Chapter 313: Meeting the Emperor, Promotion and Ennoblement

Cold and dark, twisted starlight reflected on the dragon scales. The scales rapidly faded, revealing wheat-colored skin.

"Patches of burnt, red, and pale skin, like after cupping. Great, both the Heavenly Mechanism Robe and the almanac are burned to ashes." Zhao Xing patted himself twice, and ashes drifted from his body.

The Fuming Furnace was too powerful; even though Zhao Xing had broken through to the Second Rank, it still scorched his skin.

Fortunately, upon entering the Netherworld, the cold aura suppressed the furnace. Without the inferno, the outer layer of the furnace gradually cooled down.

"Last time, it was my primordial spirit; this time, my physical body came along. The warship's yin-yang traversing ability is truly powerful," Zhao Xing mused, looking around.

The Ancient Yin warship was drifting aimlessly. Within his line of sight, everything was mottled and dim. Zhao Xing noticed it was sailing through a "yin cloud."

After tending to his injuries, Zhao Xing walked to a standing rudder at the bow and inserted the Shang Tang Token.

"Buzz~" The rudder grew taller, and Zhao Xing's primordial spirit emerged from his body, placing his hands into the recessed slots.

A map of the Netherworld's cardinal directions appeared in his mind. Simultaneously, the Ancient Yin warship became motionless, disregarding the spatial flow of the Netherworld.

"My current position corresponds to the East Ocean outer sea in the Yang world?"

"How did I end up here? Just a moment of flow caused such a significant change."

If Zhao Xing were to perform yin-yang traversal now, he would reappear in the East Ocean outer sea upon returning to the Yang world.

"The optimal route back to Great Zhou..." Zhao Xing's palms began to writhe.

The mast on the Ancient Yin warship began to creak loudly, and yin clouds gathered in front of it.

"First, jump into that yin cloud, then perform four consecutive jumps along the 'Gui-Yin, Gui-Zi, Gui-Chen, Gui-Wu' route to enter the Great North-South Yin Flow."

"Following the northbound and southbound yin currents will bring me back to the Nineteen States territory."

Navigating the Ancient Yin warship was relatively easy for Zhao Xing. By remembering the principle of "yin and yang opposition, and matching cyclical stem-branch designations with time," he could use the Netherworld's spatial currents for travel.

The Ancient Yin warship's magic lay in its ability to generate yin cloud paths, creating a small passage to branch off the main path from any location.

For instance, after Zhao Xing completed the operation, a faint, misty tunnel emerged in front of the warship.

At the stern, faint ripples spread outwards.

The entire hull was no longer level but tilted slightly downwards.

"The yin currents created a potential difference between the front and back. How is this similar to 'Within Reach, Yet Miles Away'?"

"Oh, Li Boqian is a disciple of True Lord Tianyang. He must have used the Ancient Yin warship. It seems 'Within Reach, Yet Miles Away' was created by comprehending the Ancient Yin warship."

"No wonder it feels so familiar. The yin cloud path, when reversed and used in the Yang world, becomes the yang cloud path."

Now that my cultivation has reached this level, looking back at many things brings a different understanding.

Li Boqian created this cloud art, intending to warp space through it, thereby changing the rules of heaven and earth.

I suspect old Li wanted to create 99 stable and unchanging cloud paths in the Yang world.

If he could truly achieve that, the efficiency of transportation in the Nineteen States of the Yang world would completely rival that of the Netherworld.

Netherworld Spirits deliver messages very efficiently. By utilizing the Netherworld's regular spatial flows, they can arrive almost instantly.

Li Boqian was aiming for the ultimate cloud art!

If he could make 99 cloud paths exist permanently in the Yang world,

then Great Zhou could use these cloud paths to transport supplies and armies.

Its transportation efficiency would far surpass the ancient tunnels of the Earth Advantage faction!

Every Grand Minister of Agriculture has grand ambitions.

By observing his art, Zhao Xing glimpsed into Li Boqian's inner thoughts.

Cloud paths lasting forever, connecting the Nineteen States—what soaring ambition!

It seems the cloud art "Within Reach, Yet Miles Away" was never intended for personal use. However, achieving such a feat seems unlikely.

From Zhao Xing's perspective, "Within Reach, Yet Miles Away" would first need to reach its ultimate level.

Secondly, Li Boqian would need to reach the Path-Establishing Realm.

Only then would there be a possibility of connecting the Nineteen States with cloud paths. But even then, it would only be a possibility.

Take True Lord Lihuo, for example: his ability to travel via fire relied on the Lihuo Divine Altar to achieve long-distance teleportation.

True Lord Lihuo used a Path-Establishing Realm divine artifact to achieve long-distance teleportation.

"Li Boqian wants to achieve the same effect with a Path-Establishing Realm cloud art, without paying any price." Zhao Xing chuckled softly.

Unfortunately, this idea was destined to fail.

"Li Boqian couldn't possibly reach the Path-Establishing Realm. Without a spiritual energy resurgence, the number of 'normal' Path-Establishing Realm cultivators in the entire Qi Era, excluding those half-dead old timers, could be counted on one hand."

"Emperor Jing should only be in the normal Rule Realm, perhaps extremely close to Path-Establishing, but definitely not a 'normal' Path-Establishing Realm cultivator," Zhao Xing mused.

"Creating an innovative ultimate cloud art isn't simple either. Furthermore, the Netherworld's conditions are, after all, different from the Yang world's," Zhao Xing thought.

"Given this, the Kunpeng Transformation isn't the ultimate art, nor is the cloud art 'Within Reach, Yet Miles Away'. That leaves only 'Yuanfeng' as a potential ultimate art."

"Old Li doesn't have much lifespan left; he's sure to pass before Emperor Jing. Once this matter is resolved, I should seek him out and learn this art from my previous life."

The "Yuanfeng" art from my past life was only mentioned once or twice in the biography of Grand Minister of Agriculture Li Boqian, clearly not passed down.

It's already the 16th year of Dazhi. Li Boqian is expected to pass away around the Yongzhi period, so his lifespan should be similar to King Tianyan's.

Xu Xing will pass away in the 17th year of Dazhi. In a few more decades, Xuanyuan Qingtian, the leader of the Earth Advantage faction at Kunyuan Academy, will also pass, followed by Grand Minister of Agriculture Li Boqian.

Each emperor has his own court; not just the Ministers of Agriculture, but leaders of other professions will also pass away one after another, and finally, Emperor Jing.

Xu Xing died the earliest, not because he cultivated the Myriad Arts Straw Man, but mainly because he was already older.

The Myriad Arts Straw Man only causes madness, not a shortening of lifespan. Therefore, Xu Xing's natural death in the 17th year of Dazhi would have occurred even without cultivating it.

Three days later.

Poom!

A burst of black cloud scattered from the warship's stern. The next moment, Zhao Xing saw a streak of aurora flash by, and shadowy Netherworld Spirits passing in the distance.

"I've returned to Great Zhou territory. This location should correspond to the East Sea Islands."

"Traveling this way is fast, but unfortunately, it can't be a regular method," Zhao Xing muttered to himself.

Regardless of cultivation realm, as long as one hasn't truly died and become a Netherworld Spirit or ghost, one can stay in the Netherworld for a maximum of seven days.

If the physical body enters, the stay is even shorter; even on the Ancient Yin warship, one can only remain for five days.

Beyond five days, no matter how strong one is, the physical body will disintegrate and collapse, leading to a true dead end.

"Now that I've acquired so many treasures and become an important figure in the Ancient Dragon Court, I must go and meet Emperor Jing," Zhao Xing mused.

Moreover, I must go in person; otherwise, it would be disrespectful.

On the fourth day, Zhao Xing arrived at the Netherworld area corresponding to Tianyong Province.

Whoosh!

The Ancient Yin warship appeared at True Lord Tianyang's private palace.

Auroras flickered in the distance, and the spatial currents vanished. He had entered a stable region of the Netherworld.

"Grand-master! Grand-master!"

Zhao Xing stood at the bow, calling out loudly.

Before long, True Lord Tianyang flew out of the palace.

Seeing Zhao Xing's physical body and primordial spirit on the warship, True Lord Tianyang couldn't help but chuckle.

"Grand-disciple, it's only the end of the 16th year of Dazhi. How are you out already?"

"Huo, your body is a mess. Did you go to a physician for acupuncture and cupping?"

Zhao Xing bowed, "Grand-master, I'm fine, just some superficial injuries."

"Your grand-disciple didn't escape because of danger."

"Look at all the good things I brought out!"

Zhao Xing waved his hand, dispelling the Ancient Yin warship's barrier, revealing piles of treasures.

What hadn't True Lord Tianyang seen before?

He had originally intended to feign astonishment to humor his grand-disciple.

However, upon seeing the contents of the ship, his feigned shock turned into genuine astonishment.

"Woah!"

"Did you raid the dragons' lair?"

True Lord Tianyang was truly shocked.

The treasures were piled up!

As the Grand Minister of Agriculture, overseeing the nation's finances, what hadn't he seen?

But he had truly never seen a sight like this!

Mountains of ancient dragon ambergris, mountains of dragon blood sacred leaves, and entire chunks—tons—of dragon crystal marrow, plus over twenty treasure-grade divine weapons...

Even more astonishing were the Fuming Furnace and the Kunyuan Divine Hoe!

When True Lord Tianyang's gaze landed on these two items, expletives escaped him.

"Holy barbaric f*ck! T-This... I-I'm not seeing things, am I?"

Zhao Xing picked up the Divine Farmer's Hoe, grinning as he handed it to True Lord Tianyang: "Feel it, Grand-master, verify it for your grand-disciple, see if it's real."

With the Divine Farmer's Hoe in hand, True Lord Tianyang instantly became invigorated, glowing golden as if coated in divine light.

"It's real! It's real!" True Lord Tianyang, clutching the Divine Farmer's Hoe, instinctively dug downwards.

Bright yellow mist emanated from the Divine Farmer's Hoe, and the Netherworld ground beneath the warship suddenly lowered by a section.

True Lord Tianyang's palace instantly became a palace on a thousand-meter-high mountain.

"It's it! It's truly it!" True Lord Tianyang was ecstatic.

He lifted the Kunyuan Divine Hoe and examined it closely before his eyes.

The vanished land had shrunk into a tiny clod of earth, appearing on the hoe's blade.

Zhao Xing nodded slightly at the sight. As expected of the former Grand Minister of Agriculture, he immediately unleashed the Kunyuan Divine Hoe's power upon taking hold of it.

No wonder they say divine artifacts are amazing for digging ancient paths. With just one swing, a thousand-meter-thick layer of earth spanning twenty kilometers was dug away.

Seeing True Lord Tianyang about to dig again, Zhao Xing quickly said, "Grand-master, please stop digging, you still live here. Let's find another spot."

"Right." True Lord Tianyang immediately flew Zhao Xing to another location and began digging to his heart's content.

He threw the excavated soil into the spatial currents, and several large mountains formed and then vanished, the old man enjoying himself immensely.

It wasn't until a quarter of an hour later that he finally settled down.

"Satisfying, absolutely satisfying!"

True Lord Tianyang stood with the hoe propped beside him, letting out a contented sigh: "Grand-disciple, one of my biggest regrets in life was never being able to hold the Kunyuan Divine Hoe."

"I never thought that a wish unfulfilled in life would be accomplished hundreds of years after my death."

He handed the Kunyuan Divine Hoe to Zhao Xing: "Your grand-master thanks you. I truly have no regrets now, even in death."

A Grand Minister of Agriculture who had never held the Divine Farmer's Hoe had an incomplete life. No other societal divine artifact held as much significance.

"Grand-master, there's no need to be so polite with me." Zhao Xing grinned as he took the Divine Farmer's Hoe: "I still have something to give you."

"Hahaha, let me see, what other filial offerings does my grand-disciple have?"

True Lord Tianyang was overjoyed and flew back to the Ancient Yin warship with Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing rolled up a large portion of ancient dragon ambergris and dragon blood sacred leaves.

True Lord Tianyang's eyes lit up. "Grand-disciple, this is quite high-grade."

It wasn't that he hadn't seen dragon ambergris and dragon blood sacred leaves before, but the quality here was clearly different.

"Of course! This is exclusively for the Dragon Emperor!"

"Here, try it, see how it tastes."

"Look, first you grind it, then you roll it up with a dragon blood sacred leaf, and then we light it with dragon crystal marrow... That's how the Dragon Emperor smokes it!"

After Zhao Xing's demonstration, a large rolled cigarette appeared.

He lit it and held it halfway up, presenting it to True Lord Tianyang.

"Hiss~"

True Lord Tianyang took a deep puff, his face intoxicated, as if in blissful rapture.

After holding it for a long time, he slowly exhaled.

"How is it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Potent!" True Lord Tianyang nodded emphatically.

As a Netherworld Spirit, these were precisely the things he loved most.

Offerings from dragons, compared to offerings from humans—the potency was naturally different.

What's more, this was exclusively for the Dragon Emperor, which gave it a completely different level of prestige!

With such a halo bonus, plus its already excellent effects, the old man was absolutely overjoyed.

"I specifically saved a portion for you." Zhao Xing waved his hand, sending a batch to True Lord Tianyang's palace.

"Don't tell anyone about this, or other Netherworld Spirits will come to freeload off your offerings."

"Hahaha, why so secretive?" True Lord Tianyang chuckled. "Don't worry, even if that brat Boqian comes down here, I won't give him any!"

This was a filial offering from his grand-disciple! Want some? Go find it yourself!

Seeing True Lord Tianyang's joy, Zhao Xing was also happy.

True Lord Tianyang had helped him greatly. Back in Tianhe Prefecture, without True Lord Tianyang's personal protection, how would he have dared to act so recklessly?

He also gave him a Shang Tang Token, which could traverse between the yin and yang realms and was crucial for later resurrection. Combined with a Heavenly Soul Fruit, it was like having a second life!

"Grand-disciple, your harvest in the Dragon Court wasn't small at all."

"Come, tell your grand-master what exactly happened."

True Lord Tianyang was in high spirits, pulling Zhao Xing and insisting he recount the tales of the Dragon Court.

The two began to chat casually in the palace.

"What? The Dragon Emperor's Codex, there's actually something like that!"

"You exchanged for it from Yin Xiu, and then used it to summon Yin Xiu? Hahahaha, brilliant! That Dragon King probably doesn't even know what he missed."

"Misa Palace? Able to influence Dragon King challenge quests? Hiss..."

"Purple Bone Heavenly Venerate of the White Bone Sect presented you with eighteen treasures? Where would the White Bone Sect get so many good things? That fool probably pawned even his bones, hahahaha!"

Laughter in the palace barely ceased.

True Lord Tianyang smoked ancient dragon ambergris while listening to Zhao Xing recount his experiences, occasionally glancing at the Kunyuan Divine Hoe. This was truly his happiest and most leisurely time.

However, time was ultimately limited. Zhao Xing had been there for over four days and had to leave.

"Grand-master, your grand-disciple must leave."

True Lord Tianyang flicked off some ash, a hint of reluctance in his manner.

But he also knew he couldn't keep Zhao Xing for too long.

"Your return from this journey is a secret. However, since you're back in Tianyong Province, you should have an audience with His Majesty before making further arrangements."

"Yes." Zhao Xing listened obediently.

"I've already informed Li Boqian; he's on his way back. You can tear open a passage here, and upon exiting, you'll arrive directly at his Grand Minister of Agriculture's residence, then await his instructions."

"Your grand-disciple is timid. If I were to suddenly meet His Majesty, I might lose my composure. It's truly thoughtful of you, Grand-master," Zhao Xing flattered.

"Don't be afraid!" True Lord Tianyang waved his hand nonchalantly. "His Majesty grew up under my watch. He may not be called a benevolent and harmonious ruler, but his mind is certainly not narrow."

Zhao Xing remained silent. The old man could make such a comment, but he dared not agree.

"Go meet him boldly. You have Li Boqian, Liu Tianning, and Meng Kun looking out for you above, and your grand-master and Meng Haishan supporting you below."

"The world is vast, and you can go anywhere!"

Tianyong Province, Fengjing, East City.

Grand Minister of Agriculture's Residence, Four Seasons Garden.

Whoosh~

A black fissure formed above the Four Seasons Garden. Above the mast, the Xuanbird banner reflected the void, spreading its wings and continuously widening the fissure.

Heavenly phenomena shifted, and yin winds howled.

However, after expanding to a certain extent, twelve golden lights appeared in the air, like nails pinning down the sky's curtain.

This prevented the anomaly from spreading further, maintaining fair weather and sunshine around the black fissure.

Grand Minister of Agriculture Li Boqian pointed a finger, and a cloud path extended diagonally, like a rescue ladder, first guiding down the massive Fuming Furnace.

Following it were numerous treasures and materials, and a figure sliding down the cloud ladder.

The black fissure dissipated without a sound or tremor, as if nothing had happened.

"Zhao Xing greets the Grand Minister of Agriculture!"

Li Boqian looked at Zhao Xing's injuries and helped him up.

"Zhao Xing, you've worked hard."

"You don't need to worry, these are just minor injuries." Zhao Xing smiled. "A little medicine will fix them right up."

"No, what I mean by 'hard work' is that I need you to endure a little longer; don't recover just yet." Li Boqian pointed at the wounds. "If they heal too quickly, they won't fully showcase your achievements."

"You've brought back so many treasures, materials, and divine artifacts. If you were completely unharmed, others would think it was too easy. If it's too easily obtained, others won't value your efforts."

Zhao Xing was stunned.

He looked around.

Sure enough, there were earth mirrors all around, precisely reflecting his injuries and the torn fragments of his dharma robe.

"You truly are worthy of being the Grand Minister of Agriculture!"

Zhao Xing sincerely admired him in his heart.

"Alright, put these on first." Seeing that he had made his point, Li Boqian handed Zhao Xing a new set of court robes.

While Zhao Xing was changing, Li Boqian went to the Fuming Furnace and picked up the divine artifact, the Kunyuan Divine Hoe.

"It truly is it."

Li Boqian was also incredibly excited at this moment.

Hearing about it was one thing, but truly holding the Kunyuan Divine Hoe in his hand, he finally felt its charm.

The Kunyuan Divine Hoe was called the Divine Farmer's Hoe because it held a unique significance for the Ministers of Agriculture.

True Lord Tianyang longed for it even after death, which showed its importance.

"I'm stronger than that old man, hahahaha." Li Boqian chuckled triumphantly.

When that old man was Grand Minister of Agriculture, though he had many divine artifacts, he never encountered war. He hadn't even properly used the Map of Mountains and Rivers or the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Token.

Many divine artifacts won't unleash their full power without a war!

Moreover, True Lord Tianyang never held the Kunyuan Divine Hoe in his lifetime!

"The first Grand Minister of Agriculture in Great Zhou's history to hold the Divine Farmer's Hoe!" Li Boqian chuckled proudly.

"Later, when I go down, I can brag a bit to all the predecessors."

Especially when encountering the Ministers of Agriculture from the Earth Advantage faction.

"What? Senior, you haven't used the Divine Farmer's Hoe yet?"

"Ah, I've tried it. That thing, well, it's actually just average."

Hehe, hehe..." Imagining this scene of showing off, Li Boqian couldn't help but yearn for it, wishing he could pass on sooner.

Zhao Xing, having changed his clothes nearby, watched Li Boqian immersed in his silly joy, unsure what to say.

He wasn't even the leader of the Earth Advantage faction yet. If he were to bring the Divine Farmer's Hoe to Kunyuan Academy, who knows what sensation it would cause.

However, he couldn't concern himself with these matters now. Having returned, there were many official duties to attend to.

For instance, the internal situation of the Dragon Court, the ownership of treasures, and an audience with Emperor Jing.

At this moment, Zhao Xing had once again sealed his memory palace.

He had done so before entering Tianyong Province. Although he was already in the Second Rank Heavenly Fortune Realm and his thoughts were even less likely to be probed, when in Fengjing, it was best to keep a low profile.

"Zhao Xing, these treasures, you brought them all back." Li Boqian finally brought up the main topic. "Do you have any plans for them?"

Zhao Xing had long made his decision and immediately stated his stance: "The Dragon Emperor's Codex is already soul-bound to your humble subordinate. The Kunyuan Divine Hoe will temporarily remain with me, for me to comprehend its mysteries, understand its methods, observe its principles, and prepare for scripture commentary."

"As for the remaining treasures, I, Xing, am willing to hand them all over to the national treasury for the Grand Minister of Agriculture to deploy."

He presented his stance first. However, he had no intention of discussing the Dragon Emperor's Codex and the Kunyuan Divine Hoe.

As for handing over all other treasures, it was also a matter of attitude.

The imperial court would certainly not take everything; they would definitely leave a portion for him personally, and the part they took would be converted into merit.

Furthermore, Zhao Xing stated "hand over to the national treasury," not the imperial private treasury. These were two different matters.

The national treasury, wasn't that still managed by the Grand Minister of Agriculture? Once Li Boqian died, Old Liu would be in charge, so it would eventually circulate back into his own pocket.

So Zhao Xing's gesture was quite generous.

As for dragon eggs, spirit liquids, and such, they were not things that could be taken out. They were of the same nature as the Dragon Emperor's Codex and the Kunyuan Divine Hoe.

Li Boqian nodded slightly: "Your willingness to hand over everything shows your sincerity. However, the imperial court won't take everything into the national treasury; what kind of precedent would that set?"

"I will discuss with the principal officials of the other departments and set aside a portion for you, then report it to His Majesty."

"For the portion you contribute, His Majesty will also bestow rewards."

"As for the Dragon Emperor's Codex and the Kunyuan Divine Hoe, I will also formally request His Majesty's decree that these two should also be on the list, and His Majesty will officially bestow them upon you. Do you understand what I mean?"

Zhao Xing respectfully said: "Your humble subordinate understands."

He brought back divine artifacts, which was also part of performing imperial duties. It was all due to the imperial court's nurturing and His Majesty's sagacity!

While it was true he had great merit, he still needed to be humble and low-key.

This way, everyone gained face and benefit, making everyone happy.

After chatting with Zhao Xing for a while, the tone and procedure were set.

Li Boqian nodded in satisfaction.

He feared most that Zhao Xing would be blinded by his achievements and become arrogant.

The Dazhi era had already lasted sixteen years. How many arrogant civil and military officials had disappeared? Li Boqian knew this well!

Even Wang Tianzhi was persuaded by him to resign and cultivate.

However, his worries were completely unnecessary. Zhao Xing had long seen through Emperor Jing.

Arrogance was out of the question; he just hoped Emperor Jing wouldn't cause trouble.

After giving his instructions, Li Boqian began to meticulously inventory the items.

Suddenly, he looked at eighteen of the treasures.

"Hmm? Why are there so many human treasures? Three Witch Immortal Cauldrons from the Southern Barbarians, five Golden Feather Divine Armors, four Spirit Witch Staffs, and these three bone artifacts clearly crafted by the White Bone Sect... How are even the divine artifacts Heavenly Sword Kusanagi and Magatama Sword from the Great Serpent Kingdom here?"

Li Boqian was unaware of Zhao Xing's deception involving Purple Bone Heavenly Venerate, and the information hadn't reached him in time.

Zhao Xing smiled: "This is a long story. When I first entered Misa Palace..."

After listening to his account, Li Boqian was momentarily stunned.

"How novel! Such a massive Royal Court and a top sect were actually played for fools by you."

"Hahahaha, the White Bone Sect definitely doesn't have this many good things; most likely, they borrowed them."

"They're probably going bankrupt now."

How could they not go bankrupt?

Purple Bone Heavenly Venerate will have to work frantically for the next few centuries to pay off the sect's debts.

After concluding official business, Zhao Xing no longer addressed him by his title.

"Teacher, I heard that Xu Xing, the Dean of Shangluo Academy, is about to pass away. I would like to go and see him off."

Li Boqian nodded upon hearing this: "Indeed, his time is short. To my knowledge, Xu Xing will pass away in the first month of next year."

"You returned using the Shang Tang Token, which cannot be exposed. So, you must reappear openly in the 20th year of Dazhi, when the Dragon Court closes."

"Once matters in Fengjing are settled, you may go and see him off."

"Yes." Zhao Xing understood that it wasn't suitable to disclose too much at this time.

Even taking the Kunyuan Divine Hoe to Kunyuan Academy wasn't as simple as just going there; it required a public announcement and a grand ceremony, but all of that would happen in the 20th year of Dazhi.

"Rest for a day, prepare yourself, and tomorrow you will have an audience with His Majesty."

"Yes."

On the seventh day of the twelfth month of the 16th year of Dazhi, Zhao Xing secretly entered the imperial palace, accompanied by Grand Minister of Agriculture Li Boqian.

Emperor Jing, Ji Mingjing, received Zhao Xing in the Tianyuan Hall.

"Your humble servant, Zhao Xing, greets Your Majesty!"

"May Your Majesty live forever!"

Zhao Xing hadn't looked up the entire way. Upon entering the hall, he respectfully bowed as he caught a glimpse of the light emanating from the throne.

Li Boqian also performed a full bow.

"Rise."

A majestic voice resonated from the throne.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Xing bowed again, then rose.

Only then did he properly observe the figure on the throne.

The figure on the throne was immense, like a towering mountain, exuding an irresistible majesty.

Draped in a long robe of purple and gold, embroidered with mysterious runes, every line flowed with immense power, glittering golden like scattered stars.

His face was stern and resolute, his eyes deep as an abyss, seemingly containing boundless wisdom and sharp insight. The occasional flashes of light in his gaze seemed capable of piercing through the mists of time and space, making one dare not look directly at him.

He wore a resplendent crown, adorned with nineteen glittering jewels, each carrying great power. The light they emitted intertwined into a mysterious radiance, enveloping his body.

Zhao Xing's eyebrows twitched at this sight, as Emperor Jing's body was incredibly tall, exceeding ten meters!

He was a complete giant!

"Grant seats."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhao Xing and Li Boqian bowed again, though this time not a full prostration. They walked with measured steps to two tables on the left and knelt down.

At this point, the golden light on Ji Mingjing's body receded, diminishing his majesty and adding a touch of approachability.

The fact that it was a private audience indicated that the atmosphere of this meeting was a more casual conversation between monarch and subjects.

"Your Majesty, your humble servant has joyous news to report." After being seated, Li Boqian spoke.

"Oh? What good news is there?"

"Marquis Shenwei, Zhao Xing, has returned from the Dragon Court ahead of schedule with abundant gains, far exceeding my expectations," Li Boqian said.

In fact, Emperor Jing already knew; this was just following protocol.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing immediately rose and reported:

"By Your Majesty's immense grace, your humble servant, by chance, acquired twenty-three treasure-grade divine artifacts in the ancient land, along with treasure-grade materials: a total of one thousand seven hundred fifty-two zhe of ancient dragon ambergris, five thousand eight hundred nineteen zhe of dragon blood sacred leaves, and sixty-one thousand two hundred sixty zhe of dragon crystal marrow."

"Additionally, there are three rare treasures: the Dragon Emperor's Codex, the Kunyuan Divine Hoe, and the Fuming Furnace."

The Great Zhou unit of weight, one 'zhe,' is approximately 120 catties.

This means the treasure-grade ancient dragon ambergris is about 105 tons.

Dragon blood sacred leaves are approximately 349 tons.

The most abundant is dragon crystal marrow, at 3,672 tons!

Treasure-grade materials are meticulously accounted for, down to the smallest fractions!

Zī and Zhū are both units of weight, equivalent to grams.

One can imagine how much cargo Zhao Xing brought back from the Dragon Court.

Aside from those he tricked others out of, many items were still unique!

If Old Master Zhao weren't afraid of being hunted down and defected abroad, he could easily create a top-tier sect overseas with all these items.

Of course, that would be a foolish move. It wouldn't be long until the Martial Emperor era, and the Xuanhuang Realm would be rife with war. Abandoning Great Zhou to join an outside force at that time? That would be utterly stupid.

After the report, Emperor Jing also smiled and praised: "Chen An's achievements are immense; he is truly a general blessed by fortune!"

This was a very high commendation, and rare to hear from Emperor Jing's own mouth. The official historian behind the curtain quickly recorded it.

Zhao Xing immediately bowed and said: "Your humble servant dares not claim such merit. All my achievements today are entirely due to the imperial court's nurturing and Your Majesty's sagacity."

"Your humble servant is willing to submit all gains to enrich our dynasty's national treasury, in return for Your Majesty's great kindness."

Emperor Jing nodded slightly: "I am very pleased by your sincerity, and I will grant your wish."

Zhao Xing thanked Emperor Jing again, bowing once more: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"With such contributions, I cannot but reward you." Emperor Jing said, "The Kunyuan Divine Hoe will greatly benefit you, so you are permitted to keep it."

"Treasure-grade divine weapons are exotic items, difficult to bring into common display. You may choose three items at will from the Imperial Palace's private treasury."

Twenty-three items were submitted, and Emperor Jing bestowed three in return, still allowing him to choose freely. This reward could not be considered anything but generous.

As for the ancient dragon ambergris, dragon crystal marrow, and dragon blood sacred leaves, Emperor Jing included them in the list of rewards for promotion in rank and title.

Since Zhao Xing possessed the Dragon Emperor's Codex, these items could still be put to good use.

"Zhao Xing, you were originally an official of the third rank awaiting reassignment. Once the Dragon Court closes, I shall officially enfeoff you as a regular third-rank official, choosing a blessed land for you to govern, cultivate fortune, and consolidate your realm."

"Your merit rank will be raised by twelve levels, and your fiefdom increased by a million mu, to be drafted by Boqian and the various ministries."

"Additionally, you are granted one death-exemption gold tablet, five hundred zhe of ancient dragon ambergris, two thousand zhe of dragon blood sacred leaves, ten thousand zhe of dragon crystal marrow, and a ninth-rank heavy weapon, the 'Wu Yao Warship'..."

"Special grants include an Imperial Court Attendant Token and the authority to inspect the Cave Heavens of the Military Realm."

After the rewards were announced, Zhao Xing joyfully kowtowed: "Many thanks, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Jing's bestowal was indeed a generous reward.

Both his merit rank and official position were elevated. Even the fiefdom related to his noble title was granted, doubling Zhao Xing's original land.

He was returned one-third of the treasure-grade materials, and Zhao Xing was also specially permitted to equip heavy warships and granted many additional privileges.

These included an Imperial Court Attendant Token, allowing free entry and exit from the Imperial Palace, the authority of an Inspector Envoy to visit the various Cave Heavens and Blessed Lands of the Military Realm, and a death-exemption gold tablet.

However, generous rewards always came with an underlying purpose.

Emperor Jing had consistently omitted one item: the Dragon Emperor's Codex.

Sure enough, after Zhao Xing expressed his gratitude, Emperor Jing inquired, "Can the Dragon Court Codex be carried on one's person?"

"Yes, please take a look, Your Majesty." Zhao Xing controlled his fluctuating physique, then spat out the Dragon Emperor's Codex. He then transformed back into human form and respectfully held it above his head.

He knew Emperor Jing wanted to confirm whether the Dragon Emperor's Codex was truly soul-bound to him.

Emperor Jing extended a hand, and the Dragon Emperor's Codex floated before him.

Golden light rippled, and Zhao Xing felt a powerful force invading the Dragon Court Codex.

"Crack-crack~" Zhao Xing felt his body tremble, and his soul was subjected to immense pressure.

In an instant, Zhao Xing was drenched in sweat.

However, the pressure came and went quickly.

Soon, the Dragon Emperor's Codex flew back.

"It is indeed a divine artifact," Emperor Jing commented.

"I ask you now, with the full assistance of the imperial court, can you unify the