Chapter 372: Hisi's New Gameplay, Lord Zhao Loses His Temper

Name: Cloud SkywayProfession: Grand Farmer, Fate WeaverDestiny (Qi Luck): Nine EvolutionsPhysical Body: Early Primordial RealmSoul: Early Primordial RealmDojo: Boundary Star Level 5Age: 202,457Remaining Lifespan: 588,101Cultivation Technique: Purple Sun, First LayerOrigin Arts: Small Four Seasons Transformation Fist, Cloud Skyway, Ruin Wind, Profound Sky Thunder, Revival Wind, Spirit Rain, Four Pillars Profound Gate, Tomb Raiding.Void Arts: Mountain Sea Fortune (a self-created destiny spell, not yet reaching the level of a divine ability)Minor Divine Abilities: Star Cloud, Star Gaze, Sky Rip (Abnormal; all three divine abilities require a stable void to be cast)

Zhao Xing glanced at Cloud Skyway's information. Because Cloud Skyway also mastered a Void-level destiny spell, he was classified as having dual professions. Additionally, his actual age was 200,000 years, a result of the Epoch House. After breaking through to the Primordial Realm, Cloud Skyway's remaining lifespan significantly increased, allowing him to live for nearly an epoch. Zhao Xing noticed that many of Cloud Skyway's self-created ultimate arts had transformed into Origin Arts, and his dojo had reached Boundary Star Level 5.

Zhao Xing walked over as Cloud Skyway's aura subsided. "Congratulations, Old Cloud. How do you feel?"

"It's very different," Cloud Skyway said, looking at his palms. "The range of my spells has dramatically increased. I can easily cover a low-grade Boundary Star now. However, on Azure Elm Boundary Star, my dojo's range is still very small, less than the size of a single county."

"Azure Elm Star is, after all, a high-grade Boundary Star," Zhao Xing replied. "Its boundary walls, ley lines, and celestial conditions are extremely stable. It's ten thousand times harder for spells to affect it than it is for mid-to-low grade Boundary Stars."

Azure Elm Boundary Star was built as a high-grade Boundary Star precisely because even a third-stage Primordial Realm cultivator couldn't destroy it entirely; at most, they could only detonate a surface city. In contrast, a slightly fragile low-grade Boundary Star could potentially be completely destroyed by a first-stage Primordial Realm cultivator. Even if the planet itself couldn't be shattered, its boundary walls could be ruined, cutting off its vitality and turning it into a barren planet.

If Cloud Skyway were at the second stage of the Primordial Realm, he could cast the minor divine ability, Star Cloud, in the void. With a single thought, he could pack up a small, low-grade Boundary Star and carry it along the Void River. Of course, this was because Cloud Skyway possessed a minor divine ability; it would be quite difficult with just Void Arts.

"Breaking through to the Primordial Realm, I can clearly feel that I can live much longer," Cloud Skyway said, a cloud of spiritual energy appearing in his palm. "My control over the spiritual energy origin has deepened, making my spells more stable. I can even cast them when leaving stable environments like Boundary Stars, Star Continents, or Minor Worlds."

"Excellent," Zhao Xing nodded. "Reaching the first stage of the Primordial Realm qualifies you for interstellar adventures."

Star systems with high spiritual energy indices also exhibit intense climatic reactions. Stable void refers to places that form their own isolated spaces, such as Minor Worlds, Boundary Stars, and Star Continents. Unstable void refers to all other locations beyond these. In the unstable void, spiritual energy itself causes interference, so spells must be effective under most conditions to qualify one for traversing and adventuring in the cosmos. Otherwise, if you travel to a star system by ship and then find you can't even return to your vessel upon disembarking, what's the point of adventuring?

Typically, a first-stage cultivator, even with a Boundary Ship, wouldn't dare to casually travel between star systems. Of course, for people like Liu Tianning, who travel to specific destinations, the stability of the journey is not a concern because their trial method is well-established.

"What are you looking at?" Zhao Xing asked, seeing Cloud Skyway take out his Star Mirror.

"External missions from the Purple God Mansion," Cloud Skyway replied without looking up. "I've now reached the first stage of the Primordial Realm. Unlimited resource supply has stopped. According to Purple God Mansion rules, to continue getting cultivation resources, I have to earn them myself. Other missions offer very low wages and bonuses; only external missions are lucrative."

Zhao Xing sighed. "You don't need to look at such high-risk, high-reward missions right after breaking through, do you?"

For 289 years since the New Beginning Era, Cloud Skyway had barely relaxed for a moment! Zhao Xing considered himself a hard worker, but he occasionally slept, browsed cosmic news, visited Ji Che, and spent time with his family. In short, Zhao Xing still reserved time for "life." But Cloud Skyway had no "life" at all, only cultivation! Strong innate talent combined with tireless effort was why Cloud Skyway broke through in 289 years.

"You could sell your self-created minor divine abilities," Zhao Xing suggested. "You should be able to refine the Void Arts and Origin Arts stages if you spend some time. Selling them to the Ancient Kingdom or Purple God Mansion would bring in a lot of money."

Cloud Skyway looked up at Zhao Xing. "I'll start doing that after I break through to the Primordial Realm. I've researched it. Even if I had already refined both the Origin Arts and Void Arts stages, it's not something I could sell immediately. Even selling to the Ancient Kingdom, from submission for review to experimental confirmation of no after-effects or side effects, then obtaining a sales license, and finally official sales—if everything goes smoothly, that would take at least 500 years. Not to mention, I haven't even perfected them myself yet."

Zhao Xing was speechless. It seemed Cloud Skyway had considered everything. Given the Ancient Kingdom's efficiency, 500 years would be relatively fast. Unless they were sold cheap as incomplete techniques, and on a one-time buyout basis, but then the price wouldn't be high enough to meet Cloud Skyway's cultivation needs.

"Earning money is only one aspect. To quickly reach the second stage after breaking through to the first stage of the Primordial Realm, closed-door cultivation is too slow. I haven't experienced true chaotic void. Staying on the stable Azure Elm Boundary Star, no matter how high my comprehension, I won't make significant progress."

Zhao Xing couldn't persuade him further. He knew the heavy burden on Cloud Skyway's shoulders. It seemed Cloud Skyway had already planned his future cultivation path over these past two hundred years.

"When are you leaving?"

"In three months."

"Too soon," Zhao Xing frowned. "If you're going out, you should at least procure some treasures to take with you. You don't even have a suitable Boundary Star-tier Dao weapon right now. Give yourself more time; I'll order some for you."

"How long does it take to customize Boundary Star-tier Dao weapons?"

"Usually about ten years."

"Too long."

"Sharpening the axe doesn't delay chopping wood. These ten years would be perfect for you to further refine your realm," Zhao Xing advised. "If something goes wrong halfway, wouldn't all your efforts be wasted?"

Cloud Skyway thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, thank you."

Seeing him agree, Zhao Xing breathed a sigh of relief. Within his capabilities, he would do his best to help Cloud Skyway achieve his aspirations.

"Let's go, first to Gao Ye to register," Zhao Xing said.

"Cloud Skyway, you've broken through?" Gao Ye was very surprised. He hadn't expected Cloud Skyway to progress so quickly. He knew that both Cloud Skyway and Zhao Xing were natives of the desolate realm and likely hadn't encountered any advanced cultivation methods before. Even if they had, it would be difficult to cultivate them in the desolate realm. In other words, Cloud Skyway had transitioned from the Ascension Realm to the Primordial Realm in less than 300 years since arriving at Azure Elm Boundary Star.

"Yes, thank you, Brother Gao, for your guidance over the years," Cloud Skyway nodded.

"I wouldn't dare. Brother Cloud, with your divine talent, your future is limitless." Gao Ye's gaze immediately changed. It had taken him over 100,000 years to reach the first stage. He became a Purple God Mansion member primarily because he was born on Azure Elm Boundary Star and his family elders were members of the Purple God Mansion. With a good school district and connections, his mediocre talent allowed him to become a disciple under Wu Feng. He wasn't a combat-specialized member; he usually just taught basic classes to Ascension Realm cultivators to pass the time. He clearly understood that someone like Cloud Skyway was a true genius, an object of his admiration and envy.

Gao Ye had lived most of his life, rarely leaving the Purple God Star System, but Cloud Skyway had repeatedly expressed his desire to venture out and explore, even asking him about the rules. Now that Cloud Skyway had just broken through to the first stage, he could clearly feel the deep sense of oppression emanating from him.

"Brother Cloud, now that you've broken through to the first stage, with your talent, you could stay on Azure Elm Boundary Star and get a good position," Gao Ye advised. "There's really no need to venture out too early."

During his years of service, Gao Ye had seen many Ascension Realm cultivators, but few could match Cloud Skyway's speed of advancement.

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Brother Gao. I'll keep them in mind."

Zhao Xing and Gao Ye generally had a strained relationship, but Cloud Skyway and Gao Ye got along well, even chatting about personal matters.

"Alright, I'll take you to register."

Gao Ye didn't look at Zhao Xing at all from start to finish. In his mind, Zhao Xing was a slacker who only knew how to live a life of leisure in a luxurious grand estate, waiting for death. He had stopped interacting with Zhao Xing 200 years ago.

Gao Ye transformed into a streak of light and flew away with Cloud Skyway, completely leaving Zhao Xing behind.

"Hey, I haven't even gotten on board yet..." They left so suddenly. First-stage Primordial Realm cultivators were as fast as light. In the blink of an eye, their shadows were gone.

"Damn it, looking down on people, blind to true potential," Lord Zhao muttered angrily. He didn't bother chasing them. Perhaps by the time he caught up, they would have already registered and returned.

"Just you wait until I break through; I'll blind your dog eyes," Zhao Xing grumbled as he left.

The news of Cloud Skyway's breakthrough quickly reached Wu Feng and Zhaoyuanzi. They had almost forgotten about the people from Da Zhou, as they hadn't really paid them much attention. But now, they were quite surprised.

"Given Cloud Skyway's talent, why didn't Uncle-Master Qingyu choose him as his successor in that native world?" Wu Feng knew nothing about the Xuanhuang Realm, nor did he have any idea about Zhao Xing's or Cloud Skyway's true aptitude. This was mainly because the Purple Moon Mansion Lord deliberately concealed everything, saying nothing. He only instructed that these two were official disciples, to provide them with resources to cultivate to the Primordial Realm, arrange accommodation for Da Zhou, and that was it. So, the fact that Cloud Skyway cultivated to the first stage of the Primordial Realm in just over 200 years after receiving the cultivation method seemed incredibly impressive in their eyes.

"Perhaps junior brother didn't have a choice at the time, or didn't know about Cloud Skyway," Zhaoyuanzi pondered. "By the way, how is Zhao Xing's cultivation progress?"

Wu Feng looked a bit embarrassed. "Master, I didn't personally teach them; I had Gao Ye teach them on my behalf."

"Who is Gao Ye?" Zhaoyuanzi was momentarily stunned. There were too many people on Azure Elm Boundary Star. By seniority, Gao Ye was already a fourth-generation disciple of the Purple Moon Mansion. Coupled with Gao Ye's mediocre talent, Zhaoyuanzi genuinely couldn't recall having such a grand-disciple.

"He is my disciple, a first-stage Transmission Master of the Purple Moon Mansion."

"Nonsense!" Zhaoyuanzi exclaimed. "You dare to be so perfunctory with a task assigned by your Grand-Master?"

"This disciple acknowledges his mistake," Wu Feng immediately bowed his head. But speaking of perfunctory, didn't it start with you?

"Go yourself," Zhaoyuanzi commanded. "Even if it's just for show, do it properly. If your Grand-Master inquires later and drops a hint, wouldn't it ruin his impression of you?"

"Yes, this disciple understands," Wu Feng nodded respectfully.

Cloud Skyway's breakthrough reminded Zhaoyuanzi and Wu Feng of Zhao Xing's group. At the same time, this news quickly spread within Da Zhou. Ji Che even specifically rushed over from Azure Lotus Boundary Star to offer congratulations.

"Achieving the Primordial Realm greatly increases one's lifespan, approaching an epoch."

"This is a completely different level from the Ascension Realm!" Ji Che exclaimed. "Ascension Realm cultivators residing on Azure Elm Boundary Star, which has a high spiritual energy index, have an average lifespan of only 200,000 years, and that's assuming they are healthy, disease-free, and experience no accidents to live that long. In reality, in the process of maintaining a livelihood, they expend much mental and physical effort, and have little money to buy lifespan-extending treasures, so it's difficult to live that long. A first-stage Primordial Realm cultivator can not only live longer but also accumulate wealth, living a much more comfortable life than an Ascension Realm cultivator."

Over 200 years since the New Beginning Era, Da Zhou's national treasury hadn't accumulated any money and had been continuously spending, mainly investing in talented officials. Due to population control, Da Zhou had continuously reduced its birth rate over the years, wealth had constantly decreased, and the land wasn't truly their own, which conversely hindered Ji Che's cultivation progress.

"Living in Azure Elm is not easy," Ji Che couldn't help but lament. They had finally produced a Primordial Realm cultivator, but Cloud Skyway wasn't his subject, so it added nothing to the national fortune. Currently, people like King Luohou, Dong Ze, Li Hao, and Xia Jing, who were in the Ascension Realm, were still far from breaking through to the Primordial Realm. The money earned annually, after paying taxes, was just enough for daily life and cultivation on Azure Elm Boundary Star; they even needed an additional expenditure from the national treasury.

"Che, have you still not figured out a way to generate wealth?" Zhao Xing asked. To avoid affecting Zhao Xing's cultivation, Da Zhou's internal Grand Farmer affairs had been handed over to Meng Kun.

Ji Che shook his head. "Over 200 years ago, we sold some resources and exchanged them for 300 million Yuanhai coins. Now, we only have a little over 100 million left. Buying cultivation methods alone cost over 7 million. After Da Zhou stabilized, the spiritual energy index of 20 caused the number of Ascension Realm cultivators to multiply by more than ten times in these 200 years. More people meant they had to buy cultivation methods for them, and over 100 million had been spent just on purchasing cultivation methods in these years. Additionally, 20 million was spent every century for spiritual energy tax and rent. Da Zhou had also tried purchasing seeds from outside and engaging in basic mechanical parts processing businesses in these years. Viewing Da Zhou as a small company, it wasn't profitable every year; some years, it even incurred losses. In over 200 years since the New Beginning Era, Da Zhou's profits amounted to only 55 million, but expenditures totaled over 150 million."

"Elder Brother, of that 55 million, 50 million was earned by Ji Si. Da Zhou's own net profit was just over 5 million. Earning money in the cosmos is truly harder than eating dirt," Ji Che said with a wry smile.

"Ji Si alone earned 50 million in over 200 years? What did he do?" Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised.

"You should ask him yourself," Ji Che replied.

"It was pure luck," Ji Si said, opening his Star Mirror. "As a Fate Official, my cultivation is different. Initially, I went to the trading market just to cultivate the Wheel of Destiny. I lost a lot at first. In the trading market, countless people's destinies intertwined, and the lines of fate were so complex they were impossible to discern. But after some losses and lessons learned, I became very cautious. With the Grand Farmer providing me with the Boundary Star-tier Dao weapon, the Star Fortune Record, I reduced the frequency of my trades. Destiny in the trading market is unpredictable, so I only calculated my own fortune. I only made moves on days of 'auspicious stars shining brightly.' Even so, I still couldn't avoid losing money, as it's not omnipotent. But combining the experience of previous years' losses with my own knowledge and the Star Fortune Record, in the second century, I slowly began to turn a profit. It wasn't until the most recent 'auspicious stars shining brightly' that I made a huge profit. That single transaction yielded over 38 million. My previous earnings weren't much, so it was indeed good luck."

Zhao Xing listened to his account, unsure what to say. It was truly the right decision to buy The Wheel of Destiny for Ji Si and give him the Star Fortune Record back then!

"I knew you were talented!" Zhao Xing looked at Ji Si. From a revered heaven-sent master to a stock market master! This guy really kept developing various practical applications for the Fate Official profession.

"However, you still need to be careful," Zhao Xing warned. "You have a destiny-type Boundary Star-tier Dao weapon, but others will too, and Fate Officials from major powers will only be stronger than you."

"I understand," Ji Si nodded. "I mainly use it for cultivation."

Zhao Xing nodded. Hearing Ji Si, he even felt like visiting the Ancient Kingdom's trading market himself. Zhao Xing didn't know what the market conditions were like at this time. If it were 2200 years later, he might find some opportunities.

Cloud Skyway's breakthrough brought a slight ripple to the lives of the Da Zhou people, after which they returned to their arduous mode of cultivating and earning money.

"My money is also depleting rapidly," Zhao Xing glanced at his account balance. "Less than 100 million left." He spent 100 million to buy the Extreme Land, and then bought the Primordial Sea Realm for himself, Liu Tianning, and Mi Fu. Later, when Liu Tianning went on an adventure, though he couldn't bring Dao weapons, Zhao Xing still spent 10 million for Old Liu to buy five high-quality plant-based soldiers. All five were at the peak of the Ascension Realm, with a good chance of breaking through to the Primordial Realm on the Skywalker Continent.

"However, what I bought for Old Liu were just small expenses. The major expenditures were mainly on the cultivation of the Cloud-climbing Vine and the Primordial Sea Realm," Zhao Xing mused. He cultivated at Purple God Mansion, where techniques from the Celestial Timing school were provided for free, along with matching cultivation resources. But the Primordial Sea Realm belonged to the Self-Origin school, and its associated cultivation resources were not free. Zhao Xing had to buy them himself.

Over 280 years, Zhao Xing had invested 120 million into this cultivation method. This cultivation method itself was a "tycoon's path"; investing money naturally accelerated progress.

Zhao Xing glanced at his panel.Primordial Sea Realm: 99%

"In 289 years, the first layer of Primordial Sea Realm, constructing the Five Elements Origin, is 99% complete. Reaching 100% will signify the completion of the first layer, transforming the Pure Yuan Space into an 'Origin Space'."

Origin Space, containing the most fundamental Five Elements Origin Dao of a minor world! Pure Five Elements spiritual energy origin, serving as a foundation, capable of evolving into a minor world in the future!

"The second thing I invested heavily in was the Cloud-climbing Vine," Zhao Xing thought, his consciousness sinking into his Pure Spirit Space. At this point, because he was cultivating the Primordial Sea Realm, it could no longer be called Pure Yuan Space, but Pure Spirit Space. Because above, five lines of spiritual energy origin were faintly visible, like the nascent Dao of a minor world. On the land, there were spiritual mountains, great rivers, and spiritual lakes, all enveloped by layers of ethereal mist. It was like the primordial state of heaven and earth at their genesis. In the center of this world, only one life force pulsed: the Cloud-climbing Vine.

The Cloud-climbing Vine had grown from its original palm-size to about 100 meters. Its main vine was purplish-gold, its leaves purplish-black, and the patterns on the main vine sparkled like stars, forming a continuous expanse. From a distance, it looked like a purplish-gold starlit river spread across the ground.

"Cultivating the Primordial Sea Realm and spending another 200 million in precious resources, and nearly 300 years, finally allowed the Cloud-climbing Vine to just leave its seedling stage and enter its growth stage."

Even in its growth stage, the Cloud-climbing Vine was still at the first stage of the Primordial Realm, but it had reached the peak of the first stage. There was still some distance to go to reach the second stage. With money, of course, the priority was to use it on his "big brother." After acquiring 500 million in the cosmic version, he immediately considered cultivating this Void Species.

"Although it's still at the first stage, having left the seedling stage, the Cloud-climbing Vine, as a Void Species, can now root itself in the 'Void River,' and its combat power can rival a second-stage early-level cultivator."

Rooting in the Void River means it ignores unstable factors in the void, and even under strong interference, it can cast its innate divine abilities of "Void Solidification" and "Void Strangulation"!

Zhao Xing always prepared for the worst. The Purple God Mansion was indeed a formidable power, but Qingyu Zi was also pursued by enemies and fell into danger! This meant that even being protected by this major power wasn't 100% safe. Would the Ancient Eastern Yan Clan's hatred for Qingyu Zi extend to him, his successor? Furthermore, while staying in the Primordial Sea Ancient Kingdom, he constantly felt a sense of crisis—that the Primordial Sea Ancient Kingdom might collapse at any time.

"The Purple Moon Mansion Lord just held a funeral for his disciple over 200 years ago, so I probably don't need to worry about being sought for revenge yet. However, relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself. Ultimately, one must be strong oneself."

Zhao Xing wouldn't be naive enough to rely on the Purple Moon Mansion Lord as his backer. From the attitudes of his disciples, it was clear that they didn't hold him, the successor, in high regard. When he arrived at Azure Elm Boundary Star, the Purple Moon Mansion Lord told Zhaoyuanzi to teach him, Zhaoyuanzi told Wu Feng to teach him, and Wu Feng then called Gao Ye to teach him. Zhao Xing didn't care what twists and turns were involved—whether it was a test or an inheritance struggle. In short, he didn't trust anyone in the Purple God Mansion. He only treated the Purple God Mansion as a temporary springboard. He would gather enough resources there, pass through the early weak stages, and then immediately leave.

"I'll also break through to the Primordial Realm soon," Zhao Xing glanced at his panel.Purple Sun: 90%Purple Yin: 91%

"The cultivation of both the Dual Primordial Dao Bodies is nearing completion, with only a short distance left. In another hundred years or so, I'll also be able to break through to the Primordial Realm, and by then, the Primordial Sea Realm will surely be completed. With Dual Primordial Dao Bodies, successful establishment of the Primordial Sea Realm, and accompanied by the Cloud-climbing Vine, it will be much safer for me to undertake missions and earn money."

Zhao Xing returned to his luxurious grand estate and began absorbing the power of the dual lunar and solar stars. Zhao Xing began his discreet yet diligent cultivation, and the people of Da Zhou were also striving hard for survival, fighting for their lives. Cloud Skyway borrowed 30 million from Zhao Xing and ordered three Boundary Star-tier Dao weapons from the Primordial Sea Hall, expected to be delivered in 12 years. Everything seemed to be falling into place.

However, one day, not long after Cloud Skyway's breakthrough, Zigu suddenly contacted Zhao Xing.

"Big Brother, something happened," Zigu said, flustered.

"Don't panic. Is your current communication channel secure?" Zhao Xing asked. "If it's not convenient, find a confidential channel to contact me again, preferably in the Primordial Sea Hall area, in a private room."

Zigu paused, then nodded. "Okay, I'll contact you in half an hour."

Zhao Xing also set off for the Primordial Sea Hall on Azure Elm Boundary Star and rented a private room. After waiting for half an hour, the Star Mirror projected Zigu's appearance.

"Big Brother, can I speak now?"

"You can speak," Zhao Xing said.

"Big Brother, just as you predicted, some people of unknown origin have contacted me," Zigu said.

"Tell me in detail, what happened?" Zhao Xing asked.

"A few days ago, I was cultivating when a mysterious person suddenly used a boundless ruler to forcefully communicate with Zero. He called himself 'Gu Yue'," Zigu recalled.

"What did he say to you?" Zhao Xing asked.

"He asked if I wanted to inherit Puta's legacy, if I wanted to advance further and become the master of a Yin-Yang star system. He said he could help me, as long as I agreed to cooperate with him."

"What did you say?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Of course, I wouldn't agree. This might just be a trap set by the Purple God Mansion to test me!"

Very good, Zigu not only had bones now, but he also had a brain.

"You did well," Zhao Xing nodded. "Don't pay any attention to such secretive people."

"Big Brother, after this person calling himself Gu Yue, another mysterious person contacted me."

"He also forcefully invaded my artifact spirit. This person called himself 'Yin Hou'."

"What did he say to you?" Zhao Xing asked.

"He wanted to bribe me to be his insider," Zigu explained, confused. "I asked him who he served, but he wouldn't tell me. He threatened me, saying that if I didn't agree, and if I dared to step out of the Heavenly Origin Star System, he would find a way to kill me."

Zigu asked, puzzled, "Big Brother, do you think these are all tests from the Purple God Mansion to gauge my loyalty? Big Brother, have you received similar threats or temptations?"

Zhao Xing shook his head. "I haven't encountered any yet. Perhaps it's because I'm not an artificer, so I'm not as easily contacted."

"Big Brother, what should I do now?" Zigu asked. "Forget about that Gu Yue, but this Yin Hou—the day before yesterday, he even remotely controlled my mechanical puppet! The power he displayed was terrifyingly strong!"

Zhao Xing thought for a moment. "Report it. Tell the Heavenly Mansion Lord exactly what happened to you. Whether it's a genuine external threat or an internal test, reporting it is your best option."

Zigu's strength was too weak; he wasn't qualified to play both sides, nor did he have the ability to face it alone.

"Okay, I understand," Zigu said. "Big Brother, please be careful."

"You too," Zhao Xing warned. "Absolutely do not have any other thoughts."

Zhao Xing was afraid that Zigu, being accustomed to being a traitor, might foolishly betray them. After ending the call with Zigu, Zhao Xing fell into thought.

"If it's a loyalty test from the Purple God Mansion, one person doing it would be enough. Setting up two different people makes it confusing and easily raises suspicion." As the saying goes, the more complex a plan, the more loopholes it has.

Zhao Xing speculated, "Then one of these groups is very likely not affiliated with the Purple God Mansion... the Ancient Eastern Yan Clan? What do they want? Zigu and I are just natives of the desolate realm, having only received Qingyu Zi's inheritance, and we're just in the Ascension Realm."

Zhao Xing recalled his first meeting with the Purple Moon Mansion Lord. At that time, Qingyu Zi's temporal jade slip and the Purple Moon Mansion Lord exchanged some information, but Zhao Xing hadn't seen that temporal jade slip because it required the Purple God Mansion's unique decryption method.

"Qingyu Zi and Puta were pursued by the Ancient Eastern Yan Clan, but what was his initial task to investigate... Did Qingyu Zi discover some secret, which is why he was pursued? If this secret is important to the Ancient Eastern Yan Clan, then as successors of Qingyu Zi and Puta, shouldn't we also know something?"

Being able to communicate secretly by invading Zigu's artifact spirit across distant Boundary Stars and star systems—that was something only a Dao Domain Realm cultivator or higher could accomplish! Zhao Xing was speechless. He had said many times that Qingyu Zi was knowledgeable and talented. Originally, he was just using Old Qing as a scapegoat, but now it seemed Qingyu Zi really did know something incredible.

"Old man, this inheritance of yours is truly difficult to handle," Zhao Xing now felt Qingyu Zi's inheritance was a hot potato. "What were you doing in the desolate realm? Could the tiny Shenluo Desolate Realm actually hold some great secret?" Zhao Xing frowned.

It was difficult to break through Zhao Xing's Star Mirror by artificial means; after all, it was the foundation of the Primordial Sea Ancient Kingdom. Zigu, being an artificer himself, was easier to bypass the blockade for remote contact. However, a month after Zigu reported the incident, Zhao Xing also received a message from a mysterious person named Gu Yue. The contact was made through Lu Ying. The message was identical to what Zigu received: Zhao Xing had the right to inherit Qingyu Zi's legacy, and if he was willing to cooperate, Gu Yue could help Zhao Xing legally acquire Qingyu Zi's wealth. The only requirement was a percentage of the profits after the matter was settled.

"Seventy-thirty split?" Zhao Xing looked at the mechanical puppet "Godslayer" created by Lu Ying, a mechanical beast resembling a stray dog.

"No, a thirty-seventy split," the mechanical beast shook its head. "Seventy percent is ours; you can only take thirty percent."

Hmph, only 30%? Do they think I'm begging for scraps? Zhao Xing scoffed, then pointed a finger, destroying the mechanical beast. Afterward, Zhao Xing reported the matter to Zhaoyuanzi.

"Such a thing happened?" Zhaoyuanzi's expression darkened. "I will send people to investigate, Zhao Xing. You must not listen to this person's nonsense."

"This disciple understands," Zhao Xing said. "I have never harbored any improper thoughts."

Zhao Xing also understood that Zhaoyuanzi wouldn't find anything. After all, commercial trade was highly developed on Azure Elm Boundary Star, and even people on the Boundary Star might not be able to trace it. It was extremely difficult to trace the source of an anonymous message.

"Don't bother with this matter," Zhaoyuanzi instructed. "Focus more on your cultivation. I've sent Wu Feng to teach you; he'll come find you in a few days. Listen to his arrangements and cultivate well under him."

"Yes."

In the following days, Zhao Xing received no more messages from the mysterious person named "Gu Yue." Strangely, Zhao Xing was also not contacted by the other mysterious person, "Yin Hou." It was as if Zhaoyuanzi's precautions had truly worked. Zhao Xing didn't ask further; it would have been pointless.

A few days after this incident, Wu Feng finally made time to give Zhao Xing private lessons. The teaching responsibility was finally no longer with Gao Ye, that half-baked instructor!

"The difference in power between Heavenly Arts and Origin Arts isn't very large, at least not to an absurd degree, so why are there distinctions between Heavenly Arts and Origin Arts? Ultimately, Heavenly Arts are aimed at lethality, while Origin Arts primarily assist cultivators in researching the origin of spiritual energy. Whether cultivating Purple Sun or Purple Yin, the power of Origin-level spells is secondary; the primary goal is to accelerate the body's integration with the origin. The efficiency of attracting Yin and Yang power can be improved by practicing Origin-level spells. Cultivating the Dao Body emphasizes innate talent; cultivating Origin Arts emphasizes comprehension."

Wu Feng looked at Zhao Xing. "I heard from Gao Ye that you've been staying in your estate for the past 200 years. Unwilling to listen to his lectures, only wanting to stay in your own estate, it seems you look down on him. Is this true?"

"Master, Zhao Xing has always been like this," Gao Ye said. "Despite being provided with so many resources and benefits, he refuses to seek progress through proper learning."

Zhao Xing looked at Gao Ye, who was standing beside Wu Feng. This guy was truly getting out of hand. He seized every opportunity to badmouth him behind his back, and now he was doing it to his face. Gao Ye, seeing Zhao Xing look his way, snorted lightly and turned his head away, seemingly not wanting to look at Zhao Xing.

"It seems Nephew Gao deeply misunderstands me," Zhao Xing said calmly. "I don't just look down on your teachings; I also look down on the Origin Arts you teach."

Gao Ye: "..." Hearing the first half of Zhao Xing's sentence, he thought Zhao Xing was going to make some excuse. But after all that build-up, he just came out with that. No, what right do you have? How dare he actually call himself "Nephew Gao"?

"You, you're going too far!" Gao Ye was enraged.

"Oh?" Wu Feng became interested. "You're only in the Ascension Realm, yet you look down on Gao Ye, who is in the first stage. What abilities do you possess? High talent, or high comprehension? And how far have you progressed in your cultivation of Purple Sun or Purple Yin?"

Zhao Xing replied, "I cultivate both Purple Yin and Purple Sun. My Dao Body has integrated with the origin, balancing Yin and Yang. The Yin and Yang origin particles within my body have both exceeded 400 million. As for Origin Arts, I have four self-created arts, all of which have reached Origin Art Level 7. I am proficient in wind, cloud, thunder, and rain. Nephew Gao only cultivates Purple Yin, his Origin Arts are merely at Level 3, and he only understands wind and cloud. I have endured his crude teaching for nearly 300 years and haven't blamed him for misleading disciples; that itself is showing respect to you, Senior Brother Wu. Yet he's the one badmouthing me now?"

As Zhao Xing's words fell, two clusters of light, one Yin and one Yang, rose above his head. His Dao Body glowed intensely, so bright that Gao Ye's eyes were forced shut.

"Senior Brother Wu, do you think I, your junior brother, am qualified?"

Zhao Xing didn't want to be so high-profile, but Gao Ye was too foolish. Even after explaining several times, he stubbornly insisted that his own way was correct. Ignoring him only made him more enthusiastic. Now, Zhao Xing truly couldn't bear it anymore.

"Hmm?" Wu Feng looked at the two purple stars above Zhao Xing's head, and a look of shock appeared in his eyes. "In less than 300 years, he's cultivating both Purple Yin and Purple Sun, and he's almost mastered them? His speed is even more prodigious than Cloud Skyway's!"

"You, you..." Gao Ye stared at Zhao Xing, too stunned to speak. Cloud Skyway had told Gao Ye many times that Zhao Xing's talent surpassed his own. Gao Ye had dismissed this as Cloud Skyway defending Zhao Xing, thinking, "Cloud Skyway is already fast enough; how could Zhao Xing be even stronger?" It seemed he was wildly mistaken. Zhao Xing's cultivation talent truly blinded him!

"Nonsense! What 'you'?" Wu Feng roared. "Call him Uncle-Master Zhao! Gao Ye, you are truly too disrespectful! I never knew you treated your Uncle-Master like this normally!"

Seeing the situation turn dire, Wu Feng immediately shifted the blame, claiming he had no idea how Gao Ye usually behaved. This kind of conduct was truly passed down through the lineage. Zhaoyuanzi had similarly reprimanded Wu Feng earlier.

"Un-Uncle-Master Zhao," Gao Ye stammered, respectfully cupping his hands in a bow. "It was my ignorance and folly. I failed to recognize Uncle-Master's true divine abilities."

Zhao Xing stood with his hands behind his back, unmoved. Because Gao Ye's bow wasn't low enough. He needed to let those below know he was not to be trifled with, and let those above take him seriously.

"Please, please, Uncle-Master, forgive my previous disrespect." Gao Ye bowed even lower.