Chapter 366: Epic Choices, Daye Dynasty, Xingxian Pass

"Be good, go to sleep."

"Cold? It's called an ice coffin, but it's not actually cold, just a bit cool."

Zhao Xing was coaxing his three pet beasts—Lynx Long Aotian, Azure Hound Xiaotian, and Inverted Goat Huantian—inside a small stasis barrier.

"Are you going in or not?! If not, I'll stew and eat you!" Zhao Xing said sternly, looking at his three pets. "I finally managed to raise you to the Rule Realm; are you just going to waste your lifespan on the journey? Get in there, now!"

"Woof woof!" The Azure Hound wagged its tail and obediently jumped into the ice coffin.

"Baa baa," the Inverted Goat hopped lightly, then lay down just like the Azure Hound.

"Meow," the Lynx rubbed against Zhao Xing, starting to whine.

"How long? Five hundred years if it goes smoothly, a thousand if not." Zhao Xing said, "Your lifespans can't endure that long. Sleep. When you wake up, we can all play together again."

The Lynx reluctantly walked into the ice coffin, looking back three times with every step. Seeing that Zhao Xing had no intention of changing his mind, it let out a soft meow and gracefully leaped into the coffin like a flash of lightning, curling up inside.

"Whoosh!" Zhao Xing waved his hand, and nine streams of ice spiritual energy instantly surged within the ice coffins, freezing the three pet beasts in an instant. A countdown timer displayed a thousand years.

"Done." Feeling the pet beasts' auras become extremely faint, Zhao Xing began to walk out.

Inside the barrier were many ice coffins. Of the twenty-one Establishment Realm experts in Great Zhou (excluding Yun Tiandao), thirteen were in stasis. Everyone else, except Zhao Xing, Liu Tianning, King Rahu, Lu Ying, Zigu, Wei Hong, and Ji Si, had already entered stasis.

Yun Tiandao hadn't slept either. Zhao Xing had originally advised him to, as Yun Tiandao's techniques had been honed to a point where there was no further room for improvement. But how could Yun Tiandao sleep? He planned to spend this time repairing array formations. In his words, acquiring another skill might mean another glimmer of hope for saving his family. Zhao Xing didn't press the matter further, letting him tinker.

Liu Tianning, King Rahu, Wei Hong, and Lu Ying were responsible for managing affairs within the World Boat Grotto-Heaven. A vast empire still needed strong figures to oversee and maintain its operation. Emperor Ji Che certainly couldn't sleep; he was diligently studying, and his studies were even more complex. The reason Ji Si, the fate official, didn't enter stasis was simple: Zhao Xing had once said that fate officials found it difficult to cultivate in the universe, lagging one stage behind other professions. While others could experience various degrees of enhancement, fate officials could not. So, Ji Si refused to sleep no matter what, constantly poring over the Star Fortune Stratagem.

Zhao Xing walked out of the Stasis Realm. Long Xiao, Mi Fu, Chen Shijie, Xia Jing, King Shen Luo, Ye Yukong, Dong Ze, Li Hao, Ji Zixuan, Princess Youruo, Ling Tianchen… all lay peacefully asleep in ice coffins. Each ice coffin had a countdown timer, indicating the warning and safety thresholds for stasis.

"Boom!" The gate closed, and the barrier sealed. They would only be awakened under special circumstances or when the Mysterious Yellow World Boat reached a spiritual energy rich region.

Since Great Zhou ascended into the cosmic void, Emperor Wu changed the era name to Taishi, signifying Great Zhou's entry into a brand new beginning.

In Taishi Year 1, many things happened, including the explosion of the Mysterious Yellow World, Zhao Xing's teachings, the popularization of cosmic common sense, and the beginning of stasis for some Great Zhou experts.

In Taishi Year 2, more officials began to enter stasis because Great Zhou's population was now concentrated in a few prefectures, and administration simply didn't require so many people.

In Taishi Year 3, Great Zhou began implementing a rationing system. In the same year, the "Spiritual Energy Law" was promulgated, under which most spiritual energy substances were collected and concentrated in cultivation zones. The Spiritual Energy Law also imposed restrictions on officials and cultivators: non-Great Zhou officials could only self-cultivate with primal energy and were forbidden from absorbing spiritual energy for practice, and trading spiritual energy substances was also prohibited.

Originally, in an era of abundant spiritual energy, a large number of cultivators should have emerged, but during this period of wandering, Great Zhou needed to utilize every bit of spiritual energy efficiently. Even the rate at which high-grade experts were born had to be controlled, and anyone who dared to secretly cultivate faced severe punishment.

The promulgation of this law caused quite a stir. People had originally thought that with the advent of the spiritual energy era, they would live well, but unexpectedly, things remained the same. Had their ascension been in vain?

In Taishi Year 4, significant unrest occurred in various places. Dissatisfied individuals believed the "Spiritual Energy Law" had cut off their path to advancement, especially newly assimilated sects who openly rebelled. "Give me liberty, or give me death!" And then, they truly died.

In Taishi Year 5, King Rahu led a bloody suppression. In all prefectures within the World Boat Grotto-Heaven, anyone who dared to openly rebel was executed. The rebellion was thoroughly suppressed before it could even gain momentum.

In Taishi Year 6, normal life resumed across Great Zhou. For those with lower cultivation realms, it was simply moving to a different place to live. The Spiritual Energy Law didn't affect their original lives. Those who could truly benefit from the cosmic version were destined to be future generations, as only a few could cultivate to higher realms.

In Taishi Year 6, King Rahu returned from suppressing the unrest and reported the situation, only to find Ji Che distracted.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty?" King Rahu called out twice.

"Hmm, yes?" Ji Che snapped back to attention. "Where were we?"

"Your Majesty, we just finished discussing the suppression of the Four Extremes Sect rebellion in Ji Prefecture. The ringleaders have been executed, but as for the remaining individuals, I await Your Majesty's decision on how to handle them."

"Release those who were coerced," Ji Che waved his hand. "To avoid causing panic, only execute the main culprits."

"Yes." After a pause, King Rahu still asked, "Your Majesty seems unsettled. Is something troubling you?" Ji Che shook his head. "No."

Actually, Ji Che was thinking of the Reincarnation Divine Hall that Zhao Xing had once told him about. "Even those in the Reincarnation Realm are not free; they are watched by the Reincarnation Divine Hall… Today, I enacted the Spiritual Energy Law, forbidding experts from the sect world from advancing through spiritual energy. How similar it is. But I followed my Elder Brother's advice to concentrate resources for Great Zhou to gain a firm footing in the universe. What then are those super-forces like the Reincarnation Divine Hall aiming for?" Ji Che shook his head, no longer dwelling on distant matters. For now, it was uncertain whether Great Zhou could even successfully reach the territory of the Ancient Yuan Sea Kingdom.

In Taishi Year 7, Zhao Xing arranged for his family to enter stasis: Zhao Ruide, Lady Cai, Zhao Zheng, and Zhao Chuanzong entered stasis. His two younger sisters had already entered stasis with their husbands' families in Taishi Year 2.

Taishi Year 8. Zhao Xing convened the high-grade experts from the three agricultural departments to formulate the "Native Species Plan." Ji Che, King Rahu, and other principal officials listened in.

"Although our dynasty has some savings, if we merely rely on them, we will quickly deplete our wealth once we enter the Mysterious Spirit Starfield."

"The Spiritual Energy Law is about saving; the 'Native Species Plan' is about generating income." Zhao Xing explained the plan. "Our Mysterious Yellow World possesses unique specialties not found elsewhere. Although their quality isn't high, due to their scarcity, some items can still be sold to earn money."

"While the earnings aren't substantial and the profit isn't huge, it's at least a livelihood for our Great Zhou."

Deputy Chief Minister of Agriculture Chen Yu asked curiously, "My Lord, what exactly qualifies as a specialty of the Mysterious Yellow World?" Everyone else, including Ji Che and King Rahu, also looked over. Even among the treasure-grade items currently in the Mysterious Yellow World, there were over 500,000 types. They truly weren't sure which counted as 'specialties' or which were unique to the universe.

Zhao Xing said, "Specialties are divided into two categories. One is 'non-renewable resources,' such as various minerals. There's a precious gem called Mysterious Yellow Primal Spirit Stone, which originates from the Heavenly Realm. This crystal ore is half primal energy and half spiritual energy, coexisting as a unique dual-born structure. Its practical value is ordinary, but it holds very high research value. If sold to artifact-forging families or specialized research institutions, a single one of those excavated veins from the Heavenly Realm could fetch a high-grade Star Dao Soldier, or even a top-tier one."

"Next is the Dragon Essence Ore, unique to the Mysterious Yellow World, found in the Ancient Dragon Court. It's a dragon-associated ore, containing substances similar to dragon essence within its crystals, effective only for Rule Realm bloodlines at most. However, it's not rare; selling it to certain alchemical or beast-taming factions can still yield more than its inherent value."

"I collectively refer to these as 'Barren Domain Minerals'."

"Many factions are interested in Barren Domain Minerals because there's a chance they could synthesize high-value treasures from seemingly insignificant, low-grade materials, or refine advanced medicines, or forge powerful Dao Soldiers."

Just as pig iron is refined into steel, the items Zhao Xing just mentioned are not high in quality themselves. Their main value lies in 'research.' For dynasties ascending from the Barren Domain, one of their most valuable assets is these 'native minerals.'

"However, these items are limited in quantity. Once sold out, they're gone, so they cannot be our Great Zhou's long-term livelihood."

"What can serve as a livelihood is the second type: 'renewable resources'."

"First are the 'native plant species' unique to the Mysterious Yellow World, and second are native beast species." Zhao Xing explained, "The principle is the same as the first type, so I won't elaborate further."

"The promulgation of the Spiritual Energy Law was also primarily to foster the growth of native species, allowing our Great Zhou to accumulate some wealth during its journey through the void."

"Of course, if we reach the territory of the Ancient Yuan Sea Kingdom and find that the actual situation differs from what we expected, and goods are difficult to sell, we can directly sell spiritual liquid and spiritual crystals formed from condensed spiritual energy. However, this is the cheapest approach and yields virtually no profit."

In spiritual energy starfields, spiritual energy is not scarce. Condensing it into spiritual liquid or crystals is merely for convenience of transport; such a process can barely be called a technique, it's pure manual labor, and thus yields no profit.

The estimated travel time was five hundred to a thousand years. Zhao Xing couldn't let Great Zhou foolishly remain in stasis, doing nothing and waiting until they arrived to seek a livelihood; that would waste a lot of time. Even for Old Yun, he had to buy more time. After all, he had called him out using a 'prophetic divination.'

"Chief Minister of Agriculture, raising beasts and farming are all cheap primary industries. Can't we do something more technical?" Lu Ying asked. "Can Lord Zigu forge some divine weapons to sell?"

*Swish, swish, swish!* Everyone's gaze immediately converged on Zigu.

Zigu was currently the Deputy Chief Minister of Works for Great Zhou, though he naturally didn't care about the position; he was just along for the ride. Zigu had no intention of contributing to Great Zhou; he mainly observed Zhao Xing's attitude as his elder brother.

"If the Chief Minister of Agriculture thinks I can do it, I'll do it." Seeing everyone looking at him, Zigu expressed his stance.

Zhao Xing shook his head. "The techniques Zigu possesses are inherited from Puta, who came from Purple God Mansion. Before Zigu acknowledges his lineage, such actions would be very dangerous."

"Furthermore, during our time within the World Boat, many materials are scarce. Even if Zigu were to forge items, he would lack certain crucial cosmic materials."

"During this period inside the World Boat, Zigu shouldn't exert himself. We'll assess the situation after we leave the Barren Domain."

"For now, we're only discussing the plan for our journey through the void."

"Farming and raising beasts indeed yield little profit. We are merely a weak dynasty that has just ascended, completely unable to engage in high-profit industries."

"However, I will select some specialties for concentrated cultivation; this should allow us to accumulate some wealth."

Everyone felt somewhat helpless. If Great Zhou were viewed as an individual, it was currently an ordinary person with some capital but lacking technology and strength. Trying to enter high-profit industries would be suicidal; they'd be devoured without a trace. Fortunately, with Zhao Xing as their guide, they could at least find ways to earn some money. Otherwise, Great Zhou would be crossing the river by feeling for stones, unsure how many pitfalls they might stumble into. Of course, they might also step into one pit and simply vanish.

"Chen Yu, Meng Kun, Ji Youtang, Yun Ze, Kan Qing, Lu Xia, Chu Qianqiu, Zhuang Da, you are to cultivate these plant lifeforms from the list in Dao Source, Shangluo, Kunyuan, and other prefectures. The Dragon Horse Superintendency and Beast Taming Department are to raise the following beast lifeforms in Sijie, Gaoyuan, and other prefectures. From this moment forward, these two major cultivation areas are designated as forbidden zones; entry and exit will require proper procedures."

"Yes."

Starting in Taishi Year 8, Great Zhou began its peaceful farming period according to Zhao Xing's plan. Zhao Xing also found time to hone his techniques, taking Yun Tiandao, the master of spells, as his teacher and embarking on a new round of learning. Up until Taishi Year 50, nothing significant happened in Great Zhou. By Taishi Year 50, Zhao Xing had finished his cultivation. This was because the World Boat was about to enter the Void River for its first acceleration.

Taishi Year 50, the World Boat's core power region. Zigu and Lu Ying were operating the World Boat's power formation within a five-hundred-meter-tall mechanical mountain. Crystalline specks of light appeared all over their bodies. These specks extended into threads, some reaching upward, connecting to the heavens, and others downward, connecting to the earth.

Ji Che, Zhao Xing, Yun Tiandao, King Rahu, and others quietly observed from nearby. Although they didn't fully understand it, they knew Great Zhou had entered a critical moment.

"Your Majesty, esteemed officials." Zhao Xing pointed to Zigu and Lu Ying inside the core cabin. "The Mysterious Yellow World Boat is now about to enter the chaotic void currents within the Barren Domain."

"The void is not static; it flows like a river. What cultivators often refer to as traversing the void means entering the second layer of the cosmic void, utilizing its currents for accelerated flight."

"So, like the Yin currents in the Netherworld that allow Yin Gods to move quickly?" Wei Hong asked.

"One could say that," Zhao Xing nodded. "However, there's a difference between the Barren Domain and the Spiritual Energy Domain. Traversing the void is easy in the Spiritual Energy Domain, but it's very dangerous in the Barren Domain. The 'Void Rivers' in the Spiritual Energy Domain are stable and have clear directions. However, the 'Void Rivers' in the Barren Domain are turbulent and their directions are unclear, which is why they are called void currents. Of course, we have a star map. We are now entering a Void River that has a clear direction, but it is quite turbulent. Currently, Zigu and Lu Ying are adjusting the World Boat's entry angle and direction."

Zhao Xing's words generally made the principle of acceleration clear to everyone.

"Zhao Xing, can those at the Second Stage of Origin Realm accelerate their journey by traversing the void?" King Rahu asked, more concerned with cultivation realms.

"Yes, in the Spiritual Energy Domain, but no, in the Barren Domain," Zhao Xing replied. "The chaotic currents in the Barren Domain can easily cause accidents even for those at the Third Stage. If it's not a stable Void River, it can give rise to void winds, or even directly engulf and suddenly transport one to a desperate situation. Even great divine ability users in the Third Stage wouldn't dare to travel this way; that would be akin to having a death wish."

King Rahu couldn't help but exclaim, "No wonder the Barren Domain is so terrifying; people's faces change when they speak of it."

The historian Sima Yu curiously asked, "Chief Minister of Agriculture, if we don't utilize the Void River, how long will it take to get out? Two thousand years, three thousand years?"

Zhao Xing pondered, then said, "It depends on where we're going. If we don't use the Void River for acceleration, and without factoring in unforeseen incidents along the way, it would take our current World Boat at least five thousand years to reach the territory of the Ancient Yuan Sea Kingdom."

"Without the core power cabin left by Qingyuzi, it would take over ten thousand years."

"The longest distance would be flying along the Barren Domain galaxy belt, all the way out of the Mysterious Spirit Starfield. Our Mysterious Yellow World Boat wouldn't be able to exit even after flying for 100 epochs."

The Mysterious Yellow World Boat, though called a 'World Boat,' isn't actually a World Star Dao Soldier. It's merely at the peak Star Dao Soldier level, with materials continuously added. Qingyuzi's core power cabin barely reached the lower-grade World Star Dao Soldier level. This saved Great Zhou half the time (without using the Void River). With the star map and utilizing the Void River, the journey is shortened by 10 to 20 times. The travel time is approximately five hundred to a thousand years. The exact duration depended on Zigu and Lu Ying's timing when entering the Void River.

"If Zigu and Lu Ying accurately hit every branching point of the Void River, we will exit in five hundred years. A slight deviation, and this time will be extended."

Hearing Zhao Xing reach this point, King Rahu couldn't help but ask, "If we didn't have a star map, wouldn't finding a way out be purely a matter of luck?"

The preceding conversation was all based on the premise that Great Zhou already possessed Qingyuzi's star map.

Zhao Xing said, "Even without Qingyuzi's star map, there's still the Dragon Court's star map. Of course, the Dragon Court's map is ancient and incomplete, and its reference points have changed over the years, so its practical value is not high."

"Even without any star map, it's not purely a matter of luck; there are other ways to judge. The Barren Domain is not a dead zone. Even if the spiritual energy is faint, it still exists, though it's scattered like holes here and there. The closer one moves towards the Spiritual Energy Domain, the higher the spiritual energy index becomes. Even for a dynasty ascending for the first time, as long as their people are adept at summarizing and discover the patterns of the sun, moon, and spiritual energy decline—relying on their senses, combining it with the strength of lunar and solar light, and with a bit of good luck—it is still possible to fly out of the Barren Domain."

"Of course, such exploration is indeed a nine-deaths-one-life endeavor."

"If it's a later ascending dynasty, the probability is slightly higher because they might see wreckage along the way, or predecessors might have left road signs or even supply stations on certain planets."

A touch of emotion appeared on Sima Yu's face: "I feel as if I'm witnessing countless ancestors bravely forge ahead, hacking through thorns in the dark universe."

"The ancients truly had it tough," King Rahu sighed.

"It wasn't easy," Zhao Xing recalled his past life's experiences. As one of the first players, they advanced with a fragmented Dragon Court map and only exited the Barren Domain after eight thousand years. Great Zhou having the star map left by Qingyuzi was already considered easy mode.

"Rumble!" "Waa!"

Suddenly, the heavens and earth trembled, and along with the tremor, strange sounds came from the sky. It was as if some monstrous beast was tearing at the World Boat's outer hull with its claws. The next moment, the sky dimmed. The entire World Boat Grotto-Heaven plunged into darkness.

"It succeeded." Zhao Xing surveyed the sky. "The World Boat has entered the Void River."

"Meng Kun, Chen Yu, transmit the order to all local agricultural officials: immediately activate the 'Heavenly Light Plan'!"

"Yes!"

That day, the already prepared Grand Agricultural Officials of supreme grade all ascended simultaneously, releasing their seasonal tokens. All prefectures regained light in less than an hour. An hour later, Zhao Xing saw that the reports from various regions showed no problems, so he flew down again to report to Ji Che.

By this time, Ji Che had already led his officials away from the core power region and arrived at the Celestial Observation Altar.

"Your Majesty, conditions everywhere are good, and there's no unrest," Zhao Xing said.

Ji Che nodded, then couldn't help but exclaim, "Elder Brother, my eyes have truly been opened. Navigating this Void River actually blocks out even the power of the sun and moon."

At this moment, from the Celestial Observation Altar, every direction was a twisted black!

"We entered the Void River from the shallows, and its flow speed will quickly surpass the speed of light from the solar star."

"If the light from the solar star can't keep up, we won't see anything," Zhao Xing said. "And in the most turbulent Void Rivers of the Barren Domain, their flow speed can exceed the speed of light by more than a hundred times."

"When cultivators reach the First Stage of Origin Realm, their control over spiritual energy strengthens, and they comprehend the Dao of Yin and Yang, allowing them to achieve roughly 1 to 10 times the speed of light. Whether on the path of spells or martial arts, their speed is like the dawn's first light. This is the origin of the Initial Origin Realm. Throughout the entire Origin Realm stage, a cultivator's speed is roughly 1 to 10 times the speed of light. Prodigious Third Stage geniuses can reach over a hundred times, but this isn't representative, as such Third Stage cultivators' comprehension of the Grand Dao of Yin and Yang and their application of spiritual energy spells are already comparable to the Dao Domain Realm."

Ji Che retracted his gaze. "Elder Brother, what level of genius would you, I, and Yun Tiandao be considered?"

Seeing Zhao Xing remain silent, Ji Che couldn't help but give a wry smile. "When I was a child, you told me stories from Journey to the West. After our ascension, surely we won't end up as mere Heavenly Soldiers besieging the Great Sage Sun, will we?" To foster the concept of Emperor Wu's ascension, Zhao Xing frequently told Ji Che stories related to ascension when he was a child.

"Not to that extent," Zhao Xing smiled. "At the very least, we could be Heavenly Generals."

Time flowed, year after year passed.

Inside a cultivation ground within the Mysterious Yellow World Boat.

"Thump, thump, thump!"

Three figures were engaged in a chaotic battle. They were Liu Tianning, Yun Tiandao, and Zhao Xing.

"Thump!" Yun Tiandao's punch shattered Liu Tianning's clone. The clone suddenly disintegrated, transforming into nine long spears. Yun Tiandao grabbed the nine spears and launched them towards Liu Tianning's true body.

"Whoosh!" Seeing his true body discovered, Liu Tianning immediately dropped his disguise and rapidly moved among the group of clones.

Just as Yun Tiandao was about to take flight, he found his body heavy. A small mound had appeared under his feet at some point, and his skin itched as wisps of power surged from underground, like insects trying to bore into his body and tug at his spiritual energy.

"A combination of Mountain Law and Underworld Palace Law, the same old tactics," Yun Tiandao looked to the other side. "Zhao Xing, can't you try something new?"

"Brother Yun, I can't surpass you, the founder, in Heavenly Timing Law, so I can only use Terrain Law against you," Zhao Xing smiled. His Heavenly Timing Law had also reached ultimate perfection, but even with ultimate perfection, spells wielded by their founder were inherently more powerful. When he and Liu Tianning jointly attacked Yun Tiandao, Heavenly Timing Law was simply out of the question; it would be difficult to make it effective. The moment Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning made a move, Yun Tiandao knew exactly what they were up to.

"Hmph!" Yun Tiandao stepped on clouds, and cloud energy spread, creating layers of obstruction that weakened the power of the Mountain Law and Underworld Palace Law, as he continued to pursue Liu Tianning. Zhao Xing attacked with Terrain Law, while Liu Tianning merged with a plankton-like entity, using his Id Law against his opponent.

Just as Yun Tiandao took flight, he saw a divine tree descend, a golden-green bamboo pole appearing as if inverted from the sky, suddenly pushing towards him. "Grow, grow, grow!" Yun Tiandao's right hand suddenly expanded rapidly, instantly swelling to a hundred meters long and as thick as a barrel. The massive golden hand grasped the Heavenly Horn Bamboo, and the golden-green bamboo instantly transformed, actually growing scales!

Simultaneously, a vortex appeared in the sky; a wind vortex that cleaved and devoured the Pure Yuan projection. "Get down here!" Yun Tiandao yanked hard, and the Heavenly Horn Bamboo was actually pulled halfway out of the Pure Yuan soil within the Inverted Heavenly Gang. But at that moment, Yun Tiandao's vision blurred for an instant, and his hand involuntarily loosened its grip. The Heavenly Horn Bamboo quickly retreated.

"Another soul attack." Yun Tiandao could only watch as Liu Tianning's Heavenly Horn Bamboo retreated.

"Senior Yun," Liu Tianning said, "Unless you deal with Zhao Xing, you'll never be able to harm me."

"No more fighting. Today's sparring ends here." Yun Tiandao withdrew his divine ability. Dealing with Zhao Xing first was very difficult. Although Yun Tiandao had an advantage in Heavenly Timing Law, Zhao Xing had an advantage in soul power. He had also created a "Mysterious Earth Divine Concealment Art" within the Terrain Law, an ultimate art that surpassed any of Yun Tiandao's Terrain Laws, proving highly effective in evasion. This made it extremely difficult for Yun Tiandao to catch Zhao Xing's true body.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!" Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing retracted their clones and began their daily contemplation and summary. Four hundred and one years had passed since the Mysterious Yellow World Boat entered the Void River, and the three of them frequently sparred. Occasionally, Mi Fu, Ling Tianchen, Mist Walker, and Daoist Yue Ying would also awaken and join the battles, collectively assailing Yun Tiandao.

As a formidable individual who had honed his skills for hundreds of thousands of years, Yun Tiandao was like a grand boss in the Mysterious Yellow World—whether in Dao techniques, grasp of combat opportunities, or overall versatility, he was an insurmountable mountain. For four hundred years, in one-on-one combat, no one was Yun Tiandao's match except Zhao Xing, who could at least provide some pressure. It usually took two or three opponents for Yun Tiandao to exert his full strength.

"Four hundred years of training, Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing, both of your progress has been immense," Yun Tiandao said. "Zhao Xing's Terrain Law, the 'Mysterious Earth Divine Concealment,' is even stronger than my ultimate Mysterious Earth Law from the 'Four Pillars Profound Gate'." As for Zhao Xing, Yun Tiandao had nothing left to teach him; among all the agricultural officials, only Zhao Xing was most similar to him.

"Still far inferior to Brother Yun," Zhao Xing shook his head. "In these four hundred years, I haven't created a single divine ability. The effectiveness of this 'Mysterious Earth Divine Concealment' is also limited, despite its strength."

Truly impressive! Yun Tiandao originally possessed four minor divine abilities, making his strength truly unique among those in the Ascension Realm. Among them, Zhao Xing had already learned his "Star Gaze Art," which was relatively easy to master given its foundation in the Three Divine Fate Palaces. However, "Star Cloud," the wind-type divine ability "Rending Heaven," and the fate-type minor divine ability "Mountain Sea Fortune" remained unlearned by anyone. Simply learning them was difficult enough; creating one's own was a distant dream.

"I spent hundreds of thousands of years observing the endless starry sky to create them. For you to want to create one in a mere four hundred years, you're looking down on minor divine abilities too much," Yun Tiandao criticized. "Zhao Xing, your aptitude and comprehension are higher than mine, but you're a bit too ambitious. You haven't even learned my minor divine abilities, yet you want to create your own? What are you rushing for? No matter how rushed you are, can you be more rushed than me?"

"Brother Yun's words are a lesson," Zhao Xing humbly accepted.

After entering void navigation, besides his Id Law, Zhao Xing's other ultimate laws rapidly reached full potential, and he even began to create his own. However, Yun Tiandao also noticed that Zhao Xing was becoming increasingly impatient, often showing signs of wanting quick success.

"Senior Yun, don't blame him," Liu Tianning said. "The fate of the entire Great Zhou rests on his shoulders. He has to consider the future and cultivate all three factions simultaneously. This burden is too heavy for him."

"Is that so? Teacher, please don't make me sound so grand," Zhao Xing smiled. Seeing Liu Tianning looking at him, Zhao Xing's smile slowly faded. "Alright, there is some truth to that."

Having a firm Dao Heart doesn't mean one is free from worries or anxiety. In fact, Yun Tiandao, Liu Tianning, Ji Che... everyone had them. The unknown represents fear. In the vast starry sky, confusion and hesitation are inevitable. However, Zhao Xing's anxiety was more severe! He had no one to share it with, and the more he knew, the clearer he understood the cruelty of the cosmic reality. He could only alleviate his anxiety through cultivation, desperately cultivating. Under these circumstances, his progress over four hundred years had been immense, and he had hidden his anxiety very well. If even he were anxious, the people of Great Zhou would be even more so. But Yun Tiandao and Liu Tianning, as frequent sparring partners, could still discern the genuine emotions Zhao Xing occasionally revealed.

"No one knows what the Ancient Yuan Sea Kingdom is like," Zhao Xing said with a hint of melancholy. As the journey neared its end, a stone remained lodged in his heart, unable to settle. If he were already in the Mysterious Spirit Starfield, he would feel more at ease.

"Get some rest. If absolutely necessary, why don't you get a wife?" Yun Tiandao advised. "Is there truly no other way to alleviate your stress besides cultivation?"

"Oh, no," Zhao Xing waved his hand. "Please don't give me bad ideas. Having another person occupy my heart would only make me more anxious. Alright, I'm going to get some rest."

Yun Tiandao watched Zhao Xing leave, then couldn't help but look