Haiyang Marquis's attendants gathered Zhao Xing's Northern Silver River Corps Unit 739, along with five surrounding units, in the air, totaling about five thousand members.
Then, Haiyang Marquis gently waved his hand, and a white-furred ape-man holding a small golden bell started to speak.
Zhao Xing carefully listened to the translation. The gist was: "The noble prince will choose his personal guards from among you. This is your honor!"
"Next, I will ring this ancient bell. Anyone who can stay in the air without falling into the river passes!"
He relayed this to Ji Yuan, telling him to be ready.
The next moment, the white-furred demon ape raised the golden bell.
The red-haired demon ape prince didn't even lift his head, seemingly half-asleep, but with a flick of his finger, a red wave of energy struck the golden bell.
The bell made no sound, but spatial ripples spread.
When the ripples reached the teams in the air, they suddenly twisted like countless void whips, lashing each guard.
Zhao Xing felt a heavy blow to his turtle shell, his soul shaking slightly.
This seemingly ordinary bell turned out to be a hybrid Dao Weapon, affecting both the body and the mind.
"The spatial pressure is equal to a peak strike of the Life and Death Dao Domain Realm. This standard matches our empire's standards, and the spiritual impact is just as strong."
"This Demon Ape Clan prince sure has high demands," Zhao Xing thought.
The average level in Xiangxing Realm wasn't as high as the empire, but the prince was recruiting by imperial standards. He wanted the best of the best.
No wonder he didn't even lift his eyes—he probably didn't expect much.
"Ah—"
"It hurts, it hurts so much!"
"Plop~"
Soon, the five thousand River Generals showed pained expressions and fell from the sky.
Like dumplings dropping into a pot, a large number were eliminated with the first ring.
But for Zhao Xing, it was easy.
His Hou Transformation Technique was high-grade. His mixed bloodline gave him both the Demon Ape Clan's strength-type divine abilities and the Lingxu Turtle Clan's defense-type divine abilities.
As for his soul, it was no problem. His "Reincarnation" secret art had already reached the first stage.
With his Fate Soul merged with the Earth Soul, this level of mental impact was nothing.
Even though he could easily withstand it, Zhao Xing pretended, showing a pained expression.
No choice—out of five thousand, only a few were left. Standing out too much wouldn't be good.
But Ji Yuan couldn't handle it.
He was fine with the spiritual impact, but his Hou Transformation couldn't take this level of physical attack.
If he resisted alone, he'd blow his cover, his transformation ending.
So he started borrowing power from Zhao Xing again.
Now Zhao Xing was enduring double the attacks.
The strain increased.
"Hm?"
The Demon Ape Clan prince, Haiyang Marquis, suddenly looked up, crimson light flashing in his eyes.
To his surprise, four River Generals remained in the air.
Tiny Northern Silver River had four who met his standards.
Two of them even had pure Demon Ape bloodlines—what a pleasant surprise!
"Not bad."
The prince nodded lightly, and the golden bell's attack stopped.
"You four, are you willing to serve me?"
Zhao Xing didn't hesitate. He knelt on one knee, stretching his hand toward the Demon Ape Clan prince.
Ji Yuan and the other two River Generals followed suit.
The Demon Ape prince bared his white fangs, lightly running his palm across the four's hands.
"Chi, assign them under me."
"Yes."
The white-furred demon ape pulled Zhao Xing, Ji Yuan, and the other two onto the turtle-backed cabin.
Then, he took out a carved fiery red World Stone and approached them.
At the base of Zhao Xing's turtle shell, a unique rune had been engraved, showing his bloodline, birthplace, and faction.
As the fiery red chisel passed over, new runes replaced part of the original information.
This process was called "registering."
Now, Zhao Xing was officially one of the Demon Ape Clan prince Haiyang Marquis's personal guards.
"From now on, you are my guards. If you perform well, I'll elevate your bloodline status," the prince said casually.
Ji Yuan was a bit confused, not sure what this meant, but Zhao Xing prostrated excitedly, "Thank you, my lord! I swear loyalty unto death!"
The other two River Generals also knelt, pledging loyalty.
Ji Yuan copied them, quickly prostrating, though his speech wasn't fluent, only managing a few simple sounds meaning: Me too.
Zhao Xing always feared Ji Yuan would slip up, watching the Demon Ape Clan's expressions carefully.
His Heart Divine Ability could read their inner thoughts.
The white-furred demon ape showed a trace of contempt. In his heart, he probably thought Ji Yuan, this backwater bumpkin from the Lower Realms, really didn't belong. Couldn't even speak the Upper Realm language properly.
But the Demon Ape Clan prince smiled at Ji Yuan, seeming to appreciate such honest talent.
As for the other two Demon Ape River Generals, Zhao Xing couldn't quite read them.
Their minds seemed clear but were actually murky. Using his panel to check, he found they were both demon race members, so he let it go.
After that, there was no more talking.
Zhao Xing, Ji Yuan, and the other two River Generals stood quietly at the end of the line.
The Demon Ape Clan prince continued recruiting across the Northern Silver River.
His authority seemed immense—passing through checkpoints and strongholds freely.
He could take whoever he wanted, no one stopped him.
And so, after three full years of searching, the Demon Ape prince only recruited eight new guards.
His standards were too high!
Such strict selection was tough for Xiangxing Realm.
So, among the eight, besides Zhao Xing and Ji Yuan, another spy appeared.
That was at the end of the third year, the prince's eighth recruit.
On the surface, a turtle clan member, with flawless aura, bloodline, even life force.
But in Zhao Xing's panel detection—
[Name: Yan Lingjun]
[Realm: Life and Death Dao Domain Realm (Perfection)]
[Occupation: Physician]
By the fifth year, the Demon Ape Clan prince had accepted two more personal guards.
Zhao Xing instinctively glanced at the new guards at the cabin entrance and almost laughed.
Even though they looked like beasts, Zhao Xing's panel showed their names as:
[Name: Yang Baihe]
[Realm: Life and Death Dao Domain Realm (Perfection)]
[Occupation: Starry Sky Historian]
[Name: Qi Tian]
[Realm: Life and Death Dao Domain Realm (Perfection)]
[Occupation: Shennong]
Zhao Xing couldn't help but think, what a bunch.
Counting heads, there were now 10 new guards, and half were Human Clan spies!
One of them was even an old acquaintance.
Sparks Unit's "Yang Baihe" was the "Baiyang" captain Zhao Xing met at Yueluo Mausoleum!
"Why are you smiling, my lord?" Ji Yuan asked from the soul altar, puzzled.
"Nothing, just thought of something funny."
At the same time, the Demon Ape prince was quite pleased.
His ten new guards were all highly talented.
Although their bloodlines were mixed and not trusted for key roles, by nurturing their bloodlines, he'd win their loyalty, and they could be put to better use!
So, the Demon Ape prince began heading back to one of the Upper Three Realms, the Yunxian Realm.
During these five years of eavesdropping and limited conversations, Zhao Xing finally figured out the prince's intention.
"This Demon Ape prince, seems he's planning to cleanse certain members within his clan," Zhao Xing and Ji Yuan exchanged discreet thoughts at the soul altar.
"You mean he came to Northern Silver River City of Xiangxing Realm to root out the surrender faction within his clan?" Ji Yuan asked.
"Exactly," Zhao Xing replied. "Over the last 50 years, the Original Council swept through the Middle Three Realms, showing overwhelming strength."
"Our cultivation system, divine weapons, and joint combat techniques have shattered their understanding, shocking the natives of Lingxu Realm beyond belief. Surrender factions are only natural."
"But our momentum got stuck at Siyang Realm—we couldn't break through to the Upper Three Realms, giving the pro-war faction hope again."
"Still, whether they fight or surrender, they must first settle their internal chaos."
"Then why's he looking for people here?" Ji Yuan asked.
"Using your own people to kill your own doesn't end well. Better to recruit outsiders from Xiangxing Realm."
"These backwater locals sure are trouble," Ji Yuan chuckled. The white-furred demon ape looked down on him, but he looked down on these monkey folks too.
"Don't underestimate them," Zhao Xing warned. "That Demon Ape prince is strong. If I don't drop my transformation, I can't beat him."
"Yes, I understand," Ji Yuan nodded.
Zhao Xing's fortune had risen three levels after taking the Fortune Gold Pill, making his 40-year infiltration smooth.
Now, having joined the prince's guard and heading to Yunxian Realm, he was a step closer to success.
But the closer he got, the more cautious he became. To enter the Rain Immortal Altar, he'd surely draw the attention of Reincarnation Realm experts.
Could his Hou Transformation Technique keep fooling them? He wasn't sure.
But now that he'd found Yang Baihe, his confidence grew.
"Brother, what's your name?"
On the way to Yunxian Realm, Zhao Xing, acting friendly, approached Yang Baihe.
"Get lost." Before Yang Baihe could speak, the Shennong "Qi Tian" coldly glared at Zhao Xing.
He looked like a deer-headed, ape-bodied hybrid, disguised as a mixed-blood.
Most Sparks Unit members worked as mixed-blood types, usually with Demon Ape lineage, because their bodies were similar to the Human Clan, allowing them to keep 70-80% of their strength even when disguised.
"Don't be so cold. I'm Jing Yan. What about you two?"
"Hmm?"
Yang Baihe, who had his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.
He looked like a white-crowned demon ape, and upon hearing Zhao Xing's name, a flicker of doubt flashed in his eyes.
But he wasn't sure yet, since Zhao Xing spoke the Demon Ape's common tongue.
"I'm Yang Bai," the white-crowned demon ape introduced himself, then pointed to the red-and-white-haired ape next to him, "He's Xuan Chen."
"You two also fled from the battle at Siyang Realm?" Zhao Xing threw out a code phrase.
Yang Baihe's eyes narrowed slightly. "Yeah? Where are you from?"
"Beijiao Continent of Siyang Realm, Xingzhou Great River City."
Yang Baihe quickly translated the code in his mind, confirming Zhao Xing was part of the "Counter-Void Plan."
He sighed and pulled out a pendant from his robe. "I see. I can't even remember what home looks like. My beautiful homeland was destroyed by those damn extraterritorial demons. All I have left is this Heart Jade Pendant. I wish we could one day take it back."
"Yes, I wish for that too."
After some small talk, they each returned to their resting areas.
Not long after, Yang Baihe and Zhao Xing formed a karmic link for secret communication.
[Karmic Link]was a subtle communication method. Zhao Xing had used it before to talk to elders from Dongyan Ancient Clan, and even the great ones of the empire confirmed it was safe in Lingxu Origin Realm.
Since they were now both under the Demon Ape prince, forming this link wouldn't raise suspicions.
"Sparks Unit, Counter-Void Plan, Fourth Reincarnation Team Leader Yang Baihe. Who are you?"
"Counter-Void Plan, Independent Member Zhao Xing. Captain Baiyang, I'm Zhao Xing!"
"Zhao Xing?" Yang Baihe looked shocked. "I heard you led a team 45 years ago and killed a Reincarnation Realm lord, earning ten billion merit points. How'd you end up here?"
The Shennong Qi Tian was even more surprised. "You—you're the Zhao Xing who solved the problem of Diejie Mountain?"
"Yeah, that's me," Zhao Xing said. "As for why I'm here, it's a long story."
"Sorry, Zhao Shennong, for offending you earlier," Qi Tian quickly changed his tone.
Though he was from the Heavenly Timing faction and had lived longer, it didn't stop him from respecting Zhao Xing's status.
Solving the Diejie Mountain issue and creating the Zhao Clan's Eight Techniques had opened a whole new path of spells. The entire Shennong profession would benefit.
Zhao Xing's reputation as a Shennong had, over the years of being promoted at various assemblies, gradually evolved into true prestige.
Calling him highly respected wouldn't be an exaggeration.
If Qi Tian hadn't been from the Heavenly Timing faction, but rather from the Earthly Advantage faction, he'd definitely have to pay Zhao Xing a grand courtesy.
Zhao Xing said, "Brother Qi Tian, no need for that. We're on a secret mission now, bound by circumstance."
Ji Yuan watched enviously from the side. His lord really was something. Everywhere he went, people respected him, admired him—his social standing was top-tier.
Yang Baihe asked, "Zhao Xing, how long have you been here? Where are you going for this mission?"
He guessed Zhao Xing must need help, since he revealed his identity to contact him.
"I'm heading to the border of Yunxian Realm and Yuxian Realm. As for the specifics, that's top secret," Zhao Xing replied. "I contacted you because I do need help."
"Top secret? Do you have the Sparks Unit's top-tier secret order?" Yang Baihe asked, "My mission rank is also high, just one level below yours. If you can provide that order, I can prioritize supporting you."
Zhao Xing immediately sent over his top-tier Sparks secret order. Through the karmic link, Yang Baihe saw the scene where the Original Council granted Zhao Xing the secret order.
After that, Yang Baihe had no more doubts and laid out his own plans.
"My team has twenty-five members. We infiltrated here thirty-seven years ago."
"I've fully reconnected with eighteen of them. This one beside me is Qi Tian from the 'Four Seasons Palace', specializing in Hou Transformation Technique."
"My disguise is his work."
Four Seasons Palace was a top-tier Heavenly Timing faction force within the Red Star Empire.
If Qi Tian specialized in Hou Transformation Technique, he must be a Shennong from the Heavenly Timing faction in the city of Wan Hua under Four Seasons Palace.
Zhao Xing's Hou Transformation Technique could only be used on himself, as he focused solely on internal Hou transformations.
But someone like Qi Tian, a specialist, was skilled in both internal and external transformations. He could transform others into different life forms as well.
Zhao Xing had practiced some external Hou transformations before, like Pig Transformation and Chicken-Dog Transformation, but those were for weakening enemies, and those methods were outdated now.
Qi Tian's external Hou Transformation could maintain most of Yang Baihe's strength.
"No wonder it's flawless. Brother Qi Tian's skill is impressive," Zhao Xing praised.
Yang Baihe continued, "We have two main missions in the Upper Three Realms."
"First, find the chance to break through to the Reincarnation Realm without triggering rejection from the Lingxu Origin Realm."
"Second, alter key historical records and control a certain dynasty or race to support the Wild Expansion Army's assault on the Upper Three Realms."
Zhao Xing suddenly understood why Yang Baihe had such a high mission level.
So, they were here to break through to the Reincarnation Realm.
It was known that in the Middle and Lower Three Realms, breaking through to the Reincarnation Realm was impossible!
Anyone who attempted it was immediately rejected by the Lingxu Origin Realm, like how a body rejects bad food. The realm's source laws couldn't accept the Dao of an outsider at the Reincarnation level, and would eject them.
Over the past decades, many had tried, but without exception, they were all expelled.
But just because the Middle and Lower Realms couldn't do it didn't mean the Upper Three Realms couldn't.
If Baiyang could find a way to succeed, it would be a huge achievement. The gateways to the Upper Three Realms would no longer be a problem!
"We waited a long time in the Southern Silver River for the right moment. When we saw the Demon Ape Clan sending out princes to recruit, we made our move," Yang Baihe said. "We're also heading to Yunxian Realm. As for Yuxian Realm, we'll see."
"But now, things have changed. Your mission takes priority."
Zhao Xing nodded. "My task is to complete a sacrificial test at the border of Yunxian Realm and Yuxian Realm."
"The Empire has granted me the authority to mobilize Sparks Unit members with lower clearance."
"I still need a lot of the four types of Rain Stones before I can proceed with the investigation."
Yang Baihe's eyes deepened. "Looks like this mission really is important."
Zhao Xing wasn't lying. His operation had been approved by the Original Council.
After sweeping through the Middle Three Realms, scholars had compiled a lot of data on the Rain Immortal Festival's sacrificial offerings and rewards.
Zhao Xing knew more than most, and with his unique status, had secured this authority.
Yang Baihe and Zhao Xing quickly reached an agreement.
Finally, Zhao Xing asked, "By the way, that Niu Demon Clan guard resting in cabin number seven—is he one of yours?"
Yang Baihe paused, then said seriously, "No. On this carriage under the Demon Ape prince, only Qi Tian and I are insiders. Why? Did you spot someone else?"
Zhao Xing's heart skipped. The Counter-Void Operation was run entirely by the Sparks Unit. Whether from the Origin Heaven Palace or the Ancient Hill, anyone involved was under Sparks' command.
Yang Baihe had such high authority in this area, there's no way he wouldn't know about others.
Yet he didn't know Yan Lingjun?
So where exactly did Yan Lingjun come from? Who was he working for?
Yang Baihe also realized the problem. He said cautiously, "We're all in the same room now. Let's cut down on the talk. If anything comes up, we'll deal with it in Yunxian Realm."
"Got it." Zhao Xing nodded and quickly cut off the karmic communication.
While the Lingxu Realm races couldn't detect karmic communication, external experts might have eavesdropping abilities.
After cutting off the link, Zhao Xing glanced again in Yan Lingjun's direction.
That sudden appearance of a physician gave him a faint sense of unease, so he looked more closely.
On closer inspection, he noticed something was off.
"I can see Yang Baihe and Qi Tian's fortune, lifespan, age, and the divine abilities they've learned, but for Yan Lingjun, I can only see his name, realm, occupation, lifespan, and skills—but no fortune level or soul level."
"His remaining lifespan is only five hundred thirty-six years."
Zhao Xing had never seen something like this before and frowned.
"Normally, missing info means the other party is far above my level, but he's just in the Dao Domain Realm. How could I not see it?"
"But these two details are missing. Does he have no fortune? No soul?"
Very strange. Zhao Xing immediately started paying close attention to this man.
He didn't approach recklessly, just observed from the side.
But over time, everything Yan Lingjun did seemed completely normal.
Time passed, and after three months, the Demon Ape Clan prince brought everyone back to Yunxian Realm, to the city of April King.
Once they arrived, the Demon Ape prince, Marquis Haiyang, immediately made arrangements for the newly recruited ten guards.
The white-haired Demon Ape named "Chi" led the ten of them to a cave entrance.
In the plaza before the cave, there were three thousand Dao Domain Realm great demons.
"You're all mixed-bloods who escaped from the lower realms!"
"With impure bloodlines, it's hard to rise in the Upper Three Realms."
"Only His Highness accepts talent regardless of bloodline and gives you a chance!"
"The cave before you is the Blood Demon Cave! It's an important place of my Demon Ape Clan!"
"Deep inside is a pool gathered from the blood essence of countless races. Jump in, absorb the essence, and you can purify your bloodline, awaken your potential, and become stronger!!"
"Enter now! As long as you complete your transformation, you will become members of His Highness's 'Blood Demon Guard'!"
"Once you're Blood Demon Guards, His Highness will grant you rare cultivation techniques and entrust you with important missions!"
After speaking, the white-haired Demon Ape struck the golden bell in his hand, urging the three thousand Dao Domain Realm great demons to enter the Blood Demon Cave.
Zhao Xing, Ji Yuan, Yang Baihe, and Qi Tian stuck together, following the group into the dark cave.
As soon as they entered, they plunged rapidly downwards.
After falling for about three days, the four of them crashed into a thick, sticky liquid lake.
Though it was called a blood pool, it looked more like a giant hot spring carved into the mountain.
The four of them landed in the same pool.
Blood energy surged, turning even their vision red.
"Lord, this isn't good. We're not real demon beasts. How do we purify our bloodlines?" Ji Yuan grimaced, resisting the invasive power of the blood pool.
Yang Baihe was also helpless, looking to Zhao Xing and Qi Tian for answers. After all, they were humans, transformed only through Hou Transformation Technique.
So the solution had to come from the two Shennongs.
Zhao Xing asked first, "Brother Qi Tian, any ideas?"
Qi Tian pondered, "The essence of Hou Transformation Technique is a dramatic change in one's life core, allowing a temporary, reversible leap in bloodline."
"We must absorb the essence of the blood pool, or we'll give ourselves away."
"In the Hou Transformation state, we're no different from real demon beasts, so we can absorb it. The hard part is that Hou Transformation Technique must keep up, so we grow stronger in this state."
"Otherwise, we'll collapse, unable to revert, or suffer other serious consequences."
Zhao Xing had thought the same, but his mastery of Hou Transformation wasn't as deep as Qi Tian's. So, he humbly asked, "Please guide me, Brother Qi Tian."
Qi Tian replied politely, "Just some shallow thoughts, I wouldn't dare instruct you. Let's explore together."
The bloodline purification was clearly painful, with howls echoing around them.
Zhao Xing and Qi Tian discussed how to adapt Hou Transformation Technique to absorb the essence of the blood pool.
Ji Yuan quietly asked Yang Baihe, "Captain Yang, should we scream too? Otherwise, we'll look too calm."
"Good idea."
Yang Baihe and Ji Yuan immediately started shouting.
"Roar~~~"
...
One month later.
"Zhao Shennong, I see this blood pool environment as a vast world, and our bodies as small worlds within it."
"Now, if we let our small world's Hou Transformation align with the big world, maybe we can absorb the blood pool essence this way. What do you think?"
"Brother Qi, are you talking about the 'Theory of Mutual Transformation Between Two Realms'?"
"Exactly!"
...
Six months later.
"Can the bloodlines of the Tortoise Clan and Ape Clan merge, or should we discard one?"
"Should the tortoise swallow the ape, or the ape swallow the tortoise?"
"Zhao Shennong, are you aiming for a dual-bloodline transformation? That's just theory, I've never tried it."
"There are countless types of essence in this blood pool. What's the harm in trying and failing a few times?"
...
Two and a half years later.
"Zhao Shennong has already completed the fusion of dual bloodlines? Your talent is truly rare!"
"It's thanks to Brother Qi Tian teaching me the Four Seasons Palace's external Hou Transformation. Otherwise, I wouldn't have grasped it so quickly."
"You're too modest. It's hard to believe someone from the Earthly Advantage and Self factions like you hasn't joined our Heavenly Timing faction!"
...
Three years ago, to Qi Tian, Zhao Xing had only been a figure he'd heard of.
Although he respected him, Zhao Xing was known for spells of the Self and Earthly Advantage factions, not for anything in Heavenly Timing.
Even the Hou Transformation Technique he created seemed crude to Qi Tian.
He had worried Zhao Xing might hold them back.
But as they worked together, he was gradually convinced by Zhao Xing's talent in the Heavenly Timing Dao.
Especially in such a strange environment, Zhao Xing adapted faster than him.
At first, Qi Tian had been teaching Zhao Xing.
But later on, Zhao Xing was the one teaching him!
Especially when developing a new Hou Transformation Technique to adapt to the blood pool, Zhao Xing's error-correcting ability was unbeatable!
Qi Tian had never met anyone like him!
Whenever they worked on a new technique, Zhao Xing would only need to fail once to correct course, with shockingly high accuracy. Qi Tian doubted it many times, but each time, Zhao Xing was proven right!
Mainly because Zhao Xing had his panel for grinding proficiency, making his error correction maxed out.
His Heavenly Timing Hou Transformation Technique improved rapidly under Qi Tian's guidance.
Soon, he surpassed Qi Tian's skill in the technique.
Qi Tian had once believed his talent in Hou Transformation was second to none, reaching the threshold of the Reincarnation Realm in just fifty thousand years.
But after meeting Zhao Xing, he felt almost ashamed.
"In under seven years, he's modified and replaced my Four Seasons Palace's Hou Transformation Techniques," Qi Tian couldn't help but marvel.
"If there's really a child of destiny, it must be someone like Zhao Shennong."
Qi Tian's gaze fell forward, where the blood pool bubbled, and beneath the surface, it felt like an ancient, ferocious beast's aura was awakening.