Chapter 294: Aftermath and Award Edict Arrives

The premature defeat of King Liang sparked a certain suspicion in Zhao Xing's mind. However, with no other major event to test his theory, he could only note it down for now.

On the eighth day of the twelfth month of the 36th year of Jingxin, Zhao Xing's main body also emerged from the Star Palace. "We're now in the final stages of kicking a man while he's down," he mused. "The news of King Liang's defeat in Lüliang Prefecture will soon spread across the land, so there's no need for me to partake in the last spoils."

Upon leaving the Star Palace, Zhao Xing immediately flew to Princess's Residence's Celestial Steed Villa. A wisp of mist appeared at Chen Shijie's residence.

"Old Chen," Zhao Xing called out. He lightly stomped, sending energy fluctuations underground, searching for Chen Shijie's secluded cultivation spot. Soon, he located Chen Shijie. It was in an underground palace three thousand meters below the surface—the Soul Forging Palace!

As a veteran Diviner of Earth's Power, Chen Shijie had chosen the most solid method for forging his soul: the underground palace method. During the two years he was idle, Chen Shijie spent ninety percent of his time in the underground palace; even Gui Niang rarely saw him.

"Old Chen, Old Chen," Zhao Xing's voice, carried by gentle yet strong earth pulse fluctuations, continuously transmitted into the underground palace.

"Hmm?" Chen Shijie, who was meditating amidst the earth pulse, opened his eyes. He then quickly rose, emerged from the underground palace, and appeared on the surface.

"Zhao Xing, is it time?" Chen Shijie asked.

"Yes," Zhao Xing replied. He glanced at Chen Shijie; Old Chen's demeanor was completely different from two years ago. He had already entered the Fourth-Rank realm. His seven souls were fully forged, and his foundation was solid, far exceeding the average.

In the early Jingxin era, Chen Shijie's innate talent and constitution were subpar; only his comprehension could be considered average. However, after experiencing a promotion and good fortune during the early stages of the Pacifying Barbarians War, consuming spiritual essence from the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, cultivating for ten years in the East Sea, and then consolidating his foundation with Zhao Xing's resources at the