Chapter 337: Great Harvest, Shocked Six Department Chiefs, Zhao Xing Crowned King

A familiar place, a familiar location.

Upon returning to Wufu, Zhao Xing saw the skeletal figure seated at the head of the table, leaning on a staff, clad in a ritual robe, and bowing its head. A hum resonated.

Qingyuzi's Lidao Fashen appeared once more.

“My name is Qingyuzi. I am the master of the Qingyu Realm Star, a member of the Purple God Manor within the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, which belongs to the Ancient Kingdom Alliance of the Barren Region. I am deceased; what you see now is my Lidao Fashen...”

Qingyuzi’s message was largely similar to the one left for his fellow countryman. It primarily addressed three questions: Who am I, where am I, and where am I going?

The difference was that when addressing the inheritor, he explained more about the forces in the universe and introduced his lineage. Zhao Xing listened, frustrated, as he rattled on about things he already knew. He was eager to leave, having spent fifty-three years in the final trial, and was somewhat concerned about the outside world. However, there was no skip option here, so he could only quietly wait for the cutscene to end.

After an unknown duration, Qingyuzi finally finished delivering his last message. Just as Zhao Xing expected to proceed with accepting a master and receiving treasures, something unexpected happened.

Qingyuzi’s Lidao Fashen rippled, emitting crackling sounds. Then, a scene appeared above Qingyuzi’s head: Zhao Xing’s first entry into Wufu. Subsequently, several Qingyuzis appeared out of thin air from different directions and merged. After a tremor, Qingyuzi’s expression became more animated.

He looked at Zhao Xing and smiled faintly: “I never expected that the one who passed the inheritance trial would be a fellow Daoist from an allied force.”

“Hmm, it took fifty-three years to break through the Daoist temple's trial, resetting the Taiyin Original Star using a more profound star-positioning method. My arrangements and divine abilities must seem amusing to a fellow Daoist.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing immediately became serious. He bowed to Qingyuzi and said, “By no means, it is I who have disturbed you, Daoist. Your divine abilities are truly astonishing.”

Lord Zhao was so solemn because Qingyuzi had once again exceeded his expectations. The current Qingyuzi was no longer merely a Lidao Fashen; it possessed its own will. For a Lidao Fashen to reach such a state in a minor world, there were only a few possibilities.

Firstly, Qingyuzi’s Daoist temple and Lidao Fashen might have involved the essence of the Xuanhuang Realm, allowing the Lidao Fashen within his Daoist temple to retain some consciousness. Secondly, Qingyuzi might have used an extraordinary treasure, combined with his Daoist temple, to communicate with Zhao Xing across hundreds of thousands of years.

A Daoist temple itself possessed continuity; even long after a person's death, the Lidao Fashen could persist. Fate officials know the past and future. Even Ji Si could write letters to future recipients across decades in the Dragon Court. Naturally, the treasures of fate officials in the cosmic version would be even more powerful. If Qingyuzi possessed such a treasure, combined with his origin realm methods, it would make sense. Of course, these were just Zhao Xing’s conjectures, but they were likely close to the truth.

“You flatter me, Daoist,” Qingyuzi said, bowing. “Since you have come here a second time, it proves that everything is guided by fate. Regardless, with someone taking my inheritance, I finally have hope of returning to my roots.”

Zhao Xing immediately stated, “Since I have received your grace, Daoist, upon leaving the Xuanhuang Realm, I will certainly travel to the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom to return your remains and relics. If you have any other instructions, I can also return the treasures to your relatives and friends, merely using your treasures to depart the Xuanhuang Realm.”

This was not false; for him, leaving the Xuanhuang Realm was paramount. With vast mountains and boundless seas, he didn't necessarily need Qingyuzi's specific items. Qingyuzi chuckled, “Daoist, do not underestimate me. I am already dead; why would I care about earthly possessions?”

“Your vision is far-reaching, Daoist; I dare not claim to take you as my disciple.”

“If you escape, and if you are willing, after delivering the message, you could choose a disciple on my behalf to carry on my teachings.”

“Time is ruthless; I don’t even know how many years it has been since my death. Perhaps my arrangements underground will also decay, and I don't know if there will still be an opportunity for ascension… As for other matters, I will not press for them.”

Zhao Xing couldn't help but bow again, expressing his admiration for Qingyuzi. Cultivation methods often influenced one's character. Qingyuzi’s personality was similar to many Heavenly Time Faction Sinnongs Zhao Xing had met: unrestrained, broad-minded, and clear-sighted.

“I will certainly choose a disciple for you, Daoist, to ensure your legacy does not wane,” Zhao Xing promised. He did not make a Soul Oath, as there were many ways to circumvent it. Qingyuzi apparently knew this as well; he nodded and moved on to other matters.

“Daoist, if you wish to ascend, the Southern Wilderness and the Land of Gui Xu are the greatest obstacles.”

“When my friends Puta and Fairy Su and I failed to ascend after establishing the Yu Dynasty, although the timing was a factor, the obstructions of the Southern Wilderness and Gui Xu were also key.”

“Therefore, I later adjusted my divine ability, the ‘Eight Records Purple Light,’ based on my insights. One section is a specialized method to overcome these obstacles, which I hope will assist you, Daoist.”

Zhao Xing nodded; after fifty-three years of contemplation, he too had recognized some patterns. Many star positions were not only missing but also specifically adjusted. If the divine ability methods were altered to target the Southern Barbarians, it made perfect sense. “Furthermore, my two friends, Puta and Fairy Su, have both left behind two divine abilities, also specifically designed for these two difficult areas.”

Qingyuzi continued, “And at the end of the final inheritance trial, the inheritors will be required to make a Soul Oath that, regardless of the circumstances, the inheritors of those two trials must assist you in breaking through the Southern Wilderness.”

“If they do not accept this, they will not obtain the inheritance. All learned methods will be erased, causing them to forget everything, and the inheritance will be passed to the second-place candidate.” Hearing this, Zhao Xing was overjoyed.

This implied that the inheritances of the three Origin Realm masters could never fall into the hands of the Southern Barbarian Royal Court. Perhaps the Sect World or Dongying might, but the Southern Barbarians absolutely could not, unless they were willing to betray the Witch Moon God.

‘No wonder. When Qingyuzi and his two friends fled the Xuanhuang Realm, they found the Southern Barbarians firmly blocking their path, leading to Puta’s lifespan being cut short of a thousand years, and Qingyuzi and Fairy Su both being trapped here until death.’ ‘It’s hard to say they wouldn’t resent the Southern Barbarian Holy Mountain,’ Zhao Xing mused. ‘And Qingyuzi was the highest-ranked among the three; his inheritor would be the ultimate leader, with the other two as natural allies. This also aligns with the true meaning of ascension.’

‘In that case, I rather hope that someone not from Great Zhou obtains the inheritance.’

‘Whoever obtains the inheritance will inevitably be a double agent, remaining in the enemy camp as an inside contact, which is virtually impossible to guard against.’ Just as Zhao Xing was considering how to utilize this rule,

Qingyuzi, having conveyed everything, gradually dissipated, leaving only his melancholy voice echoing: “Purple moon shines in the sky, Qingyu stands in his old garden. A thousand threads of homesickness, returning in dreams every night. Fellow Daoist, I entrust you to take me home…”

Zhao Xing watched Qingyuzi’s Lidao Fashen gradually vanish, remaining silent for a long time. After a while, he approached Qingyuzi’s skeletal remains.

Pure Yuan Projection unfolded. Zhao Xing cut down several large trees from the soil and fashioned a coffin. He then lit three incense sticks, bowed to Qingyuzi’s remains, and carefully placed the bones and clothing into the coffin. He did not remove the ritual robe from Qingyuzi’s body. Even though it appeared to be a Star Dao Armament, since Qingyuzi hadn't placed it in the Da Gan Kun Bag, Zhao Xing wouldn't touch it. He had, after all, taken the man's belongings; even without formally becoming a disciple, the dead deserved respect.

Before Qingyuzi lay a table, seemingly with some miscellaneous notes he had written. In the Daoist temple, the materials used for these casual notes had not decayed. Zhao Xing collected them and stored them together in a box.

After simply attending to the posthumous affairs, Zhao Xing took out the Da Gan Kun Bag.

“Qingyuzi’s personal Qiankun Bag, compared to the smaller Qiankun Bag I had before, has much more space.” Zhao Xing examined it. The space inside was roughly ten times that of the small Qiankun Bag. “There are also many items, mostly treasures, seemingly artifacts inherent to the Xuanhuang Realm itself.”

“Qingyuzi was quite thoughtful, preparing several mountains worth of resources for the inheritor. With these resources, one could likely establish a major power quickly.” Treasure-grade resources were measured by the mountain.

Among them were fragments of soul artifacts, like those Lord Dius had used for Wuyuan, capable of aiding in enlightenment.

“Over three thousand difficult-to-unbind soul artifact fragments. While not considered expensive in the cosmic version, these are valuable items in the Xuanhuang Realm, capable of helping one comprehend a rule domain. But why would he carry so many?”

“Oh, right, he was the master of Qingyu Realm Star, and originally had his own forces, so carrying such items is normal. There are also Wind Elm Fruits that improve aptitude; I only got one in the first trial, but here they are piled up like mountains.”

“Large quantities of antidote pills, with their formulas—are these for the Ten Heavenly Disasters?”

“Collected spiritual energy, condensed into liquid, filling many boxes. Hmm? This is spiritual energy crystallized... *hiss*...” A treasure, undoubtedly a great treasure of the Xuanhuang Realm. No wonder the Witch Moon God tried every means to prevent Great Zhou from acquiring it. This batch of treasures would undoubtedly make Great Zhou terrifyingly powerful in the future.

Treasure-grade materials and artifacts were piled together. In the center of the storage bag, three items were placed separately.

The first item was familiar to Zhao Xing: still the Grand View of Seasonal Nodes, but with a different quality.

“The one I obtained before only had eight seasonal nodes and was only for contemplation, classified as a low-grade Star Dao Armament.”

“This one, however, has sixteen seasonal nodes, and within it, the Purple Moon shines.”

“It has integrated the essence fragments of the Taiyin Purple Moon. It is a high-grade Star Dao Armament, not only for contemplation but also to aid in casting the ‘Eight Records Purple Moon’ minor divine ability.”

The second item was a leaf, emanating vibrant life force. Upon seeing it, Zhao Xing was stunned: “A top leaf from the Cangwu Tree? Refined into a treasure? The Xuanhuang Realm doesn't have true Cangwu Trees!”

Cangwu, Yellow Springs—those were legendary divine trees. Liu Tianning’s Four Seasons Divine Splendor Daoist temple had a divine tree called Yellow Springs Guide, but it wasn't a true Yellow Springs Tree, merely a distant relative, vastly different from the true Cangwu divine tree.

“A top leaf from the Cangwu Tree, containing the Great Dao of Life, refined into a treasure—this is essentially a second life!” Zhao Xing exclaimed. According to Qingyuzi’s instructions, after refining the Cangwu Leaf, one would automatically possess a life domain. Upon reaching the Ascension Realm, it could evolve into a life Daoist temple. And at the Origin Realm, one could comprehend divine abilities related to the Great Dao of Life from it.

Liu Tianning mastered the life domain; in combat, he was incredibly fierce, constantly draining others’ life force, causing them to lose lifespan—how terrifying! In the second trial, the Gulu Star, he relied on his life domain to withstand the rule suppression, managing to utter “I” as soon as he entered.

One of the most desired divine abilities for Sinnongs was related to the origin of life. “After refining it, physical injuries essentially heal instantly.”

“If one mastered life-type divine abilities and their primal soul was anchored to the Cangwu Leaf, even if their physical body was reduced to ash, they could be reborn from this single Cangwu Leaf.”

“After refining it, Qingyuzi’s flesh would be like Tang Sanzang’s—eating a piece of it would extend one’s lifespan. No wonder he lived long and recovered early. Not long after the Xia Dynasty ascended, he established the Yu Dynasty, intending to leave; his injuries must have healed by then.”

“Such a supreme treasure is absolutely comparable to the value of a Realm Star-grade Dao Armament.” Zhao Xing then looked at the third item.

It was a translucent book, with light flowing in a cycle on its pages. When Zhao Xing looked at it, a scene immediately appeared on the transparent book: “Zhao Xing, you’re out? How are things?”

“Lord Ji, don’t ask me yet, first tell me about the situation outside. In these fifty-three years you were absent…”

When Zhao Xing averted his gaze, the book became transparent again. “Ha, so it really does have this treasure.”

Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile upon seeing it. “A treasure crafted by a Fate Official in the cosmic version: the Star Fate Scroll.”

“This is a Realm Star-grade Dao Armament.”

“No wonder Qingyuzi could combine his Daoist temple and communicate with me across space and time.” Zhao Xing couldn't help but sigh in wonder.

The Star Fate Scroll could be regarded as the cosmic version of an almanac, capable of predicting fortune and misfortune. Of course, its function differed from an ordinary almanac. Its underlying principles were also different.

“In the theoretical foundation of Fate Officials, every star in the universe possesses star fate. They emit a light of destiny that cannot be seen by ordinary means.”

“Based on this theoretical foundation, Fate Officials categorize stars into auspicious stars and inauspicious stars. This is the origin of phrases like ‘auspicious stars shining high’ and ‘good fortune ahead.’”

“The Star Fate Scroll, as a Realm Star-grade Dao Armament, is crafted from an auspicious star.” After understanding the quality of the Star Fate Scroll, Zhao Xing was somewhat puzzled. Qingyuzi possessed this item, yet he was still ambushed. How powerful were his enemies?

“A Realm Star-grade Star Fate Scroll is not just for predicting fortune. It can allow non-fate-related professions to see fragments of the future without learning spells. Fate-related theories believe that every star, when emitting its light of destiny, is also a record carrier, and their light can reflect the past and future.”

“This is the principle behind crafting the Star Fate Scroll.”

Zhao Xing had just seen the conversation he would have with Ji Si after leaving, and what Ji Si would ask.

‘Brother, you’re not unlucky; you’ve encountered a master.’

Zhao Xing mused that with these items, to still be forced to crash-land in the Xuanhuang Realm, Qingyuzi’s enemies must have been significantly stronger and possessed superior treasures. “These items are too precious. Based on these few alone, Qingyuzi would have been a wealthy individual even in the third Origin Realm.”

However, these items could not unleash their full power in the Xuanhuang Realm, and Zhao Xing currently could not utilize them fully. “When I reach the Lidao Realm, the only thing I’ll probably be able to fully utilize is the enhanced Grand View of Seasonal Nodes.”

Qingyuzi’s Qiankun Bag also contained several secret techniques, but Zhao Xing was not in the mood to examine them at the moment. He had been there for fifty-three years and needed to quickly understand the situation outside.

His consciousness emerged from the Da Gan Kun Bag, and then he picked up a purple staff. This was the Purple God Token, which controlled the Purple God Ruins. It was equivalent to the master control switch for the underground ruins.

“Although this treasure is only of top-grade precious artifact quality, it can control the entire ruins’ spell formations, including the conditions for passing the previous trials, and manage the inheritance trials of the entire Qingyu Daoist temple,” Zhao Xing thought.

As for Puta’s and Fairy Su’s inheritance trials, he couldn't control them. However, he could observe the progress of the challengers there.

“First, let’s see how many people have entered the third trial.”

Zhao Xing waved the Purple God Token, and a water screen appeared before him. The third trial was distributed; each person appeared alone in a simulated Purple Moon and asteroid belt. Qingyuzi's Lidao Fashen remained effective in different trial stages. Only the Lidao Fashen here in Wufu had vanished permanently. Qingyuzi had entrusted the choice to Zhao Xing. He was now the master here, able to choose who continued the trials and who was excluded. Even without rewards, these trials remained excellent places for cultivation.

“Thirty-five years ago, Liu Tianning was the second to enter the third trial.”

“That means Liu only entered eighteen years after I did.”

“And Ling Tianchen entered twenty-five years after me, seven years slower than Liu. Xuan Tian Divine Venerable was three years slower than Ling Tianchen.”

“Mistwalker entered thirty years after I did, twelve years slower than Liu.”

“Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable, tsk tsk, this old fox hid his strength, thinking I wouldn’t know. He actually entered five years earlier than Mistwalker, almost at the same time as Ling Tianchen. The two madmen from the Heavenly Realm, Grandson Gui of the Corpse Puppet Sect? They entered around forty years after I did.”

Zhao Xing had a clear overview. A total of eight people had entered the third trial: Liu Tianning, Ling Tianchen, Xuan Tian Divine Venerable, Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable, Mistwalker, the Two Immortals of Wind and Rain from the Heavenly Realm, and Grandson Gui, the Supreme Elder of the Corpse Puppet Sect. The rest were still in the second trial.

“The number of people in the second trial also increased from fifty-two to one hundred and one, almost doubling. Many more ultimate laws have appeared in the world.”

Normally, in the Xuanhuang Realm, the emergence of ultimate laws meant few new laws might appear in an era. However, Qingyuzi’s appearance, along with the Enlightenment Stele and Law Comprehension Stele he left behind, accelerated this process and increased the probability of ultimate laws emerging.

“The primordial energy tide has already begun from the periphery, and so many ultimate laws have emerged. In the Sect World, this is undoubtedly a ‘Glorious Great Age,’ a new era.” Zhao Xing watched for a while, then with a thought, appeared in the third trial.

“Hmm?”

Xuan Tian Divine Venerable, who was in meditation, suddenly looked in a certain direction, his expression changing. “Zhao Xing? He completed the final trial!”

Xuan Tian Divine Venerable understood that it was too late.

“Xuan Tianzi, are you willing to surrender?” Zhao Xing asked calmly. “If you are, I can give you an opportunity to join Great Zhou.”

“Hmph, surrender?” At this moment, Xuan Tian Divine Venerable let everything go. “The word ‘surrender’ is not in my dictionary! Kill me!” He knew resistance was futile; even though his power was infinitely close to the true Rule Realm. But within the Daoist temple of an otherworldly powerful being like this, Zhao Xing had become the new master and could effortlessly obliterate him.

“As you wish.”

Zhao Xing pointed the Purple God Token, and Xuan Tian Divine Venerable silently turned to ash. At this moment, he was the master of Qingyu Daoist temple! Even a true Ascension Realm cultivator would be thoroughly defeated by Lord Zhao, as Qingyuzi himself was not merely at the Ascension Realm. The Daoist temple he left behind could easily eliminate a Xuan Tian Divine Venerable.

‘The Five-Eight Divine Venerable met his end just like that. In his previous life, he had endured until late Martial Emperor stage before Liu Tianning cut him down.’ Zhao Xing sighed faintly. He held no personal vendetta against Xuan Tian Divine Venerable, but since he refused to surrender, elimination was the only option.

Zhao Xing teleported again, appearing before Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable of the Great Serpent Kingdom in Eastern Ao.

“Duke Zhao?”

Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable immediately shuddered: “Congratulations, Duke Zhao…”

Before he could finish speaking, he was gone. Zhao Xing couldn't be bothered dealing with such a hypocrite; eliminating him was the most straightforward approach. Furthermore, in his previous life, he had once been annihilated during a mission in Dongying, precisely because of this Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable’s treachery. Now, it was considered a wish fulfilled.

Zhao Xing teleported again, appearing before Mistwalker. When Mistwalker saw Zhao Xing’s figure on the other side of the asteroid, he immediately understood everything. His karmic soul had been stirred, and certain restrictions had been lifted. According to sect rules, he had now become the interim Sect Master.

“Heavenly Venerable Zhao, my senior brother is dead, isn’t he?” Mistwalker asked.

Zhao Xing looked at Mistwalker with some surprise. What was with that excited expression?

“Indeed, he is gone.”

Mistwalker immediately said, “Heavenly Venerable Zhao, now that he is dead, I am the interim Sect Master. However, I know I am not worthy of the position, so I invite you, Heavenly Venerable Zhao, to succeed as the Divine Sect Master.”

“You want me to be the Divine Sect Master?” Zhao Xing looked at Mistwalker with interest. He hadn't expected that what Mistwalker had said to him back in the square was truly sincere. Within this Daoist temple, he could completely perceive the sincerity of Mistwalker’s words. But this guy, did he really want to follow him?

“If it weren't for the restraints of the sect’s ancestral teachings, I would have long ago cut down the former Sect Master,” Mistwalker said, his gaze burning with fervor. “Only you can truly lead the Divine Sect to rise and complete its great undertaking!”

“Upon my return, I will certainly become the new Divine Venerable and also the new Imperial Preceptor of the Golden Feather Royal Court.”

“If you do not mind, I am willing to lead the Divine Sect to allegiance under you, and await your secret orders in the Golden Feather Royal Court.”

Zhao Xing watched Mistwalker bow, unsure what to say. He indeed had this intention, but he hadn't expected Mistwalker wouldn't even need convincing or any Soul Oath. The man genuinely wanted this!

“Alright, Mistwalker, you will follow me from now on. When I ascend, I will certainly take you with me!” Zhao Xing declared. “Nor will I require you to make any Soul Oath.”

“Sect Master possesses a broad mind and grand vision!” Mistwalker was deeply moved.

“I’ll send you out.” Zhao Xing, unable to bear the man’s fervent gaze, waved his hand dismissively, and Mistwalker left the place.

‘Since Mistwalker was spared, I should let more people live, otherwise, his sole survival would be too conspicuous,’ Zhao Xing mused. Therefore, he also spared Grandson Gui of the Corpse Puppet Sect.

“Elder Changsun, your ability to cultivate parasitic species makes you a rare talent.”

“I am letting you return. From now on, be cautious.”

Grandson Gui had expected to die, but to his surprise, Zhao Xing had let him go. His face was filled with astonishment; he never imagined Duke Zhao possessed such magnanimity.

“Wind Immortal.” Zhao Xing arrived at another location.

“Cheating?” The young man studying the Eight Records Purple Light couldn't help but look up. “You succeeded?”

“Yes.” Zhao Xing nodded.

“Are you going to kill me?” Wind Immortal asked. “No, you may leave,” Zhao Xing replied.

“Hey, if you’re not killing me, can I play a bit longer…?” *Whoosh*, he vanished from the asteroid.

Rain Immortal received the same treatment and was teleported out.

*Whoosh*

Zhao Xing arrived at another place once more. “Teacher.”

Liu Tianning was standing by the edge of an asteroid, looking down. Hearing the voice, Liu Tianning smiled slightly. “Zhao Xing, congratulations.”

“It was just luck,” Zhao Xing chuckled. “Teacher, your comprehension speed is quite fast. At this rate, you could succeed in another fifty years.” “Now you can enter and exit freely; have you obtained the authority?” Liu Tianning asked.

“Yes.” Zhao Xing nodded: “Teacher, you can choose to continue meditating here. I can reduce the difficulty to make it smoother for you.”

If Liu Tianning could learn it, that would be for the best. With another person casting the Eight Records Purple Light divine ability, its effect would be stronger, and Qingyuzi’s dying wish would also be fulfilled, killing two birds with one stone.

“No need to meditate now,” Liu Tianning said. “I don’t know what’s happening outside. As the Grand Sinnong, I cannot stay in here indefinitely. In any case, you have now obtained the inheritance, so you can come whenever you wish in the future.”

“Very well,” Zhao Xing nodded. “Then let’s go out together.” As for Ling Tianchen, he chose to continue his meditation.

“They won’t miss one less Sinnong token without me. I’m slow at comprehending this Eight Records divine ability. Why don’t you send me back to the second trial?” “I would rather continue meditating on Gulu Star,” Ling Tianchen expressed his thoughts.

“Alright,” Zhao Xing nodded.

He then teleported Ling Tianchen to the second trial, Gulu Star. Next, Zhao Xing teleported to the second and first trials respectively. He either killed or released all cultivators not aligned with the Great Zhou faction. At the same time, he closed the trial stages of Qingyuzi’s inheritance, no longer opening them to outsiders. Immediately, hundreds of people appeared in the Three Gods Square.

“What happened? Why am I suddenly out?” “*Hiss!* Qingyuzi’s inheritance must have found a master!” “Who is it? Xuan Tian Divine Venerable, or Zhao Xing?”

“Divine Venerable, indeed. Don’t you see everyone teleported out here are from the alliance? Where are the Great Zhou people?” “Oh no, we won’t die here, will we?”

The crowd was uneasy, but soon they saw a figure fly out from the Three Gods Temple.

“You are temporarily detained by this official, and you may neither leave nor go out. Your life and death are entirely for His Majesty to decide.” After Zhao Xing spoke, he controlled the Daoist temple, confining everyone to a nearby barrier city. He would certainly release a group of people, but not just anyone. To release them, naturally, they would have to be ransomed. These were all Sinnongs; killing too many would go against the harmony of heaven. Zhao Xing estimated that Ji Che would likely agree to exchange items for these people. If they didn't agree to a ransom, it wouldn't be too late to recruit or kill them.

“The Sinnong powerhouses of the Xuanhuang Realm, if not entirely captured, then at least seventy to eighty percent of the masters are here.” Liu Tianning looked at the people below, all renowned powerhouses, now captives.

“You gained such authority by passing the final trial. Does that mean passing Puta’s and Fairy Su’s trials also grants such authority?” Liu Tianning asked. “Theoretically, those two also have Daoist temples, so they could kill other competitors still attempting the trials,” Zhao Xing replied.

“And in practice?” Liu Tianning asked.

“In practice, the final inheritors would not possibly oppose Great Zhou,” Zhao Xing smiled. “Teacher, let's go up first. You’ll understand what I mean then.”

Flying out of the sea to Juzi Palace, Zhao Xing saw Ji Si, who had sensed his arrival.

“Zhao Xing, you’re out? How are things?”

“Lord Ji, don’t ask me yet; first, tell me about the situation outside. In the fifty-three years you were absent…”

“In the fifty-three years you were away, conflicts between the two sides became more frequent, but there were no major wars overall,” Ji Si narrated. “As for the inheritance trials, after the Witch of the Outsider Alliance learned of my scheme, their focus shifted towards Puta’s inheritance and Fairy Su’s inheritance.”

“Currently, people have entered the second trial for both of these inheritances.”

“For the Mechanism Dao inheritance trial, over 1,300 people passed the first trial, but only sixty-five entered the second.”

“For the Soul Dao inheritance trial, over 3,000 people passed the first trial, but only eight entered the second.”

Zhao Xing nodded slightly; the disparity in the Soul Dao was even greater. Although the Mechanism Dao was complex, computationally intensive, and mentally taxing, as long as one dedicated enough time and studied diligently, progress would always be made. But the Soul Dao was different: either you had it, or you didn’t. Even if Zhao Xing had previously corrected the Yan Shen Jue with King Tianyan, its inherent learning difficulty remained unchanged. It could be said that among the three inheritance trials, the Soul Dao was the most challenging.

“As for my gains, I will report to His Majesty once everyone is gathered,” Zhao Xing said.

“Alright,” Ji Si nodded.

However, he then hesitated, seemingly unsure whether to speak.

“What is it, Lord Ji?”

“I wanted to ask if you obtained a Fate Official’s treasure,” Ji Si asked.

Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised. Heavenly Venerable Ji’s talent in the Dao of Fate was a bit beyond his expectations. He had indeed obtained a Fate Official’s treasure, the Star Fate Scroll. But Ji Si surely couldn’t have calculated it. He couldn't have calculated a Realm Armament-grade treasure, so it must have been Ji Si’s intuition.

“Indeed, there is. We’ll discuss it later,” Zhao Xing smiled. “Lord Ji will definitely be pleasantly surprised.”

Lending this item to Ji Si, even if he could only comprehend a sliver, would be infinitely beneficial. Ji Si’s talent was immense; letting him examine it might allow this Grand Fate Official to reach a higher level.

Not long after, in a secret hall within Juzi Palace, the images of the six chief officials—Wei Hong, King Luohou, Lu Ying, Tong Wensheng, and Liu Tianning—appeared in the terrestrial realm. A majestic figure was soon projected onto the main seat: Ji Che. After fifty-three years of not seeing him, Ji Che’s demeanor had matured considerably. The moment he saw Zhao Xing, Ji Che clearly smiled: “Elder Brother has emerged; do you have good news for me?”

Zhao Xing bowed: “Your Majesty, your subject has obtained Qingyuzi’s inheritance. Just now, I detained all non-Great Zhou inheritors, awaiting Your Majesty’s judgment.”

“What?!” Lu Ying was startled: “All detained? Duke Zhao, can you control the underground spell formations now?”

“Lord Lu, mind your manners,” Tong Wensheng immediately reminded. The Emperor hadn’t spoken yet, why did you?

Lu Ying immediately said, “Your Majesty, I have been impolite.”

Ji Che chuckled, “Hahaha, no matter. This is not a court session, merely an inner court discussion. You may all speak freely.”

“What’s more, with such joyful news, even I cannot help but ask how Elder Brother accomplished this.”

Tong Wensheng said no more. This matter was indeed too shocking. There were at least five hundred non-Great Zhou powerhouses in Qingyuzi’s inheritance trial. Five hundred top-tier Sinnongs, all captured by Zhao Xing? Unbelievable!

“After I obtained Qingyuzi’s inheritance, I could use the Purple God Token to activate the Daoist temple’s spell formations and also summon the Lidao Fashen left by Qingyuzi.”

“Some of them, I took the liberty of eliminating first, such as Xuan Tian Divine Venerable and Dongying’s Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable. I await Your Majesty’s reprimand.”

Ji Che said indifferently, “Outsider fiends and barbarian officials—if they are killed, they are killed. These forces were inherently ambitious and had long plotted in secret. The treaties I made with them were nothing but waste paper.”

Zhao Xing continued his report: “From Qingyuzi, I obtained a legendary divine ability cultivation method. However, it is an auxiliary spell for Sinnongs and can only be cast at the Lidao Realm.”

“Secondly, he left me many treasures…”

Zhao Xing began to detail his gains from this venture. Liu Tianning listened, barely believing his ears. As the Grand Sinnong responsible for finance, he immediately understood that the value of these treasures was astronomical. Qingyuzi had collected many treasures from the Xuanhuang Realm. Due to the long passage of time, even items that were merely treasure-grade before could now be considered peerless treasures. Liu Tianning, hailing from an elite family, still felt a sense of unreality as he listened to Zhao Xing’s report.

“I never imagined that treasure-grade materials could be measured in terms of ‘a ship’ or ‘a mountain’,” Liu Tianning said, feeling somewhat unreal. Tong Wensheng, as the head of ritual cultivation, also found it hard to believe his ears.

“Duke Zhao, how much of that Wind Yuan Divine Crystal did you mention? A ship’s worth?”

“Yes, a ship’s worth,” Zhao Xing smiled. “It would require a top-grade, Tier-9 cargo ship to hold it all.”

“We’re rich!” Lu Ying’s eyes gleamed. With money in the national treasury, his work as the Grand Minister of Works would naturally be much more enjoyable. Establishing fortifications in the Western Extreme Glacier had already taken over fifty years, and his Ministry of Works accounted for the largest expenditures. With Liu Tianning, Wang Tianzhi, Ling Tianchen, and Zhao Xing all absent, the Sinnong Hall was managed by Qiu Yuanshan.

What kind of personality did Qiu Yuanshan have? Steady as a rock. When he fought in the Dao Debates back then, he would always play it safe until the very last move. When the war first started in the Western Extreme Glacier, he was also extremely cautious, unwilling to take the Shennong Hoe beyond national borders. Lu Ying, working with him, felt he was simply "stingy"! It wasn’t that Qiu Yuanshan refused to allocate funds, but he questioned everything and was incredibly cautious. Ultimately, the past fifty years had simply seen immense expenditures. Qiu Yuanshan couldn’t afford to be generous. Now, Lu Ying felt he could finally go all out.

“Duke Zhao, your return couldn’t be more timely!” Lu Ying excitedly rubbed his hands together unconsciously. Even the usually solemn King Luohou couldn't help but grin upon hearing the news.

Who wouldn't want to fight a wealthy war? But facing the combined forces of the Outsider Alliance, various nations, and top powers, every resource had to be carefully considered. “In the past fifty-odd years of various wars, although our dynasty achieved many victories, the actual gains were minimal. Now, we finally have a great harvest that can compensate for our losses.”

War itself was conducted without regard for cost; fighting on the Western Extreme Ice Continent largely meant losing money whether you won or lost. Now, they had finally seen the dawn! And it was a dazzling, unprecedented harvest!

“Good, good,” Ji Che was also very pleased. “I intend to enfeoff Duke Zhao as King Zhao. Does anyone have any objections?” “I second the motion!” Lu Ying said loudly.

“I second the motion!” King Luohou and Liu Tianning also spoke. “Your Majesty is wise!” Wei Hong bowed.

“I have no objection either,” said Tong Wensheng, the Prime Minister. At this moment, how could he object, unless he wanted to quit! Ji Che said, “Good, Prime Minister Tong, prepare for this immediately.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Zhao Xing also smiled.

The meeting concluded, and the three projected figures in the main hall vanished. Ji Che, Tong Wensheng, and Wei Hong’s true forms were not in Juzi Palace. Only King Luohou, Liu Tianning, Lu Ying, Zhao Xing, and Ji Si, who emerged from a side hall, remained in the hall.

By this point, Zhao Xing had already introduced the three great treasures. Upon hearing about the Star Fate Scroll, Ji Si’s eyes lit up. With the primordial energy tide gradually appearing, all professions would be strengthened; this was an already foreseeable future. Currently, there were quite a few true Rule Realm cultivators, like King Luohou, who was already a true transcendent first-rank. But Fate-related professions remained stagnant—how could Ji Si tolerate that?

“Congratulations, King Zhao, please accept my bow.” Ji Si performed the禮, then eagerly stared at Zhao Xing. His eager yet hesitant demeanor amused King Luohou, Lu Ying, and Liu Tianning.

“Truly rare,” Lu Ying chuckled. “King Zhao, if you don’t say something soon, Lord Ji’s gaze will start stretching like silk.”

“Hahahaha.” King Luohou and Liu Tianning burst into laughter.

“Lord Ji, here you go.” Zhao Xing tossed the Star Fate Scroll over.

Ji Si clutched it like a priceless treasure, trembling slightly: “Th-thank you, King Zhao, for this treasure.” Zhao Xing teased, “Just please don’t send me thank-you letters; I can’t afford them.”

“Hahahahaha.”

Seeing Ji Si depart to immerse himself, King Luohou asked, “I heard your Purple God Token can show the detailed progress of the trials. What’s the situation with Puta’s inheritance and Fairy Su’s inheritance trials?”

Zhao Xing directly took out the Purple God Token and handed it to Lu Ying: “Lord Lu is most suitable to use it. In fact, even without this Purple God Token, I can still summon a Lidao Fashen down there.”

“Good!” Lu Ying immediately took the Purple God Token and began to study it. With a wave of his hand, a water screen appeared in the air, displaying the detailed progress of the trials within the ruins below. “Truly a divine artifact!” Lu Ying exclaimed.

Seeing Zhao Xing’s implication, Liu Tianning couldn't help but ask, “Do you still intend to go down and challenge Fairy Su’s trial?”

Zhao Xing nodded: “Exactly. The third layer of the Yan Shen Jue has not been mastered by anyone yet, and I believe there’s no better place to cultivate it than here. Although there are rules set by Qingyuzi and his two friends, an inheritance is always safer in our own hands than in others’.”

All three inheritances contained divine abilities and secret methods. Zhao Xing wasn't proficient in the Mechanism Dao, but he definitely wanted to try the Soul Dao inheritance. If soul secret methods were exclusive, meaning someone who inherited them couldn't share them with others, then it was certainly best to master them himself.

“Your Yan Shen Jue cultivation progress is the fastest, but currently there are also eight people in the second trial. If you want to go, you’ll have to hurry,” King Luohou said, looking at the screen above. “Teacher, are you going?” Zhao Xing asked. Before his arrival, Liu Tianning held the current dynasty’s record for the fastest cultivation speed of the first layer of Yan Shen Jue.

Liu Tianning replied, “You’ve brought back so many treasures. As the Grand Sinnong, I must oversee their management. Now that you’ve obtained Qingyuzi’s inheritance, it also signifies the start of a new round of preparations for war, so I won’t be going down.”