"Zhao Xing, what treasure is beneath this?" Long Xiao asked, "Why do I feel my blood boiling and my mouth dry?"
"I also feel an overwhelming urge to jump in," Xia Jing took a deep breath, "Why does it draw me in so much?"
Although Ji Ziyun and Chen Shijie remained silent, their expressions gave them away. It was obvious they felt the same way.
However, the four of them, being highly trained in the military, maintained discipline. They were in a group performing a mission, and Zhao Xing was the leader. Without his orders, none of them would act rashly.
"Heaven and earth's fortune favors this place, and the fire element is born from water—a truly remarkable sight," Zhao Xing couldn't help but marvel. "According to The Five Elements Feng Shui Fortune, this is a Fire Fortune Spiritual Blessing."
"Fortune blessings are divided by the five elements?" Long Xiao scratched his head.
"I have some knowledge of fortune and feng shui," Ji Ziyun added. "Primordial fortune is divided by the five elements and aligned with the twelve stems and branches of the year."
"Fire governs the Wu and Gui stems. During a Wu year or Gui year, fire-based fortunes are at their peak."
Zhao Xing nodded, "As expected of Brother Ji, a well-learned prince."
Xia Jing tugged at his nose. "And what about me? Are you saying my title as a prince is just for show?"
"Hahaha," both Ji Ziyun and Zhao Xing laughed in unison.
"But I've never heard of The Five Elements Feng Shui Fortune," Ji Ziyun mused.
"It's just a miscellaneous book," Zhao Xing casually replied.
In truth, it was part of The Great Derivation Canon.
Once one's fortune reaches Derivation Four, they gain a stronger perception of fortune. If one trains in The Great Derivation Canon or similar secret texts, they can sense the rise and fall of fortunes even without reaching the second-rank Heavenly Fortune realm.
At that point, one could actively seek out fortune to enhance it, making breakthroughs easier.
In The Great Derivation Canon, it is written: "When the fortune turns red and hints of purple appear (Derivation Four level), one can seek fortune in the five elements, search for spiritual blessings, or bury ancestors in feng shui-rich lands."
This meant that at the Derivation Four level, a cultivator could actively seek ways to enhance their fortune, making advancement more efficient.
When Zhao Xing had previously ascended in rank, he had felt the urge to refine a "Golden Dragon of Fortune," but such a task required a highly advanced fortune-enhancing technique.
His previous method, like absorbing the fortune from the spiritual mountain in the East Lake of Gucheng, was crude and wasteful—unsuitable for harnessing high-level fortune.
"You guys are talking too complicated for me," Long Xiao scratched his head. "Zhao Xing, just tell me how to benefit from it."
"Simple," Zhao Xing smiled, "Just go down and bathe in the hot spring."
"Huh?" Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, and Xia Jing all froze for a moment. "Bathe in the spring?"
"Yes, just soak in the spiritual hot spring," Zhao Xing said, glancing at the valley below. "There are several hot springs down there. Once we each pick one to soak in, the fire element will naturally enhance our fortune."
Neither Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, nor Xia Jing knew any fortune-enhancing methods, and Zhao Xing wasn't sure if Ji Ziyun did either. He himself only had a rudimentary understanding of the Five Elements Transformation Technique from the Great Derivation Canon.
Zhao Xing planned to test it out. Fortune-related secret techniques were extremely profound. Even though Zhao Xing had mastered the mid-stage of the Great Derivation Canon's fortune-sight technique and opened his Heavenly Eye, he wasn't certain of success.
There was no way he could teach such an advanced technique to Chen Shijie and the others.
"Cousin, you all should be cautious when entering the spring," Ji Ziyun warned. "The fire element fortune will influence you, so while bathing is fine, absolutely avoid practicing cultivation in it, lest you fall into Qi deviation."
Zhao Xing smacked his forehead, nearly forgetting. "Brother Ji is right—if you see any illusions, ignore them. Only react if Brother Ji or I come to pull you out."
"Got it. I won't move rashly," Long Xiao rubbed his hands in anticipation.
"Let's go."
At Zhao Xing's command, the Kirin Airship descended into the valley.
Once off the boat, Long Xiao hesitated for a moment. "Uh, should we…?"
Zhao Xing asked, "What's wrong?"
"Should we bring it down to bathe too?" Long Xiao pointed at the Mountain Cat, Long Aotian.
Zhao Xing chuckled, "You're treating this mountain cat like your own child, huh? You want to share this opportunity with it?"
"Fine, that's alright. Just make sure it doesn't wander off. There are plenty of hot springs here."
These spiritual hot springs were one of the major fortunes of the Inverted Peak Mountain Range—both literally and figuratively. They were large enough that even if dozens of people came to soak, there would still be room, as no one could absorb that much fire element fortune in such a short time.
"Got it! I'll keep a close eye on it." Long Xiao cheerfully carried Long Aotian away.
"You might as well give the mountain cat to Long Xiao," Xia Jing suggested, watching Long Xiao's retreating figure. "He really loves that cat."
"It wouldn't be a bad idea."
To Zhao Xing, pets were just pets—something to pass the time when bored. He certainly wouldn't treat them like a child, as Long Xiao did.
Given Long Xiao's simple nature, he was well-suited to raising a pet. Handing the mountain cat to him seemed like a fitting arrangement.
One day, when Zhao Xing returned to Gucheng, he'd visit East Lake Mountain and have the Mountain God dissolve the master-servant contract, officially giving the cat to Long Xiao.
It was a minor issue, and Zhao Xing didn't think much of it. He flew around the valley and picked a small hot spring to test the waters.
"Old Chen, do you want to go first, or should I?"
"You go. Your Five Elements Mist Concealment is more suitable."
"Alright."
Zhao Xing raised his hand toward the sky, activating the Five Elements Mist Concealment Technique.
The valley was immediately cloaked in a mist, making it invisible on any map. Unless someone could see through a high-level concealment spell, they wouldn't be able to discover this treasure.
"All set. Time for a bath."
Zhao Xing removed his clothes and jumped into the spring.
Splash!
Though he jumped into a hot spring, sparks flew upon impact.
The sparks were warm, carrying the sensation of water, but they also burned.
"It's just warm, but I already feel restless, even aroused," Zhao Xing muttered.
"This must be the side effect of absorbing fire fortune," Zhao Xing evaluated.
But as soon as he said that, a wave of coolness emanated from the jade pendant he wore, dispelling all discomfort.
"Dragon Soul Jade Pendant." Zhao Xing pulled it out.
This sixth-rank Dragon Soul Jade Pendant, exclusively made for the royal family, not only strengthened the wearer's soul over time but also warded off evil and greatly reduced the chances of Qi deviation.
His soul armor was also sixth-rank, but it focused purely on defense, while the Dragon Soul Jade Pendant was more of a supportive item.
With no hallucinations and no side effects, Zhao Xing now felt like he was simply soaking in a hot spring.
Lying back in the spring, Zhao Xing began to dream.
He recalled the Five Elements Fortune and Qi Flow chapter from The Great Derivation Canon, particularly the "Fire Fortune Qi Training" section, and attempted to absorb the fire element fortune from the spiritual blessing.
"Heaven's fortune is my fortune, heaven's destiny is my destiny..." Zhao Xing muttered in his sleep-like state.
Soon, he entered a dream state of cultivation.
Gurgle...
After about a quarter of an hour, the chaotic flames in the spring began to flow in an orderly manner toward Zhao Xing's corner.
Upon touching his body...
Whoosh!
The flames passed through him as if they were insubstantial.
However, a keen observer would notice that the flames dimmed slightly.
In just fifteen minutes of dream cultivation, Zhao Xing's attempt at the Fire Fortune Qi Training had already shown results!
Half an hour later, the flames in the water suddenly surged faster, flowing rapidly toward Zhao Xing.
Their energy visibly weakened.
An hour later, the five-meter-wide hot spring became crystal clear. The flames in the water had completely disappeared, and the temperature of the water began to drop.
The change in temperature woke Zhao Xing from his dream.
Examining his internal Five Elements, he estimated the time and realized he had slept for about an hour. He also noticed the changes in the spring.
"Not bad, not bad. The results are excellent." Zhao Xing climbed out of the now cool spring. "I've heard that the Lihuo Dao Academy has a technique called the Nine Violet Lihuo Fortune. If I could obtain it, it would be stronger than the Fire Fortune Qi Training in The Great Derivation Canon. I'll have to visit one day."
The Lihuo Dao Academy, formerly the Lihuo Sect, was once one of the ten great sects in ancient times, on par with the Dream God Sect (also known as Nightmare Sect).
The Fire Fortune Qi Training in the Great Derivation Canon was merely a mid-tier method. It mentioned that the Lihuo Sect's Nine Violet Lihuo Fortune was a top-tier fortune-enhancing technique.
With it, one could absorb fire fortune to turn their fortune pillar into a violet flame, which could also boost one's cultivation. During the Wu and Gui years, it ensured a period of immense good fortune.
The Great Derivation Canon had also mentioned that whenever the Lihuo Sect went to war, they chose to strike or retreat in the Wu or Gui years.
"Their disciples would even pick the right time for personal duels. The Great Derivation Canon advised avoiding any confrontation with a Lihuo Sect member during the Wu or Gui years or days," Zhao Xing thought.
This wasn't just a myth; it had been proven in his past life. He had once encountered a man who carried a "Wu Xu Time BUFF."
During the Xu hour, the man's combat power increased by 30-100%!
It was somewhat similar to a gambler's last-minute strategy but with real effectiveness.
For those who had mastered the Nine Violet Lihuo Fortune, not only did their combat strength greatly increase during certain times, but strange things also happened during battles.
If they fought an opponent of equal strength, that opponent might suddenly experience disruptions in their meridians, or, if weaker, might even suffer Qi deviation and self-destruct.
Against stronger enemies, bizarre occurrences would often help Lihuo Sect disciples escape death, making them nearly impossible to kill.
"But Nine Violet Lihuo Fortune has its weaknesses. If they run into someone from the Bishui Dao Academy, like Princess Youruo, who practices the Six Calamities Bishui Fortune, they would be natural enemies."
"In the Bing and Xin years, water fortune dominates. Those are the best years for disciples of the Bishui Sect."
Due to the mechanism of "Grand Dao Vows," gods and immortals fought to claim certain times and assert their presence.
But there were only twelve hours in a day, hardly enough to accommodate all the deities.
In ancient times, many sects had fought bitterly over this.
Though times had changed, Princess Youruo would still instinctively dislike anyone from the Lihuo Dao Academy.
"Murong Qing, that woman is insufferable! She's already married, yet she still dares to flirt with you! Liu Lang, let me kill her for you!"
Inside the Myriad Techniques Palace, Princess Youruo jumped out of bed, her eyes blazing with killing intent. She had just learned that Murong Qing from Yuanhe County in Daoyuan Prefecture had visited the palace.
"Hold it!" Liu Tianning blocked her path. "She was only passing by to pay her respects. How has she offended you?"
"You're yelling at me?" Princess Youruo bit her lip. "Are you yelling at me because of that bitch? You still have feelings for her, don't you?"
"What nonsense! She's already married. We've known each other since childhood. Am I not allowed to meet an old friend?"
Before he could finish, that incarnation of his was cleaved in half by Princess Youruo's hand.
Another incarnation of Liu Tianning appeared before her.
"Get out of my way!"
Princess Youruo cut down that incarnation too.
Bang, bang, bang!
It was unclear how many she had destroyed, but even before she left the palace, Princess Youruo was already panting heavily from exhaustion.
Liu Tianning didn't say a word, letting her vent.
Only when she was spent did his real body emerge. "Feeling better?"
"Hmph." Princess Youruo turned and sat back on the bed.
"I told you, she only came to request an Exploration Officer spot."
"If it's just business, then why come to the Myriad Techniques Palace?" Princess Youruo snapped. "Didn't you take in an apprentice? Let him run errands. If you can't even teach your disciple to handle such matters, I'll teach him for you!"
Liu Tianning's brows furrowed, and his expression turned cold. "I don't need you telling me how to run my affairs. I warn you, don't meddle with my apprentice."
Princess Youruo realized Liu Tianning was truly angry.
"Forgive me, Liu Lang, I was wrong..." Her tone softened immediately.
But Liu Tianning's face remained cold.
Smiling sweetly, Princess Youruo approached and grabbed Liu Tianning's hand, pressing herself against him. "I shouldn't have said that. I won't act that way again. Don't be mad..."
Liu Tianning pulled his hand away. "Remember what I said."
"Yes, I'll remember," she replied coyly, moving closer again, attempting to kiss him.
But Liu Tianning turned and left without another word.
Though she was left standing alone, Princess Youruo wasn't angry. In fact, the more aloof Liu Tianning was, the more she admired him.
After a moment of hesitation, she hurried after him, following closely behind.
"Liu Lang, I also want an Exploration Officer spot."
Liu Tianning, back to business, no longer coldly dismissed her. "Who do you want to give it to?"
"My niece, Ji Zixuan. She's also here in the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven."
Liu Tianning replied, "Didn't the Tianyan King already give you three spots?"
Princess Youruo giggled. "I don't care. I want one of yours. If Murong Qing can ask you for one, why can't I?"
"..."
Unable to resist her persistence, Liu Tianning relented, "Fine, let her join."
Meanwhile, Zhao Xing was soaking in the hot spring when his communication mirror began to buzz.
The first time, he ignored it, but when it buzzed again, he checked.
There were two new messages:
[Murong Xue has joined the Exploration Group! Approved by: Liu Tianning]
[Ji Zixuan has joined the Exploration Group! Approved by: Liu Tianning]
Glancing at the messages, he set the mirror aside.
Liu Tianning had added a few people recently, but Zhao Xing didn't need to concern himself with that.
However, just after setting it down, the mirror buzzed again.
This time, it was Liu Tianning himself.
Zhao Xing answered without hesitation.
A projection appeared above the hot spring, revealing Liu Tianning and Princess Youruo in a garden pavilion at the Myriad Techniques Palace.
"Master, this... I didn't know the princess was present. Forgive my lack of propriety," Zhao Xing apologized, not expecting his master to be with his lover during a call—especially while he was half-naked in a hot spring.
Princess Youruo laughed, "No need for formality. I can't see anything from here."
Liu Tianning shot her a glare, causing her to shrink back.
"Get dressed first. I need to talk to you."
Liu Tianning cut off the connection.
Zhao Xing quickly got out of the spring, dressed, and reconnected the call.
"Master, what is the matter?"
"Did you see the two new additions to the Exploration Group?"
"Yes, I saw."
"They're unfamiliar with the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven. I need you to guide them."
What?
Zhao Xing wasn't pleased with the task but couldn't refuse. His master rarely asked him for favors, so these two must be important.
Maybe they were relatives or juniors.
"Understood. I have a straw puppet stationed in Yang City. Just tell me where to meet them, and I'll go."
"No need," Liu Tianning replied. "I'll have them meet you at the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard."
"Understood."
Princess Youruo, curious, asked, "Zhao Xing, were you just soaking in a hot spring? Did you discover a treasure with fire flowing in the water?"
Zhao Xing replied, "Yes, Your Highness. I was fortunate enough to find a spot. It seemed extraordinary, so I decided to try it."
"Well, aren't you lucky?" Princess Youruo smiled. "Is there room left for my niece to benefit from it?"
Zhao Xing hesitated, "There is, but given the difference between men and women, it may be inconvenient..."
Princess Youruo giggled, "You're quite the conservative one, unlike your master... Don't tell me you've never attended the Spring Festival?"
Zhao Xing was left speechless.
The customs of the Great Zhou were quite liberal, especially regarding relations between men and women.
How liberal?
Well, let's take the Spring Festival as an example.
During the Spring Festival, which takes place around the Spring Equinox, it's the most important celebration of the year.
In addition to worshiping heaven, earth, and the land gods (some places also venerate mountains and waters), the festival had an official purpose: providing an opportunity for young men and women to meet.
Back in the time of the Taizu Emperor, the Spring Festival was even written into the Great Zhou Law: "Every Spring Festival, county-level officials must register all unmarried men and women of marriageable age and organize activities for them, providing food, venues, and entertainment."
This law was eventually repealed during the reign of Emperor Wen.
Why? It was too wild.
Men and women would meet during the festival, and if they hit it off, they would engage in relations right there in the wild!
During Emperor Wen's reign, the population had surged dramatically, prompting the repeal of this law. Though cultural practices became more restrained, many regions still maintained these traditions. In fact, some southern tribes that admired the Great Zhou even adopted this law verbatim, only changing the festival's name to "Divine Union Festival."
Princess Youruo's question was essentially teasing Zhao Xing: "Oh, are you still a virgin?"
Zhao Xing was left awkward and speechless.
Liu Tianning glared at her. "Why are you bringing this up?"
Princess Youruo covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.
Liu Tianning, returning to a serious tone, said, "Zhao Xing, handle things as you see fit. If it's not convenient, you don't have to let them come to that spot immediately. They can wait."
"Understood, Master."
Princess Youruo chimed in, "Zhao Xing, take good care of my niece. Don't let her suffer. As for the other one, well, you can just do the bare minimum."
"..."
After ending the call, Zhao Xing sighed in resignation, closing his eyes and activating the straw puppet stationed in the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard, preparing to receive the two new members.
Meanwhile, his true self rejoined Xia Jing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Ji Ziyun.
"Bad news!"
Splash!
Long Xiao leaped out of the hot spring, "What? What happened?"
Completely naked, Zhao Xing winced at the sight. Typical warrior behavior.
"Put on your clothes. We're going to have a meeting on the Airship."
Once everyone was gathered, Zhao Xing announced, "My master assigned two new members to our group, and they're both women."
Long Xiao frowned, "In such a huge Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, why do these two have to be in our group?"
Chen Shijie rolled his eyes, "You're a relation, too. What gives you the right to complain?"
"Who are they?" Xia Jing asked.
"One is a princess named Ji Zixuan. Brother Ji, do you know her?"
"The other is Murong Xue, an old acquaintance of my master's."
Xia Jing said, "Since your master assigned them, there's no way to refuse. Ji Zixuan... doesn't ring any bells. Brother, do you know her?"
Ji Ziyun shook his head, "The imperial family has countless members. I can't possibly know them all. Only the most prominent ones."
Ji Ziyun was referring to the four ranks of imperial princesses: Noble Lady, County Lady, Princess Consort, and Princess.
Among them, County Lady and Princess Consort had no real hierarchy—these titles merely distinguished different branches of the imperial family.
But the title of Princess was reserved for those of the highest nobility.
"In any case, it's bad news," Zhao Xing said with little enthusiasm. "You two princes will have to deal with them."
"That's no problem," Xia Jing smiled. "Brother Ji is an expert when it comes to dealing with women. This will be easy for him."
Ji Ziyun glared, "You're slandering me, making me sound like some playboy."
"Alright, I'll try to stall them," Zhao Xing said. "You all should quickly absorb the fire fortune to the limit. Then I'll bring the two of them here, leave a straw puppet to watch over them, and the five of us can head elsewhere."
"To hear you talk about a princess and noble lady, it sounds like you're dismissing beggars," Xia Jing laughed.
"If it were up to Brother Ji, he'd probably be bathing with them already," Xia Jing teased.
"Get out of here, Xia Jing!" Ji Ziyun cursed.
"Hahahaha!"
While they joked aboard the Airship, two beautiful figures appeared outside the gate of the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard.
Murong Xue and Ji Zixuan arrived at the entrance.
"Excuse me, is Senior Brother Zhao here?" A girl in a cyan-blue dress asked sweetly, her voice clear as it carried into the courtyard.
Zhao Xing flew to the gate, where Ji Zixuan greeted him confidently, "Ji Zixuan of the Bishui Dao Academy greets Senior Brother Zhao. Please, lead the way."
Beside her, a veiled woman in a white dress spoke coldly, "Murong Xue of Yuanhe County greets Lord Zhao."
Zhao Xing returned their greetings and invited them inside, "Please, come in."