Chapter 270: The Shock of King Tianyan, Record-Breaking Cultivation Speed

“Learn it within three years? And if not, abandon your official position to specialize in Heavenly Timing Law? Zhao Xing, you're severely underestimating a top-tier law.” Even the usually composed Heng Yuan began to frown upon hearing this.

Zhao Xing’s statement was not just confident; it bordered on arrogance. One must understand that mastering a top-tier law within five years is exceptionally rare, marking someone as having supreme comprehension. To learn it in three years is even more extraordinary, a feat usually recorded in historical annals.

“For someone at the Third Grade to learn a top-tier law, the average time required is over fifteen years!” Heng Yuan exclaimed. “What’s more, you haven’t even reached the Third Grade Primal Soul Realm. Comprehending laws and doctrines is tied to one’s Soul of Destiny. How dare you utter such wild claims?”

As a Doctor of Classics at Xuantiand College, Heng Yuan was well aware of these statistics. He suspected Zhao Xing was simply trying to avoid the task, even believing Zhao Xing was disparaging Heavenly Timing Law. Why did he think this? Even if Zhao Xing were a top-tier genius, there was a crucial prerequisite: his clone would be the one undertaking the study.

A Myriad Law Clone has many limitations. Without a complete Soul of Destiny, its comprehension effectiveness would be greatly diminished. For instance, at Zhao Xing’s current ‘Hundred Law Body’ level, his clone’s comprehension might only be one to ten percent of his main body’s. This is akin to a normal person, who usually walks and reads with two eyes, suddenly losing one eye and breaking a leg. Naturally, they wouldn’t walk fast or see clearly. After all, a clone is just a clone; it cannot perfectly replicate the main body’s capabilities, especially in comprehension, as enlightenment primarily involves the soul.

If Sima Yunhai had been present, he would have been ecstatic, immediately drawing up a contract to seal these conditions with Zhao Xing. This is because if Zhao Xing failed in three years, he would genuinely have to join Xuantiand College and completely sever ties with the other two factions. This would allow Sima Yunhai to avenge Liu Tianning for seducing his junior brother.

“Lord Heng, please don’t misunderstand; I never intended to belittle the Way of Heavenly Timing,” Zhao Xing calmly stated. “Nor am I jesting with either of you.”

“Prove it to me,” Heng Yuan said, growing annoyed. Was Zhao Xing still arguing? Who truly understood the matter better, him or Zhao Xing?

Zhao Xing nodded, rose from his seat, and stepped into the center of the hall. He extended a hand and pointed to the ground.

A hum resonated, and the surrounding tables and chairs began to shake. Simultaneously, tiny specks of starlight emerged from the ground, attaching themselves to Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang’s bodies.

“Hmm?” Heng Yuan’s eyes twitched as he felt a pulling sensation. This force attempted to draw out his elemental energy. Geng Shouchang’s eyes, however, brightened. “The Elemental Absorption Earth Palace Law? No, it’s far less potent than that. Still, it already possesses the embryonic form of a top-tier law.”

What Zhao Xing displayed was the eleventh transformation spell of the Boundless Earth Palace, ‘Boundless Starlight’. It could counteract the effects of the Elemental Absorption Earth Palace Law and, like it, absorb elemental energy from others. Of course, its power was nowhere near what Gu Changqing could unleash, perhaps only one-tenth of a single transformation of a top-tier law. However, in terms of the spell’s fundamental essence, it had already surpassed the perfected High-tier Law level. Moreover, this miraculous effect was something High-tier Laws did not possess.

“Why are you demonstrating an Earthly Advantage Law before us?” Heng Yuan asked.

Geng Shouchang stopped Heng Yuan, saying, “Let him explain.”

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and, with another flash of golden spell light, pointed to the ground.

A hum reverberated again. Then, the teacups, utensils, and documents in the living room silently disintegrated into powder. This was the twelfth transformation, ‘Boundless Vortex’!

“I await your guidance, sirs.”

As Zhao Xing finished speaking, this pulverizing force enveloped both Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang. A trace of lightning crackled on Geng Shouchang’s skin, while a gentle breeze flowed around Heng Yuan’s entire body. Both simultaneously employed top-tier laws, effortlessly neutralizing Zhao Xing’s spell.

“Excellent, it’s very close to a top-tier law,” Geng Shouchang commented. Even Heng Yuan nodded. Zhao Xing’s second Earthly Advantage spell was an improvement over the previous one. Given time and refinement, it could well become a new top-tier law. For someone of the Fifth Grade to achieve such a feat was truly rare.

However, Heng Yuan still didn’t understand what Zhao Xing was trying to prove. But the next statement left him utterly astonished.

“Sirs, I created these two spells in just two months,” Zhao Xing stated.

Silence. The hall fell completely silent as Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang stared at the young man standing in the center of the scattered powder. His calm words struck their hearts like a meteor, raising colossal waves.

After a moment, Geng Shouchang remembered something. “Did you comprehend them in the first heaven of the Azure Sea Grotto-heaven?”

“Precisely.”

Geng Shouchang suddenly understood. No wonder Meng Kun was willing to fight him outside the door just to secure Zhao Xing. Such comprehension was simply astonishing!

“This...” Heng Yuan could no longer contain himself. “You had no instructor, and you comprehended these two forms simply by observing the Elemental Absorption Earth Palace Law set by Gu Changqing?”

Having an instructor and learning independently were completely different concepts. Spells were not like physical objects or divine weapon puppets that could be disassembled and reverse-engineered to reveal their intricacies. For Zhao Xing to comprehend them simply by observing spells seemed utterly surreal to Heng Yuan. To infer from one instance, to learn without a teacher—could such astonishing talent truly exist in the world?

“My comprehension in Heavenly Timing Law is no less than in Earthly Advantage Law,” Zhao Xing said. “Lord Heng, if I looked down on Heavenly Timing Law, why would I painstakingly cultivate it?”

“It was my misunderstanding,” Heng Yuan admitted, cupping his hands. He truly had nothing more to say. The young man genuinely possessed this talent!

Geng Shouchang, however, felt a deep sense of regret. If Zhao Xing, with such talent, specialized in Heavenly Timing Law, how wonderful that would be? Alas, the greater the genius, the greater the ambition.

“I will expedite your entry into the college,” Geng Shouchang said. “Cultivating three factions simultaneously is destined to be a winding and difficult path. You will face many doubts and criticisms. If you don’t succeed in three years, you can reconsider your future direction.”

“Yes, thank you, Lord Geng,” Zhao Xing replied, cupping his hands.

He knew it wouldn’t be easy. To unite the three factions and become the leader of all Agricultural Officials was an immense challenge. Prejudices between factions were deeply ingrained; mere talent was not enough. Even with Zhao Xing’s formidable talent, if he wasn’t from their specific faction, it would be difficult to gain full recognition, or at least not complete acceptance. This factional strife wasn’t unique to the Agricultural Official profession; martial artists also experienced it. For instance, among martial artists, there were divisions between the Sword Sect and the Qi Sect. Which was the orthodox path, which was the true Great Way? For this very reason, the two factions had engaged in countless debates over the Great Way, with many dying annually in these struggles for orthodoxy.

Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang departed. Geng Shouchang had arrived in high spirits but left feeling somewhat uneasy. While he had successfully brought Zhao Xing into the Heavenly Timing faction, it was only a clone. Getting Zhao Xing admitted would not be easy; he would face considerable pressure. The main issue was that Zhao Xing’s entry involved the inheritance of top-tier laws. Laws below the top tier could be learned freely, as the Great Zhou government had collected and freely promoted low, mid, and high-tier laws. However, top-tier laws were not something one could simply learn at will.

“Brother Heng, I have a request,” Geng Shouchang transmitted telepathically.

“Speak, Brother Geng.”

“Regarding today’s events, especially Zhao Xing’s demonstration of the Earth Palace Law, please do not tell Sima Yunhai.”

Upon hearing this, Heng Yuan nodded. “Rest assured, I will keep it strictly confidential.” If Sima Yunhai were informed of Zhao Xing’s talent, he would likely become an opponent rather than a recommender, as his original intent was merely to exact revenge on Liu Tianning.

“Thank you.”

As the two stepped out, Meng Kun and Gu Changqing immediately looked up. Seeing the expressions on Geng Shouchang and Heng Yuan’s faces, Meng Kun instantly smiled. He noticed that the two seemed somewhat displeased, while Zhao Xing was cheerfully inviting them in. This meant they still had ample opportunity!

“Changqing, let’s go in.”

Meng Kun and Gu Changqing swiftly entered.

When Xiao Ming served the second round of tea, he found the living room of Listening Rain Pavilion in disarray. He dared not say much, let alone accuse Zhao Xing of “damaging official property at the post station.” He simply sent a junior official to ask Zhao Xing if cleaning and redecoration were needed.

“Go tell Lord Xiao that I’ll compensate for any damages and request that he arrange for refurbishment,” Zhao Xing said.

“Understood,” the official dutifully retreated.

Zhao Xing then cupped his hands towards Meng Kun and Gu Changqing. “My apologies, there was an unexpected incident earlier. Please wait a moment, sirs.” It would be inappropriate to lead them to a side hall for discussion. After all, why would the Heavenly Timing faction get the main hall while the Earthly Advantage faction was relegated to a side hall? Who was he looking down on?

However, Meng Kun and Gu Changqing paid no mind to these minor details. Seeing that the main hall was being cleaned, Meng Kun decided not to go in. He pointed to the grassy area outside, and with a gesture, instantly molded three tables and stone stools from the earth. Meng Kun took charge, directly pulling Gu Changqing to sit down and motioning for Zhao Xing to join them.

As soon as they were seated, Meng Kun spoke:

“Zhao Xing, join Kunyuan College!”

“I can arrange for you to become a Doctor of Classics, and you’ll receive three hundred million in public funds for your studies annually! Furthermore, our Kunyuan College possesses the most blessed lands and spiritual mountains! As a Doctor of Classics, you’ll have the opportunity to cultivate in these places every year! You can learn any top-tier law you wish; I guarantee you’ll have three teachers annually, each dedicating a month to instruct you.”

Meng Kun immediately presented a powerful offer, detailing concrete benefits and even having specific teachers in mind, awaiting Zhao Xing’s arrival. Unlike Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang, Meng Kun already knew of Zhao Xing’s talent, as the two spells Zhao Xing comprehended were derived from the Elemental Absorption Earth Palace Law set by Gu Changqing. To spontaneously comprehend two spells close to top-tier status in two months without a teacher? Of course, Meng Kun was willing to fight for him!

Seeing Meng Kun and Gu Changqing’s straightforwardness, Zhao Xing didn’t beat around the bush and simply nodded. “Thank you, sirs, I am willing to go.”

Meng Kun and Gu Changqing were taken aback. He agreed so readily? They had expected to put in more effort.

“However, I have a difficult matter to consult with both of you about in advance,” Zhao Xing said.

“Speak,” Meng Kun replied. “Whatever the difficulty, if it’s within our power to resolve, we will do our best.”

“For the next few years, I will only send a Myriad Law Clone.”

Upon hearing Zhao Xing’s words, Meng Kun and Gu Changqing froze. So this was the catch. No wonder he agreed so easily. No wonder Heng Yuan and Geng Shouchang looked so dejected.

“You also agreed with old man Geng?” Gu Changqing asked. “Are you also sending a clone to Xuantiand College?”

“Yes.”

Meng Kun and Gu Changqing felt as if cold water had been thrown on them. If that were the case, the significance of recruiting Zhao Xing would be greatly diminished.

“How can you possibly have so much energy?” Gu Changqing questioned. “Perhaps you should reconsider.”

“Sirs, please grant me three years,” Zhao Xing said. “If I truly accomplish nothing within three years, I am willing to abandon all other paths and official positions to focus solely on studying Earthly Advantage Law.”

“Very well, let’s give it a try!” Meng Kun was relatively decisive. Three years wasn’t a very long time. If Zhao Xing didn’t achieve anything significant within three years, he would naturally realize it wasn’t feasible and change his mind. It would only be three years wasted, and Zhao Xing was still very young, so it was no real problem.

The Earthly Advantage faction’s academic biases weren’t as severe because their classic text, ‘Return to the Primordial Earth’, produced ‘Pure Essence Soil’ from the condensed ‘Primordial Earth Gravel’. However, the process of condensation and the creation of Pure Essence Space required intensive cultivation of the Ego faction’s ‘Yin-Yang Ego Scripture’. The Earthly Advantage faction and the Ego faction were inextricably linked. Their rejection of the Ego faction wasn’t severe; they were simply concerned that Zhao Xing might waste his energy.

“My previous conditions remain unchanged,” Meng Kun said with a smile, “but those resources can only be claimed when your main body has time to come.”

“Thank you, Lord Meng.”

“When can you depart, then?”

“I can leave now.” Zhao Xing’s figure shimmered, and a shadow emerged from behind him, followed by the appearance of a clone. This was one of his nine strongest clones.

“Good, then this clone of yours will come with me,” Meng Kun said. “We’re due back at Kunyuan College in a month anyway.” Meng Kun, being decisive, departed with Zhao Xing’s clone and Gu Changqing.

After Meng Kun and Gu Changqing left, Long Xiao emerged from the backyard.

“Done with your discussions?”

“Yes,” Zhao Xing nodded.

“So you’re going to be a teacher at the college?” Long Xiao asked.

“Only my clone will go.”

“Then where will your main body stay?” Long Xiao asked, curious. “Your main body is where most of your energy is focused. Both great colleges invited you, yet your main body isn’t moving. Do you have an even better place to be?”

“I do,” Zhao Xing smiled, “but it involves confidentiality clauses, so I can’t tell you.”

Of course, his main body would be dedicated to studying the ‘Divine Manifestation Art’. As for an official position, it would be best to stay in Chongming Prefecture city, finding a leisurely post to pass the days. If his main body succeeded in cultivating the Divine Manifestation Art, his clones would become stronger and comprehend laws faster. Zhao Xing’s confidence in mastering laws within three years primarily stemmed from the Divine Manifestation Art. Once it broke through, his speed of comprehension would also break through.

“Alright, then I won’t stay much longer,” Long Xiao said. Zhao Xing’s diligent efforts made Long Xiao feel somewhat embarrassed to continue relaxing.

“Are you coming back for the New Year this year?” Zhao Xing asked. “Your estates in Dongyang have accumulated a lot of money; you should come back and see them. The people at the estates haven’t seen their lord in years.”

“How much profit can a few estates generate? You can keep it,” Long Xiao replied.

“Okay, then thank you. I’ll take these twenty million.”

“Hmm... What? How much?!” Long Xiao almost thought he’d misheard.

“Twenty million,” Zhao Xing repeated.

Long Xiao’s eyes widened. “How can it be that much? Where did my estates get such enormous profits?”

Zhao Xing spread his hands. “It’s been ten years. Is twenty million a lot to earn?”

Long Xiao was excited. “Yes, of course, it’s a lot! Damn it, how did you manage this?”

Zhao Xing said, “You only remember that I was a military agricultural official, right? Have you forgotten that the Grand Agricultural Official controls financial power? The Grand Agricultural Official oversees the Imperial Treasury, the Imperial Household Department, the Department of Imperial Household Affairs, the Imperial Supply Bureau, the Textile Bureau, the Tea Bureau, the Miscellaneous Goods Bureau, the Grain and Provision Office, the Audit Department, the Miscellaneous Purchases Office, the Miscellaneous Sales Market, the Exchange Bill Repository, the Pawn Shop, the Medicinal Preparation Bureau, the Charity Bureau, the Real Estate Office, the Coal Yard, the Spice and Herb Bureau...”

“My ambition is to become the Grand Agricultural Official. How could I not know how to make money? Over the past ten years, I just casually managed things for you and stirred up twenty million. Old Chen’s estates are similar; just selling medicinal herbs in the past two years earned a huge sum. Anyway, you wouldn’t understand if I explained. In short, from ten years ago until now, you have twenty million sitting in your account, all of it liquid funds.”

“Is it too late for me to change professions now?” Long Xiao asked.

“Hahaha, are you going to use your Seven-Star Divine Sword to weed the fields?”

Long Xiao was speechless for a long moment before finally accepting the fact. “You can hold onto this money for me for now.”

“Alright,” Zhao Xing nodded. “The Bai family’s money is theirs; I’ll save some private funds for you.”

“Good brother!”

On September 22nd, in the 30th year of Jingxin, during the Autumnal Equinox, Zhao Xing had met with Fan Hongyi, the Prefect of Chongming Prefecture, and Wang Xuan a fortnight prior, expressing his desire for a leisurely official position. Both Fan Hongyi and Wang Xuan readily agreed, and so, after the Autumnal Equinox, his transfer was finalized.

He was transferred from the Gemini Dragon-Horse Bureau back to Chongming Prefecture city, joining the Prefectural Agricultural Official Bureau as the Director of the Earth God Temple, holding a Senior Fifth Grade rank. The Earth God, or She Shen, is the deity of the land. The Director of the Earth God Temple is a governmental department that overlaps with both the Agricultural Official Bureau and the Temple. This role can be filled by either an Agricultural Official or a Priest, primarily involving setting up altars and performing rituals in various places during spring planting and autumn harvests, praying for the Earth God’s blessings and favorable weather. Many Agricultural Officials believed in living at the mercy of Heaven, and that the benevolent Earth Gods and Four Seasons Gods protected the nineteen prefectures. Zhao Xing’s philosophy of “man conquers nature” was generally embraced only by military agricultural officials.

The Director of the Earth God Temple primarily oversaw agrarian rituals. For example, during the annual spring planting, officials from various levels of government would cultivate the public fields as an example, encouraging farming. During this period, altars would be set up, sacrifices made, and spells demonstrated, followed by reporting the harvest to indicate that Heaven had responded to the prayers. This entire process was managed by the Director of the Earth God Temple. Additionally, the opening and closing of the spiritual mountains within the prefecture city were also handled by this Director. In the past, at Donghu Spiritual Mountain in Nanyang Commandery, personnel from the Commandery Agricultural Official Bureau had held a ceremony and performed mountain-opening spells, with the actual worship directed at the Earth God. There were also various activities related to the Spring Earth God Day and so on.

Naturally, while this position seemed to involve many duties, in reality, it involved very few. The only busy times of the year were Spring Earth God Day, spring planting, and autumn harvest. Spiritual mountains at the prefectural level were generally subject to ‘Grand Closures’, meaning they opened only once every ten, thirty, or fifty years. This position offered no significant perks but was indeed leisurely. Being assigned to this role was essentially a comfortable path to retirement.

For Zhao Xing, a genius Agricultural Official with a promising future, to become the Director of the Earth God Temple left many utterly perplexed, especially Yin Qiquan, who was greatly puzzled. He had only just managed to install Qi Ming as the county magistrate on Twin Islands last year. Now, Zhao Xing had been transferred away, and to such a place, making any attempt to harm him significantly more difficult, almost impossible.

Yin Qiquan reported this matter to the Blood Spirit Venerable, who was also speechless upon hearing the news. He had been preparing an assassination, but now Zhao Xing had retreated into the prefecture city, right under the nose of the Yin God. “It’s as if he knows someone is trying to harm him,” the Blood Spirit Venerable mused, somewhat confused. “Never mind, we’ll find another opportunity. He can’t stay hidden forever.” A talent like Zhao Xing couldn’t remain in a leisurely post indefinitely; he would eventually be reassigned.

Chen Shijie was also transferred along with Zhao Xing. Although the Earth God Temple was a relaxed post, it still had duties to perform. So, during his promotion, Zhao Xing conveniently requested Chen Shijie to be his Right Director of the Earth God Temple, acting as his assistant. Chen Shijie was bewildered but had inexplicably risen another rank; he was now a Junior Fifth Grade official.

“I wondered why I suddenly got promoted, and across such different departments. So it was your doing,” Chen Shijie realized the moment he saw Zhao Xing.

“Heh heh, it was too boring for you on the island; better to come back.”

“Come back so we can both be bored together?” Chen Shijie retorted. “You don’t know the Agricultural Official’s God Summoning Law, and neither do I. What kind of directors would we be?”

“If we don’t know, we can learn,” Zhao Xing said. “You’re from the Earthly Advantage faction; how can you not revere the Earth God?”

“Alright, then we’ll learn.” Chen Shijie had never studied the God Summoning Law before, even though it was one of the important courses for military agricultural officials. This was mainly because the Priest profession was too powerful, and the Great Zhou had cultivated many potent Yin Gods. Other professions, to varying degrees, needed to learn some spells for invoking deities to possess them.

On September 26th, Zhao Xing once again entered the Temple to receive a baptism of fortune. However, this time he went not to the Heavenly Heart Hall but to the Divine Beast Hall. This particular baptism was solely brought about by the Wildcat, Cyan Lion, and Spirit Illusion Goat. Due to their outstanding performance in the Myriad Beasts Competition, they had been granted the special official title of ‘Third-Class Celestial Merit Official’ and concurrently bestowed with the rank of Third-Class Earl. This official title did not carry a specific grade or actual power, but the earldom was legitimate. The imperial court had specifically awarded the three combat beasts a plot of land and was to construct the Tuoquan Palace for them, with Zhao Xing overseeing it.

Zhao Xing examined the boost in fortune the three combat beasts brought him; his lifespan increased by five years. Using the Five-Finger Heavenly Fate divination, he also found that his own luck had slightly improved. This enhancement was roughly equivalent to him advancing one more official rank.

“The three of you, go with Long Xiao for proper special training. Be obedient, and later I’ll take you to the Dragon Court for some delicious food,” Zhao Xing said.

“Woof!” three voices barked in response.

“Long Xiao, you must take good care of them for me,” Zhao Xing instructed. “In ten years, when I enter the ancient Dragon Court land, I’ll still rely on them.”

“Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t mistreat them,” Long Xiao said, grinning. “Just wait and see.”

Chen Shijie laughed from the side. “He helps you save money, and you help him raise beasts. Neither of you loses out. It seems I’ll have to do more in this Right Director position as well.”

“What, does Gui Niang also manage your money?”

“Get lost! Don’t bring up old grievances!”

“Hahahaha.”

On October 7th, in the 30th year of Jingxin, during the Frost’s Descent, Zhao Xing’s main body arrived at the Celestial Mechanism Pavilion in the Military Realm, specifically at the Star Palace, to begin cultivating the ‘Divine Manifestation Art’.

“For the first layer, the Seven Stars of the Divine Soul Diagram, you will start with the Soul Training Chapter.”

King Tianyan led Zhao Xing to a side hall within the Star Palace. Inside, seven pools shimmered with mist, filled with countless medicinal herbs bubbling within. Zhao Xing inhaled, and the air was thick with various unpleasant herbal scents.

“The soul has three aspects, and the corporeal soul has seven. The first is Heaven’s Charge, the second is Spiritual Intellect, the third is Qi, the fourth is Strength, the fifth is Core, the sixth is Essence, and the seventh is Heroism.”

“These seven soul training pools each contain tens of thousands of top-grade sixth-tier medicinal herbs, brewed to perfection,” King Tianyan explained. “Enter the Qi Soul pool and meditate on the Seven Stars of the Divine Soul Diagram. When all seven pools are dry, you will have completed soul training, and at that point, you will have reached the peak of the Fourth Grade.”

“Understood.” Zhao Xing immediately stripped naked and jumped into the pool.

The training of the seven corporeal souls had a specific order. The first pool Zhao Xing entered was the Strength Soul pool. The Strength Soul governs physical power. Completing its reinforcement would mark his entry into the early Fourth Grade realm.

A gurgling sound rose from the pool as bubbles continuously surfaced. Zhao Xing immediately felt his entire body grow hot, his bones aching and itching, and a burning sensation spread across his skin. He instinctively began meditating on the Seven Stars of the Divine Soul Diagram. Simultaneously, a star in the heavens brightened, and a beam of light enveloped Zhao Xing’s body. In less than a quarter of an hour, Zhao Xing felt his body swell significantly. His bones thickened, and his flesh began to grow; he had visibly ‘gained weight’. However, the starlight continued to illuminate him, quickly returning him to his normal physique. Through this process of expansion and contraction, Zhao Xing felt his golden bones become denser and his meridians tougher.

Half an hour later, Zhao Xing concluded his cultivation in the Strength Soul pool.

“Excellent, your foundation is very solid. Soul training is generally more difficult for agricultural officials, but you are quite fast,” King Tianyan nodded.

Zhao Xing then jumped into the second pool. How could his foundation not be solid? He had consumed countless spiritual treasures, and his golden bones were already perfected. Typically, agricultural officials had a weaker physique, far inferior to martial artists, making the soul training barrier a difficult ordeal. But for Zhao Xing, the Strength Soul barrier required no suffering at all.

The second pool was the Qi Soul pool. The Qi Soul governs elemental energy. Its direct manifestation was an increase in total elemental energy and enhanced sustained combat capability. Before training his Qi Soul, Zhao Xing could cast seven spells in one breath. By the seventh spell, there would be a pause, requiring him to catch his breath. Masters could exploit this timing in combat. That’s why Zhao Xing always activated ‘Mist Concealment’ when fighting, as he needed to hide within the mist to catch his breath. But after completing his Qi Soul reinforcement, he could cast seventy spells consecutively without interruption.

“Training the Qi Soul took over two hours, and he even had a change of medicinal bath in between,” King Tianyan observed the gradually drying pool. “He cultivated Pure Essence Soil, so his total elemental energy is also higher than ordinary people’s.”

After training his Qi Soul, Zhao Xing’s Pure Essence Soil broke through to Level 4, reaching a total area of 320,000 square meters. This was another benefit brought by training the Qi Soul.

With a splash, Zhao Xing next jumped into the Essence Soul and Heroic Soul pools. The Essence Soul governs mental power, and the Heroic Soul governs willpower. Training these two souls still involved strengthening the body, but the reinforcement wasn’t focused on raw power but on increasing resistance. Training these two souls primarily strengthened the internal organs. Detoxification functions would be greatly enhanced; wounds would heal faster, and resistance to heat, cold, etc., would improve, making his vitality more tenacious. In gaming terms, training these two souls increased various resistance stats. In the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend realms, these two souls were also strengthened, but this time the process was more profound and comprehensive.

Subsequently, the Spiritual Intellect and Heaven’s Charge souls would enhance spell comprehension, wisdom, and mental fortitude. The final stage was the Core Soul, which provided an overall enhancement.

Zhao Xing spent a total of half a month completing the training of all seven corporeal souls. Half a month later, Zhao Xing leaped out of the last pool. His entire body shone with golden light, and his gaze was like lightning. He had reached the peak of the Fourth Grade realm!

“Very good, your soul training speed is quite fast. Among this group of thirty-eight people, you rank ninth,” King Tianyan remarked, appearing beside the pool.

“Only ninth?” Zhao Xing was surprised.

“You are merely an Agricultural Official; ranking ninth is already excellent. Did you expect to rank first?” King Tianyan chuckled lightly. “How would that make the martial artists feel?” The entry requirement for the ancient Dragon Court land was to bring a combat beast, so it wasn’t strictly limited to genuine beast tamers. Zhao Xing estimated that many among the thirty-eight were not formal beast tamers.

“Next, you can begin soul cultivation,” King Tianyan leisurely stated. “Soul training is easy, but soul cultivation is very difficult. The soul training chapter of the Seven Stars of the Divine Soul Diagram is merely a foundation for soul cultivation. Whether you can master the first layer depends entirely on your talent; external aids will have very little effect now.”

Zhao Xing nodded. Indeed, some spells and secret techniques couldn’t be assisted by any external force. Things like didactic paintings or dragon soul jade pendants wouldn’t work. This was because the Seven Stars of the Divine Soul Diagram itself was an item similar to a didactic painting, and its priority already superseded all external aids. If one couldn’t succeed in comprehending it by observing the diagram, then other methods would be ineffective. The imperial court’s baptism of national fortune only elevated one’s realm, not one’s comprehension of spells. Of course, for someone at the Third Grade Primal Soul Realm, cultivating the ‘Divine Manifestation Art’ would be slightly less difficult. This was because as the Soul of Destiny and physical body grew stronger, comprehending the Ways of Heaven and Earth would naturally become easier.

King Tianyan led Zhao Xing to the four Dharma Walls. “There are two ways to comprehend the first layer. First, directly meditate on the Dharma Walls. If you can comprehend it this way, it’s ideal, as the risk is relatively smaller. Second, there are the Rune Stars. Above the Star Platform, there are seven stars. Once you begin meditating, your Soul of Destiny will involuntarily revolve with these seven stars.”

King Tianyan found a button next to the Dharma Wall and gently pressed it.

With a rumble, the seven stars immediately emitted a beam of light, rapidly drawing closer until they filled Zhao Xing’s entire vision. Each star was encircled by stellar rings, within which countless secret runes, symbols, and patterns flickered, forming these rings. The surface of the planets also bore many ancient inscriptions. These were identical to the patterns on the first Dharma Wall.

“If you activate this button, your Soul of Destiny will instinctively follow their rotation,” King Tianyan explained. “It will feel as if seven grinding stones are constantly crushing your soul in your mind. If you can’t bear it, immediately press this button to stop the cultivation.”

King Tianyan waved his hand, and thirty-six green bottles appeared before Zhao Xing. “These are called Primal Soul Elixirs. Each bottle contains thirty drops. They are extracted from the juice of the ninth-tier ‘Primal Soul Grass’ from the Netherworld, and they can repair the Soul of Destiny. Thirty-six bottles are enough for you to cultivate for three years. Their quantity is extremely limited. If you exhaust all thirty-six bottles and still haven’t mastered the first layer, it means you cannot master this method, and the Celestial Mechanism Hall will not provide you with any more,” King Tianyan stated. “If you wish to cultivate it further, you will have to reach the Third Grade.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Cultivating the Divine Manifestation Art carried a high risk of injury! The Primal Soul Elixir thus became an extremely precious auxiliary item. It didn’t directly aid comprehension but merely repaired injuries to the Soul of Destiny. If the second method didn’t provide such a treasure, it would be easy to become an idiot.

“Be careful, and never push yourself too hard,” King Tianyan said sternly. “If you can’t master it now, you’ll still have a chance if you reach the Third Grade later.”

“Yes, I will be extremely cautious.”

After King Tianyan left, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged beside the Dharma Wall. At this moment, the seven stars were completely still. Even so, Zhao Xing felt a slight dizziness when looking at the arcane runes. This dizziness wasn’t physical; it originated from his Soul of Destiny.

“I’ll start by comprehending the patterns on the Dharma Wall.”

Zhao Xing shifted his gaze to the patterns on the Dharma Wall. In comparison, the patterns on the Dharma Wall were less wondrous because they were rubbings, lacking some of the original’s divine essence. Zhao Xing visualized the seven stars in his mind. Seven star-like phantoms appeared in his Sea of Consciousness, casting a faint light on his Soul of Destiny. Zhao Xing felt a slight stinging sensation, and instinct urged him to end this meditation.

“Even mere visualization brings such pressure,” Zhao Xing thought. “Truly worthy of being an ultimate soul secret art. But thankfully, I have consumed the Primeval Spirit Fruit, so I can fully endure it.”

Zhao Xing cast aside distracting thoughts and began to cultivate diligently. By the end of the first day, he had fully adapted to the illumination of the seven star phantoms in his mind.

“My Soul of Destiny can easily withstand the illumination of the seven stars. This is thanks to my cultivation of the Myriad Law Strawman and my consumption of the Soul of Destiny Pills and Primeval Spirit Fruit,” Zhao Xing mused. The stinging sensation had disappeared; now he felt a warm, comfortable sensation throughout his body, as if light were truly shining on him.

“The initial stage of cultivating the first layer is ‘Seven Stars Reflected in the Sea of Consciousness’. If the seven star phantoms don’t appear in the Sea of Consciousness during meditation, or if they appear but the Soul of Destiny cannot withstand their illumination, then there’s no point in further discussion. One can only try forcefully using the mechanism on the Star Platform, which is the seven huge rune stars above.”

“However, that would be much more dangerous.”

There were two layers of screening. One was to comprehend directly from the Dharma Wall rubbing; if ‘Seven Stars Reflected in the Sea of Consciousness’ appeared and the Soul of Destiny could withstand it, it proved talent. The second was the seven floating rune stars in the sky, a more perilous training method akin to direct combat comprehension. However, it carried a higher risk of injury or even death in the process.

“I’ll bear with it a bit longer.” Although Zhao Xing felt he could try the more dangerous method, it was only the first day. He chose to continue meditating on the seven star patterns on the Dharma Wall. The ultimate goal of the first layer was ‘Seven Stars Imprinted on the Soul of Destiny’. There was a significant difference between ‘Seven Stars Reflected in the Sea of Consciousness’ and ‘Seven Stars Imprinted on the Soul of Destiny’.

Days passed, and Zhao Xing’s main body remained on the Star Platform, meditating on the Dharma Wall’s seven stars. Half a month later, Zhao Xing ceased his meditation. At this point, his Soul of Destiny had undergone significant changes. Tiny specks of starlight revolved around his Soul of Destiny, making it appear exceptionally brilliant.

“Controlling my Myriad Law Clones has become easier; my Soul of Destiny is more condensed. If my clones previously could only exert fifty percent of my main body’s strength, now they can exert fifty-five percent. My main body and clones also have a clearer comprehension of the Way. Just by grasping a superficial understanding, there are such immense benefits. Truly worthy of being an ultimate law.”

Zhao Xing looked up at the enormous rune stars in the sky. “I can try to imprint the seven stars onto my Soul of Destiny now.”

Zhao Xing took a deep breath, then activated the switch.

A rumble reverberated. The seven stars immediately began to rotate. Noticing the commotion, King Tianyan appeared in the Star Palace, observing Zhao Xing from a distance.

“Why is he so eager to use the rune stars for cultivation?” King Tianyan frowned. “It’s only been half a month.” King Tianyan felt that Zhao Xing was too impetuous; he should have first tried to comprehend through the Dharma Wall. “Still too young,” King Tianyan thought. “Facing the allure of a top-tier law, it’s inevitable to feel restless.”

With another rumble, the massive rune stars all began to revolve. Zhao Xing looked at these seven rune stars. At this moment, his soul seemed to solidify. The seven stars appeared to pierce through his eyes and enter his Sea of Consciousness. The stars that were originally mere phantoms in his Sea of Consciousness now became brilliantly tangible.

A booming sound echoed. The seven rune stars rolled forward, charging towards the Soul of Destiny in his Sea of Consciousness. Pain, immense pain! The moment the seven rune stars contacted his Soul of Destiny, they continuously rolled over his body. They were incredibly heavy, constantly crushing his Soul of Destiny, just as King Tianyan had described, like grinding stones threatening to tear him apart.

“Ahhh—” Zhao Xing involuntarily cried out. His soul began to be flattened and distorted, but Zhao Xing’s Soul of Destiny, having undergone prior meditation, already possessed strong resilience. He gritted his teeth and persisted.

With a rumble, one of the rune stars suddenly vanished, integrating into Zhao Xing’s Soul of Destiny. Soul Imprinting Star, the first star, successful!

Another rumble. The remaining six rune stars attacked Zhao Xing again.

Boom! The second star was also absorbed.

“Ahhh—” The pain reached its peak in an instant, and Zhao Xing couldn’t help but cry out again. While trying to absorb the third star, his Soul of Destiny began to tear. Zhao Xing knew he had reached his limit and quickly stopped.

A hum resonated. As his hand pressed the control button, the rune stars in the sky immediately stilled. Simultaneously, Zhao Xing’s Sea of Consciousness returned to calm.

*Pop*, he pulled out a stopper and poured a drop of Primal Soul Elixir into his mouth. He felt as if he had swallowed air; the elixir directly dripped into his Sea of Consciousness and was absorbed by his Soul of Destiny. The tearing was immediately repaired, and his Soul of Destiny returned to its original state.

“Phew,” Zhao Xing let out a long breath.

King Tianyan, seeing this, appeared before Zhao Xing. “You were too rash. I told you to be extremely careful. Why did you start soul cultivation after only half a month?”

“How do you feel now? Do you need to take another drop?” King Tianyan asked.

“Thank you for your concern, Lord,” Zhao Xing replied, cupping his hands. “I underestimated it. Imprinting stars on the Soul of Destiny is indeed very difficult. My Soul of Destiny began to tear when I reached the third star. However, thanks to the Primal Soul Elixir you gave me, I’m fine now.”

King Tianyan, however, was stunned. “What did you say? You’ve already reached the stage of Soul Imprinting Stars? And you’ve cultivated two Soul Stars?” King Tianyan’s eyes flashed with shock. Two Soul Stars in just half a month?

“Yes,” Zhao Xing nodded. “When I reached the third, my Soul of Destiny began to show signs of tearing and collapse, so I stopped... Lord, Lord?” Zhao Xing noticed King Tianyan looking at him with a very strange expression.

King Tianyan suppressed the shock in his heart. “Good, well done. You... you continue to work hard. No, you should rest first.” King Tianyan quickly left.

What did he do? King Tianyan went to check the records. He realized that Zhao Xing’s cultivation speed seemed to be on par with the fastest recorded cultivation in history. He was eager to know if this record had indeed been broken. Who wouldn’t want to witness history? And the one who broke the record was someone King Tianyan himself had discovered!

“This kid is a true prodigy! The fastest two-star record? Let me check, hiss... It really was broken by him?!” King Tianyan looked at an encrypted document, which clearly stated: ‘Divine Manifestation Art’ First Layer, two stars, fastest cultivation record: eighteen days!

“Hahaha, I found a treasure!” King Tianyan immediately burst into laughter.