Cloudcalling Duel-And More Experts?

With the Dark Wind Method Nine Turns, Zhao Xing's confidence soared.

He hadn't expected to be among the first few to burn incense, but now he was more confident.

"The temple gates are about to open; let's hurry and recover our strength."

Zhao Xing quickly took out three Gathering Yuan Pills from the Wen Bamboo Box and swallowed them. Then he took a bite of a Heaven Yuan Pear, and his face immediately became rosy.

Once he had recovered more than half of his energy, he glanced at the sundial.

"It's already 11:45 PM, and there are only 2:45 left before the temple gates open."

Zhao Xing scanned the Heavenly Altar Plaza and found that Shen Zhui still hadn't arrived.

"I don't know what happened to him, but he missed the incense-offering ceremony on the second night."

"Hopefully, that's a good thing."

On his first night, he didn't compete for the First Incense, but instead hid in a cave to take the Vermilion Fruit and break through to the next level.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Xing walked to the other side of the square.

"Young Master Zong."

Zong Shichang was discussing something with the person next to him, annoyed that someone had interrupted him. But when he saw it was Zhao Xing, his brows immediately relaxed, and he said with a smile, "What's wrong with you? You look a little weak after just a short time apart?"

The Myriad Laws Spiritual Elegance enabled Zhao Xing's Yin Wind to advance directly from the beginner level to the Nine Turns, but this also consumed a large amount of vital energy, mainly his Strength Soul and Qi Soul. After this frenzied cultivation, the fluctuations were huge, making Zhao Xing look somewhat weak at this moment.

Zhao Xing ignored Zong Shichang's teasing and went straight to the point. "How about we go together to compete for the First Incense at the temple later?"

Upon hearing this, Zong Shichang looked troubled and said in a low voice, "To be honest, I am willing, but the group of people I've gathered will only protect me, not necessarily you. Please allow me to ask."

Zhao Xing nodded. Zong Shichang was only at the Gathering Yuan Fourth Level. To expect this spoiled brat to make decisions during a battle would be absurd.

If Zong Shichang could make the decision directly, Zhao Xing would have turned around and left; he was treating his life like a game.

Zong Shichang turned around and whispered among the crowd.

There were about seventeen or eighteen people gathered around him.

The first tier, of course, consists of those three at the Gathering Yuan Eighth Level, whom his father hired with his own money.

Since it was an invitation, Zong Shichang could not command them; for most actions, Zong Shichang had to listen to the opinions of the experts.

Zong Shichang was also clear-headed; he would never allow an outsider to instruct an expert.

The second tier consists of five individuals at the Gathering Yuan Seventh Level. They are relatively young, representing the promising talents of Nanyang County. They are part of Zong Shichang's own network, having agreed to act together, but there is no master-servant relationship between them; it is simply a collaboration.

The third tier consists of those at the fifth and sixth levels of the Essence Gathering. These were recruited by Zong Shichang with silver notes, and they were able to listen to Zong Shichang.

Zong Shichang himself was a fun-loving person, and he had no objection to Zhao Xing joining him.

The more people, the better; he wished everyone in the Heavenly Altar Plaza would come to his place for some fun!

However, he knew the importance of the matter and felt that the possibility of Zhao Xing joining was not high. After all, the Agricultural Official himself did not have much combat power, and in his impression, Zhao Xing's rank was not high, at least Zong Shichang could not tell.

However, as soon as he spoke, a tall, thin middle-aged man carrying four battle swords on his back said, "Young Master Zong, I think we can let him join."

"Huh?" Zong Shichang was taken aback and looked at the expert 'Uncle Cang' that his father had invited.

"Indeed, Old Cang is right." Another middle-aged swordsman with a mole on the corner of his mouth also spoke up, "Young master, you can also learn from him."

Zong Shichang was a little confused. "Uncle Cang, Uncle Hu, are you joking? You two weren't happy when I borrowed the money just now."

He was a little unsure and thought these two were trying to sabotage him. Not only did they give him money, but they also wanted to bring people along. Did Zong Shichang not know his place?

"Times have changed," Uncle Cang said with a smile. "Before he absorbs the third portion of spiritual essence, it can only be considered barely useful."

"But after absorbing the third portion of spiritual essence..." A strange light flashed in the eyes of the swordsman 'Uncle Hu', "I actually felt a strong threat from this kid, the kind of threat that is between life and death."

Two of the three experts agreed, while the remaining one remained silent.

Without saying a word, he meant he didn't object. Zong Shichang was surprised, but his mind quickly caught on, and he laughed, "Actually, I saw it coming a long time ago. You see, my previous offer of two hundred silver notes made a good point!"

The three masters smiled without saying a word.

You noticed?

You saw nothing! That's just pure wastefulness!

"Ahem, I'll go talk to him right away." Seeing that no one was there to support him, Zong Shichang stopped boasting and turned to Zhao Xing.

"Brother Zhao, I've got everything sorted out. You'll be joining us in the incense-buying competition in a bit."

Zhao Xing had actually heard everything, but he still gave a thumbs up. "Impressive, it has to be Young Master Zong."

"Oh, it's nothing." Zong Shichang felt completely relaxed, and his smile grew even brighter.

"We still have some time, shall I explain it to you?"

"Okay." Zhao Xing listened attentively, as he didn't really know much about these experts.

Zong Shichang stood next to Zhao Xing and pointed to a corner of the Heavenly Altar Plaza: "See that chrysanthemum-faced guy with the feather fan? That man is Wen Zhao, Gathering Yuan Ninth Level, thirty-six years old this year, and an official in the Ritual Hall of Nanyang County."

"He is Ritual Cultivator, especially skilled in 'Harmony Ritual' and 'Fire Ritual'."

"He won the Fifth Incense last night."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly. He could also tell that this was a Ritual Cultivator. It was this person who burned several of his straw figures when he entered the Heavenly Altar Plaza.

"The swordsman next to him is Zhang Boran, a cultivator at the Gathering Yuan Eighth Level. He is his cousin and uses Upper Third Tier 'Tiger Ring Saber'. He is also skilled in a mid-level secret technique called 'Tiger Fiend Saber'."

"These two, one scholar and one warrior, work together very well."

Zong Shichang moved his finger horizontally and pointed in another direction. "That man wearing a straw raincoat and with a gray head is called Cao Qiushui, Gathering Yuan Ninth Level."

"He was also a minor official in the Agricultural Official, a member of the younger generation of the Cao Family. He ranked third, and his strength was also third. He was not as good as his eldest brother Cao Chunfang, nor as good as his seventh brother Cao Wangdong."

Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow. "The Cao Family, are they descendants of the True Lord?"

Zong Shichang curled his lip and said, "They are indeed descendants of True Lord Cao Xi, but this bloodline is over a thousand years old, so it's nothing special. As the saying goes, 'A weasel gave birth to Dou Chuzi.'"

Seeing that he wasn't going to continue, Zhao Xing helplessly chimed in, "What do you mean?"

Zong Shichang laughed and said, "Each generation is worse than the last. In the past three hundred years, the Cao Family has only produced one person of the Fifth Grade, and that was just a minor official."

Zhao Xing said, "You can't blame them for not working hard; it's really tough for Noble Families these days."

Zong Shichang nodded and said, "Indeed, that one is too ruthless, constantly sucking the blood of the Noble Families..."

Zhao Xing waved his hand. "Don't get off-topic, it's taboo."

Zong Shichang shut up, looked around, then his eyes lit up, and he pointed to the east side of the square, saying, "She's here."

"Who?"

"Du Jiaojiao, did you see that guy with the gun? Yes, he was blocked by the woman with the liuqin."

Zhao Xing looked over and saw Lu Qian and the woman holding Liuqin standing and chatting, while behind them was a cute girl who was a head shorter than them.

However, her gun was quite large, probably almost four meters long.

"I see, she's indeed quite petite, just like her name suggests... What are you laughing at?"

Before Zhao Xing could finish speaking, he saw Zong Shichang clutching his stomach and chuckling to himself.

"Is something wrong?"

Zong Shichang slapped his thigh and said, "Her name is Du Jiaojiao, but she's not petite at all; she's sitting down!"

"Huh?" Zhao Xing was stunned.

"Don't believe me? I'll show you." Zong Shichang picked up a stone from the ground and threw it over there. "Hey! Brother Du!"

The stone hit the three girls in front of them. Lu Qian, who was talking, frowned and, seeing that it was Zong Shichang, immediately scolded, "Zong Shiba, what are you doing, you good-for-nothing scoundrel!"

Zong Shichang waved his hand. "Qianqian, you cursed so well~ Come on, let me hear you curse a couple more times~"

Lu Qian flew into a rage and was about to rush over. "Do you want to die?!"

At this moment, Du Jiaojiao stood up and grabbed her, saying, "Qianqian, don't take it to heart."

"Hmph." Lu Qian glared fiercely and sat down angrily.

Zong Shichang turned around. "See that?"

Zhao Xing nodded. "I saw it, it's truly astonishing."

When Du Jiaojiao stood up, she was eight feet tall!

A rough estimate would put him at least 2.45 meters tall!

Moreover, she was extremely robust, and her face was cute and delicate; it was unexpected that she was a "Vajra Barbie".

"No wonder they used such long guns."

Zong Shichang said, "The Du Family Spear is very famous in Nanyang County. Her father can be called the number one spear master in Nanyang County. This woman also knows at least three intermediate-level secret techniques. Last night she got the second incense stick. If she hadn't arrived a little late, I'm afraid even Yang Junxiong might not have been able to defeat her."

When Yang Junxiong was mentioned, Zong Shichang's tone turned cold. "Yang Junxiong is the one who rode the Bamboo Horse. He is the culprit who caused my brother's death."

"Originally, there were three people in the Gathering Yuan Ninth Level: Hong Sihai, Dong Chuan, and Xiang Chenglin, who were quite strong. However, these three were severely injured by Yang Junxiong yesterday and had to descend the mountain early, ending their mountain climbing journey."

Severely injuring three Gathering Yuan Ninth Level experts? Zhao Xing was slightly surprised. "Could it be that Yang Junxiong has already Ranked Realm? What's his background?"

During these three days, only officials are allowed to go up the mountain. Officials are generally those who have not yet Ranked Realm the ranks.

However, if an opportunity arises after reaching the top of the mountain, a breakthrough is possible.

"I don't know." Zong Shichang shook his head. "I haven't found out where this person came from. There are hundreds of counties in Nanyang County, and I don't know where he came from."

"Damn it, he defeated so many people, he must have gained a lot of spiritual energy. He's too strong, I can't get revenge on the mountain."

Zong Shichang was furious, but once they went down the mountain, no one remembered anything.

Zhao Xing cautioned, "Brother Zong, if he was originally at the Gathering Yuan Ninth Level and has also obtained the Spiritual Essence, then you should forget about revenge for now; preserving your life is the priority."

"You should pray that they weren't after you, and that your brother's death was just something he did on a whim."

"Forget it, let's not talk about him anymore."

Zong Shichang opened the Wen Bamboo Box in frustration. Whether it was because he was annoyed by talking about Yang Junxiong or because he was thirsty, he took out some chilled plum juice and gulped down two mouthfuls.

Seeing that Zong Shichang had lost interest in speaking, Zhao Xing stopped asking questions and silently gathered his strength, waiting for the temple gates to open.

In the last quarter of an hour before the temple gates opened, fewer and fewer people were in Heavenly Altar Plaza.

Since it was already completely dark, the officials who did not have the ability to Bright Eyes Night Vision had long since left the Heavenly Altar Plaza and kept their distance.

Although there were far fewer people, the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, and the discussions became subdued. By Rat Hour, no one was speaking anymore.

He just stared silently at the sundial pointer in the square, because it was about to leave the "Ceasefire" area.

Some people couldn't stand the somber atmosphere and chose to withdraw at the last minute.

The number of people in the square has decreased by another third.

Zhao Xing's eyes glowed faintly green in the darkness as he stared at the pointer.

"Clang!"

Suddenly, a deep, resonant bell rang out from the temple ahead.

And the sundial's pointer also pointed to Rat Hour!

In the Rat Hour zone, two words are engraved: Only Martial!

The temple gates opened, and ten golden orbs of light floated out from inside.

That is the 'incense' needed for offerings at the temple!

Incense smoke drifted in the air above the Heavenly Altar Plaza, hanging there like a beacon.

"Action!" Uncle Cang, who was standing next to Zong Shichang, shouted immediately.

"Swish, swish, swish!"

Another Gathering Yuan Eighth Level, "Uncle Hu," also quickly jumped into the air, attempting to snatch the incense offerings.

Only those with strong credentials dare to compete for the first wave of offerings.

Most of the others Intent Movement, but they held back and did not take any action.

Because in the Only Martial, one bears the responsibility for life and death!

In the vast Heavenly Altar Plaza, only twenty-one people dared to jump into the air to be the first to offer First Incense.

But this doesn't mean that the people on the ground aren't moving.

The moment these twenty-one martial artists jumped.

A voice came from the southeast of the square.

"In the application of propriety, harmony is of paramount importance!"

The voice was mellow and resonant, ringing directly in people's ears, causing everyone to momentarily lose their focus.

It was as if an old master with a crown and sash was patiently and kindly instructing me.

At that moment, the twenty-one warriors who had just taken off lost all their fighting spirit. Twenty of them landed, and some even staggered and couldn't stand up after landing.

"Wen Zhao!" Uncle Cang roared in frustration, and he and another person involuntarily fell to the ground.

Only one silver spear pierced the air, unaffected, and instead soared upwards, seizing one of the incense sticks—it was Du Jiaojiao.

At the same time, the sound of horses' hooves came from outside the square. A dark figure, riding Bamboo Horse, flew through the air unaffected, arriving first and snatching an incense stick before Du Jiaojiao.

Its momentum continued undiminished, and it landed before the stone steps leading to the temple.

"Yang Junxiong!" Du Jiaojiao's voice was soft but full of fighting spirit. When she landed, she was almost at the same height as Yang Junxiong.

The stone steps are not wide enough for many people to pass through; whether or not someone is the first to First Incense depends on who goes up first.

"Get out of the way!" Yang Junxiong roared. He also used a gun, but it was entirely fiery red. His aura was astonishing, as if even his Bamboo Horse was draped in a layer of rosy light.

Even from that distance, the roar still made the ears of the people in the square ache, but Du Jiaojiao was completely oblivious.

"Mid-level secret technique, Lion's Roar?" Du Jiaojiao stood in front of Yang Junxiong, her eyes gleaming. "Make me get out of my way? That depends on whether you have the strength!"

The two who were the first to grab the incense sticks were the third person to do so, but Zhang Boran, who was next to Wen Zhao, was not affected because he jumped back.

However, after landing, he did not dare to go forward.

Because Yang Junxiong and Du Jiaojiao blocked his way, he, being only at the Gathering Yuan Eighth Level, dared not approach them.

The three incense sticks were stolen, and a fight broke out in the square in an instant.

Wen Zhao's suppression was only for a moment before he released it, because he wanted Zhang Boran to take it.

"Cloudcalling!"

Zhao Xing pointed and, at the very moment Rat Hour arrived, immediately attempted to raise clouds to cover the entire Heavenly Altar Plaza.

But before Cloudcalling, he actually used [Yin Wind] first.

He summoned Yin Wind to surround himself, forming a barrier. Outside the Yin Wind, he used Rising Wind spell to form a second barrier.

Having been tempered by the Earth Vein's Yin Winds, his soul was made resilient and difficult to shake. Therefore, he was minimally affected by Myriad Laws Spiritual Elegance Wen Zhao, while Yang Junxiong's Lion's Roar pierced through the Wind Wall.

The reason it's a bit slow is mainly due to the nature of the spell; it takes time for the Cloudcalling to condense.

Almost as soon as the first group of martial artists landed, Du Jiaojiao and Yang Junxiong were scrambling for incense, Zhao Xing's Cloudcalling appeared on the plaza.

He must take the initiative, otherwise he will be unable to use his Guiding Thunder and Icy Rain techniques and may not be able to win the incense offerings.

"Cloudcalling!"

Zhao Xing wasn't the only one with the same idea; eight other people in Heavenly Altar Plaza also took turns trying to take advantage of the Heavenly Timing.

Those who dared to make a move in the first phase all possessed absolute confidence in their own magic.

The square is only so big; it can't possibly hold that many clouds.

Thus, the collision occurred immediately.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

The clouds collided, thunder roared, and the Heavenly Altar Plaza was illuminated brightly in an instant.

Even Lian Wen Zhao was secretly astonished. "The Heavenly Timing Rite have become so chaotic. It seems that Cao Qiushui is not the only formidable figure in the position of Agricultural Official this time."

"Boom!"

On the west side of the square, Cao Qiushui, dressed in a straw raincoat and wearing a bamboo hat, Cloudcalling, like a surging river, forcefully pushing aside the surrounding clouds.

Soon, three people were defeated in his half of the square.

"Brother Cao's Flowing Cloud Art has reached the fifth level; I humbly admit defeat."

"Thank you for your mercy, Brother Cao."

"Hmph, I'm just not as skilled as you, nothing more to say."

"Thank you all for your hospitality!" Cao Qiushui smiled and cupped her hands in a gesture of respect towards the three of them.

Just as he was about to expand the Cloudcalling's range to cover the entire square, he discovered that the other half of the square had, at some point, been reduced to a single cloud.

However, Zhao Xing had already dealt with the other competitors; he did not suppress the other four by relying on Cloudcalling.

It was purely by secretly sending a gust of Yin Wind to ambush the four of them.

With the flames of the soul flickering precariously, how could it possibly control the flowing Cloud Method?

It was immediately cut and swallowed by Zhao Xing's clouds, turning into nourishment.

Therefore, Zhao Xing's initial-level Cloud Method was no less powerful than Cao Qiushui's intermediate-level Cloud Method.

"What's going on? Why has my Cloudcalling gone out of control?"

"Who is it? Who is plotting against us?!"

"Hateful!"

There were four places in the square where shouts of cursing rang out.

"Zhao Sanjia, how could you..." Zong Shichang looked at the clouds above in disbelief.

He had no idea that Zhao Xing was so powerful that he could raise a cloud in front of so many experts and defeat the other four Agricultural Official in the first place.

"What amazing control! How can his Cloudcalling technique devour other people's cloud energy?" After landing, Uncle Cang and Uncle Hu did not jump again, but waited for an opportunity to move. They were very surprised when they saw Zhao Xing's actions.

Because they didn't expect Zhao Xing to be of much use, at least not in the first wave of incense competition, they didn't expect him to do anything.

"It's that trick again. In the previous test, his cloud layer was able to devour Huang Tao's cloud layer and turn it into his own..." Zong Shichang said excitedly.

Ignoring the astonishment of those around him, Zhao Xing swiftly controlled the clouds to absorb the defeated man's aura, preparing to charge forward. Taking advantage of Cao Qiushui's moment of arrogance, he crashed headlong into her.

"Boom!"

Thunder roared again, and one-fifth of the clouds above Zhao Xing's head were knocked away.

But it was quickly absorbed, demonstrating astonishing control.

Cao Qiushui was above the clouds. Although he had the upper hand in the collision, the rolling momentum of the clouds was hindered.

Although it was a passive collision, it was still completely unexpected, because Cao Qiushui was using a mid-level Flowing Cloud Art, while Zhao Xing was only using a beginner-level Flowing Cloudcalling.

"Huh? There are more experts?" Cao Qiushui looked in a certain direction with surprise.