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Chapter 246: Establishing the Pure Essence Space and the Effects of the Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique!
🕑 Added 2024-11-22 12:55:38 +0000 UTC“Have you heard my story?”
Facing the sudden 'admiration,' Mi Fu looked at Zhao Xing with a hint of suspicion.
He didn’t recognize Zhao Xing's face and the name didn’t ring a bell.
“Of course!” Zhao Xing responded with the look of a dedicated fan. “Your glorious deeds are so extensive they could be recounted over three days and nights.”
Zhao Xing then began recounting Mi Fu’s achievements.
He had prepared for this in advance, deliberately choosing incidents that weren’t too far back—just enough so Mi Fu himself might remember. He also avoided anything too recent, as it might make Mi Fu feel like he was being closely observed. The content had to be somewhat exaggerated, yet not overly detailed, perfectly capturing the perspective of a fan.
“In the 259th year of the Reformation Era, you served in Longjing County of Guangling Prefecture for three years, excavated forty-six channels, moved seven mountains, and cultivated five million mu of fertile land for the people of Longjing County. Later, due to conflicts with the county magistrate, who was bent on nitpicking, you were dismissed and returned home—a truly unjust act on the part of the Longjing magistrate, who was simply disgraceful!”
Mi Fu unconsciously lifted his chin but then shook his head. “It wasn’t quite five million mu. And after I was dismissed, that scoundrel didn’t fare well either; he was demoted two ranks as well.”
Zhao Xing clasped his hands in respect. “In the 263rd year of the Reformation Era, you returned to the Guangyuan County of Yuanpin Prefecture, serving as the Magistrate of Minghu County. You discovered over two million mu of land hidden by large families, returned farmland to forestry, closed off mountains for four years, and restored the water system, bringing Minghu back to its flood-prevention level in only three years. This was an immense benefit to the people! Despite the despicable elites, they couldn’t oust you, and when you left, it’s said that tens of thousands escorted you for more than ten li, reluctant to see you go.”
Mi Fu straightened up with pride. Though Zhao Xing’s words were slightly exaggerated and the numbers not entirely accurate, his speech hit Mi Fu’s heart perfectly.
"...In the first year of the Jingxin Era, I heard that on your way to join the army, you encountered a rebellion by the Xuantian Sect..."
“It wasn’t to join the army, nor was it the first year. It was the third year of the Jingxin Era, and I was there to assist the Liangshan Army,” Mi Fu recalled. “Hmph, those Xuantian heretics dared to capture my subordinates. How could I let them get away with that?”
“But with such accomplishments, why were you demoted?” Zhao Xing asked, pouring Mi Fu another drink as they continued their conversation in an official building in the city.
“The Liangshan Army’s main commander was utterly incompetent. When he couldn’t catch the main culprit, he had the nerve to blame me for letting the criminals escape,” Mi Fu scoffed, taking a large gulp and wiping his mouth. “As if I would tolerate such a lowlife! Since I was already being ostracized by my peers, it was either being reassigned or demoted. So, I simply hung that fool up and gave him a beating.”
Mi Fu chuckled. “Oh, I even transformed his nose into a dog’s snout as a lesson.”
“Hahaha! Truly, a fitting punishment for a corrupt official! A toast to you, Master Mi!” Zhao Xing raised his cup, laughing.
“Hahaha, drink up!” Mi Fu clinked his bowl with Zhao Xing’s, and they drank together.
As they talked, the atmosphere grew more relaxed, though Mi Fu still maintained a hint of caution. Watching Zhao Xing, he finally asked, “Chen’an, where are you from?”
Zhao Xing replied respectfully, “I’m from Nanyang County in Pinghai Prefecture, Master Mi.”
“Oh?” Mi Fu raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite far away.”
He had never been to Pinghai Prefecture, so how could Zhao Xing have known of him?
Zhao Xing had already prepared for this question. He bowed slightly. “I have a friend in Hongxia County of Guangling Prefecture, named Wei Wuji, a direct descendant of the Duke of Wei. Also, some of my elders work in Shangluo Academy. After learning about your achievements, Master Mi, I couldn’t help but admire you. I inquired about you, and the more I learned, the more I believed you are a true talent of our times, who shouldn’t be relegated to a place like Guixu City.”
“Hahaha, I don’t mind where I am,” Mi Fu said, indifferent to his situation.
They chatted for a while longer, and Mi Fu eventually let down his guard around Zhao Xing, figuring he had nothing of value that anyone would covet. If any of his former enemies had sent assassins after him, they certainly wouldn’t dispatch someone with a marquis title in such an open and obvious manner.
In fact, Mi Fu had some local fame across a few counties in Guangling Prefecture and Yuanpin Prefecture. However, the vast area of the Nineteen Prefectures and Pinghai Prefecture itself, which exceeded the size of Earth, made finding him challenging.
“Master Mi, another toast to you!” Zhao Xing raised his cup again.
“Hahaha, gladly,” Mi Fu said, finishing his drink before asking, “What’s this toast for, then?”
Zhao Xing replied, “This one is for Master Mi’s fearless defiance of the elites.”
“I’ve heard that your paintings are unparalleled, and that the Su Family in Yuanpin Prefecture once offered a million taels for you to paint for them, yet you refused. Is that true?”
Mi Fu shook his head. “The Su Family didn’t offer a million taels, but it wasn’t about the money.”
“Oh? What was it that made you decline? Wouldn’t it have been a way to spread your reputation even further?” Zhao Xing asked.
Mi Fu sneered, lifting his cup. “Reputation? Do you know why the Su Family even invited me?”
“I would be honored to hear the story.”
Mi Fu downed his cup, slamming it onto the table. “At the time, the Su Family head wanted me to paint a birthday blessing for his grandson.”
“Hmph, his grandson was only fifteen, yet he demanded that officials gather to offer long-life blessings. Utterly ridiculous!”
“That act was nothing more than a display of his authority, a means to purge his opposition,” Mi Fu continued.
Zhao Xing nodded in understanding. According to Zhou Dynasty traditions, long-life blessings were typically offered by juniors to their elders, not the other way around. For Mi Fu, then in his seventies, to compose a blessing for a fifteen-year-old was indeed absurd—a move akin to “calling a deer a horse,” intended purely as an insult to demonstrate control.
Mi Fu continued to reminisce with Zhao Xing, and as the night wore on, he suggested they change locations. “It’s dark and grim here. Come, let’s find somewhere else to drink.”
With a whoosh, the two ascended on clouds, moving from the official’s office to a new place.
To Zhao Xing’s surprise, Mi Fu didn’t lead him to his own residence but instead took him to the Fan Family’s mansion in the southern part of the city. Once inside, Mi Fu immediately ordered the servants to bring food and wine.
It seemed the head of the Fan Family was accustomed to this and obediently prepared a banquet in the main hall. Zhao Xing didn’t ask why Mi Fu chose this location. After all, Mi Fu had a peculiar personality.
“Don’t be fooled by how obedient they seem,” Mi Fu remarked, pointing to the Fan Family’s head as he left the room. “These folks are no saints. Guixu City is filled with exiled officials and criminals. Before I arrived, the local government couldn’t even match their influence.”
Mi Fu leaned in and continued in a low voice, “I regularly send my straw puppets to keep an eye on these guys.”
Zhao Xing nodded, understanding Mi Fu’s reasoning. Guixu City was like a prison, where exiled officials and nobility had been banished. Over time, these exiles formed communities, giving rise to generations of descendants who were technically no longer citizens of the Zhou Dynasty. Only after several generations without further criminal records would these descendants have a chance to regain their status.
Mi Fu’s tactic of using the Self Straw Puppet served as a kind of hidden surveillance, ensuring these exiled officials and their families behaved themselves. The puppet would remain stationary most of the time, only becoming active if any wrongdoing was detected.
Zhao Xing realized Mi Fu had brought him here to gauge if he was truly a ‘like-minded individual.’ If Zhao Xing disagreed with Mi Fu’s approach, their budding relationship might suffer or even end on the spot.
“Master Mi, your method is truly ingenious! Just a single puppet can ensure these exiled officials stay on the straight and narrow.”
“Hahaha, Chen’an, you understand me well!” Mi Fu laughed heartily, clearly pleased.
For the next two weeks, Zhao Xing remained in Guixu City, doing nothing but wining and dining Mi Fu, engaging him in conversation. The more they spoke, the fonder Mi Fu became of Zhao Xing. It was rare to find a young man from distant Pinghai Prefecture who admired him so sincerely, creating a unique sense of fulfillment for Mi Fu.
Moreover, Zhao Xing’s views resonated with Mi Fu. They discussed everything from the way of Shennong to painting and music, with Zhao Xing offering insightful perspectives rather than empty flattery.
As they shared drinks, Mi Fu started to feel like he had found a friend he had known forever. Zhao Xing, on his part, was not merely flattering Mi Fu. He genuinely admired him, knowing more about Mi Fu than even Liu Tianning.
In Zhao Xing’s initial plan, he had intended to make Mi Fu his teacher, not Liu Tianning. Mi Fu held a revered place in the minds of Shennong practitioners, often hailed as the ‘Ancestor of the Common People’ among them due to his contributions.
Mi Fu’s Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique enabled Shennong practitioners to cultivate Pure Essence Soil ahead of schedule. In the Primordial Qi Era, the materials required to practice this technique were rare, but during the Spirit Qi Revival Era, these items became more accessible, making the technique instrumental in elevating Shennong practitioners from an underdog occupation.
“Were I the Grand Shennong, I would reduce military expenses, curb extravagant displays, and ensure that every Shennong practitioner could afford plant-based soldier species at a low cultivation cost…”
With the wine flowing, Mi Fu started sharing his grand visions with Zhao Xing.
“Master Mi, your aspirations are truly admirable,” Zhao Xing said, smiling at the sight of Mi Fu, who seemed a bit tipsy.
In fact, Mi Fu had served as the Grand Shennong for a few months once. However, his tenure was brief due to his difficult personality. Mi Fu clashed with the elite, treating them as playthings and even mocking them openly, calling himself ‘this old man’ and ‘your grandfather.’ His straightforwardness made him unbearable to those in power.
When the Emperor appointed him as Grand Shennong, he had hoped Mi Fu would find new funding sources for military expenses. However, Mi Fu’s first act as Grand Shennong was to reduce military and royal spending instead. Naturally, the Emperor was furious, having expected Mi Fu to reduce costs everywhere but his own. Hence, Mi Fu was swiftly demoted back to his former position.
“Chen’an, come! Let me show you my artwork.” Half-drunk, Mi Fu eagerly pulled Zhao Xing along.
These days of enjoyment had clearly won Mi Fu over, especially with Zhao Xing bringing supplies that were rare in Guixu City.
After dinner, Mi Fu led Zhao Xing to his art studio.
With a loud bang, Mi Fu kicked open the studio door.
Zhao Xing couldn’t help but chuckle. Mi Fu had set the studio’s defensive array so that the door could only be opened with a powerful kick—certainly an unconventional design.
As the door opened, a radiant glow filled the room. Zhao Xing was astonished to see that the entire studio was filled with fifth-rank Precept Paintings.
Fueled by the alcohol, Mi Fu casually created a Wind-Prow Formation Steed painting. The work reached the fifth rank, enabling its viewers to comprehend a wind-based technique.
As Mi Fu painted, his rough demeanor vanished, leaving him surrounded by an ethereal light that transformed his expression. Watching this, Zhao Xing found himself unable to fully understand Mi Fu’s blend of elegance and ruggedness.
“Chen’an, what do you think?” Mi Fu asked, looking up with a contented smile after finishing his painting.
Zhao Xing leaned in for a closer look and marveled, “Master Mi, your technique is truly remarkable! The wind power creates a herd of warhorses, charging forward with the force of a thousand galloping horses.”
“Your art is astonishing, Master Mi. Even a casual piece reaches the fifth rank!” Zhao Xing praised sincerely.
“Hahaha, do you like it?”
“Very much!”
Mi Fu set down his brush, slinging an arm around Zhao Xing’s shoulder, pointing at the paintings hanging on the wall. “Since you like them, feel free to choose any one of these to take with you.”
Zhao Xing was about to say something when he noticed that Mi Fu had already fallen asleep in his chair.
Smiling, Zhao Xing began to explore Mi Fu’s studio.
The studio held tens of thousands of paintings, each a masterpiece. In just three years of exile to Guixu City and only a decade of practicing painting, Mi Fu had already produced an incredible volume of high-quality work.
His eyes fell on a painting titled Golden Sunlit Mountain in the center of the room. It contained insights into mountain techniques, covering methods for opening and sealing mountains. Upon closer inspection, Zhao Xing also discerned elements of the Dao of Timing and techniques of the Self School within the artwork.
While impressed, Zhao Xing didn’t linger long and continued his search. A moment later, his gaze fell upon a painting tucked away in a corner, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
“Found it!”
The painting was Xuanhuang Sea and Mountain.
Unable to hide his thrill, Zhao Xing approached and focused on the painting, immersing himself in its details.
As Zhao Xing concentrated on the painting Xuanhuang Sea and Mountain, the scene before his eyes suddenly transformed, transporting him to a vast height above the Nine Heavens.
“This painting was created by Mi Fu during his breakthrough to the fifth rank when he was consumed with curiosity about the sky and flew upward. He ascended past the layer of gale winds, reaching the Nine Heavens above.”
However, upon reaching the ninth layer, he could go no further. Looking down upon the land of the Nineteen Prefectures from that height, Mi Fu experienced a moment of profound insight, inspiring him to create this masterpiece.
Zhao Xing absorbed himself in these revelations. Initially, Mi Fu had intended to explore the laws of timing, yet he found no insights there. Instead, he noticed the land's veins of energy, shifting his focus to the Dao of Territory. Ultimately, he created a technique of the Self School—the Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique.
The technique was categorized as a mid-level Self School art. Though its direct benefits to plant growth were limited, it had an unexpected effect of fortifying Post-Earth Gravel, an earth-based element critical for cultivating Pure Essence Soil.
This inadvertent discovery would later prove revolutionary.
“Life is unpredictable; even Mi Fu probably never foresaw this,” Zhao Xing mused, gazing down on the vast terrain of the Nineteen Prefectures, his mind filled with insights.
As he continued to study, he began to experience the Dao in the same way Mi Fu had when he created this technique, feeling even Mi Fu’s conflicted emotions at the time.
After a short while, Zhao Xing moved his gaze away. Since this was only a mid-level secret art, he was able to grasp it in mere moments.
“That Xuanhuang Sea and Mountain painting was made when I reached the fifth rank and sought to explore the limits of the sky,” Mi Fu said suddenly, appearing at Zhao Xing’s side without warning.
With a resigned smile, he explained, “I originally aimed to create a technique of timing, but found it beyond my abilities.”
“So then, I tried to make a Dao of Territory technique. Observing the mountains, rivers, and seas from above the heavens, I somehow ended up creating a Self School technique instead.”
Mi Fu pointed at the painting, laughing wryly. “It ended up being only a mid-level secret art, and its effects weren’t even that impressive. Quite embarrassing, really.”
Mi Fu was so unimpressed by the technique that he hadn’t made any attempts to share or sell it. If Zhao Xing hadn’t specifically come looking for it, the painting might only have surfaced posthumously, when the court would eventually collect his works.
“Master Mi, do you know of this technique’s effect on the Post-Earth Gravel?” Zhao Xing asked.
“Chen’an, what are you talking about? I’m the one who created this technique, of course I know what it does!” Mi Fu replied, somewhat puzzled. “It does help the growth of the Post-Earth Gravel, though the effect is minimal.”
“Could it be strengthened further?” Zhao Xing inquired.
Mi Fu paused, nodding before shaking his head. “In theory, yes.”
“The Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique works by extracting the vitality of plants and using the Dao of Heaven and Earth to purify certain parts of them, similar to how a person cultivates and reaches the Pure Essence Realm.”
“This technique, by pure accident, allows the core of one’s Dantian to undergo deep purification, affecting the growth of Post-Earth Gravel.”
“In theory, this technique could continue to enhance Post-Earth Gravel, hastening the development of Pure Essence Soil, potentially even allowing Pure Essence Soil to form without reaching the fifth rank.”
“But realistically, it’s just wishful thinking,” Mi Fu concluded with a laugh.
“And why is that?” Zhao Xing pressed.
“Because it would require a substantial amount of rare, high-grade treasures as supporting materials.”
Mi Fu laughed again, seemingly amused by his own words. “A mid-level secret art requiring high-grade treasures as auxiliary materials—it’s truly laughable!”
Mi Fu’s principle had always been cost-efficiency, so he had little interest in pursuing a technique with exorbitant requirements for uncertain results. Though quirky and sometimes even eccentric, he wasn’t genuinely foolish.
“It seems Master Mi is fully aware of this technique’s potential, yet abandoned it due to its prohibitive cost,” Zhao Xing reflected.
In a later era when the Self School thrived, Mi Fu would likely have continued developing the technique, as the resources he deemed expensive would have become more readily available.
Time had limited Mi Fu’s research and growth.
“Master Mi, if I were to provide funding, would you consider…”
“Do you think I’m in need of money?” Mi Fu interrupted with a wave. “It simply doesn’t align with my principles. I’m not going to continue researching that kind of technique.”
Realizing further persuasion would be futile, Zhao Xing requested the original painting for his personal collection, to which Mi Fu readily agreed, even offering a handwritten copy and related research notes.
Though he wouldn’t develop the technique himself, Mi Fu had no objections if someone else wished to do so.
With the Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique now in his possession, Zhao Xing felt he had achieved his primary goal for this journey.
In the 29th year of the Jingxin Era, on the Lixia (Start of Summer) solar term, Zhao Xing bid farewell to Mi Fu.
Before departing, they exchanged Earth Mirror codes. Mi Fu, once a Military Shennong, was eligible to use the Earth Mirror, though in the exile realm of Xingxu, it was unusable. Future correspondence would have to rely on traditional letter-writing.
“Master Mi, I’ll keep writing to you often,” Zhao Xing said. “I hope you’ll continue to guide me with your wisdom.”
“Hahaha, no promises on replies! Who knows, I might just drop dead here in Xingxu someday.”
“But if I feel I’m nearing the end, I’ll be sure to let you know, hahaha!”
After leaving Mi Fu, Zhao Xing exited Xingxu.
He returned to Hongxia County, paying a visit to Chen Xuan to ask that he look after Mi Fu, at least ensuring Mi Fu had adequate resources to live comfortably in Guixu City.
Chen Xuan agreed without hesitation.
With Wei Wuji already back at work, Zhao Xing could only arrange to meet him again through the Earth Mirror.
Then, via a flame cauldron at a branch of the Lihuo Dao Academy, Zhao Xing began his journey back to Pinghai Prefecture.
In the 29th year of the Jingxin Era, on the Xiaoman (Grain Buds) solar term, Zhao Xing’s main body returned to Twin Island, part of the Eastern Sea’s Purple Cloud Archipelago.
Twin Island was as it had always been, though more soldiers were now patrolling its shores.
“With the outer path practitioners running rampant these days, even the coastal areas aren’t as safe as before.” Zhao Xing’s expression darkened.
“In my previous life, the Eastern Sea never faced anything like this. Even when sects trained some pirates, they were never a match for the Eastern Sea Corps.”
“But in this life, things are vastly different.”
“The middle-tier war grows fiercer by the day, with no signs of abating. The court may have expanded territory, even opening four prefectures, but its hold remains precarious, save for the stable footing in the Yingyuan Prefecture of the Nine Heavens.”
“If the upper-tier conflict also falters, the border regions and open seas will fall into utter chaos…”
The borderlands and distant seas were already tenuous areas for the Zhou court, yet they were crucial due to the Ancient Dragon Court ruins and the rich resources of the sea. When the war with the Southern Barbarians went well, fewer challenges arose. But if the war turned sour, every hidden force would come out of the shadows.
Even domestic upheavals were possible. Centuries of reforms had caused latent powers to stir, leading to potential backlash.
Princess You Ruo and Old Liu had long mended their relationship, but Zhao Xing hadn’t seen her in over three years. She was far too busy dealing with terrorist strikes from evil sects on Eastern Sea routes and islands, issues that plagued her as one of the region's major landholders.
Since many cults masqueraded as factions of Bishui Dao Academy to spread havoc, she was not only putting out fires but also rooting out internal threats within the academy itself.
Previously, Zhai Zhong had taught Zhao Xing about beast taming on Twin Island, but he had been recalled during the winter of the 27th year of the Jingxin Era.
“Even farming isn’t peaceful these days.” Zhao Xing shook his head as he returned to his residence at the Dragon Horse Directorate.
Because he had left a myriad straw puppet avatar on Twin Island, his absence had caused no stir, as if he’d never left.
Returning to his quarters, Zhao Xing closed his eyes, entering the dream realm to plan his next steps.
“The current situation is getting more complex. The Eastern Sea alone is already vastly different from what I remember.”
“Relying on allies isn’t enough. To stand firm, I must rely on my own strength.”
“The top priority now is to improve my cultivation. My path upward is already open, and even with a fifth-rank official position, I can still cultivate to the peak of the fourth rank on my own.”
“The opening of the Dragon Court ruins in the Eastern Sea will begin next year. I must seize that opportunity and focus on enhancing my strength.”
“The fifth rank for a Shennong is a critical juncture. Now that I’ve reached the Pure Essence Realm, my primary goal is to establish Pure Essence Soil as quickly as possible to accelerate the growth of Floating Vines.”
“To cultivate Pure Essence Soil, three conditions must be met: first, complete mastery of the second layer of Post-Earth Return to Origin; second, reaching the ‘Stabilization’ level in the Seasonal Qi Command; and third, achieving full mastery of the second layer of the Yin-Yang Self Technique.”
Developing Pure Essence Soil was challenging, as it required proficiency in the core techniques of three different schools.
The Post-Earth Return to Origin technique provided the foundation, while the Seasonal Qi Command and Yin-Yang Self Technique created favorable conditions for planting within Pure Essence Soil.
After all, an inner world could not consist solely of ‘heaven’ or ‘earth’ alone.
Furthermore, nurturing plant-based soldiers within Pure Essence Soil demanded techniques from the Self School, specifically Folding, Root Strengthening, Derivation, and Condensation methods to speed up growth.
“Even if all three requirements are met, the initial Pure Essence Soil will only be around ten meters in radius, hardly enough to cultivate powerful plant-based soldiers.”
“Growth would take decades unless I had substantial resources to invest.”
This was precisely why few people in the Primordial Qi Era ventured down the Self School path.
Liu Tianning’s Pure Essence Space was extensive enough to grow large trees, but he had lingered at the fifth rank for nearly a century. With his wealth, he had consumed every valuable resource to develop his combat prowess.
Most Shennong practitioners at the fifth rank lacked Liu Tianning’s advantages. Though theoretically, the fifth rank offered a lifespan of four hundred years, reaching that limit required abundant resources. In reality, many practitioners passed away far earlier.
Zhao Xing entered a secluded chamber, where he opened a barrier around a small room filled with cabinets, boxes, and countless medicine bottles—an impressive collection of resources he had accumulated over the past few years.
“These are the resources I’ve saved over the years,” Zhao Xing thought to himself. “Altogether, they’re worth around ten billion points.”
This vast wealth had been amassed through his own efforts.
For eight years, Zhao Xing had cultivated favor with the “Old Demon Woman,” securing treasures worth four billion points from her. Additionally, he had received three billion points in rewards from Liu Tianning as he advanced in the arts of the myriad straw puppets. Another two billion came from his investments in Pinghai Prefecture, the Military Realm, and the Eastern Sea, relying on his foreknowledge to achieve substantial profits. Finally, the last billion was earned by using his divination skills to search for treasures on the seafloor, with the aid of forty-nine straw puppet avatars that scoured the ocean floor day and night.
Ironically, his least profitable venture was his main farming work on Twin Island, which earned only around twenty million points over eight years. Any earnings from official orders went to the internal treasury of the Dragon Horse Directorate, not to his personal funds.
“Farming alone can’t make one wealthy,” Zhao Xing sighed, sealing the chamber before stepping toward the heart of the room, where a Return to Origin Formation was set up.
The formation, marked by eight radiant, seventh-rank yuan crystals at its corners, shone brightly, directing concentrated streams of energy toward the center.
Zhao Xing settled in the middle of the formation, sitting cross-legged as the yuan energy beams enveloped him.
“This Return to Origin Formation is the fourth most valuable of its kind in the Military Realm, costing a whopping 1.2 billion points,” Zhao Xing murmured as he felt the energy surge around him.
Over the years, his cultivation techniques and arts had reached high levels of proficiency, and his three core techniques were all well-practiced.
The second layer of the Yin-Yang Self Technique had been mastered back during the Southern Barbarian War, and he had since fully comprehended it. Next, his mastery of Seasonal Qi Command had reached the second level, known as ‘Stabilization,’ at the third rotation. The Post-Earth Return to Origin technique, which Zhao Xing had rarely practiced before, had also reached proficiency due to years of intense study and practice.
In his Dantian, nine grains of Post-Earth Gravel circled within the Pure Essence whirlpool. Initially, this element had seemed unnecessary, serving merely as the foundation for Pure Essence Soil. However, it had now become a crucial part of his cultivation.
With the Pure Essence Dantian now fully active, Zhao Xing began focusing on condensing more Post-Earth Gravel, his cultivation technique drawing out more energy from the Return to Origin Formation.
With each breath, a new grain of Post-Earth Gravel formed, merging into the Dantian vortex alongside the others. The tenth grain quickly took shape, followed by the eleventh and twelfth.
The ample resources allowed Zhao Xing to speed up the process, adding new grains at an astonishing rate—nearly one per second.
After an hour, he had produced over a thousand grains. By the end of a day, his Dantian held 86,400 grains of Post-Earth Gravel, creating a star-like nebula within his Pure Essence vortex.
“These grains are the fundamental units that will form the Pure Essence Soil,” Zhao Xing thought as he observed his Dantian.
The nebula within his Dantian had now brightened with the growing number of grains, resembling a shimmering galaxy.
“Let’s keep going.”
Zhao Xing steeled himself, knowing this next phase would require sheer dedication and resources.
For the next two days, Zhao Xing continued cultivating in this way. By the third day, he had over 260,000 grains, and after a fortnight, during the Xiaoman solar term, his Dantian held over 1.3 million grains.
When the total passed one million, the rate of increase began to slow.
“I’m close to reaching my initial capacity,” Zhao Xing realized. “For a beginner at the fifth rank, the Pure Essence Dantian can typically hold about one million grains of Post-Earth Gravel.”
Though it seemed like an impressive number, it was actually quite limited, as the grains still weren’t sufficient to form a usable soil base.
“The reason is that I’ve only just reached the threshold of cultivation required. Plus, I’m still in the early stages of the fifth rank.”
Deciding not to waste more energy, Zhao Xing deactivated the seventh-rank Return to Origin Formation. He then opened several cabinets and boxes, causing an array of fragrant medicinal herbs and fruits to rise into the air.
“Time to begin!”
Zhao Xing opened his mouth, absorbing the energy from the gathered treasures.
The cultivation phase at the fifth rank’s Pure Essence Realm was relatively simple in terms of technique, as it mainly required accumulating yuan energy.
Unlike the fourth rank’s Primordial Soul Realm, which involved tempering the seven soul points within the physical body, advancing in the Pure Essence Realm could be done by directly ingesting energy-rich items, bypassing the need for prolonged self-cultivation.
Using this approach, Zhao Xing raised himself from the early to the peak of the fifth rank in just half a month.
This regimen, known as the Military Realm’s Ninth Gathering Formula, cost eight million points in total and, though not cheap, had no side effects.
For most lower-ranked officials, such a fortune would be unthinkable, which explained why so many sought promotions to avoid the years of self-cultivation that achieving the fourth rank would otherwise entail.
With his energy reserves now maximized, Zhao Xing found himself facing the Summer Solstice. Activating the Post-Earth Return Formation once again, he resumed condensing Post-Earth Gravel.
This time, his pace was even faster, adding over 200,000 grains a day.
Forty days later, he held over ten million grains of Post-Earth Gravel, filling his Dantian with a brilliant display of starlight.
“With over ten million grains, I can now start condensing Pure Essence Soil.”
“Still, this is only the beginning. At this stage, my soil will only span a radius of ten meters and hold a strength of level one.”
“Level-one Pure Essence Soil, with a radius of ten meters, is enough to support the Floating Vine’s growth, though little else.”
Zhao Xing noticed that the eight yuan crystals powering his Post-Earth Return Formation had dimmed significantly.
“This initial phase has used up resources worth nearly two billion points, allowing me to progress in mere months where others would take decades or even centuries.”
The era of Primordial Qi required exorbitant costs for rapidly condensing Pure Essence Soil, making the Self School a choice only for those with generations of accumulated wealth.
However, the potential rewards were considerable once the cultivation path was firmly established.
With an important order from the Bishui Dao Academy, Master Qin Hongying had even offered Zhao Xing a substantial position and resources to secure his talents.
“Now to start phase two, valued at another four billion points.”
Leaving the formation, Zhao Xing stepped into a crystal pool filled with a dense, yellowish substance.
The mixture, known as Shangluo’s Origin Method, had been supplied by Shangluo Academy, specifically formulated to expand the space of the Pure Essence Dantian.
Even with only basic comprehension of the three core techniques, this combination would extend the Dantian’s range, increasing its capacity beyond the normal limits.
This phase was expected to take three months, raising the number of Post-Earth Gravel grains in his Dantian to billions.
Zhao Xing undressed and lowered himself into the crystal pool. As the mechanism activated, a fragrant herbal scent filled the room, and Zhao Xing felt his life force steadily strengthening. After just half a month, he noticed he had grown three centimeters taller.
Three months later, on the eve of the Autumn Equinox in the 29th year of the Jingxin Era, an urgent report arrived from Sun Shizhao, who had traveled from Bay Island to Lu Island to deliver it.
Zhao Xing promptly dispatched a myriad straw puppet avatar to meet him.
“Marquis Yuanrang, there was a murder yesterday, only 150 nautical miles from Twin Island,” Sun Shizhao reported. “A tower ship from the Market Superintendent’s Office was attacked.”
“All 196 people on board were found drained of water, their bodies reduced to dry husks. All cargo was looted.”
Zhao Xing’s face grew grim. “A mere 150 miles? That’s dangerously close—less than an hour’s travel by boat.”
“Any suspects?”
“Officials from Chongming Prefecture’s Temple have already sent a fourth-rank priest to the site and summoned a True Master of Rebirth to reincarnate a fifth-rank officer’s spirit for questioning.”
“There’s no conclusive report yet, but early rumors suggest a repeat of past incidents.”
“You… you mean…?” Zhao Xing’s voice trailed off, tense.
“Yes,” Sun Shizhao nodded, his face serious. “Bishui Sect.”
“Unofficial sources claim the fifth-rank officer’s spirit identified Zhai Zhong as the attack leader.”
Zhao Xing shook his head, frustration evident. “There have been over fifty incidents like this in recent years, all attributed to people wearing Bishui Dao Academy robes to mislead and frame them.”
“To think anyone could kill so many people at once, then leave without a trace, yet somehow leave an imprint in the victims’ spirits? That alone seems impossible.”
“Besides, implicating Zhai Zhong specifically makes it even more dubious.”
Sun Shizhao’s brows furrowed. “Still, the implications are dangerous. Perhaps we should consider…”
“You’re suggesting we suspend our collaboration with the Dao Academy?” Zhao Xing asked.
Sun Shizhao replied in a hushed tone, “I’m merely recommending a temporary separation. But the final decision lies with you, Marquis Yuanrang.”
It was clear Sun Shizhao was nervous, and with good reason.
If Zhao Xing’s investments paid off, Sun Shizhao could return to the mainland in a year, securing a valuable position and gaining the chance to reach the fourth rank. A promotion to the fourth rank meant not only greater power and authority but also the prospect of another hundred years of life.
With the stakes so high, he was eager to avoid any risks that might jeopardize his bright future.
“Lord Sun,” Zhao Xing said firmly, “strengthen patrols with the Light Restoration Corps. As for the Dao Academy, proceed as usual.”
“Making a sudden break now would be too late to prevent anything. We’ll secure the Tuoquan Palace, making sure no beasts or mounts are taken outdoors or to sea.”
In truth, they had already restricted Tuoquan Palace’s beasts for months, with the warhorses and war beasts securely confined.
Acknowledging this, Sun Shizhao nodded. He had likely sought out Zhao Xing for reassurance, and now he felt more secure.
“Very well, we’ll follow your lead.”
In the 29th year of the Jingxin Era, five days after the Autumn Equinox…
With a loud clack, the crystal pool's mechanism opened, and Zhao Xing emerged, refreshed and energized. After dressing, he inspected the pool, now filled with a cloudy, muddy liquid instead of the rich, yellow substance it once held.
He focused his attention inwardly, examining his Dantian, which now held over two billion grains of Post-Earth Gravel, far exceeding his expectations.
“With two billion grains, I can now cultivate a level-two Pure Essence Soil with a radius of twenty meters.”
“It’s sufficient for planting a wider variety of seeds,” he thought, marveling at how he had accomplished in a few months what would take others decades, if not a lifetime.
But his achievement had come at a steep cost—over six billion points in resources. His once-abundant collection of rare items and materials was now nearly depleted, except for a single, carefully preserved item.
He approached a specially crafted box on a pedestal at the room's center. Within lay an unassuming, green twig—a cutting of the legendary Willow Branch, sealed within a specialized container. This simple piece of wood was imbued with life energy far beyond anything in this era.
“This twig contains the exact properties needed to cultivate the Pure Essence Soil fully, as described in the Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique,” Zhao Xing thought as he carefully ran his fingers over the box. “This treasure was appraised by the Old Demon Woman herself and valued at a staggering four billion points.”
It was no ordinary twig. Having survived countless eons, it retained a faint aura of spiritual energy, a rarity in the Primordial Qi Era. Zhao Xing suspected this branch was at least a million years old, its life essence preserved only by its innate spiritual energy.
“This Willow Branch, seemingly plucked yesterday, likely witnessed the last small wave of Spirit Qi Revival. Such ancient items are nearly extinct in today’s world,” Zhao Xing thought, amazed by its resilience.
With deliberate care, Zhao Xing unlocked each of the box’s nine layers of seals, carefully preserving the remaining spiritual energy within the branch. As he undid the final seal, he activated the Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique, concentrating on the tiny pulse of energy within the branch.
Buzz!
A faint green light emerged, like a droplet of essence extracted from the branch, floating before him.
“Wood-aligned spiritual energy,” Zhao Xing noted, guiding the light carefully toward his Dantian. The process was delicate; even the slightest error could cause the precious energy to dissipate.
Inhale.
He drew the green essence into his Dantian, where it merged with the swirling Post-Earth Gravel particles, which immediately began to expand and vibrate with newfound life.
Rumble!
The Pure Essence Soil, which had initially spanned only twenty meters in radius, rapidly expanded, growing to an astonishing radius of one hundred meters and reaching level three.
“Master Mi, your Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique truly is remarkable,” Zhao Xing murmured, watching in awe as his Pure Essence Soil transformed. The field now stretched over 3,100 square meters, almost thirty times its previous size.
This third-level Pure Essence Soil could support a broader variety of high-level plant-based soldiers, with the capability to nurture seventh-rank species in greater numbers.
Satisfied with his success, Zhao Xing retrieved his Earth Mirror, intending to contact Liu Tianning with the news of his breakthrough. “I’ve spent nearly everything I had, and now I’ll need resources to cultivate my new Pure Essence Soil fully.”
When Liu Tianning’s image appeared in the Earth Mirror, he was slightly taken aback. “Zhao Xing, you’ve exhausted the three billion points in resources I gave you already?”
“Yes, Master,” Zhao Xing replied. “However, it’s all been invested in reaching the fifth rank and establishing a high-level Pure Essence Soil. Now, I lack the necessary plant species to cultivate.”
Liu Tianning nodded, a bit surprised yet pleased. “Show me your progress.”
In response, Zhao Xing activated his Pure Essence Projection, a tangible manifestation of his inner soil, which now spanned a hundred meters in the form of a faintly glowing field. At its center, the Floating Vine planted itself, growing from a small sprout into a sizable vine with leaves stretching wide.
Zhao Xing directed the Earth Mirror around the field, allowing Liu Tianning a full view of the expanded soil.
“Impressive work,” Liu Tianning remarked, visibly impressed. “You’ve managed to expand it to this level in such a short time?”
“Yes, Master,” Zhao Xing replied. “With your support, I was able to speed up the process considerably.”
With his mission accomplished, Zhao Xing settled back, taking pride in having achieved what would usually require centuries. Now, he could truly be considered a Shennong practitioner of the Self School, fully initiated in the ways of cultivating Pure Essence Soil.
He carefully withdrew his Pure Essence Projection, bringing the Floating Vine back within his Dantian, where it glowed with vibrant energy as it continued to grow.
“Originally, this vine would have taken fifty years to mature, but now, it can reach maturity in a single year,” Zhao Xing thought, observing the healthy plant within his Pure Essence Soil. “However, even with a third-level soil, it’ll still take thirty years for the vine to bear fruit without additional resources.”
Looking back at the now-empty resource chamber, Zhao Xing’s attention returned to the Earth Mirror and his discussion with Liu Tianning. “Master, I’m out of resources for further development,” he said candidly. “I need funding to support new plant cultivations.”
Liu Tianning chuckled, taken aback by Zhao Xing’s frankness. “Three billion points in two years? I’ve heard of nothing like it.”
But seeing Zhao Xing’s success with his own eyes, Liu Tianning nodded approvingly. “Very well. You’ve earned it. Tell me how much you need.”
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Xing didn’t hesitate. “I need enough to fund multiple strains of high-rank plant-based soldiers.”
Liu Tianning considered this, realizing that if Zhao Xing could maintain such rapid growth, his Pure Essence Soil would undoubtedly yield impressive results. After some negotiation, Liu Tianning agreed to fund Zhao Xing further, and Zhao Xing found himself prepared for the next phase in his cultivation.
With this newfound support and an even larger Pure Essence Soil, Zhao Xing was ready to elevate his cultivation to new heights, all while preparing for the tumultuous times he knew lay ahead.
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