"The larger the country, the more ruinous a love of war!"
The Western Extreme Region's 21 prefectures remain peaceful, with no battles occurring except in the bitterly cold glaciers of the Western Extreme Glaciers. Now that the Four Vassal States, under the leadership of the Duke of Integrity, have dealt a decisive blow to the Sith Kingdom and asserted the prestige of our Great Zhou, why must we continue dispatching heavy troops for further conquest?"
"The Western Extreme Glaciers are nothing but a frozen wasteland. Even if conquered, it is ungovernable."
"The Right Chancellor's point is entirely valid! To crush a minor Sith Kingdom, why would we need to mobilize forces from the various states and vassal territories?"
"The seven Cave-Heavens and two Blessed Lands of the Western Extreme Region alone are more than enough to support a major campaign!"
"Yet now additional forces are being drawn, and even divine artifacts requisitioned to establish a prefectural office in the Western Extreme Region. Does the Duke of Integrity intend to crown himself king there, repeating the fiasco of King Liang?"
"Feng Qian, shut your foul mouth! Your baseless slander reeks of nonsense! How dare you malign the Duke of Integrity so shamelessly!"
"Damn you, Feng Qian, I've tolerated you long enough!"
"Hey, General Ye, calm down…"
"Separate them!"
"Rituals are meant for harmony, peace above all else—mfff—" Slap!
As Ye Yukong vaulted over the table and landed a flurry of blows on the Inspector Feng Qian, the previously orderly Six-Department Conference descended into chaos. Right Chancellor Fan Ailin, who was chairing the meeting, suddenly found someone grabbing his arm and covering his mouth.
The assembly hall was soon divided between those pulling apart the fighters and those joining the brawl. Cups shattered, bodies toppled over tables, and pandemonium reigned.
Fortunately, the hall's law-enforcing formations suppressed everyone's strength to near-mortal levels. Thus, the scuffles amounted to little more than lively fistfights, resulting in no substantial injuries.
Ultimately, the chaos was quelled when the Jinwu Guards arrived to restore order.
Marshal Yang Xiongying of the Jinwu Guards entered to see Ye Yukong perched atop Feng Qian, surrounded by a heap of fallen military officials. With an expressionless face, he waved his hand and commanded, "Arrest them all."
"On what grounds?!" both groups protested in unison.
Feng Qian pointed an accusing finger. "The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War, Ye Yukong, disrupted the conference and brutally assaulted his colleagues. He struck first, Marshal Yang. You must see this clearly—mmmph!"
Ye Yukong slapped Feng Qian, silencing him. Panting slightly, he said, "His words are sharper than knives! Marshal Yang, this man undermines external ministers, even likening Zhao Xing to the Traitor King. He's truly rotten—rotten to the core!"
"Indeed! Rotten to the core! He's undoubtedly a spy sent by the Outlanders. Feng Qian must be thoroughly investigated!"
"Ye Yukong, you arrogant military brute! Assaulting ministers in public shows utter disregard for the law!"
"As if you didn't throw punches yourself!"
"Get off me, now!"
Yang Xiongying, clutching his aching head from the cacophony of accusations, barked, "Escort the officials out of the main hall and into the side chambers to cool off."
"Yes, sir!"
Unaffected by the hall's suppression array, the Jinwu Guards swiftly separated the dozens of brawling civil and military officials.
Order was finally restored to the hall. Yang Xiongying approached Fan Ailin and asked softly, "Chancellor Fan, are you alright?"
Fan Ailin adjusted his robe and shook his head with a sigh. "Shameful. I can't even manage a simple Six-Department Conference. Please inform His Majesty that I am unfit for this responsibility and ask him to appoint someone more capable." He removed his cap and placed it on the table.
Yang Xiongying quickly stopped him. "Right Chancellor, what are you saying? Everyone's tempers are just running high because of the dry weather. A little time in the side chambers, and this will all blow over."
"His Majesty entrusted you with this important duty. You must not abandon it!"
Yang Xiongying's words were not mere flattery.
In the law-enforced hall, everyone's strength was only slightly above that of ordinary people. After hours of debate, frayed nerves were inevitable.
"This new debate system is His Majesty's innovation. Your resignation would be an affront to him," Yang Xiongying whispered. "Trust me, once everyone calms down, such incidents won't happen again." With much persuasion, Fan Ailin finally replaced his cap and resumed his seat.
The participants were escorted to the side chambers to rest, and tempers gradually cooled.
In the Inner Court, Ji Che watched the scenes in the main hall with a bemused smile.
"Elder brother, look at this. Without the enhancement of yuan qi, these civil and military officials are no different from a troupe of jesters."
"I heard that during the reign of the Grand Ancestor, ministers would sometimes come to blows during debates. I never thought I'd witness such a spectacle myself."
Zhao Xing pointed at the screen. "That man shouldn't have been assigned to Ritual Studies. He just floored two martial marquises without breaking a sweat."
"Oh? Truly? What's his name again?"
"Zheng Shigong," Zhao Xing replied.
"Right, Zheng Shigong." Ji marked his name on the roster, causing it to project information directly into his mind. He laughed heartily. "Indeed, his expertise lies more in martial cultivation than Ritual Studies."
Ji Che was delighted. "Elder brother, your suggestion for this debate hall system is truly fascinating."
"I never imagined it could provide such a perspective on these civil and military officials."
"And it helps uncover hidden talents."
Zhao Xing chuckled. "I only offered the idea. Implementing it required Fifth Brother's power."
Ji Che, now a true Rule Domain cultivator, had absorbed the Human Emperor Dao of Emperor Jing by the end of the second year of Yuanshou. The Debate Hall itself was proof.
Though Ji Che remained in the Inner Court, his Rule Domain power extended to form the Debate Hall in the Outer Court. Even when he left his Rule Domain, its effects lingered, a hallmark of the Rule Domain stage. Zhao Xing's proposal had another purpose.
The final calamity of the Southern Barbarian's Ten Catastrophes, "Severing Heaven and Earth's Connection," fell under the category of Divine Powers.
Its effects mirrored the Debate Hall's suppressive arrays. If the Great Zhou were to march on the Southern Barbarians, they would inevitably face this obstacle.
This calamity had thwarted countless Fortune Dynasties' expeditions.
Thus, it was essential to prepare Great Zhou's civil and military officials in advance, teaching them to transition from exalted cultivators to ordinary mortals. The Southern Barbarians had undergone similar training. Waiting until the last moment would only invite chaos.
Ji Che turned to Zhao Xing again. "Elder brother, when will your true body return? Mobilizing elite troops and generals for a campaign against the Sith Kingdom faces considerable resistance."
"Without tangible evidence, no one truly understands what we're fighting for."
In any war, morale and unity of purpose were paramount.
The rise of tyrannical rulers often stemmed from policies the people and officials could not comprehend. If the court fell into discord, the dynasty's Fortune would wane, bringing ruin ever closer. Zhao Xing replied, "The matter is grave. I've taken the underworld route and should return to Fengjing in seven days with the necessary evidence."
The fragment of the soul artifact containing primal rules and its usage, detailed in the Heavenly Qi Soul Diagram, could only be explained by Zhao Xing himself. Summoning the ancient Yin warship with the Shang Tang Order was the fastest method.
The ancient Yin warship itself was a divine artifact imbued with rules.
No matter where in Zhongzhou Zhao Xing needed to go, the journey took only seven days. However, staying aboard beyond this time exacted a terrifying price. While efficient, it was unsuitable for large-scale deployment, as the warship could carry only limited people and items.
Outside Zhongzhou, its speed would diminish significantly.
"Good. I can hardly wait," Ji Che said, his eyes gleaming.
In the underworld, at the Heavenly Officer Division, Zhao Xing's true body navigated the turbulent currents aboard the ancient Yin warship, arriving at the Heavenly Officer Division. Here, he sought the soul of Li Boqian for insights.
The information extracted from Wuyuan's mind involved the stormy sea vortex of the Western Extreme Glacier, the Death Ice Pillars, and the three statues within the ancient temple. Zhao Xing hoped Li Boqian could recall something helpful through his descriptions.
"Well, well, Duke of Integrity, what brings you to the underworld?" Li Boqian quipped.
"Teacher—"
"Don't call me teacher. I'm unworthy of such a title," Li Boqian interrupted with a snort. "I wouldn't dare claim to be your teacher."
Zhao Xing was taken aback. He couldn't understand why Li Boqian's tone had turned so acrid. Did becoming an underworld spirit fundamentally alter a person's character? That seemed unlikely.
There was no precedent for such a phenomenon.
Li Boqian had just gained control over the authority of the Great Heavenly Official of the Netherworld. The emotional ties from his lifetime couldn't possibly dissipate so quickly. With a shift of his gaze, Zhao Xing scrutinized a certain statue in the Heavenly Official Shrine and immediately realized something.
The incense at True Lord Tianyang's shrine swirled densely, locked tightly, without a hint leaking out. In comparison, the incense offerings Li Boqian received were significantly less.
"So, this is where the problem lies," Zhao Xing muttered to himself.
"Teacher, I brought you something good this time." Zhao Xing retrieved half a ton of Ancient Dragon Saliva Incense from his Pure Origin Space.
Li Boqian's eyes lit up at the sight, though he tried to maintain a dignified air. "Look at you, coming here and bringing gifts... Don't do this next time; the other old ghosts will gossip."
"Who dares talk behind my teacher's back? I'll handle them!" Zhao Xing declared righteously. "A student offering gifts to his teacher is nobody else's business."
Li Boqian chuckled warmly, "Tianyang True Lord..."
Zhao Xing was left speechless, choosing to pretend he hadn't heard. Li Boqian didn't push him further and instead allowed him through the door. "Huff~ Ahh~" Li Boqian took a small puff of the incense and leaned back comfortably on the offering platform. "Tell me, what do you need from me?"
Zhao Xing extinguished the flame with a flick of his finger and grinned mischievously. "It's nothing major. While in the Western Extreme Continent, I saw something. Knowing my limited knowledge, I came specifically to ask my teacher."
Li Boqian immediately grew wary. "If you're building up the story this much, it must be something big! This incense—take it back! I can't smoke it anymore!"
"..." Zhao Xing was stunned. When did old man Li get this sharp?
Not as easy to fool as True Lord Tianyang, that's for sure.
"Hey, hey, don't be like that," Zhao Xing hurriedly pushed the thick incense stick back. "Do you still remember the Western Glacier trip? You once mentioned that you comprehended the Primordial Sealing Technique in an ancient shrine there."
"I've said my memory is hazy," Li Boqian replied. "I can't be certain if it was real or just an illusion."
"Teacher, that place truly exists," Zhao Xing insisted.
"What?" Li Boqian was taken aback. "You found it?"
"Yes, I've roughly determined its location." Based on Wu Yuan's memories, Zhao Xing had narrowed down the approximate area.
The ruins were situated deep within the Western Glacier—a depth rarely found in the entire region. Furthermore, the direction and seasonal conditions Wu Yuan experienced served as corroborating evidence.
Of course, identifying the location didn't mean entry was guaranteed. The Purple Light Divine Token held by the Sith Clan's Grand Sovereign seemed to play a role in unsealing the area.
However, Li Boqian's situation was different. He had once entered but couldn't do so again and even doubted the memory's authenticity.
There was something profoundly strange about this, prompting Zhao Xing to seek his teacher's counsel.
"Teacher, why don't you possess me and experience the scene I witnessed?" Zhao Xing proposed.
"Very well," Li Boqian responded seriously. The Primordial Sealing Technique was the proudest achievement of his lifetime.
If the ancient shrine truly existed, he was curious to discover which deity had left it behind.
A hum resonated as Li Boqian's spirit flew into Zhao Xing's body, merging seamlessly. The possession completed in an instant.
Zhao Xing transmitted the visuals directly to Li Boqian.
Moments later, Li Boqian emerged.
"Teacher, did you remember anything?"
Li Boqian appeared bewildered. "I couldn't recall anything."
Zhao Xing was shocked. "You didn't see the two images?"
Frowning, Li Boqian replied, "I can't remember. I felt like I glimpsed something earlier, but when I tried to focus, it just slipped away... This place is truly terrifying."
Li Boqian, who had been a Grand Shennong during his lifetime and transitioned into an Underworld Deity after death, should have been immune to such magical interference.
Yet, he still couldn't recall.
What kind of force could have such far-reaching influence? Even those at the Rule Stage would struggle to accomplish this. Could it be the handiwork of someone at the Dao Establishment Stage?
"How did you acquire information about this place?" Li Boqian asked.
Zhao Xing recounted the process of collaborating with True Lord Siming, using the Reincarnation Pool of the Heavenly Heart Hall, consuming a Heavenly Soul Fruit, and unleashing the strongest attack of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit—the Star Shatter—to break through the protective restriction.
After hearing the explanation, Li Boqian gave a bitter laugh. "Your methods are never simple."
If Zhao Xing's approach worked, perhaps Li Boqian could use a similar method to break free of the influence.
If the place held treasures as vast as rumored, it was worth a try.
"Teacher, you misunderstood. You're one of us, so you shouldn't have to resort to such measures," Zhao Xing shook his head. "Your restrictions seem to be far more severe than Wu Yuan's. It's not something that can be easily overcome."
Li Boqian laughed. "If I hadn't known about this, I might've let it go. But now that I do, how could I not try? Even if it kills me, I want to die understanding!"
"Still, this is a significant matter that requires careful planning."
"You should report this to His Majesty first," Li Boqian instructed.
"Understood." Zhao Xing nodded.
The grand palace of Fengjing, within the private quarters of Qianqing Palace.
Since Zhao Xing's return was under secrecy, this inner court meeting summoned by Emperor Ji Che consisted only of trusted ministers.
Liu Tianning, King Luohou, Lu Ying, Wei Hong, and Tong Wensheng—these five individuals wielded the greatest power in Da Zhou. Even so, after three high-level meetings, disagreements were rampant.
When Zhao Xing entered, all eyes fell on him.
Even within the military, many opposed the expedition to the Western Extreme Continent—unless Zhao Xing could present a monumental discovery.
"Your servant greets Your Majesty and the esteemed ministers," Zhao Xing bowed respectfully to Emperor Ji Che and the five grand ministers.
"Rise, and take your seat," Ji Che commanded.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." After sitting, Zhao Xing clasped his hands. "Your Majesty, my urgent return is due to a significant matter."
Ji Che gestured. "Speak."
Zhao Xing stood again and presented a black, diamond-shaped soul artifact. "Your Majesty and esteemed ministers, please observe."
"This is the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact, extracted from Wu Yuan, the brother of Ulric, a Sovereign-level leader of the Sith Clan. Its power allows a cultivator at the Destiny Palace Stage to instantly generate a Rule Domain."
The room fell silent as the five ministers exchanged looks of realization.
Now they understood the true reason for Zhao Xing's insistence on an expedition to the Western Continent. It wasn't about spreading national prestige—it was about a treasure.
Still, they didn't yet grasp the artifact's full significance.
"Zhao Xing, is this artifact's effect similar to that of divine weapons?" King Luohou asked. "Once removed, does the original owner's Rule Domain vanish?"
King Luohou's question was precise and direct.
If the artifact's removal caused the Rule Domain to disappear, it wouldn't differ much from known divine weapons. Da Zhou already possessed numerous divine weapons capable of granting users Rule Domains.
For instance, King Luo's Ji Dou Bow of Instant Inferno, Lu Ying's Juzi Palace, the Grand Shennong's Twenty-Four Seasonal Qi Command Tokens, and the Ministry's divine artifact Kunyuan Hoe. However, once a divine weapon was removed, its wielder reverted to their original state.
This was why the Grand Shennong's three factions had always banned the use of divine weapons during competitions.
If the soul artifact could be separated without causing the rule domain to vanish, the implications would be entirely different—it would be akin to an artifact that aids enlightenment! The value would be incalculable!
There are countless cultivators at the Destiny Palace stage, but how many possess divine artifacts?
"It won't vanish," Zhao Xing explained. "However, extracting it is extremely challenging. Moreover, it can be used repeatedly. Combined with the secret methods within the ruins, it can be cultivated continuously."
"In theory, owning such a soul artifact could produce numerous Destiny Palace stage cultivators who possess rule domains."
"Of course, relying on just one would still be time-consuming. But the Sith Kingdom's Deus, the Respected One, has many such artifacts."
"What?" Lu Ying exclaimed, his reaction the most pronounced upon hearing this revelation.
He stood abruptly. "Your Majesty, Duke of Integrity, may I take a closer look at it?"
Emperor Ji Che looked toward Zhao Xing.
"You may, but be cautious, Grand Engineer. This artifact can only be fused within the Heavenly Hearth Hall. It is currently in an unsealed state. If activated, it must be fused under the protection of soul-based divine artifacts, or else it will disintegrate and dissolve."
"I understand." Lu Ying accepted the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact with great care.
Above his head, the phantom image of the Juzi Palace emerged. Threads of energy extended from his fingertips, with one thread-like needle piercing the edge of the eerie glow emitted by the artifact. Lu Ying became utterly engrossed.
Moments later, he reluctantly raised his head. "Grand Engineer Lu, what do you think?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Incredible!" Lu Ying exclaimed, visibly thrilled. "It's only the size of a thumb, yet my Boundless Juzi sensed an entire world contained within it."
"Your Majesty, my lords, even more astonishing is that it can contain the power of rules despite being made of such fragile material!"
"If I were to apply the slightest pressure, it would completely shatter."
"This craftsmanship—divine, unparalleled!"
"Anyone hoping to steal or replicate this would find it utterly impossible."
"In my entire life, I could never hope to achieve even one ten-thousandth of the skill demonstrated here!"
Zhao Xing smiled faintly. The fragile material was clearly intentional—designed for profit.
If these artifacts were indestructible family heirlooms that could be used endlessly, the artisan clans and powers across the universe would go bankrupt. This was deliberate.
Lu Ying's reaction, upon discerning even a fraction of its intricacy, underscored the artifact's value.
Seeing Lu Ying's assessment, Liu Tianning, King Luohou, Wei Hong, and Tong Wensheng were visibly shaken. Such high praise!
Lu Ying, as Da Zhou's Grand Engineer, might not be the strongest mechanist but was undeniably the best in his specialization. For him to offer such a glowing evaluation was extraordinary.
Tong Wensheng commented, "Duke of Integrity, if what you say is true, then the Sith Kingdom's Respected One might rival those at the Rule Stage."
"If they possess such a treasure and command so many powerful subordinates, it won't be easy to conquer the Sith Kingdom."
"Should a Rule Stage cultivator choose to flee, capturing them would be exceedingly difficult."
"Indeed. Even if, as you claim, Da Zhou has the ability to destroy the Sith Kingdom, if Deus escapes, a rogue Rule Stage cultivator retaliating against Da Zhou with ambushes on our borders or assassinations of court officials would have severe consequences."
"Rule Stage cultivators are notoriously difficult for Fate Officials to predict."
Tong Wensheng's concerns resonated with many in the court. Emperor Ji Che couldn't ignore his arguments.
"Your Majesty, Chancellor Tong's statement is misguided!" Liu Tianning interjected.
"The Sith Kingdom is merely a small nation and poses no significant threat at present."
"Reviewing their rise over the past century, it's clear the subterranean ruins of the Western Extreme Glacier remain largely undeveloped."
"A century of progress is impressive, but their potential danger lies in the future."
"If we do not nip this threat in the bud now, are we to leave it for future generations to face a far greater challenge?"
"Chancellor Tong's suggestion is akin to burying one's head in the sand, pretending there is no threat from the west. It is entirely unacceptable."
Tong Wensheng immediately retorted, "Minister Liu, I did not advocate inaction. I simply do not support a full-scale campaign. A gradual strategy would be far more prudent."
Emperor Ji Che turned to King Luohou. "Grand Marshal, why have you remained silent?"
King Luohou bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I was contemplating."
"If such a treasure were to fall into the hands of the Southern Barbarians, the Eastern Isles, or the Sectarian Realm, what would happen?"
"The Sith Kingdom, as a minor nation, lacks the capacity to fully exploit this. However, the Southern Barbarians, the Eastern Isles, and the Sectarian Realm certainly possess such capabilities."
"Imagine the Southern Barbarians leading a million Destiny Palace cultivators across the Canglan River, the Eastern Isles launching a coastal invasion with countless rare artifacts, or Sectarian Cultivators roaming Da Zhou freely with divine weapons in hand. What kind of scene would that be?"
King Luohou's words cast a heavy pall over the room.
Though exaggerated, the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact sitting before them lent undeniable credibility to the scenario. Such a possibility could not be dismissed lightly.
A tense silence enveloped the chamber.
Finally, Emperor Ji Che spoke. "After careful consideration, it seems best to test it."
"Grand Marshal, select a martial general to absorb this artifact immediately."
"If the results align with the Duke of Integrity's description, there will be no further debate. We will only discuss how to wage war. The ruins beneath the Western Extreme Glacier must not fall into foreign hands!"
"If the results are unsatisfactory, we will reconsider."
With this decisive decree, Emperor Ji Che ended the debate.
No one left the chamber. Instead, they waited as King Luohou selected a candidate to secretly enter the imperial palace and absorb the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact. That very evening, a martial cultivator arrived in the inner palace.
"This subject, Ding Shan, pays respects to Your Majesty."
Ding Shan's arrival was sudden. Clad in her white training attire, she had been abruptly summoned from her residence in the capital. She was not a random choice. From a lineage perspective, Ding Shan carried imperial blood; her great-grandmother was a cousin of Emperor Wen.
In terms of merit, Ding Shan had guarded a harsh miniature world wracked by hurricanes for over two centuries without reassignment. Her loyalty and dedication were beyond reproach.
She was at the early stage of the Destiny Palace realm. Her talent, while commendable among first-rank martial artists, was not extraordinary. If the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact proved difficult to extract, using her as a test subject presented a reasonable risk.
"General Ding, rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Ding Shan said, rising nervously.
Having guarded the miniature world for over two centuries, she was suddenly summoned by the new emperor and placed under the scrutiny of five esteemed ministers. She had no idea what to expect.
"Ding Shan, from this day forward, you will reside in the imperial palace," Emperor Ji Che decreed. "The Duke of Integrity will assist you in refining a treasure. The sooner you complete this, the better."
Ding Shan had cultivated a law aligned with the Jueyin Cold Wind and practiced corresponding techniques. If she could comprehend a shadow rule domain, she would become a bona fide "Shadow Warrior." Of course, she had yet to grasp such a domain. Testing the artifact's efficacy naturally required a subject without a rule domain.
Ding Shan was both astonished and overwhelmed by the command.
Refine a treasure? Was that why she was summoned?
"By Your Majesty's command."
The Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact was difficult to extract but remarkably simple to refine.
After Zhao Xing provided Ding Shan with the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact Diagram, it took her only one month to complete the refinement. Upon doing so, Ding Shan immediately comprehended a first-stage rule domain.
"Duke of Integrity, I've succeeded."
At the imperial martial training grounds, Ding Shan opened her eyes, her expression one of utter amazement.
"Oh? What kind of domain is it?" Zhao Xing inquired.
"It is the Shadow Rule Domain, advanced from the Jueyin Cold Wind law."
Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow. The Jueyin Cold Wind barely qualified as a second-tier (high-level) law.
In the spectrum of the three Yin laws, Jueyin represented the lowest degree of Yin energy, with Yin and Yang as the essence, and darkness and light as external manifestations of the rule domain. To derive a rule domain from the Jueyin Cold Wind, it was likely a mid-tier rule domain at best.
Yet Ding Shan's high-tier Shadow Rule Domain was an exceedingly rare phenomenon among martial artists.
"Let's spar," Zhao Xing suggested.
"Yes," Ding Shan replied with a nod.
Suddenly, her figure vanished, reappearing behind Zhao Xing's shadow as she delivered a punch aimed at the back of his head.
"Shadow Leap. It truly is the Shadow Rule Domain," Zhao Xing remarked in admiration.
For a martial artist to possess such a domain, their value would skyrocket instantly. His figure dissipated, reappearing at another location.
Ding Shan struck air but quickly leaped again, emerging behind Zhao Xing.
"Swish, swish, swish~"
Zhao Xing activated his A Step to Infinity, his figure constantly shifting across the field.
Ding Shan clung to Zhao Xing like an unrelenting shadow, always appearing right behind him.
"This is the nature of Rule Domains. Simply relying on techniques will never allow me to escape Ding Shan's attacks," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "I can dodge for a while, but it's impossible to avoid her forever."
Although Ding Shan had just comprehended the Rule Domain at its first level, because she grasped a higher-tier Rule Domain, its characteristics were extremely peculiar. Many techniques had no effect on her. To suppress her and prevent her from utilizing her domain-jumping abilities, one would need either a Rule Domain of equal quality or a superior-quality Rule Domain.
If it were a mid-tier or low-tier Rule Domain, it would require several rank advancements—such as a fourth-tier Rule Domain—to achieve suppression.
"Buzz~"
Above Zhao Xing's head, ten blazing suns materialized. These were manifestations of the Great Heat Rule, radiating intense Yang energy, illuminating the entire martial arena. Ding Shan, who had been leaping through the shadows, was instantly exposed.
"What? Suppressed?"
Ding Shan staggered suddenly, finding herself rooted in place. Zhao Xing now stood directly opposite her. She realized she could no longer employ her Shadow Rule Domain.
The sensation of suppression was excruciating. It felt as though she were practicing footwork on a plum blossom stake, and all the stakes had vanished without warning, leaving her to fall helplessly to the ground. The Shadow Rule Domain had been suppressed into oblivion, leaving her as if reverted to her original state.
"Duke of Integrity, have you comprehended a top-tier domain?" Ding Shan's gaze toward Zhao Xing grew more respectful.
"Indeed," Zhao Xing nodded, dispersing the suns above his head. The surrounding world immediately reverted to its usual state. Having comprehended the Rule Domain from top-tier true intent and being one minor rank above Ding Shan, he naturally suppressed her with ease.
"Continue your insights," Zhao Xing instructed, recording Ding Shan's progress and subsequently reporting her situation to Emperor Xu and Lord Luohou.
"Ding Shan's cultivation in the Three Yin Divine Aspects technique has just entered the second layer of the Jueyin Chapter. Her original level was far from grasping a Rule Domain," Zhao Xing noted. "But now, she's mastered it within a month. This demonstrates the efficacy of the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact."
"And this is just a fragment of the Soul Artifact. If the Sith Kingdom's Grand Master possesses the complete Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact, who knows what it's capable of?"
"The murals within the subterranean ruins—depicting the Void Divine Prison—may offer a method of comprehension specifically paired with the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact."
At this point, Tong Wensheng had no further arguments. Artifacts related to Dao comprehension offered immense benefits.
If Tong Wensheng continued to obstruct, the peaceful, development-focused factions he represented would not approve. After all, while they sought peace, they also desired progress.
Having grasped this, Tong Wensheng now had to persuade others to align with this stance. The campaign against the Sith Kingdom would be fully handled by the Grand Counselor of Heavenly Fortune.
"I don't want to hear any more dissenting voices," decreed Emperor Xu. "This matter must be strictly confidential."
"The Sith Kingdom must be annihilated in the shortest possible time, and Deus especially cannot be spared. At the very least, we must seize the Purple Light Divine Command in his possession."
Emperor Xu made the decision immediately. "Understood!" The five officials promptly departed.
With secrecy a priority and a major war to prepare for, there was much work to be done.
Preparations began in the twelfth month of the second year of the Yuan Shou calendar. Within seven days, a plan for the annihilation of the Sith Kingdom was finalized. From that month onward, the Shennong Division, Tiangong Workshop, Military Division, and Temple began covert mobilizations.
To ensure secrecy, thirty-six first-rank strategists (ritual advisors) accompanied the operation, setting up Forget Woes Arrays and employing Silence Techniques along their route. Fearing that Deus of the Sith Kingdom might be alarmed, Zhao Xing personally traveled to the Moss Kingdom, ordering the coalition of four vassal states to halt their advances near the Western Extreme Glacier region. He also dispatched Zhang Ning to negotiate with the Sith Kingdom.
Zhang Ning acted arrogantly, demanding that the Grand Master of the Sith Kingdom submit to the Great Zhou as a vassal. This aligned with the Sith Kingdom's longstanding perception of the Great Zhou. As a result, the Sith Kingdom's many Grand Masters concluded that the Great Zhou had no intention of invasion.
"If the Great Zhou really planned to invade, the envoy wouldn't behave so arrogantly."
"Precisely. The Great Zhou seeks face—a nominal overlordship."
"With the new emperor ascending the throne, this is clearly a show of strength."
"I propose submitting a formal letter of allegiance to the Great Zhou, temporarily slowing our campaigns against other tribes and nations."
"Once the Great Zhou envoy departs, we can continue paying tribute for a few years. Our actions will be perceived merely as disputes among the vassal states, and the Great Zhou will act as a mediator at most."
"The Western Extreme Continent holds little value for the Great Zhou. As long as we maintain tribute and allegiance, claiming one land every decade or one nation every century will not pose a problem."
Listening to the discussions of the Grand Masters below, Deus, seated on the throne, nodded in agreement. He too believed the Great Zhou would not deploy a strong army against the Sith Kingdom.
"What would they hope to gain? There's not enough profit in it to overcome the internal opposition they'd face," Deus mused. "As for the secret of the subterranean ruins leaking out…"
Deus was confident in his ability to keep it hidden.
"Ulric, go apologize to the Great Zhou envoy and present a list of treasures as a gift to their new emperor. As for the conquered lands, we can negotiate and relinquish a portion," Deus instructed.
Relinquishing land was not much of an issue since many small tribes and nations had already been completely annexed by the Sith Kingdom. With their governance structures erased, there was no one to whom the land could be returned.
So long as the Sith Kingdom submitted as a vassal and paid tribute, whether the land was controlled by the Sith or another nation mattered little. After all, even the Moss Kingdom had started as a mere tribe.
Relying on past experience, the Sith Kingdom—its leadership and subjects alike—completely misjudged the situation.
Unbeknownst to them, a formidable force had already assembled at Xichang City in the Western Extreme Continent. By February 10th of the third year of Yuan Shou, on the day of the Spring Festival, the peace talks concluded. Zhang Ning returned, accompanied by one of Deus's sons, who joined the envoy to the Western Extreme Continent. Deus's son planned to follow Zhang Ning to Fengjing in the Tianyong Province to formally submit to Emperor Xu and present the official letter of allegiance.
On the Spring Sacrifice Festival, considered the most important celebration in the Great Zhou, the military bases surrounding the Sith Kingdom in eight neighboring nations simultaneously came alive.
"Father, the people of Xichang City are celebrating. The streets are adorned with lanterns and banners—it's incredibly lively."
"The emperor's sworn brother even hosted me for a banquet yesterday. They didn't imprison me or treat me coldly. It seems the Great Zhou has truly accepted our submission."
"Of course, the prince of the Moss Kingdom and the people of the Northern Tu Kingdom still harbor great hostility toward me…"
Deus's son secretly reported back to his father. Reassured by his son's message, Deus relaxed.
Simultaneously, in the Southern Wilderness, at the Court of the Holy Light.
The Fate Shaman, Tian Gui, suddenly opened his eyes on this day, gazing at the mirror before him.
"What's going on?"
"Why is the Great Zhou deploying heavy forces toward the Western Extreme Continent?"
Before the operation began, Tian Gui had noticed nothing unusual. However, the moment the action started, he sensed a faint disturbance. Such was the capability of the shamans in the Southern Wilderness.
The people of the Sith Kingdom remained entirely oblivious to the calamity about to unfold.
"Is that… the Juzi Palace?"
"And over three thousand Earth-Penetrating Divine Ships?"
"Those ships are carrying thousands of?"
"Using Hunyuan Warships to deploy the Tenfold Hunyuan Grand Array… What are they planning?" Tian Gui stared at the scene in his mirror, his expression growing more puzzled.
"There's no reason for this. What does the Western Extreme Continent possess to warrant such an action from the Great Zhou?" Tian Gui found this predictive result absurd and bizarre.
Even during Liang King's rebellion, the deployment to Lu Liang Prefecture to suppress him hadn't required such an assembly.
"First Law of the Fate Shaman: No matter how absurd the future may seem, what is seen may come to pass." Tian Gui pondered deeply.
No matter how strange it appeared, he had to inform Tuoba Gong and relay this news to the Four Great Courts. As the Fate Shaman, this was his duty.
Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Realm, at Qitian Spirit Mountain's Fate Immortal Palace.
"Wow!"
A head emerged from the folds of black-and-white robes. "Such a commotion!"
"The Central Dynasty is actually mobilizing so many strong forces just to attack Deus?"
"Could they find our glacier entrance beneath all this?"
"Let me take a closer look."
The Fate Immortal's eyes turned white, and his pupils began to bulge as if about to burst. Yet, the vision within his eyes remained hazy and unclear.
"They won't let me see? I'm going to see anyway!"
The Fate Immortal extended a hand and, with a determined motion, plucked one of his own eyes out.
"Buzz~"
The moment the eye was plucked out, it began spinning rapidly, growing larger and larger. It was as though its resolution had been enhanced, and the vision within the eye became clearer and sharper.
The image now revealed the Juzi Palace hovering above the Sith Kingdom's royal city.
In the four cardinal directions—east, south, west, and north of the city—numerous treasure-class warships remained hidden. Farther away, approximately a thousand li from the royal city, mountains suddenly erupted from the ground.
Upon each mountain peak stood a divine temple.
At the base of these mountains were enormous boundary steles, each towering a hundred meters high, engraved with a single character: "Feng."
"Ahhh!" The Fate Immortal cried out in shock.
"They've deployed Feng's boundary steles to activate a grand array! What kind of grudge does the Sith Kingdom have with the Great Zhou to deserve this?"
"Even the Ten Thousand Mountains are being used to bear the weight of a celestial temple?!"
One of the Fate Immortal's eyeballs suddenly exploded. Within the shattered fragments of the eye, an enlarged letter, like a missive, attempted to burst forth into his palace.
"This is bad; I can't keep watching," the Fate Immortal murmured.
In a flash, he crushed his other eyeball. Upon exploding, black and white energy swirled around the fragmented eye, suppressing the letter attempting to escape.
"Boom! Boom!"
The resulting explosions annihilated both energies, leaving only a void behind.
"What an odd spell…" the Fate Immortal muttered as his head retreated into the folds of his black-and-white robe. He needed to lay low for now.
Far away, within the Sith Kingdom, the Creation Disk hung in the sky like a massive parasol, blanketing the heavens and earth beneath its shade. At the center of the disk, columns of light connected the sky and earth. Sitting at its core was Ji Si.
"Plop!"
A bloodied half-sheet of a letter appeared before Ji Si.
"There are still masters…" Ji Si observed, reaching out to grab the letter. However, the blood staining its surface ignited into flames, reducing it to ashes before she could touch it.
"A shame. It was blocked. I couldn't take their life."
Ji Si sighed in disappointment. This prepaid time-message missive ultimately failed to reach its intended recipient.
On the night of February 11th.
Twelve stars suddenly appeared above the royal city of the Sith Kingdom. The instant the stars emerged, Deus was jolted awake from his sleep. Someone had intruded into the territory he controlled.
"How is this possible…?"
Deus was utterly shocked. His rule domain spanned an enormous area, encompassing nearly the entirety of the Sith Kingdom's royal city—a domain rivaling the size of an entire prefecture. And yet, these twelve stars had only been noticed after they had breached his airspace!
"Buzz~"
As soon as Deus detected the stars, they seemed to realize they had been exposed. Their light intensified, swelling to the size of miniature suns. In an instant, twelve suns appeared!
The Sith Kingdom's royal city was instantly transformed into a realm of daylight.
Twelve top-tier Seasonal Qi Commands!
Ling Tianchen, Junior Chief of Shennong Wang Tianzhi, and Cloud Academy's dean, Yun Zheng, each held four of these commands.
"Twelve divine artifacts… How could this be…?"
"That's the Great Zhou's Seasonal Qi Commands! My Yuan Qi is draining away! My body—why are scales growing on me?!"
"Oh heavens, there's more!"
The Respected Ones of the Sith Kingdom gazed up at the sky, terror evident on their faces.
The seasonal environment of the royal city abruptly shifted to a warm spring, leaving the Respected Ones deeply uncomfortable.
The Respected Ones soon discovered that the entire royal city was sealed. No one could burrow underground, nor could they sense any Yuan Qi or the rules of heaven and earth. Only Deus still retained the power to fight.
This was because he relied on the core of the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact and the Purple Light Divine Command, having fully entered the Rule Stage.
Even so, Deus could only hold his ground momentarily. His domain barely extended beyond the royal palace. He hurriedly gathered all the Respected Ones into the palace, and in the next moment—
"Boom!"
Before anyone could react, the entire outer city of the Sith Kingdom vanished into nothingness.
Only the royal palace district remained!
"Thump! Thump! Thump!"
Outside the royal palace, eighteen Pulao Divine Columns pierced into the ground, surrounding the palace. At their summits, beams of light in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet intertwined, forming a shimmering barrier over the palace.
King Luohou drew his bow and loosed an arrow. The arrow pierced the barrier array surrounding the palace, exposing the black-and-purple domain within, with Deus at its center.
"Why? Why?!" Deus bellowed as he rose into the sky, disbelief etched across his face.
He could sense over a thousand divine artifacts targeting him, nine of which wielded power on par with his own Rule Stage strength. These were far beyond what the Sith Kingdom could contend with.
Before him stood King Luohou, bow in hand, with seven divine phantoms looming behind him, and another figure—an elegant man draped in white with vines dancing behind him. Each one radiated a suffocating aura, a palpable threat to Deus.
"What grudge does the Sith Kingdom hold against the Great Zhou to warrant such overwhelming force?" Deus murmured, utterly bewildered.
"The commanders outside the royal city have already been slaughtered," Deus sensed the deaths of his kin, anger surging within him.
"Why?" Deus roared toward the sky. "I have already surrendered! I've bowed before the Great Zhou! Why do you still attack us?"
He knew well the power before him belonged to the Great Zhou's elite forces.
King Luohou paid him no heed, nocking another arrow to his bow. Each arrow fired tore a hole in Deus's black-and-purple domain, the crimson shafts embedding themselves into the cracks like molten nails.
"I see it now!" Deus exclaimed with a bitter laugh, realization dawning. "You've discovered the Purple Light Divine Relic."
"But how? How was the secret leaked?" His laughter grew pained, his gaze darting around in despair.
Though Deus had reached the Rule Stage, he was merely a novice. Among the attackers, none had truly entered the Rule Stage, but each possessed power rivaling or surpassing his own. The oppressive force from the mountains, temples, and warships pinned him down entirely.
"Boom!"
Above, the Matrix Palace continued to press downward, the Twelve Seasonal Qi Commands descending with it.
Within the royal palace where Deus resided, everything kept sinking downward, and the surroundings began to crumble. This marked the final stage of the operation.
"Quantum Distance Nullification! Great Teleportation Technique! Collect!"
At the perfect moment, Lu Ying activated the base of the Matrix Palace. Suddenly, the arm of Deus, who was clutching the Purple Light Divine Command, was severed, separating it by half a meter. "No!"
Deus went berserk, desperately reaching for the Purple Light Divine Command.
But the half-meter gap was like an insurmountable chasm.
Wei Hong delivered a powerful punch, sending Deus flying. Then, he grabbed hold of the Purple Light Divine Command. "Swish!"
The five arrows of King Luohou streaked like meteors, piercing Deus's abdomen, hands, feet, and head, pinning him to the ground. "Hahaha!" Even as he was nailed down, Deus burst into maniacal laughter. "You think you can monopolize the Purple Light Relic? Dream on! I'll tell everyone about the Purple Light's location—"
"Boom!"
Before Deus could finish, the five arrows exploded.
The Soul-Crushing Arrows obliterated Deus's soul completely, reducing it to nothing. "Done. Mission accomplished," Zhao Xing remarked with a faint smile.
As for Deus's threat to reveal everything? It was a matter that couldn't be helped.
In the Rule Stage, practitioners could condense a Yuan Qi avatar and store it in distant locations, enabling them to relay messages for extended periods. No one could entirely prevent a superior-grade practitioner from sending out information.
"The Sith Kingdom only rose a little over a century ago. Even if they pass this information to other factions, such a short timeframe won't allow them to make comprehensive preparations. The Great Zhou can act preemptively and secure an advantage."
On February 14th, the Sith Kingdom was completely annihilated.
Under the crushing force of the Great Zhou's war machine, the Sith clan disappeared from the Western Extreme Continent entirely. Most of the continent remained unaware of what had happened.
It wasn't until February 20th, when the information Deus had leaked began to spread, that the world was shocked.
In the Sacred Mountain of the Southern Barbarian Holy Mountain, the four kings of the Four Great Royal Courts gathered in a grand hall.
When Fate Shaman Tian Gui announced the events in the Western Extreme Continent, the four kings fell silent.
Yet, the swirling, turbulent currents around their thrones betrayed their inner turmoil, which was far from calm. "Could it be that what the Sith Kingdom's Deus said is true?"
"A Destiny Palace-level practitioner who has comprehended the Ultimate Law might not even be able to enter the Purple Light Relic?"
"The Purple Light Divine Command he possessed, an unparalleled divine artifact, was merely a casual gift from the Purple Light?"
"In a century, they produced dozens of Destiny Palace practitioners who comprehended the Rule Domain, and even Deus himself reached the Rule Stage?"
"With the level of power deployed by the Great Zhou, this can't be a fabrication. The Fate Shaman also foresaw the battle in advance."
The collision of ideas and mental probes filled the air, but soon, the hall returned to quiet.
The King of the Golden Feather Court was the first to speak: "We cannot let the Great Zhou acquire such a treasure."
The King of the Purple Dragon Court followed with agreement: "I concur."
From the seat of the Holy Spirit Court, however, came a dissenting voice: "The Great Zhou already holds the upper hand. We might not be able to seize it."
The King of the Fiery Light Court spoke in a cold tone: "Although I loathe the Great Zhou, it will be difficult to wrest this treasure from their grasp under these circumstances."
Two supported the idea of action; two opposed it. The room fell into a deadlock.
The Fate Shaman Tian Gui interjected, "Then, I suggest the four kings return and continue probing the situation. Once we have more detailed intelligence—"
Just then, the entire hall trembled violently.
"Hum~"
A milky-white beam of light projected into the grand hall, as pure as moonlight, condensing into a figure. "Greetings to the Moon God of the Shaman Clan."
All four kings, as well as the Fate Shaman, rose to their feet in unison. For this was the supreme deity of the Holy Mountain!
"Under no circumstances should the Great Zhou obtain this treasure. Use every means necessary to seize the Purple Light Relic."
The hearts of the four kings trembled.
At any cost?
Such an order was unprecedented. "Tian Gui."
"Yes, Moon God." Tian Gui stepped forward respectfully.
"Take my token and head to the Slumbering Realms of the Ten Great Divine Sects and Thirty-Six Supreme Clans, inviting them to emerge."
"Yes." Tian Gui solemnly accepted the Moon God Token, a symbol of the Holy Mountain's supreme authority.
In the Heavenly Realm, within the Palace of Fate Immortals, a blind Fate Immortal emerged from his robe.
He swiftly departed his palace, heading toward the highest area of Qitian Spirit Mountain.
Inside the Qitian Hall, a cold-faced young man in black tight-fitting attire awaited him. "Fate Immortal, what happened to you?" the Saint Immortal frowned and asked.
"It's the handiwork of an expert from the Central Zhou Dynasty," the Fate Immortal replied as he touched the empty sockets where his eyes used to be. "But don't worry, they'll grow back in two or three years."
"They probably won't grow back anytime soon," the Saint Immortal stated coldly. "I need you to calculate whether a certain piece of information is true and which faction we should ally with for maximum benefit."
"I already know," said the Fate Immortal. "You're referring to Deus's claim that there's a treasure beneath the Western Extreme Glacier, aren't you?"
"That's correct," the Saint Immortal confirmed.
"There's no doubt. The information is true," the Fate Immortal said. "But as for which faction to ally with, I cannot calculate that. Even if I lose every last ounce of flesh, I still wouldn't be able to determine that."
"Should we ally with the Southern Barbarian factions, the sect factions, or the Great Zhou Dynasty? Only your wisdom and foresight can decide."
Deep beneath the Western Extreme Glacier, the icy layers were being excavated.
A warship floated up from an oceanic whirlpool, carrying a massive iceberg upon it. It drifted away into the distance.
Soon after the first warship left, another emerged, also carrying an iceberg. "Swish—"
Liu Tianning's Myriad Techniques Hall materialized in the sky above. Qiu Yuanshan immediately flew over. "How is the excavation progressing?" Liu Tianning asked.
"We've completed about one-tenth of the project," Qiu Yuanshan replied.
"Only one-tenth?" Liu Tianning frowned.
"To establish the foundation of a formation across such a vast expanse of underground ice, the process is inherently slow. Even with the Ministry of Works assisting us, this is a colossal undertaking," Qiu Yuanshan explained. "As for the defensive constructions aboveground, they're progressing faster. I just consulted with Lord Lu; they've completed about one-fifth of it."
"That's too slow," Liu Tianning said. "Assign more manpower."
"This is already the fastest pace possible…" Qiu Yuanshan said helplessly. "Unless we use the Kun Yuan Divine Hoe to move mountains and fill seas, but the Kun Yuan Divine Hoe cannot be taken beyond our borders."
"There's no such rule!" Liu Tianning barked. "That was a restriction set by Xuanyuan Qingtian!"
Qiu Yuanshan fell silent.
"If anything happens to Zhao Xing down there, how will you answer for it?" Liu Tianning pressed.
Qiu Yuanshan cupped his hands. "I will retrieve it immediately."
Beneath the glacier, the icy expanse had been widened considerably. Zhao Xing had arrived at the entrance to the relic site three days ago.
Due to the information Deus leaked before his death, Zhao Xing waited for the court to set up formations and defensive measures above before delving into the site. "Boom!"
Another straw puppet body exploded.
On a distant deep-sea warship, Zhao Xing's original body furrowed his brows. "Still no luck?" Liu Tianning asked.
"No," Zhao Xing replied, shaking his head. "The rules here prohibit the use of avatars. To enter the relic, the original body must go."
Exploring relics like this was originally best suited for Zhao Xing and his mentor because their Myriad Techniques of Avatars allowed them to mitigate risk. Yet upon arriving at this site, Zhao Xing discovered that avatars were outright barred from entry.
Even wielding the Purple Light Divine Command didn't work.
"I even used the Four Seasons Divine Splendor Doamin, projecting all four Divine Trees, but it still couldn't override the rules," Liu Tianning said. "Even King Luohou and Wei Hong, armed with divine artifacts, couldn't bypass these restrictions."
"These must be rules left behind by a Dao Establishment-level practitioner," Zhao Xing concluded. "We've identified three unbreakable rules here:
"One, no avatars are allowed entry.
"Two, only those with top-tier True Intent condensed into a Dao Body or Martial Body, or those who have mastered the Rule Domain and Ultimate Law, may enter.
"Three, anyone over four hundred years old is barred from entry."
Liu Tianning pondered aloud, "That significantly reduces the pool of eligible entrants."
"Exactly," Zhao Xing agreed. "Those with the Purple Light Divine Command can escort others who don't meet the second and third criteria into the outer city, but the first rule—no avatars—remains unavoidable.
"This means that Wu Yuan likely only reached the outer city. No wonder Li Boqian once said that the Ultimate Law is a filter."
"At that time, Li Boqian himself had already mastered the Ultimate Law, but even that was merely the entry requirement. With such stringent criteria, there aren't many qualified individuals in all of Great Zhou."
"I have no choice but to test it myself," Zhao Xing declared.
"I'll go," Liu Tianning insisted. "If something happens to me, at least you can still assume the role of Grand Shennong."
"No, teacher," Zhao Xing said, shaking his head. "I'll go. Great Zhou has already sent seventeen explorers, and none have encountered significant danger. The risks seem relatively low."
Only one of them could go, as both perishing would devastate the Shennong Division. It was akin to ancient royalty avoiding travel on the same vessel.
Zhao Xing chose to take the risk himself, partly because of his greater breadth of knowledge.
He was certain this relic wasn't something left behind by the Xuanhuang World. If it came from beyond the heavens, his expertise would be invaluable. "Be careful," Liu Tianning urged.
"Don't worry. If Deus could retrieve treasures from inside, am I any weaker than him?" Zhao Xing reassured.
"Teacher, you should prepare for external risks. The information leaked by Deus might draw substantial external pressure on Great Zhou," Zhao Xing warned. The remote location, combined with logistical challenges, made defending the area particularly risky.
"Rest assured," Liu Tianning said. "The court is already making preparations."
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Xing flew out of the deep-sea warship.
At the barrier marking the entrance to the underground city, a strong practitioner was already waiting.
This individual, holding the Purple Light Divine Command, was there to "open the gate" for Zhao Xing.
The Purple Light Divine Command was required to transport materials out of the site, so it had to remain at the entrance to keep the barrier active.
Many had already begun moving items out, but only from the outer regions. The core area remained unexplored.
"Chief of Shennong Zhao, please proceed."
"Thank you." Zhao Xing cupped his hands in thanks and entered the barrier.