Chapter 278: Jingxin Calendar Year Thirty-Five, Prince Liang Rebels

"I haven't fully recovered yet," the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird said blankly. "But I can give you the fortune I promised. Do you remember what I said? As long as you break through to the fourth rank within ten years... Huh? I think I remember saying last time that you didn't want it?"

Not fully recovered? Zhao Xing looked at the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird and noticed that all its feathers had grown back. However, its mental state seemed a bit dazed.

"Senior, haven't all your feathers grown back?" Zhao Xing suspected it had recovered but was feigning ignorance to avoid exerting itself.

"Caw caw," the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird suddenly cackled, its laughter tinged with nervousness. "How can a mere mortal comprehend a realm as profound as mine?"

Zhao Xing nodded. "Then, Senior, besides good fortune, how many treasures can you bestow upon me?"

"I can find one for you, but you can choose," the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird replied.

Just one? That's too few! Zhao Xing felt the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird was holding back.

"Senior, over the years, I have always kept the vow we made. I haven't slacked off in my cultivation for a single day. I've trained day and night, hoping to release you sooner."

The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird opened its beak. "Caw caw, then how about two?"

Zhao Xing secretly chuckled. Just as he thought! It seemed there was still a lot of room to negotiate. The contract they signed explicitly stated "all out"; how could it be holding back?

"Now, the dynasty I belong to is on the brink of great turmoil. Without treasures to protect myself, I might die prematurely," Zhao Xing said with emotion. "My death is of little consequence. But if I cannot fulfill Senior's long-cherished wish, I will not rest in peace."

A conflicted look appeared in the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird's eyes. "Caw caw caw, then three it is."

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "I have cultivated for thirty-six years and have now reached the fourth-rank Origin Soul realm. I've also mastered the first layer of the Soul Evolution Art. With the numerous treasures Senior has bestowed upon me, I believe I can release you sooner."

The origin of the Soul Evolution Art predated the records of the Great Zhou. Zhao Xing estimated that the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird must have heard of it. He was now implying to the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird: "Look, you might never find another cultivation genius like me. Shouldn't you find a few more treasures for me?"

"Soul Evolution Art? No wonder I felt your life soul had become much stronger...!"

"However, I can only find a maximum of three for you. But you can tell me your requirements first, and we'll see if the treasures are in the same place. If the timing is right, I will retrieve them for you."

Seeing the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird say this, Zhao Xing knew it had probably reached its limit. He couldn't kill the goose that laid the golden eggs.

"Senior's magic power is boundless. I naturally believe that Senior can easily achieve this. But please, don't overexert yourself. Senior's safety comes first. Even if Senior cannot find so many treasures, I will still remember your kindness."

The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird was initially pleased by Zhao Xing's flattery. But upon hearing the latter part of the sentence, it instantly bristled. "Who are you calling incapable?! You brat, how dare you underestimate me?!"

"No, I wouldn't dare. I'm just concerned for Senior."

"Hmph, that's more like it. Go on, tell me what you need. As long as it's here, I can get it for you easily."

Zhao Xing was well prepared and immediately said, "Senior, for the first item, I need a treasure to guard against priests. Second, I want a high-level soul armor, the higher the rank, the better. For the third item, Senior, you can decide. As long as it can save my life, I'll use whatever you provide."

Zhao Xing's objectives were clear. He was most afraid of encountering powerful priests. Priests excelled in many techniques, especially those targeting the soul. The Myriad Law Avatar was not vulnerable to other techniques, but priests possessed many methods to pinpoint his main soul. If all seven main souls were extinguished, everything would be over, and all the avatar souls would dissipate.

Furthermore, high-rank priests could imprison life souls or even destroy them to the point of nothingness. In other words, high-rank priests had the ability to completely erase a person. Even the Reincarnation Star Lord of the Great Zhou couldn't recall souls, just like Yang An. Death wasn't terrifying. For Zhao Xing, even if his physical body died, if he could transform into a Yin God body, he would still have a chance to return to the human world in the future. Other professions found it difficult to kill someone to the point of non-existence, but priests could. If he were killed by a high-rank priest, there would truly be no hope left. Therefore, the first two treasures he requested were for protection against priests and for safeguarding his life soul. As for the third item, Zhao Xing made no specific request. If he set the requirements too rigidly, what if the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird found something good but didn't take it, instead bringing him a subpar item? Having been alone for tens of thousands of years, it was truly unpredictable.

"I understand. Wait here."

The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird suddenly grew larger, its feathers shining brilliantly. As it opened its beak, countless rays of rainbow light descended with each breath, encircling it. As its wings unfurled, Zhao Xing felt that every feather was imbued with the imprint of the Dao, and the profound mystic patterns were mesmerizing.

"Don't look!" the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird admonished. "Didn't I say that this realm is too profound for you to observe?"

"Yes, yes, yes," Zhao Xing quickly closed his eyes.

The last time the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird grew larger and displayed its might, his cultivation realm was still relatively low, so he couldn't discern anything special. It was like an ant unable to feel the oppression of an elephant. But now that his soul tempering was complete and he had mastered the first layer of the Soul Evolution Art, he could sense the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird's terrifying power.

"Caw!" The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird, enveloped in seven-colored rainbow light, soared out of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. As soon as it exited, the seven-colored rainbow light suddenly collapsed, as if an invisible force was pressing down on its movements.

"My destiny is my own, not heaven's!" The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird shrieked, and its rainbow light intensified, forming a protective shield before it instantly vanished outside the door.

"Whoosh." Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, waiting inside the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. "I wonder if that silly bird can do it. Hopefully, there are still some treasures here that are effective against priests," Zhao Xing mused. Although he had bought quite a few consumable treasures in the military realm, they weren't entirely reliable. If he could buy them, others might be able to as well. His main concern was high-rank priests! Such powerful individuals would certainly not lack treasures. Therefore, he held high hopes for the Grand Dream Academy. "Higher-rank soul armor is definitely available. As for the rest, it's hard to say."

Zhao Xing waited silently. This wait was much longer than the previous one. As the silly bird failed to return for a long time, Zhao Xing couldn't help but worry. Had something gone wrong with it? Last time, the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird returned quickly. But this time, Zhao Xing waited for a long time without seeing it fly back. "There's also a stronger guardian than it within the Grand Dream Academy. Could something have gone wrong?"

Waiting was a torment. Zhao Xing stood by the door, gazing out for a long time, until finally—

"Caw!" A sound came from within the clouds!

"It's back!" Zhao Xing was overjoyed. But then, his eyebrow twitched, and he instinctively stepped back two paces. This was because the originally pure white clouds suddenly turned inky black, with countless bolts of lightning flashing within them. A terrifying heavenly might descended, making Zhao Xing feel a chill even within the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

"Such powerful heavenly might! It seems it caused quite a stir this time!" Zhao Xing was both excited and nervous. He noticed that the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird's voice was no longer as strong as before. Continuous cries came from the clouds, as if it was trapped by some rule or entangled in a struggle with some entity. Restlessly, Zhao Xing stared intently at the door.

Finally, an hour later, the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird, flickering with seven-colored rainbow light, flew towards the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. It successfully escaped the clouds! The stream of light grew weaker and weaker, but it eventually flew into the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. As it entered, all the unusual phenomena outside instantly vanished, as if they had never appeared.

"Senior, Senior, are you alright?" Zhao Xing ran over. The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird was still perched on the display cabinet, as if this unassuming cabinet was its nest. But he couldn't discern anything, as the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird was still shimmering with seven-colored aura. Through the aura, he could only see a faint, bird-shaped phantom.

"I'm fine." The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird's voice had become somewhat hoarse.

Fine? Zhao Xing was suspicious. Since it said so, he couldn't press further.

"I found the two items you requested." Zhao Xing felt something was off with its voice, but couldn't pinpoint it, thinking it might have been injured. However, upon hearing about the treasures, Zhao Xing put his concerns aside and looked on with anticipation.

"Whoosh." The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird exhaled a breath of seven-colored energy. Then, a golden book flew out and floated before Zhao Xing.

"This is the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex of Great Li. It is a ninth-rank treasure! However, it's no longer the era of Great Li, so how much effect it can still exert is unknown. But since your current dynasty is undergoing great turmoil, it shouldn't be too heavily suppressed in this area. It should be enough for you."

Primordial Yin Sacred Codex, a ninth-rank treasure? Zhao Xing was overjoyed. He cautiously asked, "Senior, how much power can I unleash from this treasure?" Ninth-rank treasures usually require a first-rank cultivator to fully unleash their power. Of course, one-time consumables were an exception. For one-time consumables, the user's realm didn't matter; they weren't designed to require any specific strength from the user. Some powerful treasures could even be used by those without a specific rank.

"I observe that your spirit soul is nearly at the third-rank Origin Soul realm, though it hasn't fully solidified. Considering only your own abilities, you should be able to unleash about thirty to fifty percent of its power."

It was also a dual-use treasure, usable both conventionally and as a consumable. For conventional use, it could likely only exert thirty to fifty percent of its power. This was common when one's cultivation realm was below the treasure's corresponding rank. Fortunately, it could be used as a one-time consumable, unleashing its full power. The full power of a ninth-rank treasure? High-rank priests would only be able to flee if they encountered him!

"The Primordial Yin Sacred Codex has four types of functions. First, a sealing ability called Yin-Yang Boundary, which can sever the connection between the Yin and Yang realms within a certain area. Second, an attack ability, the God-Slaying Talisman, which can inflict immense damage on Yin Gods, even destroying them to the point of non-existence. Third, a defensive ability, Primordial Yin Protection, which can create multiple avatars to protect multiple individuals from having their life souls extinguished. Fourth, a summoning ability, Dao Establishment Dharma Body, which can summon the Dao Establishment Dharma Body left behind by legendary deities."

"However, this fourth function is also limited by the contemporary system of Fortune Dynasties. Each dynasty has its own rules, and summoning the Dao Establishment Dharma Body of various deities may not always be effective. Even if successful, a price must be paid, whether it's lifespan, vitality, primal energy, or incense... It's important to note that the cost for summoning the Dao Establishment Dharma Body is paid upfront, regardless of success. And it's paid twice: once for summoning, and once for sending it back. Of course, if you tear off a page, the Sacred Codex itself bears the cost, as the Codex itself is an extremely valuable incense material."

"Yes, Junior understands." Zhao Xing remembered everything clearly, then respectfully put away the treasure. "Senior, what about the second item?"

The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird paused, its seven-colored light flickering. Then its voice became somewhat confused, "Second item? What second item? Huh, how did I already give you one treasure?"

Zhao Xing was surprised. What was wrong with the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird?

"It seems I was heavily injured this time. Never mind that for now. Since you've already received the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex, the second item is the soul armor. A supreme eighth-rank Life Soul Armor. The minimum requirement for wearing it is the third rank. Since you've mastered the first layer of the Soul Evolution Art, your life soul should barely be able to wear it."

With that, the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird opened its beak and exhaled again. A set of green armor appeared before Zhao Xing. He was currently in a soul body state. After Zhao Xing touched it, the Life Soul Armor immediately donned his form. When he left, the armor would remain in the state of being worn by his life soul.

"As for the sixth-rank soul armor you had with the Xiezhi, I will retrieve it from it and return it to the treasure vault," the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird said. "This should slightly reduce the power of the Heavenly Punishment."

"As Senior commands." Zhao Xing was indifferent. With an eighth-rank armor, what use was a sixth-rank one? That set of soul armor had the Grand Dream Spring Autumn technique on it, so he couldn't sell or give it away.

"The supreme eighth-rank soul armor has no significant difference in function from the previous one. I won't introduce it further; you're already familiar with it," the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird said.

Zhao Xing nodded. Soul armor provided pure soul defense. A supreme eighth-rank armor could even defend against the soul techniques of second-rank experts. Of course, in the eternal struggle between offense and defense under heaven and earth, the spear ultimately held the advantage. If Zhao Xing genuinely encountered a second-rank priest or an extraordinary demon adept at soul techniques, it would still be best to flee. Because even a supreme eighth-rank soul armor couldn't provide absolute defense against a second-rank expert. Even if it blocked ninety percent of the power, the remaining ten percent, if it reached his life soul, could still very likely kill him. Again, others might also have their own fortuitous encounters and possess eighth-rank soul-attacking treasures. If he encountered a second-rank soul-type powerful being, be it a priest, a shaman, or some sectarian evil god, fleeing was the best option. If it was just about escaping, with the soul armor, Zhao Xing still had a good chance.

"Senior, is there a third item?" Zhao Xing asked. The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird had taken so long; he suspected it might not have found a third item. Being able to choose two items was already excellent. Since they were specifically chosen, it was very likely that the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird had to visit two different places to retrieve these two treasures. The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird had only promised to try its best, not that it was certain.

But it still gave Zhao Xing a surprise. "Yes, and not just a third. There are five in total."

"What?" Zhao Xing was stunned. Five items? In other words, besides the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex and the soul armor, there were three more treasures? The good fortune came too suddenly. The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird had given him a huge surprise.

"Buzz." Three orbs of light—yellow, red, and blue—appeared before Zhao Xing. Inside each orb of light, a token floated. As they drew closer, Zhao Xing felt three distinctly different artistic conceptions. One was scorching hot, another bitterly cold, and the third desolate. He was not unfamiliar with these three tokens.

"Three Divine Court Solar Term Tokens: Beginning of Summer, Beginning of Autumn, Beginning of Winter!" Zhao Xing's eyes burned with excitement. The Solar Term Tokens came in a set of four, and the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird had actually completed a whole set for him! He had previously obtained the supreme eighth-rank 'Beginning of Spring' Solar Term Token. Now, with the other three, he could complete the 'Four Seasons Set.' Among the twenty-four solar terms, the Four Seasons Set and Eight Festivals Set were the best combinations for scattered pieces. Combining other four or eight pieces wouldn't be as good as the Four Seasons or Eight Festivals sets.

"Fashioned after the ancient Divine Court's 'Xia Dynasty,' each token is of supreme eighth-rank quality. If you can fully unleash their power, the four-piece set can rival the power of a low-grade ninth-rank item. Of course, the Four Seasons Set's effects are stronger and more comprehensive."

The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird elaborated, "I've completed these items for you. If you can fully control these four solar terms of the 'Solar Term Token,' you can reach the complete 'Stabilized Realm.'" Zhao Xing was very happy. The Solar Term Token had three major realms: Knowledge, Stabilization, and Transformation. The higher one went, the harder it was to cultivate. If the third realm was perfected, it would be a realm at the level of a Grand Minister of Agriculture. The Celestial Timing Art was augmented by the Solar Term Tokens. This meant that if the top-tier techniques he had learned aligned with the Solar Term Tokens, their power would be greatly enhanced!

"Additionally, this is a portion of the fortune passed down from Great Li." The Heavenly Fated Profound Bird exhaled again, and golden light shone upon Zhao Xing. However, Zhao Xing didn't feel any significant changes. Fortune, being intangible and formless, had subtle and latent effects. But since the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird said so, it certainly wouldn't be fake.

"Go now. The next time you enter, I hope you will already be at the third-rank realm."

"Yes." Zhao Xing's figure and the treasures slowly vanished together.

In the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird's light gradually receded. This time, it had truly fought with all its might; all its feathers had fallen out. It had only maintained the rainbow light to save face. "Caw," the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird looked at its bare body and couldn't help but feel a surge of sorrow. It seemed it wouldn't be able to soar freely for a very long time.

In the secret manor in Dongyang County in the real world, Zhao Xing slowly woke up.

"This is perfect, man, five treasures! That silly bird is truly amazing! This trip wasn't in vain!" When Zhao Xing saw the five treasures, he couldn't stop smiling. The Grand Dream Academy, this treasure land, had truly exceeded his expectations. He hadn't expected so many good items. And he had encountered that silly bird guardian, a double agent who disregarded the rules of the Grand Dream World, desperately trying to give away Great Li's treasures just to gain its freedom.

"With the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex in hand—seal, defend, attack, summon—I now have the means to save my life when encountering high-rank priests. If I'm willing to sacrifice this treasure, even a high-rank priest will be completely obliterated by me!" Zhao Xing thought to himself. The strength of the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex lay in its ability to be used for conventional spellcasting as well as a one-time consumable. Currently, there were no ninth-rank treasures for sale in the Great Zhou's military realm. Even if there were, Zhao Xing wouldn't be able to afford or acquire them. Liu Tianning's promised second-phase reward hadn't arrived yet. Even if it did, it would be allocated for specific purposes, making it impossible for him to buy such luxurious treasures. This was because it wasn't Old Liu's money; he merely approved it for designated uses, meaning it could only be used for cultivation, cultivating plant-based soldiers, researching spells, or learning the spells of the Ego Sect.

"With the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex, my chances of survival have greatly increased. Facing high-rank opponents, as long as it's not a large-scale army siege or a first-rank expert, I still have a good chance of escaping."

As for third-rank opponents? Even without the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex, Lord Zhao's own strength meant he didn't fear ordinary third-rank cultivators, excluding priests. With the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex, he was confident he could even kill ordinary third-rank priests. Geniuses were not within the scope of discussion, as their upper limits were too high. Third-rank cultivators like Old Liu could not be judged by average standards at all.

"There's also the supreme eighth-rank soul armor, and the three newly acquired Solar Term Tokens. When I was at the fifth rank, the power of these Solar Term Tokens could only be unleashed by one percent. Now, I should be able to unleash about thirty to fifty percent of their power." Zhao Xing sensed them briefly and came up with a rough estimate, which was similar to what the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird had said. Of course, to reach fifty percent of their power, he would need to familiarize himself with them more over the coming period. After all, it wasn't his own realm, requiring a process of habituation and proficiency.

After seeing the treasures, Zhao Xing, as usual, entered a dream state to review. He felt that the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird's state was off, and he had also been wary of any other intentions from that silly bird.

"Last time, when we made the contract, we both swore by karma to exert our full strength. Yet, this silly bird still managed to hold back and initially refused. Either the contract was beneficial to it, allowing for manipulation, or it could violate it. True, it can even violate the rules of the Grand Dream Academy. I still need to be more cautious in the future."

As it seemed now, the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird had no reason to harm him. Of course, one still had to be on guard. Lord Zhao was not accustomed to placing his life and death in others' hands.

"Hmm? Its state after returning from going out wasn't quite right." As Zhao Xing reviewed, he suddenly noticed some anomalies. "When it gave me the treasures, it would sometimes refer to itself as 'this Venerable One' and sometimes as 'I.' Its voice and even its demeanor subtly changed. Is it suffering from multiple personalities? A side effect of taking too many treasures and violating the rules? Or is it its original appearance?" Zhao Xing pondered.

The evolution from a mere combat soul to sentience in a mechanical puppet was a fundamental breakthrough. He didn't understand the intricacies involved, as he wasn't a mechanist, but he always felt that the silly bird harbored a great secret. "Whatever its intentions, as long as I become stronger, I can crush all schemes. Once I reach the first rank and master the Grand Dream Academy artifact, I'll naturally understand everything. Overthinking now is pointless." Zhao Xing ended his dream review and opened his eyes.

"There's less than four months left. I need to quickly familiarize myself with these three treasures."

Jingxin Era, Year 34, November 3rd.

Blazing Fire Daoist Academy, Dayuan Prefecture Branch. Dean Ji Qingshan stood quietly at the Blazing Fire Altar. This imperial clansman gazed at the burning flames before him, lost in thought. This was a military-grade Blazing Fire Altar, which had been active since the start of the Pacification of the Barbarians War.

Ji Qingshan was the grandson of King Liyang and the grand-nephew of Emperor Jing. He was very young, only two hundred and twenty years old, and had already reached the late third-rank realm. Originally, he only needed to teach and nurture talent, but in recent years, he had frequently participated in military actions and began encountering various conflicts. Many high-rank cultivators died in the Pacification of the Barbarians War, including many talents from the Daoist Academy. Some were his friends, some his senior brothers, and some were elders of the imperial clan.

"I wonder when it will be my turn," Ji Qingshan sighed. He was the most outstanding among King Liyang's grandsons, but he was weary of war and power. He didn't become a crown prince or seek power; he just wanted to teach. Yet, he couldn't escape the responsibilities and destiny that came with being a member of the imperial clan. He had taken charge of military transportation affairs.

"Puff." The flames flickered, and a figure emerged from them. The newcomer had flowing white hair, eyes like stars yet deep as an abyss, and wore a black and gold royal robe. It was King Liang, Ji Mingxian.

"Your subject greets Your Highness King Liang." Ji Qingshan had been ordered to wait here for King Liang's arrival.

"Dispense with the formalities."

"Thank Your Highness."

"Just call me Uncle-Grand." Ji Mingxian smiled. "Qingshan, do you still remember your youthful ambition?"

"Uncle-Grand, I remember," Ji Qingshan said. "I wanted to teach and nurture talent, write books to pass down knowledge, and spread the Way of the Sage Kings throughout the world."

"Back then, both your father and grandfather intended for you to inherit the throne and forced you to abandon your studies for a military career. Do you remember who gave you the opportunity to take charge of the Dayuan Prefecture Branch?"

"It was you, Uncle-Grand, who gave me the choice and persuaded my father and grandfather," Ji Qingshan bowed. "Qingshan has always remembered this."

"Has your original aspiration changed?"

"It has not changed," Ji Qingshan said. "I still just want to be a teacher and read books."

"Do you wish to resign as dean and leave Pinghai Province?"

A flicker of thought crossed Ji Qingshan's eyes. "I do, but as a member of the royal family, I bear responsibilities and am willing to continue serving here."

Ji Mingxian nodded. "It is time. You may leave. Stay far from Pinghai Province, far from all this conflict."

Ji Qingshan was slightly startled. "Uncle-Grand, can I leave?"

Ji Mingxian smiled. "Just as I gave you a choice back then, today is no different. You can do what you like. Hand over your dean's authority and the Blazing Fire Altar Token to my son Ji Ye. He will temporarily assume your position. I will help you resolve any other issues; you need not worry about the Ministry of Rites or the Ministry of War causing trouble."

Upon hearing this, Ji Qingshan immediately bowed. "Thank you, Uncle-Grand. I will go and attend to it." He immediately left the underground altar and handed over the Blazing Fire Token, which controlled the altar and fire pit teleportation, to Ji Ye. Normally, such a transfer couldn't be completed so quickly, but because he trusted King Liang, Ji Qingshan surrendered everything just like that. He then left Pinghai Province.

Jingxin Era, Year 34, November 26th.

Chongming Prefecture, Dongyang County.

In the underground secret chamber, Zhao Xing, who was meditating, suddenly frowned. He felt an extremely high-level fire elemental power dissipating from his body, as if something had left him. After a moment of thought, Zhao Xing finally understood what this feeling meant.

"It's the Way of Blazing Fire. My usage rights for the Blazing Fire Altar have been frozen."

Zhao Xing quickly pulled out his Blazing Fire Token, which he had obtained after passing the examination to become an Honored Preaching Master at the Blazing Fire Daoist Academy years ago. With this token, he could use the fire altars to teleport at any branch of the Blazing Fire Daoist Academy. But now, it was frozen.

"Buzz." A message quickly arrived in the Earth Realm: "By order of the Imperial Ministry of War, the Blazing Fire Altar will prioritize military commanders and logistical transfers. The access of some existing Blazing Fire Token holders will be temporarily frozen. A separate announcement will be made for the unfreezing date – Ji Qingshan, Dean of Blazing Fire Daoist Academy, Dayuan Prefecture."

"Access has been frozen," Zhao Xing said, looking at the announcement. "It seems harmless enough, prioritizing military needs. But I guess King Liang ultimately decides who can and cannot use it. But how did Ji Qingshan also secretly side with King Liang?" The announcement was issued by Ji Qingshan, Dean of Dayuan Prefecture. Zhao Xing had investigated this person and didn't recall him rebelling with King Liang. What he didn't know was that Ji Qingshan had simply been used by King Liang. Ji Qingshan trusted King Liang to handle everything and give him a choice, so he truly followed through. In reality, Ji Ye was now the dean, but was still issuing orders in Ji Qingshan's name.

"The Blazing Fire Altar is unusable, which means losing a fast transit channel. There's still the Azure Water Daoist Academy, but the cost is higher than the Blazing Fire Altar. It seems I need to find a stable alternative."

Excluding the military realm, only five Daoist Academies possessed such fast teleportation methods: the Dragon Abyss Martial Academy, Azure Water Daoist Academy, Blazing Fire Daoist Academy, Starfall Martial Academy, and Purple Sun Academy. Among them, the Blazing Fire Daoist Academy's method was the fastest, farthest, cheapest, and covered the largest range. The others had various restrictions and costs, far inferior to the Blazing Fire Daoist Academy.

"I haven't tested for access to the Azure Water Daoist Academy, but I don't need to now. I don't even need to go through Princess Youruo; I can just approach Qin Hongying directly." He immediately set off, leaving Dongyang County and arriving at Bixian Commandery City.

Azure Water Daoist Academy, Beast Taming Department. Qin Hongying received Zhao Xing.

"Dean Qin, does our agreement from back then still stand?" Zhao Xing asked directly.

"Zhao Xing, you wish to become an official in the Daoist Academy?" Qin Hongying showed a hint of joy. "Of course! Which branch do you wish to join?"

"Any is fine. I need the pass for 'Azure Roaming Vast Ocean,'" Zhao Xing said. "To be able to travel freely within Pinghai Province."

Qin Hongying nodded. "Yes, the Azure Roaming Vast Ocean passes through underground waterways, connecting to high-level water veins throughout Pinghai Province. However, it's not as convenient as the Blazing Fire Daoist Academy, and after passing through, there will be a sensation of drowning, which cannot be completely eliminated. Everyone experiences it. I must tell you the pros and cons. If you're only here for that, then the Blazing Fire Altar is more suitable."

Qin Hongying was very honest, explaining everything clearly. Zhao Xing nodded. "I understand. Please, Dean Qin, handle it for me." Having some means was better than none at all.

"Alright, come with me."

Jingxin Era, Year 34, December 10th.

Zhao Xing still stayed in the secret manor in Dongyang County, cultivating. His main focus was on cultivating the Kunpeng Transformation and familiarizing himself with his divine weapons. His avatars occasionally entered the Star Palace in the military realm to see if King Tianyan had emerged. But King Tianyan seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving no trace.

"What on earth is he doing? He's not even bothered about being recorded in history. I wonder what major event he's encountered."

At the same time, a voice appeared in his mind: "Chen'an... Zhao Chen'an."

"Hmm? That's activity from my avatar's side." Zhao Xing immediately brought his Kunyuan Academy avatar online.

Meng Kun and Gu Changqing stood on Kun Mountain, constantly calling out to Zhao Xing: "Chen'an... Zhao Chen'an." Voices echoed on Kun Mountain; Meng Kun and Gu Changqing's voices resonated through the sky and underground.

"How strange, we can't find him anywhere."

"This kid cultivates so many diverse spells, I truly can't pinpoint him." Meng Kun and Gu Changqing also found it quite remarkable.

"Buzz." In a certain lake on Kun Mountain, Zhao Xing silently emerged. He then quickly flew towards the Kun Mountain Palace.

"Sirs, may I ask what urgent matter you called me for?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I heard you wrote an essay titled 'Treatise on the Three Yang, Three Yin, Six Qi, and Great Zhou Heaven' at Xuangtian Academy?" Meng Kun said, holding a scroll. "Is this true?"

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "Has it spread to Daoyuan Province already?"

"You rascal, such great news and you didn't say anything?" Meng Kun glared. "What, have I, Meng Kun, treated you unfairly?"

"I wouldn't dare. Sir has treated me very well. It's just that this theory needed verification at the time, and I wasn't sure if there were any errors, so I didn't publicize it," Zhao Xing said.

"Your 'Treatise on Anticipated Changes' has now been preliminarily verified, and Lu Chunhua just announced it at the Xuangtian Main Academy," Gu Changqing said. "Chen'an, you mustn't favor one over the other. You've put so much effort into the Celestial Timing School. Isn't my Geographical Advantage School worth your research?"

Zhao Xing was startled. So that's why they came?

"Sirs, such a profound theory cannot be written overnight, I..."

"I don't care," Meng Kun said, grabbing Zhao Xing's hand. "If you don't give me an explanation, then you're looking down on me."

Zhao Xing didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and could only reply, "Sirs, if I gain any insights into geographical advantage techniques, I will notify you two immediately."

"I want to be the primary recommender!" Gu Changqing immediately claimed the position.

"Hmph? Old Gu, you dare to snatch from me?" Meng Kun immediately glared. This old Gu dared to steal from his domain?

"Sir Meng, what's there to snatch? You are the dean, busy with official duties. I am a Five Classics Scholar. Shouldn't this be my responsibility?"

"Nonsense!" Meng Kun cursed. "Are you the only one, Gu Changqing, capable of reviewing this, huh? I'm the dean, my rank is higher than yours. You cannot snatch this primary recommender position from me! Otherwise, I'll send you to dig the ground!"

The saying "a higher rank can crush a man" resonated deeply with Gu Changqing. He ultimately had to succumb to Meng Kun's domineering authority, retreating to the position of secondary recommender. However, Zhao Xing had no mind for this matter at the moment and could only make a promise to appease them.

Time marched forward, and in the blink of an eye, it crossed the year line of Jingxin Era Year 34.

On January 5th, Zhao Xing's main body arrived at Tianhe Prefecture to report for duty. Tianhe Prefecture was one of the four crucial prefectures under Pinghai Province's Transportation Department. It managed the transportation of goods to the east of Pinghai Province. Zhao Xing came to report for duty, and his official position was changed to: Tianhe Prefecture's Commissioner of Transportation for the Thirty-Seven Routes of the Eastern Sea and the Hundred Water-Sky Paths. His specific duty was to ensure the safety of waterways along these transportation routes. This wasn't about escorting military supplies on ships, but rather ensuring the stability of both water and cloud paths. In essence, when the transportation ships passed, the sky along the route must not have thunder, rain, or storms. And the waterways along the route must not experience floods or change their course.

"Sir Zhao, the stability of these thirty-seven routes is now entrusted to you," instructed Zhang Ping, the third-rank Commissioner of Transportation for Tianhe Prefecture. He said with a serious expression, "Currently, our Tianhe Prefecture Transportation Department is under immense pressure. The Southern Barbarian battlefield has complaints about us transportation commissioners. If you make any mistakes, even if your respected master is Sir Liu, I will still punish you without hesitation!"

"Rest assured, Sir Zhang," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands. "Your subordinate guarantees to fulfill his duties."

A first-rank official managing thirty-seven routes was the limit for that rank, but not for Zhao Xing. He still wanted more authority, but Zhang Ping was also a just and strict person; otherwise, Old Liu wouldn't have sent him here to guard. King Liang's faction continuously blamed the provincial transportation agencies for war failures, attributing them to delayed delivery of military supplies. This put great pressure on Liu Tianning and other officials. Zhao Xing was now here to alleviate that pressure.

"You may take office immediately. I have already prepared your deputy," Zhang Ping said.

"Yes," Zhao Xing immediately left the prefecture office and returned to the Hundred Water-Sky Transportation Department. As soon as he entered the office and saw the adjutant who greeted him, he couldn't help but be stunned.

"Sir Lu? Is that you?"

"Zhao... Sir Zhao?" Lu Tingzhi was also startled. "How is it you?"

Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile. "I didn't expect to meet an old acquaintance here." Lu Tingzhi was his superior in the transportation department in his previous life, and one of his corrupt benefactors. In this life, their interaction was at Fire Dragon Pass. At that time, he had even traded calligraphy and paintings for the future divine craftsman Yue Lingzhi and sent him to the Hundred Weapons Daoist Academy. However, since he left the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, the two had lost contact. No one expected them to reunite here.

"This is great! I never imagined Sir Zhao would be our department head!" Lu Tingzhi was delighted. He felt that with his previous connection and 'shared interests' with Zhao Xing, he would surely rise quickly in rank.

"I also feel very good that Sir Lu is my deputy," Zhao Xing said, also very pleased, constantly glancing at Lu Tingzhi's head.

"Please, Sir Zhao, do come in quickly."

"Hahahaha, no need to be so polite."

At the same time, Zhao Xing's other identity, Inspector of the Five Prefectures of the Eastern Sea in Pinghai Province, was also confirmed. This horizontal transfer was inconspicuous in the vast Pinghai Province and caused no ripples. After Zhao Xing took office, he did nothing but observe in secret.

Time flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, it was February 2nd of Jingxin Era Year 35.

At the third quarter of Yin hour (3:45 AM), Zhao Xing suddenly felt a tremor in his heart. He involuntarily stepped outside and looked at the night sky. The night was as calm as usual. Zhao Xing watched silently. Until the fourth quarter of Yin hour (4:00 AM). Just as he thought the date had changed, suddenly—

"Buzz." The night turned into day in an instant. Simultaneously, the entire land began to tremble. Countless pillars of fortune soared into the sky. Most of them stopped before reaching the sky. But there were also many purple pillars that shot directly towards the sky, transforming into dragon shapes and constantly soaring. Above the firmament, an enormous golden dragon of fortune appeared, frantically moving to devour these suddenly emerging 'dragon Qi.'

But just then, an even stronger heart palpitation came. Zhao Xing turned his head and looked south. His pupils immediately contracted. A black dragon swiftly flew from a distance, heading straight for the golden giant dragon. After catching up, it bit directly into the golden dragon's midsection.

"Rumble!" The earth and sky trembled even more violently. The golden giant dragon was split in two. The black dragon devoured its body and immediately grew stronger. The remaining half of the golden giant dragon also recovered completely in the blink of an eye, but its body became one size smaller.

"What's happening?"

"Why is there an earthquake?"

"Why has the sky brightened? Why is it raining gold?"

"Someone, quickly go to the Ministry of Agriculture and ask what's going on!"

"Hahahaha, I am Qiu Feisheng, successor of the Divine Sect! All disciples, heed my command! Kill, kill, kill! Seize the city!"

"Heavens, quickly report..."

Countless voices appeared in Zhao Xing's ears; sounds from all over Tianhe Prefecture reached him. Among them were both visions of the future and events that were happening immediately. Along with this, a golden pillar of light enveloped Zhao Xing. Fortune fluctuated intensely. Those with great fortune, favored by heaven and earth, could advance further.

Zhao Xing glanced at his status panel. His fortune, originally 'Derivation Six' after the Heavenly Fated Profound Bird's gift, had now changed. At this moment, it suddenly began to fluctuate, constantly shifting between 'Derivation Four,' 'Derivation Five,' 'Derivation Six,' and 'Derivation Seven.'

"It's finally here," Zhao Xing couldn't help but close his eyes.

Jingxin Era, Year 35, Spring, February 1st.

That night, King Liang's vanguard army withdrew north of the Canglan River.

On February 2nd, King Liang issued a proclamation to punish traitors, directly targeting the current Prime Minister Liu Si, calling upon all Commandery Princes and Feudal Kings to respond. Simultaneously, using the divine artifact 'Prophetic Divine Net,' he forcibly tore away more than half of the Great Zhou's fortune from Pinghai Province. In Luliang Province, a small portion of fortune was also split and devoured. On the same day, Bai Zhengyang of the Eastern Sea was beheaded. Hong Yuanba and Hong Yuans