Chapter 93: Betting Dog Tactics? The Arrival of the Divine Might Army, Zhao Xing's Shock

The Myriad Cloudscape Painting is a supreme teaching scroll because it encompasses a complete understanding of cloud magic and possesses a unique characteristic: it manifests insights corresponding to the viewer's desires. For instance, Zhao Xing's previous Nether Palace projection painting was similarly a supreme painting called "Myriad Nether Palace." Whatever type of Nether Palace magic Zhao Xing wished to comprehend, he would likely gain that specific kind.

That's why Lu Qian wrote, "May your wishes come true." The Myriad Cloudscape Painting truly allows its comprehenders to achieve their desires.

Before comprehending it, Zhao Xing mentally sifted through options:

"Among intermediate-level cloud magic, there's the Flowing Cloud technique. Its clouds flow endlessly, and when manipulating them, they move like mighty rivers, incredibly fast."

"The Soldier Cloud technique has the strongest attack power. Its clouds can transform into various divine weapons, making it the most lethal in cloud battles."

"The Blood Cloud technique is the most peculiar. It can use the cloud energy to rebound on the caster. Once entangled by blood clouds, it's impossible to break free quickly; both vitality and cloud energy will be excessively depleted. If victorious in a cloud battle, it inflicts the most damage directly upon the enemy."

"The Thunder Cloud technique can amplify the power of lightning magic."

"There's also the less common Freezing Cloud technique..."

"However, the path of cloud magic is primarily about dominance. I believe the most dominant is the Devouring Cloud technique! It's also a spell I was quite familiar with in my previous life."

"It can cleave and devour the enemy's cloud energy, turning it into one's own, and even temporarily gain the effects of other cloud techniques."

"Its core principle is dominance, and in large-scale melees, the more it fights, the stronger it becomes."

"My elementary cloud magic already subtly hints at the Devouring Cloud technique, but it's still not perfect, merely an effect achieved through my manipulation skills and experience."

After some reflection, Zhao Xing confirmed what he desired. Only then did he open his eyes and gaze at the scroll.

The enlightenment scene depicted in the scroll was a sea of clouds. Within the sea of clouds were various shapes, some resembling mountaintops, representing more common cloud techniques. Zhao Xing quickly passed them by. Others were shaped like weapons; these were Soldier Cloud techniques, and Zhao Xing skipped those too. Some clouds were colorful. With a thought from Zhao Xing, these clouds also drifted past him. He maintained a single thought: He wanted the Devouring Cloud technique!

"Why haven't I found it yet? Didn't they say this Myriad Cloudscape Painting grants wishes?"

"Is it a fake?"

Zhao Xing felt his resolve was firm enough. By all accounts, he should have easily found the Devouring Cloud technique. Yet, many types of clouds had drifted past his eyes, but he hadn't found what he wanted.

"Devouring Cloud technique, I want the Devouring Cloud technique!" Zhao Xing shouted in his mind.

Suddenly—

The clouds before his eyes vanished, all of them drifting away, revealing a clear blue sky.

"Is it over? Is it really a fake? That can't be... Hmm?"

As Zhao Xing wondered, he suddenly looked in one direction. He saw all the clouds he had just witnessed drifting towards that direction. On the distant horizon, a swirling vortex of pitch-black clouds appeared. The vortex absorbed all the clouds into itself. Each time a cloud was absorbed, it pulsed once, and then grew slightly larger. At this terrifying rate of absorption, the black cloud rapidly expanded, filling Zhao Xing's entire field of vision in the blink of an eye.

A hum reverberated. Zhao Xing was also absorbed into the black cloud vortex.

At the center of the cloud vortex, specks of black light entered Zhao Xing's body. Zhao Xing's body flickered, bathed in black light, appearing exceptionally sinister and alluring. It flickered seven times in total before the blackness gradually subsided.

The next moment, Zhao Xing in the real world opened his eyes. Four meters above his head, a patch of ink-black dark clouds appeared, with a massive vortex at its center.

"Devouring Cloud technique! This is the Devouring Cloud technique!" Zhao Xing looked up, a hint of joy in his expression.

Whoosh! The teaching scroll suddenly combusted, quickly turning into ashes.

Unlike other teaching scrolls, the supreme "Myriad" series offers only one chance for comprehension. However, the Myriad Cloudscape Painting's effect was far more potent! During Zhao Xing's comprehension, the black light flickered seven times as it attached to him, proving that he had comprehended this spell to the seventh stage of mastery! Reaching the seventh stage in one go demonstrated the intensity of its effect.

"Under the effect of a supreme teaching scroll, unless one's talent is exceptionally poor, comprehending a spell to only the first or second stage won't happen."

"With normal talent, comprehending the desired cloud magic in this single opportunity can reach the third to sixth stage."

"The seventh stage is the limit for a Rank 4 cloudscape teaching."

Although it couldn't compare to the "Myriad Spirit Blessings" found in the great spirit mountains, the effect was still very good. After all, how rare were Myriad Spirit Blessings? They typically only appeared during major mountain closures or openings. Teaching scrolls, however, could be mass-produced, making their acquisition much more stable by comparison.

"With the Devouring Cloud technique, my intermediate-level Four Heavenly Techniques are barely complete." Zhao Xing felt a sense of relief. Once the Four Heavenly Techniques were complete, combining them would yield greater power. Of course, the Yin Wind technique Zhao Xing had learned couldn't be considered a normal intermediate-level wind technique, and it offered no significant boost when paired with the Devouring Cloud technique. However, other spells, such as casting the Devouring Cloud technique before summoning lightning, would be much more powerful than before, and the same applied to rain magic. The Four Heavenly Techniques were so named because they were interconnected and could enhance each other. Similarly, the Four Earthly Techniques—Profound Earth, Earth Repository, Earth Cleave, and Nether Palace—were also related to each other.

"The last scroll."

"A Rank 4 mid-grade teaching scroll: Earth Cleave."

After a short rest, Zhao Xing opened the last box and pulled out the scroll.

Boom!

Zhao Xing felt the ground beneath his feet tremble violently, and a large mountain ahead also shook intensely. Crack! Crack! Crack! Fissures appeared in the earth, bottomless cracks spewing forth terrifying telluric energy.

Hiss! Zhao Xing was about to jump across a fissure when unexpectedly, a fiery red pillar of light suddenly erupted from ahead. Scorching magma, incredibly hot, splashed nearby, melting the hard boulders beside it. Zhao Xing quickly retreated, but a fissure also appeared behind him. More violent telluric energy emerged, but this time, it manifested as the familiar Yin Wind! His soul felt as if it would be blown away, and Zhao Xing felt himself swaying precariously.

Just as he gritted his teeth and held on, suddenly—

Boom!

A tremendous roar resounded, as the mountain peak in front split into two halves, and massive boulders tumbled down from above. Zhao Xing tried to dodge, but found that unknown vines had appeared beneath his feet at some point, like creeping insects, rapidly enveloping him. He managed to struggle free with great difficulty.

Gurgle, gurgle! A fountain surprisingly erupted beneath his feet, launching Zhao Xing into the air. As he descended in a freefall,

Clang!

A sharp object pierced his chest. It was a massive stone sword that had emerged from the ground. He was completely impaled. Pain, tearing, yet strangely, Zhao Xing's mind grew clearer. Just like with the previous Yin Wind and magma, he could still observe the mysteries of these terrifying phenomena.

Thus, Zhao Xing remained impaled by the stone sword, suspended horizontally in the air, observing the horrifying scenes unfolding on the earth.

A hum reverberated. Half an hour later, Zhao Xing opened his eyes.

You have comprehended the Rank 4 mid-grade teaching scroll "Earth Cleave." You have comprehended the intermediate-level spell "Five Elements Earth Cleave." Remaining comprehension attempts: 3.

Five Elements Earth Cleave: Intermediate-level spellProgress: Third Stage (3546/9999)Effect: Telluric currents surge wildly, causing chaos in the world, using random Five Elements telluric energy for attacks.

"Five Elements Earth Cleave technique? I actually comprehended this specific spell among the Earth Cleave techniques." Zhao Xing's expression was odd. "This Earth Cleave painting contained many types of Earth Cleave techniques, yet I happened to comprehend this one?"

Zhao Xing's odd expression was entirely due to this spell's nickname. The Five Elements Earth Cleave technique was also known as the "Gambler's Battle Technique"! This spell's effectiveness in combat depended entirely on luck. It would randomly manifest one or more of the Five Elements' effects. When strong, it was terrifyingly powerful. With all Five Elements appearing, one spell was equivalent to five! When weak, casting the Five Elements Earth Cleave technique would only produce a tiny sapling, serving merely as a distraction in battle.

"The telluric currents differ from place to place. For instance, the telluric currents in Nanyang Commandery are very stable. Yet this spell can only unleash its maximum power in areas with violent telluric currents."

"The Gambler's Battle Technique relies entirely on luck. That's acceptable, though. My chances of rolling all Five Elements should be decent." Thinking of this, Zhao Xing felt a slight comfort. After all, he now possessed Rank 3 fortune. When encountering "luck-based" spells like this, the chance of triggering a major success was relatively high. Most other spells, however, had strong stability. Fortune would only be triggered when one was newly initiated and at a low cultivation realm. Of course, there were chances of both success and failure. Great fluctuations in spell power were actually a manifestation of unstable spell control during the novice stage. Once one had mastered a spell and their essence gathering level and realm increased, it would become much more stable, and the trigger probability would become very low. During combat, occasionally reaching a peak state could slightly increase spell power. As for breakthroughs during combat? That probability was extremely low.

"I'll see if I get a chance to use it in the future. If there's truly an opportunity to gamble on luck, or if I encounter an extreme geographical environment, I could indeed use this technique."

The first three scrolls had all exceeded his expectations. The last one, however, was merely satisfactory.

On October 4th, Zhao Xing was a guest at the Zong residence.On October 5th, Zhao Xing was a guest at the Xue residence.On October 6th, Zhao Xing was a guest at the Chen residence.

During his five days at the Zong residence, two of the teaching scrolls had been fully comprehended. He had initially planned to visit Old Sīnóng to comprehend another technique, but unexpectedly, after only one night's stay, Xue Wenzhong had to go to the commandery city to visit his grandson, Xue Bo. Thus, on October 6th, he arrived as a guest at Chen Shijie's residence.

At dusk, a mysterious guest also arrived outside the Chen residence. Chen Shijie was conducting daily training in the front hall's training grounds, while Zhao Xing was meditating in the Pear Garden.

Suddenly, Chen Shijie detected an unusual fluctuation in the breeze, and abruptly looked outwards. Through the main gate, he saw a blurred black silhouette appear outside.

"Who dares to spy on this official?!"

"Chen Shijie, such impressive official prestige!" The black silhouette ceased wavering, stabilized its form, and transmitted a secret message, an aged voice entering Chen Shijie's ear.

Hearing the voice, Chen Shijie's face instantly lit up with joy: "Long Xiao? Why are you here so early?!"

"How dull. I even altered my voice, and you still recognized me?" The silhouette's voice returned to normal.

"You and I are brothers; I'd recognize you even if you turned to ash." Chen Shijie smiled. "But why did you arrive so early?"

"Shouldn't you invite me in first?" Long Xiao asked.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Please, come in."

As Chen Shijie finished speaking, the figure outside the main gate leaped over, appearing within the training grounds. Long Xiao lowered his black cloak, revealing his true appearance. He had sharp, sword-like eyebrows and bright, star-like eyes. A greatsword was strapped to his back. Standing in the training grounds, his entire being resembled a drawn, sharp sword.

"Good lad, your Divine Firmament Sword Art has improved again." Chen Shijie observed him, praising.

"You haven't been idle either. In the five years since you left the Divine Might Army, your senses have become even keener." Long Xiao stared intently at Chen Shijie. "I just arrived outside your residence, and you already detected me."

The two exchanged glances, and burst into hearty laughter. They both realized that neither had grown complacent in the years they had been apart. With just a glance, they knew the other was still the same like-minded brother from before!

"Come, let's go inside and talk."

The two walked side by side into the main hall.

At this moment, Zhao Xing, having finished his comprehension, also walked outside the hall. Although he hadn't heard Long Xiao's voice, he had heard Chen Shijie's.

"Commander Chen, is something the matter?"

"Nothing, a guest has arrived. You've come at a good time; come in, I'll introduce you."

Upon entering, Zhao Xing saw Long Xiao beside Chen Shijie, his expression showing a hint of surprise.

"Hmm?" Long Xiao acutely noticed the change in Zhao Xing's expression. "You seem to know me?"

Of course I know you, Marquis Divine Firmament Long Xiao... I even worked under you before, but what year was he ennobled as a marquis? It wasn't during the Jingxin era; I think it was the Dazhi era?

"No, I don't. I merely felt that your aura is astonishing, like a sharp sword. I was simply awed by your imposing presence." Zhao Xing cupped his hands, bowed his head, and quickly composed himself.

Long Xiao nodded, then turned to Chen Shijie: "Is this the lad you mentioned? He seems rather ordinary."

Chen Shijie calmly replied: "He's still young and hasn't encountered many sword experts like you. If he trains in the military for a decade or more, you might even have to rely on him for your livelihood."

"Oh? It's one thing to rely on you, a military Sīnóng, for my livelihood, but you say I'll rely on *him*?" Long Xiao scrutinized Zhao Xing again. He had just thought Zhao Xing was merely ordinary, subdued by his aura. However, after Chen Shijie's words, he looked more closely, and noticed Zhao Xing's extraordinary bearing.

"Zhao Xing, let me introduce you. This is Long Xiao, the Winged Cavalry Commander of the Divine Might Army, and also my good brother."

"Greetings, General." Zhao Xing cupped his hands. Winged Cavalry Commander was a Rank 7 official position, meaning Long Xiao was at least a Rank 7 expert, if not higher.

"No need for formalities. I haven't resumed my official military post yet; I only hold a nominal rank." Long Xiao waved his hand.

"Have a seat." Chen Shijie said.

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and took a seat. Although outwardly calm at the moment, he was inwardly quite surprised. Because the current Winged Cavalry Commander Long Xiao and the Marquis Divine Firmament were vastly different. The current Long Xiao's personality was rather outgoing and cheerful, whereas the Marquis Divine Firmament was calm, reserved, and even somewhat melancholic. Zhao Xing had not heard of Chen Shijie in his previous life, but now it seemed Chen Shijie was part of the Divine Might Army. Long Xiao eventually became a Martial Marquis, but Old Chen remained unnamed. Did he die prematurely?

"So Long Xiao also came from the Divine Might Army. Then his current superior is the Marquis Divine Might?"

"The Marquis Divine Might is gone, Old Chen is gone, and this army seems to have been annihilated in..." Zhao Xing carefully recalled, but couldn't remember at the moment. After all, when he was on missions, the Divine Might Army no longer existed.

"You still haven't told me how you managed to get here so quickly from Xier Commandery. Such a long distance; even if you set off the day you received the letter, and even if you took the army's Dragon Head Warship, there's no way you should have arrived this fast, right?" Chen Shijie's words suddenly enlightened Zhao Xing. The mention of "Six Pacified Barbarian Commanderies" and "Xier Commandery" made him recall some things.

However, he wasn't entirely sure yet, so he decided to listen more closely.

Long Xiao chuckled: "I didn't take the Dragon Head Warship. I came by borrowing a path from Lihuo Dao Academy, first arriving at Dayuan Prefecture, then Nanyang Commandery."

"What do you think, wasn't that quite something from me, brother? After borrowing the Fiery Path, we'll have to travel at least eighty thousand li on our way back to repay True Monarch Lihuo's favor."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing subconsciously used his Five Elements Observation technique to glance at Long Xiao. He saw a faint yet extremely high-quality layer of fire elemental energy entwined around the man's body. If his own cultivation level were higher, he would probably be able to discern that this fire elemental energy would form an image of a deity.

His observation naturally didn't escape Long Xiao's senses. Long Xiao asked with considerable curiosity: "Young man, did you understand?"

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and replied: "I understand. What General refers to as borrowing the Fiery Path is using the Lihuo Divine Altar of the Lihuo Dao Academy, a fire escape formation capable of extraordinary distances, to instantly arrive at the Lihuo branch academy in Dayuan Prefecture from Xier Commandery, which is tens of thousands of li away."

"Not bad." Long Xiao nodded slightly. "Then do you know why I have to walk eighty thousand li back?"

Zhao Xing continued: "Since it's borrowed, it must be repaid. True Monarch Lihuo, enshrined by Lihuo Dao Academy, was a figure from ancient times. Fearing his disciples couldn't guard the Lihuo Divine Altar, he cast a spell and made a grand Heavenly and Earthly Vow."

"Any outsider who uses the Lihuo Divine Altar, no matter how far they teleport, must then, relying solely on their feet and physical body, without using any magic, walk double the distance of the borrowed Fiery Path."

"The path General borrowed must be a round trip, approximately forty thousand li. Therefore, after completing the borrowing, you must walk eighty thousand li to consider True Monarch Lihuo's favor repaid."

"Correct, you have some insight." Long Xiao was a little surprised. For a mere Sīnóng clerk to know about the Seventy-Two Dao Academies of Great Zhou showed his extensive knowledge. In this regard, he at least met the requirements for a military Sīnóng. To know the world and its affairs is to be able to quickly adapt wherever one goes. And a military Sīnóng's rapid adaptation to unfamiliar environments meant that their accompanying army could also quickly adapt and establish a foothold.

"I told you not to underestimate him." Chen Shijie smiled. "Being young doesn't mean having shallow knowledge."

"Hahahahaha, indeed." Long Xiao laughed heartily. "But you, young man, are too reserved. Why do you keep calling me General? I told you, I haven't resumed my original post yet. Be bolder, call me Big Brother Long."

Zhao Xing didn't know what to say. He had simply seen Long Xiao and activated certain habits. Then Long Xiao pointed at Chen Shijie: "Call him Old Chen the Second."

Amidst Zhao Xing's slightly stunned expression, Chen Shijie let out a cold laugh: "Trying to take advantage of me in various ways, are we? Once we're back in the army, I'll definitely make you go hungry for a few meals!"

"Hahahahaha. My mistake, my mistake, I admit it." Long Xiao quickly laughed off the matter: "Brother Chen, Elder Brother Chen, you're the greatest. Let's talk about serious business now."

"Now, your younger brother here has arrived twenty days early, and I guarantee no one knows about it. Can I help you round up all the Xuan Tian Cult's strongholds here?"