Inside the Palace of Myriad Techniques, everything remained almost the same as before, with all kinds of straw puppets performing techniques everywhere.
However, the level of techniques had significantly improved.
Back when Zhao Xing was invited to attend classes, the demonstrations were simple techniques. Now, upon revisiting, he realized that there was much more to these techniques than he initially thought.
For instance, two teams of straw puppets were patrolling the base of the mountain. Zhao Xing had previously assumed it was just a random arrangement, but now he saw that the puppets were actually moving along the path of the "Eight Gates and Four Symbols Formation."
"The Injured Gate, Hidden Gate, Dead Gate, Scary Gate, Open Gate, Rest Gate, and Life Gate—this is a mobile version of the formation. Wherever the puppets go, the formation follows, and it can change based on the enemy's movements inside the formation."
As he flew halfway up the mountain, Zhao Xing noticed nine straw puppets he hadn't paid attention to before. They seemed to be aimlessly wandering, but in reality, there was more to it.
"Straw puppets made from chronostructured materials, these are soul-binding straw puppets! Hidden within are the deities of the Six Jia Yin Gods, following the stems Jia Zi, Jia Xu, Jia Shen, Jia Wu, Jia Chen, and Jia Yin… Are these the Six Jia Yin Gods?"
"Is this formation used to seal the mountain with the power of the Six Jia Yin Gods?" Zhao Xing remembered the mountain-sealing technique on Dong Lake, which had a chant invoking 'the Eight Realms True Lords to protect the path, allowing passage but sparing the trees and plants.'
In contrast, in Liu Tianning's Palace of Myriad Techniques, the mountain naturally had no real gods. But Liu Tianning created his own Six Jia Yin Gods using soul-binding straw puppets, substituting them for the 'True Lords' in the mountain-sealing chant, making the formation just as effective.
Outside the Grand Zhou, mountains and rivers were not consecrated with True Lords, but Liu Tianning's method essentially consecrated his own Yin Gods to replace the invocation.
"Liu really took the straw puppet techniques to an art form," Zhao Xing marveled as he observed the puppet techniques on the mountain.
Because he had not fully mastered the straw puppet techniques in his previous life, many of the methods now were unfamiliar to him.
The few he did recognize were thanks to rumors and speculation.
Liu Tianning's straw puppet techniques were indeed world-renowned for being unmatched. It wasn't just an exaggeration—he was indeed beyond even First-Class Shennongs in the mastery of this art.
Zhao Xing flew directly to the front gate of the Palace of Myriad Techniques and walked inside.
Liu Tianning had already returned from Soul Sacrifice Fortress. He had gone there to help but wasn't directly involved with the Shenwei Army, Xuanjia Army, or Zhenhai Army, so he had no obligation to stay and fight.
Why was it clear that the real Liu Tianning had gone? Because he had used his Pure Essence Projection, releasing his Seventh-Rank Plant Soldier from his dantian.
The straw puppet technique could not form Pure Essence Soil and thus couldn't truly use Pure Essence Projection.
Therefore, for a Shennong above the Fifth Rank, one way to tell if it was their real body was to see if they could use Pure Essence Projection.
However, forcing someone to reveal a Pure Essence Projection was not easy either.
In the Hall of Myriad Techniques within the palace, Zhao Xing found Liu Tianning.
"Teacher." Zhao Xing bowed.
"Summon your straw puppets," Liu Tianning commanded without further pleasantries, immediately testing Zhao Xing's cultivation progress.
"Yes." Zhao Xing had no time to explain his purpose for visiting and first began casting his techniques.
When Liu Tianning said to "summon straw puppets," it was clear he didn't mean any ordinary mid-tier puppet techniques.
Zhao Xing stepped outside the hall, took a deep breath, and pointed with a golden glow: "Wind, rise!"
A powerful gale arose, sweeping two Dragon Bamboo stalks from the east side of the square. As the bamboo flew through the air, the gale broke them down into bundles of materials.
From the west side, five bundles of Wutong Wood were drawn, and the wind split them into four parts as they flew.
Meanwhile, materials such as Resurrection Willow, Mulberry Flowers, Raspwort, and Tianxin Grass were gathered from the north and south.
"Rise!"
As the materials converged in front of him, Zhao Xing shouted again.
Four straw puppets took shape, transforming into Zhao Xing's image thanks to the integration of the Illusory Form Straw Puppet technique.
The four puppets, along with Zhao Xing himself, walked back into the hall and bowed to Liu Tianning: "Please offer your guidance, teacher."
"Not bad, your straw puppet techniques are showing promise," Liu Tianning commented. "For now, continue refining your mastery of the Self Straw Puppet path. When you reach the seventh transformation and encounter difficulties, we can discuss further."
"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded.
The Self Straw Puppet had just reached its fourth transformation, and there was no need for guidance at this stage. The path was clear until the seventh transformation—Zhao Xing simply needed to hone his skills. There were no bottlenecks to worry about for now.
Liu Tianning's test was only to check if Zhao Xing had been diligent, ensuring he was genuinely dedicating himself to learning the straw puppet techniques.
Though strict, Liu Tianning did not enforce strictness for the sake of it. When things were done well, he acknowledged it—he never belittled his disciples just to motivate them.
"You've come to me because you need my help with something?" Liu Tianning asked. "If it's for anything illegal, you needn't bother asking."
Zhao Xing quickly replied, "I wouldn't dare, teacher."
"I've recently returned from the battlefield and have nothing to do, so I was hoping to explore the various dangerous places within Ten Sun Cave-Heaven."
Zhao Xing carefully chose his words: "According to the regulations of Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, exploring its treacherous places requires the qualification of 'Exploration Emissary.'"
To explore the land, sky, mountains, and seas, each required corresponding qualifications—essentially a 'license.'
Some areas of Ten Sun Cave-Heaven were fragile, such as the Lava Plain.
Zhao Xing, back when he was a Ninth Rank, had recklessly triggered a Fifth-Grade Lava Burst by using a risky technique in that region.
For a place like that, a burst was fine, but in other areas, reckless behavior couldn't be allowed. People needed the proper qualifications to enter.
Later, Ten Sun Cave-Heaven used these regulations to prevent outsiders from entering.
By then, obtaining even a basic "Exploration Emissary" qualification would be extremely difficult.
Liu Tianning said, "With your strength, obtaining an intermediate Exploration Emissary license should be no problem. Why do you need to discuss this with me?"
It wasn't difficult for Zhao Xing to obtain the license, but the date was already March 1st, and if he went through the normal procedures, there wouldn't be enough time.
By early March, Ten Sun Cave-Heaven would erupt with spiritual blessings, and Yang City would respond quickly, tightening the qualification process.
Once it was confirmed that Ten Sun Cave-Heaven had ascended to a 'blessed land,' obtaining the qualification would be next to impossible.
There simply wasn't enough time.
Moreover, an intermediate Exploration Emissary license was not what Zhao Xing truly wanted.
He needed a Senior Exploration Emissary or even a Top Exploration Emissary license, one that covered all categories of exploration.
He couldn't obtain it on his own, but Liu Tianning certainly could.
And if Zhao Xing was part of Liu Tianning's team, he would have much more freedom.
"I intend to explore many places, some of which I cannot access on my own. I'd like to ask if you could take on a top-tier exploration mission from the Military Realm and establish a research team," Zhao Xing requested.
Liu Tianning frowned.
To be honest, Zhao Xing's request wasn't unreasonable. Fan Zhaoli had previously accepted a top-tier exploration mission and established a research team, ultimately earning ten billion merit points.
But Liu Tianning had never done this before and had no intention of researching the cave-heavens.
Zhao Xing's request felt a bit strange, almost as if he were trying to push his teacher into greatness.
"How about a Senior Exploration Emissary license instead?" Liu Tianning asked. For a senior license, Liu Tianning could get one approved immediately without even needing to take a test.
Why?
Because Liu Tianning was famous for what? The Straw Puppet Technique!
When it came to exploration, he was the best-suited person for the job.
Hearing Liu Tianning's answer, Zhao Xing hesitated.
If Liu Tianning only had a senior license, Zhao Xing would still be stuck at an intermediate level, with limited access and regional restrictions.
Only with a top-tier license could they explore every area freely. Even when policies tightened later, the top-tier license would still hold its value.
Liu Tianning saw Zhao Xing's hesitation and understood his intent.
"Fine, then a Top Exploration Emissary license it is."
"Exploring the cave-heavens will indeed be beneficial for you."
The Yin-Yang Self Technique Zhao Xing practiced focused on inner-world cultivation, and the cave-heavens were essentially miniature versions of the same concept.
Liu Tianning treated his disciples well. As long as they didn't violate his principles, he generally granted their requests.
"Thank you, teacher!" Zhao Xing was overjoyed. "I would also ask if you could create additional spots in the team for others to join."
"Hmm." Liu Tianning nodded. He had already agreed, so adding a few more members wasn't an issue.
"You..." Liu Tianning was about to say something, but suddenly his brow furrowed. "You should go now. Leave through the side door."
Zhao Xing was a bit puzzled, unsure what had happened, but he didn't ask questions.
"Yes, teacher, I take my leave."
After Zhao Xing left the Palace of Myriad Techniques, Liu Tianning sighed. "They're here again. I've fled all the way to Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, yet they still chase me..."
As Zhao Xing exited through the side gate, he noticed a thick mist rising inside the Palace of Myriad Techniques, enveloping the entire mountain. It was unclear what Liu Tianning was doing.
Just as Zhao Xing was preparing to fly off from the mountain—
Suddenly—
"Whoosh!"
A rainbow-colored light shot out from the clouds, heading straight for him.
"Who goes there?!"
Startled, Zhao Xing immediately used the Nine Heavens Gale technique to dodge.
He had not expected anyone to attack him here.
But Zhao Xing wasn't just anyone—he was a well-trained Military Shennong.
Nine gales roared down like green dragons, rushing toward the rainbow light.
Without thinking, Zhao Xing instinctively activated the Five Elements Mist Concealment technique, disappearing into the fog.
"Boom!"
To his surprise, the nine green dragons were shattered by the rainbow light!
The glowing light emitted a brilliant radiance and even broke through Zhao Xing's mist concealment, revealing him.
However, the rainbow light slowed down after being obstructed.
It was then that Zhao Xing finally saw what it was—a rainbow-colored ribbon.
"Hmm? As expected of his disciple, you've got some skill," came a woman's voice from the sky.
"A rainbow silk with dragon and phoenix embroidery... Is this a Sixth-Rank Divine Weapon?" Zhao Xing was momentarily stunned when he saw the ribbon.
The Rainbow Dragon-Phoenix Silk was soaked in the blood of both dragons and phoenixes, and was something only used by royalty!
"I don't know which esteemed person is stopping me from leaving. I am Zhao Xing, a Six-Rank Shennong officer in the Shenwei Army. If I have offended you in some way, I beg for your pardon." Zhao Xing called out.
"Whoosh~"
The rainbow silk suddenly coiled, revealing a regal figure wrapped in its folds.
With just one glance, Zhao Xing was shocked. His mind instantly recalled a passage from the Great Zhou's Dress Code.
"Golden dragon head clasping a jade bead, coiled dragon step-shaking tassels."
"Nine trees of hairpins, the small flowers like the large, flanking the hairline."
"Royal attire of azure threads with a pattern of tail feathers, undergarments of plain gauze, a collar of brocade, adorned with red silk."
"Flowing multicolored celestial sash of seven colors—this must be a princess or a royal concubine!" Zhao Xing was stunned by the attire of the noblewoman.
It wasn't the elaborate clothing that shocked him—it was the fact that he knew her.
Immediately, Zhao Xing dropped to one knee on his flying cloud and bowed. "Your servant Zhao Xing pays respects to Princess You Ruo!"
"Oh? Rise, quickly!" The noblewoman smiled with delight.
"Thank you, Princess." Zhao Xing stood up.
"Did Liu Tianning mention me to you?" Princess You Ruo asked in a soft tone.
"I haven't been his disciple for long," Zhao Xing paused for a moment, then added, "but I've had the fortune of seeing the Princess's portrait."
Both statements were true.
Zhao Xing had indeed not been Liu Tianning's disciple for long and had seen a portrait of Princess You Ruo.
This explained how he had recognized her identity just by her attire, without needing to mention their history.
But these two facts were entirely unrelated—Zhao Xing was simply quick-witted in the moment.
However, to Princess You Ruo, it sounded as though Zhao Xing had seen her portrait hanging in the Palace of Myriad Techniques, which implied a deep connection with Liu Tianning.
"He... he still keeps my portrait..." Princess You Ruo's eyes lit up with a trace of joy.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xing couldn't help but glance at Princess You Ruo's waist.
Princess You Ruo was famous for a magical artifact known as the Earth Soul Bell.
It was an Eight-Rank soul-type Divine Weapon!
Soul-based weapons of the eighth rank could even rival ninth-rank weapons, making them second-tier in the entire world.
And who was Princess You Ruo?
She was born late in the Era of Emperor Xu, and at present, she was only around seventy years old.
Emperors had many daughters, and their favor depended entirely on their mother's influence.
Princess You Ruo's maternal family was from the Bishui Dao Academy, one of the Seventy-Two Dao Academies.
In other words, Princess You Ruo's mother was the former leader of the Bishui Sect.
Tracing her lineage further, her great-grandmother was none other than Bi Xia Yuanjun.
Why did Zhao Xing recognize her immediately?
Because Princess You Ruo had been one of his employers in his previous life.
Princess You Ruo had been one of the fiercest pursuers of Liu Tianning during the reign of Emperor Wu, practically his number one enemy!
She was the only one who dared to repeatedly attempt to assassinate a retired First-Class Shennong.
Zhao Xing had taken several of her contracts in the past, but he had never understood why this old crone had such a grudge against Liu Tianning.
Now, the mystery was solved... It was a love affair!
Only now did he realize that it was because of an emotional debt between them.
Back in this period, Princess You Ruo still appeared as a youthful woman, not the imposing old woman she would later become.
"Princess, if there's nothing else, your servant will take his leave now." Zhao Xing had no intention of getting involved with this royal troublemaker.
"Wait a moment. Why are you in such a hurry? Am I really that frightening?" Princess You Ruo raised an eyebrow and was about to lose her temper, but remembering that Zhao Xing was Liu Tianning's disciple, she softened her tone. "Don't be afraid. This was all a misunderstanding. I was merely playing around. Your teacher and I are old acquaintances."
Zhao Xing didn't know how to respond. You just attacked me with a rainbow ribbon! Anyone would be scared!
"I wouldn't dare."
"Since you're his disciple, let me give you a gift for our first meeting." Princess You Ruo smiled warmly.
Zhao Xing inwardly groaned. Should he accept or not?
It was clear that Liu Tianning was avoiding her.
But Princess You Ruo gave Zhao Xing no chance to refuse. With a flick of her finger, a streak of light flew towards him.
A piece of jade, emitting a purple aura, floated before Zhao Xing.
When he saw the jade, Zhao Xing almost wanted to call her "Master's wife" on the spot.
It was a Sixth-Rank Dragon Soul Jade!
He hadn't wanted to accept the gift, but it was just too valuable!
"Since it's a gift from an elder, this student gratefully accepts." Zhao Xing took the jade with respect, bowing as a disciple rather than a subordinate official.
"Good, good, good." Princess You Ruo was overjoyed. "Now, take me inside to see him."
"Yes." Zhao Xing immediately sold out his teacher. The gift from this potential "Master's wife" was just too generous.
As they flew towards the mountainside, mist began swirling, blocking their descent.
"Princess, please return," came Liu Tianning's voice from within the mist.
"Why do you refuse to see me, Liu Lang?" Princess You Ruo's voice softened. "Are you really so afraid of meeting me?"
Liu Tianning remained silent.
Seeing that the situation was getting tense, Zhao Xing wanted to sneak away.
But Princess You Ruo waved her hand, and the rainbow silk once again shot out, capturing Zhao Xing and pulling him back.
This Fourth-Rank sorcerer had no means of resisting. Zhao Xing found himself right beside Princess You Ruo.
"Are you really not going to see me, Liu Lang?" Princess You Ruo's voice grew colder.
The air around Zhao Xing thinned, and an intense pressure squeezed his body. His breathing became labored.
Damn it! Is this woman bipolar? Zhao Xing was on the verge of tears. Liu Tianning, please come out and deal with this woman!
"Stop!" Liu Tianning's figure suddenly emerged from the mist.
Zhao Xing was his carefully selected successor. If Princess You Ruo killed him, who knew when he would find another suitable disciple.
"This is between us. Leave the others out of it," Liu Tianning said. "Release him."
Princess You Ruo smiled and loosened her grip on Zhao Xing. "Liu Lang, how could I possibly harm your disciple? I was just playing around, wasn't I, Zhao Xing?"
"Yes. The princess had no intention of harming me," Zhao Xing nodded. He could feel that she hadn't meant to kill him.
Had she truly intended harm, he wouldn't have survived the moment she attacked.
"Come in, You Ruo," Liu Tianning said. Then, turning to Zhao Xing, he added, "You may leave."
"Yes, teacher. I take my leave." Zhao Xing bowed to Liu Tianning and Princess You Ruo, then quickly departed.
As he watched Liu Tianning and Princess You Ruo disappear into the mist, Zhao Xing finally let out a sigh of relief. The gossip inside him was burning fiercely.
"Two lives of mystery, and today it's finally solved."
"If this were my previous life, posting this on the forums would get thousands of replies."
"I thought Liu Tianning had crossed some royal interest, but it turns out the old woman is actually his lover!"
"This is more than just a story—this is a scandal!"
Zhao Xing's curiosity burned, and he wished he could send a straw puppet to spy on them.
But he knew it was impossible. Liu Tianning had Fifth-Rank status and Fourth-Rank combat power, while Princess You Ruo was a Fourth-Rank master with countless magical artifacts.
He would have to find another way to uncover their scandal.
"Who would have thought that Liu Tianning, such a cold and ruthless person, had a romantic entanglement, and with a princess, no less. Amazing."
With Liu Tianning agreeing to form an exploration team and a juicy scandal on his mind, Zhao Xing felt that today had been very productive.
As he was about to leave, an Airship suddenly appeared, blocking his way.
"Hmm? A Yulan Airship?" Zhao Xing noticed the beautiful flowers and bamboo growing on the ship's deck.
"You there, please wait." A gentle female voice came from the ship.
The wind carried the voice gently towards Zhao Xing, without being invasive, but with clear intent.
"What does the honored guest wish of me?" Zhao Xing stopped, noticing that the Yulan Airship was sideways.
A pearl curtain lifted from one of the windows, but a veil still obscured the figure within, only showing a faint outline of a woman.
She wore an elaborate headpiece, but with the veil in place, Zhao Xing couldn't determine her exact identity.
But judging by the Airship alone, it was clear this person was no ordinary figure.
"Nothing too serious. I just wanted to ask if Liu Tianning is on that mountain up ahead?" the gentle voice inquired.
Not again... someone else looking for Liu Tianning?
Zhao Xing replied, "My name is Zhao Xing, and indeed, my master is there. May I ask the honored guest's name?"
"I am Murong Qing from Yuanhe County in Daoyuan Continent. I see you are a talented disciple of Liu Tianning. Could you inform him that an old acquaintance has come to visit?"
When Zhao Xing heard the name, he was utterly shocked.
Liu Tianning, how could you, with your stern and upright face, have so many romantic entanglements?
One princess just left, and now another woman?
Before he could gather his thoughts, another voice, more youthful and lively, came from the ship's cabin. "Mother, we're already so close to the Palace of Myriad Techniques. Let's just go straight in..."
"Mind your manners. How could we be so disrespectful?"
Hearing this, Zhao Xing paused. Did she bring her daughter with her?
"My teacher is currently seeing a guest, but I will inform him. Please wait here a moment."
"Thank you."
Zhao Xing quickly sent a message to Liu Tianning using his communication mirror.
But there was no response from Liu Tianning. It wasn't clear if he had even seen the message.
Zhao Xing said, "Madam, my teacher is in the middle of a meeting and cannot see anyone right now. Perhaps you could return another day."
The owner of the Yulan Airship looked disappointed.
But she was far more graceful than Princess You Ruo.
"Very well, it seems I've come at an inconvenient time. Please tell him I will return in three days."
"Safe travels, madam. I will be sure to pass on the message." Zhao Xing bowed.
The Yulan Airship turned and soon disappeared into the sky.
Watching it depart, Zhao Xing didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"If Princess You Ruo had run into her, it would have been a real disaster," Zhao Xing muttered. "A lover's quarrel between two of my teacher's admirers—what kind of strange situation is this?"
Zhao Xing sent another message to Liu Tianning, informing him of Murong Qing's visit and her plan to return in three days.
After waiting a moment and seeing that no one else was coming to the Palace of Myriad Techniques, Zhao Xing finally left.
Back at the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing realized something important.
"The upcoming eruption of spiritual blessings in Ten Sun Cave-Heaven has already been predicted by many aristocrats."
"The sudden appearance of so many influential people is proof."
"Princess You Ruo and Murong Qing may not have come just to see Liu Tianning. Otherwise, why would they suddenly appear now?"
Zhao Xing's eyes narrowed.
The Daoyuan Continent was over one hundred thousand miles away, yet even they had caught wind of it.
"This won't do. I need to finalize my plans quickly and inform Xia Jing and the others. They must secure their spots soon and prepare thoroughly, or it will be too late!"