Hearing the familiar cawing sound, Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel a tinge of nostalgia.
The last time they met was before his first entry into the Dragon Court, during the third year of the Great Governance Era. Now, it was already the eighty-second year of the Yuanshou Era, a span of more than two centuries.
No wonder the Fate Blackbird thought he was dead. Two hundred years was indeed a long time.
"Soul Heavenly Sight!"
Zhao Xing immediately activated this ultimate technique, his eyes flashing briefly with a violet light.
Instantly, he saw the mechanism body of the Fate Blackbird contained two distinct soul entities. One belonged to the Fate Blackbird, its form poised as if soaring through the skies.
The other, humanoid, appeared ancient and frail, clad in elegant robes embroidered with bird motifs. Its hands clung tightly to the claws of the Fate Blackbird, as if they were one.
"As expected, something's not right," Zhao Xing said with a cold chuckle. "It seems this is the soul of the last Crown Prince of the Li Dynasty, the so-called Guardian of Fate."
The Fate Blackbird had mentioned before that the last owner of the supreme treasure One Dream to the World was the final Crown Prince of the Li Dynasty. The ethereal robes on the humanoid figure only confirmed this.
"Zhao Xing, you can see me now," the figure said with a faint smile. "Let me introduce myself. I am Yang Yanzhen, the Crown Prince of the Li Dynasty and the master of this treasure. This dumb bird's name is 'Zhi Nu.' I raised him."
"Now that you can see me, let's talk terms."
"Hmph." Zhao Xing unleashed his soul power, instantly forcing Yang Yanzhen's probing gaze back.
"You call it a dumb bird, but what about you? What kind of thing are you?" Zhao Xing sneered. "A lingering soul tethered to a mechanism, and you dare put on airs in front of me?"
Under Zhao Xing's suppression, Yang Yanzhen couldn't even lift his head and was no longer able to hear the conversation between Zhao Xing and the Fate Blackbird.
The Fate Blackbird, it seemed, truly was a bird soul imprisoned in the mechanism.
"Fate Blackbird, aside from the name 'Zhi Nu,' do you have another name?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Caw? You figured it out?" The Fate Blackbird's eyes widened in astonishment. "You're really this strong now?"
"Indeed. I am a reincarnated immortal, and now that my divine powers have returned, it's natural for me to see everything clearly," Zhao Xing explained casually, crafting a plausible excuse to explain his abilities to the Fate Blackbird. "You helped me grow, and as promised, I'm here to free you and fulfill our karmic bond."
"A reincarnated immortal? Caw! That's great!" The Fate Blackbird cawed in excitement. "You can call me 'Li Qingzhi.' Zhi Nu was a name Yang Yanzhen forcibly gave me. I was never his pet—I was imprisoned by him, though I was originally raised by the previous National Preceptor."
"To repay a favor, I later agreed to serve the Li Dynasty as their guardian beast, but…"
As the Fate Blackbird recounted its tale, Zhao Xing silently listened, piecing together the fragments of a buried history.
At the end of the Li Dynasty, the Dream God Sect Master Li Xuanji, also the National Preceptor, stumbled upon a Fate Blackbird hatchling and brought it back to the empire.
At that time, the Li Dynasty was already plagued by internal strife and external threats. The last Emperor of the Li Dynasty was a foolish and incompetent ruler. After raising the Fate Blackbird, Li Xuanji named it Li Qingzhi and appointed it as the Li Dynasty's guardian beast to extend the empire's fate.
Out of gratitude, the Fate Blackbird agreed.
Yet, even the Fate Blackbird could not save the doomed Li Dynasty. Eventually, the empire fell. Li Xuanji perished in battle, and the capital was left in ruins.
Logically, the Fate Blackbird had no obligation to perish alongside the dynasty. However, out of gratitude, it saved the Crown Prince, Yang Yanzhen, and helped him escape.
For years, the Fate Blackbird protected Yang Yanzhen as they wandered in exile. By then, it had repaid its debt. After all, Li Qingzhi was raised by the National Preceptor, not the Emperor. It had already served as a guardian for years and ensured the continuation of the royal bloodline.
But Yang Yanzhen didn't see it that way.
In his view, the Fate Blackbird was a pet of the Li Dynasty and, as such, was his property to inherit.
When he realized the Fate Blackbird had no intention of aiding him further in his futile restoration efforts, Yang Yanzhen ambushed it, killing the bird and extracting its soul to imprison within a mechanism.
Thus, the Fate Blackbird became a spirit bound to a mechanical beast. Although it wasn't as powerful as its original form, it was easier to control.
Yang Yanzhen's dreams of restoration were doomed to failure. Before his lifespan ended, he preserved his soul in the One Dream to the World, awaiting the chance to rise again and achieve his goals.
"Li Qingzhi, Yang Yanzhen… So this is a tale of the farmer and the snake," Zhao Xing murmured.
"I'm here to help you break free, but to do so, I need to fully control this treasure. Do you know where its core is and any obstacles I might face?"
The Fate Blackbird pointed outside with its wing. "The core of One Dream to the World is likely hidden in the Dream God Hall by Yang Yanzhen. You only need to find that place and refine the core to take control of this treasure!"
"Of course, in the real world, you must remain close to the treasure."
Zhao Xing nodded. "Be careful. I'm leaving the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and won't be able to suppress Yang Yanzhen's soul."
"Caw! Don't worry, I can handle him!"
Satisfied, Zhao Xing left the pavilion.
The moment Zhao Xing stepped outside, the skies above twisted, as if an invisible force of rules was targeting him.
This was because the Fate Blackbird had previously broken rules to help Zhao Xing obtain many treasures and shifted his entry and exit point to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion instead of outside the treasure.
"Such strong rule suppression. The five elements and yin-yang converge with infinite variations—this rivals the power of a Dao Field."
"It's searching for my Life Soul and Earth Soul," Zhao Xing observed with a faint smile.
"Yang Yanzhen is restrained by the Fate Blackbird, leaving no one to control this. My soul has reached the Rule Domain stage; I have nothing to fear."
"An automated defense without a controller—how could it possibly find my Life Soul and Earth Soul?"
Zhao Xing activated the Three Divinities Destiny Palace. His entire being became like a black hole, rendering himself undetectable to One Dream to the World.
As expected, the gathering thunderclouds in the sky began to dissipate as he walked away.
Moving at a relaxed pace, Zhao Xing soon located the Dream God Hall.
In the past, most palaces had been hidden in a veil of mist, but now everything was exposed before his Soul Heavenly Sight.
"To enter the Dream God Hall, one must be a high-level practitioner of the Great Dream Spring and Autumn technique, or else they will be blocked by the threshold."
"Fortunately, I've already mastered this top-tier method."
"Go!" Zhao Xing pointed forward, his soul power forming an intricate three-dimensional soul seal.
The seal landed on the threshold outside the hall, where a row of beast heads stood.
As Zhao Xing activated the seal, the beast heads began to glow, their emitted light illuminating a specific area. Gradually, the palace's outlines became fully visible.
Ancient bird-shaped eaves, beast-head sculptures, a broad white jade staircase—the once-invisible barrier was gone!
Zhao Xing ascended the steps.
Inside the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, Yang Yanzhen suddenly roared, "Traitor! You wretched bird!"
A series of furious cries echoed from within the Fate Blackbird.
Yang Yanzhen loosened his grip on the Fate Blackbird's soul claws, attempting to escape its body and return to the Dream God Hall to stop Zhao Xing.
At the same time, a projection of Yang Yanzhen appeared inside the Dream God Hall.
Using the soul-splitting technique—a method of the Dream God Sect—Yang Yanzhen's main soul was already fused with the core of the Dream God Hall.
"Zhao Xing, no matter what the Fate Blackbird told you, it's lying!"
"All the benefits it gave you were under my command! The agreements between you two were orchestrated by me!" Yang Yanzhen's gaze was piercing. "Whatever you gained from this place ultimately came from me!"
"Don't be deceived by it—I'm the one it wronged!"
"I don't care about the truth," Zhao Xing said calmly. "Events from tens of thousands of years ago don't need my judgment. I won't play moral arbiter here."
"Just state your demands."
"The Fate Blackbird wants freedom. What about you?"
Yang Yanzhen hesitated before responding, "If you help me restore the Li Dynasty—"
"It'd be simpler to just kill you," Zhao Xing interrupted.
Yang Yanzhen: "..."
"Come up with something realistic!" Zhao Xing said impatiently.
This treasure, after all, belonged to the Great Li Dynasty, and Yang Yanzhen was technically a disciple of the Dream God Sect. Zhao Xing simply wanted to fulfill his agreement, release the Fate Blackbird, and then take control of this place.
If Yang Yanzhen was willing to let him control the palace core, Zhao Xing wouldn't insist on killing him. However, asking for help to restore a fallen dynasty was an outrageous demand and absolutely impossible.
"If you won't help me restore the kingdom, don't even think about controlling this place!" Yang Yanzhen snarled.
Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh. "The Dream God Sect taught you Great Dream Spring and Autumn, not to let you indulge in wishful thinking."
"What? You—"
Buzzing sound…
A black soul spear appeared before Zhao Xing, and with a casual flick of his finger, it shot forward.
Swish!
The black soul spear pierced through Yang Yanzhen and pinned him directly to a beam.
Watching Yang Yanzhen struggle to grasp the black spear, Zhao Xing casually walked into the hall, taunting, "Your Highness, times have changed."
"I don't need your permission to erase you and claim the core of this treasure."
"Even if I hadn't cultivated Great Dream Spring and Autumn, with the strength of today's empire, anyone discovering the method to enter would have erased you all the same."
"You…you…" Yang Yanzhen's voice was choked as if he were suffocating.
"Regrets?" Zhao Xing glanced at him. "Too late. Earlier, I was kind enough to give you a chance. Not only did you refuse, but you also dared to threaten me."
"Now, I'll send you on your way."
Zhao Xing's soul began to merge with the entire palace.
Yang Yanzhen's struggles weakened with each passing moment. As Zhao Xing gained preliminary control of the hall, he noticed the connection between Yang Yanzhen and the Dream God Hall.
"So that's how it is." Zhao Xing smirked. Having studied techniques like the Burning Heaven Sealing Origin Formation, he was no stranger to formations and mechanisms. On top of that, he had cultivated Great Dream Spring and Autumn. Using Yang Yanzhen as a template, he quickly discovered that controlling the core wasn't too difficult—he simply needed to erase Yang Yanzhen.
Boom!
At this moment, the black soul spear unleashed its full power. A radiant burst of light obliterated Yang Yanzhen completely. The next instant, Zhao Xing's soul successfully gained full control of the Dream God Hall.
"The scope of this palace-type treasure is enormous, capable of enveloping nineteen provinces. It rivals even low-grade Star-tier Dao Weapons in range," Zhao Xing mused. "Even the Juzi Palace cannot compare to the might of One Dream to the World."
"And as for the Sun-Moon Palace, it's merely a low-grade Star-tier Dao Weapon."
"Palace-type treasures, warship-type treasures, and soul-related treasures are among the most valuable of all. The first two require ample materials, while the latter involves rare materials and unparalleled craftsmanship."
"An exceptional palace-type Star-tier Dao Weapon like this one is worth more than a thousand individual weapons."
"What's more, One Dream to the World is not just a simple palace-type treasure. It belongs to the category of 'soul-palace treasures,' making it even rarer and more valuable—it could fetch the price of a realm-level Star-tier Dao Weapon."
Fully aware of its function and value after gaining control, Zhao Xing's thoughts raced.
Swish~
With a single thought, Zhao Xing returned to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.
At this point, the residual soul of Yang Yanzhen within the Fate Blackbird dissipated.
"Caw caw! You did it!" The Fate Blackbird fluttered with excitement. "Zhao Xing, you're incredible!"
"Li Qingzhi," Zhao Xing addressed the bird, "as the rightful master of One Dream to the World, I now grant you freedom."
"You are free to leave the confines of this palace anytime, but you are forbidden from revealing anything about this place, including the agreement between us," Zhao Xing said with a smile.
"Got it, got it! Thank you, thank you! Caw caw caw!" The Fate Blackbird let out a series of joyous cries, flapping its wings as it flew around the pavilion before finally perching cautiously on the threshold.
It peeked its head out nervously. "Zhao Xing, can I go outside now?"
"You'd better wait a bit longer. There are still quite a few experts outside," Zhao Xing advised. "Let me prepare first."
"Caw caw! Okay, don't let anyone outside accidentally hurt me!" the Fate Blackbird squawked in agreement.
After giving a few more instructions, Zhao Xing began to leave the pavilion.
Exiting the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, Zhao Xing found himself in what should have been the courtyard outside. Yet, this single step felt as though he had traversed countless layers of space.
Finally, Zhao Xing's soul emerged from the physical palace located in the Yuanfeng Storage Area. At the moment of his emergence, the palace trembled violently.
The seals that had lain dormant for years activated, radiating treasure light in all directions, as if proclaiming the reappearance of an unparalleled marvel!
Outside, Hong Yuan and Su Li, who had been stationed nearby, flew out from their small shelter, their faces filled with shock as they stared at the ancient palace.
"Lord Hong, what's going on here?" Su Li asked in astonishment.
"A treasure has emerged!" Hong Yuan exclaimed, his eyes glued to the palace doors. "It feels like something is about to come out. Be on guard! Activate the Nine-Palace Star-Sealing Formation!"
"Notify the other mechanists to prepare a response!"
"Understood!" Su Li immediately began casting spells. Within the Yuanfeng Storage Area, starlight cascaded from the heavens, enveloping the surrounding space in a protective glow.
"Wait, isn't the Grand Shennong still inside the storage area? Lord Hong, I'll go inform him," Su Li offered.
But before she could act, a voice echoed from within the palace.
"There's no need, Lady Su."
Hong Yuan and Su Li turned in shock toward the palace entrance.
The once tightly sealed palace doors had somehow opened without their notice. A towering figure walked out with an air of composure.
"Grand Shennong?!"
Both Su Li and Hong Yuan froze in stunned disbelief.
"How…how did you come out from there?" Su Li stammered.
Zhao Xing smiled at the two and replied, "I have unraveled the mysteries here. You may deactivate the Nine-Palace Star-Sealing Formation."
Hong Yuan and Su Li exchanged incredulous glances, hesitating to act.
It was almost too much to believe. This palace treasure had been in this location for countless years.
Generations of royal mechanists had tried and failed to decipher its secrets. Yet Zhao Xing had managed to succeed—after only a few days of being here!
The commotion caused by the treasure's emergence quickly drew the attention of the mechanists in the Ten Treasures Hall. Ji Gan and Yang Jin were the first to arrive.
"Lord Hong, has an unparalleled treasure appeared? Is it related to the Great Li Dynasty's ancient palace?" Ji Gan and Yang Jin bombarded him with questions.
Before Hong Yuan or Su Li could respond, two more figures descended from above—Emperor Wu and Princess Youruo.
"Greetings to Your Majesty and the Princess," everyone present said in unison.
"At ease," Emperor Wu waved his hand, his gaze fixed curiously on the palace. Upon seeing Zhao Xing in his soul-out-of-body state, he asked, "Brother, what's going on? Why are you in a soul-separation state?"
"Your Majesty," Hong Yuan finally found his voice, "the Grand Shennong has broken the seal on this palace, bringing an unparalleled treasure back into the light."
"Oh?" Princess Youruo turned her gaze to Zhao Xing. "I never knew you were proficient in mechanisms and formations. Zhao Xing, what exactly is this?"
Seeing the crowd gathering, Zhao Xing cupped his hands respectfully. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, this is One Dream to the World, the supreme treasure of the Dream God Sect, the national religion of the Great Li Dynasty."
"What?!" Emperor Wu exclaimed. "Are you saying…this is that legendary treasure?"
"Absolutely," Zhao Xing confirmed.
Emperor Wu was momentarily speechless.
Generations of royal mechanists had been nothing short of incompetent!
For over two millennia, from Emperor Tai's reign through Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing, the palace had defied all efforts to unlock its secrets. Today, Zhao Xing had achieved what countless others had failed to do!
"All mechanists, withdraw! Today's events are not to be disclosed!" Emperor Wu commanded. His words carried the weight of imperial decree, and the mechanists quickly dispersed.
Soon, only Princess Youruo and Zhao Xing remained.
"What's so interesting about an old palace? Wu, I'll take my leave," Princess Youruo said.
"Understood. Rest well, Elder Sister," Emperor Wu nodded.
Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh inwardly as he observed the scene. Princess You Ruo had finally learned her lesson. Now, whenever anything involving sensitive secrets came up, she refrained from meddling or even asking questions. The scolding she had received from Emperor Jing had left an indelible mark on her.
As long as she avoided such matters, however, she enjoyed preferential treatment to the fullest extent—even being allowed to physically hit the emperor! Whoosh!
Ji Che descended gracefully, landing before the palace gates. He gazed at the ancient structure, its design unmistakably reflecting the style of the Li Dynasty. "Elder Brother, what are its capabilities?" he asked.
"The supreme treasure, One Dream to the World, can radiate its influence across nineteen provinces, allowing everyone within its range to enter the same shared dream," Zhao Xing explained. "Within the dream, people can communicate, gain knowledge, and study the Dao."
"But to truly comprehend the Dao, one must do more than just dream. The dream serves as a passageway, drawing people into the world within One Dream to the World."
Zhao Xing led Ji Che into the interior of One Dream to the World.
"Che, look at this! Inside, there are numerous treasures left by the Li Dynasty—like the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets and the Vault of Mystic Arts." Together, they wandered through the mist, admiring the pavilions, towers, and palaces scattered throughout.
Ji Che, however, remained indifferent. "I'm not interested in these relics. When the Li Dynasty fell, only a crown prince managed to escape. How many valuable things could a ruined dynasty have left behind?" He paused before adding, "Elder Brother, you said this treasure could cover nineteen provinces, allowing people to study and learn through dreams?"
"Yes," Zhao Xing confirmed.
"Everyone? No cultivation restrictions?"
"None. Basically, as long as a person is over six years old and their life soul has existed for six years, they can enter unharmed."
Ji Che's eyes lit up with excitement. "Are there any time restrictions?"
Zhao Xing shook his head. "No."
"Not only is there no limit on time or location, but one's life soul remains unaffected. Since the life soul is unaffected, neither will the seven spirits feel fatigued." He continued, "The court could use this treasure to enlighten the masses and propagate countless paths of learning, accelerating progress across all fields."
"Che, we could build an academy within this realm!" Zhao Xing's voice carried a mix of excitement and vision.
"Children and teenagers wouldn't have to travel far to pursue education; they could acquire knowledge right here," he explained further. "Even adults could use their nights to learn without impacting their daytime activities. This treasure... it's truly priceless!"
Zhao Xing's vivid blueprint left Ji Che overwhelmed with excitement.
One Dream to the World could undoubtedly be called a divine artifact for education!
Its influence extended across nineteen provinces, making it unparalleled among known artifacts in terms of scope. These features alone had the potential to elevate the strength of Great Zhou by several tiers—or perhaps even more. However, Ji Che couldn't help but voice his concerns. "Elder Brother, surely there's some sort of cost?"
"There is," Zhao Xing admitted. "Each entry requires the consumption of a Guiding Talisman and a Soul-Calming Talisman. However, the level of these talismans isn't high—even entry-level talismans will suffice. If the government were to mass-produce them, the cost would be even lower than that of some books."
"That's hardly a cost at all!" Ji Che exclaimed. "The annual expenditure on education resources is enormous; this is just a drop in the ocean. Moreover, think about how much this treasure could save in education costs alone."
He paused and asked, "But, Elder Brother, how did you manage to unlock it?"
Zhao Xing recited the incantations that corresponded to the Guiding and Soul-Calming Talismans. Ji Che was stunned. "That's it? It's that simple?"
"Yes, it's that simple."
Zhao Xing then gave a brief explanation of the Heavenly Fate Blackbird and the Crown Prince of Li Dynasty. After hearing it all, Ji Che was at a loss for words.
He realized he didn't need to do much; the emperor of the Li Dynasty had already planned everything out perfectly. All he needed to do was follow the blueprint left behind. Grand Dream Academy... what an extraordinary concept!
"Our Ji royal family spent so much time and effort, only to discover that unlocking the treasure was this easy," Ji Che muttered.
"Those ancient emperors were remarkably thorough. Am I merely picking up the wisdom they left behind?"
This realization dampened Ji Che's enthusiasm.
He had always thought himself more brilliant than most emperors, surpassing the ancients in intellect. Now, it seemed all he had achieved was inheriting what they had left behind. "Change! It must be renamed!" Ji Che declared.
"To what?" Zhao Xing asked.
"This place is enveloped in mist and facilitates global dreams. Let's call it Cloud Dream Academy," Ji Che declared. Zhao Xing nodded, agreeing with the new name. As in the previous life, Grand Dream Academy was renamed to Cloud Dream Academy.
Renaming it and refurbishing the facilities would make it undeniably Great Zhou's own treasure.
"Your Majesty, I have another matter to report," Zhao Xing said.
"Speak," Ji Che replied.
"Within the Cloud Dream Academy resides the mechanical beast, Heavenly Fate Blackbird. It provided great assistance in helping me gain control over the academy, especially during the confrontation with the Crown Prince of Li Dynasty's artifact spirit. I wish to grant it freedom."
"Gah!" At that moment, Heavenly Fate Blackbird, also known as Li Qingzhi, flew over.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Gah!" The bird crouched low, bowing its head.
"This is rare. I approve," Ji Che said with a smile, waving his hand.
"Gah-gah~ Thank you, Your Majesty!" the Heavenly Fate Blackbird exclaimed, taking to the skies with joy.
Ji Che watched the bird for a moment before turning to Zhao Xing. "Have the Grand Shennong collect the items within and transfer them to the national treasury. I must summon Tong Wenzhuo to discuss strategies for public enlightenment. This matter must be finalized promptly, beginning with a trial implementation in Tianyong Prefecture."
"As you command," Zhao Xing replied.
Ji Che didn't linger long and soon departed to convene with Chancellor Tong Wenzhuo. Meanwhile, Zhao Xing left the palace with the Heavenly Fate Blackbird.
Buzz~
As soon as the Heavenly Fate Blackbird left Cloud Dream Academy, its feathers began to wither and fall, and its demeanor grew sluggish.
"Hmm? What's going on?" Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat as he noticed the bird's deteriorating state. "Li Qingzhi, are you alright?"
The bird gazed at the sky for a moment before smiling and responding, "Gah, don't worry, Zhao Xing. My time has come."
"What?" Zhao Xing furrowed his brow.
"I lived for tens of thousands of years within Grand Dream Academy, far beyond the lifespan of my physical body, which had already expired long ago," the bird explained.
Pointing its wing toward the sky, it continued, "As a war spirit of the mechanical beast or the artifact spirit of Grand Dream Academy, I was never truly immortal. Now that you've freed me, I am no longer bound by those rules."
"So..." Zhao Xing began, understanding dawning on him.
"Yes," the bird confirmed. "In my current state, I am subject to the natural lifespan limits of a Heavenly Fate Blackbird."
It flapped its wings weakly before adding, "The only way I could survive longer would be to return to Grand Dream Academy and resume my role as its artifact spirit."
Zhao Xing asked, "If you ascend one day, could you live even longer?"
The bird let out a loud laugh. "Gah-gah-gah! That might be true, but I have no desire to return to that place."
It took flight, despite its weakening state. "I can only live for about three more months, but so what? To have three months of freedom is worth it."
As it adjusted to its newfound state, the Heavenly Fate Blackbird finally soared freely into the sky. Zhao Xing, watching its unrestrained flight, couldn't help but feel moved. "Li Qingzhi spent tens of thousands of years breaking free from his cage, just for these three months of freedom."
The bird made a sudden loop and appeared at Zhao Xing's side. "Zhao Xing, look! There's no suppression in this world. I no longer have to fly so sluggishly as before. Am I fast?"
Zhao Xing smiled. "Very fast."
"Gah-gah-gah! Let's race, Zhao Xing! Let's see who's faster!" the bird challenged.
"Alright!" Zhao Xing activated his Kunpeng Transformation. Instantly, a massive roc appeared, soaring high in the heavens.
"Wow! You're huge!" the bird exclaimed.
"Let's race, Li Qingzhi. Let's see who reaches the extreme northern lands first."
"Deal! Let's go!"
Three months later, in the extreme northern lands, on a desolate, uninhabited island, Zhao Xing stood before a stone tablet, carving an inscription:
The Grave of Heavenly Fate Blackbird Li Qingzhi.
After a moment's thought, he added an epitaph:
Freedom of Will, Unyielding to the End.
Looking up, Zhao Xing found the sky too overcast for his liking. With a wave of his hand, the clouds dispersed, revealing a sea of stars above.
He adjusted the island's seasonal qi using the Seasonal Qi Command: Third Layer, ensuring it would remain in perpetual spring.
"Now, you can fly freely forever."
With everything settled, Zhao Xing smiled at the grave. "Farewell, foolish bird."
Then he turned and walked away.
In Tianyong Prefecture, Fengjing City, the Shennong Office.
"Grand Shennong, where has your true form gone?" Meng Kun asked curiously as he approached Zhao Xing, noticing that he was using a backup projection.
"It's in Beiji Prefecture," Zhao Xing replied. "I went to bid farewell to an old acquaintance."
"Oh," Meng Kun said, not dwelling on it further. Instead, he began his report. "Mi Fu has been recalled to the capital, and Tong Wenzhuo sent someone to inquire about his reassignment. What position should he be given?"
"Appoint Mi Fu as the Vice Dean of the Fengjing Research Institute, a rank of Third Class," Zhao Xing instructed.
"No need to have him come see me. Just send someone to relay a message."
"What message?"
"Tell him not to overexert himself anymore. At nearly five hundred years old, if he goes any further, I won't be able to save him."
"Understood," Meng Kun nodded, promptly recording the instructions.
At this time, Meng Kun, who held the title of Junior Chief of Shennong, remained close to Zhao Xing due to his slightly lesser abilities, making it difficult for him to operate independently. Meng Kun was happy to serve Zhao Xing, finding it far more meaningful than assisting Qiu Yuanshan at Kunyuan Academy. His loyalty to Zhao Xing was unwavering.
My Meng family is of illustrious heritage. My grandfather was once Grand Shennong, and my uncle was the leader of the Earth School. If I, Meng Kun, am willing to serve under Zhao Xing as a mere scribe, what arrogance could others possibly harbor?
"The Shennong of Taicang Office, Chen Yu, has reported that Beichen Kingdom in Yuanling Prefecture has applied for another extension on the 'Golden Fragrance Tax' this year. This is their fifth request. Should it be approved?"
Zhao Xing frowned upon hearing this. "The Golden Fragrance Tax is only collected once every ten years. Why are they requesting another extension?"
"Their reasoning is a natural disaster," Meng Kun explained.
"And was there truly a natural disaster?" Zhao Xing suddenly stopped walking and asked, "Has the elemental surge affected Beichen Kingdom?"
"Two months ago, I sent investigators to Yuanling Prefecture. There was indeed some disaster, but its impact wasn't severe," Meng Kun replied.
Zhao Xing sneered, "So, Beichen King is looking down on me, the newly appointed Grand Shennong?"
"What audacity!" Meng Kun exclaimed angrily. "He dared to delay payments under Liu Tianning, but now he dares to do so under you?!"
"This kingdom's entire administration must be concealing the truth, or else we wouldn't have such difficulty uncovering the facts," Meng Kun continued. "I believe this matter must be thoroughly investigated and handled severely! Just give the order, and I'll lead the Shennong Military Division to cut down those corrupt officials!"
Zhao Xing sighed, his initial anger cooling. "Calm down, Meng Kun. Rushing in with the military could easily provoke rebellion."
It's just tax collection, after all. Using violent methods to enforce it is unnecessary.
"Beichen King, Qin Feng, is still a known feudal lord. I'll first consult His Majesty and see what attitude he has toward this matter," Zhao Xing said.
In the Inner Court of the Imperial Palace.
"Of Yuanling Prefecture's fifteen Cave-Heavens and seventy Blessed Lands, three major Cave-Heavens and five key Blessed Lands fall under Beichen Kingdom's jurisdiction," Emperor Jing explained. "The Beichen King was granted his title by the late Emperor, who praised him as an honest and meticulous individual, suitable for governing Yuanling Prefecture."
"Thus, in the tenth year of Yuanshou, I granted him the title of 'Heavenly Officer of Yuanling,' authorizing him to appoint officials below the third rank in Yuanling Prefecture's sixteen provinces. For any nominations above the third rank, I generally approved his recommendations."
"But starting in the thirty-second year of Yuanshou, when he advanced to the early stage of the Rule Domain, he seemed to change," Emperor Jing continued. "Last time, I summoned him to Daoyuan Prefecture to observe your debate with Liu Tianning, and he didn't come."
"The thirty-second year of Yuanshou?" Zhao Xing pondered. "That's precisely when he first delayed the Golden Fragrance Tax."
"It seems the Beichen King has become conceited, Your Majesty," Zhao Xing added.
If it wasn't a misjudgment by the late Emperor, then Qin Feng must have gained immense fortune during the recent elemental surge, allowing him to break through to the Rule Domain. Such power, coupled with military and administrative control, could easily give rise to a mentality of the mountains are high, and the emperor is far away.
"Your Majesty, since I'm on my way back from the extreme north, I could make a detour to Beichen Kingdom to assess the situation," Zhao Xing suggested. "However, if I uncover something serious, I request your clear instructions on how to proceed."
Zhao Xing needed Emperor Jing's guidance on whether to investigate the Beichen King, the entire kingdom, or both. Severe investigations could lead to drastic measures, including mobilizing the military to execute Qin Feng and eradicate his clan.
Feudal lords generally had certain immunities, such as Zhao Xing's own exemption token. However, these privileges were ultimately subject to the emperor's discretion.
If the emperor truly wished to act, no amount of immunity could protect them.
After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Jing laid out his directive: "If there's no evidence of treason, a mere warning will suffice. However, if treason is uncovered, the crime will be unforgivable."
"Understood," Zhao Xing acknowledged.
Receiving his orders through his projection in the palace, Zhao Xing's true form paused over Yuanling Prefecture, activating his palm mirror to reveal a detailed map.
"Beichen Kingdom occupies half of Mingyuan Province. Administratively, its territory is only half the size of mine, but its resources are much richer, with more Upper Counties and Superior Prefectures than my fiefdom."
"The Golden Fragrance Tax encompasses three treasures: golden elm fruits, hundred-spirit incense, and spirit ginseng medicinal herbs."
Whoosh!
Zhao Xing employed his One Step to Infinity technique, swiftly traversing the skies. In just two days, he arrived above the capital of Beichen Kingdom.
"The Beichen King likely isn't in the capital but patrolling the Cave-Heavens and Blessed Lands within his domain."
"Out of courtesy, I'll forego any undercover visits," Zhao Xing said, retrieving his official equipment. From his spatial pouch, he summoned the Five Grains Tower Ship, an addition he had personally requested as Grand Shennong.
The Grand Shennong traditionally used two main ships: the Windrest Tower Ship and the Divine Earth Ark. However, Zhao Xing had insisted on the Five Grains Divine Ship to represent the balance of the Three Schools—Heavenly Timing, Earth Advantages, and Self Harmony.
Boom!
With a wave of his hand, Zhao Xing activated the ship's ceremonial drums: the Heavenly Thunder Drum, the Great Wind Drum, and the Cloud-Devouring Drum.
Rumble!
Thunder roared, and dark clouds gathered above the capital.
An hour passed after the first drumbeat, but no one came to greet him.
Zhao Xing frowned slightly. Considering the spell's wide range, it was possible it had been overlooked. He lowered the spell's intensity and struck the drum again.
Boom! Crash!
Yet, after the second drumbeat, there was still no response.
Thunderclouds swirled in Zhao Xing's eyes as his expression darkened.
He was now certain the capital's Shennong Bureau had heard the drum but was deliberately ignoring it. Alternatively, if they truly hadn't noticed, it indicated an even worse situation. How poorly could the city's governance be if they failed to notice heavenly thunder above the capital?
"Outrageous!"
"Am I, the Grand Shennong, to be treated as a mere figurehead?"
Zhao Xing decided against a third drumbeat. Instead, he directed the Five Grains Tower Ship to descend, crashing straight into the city's barrier formation.
Boom!
Thunder roared, and the winds howled. The city's protective Four Deities Barrier lit up, and four golden-armored deities wielding spears emerged from the city's corners. However, upon recognizing the ship, the deities hesitated, then retreated.
Crack!
The city's transparent barrier shattered like glass, and the entire capital trembled.
The citizens looked skyward in shock, as if the heavens were falling. Who dared to attack the royal capital?
At that moment, a golden-armored general led a squadron of soldiers mounted on celestial horses into the sky.
"The Grand Shennong's Five Grains Tower Ship?!" The general froze in midair, stunned.
Standing proudly at the ship's prow, Zhao Xing looked down and declared, "You've seen the Grand Shennong. Why haven't you paid your respects?"