Chapter 340: Counting the Harvest, Tide Changes, Legacy Ends

Upon completing the construction of his Three-Spirit Life Palace, Zhao Xing felt an unusual sensation. He realized this was an instinctive feeling about his own destiny, a sense unique to reaching the Life Palace Realm. He recalled that in the Dragon Court Ancient Land, many First-Rank cultivators had foreseen their destinies and used various excuses to evade imperial conscription. However, Old Jing eventually had them eliminated. The perception of destiny was relatively accurate, yet still only relative.

"My current situation is quite complex. I've prematurely cultivated soul-based divine abilities, and now that the Yuan Qi Tide has begun, I wonder if I've already broken the destiny of the Xuanhuang World?" After a moment's thought, Zhao Xing slapped his forehead. "It's simple enough to find out my precise destiny," he mused.

With a thought, a holographic panel appeared before Zhao Xing.

Name: Zhao XingRealm: Life Palace Realm (Peak)Profession: Minister of AgricultureFortune: Derivation NineEnergy Accumulation: 99th TierSpirit: Rule Realm (Early Stage)Remaining Lifespan: 1530 years

"A fortune of Derivation Nine is almost at the pinnacle in the Xuanhuang World. I was born in the 274th year of the Dingxin era of Emperor Jing's reign. It is now the 71st year of Yuanshou, making me exactly 270 years old. Considering the maximum lifespan of 800 years for a First-Rank powerhouse, my remaining lifespan should only be 530 years. Even accounting for the 200 years of life bestowed by Heaven from consuming the Heart of the Dragon Whale during the Cave Heaven Transformation, my remaining lifespan should still only be 730 years. Yet, my remaining lifespan is 1530 years?"

"It appears my destiny has been broken," Zhao Xing mused. "While my cultivation of soul-based divine abilities plays a role, the primary reason is that the Spiritual Energy Tide of the Xuanhuang World has commenced. I met the Flower Fairy in the East Sea in the 77th year of Yongzhi. When I asked her about the Heavenly Realm, she confirmed powerful natural disasters had occurred. The most significant was the wind disaster. Counting from then, the Yuan Qi Tide has been active for ninety-two years. The fundamental rules of the Xuanhuang World had consequently changed."

Zhao Xing disappeared from the secret chamber, and the next moment, a faint cloud of mist appeared atop an iceberg. "This is the root cause. Because I've consistently cultivated with spiritual energy, my practice was already halfway aligned with the Yuan Qi Tide. When the tide truly arrived, my breakthrough to the Life Palace Realm also shattered my destiny."

Zhao Xing gazed into the sky, his eyes piercing through layers of obstacles, as if to see through the endless void. A hum resonated. Zhao Xing unfurled his domain with great power. Then he closed his eyes and entered his memory palace.

"Compared to when I first comprehended the Ultimate Law and invoked the power of heaven and earth, the sensation is now utterly different. Even if the Yuan Qi Tide's initial amplitude was small, over such a long period, even subtle accumulated changes have become quite pronounced. Standing on the Western Ice Continent, at the extreme west, the changes are even more apparent. This is because the Yuan Qi Tide spreads inwards from beyond the Xuanhuang World, starting at the world barrier, much like a contracting circle. The center of this circle is the nineteen central provinces controlled by Great Zhou, while the periphery is home to the external factions."

Zhao Xing flew and leaped above the glacier, carefully sensing and comparing. After confirming, he transformed into a wisp of cloud and returned to the secret chamber.

"Compared to the late Yongzhi era, the changes are truly substantial. Even the status panel has evolved, with 'Life Soul' now designated as 'Divine Spirit,' and spells acquiring the rank of divine abilities." Zhao Xing glanced at the panel.

Ultimate Law: Cloud Sky DaoProgress: Ultimate Three TransformationsDescription: Cloud Law, based on the Cloud Gate, possesses the effects of Cloud Concealment and Yuan Absorption. When cast, it can hide traces and absorb natural Yuan Qi. It can also activate the secret art Layered Cloud Boundary and amplify other seasonal laws.

Ultimate Law: Sky EclipseProgress: Ultimate Three TransformationsDescription: Rain Law, possessing extremely strong penetrative and corrosive power. Sky Eclipse and Skyfall, one Yin and one Yang, can be amplified by Cloud Law.

Ultimate Law: Heavenly Goo TransformationProgress: Ultimate One TransformationDescription: Marquis Transformation Law, can be cast both internally and externally, capable of transforming oneself or enemies into monstrous Heavenly Goo Beasts, endowing them with the Heavenly Goo Beast's talents (cannot possess divine abilities).

Ultimate Law: Wind of AnnihilationProgress: Ultimate Three TransformationsDescription: Wind Law, drawing upon the winds of the void to form hurricanes with devouring and crushing power.

Ultimate Law: Soul Devouring SpearProgress: Ultimate One TransformationDescription: An ultimate soul secret art, comprehended based on the Soul Devouring Body, possessing powerful soul attack capabilities.

Divine Ability: Three-Spirit Life PalaceProgress: First TransformationDescription: A minor soul divine ability. By comprehending the Way of the Soul, the two souls of Heaven and Earth are integrated into the body, and with the three souls as a foundation, the Three-Soul Life Palace is constructed. The three souls can amplify soul secret arts, and soul power can be infinitely differentiated.

Derived Spirit: A spell based on fragmented souls. Its power is maximized at a quantity of three, allowing 100% of the true body's strength to be utilized. When the number of fragmented souls exceeds ten thousand, power decreases by one tenth for every additional ten thousand. Souls differentiated by the Three-Spirit Life Palace cannot escape the confines of a realm star or a major world.

Longevity Extension: The soul is unbound by the fundamental origins of Heaven, Earth, Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements, breaking destiny. Lifespan extends as the divine ability strengthens.

Divine Ability: Eight Epochs Purple Light (Abnormal)Progress: First TransformationDescription: A minor divine ability. Eight Epochs Purple Light can create a temporary small cave heaven, possessing strong survival capabilities. Based on your current realm, the conditions for its activation are not yet met.

"My cultivation over these years has become somewhat imbalanced. While my comprehension of the Dao has reached the seventh tier of the Rule Domain, my spells have not yet surpassed the third transformation. Moreover, they are primarily seasonal laws and soul laws. Geomancy Laws and Ego Laws remain at the peak level. Considering this is a relic left by a Minister of Agriculture from the Seasonal Faction, it's natural for progress to be concentrated in Seasonal and Soul Laws." Zhao Xing rubbed his chin.

Dao comprehension pertains to various domains that can amplify corresponding spells. However, there's a considerable disparity between the potency of his domains and his spells. In essence, he possesses powerful internal energy, but his techniques are comparatively unrefined.

Naturally, this comparison is relative; Zhao Xing is benchmarking himself against powerhouses like King Rahu, Liu Tianning, and Divine Venerable Fifty-Eight, whose Dao and laws are largely synchronized. "While I managed to fell Divine Venerable Xuantian on Guru Star, that occurred under extreme circumstances, within Qingyuzi's dojo, precisely when the Marquis Transformation's suppression was at its peak. I merely seized an opportunity. In reality, if I had fought Divine Venerable Fifty-Eight outside back then, I would have been utterly outmatched. My Ego Domain would have only allowed me to escape," Zhao Xing analyzed.

"Of course, it's different now. With my soul having reached the Rule Realm—a Super First-Rank level achieved prematurely—I can now use soul secret arts to overwhelm Divine Venerable Fifty-Eight, who has not yet reached that tier. Fighting King Rahu, however, remains a challenge. Ji Che gifted him the Dragon Elephant Divine Fruit, allowing King Rahu to cultivate the Dragon Elephant Golden Body, where his soul, spirit, and physical body merge with Yuan Qi. Any attack I launch, whether it's the Soul Devouring Spear or other secret arts recorded by Fairy Su, would essentially be striking his physical body. King Rahu's combat body essentially converts all spell attacks into physical ones. This is the essence of 'breaking all laws.' When fighting him, unless one vastly outmatches him, his defenses are impenetrable," Zhao Xing mused. "Furthermore, if one were to rely on long-range spell attacks, King Rahu has also cultivated archery. Among Super First-Rank cultivators, in direct combat, he truly possesses no apparent weaknesses."

If one were to pinpoint a flaw, it would be that King Rahu's methods are not flashy or insidious enough, and his speed cannot match that of spell users. After all, Zhao Xing's abilities, like Near-Horizon and Rule Leap, allow for rapid escape and instantaneous movement. However, as the Grand Commandant, such minor deficiencies are effectively non-existent. Regardless of any flashy tactics, Old Luo would simply lead his army to form a Blood-Qi Battle Array and push forward, eliminating any need for pursuit. What? You won't defend your home? Then we'll ascend!

Grand View Realm (Spell Version): High-grade Star Dao Soldier, possessing sixteen types of seasonal changes, and a purple moon forged from rule fragments. Can be used in conjunction with seasonal laws, including the divine ability Eight Epochs Purple Light.

Grand Joint (Enlightenment Version): Low-grade Star Dao Soldier, possessing eight types of seasonal changes, cannot be used for attack, only for comprehending miniature heavens and earths.

Firmiana Apex Leaf (Supreme Rare Treasure): Comparable in value to a Realm Star Dao Soldier. Upon refinement, it creates a life domain, granting powerful restorative abilities. As long as the soul is not extinguished, the physical body can be reshaped. (The reshaping effect of this item has a limited number of uses, remaining uses: 3)

"So the Firmiana Apex Leaf has a limited number of uses? That makes sense. It's merely an apex leaf, not an entire tree; its life force cannot be inexhaustible, nor can it offer infinite physical reshaping," Zhao Xing realized. "For a practitioner of Dao-comprehending spells, reshaping the physical body is quite troublesome. Ideally, the uses of this item should never be depleted."

The physical body formed by the Firmiana Leaf can immediately restore one's original realm. But realm is one thing, and strength is another. For instance, Zhao Xing practices cultivation across three factions. In a hypothetical cosmic scenario, if his physical body were destroyed and then restored by the Firmiana Apex Leaf, the Pure Essence Soil in his Dantian would vanish. For a Seasonal Faction Minister of Agriculture, however, this would be inconsequential; they have no use for such things. Even if a Seasonal Faction Minister of Agriculture managed to cultivate Pure Essence Soil, it would merely be for storage, its presence or absence being irrelevant. But for Zhao Xing, such a loss would be immense. He had cultivated spiritual mountains within his body using numerous spiritual fluids and soil properties, alongside Cloud-Climbing Vines, Dragon Spirit Bamboos, and Lihuo Divine Lotuses—all of which would be lost.

"Sun-Moon Palace, Star Cloud Stratagem, Ethereal Soul Ring - I've gained many treasures this time, and the improvements are immense. Treasures, the realm of Dao, and soul have all reached a bottleneck. My next step is to focus on spells, imprinting my will upon Heaven and Earth through them. Subsequently, I will temper my physical body with spiritual energy, enabling my seven corporeal souls to undergo their final transformation. That will signify true Super First-Rank. With the Yuan Qi Tide now fully spread, achieving true Super First-Rank should not be overly difficult," Zhao Xing mused.

He was now abundantly wealthy, with more than enough spiritual energy within him. For him, the minor challenge lay in refining his laws, while tempering his physical body with spiritual energy presented little difficulty. After all, he was not a martial artist; his cultivation methods differed. A Minister of Agriculture's physical body was not robust, so the breakthrough of the seven corporeal souls was considerably less challenging than for a martial artist.

A creak.

Zhao Xing's true body continued cultivating spells in the secret chamber, while a clone pushed open the door and walked out. Lu Ying, who had been guarding outside, immediately stood up.

"Congratulations, Prince Zhao."

"Grand Artificer, please don't," Zhao Xing hurriedly went to help Lu Ying.

"Hahaha, it's entirely fitting," Lu Ying chuckled. "Now that you've broken through to the Life Palace Realm, our dynasty has gained another peerless powerhouse. Furthermore, your gains from this journey were immense; you are most certainly worthy."

Noticing Lu Ying's cheerfulness, Zhao Xing couldn't help but ask, "Grand Artificer, have you recently made a breakthrough in the Way of Mechanisms?"

Lu Ying chuckled, touching his face. "Am I that obvious?" he asked.

Too obvious! You've even brought the object with you!

Zhao Xing cooperatively pointed to the ground beside Lu Ying. "Grand Artificer, what is this?" he inquired.

Beside Lu Ying, there was a mechanical dog. The dog looked very cute, not large, just a puppy, but extremely realistic. Had Zhao Xing not achieved his breakthrough, at first glance, its true nature would have been indiscernible. This was because the mechanical dog had no Yuan Qi fluctuations, and even its formation fluctuations were very faint. It looked just like an ordinary local dog.

"This is a mechanical beast I'm currently developing. I've named it 'Godslayer.' It's not entirely finished, but it already possesses some preliminary power."

"'Godslayer'?" Zhao Xing's heart leaped. "This already exists in prototype form? Lord Lu, is it equipped with the Juzi Divine Needle?"

"Eh? You're interested? Come, come, let me show you." Lu Ying enthusiastically pulled Zhao Xing to a training ground.

"'Godslayer', activate!"

As soon as they arrived, Lu Ying eagerly began his demonstration.

Whoosh.

Faint ripples appeared in the air, and a thin line vanished from the mechanical dog's pupil. In front of the training ground, there was a cage containing a ferocious beast, Fei. The ferocious beast Fei had a very hard outer skin, like silver metal, covered with secret patterns. Its defense could rival human martial artists in the late Life Palace Realm.

But after the mechanical dog attacked, it wasn't long before it began to howl in pain, constantly rolling in the cage. "Ugh!" Finally, the ferocious beast Fei actually spat out a large, gleaming needle. To call it a needle was relative to the Fei's fifty-meter-long body; in reality, it was over ten meters long! Its needle body also developed many barbs, seemingly splitting into more Juzi needles.

"Materials from the Seven-Star Divine Hook?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Similar," Lu Ying nodded. "But not entirely. Originally, the Seven-Star Divine Hook and Heaven-Earth Divine Hook, used for fishing, were made from materials that grew by absorbing Yuan Qi. After my modifications, they now also grow by consuming flesh and blood. The mother needle still absorbs Yuan Qi, but instead of immediately growing larger, it now propagates blood needles. Once these reach a certain quantity, the mother needle ceases further propagation and begins to wreak havoc alongside its progeny."

Lu Ying pointed at the ferocious beast with a smile. "This creature can expel the mother needle; it truly is a divine beast of the Southern Barbarians. However, the child needles are not so easily dislodged. Expelling the needles is akin to expelling its own flesh and blood; it cannot differentiate."

Zhao Xing activated the Heavenly Eye Law, peering into the ferocious beast Fei's interior. He saw many inexplicable needle-like threads flowing within its blood, meridians, and muscles.

"Ugh!"

Fei continued to vomit blood, expelling large fragments of its internal organs, yet it still couldn't eradicate the pain. This continued for about a quarter of an hour. The ferocious beast Fei trembled all over, vibrating internally through sound waves, and only at a great cost did it manage to clear all the Juzi Divine Needles. However, it was severely weakened in Yuan Qi, its aura greatly diminished, and it even lacked the strength to howl.

"Too advanced... Godslayer..." Zhao Xing couldn't help but be astonished. Although the Fei was caged and restrained, and the mechanical dog fired at close range, such a defense-piercing effect was still remarkable. "Godslayer's Three Transformations: the mother needle generates child needles, and the child needles generate soul needles. The mother needle absorbs Yuan Qi, the child needle absorbs flesh and blood, and the soul needle attacks the soul. You are truly extraordinary!"

Zhao Xing offered heartfelt praise. The Godslayer was the most formidable mechanical beast he had ever encountered, truly impossible to defend against. This was because, in terms of both attack method and effect, it was incredibly subtle; by the time it was discovered, it was already too late.

Lu Ying, however, looked surprised. "Godslayer's Three Transformations? Child needles can also generate soul needles? What an excellent idea! That's truly worthy of being called a divine needle!"

Zhao Xing:

So, Lu Ying hadn't yet developed the third transformation? Had he inadvertently revealed a heavenly secret?

Fortunately, Lu Ying didn't pay attention to these things and immediately began dismantling the mechanical beast. When Zhao Xing saw him retrieve a Fire Source Divine Spear from the mechanical dog's back, he couldn't help but shake his head. "This is insane; shrinking a Fire Source Divine Cannon into a Fire Source Divine Spear is truly outrageous..."

After spending many years in the ruins, Zhao Xing felt that the changes outside were indeed numerous. Lu Ying actually managed to create the Godslayer. "One mechanical dog isn't scary; mechanical dogs that can be mass-produced will definitely be the enemy's nightmare in the future."

Seeing Lu Ying so focused, Zhao Xing didn't disturb him further and quietly left the testing ground, heading towards the Ministry of Agriculture Hall.

Liu Tianning was very busy; he didn't come to see Zhao Xing immediately after he emerged from cultivation. After Zhao Xing again entered seclusion for breakthroughs, he once more immersed himself in official duties. Zhao Xing was also curious about what Liu Tianning was busy with. He stopped Zhuang Danian, the Vice Minister of Agriculture who was always stationed in the Ministry of Agriculture Hall.

"Vice Minister Zhuang, what is the Minister of Agriculture busy with? I haven't seen him."

"Oh, he's at the cultivation shed in Tianzi Supply City No. 17," Zhuang Danian replied. "The 'Ice Heart Bi Luo' at Tianzi No. 17 is about to mature."

Zhao Xing paused. "I know about Ice Heart Grass and Bi Luo Tree; they are Ninth-Tier plants. But what does 'Ice Heart Bi Luo' signify—a derivative species?"

Zhuang Danian smiled and nodded. "Yes, the Ice Heart Bi Luo is a project Vice Dean Qiao of the Twin Institute has meticulously developed for years. It was initially unsuccessful, but after his transfer to Xiji Province, he successfully cultivated ten mature specimens twenty years ago. The large cultivation sheds in Tianzi Supply City No. 17 are entirely his creation. A new batch of Ice Heart Bi Luo is nearing maturity, and the Minister of Agriculture rushed there immediately upon hearing the news."

"I'll go see it too." Zhao Xing clasped his hands and immediately flew towards Tianzi Supply City No. 17.

In the icy, snowy expanse, a large city stood, with colorful cultivation sheds rising within it. The walls of the greenhouse were made of transparent special crystal, allowing a clear view of the precious plants cultivated inside. As Zhao Xing flew over, Liu Tianning was inspecting a cultivation shed in the south of the city. Beside him was a sturdy middle-aged man.

"Minister of Agriculture, Vice Minister of Agriculture requests an audience."

Someone quickly ran over to report.

"Invite him in."

"Yes."

Zhao Xing quickly entered the cultivation shed where Ice Heart Bi Luo was being grown. "Greetings, Minister of Agriculture and Vice Dean Qiao."

"Zhao Xing, you came at just the right time." Liu Tianning pulled Zhao Xing to a blue-green tree. "Come quickly and see Vice Dean Qiao's masterpiece."

Zhao Xing looked closely. This derivative species, "Ice Heart Bi Luo," was only about twenty meters tall, far from the normal size of a Bi Luo Tree. A normal Ninth-Tier Bi Luo Tree would be at least three hundred meters tall! However, despite its short stature, it was laden with numerous blue, fist-sized fruits. The fruits emitted mist, which flowed within the cultivation shed, making this special tree look exquisite and remarkably mystical.

"Vice Dean Qiao is truly remarkable," Zhao Xing praised. "To have cultivated a symbiotic relationship between Ice Heart Grass and the Bi Luo Tree, completely integrating the Bi Luo Grass's frost-resistant properties into the tree—I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. For the Ice Heart Grass and Bi Luo Tree to become symbiotic and reach the treasure level..." Indeed, this Ice Heart Bi Luo had reached the treasure level. Of course, its primary role was supportive, with no combat power whatsoever. Zhao Xing's judgment was mainly based on the fruits it bore.

"Normal Bi Luo fruits are very large, offering only moderate restorative properties among Ninth-Tier plants. Their size makes them inconvenient to carry and impossible to portion, so they are typically only used as ingredients for elixirs, which results in a partial loss of their efficacy. Vice Dean Qiao's tree, however, bears fist-sized fruits, each brimming with abundant vitality. The Yuan Qi is so potent that even a single breath is invigorating. Originally, the Bi Luo Tree's roots were not cold-hardy, necessitating a warm environment for it to bear optimal fruit. Any slight exposure to elemental cold would compel it to root deeply underground. In this way, most of its life-generating power would be wasted on its roots. But by integrating the life structure of the Ice Heart Grass, this issue has been perfectly resolved. I cannot discern the method used; Vice Dean Qiao truly possesses divine skill."

Qiao Muwei was elated by Zhao Xing's praise. While he could remain composed when praised by outsiders, Zhao Xing was different; his prestige and standing within the Ministry of Agriculture were immeasurably high! Praise from him was worth ten thousand praises from others!

"Vice Minister Zhao, you flatter me. I've only made a modest achievement," Qiao Muwei humbly stated. "Truthfully, this is largely thanks to Vice Minister Zhao's discoveries in the ruins. The Minister of Agriculture entrusted me with a treasure-grade divine artifact, the Core of Withering, to comprehend, which allowed me to fortunately overcome a long-standing challenge."

Liu Tianning smiled. "Muwei, don't be modest. While treasures are stored in the vault, and you're not the only one eligible to study them, you are the only one who has achieved such results. You can't attribute all the credit solely to the extraterrestrial artifact."

Zhao Xing also agreed, "Teacher's words are very reasonable."

Qiao Muwei bowed. "While I have made a small contribution, I know my own capabilities. My reason for inviting the Vice Minister here is to examine this plant's unusual properties. Originally, I anticipated that even if the Ice Heart Bi Luo successfully merged, its resulting species would not reach the treasure grade. But in this year's batch, a second treasure-grade Ice Heart Bi Luo has appeared. Though I employed the Four Ego Laws for its cultivation and invested considerable effort, how it attained treasure grade is genuinely beyond my understanding."

Listening to Qiao Muwei's words, Liu Tianning looked up at the Ice Heart Bi Luo, then his figure flickered, appearing atop the tree crown. Zhao Xing also followed closely, appearing beside Liu Tianning. After confirming that Qiao Muwei truly didn't know why, they began to investigate carefully.

*Snip.*

Zhao Xing picked a fruit, then instantly cut it into ten thousand pieces, beginning a deep-level study. Liu Tianning, on the other hand, collected leaves, roots, and bark, and directly swallowed them. The research methods used by the two had essential differences. One used the Body Fusion Method from "Heaven and Earth Seed Soldier Scripture," and the other used the Five Elements Grand View from "Soldier Envoy Divine Art." Soon after, both master and disciple landed on the ground.

"How was it?" Liu Tianning asked.

"Your disciple believes it may have been influenced by the spiritual energy of both heaven and earth," Zhao Xing replied.

Liu Tianning added, "Also, there are the changes occurring in the world itself. Over the past thirty years, these changes have become increasingly pronounced, with the fundamental rules growing stronger. Some individuals who haven't cultivated for a century, merely in slumber, would find themselves inexplicably stronger upon emerging from seclusion."

Zhao Xing buried the fruit pit, then cast a spell to make it quickly sprout and grow. "It appears this influence is all-encompassing, a change that affects all species," he remarked. "Teacher, have you been venturing beyond the ruins to various external lands over these past years precisely because you've observed this change?"

Liu Tianning nodded. "Do you still remember Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing? I also took them with me when I went. Through thirty years of comparative analysis, we've discovered a sudden and manifold increase in the Yuan Qi concentration throughout the entire Xuanhuang World."

Zhao Xing listened quietly. As the Minister of Agriculture, Liu Tianning would naturally keenly perceive such changes. He conducted field visits, taking Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing with him, and collected a lot of data: "The Yuan Qi concentration increased unevenly across different regions, but the growth was especially pronounced beyond Great Zhou's nineteen provinces. Some areas merely doubled, while others saw an astonishing eighty-sevenfold increase, and in some of those, I even detected the emergence of spiritual energy. For instance, in the North Sea, there's an archipelago called the Moonberry Islands, inhabited by the Moonberry people. According to the geographical records of the Kunyuan Earth Palace, Mangyue Mountain, the largest peak on the Moonberry Islands, was an ordinary mountain a century ago. Yet, upon our recent visit, we discovered it had transformed into a Spiritual Mountain! And astonishingly, seventy percent of the Moonberry people are at the Eighth-Rank Spirit Bridge Realm!"

Liu Tianning remarked with some emotion, "The inhabitants there are mostly uncivilized barbarians; they don't even know what cultivation is. Yet, having undergone these changes, they now possess such collective strength."

The changes in the Yuan Qi Tide were indeed like this, and Zhao Xing didn't find it strange. "Teacher, what else have you discovered?"

Liu Tianning frowned. "This transformation is spreading from all directions towards the center, meaning that the factions residing outside the Central Lands will be the first to benefit from these changes. Consequently, Great Zhou will be the last to benefit, which poses a significant disadvantage to our development."

Zhao Xing nodded. In fact, this had both pros and cons, because eventually, the Yuan Qi Tide would flow towards Great Zhou, meaning the nineteen provinces occupied by Great Zhou would become the greatest beneficiaries! Individuals from the sectarian world, like the Fog Walkers, would emerge en masse during significant shifts in heaven and earth, seeking to dominate the Central Lands. This was, in essence, a natural consequence of the Yuan Qi Tide's migratory pattern. This was also the first test for a dynasty's ascension: to grow stronger in a chaotic situation, or to perish within it.

Leaving Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing's clone visited the other departments. He obtained some intelligence and analysis from King Rahu.

"Over the past thirty years, the Outer Alliance has gradually withdrawn most of its forces, leaving only a small contingent behind to await the conclusion of the legacy within the ruins. They no longer possess the will to fight, so we have also withdrawn many of our forces, though we consistently maintain an advantage in military and combat strength. His Majesty's directive is to await the conclusion of the legacy trial before making further plans." King Rahu handed over various pieces of intelligence to Zhao Xing: "You should know from Liu Tianning that the world is changing, and Yuan Qi is fluctuating violently, which may lead to various natural disasters. Ji Si and others have also predicted scenes of chaos, a foresight that dates back to the era of King Tianyan. Moving forward, the focus of both Great Zhou and the external forces will likely be on combating natural disasters, managing their aftermath, and accumulating national strength."

Zhao Xing fell into thought, looking at the future governance policies discussed by the Six Ministries and Ji Che.

"This plan cannot be said to be wrong, but it's not the best option. Old Liu's conclusion about Yuan Qi fluctuations isn't the whole truth either. I have a better way, but I'm just a Vice Minister of Agriculture. Coordinating affairs across various ministries is too inconvenient."

Zhao Xing looked up at King Rahu and suddenly asked, "Grand Commandant, if I wish to become the Minister of Agriculture, would you be willing to support me?"

Zhao Xing's abrupt question momentarily stunned King Rahu. Such a brazen inquiry was unheard of. Furthermore, Liu Tianning had served as Minister of Agriculture for only a short time and was performing exceptionally well; there was no reason for Zhao Xing to replace him. However, seeing Zhao Xing's eyes, it didn't seem like a joke, so King Rahu said, "If you want to be the Minister of Agriculture, I have only one condition."

"Please speak," Zhao Xing asked. King Rahu's opinion was also very important, because if the Grand Commandant and the Minister of Agriculture were at odds, ascending to power would be meaningless. Therefore, he had to gain King Rahu's sincere support.

King Rahu replied, "You must engage him in a debate of the Dao. If you win, there will be no issues from the military faction." This request was very much in the Grand Commandant's style.

"I understand." Zhao Xing nodded.

"Liu Tianning cannot intentionally let you win," King Rahu said. "Nor can he yield. So what you must do is win fairly and squarely."

"Of course." Zhao Xing smiled, "How can the authority of the Minister of Agriculture be privately conferred?"

King Rahu's demand was simple, but still difficult for Zhao Xing. From Yuanshou Year 3 to Yuanshou Year 71, Liu Tianning's progress was equally rapid. In terms of Rule Domains, Liu Tianning had reached the eighth tier, while Zhao Xing's highest was the seventh tier. In terms of spells, Liu Tianning already had four Ultimate Laws, with the highest reaching the sixth transformation.

"Compared to Liu Tianning, I am one tier lower in Dao comprehension, but I possess a greater number of them. In terms of laws, I am currently not his equal. But in soul realm and the cultivation of the Derived Spirit Art, I have already surpassed him. However, in a debate of the Dao for the Minister of Agriculture, I cannot use this to unfairly overpower him. I must win using the Minister of Agriculture's own spells," Zhao Xing mused. "Yet, I also cannot afford to hold back entirely; I don't have time to wait until I comprehensively surpass him! The advantage in soul power can be maximally demonstrated on the Myriad Law Straw Man. If I can surpass him in this specific area, it should be a sufficient justification."

Zhao Xing left a clone in the Juzi Palace to fulfill the duties of Vice Minister of Agriculture and to handle Ji Che's inquiries. His true body, meanwhile, began researching the Myriad Law Straw Man in the secret chamber. At the same time, he quietly awaited the end of Putar's legacy trial.

Time flowed, and in the blink of an eye, it was the 80th year of Yuanshou. Zhao Xing had been cultivating in the Juzi Palace for nine years. It was in the spring of Yuanshou Year 80 that Zhao Xing suddenly opened his eyes and looked into the deep sea. "It's over. Putar's legacy trial has completely ended."

Swish.

Zhao Xing's true body left the secret chamber and fled towards the underwater ruins. With the legacy ended, he was naturally the first to know.

"It's quite a surprise." Zhao Xing looked at the gradually approaching ruins below and couldn't help but recall the scene he had just witnessed. A white bone dharma idol was shining brightly within a purple tall tower. Putar's legacy ultimately