Top-Tier Law Bodies, Azure Sea Grotto Heaven, and the Contest for Places
November 15th, the 29th year of the Jingxin Calendar.
Zhao Xing's true form returned to the Dragon Horse Bureau on Twin Islands and began to wholeheartedly digest the Origin Spirit Fruit.
On the second day of the second month of the thirtieth year of the Jingxin Calendar.
Half of the Origin Spirit Fruit has been digested.
Zhao Xing's Fate Soul broke through from the Fifth Grade perfection to the Fourth Grade early stage.
The realm of the Fate Soul has once again surpassed the realm of the physical body. However, this time there was no discomfort. This is mainly because the Ten Thousand Laws Clone has exceeded one hundred. At this point, the Ten Thousand Laws Clone has reached the perfect level of a high-level law.
Above that is the ' Thousand Laws Body,' belonging to the highest level of Dharma.
In the secret chamber of the Sizheng Mansion, Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing sat facing each other, and he was explaining to Zhao Xing.
This is one of Liu Tianning's Ten Thousand Laws Clone.
Just after the thirtieth year of the Jingxin Calendar, Liu Tianning sent his Ten Thousand Laws Clone over.
The stated reason was to watch his disciple East Sea Myriad Beasts Arena Competition.
But Zhao Xing vaguely sensed that Old Liu was collecting evidence of the Liang King Faction's crimes from a wider range and at different levels, no longer limited to the Pacifying Barbarians Battlefield.
Of course, he didn't ask Liu Tianning if he didn't say anything; he just listened to Liu Tianning talk about cultivation.
"The transition from the ' Hundred Laws Body ' to the 'Dry Dharma Bodies' represents a qualitative breakthrough, an advancement from a higher-level Dharma to a higher-level Dharma."
"The main direction of cultivation is not to combine multiple spells, but to return to improving a single spell."
Liu Tianning said, "For example, the one I have now is a top-tier Dharma Body, the Soul Devouring Straw Figure. This method clone, built upon it, specializes in Fate Soul -related spells."
"Keep your mind focused and feel the power of a top-tier Soul Devouring Law Body."
Zhao Xing nodded, then ordered the remaining Ten Thousand Laws Clone to "go offline" and focus on defense.
At this moment, Liu Tianning's eyes glowed red, Zhao Xing couldn't help but look up at that gaze.
Liu Tianning's eyes were incredibly deep, as if filled with the mysteries of the Tao, Zhao Xing quietly admired them.
Liu Tianning was somewhat surprised by what he saw.
Because he only used 30% of the spell's power, the disciple was not trapped.
"This is a top-tier avatar of mine," Liu Tianning nodded slightly, then gradually increased the power of his spell.
Thirty percent, forty percent, five to seventy percent!
At this point, Zhao Xing's expression finally changed.
Because he actually saw the path to immortality in Liu Tianning's eyes!
For someone like Old Master Zhao, the pursuit of immortality is his ultimate dream.
He was immediately captivated, completely ignoring the fact that no matter how powerful Liu Tianning was, he couldn't possibly show him the path to immortality.
Lost in ecstasy, Zhao Xing felt as if he were floating on air, about to become an immortal.
Liu Tianning was slightly surprised. He needed to use seventy percent of the power of this top-level dharma body to shake his disciple's mind.
"Wake up!"
Liu Tianning waved his hand.
The red light faded instantly.
Zhao Xing felt a sense of loss, as if the path to immortality was far removed from him.
However, he immediately realized that this was due to the influence of the "Soul Devouring Law Body".
With his eyesight restored, Zhao Xing immediately observed his surroundings.
To his surprise, he found himself not sitting and watching, but flying, floating in the secret room.
"Teacher, the student has lost his composure." Zhao Xing quickly flew down.
"You've been quite diligent in your cultivation these past years," Liu Tianning praised. "Even a top-tier Dharma Soul Devouring requires seventy percent of its power to affect your mind."
Top-tier techniques are generally only mastered by experts at the top Third Grade.
The power of each top-tier technique was beyond imagination, already possessing a transcendent quality. Zhao Xing's ability to withstand 70% of his Dharma Body's strength truly surprised Liu Tianning.
"Teacher, you flatter me," Zhao Xing said. "You guided my teaching step by step, not by attacking me with your Soul Devouring Law Body, which is why I was able to withstand it."
Zhao Xing was self-aware enough to know that Liu Tianning was teaching him.
To achieve the effect of the Soul Devouring Law Body without harming one's own Fate Soul is extremely difficult, which is why it requires using 70% of one's strength.
If it were just a matter of killing, that would be much simpler.
Liu Tianning didn't dwell on the details, but simply asked, "Did you sense the difference between the Soul Binding Art and the Soul Devouring Art?"
This top-tier Straw Man Art is based on the Soul Devouring Art.
As Liu Tianning said, once you reach the highest level of the Dharmakaya, you need to master a certain path.
Zhao Xing pondered, "High-level Soul Binding Art, whether used to bind others or as the foundation of one's own True Self, focus on bearing and containing the Fate Soul."
He has been consuming the Origin Spirit Fruit these days, and his Fate Soul has reached the Fourth Grade, surpassing the physical body realm, yet he feels no discomfort. This is due to the Ten Thousand Laws Clone.
"The teacher's top-tier Soul Devouring Art, when used against enemies, is even more offensive; when used on oneself, it constantly hones the strength of one's Fate Soul."
Liu Tianning nodded slightly. "That's right, that's the nature of this spell."
If you wish to break through and gain enlightenment in the future, you must keep in mind the difference between these two methods.
To cultivate this technique, it is best to find a place associated with the Nether Five Elements.
"Yes."
Liu Tianning did not go into detail, because Zhao Xing was not yet at the point where he could delve into the subject. He was only there to guide Zhao Xing on the general direction of his future cultivation.
"The Straw Man Art you learned before, whether it's the Sacrificial Explosion, Divine Valor, Invisibility, Illusory Form, Holy Shield, Skyflight, all require the Fate Soul as their foundation."
"The Soul Devouring Law Body is the foundation for further research into other top-tier Straw Man Art."
'If you can't cultivate the Soul Devouring Law Body, your Straw Man Art will only ever be at the high-level level.'
Once one comprehends the Soul Devouring Law Body, one can further cultivate the Divine Martial Body, Myriad Forms Body, Divine Concealment Body, Divine Speed Body, Soul Burst Body, and Divine Shield Body.
Once you've mastered these seven top-tier Dharma Bodies, you'll be considered to have achieved minor mastery of top-tier Dharma.
"After that comes the union with the Dao. The Straw Man Art can then be created and transformed at will, no longer limited to these eighty-one types."
Zhao Xing nodded. If it possessed seven top-tier Dharma Bodies, it would indeed be difficult to kill.
As for other things, let's not talk about lofty matters for now, because I've only achieved a small level of expertise myself, and I don't even understand them myself, so I won't say anything that might mislead you.
"Yes, teacher." Zhao Xing nodded.
"Just a minor achievement?" Liu Tianning had unwittingly put on a show for him again. However, Zhao Xing was startled upon hearing this: Didn't his words mean that he already possessed the seven Dharma bodies?
"Alright, go ahead and do your thing." Liu Tianning was about to log off.
His physical body came here for teaching purposes. When the teaching time is over, he will naturally log off to reduce the distraction of his energy.
"Wait a minute, teacher!" Zhao Xing suddenly called out.
"Is there anything else?"
Zhao Xing pondered, "A few days ago, I was cultivating the Ten Thousand Laws Clone. One of my ' Weak Water Clone ' found an ancient box while searching deep in the sea."
Liu Tianning listened quietly.
Two fruits were sealed inside the box. After the disciple brought them back for examination, he discovered that they were actually the Ninth Order Origin Spirit Fruit recorded in the * Grand View Scripture *!
"Origin Spirit Fruit?" Liu Tianning's expression showed a hint of surprise upon hearing this. "Are you sure it's Origin Spirit Fruit?"
"Teacher, please take a look." Zhao Xing took out a Origin Spirit Fruit that he had prepared beforehand.
Liu Tianning took it and examined it carefully, then said, "It really does match the description in the Grand View Scripture."
I've already taken it; after consuming less than a third of it, I broke through to the Fourth Grade of Fate Soul. Its effects are exactly as described in the Grand View Scripture.
"I want to give this fruit to my teacher," Zhao Xing said.
Old Liu had treated him well, so he had to repay Liu Tianning.
He hadn't originally planned to deliver it so early.
However, Liu Tianning has already mastered the Straw Man Art to the level of the 'Seven Top-Tier Dharma Bodies'.
While marveling at Liu Tianning's extraordinary talent in the Straw Man Art technique, Zhao Xing also felt a warning. Now that he had also practiced this technique, based on his knowledge from his previous life, he deduced that it was from this point that Old Liu began to experience the aftereffects of taking too big a step.
In other words, once the seven Dharma bodies begin to appear, Liu Wanfa's transformation into "Liu the Half-Mad" will have increasingly severe aftereffects over the next hundred years, eventually becoming completely uncontrollable.
Origin Spirit Fruit can effectively alleviate the side effects of this schizophrenia, but it must be taken as early as possible.
When Wu Emperor ascended the throne, the acquisition of the Origin Spirit Tree was merely a temporary fix, not a fundamental solution.
"The Origin Spirit Fruit— " A thoughtful look flashed in Liu Tianning's eyes. "Alright, I'll accept it. I'll consume it when my true self has the time."
"No, teacher, you should take this clone back to your main body with the Primordial Origin Spirit Fruit right now." Zhao Xing said, "I only brought three top-tier Dharma Bodies this time." Liu Tianning frowned and said, "The other two have official duties to attend to. If I leave, what will happen to your side?"
Liu Tianning placed a top-tier avatar here because he had heard that Zhao Xing had been assassinated by Golden Throat General in the East Sea.
Although Zhao Xing has resolved the matter, such things are bound to happen again. He is worried about his disciple's safety. "Teacher, rest assured, you will be safe until I am appointed to an official position," Zhao Xing said. "I am still Sixth Rank official now, and I will be appointed in April. It has only been two months now, enough time for you to make several trips back and forth."
2
"It can't be that unlucky; I was assassinated the moment you left."
If he's this unlucky, he'll start to doubt Evolution Five's luck is real.
"Okay." Liu Tianning wasn't one to dawdle; he immediately left Twin Islands.
Seeing Old Liu leave, Zhao Xing breathed a sigh of relief.
He didn't want Old Liu to go mad too soon either.
Even if he ate all three Origin Spirit Fruit, he still wouldn't reach the Third Grade Fate Soul.
The Origin Spirit Fruit has the effect of healing the split Fate Soul. Old Liu has reached this point, so he can naturally give one away.
He'll need to wait a year to finish the two pills. If the silly bird recovers by then, we can just ask him to get a few more.
It's also a good opportunity to see how well Liu Tianning reacted to it.
Because he also has to get through this hurdle.
"Old Liu is feeling his way across the river by touching the stones, and I'm feeling my way across the river by touching Old Liu. I don't know how long he can walk normally, but I'll take it one step at a time," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"If the Origin Spirit Fruit and the strategies employed by the Divine Physician Li Fuhan are useful to Old Liu, then I'll have something to consider."
The fourth day of the fourth month of the Jingxin Calendar is Qingming Festival.
Because it was a round number year, the sacrificial ceremonies for the 30th year of the Jingxin Calendar were grander than in previous years.
All counties in Chongming Prefecture began their annual sacrificial ceremonies.
The worship of the gods and the rites to Heaven and Earth lasted for half a month. During this period, most military activities ceased, and even the intensity of the battles on the Southern Barbarians front was reduced.
Zhao Xing's Twin Dragon Horse Bureau Chenghua Bureau participated in the Royal Mausoleum Grand Sacrifice of Chongming Prefecture. The main deities worshipped were Grand Ancestor, Wen Emperor, and Azure Cloud Matriarch, the great-grandmother of Princess Youruo. "After the ceremony, there was a reorganization of the bureaucracy."
"With the annual reshuffling of officials every ten years, coupled with the turmoil in the East Sea, I'm afraid quite a few people will be reassigned this time." Zhao Xing put down the official document inside the Dragon Horse Bureau.
This is a letter from Wang Xuanyi, the head of the Dragon Horse Bureau Office in Chongming Prefecture, to him.
The letter inquired about Zhao Xing's thoughts on the adjustments.
"Of course I have to stay on Twin Islands, otherwise all my efforts will have been in vain."
Zhao Xing thought to himself.
If he is transferred, even if he is given a Fifth Grade Official Rank, it would be considered a demotion in disguise.
Because the current Twin Islands Dragon Horse Bureau has already broken through the Great Arena of the Purple Firmament Islands.
Zhao Xing's Mountain Cat, Azure, and Spirit Illusion Goat have secured three qualifying spots, allowing them to participate in the Beast Competition across the entire East Sea region.
As long as he makes it through the East Sea, he will have secured a spot to enter the Dragon Court Ancient Land.
The rankings for the next round of the Four Seas Competition will differ only in which secret realm of the Dragon Court Ancient Land will be selected from.
If he leaves Twin Islands at this point, he will lose his spot, because he will no longer be the Dragon Horse Overseer of Twin Islands. The spot is tied to the government agency, not to an individual.
"Wang Xuanyi's letter mentioned three locations: Myriad Beasts Island, Dragon Lion Island, and Sky Sea Island, but he didn't mention staying on Twin Islands."
"He's implying that I might be transferred," Zhao Xing said, looking at the letter in his hand.
It's normal for a superior to send a private letter to a subordinate, but at this crucial time, the implication in Wang Xuanyi's letter is quite obvious.
It means you should make good use of whatever connections you have, otherwise you'll be transferred out of the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau that you've worked so hard to build up.
"In his last letter, Wang Xuanyi mentioned the possibility of only being promoted without being reassigned, but this time he didn't mention it at all. It seems someone is secretly plotting to interfere with my promotion."
After some thought, Zhao Xing had no choice but to resort to the ' Ultimate Law '.
"Handsome Mother!!"
Zhao Xing ran to the Yonghua Palace of the Azure Tour Palace.
"Shouting and yelling like that, what kind of behavior is this?"
Princess Youruo was examining letters at her desk when she heard the shout. She looked up and exclaimed, "Master's wife, someone is trying to harm me!"
"Oh?" Princess Youruo put down the letter in her hand. "Who wants to harm you?"
?
Someone wants to transfer me from the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau to an unfamiliar place, and then secretly harm me.
"Your achievements over the past ten years certainly qualify you for a promotion to a more prosperous prefecture. What is your reason for wanting to stay in the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau?" Princess Youruo asked. "To enter the Dragon Court Ancient Land."
"You really want to go in?" Princess Youruo asked strangely.
"It's extremely dangerous in there. Why would you go and suffer like that? Did your teacher require you to?"
"It wasn't the teacher who required it; it was the students' own desire to go. I finally made it through Purple Cloud Island, how could I give up?"
"You're not a proper beast tamer, so even if you went, you wouldn't get a good ranking."
"The Dragon Court Ancient Land has been developed by our dynasty for many years, and there are so many powerful people there. Even if you go, you might not gain anything. Just ask me for anything you need." Princess Youruo was currently in a close relationship with Liu Tianning and was very tolerant of Zhao Xing.
Zhao Xing understood that Princess Youruo meant well, but he was no ordinary person.
He knew the secrets of the Dragon Court Ancient Land. He could find treasures that others couldn't find, and he could overcome obstacles that others couldn't pass. The cultivation of Void Seed and the acquisition of spiritual items were all inseparable from this place.
Seeing that Zhao Xing remained silent, Princess Youruo said, "Alright, alright, but I'll speak to Liu Wanliang and have him go make the trip."
"Thank you, Madam!"
April 15th, the fourth day after Grain Rain.
The Great Zhou carried out a major reshuffle of its officials every ten years. The scope of the reshuffle in the thirtieth year of the Jingxin Calendar was far greater than in previous years, especially in Chongming Prefecture, where more than ten million officials and staff were involved! This was because Chongming Prefecture also governed many islands.
On April 15th, Zhao Xing and the officials from Twin Islands came to Chongming Prefecture to report on their duties. Sun Shizhao was originally Fifth Grade official, but this time, he was reassigned to the position of Judicial Assistant Magistrate of Abundant Offering County Chongming Prefecture, Chongming Prefecture.
It was still a Fifth Grade, but Abundant Offering County was a superior county, and the Judicial Assistant Magistrate of the Fifth Grade had much more power than the magistrate of Twin County.
Sun Shizhao, who was finally transferred away from Twin County as he had wished, couldn't help but burst into tears. In his lifetime, he finally saw the hope of being promoted to the Fourth Grade.
Zhao Xing was promoted three ranks, from the Official Sixth Rank, Upper to the lower Fifth Grade. Tao Anchun, Dong Yuanqiu, Cao Jiang, Bao Shiqiu, and others, who were still the Left Director of the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau Twin Dragon Horse Bureau, also followed suit and were promoted one or two ranks. There were basically no changes, only an improvement in their status.
Currently, the assistant directors of various departments under the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau are mostly Fifth Grade officials.
However, there is still only one person with the rank of Fifth Grade, Zhao Xing.
After completing their performance review, those who are transferred laterally, like Sun Shizhao, can take a month's rest before taking up their new posts.
People like Zhao Xing would need to go through the process of "National Dynasty Luck Cleansing".
It was still the Heaven's Heart Palace, and the familiar array of officials stood there.
"Your subject, Zhao Xing, bows in gratitude to Your Majesty."
"Long live the Emperor!"
We came out of the Chongming Prefecture Divine Temple.
Zhao Xing glanced at the panel.
Name: Zhao Xing
[Official Rank: Lower Fifth Grade]
[Realm Level: Perfected Pure Yuan Realm]
Occupation: Agricultural Official
[Qi Yun: Evolution Five]
[Essence Gathering: Level 59]
[Fate Soul: Early Stage of Fourth Grade]
[Remaining lifespan: 500 years]
When I was twenty-two, I had 478 years left to live. Now I am thirty-four, and after thirteen years, I only have 478 years left to live.
After 65 years of being blessed by fortune, his remaining lifespan became 500 years, meaning that this promotion added 35 years to his lifespan.
"I've consumed the Dragon Whale Heart, and at this Fifth Grade Official Rank level, my lifespan should be at its limit," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
Because both his Fate Soul and his own cultivation level exceeded the Fifth Grade Official Rank, this promotion, as National Dynasty Luck Cleansing, will only be added to his luck and lifespan.
Deducting the two hundred years brought by the Dragon Whale, and taking into account my own age, I can at most still gain 700,000 within the Great Zhou's fortune system.
With a lifespan of 62 years, one would reach the limit of 999.
"Once this limit is reached, it can no longer be increased by Dynasty of Fate or ordinary treasures; at that point, we'll have to find another way."
As for the limit of self-study, according to convention, it is still the Fourth Grade of perfection.
In terms of spells, all high-level spells are basically maxed out.
The Time Law: [Five Elements Mist Concealment], [Thunder Breaking Illusion Finger], [Nine Heavens Astral Wind], [Dripping Rain], [Heavenly Fire Baleful Force], [Icebound Myriad Miles], [Cloud -Cloud Devour Domain]
Among them, the [Five Elements Mist Concealment] has already mastered the Five Elements Poisonous Miasma, which allows for a wide-range enemy-blocking Water Drop Art, thus mastering the ' Dripping Rain Domain '.
Advanced methods for predicting Transformation of Seasons Art: [Soaring Serpent Transformation] [Startling Thunder Transformation]
Advanced Earthly Advantage Method: [Netherwind of the Fiend], [Earthly Baleful Thunder], [Volcano Art], [Boundless Earth Palace], [Divine Swift Guard]
Advanced True Self Method: [Instant Primordial], [Ten Thousand Laws Clone], [Nine Dragons Bend the Nodes], [Savage Growth], [Barren Condense Essence Art]
[Jungle Leap: Seventh-Turn] [All Trees and Grass Are Soldiers: Seventh-Turn]
Destiny-related spells: [Great Evolution Qi Observation Art], [Five Finger Heavenly Mandate], [Divination of Climate Art]
The Tortoise Trigram Art, specifically the Coins Trigram Art within Tortoise Trigram Art, remains at the intermediate level of perfection.
Fate Soul Spells:
[Heaven's Eye Art: Allows one to see through Yin Soul and Reconnaissance subtle movements in the surroundings]
[Sleep Bug Art: Capturing the Sleep Parasite within the Fate Soul]
[Dream Storage Method: Building a Memory Palace to Preserve Memories]
[The Three Gods Convergence: The Fate Soul Connects with the Soul of Earth, Understanding Cause and Effect]
Ten Thousand Laws Dao Body: A pure primordial body condensed from the Five Elements Wind-Thunder. Pure Origin Soil: Level 3 (Area: 34,000 square meters, projected to reality at a 10:1 scale).
Three secret codes:
Solar Terms Decree: Third-Turn of Stabilization (Start of Spring Solar Terms Decree, due to the existence of the treasure, the Stabilization stage is complete).
Houtu Return to Origin: The Second Layer of Perfection (Opening Up the Pure Yuan Space Level)
The Yin Yang True Self Scripture: Second Level of Perfection (Intricate Threads, Deep-Level Control of Primordial Qi)
Possessing treasures:
[Origin Spirit Fruit (one and a half): Consuming this fruit can enhance the power of the Fate Soul and heal injuries caused by a split Fate Soul]
Void Seed: Type unknown
[Spirit Court Solar Terms Decree (Start of Spring): One of the eighth-tier set treasures crafted by the Ancient God dynasty 'Xia'. After being stored in the dantian, the Start of Spring term reaches the perfect state of meditation.]
[Soul Armor (Tier 6 Supreme): A Soul-type Defensive Treasure Inherited from the Dream God Sect]
[Dragon Soul Jade Pendant (Tier 6 Supreme): Possesses the effect of stabilizing the Fate Soul and reducing the chance of Going Berserk]
[Eight Heavenly Maidens: Mechanical Puppet]
[Soaring Cloud Boots: Fifth-Tier Premium (Standard Equipment for Agriculture Official)]
[Golden Raincoat: Fifth-Tier Premium (Standard Equipment for the Agriculture Official)]
[Hundred Flowers Hat: Fifth-Tier Premium (Standard Equipment for the Agriculture Official)]
[Cloud Rain Pearl: Fifth-Tier Premium (Standard Equipment for the Agriculture Official)]
[Guard Command Scepter: Fifth-Tier Premium (Obtained as a Reward)]
[Qilin Flying Boat: Fifth-Tier Premium (Obtained as a Reward)]
"Of the spells I have learned, apart from the Jungle Leap and the grass and trees are enemies in the True Self Method, which I learned relatively late and have not yet perfected, the rest have reached the high-level perfection level."
"Of all the fate-related spells, only the Coins Trigram Art remains incomplete."
"The latter lacked the necessary conditions and has been shelved."
"It's time to change this outfit," Zhao Xing thought to himself. The Dragon Soul Jade Pendant and Soul Armor were still usable.
However, the other standard equipment for the Agricultural Official is somewhat mismatched with Zhao Xing's strength.
It's not even good enough for the Ten Thousand Laws Clone Technique!
Because the Ten Thousand Laws Clone, especially its nine most important clones, was crafted using sixth-tier materials, Zhao Xing pondered, "My strength has increased rapidly recently, and I haven't had time to forge any equipment for myself. I need to prepare properly before heading to the Dragon Court Ancient Land." "My lord, Lord Zhao!"
Just then, a voice entered my ears.
However, Sun Shizhao, Tao Anchun, Dong Yuanqiu, Cao Jiang and others had been waiting outside for a long time.
"Congratulations, Lord Sun." Zhao Xing walked over with a smile.
Xiao Sun has finally achieved his wish. He has now entered an important official position. If he perseveres for another thirty to fifty years, he will have the opportunity to be promoted to the Fourth Grade rank.
If you're still in the same place, there's absolutely no hope.
"Thank you for your guidance, Prime Marquis." Sun Shizhao bowed deeply. Although he was not promoted, being transferred to Chongming Prefecture, a crucial county, as Judicial Assistant Magistrate was much better than being the magistrate of Twin County.
"No, you mustn't." Zhao Xing quickly helped him up. "It's all thanks to Lord Sun's own abilities. What does it have to do with me?"
Sun Shizhao dared to gamble his life and fortune back then; such courage and boldness are truly rare. Sun Shizhao didn't say anything during his transfer this time. His achievements during the ten years of the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau alone are enough to make Sun Shizhao benefit.
"No matter what, I will always remember the kindness of the Prime Marquis." Sun Shizhao, however, believed that his transfer was due to Zhao Xing speaking up for him.
Even without it, his political achievements were due to the influence of the Dragon Horse Bureau.
Otherwise, why wasn't he transferred before, but only when Zhao Xing came along did he get transferred to a good place to work?
After expressing his gratitude repeatedly, Sun Shizhao took his leave, saying, "My Prime Marquis, take care."
"Take care, Lord Sun. Come back to Twin Islands often when you have time." Zhao Xing smiled and said that his ten years of cooperation with Sun Shizhao had been quite pleasant. At least Sun, his nominal superior, had not caused him any trouble and had been extremely cooperative.
"Old Tao, after Sun Shizhao was transferred, who will take over as the magistrate of Twin County?" Zhao Xing asked.
"My lord, the newly appointed magistrate is named Qi Ming." Tao Anchun asked, "What's his background?"
"The Liang King Faction." Tao Anchun only uttered three words, but Zhao Xing's face darkened. "Who recommended him?"
"Yin Qiquan, the Fourth Grade censor and supervisor, is the same one who came to Twin Islands to investigate last time."
Qi Ming transitioned from a military to a civil service position. He also had a recommender, Ren Di, the Fleet Captain of the Qingyang Army of the East Sea Legion, Upper Fourth Rank military officer.
Zhao Xing tilted his head and asked, "Is this also part of the Liang King Faction?"
Tao Anchun said in a low voice, "Yes, he was Vassal who came from the Liang King's Residence. He came to the East Sea as a general in the 270th year of the Renovation Era Calendar."
"My lord, this man may be difficult to deal with," Cao Jiang said worriedly. Zhao Xing replied calmly, "Qi Ming is only Fifth Grade; he can't cause any trouble. Let's continue singing and dancing as usual and prepare for the upcoming competition."
"Yes."
After being promoted in April, May will be the month for the battle to secure a spot in the Dragon Court Ancient Land of the East Sea.
The battle for the East Sea's spots will take place in Azure Sea Grotto Heaven.
The Azure Sea Grotto Heaven is under the control of the Tusi clan. The journey will take 200,000 li by sea. Fearing that Zhao Xing might be killed on the way, Princess Youruo specially ordered that Zhao Xing travel with her on her Azure Tour Tower Ship. This is a grand event in the East Sea, with a very high standard. Not only will Princess Youruo be there, but many other high-ranking officials will also be present.
The imperial court dispatched Li Shuchang, Second Rank Grand Coachman the Imperial Stud; Wang Tianzhi, Second Rank Lesser Agriculture Decree; Hong Yuanba, a Second Rank East Sea General, as its representatives.
Together with Bai Yunwu, the Azure Dragon Army Commander and the Pacification Commissioner from the Shui tribe chieftain's side, Ji Canghai, the Black Tortoise Army Commander, they presided over the battle for the quota.
There will be four Third Grade lords of the third rank present, because there are four prefectural cities along the East Sea coast.
They were Chongming Prefecture, Sea Origin Prefecture, Azure Origin Prefecture, and Great Ming Prefecture, respectively.
In addition, there are also Dao Academy that have emerged, such as Qin Hongying of the Azure Water Daoist Academy.
There will be more than two hundred officials of the second or third rank!
As for the Fifth Grade and Fourth Grade, there are more than 50,000 people in total.
A total of 57,642 people from the four prefectures of the East Sea participated in the competition.
"The aquatic chieftains of the East Sea, the Dao Academy masters, the military forces, and the nobles and officials all covet the quota in the Dragon Court Ancient Land."
Of the more than 50,000 people, only the top 200 Beast Tamers are qualified to directly enter the Dragon Court Ancient Land.
The rest will enter the knockout stage, from which another 300 will be selected. Even so, the total number of spots will only be 500, making it a highly competitive selection process.
You only have three war beasts, do you really want to compete for this ranking?
On the Tower Ship, Princess Youruo looked at Zhao Xing and his three-headed battle pet. She didn't think Zhao Xing could stand out at all. After all, Zhao Xing was not a proper beast tamer, and his ranking when Zhao Xing fought his way out of the Purple Firmament Islands was not high. It was obviously a bit of a stretch.
"Master's wife, I want to give it a try." Zhao Xing said, "The Dragon Court Ancient Land is extremely dangerous. Your teacher only has you as his successor. Don't you want to reconsider?"
"There's still ten years to prepare. My battle pet is currently at Fifth Grade, but it will definitely be Fourth Grade when I enter the game in ten years."
Seeing Zhao Xing's stubbornness, Princess Youruo gave up trying to persuade him, "Fine, since you're unlikely to qualify this time anyway, just give it a try."
Princess Youruo was not optimistic about Zhao Xing, because the battle beasts she casually brought with her Princess's Residence were all beast tamers of the Fourth Grade perfect divine bloodline demon level, and there were more than five hundred of them!
Even so, Princess Youruo dared not say that Zhao Xing Fifth Grade official and whose battle beast was also Fifth Grade official, was not a professional beast tamer. What could he possibly use to compete for one-tenth of the qualifying spots?
However, since Liu Tianning didn't object, Princess Youruo couldn't say anything more. She didn't believe Zhao Xing, but others did.
"Senior Brother, you must have a way to win, right?" Ji Ziyun came to Zhao Xing's side from the Scenic Outlook Platform on the Tower Ship.
"Oh? Even the princess doesn't have confidence in me, but you think highly of me." Zhao Xing smiled.
"How could my Senior Brother fight a battle he can't win?" Ji Ziyun said with a smile.
"You're someone who can conquer the Fire Dragon Pass. Looking back on Senior Brother military career, I've never lost a single battle."
Seeing that Zhao Xing did not speak, Ji Ziyun said confidently, "Senior Brother must be confident!"
Zhao Xing glanced at Ji Ziyun: "You're so smart, then guess where my confidence lies."
Ji Ziyun pondered for a moment, then took out an official document from her bosom. "Senior Brother, this is the newly released competition rules. It doesn't restrict the performance of beast tamers."
"If I'm not mistaken, Senior Brother's confidence stems from his own strength."
In your previous matches, you never personally participated; you always relied on Heaven Defier, Sky Howl, Illusory Heaven to fight your way out of the Purple Firmament Arena.
Others only thought that Senior Brother was a half-baked expert, lacking any real skill in beast taming, but in reality, Senior Brother only needed to master the Beast Taming Technique and combine his Pure Yuan Fusion to break through the encirclement.
What Master Liu could do at the Fifth Grade, Senior Brother can certainly do too!
Zhao Xing glanced at Ji Ziyun, somewhat surprised. This girl had actually seen through his intentions. Indeed, in terms of beast taming techniques, the number of battle pets, and even the strength of the battle pets, he might not be able to compare with those geniuses from beast taming families.
However, there are no rules in competitive matches that prohibit beast tamers from using other spells. It doesn't matter if a beast tamer is also a warrior, priest, Agricultural Official, or dancer.
Being able to demonstrate one's strength in the Dragon Court Ancient Land is a matter of whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat. Zhao Xing just wants to get a spot based on his own strength. He can easily defeat Fourth Grade opponent now. So the question is, if that's the case, why bother with beast taming? Can't they just let people in directly?
That won't work, because the Dragon Court Ancient Land was the dwelling place of the Dragon Race in ancient times. Its internal world has its own rules, and the status of humans and beasts is reversed.
In the eyes of the Dragon Race Human Race are of lowly blood and status, and will be subject to restrictions everywhere inside. However, if one signs a contract with a war beast of divine blood, it will be much easier to enter.
"Senior Brother, is that so?" Ji Ziyun looked at Zhao Xing with a hint of expectation. "Is this your plan?"
"You guessed right, but there's no prize." Zhao Xing snapped his fingers and turned to leave.
Ji Ziyun watched Zhao Xing's departing figure, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "Senior Brother, he... he really can fight Fourth Grade now."
Princess Youruo's Tower Ship was extremely fast, and in just Heavenly Timing, it arrived at White Cloud Island, an external entrance to Azure Sea Grotto Heaven. This was Bai Yunwu's fiefdom. When Princess Youruo arrived on the island, she was greeted by Bai Yunwu's eldest son, Bai Mingchuan.
Bai Yunwu's status was high enough; he was a king of the Water Tribe and an old friend of Princess Youruo's mother. It was neither official nor private that he should be the one to greet her.
Therefore, the only person to greet him was the Heir Apparent Prince Bai Mingchuan. Bai Mingchuan was Martial Marquis bestowed by the Great Zhou. His seniority was equal to that of Princess Youruo, and he was also Bai Ling's father.
Azure Sea Grotto Heaven is nominally one of the Military Realm Grotto-Heaven of the Great Zhou, but in reality, it has always been controlled by the chieftains of the Shui tribe.
The most powerful force among them is the White Cloud Wu Family.
Once you leave the East Sea and continue eastward to the high seas, Bai Yunwu's words carry more weight than the emperor's.
"Your subject pays respects to the princess." Bai Mingchuan, along with his clansmen, respectfully performed a grand salute below the Tower Ship, where an honor guard stood and the Azure Dragon Army surrounded the perimeter.
Most of them resemble humans with dragon horns on their heads, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them Half-Dragon Person. However, there are also pure humans who, through thousands of years of cultivation, have developed a strong sense of identity with the Great Zhou Dynasty, including many aquatic tribes such as the White Clan.
Zhao Xing was observing from a distance when he suddenly noticed a gaze fixed on him. "Hmm?" Following the gaze, Zhao Xing looked towards the southeast Fang Zhen.
In one of the army Fang Zhen, a general carrying a sword was winking and making faces at him.
"Long Xiao?" Zhao Xing was taken aback, then immediately transmitted his voice, "You, what are you doing here?"
?
He knew that Long Xiao had joined the Azure Dragon Army, but what was the occasion? The soldiers who could come here were either Bai Mingchuan's personal guards or powerful generals from White Cloud Island.
Long Xiao was standing quite close to the front. "What do you mean I'm here? I joined the Azure Dragon Army twenty-nine years ago!" Long Xiao said. "Then aren't you a Fifth Grade official? What's with this soldier's uniform?"
"Don't even mention it." Long Xiao's voice was somewhat frustrated. "I was originally a Fifth Grade Cloud Soaring Dragon General, commanding an entire army, but this year that old man Bai Mingchuan transferred me to be Dragon Vanguard Guard."
"Dragon Vanguard Guard?" Zhao Xing asked doubtfully. "Are they specifically for charging into battle?"
That's right.
That shouldn't be the case. A genius swordsman like you shouldn't have fallen to the level of charging into battle. Did you sleep with Bai Ling? And then her father found out?
That's not right. How could someone be so cruel to you just like that?
"Hiss, you didn't get her pregnant, did you?"
Long Xiao remained silent, clearly having anticipated this.
Well, his cabbage has been eaten by a pig, of course the father is unhappy. These two aren't even officially married yet, and she's already pregnant. Bai Mingchuan's restraint in not killing Long Xiao after finding out was already commendable. "Let's talk later, I have to go on patrol again." Long Xiao's Fang Zhen began to move.
"I don't think I can make it in a while. I need to go into the Azure Sea Grotto Heaven to prepare for battle."
"Oh? You're really here to compete for a spot in the Dragon Court Ancient Land?" Long Xiao said. "Did you think I traveled two hundred thousand miles just for fun?"
"I thought you came all this way just to see me."
"How dare you bring this up? How long has it been since you came back to Dongyang County to see me and Old Chen?"
"Ahem, I'm leaving now, let's chat in our free time." Knowing he was in the wrong, Long Xiao immediately followed the Fang Zhen and left. Zhao Xing also followed and Tower Ship. Princess Youruo's group was going to stay at the palace prepared by Bai Yunwu.
He was with a group of beast tamers, led by Liu Wanliang, heading to the Azure Sea Grotto Heaven to prepare for battle. Also traveling with them were many beast tamers from the Purple Firmament Islands.
Those qualified to ride on Princess Youruo's Tower Ship are the elite of the elite, almost all of them are Fourth Grade officials. Only Zhao Xing is a Fifth Grade official, and he even brought a cat, a dog and a sheep with him, which makes him very conspicuous.
They went unnoticed when they boarded the ship, but now that they've disembarked and are acting as a group, they've attracted a lot of attention.
"Hmm? Princess Demon Lord, when did you acquire a Fifth Grade beast tamer? And he's following behind Liu Sicheng." A woman in a purple robe looked at Zhao Xing's back with a puzzled expression.
"Zhaozhao, do you know her?"
1
"I don't know her, and I've never seen her before." Another woman, Wang Zhaozhao, who was holding a staff and riding on a large tiger, shook her head.
"That's strange. We're all Fourth Grade beast tamers, how did he, a Fifth Grade, get in?" Lin Ziyue wondered. "Could he be one of Liu Sicheng's men?"
"I think I've seen him entering and leaving the princess's Yonghua Palace before. Maybe he's a relative of the princess. Is he here to broaden his horizons?" A bald man rode over and said. "Doesn't seem like it. Look, he's even bringing a war beast. He's probably here to compete for a ranking, right?" Lin Ziyue asked, puzzled.
"I know about the Spirit Illusion Goat, but what breed is this cat? It looks like a Mountain Cat." Wang Zhaozhao also stared at the war beast behind Zhao Xing.
"Don't be confused, that's the Mountain Cat! I remember now, isn't that Zhao Xing, the head of the Twin Dragon Horse Bureau?" The bald man slapped his forehead. "Yes, that's him!"
"Brother Zhang, do you know him?" Lin Ziyue and Wang Zhaozhao both looked over.
"His Mountain Cat killed a Emperor Crocodile nine years ago, and he relied on this cat to fight his way up from the western part of the Purple Firmament Arena in the subsequent regional competitions."
"I think I vaguely remember," Lin Ziyue said with a hint of disdain. "She always barely makes it this far, tsk tsk, she's got connections."
"His Highness, you're not going to make us bring this guy to the competition, are you?"
Well, if that's the case, whoever gets this task is doomed.
"Oh, Your Highness is confused!"
In any competitive sport, no one respects those with connections. These Fourth Grade beast tamers have all earned their current status through their own abilities.
After hearing that Zhao Xing was a relative, they all disdained to associate with Zhao Xing. Zhao Xing had also kept a low profile in recent years, and almost none of the beast tamers knew him. Very few people knew about the relationship between the princess and Liu Tianning, and even fewer knew about the relationship between Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing.
It is only vaguely known that this person is highly valued by the princess. As Fourth Grade beast tamer, he would not usually pay attention to the preliminaries and group stage.
So, while everyone else in the beast tamer group was chatting and laughing, Zhao Xing followed Liu Fangliang alone.
"Chen'an, don't pay attention to those rumors," Liu Wanliang, the Vice Minister of the Prince's Palace, said in a low voice. "You've made it all through your own efforts. Apart from giving you a preliminary round spot at the beginning, the princess hasn't helped you cheat during the competition."
"They don't know these things, so it's normal for them to misunderstand."
"Sir, I understand." Zhao Xing smiled and said, "It's normal for a half-baked person like me to have some gossip when I appear in the elite team of the Princess's Residence. It would be abnormal if there were no gossip."
His mediocre beast tamer ranking was at the bottom among more than 57,000 people, while Lin Ziyue and Wang Zhaozhao were elites who had already made a name for themselves.
It was strange that a Fifth Grade beast tamer had infiltrated the group of Fourth Grade beast tamers in the Princess's Residence, and they might have mistaken Zhao Xing for a scoundrel.
After walking in silence for another quarter of an hour, a colossal gate, a thousand meters high, appeared ahead, with pale blue vortexes shimmering inside.
The giant gate is surrounded by a vast plain, and many teams, each with their own war beasts, have arrived outside the gate to wait.
"Look, that's the entrance to the Azure Sea Grotto Heaven, which is also the venue specifically used for the Beast Competition," Liu Wanliang introduced to Zhao Xing.
"The Favorable Timing and Location and large-scale facilities inside the Azure Sea Grotto Heaven simulate some classic checkpoints for entering the Dragon Court Ancient Land."
Fifty-seven thousand six hundred and forty-two beast tamers will compete for one of the top five hundred spots.
If you can secure one of these spots, you'll be qualified to enter the Dragon Court Ancient Land.
"In the future, as long as you bring out any one item from the high-level mission list from the Dragon Court Ancient Land, you can become a Fourth Grade official."
"Your war beast will also receive a reward."
Liu Wanliang looked at the sky and then said, "The competition for the spots hasn't officially started yet. We need to wait for the Grand Coachman and General Azure Dragon to arrive, which will probably take another four hours."
"Four hours," Zhao Xing nodded, then suddenly asked a question that left Liu Wanliang puzzled, "Sir,"
By this point, the rules of the competition shouldn't have changed, right?