Chapter 255: Pure Origin Dao Body of All Laws, Meeting with Mi Fu

"Ao Tian, Xiao Tian, Huan Tian, protect me." Zhao Xing's mind stirred, and he immediately summoned his 'Tian' generation war pets to stand guard.

"Woof!" Xiao Tian the dog immediately ran to his post.

"Woof!"

"Woof!"

Zhao Xing was speechless. Both the lynx and the Spirit Illusion Goat had been influenced by the dogs and were even sticking out their tongues.

Once the three war beasts were in position, Zhao Xing activated the warship's barrier.

What was he guarding against? Evil cult members, of course.

Since the 22nd year of the Jingxin calendar, Liu Tianning had issued a warning, and by the 23rd year, evil cults were active in the East Sea.

The open sea was an area where the imperial court's control was relatively weak.

This was particularly true for the East Sea, as Pinghai Prefecture had been established later than other prefectures.

Furthermore, the "Earth Mirror" was ineffective in many parts of the ocean, making monitoring much weaker compared to inland areas. Apart from specially designated safe shipping lanes, other areas had weak control. Otherwise, figures like Bai Yunwu, the Water Tribe Pacification Envoy, would not have emerged.

In the 24th and 25th years of the Jingxin calendar, evil cults became increasingly active, launching attacks on imperial islands.

In particular, the rogue cultivators who had split from the former Azure Water Sect knew the East Sea intimately. Their impersonation of Daoist academy members made them incredibly difficult to defend against.

To maintain a low profile, Zhao Xing neither sought promotion nor advanced his cultivation realm. This was because evil cults operated with a cost-benefit analysis for their attacks; it wasn't worth the effort to kill or abduct anyone below a certain rank.

As the mid-grade war intensified, Dragon Nose Island, the closest to Zhao Xing, was attacked by "pirates" in the 26th year of the Jingxin calendar.

Yet, Zhao Xing's Twin Islands remained entirely undisturbed.

This was because he maintained a very low profile, even declining most annual orders. Coupled with Yan Wu's good fortune, he hadn't encountered a single suicide attack in the past few years.

Now, however, he could no longer afford to be low-key.

First, the mid-grade war was nearing its end, and the East Sea was expected to become even more turbulent. Even if he maintained a low profile, he would likely be swept into the chaos. The situation was set to change, and remaining at the sixth rank would instead bring misfortune.

Second, Mi Fu had been located. From the information Xia Jing gathered, it was highly probable that Mi Fu, who had been bouncing between fifth-rank official positions for so many years, had already developed the "Profound Yellow Elemental Analysis Art."

Cultivating Pure Essence Soil required special treasures in conjunction with the "Profound Yellow Elemental Analysis Art." However, the prerequisite was to first reach the fifth rank and begin practicing this technique.

"Once I return from the Abyssal Night Sea, I will be at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Gang Realm."

"Throughout this time, I continuously purified my vital energy. By the 25th year of the Jingxin calendar, I was confident enough to attempt a breakthrough—a full year earlier than Long Xiao."

"In the 25th year of the Jingxin calendar, my breakthrough success rate was eighty percent."

"By the 26th year of the Jingxin calendar, I was absolutely certain of success," Zhao Xing mused. "Now, a breakthrough would only take an instant."

He had been entirely confident three years ago; now, breaking through would be as simple as drinking water.

"The fifth rank is a crucial stage where the body undergoes 'pure essence transformation.' Every muscle, meridian, acupoint, and bone will gain the ability to gather and disperse vital energy."

"Upon breaking through to the fifth rank, many individuals specialize in a single path to forge their own Pure Essence Dao Body."

"For martial artists, examples like the Cold Spirit Martial Body, Thunder Martial Body, or Vajra Might Body involve imprinting their comprehended Dao into every part of their physique."

While different professions use terms like Dharma Body or Martial Body, they are all collectively known as Dao Bodies.

For instance, when Long Xiao achieved the fifth rank, he solidified the Geng Metal Pure Essence Sword Body, also known as the Geng Metal Dao Body.

Chen Shijie hasn't broken through yet, but he specializes in the Hellfire Dungeon technique. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, his breakthrough will likely result in a Hellfire Dao Body.

By imprinting his most proficient Dao into every part of his body with pure essence, Old Chen, upon reaching the fifth rank, would essentially become a living Hellfire Dungeon!

"Hum."

Zhao Xing stood at the pinnacle of the multi-story ship, and a rainbow bridge manifested above his head.

This was the Heaven and Earth Spirit Bridge, typically formed at the eighth rank, used to commune with the world and absorb vital energy.

Zhao Xing's Spirit Bridge resonated with the very essence of Dao.

The seven elemental forces — Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Thunder — manifested on the Spirit Bridge, transforming it into a vibrant rainbow.

"Boom."

The terrifying absorption force caused the surrounding vital energy to surge, forming a colorful vortex.

Heaven and Earth vital energy poured in like a deluge.

Under normal circumstances, absorbing vital energy from Heaven and Earth requires slow refinement, as this energy is polymorphic and not pure.

For example, Gale Force Wind is essentially a type of wind energy, but only by reaching the Heavenly Gang Realm can one absorb and utilize it, thus enabling flight within such winds.

The same principle applied to Earth Fiends.

Breaking through to the Pure Essence Realm did not mean absorbing just any type of vital energy.

Zhao Xing's current unrestrained absorption was a direct test of his own Dao!

"I cultivate three schools, and I am proficient in every type of spell."

"I have comprehended the Dao of the Five Elements, Wind, and Thunder, each to its high-level perfection."

"If I wished to form a Hellfire Dao Body, it would manifest in an instant."

"However, I am far stronger than Old Chen. When I break through, it will be the Myriad Laws Dao Body!" Zhao Xing mused.

Currently, all the spells he had mastered from the three schools—Heaven's Timing, Earth's Advantage, and Self—were at high-level perfection.

The Myriad Laws Straw Man technique was an exception; it had no concept of 'perfection' and could be cultivated indefinitely, continuously merging with the Dao.

"Rumble."

The torrent of vital energy flowed smoothly through the seven-colored rainbow bridge.

Simultaneously, a phenomenon occurred.

Above the rainbow bridge, a valiant straw man materialized. This signified the verification of the Dao of Metal; without comprehending it, any absorbed energy at this stage would fail to engrave, leading to a breakthrough failure.

This was followed by Flying (Wind), Implosion (Fire), and Holy Shield (Earth).

Next appeared a light blue phantom, resembling Zhao Xing, demonstrating the Dropping Rain technique.

Another green phantom materialized, performing the Instantaneous Primordial technique.

And a purple phantom, casting a Thunder spell.

All the spells Zhao Xing had learned—encompassing Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Thunder—were now fully assembled.

All the agricultural spells he had learned throughout his life now manifested. If Wang Xuanyi were present, he would undoubtedly be astonished.

This kid is only at the sixth rank, yet he's mastered so many spells from three different schools? And they're all perfected high-level Dao techniques?

"Hum."

Each phantom appeared, then vanished, settling into Zhao Xing's body.

In a flash, every Dao was intricately engraved into his physique.

Pure vital energy, imbued with the essence of the Dao, permeated every part of his body.

"Boom-crack."

"Pitter-patter."

"Whoosh."

"Clang."

"Hiss."

Inside Zhao Xing, sounds of thunder, rain, wind, and clashing metal intertwined.

Flames erupted from his skin, and his hair grew wildly, soon trailing on the ground.

The Five Elements Pure Essence manifested the Myriad Laws!

The vital energy in his dantian, his meridians, flesh, and even his golden bones were undergoing a furious metamorphosis, propelling Zhao Xing toward a higher realm!

"Woof!" "Woof!" "Woof!"

The lynx, the Azure Lion, and the Spirit Illusion Goat all cried out.

It was terrifying!

They instinctively felt their master had become frightening.

It was an oppressive aura emanating from a higher plane of existence!

If the lynx had consumed so much spiritual essence, Zhao Xing must have consumed even more.

The lynx, for instance, had never consumed a Dragon Whale's heart.

The lynx had entered the Pure Essence Realm via the paths of Wind and Thunder, whereas the Spirit Illusion Goat and Azure Lion had only achieved a single Dao.

This illustrated the difference between exotic beasts and human cultivators: war beasts do not gain enlightenment through comprehending Dao. Instead, they instinctively enter the Dao realm by relying on their bloodline, consuming sufficient resources, and undergoing specialized training and secret techniques.

The three war beasts didn't understand the phenomenon emanating from Zhao Xing, but they were profoundly shaken.

After an indeterminate time, the phenomenon gradually subsided.

The light enveloping Zhao Xing slowly receded, and he leapt from the ship's mast to the deck.

After stretching, Zhao Xing's mind stirred, and a bolt of lightning shot out from behind him without warning.

"Boom-crack."

The lightning struck the sea surface, erupting in a hundred-meter-high pillar of water.

"At the fifth rank Pure Essence Realm, spells can be cast without any initial gestures; any part of the body can be used for casting."

"Even with common vital energy restraints, or if my neck, wrists, and ankles were all shackled, I would still be able to cast spells."

"Even if my hands and feet were severed, it wouldn't impede my spellcasting," Zhao Xing mused.

It was the same for martial artists; any part of their body could project internal energy.

Of course, martial techniques inherently reliant on fists and feet would be greatly diminished.

However, for sword cultivators, there would be no impediment whatsoever.

When Yang An originally severed his own hand, his actual strength remained undiminished.

"Unless it's a physician's Esoteric Life-Death Needles, which would seal all my meridians and acupoints, followed by toxins to suppress the vital energy in my dantian."

"Otherwise, a prisoner like me would simply escape while being escorted."

"If I were to cultivate Pure Essence Soil, even if I could use just a trace of vital energy, I could summon plant soldiers with a thought to remove needles and pick locks, making escape impossible to prevent."

"Now that I possess the Myriad Laws Pure Essence Dao Body, the Pure Essence Realm allows me to fully utilize high-level Beast Taming Arts."

With a thought, Zhao Xing activated the soul contract in his sea of consciousness, connecting with the lynx.

"Come, Cat!"

"Meow?"

The lynx, a thousand meters away, was involuntarily drawn toward him by an unseen force.

It then transformed into a stream of greenish-purple light and began to merge with Zhao Xing.

Agriculturalists possess Pure Essence Soil, which allows them to cultivate plant soldiers.

Beastmasters, upon reaching the fifth rank, naturally gain their own extraordinary abilities, with merging being one of them.

However, for a successful merge, both the human and the beast must be at the fifth-rank Pure Essence stage; it cannot occur if one party is not.

"Crackling."

After a flash of lightning, Zhao Xing was clad in a feline-skin suit.

It appeared as if the lynx had transformed into a human, with only the triangular region of his face still recognizable as Zhao Xing.

His hands and feet, however, were entirely enveloped in fluffy lynx fur.

"It's like I'm wearing a cat fur coat."

With a thought, five sharp claws extended from his furry hands.

"Whoosh." Zhao Xing waved his hand, forming a water mirror, and glanced at his reflection.

"I can use all of the lynx's abilities; it's like changing my skin. But why does it look a bit like a beast race?"

"Only my eyes, nose, and mouth are still recognizable. My ears have taken on the shape of a lynx, and my eyes look like they're wearing eyeshadow. Why do I feel a bit like a villain... Ao Tian, second stage transformation!"

Zhao Xing wasn't entirely satisfied with this first stage of merged possession, primarily because it wasn't stylish enough.

"Roar!"

Zhao Xing roared, and immediately, greenish-purple secret patterns began to spiral up his body from his feet.

Moments later, his appearance completely transformed.

First, the fur on his face receded entirely, revealing his true features.

The cat fur coat had transformed into a lynx battle armor.

The helmet on his head now featured a cat's head design.

The scales on his body were not form-fitting but intricately latticed, shimmering with a captivating luster, their distinct lines giving them a metallic feel.

"Clang!"

Steel claws reappeared. Zhao Xing looked up, a smile spreading across his face. "Our minds are truly one... that's the feeling!"

"Ao Tian, disengage fusion."

A burst of light erupted from Zhao Xing, and the lynx reverted from its armored form back to its original state.

"Woof woof!" The lynx barked twice in excitement.

That was so fun, I want to do it again!

"You're a cat, can you please stop barking like a dog?" Zhao Xing sighed, glaring at Xiao Tian.

It's all that Azure Lion dog's bad influence!

"Xiao Tian, merge!"

"Huan Tian, merge!"

Zhao Xing then proceeded to attempt merging with Xiao Tian and Huan Tian.

And then disengaged the fusions.

"Of the three Beast Soul Battle Armors—Azure Lion, Lynx, and Spirit Illusion—only the lynx's second-stage fusion looked somewhat cool."

The Azure Lion Battle Armor, after its second-stage transformation, was black and red.

The Spirit Illusion Battle Armor, after its second-stage transformation, was pink.

As for the Spirit Illusion Goat, it was simply embarrassing when merged; it was far too cute.

"During the Myriad Beasts Competition, beastmasters are also required to participate. I wonder if they'll permit me, a beastmaster who started halfway, to use my own spells."

Zhao Xing noticed the rules didn't specify this, so he wasn't sure if it was allowed.

If he could, it would give him a significant advantage.

Normally, beastmasters learn many spells, but these are typically used to augment their war beasts, making the beastmasters themselves relatively weaker in direct combat.

If he were permitted to use his agricultural spells, qualifying in the East Sea, let alone the Four Seas, would be no issue.

His only concern was being accused of fouling or cheating.

While it wasn't uncommon for martial artists to become beastmasters, it was genuinely rare for agriculturalists to do so.

Martial artists primarily focused on unarmed combat and weapons, but with the myriad spells from the three agricultural schools, how could one possibly have the energy to master so many?

Naturally, most beastmasters were legitimate practitioners.

An unconventional one like himself was truly rare.

"I'll ask Zhai Zhong about it another day," Zhao Xing mused. "For now, I should head back."

Although the Millennial Marquis Transformation had not yet been found, Zhao Xing wasn't insistent on it. Compared to his preparations for cultivating Pure Essence Soil, that could be put aside for later.

Besides, Long Xiao was still helping him search, which was far more effective than his efforts alone.

Jingxin Calendar, 29th Year, March 20th, Spring Equinox.

Guangling Prefecture, Lihuo Daoist Academy, Guangling Branch.

"Whoosh."

Zhao Xing emerged from the fire pit.

"Guangling Prefecture is truly a long way off; it took half a month to get here."

He completed his breakthrough on the day of Jingzhe, reached Twin Islands two days later, and then spent another thirteen days to arrive at Hongxia County in Guangling Prefecture.

The Lihuo Daoist Academy relied on fire-based travel, which also involved waiting for the fire pits to be activated.

Zhao Xing made five transfers to complete the inter-prefecture journey.

If this were during his time as a civil servant, such a journey would have been unimaginable.

Traveling by horse carriage, he likely wouldn't reach Guangling Prefecture in a lifetime.

"Brother Zhao, this way!"

As he stepped out, he saw a tall figure waving in the waiting area outside the fire pit.

"Brother Wei." Zhao Xing quickly approached. "Why did you come to the Daoist academy to pick me up personally? That's too much trouble."

The tall, distinguished young man before him was Wei Wuji, the legitimate son of Duke Wei.

He was the twelfth-generation descendant of Wei Zhongchun, the founding Duke Wei.

His grandfather was the current Duke Wei.

Of course, Wei Wuji had over forty brothers, and his father's generation had over thirty. Whether the title would pass to him was still debatable.

However, as a direct descendant, Wei Wuji still held some standing.

"My uncle is the Governor of Hongxia County, and I happened to have a half-month holiday for the Spring Equinox, so I came personally," Wei Wuji said with a smile. "Since this is your first visit, I must treat you properly."

"There's not much to do in Hongxia County. Come, let's go to Guangling County instead; that's where the real fun is!"

"Brother Wei, wait," Zhao Xing said. "I'm not here for leisure this time; I have important business. I need to enter the Star Ruins Realm immediately."

"So urgent?" Wei Wuji paused. "The Star Ruins Realm is desolate, with a harsh environment, and barely any people."

He knew Zhao Xing wished to go, initially thinking Zhao Xing simply wanted to experience it, but he hadn't anticipated such urgency.

"By my teacher's command, I am to visit an old acquaintance," Zhao Xing said, invoking Liu Tianning's name.

"Very well. If it is your esteemed teacher's command, it must be handled immediately," Wei Wuji said seriously. "Let us go find my uncle now."

Liu Tianning's name carried weight in Guangling Prefecture, at least among the older generation.

This was because Liu Tianning had once achieved great feats at the Xunyang Riverhead in Guangling Commandery, and his legends continued to circulate among the populace even a century later.

Chen Xuan, the Governor of Hongxia County, held the upper fourth rank.

Eighty percent of Guangling Prefecture's territory consisted of fertile and resource-rich land.

The climate was stable, and the land was fertile.

Farmers could casually scatter seedlings in their fields and still yield abundant harvests. Furthermore, Yuan Rice ripened three times a year here. In terms of stable and prosperous natural conditions, Guangling Prefecture ranked first among the nineteen prefectures.

In such a region, the governor's rank was Fourth Grade, and the prefect's was even Second Grade.

Naturally, there was a significant difference between a purely civil Second Grade official and a military Second Grade general.

A Second Grade ritual cultivator operating beyond national borders might even be weaker than a Fourth Grade practitioner.

This was because the rituals of Great Zhou did not extend to the wilderness, significantly reducing the power of many spells, some even becoming completely unusable.

The same applied to priests; this is why, during the Pacification War, when supply cities were being rebuilt, temples had to be constructed first, otherwise certain professions would become utterly useless.

However, Chen Xuan, this ritual cultivator, appeared mighty and robust, clearly having practiced martial arts.

While it was acceptable during Emperor Jing's reign, many ritual cultivators also practiced martial arts during Emperor Wu's.

If rituals proved ineffective, they could simply roll up their sleeves and resort to using a blade.

"Chen'an, why such haste?" Chen Xuan emerged from the backyard, not in official robes, but a simple white training suit, with sweat glistening on his forehead.

"My teacher's orders are absolute," Zhao Xing said with a bow. "My leave is limited, so I would appreciate your assistance, Uncle."

How could Master Zhao not be anxious? Mi Fu had already been an official in Guixu City for four years.

Given his pattern over the past decade—never staying in one place for long before moving on—if he didn't hurry to find him, Mi Fu might have already left again.

"Very well," Chen Xuan nodded. "The entrance to the Star Ruins Realm opens every seven days, and tomorrow is the next opening. The Hongxia County Transport Office will be sending in some supplies. Take this official order from me, and you can go in with their vessel."

"Thank you, Uncle," Zhao Xing said with a bow.

It was freezing cold, and as dusk approached, the fire pits within Guixu City began to light up, one by one.

Snow on the ground was a foot deep, and it continued to fall from the sky.

The gray sky felt incredibly heavy, as if it might collapse along with the snowflakes.

Many common folk, carrying pots, bowls, and utensils, made their way along the market streets to the public fire pits to cook their meals.

Why was it called Guixu City? Because the Five Elements' vital energy did not manifest there.

Especially in winter, with the earth's fire hidden deep, it was impossible to start a fire anywhere outside the main fire pits within Guixu City.

This small world was nearing the end of its existence, and the rules of Heaven and Earth were beginning to decay.

Even carrying a torch outside the city gates, it would instantly extinguish the moment one stepped beyond them.

"Dinner time!"

"Old Brother Wang, what did your family cook today?"

"Mom, I'm hungry."

"Be patient, dear; it will be our turn soon."

"Who stole my pot? Damn you!"

"No pushing! Form an orderly line, or don't blame me if you end up with undercooked rice!"

"My lord, have a bowl of soup."

"Go on, go on. You don't even have enough for yourself. I'm on duty."

As cooking was only possible at designated fire pits, the residents of Guixu City had no choice but to bring their pots and pans to these locations, cook their meals, eat, and then return home.

At that moment, an elderly official, accompanied by a retinue of attendants, was inspecting the surrounding fire pits.

His name was Mi Fu, the Governor of Guixu City, a lower fifth-rank official. Despite being a civil official, Mi Fu bore a grotesque knife scar on his face.

Spotting a middle-aged man in luxurious clothes, escorted by house servants, cutting in front of a mother and daughter, Mi Fu delivered a swift kick.

"Fan Laosan, you again! Cutting in line, you bastard! Get out of my sight!" Mi Fu cursed.

"Huh? Lord Mi? Weren't you in the east of the city?" Fan Laosan looked utterly bewildered. He had just received a message via black raven stating that Mi Fu was inspecting the eastern part of the city, which was precisely why he had dared to bring his family to cut in line in the west.

The Fan clan was considered a minor noble family in Guixu City.

Originally, his Fan family had their own private fire pit.

However, ever since Mi Fu arrived, he had reallocated all the fire pits belonging to the major families.

This meant that even he, a Lord Count, had to queue with commoners at the public fire pits just to get a hot meal.

"East of the city? Oh, you have quite a sharp nose, don't you?" Mi Fu sneered. "Let me tell you, the one in the east of the city? That's also me."

"My lord possesses such a spell?" Fan Laosan was taken aback.

"I know far more than that," Mi Fu said, holding a torch closer to Fan Laosan, who was sprawled on the ground. "What if I told you I have three heads and six arms? Would you believe it?"

"I believe you," Fan Laosan nodded repeatedly.

"I haven't even shown you, so how can you believe it? Are you not trying to deceive this official, hmm?" Under the flickering torchlight, Mi Fu's face appeared somewhat grotesque.

Fan Laosan quickly stammered, "Then... this humble one doesn't believe?"

"Don't believe?" Mi Fu smiled, then two more heads sprouted from either side of his neck. The three heads then roared in unison, "Wah!"

"Ah—" Fan Laosan was scared half to death on the spot and fainted immediately.

Seeing his reaction, Mi Fu clapped his hands, retracted the two extra heads, and stood up with a satisfied expression.

"Get up, don't play dead." Mi Fu kicked Fan Laosan twice.

But he found Fan Laosan completely still; he had truly fainted.

"Truly useless, and still a Marquis Hongyi. You're disgracing your ancestors' name," Mi Fu said, clapping his hands. He then casually grabbed Fan's fourth brother.

"Fan Laosi, you..."

"Believe, I believe you, my lord!" Fan Laosi, a seventh-rank martial artist himself, was now as docile as a baby chick, nodding incessantly.

"Who asked you that?" Mi Fu retorted. "After your family's meal is ready, take half of it and share it with the villagers."

"My lord," Fan Laosi said hesitantly, "We only cut in line, and we don't have much food with us..."

"Did I perform that magic for you for nothing? Are you going to do it or not?" Mi Fu's expression changed in an instant. "If you don't comply, your family won't eat today."

"Yes, yes, I'll do it!" Fan Laosi saw Mi Fu's eyes bulge and his body begin to transform again, and he felt utterly dismayed.

He bellowed at the top of his lungs, "My Fan family will cover dinner for all the neighbors tonight!"

"Wow, thank you, Lord Fan!"

"Thank him for what? You should be thanking Lord Mi!"

"Well, in that case, I won't stand on ceremony!"

"Time to feast on the rich!"

The surrounding villagers immediately erupted in cheers.

Seeing this, Mi Fu released Fan Laosi's neck, smoothed out his collar, and said with a smile, "Good, thank you, Lord Fan. Just try not to cut in line again in the future."

"Yes, yes, yes," Fan Laosi said, bowing profusely. They truly wouldn't dare again.

Surrounded by the crowd, Mi Fu continued his patrol.

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened.

He looked toward a specific direction in the sky.

"What a powerful aura, a fifth-rank Pure Essence cultivator with such a magnificent inner world?" Mi Fu's eyes narrowed slightly.

Then, from various parts of the city, a clone of himself shot into the sky.

Five li outside Guixu City, a cargo airship slowly descended.

"Swish swish swish swish."

Figures, one after another, pierced through the air. A total of thirty-six Mi Fus appeared, blocking the airship.

"Halt!" Mi Fu bellowed. "Who are you?!"

Zhao Xing emerged from the airship, glanced at Mi Fu, then cupped his hands and said, "Lord Mi, I am from the Hongxia County Transport Office, here to deliver supplies."

"You dare to deceive me?" Mi Fu snorted. "Although today is a supply day for the Transport Office, deliveries are only made to the three major cities of Danggui, Mingshui, and Wufang."

"It is not the scheduled time for Guixu City to receive supplies."

"Furthermore, when did the Hongxia County Transport Office have such a powerful agriculturalist making deliveries?"

Zhao Xing, with his Divine Eye active, observed Mi Fu's clones.

Mi Fu also practiced the Self Straw Man technique, though his version was not the Willow-Woven Straw Man technique but the Wu Chuan Straw Man, created by Wu Cheng, the founding Grand Agriculturalist.

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "Lord Mi, you have sharp eyes. I am indeed not from the Hongxia County Transport Office."

"However, I truly am here to deliver supplies. If you don't believe me, observe: there isn't a single weapon on this vessel."

Mi Fu swept his gaze over the ship, then asked, "Then who are you?"

Zhao Xing adjusted his attire, then suddenly declared with an eager expression, "My name is Zhao Xing, courtesy name Chen'an. Upon hearing of Lord Mi's deeds, I am filled with profound admiration."

"Learning that Your Lordship suffered such unjust treatment and was banished to Guixu City truly grieves me!"

"Throughout my life, I have held individuals like Lord Mi in the highest esteem. I specifically hastened here just to behold your distinguished presence!"