Chapter 450: Zhao Sinong is Truly a Child of Heaven

The attendants of Marquis Haiyang gathered Zhao Xing's 739th squad from the Northern Galaxy Legion, along with five surrounding squads, totaling around five thousand members, in the air. Marquis Haiyang then gently waved his hand. Beside him, a white-furred ape-man, carrying a small golden bell, began to address the gathered troops.

Zhao Xing listened carefully to the translation, which roughly conveyed: "The noble Prince is about to choose personal guards from among you. This is a great honor! Next, I will strike this ancient bell. Anyone who can withstand its power without falling into the river will pass!" He relayed this information to Ji Yuan, telling him to be ready.

The next moment, the white-furred demonic ape raised the golden bell. The red-haired Demonic Ape Prince didn't even lift his head, seemingly feigning sleep. However, with a light flick of his finger, a red energy wave struck the golden bell. The golden bell made no sound, yet it unleashed ripples through space. As these spatial ripples spread through the airborne ranks, they suddenly warped, transforming into ethereal whips that lashed every guard.

Zhao Xing felt his tortoise shell take a heavy hit, and his soul also wavered slightly. This seemingly unremarkable golden bell was, in fact, a hybrid Dao weapon, capable of affecting both the physical body and inflicting mental and spiritual shock. "The spatial compression is comparable to a peak strike from the Life-Death Dao Domain realm. This standard is measured by Imperial metrics, and the mental and spiritual impact also reached the same intensity." Zhao Xing mused to himself, "The Demonic Ape Prince certainly has high standards."

The average skill level in the Star-Alignment Realm was naturally lower than that of the Empire, but the Demonic Ape Prince was recruiting based on Imperial standards, clearly seeking geniuses among geniuses. No wonder he hadn't even opened his eyes; clearly, he didn't have high hopes for the outcome.

"Ah—""Pain, too much pain!""Plop~"

Soon, all five thousand River Generals began to contort in pain, plummeting from the sky. Like dumplings dropping into a pot, a vast number of River Generals were eliminated by the first "bell strike." Zhao Xing, however, withstood it with surprising ease. This was because his Marquis Transformation method was highly advanced, and his mixed bloodline granted him divine abilities from two races: the strength-based abilities of the Demonic Ape tribe and the defense-based abilities of the Spirit-Void Turtle tribe. As for his soul, it was even more formidable; his "Reincarnation" secret art had already reached its first stage of mastery. With his life soul merged with his earth soul, this level of mental fortitude was effortlessly manageable for Zhao Xing.

Despite being able to easily resist, Zhao Xing feigned distress, displaying a pained expression. There was no other option; out of five thousand River Generals, only a few remained. Being too conspicuous was not a good idea. Ji Yuan, however, was struggling to bear it. While he had no issue with the mental and spiritual attacks, his Marquis Transformation method couldn't endure the physical intensity of the assault. If he tried to bear it on his own, Ji Yuan would be exposed, and his transformation would fail. So he began to "borrow power" from Zhao Xing again. Now, Zhao Xing was essentially enduring a double attack. His energy consumption also increased significantly.

"Hmm?" Marquis Haiyang, the Demonic Ape Prince, suddenly looked up, a crimson light flashing in his eyes as he gazed forward. To his surprise, four River Generals remained in the sky. It was unexpected that even in the small Northern Galaxy, four individuals met his rigorous requirements. What's more, two of them were even relatively pure-blooded Demonic Apes, which was an unexpected bonus!

"Not bad." The Demonic Ape Prince nodded subtly, and the golden bell's attack ceased. "You four, are you willing to serve me?" Without hesitation, Zhao Xing knelt on one knee and extended his palm towards the Demonic Ape Prince. Ji Yuan and the other two River Generals followed suit. The Demonic Ape Prince bared his stark white fangs, and his palm gently brushed across the palms of the four River Generals.

"Chi, register them under my command.""Yes, sir."

The white-furred demonic ape immediately led the four River Generals, including Zhao Xing and Ji Yuan, into the cabin on the turtle's back. He then produced a carved, fiery-red world stone and brought it close to the four River Generals. On the underside of Zhao Xing's turtle shell, a unique rune was originally carved, containing information about his lineage, birthplace, and faction affiliation. As the fiery-red pointed hammer swept over it, new runes overlaid part of the original information. This process was known as "registration." This meant that Zhao Xing was now officially a personal guard under Marquis Haiyang, the Demonic Ape Prince.

"From this moment, you are my personal guards," the Demonic Ape Prince stated calmly. "If you perform well in the future, I will elevate your blood lineage." Ji Yuan felt somewhat bewildered, unsure of the significance of this, but Zhao Xing, overcome with emotion, prostrated himself on the ground: "Thank you, my King! I swear my loyalty unto death!" The other two River Generals also knelt, each declaring their loyalty. Ji Yuan quickly prostrated himself, imitating the others, though his language wasn't as refined. He could only manage a few short syllables, roughly conveying "Me too."

Zhao Xing, always worried about Ji Yuan being exposed, secretly observed the expressions of all the Demonic Apes. His powerful spiritual divine ability was sufficient to analyze the inner thoughts of these demonic apes. The white-furred demonic ape's micro-expression showed contempt; he likely thought that a lower-realm bumpkin like Ji Yuan truly couldn't handle himself, unable even to speak the language of the upper realms. Conversely, the Demonic Ape Prince smiled at Ji Yuan; he seemed to appreciate this kind of simple and honest talent. However, Zhao Xing found himself unable to read the other two Demonic Ape River Generals. Their mental activities appeared straightforward yet were actually obscure. After checking with his system panel, he discovered they were both members of the demon race, which explained the difficulty, so he stopped trying.

For the rest of the time, no further communication took place. Zhao Xing, Ji Yuan, and the other two River Generals quietly stood at the back of the group. The Demonic Ape Prince, meanwhile, continued to scout for talent across the Northern Galaxy. His authority appeared extensive; he could enter and leave many checkpoints and fortresses at will. Taking people with him was also effortless; he simply needed to pick them out. After three years of traveling and recruiting, the Demonic Ape Prince had only managed to enlist eight new guards. His standards were simply too high! Such stringent selection criteria were exceptionally harsh for the Star-Alignment Realm.

Consequently, among the eight recruits the Demonic Ape Prince had enlisted, there were other undercover agents besides Zhao Xing and Ji Yuan. This occurred at the end of the third year, with the eighth person recruited by the Demonic Ape Prince. Outwardly, he appeared to be of the Turtle race, with his aura, bloodline, and even life fluctuations showing no flaws. However, according to Zhao Xing's system panel scan:

Name: Yan LingjunCultivation Realm: Life-Death Dao Domain Realm (Perfected)Profession: Physician

By the fifth year, the Demonic Ape Prince had recruited two more personal guards. Zhao Xing subconsciously glanced up at the newly arrived guards at the cabin entrance and almost burst out laughing. Although they appeared beast-like, Zhao Xing's system panel revealed their names to be:

Name: Yang BaiheCultivation Realm: Life-Death Dao Domain Realm (Perfected)Profession: Starry Sky Historian

Name: Qi TianCultivation Realm: Life-Death Dao Domain Realm (Perfected)Profession: Grand Administrator of Agriculture

Zhao Xing inwardly exclaimed, "Well, what do you know?" Counting the numbers, there were now ten newly recruited guards, and half of them were human undercover agents! One of them was even an old acquaintance of his. Yang Baihe of the Starfire organization was none other than Captain 'White Ram,' whom he had met in Lunar Mausoleum.

"Sir, what are you smiling about?" Ji Yuan asked, perplexed, from within the spiritual altar."Nothing, I just thought of something amusing."

The Demonic Ape Prince was also quite pleased at this moment. Because his ten newly recruited personal guards were all exceptionally talented. Although their bloodlines were mixed, preventing them from being given crucial roles. By promoting them and taking them back to help them develop their bloodlines, he was certain to gain their loyalty, after which he could entrust them with important tasks! Consequently, the Demonic Ape Prince began his journey back to the Cloud Immortal Realm, one of the Upper Three Realms.

By this point, through five years of eavesdropping and limited interactions, Zhao Xing had finally understood the Prince's true intentions. "It seems this Demonic Ape Prince intends to purge certain members of his clan's factions," Zhao Xing and Ji Yuan communicated discreetly via the spiritual altar.

"Sir, are you suggesting he came to Northern Galaxy City in the Star-Alignment Realm to purge the capitulationists within his clan?""Precisely," Zhao Xing replied. "The Primordial Council swept through the Middle Three Realms over the past fifty years, demonstrating immense power. Our cultivation systems, divine armaments, and combined attack techniques overturned their understanding, delivering an unparalleled shock to the native inhabitants of the Spirit-Void Realm. It's only natural for a capitulationist faction to emerge. However, our momentum was halted at the Four Yang Realm, failing to breach the entrance to the Upper Three Realms. This, in turn, gave hope to the hardline faction. But regardless of war or peace, the internal chaos must first be quelled."

"Then why is he here recruiting people?" Ji Yuan asked."Turning the blade inward is never simple. Using one's own kin to kill one's own kin makes future operations difficult, so it's simpler to recruit from the Star-Alignment Realm.""These little natives certainly have a lot going on," Ji Yuan chuckled. The white-furred demonic ape looked down on him, and he, in turn, looked down on these "earth monkeys.""Don't underestimate them," Zhao Xing warned. "That Demonic Ape Prince is incredibly strong. Even if I don't revert from my transformation, I couldn't defeat him.""Yes, I understand," Ji Yuan nodded.

After consuming the Luck Golden Core, Zhao Xing's fortune had risen three ranks, ensuring his undercover career of over forty years proceeded smoothly. Now, joining the Demonic Ape Prince's retinue and heading to the Cloud Immortal Realm brought him one step closer to success. Yet, the closer he got to success, the more vigilant he became. To enter the Rain Immortal Altar, he would undoubtedly attract the attention of Reincarnation Realm experts. Could his Marquis Transformation method maintain its disguise indefinitely? He wasn't entirely sure himself. But now that he had encountered Yang Baihe, his confidence grew.

"Brother, what should I call you?" On the way to the Cloud Immortal Realm, Zhao Xing feigned familiarity, approaching Yang Baihe to strike up a conversation."Get lost." Before Yang Baihe could speak, Qi Tian, the Grand Administrator of Agriculture beside him, glared coldly at Zhao Xing. Qi Tian's current appearance was that of a mixed-blood race, with the head of a deer and the body of an ape. Most Starfire members operated as mixed-blood races, and they always incorporated a portion of Demonic Ape characteristics into their disguises. This was because Demonic Apes and humans shared similar body shapes, allowing them to retain seventy to eighty percent of their original strength even when disguised.

"Don't be so cold. My name is Jing Yan. What should I call you two?""Hmm?" Yang Baihe, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them. In the guise of a white-crowned Demonic Ape, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes upon hearing Zhao Xing's self-introduction. However, he was still unsure at this point because Zhao Xing spoke in the common Demonic Ape language.

"I am Yang Bai," the white-crowned Demonic Ape introduced himself, then gestured to a nearby Demonic Ape with alternating red and white fur. "He is Xuan Chen.""Are both of you also refugees who fled the Four Yang Realm battle?" Zhao Xing began to use the pre-arranged code phrase.Yang Baihe's eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes, we are. May I ask where you are from, brother?""Northern Crossroads Continent of the Four Yang Realm, Xingzhou Great River City."

Yang Baihe quickly translated the code phrase in his mind, confirming that Zhao Xing was a member of a certain group within the "Anti-Void Project." With a sigh, he pulled a pendant from his robes. "So that's it. I can barely remember what my hometown looked like. Our beautiful homeland was destroyed by hateful outer-realm demons, leaving me with only this Heart Jade Pendant. I truly hope that one day we can fight our way back.""Yes, I hope so too."

What followed were some insipid pleasantries. They then returned to their respective resting areas. Not long after, Yang Baihe and Zhao Xing established contact through a karmic link. Karmic connection was a very discreet communication method. Zhao Xing had used it once before to communicate with elders of the Ancient Dongyan Clan, and powerful figures in the Empire had confirmed that this method was absolutely safe within the Spirit-Void Origin Realm. After all, being under the Demonic Ape Prince's command meant that forming a karmic link wouldn't raise undue suspicion.

"This is Yang Baihe, leader of the Fourth Reincarnation Group of the Starfire Organization's Anti-Void Project. Who am I speaking with?""This is Zhao Xing, a free-group member of the Anti-Void Project. Captain White Ram, it's Zhao Xing!"

"Zhao Xing?" Yang Baihe's face clearly showed surprise. "I heard you led a team to kill a Reincarnation Realm lord forty-five years ago, and everyone earned ten billion merit points. What brings you here?" Qi Tian, the Grand Administrator of Agriculture nearby, was even more astonished. "You... are you the Zhao Xing who solved the Multilayer Mountain problem?"

"Yes, that's me," Zhao Xing replied. "As for why I'm here, it's a long story.""My apologies, Grand Administrator Zhao, for my previous rudeness," Qi Tian's attitude immediately shifted. Although he was a Grand Administrator of Agriculture from the Heavenly Timing Faction and had lived longer than Zhao Xing, this did not prevent him from acknowledging Zhao Xing's esteemed position. The resolution of the Multilayer Mountain problem, along with the creation of Zhao's Eight Methods, effectively pioneered a new path in magical arts, benefiting the entire Grand Administrator of Agriculture profession. Over years of Dharma assembly promotion, Zhao Xing's reputation among Grand Administrators of Agriculture had gradually transformed into significant prestige. Calling him highly respected wouldn't be an exaggeration. It was only because Qi Tian belonged to the Heavenly Timing Faction; if he had been a Grand Administrator of Agriculture from the Geographical Advantage Faction, he would have undoubtedly bowed profoundly to Master Zhao.

"Brother Qi Tian, there's no need for such formality," Zhao Xing said. "We are currently on a secret mission, and our identities are not our own." Ji Yuan watched from the side with envy. His lord was truly remarkable, knowing people wherever he went, and inspiring their admiration. His social standing was undeniably solid.

Yang Baihe asked, "Zhao Xing, how long have you been here, and where are you headed for your mission?" Seeing Zhao Xing expose his identity to contact him, Yang Baihe immediately guessed that Zhao Xing might need assistance.

"I need to go to the boundary between the Cloud Immortal Realm and the Rain Immortal Realm," Zhao Xing replied. "As for what I'm doing there, it's top secret. I contacted you, Captain, specifically because I need help.""Top secret? Do you have a Starfire Secret Order?" Yang Baihe asked. "My mission clearance is also very high, just one level below yours. If you can provide the highest-level Starfire Secret Order, my team can prioritize assisting you."

Zhao Xing immediately provided the highest-level Starfire Secret Order. Through the karmic link, Yang Baihe witnessed the scene of the Primordial Council granting Zhao Xing the Starfire Secret Order. At this point, Yang Baihe had no more doubts. He immediately laid out his own plans.

"My team consists of twenty-five individuals who infiltrated here thirty-seven years ago. Currently, eighteen of us are in full contact. This person beside me is Qi Tian from the 'Four Seasons Palace,' and he primarily cultivates the Marquis Transformation method. My disguise was created by him."

The Four Seasons Palace was a top-tier Heavenly Timing Faction force within the Crimson Star Empire. Given that Qi Tian primarily cultivated the Marquis Transformation method, he was likely a Grand Administrator of Agriculture from the Heavenly Timing Faction of Myriad Transformations City, Four Seasons Palace. Zhao Xing's Marquis Transformation method could only be applied to himself because his energy was limited, focusing solely on internal transformation. Qi Tian, on the other hand, specialized in both internal and external cultivation, allowing him to transform others into various life forms. In fact, Zhao Xing had previously practiced external Marquis Transformation methods, such as Pig Transformation or Chicken-Dog Transformation, but these were primarily for weakening enemies, and those techniques had become outdated in the current cosmic era. Qi Tian's external Marquis Transformation technique, however, allowed Yang Baihe to retain most of his strength.

"No wonder there are no flaws," Zhao Xing praised. "Brother Qi Tian's technique is truly superb."

Yang Baihe continued, "My infiltration into the Upper Three Realms primarily has two objectives. First, to seize an opportunity to break through to the Reincarnation Realm without triggering repulsion from the Spirit-Void Origin Realm. Second, to alter critical historical events and gain control over a specific dynastic race, in order to support the Tuoye Army's offensive against the Upper Three Realms."

Zhao Xing suddenly understood why Yang Baihe's security clearance was so high. They had come here to achieve breakthroughs into the Reincarnation Realm. It was known that none in the Middle and Lower Three Realms could break through to the Reincarnation Realm. Any attempt to break through would immediately result in expulsion by the Spirit-Void Origin Realm. The minor realms' rejection mechanism was akin to a body expelling something foreign; the Origin Great Dao simply could not accommodate external Reincarnation Realm Dao, and would thus eject any Reincarnation Realm cultivators not native to it. In the preceding decades, many had attempted it, but without exception, all had been repelled. However, just because it was impossible in the Middle and Lower Three Realms didn't mean it was impossible in the Upper Three Realms. If Captain White Ram could find a way to achieve this, it would be a monumental accomplishment, as the passage to the Upper Three Realms would no longer pose an issue!

"We've been waiting for a long time in the Southern Galaxy for the right opportunity," Yang Baihe explained. "When we saw the Demonic Ape tribe dispatch several princes to recruit, we seized the initiative. We'll also be heading to the Cloud Immortal Realm; as for the Rain Immortal Realm, that will depend on the circumstances. Of course, things are different now. Your mission takes precedence."

Zhao Xing nodded. "My mission is to perform a sacrificial test at the boundary between the Cloud Immortal Realm and the Rain Immortal Realm. For this reason, the Empire has granted me the authority to mobilize Starfire members with security clearances lower than my own. I currently need a large quantity of four types of 'rain stones' before I can proceed to that location for investigation."

Yang Baihe's eyes deepened. "It seems this secret is truly significant." Zhao Xing was indeed not lying; his mission had received the approval of the Primordial Council. After sweeping through the Middle Three Realms, scholars had compiled significant information regarding the Rain Immortal Festival sacrifices and the blessings they yielded. Zhao Xing had a clearer understanding of these matters, and his special status had allowed him to secure such extensive authority. Yang Baihe and Zhao Xing quickly reached an agreement.

Finally, Zhao Xing asked: "By the way, is that Ox Demon tribe guard resting in cabin number seven one of your people, Captain?"

Yang Baihe was taken aback, then stated gravely, "No, in the Demonic Ape Prince's carriage, only Qi Tian and I are our own. Why, did you discover someone else?" Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat. The Anti-Void operation was entirely orchestrated by the Starfire Organization. Regardless of whether participants originated from the Primordial Heavenly Palace or the Ancient Mound, all were under the unified command of Starfire once involved in the operation. Yang Baihe's authority level in this region was already so high; there was no reason he wouldn't know if other agents were present. How could he not know about Yan Lingjun? Where exactly did Yan Lingjun come from? And whose side was he on?

Yang Baihe quickly realized the gravity of the situation. He cautiously stated, "Since we're in the same room, we should limit our communication. If there's anything else, we'll find an opportunity to discuss it once we reach the Cloud Immortal Realm.""Understood." Zhao Xing nodded, swiftly severing the karmic connection. While races in the Spirit-Void Realm found it difficult to detect karmic communication, powerful outsiders might possess the ability to eavesdrop.

After cutting off communication, Zhao Xing's gaze swept back towards Yan Lingjun. The sudden appearance of this physician left him with a vague sense of unease, so he scrutinized him more closely. A closer look revealed the issue. "For Yang Baihe and Qi Tian, I can see their luck, lifespan, age, and learned divine abilities and secret arts. But for Yan Lingjun, while I can see his name, cultivation realm, profession, lifespan, and known secret arts, I cannot see his luck level or soul level."

"His remaining lifespan is also only five hundred thirty-six years," Zhao Xing noted, furrowing his brow as he had never encountered such a situation before. "Generally, incomplete information occurs when there's a significant power gap between me and the other party. But he's only in the Dao Domain realm, so how could I not see this information? Yet, these two pieces of information are missing now. Does that mean he has no luck, or no soul?" This was very strange, and Zhao Xing immediately grew wary of this individual. He didn't approach him rashly, choosing instead to observe. However, over the following period, Yan Lingjun's behavior appeared completely normal.

Time passed. Three months later, the Demonic Ape Prince returned with his recruits to the Cloud Immortal Realm, to the April Royal City. Upon arrival, Marquis Haiyang, the Demonic Ape Prince, immediately made arrangements for the ten newly recruited guards. Chi, the white-furred demonic ape, led the ten individuals to the entrance of a cave. In the plaza before the cave stood three thousand great demons from the Life-Death Dao Domain realm.

"You are all mixed-blood individuals who fled from the lower realms! With impure bloodlines, it would normally be difficult for you to achieve anything significant in the Upper Three Realms. Only His Highness, being unconventional, would accept you and grant you an opportunity! The cave entrance before you leads to the Blood Demon Cave! It is a sacred place of utmost importance to my Demonic Ape tribe! Deep within it lies a pool containing the essence blood of ten thousand races. If you jump in and absorb its essence, you can purify your bloodline, unleash your potential, and become even stronger! Enter! As long as you can complete your transformation, you will become members of His Highness's 'Blood Demon Guard'! After becoming Blood Demon Guards, His Highness will also grant you access to precious cultivation secret arts and entrust you with significant responsibilities!"

After speaking, the white-furred demonic ape struck the golden bell in his hand, urging the three thousand great demons of the Dao Domain realm to enter the Blood Demon Cave. Zhao Xing, Ji Yuan, Yang Baihe, and Qi Tian walked together, following the group as they flew into the dark cavern. Upon entering the cavern, they immediately began to plummet. After approximately three days of falling, Zhao Xing and the other three plunged into a lake of viscous liquid. Though called a blood pool, it was more akin to a series of massive hot springs carved within the mountain. Zhao Xing and his three companions landed in the same pool. Blood-energy surged, turning their entire field of vision crimson.

"Sir, this isn't good. We're not true demon folk, so how can we purify our bloodlines?" Ji Yuan said with a bitter smile, resisting the invasive power of the blood pool. Yang Baihe was helpless; he could only look to Zhao Xing and Qi Tian. Ultimately, they were humans transformed by the Marquis Transformation method, so the burden of finding a solution fell to Zhao Xing and Qi Tian, both Grand Administrators of Agriculture.

Zhao Xing was the first to ask, "Brother Qi Tian, do you have any insights?"Qi Tian mused, "The essence of the Marquis Transformation method is a dramatic change within the life core, allowing for a temporary, reversible leap in bloodline evolution. We must absorb the essence of the blood pool, or our disguise will be revealed. In our Marquis Transformation state, we are indistinguishable from true demonic beasts, so absorption is possible. The challenge lies in advancing the Marquis Transformation method itself, enabling us to become stronger while in this transformed state. Otherwise, our transformation could easily collapse, leading to irreversible damage or other severe consequences."

Zhao Xing had similar thoughts, but his mastery of the Marquis Transformation method was inferior to Qi Tian's. Thus, he humbly requested, "Brother Qi Tian, please instruct me." Qi Tian, however, was very polite. "These are but my humble opinions; I wouldn't presume to instruct you. I would be honored to discuss them with Grand Administrator Zhao."

The purification of bloodlines was clearly excruciating; the surrounding echoes of roars and screams attested to it. Zhao Xing and Qi Tian conferred on the side, discussing how to adapt the Marquis Transformation method to the current environment and allow it to absorb the blood pool's essence. Meanwhile, Ji Yuan quietly asked Yang Baihe, "Captain Yang, shouldn't we also make some noise? We seem too calm.""Good point." Yang Baihe and Ji Yuan immediately began to howl."ROAR!"

One month later."Grand Administrator Zhao, I consider this blood pool environment a 'Great Cosmos,' and our bodies are 'Lesser Cosmoses' within this Great Cosmos. Now, if we align the Marquis Transformation of our Lesser Cosmoses with the Great Cosmos, perhaps we can attempt to integrate the blood pool's essence. What do you think of approaching it from this angle?""Is Brother Qi referring to the 'Theory of Dual Realm Transformation'?""Precisely!"

Six months later."Can the bloodlines of turtles and apes truly merge, or should one be discarded?""Should the turtle absorb the ape, or the ape absorb the turtle?""Grand Administrator Zhao, you wish to achieve the evolution of a single body with two bloodlines? This is merely theoretical; I have never put it into practice.""The blood pool contains countless types of essence. What harm is there in a few more trial-and-error attempts?"

Two and a half years later."Grand Administrator Zhao, you've already completed the fusion of two bloodlines into one body? Your talent is truly a rare sight in my lifetime!""It's largely thanks to Brother Qi Tian teaching me the Four Seasons Palace's externalized Marquis Transformation method; otherwise, I wouldn't have grasped it so quickly.""You are far too modest. It's truly hard to believe that Grand Administrator Zhao's foundations lie with the Geographical Advantage and Ego Factions. You should have been cultivating with our Heavenly Timing Faction!"

Three years prior, Zhao Xing had been nothing more than a figure of rumor to Qi Tian. While respected, Zhao Xing had always been renowned for his spells from the Ego and Geographical Advantage Factions, with little fame in the domain of Heavenly Timing. Even his self-created Marquis Transformation method seemed somewhat crude in Qi Tian's eyes. He was somewhat concerned that Zhao Xing might hinder their progress. However, as their discussions deepened, he gradually became awestruck by Zhao Xing's talent in the Great Dao of Heavenly Timing. Especially in this unfamiliar environment, Zhao Xing's adaptability clearly surpassed his own. In the initial stages, it could be said that he taught Zhao Xing. But in the latter half, Zhao Xing was teaching him! Particularly when researching new Marquis Transformation methods to adapt to the blood pool, Zhao Xing's ability to correct errors was simply unparalleled! He had never encountered anyone like this! While developing new methods, Zhao Xing often only needed one trial-and-error attempt before he could instantly reverse course, and his accuracy was terrifyingly high. Qi Tian, disbelieving, tested him multiple times, only to find Zhao Xing's choices were always correct! This was primarily because Zhao Xing possessed a system panel that allowed him to instantly master skills, naturally maximizing his error-correction capabilities. His Heavenly Timing Marquis Transformation method also rapidly improved under Qi Tian's guidance. Soon, he surpassed Qi Tian's mastery of magical arts.

Qi Tian had always believed his talent in the Marquis Transformation method was second to none, having achieved the conditions for breaking through to the Reincarnation Realm after only fifty thousand years of cultivation. Yet, after meeting Zhao Xing, he felt a sense of inadequacy. "In less than seven years, he was able to perform a homologous modification on my Four Seasons Palace's Marquis Transformation techniques," Qi Tian couldn't help but exclaim. "If there truly is a Son of Heaven, it must be someone like Grand Administrator Zhao."

Qi Tian's gaze fell forward. The blood pool gurgled and bubbled, and beneath the surface, the aura of an ancient, ferocious beast seemed to be awakening.