The Military Realm, Shensu Cave-Heaven.
A hurricane surged outward from the void boundary of the realm.
Wang Tianzhi, the Deputy Junior Chief of Shennong, and Ling Tianchen stood on the deck of the Shensu warship. Beside them were King Luohou and the Commander of the Shensu Guards, Dong Ze.
"Tianzhi, what is the current level of the hurricane?" King Luohou inquired.
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, it has reached approximately Level Eleven," Wang Tianzhi observed while gazing into the distance.
"What is the Yuan Qi Index according to the Shang Heng Instrument?" King Luohou turned to Zhuang Darong, who was busy operating the instrument nearby.
"The Yuan Qi Index is at 7.2," Zhuang Darong reported promptly.
"Dong Ze, what is your assessment?" King Luohou asked again, this time addressing Dong Ze.
The latter shook his head and replied, "It's hard to say. When I broke through during a hurricane, I didn't fully grasp the data. I only know that amidst the gale, I received some kind of inexplicable insight. My life soul fused with my physical body, causing the Yuan Qi to undergo qualitative transformation.
"When I emerged, I felt as if the world had completely changed," he added.
Dong Ze stared thoughtfully at the faintly visible hurricane in the distance. "Judging purely by the scale of this hurricane, it seems slightly smaller than the one I encountered, and its power is a bit weaker. However, it appears to be building momentum and may grow stronger."
King Luohou nodded in acknowledgment.
Then, turning to a nearby Fate Officer, Ji Yun, he asked, "What are the results of the 564th deduction?"
Ji Yun's eyes reflected the hurricane, and he briefly glanced at Ling Tianchen and Wang Tianzhi before replying, "Grand Marshal, the results are consistent with the previous 563 attempts—complete chaos, unpredictable."
Suddenly, a peculiar mass of black clouds appeared on the horizon. It seemed to emerge from the boundary of the realm and rapidly gathered with astonishing speed.
The clouds were so dark they appeared almost purple, flickering with eerie blue arcs of lightning, like the eyes of a demon peering from the depths of the storm.
As the black clouds thickened, the center of the hurricane gradually took shape—a massive black vortex, deep and terrifying like a cosmic black hole. From within the vortex came a deep and continuous roar, akin to the angry cries of an ancient beast. The sound was deafening, causing the ground to tremble.
"Whoosh—"
The edges of the vortex spun at high speed, resembling sharp blades that seemed to slice through space itself, causing visible distortions.
The surrounding air was frantically drawn in, forming enormous wind columns entwined with lightning and flames. The lightning snaked through the wind like living spirits.
King Luohou stood in silence, lost in thought as he gazed at the phenomenon ahead.
A century ago, Shensu Cave-Heaven had not been like this—it had been stable and tranquil.
Shensu Cave-Heaven had once been almost entirely fertile, housing top-tier military forces. The integration of dietary practices and training had made it one of the Great Zhou Dynasty's top ten elite armies, the Shensu Army. Even new recruits could reach the Fourth Rank Soul Refinement realm within a decade.
Yet, over the past century, hurricanes had become a frequent occurrence.
At first, they were weak and limited in range, dismissed as natural phenomena.
However, the hurricanes grew stronger each year. Eventually, their power reached a point where even high-level cultivators struggled to withstand them. The Shennong officials were alarmed, fearing a repeat of the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven catastrophe.
Yet, these bizarre hurricanes only lingered along the boundaries of the cave-heaven.
They couldn't be expelled or calmed, but after a while, they would vanish on their own.
"Woo~"
"It's grown slightly larger, now reaching Level Eleven and a half," Wang Tianzhi suddenly reported.
"The Yuan Qi Index has risen to 7.7," Zhuang Darong added.
King Luohou fixed his gaze on the scene ahead. Massive boulders were effortlessly lifted from the ground, tossed around like fragile toys in the raging winds. Enormous trees were uprooted entirely, their branches shattered and leaves ground into powder almost instantly.
Even mountains weren't spared. The hurricane, like an invisible giant hand, tore at the terrain mercilessly. Large rocks crumbled, and peaks swayed precariously in the violent wind. Nearby lakes and rivers underwent dramatic transformations as well. The lakes rose into massive waves, with crests reaching dozens of meters high, resembling walls of water crashing against the shores. Yet amidst the apocalyptic blackness of the storm, faint traces of seven-colored light shimmered, adding an almost surreal beauty to the terrifying scene.
"Wang Tianzhi, Ling Tianchen, you two will enter the hurricane's center. However, proceed with caution and act according to your abilities," King Luohou instructed. As he spoke, he tapped both of them lightly with his fingers, creating a web of thin, shimmering threads that wrapped around them and then vanished.
"You will remain inside for no more than one hour. Regardless of the results, I will pull you back when the time is up," he added.
"Yes, Grand Marshal," Ling Tianchen and Wang Tianzhi responded in unison, nodding firmly. Without hesitation, they soared into the air, heading straight toward the hurricane.
King Luohou initially intended to monitor their progress, but Dong Ze approached, holding a ground mirror and presenting it to him. "Grand Marshal, there's a message from Fengjing."
"What's the matter?" King Luohou asked, his tone steady.
"It's about King Beichen, Qin Feng, who personally escorted by his son in a prison carriage to Fengjing to plead guilty," Dong Ze explained.
"King Beichen? Pleading guilty?" King Luohou raised an eyebrow in surprise. "He's been stationed in Yuyang for decades, rarely leaving. What offense could he have committed?"
The explanation puzzled even Dong Ze as he read further into the report. "It states that he is seeking forgiveness from both His Majesty and Grand Shennong Zhao Xing."
"His Majesty is one thing, but what does this have to do with Zhao Xing?" King Luohou questioned, his tone slightly sharper.
Carefully reviewing the details, Dong Ze elaborated, "The conflict stems from an issue with the delayed submission of the Golden Fragrance Medicine Tax by Beichen Kingdom. Zhao Xing happened to pass through the area and decided to inspect the situation. What he discovered was a complete administrative mess—widespread corruption under the management of the kingdom's Prime Minister Shentu Ming and Queen Shentu Lan."
"Zhao Xing attempted to apprehend the Shentu siblings for punishment, but King Beichen used his regulatory powers to intervene. Zhao Xing responded by deploying the Primordial Sealing Technique, transforming the siblings into chickens and dogs, trapping them within the royal palace, unable to move," Dong Ze said, his voice tinged with astonishment.
"During this period, King Beichen sent letters seeking aid, but due to our operations in Shensu Cave-Heaven, the messages were delayed."
"And then?" King Luohou pressed, his frown deepening. "Who was sent to apprehend King Beichen?"
"No one was dispatched," Dong Ze clarified. "King Beichen voluntarily imprisoned himself in a carriage and traveled to the capital to plead guilty."
"He invited numerous experts to the palace, yet none could undo the Primordial Sealing Technique left by Zhao Xing. After weeks of failed attempts to rescue his wife and brother-in-law safely, King Beichen finally admitted defeat and decided to face the consequences himself."
"Zhao Xing achieved all this?" King Luohou murmured, his voice laced with incredulity. "His progress has been remarkable, transforming practically every year."
King Beichen was an exceptional cultivator, ranked above First Rank, and his domain was home to numerous Destiny Palace-level experts. Yet, in over two weeks, none of them could reverse Zhao Xing's seal on the Shentu siblings. It was almost beyond belief.
"Truly humiliating," King Luohou scoffed.
Committing a mistake was embarrassing enough, but failing to clean up the mess afterward only compounded the shame.
"I've warned Qin Feng time and again not to be overly indulgent with his relatives. Now look where it's gotten him," King Luohou remarked coldly.
For someone of King Beichen's status, minor mistakes typically bore no real consequences. However, once such matters were formally addressed, no privilege or authority could shield him. Even a figurative "imperial pardon" couldn't erase the fallout.
King Beichen was now a lamb on the chopping block, with Emperor Xu and Zhao Xing wielding the knives. He would undoubtedly have to pay a heavy price this time.
"Grand Marshal, he is about to reach Fengjing. Both Grand Shennong Zhao Xing and His Majesty have sent messages seeking your opinion on the matter," Dong Ze informed King Luohou, handing over the detailed report.
Since King Beichen, Qin Feng, belonged to the military system, his case fell under King Luohou's jurisdiction, much like Zhao Xing's handling of Lou Zhenyun, Dong Wenzhuo, and Wu She, which also adhered to King Luohou's judgment.
After reviewing the information, King Luohou instructed, "Reply to His Majesty and Grand Shennong Zhao Xing that King Beichen has been defending Yuyang Heaven, engaged in constant battles with external demonic factions. Though his achievements are modest, his efforts cannot be overlooked. I recommend that this time, since his troubles stemmed from his wife's family, the primary punishment should be directed toward them."
Dong Ze nodded. "Let us hope King Beichen learns to recognize his mistakes and understands his circumstances."
"Indeed." King Luohou gazed at the hurricane before him. "If he dares to harbor resentment over this, not even the gods can save him."
"Guilty subject Qin Feng greets His Majesty!" King Beichen knelt in shackles at the morning court in Fengjing, his son by his side.
Civil and military officials exchanged glances, their gazes filled with surprise as they looked upon the once-mighty King Beichen kneeling on the cold floor.
Midway through the court session, King Beichen was suddenly escorted in, voluntarily seeking punishment. This unexpected act left many dumbfounded.
"King Beichen actually came to Fengjing to plead guilty?"
"What exactly did Grand Shennong Zhao Xing do to make him so submissive?"
"They say Zhao Xing subdued him, forcing him to seek forgiveness."
"King Beichen is one of the eight extraordinary figures of the Great Zhou, yet even he couldn't counter Grand Shennong Zhao Xing's methods?"
"Zhao Xing is truly formidable!"
Amid the murmuring of the court, Emperor Xu, seated on the throne, cast a glance at Zhao Xing, standing in the second position on the left. He nodded approvingly, a faint smile on his lips: Well done, my elder brother!
Zhao Xing remained composed. Subduing a mere King Beichen was hardly a challenge.
Feigning curiosity, Emperor Xu asked, "King Beichen, what crime have you committed?"
Qin Feng bowed deeply, his voice steady. "This subject's failure in governance allowed my wife's family to run rampant. If not for Grand Shennong Zhao Xing's timely intervention, the situation could have spiraled into catastrophe. As a king, I failed to bring prosperity to my fief, resulting in chaos within my domain. I plead for Your Majesty's judgment."
After listening, Emperor Xu turned to Wu She. "Grand Justice Minister."
"Present," Wu She stepped forward.
"What punishment do you think King Beichen deserves?"
Without hesitation, Wu She declared, "King Beichen permitted his wife's family to undermine the kingdom's governance. The root cause lies in King Beichen himself. He should be stripped of his title and demoted to a commoner."
"As for his wife, Shentu Lan, who meddled in state affairs as queen, and her brother, Shentu Ming, the prime minister who blatantly disregarded the law, both should be executed as a warning to others."
Hearing these words, Qin Ling, King Beichen's eldest son, trembled uncontrollably, his face pale with fear. Yet Qin Feng remained outwardly calm, his demeanor unshaken.
The court fell into an eerie silence.
Stripping a kingdom's status, demoting a king, and executing both the queen and the prime minister—each word carried the weight of finality, shocking everyone present.
Emperor Xu observed the reactions of his officials, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. This process, though preordained, served as an essential warning.
Emperor Xu finally broke the silence, his voice steady yet authoritative. "King Beichen, Qin Feng."
"This subject is here."
"You were granted your title by the late emperor. In light of your years of diligent service guarding Yuyang Heaven, rarely returning home, I will consider your merits. Since the rebellion in your domain was discovered and addressed in time, and you have come forward to admit your guilt, I hereby strip you of your kingly title and demote you to the rank of County Duke."
"Your fiefdom will be reduced to four counties surrounding the royal city. All other lands will be directly managed by the court. You may retain your food stipend but will no longer hold governance over your previous domain. Do you accept this punishment?"
Qin Feng bowed deeply, his head touching the ground. "This subject accepts the punishment."
"And as for your wife's brother…" Emperor Xu shifted his gaze toward Zhao Xing. "Grand Shennong, you witnessed firsthand the chaos within the royal city. What do you propose should be done?"
Zhao Xing's sharp eyes met Qin Feng's briefly. The latter immediately lowered his head, speaking in a humbled tone, "I plead with Grand Shennong to show mercy for my wife's life and withdraw the spell."
Adhering to the principle of not pushing too far, Zhao Xing replied evenly, "Your Majesty, I can restore Shentu Lan to her human form. However, she must be stripped of her title as Queen, and even the rank of Duchess should not be retained. From this day forward, she is to be confined to the inner palace, forbidden to leave its gates for the rest of her life."
"As for Shentu Ming, he abused his position and relied on familial ties for power. I believe it would be more fitting to leave him as a yellow dog roaming the countryside. This fate will serve as a better warning to others than simply ending his life."
Zhao Xing's judgment was measured. Given that Qin Feng had shown remorse by coming to plead guilty, sparing his wife's life aligned with a more moderate approach. However, Shentu Ming's fate was sealed. A lifetime as a stray dog would likely end soon, a grim yet effective deterrent.
"Then it shall be as Grand Shennong recommends," Emperor Xu declared. "Shentu Lan will be confined to the royal palace and forbidden from leaving. Shentu Ming will remain in his canine form, wandering the streets with no aid permitted, left to his own fate."
"This subject thanks Your Majesty and Grand Shennong," Qin Feng said, bowing once again with his son in tow. His relief was palpable—he had achieved his goal of preserving his wife's life. Shentu Ming, however, was a lost cause, one he no longer cared to save.
"Court is adjourned!"
As the court session ended, news of King Beichen's punishment spread rapidly through official channels and public notices.
The impact was immediate. Numerous military officials began tightening their control over their own households, particularly their wives and in-laws.
"King Beichen, Qin Feng, was a top-tier figure, yet his kingdom was abolished, and he was reduced to a County Duke. This shows that even nobles must pay a steep price for abusing their privileges."
"I'm just a Marquis. After working hard to earn my domain, no one in my household better cause trouble!"
"Offending Grand Shennong Zhao Xing is a surefire way to end up as a cautionary tale. Do you want to be turned into a dog and leave your name cursed for eternity?"
"Historians will surely document this incident. The Shentu family is bound to appear in the annals of treachery."
"Quick! Bring me this year's—no, the last fifty years'—tax records! Check for errors or omissions, and if there are any, rectify them immediately!"
"My Lord, it seems our Estate No. 5 missed a payment of thirty thousand taels two years ago…"
"What?! You dog! Are you trying to get me killed? Do you want to become a dog yourself? Fix it right away!"
"I'll handle it immediately!"
The resolution of King Beichen's case led to a ripple effect throughout the empire. Local tax supervisors and officials across various provinces and prefectures began reporting a surge in voluntary tax payments.
Meng Kun, brimming with excitement, approached Zhao Xing with a report. "Grand Shennong, look! The officials from all over—counties, provinces, and prefectures—are sending in their reports of success."
"They're all saying their work has become much smoother. Without any need for prodding, countless individuals are proactively cooperating and settling their arrears."
Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile. This outcome had been anticipated. With King Beichen serving as a prime example, restraint across the empire was bound to follow.
"The implications of this matter are far-reaching. I wonder who would dare disobey you in the future?" Meng Kun chuckled, his tone filled with admiration.
As time passed, the news of the Beichen Kingdom incident spread far and wide, becoming a popular topic of discussion, especially within the Shennong Academies in various regions. This even spurred a surge of interest in studying the Hou Transformation Technique.
"Years ago, Grand Shennong Wu Cheng used the Hou Transformation Technique to suppress a rebellion in the Kingdom of Han, transforming the entire royal palace into pigs."
"Now, Grand Shennong Zhao Xing ventured alone to Beichen Kingdom and turned the demon queen and her consort into a chicken and a dog, forcing King Beichen, Qin Feng, to bind himself and travel to the capital to plead guilty. Truly satisfying!"
"I say, the Hou Transformation Technique is the strongest art. Anyone disagree?"
"Be careful not to practice yourself into a mishap and end up as a pig."
"Hahaha!"
In the Underworld, within the temple halls.
When the Beichen Kingdom matter reached the Underworld, Li Boqian couldn't help but take a deep puff from his incense stick. "Excellent, excellent! My Primordial Sealing Art has not gone to waste. Hahaha!"
"Brother Xuanyuan, do you now believe I defeated Xu Xing back then?"
"Once I use the Primordial Sealing Art, who can rival it?"
Xuanyuan Qingtian laughed heartily. "Brother Li, you are truly talented to have created such a divine art."
"Thick-skinned, aren't you?" True Lord Tianyang interjected coldly, "I watched you practice this art back in the day."
"The Primordial Sealing Art you use and the one Zhao Xing uses are completely different techniques."
"At most, your technique has reached the second transformation of the Ultimate Art. Meanwhile, Zhao Xing has already achieved the fifth transformation."
"Moreover, how can your Primordial Sealing Art compare to his with all its variations?"
Li Boqian's face flushed red. "I was the one who taught him the Primordial Sealing Art. How does it not count?"
"Hmph."
The matter of King Beichen was soon relegated to minor importance and returned to calm. However, figures like King Beichen, who belonged to the pinnacle class of Superior Grade One, were bound to emerge more frequently as the Yuan Qi Tides progressed.
Currently, Zhao Xing's attention was focused on significant matters connected to these developments.
In the eighty-third year of the Yuanshou Era, Wang Tianzhi and Ling Tianchen returned from the Divine Rest Cave-Heaven to the Fengjing Shennong Office, delivering a detailed report to Zhao Xing.
"Grand Shennong, we entered and exited the gale zone repeatedly, totaling nine times, spanning six months in all."
"Among the seven hundred and fifty-three participants, including the two of us, no one found the Transformative Spirit Splendor capable of reshaping their physical and Dharma bodies. However, there was some advancement in our arts."
As Zhao Xing reviewed the report, he remarked, "It seems breakthrough opportunities within the native lands of Great Zhou are indeed rare."
There were two common paths to reach the true Rule Domain.
One was through the Fortune of the Dynasty.
However, at the level of the Destiny Palace realm, the ability of dynasty fortune to sustain the number of pinnacle figures was limited.
Currently, Great Zhou had eight pinnacle figures of Superior Grade One. Only King Luohou had been granted such treatment.
Why? Because King Luohou had reached Grade One entirely through self-cultivation and had refined a top-tier domain. His innate strength was unparalleled. By granting him the dynasty's fortune to breakthrough, the fortune would become entirely integrated into him.
Subsequently, reclaiming it was no longer feasible!
Thus, Emperor Xu was cautious when using this method to cultivate pinnacle figures.
Although Great Zhou was stronger now compared to the reign of Emperor Jing, it could not indiscriminately create pinnacle figures. This method was not viable for widespread use.
The second path was to absorb the Creation of Heaven and Earth from the energy tides.
Zhao Xing termed this phenomenon the Transformative Spirit Splendor, which accompanied the appearance of powerful Yuan Qi Tides.
Most commonly, it emerged from the hurricanes tearing through the barriers of the Cave-Heavens.
These hurricanes were one of the signs of the Yuan Qi Tides.
The key factors were twofold: the level of the hurricane and the surrounding energy density.
The remaining seven pinnacle figures of Great Zhou all gained their breakthroughs by seizing opportunities from such hurricanes in the Cave-Heavens.
Thus, alongside the disasters caused by the energy tides, opportunities arose.
Since taking office as Grand Shennong, Zhao Xing had promptly arranged personnel to conduct tests, striving to gather stable data. However, two years had passed, and the results were disappointing.
The primary reason was that the energy tide phenomena in Great Zhou's existing Cave-Heavens were too rare and of insufficient intensity. Those seven individuals had succeeded mainly due to luck.
"To seize opportunities within the energy tides, we must venture into external territories." Zhao Xing pondered. "I must seek an audience with His Majesty. Meng Kun, supervise Junior Chief of Engineers Chen Ju and check on his progress."
"Understood, I will immediately dispatch someone to oversee him," Meng Kun nodded.
Chen Ju, a practitioner of the Dao Soldier lineage, specialized in crafting precision detection instruments. Zhao Xing had approved a project for him to create a device capable of detecting spiritual energy—the Shang Heng Detector. This instrument was critical for enabling Great Zhou's powerhouses to more easily identify breakthrough opportunities.
After issuing his directives, Zhao Xing headed straight for the palace.
At that moment, Emperor Xu, Ji Che, was in the imperial garden, engrossed in reading the Book of Destiny.
"Your Majesty, Zhao Wang has arrived," a guard reported.
"Didn't I say Zhao Wang need not announce his arrival? Who gave you permission to stop him?" Emperor Xu glanced at the guard.
The guard, startled, stammered, "Your Majesty, it was—it was Zhao Wang who instructed this servant to report."
"Very well. You may leave. Invite Zhao Wang in."
"As you command."
Zhao Xing entered the imperial garden, taking a seat across from Emperor Xu in a pavilion.
"Fifth Brother, the energy tides across the Xuanyang Realm have already presented opportunities for Destiny Palace-level powerhouses to further breakthrough."
"However, these tides shrink inward from the periphery of the Xuanyang Realm, meaning we must expand and advance into external territories."
"Whether through coercion or negotiation, we must ensure Great Zhou's powerhouses have access to these external lands to seek opportunities. We cannot let others monopolize them."
Emperor Xu nodded. "I had the same thought. This is a zero-sum game. If we remain passive, even if the fortune of the energy tides eventually falls to Great Zhou, we will face threats from both natural disasters and human strife."
"However, I have one question, and I hope Elder Brother can provide clarity."
Zhao Xing responded, "What is it?"
"Big Brother, I have often studied the Book of Destiny and believe that the conditions for ascension are already ripe. As long as we conquer the Southern Barbarians, it should be achievable."
"The rumored Spiritual Qi Era is said to be less than a century away. Why do you think this isn't the true Spiritual Qi Era, but rather just a Yuan Qi Tide?" Ji Che's tone was heavy with doubt. "If this is indeed a Yuan Qi Tide, it means my understanding is flawed. Then what are the true conditions for ascension?"
Zhao Xing met Ji Che's puzzled gaze and fell into deep thought.
In the original trajectory, by the eighty-third year of the Yuanshou Era, the Great Zhou Dynasty had already begun preparations to attack the Southern Barbarians.
However, due to Zhao Xing's intervention in this life, the Yuanshou Era saw only a single significant conflict in Xiji Prefecture, which, compared to the original timeline, was not a large-scale war and did not last long. In truth, Emperor Xu's patience in waiting this long showed his deep trust in Zhao Xing.
Nevertheless, the guidance provided by the Book of Destiny diverged greatly from Zhao Xing's own explanations.
After a brief pause, Zhao Xing said, "Your Majesty, when the true Spiritual Qi Era begins, the entire Xuanhuang Realm will experience a rain of spiritual energy that will last for decades and cover an immense area."
He extended his hand, and Yuan Qi condensed in the air, shifting and reshaping.
Eventually, a dome-shaped shield appeared in the sky, accompanied by an irregularly twisted piece of floating land.
Pointing to the vision, Zhao Xing explained, "Your Majesty, please observe. This can be roughly considered the structure of the Xuanhuang Realm. Four Pillar Mountains support a landmass that floats amidst the endless cosmos."
"The largest and tallest of these mountains is the Sacred Mountain of the Southern Barbarians."
"The outer void mist symbolizes the boundary of the Xuanhuang Realm."
"The land's edges are bordered by vast oceans. At the ends of these oceans lies a place called the Return-to-Void Land. This land, the base of the umbrella's handle, represents the lowest point of the Xuanhuang Realm and is a small, isolated landmass."
"The many nodes on the umbrella's canopy symbolize the numerous Cave-Heavens within the realm."
Ji Che, having never heard such a description of the Xuanhuang Realm, listened intently. "Your Majesty, we might imagine this as a leaky umbrella."
"The celestial stars of the universe can seep through the numerous holes in the umbrella."
"Among these holes, the larger ones become what we observe as the Sun Star and Moon Star, while the smaller ones appear as the twinkling light of the stars."
"Your Majesty, you should recall the mural named The Wind of the Void, encountered during Qing Yuzhi's trial."
As he spoke, Zhao Xing gestured again. A dark cloud floated across the sky, hovering above the umbrella. "If there is wind, naturally, there can be clouds too."
"When these clouds cover the Xuanhuang Realm and begin to rain, the water flows through the holes into the realm."
"This rain represents vast amounts of spiritual energy infused with the origin of the cosmic void. When it showers down, the Xuanhuang Realm officially enters the Spiritual Qi Era."
"At present, however, the Cave-Heavens experience only hurricanes and thunder. The loud roar of thunder with little actual rain indicates that this is merely a Yuan Qi Tide, a precursor to the spiritual energy rain."
Ji Che fell into deep thought and asked, "Since you claim this is merely a precursor, doesn't that mean the Spiritual Qi Era will soon arrive?"
Zhao Xing shook his head. "Not quite. While the condensation of cloud energy in the cosmos might seem imminent on a universal scale, we within the Xuanhuang Realm may need to wait another two thousand years for its arrival. A complete cycle, on the other hand, spans millions of years, which explains why the resurgence of spiritual energy occurs so infrequently."
"The Xuanhuang Realm alternates between the Yuan Qi Era and the Spiritual Qi Era."
The revelation struck Emperor Xu deeply. His eyes filled with dissatisfaction as he asked, "According to your explanation, doesn't this mean my Great Zhou Dynasty is unfortunate, caught in the period just before the Spiritual Qi Era? Is ascension nothing more than an empty dream?"
An emperor's lifespan lasts a millennium. If there are still a thousand or two thousand years to go after the Yuan Qi Tide, wouldn't Ji Che fall before the dawn?
Observing the frustration in Emperor Xu's eyes, Zhao Xing sighed. This was precisely why he had been hesitant to explain everything in detail. Learning such a truth—how could any emperor bear it?
Would he collapse into despair or descend into madness?
But the situation had changed. Zhao Xing quickly said, "Not necessarily, Your Majesty."
"Oh?" Ji Che asked. "Please elaborate."
Zhao Xing explained, "To address your second question, the conditions for ascension are as follows."
"First, the spiritual energy index of the Xuanhuang Realm must reach five or above."
"I am already working on having someone develop a spiritual energy version of the Shangheng Instrument, and I believe a finished product will be available soon."
"Second, at least twenty practitioners at the Dao Establishment Realm are required to withstand the Four-Directions Tribulation. This must take place at the Four Pillar Mountains, with a minimum of five individuals resisting the tribulation at each location simultaneously."
"As for the Four Pillar Mountains, they have long been abandoned and are now forbidden zones. Only the Southern Barbarians' Sacred Mountain is still guarded by the Moon God of the Witches."
"Thus, the third condition is to conquer the Southern Barbarian lands."
"We must endure the tribulation of ascension at this location and open the path to ascension because it serves as the largest hole on the umbrella's canopy." Zhao Xing's voice was firm. "If Your Majesty wishes to carry out a grand plan of ascension and lead all your people, then conquering the Southern Barbarians is an absolute necessity."
"Otherwise, there will be no place large enough to accommodate the Boundary Vessel."
Ji Che was startled. "What is a Boundary Vessel?"
Zhao Xing replied, "This relates to the fourth condition: using the origin of the world as the core to construct a Boundary Vessel. Spiritual energy must be condensed into crystal stones to serve as the energy source for the formation powering the vessel. Only then can we leave the Xuanhuang Realm and traverse the vast cosmic domain."
A flash of understanding crossed Ji Che's face. "No wonder ancient murals from the Divine Dynasties of Old often depict flying vessels."
Zhao Xing nodded. "Indeed. However, the vessels depicted in those murals were small-scale Boundary Vessels, carrying only enough resources and people to sustain a single province."
"So, the construction of a Boundary Vessel is a matter of survival?" Ji Che keenly grasped the essence.
"Precisely." Zhao Xing nodded. "Practitioners at the Dao Establishment Realm, known as Ascension Realm in the cosmos, can theoretically break free from the limitations of the Xuanhuang Realm after enduring the Four-Directions Tribulation."
"In theory, one could leave through the smaller holes in the canopy without taking many people."
Ji Che raised an eyebrow. "And in practice?"
"It is impractical," Zhao Xing answered firmly. "Your Majesty must understand that the stronger one's cultivation, the greater their consumption of Yuan Qi. It is impossible to replenish primordial or spiritual energy in the barren void of the universe."
"It is akin to marching an army to war without adequate supplies of provisions." Zhao Xing's tone grew grave. "The cosmos is vast and desolate. To reach a stable and spiritually abundant region, we must prepare sufficient supplies from the Xuanhuang Realm. Only then can we hope to arrive at a new frontier."
As Zhao Xing spoke, memories of his previous life's ascension surged forth. Warriors, mechanists, and Shennong practitioners—all were indispensable. No one could ascend alone to reach the next map.
The fewer people involved in group ascension, the harder it becomes to enter the next map. Without a sustained ecological system, the risk of perishing or even regressing in cultivation stage is high. Even choosing to sleep (logging out) to conserve resources results in wasted cultivation progress post-ascension.
After leaving the Xuanhuang Realm, bottlenecks disappear, and it's the prime opportunity to accumulate cultivation experience. Any delay would result in falling behind. Ji Che muttered, "So this is what the universe's vast domain is truly like?"
"I thought the heavens full of stars meant boundless celestial paradises everywhere."
Zhao Xing also looked up and said leisurely, "Perhaps it was like that in the past, but now the Xuanhuang Realm is nothing more than a drying fishpond."
"We are fish that must leap out of the water, onto the barren 'land,' struggling to bounce and endure, all in the hope of reaching another ocean before perishing." Ji Che pondered deeply. "Qing Yuzi once said he came from the Yuanhai Kingdom, part of the Wasteland Ancient Alliance. Is the term 'Wasteland' referring to the barren cosmic domain where the Xuanhuang Realm resides?"
"You are sharp, Your Majesty," Zhao Xing replied with a smile. "Yes, the cosmic domain where the Xuanhuang Realm is located may have once been abundant in spiritual energy, but like all things in the universe, it has experienced the ebb and flow of time and is now becoming desolate."
"Perhaps in the ancient times of the Divine Court, practitioners of the Ascension Realm could endure the tribulations and then pilot small vessels to drift away. But that is certainly no longer the case now."
"So, by your reasoning, the Divine Court of old, post-ascension, may not have all reached the celestial paradise or grown stronger. Some could have…" Ji Che trailed off.
"Yes, some may have turned into dry bones, becoming tombs in the void," Zhao Xing stated plainly. "The more selfish a dynasty, the fewer people and materials it carries, resulting in smaller Boundary Vessels, and ultimately, lower survival rates."
"That is why I said, Your Majesty's ambition to lead the entire population in ascension shows your profound grasp of its true essence."
Conversing with the Martial Emperor was always enjoyable. Zhao Xing had decided to emulate the boldness of past players and initiate a grand "Turn the Heavens Upright" plan, mainly because of Ji Che. Even if dragged into the future, he doubted he'd find more agreeable circumstances than now.
Ruling as emperor himself was too risky—Pu Ta's downfall was a glaring example.
If he created a puppet emperor, he'd still have to micromanage everything. Where would he find the energy for that?
Ji Che fell into silence. The truths Zhao Xing presented were profoundly shocking, and he seemed to be digesting them.
This was something only Ji Che and Zhao Xing could manage. Any other combination of individuals would likely result in the speaker being accused of heretical rambling and executed.
For an emperor dreaming of ascension, Zhao Xing's outlined realities were incredibly brutal. The conditions he laid out could easily shatter the dream of any emperor. Yet, Ji Che was no ordinary emperor. He quickly recovered, licking his lips as his eyes gleamed with renewed determination. "Hearing this only makes me more excited!"
"If we are to act, let us achieve an unparalleled feat never before seen in history!"
"Elder Brother, since spiritual energy is in ebb and flow, achieving a spiritual energy index of five or above must be incredibly challenging. But you must already have a plan, right?" Ji Che inquired.
"Yes, it is challenging," Zhao Xing admitted. "This involves three crucial locations: the Guixu Territory, the Southern Wilderness, and the Ancient Dragon Court."
"Collecting spiritual energy cannot bypass these three places."
"Even if we overcome countless difficulties and gather enough spiritual energy, what comes next?" Ji Che pressed on. Zhao Xing smiled and pointed toward the umbrella handle with a single cloud etched upon it. "What do you think that cloud might represent?"
"A cloud? The Shennong?" Ji Che's eyes suddenly lit up. "Elder Brother, are you suggesting the Shennong can summon a preemptive rainfall of spiritual energy?"
"Exactly," Zhao Xing confirmed with a grin. "Your Majesty, do you know what the most essential equipment of the Shennong is?"
"It's the Cloud and Rain Orb!" Ji Che exclaimed. "The Cloud and Rain Orb gathers the essence of cloud and rain!"
"Indeed!" Zhao Xing stood, his confidence radiating as he highlighted numerous points on the umbrella. "To collect the spiritual energy of the entire realm and condense it within our grasp, we must use the Twenty-Four Seasonal Qi Commands as the foundation. This provides us a significant chance to bring forth the rain of spiritual energy revival ahead of time!"
Group ascension had been a core feature of the mysterious game Zhao Xing once knew, and the Shennong's role in the process was integral.
Other professions contributed to gathering spiritual energy, constructing the Boundary Vessel, and waging wars. Ji Che, clearly not one to be placated with mere promises, immediately asked for the specifics. "How exactly do we achieve this?"
Zhao Xing explained, "As I mentioned earlier, reaching the Dao Establishment Realm and overcoming tribulations will grant us the conditions to leave the Xuanhuang Realm."
"At that point, I will choose a passage, use the spiritual energy we've gathered, and create clouds within the Xuanhuang Realm to gather the spiritual energy surrounding it."
"Once the clouds are formed, the next step is to release the rain."
"A rain of spiritual energy revival!"
Ji Che gazed at Zhao Xing, who was radiating confidence and determination, pointing and strategizing with fervor. He couldn't help but stand up, equally exhilarated. "Elder Brother, if this succeeds, you will be the National Teacher of the Great Zhou Dynasty!"
"Haha, spare me the title of National Teacher," Zhao Xing laughed heartily, dispelling the grand visions and sitting back down with Ji Che.
"Che, if we are to accomplish the monumental feat of ascension, many obstacles remain. I need you to have unwavering faith, the confidence to overcome any hindrance, and absolute trust in me."
"Elder Brother, rest assured," Ji Che replied solemnly. "Life is but a fleeting moment, like a white steed galloping past a crack in the wall. For such a grand endeavor, I will stand by you unconditionally!"
Zhao Xing smiled, and so did Ji Che. They clasped hands tightly, their resolve silently reaffirmed. After a brief moment of calm, they began discussing the concrete implementation plan.
"The most critical factor now is manpower—the number of strong individuals," Zhao Xing said. "Without sufficient strength to sweep across the Xuanhuang Realm, it will be challenging to revive spiritual energy."
Ji Che nodded. "As you mentioned earlier, Elder Brother, during the Yuanqi Tides, major powers will seize the opportunity to hoard large amounts of spiritual energy. Forcing them to release it without sufficient military might is impossible."
"Exactly," Zhao Xing agreed with a smile. "To speak plainly, figures like the old obstinate Wu Yue God will certainly not join us in ascension. He will use every means to obstruct us."
"We could unite some people, but the numbers will inevitably be limited. The ascension of the Xuanhuang Realm is bound to leave many behind."
"Scarcity breeds resentment. If inequality arises, there will undoubtedly be those who attempt to sabotage us."
"However, it's too early to discuss alliances. Absolute strength is a prerequisite for such discussions."
Zhao Xing and Ji Che returned to the crux of the problem—execution of the plan.
"This Yuanqi Tide, although flowing from the outside in, puts the Great Zhou at a geographical disadvantage. However, through warfare, negotiation, coercion, and persuasion, we can dispatch strong individuals to the critical locations beyond the realm to seize opportunities for breaking into the Rule Stage," Zhao Xing explained.
Ji Che sighed with admiration. "It's fortunate you've taken up the role of Grand Shennong, Elder Brother."
Following the great war in the Xiji Prefecture, the Great Zhou's initial foreign policy focused on peaceful development—consolidating the benefits gained from the Xiji ruins and fully resisting the natural disasters brought by the tide. At that time, Liu Tianning's incomplete summary of the Yuanqi Tides failed to uncover certain patterns, such as breakthroughs occurring within hurricanes.
Thus, Ji Che and others believed that peaceful development was the optimal strategy, avoiding conflict in the short term.
However, Zhao Xing had seen further ahead. If the Great Zhou adopted such a passive approach, other nations and sects would experience an explosive increase in strong individuals during the tide. This surge might even surpass the Great Zhou in a particular timeframe, placing them at a disadvantage.
Though Zhao Xing refrained from criticizing Liu Tianning, in truth, the elder had done well—just not as well as Zhao Xing.
Redirecting the conversation, Zhao Xing continued explaining the revival plan's specifics. "I need to borrow two artifacts from the imperial treasury. With these, leading our people abroad to seize opportunities will become much easier."
"What artifacts?" Ji Che asked.