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Chapter 275: Natural Disaster Warning, Emergency Mission, and the Troubled Lord of Mingyue Prefecture
🕑 Added 2024-12-07 09:41:35 +0000 UTC"Please forgive us for our previous disrespect, Lord Zhao," said Zhou Cheng, Hu Yang, and Guan Shanbei as they entered and bowed deeply toward Zhao Xing.
Zhao Xing observed the trio with curiosity, unable to grasp their intentions. These individuals were not ordinary scholars; their cultivation levels were profound. Even by activating his Heavenly Eye through a projection, Zhao Xing couldn't decipher their true thoughts.
Both Zhou Cheng and Guan Shanbei had been vocal critics in the past, opposing his ideas vehemently. Zhou Cheng, in particular, had loudly contested Zhao Xing’s allocation of resources and accused him of being a figurehead without real capability. This sudden change in attitude was puzzling.
As for Hu Yang, Zhao Xing had little impression of him.
"I was ignorant and disrespectful in doubting Lord Zhao’s ability to govern through principles of canonical studies. I am here today to offer my sincerest apologies," Zhou Cheng said, bowing deeply, unwilling to rise.
"The Theory of the Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi Grand Cycle, which organizes the Heavenly movements of the four seasons and describes their influence in six phases with meticulous precision—it's absolutely astonishing," Guan Shanbei added, his tone filled with admiration.
"I also owe you an apology for my earlier arrogance," Zhou Cheng chimed in, his attitude earnest.
Hu Yang, however, remained unapologetic. During the earlier criticism of Zhao Xing, he had chosen to stay out of the fray and focused on his duties in the Blessed Land. Instead, he gestured dismissively toward the other two, saying, "Lord Zhao, if their actions still anger you, I can help teach them a lesson."
Surprised, Zhao Xing gave Hu Yang a scrutinizing glance. "May I know your honorable name?"
"Hu Yang, styled Shaodong. I am the Chief Supervisor of Heavenly Observation in Tianyuan Blessed Land."
"I see. My respects, Lord Hu," Zhao Xing said, bowing politely.
Though Hu Yang was dressed as a Doctor of Canonical Studies, his rank in the Blessed Land was that of a third-rank official. His position was comparable to individuals like Gu Changqing, a Doctor of Canonical Studies in Kunyuan Academy who also held the rank of third-grade official.
Doctors of Canonical Studies with real authority were often deeply versed in both laws and doctrines. They excelled in their sect’s signature techniques and had cultivated their methods to profound levels. Hu Yang’s role in the Blessed Land's Heavenly Observation Division meant he specialized in monitoring climatic anomalies and predicting Heavenly patterns—a Shennong aligned with the school of timing and weather.
Furthermore, Hu Yang wasn’t even affiliated with Tianyuan Prefecture. Tianyuan Blessed Land was tens of thousands of miles away, and considering the ongoing wartime restrictions, his journey would have taken over a month.
"I forgive you both for the past. There is no need to dwell on it," Zhao Xing said, raising his hand slightly and casting a spell that lifted Zhou Cheng and Guan Shanbei to their feet.
Hu Yang’s presence clearly served to smooth things over.
Considering that Zhou Cheng and Guan Shanbei were scholars without direct administrative power and that their apologies seemed heartfelt, Zhao Xing decided to let the matter rest in light of Hu Yang’s mediation.
"Thank you, Lord Zhao," Zhou Cheng and Guan Shanbei sighed in relief, standing upright.
Their apologies weren’t prompted by political concerns but genuine admiration for Zhao Xing’s groundbreaking theory.
"Please, take a seat," Zhao Xing invited them.
"Ha! Lord Zhao, you truly are magnanimous," Hu Yang said with a hearty laugh.
"Lord Hu, you flatter me," Zhao Xing replied modestly.
"Please, Lord Zhao, no false modesty here," Hu Yang said. "Your Theory of the Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi Grand Cycle—organizing internal and external Qi flows, explaining anomalies, and correlating them with seasonal changes—has already been validated across three different Blessed Lands."
Hu Yang clasped his hands and said solemnly, "I am here today to inform you that your theory has been officially archived by the Divine Temple, the Great Zhou Library, and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion in the Military Realm."
"Oh?" Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow, now understanding why Hu Yang had traveled so far.
Tianyuan Blessed Land was over two hundred thousand miles away. Under normal circumstances, a journey like this wouldn’t be undertaken lightly, let alone during wartime.
"We originally intended to implement it nationwide immediately. However, due to the sensitive nature of the current situation, we’ve decided to wait for an auspicious time," Hu Yang explained.
"I’ve already discussed this with Dean Lu, and he suggested I seek your thoughts on the matter."
Zhao Xing’s mind raced. He realized the weight of Hu Yang’s words. "I have no objections. The greater good should always take precedence. However, may I ask what specific sensitivities are at play?"
Hu Yang glanced at Zhou Cheng and Guan Shanbei before saying, "As neither of you hold administrative posts, I must ask you to leave us for now."
The two scholars had been eagerly awaiting the chance to hear Zhao Xing elaborate on his theories firsthand. Yet, hearing Hu Yang’s request, they had no choice but to leave. Bowing, they said, "Lord Zhao, we will take our leave for now and return another day."
"You are welcome anytime," Zhao Xing replied.
Seeing Zhao Xing rise as though to escort them out, they quickly added, "Please, Lord Zhao, there’s no need to see us off. Your work is more important."
Zhao Xing nodded and resumed his seat.
After they left, Hu Yang waved his hand, and a gentle breeze enveloped the hall. The subtle fluctuation in spiritual energy ensured that their conversation couldn’t be overheard.
Observing Hu Yang’s casual use of wind techniques, Zhao Xing couldn’t help but be impressed. The technique wasn’t merely manipulating Yin or Yang Wind; it demonstrated mastery over the true essence of the Five Elements. The wind could seamlessly transform into fire, lightning, or any other element within a confined space, even altering localized conditions to create anomalies.
This was the hallmark of someone who had grasped the True Intent of the Five Elements—a master capable of influencing the very rules of nature.
And yet, this was merely a defensive measure to ensure privacy.
The depths of expertise within Xuantian Academy were far greater than Zhao Xing had anticipated.
"Lord Zhao, your Theory of the Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi Grand Cycle divides Heavenly timing into cycles of thirty years, sixty years, three hundred sixty years, and three thousand six hundred years," Hu Yang began.
"You further subdivided the seasonal Five Elements into six stages of Yin and Yang, correlating their intensities with Heavenly movements. The transitions align with the twenty-four Solar Terms, beginning on Major Cold Day each year and following the sequence of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water."
Hu Yang’s detailed recitation matched the nuances Zhao Xing had crafted. It was clear he had studied the theory extensively.
"By observing the predominance of a particular element at any given time, your theory offers precise predictions of its associated traits," Hu Yang continued.
Zhao Xing listened quietly, connecting the dots. He had a strong inkling of what Hu Yang was leading toward.
"My senior brother and I discovered that your theory surpasses existing frameworks like the Heavenly Yuan Record and the Cave-Heaven Anomaly Method in predicting the strength and cycle of Military Realm passages," Hu Yang revealed.
Hu Yang then handed Zhao Xing a detailed manuscript.
Examining it, Zhao Xing immediately understood the significance of Hu Yang’s visit.
The disturbances in Pinghai Prefecture and Luliang Prefecture had caused disruptions, leaving only seven operational passages in the Cave-Heaven. Hu Yang and his senior, Zhang Tianxing, had been tasked with calculating when the remaining passages would reopen, factoring in the interference.
Even a day’s difference in troop deployment could drastically alter the outcome.
"This is critical," Zhao Xing muttered, realizing the broader implications. Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing had used mathematical techniques derived from Zhao Xing’s work to predict the timing with an error margin of only two hours and four marks.
"Lord Zhao, when you wrote this grand theory, did you derive a formula for the cyclical operations of Cave-Heaven worlds?" Hu Yang asked, his tone tinged with expectation.
After a moment’s thought, Zhao Xing nodded. "Yes, but I will need time to verify and refine it."
Hu Yang’s face lit up with delight. "How much time would you require?"
"It depends on the completeness of the data provided by the Heavenly Observation Division. If it’s comprehensive, I can finalize it in three to five days."
"That fast?" Hu Yang exclaimed, his excitement palpable. Bowing deeply, he said, "If you succeed, it could save millions of lives. Please, allow me to thank you on behalf of all those people!"
"You flatter me, Lord Hu. This is merely my duty as a Shennong official," Zhao Xing replied modestly.
However, Hu Yang was undeterred, his gratitude overflowing. For him, Zhao Xing wasn’t just a scholar but a figure whose brilliance extended beyond duty.
For Zhao Xing, though, the calculations were straightforward. His mastery of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit had split his soul into 49,999 threads, turning his mind into a supercomputer.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, the challenges mounted. A message from the Unified Front discussion group highlighted the escalating crises.
[Mingyue Prefecture Lord: Our prefecture’s Heavenly Observation Division predicts multiple natural disasters. We urgently lack Shennong officials capable of managing this. Can neighboring prefectures spare any surplus officials?]
[Yan Yang King: I need them too! Damn it, my prefecture’s rivers are surging, and the Eastern Sea aquatic tribes haven’t even landed yet!]
[Jiujiang King: Yan Yang King, our officials are doing their utmost, but covert Outer Realm forces are manipulating events. What can be done? Sigh…]
The requests for assistance grew increasingly urgent.
【Mingyue Prefecture Lord】: "Seven-tier turmoil, totaling fifteen types of natural disasters."
【Yan Yang King】: "Eight-tier turmoil, involving twenty-four types of natural disasters and nine kinds of plagues."
【Chu Muyun】: "Mingyue Prefecture Lord, I’m closer to Yan Prefecture, so I’ll head there first. Perhaps you can ask someone else for assistance. Jiang Shaoqiu and Xia Yun, the two Grand Shennong, might be available."
【Jiang Shaoqiu】: "Unavailable."
【Xia Yun】: "Can’t spare the time."
【Mingyue Prefecture Lord】: "I’ll figure out another solution."
The information spread rapidly, but Zhao Xing didn’t see these messages immediately. It wasn’t until Lord Luo directly contacted him.
"Zhao Xing, Mingyue Prefecture is about to experience severe Heavenly anomalies. It’s right next to Tianhe Prefecture. Do you have time to help the Mingyue Prefecture Lord handle the disasters?"
"I do," Zhao Xing replied promptly.
Tianhe Prefecture, under Zhao Xing’s leadership, had quelled disturbances with exceptional speed and experienced minimal turmoil. Even when dealing with the rebellious King Xia, the conflict hadn’t caused widespread destruction, unlike other regions where battles were so intense they devastated entire areas.
High-level cultivator clashes, whether led by fourth-rank experts commanding vast armies or those employing divine-grade weapons, invariably inflicted severe environmental damage. This was why Da Zhou’s elite troops primarily trained in the isolated zones within Cave-Heavens, where their battles wouldn’t wreak havoc.
However, within the Nineteen Prefectures of Da Zhou, large-scale combat by high-level cultivators could provoke violent disruptions in the heavens and earth’s natural order. Mingyue Prefecture, being adjacent to Tianhe Prefecture, was bound to impact its neighbor if disaster struck. A seven-tier natural disaster was no trivial matter—it could lead to massive plagues, with casualties potentially numbering in the millions.
"Good. Prepare immediately. You may draw resources and personnel directly from Tianhe Prefecture as needed," Lord Luo instructed without hesitation, assigning the mission to Zhao Xing.
"Understood," Zhao Xing replied.
The communication ended quickly. Zhao Xing immediately set off, heading straight to the prefecture governor’s residence.
"Governor, I need to requisition a contingent of Shennong officials, physicians, and craftsmen to aid Mingyue Prefecture," Zhao Xing stated directly.
"What’s happening in Mingyue Prefecture?" Governor He Zhengchen asked, alarmed.
"A high-level natural disaster is imminent," Zhao Xing explained.
"How many people do you need?"
"I’ll need ten thousand Shennong officials, ten thousand physicians, and ten thousand craftsmen, all of at least sixth rank," Zhao Xing requested without hesitation.
He Zhengchen’s expression turned troubled. Although Tianhe Prefecture had regained stability, it had sustained considerable damage during the rebellion. While material resources were abundant, human resources were stretched thin. The prefecture itself still required rebuilding, and sending such a large number of personnel to Mingyue Prefecture left He Zhengchen concerned about Tianhe’s own defenses.
Seeing the governor’s hesitation, Zhao Xing quickly persuaded him. "Supporting our neighbors benefits us as well. If Mingyue Prefecture faces a catastrophic disaster, Tianhe Prefecture will also suffer. Helping them is essentially safeguarding ourselves."
"Tianhe Prefecture is geographically stable and has endured fewer upheavals. The chances of large-scale, high-intensity disasters occurring here are minimal. Rest assured, Governor," Zhao Xing added.
After a moment of deliberation, He Zhengchen made his decision. "Chen’an, as a Shennong official, you understand this better than I do. If you believe aid is necessary, proceed. Tianhe Prefecture will fully support you."
"Coordinate the logistics with Zhang Ping, Zheng Yiling, and Liu Bogong," the governor instructed.
"Your magnanimity is admirable, Governor. I shall take my leave to begin preparations," Zhao Xing said, bowing respectfully.
With the governor’s support secured, Zhao Xing quickly sought out Zhang Ping, Zheng Yiling, and Liu Bogong, the prefecture’s highest-ranking Shennong official, chief physician, and lead mechanist, respectively.
"I can’t possibly mobilize ten thousand physicians at once!" Zheng Yiling exclaimed. "Just seven days ago, I already dispatched five thousand to oversee operations across various counties. If you need people now, I’m out of options."
Zheng Yiling, though elderly with white hair, appeared energetic. His tone was slow and deliberate, a quirk that reflected his many years of retirement. Having served as a royal physician in the capital, he was only recently reinstated under emergency circumstances.
"Don’t worry, Master Zheng. Physicians can deploy later," Zhao Xing reassured him. "For now, Mingyue Prefecture isn’t lacking in medical personnel."
"Oh? How much time can you give me, then?" Zheng Yiling asked, stroking his beard.
"Would a month suffice?" Zhao Xing inquired.
"Hmm, let me think," Zheng Yiling mused. After a moment, he nodded. "That should be enough."
While physicians could be sent later, the Shennong officials and mechanists needed immediate mobilization. Mitigating disasters like earthquakes and floods required the tools and expertise of mechanists. Although Mingyue Prefecture had some resources, additional manpower would prove invaluable, especially given the vast size of Pinghai Province.
Pinghai Province was far larger than other provinces, with seventy-nine prefectures compared to the typical twelve to eighteen. Its stronger ley lines and greater accumulation of spiritual energy made it more prone to large-scale disasters.
"I’ll start assembling personnel immediately," Zhang Ping said. "It’ll be done in a day."
"No need to rush," Zhao Xing interjected. "Complete the preparations within three days."
Zhao Xing’s suggestion accounted for the mechanists’ logistical needs, as they often required extensive equipment and supplies.
"Three days will suffice," Liu Bogong agreed. Towering at two meters tall, he exuded an air of technological sophistication, with a purple-framed detection device covering his ears and eyes and a silver mechanical arm enhancing his right hand.
"Then I leave it to you three," Zhao Xing said, bowing.
With the assignments delegated, Zhao Xing ascended into the skies to begin inspections.
He employed the A Step to Infinity technique, traversing Tianhe Prefecture to observe its Heavenly phenomena, ley lines, rivers, and spiritual mountains. With his scheduled departure for Mingyue Prefecture in three days, he took this opportunity to ensure Tianhe Prefecture’s stability.
"Five days form a cycle; three cycles form a phase; six phases form a season; four seasons make a year," Zhao Xing murmured, attuning himself to the interplay of Yin, Yang, wind, rain, darkness, and light.
He then descended to the ground, shedding his outer garments before diving into the soil like a swimmer. Emerging moments later, he assessed the land’s elemental balance.
"Wind, cold, heat, dryness, dampness, fire—the six energies of the inner and outer worlds," he muttered, his fingers calculating as he observed the flow of energy within the land and its people.
Using dreamwalking techniques, he selected representative counties as samples to study the balance of the six energies within the populace. This large-scale data collection revealed that Tianhe Prefecture’s regions, apart from the nine counties previously ravaged by rebellion, exhibited normal patterns. Even in these troubled areas, the most vulnerable populations were only susceptible to minor ailments like colds.
"Tianhe Prefecture’s medical infrastructure and the skill of its physicians can handle these issues," Zhao Xing concluded.
He understood, however, that even minor imbalances could escalate into disasters under extreme conditions. For example, a small outbreak of colds could evolve into a full-blown Cold Disaster, incapacitating even seasoned cultivators and leaving long-lasting effects.
After two days of inspections, Zhao Xing returned to the prefecture capital, gazing eastward toward Mingyue Prefecture and southward toward the troubled regions.
"I wonder how Long Xiao and Xia Jing are faring. The Eastern Sea Corps has taken the initiative, leveraging the power of the ocean to secure a foothold amid the chaos. Their occupation of the Five Great Cave-Heavens, including the Ten Suns Cave-Heaven, was inevitable."
"The southern regions are largely enemy-occupied now. Besides Xia Jing, there’s been no word from Lord Tian, Lu Bang, or Zuo Zizhi, the esteemed teachers of the Earth Techniques Academy," he mused.
He activated his Earth Mirror device, sending messages to his friends scattered across the land. "If you’re unsure where to go, consider the following locations—or come find me in Tianhe Prefecture."
Within moments, Long Xiao’s face appeared on the Earth Mirror, smirking. "Zhao Xing, mass-messaging people again?"
"Of course," Zhao Xing replied with a smile.
"You're quite famous in the eastern regions now, killing the King Tianxia," Long Xiao remarked with a tone of envy. "I never got such an opportunity."
"What’s the situation with your pursuit of the Hong clan?" Zhao Xing asked.
"The forces I brought are only sufficient to harass their flanks and lure some out for skirmishes. I can’t get too close," Long Xiao replied with a shake of his head. "In over a month, I’ve managed to kill only one Martial Marquis named Haibufali and about ten thousand of their elite guards."
Chasing a massive army across the vast ocean for over a month, with only an advance unit, naturally limited what Long Xiao could achieve. Still, his results were impressive, especially compared to others in similar situations. However, when compared to Zhao Xing, they paled in significance.
Zhao Xing had pacified the entire Tianhe Prefecture in less than two months, killing multiple Martial Marquises and even a Duke in the process.
"They will eventually have to split their forces," Zhao Xing analyzed. "A force that large can’t possibly stay together indefinitely. The Hong clan’s objective is destruction and chaos. Concentrating so many troops on a single prefecture is inefficient. They’ll split up, recruit rebels, and attempt to snowball their influence."
"This will make eradication efforts more challenging. Once they’ve established a foothold, they’ll rally under King Liang’s banner at the Proclamation of Lords and launch a campaign against the rebels," Zhao Xing added. "You’ll have your chance for revenge soon enough."
It was still the early stages of the rebellion, and under the circumstances, it was challenging for most regions to counter King Liang’s influence effectively. Even Li Boqian had yet to act. Emperor Jing’s strategy was clear—he wouldn’t make his move until every domestic and foreign rebel force had fully revealed their intentions.
"Got it. I’ll keep an eye out. You be careful as well," Long Xiao warned. "I’ve heard that the Hong clan has already dispatched advance units to infiltrate and execute covert missions aimed at dismantling local governance and creating chaos."
"Don’t worry, I’m aware," Zhao Xing assured him.
The second person to contact Zhao Xing was Xia Jing. Through the Earth Mirror, Zhao Xing saw Xia Jing standing amidst the ruins, dressed in full military regalia.
"Zhao Xing, I’ve got Shiyong, Zhuang Zhiqing, and Guan Junyang with me. Even Lord Tian, Lord Lu, and Zuo Zizhi are now part of the Xuanjia Army," Xia Jing informed him.
"Oh?" Zhao Xing’s face lit up. "You managed to evacuate the people from Ten Suns Cave-Heaven?"
"Yes, thanks to your warning. I became more vigilant. When King Liang retreated to Nine Heaven Yingyuan Prefecture, I knew something was off," Xia Jing explained. "By February, he had withdrawn further north of the Canglan River with his massive army."
"My father supported my efforts to rescue the generals from Ten Suns Cave-Heaven. Now, I’ve consolidated the remnants of the Tiger Jiao Army, Lieyang Army, and Zhenhai Army into a temporary unit—the 'Ten Suns Army.'"
"I’ve been officially appointed by the court as a fourth-rank Suppression Cavalry General, with additional duties as the fourth-tier Shangyu Commander for three southern prefectures of Pinghai Province."
"My main tasks are rallying scattered remnants of various armies, rescuing isolated camps, and gathering intelligence," Xia Jing elaborated.
Zhao Xing couldn’t help but smile. Xia Jing was conducting guerrilla operations in the southern three prefectures, and the results seemed promising. With Zhao Xing’s guidance, Xia Jing, backed by his resources and connections, had risen to a temporary fourth-rank position.
"Good. Remember what I told you—don’t go to places you shouldn’t. Pay special attention to the individuals on the list I gave you. If anything seems off, follow the escape routes I marked," Zhao Xing instructed.
"Understood." Xia Jing nodded. "I need to go. There’s action coming up."
"Stay safe."
"You too."
After half an hour, Han Bing and Wang Ji also responded. Both had long since withdrawn from the battlefield and relocated to the western regions. Relieved to know they were safe, Zhao Xing stopped waiting for other replies and stored the Earth Mirror. He then flew back to the prefecture capital.
Within three days, Zhao Xing completed assembling his forces. Leading ten thousand Shennong officials, ten thousand mechanists, and a thousand physicians, he set out for Mingyue Prefecture. To save time, Zhao Xing utilized the Lihuo Dao Academy in Tianhe Prefecture to transport people and supplies to its counterpart in Mingyue Prefecture.
Most Lihuo altars in Pinghai Province were under King Liang’s control, but a few remained under the court’s authority.
"Many thanks to Dean Peng and the other masters," Zhao Xing said, bowing to a group of people ahead.
"It’s our duty," Peng Yu replied, with the others returning the courtesy.
"Thank you," Zhao Xing repeated before organizing his people for transport through the fire altar.
Due to the sheer numbers—twenty-one thousand people and dozens of large supply ships—the operation required significant effort. The costs were borne by Peng Yu, the academy’s dean, and his team of mages and scholars, using their allotted quotas.
After everyone and everything was transported, Peng Yu led his team in retreat, exhausted from the effort. The dean himself became a fiery figure as he bore the brunt of the burden.
Mingyue Prefecture Lord Ye Yukong hadn’t expected Tianhe Prefecture to rally aid so quickly. He was still asking around in their communication network when Tianhe’s forces arrived.
"Zhang Ping is here?" Upon hearing the report, Ye Yukong immediately flew to the Lihuo Dao Academy branch from his residence.
"Greetings, Lord Prefect," Zhang Ping, Liu Bogong, and Zhao Xing saluted him.
Ye Yukong wasn’t originally the prefecture lord; he had been the dean of Mingyue Dao Academy. Unfortunately, Mingyue Prefecture’s lord had died during the Grand Proclamation, leaving Ye Yukong to suppress the rebellion and stabilize the prefecture capital.
Having restored order, Ye Yukong was named acting prefecture lord of Mingyue Prefecture.
"Please, no need for such formality," Ye Yukong said warmly, personally helping the three men to their feet. "With Tianhe Prefecture’s support, I can finally breathe easier."
Ye Yukong, a renowned swordmaster, was unshakable in battle. However, governance was far from his forte. Managing natural disasters and maintaining the balance of heaven and earth’s forces were tasks he found overwhelming.
Since Mingyue Prefecture’s previous lord had died, its situation was even more precarious than Tianhe Prefecture’s. The lack of leadership had caused significant delays in restoring administrative functions.
Ye Yukong’s method of resolving issues was simple—violence. Whoever rebelled was cut down. Over the past month, he had killed five county kings but left Mingyue Prefecture battered and bruised. Unlike Zhao Xing, who used dreamwalking techniques to silently eliminate key leaders and minimize conflict, Ye Yukong relied on brute force, often destroying mountains, rivers, and forests in the process.
"Everyone, please proceed to the designated military camps and offices to rest," Ye Yukong said, gesturing toward the accommodations.
"Thank you, Lord Prefect," Zhao Xing and the others replied respectfully before leading their troops to settle into the assigned quarters.
March 21, Third Day in Mingyue Prefecture
Zhao Xing stood before the Heaven-Earth Map, observing the miniature representations of mountains, cities, rivers, and weather phenomena. Thunder clouds and rain patterns shifted on the map, reflecting the real-time conditions of Mingyue Prefecture.
"It seems I’m not being taken seriously," Zhao Xing muttered to himself.
Although Ye Yukong had been polite on the surface, it was evident that he had not given Zhao Xing much authority. Most discussions and decisions were funneled through Zhang Ping, the nominal commander. Zhao Xing only learned about developments indirectly, either through Zhang Ping or after the fact.
It was clear that Ye Yukong either didn’t intend to fully utilize the reinforcements from Tianhe Prefecture or was unsure how to deploy them. After all, three days had passed, and Ye Yukong had yet to assign Zhao Xing’s team any significant tasks. Instead, he was merely listening to suggestions without making concrete decisions.
This behavior revealed his limitations. While Ye Yukong was a renowned swordmaster, the court’s original decision to appoint him as a dean, rather than a prefecture lord, seemed justified. His performance as acting lord demonstrated his lack of experience in governance. Unfortunately, the current circumstances left no better candidates with higher standing or authority than Ye Yukong.
"Apprentice, this brute doesn’t seem to recognize the value of a true gem," True Lord Tianyang commented with a wry chuckle. "He’s ignoring you, a jewel of talent, and spending his days relying on Zhang Ping, that old relic."
Zhao Xing responded calmly, "Zhang Ping is the formal commander here. From Ye Yukong’s perspective, his behavior is logical. Perhaps he sees me as a mere fighter, no different from himself—someone skilled at battle but ignorant of governance."
True Lord Tianyang nodded in agreement. "That’s the stereotype of a Shennong officer. Civilian Shennong focus on management, while Military Shennong emphasize enforcement. Yet you, my apprentice, excel in both law and reasoning."
Zhao Xing’s lips curled into a faint smile, but he said nothing. His patience would soon yield results.
Zhao Xing responded humbly, "Master Ancestor, you overpraise me. Perhaps there’s another possibility—Ye Yukong doesn’t look down on me but is simply waiting for someone more capable to take over the major responsibilities of prevention and governance."
"Hah! Ancestor wouldn’t flatter you for no reason. That Grand Zhou Heavenly Theory you wrote isn’t something just anyone could pen." True Lord Tianyang’s tone carried both amusement and admiration.
"Talents with outstanding aptitude in the mystical arts are as common as carp in a river," True Lord Tianyang continued, "but those who can write treatises and theories are incredibly rare. Throughout history, how many individuals have managed to study the classics of sages, glean insights, and create works that endure for generations?"
"Heh, do you honestly think Li Boqian approached me just because you learned a bit of his ultimate technique? No, it was your Grand Zhou Heavenly Theory that convinced me to take notice!"
Zhao Xing was taken aback. He hadn’t expected his work to have such a profound impact. While the theory might not seem extraordinary in the Spirit Qi Revival Era, in this time period, it was groundbreaking enough to earn recognition as a canonical text for all Shennong to study.
Creating techniques was challenging for the average practitioner, but theoretical frameworks provided guidance that benefited all levels of expertise.
Suddenly, True Lord Tianyang burst into laughter. "This Ye Yukong, he’s quite the character!"
"Master Ancestor, what’s so amusing?" Zhao Xing asked curiously.
"You just mentioned that Ye Yukong might be waiting for someone more capable to take charge of the bigger picture, didn’t you? Well, you guessed correctly."
Zhao Xing wasn’t particularly surprised—it was a reasonable assumption given Ye Yukong’s behavior. Zhao had even overheard Ye asking Jiang Shaoqiu and Chu Yun if they were available.
"Master Ancestor, who exactly has he invited to make you laugh so much?"
"Heh, he invited two individuals, both of whom are connected to you. Care to guess who they might be?" True Lord Tianyang teased.
After a brief moment of thought, Zhao Xing began to analyze, "It’s likely Ye Yukong sought help from high-ranking Shennong officials of the third rank. If they’re connected to me, the most probable candidates are Geng Shouchang, Simayi Yunhai, Dean Lu Chunhua, my teacher Liu Tianning, or Wang Xuanyi from Chongming Prefecture. Meng Kun and Gu Changqing are ineligible since they aren’t in Pinghai Province—"
"My teacher is also unlikely, as Hu Yang remains stationed in Tianyuan Prefecture. So, is it Geng Shouchang and Simayi Yunhai?" Zhao Xing asked tentatively.
"Your reasoning is sound, but you only guessed one of them correctly," True Lord Tianyang replied with a smirk. "You’re overlooking another high-ranking Shennong who has a connection to you."
Zhao Xing frowned slightly, struggling to recall anyone else who fit the description. Surely, it couldn’t be Li Boqian or Wang Tianzhi—that seemed highly improbable.
"The second person is Pang Yuanren! Hahaha! Isn’t that hilarious?" True Lord Tianyang laughed heartily.
"Pang Yuanren?" Zhao Xing was initially confused. But a moment later, recognition dawned on him.
"Wait, is this Pang Xianyun, Simayi Yunhai’s junior apprentice-brother?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Precisely! He’s changed his name, haha!"
"What a character," Zhao Xing murmured, realizing why True Lord Tianyang found the situation so amusing. Bringing Simayi Yunhai and Pang Xianyun together was bound to create a spectacle.
Pang Yuanren, formerly Pang Xianyun, was a figure from Simayi Yunhai’s past. He was best known for being defeated by Liu Tianning in a Daoist arena during the twenty-seventh year of the Jingxin Era.
The defeat was humiliating enough, but what followed was even more surprising. Pang Xianyun, completely impressed by Liu Tianning, resigned from all his positions at Xuantian Academy and joined Shangluo Academy as a Daoist teacher. In his newfound dedication to the Dao of Self, he even changed his name to Pang Yuanren, a name that symbolized abundant crops and commitment to his ideals. To top it off, he constantly referred to Liu Tianning as his teacher, earning him a reputation as one of Liu’s most fervent admirers.
True Lord Tianyang wasn’t wrong to claim Pang Yuanren had a connection to Zhao Xing—after all, Pang was essentially Zhao’s “freebie senior brother” thanks to their mutual association with Liu Tianning.
"It seems Ye Yukong isn’t aware of the history between these two," Zhao Xing mused. "Inviting both of them here is—"
Zhao Xing trailed off, unsure how to phrase his thoughts. It was highly probable that instead of working together to govern the prefecture, the two would end up clashing. How would Zhao even mediate such a situation?
"Forget it, I’ll just play dead," Zhao Xing muttered, shaking his head. "Ye Yukong doesn’t seem to think much of my fifth-rank Shennong title anyway. I’ll let Zhang Ping take the lead and stay behind the scenes."
True Lord Tianyang chuckled, "I doubt you’ll get away with that. The two of them have already sent word asking to see you."
"What?!" Zhao Xing was startled.
The thing he feared most had come true.
"Where are they now?"
True Lord Tianyang didn’t reply. Instead, he turned into a motionless statue, leaving Zhao Xing to fend for himself.
Outside the hall’s doors, Zhao Xing saw two wisps of wind swirling in place. As he approached, the winds carried voices.
The first voice was soft and cordial: "Junior Brother Zhao, Junior Brother Zhao~"
The second was harsh and furious: "Zhao Xing, don’t meet with that shameless scoundrel! Especially don’t call him Senior Brother! Pang Xianyun, you despicable fool!"
Zhao Xing winced, massaging his ears after hearing Simayi Yunhai’s stormy tone. "It seems the old man is truly angry—he’s even using Gale Wind to deliver his message."
Turning back to True Lord Tianyang, Zhao Xing asked, "Master Ancestor, should I meet them or not?"
The statue-like True Lord Tianyang remained silent, either deliberately enjoying the unfolding drama or genuinely uninterested in intervening. Either way, the decision fell entirely on Zhao Xing’s shoulders.
"Simayi Yunhai is my teacher in many respects, so I owe him respect," Zhao Xing reasoned. "As for Pang Yuanren… well, he’s my senior in name, if not by choice."
"This is turning into a battleground for mentors, isn’t it?" Zhao Xing sighed, stepping out of the hall. He couldn’t help but recall the awkward scene he had once witnessed between Princess You Ruo and Murong Qing outside Wanfa Mountain. This situation was eerily similar and, ironically, also connected to Liu Tianning.
"Who would’ve thought that Old Liu could create such strange relationships?" Zhao Xing thought helplessly.
Meanwhile, Ye Yukong found himself caught in the middle of the brewing storm. Standing between Simayi Yunhai and Pang Yuanren, he could hardly believe the tension. These two were supposed to be senior and junior brothers—why were they glaring at each other like mortal enemies?
To make matters worse, Pang Yuanren seemed completely unfazed, while Simayi Yunhai radiated hostility.
"Junior Brother Zhao, Pang Yuanren is here to see you~" Pang Yuanren’s voice carried a cheerful lilt.
"Shut up, you shameless traitor!" Simayi Yunhai snapped.
Ye Yukong stood frozen, utterly bewildered. "Why… why does everyone keep calling him Pang Yuanren? Did I invite the wrong people? And why is Zhao Xing involved in this mess?"
The prefect had initially thought he was bringing in two strong allies. Now, watching the chaos unfold, his head throbbed with regret.
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