Let Me Borrow Your Heads-Old Master Zhao Strikes Hard! (Extended chapter)
The moment when heaven and earth trembled and destiny was shattered.
"Buzz~ Buzz~"
The treasures Zhao Xing carried all emitted light.
The magic he practiced also underwent some change.
"The effects are coming." Zhao Xing realized this and immediately returned to his room to check.
At the same time, records appeared on the panel.
Name: Zhao Xing
[Official Rank: Upper Fifth Grade (Unusual)]
[Realm: Perfected Yuan Soul Realm]
Occupation: Agricultural Official
[Qi Luck: Evolution Six (Abnormal Fluctuation)]
[Essence Gathering: Level 69]
[Fate Soul: Early Stage of Third Grade]
[Remaining lifespan: 499 years (abnormal)]
"In the 29th year of the Jingxin Calendar, I had 500 years left to live. Now it is the 35th year of the Jingxin Calendar, but I have been blessed for five years because of the promotions and titles of Mountain Cat, Cangmao, and Spirit Illusion Goat. So I still have 499 years left to live."
"Now my Official Rank, fortune, and lifespan are all fluctuating abnormally. This is because the Great Zhou Dynasty of Fate system has split in Pinghai Province and Lüliang Province, and I am in that region."
In the official residence of the Hundred Roads Transportation Department in Tianhe Prefecture, Zhao Xing glanced at the panel.
On the second day of the second month of the thirty-fifth year of the Jingxin Calendar, the Zhou Dynasty of Fate experienced unusual turmoil.
[Due to the influence of the divine artifact ' Weishen Luo ', your fortune has fluctuated (affected areas: Pinghai Province and Lüliang Province).]
[Due to the influence of the Heavenly Palace of the Underworld Fate Directorate, your lifespan has fluctuated, but the lifespan granted by the Dynasty of Fate has been increased.]
Abnormal fluctuations will occur; other areas will be unaffected. (Affected areas: Pinghai Province and Lüliang Province)
[Due to the "Edict to Bandit Suppression Edict," your Official Rank has become abnormal. If you comply with the "Bandit Suppression Edict," you will lose your current position but may be granted a higher one.]
"These three influences are one of the reasons why the Liang King Rebellion," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "Following him in rebellion..."
It is possible to gain greater fortune, higher Official Rank, and a longer lifespan.
As for magic, there were also anomalies.
However, only three spells are abnormal: the Five Finger Heavenly Mandate, the Tortoise Coin Divination Art, and the Divination of Climate Art.
These three spells were also affected.
After the spell's name, an icon appeared that read "[Heaven's Mandate Favor]".
"Here comes the rip-off." Zhao Xing looked at the sign and couldn't help but shake his head.
"Influenced by the Heaven's Mandate Favor, activating these three magical calculations at this time will affect any outcome, and it will be in the favor of Liang King."
"The Liang King was the highest- Fate Officials in the past. If I were to predict whether the Liang King would succeed, the feedback would be nine out of ten times that he would succeed."
"In reality, this is the effect caused by Liang King's Fate Spell."
In his previous life, Zhao Xing was tricked by this ridiculous buff.
It wasn't just him; many expert players were completely fooled.
Believing that the Liang King was truly the Heaven's Mandate Favor, they all joined the rebel camp.
As a result, everyone suffered a setback; some lost levels, some lost items, some lost luck, and some even had their Official Rank ranks reduced to zero.
Many chuunibyou (delusional) players, when interpreting this "Heaven's Mandate Favor" buff, attributed it to themselves.
So he raised the flag of rebellion, declared himself king, and died even faster.
"That damned Liang King," Zhao Xing cursed.
The other spells on the panel remained unchanged.
Currently, Zhao Xing possesses four top-tier Time Law:
These are the three Celestial Timing Transformation of Seasons Art: [Kunpeng Transformation: Third-Turn]
This is an internal cultivation Transformation of Seasons Art that allows one to transform into Kunpeng and unleash a unique innate skill of the Kunpeng.
Kunpeng has many innate secret skills. Zhao Xing comprehended the "Kun Swallows Heaven and Earth" when he entered the beginner level (first to Third-Turn).
Kun Swallows Heaven and Earth: Possesses a powerful devouring ability. It can open its giant mouth and suck in large amounts of heaven and earth energy, clouds and mist, and even water flow and spiritual energy, turning them into its own power.
If you break through to the Fourth-Turn of minor success, you can also learn the innate secret techniques in the Great Roc state.
Celestial Timing Thunder Art: Third-Turn, mastering the secret technique [Heavenly Thunder Finger].
Celestial Timing Cloud Art: Third-Turn, Cloud Gate.
Cloud Method is a divine skill for controlling the field, and top-tier magic is no exception. In addition, the top-tier Cloud Method "Cloud Gate" can greatly enhance other magics, especially Rain Art.
Cloud Gate is part of the Ultimate Law, and its ultimate goal is to replace the Heavenly Dao. At the top level of the law, it has already begun to evolve the changes of the five elements.
The fourth top-level Time Law is still the Cloud Method, namely Li Boqian's unique skill "Tears Scale Horizon".
There are also four types of top-tier Earthly Advantage Method.
[Vast Sea Earth Palace: Third-Turn] [Mystic Water Earth Palace: Third-Turn]
[Earth Spirit Divine Treasury Art: Third-Turn, mastering the secret technique "Earth Spirit Barrier," a large-scale defensive barrier.]
[Kunyuan Art: Third-Turn, mastering ' Kunyuan Recreation,' primarily for soil restoration.]
"The Heavenly Timing and Earthly Advantage Institute combined constitute eight top-tier techniques, all of which are at the Third-Turn of the main body realm. Apart from the Kunpeng Transformation, the other seven can be used by clones, which are at the First-Turn level."
Zhao Xing looked at these eight secret techniques, which were the result of his five years of cultivation.
"As for the True Self Faction magic, it is also unaffected."
"When the advanced technique [Jungle Leap] is mastered to the advanced level, it allows you to use the forest environment to escape, making it suitable for various combat situations."
"With the skill 'Seeing enemies in every bush and tree,' there's simply no time to practice, and I'm still at the Seventh-Turn level."
"However, the key to the 'All Plants Are Soldiers' skill lies in the ability of Plant Soldier. At this moment, I don't have any sixth-tier Plant Soldier in my body. I only have some medicinal herbs and clone materials for backup," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
The fighting strength of the True Self Faction" faction is not yet fully formed. They can easily defeat weaker opponents, but they will need more time to compete in higher-level matches.
Destiny-related spells: [Great Evolution Qi Observation Art], [Five Finger Heavenly Mandate], [Divination of Climate Art], [Tortoise Trigram Art].
All three are in an abnormal state, but the Great Evolution Qi Observation Art is unaffected.
Because the Great Evolution Qi Observation Art can only be observed, not calculated.
"Spells related to Fate Soul are also unaffected."
"Among them, the Heaven's Eye Art and the Sleep Bug Art both increase in power as the strength of the Fate Soul increases. My Fate Soul has reached a high-grade level, and these two techniques have also reached the power of top-grade techniques."
"Dream Storage Method: Create a memory palace; Dream Walking Art: Allows you to jump through dreams and kill people."
"However, like the Dream Walking Art and the True Self Method, there's no time to cultivate them; they're only good for easily defeating weak opponents, not for fighting high-level ones."
"The best way to deal with high-level souls is still through the Derivation God Art Technique, the Soul Extinguishing Bell, and eighth-tier Soul Armor."
"Ten Thousand Laws Dao Body: A pure primordial body condensed from the Five Elements Wind-Thunder Dao, with the added benefit of Level 4 Pure Origin Soil. The total amount of primordial energy is a hundred times that of an ordinary Fourth Grade Perfection cultivator. Ordinary Third Grade probably can't even last as long as me."
[Treasure: Heavenly Mystery Magic Robe (Seventh Order Supreme Item, Abnormal)]
[Evil Aversion Almanac (Seventh Order Superior Grade, Abnormal
[The Mo Shou Jade Pendant (Seventh Order Supreme Item, when activated, it can form a small, movable barrier (can defend against all attacks except those involving souls)]
[Soul Suppressing Bell (Seventh Order, Low Grade, Soul Illusion Defense, Warning Against Going Berserk)]
[Soul Armor: Tier 8 Supreme Grade]
[Yuan Yin Sacred Codex: Ninth Order, Lowest Level, Sixteen Pages]
[The Solar Terms Decree (Great Li): The solar terms of Start of Spring, Start of Summer, Start of Autumn, and Beginning of Winter can enhance the level of the secret manual "Solar Terms Decree".]
"The treasures that Heaven Derivation King gave me, the Heavenly Mystery Magic Robe and the Evil Aversion Almanac, have become abnormal. I'm afraid even Heaven Derivation King didn't expect to encounter this situation today."
"Fortunately, the Mo Shou Jade Pendant and the Soul Suppressing Bell are unaffected," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"The ' Solar Terms Decree ' states that the four Solar Terms Decree of the Li Dynasty — the Start of Spring, the Start of Summer, the Beginning of Start of Autumn, and the Beginning of Winter —are all considered to be at the peak of the fixed state. The rest are considered to be at the Sixth-Turn of the fixed state."
There are also some disposable items purchased from the Military Realm that did not appear on the panel.
Zhao Xing checked it over and found that it was not seriously affected.
"It seems that only fate-related spells and items have been affected, which is consistent with what I knew in my previous life."
"However, this effect is roughly the same on both sides," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "I can't use it, and basically the enemy can't use it either, so it's still on the same level."
The Liang King wanted to complete the blockade, not only in terms of territory, but also in terms of people's hearts.
The effect of "Heaven's Mandate Favor" is to make officials side with him.
"I remember that Liang King also possesses a divine artifact called the Heavenly Luck Hidden Dragon List, which records the geniuses and those with extraordinary fortune across the Nineteen Provinces."
"This is the most prized treasure of the Profound Heaven Sect, capable of helping Liang King to win over and assassinate those talented individuals." Zhao Xing looked up at the sky again.
"When I was a player in my previous life, I could see this ranking list on the panel. I wonder how it will be presented in this life."
Just as Zhao Xing was getting familiar with these changes.
"Bang"
,
Suddenly, a Yin Wind blew into the residence of the Hundred Roads Transportation Department.
A phantom appeared inside the official residence.
It emitted a faint Golden Light, and a golden dragon coiled above its head.
But below its waist, a black dragon Entanglement.
"A split Soul Body of Yin Spirit Dai Zong." Zhao Xing frowned as he looked at the suddenly appearing phantom. "The fortune in the Yin God Body has also split, but it seems that the Black Dragon has the upper hand now."
The Fate Heavenly Palace in the Yin Realm controls a portion of the power of the Yin Spirit, and now it has begun to affect the Yin Spirit below. Zhao Xing could sense that Dai Zong was not in control of his own destiny, because half of his face was indifferent and the other half was struggling.
"Zhao Xing receives the imperial decree!"
Dai Zong spoke coldly.
Zhao Xing stared at him coldly.
Ignoring Zhao Xing's actions, Dai Zong simply took out a black dragon edict and began to read it aloud.
"Zhao Xing, the Prime Marquis, was promoted to the second rank and granted the title of Xinyang Marquis (a title of five virtues, namely strictness, bravery, martial prowess, wisdom, and trustworthiness), and was put in charge of the Tianhe Xinyang Army."
"He will be promoted three ranks, his lifespan will be increased by fifty years, and Transportation Envoy of the Ninth Circuit of Tianhe Prefecture, with the additional title of Grand Master of the Palace."
"Effective immediately!"
"Zhao Xing, why aren't you kneeling down to receive the imperial decree?" Dai Zong shouted.
Hearing this cryptic "decree," Zhao Xing couldn't help but sneer, "Whose decree are you conveying?"
"This is the decree of the Liang King," Dai Zong said.
Imperial edicts issued by the emperor are called imperial edicts, those issued by the empress dowager are called imperial decrees, and those issued by princes, empresses, and princesses are collectively called imperial edicts.
"Absurd!" Zhao Xing flung his sleeves, declaring righteously, "I am not his Vassal, how could I possibly accept an edict from a prince like him?"
"Dai Zong, are you going to join him in rebellion?!"
With each sentence Zhao Xing spoke, he took a step forward, his voice booming like thunder, constantly exploding around Dai Zong's divided Soul Body.
In the struggle between the Black Dragon Luck and the golden dragon's fortune, Dai Zong's black dragon fortune was immediately at a disadvantage.
Dai Zong immediately came to his senses, and said with some fear, "Prime Marquis, I was also forced to do this—this edict was sent specifically for you, you must not accept it!"
"You must leave Tianhe Prefecture immediately, no, you must leave Ping immediately!"
Before Dai Zong could finish speaking, the aura emanating from the black dragon washed over his entire body once more.
"Zhao Xing, are you going to defy the imperial decree?!" Dai Zong stared coldly at Zhao Xing.
Ding~
A bell tolled from within Zhao Xing's body.
The Soul Extinguishing Bell was activated immediately.
They helped Dai Zong suppress the dark energy again.
"Dai Zong, you are currently Divine Soul, so I can only destroy this fragment of your soul." Zhao Xing looked at the now conscious Dai Zong. "Don't blame me."
Dai Zong stiffly clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Prime Marquis."
Zhao Xing activated the Soul Extinguishing Bell again.
Clang!
An invisible soul force spread outwards, and Dai Zong's split Soul Body instantly turned into powder.
"Whoosh~"
The golden Flying Dragon soared into the sky and returned to the heavens.
But the black dragon, carrying the imperial edict, suddenly pounced on Zhao Xing.
If soft tactics don't work, we'll resort to hard ones. This is an attempt to forcibly rescue Zhao Xing and make him Vassal of the King of Liang King.
Once successful, it will mean getting on Liang King's chariot, and it will be difficult to get off later.
Even after getting off the vehicle, there will still be stains.
Forget about becoming the Grand Minister of Agriculture; even Third Grade official position is out of reach.
In an instant, the Soul Suppressing Bell on Zhao Xing's body rang.
The imperial edict carried by the black dragon was like a quagmire, unable to get close to Zhao Xing.
"Hmph, you dare to seal me with the power of a mere split Soul Body?"
"Break!"
Without Dai Zong's support, the Black Dragon Edict is nothing more than an ordinary soul attack.
They were merely there to tempt Zhao Xing into accepting rewards and obeying the Liang King.
Zhao Xing easily broke it with a casual wave of his hand.
"Clatter~"
The decree, stripped of its power, fell to the ground, its luster gone.
The black dragon immediately rushed into the sky, returning to its enormous form.
"Without spells related to luck, I can't slay this small black dragon of luck," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
The advantage of Liang King's sealing off of destiny-related spells lies in this: apart from Second Rank "Heavenly Luck Realm" cultivators, no one can slay the black dragon of destiny he dispatched.
Of course, it can be absorbed.
But that's exactly what Liang King wanted.
"If you accept it, it's the same as accepting a reward. You'll become my Vassal and stand on my side." Zhao Xing thought to himself as he watched the black dragon of fortune fly away. "I wonder how many people couldn't resist the temptation and deception and were pulled into the rebel camp by Liang King's first move."
He was promoted three ranks in official rank, two ranks in noble rank, and given a minor rank.
He will live an additional fifty years!
What a temptation!
Even with normal promotions, it might take a hundred years to rise from the Fifth Grade to the Fourth Grade.
Like Sun Shizhao, who was paired up with someone on Twin Islands back then, he is still a Fifth Grade official and is still accumulating seniority there.
Of course, Zhao Xing's treatment was better. If it were someone like Sun Shizhao, who was Fifth Grade, he could forget about Nobility Title, and his lifespan wouldn't be extended by that much.
However, one's abilities should be matched with their treatment.
Zhao Xing didn't care about this small benefit, but it was a huge attraction for the other officials!
"After returning from the Beast Competition, I never displayed my strength. When I went to the two academies, I only wrote a treatise on the Changes of Seasons Treatise. My cultivation of the Derivation God Art at the Star Palace was also done in secret."
"So my apparent strength is only that of a Fifth Grade official who can create high-level Ten Thousand Laws Clone. I am a genius, but not a peerless genius."
"To promote me three ranks and grant me the title of Second-Class Martial Marquis, giving me real power, is already a great honor from the Liang King."
Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"However, he didn't know that I had already learned many top-level techniques and even mastered the first level of the Derivation God Art."
"In this life, why would I get into his beat-up car?"
Dai Zong's rank was not high, and his split Soul Body was only at the level of Sixth Rank Yin Soul.
Sixth Rank Yin Soul only knows simple soul-related spells and low-to-medium level spells and martial arts. However, if it is a high-ranking Yin Spirit, the Invoking the Gods to possess it is different.
Dai Zong's true form was only Third Grade Yin Spirit, and it had always been Qian's messenger. It wouldn't be difficult for Zhao Xing to destroy his divided Soul Body.
"The weak are granted titles by force, while the powerful are coerced and bribed."
"The riots will probably start soon. The Xinyang Army of Tianhe Prefecture? The Xinyang Marquis is probably dead," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
The Liang King bestowed upon him the title of Second-Class Martial Marquis of Wu. Martial Marquis must hold real power and remain in that position until death. If he retires, he will lose the real power associated with the title of Marquis of Martial Marquis, but he will still enjoy the salary and land of a Second-Class Marquis.
Now that the Liang King has appointed him as the "Xinyang Marquis" and put him in charge of the Xinyang Army of Tianhe Prefecture, it means that this position has become vacant.
So the original Xinyang Marquis either died or was forced into retirement.
"The process of retiring in glory is quite troublesome. It requires stripping away one's fortune without harming others, so that they may have enough lifespan to enjoy their later years. Liang King doesn't have that kind of patience. If they don't obey, they will certainly die."
"There are eleven standing armies stationed in Tianhe Prefecture. I wonder how many have defected, how many have died, and how many are resisting," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"Liang King is the governor of Pinghai Province, a first-rank prince, the commander-in-chief of the pacification campaign against the barbarians, and also wields many divine artifacts. He must control military power."
"However, at this time, the local armies were only sending low-ranking soldiers to seize power; their main focus was still on those seven powerful armies."
When Emperor Jing initiated the high-level war, he entrusted the command of the powerful armies of the seven great Grotto-Heaven —Reaching Seclusion, Nine Heavens, Yellow Springs, Dark Nether, Heavenly Granary, Grand Void, Wuyao Army— to the Prince of Liang King.
However, these seven powerful armies would absolutely not easily follow Liang King Rebellion, even if Liang King's current pretext is to Purge the Emperor's Entourage and eliminate Liu Si. With sufficient groundwork laid, there will still be many clear-headed people who will not join him in this rebellion.
Zhao Xing quickly lost interest in what was happening at the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture.
Because his Earth Mirror was buzzing wildly.
[Zhao Xing, immediately proceed to the Tianhe Prefecture Transportation Department to receive orders! — Zhang Ping]
[Zhao Xing, immediately proceed to the ' Li Waterway ' of the Hundred Waters Waterway to maintain stability at Zhou Huai.]
[He Zhengchen] [Order all Agriculture Official of the Fifth Grade in the Ministry of Agriculture to immediately proceed to the prefectural city and, together with the Patrol Office, protect the prefectural city.]
[Emergency Dispatch Order from the Agricultural Supervisorate]
More than a dozen orders appeared inside the Earth Mirror, all issued by officials from higher-level departments of Tianhe Prefecture.
Some orders also contradict each other.
For example, within the Prefectural City Transportation Department, his direct superior, Zhang Ping, ordered him to go to the Transportation Department to take orders.
However, the deputy commander immediately ordered him to guard the Li Waterway.
He also received a mass transfer order from Ye Zijian, the Grand Agriculture Decree of Agricultural Supervisorate of Tianhe Prefecture, as well as a transfer order from He Zhengchen.
There were even orders to transfer troops from the three garrisons in the prefectural city.
Because the Transportation Department was a dual-management agency, overseeing both military and political affairs!
In other words, these are all higher-level departments!
Only the "Inspector" title, which was directly under Liu Tianning's command, was not subject to any orders from the Tianhe Prefecture's inspection stations, offices, or circuits.
"Every transfer order is reasonable, but at this time, the orders are all over the place, and you don't know who's behind them or who's behind them."
"However, the Earth Mirror is still somewhat usable now," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "Let's first ask Long Xiao and the Princess's Residence about the situation."
"What? Bai Zhengyang is still dead?" Zhao Xing was stunned.
"I warned Seventh Uncle," Long Xiao sighed, "But he didn't believe the Hong Clan would rebel or come to kill him, and even laughed at me for being a coward."
"Don't blame yourself," Zhao Xing said calmly. "Everyone has their own destiny. Since he doesn't believe it, then that's his fate."
"He is a general, and you are just a commander of the Fenglong Guard. You cannot command him."
"In the face of this great upheaval, all we can do is protect those around us."
Old Master Zhao felt nothing about Bai Zhengyang's death.
If you were warned but didn't believe it, who can you blame when you die?
Are you suggesting that Long Xiao kneel down and beg him not to deliver it?
Ever since Zhao Xing risked his life for Old Chen at the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, he knew that changing one's fate would come at a great cost.
People like Bai Zhengyang can only respect the fate of others.
"Where's your father-in-law?" Zhao Xing asked. "Is Bai Mingchuan alright?"
"It's alright," Long Xiao said. "However, the brothers Hong Yuanba and Hong Yuanshou have already answered Liang King's call and are leading a million-strong aquatic army towards Chongming Prefecture."
"Has the Bai Family's army been mobilized?" Zhao Xing asked.
"There is chaos within the Azure Dragon Army. Ling'er's grandfather is suppressing the internal rebellion and has only sent an army of 200,000 men to keep an eye on the Hong Clan brothers' army."
"It will take at least two days before we can mobilize troops to pursue them."
Zhao Xing nodded. This was the difference between going first and going second.
The Hong Clan clan members did not have a strong sense of belonging to the imperial court, and they had been prepared for this for some time.
He became stronger in response to Liang King's order.
With ample preparation and these advantages, it's natural to get moving quickly.
On the contrary, the Bai Family is much slower to take action.
"What about the Ao and Tang Clan Ao Clan, the two chieftains of the Shui tribe?" Zhao Xing asked.
"I don't know." Long Xiao scratched his head. "You know, I'm not good at politics, and I don't know what those two families are thinking."
"Tell me if they have launched any military operations, and who those operations are targeting," Zhao Xing asked.
"Yes, both Tang Yinglong and Ao Tian, who were granted the title of King, immediately dispatched troops to pursue the Hong Clan brothers' army. The number was smaller, totaling no more than 150,000 men."
"There's nothing we can do," Zhao Xing said. "Hong Yuanba is the commander of the East Sea. During his term of office, it's naturally easier for him to deploy troops."
"How are things between you and Old Chen now? And what should I do now?" Long Xiao asked.
"Old Chen is fine; he's staying at the Princess's Residence," Zhao Xing said. "I'm in Tianhe Prefecture. It's not obviously chaotic there yet, but I'm afraid it will soon be."
"You should proceed according to the original plan: first, pursue and kill the Hong Clan brothers' army to quell the rebellion, and at the same time, safeguard the Bai Family's coastal defense area."
"But you can't go ashore. Just chase them to the shore. I don't think the Hong brothers will get ashore so quickly." Long Xiao clenched his fist. "I've heard that the Prince of Liang's heir is also in the Eastern Navy Legion. This time, I will definitely kill him!"
"Don't force it," Zhao Xing cautioned. "There will be plenty of opportunities for revenge."
Zhao Xing estimated that the Earth Mirror's effects would deteriorate afterward, so he added a few more words, "Remember this: even if your Bai Family family does nothing, as long as you prevent your demonic army from rebelling and defend against those alien naval forces, you will not be punished, even if you have no merit."
"As for the Hong Clan brothers, although the four major aquatic chieftains have a duty to monitor each other, this is only a minor offense."
"Before the imperial court orders you to quell the rebellion, this number of people is enough for you. Remember, remember, do not go ashore without an imperial decree."
"Okay, I've got it." Long Xiao repeated, "Without an imperial order, we will not pursue them ashore."
Take good care of yourself.
"The same to you.""
After completing the communication with Long Xiao, Zhao Xing heard several voices appearing in the sky above the city.
"In the application of propriety, harmony is of paramount importance!"
"Heaven's Only Martial; let war end war, and killing is justified!"
"Yu Tianhai, Wang Chengsi, are you planning a rebellion?"
"Obeying the king's command and following the way of Heaven, how can this be considered rebellion? He Zhengchen, you were appointed by Prime Minister Liu Si, you are a traitor to the country!"
Why not resign your post and return to the court at once?
"You are traitors, traitors!!"
The sound above the sky was like thunder, and Zhao Xing's mind was affected by it. One moment he wanted to wreak havoc, and the next he wanted to stay at home and not move around.
"The Ritual Cultivator have already broken into a fight. He Zhengchen is the prefect, and the other two are the prefectural assistants. This is an open break."
Zhao Xing's Seven-Star Fate Soul trembled slightly, repelling Ritual Cultivator's magic.
The next moment, another change occurred.
"This land is owned; do not enter without permission!"
"In my name, with unwavering loyalty and blood, I beseech the Earth Emperor Register!"
"People of the Heaven River, return home at once!"
Buzz~
Suddenly, a Golden Light Yellow Register appeared in the sky and floated above the city.
At the same time, all the markets and residential houses were illuminated by a light.
People began heading home.
"Wang Zijun, are you out of your mind? Stop it!"
"Wang Situ, you're truly ruthless, willing to die to protect these ignorant people?"
"Hmph, Qian Cuo, it's good that he's dead!"
"It's just buying us Heavenly Timing. Daring to defy the king's command—this is the consequence!"
Zhao Xing listened to these sounds, now that his Heaven's Eye Art allowed him to hear and see, he witnessed the battle between these Ritual Cultivator.
"Boom!"
Thunder began to Thunderclap in the sky, and the clouds began to shift violently.
The clear blue sky was suddenly covered with Dark Clouds.
Nine great suns rise.
The fierce winds continued to batter the city's defensive Magic Array.
"The Solar Terms Decree, the Cloud Method —this means even the Agricultural Supervisorate has joined the fray."
Zhao Xing did not make a move immediately.
Because his Earth Mirror started ringing again.
This time, without Zhao Xing's consent, the Earth Mirror automatically activated and projected a figure.
Upon seeing this, Zhao Xing immediately bowed and said, "This humble official greets Luo King."
Luo King is also the highest-ranking official in the Military Realm Inspection Department, and Old Liu is just Luo King's subordinate.
His authorization is at the highest level, allowing him to directly activate the system and locate his position using the Earth Mirror.
"Zhao Xing, have you accepted the forged edict from the King of Liang King?" Luo King's gaze was serious.
He was fully armed at this moment, carrying a divine bow Rahu Instant Hell Prison Arrow on his back.
Clad in the Ninth Order supreme Sunset Heavenly King Armor, as the ruling king of the Military Realm, Luo King's equipment is entirely exclusive.
It is a unique creation.
"No," Zhao Xing said firmly. "The Liang King is a traitor; how could I become his Vassal? I swear on my Three Souls that if I have the ability, I will kill him!"
Luo King breathed a sigh of relief. Of course, he was concerned about Zhao Xing's situation, fearing that he might go astray.
Now that he has mastered the first level of the Derivation God Art, and has sworn an oath with his Three Souls, it is absolutely impossible for him to fake it.
However, in order to strengthen Zhao Xing's resolve, Luo King said a few more words:
"You must remain steadfast. I may tell you, His Majesty has already made preparations."
"I, along with three other kings, have taken control of the top ten armies— Nine Heavens, Yellow Springs, and Reaching Seclusion —in an instant!" Luo King said coldly. "In the northern part of Pinghai Province, there are seven military towns. The original kings who commanded the ten strongest armies have led nearly ten thousand high-ranking soldiers to the Boundary Marker to await orders. Ji Mingxian Rising Wind!"
"Yes." Zhao Xing clasped his hands in a fist salute.
Of the ten legions of the Great Zhou, not all seven legions that were previously sent here were mobilized.
Only 70% of the troops were handed over to Liang King, and the original commanders of the ten legions did not go with him.
Therefore, as long as the original high command of the legion can enter Pinghai Province, Liang King will not be able to fully utilize these seven powerful armies.
"I am currently in Tianhe Prefecture. What should I do? What if I encounter powerful figures such as inspectors or military commanders?"
"And who should we trust?" Zhao Xing asked.
Luo King drew his golden sword from his waist and held the jade seal in his hand. "Zhao Xing, heed my command!"
"Your subject is here." Upon seeing this, Zhao Xing immediately knelt down, because what Luo King was holding was the Imperial Decree Sword and Emperor Jing's private seal.
"By order of His Majesty, I hereby temporarily appoint you as the Third-Level Inspection Commissioner of the Eastern Five Prefectures of Pinghai Province, in charge of all civil and military officials below the Third Grade in the Eastern Five Prefectures of Pinghai Province. If you harbor any disloyalty, you may execute them first and report later!"
"Furthermore, I hereby grant you the first-level Celestial Rank license for the Earth Mirror."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Zhao Xing kowtowed.
This time, the factions have been determined.
Because he passed the first test and did not accept the imperial edict from the King of Liang King.
Therefore, the position of inspector and the authority to grant permits are also higher than before.
"I'll give you a list: high-ranking inspectors, patrol officers, Overseeing Army, imperial guards, and Civil Official —the people on this list will absolutely not rebel."
"I have changed your Earth Mirror license. This list will not be leaked. You don't have to obey them, but if you encounter danger, you should know who your own people are," King's Way Luo.
"As for whether to fulfill your duties Transportation Envoy first or to perform your duties as a military inspector first, you may decide as appropriate."
"Yes, I understand." Zhao Xing nodded.
Buzz~
Luo King came quickly and left quickly.
After he disappeared, Zhao Xing's Earth Mirror fell silent.
There are only three messages:
Your Earth Mirror Permission has been upgraded to 'Celestial Level One'.
(Temporary), higher authorization, requires replacement of the Earth Mirror. [You have been appointed by "Luo King" as the Third-Level Inspection Commissioner of the Five Eastern Prefectures of Pinghai Province (Temporary).]
You have obtained a confidential list.
At the same time, Zhao Xing's interface changed again.
His Official Rank rank was temporarily promoted to "lower Fourth Grade", and the word "abnormal" was no longer followed by his Official Rank rank.
Lifespan no longer fluctuates.
The panel records show that he was affected by the "Heavenly Emperor's Decree Sword" and the "Fate Heavenly Palace".
"Luo King bestowed this position upon me through the Earth Mirror, and it's only a temporary fourth -Fourth Grade lower position. He probably doesn't know my full strength, and he hasn't assigned me to command the civil and military officials of the Third Grade," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"He doesn't have the authority to confer Third Grade title; even a temporary one isn't acceptable unless there's another plan in place."
"The twelve prefectures in the east, plus five provincial-level prefectures, are already quite large."
"I have to act quickly. I can't let Tianhe Prefecture fall into chaos, otherwise, let alone Jiewu Prefecture, I won't even be able to protect my current base." Zhao Xing immediately carried the box on his back and flew away from the official residence.
"Four hours have passed now, and even the Xinyang Marquis has been killed—regardless of my personal military preparations..."
The official procedures have all been completed perfectly.
"Next, it's time to wreak havoc. Anyone who has accepted the Black Dragon Luck or obeyed the decree of Liang King is a traitor. No need to ask questions, just kill them!"
"Before the Liang King Rebellion, I was obsequious; after the rebellion, I struck with full force!"
As for how to distinguish them? The Great Evolution Qi Observation Art will tell you at a glance.
Inside the city of Tianhe Prefecture, the streets were deserted, and every household had its doors and windows tightly shut.
Noon should have been a bustling time, but it was quiet at this moment, and all the markets and neighborhoods had been closed.
The city was so quiet that there wasn't even a breeze, but above the city, a fierce wind was blowing and Dark Clouds were gathering, spreading to the four surrounding counties.
"Some people stabilize the celestial phenomena, while others disrupt them."
"Both mountain peaks outside the city are shifting; someone has actually left the city to perform Volcano Art?"
"The Grand Ancestor's grand vision of 'no entry without permission' has taken effect. The Yellow Register at the prefectural level has now strengthened this rule: ' Wang Situ, the prefectural city's land official, has sacrificed his remaining lifespan.'"
"But they couldn't hold out for long. The direction of the temple was also surrounded by Yin Wind, and both sides were locked in a magical battle."
Zhao Xing could sense that several terrifying Yin Spirit were clashing within the temple of the prefecture city.
The surrounding Five Elements forces were affected by this power and all turned into Nether Five Elements!
Even Fourth Grade entering that area would have their soul weakened by the chaotic, eerie Yin Wind.
Zhao Xing activated his Heaven's Eye Art and took a look, discovering that a crack had appeared over there.
He also saw a white-haired figure disappear into the black crack.
"Priest's Essence Soul Leaving the Body and entered the Yin Realm."
"Is this a plan to enter the Yin Realm to report to the Yin Spirit and request reinforcements?"
"I don't know if I'll make it out alive."
Zhao Xing shook his head. The Yin Realm was probably in chaos right now, with neither the great nor small Yin Spirit knowing who to listen to.
Swish~
Zhao Xing appeared instantly outside the government office of the Prefectural Transportation Department.
At this point, a group of soldiers had surrounded the area, and at least seven groups were in a standoff.
There were seventy or eighty corpses on the ground, but most of them were wearing Daoist robes or strange clothes.
"A heretical Daoist priest lurking within the city." Zhao Xing could tell at a glance that the dead were extreme fanatics, no different from idiots.
At this point, things hadn't really gotten chaotic yet. Regardless of whether it was the Liang King's faction or the imperial court's faction, they would kill the heretical Daoist priests first.
Because the officials who obeyed the orders of Liang King were not yet so easily corrupted, they would still consider themselves people of the Great Zhou and regard the heretical Daoists as enemies.
If these Extraterritorial Demonic Person were to appear in the prefectural city now, they would be courting death. At most, they could only cause some minor chaos in the county town.
They can only be effective when the internal situation in Pinghai Province collapses to a certain extent.
Their appearance now is actually a hindrance to Liang King.
They might just stop fighting for now and deal with the heretical Daoist priests first.
"Halt! Who goes there!"
A Fourth Grade martial artist wielding a tiger-headed broadsword shouted as soon as Zhao Xing appeared.
"Zhao Xing, the Hundred Paths Transportation Envoy, has come to receive orders from Lord Zhang," Zhao Xing said.
"Lord Zhou Huai sent you to Lishui, but you came to the government office instead! You're a thief! Seize him!" The Fourth Grade martial artist immediately took action.
"Zeng Wu, how dare you!" Another Fourth Grade martial artist wielding a white feather spear instantly transformed into a streak of light and blocked the attack.
One wants to capture Zhao Xing, while the other wants to protect Zhao Xing.
The other two groups of martial Fang Zhen were completely at a loss, simply guarding the gates of the Transportation Department's Office.
Because they couldn't determine others' positions, they lacked the Aura Observation Technique) and couldn't figure out who had received the imperial edict from the King of Liang King, and the orders from above were chaotic.
They all came under the pretext of protecting the Transportation Department, because here, here, there had been Extraterritorial Demonic Person.
At this moment, inside the Transportation Department, the mid-ranking officials were also gathered together.
Before them, three bolts of lightning were intertwined.
The chief officer Zhang Ping, along with his deputies Zhou Huai and Lei Guangming, are engaged in a Agricultural Official!
Unseen by them, the three Essence Soul Leaving the Body and engaged in a second decisive battle.
Zhang Ping, the official in charge, has already fallen into a disadvantageous position due to the combined efforts of Zhou Huai and Lei Guangming.
"Slow, too slow." Zhao Xing's Heaven's Eye Art was simultaneously observing both the inner and outer battlefields.
Whether it was Zhang Ping, Zhou Huai, or Lei Guangming, in his eyes, their spellcasting speed was very slow.
As for the two Fourth Grade martial artists attacking from outside, they were as slow as if they were in slow motion.
"Zeng Wu has the Black Dragon Luck, but this Li Gan doesn't."
"Zhang Ping didn't betray us, but the other two adjutants did."
Zhao Xing used the Great Evolution Qi Observation Art to observe and instantly saw the components of the aura pillars on everyone's bodies.
"Die!""
Zhao Xing casually pointed at Zeng Wu.
The Heavenly Thunder Finger was activated immediately.
A black vortex flashed at his fingertips, lightning flickered around the edge of the black hole, and the black hole quickly pierced through Zeng Wu's head.
It looked as if a bolt of lightning had struck his head.
"Thump!"
Zeng Wu crashed to the ground at an even faster speed.
Li Gan, the military officer who came to intercept Zeng Wu, also missed his target.
"What?!" Li Gan was immediately astonished. "He, a Fifth Grade Agriculture Official, easily killed Zeng Wu."
Li Gan quite shocked because he hadn't fully understood what had happened. Even if given the chance, he wouldn't dare to kill Zeng Wu.
From his perspective, this was nothing more than a dispute arising from the confusion in the command of various departments. He was unaware of the Liang King's Bandit Suppression Edict the rebels, nor had he heard Ritual Cultivator's voice.
Another thing is that Zhao Xing's strength is astonishing.
"You, you—" Li Gan was still in shock when Zhao Xing's Heavenly Thunder Finger, with its remaining force, refracted like light and accurately killed the thirty-one people behind Zeng Wu.
"Puff puff puff puff puff puff puff~"
Then, they killed five more people in the Fang Zhen behind Li Gan.
All of them were killed in one hit!
"What are you doing!" Li Gan exclaimed in shock and anger.
"They are all traitors." Zhao Xing reached out and immediately disemboweled these people, cutting off pieces of skin at the same time.
"Whoosh~" A gust of wind came.
Zhao Xing pointed to the human skin and the items that had been dug out.
"The forged edict of the King of Liang King, and the aftereffects of their being baptized by an unusual fortune."
"A Black Dragon Mark will appear on their chests or abdomens," Zhao Xing said. "These people have already rebelled. Is that clear enough?"
"This, this—" Li Gan and the others were stunned.
They've really rebelled?!
Before he could react, he heard a low shout in his ear.
"Li Gan, obey my command!"
"Your subordinate is here!" Li Gan instinctively stood at attention, because Zhao Xing had activated the [Myriad Beasts True Word Art].
Using the Seven-Star Fate Soul of the first level of the Derivation God Art, he can activate the Myriad Beasts True Word Art, making him an exceptional master at training people.
"I hereby order you to guard the gate and not allow anyone to approach. At the same time, I order you to issue orders to the four departments of the Prefectural Martial Office that no one under your jurisdiction should act rashly."
"Yes!" Li Gan puffed out his chest again.
After Zhao Xing went inside, he was extremely puzzled as to why he had suddenly become so obedient.
But when he turned around, he felt another chill run down his spine.
Because this young man entered the Transportation Department's office so easily.
"Could this be Fifth Grade?" Li Gan muttered to himself, "What on earth has happened—"
"Sizzle sizzle~"
The Transportation Department office was spacious, as it handled large quantities of supplies and also had areas for warships and airships to dock.
Therefore, the Transportation Department of Tianhe Prefecture is the largest government office in terms of land area.
The Transportation Department in Tianhe Prefecture, and even the prefect cannot issue orders arbitrarily.
Because it was originally established as a new government for the war.
Nominally, it was a dual system of military and political control, but in reality, military orders took precedence over political orders.
Most of the capable Military Sima Nong are now working in the Transportation Department.
Zhao Xing's first task was to resolve the internal problems of the Transportation Department of Tianhe Prefecture. As for the other departments of the Agricultural Supervisorate, the pressure from the Civil Sima Nong was not significant.
"Hmm? Someone came in?"
When Zhao Xing entered, Lei Guangming, who was in the midst of a fierce battle, suddenly turned around and glanced at him.
As for the other Fifth Grade and Fourth Grade Agricultural Official, none of them noticed Zhao Xing's sudden intrusion.
"Liu Wanfa's disciple has already reached the peak of the Fourth Grade rank." Zhou Huai also took a look, his expression indifferent.
"I don't want to offend Liu Tianning. I've already given the order for Zhao Xing to leave the prefectural city and guard the Li Waterway."
He still came.
Zhou Huai's strength has greatly increased, but he can still distinguish between the two kings.
Even if my strength increased tenfold, I still wouldn't be able to beat Liu Tianning.
As Military Sima Nong, they were well aware of how much Liu Tianning valued this disciple.
Liu Tianning was fair and just in every other respect, and there was nothing wrong with him, but he showed extra care for his disciple.
"Go kill him." Lei Guangming, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, immediately ordered the three Fourth Grade Military Sima Nong beside him.
"No! Are you crazy?!" Zhou Huai exclaimed. "Killing Zhang Ping might not attract Liu Tianning's attention, but if you kill Zhao Xing, he will definitely come all the way from Dayuan Prefecture!"
"Hmph, then what do you suggest we do?" Lei Guangming was still quite afraid of Liu Tianning's name.
"Arrest him, deal with Zhang Ping, and then let him go," Zhou Huai said.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Ping felt a pang of bitterness. These people were not afraid of him, their superior, but they feared Liu Tianning, who was far away.
Ultimately, it's because I'm too weak.
"You two want to arrest me?" Zhao Xing's voice abruptly interrupted Zhou Huai and Lei Guangming's conversation.
"Huh?" Zhou Huai and Lei Guangming were stunned for a moment, and their momentary lapse in concentration caused Zhang Ping's primordial spirit to return to his physical body.
"When we fight with our Essence Soul Leaving the Body, he can not only see us, but also hear us?"
Zhou Huai and Lei Guangming also returned to their physical bodies.
"Zhao Xing!" Zhang Ping shouted, "You must leave now! Those two traitors have already surrendered to Liang King!"
"Zhao Xing, you can leave," Zhou Huai said calmly. "We don't want to kill you."
Zhao Xing? Lu Tingzhi, who was standing next to him, was taken aback. When did he arrive?
"Zhao Xing, don't be ungrateful." Seeing Zhao Xing's hesitation, Lei Guangming threatened in a low voice, "Why aren't you leaving yet?"
"I can leave," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands in greeting. "But I would like to borrow something from you two gentlemen."
"Borrow what?" Zhou Huai asked, frowning.
"I'll borrow your two heads for a bit!" Zhao Xing's smile vanished, his gaze turning icy.
A shadow suddenly fell over the land.
Suddenly, ninety-seven clones emerged from the shadows.
"Die!"
Ninety-seven Ten Thousand Laws Clone all pointed at Zhou Huai and Lei Guangming.
Ninety-seven Heavenly Thunder Finger!
It instantly blasted towards Zhou Huai and Lei Guangming.