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Chapter 281: Networking Everywhere, A Top-Tier Dharma Body in One Year!
🕑 Added 2024-12-10 11:15:31 +0000 UTCZhao Xing's incarnation arrived at Bishui Dao Academy.
The Bishui Dao Academy’s Biyou Boundless Sea technique provided a highly efficient means of travel.
At this moment, Qin Hongying was absent, and under the command of Princess Youruo, most of the top experts from Bishui Dao Academy had been mobilized to reinforce the coastal defenses against the aquatic tribes.
Currently, only three out of the seven major island chains near the Eastern Sea remained unbreached, largely due to the influence of Princess Youruo.
He was greeted by Wen Ji, a Beast Taming Master at the Promordial Soul Stage. Wen Ji looked visibly fatigued. “The Biyou Boundless Sea route to Datong Prefecture will open at midnight. You’ll need to wait two more hours, Chen’an.”
“Thank you for your effort, Master Wen,” Zhao Xing said. “By the way, have you seen Master Zhai?”
Wen Ji and Zhai Zhong were both supervisors of the Beast Taming Division. Zhao Xing had spent time with them previously, learning a great deal about beast-taming techniques.
Wen Ji sighed heavily. “Zhai Zhong has defected. He has left Bishui Dao Academy.”
“What?” Zhao Xing was momentarily stunned. Zhai Zhong, a supervisor of the Beast Taming Division, had betrayed them?
He couldn’t help but recall the turbulent times during the Eastern Sea upheavals when islands were frequently attacked. Rumors had circulated back then that Zhai Zhong had been spotted leading raids. At the time, Zhao Xing dismissed the idea, assuming it was a case of rogue practitioners from Bishui Sect impersonating Zhai Zhong.
Now, it seemed the rumors were true after all.
“Zhai Zhong…” Zhao Xing couldn't help but think of the Beast Taming Master’s amiable demeanor. The man was always cheerful and approachable.
Back when Zhao Xing was only a Sixth-Rank official, Zhai Zhong, as a Fourth-Rank supervisor, never displayed any arrogance.
Who would have thought this man would betray them? Perhaps he had been secretly aligned with King Liang all along.
“Ten years have passed, and the world has truly changed,” Zhao Xing mused with a sense of melancholy.
Noticing that Wen Ji wasn’t in the mood to chat further, Zhao Xing refrained from pressing the matter. Instead, he followed Wen Ji to wait by a circular lake.
The lake had a radius of five kilometers, an immense area.
The water moved without wind, often surging into waves three or four meters high.
It looked more like a stormy sea than a lake.
Above the lake, clouds lingered year-round, never dispersing.
Zhao Xing hadn’t been there long before a mirage-like image appeared over the lake’s surface.
The mirage reflected the silhouette of an ancient city. The city’s architecture was vividly detailed—resplendent palaces, towering pavilions, bustling marketplaces, and even street vendors could be seen clearly.
Seeing Zhao Xing’s curious expression, Wen Ji explained, “This is a mirage reflecting the next teleportation location.”
“The Biyou Boundless Sea is limited to the Pinghai Province area because this region was originally part of the Cang Sea territory.”
“However, over thousands of years, the sea’s currents have gradually shifted, weakening the Biyou Boundless Sea technique.”
“If this were during the era of the Great Ancestor, you wouldn’t need to wait at all. You could teleport directly into Datong Prefecture’s range.”
“Look, the tide is rising, and people are arriving. We should step back a bit.”
Wen Ji pulled Zhao Xing back a few steps.
Zhao Xing appeared contemplative.
In his past life, he had only used the Biyou Boundless Sea function three times.
The permissions to use it were difficult to obtain.
Each use also cost a significant amount of money.
Moreover, the process induced a sensation of drowning, making it an undesirable method unless absolutely necessary.
“Splash!”
Suddenly, waves surged up to a height of 20 or 30 meters.
Then, the water quickly collapsed downward.
As the waves reversed, a small boat appeared amidst the turbulence, as though someone were surfing.
With a loud “clang,” the boat was flung out by the waves.
The seawater surged downward.
In the teleportation area, the water seemed to flip over.
Watching this scene, Zhao Xing gained a sudden insight.
He keenly noticed that some of the water was no longer the original seawater.
In that brief moment, water with a different composition abruptly appeared, replacing the original seawater.
For an instant, the waters intertwined and vibrated.
The teleportation was complete.
It had transported seawater, along with the people and objects within it, from a distant location to this spot.
“Crash~”
Thirteen individuals stepped off the flung-out boat, including thirteen at the Heavenly Gang Stage and two at the Pure Essence Stage.
The thirteen Heavenly Gang practitioners immediately clutched their stomachs, dry-heaving as they disembarked.
The two Pure Essence cultivators fared slightly better but still shook their heads, their breathing clearly labored.
“Those at the Heavenly Gang Stage will take about three days to recover from the side effects of using the Biyou Boundless Sea teleportation. Generally, it takes a month for the sensation of drowning to fully dissipate.”
“For Pure Essence cultivators, recovery is faster. After a day of rest, they can engage in combat, with minimal disruption. Within three to five days, they’ll completely rid themselves of the effects,” Wen Ji explained.
“Of course, the severity depends on the distance. For example, teleporting to the far western Salt Lake, across the entirety of Pinghai Province, would result in much more pronounced side effects.”
“For those at the Destiny Palace Stage, however, these consequences are completely negligible.”
“Chen’an, if you’re heading to Datong Prefecture for an urgent matter, I suggest non-combat assignments,” Wen Ji advised. “Otherwise, the side effects could still be a hindrance.”
Zhao Xing nodded. “Thank you for the reminder.”
The effects of the drowning sensation were neither trivial nor insignificant.
If someone were to engage in life-or-death combat immediately after teleportation, even the slightest impairment could give an opponent an opening.
Of course, Wen Ji had no idea that Zhao Xing’s soul had already reached the Destiny Palace Stage, and Zhao Xing saw no need to flaunt this fact.
Suddenly, a brief sound came from the conch hanging at Wen Ji’s waist.
Water flowed onto Wen Ji’s palm, with droplets vibrating in a unique rhythm.
Zhao Xing glanced over. This was the Bishui Dao Academy’s confidential communication method.
Dozens of water droplets tapped Wen Ji’s palm and the back of his hand, instantly transmitting complex information.
Wen Ji didn’t avoid Zhao Xing, who was a Professor of Canonical Studies at Bishui Dao Academy and considered an insider.
“Chen’an, I’ve received an urgent order. I can’t stay here with you,” Wen Ji said.
“Understood, urgent matters take precedence. Please go ahead.”
The two exchanged bows before Wen Ji transformed into a stream of water, disappearing into the ground and rushing eastward.
The sky gradually darkened.
At midnight, the mirage of Datong Prefecture appeared above the lake.
Zhao Xing boarded the small boat.
“Splash~”
The waves churned, and the boat flipped, swallowing both man and vessel.
Zhao Xing leaped off the small boat, transforming into a streak of light that shot into the sky even before the boat could come to a full stop.
The people waiting for the next teleportation turned their heads, their curiosity piqued.
“Who was that just now?”
“The boat hadn’t even steadied yet, and they were already flying off. Must be a Third-Rank powerhouse.”
“Incredible! I can’t wait to have such flair—moving so swiftly, unseen and unnoticed.”
“Envious, aren’t we? Every time I get off the boat, I feel like I’m still unsteady on my feet. Last time I nearly crashed into a muddy pond while attempting to fly.”
“You’re telling me? I always feel like I’ve eaten a whole seafood feast—makes me want to throw up every single time.”
“I heard the Lihuo Academy’s Fire-Borrowing Technique is much better.”
“Better, my foot! The Fire Altar makes you run until you vomit just the same!”
The distance between Ehai Commandery and the prefectural city of Datong Prefecture was significant, compounded by the geographical restrictions on Bishui Dao Academy’s teleportation range.
Currently, Datong Prefecture was split in half—one side controlled by King Liang’s faction, the other still under the court’s authority.
The areas under King Liang’s control mainly included those critical to cave-heaven passageways.
For example, Wupan Mountain in Datong Prefecture—where Zhao Xing once entered the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven—was now firmly under King Liang’s grasp.
Datong Prefecture had effectively developed two administrative centers.
The original prefectural city now flew King Liang’s black dragon banners, while the court’s officials had relocated westward to Ye Commandery.
King Luo had elevated Ye Commandery to a prefectural city, placing all the court’s displaced officials there.
However, certain structures couldn’t be relocated, such as Datong Prefecture’s Fire Altar. Thus, Zhao Xing had no way to use it to reach Datong Prefecture directly.
“Looking at the map, Datong Prefecture is essentially split in two by the Songjiang River. The western commanderies are under the court’s jurisdiction, while the eastern areas are controlled by King Liang.”
“Lin Hai Commandery sits along this dividing line, and Xia Jing is conducting guerrilla operations there.”
Lin Hai Commandery had severed communication with the court two months ago, rejoined the court’s camp in the third month, and then fell under King Liang’s control again by the fourth. The commandery governors had changed so frequently that no one could count how many had met untimely ends.
This back-and-forth arose because Lin Hai Commandery lacked strategic importance, so neither side had committed significant forces to capture it.
“No wonder Xia Jing said it feels like they’re headless flies. He’s probably just as confused, not knowing which direction to go next,” Zhao Xing thought.
King Liang wasn’t interested in the rest of Datong Prefecture—he only cared about the critical passageway areas. On the other hand, King Luo didn’t have the capability to take everything back at once. With Datong Prefecture’s dense population, large-scale battles involving high-ranking powerhouses and massive armies would leave the region utterly devastated, with nine out of ten houses emptied.
Without clear operational orders, and with Xia Jing’s Ten Sun Army stationed here, they truly didn’t know what to do.
“Brother Xia, I’m almost at Lin Hai Commandery. Report your current position.”
“We’re in Anshan County,” Xia Jing quickly replied.
Zhao Xing glanced at the map, then transformed into a misty cloud and vanished.
Lin Hai Commandery, Anshan County, Outside the City
A cloud dissipated, revealing Zhao Xing’s figure hovering above the county city.
“Who goes there?!”
Three golden lights immediately surged up from the city, rising to confront him.
“Whoosh, whoosh—”
Sixteen bolts from anti-god crossbows shot toward Zhao Xing’s position.
This action triggered a chain reaction.
Within the city’s defenses, mechanisms activated, formations whirred, divine warships mobilized, martial artists formed ranks, and war drums thundered.
“Dean Mei! Senior Li! General Wei! It’s me!” Zhao Xing promptly sent a voice transmission to the three figures in the lead.
Thanks to his use of A Step to Infinity, the first to sense the shift in the heavens was Li Yuanzhen, the Martial Shennong of the Black Turtle Army.
In the eighteenth year of the Jingxin Calendar, during a temporary ceasefire, Li Yuanzhen had appeared at Jihun Pass alongside Liu Tianning to cover the retreat of Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie’s forces.
Mei Zhiru, meanwhile, was the dean of the Tianji Academy within the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven.
Lastly, Wei Yuan was a Commander Shennong of the Hujiao Army, who had once invited Zhao Xing to join their ranks.
All three were members of the Heaven School of the Shennong Division.
Zhao Xing’s use of A Step to Infinity hadn’t been concealed.
The sudden appearance of a cloud above the city naturally caught their attention.
“It’s Zhao Xing!”
“Cease fire!”
Li Yuanzhen, Wei Yuan, and Mei Zhiru immediately ordered their forces to stand down.
Before long, Xia Jing rushed out of the city, leading a group of people to greet him.
“Marquis Yuan!”
“It’s Zhao Xing!”
“The genius of the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven has returned!”
Zhao Xing clasped his hands in greeting toward the three before being surrounded by familiar faces from his era.
“Hahaha, the boss is here!” Che Shi Hai exclaimed joyfully. “Boss, it’s me, Che Shi Hai. Do you remember me?”
“Of course I remember,” Zhao Xing replied with a smile. “After the breakout training, it was you who drove the airship into a ditch and ended up stepping on Wang Ji’s head.”
“Hey, boss, my skills have improved a lot since then! I can even steer warships now!” Che Shi Hai boasted, patting his chest.
“Zhao Shennong, do you remember me? I’m Chen Fang. Back then, Xia Jing and I had the fish you cultivated,” another martial artist chimed in, pushing forward.
“Chen Fang, can’t you bring up something better?” Xia Jing scolded.
Zhao Xing grinned. “Of course I remember. During the breakout training, you got hit with Li Xiu’s Intelligence Reduction Technique, and while Zhang Jie was squatting to relieve himself, you just stood there drooling at him.”
“Eww—” Everyone immediately looked at Chen Fang with disdain.
“Rubbish! I didn’t! I don’t remember that at all!” Chen Fang protested.
“Hahahaha!” Everyone burst into laughter.
“And me! And me! I’m Jiang Ming from the Zhenhai Army. Zhao Xing, do you remember me? I once gave you a turtle!”
“I do,” Zhao Xing said with a nod and a laugh.
“Of course he remembers,” Xia Jing interjected, pointing at Zhao Xing. “During the rest period at Jihun Pass, he chopped up the turtle and kept only the shell, tossing the meat aside.”
“At the time, Zhao Xing was in charge of logistics. My troops, along with Liao Rulong’s and Wen Shaoyang’s, ended up eating turtle meat for over a month!”
“In the middle of the night, soldiers going to relieve themselves were spooked by turtle spirits crawling everywhere.”
“Nearly scared them half to death.”
“Hahahaha!” Another wave of laughter erupted.
“Zhao Xing, do you remember this guy?” Xia Jing dragged another person forward.
While the others were carefree and loud, this person was meticulously dressed and carried a clipboard. However, upon seeing Zhao Xing, a trace of emotion flickered across his composed expression.
“You’re... Zhang Yi?”
“Indeed, it is me. Zhang Yi pays his respects to Marquis Yuan.” Zhang Yi clasped his hands formally.
“It’s been so many years, and you’re still so courteous. Have you switched from being a ceremonial officer to studying rites?” Zhao Xing smiled faintly. Given his rank, he didn’t need to return the gesture, but out of respect for Zhang Yi’s cultivation and efforts, he returned a bow.
“That’s right,” Xia Jing interjected with a grin. “Back in Yuncheng, you taught Zhang Yi the art of summoning spirits without dismissing them, leaving those ghostly warriors of Baipiao behind. And now, he’s no longer a ceremonial officer but has delved deeper into rites.”
“What? Marquis Yuan actually did such a thing?” someone exclaimed.
“Hahaha, the Military Shennong emphasizes practicality. There’s nothing Zhao Xing wouldn’t try. Back then, we were short on manpower, and the Insect Shaman disaster was imminent. Zhao Xing wouldn’t even spare ghosts to bolster the defenses.”
“Hahaha!” Laughter rippled through the group.
Reuniting after years apart was like unlocking a floodgate of memories and stories.
This was a gathering of familiar faces from the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven. They had trained together, fought side by side, and faced life and death.
Though much had changed since those days—each person having grown and advanced in their paths—mentioning their shared history brought them back to the camaraderie of the past.
“Come on, let’s head down and talk! No more hovering in the sky!” Xia Jing draped an arm over Zhao Xing’s shoulder. “Let’s drink! Today, the wine flows without limit!”
“Woo-hoo!” the crowd cheered enthusiastically.
They descended to the county government office in Anshan County.
Soon, news of Zhao Xing’s arrival spread, and more familiar faces joined them.
The new arrivals included Fan Zhaoli, the former dean of the Earth Division, along with Lu Bang and Zuo Zizhi from the Taichu Academy, and Tian Nongzheng from the Earth Division. From the Heaven School, Ge Jinsong and Cheng Qingming had come.
There were also many former trainees: Military Shennong Shi Yong, Zhuang Zhiqing, Feng Yuan, and Guan Junyang, along with martial artists like Wang Meng and military physician Yuan Yang.
Some faces Zhao Xing recognized but couldn’t immediately recall their names, as they had all shared training sessions in the past.
Still, this gathering was noticeably smaller than before. Many familiar faces, like Feng Qiu, Hua Zhilin, and Cai Jin, had perished in that calamity or in subsequent battles.
“Master Lu, Master Tian, Dean Fan—” Zhao Xing respectfully greeted the senior figures.
“Hahaha, there’s no need for formalities. Get up quickly,” Tian Nongzheng said, clearly pleased.
“The prodigy of the Self School has returned,” Lu Bang said with a smile.
“Nonsense,” Fan Zhaoli scoffed. “He’s a genius of the Earth School!”
“What are you arguing about?” Mei Zhiru pulled out a scroll from his sleeve. “The decree from Lord Tian himself has already declared Zhao Xing the Holy Son of our Heaven School. Didn’t you all know this decree was issued specifically for him?”
“Shameless!” Lu Bang chuckled.
“You’re disgraceful,” Tian Nongzheng and Fan Zhaoli sneered in unison.
“What now?” Mei Zhiru grinned smugly. “With the publication of The Theory of Self and Natural Harmony, who can rival us? But Earth School, why are you even jumping in? What are you trying to gain from this?”
“You—” Tian Nongzheng and Fan Zhaoli were left speechless.
Zhao Xing’s attempted assassination by King Liang’s faction was already well-known among the mid- to high-ranking circles in Pinghai Province. Naturally, this group had also heard the news.
Now, all three factions wanted to claim Zhao Xing as their own. However, the Earth School had a weaker position, as Zhao Xing hadn’t published any significant theoretical works under their banner.
“Mei, your Heaven School shouldn’t be so arrogant,” Zuo Zizhi interjected. “Take a look beside you.”
Mei Zhiru froze.
Standing next to him were Cheng Qingming and Ge Jinsong, both looking visibly uncomfortable.
Cheng Qingming and Ge Jinsong glared at Zuo Zizhi.
“Zuo Zizhi, do you want to die?!”
“Your Yin-Yang Self Canon is mediocre at best, but your snarky comments are outstanding!” they retorted without hesitation.
“Hahaha!” The group burst into laughter.
In times of chaos, moments of reunion and laughter were rare and deeply cherished.
Xia Jing made sure most of their familiar faces were called over for a hearty feast.
It wasn’t until late into the night, when the others had been dismissed, that Xia Jing pulled Zhao Xing aside for a private conversation.
“Zhao, what’s your next move? I have 400,000 people under my command—troops from the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven and officials from Yangcheng at various levels,” Xia Jing said, his tone serious.
“Four hundred thousand?” Zhao Xing was surprised.
“When you said King Liang might rebel, I started preparing as soon as I returned from the Eastern Sea,” Xia Jing explained. “Before the upheaval, I discreetly transferred a large number of people.”
“After the chaos broke out, the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven fell into turmoil. King Liang’s Black Dragon Army carried out purges—those who didn’t comply either fled or perished.”
“Over the next three months, I gathered the scattered remnants. Even with the court transferring some of my forces, I still have 400,000 people under my command.”
Zhao Xing nodded. Xia Jing had been temporarily conferred the title of Fourth Rank Senior General of Counterinsurgency Cavalry, with additional authority as a Fourth Grade Shangyu Officer for the southern territories of Pinghai Province.
In terms of rank and authority, Xia Jing was on par with Zhao Xing.
Zhao Xing thought for a moment before dipping his finger in wine and writing two characters on the table: Save the People.
“Save the people?” Xia Jing muttered, contemplating the words. “How exactly?”
“First, build shelters far from cities. Ideally, they should be underground, in mountainous areas, or in other locations with little strategic value.”
“Second, establish mobile medical units, storage depots, and stockpile supplies such as clothing for extreme weather and food.”
Xia Jing frowned. “Isn’t that the work of the Transport, Medical, and Engineering Divisions?”
“And to save people, don’t we need to capture cities and expand territory?”
“Do you think all commoners live in cities?” Zhao Xing shook his head. “I don’t want you to save the nobles and officials in the cities. I want you to save the rural folk. Understand the difference.”
Xia Jing, a noble by birth, carried an inherent bias. His perception of “commoners” referred to lower-ranking clans and minor families, not the impoverished peasantry.
Seeing Xia Jing’s hesitant nod, Zhao Xing asked, “In your eyes, who qualifies as a commoner?”
Scratching his head, Xia Jing replied, “On my father’s estate, the lowest taxpaying households own a five-acre homestead and twenty acres of fertile farmland.”
Zhao Xing froze.
Seeing Zhao Xing’s expression, Xia Jing asked humbly, “Did I misunderstand?”
“Xia Jing, your words could make the listener weep,” Zhao Xing sighed. “But it’s not your fault. In your world, that’s the lowest standard.”
“You grew up on your father’s estate, which is prosperous, and your family rules with benevolence.”
“But the rest of the world isn’t like that.”
“Surely you’ve seen the people of the Southern Wilderness?”
Xia Jing thought of the tribes with their tattered clothing and emaciated faces, finally understanding. “Ah, now I get it.”
“Still, if that’s our goal, not all of my 400,000 will be willing to follow. Soldiers are trained to fight wars. What army specializes in saving rural folk? Let alone disaster relief and labor-intensive tasks.”
“No battle merits, no honorary ranks, no monetary rewards—”
“I’ve seen armies with ideals and conviction do these things,” Zhao Xing said firmly.
“Oh? Where?”
“Not here.”
“I need you to screen for those willing to work under this mission. Make it clear to them that we won’t focus on gaining merits through battle, earning fortunes, or climbing ranks quickly.”
“This won’t be like any army you’ve seen,” Zhao Xing said. “It’s purely about saving lives.”
Xia Jing sighed. “This approach will make recruitment difficult. But the low risk might help.”
By avoiding cities and focusing on rural relief, they wouldn’t attract much resistance.
After all, King Liang wasn’t insane. His elite troops wouldn’t waste resources on targeting insignificant rural efforts.
“Do your best,” Zhao Xing concluded.
Xia Jing nodded solemnly. “Then how much material support should I request from the court?”
Zhao Xing shook his head decisively. “My plan is for the funding not to come from the court—at least not the majority. Otherwise, it will still count as military expenditure and draw unwanted attention.”
“That’s no small amount,” Xia Jing frowned. “Where will the money come from?”
Zhao Xing chuckled. “Exactly from the families and clans you just mentioned. They have plenty of money.”
“You mean—?”
“Xia Jing, your network is extensive, and I’ve also made many connections over the years,” Zhao Xing explained. “In times like these, we won’t demand these people fight or risk their lives, but surely contributing some funds for a charitable cause isn’t too much to ask?”
“You’re suggesting we target local aristocrats?”
“No, I’m proposing they donate for the greater good.”
“Isn’t that still extortion?”
Seeing Xia Jing’s candid and sincere gaze, Zhao Xing straightened up and took a deep breath. “Forget it. I’ll handle the financial aspect. I’ll discuss this with Lord Tian. You can just follow the plan and reach out to the necessary individuals.”
“Understood.” Xia Jing nodded.
“Third step—manpower,” Zhao Xing continued. “We’ll need to mobilize a large number of mechanists, physicians, weavers, and Shennong.”
“I can handle recruiting Shennong, but the physicians and mechanists on your side are still too few,” Xia Jing pointed out.
“Leave it to me,” Xia Jing said. “The Hundred Weapons Academy, the Mo School Academy, Tianyi Academy, Jishi Academy, Heluo Academy, and the Divine Weaving Institute—my father and uncle have connections to plenty of capable people.”
“We don’t need them to be extraordinarily powerful,” Zhao Xing said. “We’re not holding strategic locations, so we don’t need top-tier individuals. This time, quantity matters more than quality.”
Xia Jing considered for a moment. “True. For ordinary civilians, even a Ninth-Rank physician can save lives.”
“And Seventh-Rank weavers can produce garments that withstand Fifth-Grade cold weather,” Zhao Xing added.
“By avoiding dangerous areas, we’re drastically reducing the disasters and conflicts we need to deal with. Zhao Xing, isn’t that what you mean?” Xia Jing asked with clarity.
“Exactly,” Zhao Xing said, clapping his hands in approval.
Xia Jing spread out a map, examining it carefully.
“Looking at this map alone, it’s hard to grasp the vastness of the actual land.”
“This way, there’s practically no shortage of habitable spaces.”
Zhao Xing nodded, pointing at the map. “Precisely. Theoretically, the entire population of Pinghai Province could fit into Anshan County if packed tightly.”
“However, the needs vary by individual strength. The stronger one is, the more space they require to survive,” Zhao Xing elaborated. “Xia Jing, your Azure Dragon Movement Technique covers over a thousand meters in an instant.”
“If you lived in a small manor, you’d find it suffocating, constantly bumping into walls.”
“The stronger someone is, the more land they require, as it directly correlates with their basic needs.”
“Strength always emerges from weakness,” Zhao Xing remarked, tracing his fingers across the map.
“What we’re doing today might seem trivial to many or even dismissed as beneath notice,” Zhao Xing said, his voice carrying conviction. “But, Xia Jing, years—perhaps decades from now—you’ll realize the immeasurable merit of what we’re building today.”
Xia Jing stared at Zhao Xing, momentarily captivated by his fervor. “Zhao Xing, are you casting a spell on me?”
“No, why?”
“Because you look like you’re glowing,” Xia Jing said earnestly.
“Hahaha!” Zhao Xing laughed heartily.
Starting on May 14, Zhao Xing’s incarnation in Linhai County joined Xia Jing in implementing their ambitious Plan to Protect the People.
This initiative received enthusiastic support from Lu Bang, Tian Nongzheng, and Fan Zhaoli. Tian even pledged 80% of his personal fortune for the cause.
At first, figures like Mei Zhiru, Ge Jinsong, and Cheng Qingming from the Heaven School were puzzled but were soon persuaded by Zhao Xing’s rhetoric. After all, he was their Holy Son.
If the Holy Son asked for money, who could refuse? Burn money? Burn their entire savings? For the Holy Son, it was all worth it.
Zhao Xing’s standing among the Shennong ensured a unified vision with minimal effort. Even military leaders like Wei Yuan and Li Yuanzhen, accustomed to gaining merits through battle, eventually followed Zhao Xing’s plan, despite their initial hesitation.
However, many soldiers struggled to understand.
First, they didn’t comprehend why an elite army was being tasked with labor-intensive work that lacked visible rewards.
Saving a person’s life? How could that compare to the thrill of taking an enemy’s head on the battlefield?
Second, Zhao Xing’s policy of unpaid service puzzled many. They couldn’t fathom why figures like Tian Nongzheng were contributing their own wealth.
Zhao Xing didn’t force compliance.
“Different paths lead to different destinations,” he explained. “We’re still brothers, and if you find a better opportunity elsewhere, I won’t stop you.”
Those unwilling to participate were reassigned to other military divisions under Xia Jing’s recommendation.
Once the remaining troops aligned with Zhao Xing’s vision, they began executing the detailed plans.
While Linhai County was the focal point of operations, Zhao Xing’s other incarnations were busy across Pinghai Province, Tianyue Prefecture, and Yulu County.
Under the moonlit sky, its silvery glow bathed the courtyard in serene elegance.
A woman in simple yet graceful attire sat before a splendid guzheng. Her poised figure seemed like a living masterpiece.
Her slender fingers danced across the strings, their touch as delicate as spring breezes brushing against blossoms. Each note flowed like a crystalline stream, breaking the stillness of the night.
The melody, pure and ethereal, seemed to penetrate the soul itself. Her concentrated, tranquil demeanor amplified the music’s power. Sometimes light and agile, sometimes strong and resolute, her hands brought forth notes that resonated deeply, captivating all who heard.
As she played a stirring battle tune, the guzheng’s strings vibrated intensely, producing thunderous, echoing sounds that evoked scenes of epic conflict. The tempo’s fervor quickened hearts, immersing listeners in a vivid battlefield.
“Stop!” A commanding voice cut through the music.
Across the guzheng table, a man in golden armor rose to his feet. His burly frame exuded dominance as he strode forward, tiger-like in his presence.
Stopping before her, he placed a booted foot on the guzheng’s edge, his gaze predatory.
“Qin Qingqiu, I’ve had enough of battle songs these past days,” the armored man said. “I’ve fought more battles than I care to count. Play something else.”
“Lord, I am a court musician, not a courtesan of a brothel,” Qin Qingqiu replied, her voice calm yet firm.
“Oh?” The armored man nudged a stack of sheet music with his foot, the motion deliberate. “So what?”
Pain flickered in Qin Qingqiu’s eyes, but she maintained her composure. “My lord, I only know how to play battle songs, not frivolous tunes.”
“This marquis insists,” the armored man sneered, his eyes darting to the group of female musicians behind her.
A flash of humiliation crossed Qin Qingqiu’s face, but she thought of the sisters standing behind her. Without them, she would have ended her life long ago to escape this barbarian’s torment.
“You refuse?” The armored man smirked, producing a thin book of musical scores. “Refuse, and you’ll regret it.”
Qin Qingqiu glanced around at the soldiers surrounding her. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hands on the guzheng and said, "I will attempt to learn this on the spot. If it doesn’t sound good, I beg the Marquis for forgiveness."
She began to play hesitantly, each note interrupted by a subtle quaver of her fingers. As the slow melody reached the soldiers' ears, their breathing grew heavier, and intoxication washed over their expressions.
Qin Qingqiu’s face paled as she realized something shocking—the tune was a lewd composition with an aphrodisiac effect!
"You—!" she abruptly stopped playing, her voice trembling with fury.
"Hahaha!" The armored general laughed raucously, shedding his breastplate with a perverse grin. He reached toward Qin Qingqiu with lecherous intent.
Behind her, the soldiers began to shout and rush toward the other captive musicians. These musicians were no strangers to danger, but their current state was dire: their cultivation was sealed, and they lacked instruments or weapons to defend themselves. Against these savage soldiers, they were utterly helpless.
As the situation spiraled toward disaster, Qin Qingqiu’s thumb pressed firmly against the guzheng’s string, summoning a faint spark of flame. Her intention was clear—not to harm others but to self-immolate, to destroy her body before it could be defiled.
"Trying to burn yourself alive with the Heaven-Scorching Melody?" The general sneered, his foot moving with blinding speed. The guzheng flew away with a kick, and with another vicious stomp, he extinguished the flames and crushed Qin Qingqiu’s last shred of hope. The blow landed on her abdomen, leaving her paralyzed and devoid of resistance.
She awaited her grim fate, but an eerie silence replaced the chaos. The cries from the other musicians abruptly ceased.
Confused, Qin Qingqiu opened her eyes. The general stood frozen, his forehead marred by a gaping, charred hole. Thin arcs of lightning crackled across the wound, and with a resounding thud, his Fifth-Rank peak-level body collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Behind the fallen general stood a man dressed in a shimmering silver robe, a wide-brimmed hat shadowing his face. In one hand, he held a brush, and in the other, a wooden writing board. The man scribbled a few characters before placing the brush in his mouth and inspecting himself in a small mirror.
"You’re Qin Qingqiu from Yulu County? A descendant of the Qin family of Nanlong? Did your ancestors once possess the Demonic Melody Guzheng?" His voice was calm, yet carried an authority that demanded attention.
Qin Qingqiu, dazed, was gently lifted from the ground by an invisible wind. She wasn’t moving by her own power but was being supported by a soft yet unrelenting force. "I... I am she. May I ask who my savior is?"
The man removed his hat, placing it over his chest before bowing slightly. "I am Zhao Xing, a Shennong Officer from Nanyang County of Dayuan Prefecture. I happened to pass by." As he spoke, he effortlessly ended the life of another crawling soldier with a flick of his brush.
The elegance in his movements was undeniable, and Qin Qingqiu found herself captivated by the calm demeanor of her rescuer. This face would forever be etched in her memory.
"Lord Zhao," Qin Qingqiu stammered, hastily brushing dirt from her robes. "I am indeed Qin Qingqiu, and my family once owned the Demonic Melody Guzheng, but it was lost generations ago and is now a mystery..."
"Miss Qin, there’s no need to worry," Zhao Xing reassured her with a kind smile. "The rebels in Yulu County have been dealt with. You and your companions should head north to find safety."
Zhao Xing’s gaze shifted momentarily as he observed Qin Qingqiu’s fortune pillar. The dark haze that had once enveloped her now cleared, replaced by a faint red aura. Her path to survival lay in the north, and so he pointed her in that direction.
"I’ve prepared a flying vessel for you—a Bloodshadow Airship. You know how to operate it, I assume?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Yes! I can operate any model!" Qin Qingqiu answered with a burst of determination fueled by her will to live.
"Good. Escaping such danger is a blessing earned by the merits of your ancestors," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "If you survive this ordeal, I encourage you to visit your ancestral home and pay respects to those who came before you."
"W-what?" Qin Qingqiu was caught off guard by the sudden shift to spirituality, finding herself unable to follow Zhao Xing’s reasoning.
"Just a suggestion," Zhao Xing replied, his tone nonchalant. "I suspect pursuers may arrive soon, so I won’t keep you any longer." With a wave of his hand, the flying vessel descended gracefully. "Please, take your companions and leave quickly."
"Yes!" Qin Qingqiu immediately gathered her fellow musicians, urging them onto the vessel. Following Zhao Xing’s instructions, she piloted the airship northward.
As he watched the airship vanish into the horizon, Zhao Xing allowed himself a small smile. "The Morning Bell and Evening Drum Guzheng, one of the Three Divine Instruments of Musicians, has found its rightful inheritor."
Glancing at the shifting fortune in the air around him, Zhao Xing sensed approaching forces and vanished swiftly, his incarnation leaving the battlefield as silently as he had arrived.
In a grand marquis’ estate within Tiancang County...
"Jump! Jump faster!" A youth in resplendent robes barked excitedly, shaking a die in one hand.
Before him, a formation of blazing flames surrounded a mountain of blades. Amidst this perilous setup, dancers flitted and fell, their bodies succumbing to the deadly environment.
"Mercy, my lord! Have mercy!" One dancer, trembling, pleaded for their life.
"Mercy? Why would I grant you mercy?" The young lord grinned wickedly. "It’s said that the Blade Mountain and Flame Sea Dance is a compulsory skill for Seventh-Rank dancers. It can ensnare enemies within illusions of fire and blades. Yet you fail so miserably!"
He cracked a whip, the flames roaring higher with each lash. "Are you all just useless freeloaders? You earn more in a month than I do in a year, and this is your performance?"
"But... we are musicians, not dancers!" one performer whimpered.
"I don’t care! You all deserve to die! Now dance!" The youth lashed out again, his whip amplifying the fire’s intensity.
Just as the dancers seemed fated for death, the flames abruptly extinguished, and the mountain of blades crumbled into dust.
"Who dares!" the youth shrieked, realizing something was amiss. He flung his flaming whip aside and bolted toward a nearby rockery.
"Boom!" A streak of lightning pierced through his chest. He collapsed without a sound.
Zhao Xing landed lightly among the survivors, his silver robe gleaming under the moonlight. "Is there a dancer here named Lin Yichen?" he asked calmly.
"Yes! He’s an outsider," one survivor replied quickly.
"Registered here just three months ago?" Zhao Xing pressed.
"Yes!" the survivor confirmed.
"Good. Where is he?"
"In the dungeon," another survivor said, pointing toward a hidden entrance.
"Wait here," Zhao Xing instructed. Without another word, he descended underground, his figure vanishing into the depths.
Deep in the dungeon, Zhao Xing found Lin Yichen. Even in the dim cell, the man danced with an effortless grace that seemed to draw the sparse spiritual energy of the area into harmony. Though clad in prison rags, his movements radiated elegance, captivating even amidst the filth and gloom.
Upon Zhao Xing’s arrival, Lin Yichen halted abruptly, his expression sharpening. With a wave of his hand, the faint traces of an almost-broken formation around him dissipated, leaving no sign of his prior work.
"Crackle." With a single motion, Zhao Xing shattered the formation lock on the cell, stepping inside with quiet authority.
"Who are you?" Lin Yichen asked curiously, his gaze fixed on Zhao Xing.
"No time for chatter. Let’s move," Zhao Xing said bluntly as he summoned a gust of wind, lifting Lin Yichen effortlessly into the air.
"You seem to know me quite well, considering how fond I am of small talk," Lin Yichen said, his voice filled with mild amusement even as he was carried like a sack. "It doesn’t make sense though; I hail from Tianyong Prefecture and don’t have acquaintances here."
"Since arriving here a year ago during my travels, I’ve been stuck without funds and had no choice but to join the local music bureau. If I had familiar connections, would I have ended up so destitute?"
He suddenly winced. "Ah, could you perhaps adjust the wind direction? I’ve already bumped my head against several beams."
Zhao Xing:
I should’ve just left this chatterbox behind.
In truth, Zhao Xing was very familiar with Lin Yichen. In his previous life, they had run numerous missions across various counties together. Initially, Zhao Xing had thought he might be able to obtain some tasks or benefits through the connection. But after some time, it became clear there were no missions forthcoming.
Even then, Zhao Xing chose to stick around, thinking this wandering dancer might have hidden depths worth exploring. The result? He gained nothing, wasted resources, and spent a significant amount of his own funds just to support Lin Yichen during their travels.
"My name is Zhao Xing," he finally replied. "I’m an inspector of the Five Prefectures, passing through and decided to save you."
"Oh? An inspector of the Five Prefectures?" Lin Yichen perked up, his voice taking on a mischievous lilt. "I wonder if Lord Zhao would be willing to—"
"No," Zhao Xing cut him off.
"But, my lord, I haven’t even finished—"
"Be quiet!"
Zhao Xing nearly lost his composure as memories of their past encounters flooded back. He cast the Sleep Bug technique without hesitation, causing Lin Yichen to slump into unconsciousness.
Turning to the rescued captives nearby, he said, "Head south. There’s an imperial garrison stationed there. Follow this route, and you’ll be unimpeded."
"Thank you, Lord Zhao," the group replied gratefully.
In Ruo County’s high-security prison, a loud voice echoed through the stone corridors.
"King Liang’s tyranny will bring his downfall sooner or later!" bellowed Jiang Li, a young scholar of ritual studies.
"Jiang Li, could you give it a rest? You’ve been ranting for seven days straight!" a martial artist in the adjacent cell groaned, digging at his ear in irritation.
"Nobody outside can hear you anyway, and we’re the ones suffering here. I’d like to die in peace. Is that too much to ask?"
Jiang Li slammed his head against the iron bars, his eyes blazing with conviction. "Zhao He! Don’t lose your will to fight! Evil cannot triumph over justice. We’ll escape this place sooner or later!"
"Alright, alright, whatever you say, Lord Jiang," Zhao He replied with an air of resignation. "But could you at least let me rest for a moment?"
The cellblock fell into temporary silence as Zhao He reclined on the straw mat, hoping for a brief respite.
Moments later, however, Jiang Li’s booming voice began again, reciting lines of defiance:
"Inhale purity and exhale impurity;
Stand steadfast, unyielding to the crooked world.
Carry a long sword and a royal bow;
Sever head and body, but never bow."
Zhao He sighed heavily, clutching his ears in exasperation.
Just then, the sharp sound of a lock breaking pierced the air. The cell door creaked open, and Zhao He immediately sat upright, his senses on high alert. However, he remained cautious, listening intently before making any sudden moves.
A moment later, Jiang Li pushed open his cell door triumphantly. "Zhao He! I told you someone would come to rescue us!"
He brandished a makeshift weapon, his face alight with renewed zeal. "Come! Let’s break out of this prison and restore Ruo County to its rightful glory!"
Time moved swiftly as Zhao Xing’s incarnations continued their operations across Pinghai Province. Armed with top-tier techniques and strength comparable to Third-Rank cultivators, his avatars were overqualified for the task of rescuing low- and mid-ranked individuals.
Such a disproportionate allocation of resources would have been laughable to King Liang’s forces if they had known. The imperial court’s enemies had no shortage of mid-ranked officials and citizens; even if Zhao Xing’s activities were discovered, they would have little reason to intervene. On the contrary, they might even welcome the imperial court squandering manpower and resources in this way.
After all, the daily ebb and flow of life in a province as vast as Pinghai, where a single prefecture could rival the size of Earth’s largest nations, ensured that small-scale rescues went unnoticed. The lives saved amounted to little more than drops in an ocean.
However, Zhao Xing’s larger efforts in Linhai County began drawing attention. Collaborating with Xia Jing and other members of the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, Zhao Xing expanded the scale of his operations, leveraging his network to great effect.
"Brother Wu, I hear your family’s trading guild has a surplus of Huang Grass. Could you spare some for my cause?"
"Not a problem. How much do you need?"
"Twenty billion catties."
"Consider it done."
"My dear Liu, I haven’t seen you since our parting at the Cave-Heaven. To think you’ve become a Doctor of Ritual Studies at the Hundred Weapons Academy!"
"My brother, I now require skilled blacksmiths proficient in the Qu Mountain Weaving Techniques. Could you recommend a few capable talents for me?"
"I am Lord Tian. Gather all available funds from the family estates and send them to Shangdang, Zhenxun, Wushan, Tianxing, Jiujiang, Tianxiong, and Baiguo—seven of our major counties."
"Also, mobilize the entire commercial fleet to these same locations."
"Contact the 136 marquises, nine dukes, and three national lords I owe favors to. Inform them that I am calling in those debts. They don’t need to fight for me, but I do require financial and material aid."
"Lord Yuan, the Shangluo Academy currently has 14,357 Ninth-Rank Shennong Officers, with over 11,000 Sixth and Fifth-Rank Shennong Officers at your disposal. They await your command."
"Chen’an, will 20,000 Earth-Crawling Boats suffice for your needs? If not, I can requisition more from the Moon Elegance Branch, though that would take an additional seven days."
"Are you digging underground shelters? What tier are they?"
"Only Tier Five? In that case, I can authorize it myself."
By the eighth month of the Jingxin Era calendar, the scale of Zhao Xing’s operations had become substantial. However, as predicted, so long as the targets remained non-strategic and the rescues did not significantly alter the broader conflict, opposition remained minimal.
The plight of common folk was often dismissed as inconsequential. After all, what use were peasants, who would take another 14 to 15 years to mature, in the grand scheme of war? For many in King Liang’s camp, Zhao Xing’s efforts seemed wasteful, even laughable.
Nonetheless, a few individuals among the opposition appeared to sense Zhao Xing’s underlying strategy. Even so, given the low level of those involved, countermeasures were assigned a low priority, far behind more pressing matters.
While Zhao Xing’s avatars tirelessly carried out rescue missions, his true self remained secluded within the Star Palace, focusing on cultivation. Except for brief considerations of external matters in October and December of Jingxin Year 35, he devoted himself entirely to refining his top-tier technique—the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body.
"By October of Jingxin Year 35, the cumulative resources mobilized for my operations have reached nearly a trillion units," Zhao Xing mused.
"Though dispersed across Pinghai Province and seemingly insignificant on a project-by-project basis, the total volume has exceeded a trillion."
As he contemplated the dual roles of his avatars—rushing to rescue and gaining insights from the experiences—Zhao Xing felt a profound sense of growth.
Zhao Xing’s Myriad Law Manifestation, normally employed for combat, were now being utilized for a wide range of tasks, expanding their utility beyond traditional uses. The techniques in his arsenal, though varied, had rarely been employed fully in such coordinated actions. The Eighty-One Straw Puppet Techniques were not often fully leveraged.
However, with his actions scaling up, Zhao Xing found himself relying on techniques such as Swift Straw Puppet, Reviving Straw Puppet, Sacred Shield Straw Puppet, Divine Strength Straw Puppet, and Mighty Vajra Straw Puppet, alongside Binding Straw Puppet, Scout Straw Puppet, Invisible Straw Puppet, Illusory Form Straw Puppet, Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet, and even Flying Explosive Detonation Straw Puppet. These techniques weren’t just tools but comprehensive means of refining his own skill and strategy.
This process also made him understand why, back in the days of Liu Tianning’s tenure at the Palace of Myriad Techniques, so many avatars were delegated diverse tasks.
“This kind of experiential training amidst worldly challenges truly accelerates progress with the Straw Puppet Techniques,” Zhao Xing thought, a newfound clarity guiding his focus.
Returning to his cultivation, Zhao Xing plunged himself into his efforts again. By December of Jingxin Era Year 35, he finally emerged from his trance-like state, his attention shifting to external affairs.
“Liu Si… executed by dismemberment?” Zhao Xing muttered as he absorbed intelligence displayed on the Earth Mirror before closing his eyes.
“Just as in my previous life, his fate was the same.”
"Those two really are brothers in arms," he murmured bitterly. "One cut down Gu Wenhe; the other beheaded Liu Si."
“With Liu Si’s death, the justification for a court purge has been drastically undermined. King Liang will likely convene the lords soon, attempting to break out of Pinghai Province.”
"The true chaos begins when King Liang loses the ability to summon Yin Spirits. That’s when Li Boqian will make his move."
"I need to expedite my cultivation."
After thoroughly analyzing the situation, Zhao Xing reopened his eyes and resumed his practice.
"The Soul-Devouring Dharma Body, a top-tier method for my Myriad Law Manifestation, pulls at my Life Soul during every session of cultivation," Zhao Xing noted.
“Were it not for the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, I might have gone mad by now.”
A faint grimace appeared on his face. "Even so, I can feel an accumulation of aggression and an increase in negative emotions. Could these side effects be inevitable with the Myriad Law Manifestation?"
"It doesn’t make sense. During the Era of Spiritual Qi, this method was refined and widely practiced."
He paused his cultivation and began dissecting the nuances of the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body. Through repeated simulations and projections, Zhao Xing deduced that the emotional volatility was indeed tied to the limitations of the Straw Puppet Era’s techniques.
The root issue stemmed from the severe division of the Life Soul by the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body, which was integral to its power. Without this depth of division, top-tier avatars would not achieve enhanced spell potency.
“Without greater power, my Fourth Transformation techniques and Myriad Law Manifestation would remain limited to only First Transformation spells.”
“The very concept of mastering the Five Elements Profound Intentions—from the beginner's Rule Twisting to the advanced Rule Alteration—relies on enabling each avatar to influence the laws of heaven and earth. It’s an inherently defiant path.” Zhao Xing sighed inwardly.
“Such strength inevitably comes with consequences.”
He pondered the potential for improvement through the infusion of Spiritual Qi but realized that this would require further experimentation.
“At present, the main side effect for me is a heightened sense of aggression, amplifying my killing intent.”
“With my Derivation of the Divine Spirit’s first-layer 49,999 spiritual thoughts, I should be able to control this.”
Despite this realization, Zhao Xing hesitated to delay his breakthrough any longer. The advantages of mastering the top-tier Dharma Body far outweighed the drawbacks.
On the Star Palace, hundreds of straw puppets stood poised before gradually dissolving into streams of energy. They began the complex processes of dismantling and fusing, seeking pathways to even greater strength.
Among the Eighty-One Straw Puppet Techniques, seven primary paths could lead to the creation of distinct Dharma Bodies. Zhao Xing’s primary focus was on the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body, channeling his understanding into deeper comprehension.
Time flowed unnoticed as Zhao Xing immersed himself in this profound endeavor. Gradually, the number of avatars on the Star Palace dwindled, each fusion marking a step closer to ultimate mastery.
One day, Zhao Xing’s eyes suddenly snapped open. On the Star Palace, only a single avatar remained, mirroring his actions as it too opened its eyes.
“Thump-thump.”
Two simultaneous heartbeats resonated as both Zhao Xing and the avatar’s eyes briefly burned with intense bloodlust. However, in an instant, the Astral Sigil suppressed the violent urge.
On April 25th of Jingxin Era Year 36, the top-tier Dharma Body was successfully mastered. By then, Zhao Xing had been secluded for a full year.
"Whoosh—"
The treasure vault of the Star Palace opened once more, unleashing a torrent of precious materials onto the Star Palace. The influx of resources formed shimmering streams of energy, coalescing into tangible figures.
Within moments, over a thousand new avatars emerged.
“A year of cautious cultivation to minimize side effects has finally brought me to the stage of the Thousand Manifestation Incarnation Realm,” Zhao Xing reflected, sensing the diminished negativity within himself.
"As long as my Derivation of the Divine Spirit progresses faster than the Straw Puppet Techniques, I can suppress the side effects entirely. Once the Era of Spiritual Qi arrives, the negatives will vanish altogether."
However, Zhao Xing had no time to linger on these thoughts.
“With the top-tier Dharma Body complete, it’s time to step back into the world.”
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