Having Seen the Grand Agriculture Official, Why Do You Not Bow?
Hearing that familiar creaking sound, Zhao Xing felt a pang of emotion.
The last time we met was before I first entered the Dragon Court, which was in the third year of the Great Governance Era.
It has now been eighty-two years Yuan Hunting Era, more than two hundred years have passed.
It's no wonder the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird thought it was dead; over two hundred years is indeed a very long time.
"Soul Heaven Vision!"
Zhao Xing immediately activated this Ultimate Law, a flash of Purple Light disappearing from his eyes.
He immediately saw that there were two Soul Body inside the mechanical body of the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird.
One of them is the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, depicted in a soaring flight.
The other form was in human form. It was old and frail, dressed in magnificent clothes embroidered with birds. Its hands grasped the claws of the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, as if they had become one.
"As expected, there's something unusual." Zhao Xing sneered. "It seems this is the Soul Body of the last crown prince of the Li Dynasty, also known as the guardian of destiny."
The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird once said that the last owner of the treasure "One Dream World" was the last crown prince of the Li Dynasty.
The soul-type robes he wore also proved this point.
"Zhao Xing, you can see me now." Crown Prince Li revealed a slight smile. "Let me introduce myself. I am the controller of this treasure, Crown Prince Yang Yanzhen of the Li Dynasty; this silly bird is called ' Zhi Nu,' and he is my pet."
"Now that you can see it, let's talk about the terms."
"Hmph." Zhao Xing's soul power surged, instantly suppressing Prince Li's probing. "I'll accept being called 'Silly Bird,' but what are you anyway?"
"A mere remnant soul residing within a machine dares to put on airs in front of me."
Zhao Xing pressed down on Prince Li so hard he couldn't lift his head, and Prince Li could no longer hear his conversation with the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird.
The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, was it really the soul of a Dark Bird in its previous life, imprisoned within a mechanism?
"Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, besides the name Zhi Nu, do you have any other names?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Huh? You knew all along?" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird's eyes widened in surprise. "You're incredibly capable!"
"That's right, I was originally a reincarnated immortal. Now that my supernatural powers have been restored, I can naturally see everything clearly." Zhao Xing casually made up a reason so that the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird could understand why he was so powerful.
"You have helped me on my path of growth. As agreed, I am here to rescue you and settle this karmic debt." "A reincarnated immortal? Hahaha! I see, that's great!" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird exclaimed excitedly. "You can call me ' Li Qingzhi.' Zhi Nu is a name that Yang Yanzhen forcibly gave me."
"I wasn't raised by him at all; I was imprisoned by him and raised by the previous Grand Preceptor."
"To repay the debt of gratitude, I later agreed to become the Divine Beast of the Li Dynasty, but the result was—"
Zhao Xing listened quietly as the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird recounted its tale, and a long-forgotten history came rushing back to him.
It turns out that at the end of the Li Dynasty, Li Xuanji, the sect leader of the Dream God Sect and also the national teacher of Dali, accidentally found a baby of the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird and brought it back to the country.
At that time, Great Li was already facing internal and external troubles. The last emperor of Great Li was incompetent and tyrannical. After Li Xuanji, the Dream God Sect, raised the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, he named it Li Qingzhi and made it the Divine Beast of Da Great Li to prolong Great Li's life.
To repay the debt of gratitude, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird agreed.
Unfortunately, even a Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird could not save Great Li from its fate, and in the end, Great Li's kingdom was destroyed.
At that time Li Xuanji, the sect leader of the Dream God Sect, had also died in battle, and the capital had already fallen.
Logically speaking, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird had no need to live and die with the Li Dynasty. In order to repay a debt of gratitude, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird Li Qingzhi rescued Crown Prince Yang Yanzhen and helped him escape.
The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird protected Yang Yanzhen in exile overseas for many years, which is already more than enough. Li Qingzhi was raised by the Imperial Preceptor Li Xuanji, not by the Emperor of the Li Dynasty.
Having served Divine Beast of the Li Dynasty for so many years and ensuring the continuation of the Yang Royal House's lineage, it can be said to have done a great service.
However, Crown Prince Yang Yanzhen did not think so.
He felt that the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird was a Pet Beast raised by the Li Dynasty, and should be inherited by him as well, becoming his personal possession.
After realizing that the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird did not want to continue his restoration cause, Yang Yanzhen took advantage of the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird's lack of vigilance, killed it, extracted its soul and put it into the mechanical body, making it the spirit of the weapon. In this way, he could control it forever!
The Mechanical Beast, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, is not as powerful as the original body, but it is easier to control.
Unfortunately, Yang Yanzhen's Guo Meng was destined to be in vain.
As his lifespan neared its end, because Yang Yanzhen was not an emperor, his soul was able to be transformed and preserved, and thus he also entered "One Dream World".
We await the day when we can find another opportunity to rise again and complete the great task of resurrection and restoration!
However, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird was not as weak as Yang Yanzhen had imagined. Even as a secondary artifact spirit, it was able to violate the rules of heaven and earth within the One Dream World.
"Li Qingzhi, Yang Yanzhen... So there's a story about a farmer and a snake here." Zhao Xing suddenly realized.
"Now I will help you escape your predicament, but you must completely take control of this treasure."
"Do you know where the core issue lies? What are the difficulties?"
The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird's wings pointed outside. "The core of the One Dream World should be hidden by Yang Yanzhen in the [Dream God Hall]. You just need to find this place, refine the core, and you can control this treasure!"
"Of course, in reality you can't be too far away from the treasure."
Zhao Xing nodded. "Be careful, I'm leaving Heavenly Mystery Pavilion and won't be able to help you suppress Yang Yanzhen's soul."
"Hehe! Don't worry, I can hold him off!"
Zhao Xing nodded and then walked out of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.
"Boom!"
The moment Zhao Xing stepped out the door, he noticed a sudden change in the sky, as if an invisible force of rules was targeting him.
This is because the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird previously violated the rules, helping Zhao Xing obtain many treasures, and also changing his online and offline locations to the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion instead of outside the gate.
"Such powerful rule suppression, the five elements and yin and yang are all gathered together, possessing infinite changes, comparable to the power of a dojo."
"It is searching for my Fate Soul and earth soul."
Zhao Xing looked at the accumulating power in the sky and smiled gently.
"Yang Yanzhen was held back by the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, and no one was controlling him. My soul is at the Rule Realm, so I am not afraid at all."
"An automated defense system that's not operated by anyone can't possibly find my Fate Soul and earth soul, can it?"
Zhao Xing unleashed the Three Gods Fate Palace, transforming himself into a black hole; to the One Dream World, he was essentially nonexistent at that moment.
Sure enough, after he went outside, the thunderclouds in the sky began to dissipate.
Zhao Xing strolled leisurely and quickly found the location of the Dream God Hall.
Previously, most palaces were hidden in the clouds and mist, but now, everything is clearly visible to Zhao Xing.
"To enter the Dream God Hall, one must be a high-level cultivator of the ' Great Dream Spring and Autumn ' technique; otherwise, one will be blocked by the Mysterious Gate Path."
"However, I have already thoroughly mastered this top-level law."
"Go!" Zhao Xing pointed, and his soul power formed a profound three-dimensional soul imprint.
The soul imprint landed on the Mysterious Gate Path outside the hall, with a row of beast heads standing on both sides.
As Zhao Xing cast his spell, the beast head lit up, and the surging light shone on a certain spot in front, quickly revealing the lines of the palace.
The ancient Dark Bird eaves, animal heads, wide White Jade Steps, and the invisible barrier have all disappeared!
As Zhao Xing stepped onto the steps.
Inside the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, Yang Yanzhen suddenly roared, "Bastard! Traitor! Dead bird!!"
A series of angry roars emanated from within the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird.
Yang Yanzhen released the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird's soul claws, intending to break free of her body and return to the Dream God Hall to stop Zhao Xing.
At this moment, another figure of Yang Yanzhen appeared inside the Dream God Hall.
The method of splitting the soul naturally exists in the methods of the Dream God Sect.
Yang Yanzhen's soul within the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird is only a small part; the true main soul resides here, fused with the core of the Dream God Hall.
"Zhao Xing, no matter what the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird tells you, it's lying to you!"
"The benefits he gave you were all at my behest, and the agreement between you was also something I made him do!"
Yang Yanzhen stared at Zhao Xing: "The reason you benefited from this is ultimately because of me!"
"Don't be fooled by him! He's the one who killed me!"
"I don't care whether it's true or false," Zhao Xing said calmly. "It happened tens of thousands of years ago, so I don't need to find out whether it's true or false to act as a moral judge for you."
"Just state your demands."
"The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird desires freedom; what is your request?"
Yang Yanzhen said, "If you are willing to help me restore my kingdom—"
"Then it'll be simpler for me to kill you."
Yang Yanzhen: "..—
"Let's make some more practical demands!" Zhao Xing said impatiently.
This item ultimately belonged to the Li Dynasty, and Yang Yanzhen was, in principle, a disciple of the Dream God Sect.
Zhao Xing only wanted to fulfill the agreement, release the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, and then take control of this place.
If Yang Yanzhen is willing to let him control the core of the palace, he doesn't necessarily have to kill Yang Yanzhen.
However, the exorbitant condition of restoring the country was no longer possible.
"If you don't help me restore my kingdom, don't even think about controlling this place!"
Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh, "The Divine Sect asked you to compile the Great Dream Spring and Autumn, not to dream of the Spring and Autumn Annals."
"What? You—"
Buzz buzz buzz~
A black spear appeared in front of Zhao Xing, who then flicked his finger lightly.
"Call out!"
The black soul spear pierced through Yang Yanzhen, pinning him directly to the pillar.
Watching Yang Yanzhen struggle to grasp the black spear, Zhao Xing calmly walked into the hall and said mockingly, "Crown Prince,"
Times have changed.
"I don't need you to yield; I can eliminate you and seize control of the treasure's core."
"Even if I haven't cultivated the Great Dream Spring and Autumn, with the current strength of the dynasty, as long as they discover a way to enter, they can still wipe you out."
"I, I—." Yang Yanzhen seemed to be suffocating.
"Regretted it?" Zhao Xing glanced at him. "Too late. I was being kind and gave you a chance, but you not only refused it, you even threatened me."
"Then I can only see you off on your way."
Zhao Xing's soul began to merge with the entire hall.
Yang Yanzhen's struggles grew weaker and weaker. As Zhao Xing gained a preliminary understanding, he also discovered the connection between Yang Yanzhen and the Dream God Hall.
"So that's how it is." Zhao Xing was also a man who had cultivated the "Burning Heaven Locking Origin Grand Formation," so he was no stranger to Magic Array mechanisms. He had also cultivated the "Great Dream Spring and Autumn," so he used Yang Yanzhen as a model to reflect on.
They soon discovered that taking control of the core was not difficult; all they had to do was eliminate Yang Yanzhen.
"Boom!"
At this point, the black soul spear held back, its light erupting and completely annihilating Yang Yanzhen.
The next moment, Zhao Xing's soul successfully took control of the Dream God Hall.
"The palace-type treasures are truly vast, covering the entire Nineteen Provinces. This is comparable to the range of a low- World Star Dao Soldiers."
The range of effects of the Ruler Palace is not as strong as that of [One Dream World].
As for the Sun Moon Palace Sun Moon Palace, it goes without saying that it is merely a low-grade Starry Sky Dao Soldiers.
"Palace-type treasures, warship-type treasures, and soul-type treasures are among the most valuable treasures."
"The first two use ample materials, while the latter uses rare materials and is more difficult to manufacture."
"This one top-grade palace-type Starry Sky Dao Soldiers is comparable to a thousand individual weapons."
One Dream World and Earth is not merely a simple palace-type treasure; it can be categorized as a "soul-type palace."
"It's already so expensive, it could really be sold as World Star Dao Soldiers."
After Zhao Xing gained control of it, he fully understood its function and naturally knew its value.
"Whoosh~"
With a thought, Zhao Xing arrived at the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.
At this moment, Yang Yanzhen's remnant soul within the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird also disappeared.
"Caw caw, you did it!" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird fluttered happily. "Zhao Xing, you're amazing!"
"Li Qingzhi, as the master of A Dream of Spring and Autumn, I set you free."
"You are free to break free from the constraints of the palace and leave at any time, but you must not reveal anything about this place, including your agreement with me," Zhao Xing said with a smile.
"Okay, okay, thank you, thank you, quack quack quack!" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird kept quacking. It flew around the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion and finally landed on the threshold.
Then, cautiously peeking out, he asked, "Zhao Xing, can I go out now?"
"You'd better wait a bit longer; there are still quite a few experts guarding outside," Zhao Xing said. "Let me prepare first."
"Caw caw!" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird nodded. "Alright, just make sure the people outside don't accidentally hurt me."
Zhao Xing gave some instructions, then walked out of the palace.
He walked out of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, and logically he should have been in the square outside the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.
But this step feels like traversing through layers of space.
Finally, Zhao Xing's soul emerged from the physical palace in the Yuan Feng Treasury area.
The palace trembled the moment Zhao Xing emerged.
The long-sealed barrier was broken, and the treasure shone brightly, as if announcing the reappearance of a peerless treasure in the world!
Hong Yuan and Su Li, who were waiting outside, immediately flew out from the small house next to them, staring at the ancient palace in utter astonishment.
"Lord Hong, what's going on?"
"A treasure has appeared!" Hong Yuan stared intently at the palace gate. "It seems something is about to emerge from inside. Be careful! Activate the Nine Palaces Locking Stars Grand Formation!"
"Notify the remaining Mechanism Master to prepare contingency plans."
"Alright!" Su Li immediately cast a spell, and in the Yuan Feng Treasury area, light burst forth, and starlight fell from the sky, enveloping the surrounding world.
"Oh, right, the Grand Minister of Agriculture is still in the warehouse, Lord Hong, I'll go inform Grand Minister of Agriculture." Su Li prepared to go to the location of Zhao Xing's physical body to inform him.
But just then, a voice came from inside the palace.
"No need, Lord Su."
Hong Yuan and Su Li stared at the entrance of the main hall in utter shock.
The palace gates, which had been tightly closed, were now open, though no one knew when.
A tall and imposing figure strode out.
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture?!"
Su Li and Hong Yuan both paused briefly.
"How... how did you get out of here?"
Zhao Xing looked at the two of them and smiled, "I have already cracked the secret here. You can remove the Nine Palaces Locking Stars Grand Formation now."
Hong Yuan and Su Li looked at each other, but for a moment they didn't make a move.
It's hard to believe that these palace treasures have been here for so many years.
Countless royal Mechanism Master have tried and tried to find a way to break it, but now the Grand Minister of Agriculture has actually broken it!
How many days has Zhao Xing been here?
"Swish swish~"
The commotion caused by the appearance of this peerless treasure quickly alerted the Mechanism Master of the Ten Treasures Hall.
Ji Gan and Yang Jin were the first to arrive at the scene.
"Lord Hong, has some unparalleled treasure appeared?"
"Is it an ancient palace related to the Li Dynasty?"
Ji Gan and Yang Jin asked questions one after another.
Before Hong Yuan and Su Li could answer, two more figures appeared above them.
Wu Emperor and Princess Youruo also arrived.
"Greetings, Your Majesty; greetings Eldest Princess."
Everyone bowed to the two figures in the sky.
No need for formalities.
Ji Che waved his hand, then curiously looked around the palace. When he saw that Zhao Xing was in a state of astral projection, he couldn't help but be curious.
"Brother Wang, what's going on? How did your spirit leave your body?"
"Your Majesty, it was the Grand Minister of Agriculture who broke the seal on this palace, allowing the priceless treasures to see the light of day again," Hong Yuan finally came to his senses and explained.
"Oh?" Princess Youruo also looked at Zhao Xing. "I didn't know you were knowledgeable about mechanisms Magic Array. What is this, Zhao Xing?"
Seeing that many people had gathered around, Zhao Xing cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Your Majesty, Eldest Princess, this is the state religion of the ancient Li Dynasty and the most precious treasure of the Dream God Sect, named ' One Dream World '."
Ji Che was shocked. "What? What did you say? One Dream World? It really is that legendary treasure?!"
"Absolutely true!"
Ji Che was speechless.
The royal Mechanism Master are a bunch of useless idiots!
No matter how many years of research it has been, no one has figured it out. Even if someone guesses that it is that treasure, but the mystery remains unsolved and cannot be confirmed at all.
The work to crack it began in the late period of the Grand Ancestor.
For over two thousand years, through the reigns of Wen Emperor and Emperor Jing, no clue had been found to solve it, but today...
He was actually defeated by Zhao Xing!
"All Mechanism Master, step back! What happened today must not be revealed!" Ji Che's words were law, and he immediately dismissed all the Mechanism Master.
Soon, Princess Youruo and Zhao Xing were left alone. "What's so interesting about an old and dilapidated palace? Che, I'm leaving too," Princess Youruo said.
"Okay, eldest sister, go and rest first." Ji Che nodded.
Seeing this, Zhao Xing couldn't help but find it amusing. Princess Youruo had learned her lesson; she no longer intended to concern herself with or inquire about anything involving confidential matters or secrets.
One of Emperor Jing's lessons was something Princess Youruo would never forget.
As long as she avoids these things, she receives the best treatment in other matters, and she can even physically beat up the emperor!
Swish~
Ji Che landed and stood in front of the palace gate, looking at the ancient Li Dynasty -style building.
"Brother, what are its effects?"
"The supreme treasure One Dream World, can radiate across Nineteen Provinces, allowing everyone to enter the dream and share the same dream."
"The world in dreams can transmit information, enlighten minds through reading, and spread the Dharma and enlightenment."
"However, to achieve enlightenment, it's not just about dreaming; it involves forming a channel through dreams."
It pulls people into a world within One Dream World.
Zhao Xing led Ji Che into the interior of One Dream World.
"Che, look, there are many treasures here, all left behind by the Li Dynasty, including the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion and Secret Arts Repository."
Zhao Xing and Ji Che strolled through the clouds and mist, admiring the pavilions, towers, palaces, and waterside terraces.
"I don't care about these treasures. When the Li Dynasty fell, only the crown prince escaped. How much good stuff could a fallen dynasty possibly leave behind?" Ji Che said. "Brother, you said it can cover Nineteen Provinces and allow people to study through Entering the Dream?"
"Yes."
"Everyone? No cultivation level restrictions?"
"No, basically as long as you are over six years old and your Fate Soul has been born for six years, you can enter unharmed."
Ji Che's eyes lit up. "Is there a time limit?"
Zhao Xing shook his head. "No."
"Not only are there no time or place restrictions, but the Fate Soul will also not be affected. Since the Fate Soul is unaffected, the Seven Po will not feel tired as a result."
"The imperial court's efforts to enlighten the people and promote all laws can be accelerated entirely through the treasure One Dream World."
"Che, we can build an academy here!"
"All children and teenagers can learn without having to travel far to study."
"Even adults can come in to study at night; it won't interfere with their daytime activities."
"A treasure, truly a treasure!" Ji Che was thrilled by the blueprint Zhao Xing had drawn.
One Dream World can truly be called a divine tool for education!
Its range is large enough to cover the entire Nineteen Provinces, making it the largest known Divine Soldier in terms of its effective range!
Its effects could elevate the power of the Great Zhou to a whole new level—no, several levels! However, Ji Che was still somewhat worried. "Brother, doesn't it come at a price?"
Zhao Xing said, "Yes, there are. Each time you enter, you need to consume one Guiding Talisman and one Soul-Soothing Talisman. However, the level requirements for these two talismans are not high; entry-level talismans are sufficient."
"If the government were to mass-produce them, they wouldn't even cost as much as some books."
"What kind of price is this? The imperial court allocates a massive amount of educational resources every year. This is just Water Drop in the ocean," Ji Che exclaimed. "It's practically negligible, but think of how many educational resources can be saved with this."
"But brother, how did you crack it?"
Zhao Xing immediately recited the incantation that matched the Soul-Soothing Talisman and the Guiding Talisman.
Ji Che was taken aback. "It's that simple?"
"It's that simple."
Zhao Xing then briefly recounted the story of the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird and Prince Li.
Ji Che was speechless after hearing this.
He realized he didn't need to do anything more; the emperor of the Li Dynasty had already thought everything through.
All one needs to do is follow the ideas and policies of the emperors during the Li Dynasty and implement them accordingly.
The Great Dream Academy, what a magnificent Great Dream Academy!
"Our Ji Royal House spent so much time and effort, but we never expected the solution to be so simple."
"The ancient emperors had already taken things to such an extreme; I was merely copying their ideas?"
Upon thinking about it, Ji Che suddenly felt somewhat disheartened.
He thought he had surpassed many emperors and was smarter than those ancient people, only to find that he had already done all of those things.
"Change it, it must be changed!" Ji Che snorted.
"What should we call him?" Zhao Xing asked.
"This place is shrouded in mist and clouds, and it's a place where one can travel the world using dreams, so let's call it the Cloud Dream Academy," Wu Emperor said.
Zhao Xing nodded, and the Great Dream Academy was renamed the Cloud Dream Academy, just like in the previous life.
If we change the name and remove and repair the facilities inside, how can it not be considered a treasure of our Great Zhou?
"I have one more matter to report."
"The Mechanical Beast Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird inside the Cloud Dream Academy was of great help to Your Majesty when I was in charge of this palace, especially in the fight against the original artifact spirit, Prince Rat Hour. I wish to set it free."
"Caw!" The summoned Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird, Li Qingzhi, immediately flew over.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird Black Bird squatted on the ground, its head bowed.
"That's rare indeed, but it's approved." Ji Che smiled and waved his hand.
"Caw caw~ Thank you, Your Majesty!" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird happily soared in the sky.
Ji Che glanced at the items, then said to Zhao Xing, "The Grand Minister of Agriculture shall select the items here and move them into the national treasury. I am going to summon Tong Wenzhuo to discuss policies for moral education."
"This matter needs to be decided as soon as possible, and it should be piloted in Tianyong Province first."
"Yes."
Ji Che didn't stay there for long before leaving. He was going to meet with Prime Minister Tong Wenzhuo to discuss how to make use of the Cloud Dream Academy as quickly as possible.
Zhao Xing then led the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird out of the palace.
"Buzz~"
The moment the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird left the Cloud Dream Academy, its feathers suddenly withered and fell off, and its expression became listless.
"Huh? What's going on?" Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat; he noticed that the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird seemed to be acting strangely. "Li Qingzhi, what's wrong?"
The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird gazed at the sky for a moment, then said happily, "Hehe, it's alright, Zhao Xing, my time has just come."
"Huh?" Zhao Xing's eyebrows twitched.
"I have lived in the world of the Great Dream Academy for tens of thousands of years. Before my physical body died, I had already lived for a very long time."
The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird pointed its wings at the sky. "Whether it's the battle spirit of Mechanical Beast or the artifact spirit of the Great Dream Academy, none of them are immortal."
"After you released me, I am no longer within the survival rules of the artifact spirit."
"So----"·
Zhao Xing thought of something.
"Yes, in my current state, I can only follow the rules of heaven and earth regarding the maximum lifespan of the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird." The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird began to flap its wings.
"There is another way to survive: you can return to the Great Dream Academy as a spirit."
Zhao Xing asked, "If you ascend to immortality in the future, perhaps you'll be able to live longer."
"Caw caw caw~" The Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird opened its mouth and laughed loudly. As it laughed, it flapped its wings, which were beginning to shed feathers, and flew away. "No, I don't want to go back there."
"I only have about three months left to live, I had a feeling about it a long time ago. But so what? I'm already very lucky to have three months of freedom."
With a whoosh, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird adapted and Yu Fei.
Zhao Xing led it out of the palace and watched the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird soar freely in the sky, feeling a sense of emotion.
"Li Qingzhi spent tens of thousands of years breaking free from his cage, just for three months of freedom."
With a cry, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird suddenly circled around and appeared beside Zhao Xing: "Zhao Xing, look, there's no suppression in this world anymore. I no longer have to fly as slowly as before."
"Am I fast or not?"
Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Soon."
"Caw caw caw~" the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird laughed loudly, "Come on, Zhao Xing, let's have a race and see who flies faster!"
"Alright!" Zhao Xing immediately used the Great Peng Transformation, and then an enormous roc appeared in the sky.
Wow! It's huge!
"Come on, Li Qingzhi, let's have a contest and see who can fly to the far north first."
"Okay, come on!"
Three months later, in the far north, on a deserted island.
Zhao Xing stood in front of a stone tablet and reached out to carve a line of characters:
The Tomb of Li Qingzhi, the Heavenly Mandate Dark Bird.
After a pause, Zhao Xing engraved a line of small characters as his epitaph: Free will, until death do us part.
Zhao Xing looked at the sky and felt that the clouds were too thick and the sky wasn't vast enough.
So he pointed, and the clouds in the sky instantly dispersed, revealing a sky full of stars.
Zhao Xing then used the Time Law Earthly Advantage Method to regulate the six elements of heaven and earth, and used the third layer of the Solar Terms Decree to change the solar terms of the island, making it springtime all year round.
"Now you can soar freely."
After doing all this, Zhao Xing looked at the tombstone, smiled, and waved:
"Let's go, silly bird senior."
Tianyong Province, Abundance Capital, Agriculture Official's Residence.
"Grand Minister of Agriculture, where did your main body go?" Meng Kun asked Zhao Xing, curious when he saw that Zhao Xing had activated his backup clone.
"I've gone to the North Pole Province," Zhao Xing said. "To see off an old friend."
"Oh, okay." Meng Kun didn't take it to heart and began his work report, "Mi Fu has been transferred back to the capital. Tong Wenzhuo sent someone to ask what position should be assigned to him?"
"Let Mi Fu take on the position of Vice Fengjing Dao Research Institute, a Third Grade," Zhao Xing said.
"There's no need for Mi Fu to come see me; just send someone to deliver a message to him."
"What did you say?"
"Tell him to stop going down there. He's almost 500 years old. If he goes down any further, I won't be able to get him out."
"Yes, sir." Meng Kun nodded and immediately wrote it down.
At this time, Meng Kun was also Lesser Agriculture Decree, but he was not very capable and could not handle things on his own, so Zhao Xing kept him by his side to work.
Meng Kun was also happy to agree. He couldn't be the boss at the Kunyuan Academy anyway; he would just be Qiu Yuanshan's assistant. It would be much more interesting to be Zhao Xing's assistant.
This also reflects Meng Kun's support for Zhao Xing.
My Old Meng, is very distinguished. My grandfather was once the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and my uncle was once the leader of the Earthly Advantage Faction. I am willing to serve as a scribe for the evil Zhao Xing. What else do you have to be proud of?
"Chen Yu, the Grand Granary Inspectorate, has submitted a report stating that the Northern Chen Kingdom of the Ling Yuan Continent has once again applied for a delay in paying the ' Gold Fragrance Medicine Tax.' This is the fifth time they have applied for a tax extension. Should we approve it?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing frowned. "The Gold Fragrance Medicine Tax is usually collected once every ten years, why has it been postponed again?"
"The reason given by the Prime Minister of the Northern Chen Kingdom was that a natural disaster had struck."
"So, was there any natural disaster?" Zhao Xing was walking when he suddenly stopped. "Did the Vitality Tide affect the Northern Chen Kingdom?"
"Two months ago, I sent people to investigate Yuanling Prefecture in the north. It was indeed hit by a disaster, but the impact wasn't that severe," Meng Kun said.
Zhao Xing sneered, "That's the North Star King, looking down on me, the newly appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture."
"He has some nerve!" Meng Kun exclaimed angrily upon seeing this. "He didn't pay when Liu Tianning Grand Minister of Agriculture, which was one thing, but do you think he would dare to default on payments?!"
"Grand Minister of Agriculture, everyone in this country must be covering it up, otherwise we wouldn't be unable to find anything."
"I think this matter must be thoroughly investigated and dealt with! Give the order, and I'll lead the Military Sima Nong to behead those corrupt officials!"
Zhao Xing:
Meng Kun's words calmed him down.
"Ahem, Old Meng, don't be so impulsive," Zhao Xing reassured him. "We need to figure things out first. Wouldn't bringing a large army there easily incite a rebellion?"
It's just collecting taxes; there's no need to resort to violent debt collection.
"Qin Feng, the Prince of Beichen, is a well-known prince. I'll ask His Majesty first to see what his attitude is," Zhao Xing said.
The inner court of the imperial palace.
"Of the fifteen Grotto-Heaven and seventy blessed lands in the Ling Yuan Continent, three are important Grotto-Heaven and five are blessed lands with precious resources, all of which are located in the Northern Chen Kingdom."
"The North Star King was a prince appointed by the late emperor. The late emperor praised the North Star King as a loyal, honest, and meticulous man who could govern Ling Yuan Continent."
"Therefore, in the tenth year of Yuan Hunting Era, I further bestowed upon him the Ling Yuan Heavenly Official,' which granted him the authority to appoint and dismiss officials of the Third Grade and below in the sixteen prefectures of the Ling Yuan Continent. As for officials of the Third Grade and above, I generally approved all the officials he recommended."
"However, since he broke through to the early stage of the Rule Realm in the thirty-second year of Yuan Hunting Era, he seems to have changed somewhat," Ji Che snorted. "Last time, I summoned him to the Daoyuan Continent to watch your Dao Debate Tournament with Liu Tianning, but he didn't come."
"The thirty-second year of Yuan Hunting Era? That's exactly when he delayed the ' Gold Fragrance Medicine Tax '," Zhao Xing said. "Your Majesty, it seems that the North Star King has become a bit arrogant."
If Old Jing wasn't mistaken back then, then it must be that Prince Qin Feng of Beichen had incredible luck in this primordial energy tide.
Having received immense benefits and broken through to the Rule Realm, he then developed ulterior motives.
People change. A person who was originally honest and kind may break through to the Rule Realm, gain powerful personal strength, and have military and political power. It is inevitable that they will have the idea of "the mountains are high and the emperor is far away".
"Your Majesty, I happen to be on my way back from the far north. I might as well stop by the Northern Chen Kingdom and see what kind of situation the North Star King is."
"But if anything is found out, please tell me what to do."
Zhao Xing wanted Ji Che to give him an answer: whether to investigate only the North Star King, only the Northern Chen Kingdom, or both.
There are strict methods for conducting a thorough investigation, including but not limited to mobilizing a large army to kill the North Star King, eliminating his kingdom, and exterminating his entire clan.
Generally, those who are granted the title of king have certain exemptions; for example, Zhao Xing had a pardon from death.
However, whether this thing is useful or not depends on the Di Yi.
If they really want to kill, even a ten-thousand-yuan get-out-of-jail-free card won't help
Ji Che pondered for a moment and set the tone, "If there is no crime of treason, then a warning will suffice. If it involves the serious crime of treason, then it is unforgivable."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand." Zhao Xing nodded.
The clone received orders at the palace.
The main body stopped in the sky above Ling Yuan Continent, and at the same time, the Earth Mirror in the palm of his hand flipped out, revealing a map.
"Northern Chen Kingdom occupies half of Ming Yuan Prefecture. In terms of administrative area, its fiefdom is half the size of mine. However, Northern Chen Kingdom produces many precious materials, and its counties and prefectures are much larger than my fiefdom."
"The Gold Fragrance Medicine Tax is a tax on three kinds of treasures: Gold Elm Fruit, Hundred Spirits Fragrance, and Spirit Ginseng series of medicinal materials."
2
"Brush""
Zhao Xing used the Tears Scale Horizon to move rapidly through the clouds in the sky.
In just two days, they arrived above the capital of the Northern Chen Kingdom.
"North Star King should not be in the royal city, but rather inspecting the Cave Heaven Blessed Land."
"Give him some face, and we won't do any incognito visits." Zhao Xing immediately took out his gear and took out the Grand Minister of Agriculture's Five Grains Tower Ship from his Cosmos Sack.
When the Grand Minister of Agriculture traveled, he originally only had two commonly used Tower Ship: the Wind Breath Tower Ship and the Earth Piercing Divine Boat.
The Five Grains Divine Ship was added at Old Master Zhao's own request.
He wanted to unify the three factions, and of course, he had to apply the Heavenly Timing, the Earthly Advantage Institute, True Self equally, starting from every detail.
"Whoosh~"
Zhao Xing pointed, and the Heavenly Thunder Drum, Great Wind Drum, and Cloud Devour Drum on the bow of the boat were immediately struck and rang.
"Alas~"
"Boom!"
Above the royal city, a fierce wind suddenly arose, and thunderclouds gathered.
A quarter of an hour later, after the first drumbeat, still no one came to greet them from above the royal city.
Zhao Xing frowned slightly, but considering that the range of his spell was relatively high and that it might be overlooked, he struck the drum a second time, which greatly reduced the power of the spell.
"Alas~"
"Boom!"
After the second drumbeat, still no one broke through the layer of Astral Wind to greet him.
Thunderclouds gathered in Zhao Xing's eyes, and his face turned cold.
He was certain that his drumming could be Agricultural Supervisorate of the capital, but he pretended not to hear it.
Of course, there is another possibility: that the Agricultural Supervisorate of the Imperial City really didn't hear it, which would be even worse.
How rotten must it be for the heavens to not detect anything amiss even when thunder roars over the capital city?
"This is outrageous!"
"I'm the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and nobody comes to greet me? What's the point of holding the position?"
Zhao Xing wouldn't stoop so low as to strike the drum a third time; he immediately pressed down on the Tower Ship and charged directly at the royal city's protective array.
"Boom boom boom~"
"Roar!"
The wind howled and thunder roared.
Dark Clouds loom over the city, threatening to crush it!
The whole sky darkened.
As the Five Grains Tower Ship descended to a height of 1,000 meters, it immediately extended a ferocious dragon-headed ramming horn.
It seemed to have sensed something.
The Four Gods Barrier protecting the royal city suddenly lit up, and four golden-armored gods wielding spears emerged from the four corners of the royal city.
However, after seeing the appearance of the Tower Ship clearly, the four deities were greatly surprised and immediately shrank back.
"Boom!"
The transparent barrier of the royal city instantly cracked like glass and shattered in less than a second.
The entire royal city was shaken.
Those inside the royal city looked up at that moment and saw as if the sky had collapsed.
"Who?! Who is attacking the royal city?!"
At that moment, a golden-armored general led a group of men on Celestial Horse and took to the skies.
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture's Five Grains Tower Ship?" The golden-armored general was immediately startled and froze on the spot.
Zhao Xing stood proudly at the bow of the boat, looking down and said, "Now that you have seen the Grand Minister of Agriculture, why do you not bow?"