The Goods Are in Hand! Open a Volcano!

Xia Jing? Chen Shijie and Long Xiao were also stunned. Of course they knew Xia Jing; he was Xia Hou's most outstanding son.

Yu Ziqi didn't know Xia Jing, nor had he ever heard of this genius. He was even Heart Sword than Long Xiao and basically didn't pay attention to these things.

However, Yu Ziqi was very obedient; when told to stop, he immediately stopped.

The flying sword hovered at four points: Xia Jing's nose, neck, chest, and groin, but it couldn't pierce through completely.

However, this also terrified Xia Jing, especially the flying sword in his lower body, which had already pierced through his armor and cut his skin.

Zhao Xing had called a halt any later, he would have had to go to the palace to serve.

"Xia Jing? Are you really Xia Jing?"

"It's me." Xia Jing was pinned down by four flying swords and dared not move at all.

What was the first food I gave you?

"Ugh~"

"Okay, you don't need to say anything more, it really is you."

"Quick, let's find somewhere to hide before we talk."

Everything happened too fast; the battle between Seventh Grade cultivators was over in the blink of an eye.

This wasn't the place to talk, so the six of them immediately retreated to the fourth-tier area and found an abandoned stone mine to crawl into.

"Hey buddy, what are you doing here?" Zhao Xing handed Xia Jing a plaster. "And in this state."

"Aren't you here too?" Xia Jing asked.

"My Divine Might Army has always been to the east of the Fire Demon Tribe, while your Black Armor Army is to the north, isn't it?"

"It's a long story," said a Fire Demon Tribe clansman standing nearby. "Actually, it has something to do with you, Brother Zhao."

"Huh? You are...?"

Upon hearing this, Guan Junyang touched his earlobe and returned to his original appearance.

"Brother Guan?" Zhao Xing exclaimed in realization. "So it's you."

"That hurts, Brother Zhao," Guan Junyang said quietly. "You recognized Brother Xia's voice right away, but it took you so long to recognize me."

"Ahem." Zhao Xing coughed twice tactically; you can't blame him.

His relationship with Guan Junyang was indeed just so-so. In the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, Guan Junyang was in the Celestial Timing Academy, and they didn't have much interaction.

"Didn't you mention the Earth Fire Lotus to me before?" Xia Jing said. "When I went back and checked, I found that this thing only grows in the Flame Mountain of the Southern Barbarians."

"Later, when we were going to the Fire Demon Tribe, we found that the most cost-effective thing was the Earth Fire Lotus, so we thought of stealing some fifth-tier seeds."

Zhao Xing did mention the Earth Fire Lotus to Xia Jing. When he was doing the advanced mission in the Military Realm, he also shared some information with Xia Jing, Zhuang Ziqing, Cao Shuang, and others.

Because the demand for advanced missions in the Military Realm is so high, one person can't complete them all.

It's perfectly fine to use it as a gift to someone.

Most people wouldn't be able to accept a favor from Zhao Xing, because advanced tasks aren't something everyone can do; without some skill, you can only watch.

But Xia Jing is different; he not only can do it, but he also dares to put it into action.

"You came here for this?" Zhao Xing asked. It made sense that there were experts in the Black Armor Army who could Earth Fire Lotus.

"There are some other things." Xia Jing thought for a moment and didn't hide anything. "My father once planted a spy in Fire Dragon Pass."

"Although I made meritorious contributions in the Black Armor Army quite quickly, if I want to command an army on my own, I must have a record of achievements."

"The Earth Fire Lotus is secondary; I'm here to find out about the military deployment of Fire Dragon Pass."

Military espionage?

Zhao Xing glanced at Old Chen.

The latter couldn't help but shake his head.

The Divine Might Army has too shallow a foundation; let alone planting military spies, it was even scattered a few years ago.

The reorganization has been ongoing for less than two years; where would we find spies to plant? Besides, there's no time to do so.

"How did you get in?" Long Xiao asked suspiciously. "Did you also sneak in?"

"Escape?" Xia Jing was taken aback. "What escape? Did you escape from the front?"

"No way, there are so many Magic Array, mechanisms, and secret passages underground in Fire Dragon Pass, how could you escape here?" Guan Junyang was also taken aback.

"Then how did you get in?" Yu Ziqi asked.

"Of course, I was picked up by someone. We were in the southwest section of the Flame Mountain. We found a spy to pick me up and brought me in. I hid in the mountains for about half a month beforehand," Xia Jing said.

"Over there? How come you can stay there for so long?"

"I have a Fifth-Tier Premium Fire Resistance Set, don't you have one?"

"..."

Chen Shijie, Yu Ziqi, and Long Xiao were all somewhat melancholy.

Comparing yourself to others will only make you miserable.

Xia Jing is only Seventh Grade, yet he's already wearing a Fifth-Tier Premium set.

And there's more than one set.

Their Thousand Transformations set is a complete set, unlike Zhao Xing and his group who only bought headgear.

In terms of variation alone, the headgear is only 20% less effective than the entire outfit.

But Xia Jing has the financial resources and confidence to strive for excellence.

The dual identities of a genius in the Xuanjia Army and the heir of the Xiahou clan made it easy for Xia Jing to infiltrate Huolong Pass.

How do I get in? It's simple, just find a spy to pick me up.

That's how easily they put it.

"To get you in here, your status as a spy must be quite high."

"It's not low-ranking; he's in charge of personnel transfers," Xia Jing said. "But it's not high-ranking either. I didn't expect that the fifth-tier area would require a password; it was a real miscalculation. He almost died at the hands of his own people."

"I didn't expect you to come either," Zhao Xing said. "And how did you learn to be so cunning? You weren't like this before."

"In times of emergency, we must act expediently; who cares about underhanded tactics?" Xia Jing chuckled. "Isn't that what you told me during training?"

The fact that the crown Heir Apparent was showing signs of becoming the sixth prince, and that it was due to his own influence, left Zhao Xing with mixed feelings.

"Alright, enough chit-chat, let's get to the point," Chen Shijie said. "You went to the fifth-tier Earth Fire Spirit Lake, how was it? Did you get anything?"

"No." Xia Jing shook her head.

"Nothing?" Yu Ziqi snorted coldly, pointing to the box behind them. "Then what's this? We don't want yours, we just want to ask about the situation."

Xia Jing didn't argue and simply opened her and Guan Junyang's suitcases.

When Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie looked inside, they found that the seeds were indeed all fourth-order seeds.

"How could this happen? Aren't you going back to the same old path?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I also want to know why," Xia Jing said. "I saw the Earth Fire Lotus, but I just couldn't get my hands on it."

"I think it might be Mountain Sealing Spell," Guan Junyang sighed. "The fifth-tier Earth Fire Spirit Lake area is located inside the Flame Mountain and has been subjected to a 'Mountain Sealing Spell.'"

"The Mountain Sealing Spell?" Zhao Xing recalled the scene when East Lake Mountain was opened up.

One section of the Mountain Sealing Spell" states: "Roads may be passed, and vegetation shall not be harmed. Mountains may be entered, but no beasts shall be seen."

The general idea is that if you go into a closed-off area, you won't see any wild animals, and naturally you won't be able to hunt them.

Even the flowers, plants, and trees cannot be harmed, because they are all affected by the advanced Mountain Sealing Spell.

The situations at Flame Mountain and East Lake Mountain are different.

It didn't seal off the entire mountain, nor did it invite the "Eight Directions True Lord" to protect it; it was purely sealed off with magic.

The sealing and opening of mountains by the Great Zhou were all achieved with the help of the power of the Yin Spirit.

Therefore, even a Ninth Grade Agricultural Official in the Great Zhou Spirit Mountain could open or close a low-level Spirit Mountain.

However, both the Mountain Opening Method and the Mountain Sealing Spell are high-level methods, and since there is no Yin Spirit system in the Southern Barbarians, they cannot borrow Yin Spirit.

Therefore, it is said that there are powerful Daoist practitioners here who have sealed off the planting area for the fifth-order Earth Fire Lotus.

"This is troublesome," Zhao Xing said, frowning. "Old Chen, can you solve this?"

"I don't know." Chen Shijie shook his head. "High-level sealing spells vary slightly from person to person. We'll have to wait and see. But even if we can break it, it will definitely alert that person."

"Brother Xia, can your retreat route accommodate four more people?" Zhao Xing asked.

His original plan was to retrieve the item and return the way he came without alerting the guards at Fire Dragon Pass.

However, obtaining a fifth-tier seed would inevitably alert the guards.

Once the guards are alerted, trying to return the way you came is practically a death sentence.

Xia Jing fell into deep thought.

If they cause a big commotion, the spies his father planted here might be exposed.

Xia Jing also wanted to attack Fire Dragon Pass, and he had already persuaded the commander of the Black Armor Army to send him an elite force.

He also hoped to use these black disks when fighting the Fire Dragon Pass.

Is it worth using it now?

"Brother Zhao, the four of you can retreat with me, but it's best not to alert the guards. The fifth-tier Earth Fire Spirit Lake isn't absolutely necessary, but we'll need these spies next time we attack Fire Dragon Pass."

"The Black Armor Army can cooperate with the Divine Might Army," Xia Jing said. "After taking Fire Dragon Pass, including continuing the fight, the credit will be enough for both of us to share."

After Xia Jing finished speaking, Zhao Xing also fell into thought.

He exchanged opinions with Old Chen via telepathy.

"I think Xia Jing makes a good point. What do you think?"

"It's something that would benefit both sides, and it's certainly something we can do," Chen Shijie said. "I can persuade the general to cooperate."

The general here does not refer to Liao Rulong, but to Jia Pu is temporarily acting as the Divine Might General.

Wen Shaoyang and Liao Rulong will only cooperate if he gives the order.

Otherwise, cooperation between the two armies could easily lead to problems.

"As for whether or not to take the fifth-tier seed, that depends on your decision," Chen Shijie said. "You know the advanced Origin Analysis Technique, so the Earth Fire Lotus will have to be planted by you first."

"I don't think it's necessary to take this risk," Zhao Xing said. "If we really open this mountain, we might not be able to escape. Only powerful people can use advanced Mountain Opening Method."

"Then let's retreat."

In just a few words, the plan was changed again.

Zhao Xing said to Xia Jing, "Brother Xia, we have cancelled our plan to steal the fifth-tier seed and will retreat now; you can come to Zhiyou City to discuss the cooperation later."

"Aren't you retreating with us?" Xia Jing asked.

"No, with four more people, it'll be difficult to manage your dishes. It's safer for us to return the way we came without alerting the guards," Zhao Xing said. "Brother Guan, do you know any escape techniques? If so, you could consider coming with us."

Leaving Xia Jing's spy behind will be of great use in attacking Fire Dragon Pass.

The Divine Might Army doesn't have this kind of assistance.

"I don't know how," Guan Junyang, somewhat embarrassed.

He was from the Celestial Timing Academy, and his escape techniques were only so-so. Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing both had high-level escape techniques, so how could Guan Junyang possibly know this?

It's not impossible to bring an extra person using the escape technique, but this would also multiply the energy consumption.

Just to be on the safe side, everyone should retreat in their own way and not go together.

"Brother Xia, take care."

"The same to you."

Without much conversation, the six quickly parted ways.

Zhao Xing and his three companions began to return along the original route.

They first emerged from the Lava Cavern and arrived at the ruins outside.

Then it disappeared into the underground space.

The Thousand Transformations were activated, and the four people reappeared as Luo Ba, Xu Ba, Huo Wei, La He.

They swaggered back into the underground cave to change shifts.

He then used his escape technique to return the way he came and left Fire Dragon Pass.

When they reached a distance of thirty li, Zhang Ying and Xu Quan's two groups of Five Elements sorcerers were still waiting in the cave.

"Whoosh~"

The Five Elements sorcerer immediately became alert.

"Don't make a move, we're on the same side," Chen Shijie said.

"Brother Chen, you're back!" Zhang Ying and Xu Quan smiled. "How did it go?"

"It's hard to say yet," Chen Shijie said. "Let's go back first."

"Zhao Xing and I are almost exhausted. Please lead the way."

"No problem."

Zhang Ying and Xu Quan immediately used their escape techniques, and several groups of people took turns casting spells, carefully escaping underground.

They didn't return to the ground until they were a hundred miles away from Fire Dragon Pass, and then took a flying boat back.

"Phew~"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

This mission is quite dangerous, after all, it's the Fire Dragon Pass.

Infiltrating in is not easy, and coming out is not easy either.

Once alerted, they are outnumbered and outgunned, making it difficult for them to escape.

However, Zhang Ying and Xu Quan had no idea that Zhao Xing, who understood the system, was leading the way.

They encountered no trouble at all on their trip.

The biggest trouble actually came from Xia Jing and Guan Junyang, who almost killed their own people. Who knows what kind of people will come to spy on them.

Zhiyou City.

"Phew~"

The flying boat descended from the sky, where Liao Rulong and Pu Zhong had been waiting for a long time.

"Old Chen, how are you?"

Liao Rulong ran over, full of anticipation.

"It's not quite done, but it's close enough," Chen Shijie said.

"What do you mean?" Liao Rulong asked anxiously. "Will it work or not?"

"That depends on whether Zhao Xing can grow a fifth-order Earth Fire Lotus," Chen Shijie said. "If he can grow even one, we can consider it a success, but we've only found fourth-order seeds."

"The Earth Fire Lotus is a rare item among fifth-tier plants, and its growth conditions are quite demanding. Please do not blame me if it does not work out, Commandant."

Chen Shijie was giving Liao Rulong a heads-up, not wanting Liao Rulong to have too high expectations.

It's normal if it doesn't work out; it would be a pleasant surprise if it did.

"Of course, of course." Liao Rulong rubbed his hands together and looked at Zhao Xing. "Little Zhao, just do your job. If you need anything, just say so. I'll transfer Old Chen's Nine Section Battalion to you."

"If that's not enough, I'll send you more Agricultural Official from the supply cities in the rear."

"That's enough," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands in greeting. "Captain, there's no need to mobilize any more people. I'll start planting first."

"Alright, alright, then I'll wait for your good news." Liao Rulong gave a few simple instructions and left expectantly, not wanting to waste Zhao Xing's time.

Are there any active volcanoes near Zhiyou City?

"No, the Flame Mountain Range in the Fire Demon Tribe Clan's territory has created Earth Vein aggregation effect. There are no active volcanoes within a hundred miles, including in the Wolf God's territory."

Where can I find it?

"There is an active volcano near the Blazing Sun Army's City Thirty-Two," Chen Shijie pondered. "However, our army's relationship with the Blazing Sun Army is so-so; I wonder if they would be willing to lend us the land."

To Earth Fire Lotus a large scale, you first need a volcano, which will reduce the difficulty of growth and speed up the process.

Zhao Xing didn't need that. His Instant Primordial, even when combined with ordinary earth fire, could cause a fourth-order Earth Fire Lotus seed to evolve into a fifth-order seed after it matured.

After the fifth-order Earth Fire Lotus matures, the seeds it produces will be fifth-order.

At this time, other Agricultural Official can also begin planting.

They no longer need to break through the shackles of growth, because the seed is already at the fifth level.

However, if there are insufficient growth conditions, it may degenerate back to the third or fourth stage.

Therefore, volcanoes are necessary, otherwise no one else can grow them!

The robes made by the Earth Fire Lotus are meant to equip the entire army. It's impossible for Zhao Xing alone to supply tens of thousands of soldiers with the equipment in a short period of time.

"Who is the commander of City Thirty-Two?" Zhao Xing asked. "Surely they wouldn't refuse to let me borrow a volcano?"

"Look at the advanced and basic quests that are currently appearing in the Military Realm Earth Mirror. They are all related to fire-attribute plants."

"Active volcanoes may not have been taken seriously before, but now they have become a resource."

"Can we choose another place?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Any further and we'd have to retreat to the border of Yingyuan Prefecture and plant them in the Phoenix Cry Mountain Range."

"However, the entire army is currently occupying territory, so borrowing the volcano will probably be difficult," Chen Shijie said. "Let's see how well Captain Liao handles the communication."

"If all else fails, we can use an extinct volcano," Zhao Xing said. "I know Volcano Art. If there's an extinct volcano, I can create an active one."

"If there isn't even a single extinct volcano, then the delay will be quite long."

Volcano Art is indeed a high-level technique, but Zhao Xing's Volcano Art is only at the Third-Turn, which is the entry level, not even reaching the level of minor Chengdu.

Creating a volcano is not something that can be done in ten days or half a month.

Half a day later.

Liao Rulong hurriedly found Zhao Xing.

"I've found one!"

"There is a volcano in East Mulberry City of the Wolf God Tribe."

"Captain, what's the situation?" Zhao Xing asked.

"It hasn't erupted for a century, but there's still smoke and steam rising," Liao Rulong asked. "Will this work?"

"Reporting to the Commandant, all I can say is that I'll give it a try," Zhao Xing said.

"Go ahead and try." Liao Rulong was also a little ashamed. "It was my oversight that I didn't think of occupying a volcano."

Actually, it's not Liao Rulong's fault. Who would have thought of using a volcano as a resource before this?

When Zhao Xing began his plan, volcanoes had already become a scarce resource.

First come, first served; after all, the Fire Demon Tribe Clan has such a large army that their demand for resources in this area is skyrocketing.

"East Mulberry City is garrisoned by Jiang Ming of the Sea Pacifying Army, but I have already spoken to him," Liao Rulong said. "He is willing to vacate it, but after you succeed, you must also allow their Agricultural Official to grow things there."

"No problem." Zhao Xing nodded. "Let's not delay, let's set off now."

The 10,000-word update is finished. I'll calculate how much I owe another day.