Chapter 343: Thunder Sword, Earth Realm Vessel, Dream Academy

"I have also heard of this treasure you speak of," Ji Che said. "It is said to be completely lost, with no one knowing where it ended up."

"I was fortunate enough to acquire some ancient texts from the Li Dynasty in the East Sea; perhaps I can look for it there."

Upon hearing this, Ji Che couldn't help but chuckle, "The world is vast, and supreme treasures are formless and invisible. Where would the Grand Minister of Agriculture even begin to look? It's best not to expend your energy on this."

Zhao Xing, however, did not give up. "I heard that the late emperor once gathered royal artificers to decipher unsolved crafts, many of which involved treasures from the Li Dynasty."

"The late emperor once permitted me to select treasures from the Imperial Inner Treasury."

"That is true. My ancestors were a family of artificers, and the Grand Ancestor was an exceptional genius of his time."

"In the early years of Yuanshou, I also gathered a group of royal artificers to work on this. Initially, I was full of hope, but there has been little success for decades."

Ji Che sighed.

As the wealthiest and largest landowning family in the world, the Ji Royal House received countless tribute treasures from various regions each year. Many of these were expensive treasures with clear value, which were all stored in the Yuan Chen Treasury of the Imperial Palace.

However, even more numerous were strange treasures of unclear value. For example, the tributes from the Aquatic Races of the Four Seas adhered to two principles when offered to the old emperor: novelty and quantity. What hadn't the emperor seen? So, novelty was the primary requirement. If novelty wasn't enough, then quantity was used to show sincerity.

In fact, the Aquatic Races were quite cunning. Clearly valuable treasures were difficult to offer; giving too little might displease the old emperor, while giving too much would be painful for them. By adhering to the principles of novelty and quantity, they were essentially sending the emperor a blind box. "I can say this item might be comparable to a peerless rare treasure," they'd think. "Even if the possibility is small, it sounds good when reported!"

Thus, the Imperial Palace's treasure vaults were divided into two treasuries. One was the Yuan Chen Treasury, containing treasures of clear and generally high value, which the emperor typically used to bestow upon ministers. For instance, Emperor Jing once gave Zhao Xing three opportunities to choose treasures, and he went to the Yuan Chen Treasury.

The second was the Yuan Feng Treasury, which was a vast blind box lottery for treasures. Many items entered each year, and many were also discarded. The royal family also understood this tactic. Tribute was merely a gesture; openly setting prices would be tantamount to exploiting their subjects in a roundabout way. What kind of emperor would do that? Actually, there was one: Emperor Jing often did. During his reign, the Yuan Chen Treasury received more items than the Yuan Feng Treasury.

However, by Emperor Wu's time, tributes from the Aquatic Races, vassal states, and secondary registered tribes (a general term for surrendered groups from the Southern Barbarians, Eastern Ocean, and Western Pole Prefecture) reverted to primarily filling the Yuan Feng Treasury, with the Yuan Chen Treasury as supplementary. Indeed, there were many ancient artifacts. Both Emperor Jing and Emperor Wu summoned royal artificers, who managed to unseal many hidden treasures.

However, Ji Che's standards were too high; he disdained ordinary treasures, so he didn't pay much attention to the "blind box" opening of the Yuan Feng Treasury. When he first became emperor, his interest was high, and he gathered many artificers to work. He also invested considerable effort into several deciphering projects left by Emperor Jing. But gradually, he lost interest. Constantly getting minor prizes of one or two units wasn't very exciting.

So when Zhao Xing mentioned the treasure of the ancient Nightmare Sect from the Li Dynasty, Ji Che naturally knew it was valuable. But where was the problem? It also had to be found.

"The Grand Ancestor once said that all the world's talents would fall into his grasp. Your Majesty's fortune is boundless; I believe that treasures have spirits, and those with virtue possess them. Such a treasure must already be in Your Majesty's possession!"

Ji Che waved his hand dismissively, having lost interest. He had thought Zhao Xing truly had a good idea. "Brother, if you want to explore the royal treasury, you don't need to find an excuse. Just go if you wish."

"You are the Grand Minister of Agriculture. If you find something valuable that benefits the nation, feel free to transfer it to the national treasury."

Ji Che didn't take Zhao Xing's mention of obtaining ancient texts from the Li Dynasty seriously; could they know more than the official historians? In his view, Zhao Xing had just become the Grand Minister of Agriculture, was looking for novelty, and having control of the national treasury, simply wanted to see the imperial inner treasury.

"Alright, then I'll go take a look." Seeing Ji Che revert to a more casual conversational style, Zhao Xing also stopped addressing him as "Your Majesty" repeatedly.

"Perfect, I'll also take a stroll and visit my elder sister," Ji Che said. He rose and walked with Zhao Xing through the Imperial Palace. "She's about to get married, and I wonder what tantrums she's throwing now."

"What's wrong with the Eldest Princess?" Zhao Xing asked out of curiosity.

"She insists that Liu Tianning go fetch her some Ice Fire Lotus and Heavenly Sea Pearl... These are all legendary items. Where is Liu Tianning supposed to find them for her?" Ji Che grumbled, "I've only heard of these things. When she couldn't get married before, she was distraught, but now that her wish is granted and she can marry, she's still making a fuss. I'm truly baffled. What kind of psychology is this?"

Zhao Xing chuckled, "People always feel incredibly happy when they are close to success, but then become anxious and indecisive once they actually achieve it."

Ji Che curled his lip, "In my opinion, she's just getting old..."

"Ji Che! Who are you talking about?!"

As they passed Yonghua Palace, a colorful ribbon suddenly flew out from within, tightly binding Ji Che.

"Ah, Elder Sister! I was talking about Prime Minister Tong's daughter..."

*Whoosh!* The ribbon flashed, and Ji Che was dragged into the palace.

"The emperor can even be suppressed by his own bloodline," Zhao Xing muttered to himself, quickly flying away from Yonghua Palace.

The Imperial Inner Treasury was divided into the Yuan Chen Treasury and the Yuan Feng Treasury. The Yuan Feng Treasury was a thousand times larger than the Yuan Chen Treasury. It was even crafted from small world fragments, specifically serving as storage space. However, the artificers of the Xuanhuang World were not very skilled in handling such materials. Essentially, a small world fragment would be as large as its 'physical size' in the Xuanhuang World. It was impossible to cut it into palm-sized pieces that still contained a large space, like a Cosmic Bag, for portable use.

When Zhao Xing arrived at the Yuan Feng Treasury's area, he saw many palaces arranged in an orderly fashion. These palaces merely served as embellishments for the entrances to the small world fragments; they typically didn't store actual items. The situation inside was similar to when Zhao Xing had entered the Dragon King Yin Xiu's treasury.

"The Great Dream Academy must have been researched by someone during Emperor Jing's reign, but the researchers likely didn't know if it was indeed the Great Dream Academy."

"The Great Dream Academy itself is a space-type treasure, already comparable to a World Star Dao Weapon. It's impossible for it to be placed within a small world."

"The Yuan Feng Treasury area has ten great treasure halls. If the Great Dream Academy has been continuously researched, then it must be within one of these ten halls." Zhao Xing flew south, following the directions.

In each of the ten great treasure halls, a group of royal artificers specialized in studying unresolved treasures. The halls varied in size; some were quite large. Zhao Xing arrived at the first grand hall: the Divine Weapon Hall.

"Yang Jin, Chief Imperial Forgemaster of the Divine Weapon Hall, greets the Grand Minister of Agriculture."

He was an artificer at the late stage of the Life Palace Realm. However, Yang Jin was a Divine Weapon (Dao Weapon) Forgemaster within the artificer profession category. Forgemasters' combat power was not strong, arguably even weak. Yang Jin was weak among the weak. This dignified Life Palace Realm expert had dark circles under his eyes, insufficient vital energy, and withered, yellow hair, looking like a dissolute wastrel drained by wine and women.

"Is Master Yang practicing the Blood Forging style?" Zhao Xing asked in surprise.

"As you can see, I am in this state because my body has been drained by weapons," Yang Jin said with a bitter smile. "I'm sorry to have amused the Grand Minister of Agriculture."

"Sir, it's time for your medicine," a servant said, walking over with a large box of tonics.

"Can't you see I'm talking to the Grand Minister of Agriculture? Drink it later!" Yang Jin glared at the servant.

"Your health is important," Zhao Xing advised. "I'm just casually looking around. Master Yang, you should eat and drink what you need... Bring it here."

"Yes, sir." The servant immediately obediently brought the food box over.

Zhao Xing took the food box and sniffed it. "Which part of the vital essence does Master Yang's Blood Forging style primarily sacrifice?"

"Reporting to the Grand Minister of Agriculture, I cultivate the Five Viscera and Five Spirits Weapon Forging Method," Yang Jin replied. "Of the five vital energies of heart, liver, spleen, stomach, and lungs, I have reached the 'Heart Forging' stage."

"When you forge with heart blood, you need dietary supplements to mitigate the damage," Zhao Xing said, opening the various layers of the food box. "These foods are a bit low in quality and don't fully replenish what's lost."

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, His Majesty's treatment of me is already quite generous. These are all Grade-8 ingredients, and once a month, there's a major replenishment day with Grade-9 ingredients. I can't possibly subsist on treasures," Yang Jin explained.

Zhao Xing, being in charge of finance, knew that this person's treatment was indeed good. Yang Jin's compensation was set by Emperor Wu, as they were private soldiers of the Ji Royal House, not funded through public accounts or the national treasury. Even if he wanted to give Yang Jin more supplements, he couldn't.

However, he still advised, "Master Yang cultivates the Blood Forging method, sacrificing blood for weapons, and can also use heart blood to destroy weapons. But don't do it too frequently. The world is currently experiencing a Vital Qi Tide, and the Minister of Agriculture will soon be able to expand the cultivation of treasure-grade plants. When the divine treasure trees blossom and bear fruit, the quality of dietary supplements will also improve. Master Yang, there's no need to rush your achievements."

Yang Jin bowed, "Thank you for the Grand Minister of Agriculture's reminder. I will keep it in mind."

"You go ahead and eat. I'll just look around casually."

Yang Jin quickly consumed his supplements, while Zhao Xing wandered freely around the Divine Weapon Hall. Many divine weapons were displayed in the hall. About half of them had clear values, meaning the artificers knew they were powerful divine weapons, roughly of treasure-grade or rare-treasure grade. However, they were ancient and forged by different methods. Some possessed extremely powerful malevolent aura, while others had sword spirits that were difficult to erase.

Some even had very unusual usage requirements. For example, a blood-red rapier in front of Zhao Xing was locked between two Dark Mystic Pillars.

"The Divine Sword Jueyang is speculated to be a peerless rare treasure, with extremely powerful effects. It contains a sword spirit that can assist in controlling Jueyang, comes with a Grade-6 Wind-Breaking Domain, and also has a set of Lesser Thousand Sword Array. But its sword spirit has a strange usage requirement," the attendant beside him introduced. "The user must be male, and physically incomplete."

As they spoke, a phantom of a woman in ancient attire suddenly drifted out from the rapier. Her expression was alluring as she stared at Zhao Xing. "To use this sword, you must castrate yourself! Possess me, and you can become a top-tier swordsman in the world!"

Zhao Xing: "..."

So that's what "incomplete" meant.

"Yaoyue! How dare you offend the Grand Minister of Agriculture! You seek death!" Yang Jin, who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion, roared and immediately activated a mechanism on the Dark Mystic Pillar.

*Boom-Crack!* A bolt of black lightning instantly struck the sword spirit Yaoyue.

"Ah~" Yaoyue let out an alluring cry and instantly retreated back into the sword.

The nearby attendant looked dazed, clearly having his mind affected by the sword spirit.

"Step back a bit," Yang Jin immediately pulled the attendant away. The latter's greedy gaze instantly cleared, and he then bowed apologetically before retreating.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, this sword is extremely malevolent and difficult to tame," Yang Jin said. "Even the Dark Mystic Lightning attack just now didn't actually harm her."

"She is one with the Yang Jue Sword. As things stand, trying to erase this sword spirit would destroy the Yang Jue Sword along with it."

Zhao Xing said, "Why not just follow her requirements?"

Although the castration requirement was cruel, Zhao Xing believed there were still many swordsmen who would be willing to sacrifice their lower body's happiness for this divine sword.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, as I just said, what this female sword spirit says are all demonic lies," Yang Jin said gravely. "We selected volunteers for experiments, and at first, the divine sword indeed displayed its power. But not long after, the person gradually went mad, and their vital blood was also absorbed. If it hadn't been discovered in time, they might have been completely drained."

"Indeed, it's a harmful sword." Zhao Xing nodded. "Has King Rahu ever tried it?" King Rahu was a true transcendent first-rank expert. What would happen if he wielded this sword?

Yang Jin shook his head. "Even if King Rahu could suppress this peerless rare treasure, he wouldn't be able to unleash its full power. Furthermore, King Rahu usually uses arrows. With the Yang Jue Sword suppressed, its only advantage would be its inherent hardness; otherwise, it would be inferior to a treasure-grade divine weapon."

Zhao Xing understood now. It was unusable, yet a waste to destroy. The goal for Yang Jin's team was to retain its peerless rare treasure status and use it without paying a price.

"What immense hatred and resentment. Could this be from a female sword-caster who was betrayed by her lover?" Upon hearing such a requirement, Zhao Xing naturally imagined a melodramatic love story.

He squinted, looking through the sword's body. The female sword spirit inside the blade, dressed in a large red robe, also looked back at him. She smiled sweetly, then licked her crimson lips with her index finger. Then she lifted her robe, revealing a fragrant shoulder, lowered her right hand, and let out an alluring gasp with a seductive expression.

"Hmph, petty tricks!" Zhao Xing snorted coldly, and the life soul within his Three Spirit Life Palace immediately opened its eyes. With a flash of golden light, a soul spear stabbed towards the Yang Jue Sword.

"Ah!" This time, the female sword spirit truly shrieked. She clutched her head and knelt on the ground. Her red robe disappeared, her allure vanished, and her face was contorted in pain.

Zhao Xing took a closer look and realized the woman was covered in wounds, with two terrifying scratches on her face and chest. Zhao Xing tried to communicate with her. "Why do you set such harsh rules?"

"Heh heh, heh heh~" The female sword spirit, with disheveled hair, did not reply, only stared at Zhao Xing with a cold sneer.

Master Zhao wouldn't indulge her.

*Clang!* The Soul Devouring Spear pierced through the Yang Jue Sword again.

"Ah!" The sword spirit let out another mournful cry.

Zhao Xing tried twice and found that as he attacked, the Yang Jue Sword was indeed undergoing some kind of change. If this sword spirit died, the Yang Jue Sword would also "die," becoming just an ordinary treasure.

"Can she be extracted? No, it's meaningless; she'd have the same effect even if separated from the sword body. It's better to leave it for Yang Jin and his team to research."

Zhao Xing didn't linger and continued his tour. The clearly valuable divine weapons in the Divine Weapon Hall generally had various unacceptable restrictions. Besides the Yang Jue Sword, Zhao Xing also saw divine weapons in the form of swords, spears, shields, daggers, and so on.

Some had extremely heavy malevolent aura, capable of driving users insane, making them difficult even for First-Rank Life Palace Realm experts to wield. And if one was in the Rule Realm, there would be no need to use a mere treasure-grade divine weapon like this. Some lacked a certain inheritance, such as a treasure called the 'Ghost Soul Sword,' forged by the ancient Divine Sect, the Underworld God Sect, requiring the Underworld God Sect's cultivation method to wield. But the Underworld God Sect has been extinct, so where would one find its core cultivation method?

"When forgers set requirements for certain divine weapons, they always have strange demands. Only forgers like Yang Jin can break them. Forcible removal would damage its quality," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

The other half consisted of items whose value was undetermined but which showed characteristics of divine artifacts in some aspects. Zhao Xing looked around; this section was quite numerous. For example, a black sword he now held had an utterly dark blade and caused a slight tingling numbness upon touch.

"Master Yang, what's special about this sword?"

"We've tested it many times and found it has no special characteristics other than being incredibly hard."

Zhao Xing asked, "Indestructible. By all accounts, this should be a peerless rare treasure."

Yang Jin was also puzzled. "Indeed, having such a special characteristic is very rare. But it doesn't conduct vital qi, so it cannot be controlled. Sword users are generally sword cultivators. If vital qi cannot be transmitted, then sword qi cannot be emitted, and sword qi is an important attacking method for sword cultivators. Sword qi, like a rainbow, can increase the range of sword techniques. If it doesn't conduct vital qi, then it also cannot be wielded through sword-controlling techniques; it can only be held physically."

Zhao Xing tried to control it and found that vital qi sank into it like a stone into the sea, indeed unable to lift it. Any method involving vital qi, whether spells or martial techniques, could not make it fly.

Zhao Xing's mind stirred, and a surge of spiritual energy immediately arose within him.

*Zing!* A bolt of lightning suddenly flashed from the sword, striking a wall in front.

*Boom!* A charred hole appeared.

Yang Jin jumped in fright. "Th-this... Grand Minister of Agriculture, how did you do that?"

Zhao Xing wielded the sword, the black blade moving around his body. After a few attempts, Zhao Xing held it in his hand.

"This is a lightning-type spiritual sword," Zhao Xing mused. "Its blade is compressed from pure lightning, and the array on its hilt requires spiritual energy to drive. It's a magic sword, not for martial artists, likely a Star-grade Dao Weapon."

Seeing Yang Jin's inquiry, Zhao Xing smiled. "It's a magical sword, which can be called a Thunder Magic Sword. It's not for martial artists. You don't need to research it anymore. I'm taking it, and I'll inform His Majesty."

"Yes, sir." Yang Jin obediently complied. Of course, he wouldn't dare say anything when Zhao Xing wanted to take a sword.

"To wield this sword, one portion of spiritual energy equals one portion of power. This is the result of my many years of research into the Xuanhuang Primeval Analysis Art. Yang Jin and his team might not even be able to unleash one part of its power with ten parts of spiritual energy; it would be a pure waste."

The Thunder Magic Sword required spiritual energy to activate. Without a large-scale revival of spiritual energy, telling them was pointless.

"I don't know the exact grade of this Thunder Magic Sword," Zhao Xing couldn't accurately determine its grade, only roughly judging it to be a Star-grade Dao Weapon. "I'll research it later."

After a tour, finding nothing more of interest in the Divine Weapon Hall, he immediately flew away.

He entered the second treasure hall, named the Treasure Ship Hall. Inside rested a rusty, enclosed battleship. It was fifty meters high and a thousand meters long. The battleship was entirely dark. At present, only a dozen artificers were conducting their daily research there.

"Ji Gan, Chief Royal Artificer of the Treasure Ship Hall, greets the Grand Minister of Agriculture."

A middle-aged man wearing a Thousand Silks enchanted robe hurriedly flew over with two assistants. "We were unaware of the Grand Minister of Agriculture's arrival and failed to meet you properly. Please forgive our offense."

Ji Gan? Zhao Xing hadn't heard this name before, but this person was at the late stage of the Life Palace Realm. The internal strength of the Ji Royal House was clearly extraordinary, with even a chief artificer of a random hall being at the late Life Palace Realm.

"No worries. I came on a sudden whim, just to casually look around," Zhao Xing waved his hand.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, please offer your guidance. Our Treasure Ship Hall once... *Clang!*" Ji Gan led Zhao Xing a few steps. Before he could finish speaking, a small, rhomboid object fell from his sleeve with a crisp sound.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, this is my personal artifact, the 'Thousand Ingenuity Ruler'," Ji Gan said, subtly picking up the item.

Zhao Xing nodded. The Thousand Ingenuity Ruler was also known as the Thousand Lever Ruler. It belonged to the Infinite Ruler Divine Weapon series, capable of changing size, and was reputed to pick any lock. It could even allow the Thousand Ingenuity Ruler to drill through a pore-sized opening to examine internal conditions.

"The Treasure Ship Bureau primarily researches various peculiar battleships and flying vessel treasures. Some are ancient, and their craftsmanship differs vastly from modern methods. Grand Minister of Agriculture, please observe. This is a completely enclosed battleship. Its exterior is rusty, but this rust originated from Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Iron Mother. For Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Iron Mother to rust naturally, it would take at least a million years. Of course, it could also be due to the erosion of some Metal Element Rule or spell... *Clink-Clang!*"

Ji Gan was still introducing, but after just a few steps, another hammer fell. Zhao Xing's gaze fell, and he saw Ji Gan awkwardly pick up the item, holding it in his hand. "As you can see, this is also an artificer's treasure of mine, called the Two Poles Hammer. Spells are divided into Yin and Yang, and materials naturally also have Yin and Yang properties. Sometimes, to decipher a treasure's array restriction, you can tap it with this hammer. Through the array, you can discover the elemental attribute of its internal material structure. Then you can proceed with targeted deciphering... *Clang-Clink-Clang!*"

This time, it wasn't just Ji Gan dropping things; the tools on the two people beside him also clattered to the floor. Even a jade pendant on Zhao Xing's person began to fall.

"Hmm?" Zhao Xing's eyes were quick, and he used vital qi to stop the jade pendant from falling. The jade pendant he wore was an accessory for the Grand Minister of Agriculture's official uniform, etched with cloud patterns. Its exterior was ink-black, but when illuminated, one could see hints of green within the black. It was an Ink Bamboo Jade Pendant, a Grade-9 treasure. He had been wearing it without notice when it suddenly tried to fall.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, we..." Ji Gan was at a loss.

"Alright, you don't need to explain. I understand." Zhao Xing waved his hand and looked at the rusty battleship. "Is it true that all non-living objects near this ship will automatically fall?"

"Yes," Ji Gan nodded. "That's exactly it. Fifty years ago, we don't know who touched some mechanism, and ever since, all mechanical devices that approach it automatically fall. This strange phenomenon has continued for fifty years, and we still haven't been able to understand it."

Ji Gan and his assistants felt somewhat ashamed. Fifty years without research progress, and such a situation occurring during the Grand Minister of Agriculture's inspection was truly embarrassing.

Zhao Xing held the jade pendant and walked forward step by step. He noticed that the closer he got, the heavier the pendant became. When he approached within fifty meters, he even had to unleash his vital energy and enter a combat state just to keep his clothes and accessories neatly in place. Otherwise, everything would fall to the ground.

"Soul Heaven Sight!" Within Zhao Xing's Three Spirit Life Palace, his life soul immediately opened its eyes, inspecting the dark battleship. Soul Heaven Sight was an Ultimate Technique at the first transformation level, successfully mastered by Zhao Xing not long after he completed his Three Spirit Life Palace. With a high vantage point, mastering a first-transformation Ultimate Technique spell with a Rule Realm soul was relatively easy. From the 81st to the 82nd year of Yuanshou, Zhao Xing easily entered the realm of mastery.

"I can't believe there's a core component of a World-Boundary Ship here!" Zhao Xing observed carefully. The rusty exterior of the battleship transformed into continuous mountain ranges in his eyes. Geo-vein fluctuations! This was a very profound geo-vein fluctuation! Therefore, Zhao Xing concluded that this was a component of a World Star-grade battleship, and a core component at that.

"Master Ji, I suggest you research something else. Let this one be," Zhao Xing said, turning back.

"What does the Grand Minister of Agriculture mean by that?" Ji Gan was taken aback.

"This item is from beyond the heavens. If I'm not mistaken, it should be the mount of a Geomancy Faction Minister of Agriculture, named the World-Boundary Ship." Zhao Xing, holding the jade pendant, pointed at the rusty hull. "Objects falling when approaching the World-Boundary Ship is due to the arrays inscribed on the battleship, which possess effects similar to terrestrial geo-veins, or perhaps its once complete hull was integrated with a powerful geo-vein. This is just one component of it, but it's also a self-contained, enclosed component. Even if you research it for billions of years, you won't be able to decipher it."

Zhao Xing retreated beyond the fifty-meter range, returning to an unaffected distance.

"World-Boundary Ship?" Ji Gan and his two assistants were immediately half-skeptical, half-believing. Especially the two assistants, when Zhao Xing said they might not be able to decipher it even in billions of years, a defiant thought arose in them. Although Zhao Xing was the Grand Minister of Agriculture, he was an amateur in the Way of Artificing. How could an amateur dare to be so certain?

"Ji Gan, you should know my experiences," Zhao Xing said. "Listen to my advice: don't waste your life on this."

Most high-ranking officials had heard about Zhao Xing receiving an inheritance. However, not everyone understood the detailed contents. Some people didn't even know the name "Qing Yuzi," only the phrase "visitor from beyond the heavens," having only fragmented knowledge as if from reading court gazettes. Ji Gan knew a little more, not only knowing Qing Yuzi but also that Qing Yuzi was a powerful Chronology Faction Minister of Agriculture in the universe. Therefore, Zhao Xing's words carried high credibility.

"World-Boundary Ship, World-Boundary Ship..." Ji Gan murmured to himself. "A battleship's array integrating a geo-vein, what kind of skill is that?" Zhao Xing's words had a significant impact on him. At this moment, Ji Gan couldn't help but feel a strong desire: The universe is so vast, I want to see it!

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, if the Way of Artificing cannot decipher it, are there other methods?" Ji Gan asked. "How much do you know about the World-Boundary Ship? Can you tell us?"

Ji Gan was over six hundred years old, and his assistants were of similar age. Yet, at this moment, they looked like young schoolchildren, their eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge. Zhao Xing had originally intended to just take a look and leave; he was searching for the Great Dream Academy. But now, more than a dozen artificers had gathered around him, all staring eagerly.

"Alright, please sit down first," Zhao Xing smiled.

"Come, everyone, come listen to the Grand Minister of Agriculture," Ji Gan immediately called everyone over, and they all sat on the ink buckets.

Zhao Xing said, "Then I'll just say a few words."

Two hours later, Zhao Xing walked out of the Treasure Ship Hall. Looking at their reluctant gazes, Zhao Xing couldn't help but mutter to himself, "No wonder leaders love holding large meetings and talking for hours. Seeing such earnest and eager gazes below, it's hard not to get addicted to meetings."

Ji Gan and his colleagues weren't faking it, but it was hard to guarantee that people elsewhere wouldn't pretend to be interested.

Next location.

"I must take this as a warning," Zhao Xing flew towards.

Ji Gan watched Zhao Xing leave, equally grateful. He and his colleagues felt their worldviews had been refreshed. Even though Zhao Xing described the World-Boundary Ship from the perspective of a user and experiencer, rather than its creator, it was enough to make their hearts yearn for it!

"The lowest-tier World-Boundary Ship is as large as Pinghai Prefecture? And the integrated geo-veins are all at the level of the nineteen prefectures? The World-Boundary Ship's defense is practically invincible; any attack is twisted and deflected by the power of the geo-vein's origin. To achieve such a degree... Even if it were somehow captured, one couldn't bring divine weapons or sharp tools aboard the World-Boundary Ship? That's an enormous advantage, truly an ingenious idea!"

"Ascension, I truly want to ascend and see it!"

Within those two hours, Ji Gan and the others' impression of the World-Boundary Ship became deeply ingrained, and their desire to ascend grew even stronger. Originally, when Emperor Wu spoke of ancient divine dynasties ascending into the void, many considered it mere talk. But the two hours Zhao Xing spent describing the World-Boundary Ship alone were enough to make them believe that there truly was a beautiful, magnificent world beyond the heavens. Ascending into the void was no longer an abstract concept, but a tangible benefit!

"Ji Gan and his colleagues, after listening to my two-hour lecture, will probably become staunch 'Ascensionists'."

"It was well worth giving a two-hour 'universe expansion pack' lecture," Zhao Xing thought, recalling the expressions of Ji Gan and the others, and couldn't help but smile. It just goes to show how many benefits came with being the Grand Minister of Agriculture. Such an effect, even Emperor Wu's years of slogans couldn't compare to two hours of Master Zhao's talk.

"Then again, the Xuanhuang World truly holds many treasures. A component of a World-Boundary Ship even fell in. I wonder how many other things I overlooked in my past life," Zhao Xing mused. "Unfortunately, it's just one component; it can't fly at all. If it were a complete World-Boundary Ship, I could break through the realm and ascend right now."

A complete World-Boundary Ship was, of course, a World Star-grade Dao Weapon. However, judging by this component, it must have drifted in the cosmic void for countless years before finally being captured by the Xuanhuang World's origin and falling into this realm.

"The universe is a dark ocean, and realms and stars are isolated islands. The void winds sweep through the waves, bringing some things to the islands. It's likely there are quite a few good items in the Xuanhuang World. In the future, I'll need to form a special team. Before ascending, I should thoroughly scour the Xuanhuang World and take more 'capital' to venture out."

Visiting just two halls yielded two good finds, and the World-Boundary Ship's component was even World Weapon-grade! Although incomplete, it proved that the Xuanhuang World had many good items.

After visiting several treasure halls consecutively, Zhao Xing quickly located the Great Dream Academy. It was not housed within the Ten Great Treasure Halls but stood in the area designated for palace-type treasures.

"That's it," Zhao Xing descended, looking at the ancient, simple palace before him. "Its style is similar to that of the Heavenly Crafts Hall, where the mechanical beast Xie Zhi resides."

One Dream Heaven and Earth was its original name, a palace-type treasure. However, at this moment, no one could enter it. Around the four sides of the palace were four smaller houses. One of these houses was filled with ancient texts, all records pertaining to the Li Dynasty.

"Hong Yuan, Chief Imperial Artificer." "Su Li, Second Imperial Artificer." "Greetings, Grand Minister of Agriculture."

These were two more artificers at the Life Palace Realm.

"Masters, please dispense with the formalities."

Zhao Xing glanced at Hong Yuan and Su Li. Hong Yuan stood tall and upright, like an ancient pine, unwavering. He wore a black robe, intricately embroidered with complex and exquisite mechanical patterns in silver thread, which shimmered with a mysterious luster in the light. His hair was as black as ink, neatly tied back, secured by a jade hairpin carved in the shape of mechanical gears. His face had distinct contours, with a high nose bridge and slightly thin lips, giving him an impression of being taciturn.

As Chief Imperial Artificer, Hong Yuan held the highest position among the royal artificers. He was responsible for the operation of all arrays in the Imperial Palace, and also for designing the most crucial mechanical installations. Hong Yuan was not originally researching this palace. He had merely received news that Grand Minister of Agriculture Zhao Xing had arrived at the Yuan Feng Treasury, which was why he had hurried there to await him.

The one truly in charge of the research was Su Li. This female artificer was petite and graceful, clad in a light purple gauze robe that fluttered as she moved, like a celestial maiden descended to earth. The gauze robe was adorned with small, intricate ornaments shaped like mechanical parts, which tinkled softly with her movements, adding a touch of vivacity. Her hair cascaded like a waterfall down both sides of her shoulders, adorned with delicate purple flowers that complemented her gauze robe. Her face was round and charming, with a pair of sparkling, watery eyes. Her nose was small and straight, her lips rosy, and when she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared, making her seem exceptionally sweet.

As Zhao Xing observed her, she also curiously glanced at this legendary figure among the Ministers of Agriculture.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, I didn't expect you to be so handsome," Su Li praised.

"Ahem... Su Li, don't be impolite." Why was Hong Yuan here? This was the reason. Most who focused on artificing research tended to be simple-minded, and he feared Su Li wouldn't be good at receiving and seeing off guests, as she rarely left the Imperial Palace. Who knew what Zhao Xing's temper was like? What if she offended him?

"I was just speaking the truth," Su Li said.

"Hahaha, thank you for the compliment, Master Su," Zhao Xing said. He didn't think Su Li was intentionally flattering him. With his Soul Heaven Sight, he could tell what was on Su Li's mind, a Life Palace Realm early-stage cultivator, at a glance.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, why are you here?" Su Li, seeing Zhao Xing was approachable, asked another question. Logically, with Hong Yuan present, it wasn't her place to ask. But she directly ignored Hong Yuan, just wanting to chat more with the handsome Grand Minister of Agriculture!

"Oh, I'm just here by His Majesty's order to take a look. I heard that all the treasures here were left by the Li Dynasty?" Zhao Xing asked, gesturing around him.

"Yes, the Li Dynasty had many treasures," Su Li said with a grin. "Shall I show you around?"

"Then I'll trouble Master Su and Master Hong," Zhao Xing smiled and nodded. There was no rush for a moment. Since he was already here, he might as well put on a show. Instantly discovering the secret of the Great Dream Academy upon arrival would be too obvious.

And so, under the guidance of Hong Yuan and Su Li, Zhao Xing spent three days exploring the surrounding area. Finally, Zhao Xing found an excuse, saying he wanted to look for a few more days, and settled down next to the 'One Dream Heaven and Earth' palace.

"The room contains records about the Li Dynasty, but there's no mention of how to enter One Dream Heaven and Earth. It's likely because the Li Dynasty's Rite Cultivators used the Forget-Sorrow Technique or a Silencing Spell, preventing any records from being passed down," Zhao Xing mused. "It's about time. I should go in. I'm already the Grand Minister of Agriculture, so I don't need to disguise myself too much."

Zhao Xing drew a talisman, closed his eyes, and entered the Great Dream Academy. The Great Dream Academy had two types of entry permissions. One was like Zhao Xing's, where the soul entered but the body did not, making him a 'visitor.' The second type was true control over the Great Dream Academy. For the second method, he would need to ask the Heavenly Mandate Xuan Niao or find a way to control it from within.

Of course, Zhao Xing could also reveal the method for 'visitor' entry. With Hong Yuan and Su Li's abilities, entering the interior and combining it with external methods, breaking through the boundary would only be a matter of time. However, Zhao Xing still needed to notify the Heavenly Mandate Xuan Niao in advance to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

"I don't recall the existence of a mechanical Heavenly Mandate Xuan Niao in Great Zhou. Perhaps I didn't know in my previous life, or perhaps the Heavenly Mandate Xuan Niao didn't survive," Zhao Xing thought to himself, recalling the abnormality of the Heavenly Mandate Xuan Niao during their last meeting. "I should try my best to keep it alive."

Zhao Xing entered the Great Dream Academy again and still appeared within the Heavenly Machine Pavilion. However, this time, the feeling was completely different from the last.

"Rule suppression is no longer effective on me," Zhao Xing looked outside the door. "Now I can go wherever I want, without being restricted by checkpoints."

Previously, everything outside the door was shrouded in dense fog, but now, everything was visible! All the grand halls, mechanisms, and temples were revealed under his Soul Heaven Sight!

"Caw caw caw caw~" A familiar sound rang out. The Heavenly Mandate Xuan Niao flew down from the pavilion and landed on a cabinet. "Zhao Xing, I thought you were dead!"