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Chapter 268: Jingxin Era Year 35, The Rebellion of King Liang
🕑 Added 2024-12-03 14:15:26 +0000 UTC"The Fate Blackbird," Zhao Xing muttered inwardly as he observed the majestic bird before him. "It claims it hasn't fully recovered, but its plumage looks perfectly fine."
The multicolored feathers of the Fate Blackbird glistened with an ethereal light, its once bedraggled form restored to its former glory. Yet, there was a peculiar daze in its demeanor, as though it was mentally unsteady despite its physical recovery.
“Senior, haven’t all your feathers regrown?” Zhao Xing probed, a hint of suspicion in his tone. “Could it be that you’re feigning weakness to avoid fulfilling your end of the bargain?”
“Gah, gah!” The Fate Blackbird cackled nervously, its voice tinged with a strange giddiness. “What do you know, you insignificant mortal? This realm of mine is beyond comprehension for someone like you!”
Zhao Xing nodded solemnly, hiding his smirk. “Since senior is so almighty, I wonder if you might grant me not just Fortune but also a few treasures for protection?”
“One treasure,” the Fate Blackbird retorted, its tone clipped.
“Only one?” Zhao Xing’s eyebrows knitted together in feigned disappointment. “Senior, over the years, I have tirelessly trained, remembering our pact as if it were carved into my very soul. I have endured countless hardships just to release you one day.”
The bird’s beady eyes narrowed at him, its beak opening and closing as though pondering his words. Finally, it relented, albeit grudgingly. “Gah, fine. Two treasures. But don’t push your luck!”
Zhao Xing’s inner glee was carefully hidden beneath a composed expression. “Senior, the kingdom I serve teeters on the brink of chaos. Without sufficient protection, I fear I may perish before I can fulfill my promise to you. If that happens, wouldn’t senior’s hopes vanish along with me?”
The Fate Blackbird squawked in exasperation, its vibrant plumage puffing up in frustration. “Gah! Fine, fine. Three treasures! But no more!”
Zhao Xing cupped his hands respectfully and bowed. “Thank you, senior. With your unparalleled wisdom and aid, I am certain I can overcome the tribulations ahead.”
The mention of Zhao Xing’s cultivation achievements seemed to spark a glimmer of curiosity in the Fate Blackbird. “The Derivation of the Divine Spirit? No wonder your soul feels much stronger… Fine. Tell me your requirements for these treasures. If they’re located together, I’ll retrieve them at once.”
Sensing the Fate Blackbird’s reluctance to overextend itself, Zhao Xing decided not to press further. “Senior, your safety is paramount. If the retrieval process proves too dangerous, I would not dare burden you further.”
“Gah! Who said I can’t handle it?” the Fate Blackbird snapped, its voice rising indignantly. “Speak your demands. I’ll get them, so long as they’re within reach.”
Zhao Xing nodded, his demeanor becoming earnest. “The first item I need is something specifically to counter shamans. The second, a high-tier soul armor of the highest grade possible. As for the third, I leave it to your discretion—anything you deem life-saving will suffice.”
The Fate Blackbird’s beak clacked as it mulled over his request. “Gah. Very well. Wait here.”
The avian figure expanded suddenly, its body enveloped in a radiant multicolored aura. Each feather shimmered with intricate runes, their dazzling patterns exuding profound Daoist intent. As the bird’s majestic form ascended, Zhao Xing felt an overwhelming spiritual pressure, the likes of which he had never encountered before.
“Don’t stare!” the Fate Blackbird snapped. “This level of power is not for mortals to observe!”
Zhao Xing hurriedly averted his gaze, bowing his head in respect. “Understood, senior. I wouldn’t dare.”
The bird flapped its colossal wings, and with a deafening cry, it shot out of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion. Outside, Zhao Xing could sense the ripples of Heavenly energy clashing as if the bird were challenging the heavens themselves.
“I hope it manages to retrieve something useful,” Zhao Xing thought anxiously. Despite having procured various treasures from the Military Realm, none offered sufficient protection against high-level shamans.
He had placed his hopes on the treasures hidden within the Grand Dream Academy. A high-tier soul armor was likely within reach, but defensive artifacts against shamans were far rarer. Without adequate preparation, even the most powerful martial artist could fall victim to a shaman’s specialized soul attacks.
As time dragged on, Zhao Xing’s unease grew. The Fate Blackbird’s previous outings had been swift, but this time, hours passed without any sign of its return.
“Did something go wrong?” Zhao Xing murmured, pacing back and forth near the pavilion’s entrance. Just as he was about to step outside, a resounding cry echoed through the clouds.
“Gahhh!”
The once-serene white mist darkened ominously, crackling with golden lightning. The air was heavy with divine pressure, so overwhelming that Zhao Xing instinctively retreated several steps. His heart raced as he watched the chaos unfold beyond the pavilion.
“What on earth did it get its claws on?” Zhao Xing muttered, equal parts thrilled and terrified.
Finally, the Fate Blackbird’s luminous form pierced through the storm clouds, its multicolored light dimming as it hurtled back toward the pavilion. By the time it landed, its vibrant glow had all but vanished, leaving the bird’s form faintly transparent.
“Senior, are you alright?” Zhao Xing asked, rushing forward with concern.
“I’m fine,” the Fate Blackbird rasped, its voice noticeably weaker.
Despite its assurances, Zhao Xing could tell the ordeal had taken a toll. Still, the treasures it had brought back quickly captured his attention.
The bird exhaled a plume of multicolored mist, and from within emerged a golden tome, its cover etched with ancient runes.
“This is the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex,” the bird announced. “A Ninth-Rank treasure.”
Zhao Xing’s eyes widened in astonishment. Ninth-Rank treasures were legendary, capable of turning the tide in even the direst situations.
The Fate Blackbird continued, its voice regaining some strength. “The Yuan Yin Sacred Codex has four primary functions: sealing, attack, defense, and summoning. However, its effectiveness is partially tied to the ruling dynasty’s Fortune in this region.”
Zhao Xing nodded attentively as the bird elaborated.
“The first function, Yin-Yang Partition, can sever connections between the Yin and Yang realms within a designated area.
“The second, God-Slaying Talisman, is a lethal attack against Yin Spirits, capable of erasing them entirely, even reducing them to nothingness.
“The third, Yuan Yin Protection, creates multiple protective avatars to shield your life soul from obliteration.
“The fourth, Dao Form Invocation, summons a Daoist Form left behind by ancient deities.”
"Every era has its rules," the Fate Blackbird explained. "Invoking the Dao Form of ancient gods doesn’t always guarantee success. Even if successful, a price must be paid—whether it’s lifespan, vitality, energy, or incense offerings. Keep in mind, the cost is incurred upfront, regardless of success or failure."
The bird paused, its tone more serious now. "Additionally, there are two stages to this process: the summoning and the sending back. Both will exact their toll."
"But," it added slyly, "if you tear out a page of the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex, the codex itself will bear the cost. After all, the codex is composed of the most expensive incense materials imaginable."
"I understand, Senior," Zhao Xing replied, committing the instructions to memory. Respectfully, he stowed the treasure away. "What about the second item, Senior?"
The Fate Blackbird hesitated, its multicolored light flickering. Its voice sounded slightly confused. "The second item? What second item? Gah, wait a moment—did I already give you a treasure?"
Zhao Xing froze, bewildered by the bird's sudden lapse. "What’s going on with it?" he wondered.
The bird ruffled its feathers and sighed as if exhausted. "Looks like I’ve been seriously injured this time. Forget about that for now. Since you already have the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex, the second treasure is a Soul Armor."
"A top-tier Eighth-Rank Soul Armor."
"The minimum requirement to wear it is the Third-Rank Realm. You’ve completed the first level of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit technique, so you should be barely capable of equipping it."
With that, the Fate Blackbird opened its beak and exhaled a brilliant azure mist. From within, an ethereal blue Soul Armor materialized before Zhao Xing.
Currently in his soul form, Zhao Xing reached out and touched the armor, and it immediately enveloped his body. He felt a surge of power as the armor melded seamlessly with his essence.
Once he returned to the physical world, the armor would retain its form and remain equipped on his soul.
"The Sixth-Rank Soul Armor you left with Xie Zhi," the bird said, "will be reclaimed and returned to the treasury. This will somewhat reduce the punishment from Heaven’s Wrath."
"As you command, Senior," Zhao Xing replied casually. With an Eighth-Rank Soul Armor in his possession, why would he bother with the Sixth-Rank one?
The previous armor carried the techniques of the Great Dream Spring and Autumn and was something Zhao Xing couldn’t sell or give away anyway.
"This Eighth-Rank top-tier Soul Armor functions similarly to your previous one, so there’s no need for me to elaborate further," the Fate Blackbird continued.
Zhao Xing nodded in understanding.
Soul Armors were purely for spiritual defense. An Eighth-Rank top-tier Soul Armor could withstand the spiritual attacks of even a Second-Rank expert.
However, in the grand scheme of battle, offense usually trumped defense. If Zhao Xing encountered a powerful Second-Rank shaman or a rogue cultivator specializing in spiritual arts, his best option would still be to flee.
Even if the armor absorbed 90% of an enemy’s power, the remaining 10% could still severely harm or even kill him.
As Zhao Xing reminded himself, "Just because I have this armor doesn’t mean others don’t have high-tier spiritual weapons. Facing Second-Rank spiritual masters, whether shamans, witches, or rogue sect heretics, running is always the safest bet."
Still, the Soul Armor provided a significant advantage. It increased his chances of escaping such adversaries.
"Senior," Zhao Xing inquired, "is there a third item?"
Given how long the Fate Blackbird had taken, Zhao Xing doubted it had managed to retrieve a third treasure. Even obtaining two tailored treasures was impressive, considering the bird likely had to search multiple locations.
The Fate Blackbird had only promised to do its best; there was no guarantee it would succeed.
But then, the bird surprised him.
"There is, and not just a third. There are five treasures in total."
"What?" Zhao Xing was stunned.
"Five treasures?"
That meant three additional treasures beyond the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex and the Soul Armor. The revelation was overwhelming, and Zhao Xing couldn’t suppress his excitement.
With a hum, three orbs of light—yellow, red, and blue—appeared before him, each containing a floating token.
As the orbs approached, Zhao Xing felt three distinct energies emanating from them: one scorching hot, one chillingly cold, and one desolate and barren.
He recognized these tokens instantly.
"The Seasonal Qi Commands of Divine Court: Lixia (Start of Summer), Liqiu (Start of Autumn), and Lidong (Start of Winter)!"
Zhao Xing’s eyes burned with enthusiasm.
The Seasonal Qi Commands were legendary treasures, often found in sets. To his amazement, the Fate Blackbird had gathered enough to complete a set for him.
Previously, Zhao Xing had obtained the Eighth-Rank top-tier Lichun (Start of Spring) Seasonal Qi Command. Now, with the addition of these three, he could assemble the Four Seasons Set.
Among the 24 Seasonal Qi Commands, the Four Seasons Set and the Eight Major Festivals Set were considered the best.
"Modeled after the ancient Divine Court of the Xia Dynasty," the bird explained, "each command is of Eighth-Rank top-tier quality. If you can fully wield their power, the Four Seasons Set can rival a Ninth-Rank low-tier artifact in strength."
"Of course," it added, "the Four Seasons Set’s effects are broader and more balanced than other combinations."
The Fate Blackbird continued its explanation. "I’ve assembled these for you. If you can master the Seasonal Qi Commands tied to these four seasons, you’ll achieve complete mastery of the stabilization stage."
Zhao Xing was overjoyed. The Seasonal Qi Commands followed three stages of mastery: Knowledge, Stabilization, and Modification. Progressing to the third stage was notoriously difficult.
Mastering the stabilization stage would place him on par with the likes of a Grand Shennong, a title signifying mastery over the essence of time and seasons.
Moreover, the Seasonal Qi Commands amplified the power of seasonal techniques. For Zhao Xing, who had cultivated top-tier timing techniques, their compatibility would significantly enhance his combat prowess.
"Additionally," the bird added, "here’s a portion of Fortune passed down from the Grand Xia."
It exhaled a stream of golden light that enveloped Zhao Xing, though he felt no immediate changes.
Fortune, intangible and ethereal, worked subtly over time. Still, if the Fate Blackbird said it had bestowed Fortune upon him, Zhao Xing knew it must be true.
"Go now," the Fate Blackbird urged. "The next time you return, I expect you to have reached the Third Rank."
"Yes, Senior," Zhao Xing replied, bowing respectfully as his form and treasures faded from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion.
Back in the pavilion, the Fate Blackbird’s light dimmed and receded. Exhausted, it looked down at its now featherless body. To maintain its pride, it had kept its multicolored aura glowing, concealing its bedraggled state.
"Gah…" the bird muttered mournfully, staring at its bare form. It would be a long time before it could soar freely again.
In a hidden manor in Dongyang County, Zhao Xing opened his eyes and sat up. The treasures he had obtained surrounded him, their ethereal glow filling the room.
"Five treasures! That bird is incredible!" Zhao Xing exclaimed, grinning ear to ear.
He couldn’t contain his joy. The Grand Dream Academy had exceeded all his expectations, providing not only invaluable resources but also an unlikely ally in the Fate Blackbird.
"The Yuan Yin Sacred Codex alone makes me nearly invincible against high-ranking shamans. If I’m willing to sacrifice the codex, I could even obliterate a high-ranking shaman outright," Zhao Xing thought, marveling at the treasure’s versatility.
The codex’s strength lay in its dual utility: it could be used for regular spells or as a one-time consumable artifact. In the current Military Realm, Ninth-Rank treasures weren’t even available for purchase, let alone affordable.
Even if someone like Liu Tianning approved Zhao Xing’s next phase of rewards, such funds would be earmarked for cultivation, plant soldier development, or spell research. Luxury items like the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex were out of the question.
"With the codex, my survival rate has drastically improved. As long as I’m not facing an army or a First-Rank powerhouse, I should be able to escape any situation," Zhao Xing calculated.
Against Third-Rank enemies, even without the codex, Zhao Xing was confident. Now, with it, he could potentially defeat Third-Rank shamans.
As for prodigies like Liu Tianning? Their capabilities defied averages, and Zhao Xing didn’t bother comparing himself to them.
"Then there’s the Eighth-Rank top-tier Soul Armor and the newly acquired Seasonal Qi Commands," Zhao Xing mused. "At my current level, I can probably harness 30-50% of their power."
He spent some time familiarizing himself with his new treasures, preparing to fully integrate them into his arsenal.
"Four months remain. I’ll dedicate this time to mastering these three treasures."
The calendar marked the 3rd day of the 11th month, Year 34 of the Jingxin Era.
At the Lihuo Dao Academy, Da Yuan Prefecture Branch.
Ji Qingshan, the dean of the branch, stood silently before the Lihuo Divine Altar. This man, a member of the imperial family, stared at the blazing flames in front of him, momentarily lost in thought.
This altar was a military-grade version of the Lihuo Divine Altar. Ever since the outbreak of the Pacification Campaign against the Southern Barbarians, it had remained operational.
Ji Qingshan, a grandson of King Liyang and grandnephew of Emperor Jing, was still remarkably young for someone in the imperial family—merely 220 years old. Yet, he had already reached the later stages of the Third Rank.
Originally, his role was simply to teach and nurture students. However, in recent years, he had been drawn into military affairs, increasingly entangled in various conflicts.
The Pacification Campaign claimed the lives of many high-ranking experts, including a number of talented individuals from the Dao Academy. Some had been Ji Qingshan’s friends, others his senior brothers, and a few were even elder relatives from the imperial family.
“I wonder when my time will come,” Ji Qingshan muttered to himself, letting out a sigh.
Among King Liyang’s numerous grandsons, Ji Qingshan was undoubtedly the most outstanding. Yet he harbored a deep aversion to war and political power.
He had declined to become the heir and avoided positions of authority, seeking only the peace of teaching.
However, he could not escape the responsibilities and destiny tied to his royal lineage. He was now tasked with overseeing military logistics.
Suddenly, the flames flickered violently, and a figure emerged from within.
This newcomer had flowing white hair, eyes like deep stars, and an air of absolute authority. His black-and-gold imperial robe shimmered faintly in the light of the fire. This was none other than King Liang, Ji Mingxian.
"Your humble servant greets His Highness, King Liang," Ji Qingshan said, bowing deeply.
"You may rise."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Just call me Uncle," Ji Mingxian said with a faint smile. "Qingshan, do you still remember your aspirations from your youth?"
"Uncle, I remember them well," Ji Qingshan replied. "I wished to teach, to write books, and to spread the teachings of the Saint King throughout the world."
"Back then, your father and grandfather intended for you to inherit the throne, forcing you to abandon your scholarly pursuits. Who gave you the opportunity to manage the Da Yuan Prefecture Branch instead? Do you recall?"
"It was you, Uncle," Ji Qingshan said, bowing again. "You persuaded my father and grandfather, giving me the chance to choose my path. I have never forgotten your kindness."
"Has your original ambition changed?"
"It has not," Ji Qingshan answered firmly. "I still wish to be a teacher, to immerse myself in books."
"Would you like to relinquish your position as dean and leave Pinghai Province?" Ji Mingxian asked, his tone calm.
Ji Qingshan hesitated briefly, his eyes flickering with thought. "I would like that," he admitted. "But I also bear the responsibilities of the royal family. I am willing to stay here and continue serving."
Ji Mingxian nodded. "The time has come. You should leave Pinghai Province—leave behind all these entanglements."
Ji Qingshan blinked in surprise. "Uncle, am I truly allowed to leave?"
Ji Mingxian smiled. "Just as I gave you a choice back then, I now give you the same opportunity. You may pursue what you love."
"Hand over the authority of the dean and the Lihuo Divine Altar Token to my son, Ji Ye. He will temporarily assume your position. I will handle the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War; they won’t trouble you."
Overcome with emotion, Ji Qingshan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Uncle. I will make arrangements immediately."
Without delay, Ji Qingshan left the underground divine altar and handed the Lihuo Token, which controlled the altar and its teleportation array, to Ji Ye.
Such a handover would ordinarily take considerable time and bureaucratic effort. However, Ji Qingshan trusted King Liang, and so he relinquished everything without hesitation.
Shortly after, Ji Qingshan departed Pinghai Province.
Jingxin Era Year 34, November 26th
In the secret chamber beneath Dongyang County, within Chongming Prefecture, Zhao Xing furrowed his brow as he meditated.
He sensed a strong fire-aligned energy dissipating from his body, as if something vital was slipping away.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Xing realized what had happened.
"It’s the Dao of Lihuo."
"My access to the Lihuo Divine Altar has been revoked."
Quickly, Zhao Xing pulled out the Lihuo Token. This token had been granted to him after he earned the title of Honorary Transmission Master at the Lihuo Dao Academy.
The token allowed him to use the divine altars in any Lihuo Dao Academy branch for teleportation.
But now, the token’s power had been frozen.
Soon, an announcement arrived through the spiritual network.
"By order of the Ministry of War, priority access to the Lihuo Divine Altar is granted to military personnel and logistics operations. Previous access rights for certain Lihuo Tokens are temporarily suspended. Restoration of access will be announced at a later date. — Ji Qingshan, Dean of the Da Yuan Prefecture Branch of Lihuo Dao Academy"
"So my access has been frozen," Zhao Xing muttered, scanning the announcement. "It seems reasonable—military needs should come first. Still, it’s clear that King Liang is the one pulling the strings here."
"Did Ji Qingshan secretly align himself with King Liang?"
Zhao Xing had previously investigated Ji Qingshan and found no evidence of him siding with King Liang’s rebellion.
What Zhao Xing didn’t know was that Ji Qingshan had been unwittingly manipulated by King Liang. Trusting King Liang to handle everything, Ji Qingshan had followed his instructions without realizing the broader implications.
The current dean, Ji Ye, was already issuing orders in Ji Qingshan’s name.
"Losing access to the Lihuo Divine Altar is a significant setback," Zhao Xing thought. "I need a reliable alternative."
Although the Bishui Dao Academy still provided teleportation services, their costs were higher. Zhao Xing realized he needed to find a stable long-term solution.
In the entire Dao Academy system, only five institutions offered such advanced teleportation services:
Longyuan Martial Academy
Bishui Dao Academy
Lihuo Dao Academy
Xingchen Martial Academy
Ziyang Academy
Of these, the Lihuo Dao Academy was the fastest, most far-reaching, and cost-efficient. The others had varying limitations.
"I never acquired access to the Bishui Dao Academy’s teleportation network," Zhao Xing thought. "But that’s irrelevant now. I can go directly to Qin Hongying."
Without hesitation, Zhao Xing left Dongyang County and traveled to Bixian Prefecture.
At the Bishui Dao Academy, within the Beast Taming Division, Zhao Xing met with Qin Hongying.
"Dean Qin," Zhao Xing began bluntly, "does the promise we made back then still stand?"
"Zhao Xing, are you seeking a position within the Dao Academy?" Qin Hongying’s face lit up with delight. "Of course! Which division are you interested in?"
"Any division will do," Zhao Xing replied. "I need access to the Bishui Canghai Water Network and the ability to move freely throughout Pinghai Province."
Qin Hongying nodded. "That’s possible. The Bishui Canghai Water Network is an advanced underwater system connecting various locations in Pinghai Province. However, it isn’t as convenient as the Lihuo Divine Altar. Additionally, the network induces a sensation of drowning in those who pass through, and this effect cannot be completely mitigated."
She continued thoughtfully, "I must inform you of these pros and cons. If the water network is all you’re after, the Lihuo Divine Altar remains the better choice."
Zhao Xing nodded in understanding. "I’m aware of the limitations. Please proceed, Dean Qin."
"Very well. Follow me."
Jingxin Era Year 34, December 10th
Zhao Xing had returned to his secret estate in Dongyang County, focusing on his cultivation.
He concentrated primarily on refining the Kunpeng Transformation and mastering the divine weapons he had recently acquired. Occasionally, his clone ventured into the Military Realm’s Xingchen Palace to scout for signs of Lord Tianyan.
However, it was as if Lord Tianyan had vanished from the world, leaving no trace behind.
"What could he be doing, ignoring even matters significant enough to ensure his name in history?" Zhao Xing mused.
Amid these contemplations, a voice echoed in Zhao Xing’s mind.
"Chen’an."
"Zhao Chen’an."
Startled, Zhao Xing immediately activated his clone within the Kunyuan Academy.
At Kunshan, Meng Kun and Gu Changqing stood amidst the mountain’s mist, calling out for Zhao Xing.
"Chen’an."
"Zhao Chen’an."
Meng Kun and Gu Changqing’s voices echoed through Kunshan, reverberating between the sky and the earth.
“This is strange. We can’t find him anywhere.”
“This kid has too many diverse and mixed spells. It’s hard for me to pinpoint him,” Meng Kun remarked with a hint of amazement.
Suddenly, a faint ripple broke the surface of a lake deep within Kunshan. Zhao Xing emerged soundlessly, his movements swift and precise as he soared toward the Kunshan Palace.
Once he entered the palace, Zhao Xing bowed respectfully. “My lords, what important matter requires my presence?”
Meng Kun held up a document and asked, “I’ve heard that you authored an essay at Xuantian Academy titled Theory of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi Grand Zhou Heavenly Cycle. Is this true?”
“Yes,” Zhao Xing replied with a nod. “Has it already made its way to Daoyuan Prefecture?”
Meng Kun’s eyes widened. “You brat! Such a significant achievement, and you didn’t even mention it? Are you implying I, Meng Kun, have treated you poorly?”
“Not at all,” Zhao Xing replied sincerely. “You have always been kind to me, my lord. I merely refrained from publicizing the essay because it required further validation. I wasn’t certain there were no mistakes.”
Gu Changqing chimed in, “Your essay on climate cycles has already been preliminarily validated. Lu Chunhua recently announced it at the Xuantian Academy headquarters.”
“Chen’an, you mustn’t favor one faction over another,” Gu Changqing added with a playful glare. “You’ve devoted so much energy to the Heaven School. Does the Earth School not deserve the same effort?”
Zhao Xing froze momentarily. So that’s what this was about?
“My lords, theories like these aren’t written overnight. I…”
“I don’t care!” Meng Kun interrupted, grabbing Zhao Xing’s hand. “If you don’t give this old man a satisfactory explanation, I’ll take it as an insult!”
Faced with Meng Kun’s insistence, Zhao Xing could only nod helplessly. “My lords, I promise that if I gain insights related to the Earth School, you two will be the first to know.”
“I must be the first to recommend it!” Gu Changqing declared quickly.
“What?” Meng Kun scowled. “Old Gu, are you trying to steal my thunder?”
“Lord Meng, what’s there to steal?” Gu Changqing replied smoothly. “You’re the dean, busy with administrative duties. As a scholar of the Five Classics, isn’t it my job to handle such matters?”
“Bullshit!” Meng Kun snapped. “Do you think you’re the only one capable of reviewing academic theories? I’m the dean! My rank is higher than yours, so I get the first recommendation. Otherwise, I’ll have you digging trenches!”
Gu Changqing begrudgingly backed down, his position as second recommender now secure under Meng Kun’s overbearing authority.
With that issue temporarily resolved, Zhao Xing set his sights on other priorities. As time marched on, the year shifted into the Jingxin Era Year 35.
January 5th
Zhao Xing arrived at Tianhe Prefecture to assume his new duties.
Tianhe Prefecture was one of the four major logistics hubs in Pinghai Province, responsible for coordinating material transport across the province's eastern regions.
Zhao Xing’s new title was official: Tianhe Prefecture's Logistics Supervisor for the Eastern Sea's Thirty-Seven Routes and Water-Sky Transport Envoy. His responsibilities included ensuring the safety of waterways and air routes used for transporting military supplies. Rather than escorting individual shipments, Zhao Xing’s role was to ensure stable conditions for transport along the routes.
In practical terms, this meant preventing storms, floods, and waterway disruptions while maintaining clear skies and calm waters.
“Lord Zhao, the stability of these thirty-seven routes now rests in your hands,” said Zhang Ping, a senior logistics officer of the third rank in Tianhe Prefecture. His tone was grave as he continued, “The Southern Barbarian battlefield has put immense pressure on us. The military has been critical of our logistics performance. If there’s any negligence on your part, I will punish you accordingly, even if your mentor is Lord Liu.”
“Rest assured, Lord Zhang,” Zhao Xing replied with a respectful bow. “I will fulfill my duties without fail.”
Managing thirty-seven transport routes was no easy task, even at the upper limit of a fifth-rank official’s authority. Zhao Xing, however, had aspirations to wield even greater power. Unfortunately, Zhang Ping was a fair and disciplined superior, chosen specifically by Liu Tianning to stabilize the region. This made maneuvering for additional authority difficult.
The faction supporting King Liang had been relentless in blaming the province’s logistical inefficiencies for their military failures. This left officials like Liu Tianning under immense pressure. Zhao Xing’s appointment was a strategic move to share some of that burden.
“Take office immediately,” Zhang Ping instructed. “Your deputy has already been assigned.”
“Yes, sir,” Zhao Xing responded before leaving the prefectural office to report to his assigned post.
Upon arriving at the logistics bureau, Zhao Xing was greeted by his deputy—and was immediately stunned.
“Lord Lu? Is it really you?”
“Lord Zhao?” Lu Tingzhi was equally taken aback. “How is it that we meet here?”
Zhao Xing broke into a smile. “What a pleasant surprise to encounter an old acquaintance.”
Lu Tingzhi had been one of Zhao Xing’s superiors in logistics during his previous life and had even supported Zhao Xing’s questionable dealings. In this life, their paths had crossed at the Fire Dragon Pass, where Zhao Xing’s gift of calligraphy had paved the way for the future craftsman Yue Lingzhi to join the Hundred Weapons Academy.
Since Zhao Xing left the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, he and Lu Tingzhi had lost contact. Neither expected to reunite here.
“This is wonderful! To have Lord Zhao as my superior in this bureau—how fortunate!” Lu Tingzhi exclaimed. He seemed genuinely pleased, believing that their shared history and mutual interests would ensure smooth cooperation.
“I feel the same, Lord Lu. Having you as my deputy is truly reassuring,” Zhao Xing replied with equal enthusiasm, all the while studying Lu Tingzhi’s expression closely.
“Please, Lord Zhao, do come inside.”
“Haha, no need for formalities,” Zhao Xing said with a laugh as they entered together.
February 2nd
By this time, Zhao Xing had quietly settled into his role, observing the bureau’s operations without taking any immediate actions. This low-profile approach allowed him to assess the situation from the shadows.
At the third watch of the hour, Zhao Xing suddenly felt a sharp unease in his chest. He stepped outside, gazing at the night sky.
The night was calm and ordinary, yet Zhao Xing’s instincts told him something extraordinary was unfolding.
At the fourth watch, just when he thought the night would pass without incident, the world changed abruptly.
The night sky lit up as if it were daytime, and the ground began to tremble violently. Countless columns of Fortune surged upward, most dissipating before reaching the heavens. Yet, several purple pillars pierced the sky, transforming into dragon-like forms that soared and roamed freely.
Above, a massive golden dragon of Fortune appeared, thrashing wildly as it tried to devour the newly emerging dragon qi. But the scene grew even more chaotic as Zhao Xing felt an even stronger sense of dread.
He turned southward, and his pupils contracted sharply.
A colossal black dragon emerged from the horizon, racing toward the golden dragon. Upon reaching it, the black dragon sank its fangs into the golden dragon’s midsection.
With a thunderous crash, the heavens and earth shook with even greater ferocity. The golden dragon was torn in half, its remnants consumed by the black dragon, which grew larger and more formidable. The remaining half of the golden dragon regenerated almost instantly, though it was noticeably smaller.
Cries of alarm and chaos erupted throughout Tianhe Prefecture.
“What’s happening? Why is there an earthquake?”
“Why did the sky suddenly brighten? And what’s with the golden rain?”
“Send someone to the Shennong Division immediately! We need answers!”
“By the heavens, I am Qiu Feisheng, heir of the Divine Sect! Disciples, heed my command—attack and seize the city!”
“It’s an uprising! Report this at once…”
Zhao Xing’s ears filled with an overwhelming cacophony of voices, some prophetic glimpses of the future and others describing events unfolding in real time. Amid the confusion, a golden pillar of light descended upon Zhao Xing, enveloping him completely.
Fortune surged chaotically, and those blessed with immense qi could advance to even greater heights.
Zhao Xing glanced at his status panel. The Fortune he had gained through the Heavenly Fate Blackbird’s blessing was now at Derivation Six. Yet in this moment, it fluctuated wildly between Derivation Four, Five, Six, and even Seven.
“It’s finally happening,” Zhao Xing muttered, closing his eyes.
Thus began the long-anticipated rebellion of King Liang—a monumental event Zhao Xing had awaited for years.
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