Chapter 301: Big Sheng Era, Shocking Discoveries After Review

Shi Wenxuan left after speaking, and Zhao Xing turned his attention to the three items.

The warm bamboo box, also known as the scholar's bamboo box, could preserve many precious items and extend their shelf life. Inside were valuable resources for cultivating the Dragon Tongue. These included Dragon's Breath Pills, medicinal powder made from dragon scales, vocal cord organs steeped in a special liquid, and a dragon blood elixir for topical application. Although the items were precious, their usage was simple: internal consumption and external application.

Back in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, Zhao Xing had practiced the Kui Niu Thunder Roar, so he didn't need any instruction; he understood how to use them just by reading the descriptions.

"The Xi Yin Dragon Stone is quite rare," Zhao Xing murmured, picking up one of the stones. The moment his hand touched it, the stone began to vibrate involuntarily, emitting a unique frequency. Zhao Xing immediately felt dizzy and a tightness in his chest. However, the sound was extremely faint, almost imperceptible. Had he not achieved a third-grade cultivation with a top-tier Dao body, he wouldn't have been able to hear such a subtle sound at all.

"The greatest sound is silence," Zhao Xing thought, his face filled with shock. "The sound emitted by the Xi Yin Dragon Stone already exceeds the range that many third-grade cultivators can perceive." Many professions involved the Dao of Acoustics, such as martial artists cultivating sonic secret techniques, musicians playing battle tunes, Ritual Cultivators reciting true words, and priests and sorcerers casting incantations. Essentially, all of them manifested spells and martial arts through vocalization.

"Even the thunder conjured by the Minister of Agriculture involves the Dao of Great Sound," Zhao Xing mused. "The power of thunder, even if it doesn't directly strike a target, its terrifying roar is enough to shatter people and spirits, or scare them to death."

Zhao Xing put down the Xi Yin Dragon Stone and then picked up the seven scrolls. "Learning the Dragon Tongue involves listening, viewing, and writing," he thought. "All three parts encompass three elements: meaning, method, and spirit." The seven scrolls before Zhao Xing were all from the same series of paintings, "Myriad Dao Dragon Roars." Why were they presented in the form of paintings? Mainly, the Dragon race's language differed from the Great Zhou's written script. It not only included left-right, up-down, and inner-outer structures but also spatial and temporal variations, and the magnitude of information it conveyed was vastly different. Dragons were enormous, and their characters were equally large. To humans, the characters they saw looked more like paintings.

"Legend has it that when the Xuanhuang Realm was first created, everything was chaotic, and no beasts could make a sound," Zhao Xing recalled. "The most powerful true dragon let out a roar, and from then on, sound existed between heaven and earth, becoming part of the world's rules."

Zhao Xing had sealed his own Memory Palace, so now, seeing these high-end items, everything seemed novel to him. "I'll start with the first painting, 'Ancestral Dragon Roar,' which directly points to the essence of the Dao of Great Sound," he decided.

Zhao Xing pulled out the ritual cord binding the scroll. *Whoosh—* Without the suppression of the ritual cord, the scroll immediately unfurled on its own, slowly expanding and hovering two meters in front of Zhao Xing. The scroll continuously extended, reaching neither heaven nor earth, connecting left and right, eventually forming a sphere with Zhao Xing at its center.

A Dao Star of Painting! Patterns began to flow within the star, and a three-dimensional image flashed before Zhao Xing's eyes. He felt as if he were in an ancient primordial world. The sky was a hazy gray, the earth boiled, and the oceans were murky. Countless creatures struggled between heaven and earth, roaring skyward. Yet, they could not make any sound. Zhao Xing seemed to sense their emotions and couldn't help but roar loudly. But the world remained a hazy gray, as if an invisible Dao barrier existed. He realized that despite shouting with all his might, he heard no sound.

Then, at a certain moment, a golden light suddenly appeared between heaven and earth. Sensing something, Zhao Xing looked towards the golden light. He saw a dragon's head, massive and majestic, seemingly cast from refined iron, covered in tough scales that shimmered with a metallic luster. Thick dragon horns protruded from either side of its forehead, resembling colossal deer antlers but appearing even more rigid. Their surfaces were covered in mysterious patterns, seemingly containing ancient secrets of the world. The dragon's eyes, wide and round, resembled brilliant stars. Its pupils were as deep as an abyss, seemingly burning with flames and flashing with lightning, radiating terrifying power with every glance. Its wide dragon snout occasionally exhaled wisps of white mist, like swirling clouds. When its mouth opened wide, sharp fangs were visible, arranged in an interlocking pattern, each as pointed as a treasured sword, capable of easily tearing through everything in the world.

"Ancestral Dragon!" Zhao Xing exclaimed, overcome with excitement the moment he saw the dragon's head. He pounded his chest and roared, following the myriad beasts as if insane, chasing in that direction, yearning to follow the Ancestral Dragon in opening up the heavens.

As he flew closer, Zhao Xing finally caught sight of the Ancestral Dragon's full form. Its body was long, agile, and seemingly endless in its serpentine twists. Its scales were tightly packed, each the size of a palm, with edges as sharp as blades. The scales were as golden as the blazing sun, dazzling and radiant, exuding an aura of endless nobility. Strong dragon claws emerged from both sides of its body, each with five toes, whose sharp tips were like peerless divine weapons, capable of effortlessly crushing rocks. The muscles on its claws bulged, full of explosive power, demonstrating its immense strength. Its dragon tail was long and powerful, shaped like a colossal fish tail but covered in hard scales. Every part of the Ancestral Dragon's body seemed to contain the rules of heaven and earth, imbued with the essence of the Dao.

Treading upon the earth, its dragon head held high, its whiskers swayed. Its dragon mouth opened, and golden light seemed to gush forth. The first sound was emitted, and the murky world instantly cleared. Zhao Xing's mind was instantly imprinted with that unforgettable sound, and then the entire world became bright. The myriad beasts began to roar! Zhao Xing also let out a furious roar, but it was quickly drowned out by the sounds of the myriad beasts and the Ancestral Dragon, leaving him unable to hear what he himself had shouted. He desperately screamed and ran quickly, wanting to witness the Ancestral Dragon's heaven-opening process.

Just then— *Whoosh!* The scroll retracted, and all the scenery blurred before Zhao Xing's eyes. "This—" Zhao Xing's mind was filled with shock, and he murmured to himself. "A Dao-transmitting painting can actually achieve such a level."

Sound could cleanse the mind, but also disturb it. Many people grew agitated listening to chaotic sounds, while others would fall asleep unconsciously listening to a requiem. Zhao Xing recalled the scene he had just experienced during his enlightenment, realizing that he had been completely unaware of the madness and rage that had filled his mind.

"The Dao of Great Sound, creating heaven and earth—truly worthy of the hegemonic race that ruled the ancient era," Zhao Xing sighed with emotion. It was rumored that the true dragon race once spread throughout the Xuanhuang Realm, but later they all disappeared. The so-called "dragon race" that existed today were actually inferior mixed-bloods. Slightly more powerful ones, like Bai Yunwu, who was a half-dragon, were considered top-tier among the aquatic races. They were naturally stronger than ordinary humans; the direct descendants of the Bai family were already at the graded level, even eighth grade, from birth.

"The Ancestral Dragon Roar was created based on murals in the Ancient Dragon Court," Zhao Xing mused. "I wonder what profound mysteries the original held." Zhao Xing recalled the enlightenment process: he had heard a single syllable, and the character "Ga" had been imprinted in his mind. "Everyone's interpretation is different," he thought. "I'll study the other scrolls first." Zhao Xing decided to first comprehend the other six paintings. "Ancestral Dragon Roar" was too profound, while the other six were relatively easier.

Time was pressing, so Zhao Xing immediately devoted himself entirely to cultivation after receiving the resources. First, he took pills and applied elixirs to strengthen and protect his body parts. It was not an easy task to emit the sounds of a dragon. A dragon's body could easily master the Dragon Tongue, but a human body found it much more difficult. With the basic conditions met, he then proceeded to listening, writing, viewing, and speaking. There were many checkpoints in the Ancient Dragon Court where rules were explained in Dragon Tongue. If one didn't understand, violating the rules could lead to death without even knowing why. If one couldn't hear or understand the sounds, being able to read was still acceptable. Even if a mid-grade cultivator entered the challenges unable to speak or hear, being able to read and translate the Dragon Tongue rules would prevent them from stumbling blindly. Hearing, understanding, speaking, and writing the Dragon Tongue were essential qualities for high-grade cultivators. Zhao Xing was currently focused on expanding the number of Dragon Tongue sounds and meanings he knew. Mid-tier Dragon Tongue levels were primarily measured by quantity, not power. Expanding his knowledge base was simple for Zhao Xing.

"Manifest!" Zhao Xing unleashed his Pure Origin Projection, and top-tier clones appeared one after another. All thousand-plus clones were released. "With my Myriad Arts Straw Figures, I can easily multitask," he thought. "Mastering mid-tier Dragon Tongue will be quick." The mansion contained many books, and Zhao Xing began to frantically absorb Dragon Tongue knowledge. Mastering the form, meaning, and spirit (method) of mid-tier Dragon Tongue was effortless for Zhao Xing, who was already a third-grade cultivator. He already had a foundation, being at mid-tier Level 1. He only lacked systematic guidance and time for refinement. Now, with a wealth of structured materials, he could fully utilize this method for cultivation.

"One group of clones will focus on viewing, another on writing, and a third on listening," Zhao Xing planned. "My main body will only be responsible for the final vocalization, which is casting Dragon Tongue incantations." Zhao Xing's plan was clear. Although there was only one set of cultivation resources, the clones, due to their structural limitations, could not utter the Dragon Tongue. However, listening, writing, and viewing were not an issue for them.

"Begin!" Zhao Xing's thousands of clones appeared throughout the mansion. Some clones held scrolls and carefully observed them. The six scrolls depicted dragons with five-element, wind, and lightning attributes, either in battle, teaching young dragons, or playing in groups. Each painting contained a deconstruction of the meaning conveyed by the dragons' activities. Meanwhile, the vibrations emitted by the Xi Yin Dragon Stone encapsulated the influence of sound on the five elements—this was understanding the Dao of Great Sound from the perspective of the five elements. It analyzed the essence of the Dao. His main body occasionally meditated on "Ancestral Dragon Roar," comprehending its advanced Dao essence. As the saying goes, aim for the highest, and you'll achieve the middle. Although "Ancestral Dragon Roar" was difficult to fully comprehend, consistent immersion still yielded insights. While his clones solidified the mid-to-low-tier Dragon Tongue foundation, his main body comprehended the supreme Great Dao. Moreover, he had the guidance of a master like Shi Wenxuan. Zhao Xing's cultivation speed was terrifying.

"A minor breakthrough every three days?" Nine days passed, and Shi Wenxuan gradually sensed Zhao Xing's extraordinary nature. "His progress is astonishingly fast." "The Myriad Arts Clones are helping him too much." Shi Wenxuan had seen Myriad Arts Clones before; he had even taught cultivators who practiced the first and second levels of the Divine Manifestation Art. However, with Zhao Xing, the effects of these two arts were clearly more potent. "No wonder Prince Tianyan dared to say that," he thought. Shi Wenxuan's interest was fully piqued. When a teacher instructed a student, it was only enjoyable if the student had high comprehension. If one encountered a dull student, there was no teaching pleasure to speak of; not being angered to death would be considered good.

A month later, at a certain location in Xiaoshan. "Zhao Xing!" "Zhao Xing, come to Xiaoshan Dragon Spring!" "Hurry to Xiaoshan Dragon Spring!" Shi Wenxuan activated the Dragon Tongue, his lips vibrating, and peculiar ripples appeared in the air. Bat Dragon Tongue—this was an ultra-low frequency form of Dragon Tongue. To create a good learning atmosphere, from the third day onwards, Shi Wenxuan and Zhao Xing communicated exclusively in Dragon Tongue.

"Teacher." Zhao Xing quickly appeared before Shi Wenxuan. "Did you call me?" Shi Wenxuan smiled faintly: "Excellent. Bat Dragon Tongue is already at the mid-tier ninth-grade level within the Dragon Tongue system." "Your presence here proves that your mid-tier Dragon Tongue has reached the ninth grade." Zhao Xing humbly replied, "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Teacher." Shi Wenxuan said, "Your talent is truly remarkable. I've never seen anyone complete mid-tier Dragon Tongue training in just one month." "However, the upcoming advanced training won't be as easy." "You can have your clones pause for now and focus all your energy on tackling high-tier Dragon Tongue." "Yes." With a thought, all of Zhao Xing's clones flew to Xiaoshan Dragon Spring. As the clones were retrieved into the Pure Origin Space, their life souls naturally returned to his Sea of Consciousness.

Shi Wenxuan extended a finger and drew golden lines in the air. As he wrote, he spoke: "What I'm about to teach you is high-tier Dragon Tongue, specifically a very important type of incantation within high-tier Dragon Tongue." Zhao Xing listened quietly. The Dragon Tongue system was vast, with ninety percent of it having no magical effects. For example: "Let's go, let's play in the sea." "Have you eaten today? What did you eat?" "Bring me something to eat back to Dragon City." Learning such Dragon Tongue phrases had no magical efficacy; they only served for communication.

"True Dragon Tongue that can be called incantations are all high-tier Dragon Tongue." At this point, Shi Wenxuan switched back to normal human language to converse with Zhao Xing. "For instance, listen carefully to the following passage." The moment he finished speaking, Shi Wenxuan's body suddenly swelled, and a coiled dragon materialized behind him. His expression turned cold, and his eyes filled with a murderous intent.

*Ang! Ang! Ang! Ang!* A series of dragon roars mixed with growls emerged. Zhao Xing felt as if he were being targeted by a colossal dragon. He sensed a terrifying might emanating from Shi Wenxuan; the primordial energy pressed in like an ocean, and even the light in the space seemed to distort. His body trembled uncontrollably. *Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!* Zhao Xing felt his golden bones constantly grinding, as if they were about to melt, and pain emanated from his marrow. Undoubtedly, Shi Wenxuan possessed the strength of a first-grade expert. Because he studied Dragon Tongue, Shi Wenxuan, as a Ritual Cultivator, could still wield immense destructive power even outside the Great Zhou's territory.

"Dismiss!" As this syllable emerged, all the anomalous phenomena around Shi Wenxuan vanished. Zhao Xing also returned to normal, panting heavily. "Teacher, what was that Dragon Tongue incantation just now?" Zhao Xing couldn't help but ask.

"It was one of the nine great death incantations of the Dragon Court: the 'Dragon King Bone-Stripping Curse'!" "It was created by Dragon Emperor 'Jie,' specifically for executing disobedient dragon kings, rebellious dragons, and evil dragons." "Dragon King Bone-Stripping Curse?" Zhao Xing realized, no wonder he felt his bones were about to fall apart earlier. However, Shi Wenxuan clearly hadn't unleashed its full power. The final syllable, 'Sa,' was an interruptive sound that halted the incantation. Had it been fully unleashed, Zhao Xing would have lost his life. Shi Wenxuan merely wanted him to experience its might.

"The Dragon King Bone-Stripping Curse I used was not the complete version," Shi Wenxuan stated. "No one knows what the full version looks like." "After all, there are no true dragons left in the world." "If you encounter a similar display of power in the Ancient Dragon Court, don't think twice—run immediately." Shi Wenxuan said, "Casting the Dragon King Bone-Stripping Curse in the Dragon Court amplifies its power significantly; even first-grade martial artists would have their bones extracted and explode." The heaven and earth rules of the Dragon Court were different from the outside world; incantations cast within the Ancient Dragon Court had their power greatly magnified.

"Yes, I've noted that," Zhao Xing dutifully replied, remembering it firmly as it concerned matters of life and death. "Of the nine great incantations, the Great Zhou controls three. External forces such as the Sect World, Southern Barbarians, and Eastern Ocean royal courts combined control four." "Two of the incantations controlled by the Great Zhou overlap with those of other factions: the Dragon King Bone-Stripping Curse and the Dragon King Heart-Severing Curse." "The other one mastered by our dynasty is the Dragon King Soul-Refining Curse." "Are all the incantations our dynasty controls death curses?" Zhao Xing asked. "Precisely," Shi Wenxuan nodded. "Your current cultivation level is too low. You can only experience a hint of their power; if you ever encounter them, run immediately." "There are many safe havens within the Dragon Court whose formations can withstand the power of death curses. If you spot them, you should head there." When the Ancient Dragon Court opened, many factions would be involved, making it highly dangerous. Shi Wenxuan was first teaching Zhao Xing how to save his life before discussing anything else.

"Now I will teach you the other important incantations." Shi Wenxuan switched back to Dragon Tongue. His mouth suddenly widened, and primordial energy surged as he emitted two long dragon roars. Zhao Xing vaguely saw nine dragon shadows circling Shi Wenxuan. "Teacher, what curse is this?" Shi Wenxuan switched back to human language: "This is the Unsealing Incantation." "After you enter the Ancient Dragon Court, use this incantation to test each location you visit." "Perhaps it can open some treasure locations." Zhao Xing pondered, "Teacher, the Dragon Court might not be entirely filled with treasures. Wouldn't this risk opening dangerous places, like traps or mechanisms?" Shi Wenxuan shook his head: "There are various types of Unsealing Incantations. As I said, this is the Treasury Unsealing Incantation." "Dragons would not use the Treasury Unsealing Incantation to imprison criminals or secure dangerous forbidden zones; they would use other types." "Of course, an incantation is just one condition for opening. For high-level locations, the dragon's identity, credentials, and the incantation are all indispensable." "Even if you accidentally recite the correct incantation without the power, identity, or credentials, you won't be able to release any demons or monsters."

Zhao Xing nodded. Dragons were an intelligent race; at least, the true dragons were. To open the Great Zhou's treasuries, a person of specific identity, a token, and a final spell were all required. When Ye Yukong handled governmental affairs, the Imperial Treasury required his personal presence as the Prefect to be opened. Naturally, dragons also had status ranks; Dragon Kings, for instance, were a specific level within the dragon nobility. The dragon race was once a prosperous and flourishing civilization, and that vast, lost world had not yet been fully uncovered by people.

Shi Wenxuan said, "If there are Unsealing Incantations, there are also Sealing Incantations, which are needed at certain checkpoints in the Dragon Court." "Besides these two main categories, there are also Edict Incantations." "They can mobilize certain lingering ancient powers within the Dragon Court." "Beyond these, there are also offensive, defensive, and auxiliary incantations, but you don't need to learn those." Zhao Xing nodded. For other types, human magic and secret techniques were more convenient and powerful to use. There was no need to learn them. He would primarily learn three main categories: first, unsealing; second, sealing; and third, edicts. Of course, even these three major categories were merely the tip of the iceberg of dragon culture. It was impossible to completely avoid risks, but with only three years left until the opening, Shi Wenxuan had to focus his teaching on Zhao Xing.

As December of the thirty-seventh year of Jingxin Era passed, the imperial court issued a new calendar. The third emperor of Great Zhou, Ji Mingjing, changed the era name to 'Dazhi' (Great Governance). The Two New Reforms, which had lasted for over three hundred years, finally drew to a close. Zhao Xing also took some time to read the court's official gazette. However, with his memories sealed, he felt nothing. He even thought, 'Finally, the world is at peace; I can relax a bit.' However, intelligence from the military front revealed that small-scale skirmishes still occurred along various borderlines of Great Zhou. The negative repercussions of Prince Liang's rebellion could not be resolved quickly. Due to the Prince Liang incident, all territories conquered during the Jingxin era were reclaimed by the Southern Barbarian royal court, and even the scale of the Nine Heavens Responding Yuan Prefecture reverted to its initial level before the campaign against the barbarians began. At this point, the Southern Barbarians dared not press further, still maintaining a buffer zone of ten thousand li. Nevertheless, small-scale skirmishes and probes continued.

Furthermore, the chaos among the East Sea aquatic races persisted. Under Emperor Jing's command, the three major aquatic chieftains—Bai, Ao, and Tang—conducted continuous high-pressure purges in the outer waters of the East Sea. However, for the inland regions, there was no warfare in the East Sea's inner waters, and trade routes gradually began to recover. In the first year of Dazhi, Luliang Prefecture was also renamed 'Fuzhou' due to its numerous hills. The original Prince Liang City was destroyed in the war. After reconstruction, it was renamed Fubu Commandery, and its administrative status directly dropped from a royal capital to a commandery. The many commanderies carved out from it were all placed under direct imperial control.

Also suffering misfortune was Prince Lü. Because Prince Liang rebelled, Prince Lü failed to fulfill his supervisory role and was directly stripped of his feudal state. His rank was immediately reduced to Marquis. His fiefdoms, vassals, and armies were drastically reduced. All vacated territories were also placed under direct imperial control. The former Prince Lü City was converted into a prefectural city, and the Prince Lü Residence was moved to an adjacent satellite town for the Lü clan to reside in.

"Where there's a fall, there's a rise. Lü Yuanwei, Prince Lü's direct descendant, still commands the Divine Thunder Army and has been promoted to First-Class Marquis, which is the same rank as his father," Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile. Lü Yuanwei had been quite famous in the early stages of the Barbarian Pacification War. At that time, Zhao Xing and his companions had planned to follow Lü Yuanwei to make a living. However, later, plans couldn't keep up with changes. Only Xia Jing continued to fight, while Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie withdrew. "Twenty years of change, truly significant," he mused.

Zhao Xing put the intelligence aside and continued to immerse himself in cultivation. Immersed in cultivation, oblivious to the passage of time, in the first year of Dazhi, Shi Wenxuan's other students gradually departed. Because for the final two years, they also had other preparations to make. Since Zhao Xing began learning high-tier Dragon Tongue incantations, he also started studying with Shi Wenxuan's other students. Among them, the longest-staying siblings, Lu Manman and Lu Xiuyuan, were assigned to Zhao Xing's group. Initially, the Lu siblings hadn't paid much attention to Zhao Xing. When he came to seek guidance, they approached it with the mindset of instructing a junior, not of sparring. But gradually, things changed.

April of the first year of Dazhi. Lu Xiuyuan said with some surprise, "Zhao Xing, you've mastered twelve types from the Unsealing Incantation category? That's quite fast!" "You can spar with us two siblings now."

June of the first year of Dazhi. "You want to learn the 'Eastern Dragon Sealing Method'? Shouldn't you only start this after mastering the first four sealing methods?" "What? You've already mastered the first four?"

August of the first year of Dazhi. "Brother, am I dreaming? How did I wake up and see Zhao Xing casting the 'Dragon Spring Sealing Method'?" "I only slept for three days, but he makes me feel like I've slept for thirty years!" Lu Xiuyuan sighed, "You're not wrong, yes, he has already mastered sixteen sealing methods."

In December of the first year of Dazhi, Zhao Xing mastered four types of Edict Incantations. At this point, the Lu siblings, Lu Xiuyuan and Lu Manman, looked at Zhao Xing with strange eyes. "Brother Zhao, have you been getting special tutoring? How is your progress so fast?" "Monster, he's a monster!" Lu Manman shrieked. "We've been studying for twenty years and have only mastered three Edict methods!"

Zhao Xing smiled faintly, and Prince Tianyan appeared behind the two. "Everyone, come with me." Lu Xiuyuan felt offended when his shoulder was grabbed. He struggled free and said, "Who the hell are you? You tell us to go, and we go?" Prince Tianyan took out a token engraved with the character 'Fate'. *Hiss—* Lu Xiuyuan immediately knelt down: "I apologize, Your Excellency, I was disrespectful just now." Prince Tianyan snorted, "Young man, don't be so hot-headed. Never mind, I'll let you off this time." To verbally disrespect Prince Tianyan's mother? It was fortunate that Prince Tianyan had a good temper; otherwise, he would have made Lu Xiuyuan understand what imperial majesty truly meant. "Th-thank you," Lu Xiuyuan stammered, rising shakily. The siblings obediently followed Prince Tianyan to receive the 'Mouth-Sealing Art'. When they returned, they had become docile and compliant. Even their attitude towards Zhao Xing became much more respectful.

December 25th, in the first year of Dazhi. Prince Tianyan and Shi Wenxuan appeared inside the mansion. Zhao Xing, who was currently cultivating wrapped in scrolls, stopped. "Teacher, Your Highness." Shi Wenxuan's face showed a hint of reluctance: "Zhao Xing, your one year of special training ends here." "It's over?" Zhao Xing was stunned. "But Teacher, I still feel there's so much more to learn." The more he learned, the less Zhao Xing felt he knew. "Prince Tianyan and I have discussed this for several days," Shi Wenxuan said. "If you continue cultivating this, the improvement won't be as effective as practicing other spells." "Therefore, ending it at this point is the best choice." Prince Tianyan was a Fate Official, capable of deducing where Zhao Xing's remaining year and a half would be best spent. He was an authority in this regard, and although Shi Wenxuan was reluctant, he could only halt the special training for now. "Yes." Zhao Xing was also a little reluctant, but he trusted Prince Tianyan. Reviewing his own learning, he also realized there were many areas in his primary spells that could still be improved.

"Zhao Xing, bid your teacher farewell," Prince Tianyan said. "Throughout this year, he continuously used the Enlightenment Art and the Calming Heart Art on you." "Others don't receive such treatment." Indeed, Zhao Xing had received special tutoring. His terrifying speed of comprehension was partly innate and partly due to Shi Wenxuan, a first-grade Ritual Cultivator.

"Zhao Xing thanks you, Teacher. Please take care," Zhao Xing immediately said, prostrating himself in a deep bow. Shi Wenxuan generously received the bow, stroked his beard, and smiled: "Good. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to come back and listen to my lectures." Teaching Zhao Xing also brought him great joy. It was like watching a nurtured sapling grow strong and healthy. "However, you should come sooner rather than later," he added. "I'm not much younger than Prince Tianyan, and I don't have much time left." At their age, they had no taboos regarding death. "Yes, thank you, Teacher," Zhao Xing bowed again. After bowing three times, Prince Tianyan departed with Zhao Xing. Zhao Xing was the fifth-to-last student to leave Shi Wenxuan. He arrived late, but he wasn't the last to leave.

After leaving the Sacred Word Academy, Prince Tianyan took Zhao Xing through the Lihuo Channel, returning to Daoyuan Continent. Their next destination was the headquarters of the Xuan Tian Academy. *Yuu—* The moment they left Tianyong Prefecture, Zhao Xing's brows subtly furrowed. "Your Highness, I'll go inside and rest for a moment." "Go ahead." Zhao Xing went to the other end of the cabin, closed the door, lay down on the specially designed magical bed, and closed his eyes to sleep.

Inside his Memory Palace. "Holy crap, the Shang Tang Token! The Yin-Shang King's Ship that traverses the Yin and Yang realms!" "Did they actually have one of these during Emperor Jing's reign?" Zhao Xing reviewed his memories and immediately discovered something unusual. "This ship can not only travel to the polar regions of the Yin realm to find precious plants, but it is also a crucial item for the resurrection of Yin Gods in later eras." "It never appeared during Emperor Wu's time, yet it's in True Monarch Tianyang's hands?" Zhao Xing felt like he had struck gold. This ship had appeared during the spiritual energy revival period, emerging from the Void. It was a key item for the resurrection of Yin Gods. He had thought it remained in the Void until then, but unexpectedly, it existed during this era and was captured by True Monarch Tianyang! "Amazing, Ancestral Master! Your incense offerings weren't in vain," Zhao Xing couldn't help but exclaim. Now, he had even more reason to become the Grand Minister of Agriculture. "I need to keep an eye on it; I absolutely cannot let it get lost," Zhao Xing thought to himself. The fact that it wasn't heard of during Emperor Wu's time proved that the ship was lost later. That's why it sailed into the Void, only to reappear after the spiritual energy revival.

He continued browsing his memories. "Huh? Shi Wenxuan? He's not just ranked among the top three; he's the number one Dragon Tongue Ritual Cultivator!" "The Dragon King Bone-Stripping Curse, Dragon King Heart-Severing Curse, and Dragon King Soul-Refining Curse—he alone mastered all three." "No later Dragon Tongue Ritual Cultivator has been able to master all three simultaneously." "No wonder I learned so quickly with his teaching." "I really should find him again in the future—oh, no, I need to invite him out of Tianyong Prefecture," Zhao Xing thought. He didn't want to go into Fengdu again; sealing his memories each time was quite troublesome.

"It's almost Dazhi Year Two. Is Prince Tianyan taking me to the Xuan Tian Academy's headquarters?" "That's good. It aligns with my plan," Zhao Xing thought. "My main purpose in going to Xuan Tian Academy is to cultivate the Hou Transformation Art!" "I need to cultivate several more types of both internal and external training." "Especially Hou Transformation Arts related to dragons," Zhao Xing recalled. "Shi Wenxuan has already taught me the three great incantations, but I can't fully comprehend them; I can only force myself to memorize their forms." "However, if I can transform into a dragon through the Hou Transformation Art and then cast Dragon Tongue incantations, perhaps I can master the Nine Great Incantations that I haven't been able to grasp!"