Drawing the Heavenly Spirit Pearl; Soaring Soil; the Heavenly Soul Tree!
After the Golden Dragon Warship ceremonial guard entered the Fire Pond, the flames engulfed the guard.
The warship's barrier was also dyed a fiery red.
The journey from Pinghai Province to Daoyuan Province involves passing through three continents.
In peacetime, even if one were to transfer to a Ninth Order Tower Ship by the Tower Ship Office, it would still take three months.
The situation is different at the Li Fire Divine Altar. The journey between different prefectures, including preparation time, is basically completed within a day.
When traveling across states, it depends on how many prefectures are on the route.
The shortest route via the Fire Pond, from Tianyuan Prefecture in Pinghai Province to Daoguang Prefecture in Daoyuan Province, is through three prefectures and fifteen counties.
In wartime emergency military operations, preparations are made in advance, and the effects of the Li Fire Divine Altar are maximized, at the cost of shortening the lifespan of the Fire Pond in order to shorten travel time.
It can reach the three continents and fifteen prefectures within a day.
Such overload operation is harmful to the Li Fire Divine Altar, Fire Pond also requires precious materials to maintain its operation.
However, even during wartime, such situations rarely occur. For example, when the Liang King Rebellion, the teleportation was only used once at its maximum speed, Pacifying Barbarians War was never initiated.
The Dao Academy wouldn't allow relying solely on the Li Fire Divine Altar. Therefore, it's generally necessary to combine it with other travel routes, such as the Azure Roaming Azure Sea) + Li Fire Divine Altar + Ancient Earth Path.
Liu Tianning did not choose the shortest route, and it was not wartime now.
He chose a route that covered three continents and eighteen prefectures.
During the trip, you will also have to walk along ancient trails.
It will take about seven days to return to Taihe County, Daoyuan Province, which means we will arrive around May 10th.
Seven days passed quickly. Liu Tianning was now a king, and many kings had been deposed. He was a king with real power, so the preparations along the way were very short, and there was basically no need to wait too long.
On the fourth day of the fifth lunar month, we entered the territory of Lüliang Province.
On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, we changed our route to the Ancient Earth Path.
This is because the Fire Pond in several directions in Lüliang Province were severely damaged, and what used to take half a day to burn are now impossible.
The Liang King was defeated and killed last December, and it's only May now, so it won't be easy to make amends.
Liu Tianning sometimes had to go out to cooperate with the honor guard to display his majesty. After passing through the three prefectures, he also had to chat with some important figures who supported him.
Zhao Xing predicted that it would be difficult to visit the Shangluo Academy this May.
On the eighth day of the fifth lunar month, the honor guard entered the territory of Daoyuan Province.
Zhao Xing also came out of the cabin to admire the scenery outside the ship.
"Daoyuan Province, a magical place."
Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel a little emotional.
The three Shennong Holy Land are all located in Daoyuan Province.
In addition, the Divine Martial Academy, one of the sacred grounds of martial arts, the Divine Weaving Academy, one of the sacred grounds of Weaving Girl, and the Heavenly Medicine Academy, a sacred ground of physicians, are all located in Daoyuan Province.
"Daoyuan Province's vital energy is far more abundant than any other prefecture, and its population is the most dense among the Nineteen Provinces. Its fortune ranks second in the world, only after Tianyong Province."
There's a saying that goes, "He who Daoyuan Province will gain the world."
"Daoyuan Province is a nurturing place; countless talents have emerged from here. Its natural environment is too good; ordinary people growing up here can easily reach the threshold for the Ranked Realm."
"Among them, the sixteen prefectures are the most abundant in vital energy, and many blessed lands are located in the sixteen prefectures of Daoyuan Province."
"One of the capitals, Luoyi, is located here; it is also known as Dao Capital."
"Buying a house here is incredibly expensive, every inch of land is worth its weight in gold."
Zhao Xing looked down at the land. Daoyuan Province had many cities and many tall and magnificent buildings, with all kinds of towering skyscrapers that reached into the clouds.
Turning his gaze back, Zhao Xing strolled casually across the deck.
Just as I turned the corner, I ran into Pang Yuanzhen.
"Junior Brother Zhao."
Zhao Xing frowned. Why was this person always trying to take advantage of me?
He and Pang Yuanzhen merely collaborated to complete the mission for Bright Moon Prefecture.
If it were just a normal friendship, that would be fine, but this person kept trying to establish a connection with him.
Wouldn't that just create more karma for yourself?
That won't do!
Now, Old Master Zhao has passed the age of taking on heavy karmic burdens for others after a few Heaven Yuan Pear.
"Pang Scholar, I am traveling on official business. Please state your title."
Pang Yuanzhen was taken aback. "Another official business? What kind of official business is it?"
"It's confidential, so it's inconvenient to discuss this with Pang Scholar today."
Zhao Xing gave a slight bow, then turned and left.
Pang Yuanzhen shook his head helplessly.
He originally thought that after their cooperation with Bright Moon Prefecture, their relationship should be closer.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing still exuded a sense of distance.
Zhao Xing arrived at the exhibition area.
A row of ceremonial boats lined up at the stern.
"The rewards for being made a king are indeed impressive."
"The gifts arrived by the boatload."
"Hmm? It smells so good, what's this?"
Zhao Xing suddenly twitched his nose and saw a strong aroma of wine coming from ahead, which quickly filled the entire corridor.
He vaguely saw a figure walking past at the end of the corridor, carrying a bronze sauce, and heading into the room.
"It seems our distinguished guest has arrived," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
It is one of the Nine Bestowments, and it is also the national liquor. The liquor used to store it is called "lu".
There are bronze vessels with handles, bronze vessels shaped like fairies, and bronze vessels with tiger heads. These bronze vessels have different appearances, but they were all used exclusively by the royal family.
Without the title of king or a special imperial decree, using it would result in execution.
Just as he was about to leave, Zhao Xing heard a sound coming from inside.
"Zhao Xing, come to the Taihe Hall and greet the guests with me."
"Yes."
Upon arriving in Daoyuan Province, Liu Tianning stopped teleporting and instead flew using a warship.
He has to entertain some people, and he also has to be entertained by some people.
This is what Return Home in Glory is like, except that Liu Tianning's style is even more sophisticated. He hadn't even arrived in Taihe County yet; he had just entered Daoyuan Province when various parties reacted and started coming to offer gifts.
"Old Liu's Golden Dragon Warship doesn't stop easily; once it stops, someone will definitely offer him a gift, and he will accept the gift."
"They were all pre-screened."
The gifts weren't expensive; they were just normal social exchanges.
Even so, ordinary marquises simply didn't have the right to send such gifts.
He would have to be at least a second-class Martial Marquis. Even then, he would only be qualified to give gifts. It would be impossible for him to invite Liu Tianning down for a small gathering or to board Liu Tianning's ship.
But being able to be served here indicates a certain status; as for whether one will be invited to a banquet afterward, and how long the queue will be, only heaven knows.
As Liu Tianning's disciple, Zhao Xing naturally had to accompany him in welcoming and seeing off guests.
It took thirteen days to fly from Nanmu Prefecture in Daoyuan Province to Taihe County in Daoguang Prefecture.
A total of thirty-four princes and eight dukes sent their direct descendants to present gifts.
"That's impressive," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
We finally arrived in Taihe County on May 21st.
Then came another round of music and various rituals.
Fortunately, both Zhao Xing and Liu Tianning have clones.
While the main body is engaged in the ritual, the clones can still do other things.
When Zhao Xing accompanied Liu Tianning to receive guests, he often had to split himself up to meet them, especially those of truly high status, such as powerful princes, dukes, and first-class marquises.
Only then would the deity himself go there to show his respect.
During this time, Zhao Xing's true self was also busy.
"The Heaven Spirit Pearl".
In a secret room, Zhao Xing flipped his hand, and a fist-sized, seven-colored bead appeared in his palm.
"My Pure Origin Soil is level four."
"The total area is approximately 550,000 square meters."
"The radius is approximately 420 meters."
"I obtained spiritual energy twice in total: once in the treasury of Princess Youruo's residence, and the other time at a stronghold of the Profound Heaven Sect, from the Profound Heaven Spirit Coffin."
"The presence of the Profound Yellow Origin-Analysis Technique makes my Pure Origin Soil much stronger than the fourth-level standard."
"There are now five strands of spiritual energy here!"
Zhao Xing looked at the Heaven Spirit Pearl.
It burst out of Yan Da's body.
Upon seeing this thing, Zhao Xing was willing to use his connections to get it from the Divine Luo King.
"Five strands of spiritual energy are contained within the Heaven Spirit Pearl."
"It contains all five elements, and each strand is twice as concentrated as the previous ones."
"The Southern Barbarians know how to utilize spiritual energy, but their methods are very crude. The Heaven Yuan Pearl, crafted from the five elements of spiritual energy, only activated the vitality of the wood element, which is a complete waste."
The spirit of wood provides life, making vitality endless, but Yan Da is too incompetent.
No matter how strong your life recovery ability is, there's nothing you can do if you're instantly killed.
"The Profound Yellow Origin-Analysis Technique!"
"Pure Yuan Projection!"
Zhao Xing stroked the Heaven Spirit Pearl with both hands, casting a shadow over the crystal-clear Spirit Pearl.
"Buzz~ Buzz buzz buzz~"
Five strands of spiritual energy were extracted.
The Heaven Spirit Pearl shattered.
Zhao Xing immediately withdrew the Pure Yuan Projection, and the shadow enveloped the Five Elements spiritual energy, which was then drawn back into his body.
"Ah, that feels so good!"
A feeling of exhilaration welled up in Zhao Xing's heart.
My mind sank down, and I arrived in the Pure Yuan Space.
"Boom! Boom!"
The five strands of spiritual energy appeared enormous in the space, like a ball of light the size of a millstone, as they surged into the soil.
Expand!
Expanding wildly!
The scope of Pure Origin Soil, including Pure Yuan Space, is expanding.
The surrounding gray mist disappeared, and new soil appeared.
"It was like the Creation of Heaven and Earth."
Zhao Xing watched all of this.
Five strands of spiritual energy fell to the earth like meteorites, causing the earth to boil like water.
The gray mist representing Zhuo Kai dispersed within the Pure Yuan Space.
The changes have been going on for a long time!
Finally, the dust settled.
2502 meters.
Zhao Xing watched with a smile.
"With a radius exceeding one thousand, this is now level five Pure Origin Soil, raising the planting limit to level eight."
"It can nurture a large number of Tier 6 organisms, allowing them to mature rapidly."
"It enables Seventh Order plants to grow rapidly."
"It can maintain the normal survival of eighth-order plant life."
"The total area has reached 19.6 million square meters, which is close to 30,000 mu!"
Seeing the expansion of Pure Origin Soil, Zhao Xing was very pleased.
"The area has increased nearly forty times, and it is a level five Pure Yuan Space, which is very powerful even among level five standards."
"The key is that the five elements of spiritual energy are complete, and my Pure Origin Soil has initially acquired the characteristics of the five elements. When I cast Pure Yuan Projection, I can suppress others so much that they cannot cast it either."
"This is an extra effect brought about by spiritual energy. It's absolutely impossible to cultivate Pure Origin Soil with normal primordial energy," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
To summon Plant Soldier, you must first use Pure Yuan Projection.
When two self-centered Si Nong factions clash, their first instinct will undoubtedly be to unleash the Pure Yuan Projection, just as the Tian Shi faction, when fighting, will immediately erect clouds.
They are all vying for control of heaven and earth.
If a person is suppressed to the point that they cannot even use Pure Yuan Projection, or their range is greatly reduced.
Then there's no need to fight.
"The spirit of heaven and earth, inheriting the creation, nurtures all things. Its level of power is different from that of primordial energy."
"There must be spiritual energy in the Shangluo Academy. I wonder if we can get some this time." A hint of longing appeared in Zhao Xing's eyes.
Whether it's future ascension or longevity, spiritual energy is of paramount importance.
"Xu Xing likely passed away around the seventeenth year of the Great Governance Era."
"This is something that can be calculated; most people know this."
"Once Old Liu becomes the first vice president, he will be able to exercise some of the president's powers."
The process of cultivating successors begins early, and power is gradually transferred, rather than being suddenly placed on someone's shoulders after they die.
"But Liu Tianning is Liu Tianning, and I am me. Funds are for specific purposes only. What he can use, he may not be able to use for me," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
Just like when Liu Tianning gave Zhao Xing several hundred million for cultivation, it could only be used for his own cultivation, and it was impossible for him to give it to others.
Let's do the math.
Zhao Xing arrived at his Silver Dragon Flying Vessel and dragged out a tortoise shell the size of a single room.
At this time, the Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Turtle had shrunk considerably after years of using fire magic.
"The Tortoise Trigram Art is used to inquire about auspicious omens."
Zhao Xing pointed his finger, and the flames immediately burst into flames.
He then used the Five Finger Heavenly Mandate to test his fortune.
"Great fortune."
In the end, Zhao Xing came to this conclusion.
"I just don't know if I'll get any spiritual energy," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "The direction is still not clear enough."
"If we don't use ancient coins, this is the best we can do."
Ancient coins are rare; how could he possibly misuse them here?
"My own fortune is still at the Evolution Six, Fourth Grade official title has not allowed me to advance."
"If the luck can be stabilized and extend to the seventh level, that would be great."
In Pinghai Province, he was able to find three ancient coins, all of which occurred when the fluctuations in fortune reached the seventh level.
"However, the Qi of Yanqi is extremely rare."
"The Seven Qi of Derivation is basically the standard configuration for veteran Heavenly Luck Realm."
"Evolution Six is qualified to enter the Heavenly Luck Realm."
"After reaching the Second-Rank Heavenly Fate Realm, many powerful individuals will request to be sent to blessed lands to accumulate Heavenly Fortune in order to stabilize their realm. Only with sufficient Heavenly Fortune can one gradually reach the perfection of the Heavenly Luck Realm."
Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, calmed his mind, and then stepped out of the Silver Dragon Flying Vessel.
By the third day of the sixth lunar month, Liu Tianning's "Return Home in Glory" was basically over.
The remaining trivial matters can be left to the clone.
On the third day of the sixth lunar month, Liu Tianning took Zhao Xing to the Shangluo Academy.
Since it was Zhao Xing's first time there, Liu Tianning introduced him to the place:
"Shangluo Academy Divine Radiance, Node Path, Origin Illumination, Origin Foundation, Bingshi, Twinborn Institute, and Shenmu."
"There are other branch schools such as Heavenly Bamboo, Hundred Flowers, Green Grain, Purple Vine, and Shang Heng. There are dozens more, large and small, but they are not well-known and are rarely heard of by the world."
Zhao Xing asked with some doubt, "Is the Shang Heng Institute not well-known?"
Shang Heng was one of the founders, and in Zhao Xing's view, his reputation should not be small.
For example, the Shang Heng Instrument is a widely used measuring instrument.
In addition, the Warm Hua Bottle was also invented by Shang Heng.
Liu Tianning said, "The Shang Heng Institute mainly researches and creates Agrarian School Divine Soldier and Magic Array. Although some of their achievements are no less than those of some Engineer School holy sites, we are generally inferior to the pure Engineer School school in the research of low- to mid-level Magic Array and Divine Soldier formations, and in the creation of divine weapons."
"That's true." Zhao Xing nodded.
Everyone has their own area of expertise. Other professions might be able to steal the limelight from one profession in a certain area, but can they really let someone else steal the spotlight from the whole profession?
For example, the Priest profession can also invoke the Shennong God to Agrarian School magic.
But in a real comparison, it generally cannot compare to the pure Agricultural Official).
"The four methods of Divine Radiance, Node Path, Origin Illumination, Origin Foundation, and Corresponding to the True Self Four Arts: Essence Condensation, Bend Node, Element Analysis, and Foundation Strengthening."
"The Soldier Envoy Institute is specifically responsible for Plant Soldier; combat-type True Self- Agricultural Official are mostly produced by the Soldier Envoy Institute."
"Twin Birth Institute, researching Original Seed and Derived Seed."
"Divine Wood Institute boasts an ancient heritage, with plants that have lived for over 500,000 years."
Zhao Xing listened and nodded. In fact, he already knew a lot about these things, but Liu Tianning was in a great mood to talk, so he didn't want to interrupt.
There are seven important departments. The four departments were established based on the True Self Four Arts, while the Soldier Envoy Institute was created specifically for combat.
Seeing every bush and tree as an enemy, Jungle Leap —these are the methods that the Soldier Envoy Institute must learn.
The Agricultural Official who came out of the Soldier Envoy Institute basically did not grow economic crops; they were all soldiers used for fighting or assisting in battle.
Space is limited for Pure Origin Soil, so they must make the most of every inch of land.
The Twin Birth Institute studies the Original Seed of the world and, based on this, cultivates Derived Seed.
Back in the Eternal Night Sea, Zhao Xing obtained the seeds of the top research institute of the Shangluo Academy: Azure Sea Cloud Vine and Fish Devouring Grass.
These are all improved Derived Seed, and their effects are much stronger than those of the same level.
Many basic crops grown today, such as Yuan Rice, are improved varieties, known as Yuan Number Eighteen Rice Seed.
There was also the Heaven Yuan Pear that Chen Shijie fed him back then, which was also an improved variety, originating from the Twin Birth Institute of the Shangluo Academy.
Based on these alone, the Shangluo Academy can be said to have Boundless, and no dynasty would dare to touch it.
Even though the path of the "Original Self" faction is difficult, and only the fifth rank is considered entry-level, successive dynasties still provided resources to support the Shangluo Academy, ensuring that the "Original Self" faction's agricultural affairs continued uninterrupted.
"Teacher, Divine Wood Institute has the oldest tradition. Does it still have any rare and precious trees?" Zhao Xing asked.
What interested him most was Divine Wood Institute.
Because its heritage is the oldest.
Plants over 10,000 years old are common in Divine Wood Institute, and those over 100,000 years old are nothing special.
Of course, only large trees can have such a long lifespan.
Other species would find it difficult to preserve their lineage for such a long time.
"Of course," Liu Tianning said with a smile. "I've seen one, and eaten the fruit from two."
"Which ones?" Zhao Xing's eyes lit up.
"This is confidential. I've been Ritual Cultivator with a gag by Li Xiu, so I can't tell you."
Liu Tianning said, "But once I become the dean, I'll take you inside to have a look, and we can pick some to eat."
Zhao Xing nodded. During this period, the preservation of the sacred tree was still very strict.
"Divine Wood Institute has shouldered the responsibility of passing on the torch."
"The Agricultural Official of Divine Wood Institute has dedicated his life to preparing for the preservation of the ancient trees left by his predecessors."
"Once successful, I will plant only one tree for the rest of my life."
"Since then, this Agricultural Official has basically never left the Divine Wood Institute."
"Firstly, there's the fear of accidents. If this Agricultural Official dies unexpectedly in another place, the Pure Origin Soil within his body will explode, and the divine tree will be exposed. Given the divine tree's grade, once exposed, it will take root in barren soil, and its life will quickly end."
"Even if it happens to be a blessed land, suddenly being in an unfamiliar environment is not conducive to the inheritance and transplantation of the tradition by later generations."
"Such an accident occurred during the reign of Grand Ancestor."
Zhao Xing listened quietly to Liu Tianning tell his story.
"At that time, it was during the later stages of the War of Nations. One of the vice deans of Divine Wood Institute encountered an accident on his way to be summoned by the Grand Ancestor, and was ambushed by a mysterious powerful figure."
"The precious divine tree within him, the ' Dragon Elephant Divine Tree,' was stolen."
"It is said that it was done by the Great Serpent Divine Lord of the Ying Wilderness, while others say it was taken by the Heavenly Witch An Zu of the Southern Wilderness."
Zhao Xing was taken aback. "The Dragon Elephant Divine Tree?"
Liu Tianning: "It seems you've heard of it."
Zhao Xing nodded. "Yes, this disciple saw it in the confidential files of Heaven Derivation King."
"Legend has it that the Dragon Elephant Divine Tree can bear two kinds of fruit: Elephant God Fruit and Dragon God Fruit!"
"Eating it grants one the power of ancient dragons and elephants."
Liu Tianning nodded. "That's right. This tree also involves an ultimate secret technique, the Dragon Elephant Golden Body. Martial artists who consume it can cultivate the legendary Dragon Elephant Golden Body."
"Ji Shuang, who was once known as the God of War, cultivated the Dragon Elephant Golden Body, which is also known as the Martial God Golden Body."
"The Grand Ancestor summoned the Dean of Divine Wood Institute because he wanted to train a few more Dragon Elephant Warriors."
Unfortunately, an accident occurred.
The Goddess of War, Ji Shuang, Duke Zhao.
Zhao Xing was very familiar with this history because the Dragon Elephant Divine Tree from his previous life appeared as a dungeon event during the reign of Emperor Wu Emperor in the Eastern Wasteland. Many top players at the time received a mission to escort the Agricultural Official into the royal forbidden area of Eastern Wasteland Great Serpent Country to complete the transplant.
Zhao Xing was invited by a major guild to join a top-tier team, but they ultimately failed to complete the mission, and the Dragon Elephant Divine Tree was taken away by another top-tier team first.
"We shouldn't have split up back then. That idiot, Tyrant Blade Zhan Zhan Zhan— " Zhao Xing was quite relaxed chatting with Old Liu, and before he knew it, he was cursing.
"What did you say?" Liu Tianning frowned.
"Oh, I just remembered a martial artist I knew, but his skills were terrible."
"If the martial arts team that escorted the sacred tree had been stronger, it wouldn't have been stolen," Zhao Xing added.
"Is there a problem with your cultivation?" Liu Tianning seemed to have thought of something, and he also worried that Zhao Xing might go crazy.
"It's alright," Zhao Xing said. "There's no situation getting out of control yet, please continue, teacher."
Liu Tianning said, "Many unexpected events have occurred throughout history, and afterwards, the successors of the Divine Tree of Divine Wood Institute basically stopped going out."
"Secondly, the nurturing and inheritance of the sacred tree also depend on certain special circumstances."
Zhao Xing nodded.
The vast majority of egoistic farmers, after planting that tree, will dedicate all their energy and spirit to that tree.
They probably don't have much fighting power left.
It's best not to go anywhere; staying at the Shangluo Academy headquarters is the safest option.
Furthermore, the divine tree cannot rely solely on the Pure Origin Soil provided by the Agricultural Official. For something of that level of world-class treasure and rare gem to blossom and bear fruit, it cannot be achieved by a single person alone.
They generally need to be planted in auspicious places, or nurtured with a large amount of vital energy.
The highest- Earth Treasury Return to Origin Formation in the world, although set up by the Earthly Advantage Faction Shennong, is not located at the Kunyuan Academy, but at the Shangluo Academy.
Afterwards, Liu Tianning began to recount the secrets and legends of the other courtyards.
Zhao Xing was unaware of many things because he wasn't powerful during this period in his previous life and had no access to the core secrets of the True Self Faction. He could only analyze the situation based on later events.
"Now that you hear what I've said, I understand," Zhao Xing said. "No wonder back in the Eternal Night Sea, all of Liang King's sons tried to win you over, even after you killed their Vassal."
Later, Zhao Xing cursed the Liang King on the battlefield, but nothing happened to him. Ji Ye even tried to mediate. In the end, Zhao Xing for a year or two and constantly exposing the scandals of the Liang King Faction, Ji Ye finally broke off relations and forced Zhao Xing to leave Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.
If the Liang King had been able to win over any one of the three factions, he wouldn't have suffered such a swift defeat. If all three factions had supported him, he might have actually had a chance of success.
However, this is impossible, as what the Liang King did was inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the Agricultural Official.
"I wonder which of the seven academies the teacher has taken charge of?" Zhao Xing asked.
"I only took the position of vice dean of the Twin Birth Institute before," Liu Tianning said. "Now I'm competing for the position of vice dean of the Shangluo Academy, and I'm the first in line."
Zhao Xing nodded. One is in charge of the overall situation, and the other is in charge of specific departments. They represent different things.
"It seems that the remaining obstacles for the teacher mainly come from the Soldier Envoy Institute and the Divine Wood Institute."
"Pretty much," Liu Tianning said. "Actually, no one can stop me now."
"But we need to make it clearer to them that it's not enough for them to just coax me and give me a few perfunctory replies when I'm giving orders."
"What I want is complete control."
"When it comes to certain fundamental interests, there are still some old-fashioned people who can't understand."
Liu Tianning said calmly, "How can it work if people are outwardly convinced but inwardly dissatisfied? Some things cannot be compromised from the beginning, otherwise there will be a lot of trouble later."
Zhao Xing understood what Old Liu meant.
He is now the top candidate for the vice dean position, and he already has the support of 80-90% of the population.
Previously, his personal martial prowess had been tested, whether in demonstrating his skills at the dojo, his organizational abilities during the Pacifying Barbarians War, or his background and connections.
Xu Xing's position is still his.
However, Liu Tianning was unwilling to take the position by shortcuts; he wanted all the power!
Because his goal was not to become the leader of the True Self Faction, but to compete for the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture.
When Li Boqian passes away, Liu Tianning will compete with the other two factions for the future position of Grand Minister of Agriculture.
The True Self Faction is inherently a disadvantage.
If you falter and hold others back at crucial moments, how can you expect to win?
"There are still some discordant and questioning voices, in all the academies, but mainly from certain people in the Soldier Envoy Institute and the Divine Wood Institute. 'They happen to have what I want.'"
Zhao Xing asked curiously, "For example?"
Liu Tianning said, "For example, there is a vice dean of Divine Wood Institute named Zhuang Danian. He is Second Rank perfect realm cultivator and has mastered three irreplaceable Ninth Order great medicines."
"This medicinal herb can be given to an alchemist; the resulting elixir can help a martial artist advance further. It can also be given to a physician to treat certain difficult and complicated illnesses."
Zhao Xing nodded slightly; that was indeed important.
Mastering three irreplaceable Ninth Order medicines allows one to mobilize many sorcerers, martial artists, and physicians.
"He's unwilling to hand it over?" Zhao Xing asked.
"It's not that I'm unwilling to pay, but the conditions are harsh," Liu Tianning said calmly. "Besides, if everyone else is going to him to talk, wouldn't I, as the dean, be at his mercy?"
"I have communicated with him several times, and I have also asked others to talk to him a few times."
"The conditions he proposed were never acceptable to anyone."
"For example, Chu Qianqiu of the Soldier Envoy Institute," Liu Tianning said, "He has a supporter behind him who has inherited a rare treasure of our time, called the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree."
"After consuming this fruit, assuming the Yin Soul is reduced to a state of nothingness called 'Yi,' it won't truly vanish. Instead, after a period of time, it will return to a state of 'Xi.' Do you think this is important?"
"Important!" Zhao Xing said without hesitation. If that were true, it would mean they had fooled the enemy.
If Yang An had eaten such a fruit, then he could have been resurrected as Yin Spirit from the Heaven Soul Temple.
"However, Chu Qianqiu decided on this allocation right, and how it is used is entirely up to him."
"He only listens to half of what Xu Xing."
"Even if I successfully become the dean, I absolutely cannot accept this outcome!"
At this point, a cold glint flashed in Liu Tianning's eyes:
"My trip to the Shangluo Academy this time is my last chance, my final opportunity."
"If they still refuse to agree to my conditions, I will have no choice but to engage them in Great Dao Competition!"
In certain situations, the Great Dao Competition is unavoidable, and it is precisely at these moments that the future direction of the Shangluo Academy is determined.
Of course, you can refuse if they are willing to relinquish power.
If we fight to the bitter end, then we will only die.
Even if he defeats them, Liu Tianning will still have a chance to obtain those treasures.
This is clearly not the first time Old Liu and his supporters have dealt with those people.
But this time, it was the last time it went through.
Either the other candidates kill Liu Tianning to prove they can bring a brighter future to the academy.
Either Liu Tianning beats them to death!
"Teacher, what can I do?" Zhao Xing asked.
"You are my disciple, my only successor, and the best proof of my training program." Liu Tianning looked at Zhao Xing. "If someone challenges you, you must accept several challenges and win. That is the best support you can give me."
Training program? Zhao Xing couldn't help but recall the three stages that Old Liu had explained back then.
The second stage involves cultivating sixth-tier Plant Soldier and level five soil, which can yield billions of resources.
"The reason I'm taking you with me on this trip to compete for the position is to implement the training program for the Minister of Agriculture of the Original Self faction, which is what I told you before," Liu Tianning said.
"When I included you in the first batch of names, no one objected, because it seemed like I was giving you a lot, but it didn't actually involve any unique and precious resources."
"Now that you're stronger, the plans will change."
"I want to secure more valuable resources for you, because ordinary resources are no longer of any use to you."
"I understand." Zhao Xing's eyes sharpened. "Please rest assured, teacher."
The food at the Shangluo Academy is only enough for ten people. If I want to eat it all, someone has to leave.
Because if I eat it, I will become stronger, and I can also make the Shangluo Academy stronger.
"Of course I have confidence in your strength," Liu Tianning said calmly. "My requirement is that if anyone dares to challenge you in the Great Dao Competition, you must kill them without mercy."
Zhao Xing's brow twitched. It seemed that Old Liu was worried that he wasn't ruthless enough!
What gave Old Liu such a misconception?
Oh, right.
I had encountered a similar situation at the Li Fire Dao Academy, but I held back then.
At the Mystic Heaven Academy, despite facing numerous criticisms, he did not accept their challenges.
These events likely made Liu Tianning feel that he might be a little too soft-hearted.
"Teacher, I understand." Zhao Xing nodded.
This challenge is completely different from any of the past.
There's nothing you can do; some people just can't bear to let go, even if it means death. There are just some people in this world who you can't convince no matter what.
Old Master Zhao doesn't fight without a profit, but this time there's a profit to be made, a huge one!
He will not show any mercy!
"Buzz~"
The two chatted for a long time, and the barrier outside the warship changed from fiery red to clear.
They are about to arrive at the Shangluo Academy.
Liu Tianning still needed to talk to someone before giving his final instructions.
Seeing that he was busy, Zhao Xing found a room to rest.
After talking with Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing subconsciously closed his eyes and fell asleep, Entering the Dream to examine his past life memories. After a while, he had some doubts.
"Chu Qianqiu? Is that Chu Qianqiu?" - Old Liu did kill him, but now it seems like Chu Qianqiu won't live much longer.
"I think I've heard of someone surnamed Zhuang before. Could I be mistaken?" Zhao Xing asked, somewhat puzzled.
In his past life memories, Chu Qianqiu did not die, and he was also familiar with Zhuang Danian.
"I don't know what's going on; it seems we'll only find out when we get there."
Shangluo Academy, Soldier Envoy Institute.
Within a vast estate, the houses are surrounded by many strange, lush plants that resemble iron swords and can grow to a hundred meters tall.
Sword Bamboo Forest is where Chu Qianqiu, the Soldier Envoy Institute, cultivates in seclusion.
Many students from the Soldier Envoy Institute would come to Chu Qianqiu to ask for a Sword Bamboo.
The Plant Soldier in the Sword Bamboo Forest under his command are all extremely powerful, about twice as strong as those obtained from other places.
However, few people can achieve their wish, because passing Chu Qianqiu's test is extremely difficult.
The process is quite complicated; obtaining a precious plant is by no means easy.
Even so, many people still come to ask for it.
June is usually the time when Sword Bamboo matures.
The once bustling Sword Bamboo Forest was deserted.
Because Chu Qianqiu, the vice dean, had sealed off the Sword Bamboo Forest, he was distracted and flickered within the bamboo forest.
Before long, the entire Sword Bamboo Forest became cold and gloomy.
"A Thousand Autumns~"
A sound accompanied by gusts of Yin Wind.
Chu Qianqiu stopped because there was another person in the Sword Bamboo Forest.
"Martial Uncle, what brings you here?"
Chu Qianqiu appeared before a giant whose body was enormous, even bloated.
His Martial Uncle, Jiang Yaochun, was Chu Qianqiu's most steadfast supporter.
He is also the master of the Heaven Soul Divine Tree.
"Liu Tianning is coming." Jiang Yaochun, who was over five meters tall and three meters wide, and looked like a ball of flesh, spoke in a sinister voice.
"His visit this time was to deliver the final message."
"Last chance?" Chu Qianqiu frowned. "I'm at the late stage of the Second Rank, and he's only just entered the Second Rank. How can he be so confident?"
"Qianqiu, you can't compete with him," Jiang Yaochun sighed. "From any perspective, you have no chance of winning."
"He wanted to lead the Shangluo Academy to become the most prominent school of thought in the world, surpassing Mystic Heaven and Earth Origin, and he gained too many supporters."
"He himself is an unparalleled genius; Xu Xing doesn't possess his talent."
Chu Qianqiu is a rare genius, and his background is no worse than Liu Tianning's. His "Every Tree and Bush an Enemy Art" and "Divine Bamboo Sword Formation" have won praise from many seniors.
Unfortunately, he was facing Liu Tianning.
Even after calculating ten thousand times, Chu Qianqiu still couldn't possibly defeat Liu Tianning.
"Yes, Martial Uncle." Although Chu Qianqiu was arrogant, he understood that his Martial Uncle was right.
"I suggest you agree to his conditions."
"Martial Uncle," Chu Qianqiu said, barely suppressing his anger, "I can withdraw from the competition, but his conditions are too outrageous."
"You risked your life for this position, Martial Uncle, why should you become his stepping stone? I won't allow it!"
Chu Qianqiu respected this Martial Uncle very much because his Martial Uncle was also Second Rank martial uncle, and his vital energy was more than ten times that of a perfect Second Rank!
However, the price is this: neither human nor ghost.
He sacrificed himself to feed the tree, and was forbidden from leaving the Shangluo Academy for the rest of his life, and had no fighting ability whatsoever.
"Qianqiu, the Divine Tree is not mine; I merely inherited it, and I feel honored by it." Jiang Yaochun looked at Chu Qianqiu kindly. "Are you truly sorry for me, or are you simply unwilling to relinquish the power you hold?"
Chu Qianqiu remained silent for a moment before saying, "To be honest, Martial Uncle, I have them all."
"This is because I don't believe Liu Tianning can lead Shangluo Academy to rise again; his training program will drain the academy's resources."
"An ancient saying goes that the glory of the Shangluo Academy will come in the next period of revival, not now."
"That's right, he's stronger than me, even stronger than Xu Xing!"
"But he will go mad even earlier than Xu Xing. If he encounters the next generation of warlike monarchs, the future of the academy will be bleak."
Jiang Yaochun nodded. "You have your principles, and you have a clear understanding of yourself. Whatever decision you make, your Martial Uncle will support you."
"Thank you, Martial Uncle."
At Divine Wood Institute, Zhuang Danian paced back and forth, his chubby face jiggling.
"Damn, that's ruthless. He kills anyone who disagrees. He's got a knack for old Xu in his younger days."
"Tell me, why is he in such a hurry? It's not like I disagree with him being the dean."
"Won't it all be his sooner or later? I don't have any selfish motives."
"It's all for the good of the academy, isn't it?"
Zhuang Danian looked at a middle-aged woman with an elegant demeanor sitting at the table.
"I've said this many times already, Vice Dean Zhuang."
"This isn't the first time we've discussed this."
The middle-aged woman put down her teacup and said calmly, "Vice Dean Zhuang, now all we need to do is give an answer: do you agree or not?"
If you agree, I swear on my Fate Soul.
"If you don't agree, just say so, and I'll leave right now."
After saying this, the middle-aged woman was about to get up.
"Hey, hey, wait a minute," Zhuang Danian said. "Don't go, I promise. I promise, okay?"
After saying that, Zhuang Dawen swore an oath with his Fate Soul that the fate of the three Ninth Order medicines in his hands would be decided by Liu Tianning.
"Alright." The middle-aged woman smiled and said, "Dean Zhuang, farewell."
"Shall I see you off?"
"Please wait."
As he watched the woman leave, Zhuang Danian's face immediately fell.
"Ugh, this is infuriating!"
Just then, three disciples hurriedly walked in.
"Teacher, Liu Tianning and his successor Zhao Xing have arrived at the Shangluo Academy."
Zhuang Danian's eyes First-Turn, and he looked at one of his disciples. "Xin Bojian, go and challenge Zhao Xing."
Xin Bojian was speechless upon hearing this.
Why don't you go and capture Tang Sanzang yourself?
What's the difference between this and sending me to my death?
"Teacher, I suddenly feel a bit unwell in my stomach, I need to see a doctor—"
Zhuang Danian snorted and then looked at another female disciple, "Wen Weiqi, you go."
Wen Weiqi suddenly blushed. "Teacher, I'm six months pregnant, and it seems I'm about to give birth... I... I—"
Yu Gongzhi was standing nearby, immediately said, "Junior Sister, I'll take you to find a doctor right away."
After saying that, the two of them slipped away hand in hand.
"You good-for-nothing!"
Zhuang Danian cursed and let his disciples slip away.
He then turned to the memorial tablets on the offering table. "Well, everyone can see this. It's not my fault for not leaving them any inheritance. It's just that they were too disappointing, there's nothing I can do about it—."