten years. I can't believe he was banished to 'Guixu City.' No wonder we couldn't find him."

Zhao Xing was stunned, then ecstatic: "Are you sure this Mi Fu is a fifth-rank Minister of Agriculture and knows the Self-Nature School's spells?"

"Yes, he knows the Folding Bone Method and the Essence Dissection Method! I've heard about them so much my ears are calloused!"

Zhao Xing suppressed the excitement in his heart: "Continue, I'll see if it matches."

Xia Jing said, "This person's resume is quite spectacular."

"He is 154 years old this year, a native of Guangyuan Prefecture in Yuanpin Province."

"However, he only began his official career at the age of fifty."

"In the 149th year of the Dingxin calendar, he was admitted to 'Lianhua Academy' to study."

"He graduated at sixty as a Daoist official and went to Lingli Prefecture to serve as an agricultural official, starting as a full ninth-rank superior Field Registrar."

"The first ten years went smoothly, and he quickly reached full seventh-rank superior."

"For the next thirty years, by the time he was a hundred, he had become a full fifth-rank superior official."

"But for some unknown reason, for the next fifty-four years, he kept rotating within the fifth rank."

"In fifty-four years, he changed seventeen locations, staying at most three years in one place before being transferred or dismissed."

"From fifth-rank to full fifth-rank, and then back to fifth-rank again, rising and falling over a dozen times. What's strange is that every time he was demoted, he would soon be promoted again."

"It wasn't until the 17th year of the Jingxin calendar that he was demoted to full sixth-rank and banished to Guixu City. This time, his promotion wasn't as quick; he only rose again this spring."

"It was only then that my uncle located him from the list of officials in Guangling Province."

"This old fellow simply doesn't stick to his main profession."

Xia Jing sighed, "He's been a teacher at Shangluo Academy, served as a military agricultural official in the Qian Yue Army in Yuanpin Province, then switched to being a blacksmith at the Heavenly Works Workshop. Towards the end of the Dingxin calendar, he even worked as an Inspector and then became a martial artist."

"Five years ago, he even took exams to be a prefectural musician and dancer. I heard he's also good at painting and can even create proselytizing artworks..."

"No wonder we couldn't find him. For decades, he rarely did any agricultural official work. The key is that he actually managed to pass those exams, and his political evaluations were decent. He's truly a damn genius..."

As Zhao Xing listened to Xia Jing's complaints, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Yes, yes, yes, it's him!

Mi Fu is truly a genius!

Otherwise, how could he have created a secret art like the 'Profound Yellow Essence Dissection Technique'?

Zhao Xing took a deep breath and said, "Brother Xia, he is exactly the person I've been looking for!"

"Please tell me where he is now?"

Xia Jing said, "He was banished to the Star Ruin Realm in Guangling Province and is serving in Guixu City."

"Star Ruin Realm?" Zhao Xing frowned. "Why haven't I heard of it?"

Xia Jing said, "My uncle told me that the Heavenly Machine Hall calculated this small world is approaching the end of its life, entering its 'Period of Annihilation.'"

"It's a large and chaotic place. Because it has too many entrances, it's constantly contested by multiple factions."

"It has never been listed within the Great Zhou's military domain because the Great Zhou only occupies a small part of it."

"The exact location of the Star Ruin Realm isn't even certain to be within the Great Zhou's territory, as the Great Zhou only seized the 'gate entrance'."

Upon hearing "gate entrance," Zhao Xing understood.

No wonder he hadn't heard of it. Any small world with such a "gate entrance" would have an elusive location, drifting in the void.

Its corresponding entrance in the Great Thousand World was unstable; the "gate entrance" was a passage stabilized by ancient sects using divine weapons and formations.

If the gate entrance was lost, it would mean permanent loss of contact with the small world, making it impossible to find.

"Alright, I understand," Zhao Xing said.

"Does my uncle need to do anything else?" Xia Jing asked. "The location is in Guangling Province."

"No need," Zhao Xing smiled. "I have connections in Guangling Province too, have you forgotten?"

"Ah, right," Xia Jing realized, recalling how Zhao Xing had sold slots in Shiyang Grotto-Heaven, accumulating a lot of favors.

"You must be careful in the Southern Wilderness. You're only a commander now," Zhao Xing reminded him.

"Don't worry, I know," Xia Jing said. "It's hard to kill me. With the internal Gluttonous Devouring Method and the external Xuanwu Shield, even a fourth-rank might not be able to kill me."

"You be careful in the East Sea too. I've heard it's been unsettled there these past few years, with heretical sects appearing."

"Don't worry," Zhao Xing said. "I'm just quietly farming; no one will find me."

Ending the call with Xia Jing, Zhao Xing also received the detailed information Xia Jing had sent via the Earth Mirror.

After reading it several times, Zhao Xing became utterly thrilled.

"Mi Fu, oh Mi Fu, I've had such a