Chapter 444: Fahua Gains Fame, Wang Tianzhi's Reply Letter

Zhao's Eight Earth Transformation Methods are: first, the Energy Pulse; second, Void Navigation; third, Amber Refinement; fourth, Water Transformation; fifth, Ascending Plunder; sixth, Earth Cognition; seventh, Disintegration; and eighth, Wall Breaker.

The Energy Pulse primarily governs the harmony of creation, serving as the most fundamental method for conquering the Layered Boundary Mountain. By controlling pulses with vital energy, cultivators from the Extreme Land can adapt to the mountain's influence, offering another complement to Extreme Land cultivation techniques.

Void Navigation focuses on navigating the void. The Boundary Mountain is hidden deep within hundreds of fathoms of void space. Cultivators traversing the mountain are not only moving through its physical form but also through layers of void, enhancing their mobility within the Layered Boundary Mountain.

Amber Refinement is a method for warding off malevolence. The five metals and eight stones from the Three-Fold Epoch possess properties different from those of the current era, often containing dangerous entities. By ritually refining them with earth-vein fire, these materials can be made to revert to their true nature, evaporating the dangerous entities along with them.

Water Transformation is also a method for warding off malevolence. However, while Amber Refinement deals with physical entities, Water Transformation counters miasmic weather conditions and serves as an auxiliary method for Wall Breaker.

Ascending Plunder is a potent amplification method that can magnify the power of the preceding four techniques. However, its use places an immense burden on the body, and it cannot be employed repeatedly.

Earth Cognition is an earth-sensing technique used for precise positioning within the Layered Boundary Mountain and for discovering the patterns of the Boundary Mountain's cyclical regeneration.

Disintegration and Wall Breaker are both composite techniques, combining the three methods of Rending Earth, Profound Earth, and Mountain Arts.

"I have absorbed the classics of the Geomancy faction's ancestors and initially formulated these eight methods within the Layered Boundary Mountain. There are still many deficiencies, and I welcome corrections from fellow daoists."

Zhao Xing sat atop a high platform, facing a dense crowd in the distance, while a Xuanluo Star Mirror projected his image.

It was now the fifth year after the rescue operation concluded.

An enlightenment conference, jointly organized by the Primordial Hill and the Primal Realm, was being held at the Fourteenth Pass of Jiachen.

It was an enlightenment conference specifically for Zhao Xing!

The audience comprised all cultivators who had come to participate in the exploration of the Simoon Desolate Domain.

As it was prepared on short notice, the venue was not particularly extravagant.

However, the number and caliber of attendees were remarkably high. From Reincarnation Realm to Origin Realm cultivators, the total exceeded hundreds of millions, with more continuously arriving, making it an incredibly grand spectacle.

"An Origin Realm cultivator lecturing an Emperor? This is truly unheard of."

"To witness such a magnificent event makes this journey truly worthwhile."

"Zhao Chen'an! That's Zhao Chen'an! I know him! We are both members of the Primal Realm!"

"Quiet down, don't shout and disrupt the order. I'm from Beihe, just like Zhao Xing!"

Ever since Zhao Xing and Emperor Hongshan returned, the solvable problem of the Layered Boundary Mountain immediately caused a sensation throughout the Xuanling Star Domain.

Major powers, especially the Ministry of Agriculture factions, strongly requested that Zhao Xing hold an enlightenment conference.

Consequently, the Primordial Hill partnered with the Primal Realm to facilitate the holding of this conference.

Firstly, it was to enhance Zhao Xing's reputation.

Secondly, it aimed to disseminate knowledge about the Earth Epoch's transformations and the Layered Boundary Mountain to those exploring the desolate domain, dispelling superstitious beliefs and preventing the spread of strange rumors.

"I have a question; I request fellow daoist to clarify."

Inside the venue, an earth pillar dramatically rose, forming a towering platform upon which stood a figure: Emperor Yushu from the Palace of Origin.

Following the tradition of enlightenment conferences, the first person to ask a question usually held a high status.

To prevent outsiders from claiming the conference was a mere show, members of the Primordial Hill and the Primal Realm were excluded from asking the first question.

However, no one expected it to be an Emperor from the Palace of Origin.

"Is this real? A Reincarnation Emperor seeking guidance?"

"It's truly a monumental occasion, worthy of being inscribed in the annals of the Dao Tree!"

"If it's a show, inviting an Emperor from the Palace of Origin to act would be incredibly costly."

"What nonsense are you speaking? Although there's cooperation between super-factions, their relationship is primarily competitive. Why would they flatter others? Such a situation can only arise if Zhao Xing genuinely possesses something extraordinary."

"Indeed, Zhao Chen'an's treatises are already available for verification in the Nine Classics Pavilion of the Academy City. As they have been certified, they cannot be fraudulent."

Many people watched the enlightenment conference via star mirrors. The scene of a Reincarnation Emperor seeking guidance from an Origin Realm cultivator became a popular topic of discussion, arguably the biggest news in the desolate domain in two eons.

At the conference venue, on the high platform, Emperor Yushu bowed respectfully to Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing immediately rose and returned the gesture. After all, it was an Emperor-level cultivator seeking knowledge, and he could not afford to be presumptuous and remain seated while answering.

"Please speak, fellow daoist. I will share everything I know without reservation."

At the enlightenment conference, there were no distinctions of rank or status; everyone addressed each other as "fellow daoist."

At that moment, countless people were consumed with envy. To stand in that position and address a Reincarnation Emperor as 'fellow daoist' was something one could boast about for generations.

Moreover, it was Zhao Xing who was lecturing, and Emperor Yushu who was asking.

Such a scene typically only occurred when a demigod was lecturing.

After Zhao Xing returned the bow, Emperor Yushu asked, "Rumor has it that within the Layered Boundary Mountain, there are malevolent entities that can penetrate Dao artifacts, ignore spells, devour human vital essences, and destroy golden bodies."

"Could fellow daoist explain what these malevolent entities of the Boundary Mountain are, and how they can be dealt with?"

Zhao Xing listened quietly until he finished.

The questions had been pre-approved; this was merely a promotional event. Emperor Yushu, along with subsequent questioners, was only allowed to speak after their questions had been reviewed by figures such as Lushan, Hongshan, and Wudu.

After listening, Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for the question, fellow daoist."

Then he pointed downwards, and an earth pillar shot skyward, extending into the clouds.

On the mountain-shaped high platform, there was yet another mountain.

It was merely a miniature Layered Boundary Mountain.

This was a segment cut from the Layered Boundary Mountain itself, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, appearing grayish-yellow overall, like amber.

Inside, one could vaguely discern a monstrous creature, a composite of various demonic beasts resembling cattle, horses, snakes, and eagles.

"Buzz!" Numerous Eight-Gate Star Mirrors buzzed as they began to film the 'sample.'

Zhao Xing slowly spoke, "There is a beast in the Boundary Mountain called 'Niucang,' which originated in the early Three-Fold Epoch and became extinct in the early Baiyao Epoch due to the expansion of the desolate domain."

"It is naturally of the Origin Realm at birth and reaches the Life-Death Dao Domain Realm upon maturity."

"This particular Niucang mistakenly entered the Boundary Mountain during its lifetime, and it happened to be trapped and killed when the Boundary Mountain collapsed."

"The Boundary Mountain, by aggregating void power, completely preserved the Niucang's bloodline and Dao essence."

"Through the vicissitudes of time, void shifts, and earth-vein erosion, it took on its current form."

"When the Earth Epoch's transformation occurred, the Boundary Mountain Niucang was released. Being neither truly alive nor dead, it was unaffected by current laws and difficult to deal with, thus earning the name 'malevolent entity'."

After explaining what these malevolent entities were and how they came to be, Zhao Xing proceeded to the next step.

He extended a hand and pointed at the prepared Layered Boundary Mountain.

"Boom!"

The mountain shattered, and the Niucang was released. Lifeless, with no soul detectable by spiritual sense, and even its bloodline dry, it nonetheless surged with dense void power, mixed with earth qi, and began to move.

"Whoosh!"

In an instant, the Niucang's massive body appeared directly above Zhao Xing.

Its gray scales, blood-red feathers, and hideous black ram horns possessed no aesthetic appeal, making one feel disgusted at a glance.

"Now, this particular Niucang has been released."

Zhao Xing's voice was calm as he sat motionless in the stone platform, protected by a barrier that prevented the Niucang from harming him.

"Though the Boundary Mountain Niucang possesses only Origin Realm combat power, most spells are ineffective against it, making it troublesome even for Life-Death Dao Domain Realm cultivators to deal with."

Zhao Xing allowed the Niucang to attack for a moment, then pointed a finger, instantly activating the Disintegration spell.

The Boundary Mountain Niucang's skin and fur rapidly petrified, then swiftly fragmented into pieces.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

It sounded like stones crashing against the barrier, producing a dull thud.

"The Disintegration spell can neutralize attacks by causing disintegration. This applies to the Boundary Mountain Niucang as well as other similar entities."

"Essentially, it is not a life form, but rather a 'Layered Boundary Mountain Phenomenon' composed of Boundary Mountain matter, Niucang flesh and blood, Dao essence, void power, and earth-vein erosion."

"The Earth Epoch's transformation is the cause of its emergence."

"Once the Disintegration spell disrupts its balance, the phenomenon ceases to be extraordinary."

Pausing, Zhao Xing waved his hand again.

A second pillar ascended, revealing another 'malevolent entity' fused within the rock.

"If the Earth Epoch's transformation has not yet occurred, the Amber Refinement method can be used to resolve it, preventing future troubles."

A grayish-yellow current of energy emanated from Zhao Xing's body, like slowly burning flames, smoothly enveloping the mountain.

Having cultivated the *Extreme Land Mustard Mountain*, Zhao Xing's Geomancy faction techniques exhibited a delicate and gentle aesthetic when he employed them.

In less than ten breaths, the Amber Refinement spell caused a wondrous transformation in the mountain.

The 'malevolent entity' inside lost its soul-capturing power, seemingly refined into a complete specimen.

"Thump!"

Zhao Xing broke open the mountain rock, and the specimen inside quickly disintegrated like aged decaying wood.

"This is Amber Refinement: by ritually refining the five metals and eight stones of the Layered Boundary Mountain with earth-vein fire, they are made to approach the Dao nature of the current era, and the dangerous entities cease to exist."

"As long as it remains unsealed, even an Origin Realm cultivator can deal with a 'Boundary Mountain Phenomenon' that possesses Reincarnation Realm combat power."

After finishing, Zhao Xing turned and bowed to Emperor Yushu, saying, "These are my humble insights regarding the Layered Boundary Mountain Phenomenon. I welcome any corrections from fellow daoist."

Emperor Yushu smiled and returned the bow, saying, "Fellow daoist's profound discourse has been truly enlightening. Yushu thanks you for dispelling my confusion."

For the remainder of the time, Zhao Xing sequentially demonstrated the other methods.

For example, Water Transformation could prevent the next golden body corrosive rain from descending upon the Layered Boundary Mountain.

And Earth Cognition could determine the direction of strength and weakness by sensing the void layer transformations of the Boundary Mountain.

The enlightenment conference at the Fourteenth Pass of Jiachen lasted only a month, but it generated immense public excitement.

Countless individuals flocked to it, drawn by its reputation, even sparking a wave of enthusiasm for exploring the desolate domain.

At this point, Zhao Xing's fame surpassed that of many Emperors.

"We strongly demand that Minister Zhao hold a few more enlightenment conferences! Our Cloud Jia Palace just arrived and missed it!"

"Seconded! The Simoon Desolate Domain is too far; by the time I arrived, the conference had already concluded!"

"It was too short! Shouldn't a normal enlightenment conference last a century? Why only a little over a month?"

"Are the Primordial Hill and the Primal Realm not taking Minister Zhao seriously? This is outrageous! Treating Minister Zhao perfunctorily just because he's an Origin Realm cultivator?! Our Heavenly Food Directorate sincerely invites Minister Zhao to join us!"

"Oh? The Heavenly Food Directorate is a top power in the Xuanling Star Domain; why are they also joining the commotion here?"

"Even the Heavenly Timing faction has emerged. Zhao Xing, this Saint Son, truly lives up to his name."

Xu Youling looked at the heated discussions on the star mirror, unable to help but feel a deep sense of emotion.

"Even people from my Three Treasures Dao Sect are asking if Zhao Xing could visit our sect, even if it's just an avatar."

Pu Tianrui laughed, "Whose territory isn't adjacent to a desolate domain? And wherever there's a desolate domain, various problems plague them. Zhao Xing's current theories and methods can solve the Layered Boundary Mountain problem. Even if they are not yet perfect, they are enough to captivate people."

"Tuosen, why are you just drinking and not speaking?"

Tuosen put down his wine glass and said gloomily, "In previous Primal Conferences, first place always went to the Primal Saint Son. Now Zhao Xing has taken that title; what more do you want me to say?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Youling did not comfort him but instead chuckled, "Haha, why not? You can just put a label on your forehead in the future, stating 'First Place in such-and-such Primal Conference'."

Tuosen was speechless.

While the outside world was in a flurry, Zhao Xing had already decided to enter seclusion.

After the initial few enlightenment conferences, his main body left the handling of subsequent events to the Primordial Hill's people.

At most, his avatars would attend, and he was no longer the main focus. Instead, Lord Jishan and Qiu Zishan, who had already learned Zhao's Eight Methods, took center stage.

The task of spreading the Dharma and conducting lectures must no longer disturb Zhao Xing's main body; this was Emperor Wudu's strong insistence.

"A tree that stands out in the forest will be toppled by the wind!"

"Zhao Xing, at the end of the day, you are still only at the Origin Realm. Possessing too much fame may not be a good thing."

"The deserved honors have been bestowed, and the remaining procedures completed. Now, it would be best for you to settle down and consolidate."

"Let the people from the Primordial Hill handle the tasks of spreading the Dharma and lecturing. After all, they have also learned your Eight Divine Abilities, so you will benefit from it regardless."

Emperor Wudu spoke earnestly, which was rare for him, and his seriousness made Zhao Xing feel a bit unaccustomed.

However, this idea happened to align perfectly with Zhao Xing's own thoughts.

His purpose in writing these treatises was not to satisfy his vanity but to acquire sufficient resources to improve himself.

After the rescue operation, and having cooperated with the Empire and the Primordial Hill for several more conferences, he felt it was enough.

"Yes, Master, I will return to the Haitong Ancient Path and fulfill my duties."

"With the Layered Boundary Mountain problem on the Haitong Ancient Path resolved, I anticipate there won't be much left for your disciple to do. I will then dedicate myself to cultivation."

Zhao Xing's attitude greatly pleased Wudu.

He also knew that in this regard, he didn't need to give his disciple many instructions.

His past experiences showed that this young man was extremely diligent when cultivating in the Primal Realm.

"There are some matters I still need to warn you about."

"Yesterday, your master sought out someone to read your fortune."

Zhao Xing was startled. Wudu had someone read his fortune?

"Master, what was the result?"

"The Heavenly Master said your karma and destiny are like a tangled mess." A hint of worry flickered in Wudu's brow. "Your future and your very life are unclear."

Zhao Xing's expression also changed.

Normally, with his luck derived from the Thirteen Daos, coupled with the formidable backing of the Primal Realm and the Primordial Hill, his future should be very bright. Putting aside life and death for a moment, his cultivation prospects should be clear.

Yet now, it was all a tangled mess?

"The Heavenly Master said that either your fate is inherently like this, or someone is scheming against you, or you've received too much attention recently... In any case, I'm telling you this so you can be more cautious and act with a low profile."

Emperor Wudu said, "When you are on the Haitong Ancient Path, your main body must stay closely by Old Hongshan's side. It would be best if your avatars don't wander around randomly."

"Of course, one's fate changes in different cultivation realms, and so do the divinations. Perhaps once you reach the Dao Domain Realm, everything will become clear."

Zhao Xing nodded, "Yes, disciple will bear that in mind."

After hanging up the communication, Zhao Xing remained lost in thought for a long time.

"The Earth Transformation Theory and its eight methods are all my own creations, stemming naturally from my knowledge and player task experiences from my previous life in this current existence. They are certainly not plagiarized from any great figure's future inventions."

"It definitely isn't because of this."

"So what exactly is causing my destiny to be unclear?" Zhao Xing's brow twitched.

Just then, a knock came from the portal of the independent space.

"Minister, there's an urgent matter."

It was Ji Si's voice.

"Come in."

Zhao Xing gathered his thoughts, opened the space portal, and invited Ji Si in.

Ji Si was dressed very formally, wearing a Grand Astrologer's cap. In his left hand, he held a Fate Star Disk, and in his right, a Star Fortune Scroll, though his eyes remained tightly closed.

"Ji Si, what's the urgent matter?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Minister, there's news from home," Ji Si's voice was a little excited.

Home? Wang Tianzhi?

Zhao Xing's heart leaped with joy.

"Quick, let me see!"