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Chapter 226: Breakthrough, Spell Domain, Sweeping Across the Sixth Rank!
🕑 Added 2024-11-12 13:00:31 +0000 UTCLocation: Fortress No. 98, Night Castle.
On the Myriad Tower Ship.
"Swish~"
A blood shadow airship slowly landed about a hundred meters away from the Myriad Tower Ship.
Ji Zixuan glanced back and said softly, "Senior brother, we’ve arrived."
Zhao Xing’s Myriad Straw Puppet opened its eyes. "Land directly, the master is already aware."
"Understood."
Ji Zixuan immediately piloted the blood shadow airship to land.
At Xu time on the 27th of March, Zhao Xing's nine Myriad Straw Puppets, along with Murong Xue and Ji Zixuan, arrived at Fortress No. 98 on the Extreme Night Sea.
The deck was empty, and the entire tower ship was desolate.
Both Ji Zixuan and Murong Xue felt somewhat uneasy.
When they had previously visited the Myriad Palace, they were surrounded by countless Straw Puppets, feeling as if they had fallen into a nest of straw puppets, all resembling Liu Tianning. The eerie atmosphere was overwhelming.
Now, without the Straw Puppets on the Myriad Tower Ship, they felt equally uncomfortable.
The first impression Liu Tianning left on them had already been deeply imprinted.
Walking across the deck, Ji Zixuan and Murong Xue couldn’t help but look around nervously, as if fearing that Liu Tianning might suddenly jump out from some hidden corner.
Zhao Xing, however, was already used to it. After all, he had also mastered the Self Straw Puppet.
"The master is currently on Pei Yuanchang’s ship; there’s no need to worry," Zhao Xing reassured them.
After walking for a while, they heard a voice.
"Sister Xuan." On the observation deck of the tower ship, Princess You Ruo appeared in front of the railing.
"Master." Ji Zixuan hurriedly bowed and then obediently flew to Princess You Ruo’s side.
"Your Highness," Zhao Xing greeted her respectfully as he approached.
"Your Highness," Murong Xue hesitated slightly before also bowing.
"No need for formalities," Princess You Ruo smiled.
However, when her gaze fell upon Murong Xue, standing behind Zhao Xing, it suddenly sharpened.
"Hmph!"
A surge of oppressive energy bore down on Murong Xue.
"You, a mere commoner, dare to not kneel before me? Didn’t your mother teach you proper etiquette? Kneel down!"
Murong Xue’s face turned pale, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.
Zhao Xing felt a bit helpless—this old woman’s temper was truly unpredictable.
He stepped forward to shield Murong Xue. "Your Highness, please calm your anger."
"Are you protecting her?" Princess You Ruo raised an eyebrow.
Zhao Xing immediately sent a mental transmission, "Master’s wife, I am not shielding her; it’s just that her strength is too low to withstand your thunderous fury. If she were injured, it would damage your reputation."
Princess You Ruo’s expression softened slightly, and she withdrew her oppressive aura.
"Master’s wife," Zhao Xing continued, "she has already seen the master. My task is complete. I will escort her off the ship so she won’t offend you further."
Princess You Ruo had intended to be unreasonable, but Zhao Xing’s repeated use of "Master’s wife" had clearly pleased her.
Since Zhao Xing held a significant position in Liu Tianning’s heart, Princess You Ruo relented after his appeal and spared Murong Xue.
"Fine, for his sake, I’ll let you go this time," Princess You Ruo waved her sleeve and entered her quarters.
Ji Zixuan shot Zhao Xing a surprised glance. She knew her master’s temperament well—when had she ever been reasonable or listened to advice, especially when dealing with Murong Xue?
Yet Zhao Xing had actually managed to dissuade her.
"Senior brother, until next time."
Ji Zixuan bowed, then followed Princess You Ruo into the room.
Zhao Xing breathed a sigh of relief and led Murong Xue to a cabin at the rear of the ship. "Stay here and do not leave unless necessary."
"If there’s anything you need, call for me. I’ll leave a straw puppet outside the door."
"Thank you," Murong Xue replied in a low voice.
Zhao Xing said no more and exited the room.
Not long after, the faint sound of sobbing came from inside the cabin.
Zhao Xing shook his head and continued to control his other Straw Puppets as they dispersed.
He wasn’t sure whether Murong Xue was truly Liu Tianning’s daughter, but if she was, it was quite pitiful.
Even after coming to meet her father, she had to endure scolding from her father’s woman.
But domestic matters were always difficult to judge, and Zhao Xing had no intention of getting involved. His only responsibility was to complete the task given by Liu Tianning.
The remaining Straw Puppets walked towards the Myriad Hall, awaiting Liu Tianning’s return.
...
A quarter of an hour later, Liu Tianning returned from Pei Yuanchang’s ship.
"Master, I’ve delivered Murong Xue and Ji Zixuan to the ship."
"Good." Liu Tianning nodded. "How did things go along the coast of Icefire Island?"
"Smoothly," Zhao Xing replied. "Although there were some who tried to block our way, they all gave way upon hearing your name."
Liu Tianning said, "Many fear and respect me, but I also have many enemies."
"Desire for wealth drives people to act. The conflicts over the Extreme Night Sea will intensify, and some will surely target you."
Zhao Xing listened quietly. He had already anticipated this.
After all, Liu Tianning wasn’t a god. Even in his previous life, when he held the position of Grand Shennong, there were many who attempted to assassinate him.
The current smooth sailing was only because the stakes weren’t high enough yet.
Liu Tianning continued, "I’ve made it clear that if anyone at the same rank targets you, I won’t intervene—no matter how many there are. After all, you are my disciple, and you should be aware of this."
"I understand, Master." Zhao Xing had known for a while that Liu Tianning was someone who applied immense pressure, as demonstrated during the Jihun Pass incident.
The meaning behind Liu Tianning’s words was that Zhao Xing had to become unbeatable at the sixth rank.
It didn’t matter how many opponents came his way—he had to be able to handle them all.
After all, if he had learned the Myriad Straw Puppets and still couldn’t handle being surrounded, with no chance of escape, then if he died, it was his own fault for not mastering the art.
"If anyone above the sixth rank dares to target you," Liu Tianning said indifferently, "I’ll kill them, no matter how many there are."
"The distance from here to Icefire Island is but a blink of an eye for me."
"Yes, Master," Zhao Xing nodded.
"The resources on the Myriad Tower Ship are at your disposal if needed."
"Thank you, Master," Zhao Xing cupped his hands. "Master, I’ve had some small gains in the Extreme Night Sea. Is there anything you need me to do?"
Liu Tianning pondered for a moment. "If you have anything extra, give some to Ji Zixuan and Murong Xue. The rest you may keep for yourself. The spiritual essence here becomes useless once you leave the Extreme Night Sea."
Liu Tianning wasn’t interested in these things. If he were, he wouldn’t have stayed at the fifth rank for nearly a century.
"Master, I have one more request."
"Speak."
"I have developed a technique—would you allow me to use you as the target?"
"Go ahead," Liu Tianning nodded.
Zhao Xing took the opportunity to use the Great Derivation Qi Observation Technique to examine Liu Tianning’s fortune pillar.
"Boom~"
Suddenly, Zhao Xing’s entire vision was filled with a deep purple!
The fortune pillar was so large that it completely enveloped him.
"Purple Qi and boundless fortune? Even I, as his disciple, am being affected by it?" Zhao Xing was stunned.
Though he had mentally prepared himself, he still found it hard to believe.
Liu Tianning was truly blessed with unparalleled good fortune!
"Don’t waste your energy on this path," Liu Tianning said, frowning at Zhao Xing. "Wait until you’ve reached the third rank before attempting such things."
"Yes, Master."
After meeting with Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing’s Myriad Straw Puppet left the hall.
Not long after, he could vaguely hear the sounds of Princess You Ruo and Liu Tianning quarreling.
"...The Myriad Tower Ship is unworthy of your stature."
"Liu Tianning, what did you say?!"
"Such arrogance, Princess! Why not kill me along with that woman?"
"How dare you scold me for her..."
"..."
Zhao Xing quickly departed from the tower ship.
He figured Liu Tianning must have visited Murong Xue and found out what had happened earlier.
"Such an entangled mess."
Just as Zhao Xing stepped off the ship and approached the Blood Shadow Airship, Ji Zixuan quickly flew over.
Clearly, she had also heard the argument and wanted to distance herself. It was best for juniors to stay out of such matters.
"Where are you headed, Senior Brother?" Ji Zixuan asked.
"Icefire Island."
"May I accompany you?" Ji Zixuan asked, her eyes full of anticipation. She had long wanted to meet Zhao Xing’s real self.
"No," Zhao Xing refused.
Ji Zixuan was too weak and would only be a burden.
Ji Zixuan wasn’t disappointed and simply smiled as she watched Zhao Xing board the ship. "Safe travels, Senior Brother."
Zhao Xing boarded the Blood Shadow Airship, entered the cabin, and pulled out his Earth Mirror.
"Buzz~"
The figure of Lord Tian appeared before him.
"Master."
"Zhao Xing," Lord Tian smiled. "I hear you’ve gone to the Extreme Night Sea. How’s the harvest?"
"Somewhat fruitful," Zhao Xing replied. "I’ve caught a fair amount of spiritual fish and have prepared a gift for you."
"I originally wanted to bring it to Yang City personally, but the Extreme Night Sea is a special place. Once you leave, the spiritual essence dissipates. I wonder if you have time to come visit."
"Hahaha," Lord Tian laughed heartily. "It’s enough that you’ve thought of me. At my age, I no longer pursue advancement. I have plenty of resources and few treasures left that I’ve yet to try."
This response was exactly what Zhao Xing had expected. If Lord Tian had been ambitious, he wouldn’t have settled for just being a teacher at the Earth Hall.
"Does the master have any family or friends? I can send the gift on your behalf," Zhao Xing suggested.
"Haha, it seems you’ve gained quite a lot." Lord Tian was pleased. Although Liu Tianning was far more renowned, Zhao Xing still remembered him.
"There are a few who have asked for my help. I’ve given out a few exploration officer spots, but they aren’t suited to the Extreme Night Sea."
Zhao Xing replied, "If the master needs anything in the future, feel free to ask your student."
"Good." Lord Tian smiled. "Be cautious in the Extreme Night Sea."
"Yes, Master."
At the same time, another of Zhao Xing’s Straw Puppets contacted Lu Bang from the Taicang Academy.
"Oh? You intend to send me a gift?" Lu Bang was a bit surprised.
"Your guidance has been invaluable, and I remember it well," Zhao Xing said.
The reason Zhao Xing had been able to learn the Primordial Instant Technique was due to Lu Bang’s guidance. Lu Bang had even drawn a teaching painting for him, the "Growth of All Things" diagram. Although it had been at the request of Lord Tian, Lu Bang had been willing, and he had even offered a few pointers.
"What gifts are you planning to give?" Lu Bang asked, his interest piqued.
"I have spiritual essence for the Pure Origin, Five Elements Arts, and longevity. I’ve prepared five thousand catties in total."
"Five thousand catties?" Lu Bang was truly surprised. The spiritual fish of the Extreme Night Sea were treasures, highly sought after by many at the fifth rank.
However, as a fifth-rank cultivator and the head of the Taicang Academy, Lu Bang wasn’t lacking in such nourishing items.
He had lived for over two hundred years and, as a member of the Self School, had never lacked for food or drink.
After politely declining, Lu Bang suggested, "There are two individuals you know who might benefit—Feng Qiu and Cai Jin. If you’re offering gifts in good faith, I’ll have them make a trip."
April 2nd.
The waters surrounding Icefire Island, near the Dark Stone Coral Reef.
This marked the seventh day since Zhao Xing had arrived in the Icefire Island region.
"Splash~"
A figure shot up from the water, followed by black and white light trailing behind him.
"I’ve caught four more. The efficiency of the Water-Piercing Straw Puppet is quite good."
On the surface of the water, Zhao Xing smiled as he watched the scene unfold.
The Yin-Yang Fish were small, fast swimmers, and often darted into the coral reefs.
Ordinary fishing methods were ineffective, and the fish were highly sensitive to fluctuations in magical energy. If anything felt off, they would quickly flee.
"Thankfully, I have Fish-Devouring Grass Seeds and Water Immortal Lotus," Zhao Xing thought. "Otherwise, it would be difficult to catch them."
These two sixth-rank plants originated from the research institute of the Shangluo Academy in the military realm.
Although the Yin-Yang Fish were unique, they were still affected by these two plants.
With his Straw Puppets on constant watch, the harvest was naturally quicker.
"I wonder how the others are doing."
The Blood Shadow Airship had transported numerous supplies from the Myriad Tower Ship, and the nearby waters of Icefire Island had begun to thaw.
With the land exposed and the temperature suitable, planting became easier.
There was no shortage of Fish-Devouring Grass Seeds, so Xia Jing, Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, and Ji Zixuan had all gone off on their own, which also increased the fishing efficiency.
Though the Yin-Yang Fish were caught in small quantities, other fish were being caught in abundance.
Zhao Xing now had plenty of surplus to use for sending gifts.
He had already maxed out the benefits of many of these fish.
For instance, those that enhanced the five elements’ water energy had no further effect on him.
Additionally, fish that increased longevity no longer had any impact on him at the fifth rank.
However, fifth-rank spiritual fish that contained Primordial Qi and Spell Qi still had some effect, allowing him to slowly accumulate strength.
But Zhao Xing’s catch rate was far higher than that of Xia Jing and the others, thanks to his Straw Puppet clones.
"Time to eat~"
Zhao Xing tossed four Yin-Yang Fish into his mouth.
This marked his consumption of the one-hundredth Yin-Yang Fish, all similar in size. Upon swallowing the one-hundredth fish, Zhao Xing immediately sensed a change.
"My life soul has advanced from the middle of the sixth rank to the peak of the sixth rank!"
In just seven or eight days, his life soul had progressed from the middle of the sixth rank to the peak of the sixth rank!
Such rapid progress was only possible due to the fortuitous opportunity provided by the Cave Heaven Ascension. Without it, such a fast climb would have been impossible.
"With my life soul at the peak of the sixth rank, my Heavenly Eye Technique and Sleep Bug have also reached the seventh transformation."
"Not only that, but other spells are also showing signs of breakthroughs."
Zhao Xing’s true self returned to the Blood Shadow Airship, leaving the Hailan Airship for Chen Shijie to pilot.
The cabin held numerous fish caught from the icy regions, and Zhao Xing felt a sense of enlightenment.
"Swish swish swish swish swish swish swish~"
All twelve of his clones returned to the ship’s cabin and stood motionless.
"Fish, come~"
With a wave of Zhao Xing’s hand, a silver-backed, pale blue-bellied fish flew from the water.
Gang Wind, sharp as a scalpel, filleted the fish mid-air, removing the bones and organs before sending it into Zhao Xing’s mouth.
After eating seven such fish in succession, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged on the deck.
As he circulated the energy within his dantian, a cloud began to form in the sky.
The Devouring Cloud Spell from his Heavenly Timing Techniques was finally breaking through.
"Swallowing the boundless cloud sea—the Devouring Cloud Spell has reached the advanced stage, transforming into the Devouring Cloud Domain!"
Zhao Xing opened his eyes and pointed towards the sky.
The clouds rapidly expanded, covering a ten-mile radius.
Tiny points of starlight floated from the sea, quickly merging into the cloud sea.
"Within the Devouring Cloud Domain, all primordial energy is mine to command!"
"My enemies will be deprived of any energy replenishment. As long as the domain remains unbroken, I will have an endless supply of energy."
"The Devouring Cloud Domain is truly domineering. Any life form weaker than me will have their energy absorbed and drained."
The Devouring Cloud Spell had long delayed its breakthrough because it was far too domineering and challenging to master.
But once mastered, its power was unmatched.
"Even geniuses like Xia Jing and Long Xiao can’t have their energy taken, but they also won’t be able to replenish it."
"The longer the battle goes on, the weaker they will become, while I’ll only grow stronger."
"Now that I have the Devouring Cloud Domain, I’m finally a true expert of the Heaven School," Zhao Xing thought.
Why was the Heaven School the dominant force? Because the Devouring Cloud Domain could greatly expand the spellcasting range of a Shennong.
Previously, most of Zhao Xing’s offensive spells had a range limit of three kilometers, with the most effective distance being within a thousand meters.
Techniques like Earth Palace Foundation and Boundless Earth Palace had a larger range but weren’t offensive spells. Mist Concealment also had a wide range, but it was more for support than offense.
As for Gang Wind, Hou Transformation, and Thunder Techniques, their range was even shorter.
The Devouring Cloud Domain, however, extended Zhao Xing’s spellcasting range to over twenty kilometers!
And this was only the first-level domain. As it advanced, the range would only grow more exaggerated.
"With the Devouring Cloud Domain, the spellcasting range of my Heaven School techniques will increase drastically."
"During the reign of the founding emperor, Grand Shennong Wu Cheng used the Pig Transformation Technique to turn an entire city into pigs. This was due to the vast range of his Devouring Cloud Domain."
The Hou Transformation Technique was classified under the Heaven School, as it derived from the seventy-two seasonal transformations, and the Seasonal Qi Command was the supreme secret manual of the school.
"During the reign of the founding emperor and Emperor Jing, there were seven Grand Shennongs, five of whom were leaders of the Heaven School."
"Two were from the Earth School."
"It wasn’t until Emperor Wu that Liu Tianning, a leader of the Self School, became Grand Shennong."
"Later, Mi Fu, despite creating the Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique, wasn’t from the Self School. He was from the Earth School, and his strength wasn’t great. He only served as acting Grand Shennong for a few months before being replaced by Emperor Wu."
Mi Fu’s highest official position was merely the third-rank Shennong Secretary.
"Fish, come~"
With his life soul now at the peak of the sixth rank, Zhao Xing continued to eat fish containing Spell Qi.
In just one hour, his Devouring Cloud Domain reached the fourth transformation.
"If I push the cloud to its limits, I could cover half of Icefire Island. In the mainland of Great Zhou, I could likely envelop most of a county because the timing there is more stable, making it easier to cast the cloud spell."
However, Zhao Xing didn’t do so. There were too many people around Icefire Island, and openly displaying such power would likely draw hostility.
Zhao Xing’s principle was to avoid unnecessary conflict and remain as discreet as possible.
"Fish, come~"
He continued eating fish.
After consuming several large yellow fish, Zhao Xing jumped off the airship and dived into the sea.
The shallow waters were only a few dozen meters deep.
Zhao Xing quickly burrowed into the seabed.
"Boundless Earth Palace!"
The second breakthrough he made was in the Boundless Earth Palace Technique.
Zhao Xing found a leyline and stood above it, gently pointing downward.
The leyline split off a branch, like a river diverging into a tributary.
This flowing leyline branch slowly formed into a bright yellow palace.
"Crash~" "Rumble~"
The seabed terrain began to shift.
The construction of the Boundless Earth Palace continued to improve until Zhao Xing felt it could progress no further.
He checked his panel.
[Boundless Domain: Advanced Sixth Transformation]
[Built upon the leyline, this domain releases a powerful force of confinement.]
"Rumble~"
As the palace finished forming, the surrounding waters collapsed by thirty meters, creating a significant depression in the seabed compared to the surrounding area.
"Buzz~" The Blood Shadow Airship hovering above began to tremble.
After three seconds of resistance, the airship started to plummet.
"Retract!"
Zhao Xing immediately withdrew the effects of the spell.
The Straw Puppet on the Blood Shadow Airship quickly regained control, stabilizing the airship.
"The range of the Boundless Earth Palace may not be as vast as the Devouring Cloud Domain, but it’s still large enough."
The advanced spell of the Boundless Earth Palace was essentially an enhanced version of the earth palace technique. It was now called a domain because of its much stronger confining force and its expanded range.
"With both the sky and the earth, I now command two domains."
"Energy is inaccessible, and spells cannot escape."
"Between these two domains, I am the master."
If the Devouring Cloud Domain countered martial artists, then the Earth Palace Domain countered sorcerers, as escape techniques would fail within the earth palace.
"In the future, when I advance to the Demon God Earth Palace, I’ll even be able to plant people in the ground to serve as nourishment."
For now, the advanced earth palace domain could crush most sixth ranks, but it couldn’t yet provide nourishment.
After completing his cultivation, Zhao Xing surfaced and returned to the Blood Shadow Airship.
"This cultivation session scared all the fish away."
Zhao Xing could sense that the fish in the area had fled.
Fortunately, he hadn’t disturbed Xia Jing and the others, as they were further away.
"I need to change locations."
Zhao Xing pulled out his sea chart and selected a direction. He then sent his new coordinates to his companions—not just Xia Jing but also those later sent by Pei Yuanchang, like Wu Jiang and the two fifth ranks Xia Jing and Ji Zixuan had brought.
...
The Blood Shadow Airship flew thirty nautical miles northwest.
This was still within the Dark Stone Coral Reef area.
Zhao Xing scattered Fish-Devouring Grass Seeds in the water.
Half an hour later, he had caught more than a dozen Yin-Yang Fish.
"Not bad, not bad. If I keep eating like this, my life soul might break through to the fifth rank." Zhao Xing smiled slightly.
Suddenly—
"Swish swish~"
Two silver spindle airships swooped down from the sky, heading directly towards Zhao Xing.
"Stop! This area has been claimed by Liu Tianning’s exploration team!"
Zhao Xing transmitted his voice on the wind.
The two silver spindle airships slowed down and stopped in mid-air, but they did not leave.
A moment later, a sixth-rank sorcerer appeared on one of the airships.
He stared at Zhao Xing for a while before speaking loudly. "So, you are Liu Tianning’s esteemed disciple."
"However, forcing us to leave won’t be so easy."
"I won’t bore you with explanations." The sorcerer in blue robes cupped his hands and said, "I am Cen Haibo from Laiyang County. Please grant me your guidance!"
"How do you propose we settle this?"
Cen Haibo licked his lips. "We’ll not only determine who is stronger but also decide life and death!"
"How bold." Zhao Xing sneered, "Alright, come at me!"
"Please!"
Cen Haibo flew off the silver spindle ship, and the two ships retreated a hundred meters before launching a flare.
These aristocratic sons still observed the proper etiquette.
Before a fight, they would fire a salute. This was a wartime ritual dating back to the founding emperor.
"Rise!"
With a wave of Cen Haibo’s hand, the seawater beneath them surged into a ten-zhang-high wave.
Waves rose on three sides, leaving only an open path to the east for Zhao Xing.
Cen Haibo stood atop the wave and quickly cast a second spell.
"Azure Wave Locking the Spirit Bridge!"
From the three massive waves, dozens of arched bridges of water extended.
The bridges moved faster than the waves, constantly spreading forward.
In the blink of an eye, hundreds of water bridges crisscrossed in the sky.
"Impressive," Zhao Xing glanced up. This was an advanced spell, and Cen Haibo’s water control skills were commendable. The Azure Wave Locking the Spirit Bridge essentially formed a half-finished domain.
It sealed off the sky’s primordial energy, making it impossible to use Shennong’s Heavenly Timing Techniques.
And the Heavenly Timing Techniques were mainstream.
"Liu Tianning may be from the Self School, but his disciple has yet to reach the fifth rank. At this stage, he can’t have mastered many Self School combat techniques," Cen Haibo stood atop the wave, staring at Zhao Xing below.
"If I kill you, my name will surely be known throughout Pinghai Province!"
The temptation of becoming famous by slaying Liu Tianning’s personal disciple was immense.
On the silver spindle airships, two sixth-rank experts and eight seventh-rank experts closely watched the unfolding battle.
"Brother Cen’s advanced Azure Wave Spell is nearly a domain. I wonder how this Zhao Xing will respond?" Sixth-rank martial artist Zheng Ying focused on the scene.
"Being Liu Tianning’s personal disciple, he must have some skills. He shouldn’t be so easily defeated," said sixth-rank sorcerer Ye Heming, his eyes glowing with golden light as he scanned the battlefield.
"Let’s see how he handles this."
The group was filled with a mixture of tension and excitement.
...
"With a half-finished spell domain, you dare come challenge me for fame?" Zhao Xing snorted coldly.
Golden light flashed in his eyes as he saw through the layers of waves, instantly locking onto Cen Haibo’s position.
Then, he pointed a finger, and a golden light gleamed at his fingertip.
"Buzz~"
In the next moment, an invisible force of heaven and earth condensed into a point of golden light that appeared at Cen Haibo’s chest.
Cen Haibo felt a sharp pain in his chest and instinctively reached up to cover it.
But when he lifted his hand, he saw that his arm was covered in scales!
"What? Hou Transformation?"
He pressed his left hand to his chest and frantically channeled his primordial energy.
"Golden Cicada Shedding!"
Cen Haibo’s arm suddenly shrank, becoming a size smaller, and his hand slipped out of its original position, leaving behind a layer of skin and blood.
His hand, now bloodied and mangled, still had a second golden light flashing on it, continuing to grow scales.
"Shed again!"
Cen Haibo quickly cast a second spell, leaving only a bare bone for his right arm.
Yet, the golden light persisted, sticking to him like a shadow.
"Wha—"
Cen Haibo raised his left hand to sever his right arm.
But halfway through, his hand fell limply.
The light in his eyes rapidly dimmed.
By now, the golden light had flashed four, five, six times across his chest.
His five internal organs, including his heart, were completely ruptured.
The Sixth Transformation of the Teng Snake!
"Crash~"
With Cen Haibo’s death, the waves came crashing down.
The arched bridges in the sky, having lost control, also plummeted into the sea, splashing water everywhere.
"Crash~" "Crash~"
The sea quickly calmed.
Cen Haibo’s body floated on the waves.
"What?"
The people aboard the silver spindle ships were stunned.
Just moments ago, Cen Haibo had been awe-inspiring, wielding a near-domain-level spell, only to fall from the wave and quickly lose all signs of life.
"How… how did he die?" Sixth-rank martial artist Zheng Ying stared in shock at the corpse below.
"I don’t know. I’m not as strong as Brother Cen…" Sixth-rank sorcerer Ye Heming muttered to himself, sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Do any of you wish to test your strength as well?" At that moment, a voice drifted into their ears as if someone were whispering beside them.
"We wouldn’t dare." Ye Heming quickly responded with a spell, "Your spells are extraordinary, Marquis Yuanrang. We admit defeat."
"Marquis Yuanrang, may we retrieve Brother Cen’s body?" Zheng Ying asked.
"You may," Zhao Xing said coolly. "But remember, thirty nautical miles north is my territory. If you dare step foot there again, you’ll be paying with your lives. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."
"We will make sure to warn everyone," Zheng Ying cupped his hands. Seeing that Zhao Xing had nothing more to say, he quickly retrieved Cen Haibo’s body and piloted the silver spindle airships away.
Zheng Ying and Ye Heming hurried back to the main camp of the United Exploration Group.
When they returned with Cen Haibo’s body, it caused quite a stir.
"Cen Haibo was at the peak of the Heavenly Gang Stage. He came from a prestigious family and wasn’t weak. How did he die?"
"Who killed him?"
"Marquis Yuanrang Zhao Xing, Liu Tianning’s personal disciple."
"Him? Didn’t he just advance to the sixth rank in March? How could he have defeated Cen Haibo?"
"Ask Zheng Ying and Ye Heming."
"They don’t know either. They said Cen Haibo barely made a move before he was dead."
"Not even a clear cause of death? This Marquis Yuanrang is not to be trifled with…"
...
Before the discussion in the United Exploration Group could die down, more news arrived:
"Heavenly Gang Stage peak warrior Huang Zhe died in a battle with Zhao Xing over territory!"
"Heavenly Gang Stage late-stage brothers Ma Wuguang and Ma Wuyang challenged Zhao Xing together. They couldn’t last ten seconds!"
"A six-man team, all at the mid-stage of the Heavenly Gang Stage, formed a joint battle formation and were still slaughtered in the sea!"
...
In just seven days, nine battles involving Zhao Xing spread throughout the top seven exploration groups.
Some conflicts were over territory and the fight for Yin-Yang Fish.
Others were simply individuals seeking fame by challenging Zhao Xing.
In seven days, nine battles took place.
One of them even involved six people surrounding Zhao Xing!
But without exception, they all failed!
Zhao Xing’s reputation quickly spread among the top seven exploration groups.
It wasn’t just because he was Liu Tianning’s personal disciple, but also because of his own formidable strength.
Many believed that among those in the sixth rank, this newly risen Marquis Yuanrang had already achieved an invincible stance!
...
"Competition is becoming fiercer." In the northwestern waters of Icefire Island, Zhao Xing emerged from the water.
"I catch fish efficiently, so I don’t stay in one place for long. Yet, in seven days, I’ve fought nine battles."
As time passed, the thawing of the Extreme Night Sea accelerated, and the scale of spiritual eruptions increased, making the stakes even higher. Even Liu Tianning’s reputation wasn’t enough to deter people anymore.
"There are more and more people, but the spiritual eruptions remain concentrated around Fortress No. 98 and the waters near Icefire Island."
"It’s not just me—Xia Jing, Long Xiao, and the others have also fought several battles. If we don’t leave, we have to grow stronger to handle any unexpected situations."
"As long as I don’t encounter a fifth-rank ambush, sweeping across the sixth rank won’t be a problem."
Zhao Xing had no intention of leaving just yet. The effects of the Yin-Yang Fish had not diminished, and the Dragon Whale was still lurking in the deep sea.
"Time to find more fish!"
Zhao Xing swallowed the Yin-Yang Fish he had just caught and moved to a new location, scattering more Fish-Devouring Grass Seeds.
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