Chapter 296: Extracting the Heavenly Spirit Pearl, Surging Soil, Heavenly Soul Tree

After the Golden Dragon Battleship and its honor guard entered the Fire Pool, torrents of flame engulfed the honor guard, and the battleship's barrier was dyed fiery red.

From Pinghai Prefecture to Daoyuan Prefecture, one had to pass through three continents. In peacetime, even with transfers facilitated by the Ship Bureau, a journey on a ninth-tier flying ship would still take three months. The Lihuo Divine Altar was different; travel between prefectures, including preparation time, typically took less than a day. Traveling across continents depended on the number of prefectures along the route. For Fire Pool teleportation from Tianyuan Prefecture in Pinghai to Daoguang Prefecture in Daoyuan, the shortest route covered three continents and fifteen prefectures.

During urgent wartime military operations, preparations would be made in advance, and the Lihuo Divine Altar's capabilities would be maximized, shortening travel time at the cost of the Fire Pool's lifespan. This allowed travel across three continents and fifteen prefectures in a single day. Such overloaded operation was damaging to the Lihuo Divine Altar, and the Fire Pool also required precious materials to function. However, even in wartime, such situations were rare. For instance, during Prince Liang's rebellion, it was only used for an extreme teleportation once, and it wasn't activated even during the Great Pacification War. Relying solely on the Lihuo Divine Altar was not something the Daoist Academy would agree to. Therefore, it typically had to be combined with other travel methods, such as the Biyou Canghai Lihuo Divine Altar Ancient Underground Path.

Liu Tianning did not choose the shortest route, as it was not wartime. He opted for a travel route spanning three continents and eighteen prefectures. This route also included ancient paths. Returning to Taihe Commandery in Daoyuan Prefecture would take approximately seven days, meaning an arrival on May 10th. Seven days was still very fast. Liu Tianning was now a bestowed king, and while many royal titles had been abolished, he held actual power. Preparations along the way were swift, requiring virtually no long waits.

On the fourth day of the fifth month, they entered Lüliang Prefecture. On the fifth day of the fifth month, they switched to an ancient underground path. This was because Fire Pools in several directions within Lüliang Prefecture had been severely damaged. What would have saved half a day of travel was now impossible. Prince Liang had been defeated in December of the previous year, and it was only May now, so repairs were not easy. Liu Tianning sometimes had to go out to display his prestige with the honor guard. After passing through three more prefectures, he would also need to speak with certain influential figures who supported him. Zhao Xing estimated that reaching Shangluo Academy would likely be difficult this May.

On the eighth day of the fifth month, the honor guard entered the territory of Daoyuan Prefecture. Zhao Xing also emerged from the ship's cabin to admire the scenery outside.

"Daoyuan Prefecture," Zhao Xing murmured, "a truly wondrous place." Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. The three great Agronomist Holy Lands were all located in Daoyuan Prefecture. Additionally, the Divine Martial Academy (one of the Martial Arts Holy Lands), the Divine Weaving Academy (one of the Weaver Holy Lands), and the Tianyi Medical Academy (the Physician Holy Land) were also in Daoyuan Prefecture.

"The vital energy in Daoyuan Prefecture is far more abundant than in any other prefecture," he thought. "Its population is also the densest, the highest among the nineteen prefectures, and its destiny is second only to Tianyong Prefecture." There was a saying: "He who holds Daoyuan Prefecture holds the world."

"Daoyuan Prefecture truly nurtures people. So many talents originate here because its natural environment is exceptional. Ordinary people growing up here can easily reach the threshold of cultivation ranks."

"Among its sixteen commanderies, the vital energy is densest, and many blessed lands are found within these sixteen commanderies of Daoyuan Prefecture."

"Luoyi, one of the national capitals, is located here, also known as the Dao Capital."

"Buying property here is truly buying an inch of gold for an inch of land."

Zhao Xing looked down at the land. Daoyuan Prefecture had numerous cities with many tall and majestic buildings; various towering structures reaching into the clouds were visible everywhere.

Withdrawing his gaze, Zhao Xing strolled casually on the deck. Just as he turned a corner, he ran into Pang Yuanzhen.

"Junior Brother Zhao," Pang Yuanzhen greeted.

Zhao Xing frowned. Why was this person always trying to take advantage of him? He and Pang Yuanzhen had merely collaborated on a task for Mingyue Prefecture. If it had been a normal social interaction, that would be fine, but this person kept trying to ride on his coattails. Wouldn't that unnecessarily burden him with extra karma? That would never do! The current Master Zhao was past the point where a few Heavenly Origin Pears would make him shoulder significant karma for others.

"Doctor Pang," Zhao Xing said, "I am on official business. Please address me by my title."

Pang Yuanzhen paused, surprised. "More official business? May I ask what it is?"

"It's confidential. It wouldn't be appropriate to discuss it with you today, Doctor Pang." Zhao Xing offered a polite, distant salute, then turned and left.

Pang Yuanzhen shook his head helplessly. He had originally thought that their collaboration on the Mingyue Prefecture task would bring them closer. Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing still maintained a sense of distance.

Zhao Xing arrived at the exhibition area. One tribute ship after another was displayed at the stern.

"A bestowed king's rewards truly command prestige," he thought. "The gifts arrive by the shipload."

"Hmm? What's that wonderful scent?" Zhao Xing suddenly twitched his nose, smelling a fragrant wine aroma wafting from ahead, which quickly filled the entire corridor. He vaguely saw figures passing at the end of the corridor, carrying bronze vessels called *lu* as they entered a room.

"It seems important guests have arrived," Zhao Xing mused.

This was one of the Nine Bestowments, also known as the national wine, and the vessel used to hold it was called a *lu*. There were *lu* with handles, *lu* shaped like immortal maidens, and *lu* with tiger heads. These specialized bronze vessels varied in appearance but were all exclusively for royal use. Using them without the status of a bestowed king or special imperial decree would result in execution.

Just as he was about to leave, Zhao Xing heard a voice.

"Zhao Xing, come to Taihe Hall and join me in receiving guests."

"Understood."

Upon reaching Daoyuan Prefecture, Liu Tianning stopped using teleportation and instead traveled by battleship. He had to entertain some people and be entertained by others. Such was the custom of returning home in glory, but Liu Tianning's stature was even greater. He hadn't even reached Taihe Commandery yet; as soon as he entered Daoyuan Prefecture, various factions reacted, rushing to offer gifts.

"Old Liu's Golden Dragon Battleship doesn't easily stop. When it does, someone will surely offer gifts, and he will accept them."

"They're all pre-vetted." The gifts were not extravagant, just normal social exchanges. Even so, ordinary marquises were not qualified to offer them. At the very least, they had to be second-rank military marquises, and even then, they were only qualified to give gifts, not to invite Liu Tianning for a small gathering or to board his ship. Being able to send gifts at all indicated a certain status. As for whether they would later be invited to a banquet or how long they'd have to wait, that was known only to Heaven.

As Liu Tianning's disciple, Zhao Xing naturally needed to accompany him in welcoming and seeing off guests. Flying from Nanmu Prefecture in Daoyuan to Taihe Commandery in Daoguang Prefecture took thirteen days. A total of thirty-four bestowed kings and eight dukes sent their direct descendants to present gifts.

"Truly impressive," Zhao Xing thought. They finally arrived in Taihe Commandery on the twenty-first day of the fifth month. There was another round of fanfare and various ceremonies. Fortunately, both Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning had clones. While their main bodies attended the ceremonies, their clones could handle other tasks. Zhao Xing accompanied Liu Tianning in receiving guests. Often, his clone would attend, but for truly high-ranking figures such as powerful bestowed kings, dukes, or first-rank marquises, his main body would attend to show respect.

During this time, Zhao Xing's main body was not idle.

"Heavenly Spirit Orb." In a secret room, Zhao Xing flipped his hand, and a fist-sized, multicolored orb appeared in his palm.

"My Pure Essence Soil is at Level Four."

"With a total area of about 550,000 square meters."

"And a radius of approximately 420 meters."

"I've acquired spiritual energy twice: once from Princess Youruo's treasury, and once from a Xuantian Cult stronghold, specifically from a Xuantian Spirit Coffin."

"These two wisps of spiritual energy, thanks to the Xuanhuang Essence Analysis Technique, have made my Pure Essence Soil much stronger than the standard for Level Four."

"Now, there are five wisps of spiritual energy here!" Zhao Xing looked at the Heavenly Spirit Orb. It had burst forth from Prince Yan Da's body. The moment he saw this item, Zhao Xing didn't hesitate to use one favor to acquire it from the God-Slaying King.

"Five wisps of spiritual energy, contained within the Heavenly Spirit Orb."

"All five elements are complete, and each wisp is twice as potent as the ones I previously obtained."

"The Southern Barbarians knew how to use spiritual energy, but their methods were crude. The Heavenly Origin Pearl they created from the five-element spiritual energy only activated the life force of wood-element spiritual energy; it was a complete waste." Wood-element spiritual energy provides life, ensuring an endless supply of vitality, but Prince Yan Da was simply too weak. No matter how strong his life recovery ability was, it was useless if he was instantly killed.

"Xuanhuang Essence Analysis Technique!"

"Pure Essence Projection!"

Zhao Xing's hands swept over the Heavenly Spirit Orb, and a shadow enveloped the crystal-clear orb.

"Buzzing, buzzing, buzzing..."

The five wisps of spiritual energy were extracted. The Heavenly Spirit Orb shattered. Zhao Xing immediately retracted the Pure Essence Projection, the shadow enveloping the five-element spiritual energy as it returned to his body.

"Ah, what a feeling!" A sensation of profound satisfaction welled up in Zhao Xing's heart. His consciousness sank, entering his Pure Essence Space.

"Rumble... Rumble..."

The five wisps of spiritual energy appeared enormous within the space, like millstone-sized light clusters, surging into the soil. Expanding! Expanding madly! The Pure Essence Soil's area, including the Pure Essence Space itself, was expanding. The surrounding gray mist vanished, revealing new soil.

"It's like the creation of heaven and earth," he thought. Zhao Xing watched it all. The five wisps of spiritual energy were like meteorites falling to earth, and the ground boiled like water. The gray mist within the Pure Essence Space dispersed. The transformation lasted for a long time! Finally, the dust settled.

"2502 meters." Zhao Xing watched with a smile.

"A radius exceeding a thousand meters means this is Level Five Pure Essence Soil, raising the planting limit to Eighth-tier."

"It can nurture large-scale Sixth-tier plants, allowing them to mature rapidly."

"It can accelerate the growth of Seventh-tier plants."

"And it can sustain the normal survival of Eighth-tier plants."

"The total area has reached 19.6 million square meters, nearly 30,000 mu!" Seeing his Pure Essence Soil expand, Zhao Xing felt immensely gratified.

"The area has increased nearly fortyfold. This Level Five Pure Essence Space is already exceptionally powerful, even by Level Five standards."

"Crucially, with all five elements of spiritual energy complete, my Pure Essence Soil now initially possesses Five-Element properties. When I use Pure Essence Projection, I can suppress others to the point where they cannot even activate their own."

"This is an additional effect brought by spiritual energy; cultivating Pure Essence Soil solely with vital energy would never achieve this," Zhao Xing mused.

To summon plant soldiers, one must first activate Pure Essence Projection. In a civil conflict between two Self-Path Agronomists, the first action would undoubtedly be to activate Pure Essence Projection, just as Time-Path practitioners would immediately raise clouds during a battle. Both are vying for control over heaven and earth. If someone is suppressed to the point where they cannot even activate their Pure Essence Projection, or its range is severely diminished, there's no need to fight.

"The spiritual energy of heaven and earth, endowed by creation, nurtures all things. Its power level is fundamentally different from vital energy."

"Shangluo Academy must have spiritual energy. I wonder if I can obtain some during this visit." A hint of longing appeared in Zhao Xing's eyes. Whether for future ascension or extending lifespan, spiritual energy was crucial.

"Xu Xing likely passed away in the seventeenth year of Dazhi."

"This is a predictable event; essentially, everyone knows."

"Once Old Liu becomes the First Vice Dean, he will likely be able to exercise some of the Dean's authority." The cultivation of successors began early, and power would gradually transition. It wouldn't be suddenly thrust upon someone after the predecessor's death.

"However, Liu Tianning is Liu Tianning, and I am I. Funds are for specific uses; what he can use, I might not be able to," Zhao Xing mused. Just like when Liu Tianning gave Zhao Xing hundreds of millions for cultivation, it could only be used for his own practice, not for others.

"Let's calculate." Zhao Xing went to his Silver Dragon Flying Ship and pulled out a turtle shell the size of a single room. The Ten-Thousand-Year Black Tortoise, having undergone years of fire refinement, had significantly shrunk.

"Tortoise Divination for auspiciousness." Zhao Xing pointed a finger, and flames blazed. He then combined it with the Five-Finger Heavenly Fate technique to test his luck.

"Great auspiciousness." This was the result Zhao Xing ultimately derived.

"I just don't know if I'll obtain spiritual energy," Zhao Xing mused. "The indication isn't clear enough."

"Without using ancient coins, this is the best I can achieve." Ancient coins were rare; how could he misuse them here?

"My own destiny is still at Level Six of Derivation. My fourth-rank official appointment did not advance me."

"If my destiny could stably reach Level Seven of Derivation, that would be wonderful." In Pinghai Prefecture, he had found three ancient coins, all when his destiny fluctuations reached Level Seven of Derivation.

"However, Level Seven destiny is extremely rare."

"Level Seven destiny is essentially the standard for seasoned Heavenly Fate Realm practitioners."

"Level Six of Derivation signifies qualification to enter the Heavenly Fate Realm."

"After reaching the second rank of the Heavenly Fate Realm, many powerhouses would request to be assigned to blessed lands to accumulate heavenly destiny, as only with sufficient destiny could they gradually achieve the Heavenly Fate Realm's complete mastery."

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, calmed his mind, and then stepped out of the Silver Dragon Flying Ship.

On the third day of the sixth month, Liu Tianning's "return in glory" was mostly complete. The remaining minor tasks could be handled by his clone. It was also on the third day of the sixth month that Liu Tianning took Zhao Xing to Shangluo Academy. Since it was Zhao Xing's first visit, Liu Tianning began to introduce the academy to him:

"Shangluo Academy has seven important branch academies: Shenhua, Jiedao, Yuanming, Yuanji, Bing Shi (Soldier Envoy), Shuangsheng (Twin-Birth), and Shenmu (Divine Wood)."

"Other branches include Tianzhu, Baihua, Qinghe, Ziteng, and Shangheng. There are dozens of them, large and small, but they are less renowned and rarely heard of by the public."

Zhao Xing asked, somewhat puzzled, "Is the Shangheng Branch really not well-known?" Shangheng was one of the founders; in Zhao Xing's opinion, its reputation shouldn't be small at all. For example, the Shangheng Instrument was a widely used measuring device. Furthermore, the Wen Hua Vase was also invented by Shangheng.

Liu Tianning explained, "The Shangheng Branch primarily researches and crafts Agronomist divine weapons and spell formations. While some of its achievements are no less impressive than those of certain Artificer Holy Lands, in the research of mid-to-low-tier mechanical formations and the creation of divine weapons, we generally cannot compare to pure Artificer schools."

"I see," Zhao Xing nodded. Every profession has its specialization. While other professions might occasionally outshine the main one in certain aspects, could they truly usurp it entirely? For instance, the Priest profession could also invoke Agronomist deities and cast Agronomist spells. But when it came to true comparison, they generally couldn't surpass a pure Agronomist.

"Shenhua, Jiedao, Yuanming, and Yuanji correspond to the Four Self-Path Techniques: Condensation, Tempering, Analysis, and Foundation Strengthening."

"The Bing Shi Branch is solely responsible for plant soldiers. Combat-oriented Self-Path Agronomists predominantly originate from the Bing Shi Branch."

"The Shuangsheng Branch researches native species and derivative species."

"The Shenmu Branch has an ancient lineage, possessing plants that have lived for over 500,000 years."

Zhao Xing nodded as he listened. In truth, he was already very familiar with these topics, but Liu Tianning was enjoying the conversation, so he didn't want to interrupt.

The seven important branch academies: four were founded based on the Four Self-Path Techniques, while the Bing Shi Branch was specifically established for combat. "Every Blade a Soldier" and "Jungle Leap" were mandatory techniques in the Bing Shi Branch. Agronomists from the Bing Shi Branch rarely cultivated economic plants; their focus was entirely on plant soldiers for combat or combat support. With limited Pure Essence Soil space, they had to meticulously plan every inch of land.

The Shuangsheng Branch researched native species from across the land and used them as a foundation to cultivate derivative species. When Zhao Xing was in the Sea of Extreme Night, he had obtained seeds from Shangluo Academy's top research institute: Azure Sea Cloud Vine and Fish-Devouring Grass. Both were improved derivative species, significantly more powerful than their counterparts of the same tier. Many basic crops cultivated today, such as Yuan Rice, were improved varieties, known as Yuan Rice Seed No. 18. Furthermore, the Heavenly Origin Pear that Chen Shijie had given him to eat back then was also an improved variety, originating from Shangluo Academy's Shuangsheng Branch.

Based on these achievements alone, Shangluo Academy could be said to possess immeasurable merit. No dynasty would ever move against them. Even if the Self-Path was difficult to pursue, with fifth rank being merely the entry level, successive dynasties would still provide resources to support Shangluo Academy, ensuring the continuous existence of Self-Path Agronomists.

"Teacher," Zhao Xing asked, "the Shenmu Branch has the most ancient lineage. Are there any trees of the rare treasure grade there now?" What he was most interested in was still the Shenmu Branch, because its lineage was the oldest. Plants over ten thousand years old were commonplace in the Shenmu Branch; even those over a hundred thousand years old were nothing extraordinary. Of course, only large tree-type plants could possess such long lifespans. Other types would struggle to survive for such a long time, even if they tried.

"Of course there are," Liu Tianning smiled. "I've seen one, and eaten fruits from two others."

"Which ones?" Zhao Xing's eyes lit up.

"That's confidential. I've been placed under a sealing spell by Rites Cultivators, so I cannot tell you." Liu Tianning said, "However, once I become the Dean, I'll take you inside to see them and even pick some for you to eat." Zhao Xing nodded. The preservation of divine trees was still very strict during this period.

"The Shenmu Branch bears the responsibility of inheritance."

"Agronomists of the Shenmu Branch spend their entire lives preparing to inherit the ancient trees left behind by their predecessors."

"Once successful, they will cultivate only one tree for the rest of their lives."

"After that, this Agronomist would generally no longer leave the Shenmu Branch."

"Firstly, to prevent accidents. If an Agronomist were to die unexpectedly elsewhere, their Pure Essence Soil would scatter, and the divine tree within them would be exposed. Given the divine tree's grade, once exposed and rooted in barren soil, its life would quickly wither."

"Even if by chance it was a blessed land, a sudden relocation to an unfamiliar environment would be detrimental to future generations for inheritance and transplantation."

"Such an accident occurred during the era of the Grand Ancestor." Zhao Xing listened quietly as Liu Tianning recounted the old tales.

"At that time, during the late stages of the Myriad Nations War, a Vice Dean from the Shenmu Branch encountered an accident on his way to be summoned by the Grand Ancestor: he was ambushed by a mysterious powerhouse."

"The treasure-grade divine tree within him, the 'Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree,' was stolen."

"It was rumored to be the work of the Great Serpent Divine Lord of Yinghuang, while others claimed it was seized by Anzu, the Heavenly Witch of Nanhuang."

Zhao Xing was startled. "Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree?"

Liu Tianning: "It seems you've heard of it."

Zhao Xing nodded. "Yes, disciple saw it in the confidential archives of King Tianyan."

"Legend says the Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree can bear two kinds of fruits: Elephant God Fruit and Dragon God Fruit!"

"Consuming them grants one the power of ancient dragon-elephants."

Liu Tianning nodded. "Indeed. This tree is also linked to an ultimate secret technique, the Dragon-Elephant Golden Body. Warriors who consume its fruits can cultivate the legendary Dragon-Elephant Golden Body."

"Ji Shuang, who was known as the God of War back then, cultivated the Dragon-Elephant Golden Body. This technique is also referred to as the God of War Golden Body."

"The Grand Ancestor summoned the Dean of the Shenmu Branch precisely because he wanted to cultivate a few more Dragon-Elephant Warriors."

"Unfortunately, an accident occurred."

Ji Shuang, the God of War, was also known as Duke Zhao. Zhao Xing was very familiar with this period of history because, in his previous life, the Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree had appeared as a dungeon event in the Eastern Wasteland during the Martial Emperor's era. Many top players at the time received a quest to escort Agronomists into the royal forbidden grounds of the Great Serpent Kingdom in the Eastern Wasteland to complete a transplantation. Zhao Xing had been invited by a major guild and joined a top team at the time, but they ultimately failed the quest; the Dragon-Elephant Divine Tree was taken by another top team.

"We shouldn't have split up back then. That idiot Blade Overlord Slasher Slash—" Zhao Xing was quite relaxed when chatting with Old Liu, and the curse slipped out unconsciously.

"What did you say?" Liu Tianning frowned.

"Oh, disciple just remembered a warrior I know. His skills are simply terrible."

"If the warrior team escorting the divine tree back then had been stronger, it wouldn't have been stolen," Zhao Xing quickly added.

"Is there something wrong with your cultivation?" Liu Tianning seemed to realize something, and in turn, worried that Zhao Xing might be going insane.

"I'm fine," Zhao Xing said. "No loss of control has occurred so far. Please continue, Teacher."

Liu Tianning continued, "Various accidents have occurred throughout history, so later, the inheritors of divine trees from the Shenmu Branch generally no longer ventured outside."

"Secondly, the nurturing and inheritance of divine trees also require specific locations." Zhao Xing nodded.

The vast majority of Self-Path Agronomists, after planting their designated tree, would dedicate all their essence, qi, and spirit to nurturing that single tree. They would likely have little to no combat power. It was best for them not to go anywhere, as staying at Shangluo Academy headquarters was the safest option. Furthermore, divine trees couldn't solely rely on an Agronomist's Pure Essence Soil for sustenance. For those of the world's most prized treasures and rare marvels to blossom and bear fruit, one person alone wouldn't suffice. They typically had to be planted in blessed lands or cultivated by concentrating vast amounts of vital energy. The world's most advanced Dizang Return-to-Origin Spell Formation, though set up by Earth-Path Agronomists, was not located in Kunyuan Academy but in Shangluo Academy.

Afterwards, Liu Tianning continued to share secrets and legends about the other branches. Many of these were unknown to Zhao Xing, as in his previous life, he wasn't particularly powerful during this period and couldn't access the Self-Path's high-level secrets; he could only analyze them based on later circumstances.

"Hearing Teacher explain this, disciple suddenly understands," Zhao Xing said. "No wonder Prince Liang's sons tried to win Teacher over in the Sea of Extreme Night, even after Teacher had killed their vassals." Later, when Zhao Xing vehemently cursed Prince Liang on the battlefield, nothing happened either. Ji Ye even tried to mediate, but eventually, unable to bear it any longer after Zhao Xing cursed him continuously for a year or two and constantly exposed scandals of Prince Liang's faction, their relationship completely broke down, forcing Zhao Xing to leave the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

If Prince Liang had managed to win over any one of the three factions, he wouldn't have been defeated so quickly. If all three factions had supported him, he might even have had a chance to succeed. However, this was impossible. What Prince Liang did was incompatible with the Agronomists' ideals and principles.

"Teacher, which of the seven branches did you lead?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Previously, I only served as Vice Dean of the Shuangsheng Branch," Liu Tianning replied. "What I'm contending for now is the Vice Deanship of Shangluo Academy itself, and as the first-in-line candidate." Zhao Xing nodded. One position oversaw everything, while the other managed a specific branch, and their significance was different.

"It seems the remaining resistance, Teacher, largely comes from the Bing Shi Branch and the Shenmu Branch."

"More or less," Liu Tianning said. "In reality, no one can truly stop me anymore."

"However, I need to make them understand more clearly. It's not enough for them to merely humor me or offer perfunctory responses when I give orders."

"What I want is complete control."

"When fundamental interests are involved, some stubborn old-timers still can't come to terms with it." Liu Tianning stated calmly, "How can things work if they outwardly agree but inwardly resist? Some matters cannot be compromised on from the start, otherwise, it will lead to a mountain of troubles later."

Zhao Xing understood Old Liu's meaning. He was now going to become the Vice Dean, the top candidate, with eighty to ninety percent support. Previously, whether it was demonstrating his personal martial prowess in the dojo, his coordination abilities during the Great Pacification War, or his background and connections, he had already passed all tests. At this point, even without a fight, Xu Xing's position would still be his.

However, Liu Tianning was unwilling to ascend to power with anything less than full authority! He wanted all the power! Because his goal was not merely to be the Self-Path leader, but to contend for the position of Grand Agronomist. When Li Boqian eventually passed away, Liu Tianning would have to compete with the other two factions for the future Grand Agronomist position. The Self-Path was inherently at a disadvantage. If they faltered at a crucial moment or held him back, how could they possibly win?

"Currently, there are still some dissenting and doubting voices from various branches, but mainly from certain individuals in the Bing Shi Branch and the Shenmu Branch. Coincidentally, they possess things I desire."

Zhao Xing asked curiously, "For example?"

Liu Tianning explained, "For instance, there's a Vice Dean in the Shenmu Branch named Zhuang Danian. He is at the Peak Second Rank Realm and possesses three irreplaceable Ninth-tier Grand Medicines."

"These medicinal materials can be given to alchemists to refine into pills that can further cultivate martial artists, or to physicians to treat certain intractable diseases." Zhao Xing nodded slightly; that indeed was important. Controlling three irreplaceable Ninth-tier Grand Medicines could mobilize many cultivators, warriors, and physicians.

"He's unwilling to hand them over?" Zhao Xing asked.

"It's not that he's unwilling to hand them over, but his conditions are too demanding," Liu Tianning said calmly. "Furthermore, if everyone else has to negotiate with him, wouldn't I, as the Dean, be at his mercy?"

"I've communicated with him several times, and I've also had others speak to him a few times."

"The conditions he proposes are consistently unacceptable."

"Another example is Chu Qianqiu of the Bing Shi Branch," Liu Tianning continued. "He has a supporter who inherited a contemporary treasure called the Heavenly Soul Fruit Tree."

"After consuming this fruit, even if one's Yin Soul is seemingly obliterated into a state of 'nothingness', it won't truly vanish. Instead, after a period, it will recover to a state of 'rarity' or 'existence'. Tell me, isn't this important?"

"Extremely important!" Zhao Xing said