Chapter 317: Wu Emperor, Big Brother Takes You to Kidnap a Bride

"I should make some mistakes," Zhao Xing mused as he opened his eyes. "But how to make these mistakes, and to what extent, requires careful consideration."

However, he needed to first understand the situation, including the attitudes of all parties involved, rather than acting on assumptions. Historical records from his previous life indicated that Princess Youruo had volunteered for the marriage alliance.

Yet, knowing Princess Youruo, Zhao Xing was certain she wouldn't genuinely want to participate in such an alliance. Princess Youruo's influence extended beyond her royal status; she was beloved by the Water Clan and supported by the Azure Water Academy. The princesses of the Great Zhou held significant power, and Princess Youruo's was exceptionally great. Managing such a vast region and balancing various factions couldn't be achieved by status alone.

"Still," Zhao Xing recalled Princess Youruo's demeanor when he first met her. "She possessed all the arrogance befitting a princess, coupled with a 'love-struck' mindset. What wouldn't she do? These traits aren't contradictory; people are always complex. Prince Liang, before his rebellion, was known throughout the land as a virtuous king."

Zhao Xing rose from the lakeside and pondered as he walked. First, he needed to ascertain the exact sequence of events, then understand the perspectives of all parties. How many opposed, and how many supported? Crucially, what was Emperor Jing's stance? How firm was his resolve? Was this imperial marriage decree merely an oral command, or had a formal imperial edict already been issued? Even if it was an edict, a princess's marriage alliance was a matter of national importance. Did it currently bear only the emperor's private seal, or had it been stamped with the six seals of the central government, thereby proclaimed to the world? How many envoys had arrived from the Southern Barbarians? Besides acknowledging the suzerain state, what other concessions were involved? In short, he needed to plan meticulously and act with precision.

"Having lived here for over a hundred years, it's time to do something," Zhao Xing remarked, glancing at the Princess's Manor. Following this, tens of thousands of his clones quietly departed from Bixian Commandery.

In Tianyong Province, Fengjing City, at the Dawn Princess's residence, which was Ji Zixuan's abode. As Princess Youruo's disciple, Ji Zixuan was naturally the most suitable person for Zhao Xing to seek information from. Currently, Zhao Xing couldn't meet Princess Youruo herself; she had been staying in the Imperial Palace, completely inaccessible.

"Senior Brother!" Ji Zixuan rushed over as if seeing a savior, her expression anxious. "You must save the Princess! She doesn't want to marry into the barbarian tribe."

"Don't rush, tell me slowly," Zhao Xing soothed her. "I heard the Princess volunteered for the marriage. Is that true?"

Ji Zixuan bit her lip. "Yes, but those were words spoken in anger, not her true feelings. I was there, I swear!"

Zhao Xing placed his hand on Ji Zixuan's head. "Close your eyes, relax."

"Yes," Ji Zixuan obediently complied. A profound drowsiness enveloped her, and she instantly slipped into a dream. Zhao Xing entered her dream, immediately gaining Ji Zixuan's perspective.

Inside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Emperor Jing's residence, Ji Zixuan was kneeling on the ground. She had accompanied Princess Youruo to pay respects to Emperor Jing. The conversation had begun normally, a daughter greeting her father. However, when the topic turned to Liu Tianning, the atmosphere shifted.

"Father Emperor..."

"Just tell me about Liu Tianning," Princess Youruo pleaded, pouting as usual. "Please, just tell me."

"This is a state secret," Emperor Jing replied calmly. "You already manage so many affairs. Why concern yourself with him?"

"Oh, Father, your daughter just wants to know!"

"No."

Watching this, Zhao Xing felt that Emperor Jing, as a father, had already made his intentions quite clear. But Princess Youruo seemed oblivious. Seeing that coaxing wouldn't work, and repeatedly hearing "No," she actually lost her temper at Emperor Jing. "Secrets, secrets, always secrets!" Princess Youruo straightened up, protesting loudly. "Why does everyone else know, but I'm forbidden? Don't you know my feelings?!"

Emperor Jing's tone grew impatient. "I still need to deal with the Southern Barbarian envoys' marriage proposal. I don't wish to explain further. You may withdraw."

"Are you even wary of your own daughter? I've managed affairs in the East Sea for years; even if I have no merit, I've certainly put in the effort. Yet you won't even tell me this small thing!"

"Is that truly how you see me?"

"Isn't it? I've liked Liu Tianning for years. Why won't you bestow a marriage? Or have you forgotten about me, your daughter, after bearing so many sons—"

"Silence!"

As father and daughter exchanged heated words, the atmosphere became extremely tense. Ji Zixuan, kneeling on the ground, dared not even breathe. At this point, the distressed Princess Youruo uttered words that further provoked Emperor Jing's nerves:

"Since you find your daughter so tiresome, why not send her to the Southern Barbarians?"

"Fine!" Emperor Jing slammed his hand on the dragon throne, roaring, "Guards! Draft an edict! Princess Youruo has volunteered for a marriage alliance with the Southern Barbarians! Send it immediately to the central government for sealing!"

"Your Majesty, no—"

"Get out!"

The scene ended there.

Ji Zixuan's body trembled as she awoke from her fear.

"Senior Brother—"

"I understand," Zhao Xing nodded. "Wait here. Don't move around freely, and absolutely do not spread this matter."

"Understood."

After Zhao Xing left, Ji Zixuan bit her lip, clenching her fists tightly. "I am a County Princess too, but my power is too insignificant. I can't do anything at all. Now, I can only rely on Senior Brother."

On the peak of Mount Qitian, Zhao Xing opened his eyes. "So, this is how she 'volunteered' for the marriage," he mused. "History truly is a little girl, dressed up by whomever pleases." Zhao Xing chuckled.

Princess Youruo wasn't inherently so foolish; those words were spoken in a fit of pique. She had once been deeply favored, but now she had committed a grave transgression. Emperor Jing was first and foremost an emperor, and only secondarily her father. It would have been fine if she hadn't mentioned the East Sea, but bringing it up clearly agitated him. Of course, from Zhao Xing's perspective as an observer, it seemed as though Emperor Jing had subtly guided her to utter those words.

"The princesses of Great Zhou have always wielded power, and Princess Youruo had been uniquely favored for years. Did she never consider that her father might want to reclaim her authority, believing herself to be an exception?"

"Emperor Jing's refusal to tell her about Liu Tianning was likely a veiled attempt at a trade-off. If Princess Youruo relinquished her power, Emperor Jing would bestow the marriage, which should have been a win-win situation."

"Emperor Wu spent his childhood in her manor; with that connection, would she truly suffer future grievances?" Analyzing the situation from Emperor Jing's viewpoint, Zhao Xing found nothing wrong with his actions. *You only think of pouting, why don't you consider your Father Emperor's perspective?* Perhaps Emperor Jing also wished to ask: *After beheading so many, do you still not understand your father's intentions?*

"Today, I fear marriage and childbirth," Zhao Xing muttered to himself. "Conflicts between parents and children in ordinary families are already difficult enough; royal clans are truly more intense." At this moment, Master Zhao was even more resolute in his decision not to marry or have children. Even if he were forced to one day, he would have to ensure they were properly disciplined.

"According to the developments in my previous life, Old Liu probably wouldn't have the ability to alter this edict right now."

"At that time, he would likely still be resolving factional conflicts and plagued by the drawbacks of the Myriad Laws Straw Man."

"And since Princess Youruo 'volunteered' for the marriage, there would be no valid reason to intervene."

"Even now, Old Jing's edict has already emerged from the inner court and been sent to the Six Ministries of the central government. It will be difficult to stop," Zhao Xing mused.

His inquiries from various sources led to the conclusion that supporters outnumbered opponents. The Great Zhou also had factions advocating for war and peace. If the royal family was willing to form a marriage alliance and avoid conflict, why wouldn't people approve? War meant death! Looking back at the wars against the barbarians during the two new eras, they were essentially fought in vain. Few new nobles emerged, while old aristocrats suffered deaths and injuries, and after the sixty-year purge, times were truly difficult. How could it compare to the era of Emperor Wen? Although Emperor Wen led by example in frugality, he didn't force his ministers to follow suit. Frugal or not, behind closed doors, they could still live luxurious lives, couldn't they? Now, with Emperor Jing's decree and the Princess's 'voluntary' consent, peace could be achieved. Why on earth would anyone object?

Opponents mainly hailed from the East Sea and certain hardline war factions. In particular, some ritualist officials believed the Southern Barbarians were savages; how could Princess Youruo, the eldest princess, be married to them? Wouldn't that be a defilement? Even Emperor Wen had merely taken a distant relative (a *wengzhu*) from the Ji royal family, temporarily granted her a princess title, and married her off. Even that had been criticized for a thousand years.

"Fortunately, my journey to Dragon Court yielded immense results, reducing the Southern Barbarian threat somewhat. Otherwise, there would likely be even more supporters now," Zhao Xing mused. "Fulfilling Princess Youruo's and Liu Tianning's wishes will be much less difficult than in my previous life." If it had followed the normal trajectory, during the last Dragon Court expedition, Bai Yunwu would have been besieged, and the Great Zhou's confrontation with the hostile alliance would have been a fifty-fifty split on paper. So many high-ranking casualties would surely have invited accusations of warmongering. Although a large number of people still died in this life, the gains Zhao Xing brought back were enormous! Enough to overshadow the impact of 400 high-grade deaths.

Overall, the situation of Great Zhou was different in these two lives. "However, those who support Princess Youruo's marriage still outnumber the opponents," Zhao Xing's numerous clones discovered while gathering information from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites. "With Emperor Jing's edict and the Princess's 'voluntary' consent, those against the marriage alliance lack confidence, intimidated by Emperor Jing's ruthless purges."

"Nevertheless, we must submit a memorial. Let's try." As the Grand Chamberlain of the Ministry of Rites, and a frequent visitor to the Imperial Palace, Zhao Xing submitting this memorial was perfectly reasonable. Both logically and emotionally, he had to. "We also need Liu Tianning, Prince Luo, and a host of supporters to express their stance. If no one takes the lead, who would dare to?"

"I can access Ji Zixuan's memories, and the heavenly secrets haven't been obscured. Doesn't that mean I'm allowed to see?" Zhao Xing immediately took out his Earth Mirror and called upon his friends and relatives to submit memorials opposing Princess Youruo's marriage.

"Brother Zhao, what's the reason?" Xia Jing messaged him, asking. Xia Jing was now a third-grade cultivation master, though not a third-grade official. Of course, submitting a memorial had little to do with official rank; it was about one's influence. Xia Jing clearly had enough influence. His father was Marquis Xia, and his maternal uncle was a royal prince. After nearly a century of development, Xia Jing had begun taking over his father's network.

"The Blazing Radiance Royal Court is barbarian. How can they be worthy of marrying Princess Youruo? Just copy the warmongers' arguments," Zhao Xing replied. The true reasons, of course, couldn't be stated. That would be slapping Old Jing's face and exposing royal shortcomings, wouldn't it?

"Alright, I'll mobilize immediately," Xia Jing nodded. He had frequently visited the Princess's Manor to meet Zhao Xing over the years, and their relationship remained very close. Besides, by true kinship, he was also related to Princess Youruo.

After speaking with Xia Jing, the next call was to Long Xiao.

"Zhao Xing, something big has happened! Did you hear?" Long Xiao said, agitated.

"I know. What's the sentiment among the Water Clan?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Everyone's saying something different," Long Xiao replied. "Some say the Princess was forced, others say she's imprisoned. My father-in-law has already set off for Fengjing to see the Emperor, and the Tang and Ao families have also sent representatives."

"What exactly happened? How could Princess Youruo be offered for a marriage alliance?"

Zhao Xing said, "That's the situation. Don't ask too many other questions. Don't you also hold an unofficial rank? Just copy a memorial and submit it."

"Understood!"

In the Military Realm, within the Hundred Weapons Tower. Zhao Xing met "Prince Xin." The original Prince Xin, Liu Yong, had passed away. The current Prince Xin was his son, Liu Chengan, the very heir Zhao Xing had nourished with spiritual essence in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. The title of Prince Xin, a County Prince, had not been demoted because the original Prince Xin's fiefdom was small, only a single commandery, and he held no military power, serving purely as a scapegoat, much like Prince Lingde. Thus, Liu Chengan now inherited his father's County Prince title. As for the former Prince Lingde and Prince Anning, they had also died of old age.

"Brother Zhao," Liu Chengan greeted Zhao Xing, still addressing him as "brother," even though he was a prince and Zhao Xing merely a marquis.

"Brother Liu," Zhao Xing replied, "I presume you've guessed my purpose?"

"Indeed," Liu Chengan said, raising the official document in his hand. "I was just about to send it."

"Thank you," Zhao Xing bowed, then headed directly to the highest floor of the Hundred Weapons Tower; he intended to see Prince Luo.

On the highest floor of the Hundred Weapons Tower, Prince Luo stood before a sand table, surrounded by tall Earth Mirrors.

"Your Highness," Zhao Xing bowed.

"Has Liu Tianning not emerged from his seclusion?" Prince Luo inquired.

"No," Zhao Xing replied. Since Liu Tianning's main body began its seclusion, Zhao Xing was the only one who could contact him. Old Liu's seclusion was different from Zhao Xing's; his clones only handled pre-determined affairs and were not directly linked to the main body. This was a specialized disconnection method Zhao Xing had custom-made for him. Roughly every ten years, the main body would recall the clones, then use its primary soul to discard the sub-souls before releasing new ones, like a process of metabolism. This method aimed to achieve a complete re-cultivation.

"Thank you for running around on his behalf," Prince Luo said.

"The Princess has looked after me for over a hundred years, and my family has resided in the Princess's Manor for just as long. Even without the teacher-disciple relationship, I would oppose this," Zhao Xing stated his position.

"This matter is difficult," Prince Luo sighed. "I requested an audience with His Majesty, but he refused to grant it. Now, we can't even see the Princess, and Liu Tianning is in seclusion. Many officials in the Six Ministries are at a loss."

Prince Luo simply couldn't fathom Emperor Jing's thoughts, feeling only that the Emperor's will was unfathomable. After a pause, Prince Luo continued, "I will preside over the first resolution of the Six Ministries. I will openly oppose it, ensuring the matter is temporarily shelved."

"However, the second resolution will commence in seven days, and the acting Prime Minister, Tong Wensheng, will certainly offer his full support."

"The third resolution will be presided over by Li Boqian, but I estimate he won't get involved in this."

"Prince Luo is quite right; I, this old man, will not concern myself with this matter," Li Boqian said leisurely. "The affair between Princess Youruo and Liu Tianning is a private one." "For me not to add insult to injury is already a sign of my impartiality."

In a residence within the Xuantian Academy in Daoyuan Province, Zhao Xing also met Li Boqian. Zhao Xing felt helpless. The factional struggle for the Minister of Agriculture position was in its late stages, and Liu Tianning had not lost a single contest in the training grounds; all his victories were swift and decisive. This had caused Xuantian Academy to lose considerable face. Li Boqian himself had long since relinquished authority, with even official duties managed by a few junior Ministers of Agriculture. If he didn't even handle his official duties, why would he meddle in royal affairs? Li Boqian was, after all, the Grand Minister of Agriculture appointed by the Heaven's Mandate faction, and it was impossible for him to assist Liu Tianning with such a personal matter.

"If you wanted to marry the princess, that would be a different story," Li Boqian chuckled merrily. "I'd crawl over, if I had to, to ensure justice."

"What barbarian dares to contend with my Heaven's Mandate Holy Son?"

"You're still making jokes at a time like this," Zhao Xing said, helpless.

"No joke," Li Boqian suddenly sat upright, cackling. "Why don't you marry Princess Youruo? I'd absolutely stand up and champion your cause!"

"With your prestige and popularity among the three factions, it would be a walk in the park!"

Zhao Xing thought: *Is this what prestige among the three factions is for?* *The old man is getting increasingly humorous in his later years.* Seeing Li Boqian's demeanor, Zhao Xing knew there was no point in talking further.

"Please rest well. I'll visit you again later."

"Come soon! Yuanfeng hasn't learned yet," Li Boqian called out. "I can't hold on much longer. It won't be as convenient to learn when I'm underground."

"I know!" Zhao Xing dissipated into a cloud of mist.

"Heh, how novel," Li Boqian mused, fanning himself with a cattail fan. "Even his clones can perform the 'Ruler of the Horizon' technique with such mastery." Li Boqian paid no attention to the matter at hand; his sole concern was Zhao Xing's achievements.

Xuan Yuan Qingtian of the Kunyuan Academy shared the same attitude. "If Liu Tianning had proposed to marry the Princess earlier, perhaps there would have been a chance."

"But now... it's difficult."

"Uncle-Master, what do you mean?" Meng Kun, standing by, interjected. "Isn't Liu Tianning stronger than that barbaric 'Bug-Day' fellow?"

Meng Kun harbored deep prejudice against the Southern Barbarians, primarily due to the Blazing Radiance Royal Court. The Barbarian Worms were also capable of tunneling. Wasn't that just stealing their work? Historically, when fighting the Southern Barbarians, they avoided digging ancient tunnels precisely because of the existence of these creatures. Because the Barbarian Worms caused them casualties and prevented them from digging, how could they possibly like them? Any geomancy-aligned Minister of Agriculture intensely disliked the Blazing Radiance Royal Court. Among the four royal courts, the Blazing Radiance Royal Court was definitely the most detested by geomancy-aligned Ministers of Agriculture.

"I didn't say he was unworthy," Xuan Yuan Qingtian said. "It's just that the crux of the problem isn't on the surface."

"Not on the surface?" Meng Kun was taken aback.

"Little Kunkun, you need to look deeper into the problem. Only by digging through the surface soil can you see how the roots intertwine."

Meng Kun's face darkened. "Can you please stop calling me that? I'm almost four hundred years old."

"Hahahaha."

Zhao Xing knew immediately that old man Xuan Yuan was a clear-sighted individual. But it was obvious he wouldn't dig through the superficial layer of the royal family either. Why would he risk offending Emperor Jing over Liu Tianning's private affairs? Zhao Xing received no support from Xuan Yuan Qingtian either. Old Xuan Yuan was also a dying man, sharing the same attitude as Li Boqian. If it had been Zhao Xing making the request, he would have fulfilled Zhao Xing's wish even if it meant ruin and death.

On the fifteenth of July, Grand Marshal Luo presided over the Six Ministries' agenda and openly opposed Princess Youruo's marriage alliance. The reason was simple: the standard rhetoric of the war faction. In essence, it boiled down to four words: "Southern Barbarians are unworthy." He was a staunch supporter of Liu Tianning. For the military realm, when wars were fought, who managed logistics was crucial! If the Grand Marshal and the Grand Minister of Agriculture were not close, no war could be successfully waged. During Liu Tianning's years as the Military Realm Inspector, he had gained widespread support among military officers. The first resolution was, without surprise, sent back to the inner court. However, within a few days, Emperor Jing's edict emerged from the inner court again, stipulating that the acting Prime Minister, Tong Wensheng, would restart the agenda seven days later. He was determined to make the ministers deliberate until a satisfactory outcome was reached.

Supporters gradually increased.

At the Shangluo Academy, in the Divine Wood Pavilion, by the spiritual energy fountain. Zhao Xing's figure emerged from within a large tree. Beside the fountain, Liu Tianning sat cross-legged, his expression serene, his aura peaceful. During Liu Tianning's seclusion, only Zhao Xing could enter this place at will. For the re-cultivation of the second layer of the Derivation God Art, Liu Tianning's main body and clones employed the disconnection method. At this time, Liu Tianning had no idea what was happening in the outside world. Zhao Xing, however, didn't need to use such a method. That's why Ji Anlan found it uninteresting; if you told one clone what you had for dinner yesterday, another clone wouldn't remember it today, which anyone would find unbearable. However, the effects were excellent. Liu Tianning was at least very normal; since beginning the second layer, there had been no signs of madness. This was evident from his sparring sessions in the training grounds. If he were mad, Liu Tianning would not hold back, surely causing bloodshed or at least severely injuring his opponents. But now, all the candidates who had fought him were alive and well.

"Teacher~"

"Teacher~"

Zhao Xing spoke, and ripples emanated, slowly permeating the spiritual energy fountain. The soft voice spread in waves, quickly reaching Liu Tianning's side. Liu Tianning slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile on his face. "Chen'an, why have you awakened me? Have you made a breakthrough?"

Zhao Xing shook his head. "The Princess has been granted a marriage."

Liu Tianning froze. At that instant, all his clones momentarily solidified. After a long silence, Liu Tianning asked in a hoarse voice, "It's... who?"

"Prince 'Wan' of the Southern Barbarian Royal Court, the Blazing Radiance Royal Court."

"But has an edict already been issued?"

"His Majesty drafted an imperial edict in early July. After leaving the inner court, it entered the Six Ministries for the first resolution. However, it was opposed by Prince Luo and sent back to the inner court for His Majesty to reconsider."

"What was the outcome?" Liu Tianning's tone was somewhat agitated.

"Yesterday, His Majesty sent the edict back to the Six Ministries, unchanged, and re-emphasized that Princess Youruo 'volunteered for the marriage alliance'."

"Acting Prime Minister Tong Wensheng has been appointed to preside," Zhao Xing added. "The number of opponents will likely decrease, and supporters will increase."

"Impossible!" Liu Tianning exclaimed. "Absolutely impossible!"

"Although our dynasty has precedents for marriage alliances, how can Youruo be treated like other princesses?"

"Voluntary? That's even more absurd!"

"Are you lying to me?" Liu Tianning stared intently at Zhao Xing. "Are you using this to temper my will?"

Silence.

Both fell silent. Liu Tianning's expression gradually grew desperate, his soul power beginning to fluctuate wildly. "What is going on? How could this be?"

"Teacher," Zhao Xing's voice rang out like a clear bell, calming Liu Tianning's soul. "What are your thoughts? Did you ever plan to marry Princess Youruo?"

"Of course!" Liu Tianning replied without hesitation. "I had intended to marry her once I became Grand Minister of Agriculture, to let the world know that I, Liu Tianning, am worthy of this Pearl of the East Sea."

"Only the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture would ensure she wouldn't be wronged!"

Zhao Xing was speechless. *You two truly are a match.* Princess Youruo wanted to marry you with a lavish dowry, unwilling to relinquish the East Sea, and you wanted to marry her only after becoming Grand Minister of Agriculture. *Did either of you ever consider what Emperor Jing might think?*

"Teacher, if things went exactly as you wished, don't you think your power would be too great?" Zhao Xing said softly.

"My loyalty to His Majesty is absolute!"

"I don't care what you think; I care what *I* think."

Liu Tianning fell silent. Zhao Xing also remained quiet. Old Liu had indeed been somewhat muddled over the years. His supporters might never have imagined that Liu Tianning could smoothly reach such a high position, initially believing the leader of Shangluo Academy was his limit.

After a moment, he said in a hoarse voice, "Is it too late for everything now?" The second resolution would certainly pass; that was a given. Even if they could oppose it, they couldn't collude with officials to do so. Otherwise, the nature of the matter would completely change. That would unleash the most furious Emperor Jing!

"Not too late," Zhao Xing mused. "It depends on how much you truly want to be with the Princess."

"Hahahahaha, what splendid news!"

In the Four Barbarian Hall in Fengjing, bursts of hearty laughter erupted. Two brawny men, bare-chested, clad in animal skins, and with tail feathers stuck in their hair, were joyfully drinking wine. Xinge and Xinchang, both third-grade cultivators, were overjoyed. The two brothers were the chief guards of the Blazing Radiance Royal Court.

"I initially thought this trip would be a thankless task," Xinge exclaimed. "I really didn't expect this!" Emperor Jing was completely different from Emperor Wen. In the eyes of foreign dignitaries, Ji Mingjing was a cunning and treacherous wolf king, capable of anything. They had dared to ask for a princess, fully expecting to have their heads chopped off and sent back. Yet, Emperor Jing not only didn't behead them but actually granted a princess!

"Yes, truly unexpected," Xinchang agreed, taking a sip of wine. "It seems the Great Zhou genuinely doesn't want to fight."

"That's right, although their territory is vast, they have so many leaders and kings. Who would want to keep fighting if there's no benefit?"

"Precisely. Just like Golden Feather, Purple Dragon, and Sacred Spirit, many tribal leaders are disobedient. They'll join a profitable war but will make excuses and refuse to come if there's no gain."

"When we return, this will be a great meritorious deed!"

"Hehe, I heard that Princess Youruo possesses a natural Azure Water Physique, her body soft and pliable. I wonder how she tastes..."

*Thump!*

Suddenly, Xinge, who was speaking, was sent flying, crashing heavily into the magical wall. Xinchang, watching this, shivered and quickly prostrated himself. An old man in a white shaman's robe had suddenly appeared before them. The elder was their revered Saint 'Yun,' who now roared, "You two scoundrels! If I hear you speak such nonsense again, I will dig out your souls and feed them to the 'Sacred Beast'!"

"Saint, we dare not," the two trembled, prostrating themselves.

"The strong cultivators from the East Sea have already arrived in the capital, and there is strong external opposition to this matter. Unless absolutely necessary, you are not to wander outside lately!" Yun warned angrily. "Otherwise, your lives will be forfeit, understand?"

"Yes, yes," the two responded tremulously, though inwardly unconvinced.

The second resolution passed without suspense. The Six Ministries of the central government affixed their six seals, and the official document was circulated to all commanderies. Instantly, the world was shaken, and the East Sea was in an uproar.

However, just when the reactions were most intense, on the second day of the eighth month, Princess Youruo made a public appearance. She attended the sacrificial ceremony initiated by the Ministry of Rites, openly expressing her wishes. "As an Imperial Daughter, Anlan is willing to contribute her humble strength for the peace between the Southern Barbarian foreign states and the Great Zhou. I especially offer sacrifice to Heaven, Earth, and our Ancestors, praying that the citizens of Great Zhou shall never suffer from war..."

Zhao Xing also attended the ceremony as an observer. His clone watched from afar. In Zhao Xing's eyes, Princess Youruo was merely reading a notice with a blank expression, going through the motions. However, to others, Princess Youruo's expression was solemn, her demeanor majestic, fully embodying the noble bearing of royalty and possessing a great heart of compassion. For a time, praises were abundant.

Bixian Commandery, Princess's Manor.

"Zhao Xing, this isn't right, is it? Is the Princess really willing to marry into the Southern Barbarians?" Xia Jing asked. The matter was too sensational, which was why he had personally come to ask Zhao Xing. The young master (Xia Jing) now completely failed to understand what was going on.

"Coercion! It must be coercion!" Long Xiao exclaimed.

"Don't talk nonsense," Xia Jing glared at Long Xiao. Ji Anlan was already a revered Princess; who could possibly force her? *Are you implying Emperor Jing? Do you have a death wish?*

"What do we do now?" Chen Shijie asked. "Should we move out?"

Old Chen's family and Zhao Xing's family had always resided in the Princess's fiefdom in Bixian Commandery. Surely they couldn't continue living there now?

"Don't rush," Zhao Xing shook his head.

Xia Jing's eyes lit up. "Is there still a possibility?"

"It's a done deal. What more can we do?" Long Xiao slammed his fist against a wall. "It's already been proclaimed throughout the land! My Ling'er cried herself silly, constantly cursing the East Sea cultivators who came to the capital for being useless."

"I said, don't rush," Zhao Xing looked out the window. "Do you remember what we said back in the Flaming Mountains?"

"What did we say?" Long Xiao was utterly bewildered.

Chen Shijie and Xia Jing exchanged glances. Xia Jing was the first to speak: "Man proposes, Heaven disposes!" Chen Shijie then asked, "Who are you waiting for?"

Zhao Xing was indeed waiting for someone, but not a master or a high-ranking official. In recent days, a subtle but persistent force had been moving secretly. He had been training in the Ruins Grotto-Heaven, a world on the verge of annihilation. But in early July, he abruptly concluded his training and emerged from an entrance in Hongshi Commandery.

"Duke Wei! I must see Father Emperor! I must see Father Emperor!" A tall, sword-wielding youth with striking eyebrows and bright eyes suddenly appeared at the Duke of Wei's residence. The sky was azure, and a gentle rain drizzled down.

"Young Master has only been away from the East Sea for a little over a year, and now he's abruptly interrupted his training, which already violates ancestral rules," Duke Weiming sighed. "Now, to confront His Majesty, I fear it's not a wise course of action."

"Duke Wei, just report my request! I, Che, will bear all consequences!" Ji Che's eyes shone with a terrifying brightness. Though still a youth, he exuded an astonishing aura, and his commanding gaze prevented Duke Weiming from looking directly at him. Facing a first-grade ritualist, the youth pressed on, step by step: "If you report for me, Che will remember it for a lifetime!" Conversely, if he didn't report, he would be resented for a lifetime! Duke Weiming looked at the youth in the rain, pondered for a moment, and then nodded. "Very well, I will take you to the capital now."

By the time Ji Che and Duke Weiming arrived in Fengjing, the imperial edict had already been conveyed to all ministries. When the ceremony concluded, Duke Weiming looked at the youth, who sat dejected and with a subdued aura after suffering a reprimand, and said with a heavy heart, "Young Master, perhaps returning to the East Sea now, you might still be able to see the Princess again."

After the sacrificial ceremony at the Ministry of Rites in Fengjing concluded, an auspicious date was quickly set. The welcoming and escorting wedding parties were scheduled to depart in early September. The journey would begin in Fengjing, pass through Tianyong Province, Daoyuan Province, then Fuzhou, Pinghai Province, and cross the Canglan River.

As the escorting wedding party passed through Daoyuan Province. On the peak of Mount Qitian, stones gradually crumbled away. Zhao Xing's main body emerged from the pure white snow-covered rocks. His thoughts gradually stirred from dormancy, and Zhao Xing took a deep breath. He gazed at the sea of clouds before him; none of the other twenty-eight mountains in the Spirit Void Blessed Land were taller than his. The tallest one was only eight thousand meters.

"Having nurtured the mountain for nearly a century, comprehending the grand destiny of heaven and earth, my foundation in the Heavenly Fate Realm is likely unmatched." Originally, the twenty-nine peaks were far apart. But now, Mount Qitian had expanded to an exaggerated degree. Although it remained 9999 meters tall, it had begun to grow horizontally. Currently, Mount Qitian had already encroached upon the territory of Mount Zhiming, peak number 28.

"I shouldn't expand towards Xie Zhiming's side anymore. It's time to grow towards Mountain No. 1, otherwise, I'll affect others' cultivation of destiny," Zhao Xing said. "Perfect, I can go out for a while."

Zhao Xing's main body transformed into a dragon-shaped phantom, swiftly flying towards the entrance of the Spirit Void Blessed Land. An hour later, he arrived within the Shangluo Academy. By the spiritual energy fountain, Liu Tianning's clones were repeatedly entering and exiting. As old sub-souls entered, new ones emerged, returning to the straw man clones. Between the main body and the clones, there was an intermittent flickering, and some clones would even suddenly disintegrate or collapse. The regenerative effect of the disconnection method was excellent. Zhao Xing could clearly feel Liu Tianning's life soul strengthening, yet without that extreme aura. As the first person to cultivate the Derivation God Art to the grand completion of its second layer, with 500,000 soul divisions, Zhao Xing was the foremost expert in this path! He could fully discern Liu Tianning's changes.

After waiting for a long time, Liu Tianning finally ceased his transformations and opened his eyes.

"Welcome back, Teacher," Zhao Xing bowed.

"My spirit wandered beyond the heavens for ninety years; today, I return to the mortal world," Liu Tianning murmured to himself. At this moment, Liu Tianning had resolved all his ailments. Like Zhao Xing, he was no longer troubled by the Myriad Laws Straw Man!

Zhao Xing, for his part, sighed inwardly: "Once a madman among mortals, now his divine self truly manifests." He saw a distinguished, spirited Liu Tianning! The Liu Tianning of legend, who had single-handedly topped the rankings, trampled the Xunyang River, and dispelled floods with a single finger! No longer the strange, dark, and eerie Liu Tianning. Now, all his clones possessed the same demeanor!

"Chen'an, thank you," Liu Tianning bowed to Zhao Xing.

"Teacher, must you be so polite with me?" Zhao Xing chuckled. "Now that you are fully awake and free from the spell's burden, I have but one question for you: Are you in or out?"

Liu Tianning raised an eyebrow, and the phantom of a divine tree filled the sky behind him. "Let's do it!"

"Hahahahaha, let's go!"

East Sea, Bixian Commandery, Princess's Manor. The Princess's Manor had lost its former luster. When Ji Che returned, he saw many officials from the transport bureau moving items. Many belongings from Princess Youruo's temporary residence would be taken, transported to the banks of the Canglan River, and join the escorting wedding party. Of course, this wasn't demolition, but simply removing valuable items. Even a batch of Pegasus mounts was being sent away. The youth was somewhat saddened; although the Princess's Manor's structure remained, it was now filled with many strangers.

"Big Sister..."

Ji Che flew down, but the people around him seemed not to notice him.

"I've only been gone for a year and a half, how could it become like this—" He recalled scenes from his childhood. He had come here at age four and stayed for nearly ten years. He had few memories of his mother; his closest relative was his elder sister, Ji Anlan. An elder sister like a mother—in Ji Che's heart, Ji Anlan held a very unique place.

"I still remember leaving the Princess's Manor last year, full of ambition, swearing to achieve something to show Big Sister."

"At that time, Big Sister personally embroidered an Imperial Phoenix Robe for me and even put on my Violet Heavens Water Cloud Armor..."

"How could this happen?"

Ji Che watched the bustling porters, all unfamiliar faces. Subconsciously, he sought familiar figures and quickly went to the Heavenly Horse Lake. There, Ji Che saw a familiar figure.

"Brother!" Ji Che rushed over.

"Fifth Brother," Zhao Xing smiled and nodded.

Ji Che looked at Zhao Xing as if he were a lifeline. "Brother, do you have a way to make Big—to make the Princess stay?" He paused, then noticed Zhao Xing's clones continuously carrying boxes, seemingly packing things up.

"I'm sorry, I was speaking nonsense," Ji Che said, his expression crestfallen. Zhao Xing was only Marquis Shenwei, a second-grade cultivator; what could he possibly do? With things already decided, he would have to dutifully move out too.

"Brother, where are you moving to?"

"Who said I'm moving?"

"Aren't you?"

Zhao Xing pointed at the large boxes. "Do these look like moving supplies?"

Ji Che looked closely and realized they contained things like Fire Source Divine Crystals, Primordial Formation Stones, Divine Net components... Following the direction these boxes were being transported, he saw that these items were being used to equip an enormous warship! The Wuyao Warship! A ninth-tier top-grade warship! By Emperor Jing's special decree, Zhao Xing's personal vehicle was permitted to be equipped with heavy military armaments.

"Elder Brother, w-what are you going to do?" Ji Che asked, bewildered.

"I'm going to make a mistake," Zhao Xing said calmly.

"You... you mean to—"

The intelligent Ji Che instantly reacted, an astonishing conjecture forming in his mind. Upon realizing this conjecture, his mouth fell open, but his eyes brightened.

Zhao Xing leaped onto the ship's rail, looking back. "Indeed, it's just as you think."

"I want to go too!" Ji Che quickly jumped onto the warship.

"You're still small. Sit on that one," Zhao Xing said, placing a hand on his head, then pointed to the Golden Dragon Warship slowly flying over from the sky, with the Myriad Laws Palace gleaming on its deck.

"Fifth Brother, Big Brother is taking you to snatch the bride. Excited?" Zhao Xing chuckled inwardly, observing Ji Che's reaction.

The moment Ji Che saw the Myriad Laws Palace, he immediately shouted excitedly.

"Snatch! Big Brother, we must snatch back the Eldest Princess!"