Grotto Heaven Spiritual Wonder Had Arrived!

Early in the morning of March 2nd, Zhao Xing received a message from the Earth Mirror.

[Liu Tianning invites you to join the "Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven Top Exploration Team." Will you accept the invitation?]

"So fast? Old Liu is reliable!" Zhao Xing was overjoyed.

He had assumed that Liu Tianning would not have time to arrange the investigation team after Princess Youruo came to his door.

Therefore, after leaving the Ten Thousand Laws Palace yesterday, he immediately sent a message to Xia Jing, asking him to obtain the "Investigator Quota" as soon as possible.

If he still hadn't received a letter by today, he planned to talk to Tian Yan about it.

Having multiple options means you can succeed with any one of them.

Unexpectedly, Liu Tianning is so reliable.

It's all done today!

"Accept!" Zhao Xing quickly chose to accept.

Several more messages then appeared in the Earth Mirror.

You have joined the "Ten Suns Grotto Heaven Top Exploration Team"!

[Liu Tianning appoints you as Senior Explorer! You have obtained the qualification of Senior Explorer.]

[Liu Tianning appoints you as the Deputy Envoy of the "Ten Suns Grotto Heaven Top Exploration Team". You now have the authority to invite and dismiss other members.]

[Number of members in the "Ten Suns Grotto Heaven Top Exploration Team": 2/30]

[Ten Suns Grotto Heaven Top Exploration Team Mission (Currently Unavailable), can be submitted proactively (All Categories, All Regions).]

"The teacher is awesome!" Zhao Xing couldn't help but exclaim. "That's what you call professional!"

He originally expected Liu Tianning to only form an exploration team, with at most three or four members, but he didn't expect him to form an entire exploration team!

With access to all categories and regions, he can now go anywhere in Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

Furthermore, directly appointing him as the "Deputy Head of the Team" would grant him the authority to recruit people.

"He's so efficient, no wonder Wu Emperor likes him," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "Besides, he has so many clones, what's one Princess Youruo Ruo to him? A hundred wouldn't be enough. I underestimated him."

At the very end of the Earth Mirror, there was a private message from Liu Tianning.

[Your access has been granted. Please refrain from visiting Ten Thousand Laws Palace unless absolutely necessary. Also, 10 spots have been reserved for group members; you can decide the rest yourself.]

Upon seeing this message, Zhao Xing pondered, "Liu Tianning asked me to reserve ten spots. It seems my guess was correct; someone has asked him for a favor."

"Princess Youruo, Murong Qing, and perhaps other acquaintances."

Zhao Xing had no idea about Liu Tianning's background or network of connections.

Because when he first became familiar with Liu Tianning in his previous life, Old Liu was already incredibly powerful. If he had to say what kind of background Liu had, then it would only be Wu Emperor.

However, the Liu Family of Taihe County, Daoyuan Continent, is Noble Families of over a thousand years. From the time of Grand Ancestor to the present, there have always been members of the family who have served as high-ranking officials in the imperial court. Liu Zonghai, the founder of "Liu Tradition Weaving Method", even served as Second Rank official.

Old Liu is a true descendant of a prominent Noble Families, so it's normal for him to have connections and a network of relationships.

However, although Liu Tianning is the most outstanding of this generation, he is not the current head of the Liu Family. Although his father is no longer alive, he still has several older brothers who are officials in the imperial court.

"With this qualification, things will be much easier from now on," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Zhao Xing wouldn't waste the spots. Apart from the 10 that Old Liu said he would reserve, every remaining spot was extremely precious.

Liu Tianning may not yet realize just how valuable these spots are, because the number of powerful and influential people present is relatively small. Furthermore, they only know that something good is happening, but they don't know just how significant that good fortune is.

Zhao Xing also had to anticipate that Liu Tianning would need to use the remaining quota to bring in more people.

"However, even if I can only decide to use three or four spots, it would still be a huge favor."

"Using this spot well could determine the rise and fall of a family," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

First, the allocation of the two spots was determined: Chen Shijie and Long Xiao.

These two guys definitely didn't have the connections to get the ' Senior Explorer ' qualification.

Before the quota was tightened, the qualification of Senior Explorer was not easy to obtain.

The quota for intermediate-level explorers is so long and complicated that there's no time to go through the procedures, let alone for advanced-level ones.

Old Chen and Long Xiao could seek help from Yang An, but Yang An is, after all, a military officer, and it wouldn't be as convenient for him to handle this matter as it would be for someone like Liu Tianning, who is in Agricultural Official.

With the tightening of policies, it will be even more difficult.

Because Yang An was being suppressed by the Liang King — Yang An had offended the Liang King before, and although he was reinstated, it did not mean that the Liang King had forgiven Yang An. Even if the Liang King did not speak, his factions would subconsciously suppress Yang An.

"Whether Old Chen's fate can be changed depends on this wave," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

As for Xia Jing, Zhao Xing was waiting for news from him.

If Xia Jing can handle things on his own, then he can save a spot.

When the Grotto Heaven Spiritual Wonder erupts, it's best to have as few members as possible within the group, and ideally, only familiar people, otherwise it's difficult to share the benefits.

After sending a message to Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing went out.

Zhao Xing obtained the spot on March 2nd. Everything in Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was as usual, and most people were still unaware of what was about to happen.

Until the morning of March 7th, many nobles and Noble Families families suddenly appeared in Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

That same evening, Xia Jing rushed to the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard and knocked on the door.

Zhao Xing opened the door, Xia Jing came in and said:

"Zhao Xing, you were right! Something big is about to happen!"

"Oh? What is it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"The specifics are still unclear, but my father has secured me a few positions as an investigator."

He said that only by obtaining this qualification could one participate.

"An investigator?"

"Let's not talk about this anymore." Xia Jing took out the Earth Mirror and said, "I've secured you a spot as a mid-level explorer in the Eternal Night Sea. I'm inviting you now, so please accept the invitation quickly, and we can discuss the details later."

Seeing this, Zhao Xing smiled and extended his hand, "Brother, don't rush, have a seat first."

"Don't rush?" Xia Jing said, "You have no idea what this means. My father and uncle have been making connections these past few days. Uncle Xiao (the fortune teller of the Xia Residence) had to shorten his lifespan by fifty years to get this opportunity and arranged a high-level exploration team for me in the Eternal Night Sea."

"However, although I am Senior Explorer, I can only offer you a mid-level explorer position... Hmm? Why can't I invite you?"

Xia Jing busied himself for a while, only to find that he couldn't invite Zhao Xing.

The Earth Mirror displays. "[The other party is already a Senior Explorer; invitations cannot be extended.]"

"What?" Xia Jing was taken aback. When he looked up at Zhao Xing, he had already sat down and was drinking tea.

"When... when did you become Senior Explorer?" Xia Jing asked in surprise and doubt.

"I told you not to rush," Zhao Xing said. "Sit down first, let me explain slowly."

This time, Xia Jing calmed down and sat down.

Zhao Xing had already prepared his words: "I stumbled upon this by accident."

"After I calculated that you all had good luck last time, I thought that if everyone has good luck, then this is a matter that involves the entire Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven."

"That's right, that's what my uncle said too." Xia Jing nodded.

Zhao Xing said, "It just so happened that at that time, all kinds of exploration and investigation missions related to the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven were greatly reduced, and the assessment of various qualifications was slightly tightened."

"That day, I went to find my teacher, Liu Tianning."

"The teacher was Fifth Grade Agricultural Official. He seemed to have noticed the anomaly as well, so he casually applied to create a 'top-level investigation team'."

Zhao Xing's statement completely disrupted the cause and effect, making it seem as if he was just lucky to have climbed onto Liu Tianning's coattails.

Rather than him perceiving or guiding all of this.

"Top-tier?!" Xia Jing's eyes widened. "A top-tier exploration team covering all categories and all regions, without any restrictions?"

"Yes." Zhao Xing nodded. "I'm lucky; teachers just happen to be suited for this kind of thing."

"No wonder you told me not to rush," Xia Jing said. "Turns out you already have someone better."

"Brother Xia, would you like to join my group?" Zhao Xing asked. "I can offer you a position as a Senior Explorer, the kind that isn't restricted by region."

Xia Jing asked in astonishment, "You think you can make that decision?"

Zhao Xing said, "Our teacher is busy. He created this group and then stopped managing its affairs. He appointed me as the Deputy Head of the Team, and I am free to recruit people."

"..."

Xia Jing was at a loss for words.

He thought that his distinguished family background gave him an advantage, but he never expected that Zhao Xing would not only become Senior Explorer but also control the quota.

But that's understandable.

Zhao Xing contacted Liu Tianning on March 1st, and Liu Tianning acted on the same day, approving the deal the next morning.

As for Xia Jing, it wasn't until March 4th that she figured out she needed to get a spot, and it wasn't until March 7th that the process was actually completed.

The difficulty increases dramatically if this kind of good thing is delayed even by one day.

Xia Jing is among the first batch to obtain the qualification of Senior Explorer (limited area).

A few days later, it would become extremely difficult for princes and ministers to obtain the qualification of Senior Explorer.

The spots for intermediate-level explorers are highly sought after, as they are the entry ticket.

"Your spot is very valuable. I expect someone will definitely come to your teacher to put in a good word for you later. He's giving you the authority now, but that may not be the case later," Xia Jing said. "Are you sure you can really let me in? I'm afraid it will put you in a difficult position."

"That's easy," Zhao Xing said. "Keep your exploration team. If that happens, you can transfer them back."

Xia Jing was still undecided, because he was in a great position to benefit from this, and although they had a good relationship, he couldn't just take it for free.

Zhao Xing naturally noticed Xia Jing's hesitation. "Brother Xia, given our relationship, why should we consider such worldly interests?"

"Your presence here is also helping me. My teacher will definitely try to get more people in, and your presence will increase my influence."

"If we encounter some arrogant and ignorant sons of powerful families, we'll have to rely on your father's name to protect us."

Hearing this made Xia Jing feel much better.

"OK."

Xia Jing paused, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

Zhao Xing pretended to be angry and said, "Look, you're upset again. Just say what you want to say! Don't you consider me a brother?"

Xia Jing immediately asked, "Brother Zhao, do you have any extra spots?"

"Yes, besides the places reserved for you, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, I can decide on a few more spots."

Xia Jing said, "My cousin Ji Ziyun is the heir of the Prince of Pingyang. Last time you asked me to send someone into the Hundred Weapons Academy, it was through my uncle's connections. If you agree to let him in, I will owe you a favor."

"I was originally going to come with him, but now that I'm here, my father and uncle will definitely send me to ask you to bring him along as well."

"If that's the case, I might as well speak."

Xia Jing's aunt married into the imperial family. Her family was in Pingyang County, not Pinghai Province. Instead, they were in the neighboring Yuan Pin Province, the place where the future master craftsman Yue Lingzhi, whom Zhao Xing had invested in, was located.

When Zhao Xing wanted to send Yue Lingzhi to the Hundred Weapons Daoist Academy in Yuan Pin Province and Youyuan Prefecture, Xia Jing did so through his uncle's connections.

However, Xia Jing was actually somewhat hesitant when he said this.

The main problem is that Yuan Pin Province is quite far away, Zhao Xing is in Pinghai Province, so he might not be willing to accept this favor.

"What's so difficult about that?" Zhao Xing laughed. "Of course it's possible."

Xia Jing was really overthinking things; Old Master Zhao was more than willing to make connections in other states.

"Alright, let's not delay, I'll go back and discuss it now."

"We need to hurry," Zhao Xing said. "I plan to set off tomorrow."

"Wait for my message." Xia Jing left quickly.

After Xia Jing left, Zhao Xing sent a message to Liu Tianning.

Old Liu only told him not to go to the Ten Thousand Laws Palace to disturb them, but sending messages was fine.

With so many Straw Man Art, they have plenty of time to read messages.

Sure enough, Liu Tianning replied shortly afterward.

It's still a very short sentence:

[Understood. From now on, accept favors according to this standard.]

Upon seeing the reply, Zhao Xing was deeply moved.

"There are 30 spots. Old Liu and I have taken two spots. After deducting the ten spots that Old Liu requested to reserve, and then deducting Old Chen, Long Xiao, Xia Jing, Ji Ziyun, I can decide which fourteen spots are left."

"Each spot is calculated based on the Prince's standards, and even if I hadn't gone to find Lingxiu this time, the results would have exceeded my expectations."

Zhao Xing never expected that becoming Liu Tianning's apprentice would bring him such great benefits.

Who could have imagined that the ruthless Liu the Half-Mad would now show such favoritism towards his disciple?

Given Liu Tianning's connections, he must now realize the importance of the exploration team he created!

However, he still did not revoke Zhao Xing's authority, because he wanted to help his disciple build up some connections.

The standards are not low; at the very least, one must be King Grade, or as powerful as Xia Hou Martial Marquis.

"There will inevitably be people who make things difficult for Liu Tianning, but he took on the pressure and left the favors to me, his disciple."

Zhao Xing was also amazed by the wonder of fate. In his previous life, he was beheaded by Liu Tianning and suffered psychological trauma. He never expected that in this life, he would become Liu Tianning's beloved disciple.

March 8th, 5:00 AM.

Xia Jing visited again, but this time he was accompanied by a fair-skinned young man in fine clothes.

"Zhao Xing, this is my cousin, Ji Zijun, the heir apparent of the Prince of Pingyang."

"Cousin, this is Zhao Xing, my good brother whom I met in the army. He earned a million merits in the great battle and was enfeoffed as the Marquis Yuan Rang. He is now a Sixth Rank Army Protector Commandant in the Divine Might Army."

Ji Ziyun smiled and cupped her hands, saying, "I had heard from my cousin that Marquis Yuan Rang was exceptionally talented. In just over two years, he rose from a clerk to Sixth Rank. In the Pacifying Barbarians War the barbarians, he brilliantly captured Fire Dragon Pass and Soul Offering Pass. He is truly a role model for us all. It is my honor to meet him today."

Before coming, Ji Ziyun had obviously done her homework, even finding out that Zhao Xing was a former clerk.

He spoke with utmost Guest Qi, showing no signs of being Heir Apparent.

"Heir Apparent Highness is too kind. I dare not accept such praise." Zhao Xing stepped aside to return the greeting. "Please, Your Heir Apparent, move to the courtyard and take your seats."

"Please." Ji Ziyun gestured and walked half a step behind Zhao Xing from the courtyard to the main hall.

Once they were seated in the main hall, thanks to Xia Jing's connection and the fact that they were all young, they quickly became acquainted.

Xia Jing said, "My cousin also served in the army. I remember he joined in the thirteenth Jingxin Calendar, right?"

Ji Ziyun nodded. "I joined the Responding Heaven Army in February of the thirteenth year of the Jingxin Calendar. However, there was no war at the time, so I was transferred to a civil post in September. I served in the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture for two years. During that time, I even passed through Nanyang County, but I did not go to Gucheng."

"At the beginning of the fifteenth year of the Jingxin Calendar, my grandmother passed away. I then left Yingyuan Prefecture to attend the funeral in Capital Prefecture. Afterwards, I spent three years observing mourning at Yuan Mausoleum. I only returned to Yuan Pin Province last month."

Zhao Xing cupped his hands in greeting. "Your Heir Apparent is benevolent and filial."

Ji Ziyun's grandmother was Emperor Jing's cousin by seniority. However, this cousin was younger than Emperor Jing and was not qualified to be buried in the imperial mausoleum. She could only be buried in the Yuan Mausoleum of the Imperial Clan.

In theory, there was no need to observe three years of mourning, but the Rites of Zhou had a stronger regulatory effect on the royal family.

Emperor Jing was quite strict with his relatives. During the Dingxin Reform, he killed many of his brothers, sisters, uncles, nephews, and cousins (most of whom were killed by the Prince of Liang King). As a result, Emperor Jing's relatives were very disciplined.

Ji Ziyun said, "Marquis Yuan Rang, there's no need to call me Heir Apparent Prince. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Ji, like Qilin Child does."

"Cousin, why are you bringing up my nickname out of the blue?" Xia Jing said somewhat awkwardly.

His courtesy name is Lin Yun. The Qilin is an auspicious beast, and there is a saying that one is "delighted to have Qilin Child" when one has a son. Yun means sunlight. The overall meaning of Xia Jing's courtesy name is auspicious illumination and a bright future.

When Xia Jing was born, his father was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Today I am blessed with Qilin Child!" So his nickname became Qilin, and relatives such as Ji Ziyun called him Qilin Child to show their affection.

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "In that case, I shall take the liberty of addressing you as Brother Ji. You need not address me Marquis Yuan Rang, as I have not yet adopted a courtesy name; you may simply call me by my given name."

Ji Ziyun was slightly surprised, Xia Jing explained, "Zhao Xing is only twenty-two years old. He left home to join the army and is not yet twenty. His elders at home have not yet given him a courtesy name."

"Only twenty-two?" Ji Ziyun was even more surprised. "Three years younger than Qilin Child?"

Zhao Xing, who came from Sub-Sixth Rank Army Protector Commandant at the age of only twenty-two, which is truly astonishing.

From a minor official to Sub-Sixth Rank, it only took him a little over two years. To get to where he is today without any background or connections is remarkable.

"It was just a bit of luck," Zhao Xing said modestly.

"Cousin," Xia Jing said helplessly, "Please don't call me by my nickname anymore!"

"It's a habit I've had since childhood, and I can't change it overnight," Ji Ziyun shrugged. "Besides, what's wrong with being called Qilin Child of exceptional talent)? You are, after all, the Qilin Child of the Xia Family!"

"Do you think it sounds nice to call you 'Little Badger'?"

"..."

"Hahaha." Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh at the two brothers.

After seeing Ji Ziyun and Xia Jing off, the two sides agreed to set off on March 10th, intending to occupy the land ahead of time.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie were already prepared. After receiving the notice, they simply moved into the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard.

March 9th, early morning.

"Da da da da da~"

The long-lost sound of Bamboo Horse rang out, accompanied by the faint sound of gongs and drums.

"Marquis Yuan Rang! Come out and claim your reward!"

Zhao Xing ran out and saw Gao Ming riding Bamboo Horse and stopping at the gate of the courtyard, with a group of people following behind him.

When Emperor Jing bestowed titles and rewards, he included flying boats, Jade Ruyi, and even exotic beasts.

The flying boat is the Qilin Flying Boat, Fifth-Tier Premium. This mount is not only highly effective, but also a symbol of status.

As soon as you see the Qilin Flying Boat, you know that a marquis is sitting inside.

The airship is a flying vehicle used for formal occasions.

In addition, there is a "Bronze Beast-Headed Chariot", which is also Fifth-Tier Premium.

The Azure-Eyed Dragon Lion and lion were specifically used to pull Zhao Xing Xing's carriage.

Behind Gao Ming were two strange beasts, each over three meters tall. Their heads resembled those of lions, but their limbs and bodies were covered in silver dragon scales.

The eyes are like copper bells, without eyelids, slightly protruding, and the eyeballs are bluish.

This is a hybrid dragon-type beast. Both of them are at the peak of the Earth Fiend Realm, but their combat power is comparable to that of a human martial artist at the early stage of the Heavenly Gang Realm.

"Brother Gao, why are you even delivering the rewards? Isn't that the official in charge of ceremonies?" Zhao Xing laughed. "Your job is quite extensive."

"Heh, I am one of the heads of the Yang City Director of Ceremonial Supervision," Gao Ming said smugly.

"Amazing, amazing!" Zhao Xing praised.

Gao Ming pretended for a second, then broke character and started complaining:

"Sigh, being in charge isn't easy either."

"You all go through the grand ceremony, but isn't it us errand runners who do the hard work?" Gao Ming said. "You have no idea, I've been watching over thousands of strange beasts these past few days, and I'm starting to smell like a stench."

Gao Ming made it sound so tragic.

"Brother Gao, you've worked hard."

"Don't just talk, I'm still waiting for Marquis Yuan Rang's reward." Gao Ming grinned and stretched out his hand.

"Haha, no problem." Zhao Xing had already prepared a 'red envelope' for the gift-giving official, and with a wave of his hand, more than a dozen gift boxes flew out of the room.

The large gift box flew into Gao Ming's hands, while the small gift box was distributed to the people behind him.

"Thank you for the reward, Marquis!" Gao Ming bowed formally, holding the box.

"Thank you for the reward, Marquis!" the people behind shouted in unison.

"Carry him in for the Marquis." Gao Ming waved his hand.

Before long, people came in, some leading lions, some carrying boats, and others beating drums and gongs.

Wait until the crowd leaves.

Zhao Xing was planning to take a look at the two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lion.

"Hiss~" The two dragon-lions snorted twice.

Immediately, a dark figure darted out and blocked Zhao Xing's path, crouching low and growling at the two dragon-lions.

"Meow!"

The two dragon-lion heads immediately took a few steps back.

"Hahaha, despite its size, it's not as powerful as our Heaven Defier." Long Xiao laughed.

"Is he jealous?" Chen Shijie asked with a smile, because Mountain Cat was blocking Zhao Xing's way, preventing him from passing.

Zhao Xing patted Aotian Meow's head. "That's a carriage mount, how can it compare to you, the son of Cloud Soaring Marquis? Be good~ move aside."

Aotian Meow raised its head and ran to the side.

"Zhao Xing, these two beasts aren't easy to tame. Need some help?" Long Xiao rubbed his hands together. "I beat my two tiger beasts into submission."

"No need," Zhao Xing said calmly.

He then unleashed the pressure of the Heavenly Star Realm and approached step by step.

The two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lion retreated step by step, not daring to look up at Zhao Xing.

With a "whoosh," Zhao Xing leaped onto the Bronze Beast-Headed Chariot, picked up the reins, and hissed, "Come here, put them on yourself!"

The two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lion, after being shouted at by Zhao Xing, actually obediently put themselves into the carriage ropes.

"Whoosh~" The beast heads on the chariot lit up, and two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lion raised their front hooves and roared to the sky.

Zhao Xing stood motionless on the chariot, flicked the reins, and steered the chariot at high speed across the manor's grassland.

Seeing how quickly he had subdued the two ferocious beasts, Long Xiao couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Zhao Xing's strength has improved again."

"Yes." Chen Shijie looked at the figure on the chariot and sighed. "I never thought that the young man from Gucheng would become the upright Marquis Yuan Rang in just two years."

"When you helped him back then, did you ever think that you would benefit from his success today?" Long Xiao asked with a smile.

"Who could have imagined this?" Chen Shijie shook his head. "He could easily obtain even a position like Senior Explorer."

"Let's go, there are many more good things to come." Long Xiao patted Chen Shijie on the shoulder and strode towards Zhao Xing.

Chen Shijie smiled and followed.

On March 10th, the Solar Yang in Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven disappeared one after another, leaving only a large sun hanging in the sky in the entire Grotto-Heaven.

At Tianchen, streaks of spiritual light suddenly shot into the sky from various regions.

Various strange phenomena also appeared in the sky above Yang City.

At noon, the three kings of the Military Realm announced the sealing of the entrances and exits of Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, prohibiting personnel from moving around.

At noon, the Agricultural Supervisorate announced that Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven had been upgraded to a blessed land.

The Grotto Heaven Spiritual Wonder that Zhao Xing had been looking forward to for so long has finally arrived!