The Howling Sky Dog and the Inverted Sheep: Winter Preliminary Selection
Qin Hongying instructed Zhai Zhong and Wen Ji to depart from the Azure Water Daoist Academy to discuss further cooperation.
Zhao Xing himself was preparing to leave Twin Islands.
After being busy for so long, Old Master Zhao also planned to return to Bixian County for a visit.
First, to see how Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai are doing; second, to keep track of Zhao Zheng's situation at the Azure Water Daoist Academy.
In addition, he also needs to go to the Prince's Mansion.
It's already mid-November, and he still hasn't seen the old hag. This won't do.
Relationships are built through interaction; how can you go a whole year without seeing each other?
Besides, the old witch's promise to give him the Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle Shell and the preliminary round spot haven't been finalized yet.
Hearing that she had returned to Bixian County, Zhao Xing hurried to visit her while she was still there.
He could understand why Sun Shizhao was so agitated back then.
It's really not that easy to meet Princess Youruo.
However, before leaving, Zhao Xing had to make some preparations; he couldn't go empty-handed.
"When giving gifts to the old hag, the sentiment is what matters. Go to the planting area and pick some fruit to take over."
Zhao Xing ran to a plantation on the Land Island, which was his private property.
It is surrounded by a tight Magic Array, prohibiting anyone from getting close.
Whew~
Holding a token, Zhao Xing passed through the barrier and landed in the plantation.
He brought a lot of seeds and seedlings from the Military Realm and planted them here when he came to take up his post on Twin Islands.
I've been calculating the time, and it's been almost a year already.
In fact, given Princess Youruo's status, she lacks nothing. If Zhao Xing wanted to give her a gift, he really couldn't come up with anything new or interesting.
Zhao Xing transplanted several Golden Emerald Bamboo into a bamboo forest.
Golden Emerald Bamboo is a fifth-tier ornamental plant with a crystal-clear emerald green bamboo body and golden branches and leaves.
It can also be used as the weapon of the Agricultural Official —the Spell Staff.
Its practicality is so-so, but it's very cool and can add a layer of golden and jade-like brilliance to spells.
He disliked such flashy and impractical things, while people liked those high-ranking officials and nobles.
The cool special effects and the way the spells are cast also exude an air of nobility.
I planted this Golden Emerald Bamboo to give away as a gift.
"Rise!"
Zhao Xing transplanted eighty-eight plants onto the Grand Granary Flying Vessel, which was specially used by Civil Sima Nong for transplanting crops.
Swish~
Zhao Xing made the flying boat hover, and after flying for a while, it arrived at a cave.
The cave here connects to an underground lava lake.
Zhao Xing then selected another willow tree, dark red all over, five meters tall.
"The fifth-tier Vermillion Curtain Willow has flames flowing through its branches, hanging down like a crimson curtain formed by flames, with willow catkins fluttering like fireworks."
Zhao Xing used his Node-Folding Method to trim the seven willow trees, making them look even better, and then transplanted them to the Grand Granary Flying Vessel.
Finally, we arrived at the center of the manor, where twelve large trees were planted.
However, only one plant flowered and bore fruit, and only nine fruits were produced.
"The sixth-tier Purple Iris Fruit are ripe. Let's send them to the old hag first." Zhao Xing picked the nine Purple Iris Fruit.
Even though he spent a fortune building the Earth Treasury Return to Origin Grand Array and turned this place into a 'secondary treasure land', the Purple Iris Fruit was only just ripe, and the fruit it bore was only of the sixth-grade low quality.
With meticulous care and by adjusting the Favorable Timing and Location, only one Purple Iris Fruit matured in a year.
Because woody plants have very long growth cycles, especially the sixth-order plants, this is already the limit that Zhao Xing can cultivate.
The sixth-tier plants in the Eternal Night Sea, Fish Devouring Grass and Azure Sea Cloud Vine, were all vines and herbaceous plants.
In terms of growth cycle, woody plants grow faster than vines, which in turn grow faster than herbaceous plants.
The growth cycle of woody plants is usually hundreds or thousands of times longer than that of vines and herbaceous plants.
Take the Duckweed as an example. If Liu Tianning had given him a Seventh Order woody plant instead of Duckweed,
Zhao Xing wouldn't even accept it.
Why? Because it takes too long.
Even if he breaks through to the Fifth Grade and cultivates Pure Origin Soil in the future, he cannot plant trees right away, as it would put too much strain on his body.
In the True Self Faction, what kind of people are the Agricultural Official plant trees? They all plant the same tree for generations!
Grandfather nurtures the seedling stage, then passes it on to father after his death. Father nurtures it into a mature stage, then grandson takes over and nurtures it to maturity. After his death, it is passed on to great-grandson, but even then, it may not bear fruit and must continue to be passed down.
During the reign of Grand Ancestor Wu Cheng, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, cultivated a peerless treasure (Supreme Grade plant that surpasses the Ninth Order). It is said that this divine tree is now over 2,500 years old.
The Grand Minister of Agriculture has been in power for seven generations, but it still hasn't reached maturity.
It was not until the reign of Wu Emperor that it finally matured, but it only bore fruit once, and then it regressed to the growth stage again.
Shangluo Academy has a legendary divine tree branch that is considered a rare treasure. It is one level below a peerless treasure, but its effects are still extremely powerful.
However, it is only passed on to the leaders of the True Self Faction True Self Faction, who usually also serve as the dean of the Shangluo Academy.
"That's about it."
After preparing the gifts, Zhao Xing piloted the flying boat and left Twin Islands.
After returning to Bixian County, he first went to Dongyang County to visit his adoptive father.
When he returned, he found the house decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with a joyous atmosphere.
A group of old women surrounded Madam Cai, offering their congratulations, while Madam Cai held her head high, looking very pleased with herself.
"Whoosh~"
Zhao Xing landed on a cloud in the next courtyard and found Zhao Ruide distributing reward money.
"Godfather, what's the good news? I didn't know about it," Zhao Xing asked.
"Xing'er, you've come back just in time," Zhao Ruide said cheerfully. "Madam has just been diagnosed with pregnancy, and you're going to be a big brother again."
"Congratulations, godfather." Zhao Xing smiled as well.
Thanks to the money and connections Zhao Xing brought back, Zhao Ruide donated a considerable amount of money to the "Benevolent Orphanage" institution of the Nanyang County government.
He then received the honorary title of "Compassionate Physician," which had no real benefits, but opened up a path for self-cultivation to the Seventh Grade.
Zhao Ruide was originally a martial artist. After eating a little of the treasures that Zhao Xing brought back, he became a Ninth Grade martial artist at the age of sixty-one.
After arriving in Bixian County, Zhao Ruide, having nothing else to do, applied for the position of patrol guard in Dongyang County.
It was a piece of cake for Marquis Yuan Rang's father to become a minor patrolman.
Within a year, Zhao Ruide became the deputy director of the Dongyang Patrol Office and broke through to the Eighth Grade martial artist realm.
Once you reach the Eighth Rank Realm, sixty years old is no longer considered old, and the previous hidden injuries will naturally no longer exist.
Sure enough, Madam Cai became pregnant again.
"Does Godfather hope for a daughter or another son?" Zhao Xing asked.
"It's better to be happy with a daughter than a son," Zhao Ruide laughed. "You Zheng'er have already caused enough trouble."
Zhao Xing chuckled silently.
However, Zhao Ruide is right. He has taken his family and left his hometown a million miles away. It has indeed been a lot of trouble.
Zhao Zheng was also a troublemaker when he was young. He didn't listen to his father at all, climbing on the roof, catching fish in the water, and Firecracker Bamboo firecrackers to blow up the latrine. He was very naughty.
"I also hope to have a little sister," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "She'd probably be much more well-behaved than Zheng'er."
After chatting with Zhao Ruide for a while, Zhao Xing decided to go to the Prince's Mansion in the county town.
Before leaving, Zhao Ruide pulled Zhao Xing aside and asked, "I asked several gentlemen in the county to choose a courtesy name for you, and they selected four in total."
Which four?
"Ze Yu, Yuan You, Xi Zhen, Chen'an."
"A gentleman is like jade, whose virtue extends to all directions Ze Yu is a good match for your name. This was given by Yang Taigong, the censor of the prefecture."
"A rare talent, confident and decisive, Xi Zhen matches your character. This was chosen by the previous governor of Bixian County, Yue Lu."
"Yuan You's five elements are wood and earth. You are the Agricultural Official, responsible for protecting all people. Using a character to express your aspirations is quite good. This was chosen by Liu Sicheng of the Princess's Residence," Zhao Ruide recalled.
"Godfather knows so many important people. Who took Chen'an as his son?" Zhao Xing asked with a smile.
Zhao Ruide pointed to himself. "Chen'an is the name I gave you. I hope you will be safe and sound every hour of the day."
Zhao Xing's smile paused for a moment, then returned to normal. He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Then as you wish, I will take the courtesy name Chen'an."
Zhao Ruide immediately laughed happily.
It was the 12th day of the 11th month of the 21st year of the Jingxin Calendar, just after the Beginning of Beginning of Winter.
After returning home, Zhao Xing stayed for a day before going to the Prince's Palace to pay his respects to Princess Youruo.
"Madam, your student has come to pay his respects."
"You've come all this way, why bring so many gifts?" Princess Youruo said, though there was a hint of joy in her eyes.
Because Zhao Xing didn't give anything else as a gift, everything was planted by himself, and he had carefully trimmed and pruned it, making the Golden Emerald Bamboo and Vermillion Curtain Willow even more beautiful.
The Purple Iris Fruit is a sixth-tier fruit, which not only reflects Zhao Xing's heart but also demonstrates his abilities.
This proves that he did not waste the resources given to him by Princess Youruo.
"This is a token of my disciple's affection," Zhao Xing said. "I Mother Seed a year ago when I came here."
Planted a year ago?
Princess Youruo felt even more comfortable listening to this.
Although it was of little use to her, the fact that Zhao Xing was willing to do these things for her proved that he truly cared.
"Come, accompany me for a walk, let's plant these things."
"Yes."
Zhao Xing followed Princess Youruo to a garden.
Plants such as Golden Emerald Bamboo and Vermillion Curtain Willow were transplanted here.
"Not bad, it really is beautiful." Princess Youruo praised her with great appreciation.
"Go with Liu Sicheng to choose the Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle that I promised you earlier."
"After the selection, we will have dinner at your residence before leaving."
"Yes." Zhao Xing cupped his hands in greeting and followed Liu Wanliang, the Assistant Director of the Prince's Palace, toward the storeroom.
The Wangfu Sicheng was an official position in the Great Zhou, responsible for managing all matters concerning princesses, princes, and other members of the royal family. He was a steward who served the royal family.
Princess Youruo had many stewards because she had many palaces and residences.
This Liu Wanliang is the Grand Steward, holding the rank of Fourth Grade, and his own strength is unfathomable.
Zhao Xing remembered this person because he had followed Princess Youruo to the Holy Light Royal Court and was very loyal to her.
Later, Princess Youruo turned into an old witch, and Liu Wanliang was in charge of many of the behind-the-scenes tasks.
The inner treasury of the Prince's Palace was not a single room, but a series of palaces.
Each palace contains different treasures.
Liu Wanliang led Zhao Xing into a lake.
There was a Crystal Palace in the lake. After entering the palace's protective barrier, Zhao Xing was immediately dazzled by the sight.
Numerous rare treasures from the seabed were neatly arranged and hung throughout the palace.
If you just take one item and sell it, you could eat it for several lifetimes.
"Marquis Yuan Rang." Liu Wanliang led Zhao Xing to a side hall deep within the Crystal Palace, surrounded by various underwater plants and corals.
In the side hall, there were many enormous tortoise Turtle Shell.
"Marquis Yuan Rang, the Turtle Shell that is ten thousand years old is right here."
"There are Black Turtle, Fire Turtle, Alligator Turtle, Dragon Turtle..."
Liu Wanliang introduced the book.
"Marquis Yuan Rang may choose freely."
Zhao Xing wasn't greedy; he only wanted one thing: the Turtle Shell of the Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle.
"I don't need to choose carefully, please pick out a ten-thousand-year-old Black Turtle Shell for me."
Just one serving?
"Just one serving."
"Alright." Liu Wanliang nodded, then floated forward, pointed, and said, "Rise!"
Boom!
A crack appeared in the ground, and then a huge creature, gleaming with an eerie light, emerged from the earth.
Unexpectedly, there was another underground space storing treasures.
"Boom!" "Boom!"
A small mountain emerged from the ground, and Zhao Xing was startled when its full shape appeared in the water.
So big!
The Turtle Shell is a kilometer long from front to back! The upper part of the Turtle Shell is oval, while the bottom is flat, and it is nearly fifty meters high.
It looks like a small mountain.
Although this Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle is not as large as the Dragon Whale I saw in the Eternal Night Sea, it is still extremely exaggerated in size.
The hexagonal patterns on the Turtle Shell are enough to build a three-bedroom, one-living room house.
"The patterns on the tortoise shell are growth lines. The patterns on the back of Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle are dense and contain more principles of heaven and earth," Zhao Xing observed. "If it is used to perform the ' Tortoise Trigram Art,' it can bear a higher price."
Back then, Liang Ruohai predicted that if he had had a ten -Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle by his side, he wouldn't have died within ten years.
It can definitely be carried down using the shell of this Black Turtle.
Of course, this thing isn't something you can use right away.
After moving it back, it will need to be calcined using a fire-refining method.
"It takes half a year of fire refining and tempering with Heavenly Fire to fully unleash its power," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"Splash!"
"Splash!"
The mountain-sized Turtle Shell was retrieved by Liu Wanliang using magic.
They were loaded onto a cargo warship beside the lake.
"Thank you, Lord Liu," Zhao Xing said, bowing with his hands clasped in thanks.
"Marquis Yuan Rang, there's no need for Guest Qi," Liu Wanliang returned the greeting. "This warship will be moored here for now, and His Highness has also prepared some other gifts for you."
"We can go somewhere else first, and when we come back, the Black Turtle here should have been loaded onto the ship."
besides?
As expected of the Princess of the East Sea. She never bestows gifts individually.
Zhao Xing then followed Liu Wanliang to another palace.
"Woof woof~"
"Aww~"
The faint sound of dogs barking came from the palace ahead, and Zhao Xing was taken aback.
Before they even landed, Liu Wanliang introduced, "This is the Divine Hound Palace."
"His Highness said you were going to participate in the Beast Competition, so he sent you to the Divine Hound Palace to select cubs."
"Many famous dog breeds, including the Ten Great Dogs, were raised here."
"I can choose any divine dog?" Zhao Xing was taken aback.
"Of course," Liu Wanliang nodded. "Does Marquis Yuan Rang know which ten divine dogs are mentioned?"
"The Frost Flower Harrier, the Gleaming Star Wolf, the Golden Wing Hound Lion, the Azure Water Hornless Dragon, the Black Ink Jade Li, the Feeding Yellow Leopard, the Snow Claw Lu, the Suddenly Sky Magpie, the Spotted Brocade Leopard, and the Azure Lion Dog. These ten are the most divine dogs in the world."
Liu Wanliang nodded slightly. "Since Marquis Yuan Rang understands, I won't say any more. Within the Divine Hound Palace, all ten Divine Dogs have cubs; you may choose any one of them."
"As for adult dogs, they all have formed Soul Contract with their tamers. Dogs are unlike other animals; they are loyal without exception. Even if the Soul Contract is broken, they will not change their masters. If you force them to change, they will only die in despair."
"Inside the east hall, there are also famous dogs such as Peach Blossom, Black Dragon, Jade Dog, Yellow Azure, and Yellow Ear. They are all among the best dogs, and their fighting power is no less than that of divine dogs."
Zhao Xing nodded. The three bloodlines of Jun, Ming, and Shen only have a higher Qidian in terms of innate ability. The real battle beast still depends on how it is raised after birth.
Just like cultivation, Long Xiao also came from a poor background, but that didn't prevent him from becoming one of the top ten sword immortals in the future.
The Mountain Cat's bloodline is quite ordinary, but through proper training, it has now become a "Spiritual Elegance Variant," not inferior to those with divine bloodlines.
"Woof woof~"
"Awoo~"
After landing, Zhao Xing entered the palace and activated his Heavenly Eye to scan the kennels.
"Peach Blossom, Yellow Azure, Yellow Ear, and Black Dragon are all Greyhounds. They are slender and slightly smaller in size, also known as 'Shounds'."
Despite its mystique, Zhao Xing didn't particularly like greyhounds.
They're fine as pets, but they're not quite good for fighting.
In this way, the scope is greatly reduced.
Because nine out of the ten most famous dog breeds are greyhounds.
Only the Azure Lion Dog dog is a mastiff.
"A real man should own a Tibetan Mastiff."
Thinking this, Zhao Xing walked to the Azure Lion Dog Kennel and stood there.
"Mr. Liu, I choose Azure Lion Dog."
Liu Wanliang said, "Won't you reconsider? There are also fierce greyhounds. The Ten Divine Dogs each have their own strengths. Azure Lion Dog only has the advantage of great strength."
The Azure Lion Dog is incredibly strong, surpassing other divine dogs in both strength and stamina.
Of course, the other divine dogs also have their advantages, such as those that are good at speed, those that are born with illusion magic, those that are good at treasure hunting, and those that are good at escape techniques.
"I've already decided," Zhao Xing said. "I prefer mastiffs."
Liu Wanliang nodded, then waved his hand, opened the barrier around the Azure Lion Dog Kennel, and accompanied Zhao Xing inside.
"Woof woof~" "Woof woof~" "Heh heh~"
As soon as they entered, many of the cubs began barking at the two of them.
However, these Azure Lion Dog were all in their infancy at this time, the smallest being only a month old and the largest no more than three months old. They didn't have much power and instead looked rather cute.
Zhao Xing glanced around; there were more than two hundred puppies here.
He quickly calculated and immediately identified three of the Azure Lion Dog puppies.
"These three puppies, despite being raised in the same environment, are growing faster and better, and will achieve greater things in the future." Zhao Xing used physiognomy to select the puppies, and it was easy to see that the three puppies in the corner near the east wall were the most suitable to take home.
Zhao Xing then walked through and came to the innermost dog cage.
Upon seeing this, Liu Wanliang couldn't help but praise, "Marquis Yuan Rang has excellent taste."
"Just call me Chen'an, sir."
Liu Wanliang asked with a smile, "Chen'an has excellent taste, choosing the strongest three-headed puppy at a glance. Have you studied physiognomy?"
"I only know a little bit," Zhao Xing said modestly.
"Someone, prepare the Soul Contract." Liu Wanliang waved to the back, and immediately the dog keeper came over.
"Chen'an, which one do you want?"
"All three are pretty much the same," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "It just depends on who's willing to come with me."
"Please, Marquis Yuan Rang, take this ring." An official beside him handed over a collar, but it was so large that even an elephant could fit into it.
"Buzz~" After Zhao Xing grasped the contract ring, a pulling force came from it, tugging at his Fate Soul.
Zhao Xing did not resist and instead injected a wisp of soul power into it.
The three puppies all sensed something unusual and growled at Zhao Xing.
Mastiffs have a strong sense of territory, and when these three Azure Lion Dog roared, the surrounding puppies all scattered.
"Don't want to leave?" Seeing the three strongest heads constantly retreating, taking one step forward for every step they took back.
Zhao Xing took the third step, then stopped, shook his head, and turned away.
He could forcibly take it away, but fate cannot be forced.
Zhao Xing turned around, placed the Contract Ring horizontally at chest height, and gently pushed it towards the puppy pack.
"Whoever is willing to come with me, enter this circle."
After saying that, Zhao Xing watched quietly.
If there isn't a puppy to choose from, he will give up on the Azure Lion Dog and choose another Greyhound.
Since learning destiny-related magic, Zhao Xing has come to believe in fate.
"Woof woof~" Eight puppies, seemingly understanding Zhao Xing's words or perhaps out of curiosity, slowly walked towards the Ring of Contract.
Just as one of them was about to stick its head out, suddenly—
"Whoosh~"
A dark figure leaped up from behind the pack of dogs, stepping on the backs of its companions and running at high speed.
"Buzz~" It bit the ring and tried to drag it off.
"Woo woo~" The Azure Lion Dog puppy hung in the air, shaking its head and flailing its limbs, but the contract ring remained motionless.
Zhao Xing found it amusing; the little thing was treating it like a toy.
Unable to bite or drag it off, it released its grip and fell to the ground with a thud.
It was just still thrashing about.
"Woof~" It also forbids other members of its kind from getting close.
It was only a month old, but it was very aggressive, with bite marks on its forehead, waist, and legs, and was missing a lot of fur.
The other cubs also had them, but not as many as it.
"This is just the most aggressive one," the dog handler said. "It can't beat them, but it's not willing to admit defeat. It even challenged the three biggest ones."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing took a few steps closer.
But this hairless Azure Lion Dog puppy chased away its kind, but not Zhao Xing. Instead, it stared at him with curious eyes.
Zhao Xing squatted down. "Are you willing to come with me? If you are, then crawl inside."
The Ring of Contract had shrunk considerably by now. Zhao Xing held it in one hand and slammed it to the ground.
The hairless Azure Lion Dog puppy can squeeze in after just a couple of steps.
"Woof~"
It wagged its tail and ducked under the ring.
"Buzz~"
The ring quickly shrank, forming a pale gold collar that hung around its neck.
Zhao Xing sensed a faint connection with the Azure Lion Dog dog and realized that the Soul Contract had been formed.
"Congratulations Marquis Yuan Rang," the dog handler beside him said.
"Chen'an, Azure Lion Dog isn't friendly to humans, but this little guy actually took the initiative to get close to you. It seems you two are destined to meet," Liu Wanliang said with a smile.
"It's truly fate." Zhao Xing walked out carrying the Azure Lion Dog.
However, after holding him for a short while, the little guy couldn't sit still and started moving around.
Zhao Xing also let it run wild in the palace.
Looking at the energetic Azure Lion Dog puppy, Liu Wanliang asked, "Chen'an, what name do you plan to give it?"
Zhao Xing and Liu Wanliang walked out of the palace side by side. At this moment, Azure Lion Dog jumped onto a white jade pillar and roared to the sky.
Zhao Xing pointed at it and laughed, "I have a cat named Heaven Defier, so let's call this Sky Howl."
With the Proud Sky Cat and the Howling Sky Dog, Old Master Zhao now has both cats and dogs.
After attending the banquet, Princess Youruo asked Zhao Xing and Ji Ziyun to accompany her for a walk around Heavenly Lake.
"Why did you only choose one? I was planning to give you a few more preliminary spots for the Beast Competition Arena."
Zhao Xing said, "It's about quality, not quantity. I'm just going to join in the fun for this year's Winter Assessment preliminary selection. My teacher's wife gave me three more spots, which is enough."
The Beast Competition has annual preliminary rounds, which continued until about ten years before the start of the competition.
In fact, the Winter Preliminary Selection spots for the Purple Firmament Islands this year have already been decided.
Princess Youruo was added to the list at the last minute.
Zhao Xing's current situation, all he can do is join in the fun.
Even in the preliminary rounds, there were a lot of Fifth Grade- and Fourth Grade battle beasts participating, while Sixth Rank ones were very rare.
For example, Dragon Lion Island, which ranks first in the western part of the archipelago, has three Fourth Grade war beasts that have signed up.
The Mountain Cat is only at the early stage of the Fifth Grade, Azure Lion Dog is only in its juvenile stage of the Ranked Realm, so this year can only be used as a test.
Princess Youruo said, "If you want, I can give you a few Fourth Grade battle beasts, and I can also provide you with a few experienced riders."
Zhao Xing shook his head. He wanted to leverage Princess Youruo's influence, but he didn't want to become too closely associated with her, as that would affect his future promotion.
Of course, what he said was different, "Thank you for your kindness, Master's wife. I have already received many benefits. If you interfere further, it will damage your reputation."
"I don't want to see people talking behind my teacher's back."
Princess Youruo smiled and said, "Who dares to speak ill of me? But this is fine too."
"I heard that you completed your contract with the Azure Water Daoist Academy quite well, and even Qin Hongying came to the Prince's Mansion to inquire about you."
"With your performance, you've not exactly disgraced your teacher's reputation."
"It's time for you to go and try things out for yourself, otherwise your teacher will blame me for meddling."
Ji Ziyun, standing beside him, couldn't help but feel admiration. He didn't even want any benefits; his Senior Brother was truly extraordinary.
"I heard your godfather is going to hold a coming-of-age ceremony for you, is that true?" Princess Youruo suddenly remembered something, "I remember that Liu Sicheng also gave a suggestion, I think it was called Yuan You? Which one did you end up using?"
"Chen'an" means peace and safety at every moment.
"Oh, that's not bad."
He walked with the old hag for a while longer, and seeing that she looked tired, he stood up and said, "Master's wife, please don't overwork yourself. This disciple will take his leave now."
"Go ahead, and come visit the Prince's Mansion when you have time."
"Yes."
With both a cat and a dog by his side, Old Master Zhao returned to Dongyang County, completely satisfied, dragging the Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle and a pile of gifts along with him.
On November 13th, Zhao Ruide held a belated coming-of-age ceremony for Zhao Xing.
He posted an invitation to his friends, colleagues, and superiors whom he had met in Dongyang County and Bixian County over the past year.
Zhao Ruide also sent the message to the Bixian Traveling Palace, but Princess Youruo was already out on business and not in Bixian County.
She sent Liu Wanliang, the Assistant Minister of the Prince's Palace, to the banquet in a low-key manner.
But it was still discovered.
As a result, Zhao Ruide, who originally only planned to hold a small event, sent out several hundred more invitations.
Because Liu Sicheng, whom Princess Youruo sent, was the one who had been with her the longest and held the highest position.
Such figures have all gone to Dongyang County for a banquet; how could the officials of Bixian County not know this?
Therefore, many people went to the magistrate of Dongyang County and the Patrol Office Director, asking them to ask Zhao Ruide for an extra invitation!
They forcibly piece together completely unrelated relationships using various pretexts:
I am the boss of Zhao Ruide's boss, so it's perfectly reasonable for me to come to his wedding banquet, right?
I was recommended by Zhao Ruide's boss, so sending me an invitation isn't unreasonable.
I was the previous Patrol Office of Bixian County. Just one year before, Zhao Ruide would have been my old subordinate, so it makes perfect sense for him to attend the banquet.
Thus, a post from a lowly Eighth Grade deputy inspector in Dongyang County attracted many high-ranking officials and nobles from Bixian County.
People arrived for the banquet in boat after boat.
It doesn't matter what kind of banquet you attend, or even whether you know Marquis Yuan Rang.
Being able to attend this banquet means you belong to certain circles, and you might even meet someone important at the banquet!
If the banquet hadn't ended so quickly, Chongming Prefecture would probably have come.
"You're having such a big ceremony for your coming-of-age ceremony? People who don't know any better would think it's some high-ranking official hosting a banquet."
At the Zhao Residence, after the guests had all left, Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing chatted in a waterside pavilion that night.
"Who would have thought?" Zhao Xing chuckled. "These people came as soon as they smelled it, and we couldn't stop them. They even gave my father's superior an order to insist on an invitation."
"The newly appointed Patrol Office has no shame and insists on crashing the banquet. It's truly laughable."
Chen Shijie sighed, "The political landscape in the inland areas is incredibly complex, with countless opportunists. It's better to join the military; there aren't so many twists and turns there."
Zhao Xing glanced at Old Chen: "Did you run into trouble on Firefly Island? Was someone giving you a hard time?"
Chen Shijie shook his head and said, "I did encounter some unsavory things, but it's still within the normal range. You don't need to get involved."
Zhao Xing also benefited from Princess Youruo's influence. It's understandable that he enjoys this halo himself, but if he also helps Chen Shijie, it would be a bit like using Princess Youruo's name to bully others.
Reaching too far is not a good thing.
Ultimately, Zhao Xing was merely Sixth Rank official and a third-class marquis.
What if Princess Youruo abandons her one day? What if she and Liu Tianning have a falling out?
Chen Shijie didn't want Zhao Xing to waste these favors on him.
"I should remind you of something else."
"You held a coming-of-age ceremony, which attracted many Fifth Grade officials from the county to send people to give gifts. It looked very prestigious."
"But don't get too carried away," Chen Shijie advised.
"The princess did not marry your teacher after all. If one day she parted ways with your teacher and took back all the help she had given you, you will have to stand on your own two feet without that support."
These were Old Chen's heartfelt words, and only he would say such things when Zhao Xing was riding high.
Zhao Xing nodded and said, "I understand, thank you for reminding me."
Another person might not have listened, but Zhao Xing was someone who listened to advice.
Moreover, he knew that Chen Shijie was right. According to the development of the old witch and Old Liu in their previous lives, they would have broken up by the time of the Great Governance Era era.
Chen Shijie laughed and said, "Between you and me, is there any need for such Guest Qi? By the way, why isn't Long Xiao here? Didn't you invite him?"
Zhao Xing took out the Earth Mirror: "I called him, but he said he was too busy with official duties and his superior wouldn't give him leave, so he couldn't come."
Chen Shijie scoffed, "This scoundrel is playing the victim again. I inquired about the situation of the Cruising Office in Red Stone County; it's a low-level department. Where would they get so much official business?"
Zhao Xing asked doubtfully, "He didn't even come home for the New Year; something must have really happened, right?"
Chen Shijie said, "I've also found out that he doesn't have any important business to do."
"That bastard is obsessed with a woman."
"Huh?" Zhao Xing immediately became interested. "Tell me more."
Chen Shijie laughed and said, "You taught him to use the public security regulations to fight pirates before, and this guy has been running around chasing thieves ever since he took office."
"I pressed him for answers two months ago and learned that during a raid on thieves last year, he ran into the ' Blue-Eyed White Dragon Army,' which is ranked fifth in the East Sea Legion."
"I also fought a battle with Bai Yang, the commander of the Azure Dragon Army."
"With his strength, the commander of the Azure Dragon Army would naturally only be able to get beaten up."
"Although this person's strength is only so-so, he is the grandson of Bai Yunwu, the Blue-Eyed White Dragon King. After Bai Yang returned, he asked his sister Bai Ling to go and intercept Long Xiao together."
"His older sister, Bai Ling, was Fifth Grade garrison commander, but even when the two siblings fought together, they still couldn't win."
"And then?" Zhao Xing asked.
"At first, Bai Ling made things difficult for Long Xiao at every turn. In the name of the garrison commander, she frequently conscripted people from Long Xiao's Cruising Office to follow her navy on dangerous missions."
"As a result, the two of them actually fell in love while they were fighting!" Chen Shijie said, "I asked the people in the Red Stone Island Cruising Office, and the Right Chief of the Patrol Office hasn't been back for half a year. He's been spending all his time with Bai Ling."
"I think he's going to be the son-in-law of the Blue-Eyed White Dragon King."
Zhao Xing was stunned after hearing this.
Although the Blue-Eyed White Dragon Army is nominally under the command of the East Sea Legion.
In reality, this army was not directly controlled and had a great deal of autonomy.
Because this is an army of aquatic creatures.
The Blue-Eyed White Dragon King, Bai Yunwu, is himself a half-human, half-dragon hybrid.
He can truly transform into Blue-Eyed White Dragon.
Moreover, after the transformation, he becomes a peak Second Rank expert!
In the vast ocean, Bai Yunwu's strength is exceptionally high.
His throne could be inherited without fail, and he was even related to Princess Youruo's mother. In terms of seniority, even the old witch would have to call him Uncle Bai.
A down-on-his-luck Martial Man exiled to the East Sea suddenly rises to prominence, marries a beautiful and wealthy woman, and reaches the pinnacle of life. What kind of wish-fulfillment novel script is Long Xiao reading?
"He's a traitor who forgets his principles for the sake of beauty! He deserves a beating!" Zhao Xing said angrily. "When he gets back, we'll give him a good beating."
November 25th, the 21st year of the Jingxin Calendar.
Zhai Zhong and Wen Ji, sent by Qin Hongying, arrived at the Dragon Horse Bureau on Twin Islands to discuss cooperation with Zhao Xing.
The two immediately placed an order worth billions, asking Old Master Zhao to train fourth or fifth-grade Pet Beast for the Dao Academy.
Moreover, the contract will be renewed annually, for at least twenty years.
If we include all the orders from the past twenty years, it would probably be worth two or three hundred billion.
Although Zhao Xing was surprised, he was not too astonished. While there were many Agricultural Official Agricultural Official the Transformation of Seasons Art, there were few who could use Transformation of Seasons Art to cultivate exotic beasts.
However, Wen Ji and Zhai Zhong then made several more requests and offered more compensation.
First, if Zhao Xing signs a twenty-year contract with the Dao Academy, he must maintain the cooperative relationship no matter where he becomes an official.
Secondly, the Dao Academy arranged for his younger brother Zhao Zheng, to receive the training and benefits of a true disciple.
Third, the Dao Academy will grant him the title of Honorary Teaching Dharma Master, and if he is still under contract after ten years, he can become the vice dean of a branch academy or the honorary dean.
There are also contributions from institutions like Azure Water Daoist Academy, which provides manpower and precious marine plants...
As they talked, Zhao Xing began to sense that something was amiss.
These aren't conditions; they're clearly offering me benefits.
The Dao Academy wasn't after the official contract; they were after him as a person.
"Do you two know my relationship with the princess?" Zhao Xing asked Wen Ji and Zhai Zhong.
He still had to remind everyone that his relationship with Princess Youruo wasn't as deep as they imagined.
If the Azure Water Daoist Academy is deliberately offering so many benefits because of Princess Youruo, then there's no need for it.
"Of course I know," Wen Ji said with a smile. "Who in the Dao Academy doesn't know Liu Tianning?"
"Whether my master and the princess will be able to get married is still unknown," Zhao Xing said more deeply. "My master won't like the princess helping me too much."
Zhai Zhong waved his hand and said, "Chen'an, don't misunderstand. We are here for you. This negotiation has nothing to do with the princess, and she is unaware of it."
"Your talent is extraordinary. You are proficient in the three Shennong Art, and you can create Ten Thousand Laws Straw Puppet, Startling Thunder Transformation, and Instant Primordial. I'm afraid even you yourself don't know the true value of these skills."
Zhai Zhong's words made Zhao Xing feel very comfortable. Judging solely from their attitude towards cooperation, their sincerity was truly overflowing.
However, Zhai Zhong wasn't exaggerating; they genuinely thought so.
Azure Water Daoist Academy does not produce Agricultural Official talents.
In fact, this is true not only for the Azure Water Daoist Academy, but for the entire Pinghai Province.
Because Pinghai Province was established later, most of its original area was sea.
At the beginning of the founding of the country, there were no Agricultural Official Noble Families in Pinghai Province, not even many Noble Families.
Those families that can be considered Agricultural Official Noble Families are all from the Daoyuan Continent and Yuan Pin Province. Talented individuals like Liu Tianning do not come from Pinghai Province.
For more than two thousand years, however, outstanding Agricultural Official talents have also gone to the two inland states.
Because of the powerful Grotto-Heaven, the academies of the three sect leaders are not located in Pinghai Province.
With a weak talent base, a poor employment environment, and the absence of top-tier universities, Pinghai Province has not produced any outstanding Agricultural Official for a long time.
Even if you have it, you can't keep it.
Now that I've met Zhao Xing, it's the perfect opportunity, and he's not yet at the Fifth Grade, so it's the perfect time to invest.
After a moment's thought, Zhao Xing said, "The Dao Academy is giving me too many orders, which will consume all my attention in the coming years. I need to cut them by 30%. The rest can be discussed later."
For Zhao Xing, there was already Princess Youruo as a connection with the Azure Water Daoist Academy, so there was no need to tie himself to it so tightly. At least, his political achievements could not all come from the Azure Water Daoist Academy.
After seeing Zhai Zhong and Wen Ji off, Zhao Xing went to the backyard.
These two men didn't come empty-handed; they also brought gifts for Zhao Xing.
Zhao Xing was the chief official of the Dragon Horse Bureau and was also interested in the Beast Competition. Qin Hongying also picked a few cubs from the Beast Taming Division.
This includes a fully grown Tiger Flood Dragon at the late stage of the Fifth Grade, and a fully grown Azure Luan at the peak of the Fifth Grade.
There are also some cubs of noble bloodlines.
"Meow~"
While examining the cubs, Zhao Xing suddenly felt a blur before his eyes. Caught off guard, his Fate Soul was affected, and his body, which had intended to move forward, was instead pushed backward.
"Hmm?" Zhao Xing activated his Soul Armor, quickly neutralizing the effect, and looked at a cage in the corner of the cabin.
There was a pink-furred goat inside.
"Spirit Illusion Goat?" Zhao Xing was taken aback. "This breed is quite rare."
The Spirit Illusion Goat also has a nickname: Inverted Sheep.
Zhao Xing had seen this kind of sheep before when he was trying to pass the trials in the Great Dream Academy, but those sheep were only red-haired. This one, however, is pink.
"As expected of the Dao Academy's heritage, Inverted Sheep are a rare sight these days," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "They're quite sincere, actually giving me one."
The Spirit Illusion Goat's talents are all geared towards its Fate Soul. Since even Human Race struggle to cultivate their Fate Soul, the Spirit Illusion Goat's ability to use Soul Skills makes it extremely precious.
"If I want to enter the Dragon Court Ancient Land, I must first qualify in the East Sea. I currently have a cat, a dog, and a sheep. If I raise these three Pet Beast well, I'll be ready to compete in the future."
Princess Youruo gave Zhao Xing three spots.
This qualified him to bring his three-headed war beast to the Purple Firmament Arena to participate in the December Winter Assessment Preliminary Round.
Every year thereafter, there are four competitions in spring, summer, autumn and winter, each with different content and themes.
From the Four Seas in the east, west, south, and north, the preliminary and group stages will be held from the 20th year of the Jingxin Calendar to the 30th year of the Jingxin Calendar to select the strongest batch of battle pets.
The following decade was a period of competition among Four Seas, with the best of the best being selected.
Ultimately, they will represent the Great Zhou in Beast Competition against the Water Tribe to determine who gets a spot in the Dragon Court Ancient Land.
It is now December of the twenty-first year of the Jingxin Calendar.
Zhao Xing plans to take Aotian Meow, Tiger Flood Dragon, Azure Luan to participate in the first Winter Preliminary Selection in the western region of the Purple Firmament Islands.
As for Inverted Sheep and Howling Sky Dog, they are still in their infancy and are not suitable for the competition.
However, before going, he had to add the Mountain Cat, Tiger Flood Dragon, and Azure Luan to the list.
With the approval of Chongming Prefecture, the "God Selection Department" of the Dragon Horse Bureau on Twin Islands acquired its true efficacy.
November 29th.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone in the Dragon Horse Bureau and Sun Shizhao.
Zhao Xing led his three war beasts into the God Selection Department to offer sacrifices.
Not long after, three Golden Light flashed through the temple and landed on the Mountain Cat, Tiger Flood Dragon, and Azure Luan.
"Aotian Meow, you're eating the royal food now too."
Zhao Xing looked at the glittering Mountain Cat, which was receiving the National Dynasty Luck Cleansing.
Of course, they haven't even passed the preliminary rounds yet, so there's not much actual improvement; it's just going through the motions.
But in name, Heaven Defier is now the "official cat".
During the competition, participants could receive a ration from the imperial court; during the quarters when they did not participate, they would not receive one.
500 Military Realm per month for participating is quite a lot!
It should be noted that Zhao Xing's annual salary was only 50,000, and even with the bonuses for his rank, it only amounted to 800,000.
If Heaven Defier makes it into the East Sea, he will receive a formal salary and be granted an exclusive official rank!
In this way, Zhao Xing, as the owner of the Mountain Cat, can enjoy the blessings.
If the Mountain Cat can participate in the Four Seas Competition and achieve a ranking in the battle against the Aquatic Tribes, there is a chance that he will be awarded a title and a medal!
Everyone who sees him must address him as Lord Heaven Defier.
As his master, he would also receive rewards, and might even be promoted and ennobled.
"Beast tamers have a bright future too." Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile as he watched the Mountain Cat bowing respectfully before the statue.
Because of the existence of the Dragon Court Ancient Land, many beast tamers have made their fortunes.
This once-in-a-century grand event began during the reign of Grand Ancestor.
Over two thousand years, three or four hundred people have risen to the top in one step by relying on war beasts.
Because many tamers themselves are only Sixth Rank, but the beasts they raise reach Fourth Grade.
A beast tamer's beast must be stronger than the tamer's, otherwise what's the point of taming it? They could just roll up their sleeves and go for it themselves.
If a war beast achieves a ranking and gains something in the Dragon Court Ancient Land, it will be considered a contribution to the imperial court.
Even the worst Beastmaster must be promoted to the Fifth Grade, and there have even been Sixth Rank Beastmaster went straight to the Third Grade!
There have also been instances where war beasts were granted titles of nobility.
"Heaven Defier, you need to work hard these next few years."
"Whether we can get promoted and make a fortune depends on you," Zhao Xing joked.
"If you can find a Big Treasure in the Dragon Court Ancient Land, I might become Third Grade."
"Meow!" Heaven Defier nodded obediently.
After receiving the gifts, Sun Shizhao came over to offer his congratulations, and Tao Anchun, Cao Jiang, Dong Yuanqiu, and others were also extremely excited.
Because of the previous supervisor, Twin Islands has not received a preliminary selection quota for a long time, and they can't even hold their heads up when they go out.
Although it was done through connections, at least I've secured a spot.
"Lord Sun, I am not at the Dragon Horse Bureau. Please take good care of Land Island," Zhao Xing said.
He's going to Purple Cloud Island, and he needs to take Dong Yuanqiu and Tao Anchun with him.
Participating in the competition isn't as simple as just one person going; the Veterinarian from the Divine Feeding Bureau, Chenghua Bureau, Tuoquan Palace all have to go.
The pets' eating, drinking, relieving themselves, and treatment of injuries all have to be handled by our own people.
Although he has Ten Thousand Laws Clone, his true self must also go, because there are no other riders in the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau except himself. During the competition, he will definitely not be able to concentrate.
"Don't worry, Marquis Yuan Rang," Sun Shizhao said. "If even a single hair is missing from the Dragon Horse Bureau, you can hold me responsible."
Zhao Xing smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect. He naturally trusted Sun Shizhao, who had staked his entire fortune on the deal.
"The daily affairs of the Dragon Horse Bureau will be handled by Bao Shiqiu. Ling Ruoxue, you will be responsible for assisting Lord Bao."
"Yes."
On the first day of the twelfth month, Zhao Xing, accompanied by the Mountain Cat, Tiger Flood Dragon, Azure Luan, and officials of various ranks from the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau, boarded the Cloud Rain Tower Ship and headed to the Purple Firmament Arena.
On the morning of the second day of the twelfth lunar month, we arrived at the Purple Firmament Arena.
After some adjustments, I'm finally back to being a normal human. That's all for today; I'll continue tomorrow to make up for the missed updates.
Also, a book recommendation from a friend.