A familiar location, a familiar scene.
Once again, Zhao Xing entered the Water Mansion, where he saw the skeletal figure seated on the main seat, leaning on a staff, dressed in ceremonial robes, head bowed in silence.
A faint humming sound resonated in the air, and Qing Yuzi's Dao Establishment Avatar reappeared.
"My name is Qing Yuzi," he began, his tone calm yet imposing. "I am the master of the Qing Yu Star, and my allegiance lies with the Purple Divine Mansion of the Yuanhai Kingdom, a key member of the Wasteland Ancient Alliance. However, I am no longer among the living. What you see before you is merely my Dao Establishment Avatar."
This was a message similar to what Zhao Xing had heard before, tailored to suit those who sought Qing Yuzi's legacy.
The message centered on three fundamental questions: Who am I? Where am I? And where do I go from here?
However, compared to what Zhao Xing had heard as a fellow traveler, this version contained more details about the factions in the universe and Qing Yuzi's lineage. Zhao Xing listened patiently as Qing Yuzi explained numerous concepts he already knew, though a hint of impatience crept in.
After all, fifty-three years had passed since Zhao Xing entered this final trial. While he maintained composure outwardly, he couldn't help but feel anxious about the outside world. Unfortunately, there was no option to skip the "cutscene," so he had no choice but to let the sequence play out.
Eventually, Qing Yuzi concluded his farewell message.
Just as Zhao Xing assumed the inheritance ceremony was imminent, Qing Yuzi's Dao Establishment Avatar rippled, emitting faint crackling sounds. Above Qing Yuzi's head, an image of Zhao Xing's first entry into the Water Mansion appeared.
Moments later, multiple figures of Qing Yuzi manifested from different directions, merging seamlessly. After a brief flicker, Qing Yuzi's expression grew remarkably vivid.
Looking at Zhao Xing, he smiled faintly. "I never expected the one to pass my legacy's trials would be a Daoist friend from an allied faction."
"Breaking through the trials of this Dao Field in fifty-three years, using an advanced Star Positioning Method to recalibrate the Taiyin Origin Star—this must have been amusing for you, Daoist friend."
Hearing these words, Zhao Xing grew solemn and clasped his hands in a respectful gesture. "You flatter me. It is I who have disturbed your peace. Your divine abilities are vast and truly awe-inspiring."
Zhao Xing's formality stemmed from his genuine respect, as Qing Yuzi had once again exceeded his expectations. Qing Yuzi's current manifestation was no longer a mere Dao Establishment Avatar; it carried self-awareness, a feat achievable only under extraordinary circumstances.
There were only a few plausible explanations for this phenomenon.
First, Qing Yuzi's Dao Field and Dao Establishment Avatar were linked to the Xuanhuang Realm's origin, enabling his Avatar to retain a semblance of consciousness. Alternatively, Qing Yuzi might have employed a powerful artifact, using his Dao Field to bridge tens of thousands of years and communicate across time and space.
Dao Fields inherently possessed continuity. Even after the death of their creators, Dao Establishment Avatars could persist for ages.
Cosmic artifacts wielded by Fate Officials could similarly span eons. Zhao Xing recalled tales of Ji Anlan, who once communicated across decades from the Dragon Court. It was entirely plausible that Qing Yuzi had wielded such a treasure, given his mastery over primordial techniques.
Though speculative, Zhao Xing's guesses likely weren't far from the truth.
"Your words honor me," Qing Yuzi replied with a modest bow. "Your presence here proves that destiny itself has guided you. Regardless of the circumstances, having someone inherit my legacy gives me a sense of closure."
Zhao Xing responded without hesitation. "Having received your grace, I swear to deliver your remains and relics to the Purple Divine Mansion of the Yuanhai Kingdom once I leave the Xuanhuang Realm. Should you have other wishes, I will return your treasures to your kin, using them solely to escape this realm."
This wasn't an empty promise. For Zhao Xing, leaving the Xuanhuang Realm was paramount. With the vast universe awaiting him, Qing Yuzi's belongings were secondary.
Qing Yuzi chuckled. "Do not underestimate me. I have long since transcended attachment to material possessions."
"You have a grand perspective, Daoist friend," Qing Yuzi continued. "I dare not claim you as a disciple. But should you escape this realm and feel inclined, find someone worthy to pass on my teachings."
"Time spares no one," he added with a sigh. "I don't know how many years have passed since my death. Perhaps my arrangements underground have withered, and the opportunity for ascension may no longer exist."
Zhao Xing bowed once more, his gesture steeped in admiration for Qing Yuzi's open-mindedness and magnanimity. The temperament of Qing Yuzi mirrored the serene detachment often seen in the Shennong of the Heaven School.
"I swear to find a disciple to ensure your teachings endure," Zhao Xing pledged. He refrained from taking any binding oaths, knowing the many ways such promises could be circumvented. Qing Yuzi, aware of this, simply nodded and shifted the conversation.
"If you wish to ascend, the obstacles of the Southern Wasteland and the Abyssal Ruins will be your greatest challenges," Qing Yuzi warned.
"In the past, my friends Puta and Fairy Su attempted to establish an ascension pathway through the Yu Dynasty but failed. Timing was one factor, but the barriers of the Southern Wasteland and the Abyssal Ruins played a significant role."
"To address this, I revised the Eight Epochs of Purple Light technique, tailoring a chapter specifically for these challenges. I hope it proves useful to you."
Zhao Xing nodded, reflecting on his fifty-three years of comprehension. He had discerned peculiarities in the star positions—not only were some missing, but others had been deliberately adjusted. If these alterations were indeed meant to counter the Southern Wasteland, the modifications made sense.
"Additionally, my two friends, Puta and Fairy Su, left behind two divine abilities designed specifically for these regions," Qing Yuzi explained. "Upon completing the final trial, the inheritor must swear a Fate Soul Oath to assist in overcoming the Southern Wasteland."
"Without this commitment, the inheritance cannot be claimed. Any learned techniques will be erased, and the legacy will pass to the next candidate."
Hearing this, Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile inwardly. This ensured that the inheritance of three primordial realm masters would never fall into the hands of the Southern Wasteland King's Court. While factions like the Eastern Archipelago might gain access, the Southern Wasteland had no chance—unless they were willing to betray the Moon God of Witchcraft.
"No wonder," Zhao Xing thought. "Back then, Qing Yuzi and his companions fled the Xuanhuang Realm, only to find the Southern Wasteland blocking their path. This led to Puta's untimely death within a thousand years, while Qing Yuzi and Fairy Su met similar fates."
"It's hard to say if resentment towards the Southern Barbarian Holy Mountain won't arise," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "Among the three, Qing Yuzi had the highest cultivation level, making his successor the ultimate leader, while the other two were natural allies. This aligns with the true essence of ascension."
"In that case, I'd prefer if someone outside of the Great Zhou inherited it."
"No matter who gains the inheritance, they'd inevitably become a double agent, staying in the opposing camp as an internal mole. It would be nearly impossible to guard against." Just as Zhao Xing was pondering how to exploit this rule, Qing Yuzi's body gradually dissipated after completing his explanation, leaving behind a voice filled with sorrow, echoing: "The purple moon shines upon the sky, Qing Yuzi stands at his old home. A thousand threads of homesickness, returning each night in dreams. My friend, please take me home..."
Watching Qing Yuzi's Dharma body dissolve slowly, Zhao Xing stood silent for a long time. After a while, he finally approached Qing Yuzi's remains.
Summoning the Pure Essence Projection, Zhao Xing felled several large trees from the ground and crafted a coffin.
He then lit three sticks of incense, bowed to Qing Yuzi's remains, and carefully placed his bones and clothing into the coffin.
He did not strip the robe from Qing Yuzi's body, even though it appeared to be a stellar-grade Dao weapon. Since Qing Yuzi had not stored it in the large Qiankun pouch, Zhao Xing refrained from taking it. After all, he had taken other items belonging to the deceased. Though he had not formally apprenticed under him, respecting the dead was paramount.
In front of Qing Yuzi lay a desk with various notes he had written. Despite the passage of time, the materials used in the Dao field showed no signs of decay. Zhao Xing collected these writings and placed them in a box for safekeeping.
After handling these final affairs, Zhao Xing picked up the large Qiankun pouch.
"Qing Yuzi's personal Qiankun pouch is much larger than the small Qiankun pouch I had before," Zhao Xing noted as he examined its contents. The internal space was approximately ten times larger.
"It's filled with items, mostly treasures, seemingly indigenous to the Xuanhuang Realm."
"Qing Yuzi was really considerate. He prepared enough resources to supply several mountains for the successor. With these materials, one could quickly establish a powerful force." The treasure-level resources were truly abundant, calculated by the mountain.
Among the items were more than 3,000 soul artifact fragments, similar to the ones Lord Deus had given Wu Yuan. These fragments could help people comprehend rules and domains.
"These difficult-to-unbind soul artifact fragments, while not expensive in the cosmic version, are exceptional in the Xuanhuang Realm. They enable domain comprehension. But why would he carry so many?"
"Oh, right. He was the master of Qing Yu Star, already leading his own force. Carrying such items makes sense." Zhao Xing also noticed heaps of Wind Elm Fruit, a resource for improving aptitude. "In the first trial, I only managed to acquire one. Here, it's piled up like a mountain."
"Large quantities of detoxification pills, all labeled with prescriptions—targeting the Ten Catastrophes?"
"Gathered spiritual energy condensed into liquid, stored in numerous crates. Wait... is this crystallized spiritual energy? Incredible..." Without a doubt, this was a major treasure trove of the Xuanhuang Realm.
No wonder the Moon God sought to prevent the Great Zhou from obtaining it. This treasure hoard would undoubtedly make the Great Zhou terrifyingly powerful. Amidst the piles of treasure-grade materials and items, three objects were placed separately at the center of the storage.
The first item was something Zhao Xing was familiar with: the Seasonal Observation World. However, its quality was notably different.
"The one I obtained earlier had only eight Seasonal Qi stages and was solely for comprehension. It was a lower-grade stellar Dao weapon."
"This one, however, possesses sixteen Seasonal Qi stages and includes the Purple Moon's illumination."
"Infused with a fragment of the Purple Moon's essence, it's an upper-grade stellar Dao weapon, not only useful for comprehension but also compatible with the minor divine ability, Eight Epoch Purple Moon." The second treasure was a leaf radiating vibrant life energy.
Upon seeing it, Zhao Xing froze in surprise. "The apex leaf of the Cangwu Tree? Refined into a treasure? The Xuanhuang Realm doesn't even have a real Cangwu Tree!"
Cangwu and Huangquan were legendary divine trees.
Liu Tianning's Four Seasons Divine Splendor Dao Field housed a sacred tree called Huangquan Yin, but it wasn't the true Huangquan Tree, merely a distant relative, vastly inferior to the true Cangwu Divine Tree.
"A Cangwu Tree apex leaf, imbued with the Great Dao of Life, refined into a treasure—this is essentially a second life," Zhao Xing marveled. According to Qing Yuzi's notes, refining the Cangwu Leaf would grant one the Life Domain.
Upon reaching the Ascension Realm, it could elevate to the Life Dao Field.
At the Origin Realm, it would allow comprehension of divine abilities related to the Great Dao of Life.
Liu Tianning's mastery of the Life Domain made him a fearsome combatant, constantly siphoning others' life force. Facing him meant losing lifespan with every encounter—a terrifying thought! In the second trial on Guru Star, he had relied on the Life Domain to resist the suppression of rules, boldly declaring, "I am here."
One of the abilities most coveted by Shennong was related to the Life Source. "Once refined, injuries to the physical body would heal almost instantly."
"If one mastered a life-related divine ability, with the Yuan Soul anchored to the Cangwu Leaf, even if the body were reduced to ashes, one could resurrect from this single leaf."
"After refinement, Qing Yuzi's flesh would have been akin to Tang Monk's flesh—eating just a piece would extend lifespan. No wonder he lived long, recovering so quickly. Not long after his ascension during the Xia Dynasty, he founded the Yu Dynasty, clearly having already recovered from his injuries by then."
"Such a supreme treasure is easily comparable to stellar-grade Dao weapons in value." Zhao Xing turned his attention to the third treasure.
It was a transparent book, its light flowing in cyclical patterns. As Zhao Xing's gaze fell upon it, the book revealed a scene: "Zhao Xing, you're back? How are things?"
"Lord Ji, hold off on questioning me. Brief me on the outside situation. You've been gone for fifty-three years..."
The moment Zhao Xing looked away, the book became transparent again. "Haha, as expected, this treasure exists."
Zhao Xing smiled as he examined it.
A treasure crafted by cosmic officials of destiny: the Star Luck Strategy. "This is a stellar Dao weapon."
"No wonder Qing Yuzi could combine his Dao Field with it, transcending space-time to converse with me," Zhao Xing remarked in awe.
The Star Luck Strategy could be considered the cosmic version of the "Yellow Almanac," capable of predicting good and bad fortune. However, its functions were distinct from the Yellow Almanac.
Its foundational principles also differed.
"In the theory of Fate officials, every star in the cosmos possesses 'star luck.' They emit a kind of luck light invisible through conventional means."
"Based on this theory, destiny officials classify stars as 'auspicious' and 'inauspicious.' Hence, the origins of blessings and misfortunes."
"The Star Luck Strategy, as a stellar Dao weapon, was forged from an 'auspicious star.'" After deducing the quality of the Star Luck Strategy, Zhao Xing felt puzzled.
With this treasure, how did Qing Yuzi still get outmaneuvered? His enemies must have been extraordinarily formidable.
"A stellar-level Star Luck Strategy isn't limited to predicting fortune. It allows non-destiny-related professions to glimpse future fragments without requiring additional learning. According to the destiny theory, each star's luck light serves as a record, reflecting the past and future."
"This principle underlies the creation of the Star Luck Strategy."
Earlier, Zhao Xing had already witnessed the conversation he would have with Ji Si upon leaving and even the questions Ji Si would ask.
"Brother, this isn't just bad luck—you encountered a master."
Zhao Xing sighed. With treasures like these, Qing Yuzi still ended up crash-landing in the Xuanhuang Realm. His enemy's strength and arsenal must have far surpassed his own. "These treasures are immensely valuable. Just based on these alone, Qing Yuzi was an incredibly wealthy individual within the third realm of the Origin stage."
However, these treasures couldn't unleash their full potential in the Xuanhuang Realm, and Zhao Xing himself was entirely incapable of utilizing them at present. "At the Stand Dao Realm, the enhanced Seasonal Observation World might be the only item I can fully wield."
Qing Yuzi's Qiankun pouch contained several secret methods, but Zhao Xing had no time to peruse them now. He had spent fifty-three years here and urgently needed to understand the outside situation.
Retrieving his focus from the Qiankun pouch, he picked up a purple staff. It was the Purple Light Divine Command, the control tool for the Purple Deity Ruins.
It acted as the master switch for the subterranean ruins.
"Though this item is only upper-tier treasure-grade, it can control the array formations of the entire ruins, including the inheritance trials within Qing Yuzi's Dao Field," Zhao Xing thought.
As for Puta's and Su Xianzi's inheritance trials, he couldn't control those. However, he could observe the progress of challengers there.
"Let's see how many have reached the third trial."
Zhao Xing waved the Purple Light Divine Command, and a curtain of water immediately materialized before him.
The third trial was a distributed simulation, where each individual appeared alone amidst the simulated purple moon and asteroid belt. In various trials, Qing Yuzi's Dao Establishment Dharma Body remained active.
Only within the Water Palace had Qing Yuzi's Dharma Body permanently disappeared, as he had entrusted the decision-making authority to Zhao Xing.
Now, Zhao Xing was the master here. He could choose to allow participants to proceed with the trials or remove them entirely. Even without rewards, these trials were excellent places for cultivation.
"Thirty-five years ago, Liu Tianning was the second to enter the third trial."
"In other words, eighteen years after I entered the third trial, Old Liu finally caught up."
"Then Ling Tianchen came twenty-five years after me, seven years slower than Old Liu. Xuantian Divine Venerable lagged three more years behind Ling Tianchen."
"Mist Walker arrived thirty years after I did, twelve years behind Old Liu."
"As for Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable, tsk tsk, that old fox... hiding his strength as if I wouldn't notice. He entered five years earlier than Mist Walker, almost at the same time as Ling Tianchen."
"The two lunatics from the Heavenly Realm and the elder of the Corpse Puppet Sect, Changsun Kui, entered roughly forty years after me."
Zhao Xing saw everything clearly.
A total of eight people had entered the third trial:
Liu Tianning, Ling Tianchen, Xuantian Divine Venerable, Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable, Mist Walker, the Wind and Rain Immortals from the Heavenly Realm, and Changsun Kui, the elder of the Corpse Puppet Sect. The others were still in the second trial.
"Meanwhile, the number of participants in the second trial has grown from fifty-two to one hundred and one, almost doubling. The world now abounds with ultimate techniques."
Under normal circumstances, the Xuanhuang Realm rarely saw the birth of new ultimate techniques in any given era.
But the appearance of Qing Yuzi, along with the Enlightenment Monument and Law Comprehension Monument he left behind, had accelerated the process, significantly increasing the probability of new ultimate techniques emerging.
"The tidal wave of vital energy has already begun at the periphery, birthing numerous ultimate techniques. In the sectarian world, this marks the arrival of a 'Golden Age'—a new era." After observing for a moment, Zhao Xing activated his thoughts and appeared in the third trial.
"Hmm?"
While meditating, Xuantian Divine Venerable abruptly turned toward a specific spot, his expression drastically changing. "Zhao Xing? He completed the final challenge!"
Xuantian Divine Venerable understood—it was already too late.
"Xuantian Zi, will you submit?" Zhao Xing asked calmly. "If you're willing, I can give you an opportunity to join the Great Zhou."
"Submit?" Xuantian Divine Venerable's expression shifted, but he eventually let it all go. "In this sovereign's dictionary, the word 'submit' doesn't exist! Kill me, then!" He knew resistance was futile, even though his strength had nearly reached the true Rule Realm.
But here, in the Dao Field of a great figure from beyond the heavens, Zhao Xing was now the new master, capable of erasing him effortlessly.
"As you wish."
With a single point of the Purple Light Divine Command, Xuantian Divine Venerable vanished into ashes without a sound.
At this moment, Zhao Xing was the true master of Qing Yuzi's Dao Field!
Even a genuine Ascension Realm cultivator would be crushed by Zhao Xing here. After all, Qing Yuzi himself was far beyond the Ascension Realm.
The Dao Field he left behind could easily eliminate someone like Xuantian Divine Venerable.
"Xuantian Divine Venerable has bowed out just like that. In my past life, he managed to hold on until the late reign of Emperor Wu, only to be slain by Liu Tianning," Zhao Xing thought, sighing slightly.
He bore no personal grudge against Xuantian Divine Venerable. However, since the man refused to submit, there was no choice but to eliminate him.
Whoosh—
Zhao Xing teleported again, this time appearing before Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable in the Eastern Ao Snake Nation.
"Lord Zhao?" Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable shuddered, snapping to attention. "Congratulations, Lord Zhao—"
Before he could finish, he was gone.
Zhao Xing couldn't be bothered dealing with such duplicitous individuals, eliminating him decisively.
Besides, in his previous life, while on a mission in Dongying, Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable had orchestrated his team's annihilation.
Now, the debt was repaid.
Whoosh—
Zhao Xing teleported once more, appearing before Mist Walker.
The moment Mist Walker saw Zhao Xing's figure across the asteroid, he immediately understood everything.
The causal soul within him stirred, and certain restrictions dissipated.
According to sect regulations, Mist Walker now became the temporary sect leader.
"Lord Zhao, has my senior brother fallen?" Mist Walker asked.
Zhao Xing was surprised by Mist Walker's reaction.
Why did he look so excited?
"Yes, he's gone."
Mist Walker immediately declared, "Lord Zhao, now that he is dead, I am the temporary sect leader. But I know I am unworthy of this position. I ask that Lord Zhao take over as the sect leader of our Divine Sect."
"You want me to lead the Divine Sect?" Zhao Xing asked, intrigued. He hadn't expected Mist Walker to be so sincere in the conversations they'd had at the plaza.
Within this Dao Field, Zhao Xing could see that Mist Walker's words were genuinely heartfelt.
Could it be that this guy truly wanted to follow him?
"If not for the sect's ancestral rules binding me, I would have cut down the previous sect leader long ago," Mist Walker said, his eyes blazing. "You are the only one who can truly lead the Divine Sect to rise and fulfill its mission."
"This time, when I return, I will surely ascend as the new Divine Venerable and become the national preceptor of the Golden Feather Court."
"If you do not mind, I am willing to bring the Divine Sect under your banner and await your commands within the Golden Feather Court."
Zhao Xing watched as Mist Walker bowed, unsure of what to say.
He did intend to recruit Mist Walker, but he never expected the latter would need no persuasion or even a soul-binding oath.
This guy truly meant it!
"Very well, Mist Walker. From now on, follow me. When I ascend, I will take you with me!" Zhao Xing declared. "I won't require you to make any oaths."
"The sect master has a grand vision and an open heart!" Mist Walker said, deeply moved.
"I'll send you out," Zhao Xing said, waving dismissively, unable to endure Mist Walker's fanatical gaze. Mist Walker then left the Dao Field.
"If I'm letting Mist Walker go, I need to let more people live. Otherwise, having only him survive would be too conspicuous," Zhao Xing thought.
Thus, he also spared Changsun Kui of the Corpse Puppet Sect.
"Senior Elder Changsun, your ability to nurture parasitic species is a rare talent."
"I'm letting you return. Behave yourself in the future."
Changsun Kui, who had expected his death, was stunned to be released. He hadn't imagined Lord Zhao to be so magnanimous.
"Wind Immortal," Zhao Xing said, teleporting to another location.
"Eh?" A youth engrossed in studying the Eight Epoch Purple Light raised his head. "You've succeeded?"
"Yes." Zhao Xing nodded.
"Are you going to kill me?" Wind Immortal asked.
"No. You may leave," Zhao Xing replied.
"Wait, if you're not going to kill me, can I stay and play for a bit—" Before he could finish, he vanished from the asteroid.
Rain Immortal received the same treatment, teleported out as well.
Whoosh—
Zhao Xing appeared again in another location. "Teacher."
Liu Tianning stood by the edge of the meteor, gazing downward. Hearing the voice, he allowed a faint smile to cross his face. "Zhao Xing, congratulations."
"It was just luck," Zhao Xing replied with a laugh. "Teacher's comprehension speed is quite impressive. At your current pace, another fifty years should suffice for success. Have you now gained full access and permissions?"
"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "Teacher, you can choose to continue studying here. I can lower the difficulty and make things a bit smoother for you."
If Liu Tianning could master it, it would be for the best. Having one more person wield the Eight Epochs Violet Radiance Divine Technique would amplify its effects, and it would fulfill Qing Yuzi's last wish—a win-win situation.
"There's no need for me to comprehend it right now," Liu Tianning said. "I'm not sure what the situation is like outside. As the Grand Shennong, I can't remain here forever. Since you've obtained the inheritance, you can come and go as you please in the future."
"That works." Zhao Xing nodded. "Let's leave together, then." Meanwhile, Ling Tianchen opted to continue his study.
"My progress with the Eight Epochs Divine Technique is too slow. It's better for me to return to the second stage. I want to continue my comprehension on the planet Gulu." Ling Tianchen shared his thoughts.
"Alright," Zhao Xing agreed with a nod.
Zhao Xing then relocated Ling Tianchen back to the second stage on Gulu Star. Following that, he teleported to the second and first stages, eliminating or releasing non-Great Zhou faction challengers as necessary.
At the same time, Zhao Xing sealed off the inheritance trial of Qing Yuzi, preventing further access. In an instant, hundreds of people appeared in the Three Gods Plaza.
"What's going on? Why am I suddenly outside?"
"Hiss! Qing Yuzi's inheritance must have been claimed!"
"Who could it be? Xuantian Divine Sovereign or Zhao Xing?"
"Divine Sovereign, my foot. Look at the ones teleported out—only Alliance members. There are no Great Zhou people here!"
"Damn it, does this mean we're going to die here?"
The crowd was restless and uneasy. Soon, however, a figure flew out from the Tr-God Plaza.
"You are temporarily detained by this official. You are neither allowed to leave nor to escape. Whether you live or die will be decided by His Majesty." Zhao Xing's words echoed as he manipulated the arena, imprisoning everyone in a nearby barrier city.
Zhao Xing planned to release some of the captives eventually, but he wouldn't do so indiscriminately. Releasing them required negotiation—ransoms were to be paid.
These individuals were Shennongs, and killing too many would go against the Heavenly Order. Zhao Xing estimated that Ji Che would agree to trade resources for these people. If not, recruiting or executing them later wouldn't be out of the question.
"Nearly seventy to eighty percent of the powerful Shennongs from the Xuanhuang Realm are here," Liu Tianning observed. Looking at the crowd below, every one of them was a renowned expert, now reduced to prisoners.
"With such permissions granted upon passing the final trial, does this mean Puta and Fairy Su's trials might also confer similar powers upon completion?" Liu Tianning asked.
"In theory, those two also have arenas and could kill other challengers attempting their trials," Zhao Xing explained.
"And in reality?" Liu Tianning inquired.
"In reality, the ultimate inheritor would never oppose Great Zhou," Zhao Xing replied with a faint smile. "Teacher, let's head up. When the time comes, you'll understand what I mean."
Emerging from the sea and arriving at the Matrix Palace, Zhao Xing immediately sensed the presence of Ji Si.
"Zhao Xing, you're out? How is it?" Ji Si asked.
"My Lord, let's not discuss me first. Tell me about the situation outside."
"In the fifty-three years of your absence, the friction between the two sides has intensified, though there haven't been any major battles," Ji Si recounted. "As for the inheritance trials, the Alliance shamans shifted their focus toward Puta's and Fairy Su's trials after discovering our trap."
"Currently, challengers have reached the second stage in both trials."
"The Mechanist Dao inheritance had over 1,300 participants in the first stage, but only 65 have progressed to the second."
"For the Soul Dao inheritance, over 3,000 entered the first stage, but only 8 made it to the second."
Zhao Xing nodded slightly. The disparity in the Soul Dao trial was far greater.
The Mechanist Dao, while complex and mentally taxing, allowed for steady improvement through diligence and time.
The Soul Dao, however, was different—it was a matter of capability. Either you had it, or you didn't.
Even though Zhao Xing had corrected the Derivation of Divine Spirit Technique alongside the Heaven Derivation King, the inherent difficulty of learning it remained unchanged.
Of the three trials, the Soul Dao was undeniably the most challenging.
"I'll report my findings to His Majesty once everyone is assembled," Zhao Xing said.
"Very well." Ji Si nodded.
However, Ji Si hesitated momentarily, seemingly unsure whether to speak.
"What is it, Lord Ji?" Zhao Xing asked.
"I wanted to ask if you've acquired the treasure of the Fate Officer?" Ji Si inquired.
Zhao Xing was surprised. Fate Shaman Tian's talent in the Dao of Fate was extraordinary.
Indeed, Zhao Xing had obtained the Star Fate Codex, a Fate Officer's treasure.
But it was impossible for Ji Si to deduce that.
For a Realm Soldier-level treasure, Ji Si couldn't have calculated it. This must have been pure intuition.
"It's true, but I'll discuss it later," Zhao Xing replied with a smile. "You'll be pleasantly surprised, Lord Ji."
This artifact, if shared with Ji Si, might allow him to make great strides as a Grand Fate Officer.
Shortly after, within a secret chamber of the Matrix Palace, the holograms of the six departmental chiefs—Wei Hong, Luo Hou King, Lu Ying, Tong Wensheng, and Liu Tianning—appeared. Soon after, the imposing figure of Ji Che was projected onto the main seat.
Fifty-three years had passed, and Ji Che's demeanor had matured significantly.
Upon seeing Zhao Xing, Ji Che's smile was unmistakable. "Brother Zhao, your return must come with good news for Us?"
Zhao Xing saluted. "Your Majesty, I have obtained Qing Yuzi's inheritance. Just now, I detained all non-Great Zhou inheritors, awaiting your judgment."
"What?" Lu Ying exclaimed in shock. "You detained them all? Zhao Guogong, can you now control the formation underground?"
"Lord Lu, mind your decorum," Tong Wensheng interjected. "His Majesty hasn't spoken yet, and you're already reacting."
Lu Ying immediately adjusted his tone. "Your Majesty, I overstepped."
Ji Che laughed. "No harm done. This isn't court assembly, but a private council. Speak freely."
"That said, even We cannot resist asking how you managed this, Brother Zhao."
Tong Wensheng refrained from commenting further. Indeed, the news was shocking. The Qing Yuzi inheritance trial had drawn at least five hundred non-Great Zhou elites.
Five hundred top-tier Shennongs—all captured by Zhao Xing? Incredible!
"After receiving Qing Yuzi's inheritance, I used the Purple Light Divine Command to manipulate the arena's formation. I also summoned the Daoist body left behind by Qing Yuzi."
"I've already executed some individuals, such as Xuantian Divine Sovereign and Dongying's Hua Bao Heavenly Venerable. I await Your Majesty's reprimand."
Ji Che dismissed the concern. "Foreign evildoers and barbarian ministers—if they're dead, so be it. These forces have harbored treacherous intentions for a long time. The treaty We made with them was nothing more than a worthless piece of paper."
Zhao Xing continued his report. "From Qing Yuzi, I obtained the legendary divine cultivation method. However, it is a supportive technique for Shennongs and requires a Dao Establishment Realm cultivation to utilize."
"In addition, he left me many treasures..."
Zhao Xing began detailing his harvest, leaving Liu Tianning in disbelief. As the Grand Shennong overseeing finances, he immediately recognized the astronomical value of these items.
Qing Yuzi had amassed a significant collection of treasures from the Xuanhuang Realm. Due to the passage of time, even items that were merely considered precious back then had now risen to the level of peerless treasures. Liu Tianning, despite his elite family background, couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief as Zhao Xing reported his findings.
"I never imagined that materials classified as treasures could be quantified using terms like 'a shipload' or 'a mountainful,'" Liu Tianning said, still feeling it was surreal. Tong Wensheng, the Acting Chancellor, who led the Grand Ritual Officials, also found it hard to believe his ears.
"King Zhao, did you just say 'a shipload of Wind Origin Divine Crystals'? How much exactly?"
"Yes, a shipload," Zhao Xing replied with a smile. "It requires a top-tier ninth-rank cargo ship to load it all."
"We've struck gold!" Lu Ying, the Grand Engineer, exclaimed with shining eyes. With the national treasury replenished, his work as Grand Engineer could proceed with much greater ease. For over fifty years, constructing fortifications at the Western Extreme Glacier had been the biggest expenditure for his ministry. With Liu Tianning, Wang Tianzhi, Ling Tianchen, and Zhao Xing all absent, the responsibility of managing the Shennong Hall had fallen to Qiu Yuanshan.
Qiu Yuanshan was known for his cautious temperament—prudent to the core. During the Dao Discourse Battles, he only took action in the final rounds, ensuring every move was calculated. Even at the Western Extreme Glacier, he had been reluctant to deploy the Shennong Hoe beyond national borders without careful deliberation. Working alongside Qiu Yuanshan often felt stifling for Lu Ying, who muttered under his breath, "Tight-fisted!"
It wasn't that Qiu Yuanshan withheld funds outright, but he scrutinized every detail, often holding back unless absolutely necessary. To be fair, the enormous expenditures over the past fifty years left little room for extravagance, even for someone like Qiu Yuanshan.
But now, everything had changed. Lu Ying felt as if he could finally spread his wings and accomplish great feats without restraint.
"King Zhao, your timing couldn't be better!" Lu Ying said enthusiastically, rubbing his hands together. Even the normally stoic Lord Luohou couldn't hide his grin upon hearing the news.
Who wouldn't want to wage war with abundant resources? Fighting against the Outer Alliance, which included numerous nations and top-tier powers, often meant having to account for every coin spent. "Over the past fifty years, despite numerous victories, our actual gains have been limited," Lord Luohou remarked. "Now, at long last, we've made a significant haul to offset the losses."
War itself was a costly endeavor. On the Western Extreme Glacier, battles had often been win-or-lose situations where the financial toll was always substantial. Finally, they had a breakthrough—one that shone like a beacon of hope.
And what a dazzling beacon it was!
"Excellent, excellent indeed," Ji Che said, clearly overjoyed. "We decree Zhao Xing to be ennobled as King Zhao. Do any of you have objections?"
"None, Your Majesty!" Lu Ying declared loudly.
"None!" echoed Lord Luohou and Liu Tianning.
"Your Majesty's wisdom is unparalleled!" Wei Hong, the Grand Ritual Official, added, bowing deeply.
"None from this servant either," Tong Wensheng said. As Chancellor, he knew better than to object. Unless he intended to step down, opposition wasn't an option.
"Good," Ji Che said with a smile. "Chancellor Tong, make preparations for this immediately."
"At once, Your Majesty," Tong Wensheng replied.
"My gratitude to Your Majesty," Zhao Xing said, smiling warmly.
As the meeting concluded and the projections of Ji Che, Tong Wensheng, and Wei Hong faded from the Matrix Palace, only Lord Luohou, Liu Tianning, Lu Ying, and Zhao Xing remained, along with Ji Si, who emerged from a side chamber.
By now, Zhao Xing had already introduced three significant treasures, the most extraordinary of which was the Star Fate Codex. Ji Si's eyes practically sparkled at the mention of it. With the resurgence of Primordial Qi tides, every profession was poised for enhancement—an inevitable future that was already taking shape. While cultivators at the Rule Domain stage were becoming increasingly common, professions tied to fate and destiny had stagnated. This was a bitter pill for someone like Ji Si, a Grand Fate Officer.
"Congratulations, King Zhao. Please accept my respects," Ji Si said, bowing deeply, though his gaze lingered on Zhao Xing with barely concealed hope. His conflicted look—wanting but hesitating to ask—was a sight that made even the usually composed Lord Luohou, Lu Ying, and Liu Tianning chuckle.
"This is a rare sight," Lu Ying said with a laugh. "King Zhao, if you don't say something, Lord Ji's gaze might just bore a hole in you."
"Indeed!" Lord Luohou and Liu Tianning joined in, laughing heartily.
"Lord Ji, here you go," Zhao Xing said, casually tossing the Star Fate Codex to him.
Ji Si cradled it as if it were a sacred relic, his hands trembling. "Many... many thanks, King Zhao," he stammered.
"Just don't send me a thank-you letter," Zhao Xing teased. "I can't afford the postage."
The room burst into laughter once again.
After Ji Si left to delve into his newfound treasure, Lord Luohou turned to Zhao Xing. "I've heard your Purple Light Divine Command allows you to view the detailed progress of the trials. How are the situations at Puta's and Fairy Su's inheritance trials?"
Zhao Xing pulled out the Purple Light Divine Command and handed it to Lu Ying. "Lord Lu is better suited for this. I don't actually need the Purple Light Divine Command to summon the Daoist bodies left behind in the arena."
"Excellent!" Lu Ying said, immediately taking the token. With a wave of his hand, a water screen appeared in midair, displaying the specific trial statuses in vivid detail. "What a divine artifact!" Lu Ying exclaimed in awe.
Noticing Zhao Xing's intentions, Liu Tianning asked, "Are you planning to challenge Fairy Su's trial next?"
Zhao Xing nodded. "Indeed. The third level of the Derivation of Divine Spirit remains unmastered by anyone. There's no place better suited for cultivating it than here. While Qing Yuzi and the others set rules to ensure fairness, having the inheritance within one's own camp is always the most secure."
All three inheritance trials held unique divine techniques and secret arts. Though Zhao Xing lacked expertise in Mechanist Dao, he was determined to attempt the Soul Dao trial. If the Soul Dao's secrets were exclusive—where the inheritor couldn't share them with others—then it was best to keep them within trusted hands.
"Your progress in the Derivation of Divine Spirit is the fastest, but there are already eight people at the second stage. If you want to go, you'd better hurry," Lord Luohou said, gesturing at the screen above. "Teacher, will you go as well?" Zhao Xing asked. Before his arrival, Liu Tianning had held the court record for the fastest cultivation of the first level of the Derivation of Divine Spirit.
Liu Tianning shook his head. "You've brought back so many treasures that I, as the Grand Shennong, must oversee their allocation. With the Qing Yuzi inheritance in your hands, it signifies the beginning of a new round of preparations for war. I'll stay here."