In Tianjing City, Zhao Xing, accompanied by Mountain Cat, Azure Luan, and Tiger Jiao, descended at the Kaiyang Pavilion under countless watchful gazes.
Ji An was completely stunned.
"Mountain Cat... it actually belongs to Brother Zhao?!"
The other leaders from Seven Star Island quickly stood up, assuming defensive stances.
They only relaxed once they saw Mountain Cat enter the adjacent courtyard.
A short while later, Zhao Xing came over to bid farewell to Ji An. "Brother Ji, I'm afraid we might cause you trouble. We're planning to find another place to stay."
Ji An asked, "Brother Zhao, have you found a new place already?"
"It's all set."
"Alright, let's meet again someday."
After Zhao Xing and his group left, someone next to Ji An remarked:
"Brother Ji, that cat is his? Truly extraordinary."
"Why didn't you try to keep him here?"
Ji An glanced at the speaker—it was Gu Yi, who had previously opposed the idea of inviting Zhao Xing to join them.
"You didn't agree earlier."
"What good does saying that do now?" Ji An said calmly, "Let's continue searching for the flags."
Zhao Xing purchased a manor, relocating his group to a new spot.
For the next six days, he focused on familiarizing himself with the arts of Beast Mastery within the manor.
On the eleventh day, the flag competition concluded.
A large number of battle beasts were eliminated.
The very next day was the start of the 'Survival Competition.'
Third-Rank Shennong Wang Xuanyi intervened, disrupting the natural and geographical conditions of Tianjing Island.
Aside from the city area, the rest of Tianjing Island was engulfed in terrifying weather phenomena.
Eruptions of earth fire, extreme cold, acid rain... a single cloud covered the entire island.
This persisted for seven days, during which life on the island withered. Only areas with human activity received any supplies, while the rest of the land was left desolate.
Under such harsh conditions, the consumption of vital energy was immense, and there was no way to replenish it.
When the survival phase ended, both Tiger Jiao and Azure Luan were exhausted and had visibly lost weight.
Even Mountain Cat, usually so energetic, returned and immediately began gulping down fish.
On December 18th, the survival competition ended.
With only a single day of rest, Tiger Jiao and Azure Luan hadn't fully recovered.
Because on the nineteenth, the 'Ice Training' began. This round took place underwater, requiring participants to start from the northern sea outside Tianjing Island, swim east, south, and west, circling around the island to return to the starting point.
Zhao Xing didn't want to send Azure Luan and Tiger Jiao to their deaths, so he had them withdraw from the competition.
Only Mountain Cat was left to face the third trial.
Ten days later, in a particular sea area, Mountain Cat broke through the ice.
It lay sprawled on the ice, its stomach growling with hunger.
Due to a lack of experience in this type of training and Zhao Xing's own inexperience as a Beast Master, Mountain Cat fell significantly behind in this trial.
It finished 1,700th, finally returning to the starting point.
But there was little time to rest because the next day began the aerial melee.
The rules were strict—beasts couldn't land; they had to fight continuously in the air. It was a test of both endurance and combat ability.
The last phase was the most brutal of all.
Frost-Roaring Giant Bear, wielding a massive axe; the Wrathful Dragon, wearing custom dragon armor; and the Emperor Crocodile and Lingxi, equipped with divine weapon sets, teamed up to eliminate the remaining battle beasts.
One by one, beasts fell, with the stronger ones devouring the blood essence of the defeated.
The sky was littered with falling beasts, but Mountain Cat had learned to be cautious. It skirted the edges of the battlefield, using its agility to evade danger.
Two days later, 3,000 battle beasts had passed the preliminary rounds.
The sea had turned blood-red. Mountain Cat returned to the city, immediately falling into a deep sleep.
Seeing Mountain Cat covered in blood, Zhao Xing helped it clean up and found that the blood belonged to other beasts, which was a relief.
"Mountain Cat may be strong, but it's not a true battle beast. There are still many things it lacks compared to genuine fighters. I'll need to put it through more training in the future."
"I also need to become a true Beast Master. Otherwise, I'm just holding Mountain Cat back."
Reflecting on his experiences, Zhao Xing decided that for the next few years, he wouldn't participate in the preliminary rounds. Instead, he would focus on training Mountain Cat, Xiaotian, and the Upside-Down Goat.
At the end of December, Mountain Cat's performance attracted attention from various forces in the Purple Cloud Archipelago.
Many people began inquiring and soon flocked to the Twin-Dragon Horse Establishment, eager to buy Mountain Cat.
"Marquis Yuanrang, name your price. That cat is wasted in your hands."
"Are you out of your mind? Get lost!"
"Marquis Yuanrang, I'm willing to trade ten Fourth-Rank battle beasts for your Mountain Cat. Each has a third-level divine bloodline."
"You think my master is a fool? Escort him out!"
"Marquis Yuanrang—"
"No visitors!"
Some tried to buy it openly, while others had more underhanded ideas.
The larger islands in the Purple Cloud Archipelago had highly organized government offices, some even boasting Fourth-Rank officials.
If they couldn't buy the cat, they could try to recruit Zhao Xing as well.
Since he was only at the Sixth Rank, why not offer him a promotion and transfer him to their prefecture at the Fifth Rank? The cat would then belong to them by default!
This led to an unusual scene in Chongming Prefecture.
Several high-ranking Fourth-Rank officials traveled to Chongming Prefecture, attempting to get Zhao Xing placed on the list of candidates for promotion.
When Zhao Xing heard about it, he couldn't help but laugh.
His plan had been to rely on Mountain Cat to break into the Dragon Court Grounds and earn a promotion. He hadn't expected the opportunity to come so soon.
However, Zhao Xing refused. If he were to rise in rank, he wanted it to be through his own abilities!
He had no need to rely on these opportunistic schemers.
Besides, he was still preparing to break through to the Fifth Rank. Accepting a promotion now would disrupt his plans.
So, in the twenty-second year of the Jingxin Era, Zhao Xing went to Chongming Prefecture and asked Wang Xuanyi to block all these uninvited interferences.
The reasoning was simple: he had only been in his position for under two years and had received just one year of excellent ratings in his performance. A sudden promotion to the Fifth Rank would only damage his future.
Wang Xuanyi personally assured him that no one would interfere with Zhao Xing's advancement.
On the tenth day of the first month in the twenty-second year of the Jingxin Era, the Spring Festival arrived.
Zhao Xing boarded a tower ship back to Bixian County in Dongyang to celebrate the new year.
Chen Shijie and Gui Niang also returned, though Long Xiao hadn't come back yet.
"Could it be that Long Xiao is celebrating the new year with the Baiyun Martial family?" Zhao Xing asked.
"No, it's not that," Chen Shijie replied. "This year, his superiors have truly ordered him to stay on duty."
"Hmm? Didn't Bai Ling summon him back?" Zhao Xing asked.
"It seems they had a quarrel. Bai Ling assigned additional tasks to Long Xiao's superiors and forbade him from leaving Red Stone Island."
"…"
Zhao Xing was at a loss for words—why did this sound just like another Princess Youruo?
Speaking of which, Princess Youruo also seemed to be having a dispute with Liu Tianning recently.
Zhao Xing had scheduled a visit in advance, but Princess Youruo hadn't even sent a reply.
It was Ji Zixuan who secretly informed him that Princess Youruo had flown into a rage several days prior, furiously berating Liu Tianning in her palace.
When Zhao Xing asked Ji Zixuan for the reason, he learned that Princess Youruo had wanted Liu Tianning's true form to come and accompany her, with his other bodies handling his official duties.
But Liu Tianning had declined, citing his busy schedule.
This year, the old vixen hadn't even accompanied Emperor Jing, planning instead to spend the holiday with her beloved.
However, the two ended up in a fierce argument, with Liu not only refusing to come in person but not even sending one of his other bodies.
"Old Liu really doesn't know how to read the room. And here I am, still trying to get by on his turf," Zhao Xing sighed.
Yet, he knew he couldn't blame Liu Tianning.
After all, by the end of this year, the mid-rank battle was set to begin, marking the end of low-rank training exercises. Emperor Jing planned to dispatch seven of the Ten Heavenly Troops: Tongyou, Jiuxiao, Huangquan, Xuanming, Tiancang, Taixu, and Wuyao, for the battle.
Deploying these seven elite troops was the highest arrangement short of the Emperor leading the troops himself.
If Emperor Jing were to personally take the field, he would bring along his three elite guards: Jinwu, Luanyi, and Shensu.
With the upcoming mid-rank battle, as the Transfer Officer, Liu Tianning was naturally overwhelmed with responsibilities. Although he had over ten thousand incarnations, even his mental energy had limits, and he truly had no time to spare.
He might manage to send an incarnation just for appearance's sake, but his true form was out of the question.
"Even my mentor and Princess Youruo have had a falling out," Zhao Xing sighed. "I doubt I'll be able to enter the Princess' residence this year. Old Chen, you were right; one must rely on oneself. No ally can match your own strength."
"Last year, during the adult ceremony, I had a flood of officials visiting. This year, it's much quieter."
Chen Shijie chuckled, "Quiet is good. During the holidays, let's not talk about these things. Come on, let's go make some ceremonial rice."
"Alright," Zhao Xing agreed.
In the third month of the twenty-second year of the Jingxin Era, Zhao Xing returned to the Twin-Dragon Horse Establishment.
His work focused on three main tasks. First, breeding warhorses for the Xuanjia Army, the Wuluo Army, and the Jiujiang Army. This was the foundation of his accomplishments. As long as he kept receiving orders, his performance reviews would remain excellent.
Second, fulfilling orders for the Bishui Dao Academy, custom-tailoring mounts for the Beast Master Division.
This year, Zhao Xing added a new condition to his contract: he wanted training from one of Bishui Dao Academy's high-ranking Beast Masters.
The third task was training Xiaotian, Mountain Cat, and the Upside-Down Goat.
These creatures were his entry pass to the Dragon Court Grounds, where rare treasures awaited—treasures that held vast potential. Missing out on them would be unthinkable.
The Dragon Court Grounds might also contain spiritual materials beneficial for him to cultivate Pure Essence Soil, greatly aiding his path in the Self School.
Additionally, there were rare plant-based soldier species like the Void Seed and Parasitic Seed.
"If only my Myriad Straw Puppets technique were powerful enough," Zhao Xing thought. "If I could base it on an ancient dragon vine, with a true dragon as its core and dragon blood as its source, then I could create a fearsome True Dragon Incarnation capable of astonishing combat strength."
"The Dragon Court Grounds may also offer Void Seeds that root in the void, making up for the Self School Shennong's lack of aerial firepower."
"If I can obtain these things, I can later take over Master Liu's position at Shangluo Academy, eventually becoming the leader of the Self School."
Zhao Xing was determined to go to the Dragon Court Grounds; his journey to the Eastern Sea was for precisely this reason.
At the Tuoquan Palace, Mountain Cat, proud as ever, was staring down the little pup, Xiaotian.
"Woof woof!" Xiaotian barked at Mountain Cat, trying to bite its tail.
"Smack!" With a flick of its tail, Mountain Cat sent Xiaotian flying, wearing a look of disdain.
But Xiaotian got up and trotted over, sniffing around the area before approaching again.
"Meow!" Mountain Cat, annoyed, swatted Xiaotian down with a paw.
This dumb dog actually tried to nurse from it! "I'm a male cat," it thought. "Where would milk come from?"
"Woof woof…" Xiaotian whined in frustration, clearly hungry.
Resigned, Mountain Cat used a gust of wind to strike the bronze bell hanging in the palace, sounding a loud chime.
Before long, Tao Anchun from the Divine Feed Division entered, carrying several large buckets of food.
He looked at the bell, puzzled.
"Why would the alarm bell ring? It's not time for feeding yet…"
Since he was already there, Tao Anchun decided to serve the animals a little extra.
After he left, Mountain Cat pointed at the bronze bell and then at the food laid out, letting out a meow at Xiaotian.
The little dog finally understood.
Later that night, at the stroke of midnight…
"Clang! Clang, clang, clang, clang!"
Just as Tao Anchun was about to sleep, he heard the alarm bell again and frowned.
Why was the alarm bell ringing again?
He'd already been here eight times today!
"Could it be that one of the warhorses has broken through and needs extra feeding?" Tao Anchun groaned, pulling himself out of bed and hauling another load of food toward Tuoquan Palace.
When he arrived, he found Zhao Xing already there.
"Sir, were you alerted by the alarm bell?" Tao Anchun asked.
"Indeed. I came to take a look."
"How many warhorses have broken through?"
"None. It's that troublemaker Xiaotian." Zhao Xing pointed at the room where the dog was kept. "It chewed through its cage and has been knocking on the alarm bell."
Tao Anchun: "…"
Zhao Xing approached Mountain Cat, who was lounging nearby. "Was this your idea?"
Mountain Cat obediently nodded.
"I asked you to train the dog, not teach it this trick," Zhao Xing chided with exasperation.
"Are you training a dog or a person here?"
Tao Anchun chuckled. "Your two battle beasts are indeed clever."
"This won't do. I really need a professional Beast Master to teach me," Zhao Xing said. "Tao, when is Zhai Zhong from Bishui Dao Academy coming over?"
"We're expecting him on the first of April."
In early April of the twenty-second year of the Jingxin Era, the spring season of the Myriad Beasts Competition began.
After delivering a new batch of orders, Qin Hongying, the branch dean of Bishui Dao Academy, sent Zhai Zhong to Twin-Dragon Island to instruct Zhao Xing in Beast Mastery techniques.
By May, Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat had transitioned out of their juvenile stage and entered their growth period, advancing to the Eighth Rank Spirit Bridge stage.
They were absorbing vital energy faster and needed to eat much more.
"You've done a decent job raising them," Zhai Zhong said, inspecting Xiaotian's bones.
"The Cangqi breed carries the bloodline of the ancient divine beast Suanni. With continued training, it's progressing well, with its bloodline power reaching the third level."
Zhao Xing nodded in satisfaction. If the beasts spent all day eating and sleeping, even the strongest bloodlines would wither away.
The same was true for human cultivators—if one indulged in idleness, even the most talented individual would be wasted within three years.
"I'll be relying on your guidance in the future, Master Zhai."
By mid-April, the spring season of the Myriad Beasts Competition was in full swing.
Kun Te of Jiulong Island was fully prepared this time, entering fifty battle beasts with divine bloodlines into the tournament.
Yet, he didn't see Twin-Dragon Island on the roster.
The same went for the summer and autumn tournaments; Zhao Xing didn't participate in either.
Last winter's display of Mountain Cat's god-slaying prowess seemed like a one-time phenomenon.
On November 7th of the twenty-second year of the Jingxin Era, with the advent of winter, the low-rank training on the Pingman Battlefield came to an end.
The Ten Suns, Danxia, Huanyou, and Yuanhua troops were reduced to auxiliary roles.
The Seven Strong Troops—Tongyou, Jiuxiao, Huangquan, Xuanming, Tiancang, Taixu, and Wuyao—were deployed instead.
All ranks below the Sixth Rank were withdrawn from the battlefield.
The Sixth Rank Heavenly Gang stage became the minimum requirement for entry.
The Fourth Rank Primordial Soul stage became the standard for commanding generals.
Zhao Xing's familiar faces returned to the battlefield: General Bo Ping Marquis Yang An of the Shenwei Army, General Mingwei Marquis Xiang Kui of the Xuanjia Army, Marquis of Martial Might Xu Xinming from the Tiger Jiao Army, and Marquis Yangwu Dingyang of the Lieyang Army.
"Lu Yuanwei has advanced to the Fifth Rank and remained, participating in the battle alongside the Shenlei Army."
"Xia Jing has also reached the Fifth Rank and, under the command of his cousin Xia Tong, continues to engage in the mid-rank battle."
"And then there's Pei Yuanchang, Ji Chen…"
As Zhao Xing reviewed the reports, he closed his eyes and entered a state of contemplation.
"Compared to my previous life, the mid-rank battle has begun three years early. Originally, it was supposed to start in the twenty-fifth year of the Jingxin Era and end in the thirty-fourth."
"Now, things have changed so much, likely due to the impact of the Ten Suns Rising incident," Zhao Xing mused.
This time, many mid-ranking generals had survived the Ten Suns Rising incident.
But Zhao Xing suspected that the reduced casualties weren't the only factor.
The real reason was that the nature of the Ten Suns Rising had changed.
In Zhao Xing's previous life, the Ten Suns Rising incident was classified as a natural disaster. But in this life, it was a mix of natural and human-made calamities.
With the discovery of the Xuantian Sect's involvement, the Great Zhou had grown far more enraged, prompting Emperor Jing to mobilize seven of the top-ranked forces from the start.
In his previous life, only three elite troops were initially deployed, with four more added later.
Zhao Xing couldn't help but wonder about the potential consequences of these changes.
Entering a light trance, he contemplated for a moment before snapping back to reality.
Then he traveled to the Shen Nong temple in Twin-Dragon County on Bay Island, activating the Earth Mirror to establish a remote connection with Liu Tianning.
"Teacher, I've heard of some changes on the Pingman Battlefield. How are things on your end?" Zhao Xing asked.
"I've taken on a new position as the Intelligence Officer for the Shangyu Division in Pinghai Prefecture, and I've sent several incarnations to the Yangguang King's Court," Liu Tianning replied.
"The Shangyu Division?" Zhao Xing was taken aback. That was an intelligence agency. Why would his teacher take on an undercover role?
Liu Tianning didn't offer much explanation. "You should be cautious in the Eastern Sea and stay on guard against any hostile forces."
"Who do you mean?" Zhao Xing asked.
"The Liang King faction, the East Wilderness powers, and the Seventy-Two Evil Sects," Liu Tianning replied. "You're deep in the Eastern Sea, and even if I wanted to assist you, my reach would be limited. Keep a low profile out there."
"Yes, sir," Zhao Xing said thoughtfully.
He suspected his teacher had uncovered something significant; otherwise, he wouldn't be urging caution regarding the Liang King's faction, even though Zhao Xing was already stationed in the Eastern Sea.
As for the Seventy-Two Evil Sects and their involvement with Eastern Sea forces, Zhao Xing would have to investigate further.
After ending the conversation with Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing entered a meditative state once more.
The Ten Suns Rising incident had indeed left deep and lasting effects.
Though the Great Zhou attributed it primarily to natural causes, it became a rallying symbol for the Xuantian Sect, which took full credit for the event in the propaganda they spread across the Southern Wilderness.
Blood Spirit Sovereign's upheaval of the Ten Suns Cave-Heaven greatly encouraged the sectarian world beyond the Great Zhou's borders.
With the low-rank training nearing its end and Great Zhou showing signs of fatigue, the Four Seas and Eight Desolations grew restless.
"Emperor Jing urgently needs a decisive victory to suppress the Four Seas and Eight Desolations. That's likely why he's initiated the mid-rank battle three years early."
"The Seventy-Two Evil Sects were formed from splinter groups of the Seventy-Two Dao Academies. Could there be external forces in the depths of the Eastern Sea? The Bishui Sect? The Tiankui Sect?" Zhao Xing pondered. "Even the aquatic races might start acting up."
"I can only hope Emperor Jing doesn't suffer too devastating a defeat. Otherwise, by the time of Emperor Wu, who knows what state things will be in. Hmm… with the timeline shifted by three years, will Emperor Wu even be born?"
Suddenly struck by this thought, Zhao Xing paused. The Jingxin Era was originally supposed to last until its thirty-seventh year. If it were shortened by three years, would Emperor Jing still be able to sire Emperor Wu?
"Whatever happens, it won't stop me from achieving my goal of becoming the Grand Shennong," Zhao Xing concluded with a smirk.
"As long as I rise to the position of any sect's Shennong leader, that post is mine."
In the twenty-third year of the Jingxin Era, Zhao Xing remained stationed on Twin-Dragon Island as Left Director.
For the first half of the year, he still hadn't caught a glimpse of Princess Youruo.
It seemed the old vixen had entirely forgotten about him.
Nevertheless, Zhao Xing continued to send gifts and greetings to the princess's residence during important festivals.
His only consolation was that Princess Youruo still accepted his gifts.
She simply didn't want to see him personally.
In mid-year, Mountain Cat advanced from the early stage of the Fifth Rank to the mid-stage.
Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat progressed to the late stage of the Seventh Rank Earth Fiend Realm.
Zhao Xing's mastery over Beast Mastery spells also grew increasingly refined.
By the year's end, Chongming Prefecture rated his performance as "Excellent" once again.
In early twenty-fourth year of the Jingxin Era, the Southern Wilderness battlefield witnessed Yang An slay a Third Rank Heavenly Shaman with a single strike, earning widespread fame and the title of Marquis Shenwei.
In the same year, during the summer, Bishui Dao Academy's Beast Master Division saw Shang Ziyan and Su Minghui emerge as standout performers in the summer pre-selection.
By winter, Mountain Cat reached the later stage of the Fifth Rank, and Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat had both entered the early stage of the Sixth Rank.
In the twenty-fifth year of the Jingxin Era, during the fall season, Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat reached the early stage of the Fifth Rank, successfully passing the autumn pre-selection.
This time, Zhao Xing kept a low profile. Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat did not showcase any excessive strength.
In the second-to-last preliminary round on Tianjing Island, Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat barely made the cut.
By the end of December, the pre-selection for the Myriad Beasts Competition had concluded, leaving only the requirement of competing in a single group match within the next five years to qualify from the Eastern Sea.
After the Myriad Beasts Competition, Zhao Xing heeded Liu Tianning's advice and settled down on Twin-Dragon Island, devoting his energy to farming.
He paid little attention to the Pingman battle.
Aside from his usual official duties, he focused entirely on studying the Myriad Straw Puppets Straw Puppet techniques, training his battle beasts, and meditating on the Three Great Secret Texts.
Occasionally, he would send letters to his previous investments—Yun Yi, Li Fuhan, and Yue Lingzhi—gifting them rare herbs and resources he had acquired on the island.
Time seemed to pass in the blink of an eye amidst the routine of farming and cultivation.
Before he knew it, it was already the twenty-ninth year of the Jingxin Era.
On March 5th of the twenty-ninth year of the Jingxin Era, the Awakening of Insects solar term…
Far from Twin-Dragon Island, in an unnamed sea region five thousand meters below the surface…
A black-furred Cangqi drifted in the depths of the ocean.
"Blub…"
Xiaotian exhaled a bubble, which expanded into a half-meter-wide ring.
Within Xiaotian's mouth, a faint red glow appeared.
"Boom!" It was as if a fire dragon erupted from Xiaotian's mouth, extending a beam of fiery light for a kilometer.
The powerful impact triggered an underwater shockwave, creating a vacuum of negative pressure.
"Boom!" The red light struck a distant barrier spell.
On the deck of a tower ship above, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, his eyes snapping open at the clear sound of chimes nearby.
"Ding…"
When Zhao Xing looked over, he saw a crystal beside him projecting text onto the deck.
[Identification test result: high-grade secret technique "Flame of Destruction"]
[Test power: Early Primordial Soul Realm]
[Test range: 1,200 meters]
[Blast radius: 3.5 meters]
"Even at a distance of 1,200 meters below the sea, it achieved the power of the Primordial Soul Realm early stage. This journey was definitely worth it," Zhao Xing said with a smile.
"Xiaotian, come up."
"Woof!"
The Cangqi beneath the sea turned into a streak of red and black light, quickly swimming upward.
With a splash, water shot into the air as the dark-red figure broke the surface and leapt onto the deck.
"Woof woof!" Xiaotian panted, wagging its tail enthusiastically at Zhao Xing.
Zhao Xing extended a hand, extracting a drop of blood from Xiaotian and placing it into the "Shangheng Instrument."
The high-grade instrument displayed Xiaotian's complete profile:
[Name: Cangqi]
[Grade: Mid-stage Fifth Rank]
[Bloodline: Divine Seventh Level]
[Innate Skill: Power of the Suanni]
[Inherited from the bloodline of the ancient divine beast Suanni, this skill enhances vital energy to the mid-stage Primordial Soul Realm. Estimated duration: Two hours.]
[Innate Skill: Suanni Aspect]
[With the bloodline reaching the Seventh Level, Suanni Aspect can be unleashed, amplifying all fire-based techniques sevenfold for one hour.]
[Innate Skill: Destruction Impact]
[Attack power: Mid-stage Primordial Soul Realm]
[Innate Skill: Triple Fire Domain]
[Effect: Summons the power of the world's fire to burn all enemies within the domain.]
[Range: 3,000 meters; maximum damage radius: 300 meters.]
[Secondary Transformation: Pure Sun Element Body]
[Elemental Affinity: (Activation conditions met)]
[Overall Combat Rating: Mid-stage Fourth Rank Primordial Soul]
"With a combat rating at the mid-stage Fourth Rank Primordial Soul, this divine beast bloodline truly lives up to its reputation," Zhao Xing murmured, closing the Shangheng Instrument.
"But there's still plenty of room for improvement."
At present, Xiaotian was only in the mid-stage Fifth Rank, while the maximum limit for the Myriad Beasts Competition was the Fourth Rank.
"Let's see where the next sea-based phenomenon will occur."
Zhao Xing walked into the cabin of the tower ship.
Within the Cloud Rain Tower Ship, there was a spacious room, containing only a single item: the shell of a ten-thousand-year-old black tortoise.
After eight years of intense fire forging, the tortoise shell had shrunk to one-tenth of its original size, finally small enough to be carried on board.
If it had remained in its original form, the Cloud Rain Tower Ship wouldn't have been able to hold it, requiring a full-sized warship instead.
"My mastery of the Occupation-Fortune Techniques has reached the advanced third transformation. This spell is specifically designed to predict changes in natural phenomena."
"Though my own technique is only at the high third transformation, the ten-thousand-year black tortoise shell allows me to achieve a complete effect of a high transformation."
The Occupation-Fortune Technique was divided into two parts, covering both land and sea. Zhao Xing had focused these last few years on honing his ability to predict changes in the ocean.
His Thunder Prediction skill was effective, though somewhat limited—it worked best with earth-attribute beasts, and was less effective with other types.
The higher the beast's level, the harder it was to succeed with Thunder Prediction.
So, starting seven years ago, Zhao Xing had set his sights on "Sea Predictions."
"The sea holds far more frequent and varied changes than land."
"In seven years, I've identified 594 'ten-year' grade changes and 24 'hundred-year' grade changes."
"As for 'thousand-year' grade changes, I haven't found a single one."
Recalling his years of effort, Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"Only about one-fifth of the ten-year grade changes were usable."
"Hundred-year changes were even rarer, with only six being suitable; the rest carried significant risks and unpredictable consequences."
Once he identified a suitable sea phenomenon, Zhao Xing would clear the sea of all creatures, leaving only Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat to occupy the affected area.
As for Mountain Cat, the benefits of hundred-year grade changes had become negligible.
In the presence of natural changes, Xiaotian and the Upside-Down Goat had both undergone immense growth.
The Illusion Mountain Goat breed, which specialized in illusions, now stood at the mid-stage Fifth Rank Pure Essence Realm, with a combat rating at the mid-stage Fourth Rank Primordial Soul.
"I recall a thousand-year grade change in the Eastern Sea once, when a giant kun transformed into a roc."
"I've spent seven years calculating, and I've finally found the reference markers. I just don't know its exact location or time."
With a wave of his hand, fire lit up the room, engulfing the black tortoise shell.
Zhao Xing opened his Heavenly Eye, scanning the shell, seeing the same results as before.
In his mind, he envisioned a stretch of black sea with three strange islands, like swords standing upright against the horizon.
Seeing no new information, Zhao Xing opened his eyes, noticing that the tortoise shell had shrunk slightly.
"As long as I can still see it, that means it hasn't occurred yet," Zhao Xing mused. "Maybe Long Xiao can help me locate this place."
Spring had already arrived in the twenty-ninth year of the Jingxin Era, nine years since Zhao Xing and his two friends had come to the Eastern Sea to serve as officials.
Now, Long Xiao had advanced to the Fifth Rank and left Red Stone Prefecture to join the White-Eyed Green Dragon Army as a Fifth Rank Marine Patrol Officer.
Meanwhile, he and Chen Shijie were still at the official Sixth Rank.
Long Xiao had advanced more quickly, reaching his rank in the twenty-seventh year, at an accelerated pace, while Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing would have to endure another two years to reach the Fifth Rank, following the regular timeline.
Zhao Xing could have advanced at any time, but he didn't want to; reaching the Fifth Rank would mean leaving Twin-Dragon Island for one of the larger islands.
Since Liu Tianning advised him to keep a low profile, he had no reason to disagree. The influence of the Liang King's faction in the Eastern Sea continued to grow, and in recent years, other sects had even appeared on the sea posing as pirates, intercepting shipping routes.
With the opportunity for promotion always available, Zhao Xing decided to remain on Twin-Dragon Island, investing his time and energy into the region.
"If Long Xiao can't help me find this place, it's simply not meant to be, and I won't force it."
Zhao Xing activated the Occupation-Fortune Technique again, calculating a hundred-year grade phenomenon. Having received an indication, he prepared to sail south.
As he steered the ship, Zhao Xing performed a Five-Finger Destiny technique to read his fortune.
"Destiny fulfilled, long-cherished wish realized. Auspicious."
"What does that mean? A long-held wish realized? Could it be…"
Zhao Xing closed his eyes, deep in thought.
Meanwhile, his incarnation on Twin-Dragon Island activated.
As soon as it came online, Zhao Xing noticed the Earth Mirror vibrating.
The message was from Xia Jing.
"Hm…"
A virtual image appeared, displaying Xia Jing's figure.
Over the years, Xia Jing had become more mature; now a Fifth Rank military general with the Xuanjia Army, he had even grown a beard.
"What's going on, Xia? Facing setbacks in battle?" Zhao Xing asked.
The mid-rank phase of the Pingman Battle had dragged on for seven years, and the once-decisive momentum had devolved into a drawn-out, back-and-forth struggle.
Territory gained today might be reclaimed by the Southern Wilderness tomorrow, and even several Fourth Rank generals had fallen.
"No," Xia Jing replied. "Our forces have been stationed and resting in Mingfeng City for three months. General Xiang has yet to initiate the next attack."
"Then why the sudden call?"
"You asked me to find Mi Fu, remember? Well, there's news." Xia Jing grumbled, "We've been hunting for this old man for nearly a decade. Turns out he was exiled to Guixu City—that's why we couldn't track him."
Zhao Xing's eyes lit up with excitement. "Are you sure this Mi Fu is a Fifth Rank Shennong and practices the Self School's methods?"
"Yeah, he specializes in Zhejian Fa and Xiyuan Fa. My ears are sore from hearing it over and over!"
Zhao Xing fought to contain his excitement. "Please, go on. Let me see if it matches up."
"His resume is quite a tale," Xia Jing began.
"He's one hundred fifty-four years old, originally from Guangyuan County in Yuanpin Province."
"But he didn't start his official career until he was fifty."
"In the first hundred forty-ninth year of the Dingxin Era, he was admitted to the Lotus Academy."
"Then, at sixty, he graduated as a Dao official and began serving as a Shennong in Lingli County, starting off as a Junior Ninth Rank Field Official."
"His early years were smooth; he quickly reached Junior Seventh Rank."
"By age one hundred, he had risen to Junior Fifth Rank."
"But for reasons unknown, he then spent fifty-four years stuck at the Fifth Rank."
"Over that period, he held seventeen different posts, rarely serving more than three years in any one position before being reassigned or demoted."
"From Fifth Rank to Junior Fifth Rank, and back down to Assistant Fifth Rank. Up and down over a dozen times! Strangely, every time he was demoted, he quickly bounced back."
"In the seventeenth year of the Jingxin Era, he was finally demoted to the Junior Sixth Rank and sent to Guixu City. This time, he didn't regain his rank until this year's spring."
"That's when my uncle, who's based in Guangling Province, pinpointed his location."
"This guy has done everything but stick to his post."
Xia Jing sighed. "Over the years, he's been a teacher at Shangluo Academy, served as a Military Shennong in the Thousand Blade Army, and even dabbled in forging at Tiangong Workshop. Toward the end of the Dingxin Era, he briefly worked as an Inspector before switching to a martial artist."
"Five years ago, he took exams for official musician and dancer positions. They say he's even a skilled painter, capable of creating religious works…"
"No wonder we couldn't find him; he hardly spent time as a Shennong. The strangest part is, he passed every exam, and his performance reviews were always positive. He's a complete maverick…"
Listening to Xia Jing's complaints, Zhao Xing's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Yes, yes, this was him!
Mi Fu was indeed an eccentric genius!
Otherwise, how could he have created the secret technique Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique?
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Xing said, "Xia, this is precisely the man I've been looking for!"
"Please, tell me where he is now."
"He's been assigned to Guixu City in the Star Void Realm within Guangling Province."
"Star Void Realm?" Zhao Xing frowned. "I've never heard of it."
"It's a small realm predicted by the Hall of Heavenly Secrets to be nearing the end of its life, entering a phase of extinction," Xia Jing explained.
"The place is vast and chaotic. It has too many entrances, and various factions constantly fight for control."
"It's not listed as a Great Zhou territory because our forces only control a small part of it."
"It's technically uncertain if it's even located within the Great Zhou, as the Empire merely seized control of an entryway."
"Ah, that makes sense now," Zhao Xing said.
In realms with portal-based entryways, their positions drifted in the void, with entrance points stabilized by ancient weapons and formations.
If an entryway were lost, that realm would effectively vanish without a trace.
"Alright, I understand," Zhao Xing said.
"Should my uncle offer any further assistance?" Xia Jing asked. "The place is in Guangling Province, after all."
"No need." Zhao Xing smiled. "I have my own connections in Guangling. Remember?"
"True," Xia Jing replied, recalling the favors Zhao Xing accumulated by selling entry slots to Ten Suns Cave-Heaven. Those would certainly prove useful.
"Take care of yourself in the Southern Wilderness. Remember, you're still just a Captain."
"Don't worry. Killing me won't be easy. I've trained in the Gluttony Method and shield techniques from the Xuanwu Shield. Even a Fourth Rank would struggle to take me down."
"You stay safe as well. I hear the Eastern Sea has been restless lately, with evil sects cropping up."
"Relax," Zhao Xing replied. "I'm lying low here on the island. They'd be hard-pressed to find me."
Ending the call, Zhao Xing reviewed Xia Jing's report, reading it several times with growing excitement.
"Mi Fu! Old man, I've been looking high and low for you!"
"Thirteen years... you have no idea what these years have been like for me!" Zhao Xing's voice trembled with joy.
He'd started searching for Mi Fu thirteen years ago, during his time in Ten Suns Cave-Heaven.
Chen Shijie and Long Xiao had helped, but it had taken Xia Jing nearly a decade of effort to locate the elusive Shennong.
Now, having pinpointed Mi Fu's location, Zhao Xing could finally move forward.
There was no reason to wait any longer.
On the Cloud Rain Tower Ship at sea, Zhao Xing's true self began the breakthrough to the Fifth Rank Pure Essence Realm.
With Mi Fu's whereabouts now known, it wouldn't be long before he obtained the Xuanhuang Essence Breaking Technique.
He would be able to refine Pure Essence Soil and fully commit to his next step.
"Fifth Rank Pure Essence Realm… here I come!"