"Huff... Huff..."
On the ridge, a burly man leaned on a tiger-headed broadsword, panting heavily. Exhaustion weighed on him—so much that even the armor of his Bright Moon Battle Armor felt like a burden.
Liao Rulong felt his strength draining away. He wanted to shed his armor and collapse to the ground, but instinct forced him to raise his broadsword and slash to the left.
"Shing!"
A green arrow suddenly shot out of the ground to his left, heading straight for the gap in his armor under his armpit.
"Clang!"
The broadsword vibrated as it intercepted the arrow, and Liao Rulong's body trembled slightly. He had managed to block the arrow, but it didn't ricochet away as expected. Instead, a dull thud echoed.
"Boom!"
A green mist enveloped Liao Rulong, and as he breathed, the poisonous gas seeped into his lungs. Along with it came five tiny insects.
"Damn it! This isn't an ordinary Earth-Arrows attack—it's from a Worm Shaman!"
Liao Rulong quickly reached for the antidote in his pouch, but his opponent gave him no time. One Earth Arrow after another emerged from the ground, leaving him with no room to act.
His broadsword swings grew slower, unable to block all the arrows. He had to rely on his armor's defense. However, while the armor reduced the impact of the vibrations, it couldn't entirely mitigate them. The real threat was the poison and the insects entering his body.
"Pfft!"
The sound of flesh being pierced echoed. Both Liao Rulong and a thin man clad in beast hides, carrying a worm pouch on his waist, were wounded simultaneously. The Worm Shaman, who had been three thousand meters away, faltered.
The arrows stopped.
Liao Rulong's gaze snapped toward the southwestern depression. He saw Li Muwan, wielding her sword, piercing the Worm Shaman through the chest. With a deft twist, her blade sliced up to the shoulder, beheading the shaman in one swift motion.
"Hahaha! Well done, Sister Wan!" Liao Rulong laughed as he collapsed to the ground. "Finally, we've hooked this damned bug! Hahaha!"
Before his body hit the ground, a more muscular, bald man appeared in front of him, extending his arms to catch him.
"Dunlie, call the military physician now!" Liao Rulong shouted, his voice high-pitched but clearly weakened.
Cao Qianyue held Liao Rulong tightly and flew back swiftly. Moments later, a dragon-head airship descended toward them.
"Shush-shush!"
A military physician leaped down. Cao Qianyue immediately removed Liao Rulong's armor.
As soon as the armor was taken off, 108 golden needles pierced into Liao Rulong's exposed body.
"Hissss~"
Liao Rulong's skin began to turn green, and veins bulged unnaturally across his body.
"Pfft, pfft, pfft!"
The golden needles vibrated, extracting and neutralizing the toxins while driving the worms into retreat. Gradually, the poison was pushed toward his right thigh and left arm.
"Yuan Yang, how is it?" Cao Qianyue asked. The military physician, Yuan Yang, was reputed as a top-tier healer in the Shenwei Army, and rumor had it that he had once served alongside the Marquis in the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven.
"Not a big problem," Yuan Yang replied, his fingertips glowing gold as he used the needles to seal the poison in Liao Rulong's left shoulder and right thigh. "Cut off his left arm and right leg. He'll be fine after a bit of treatment back at the base."
"That's what you call 'not a big problem'?" Cao Qianyue glared at him.
"You're dealing with a Third-Rank Worm Shaman who also specializes in Earth Techniques and Martial Archery. The fact that he could shoot a poisoned Earth Arrow from three thousand meters away and hit Deputy General Liao is testament to his skill."
"What does that mean?"
"It means the guy was incredible. The only way I can save him now is by amputating his arm and leg," Yuan Yang replied calmly.
"I'm a battlefield medic. My job is to save lives in emergencies. If you want him intact and fully recovered, you'll have to find Apothecary Huang later." Yuan Yang pulled out a small, sharp knife. "Hold him down. Don't let him move."
"Oh, oh!" Cao Qianyue quickly held Liao Rulong still.
"Sching~"
Without any apparent force, Yuan Yang's blade circled Liao Rulong's thigh and shoulder. With a soft pop, his arm and leg fell to the ground.
"Hisss—"
The blood dripping from the wounds corroded the hard stone beneath them, while the severed limbs rotted and blackened almost instantly.
"Cao!" Liao Rulong's face turned red as he tried to speak.
"What is it?" Cao Qianyue leaned closer. "Speak, Deputy. I'm here."
"He's swearing, not calling you," Yuan Yang waved dismissively while wrapping Liao Rulong's wounds with white medical gauze.
"Oh." Cao Qianyue placed Liao Rulong on a floating stretcher, which carried him to the medical cabin of the dragon-head airship for rest.
"What happened, Yuan Yang? How did Old Liao end up like this?" A flying boat arrived from the distance moments later.
Wang Ji, armed with weapons sheathed on his back and mechanical slots on his limbs, leaped down from the boat.
"Weren't you supposed to be fishing? How did he end up losing an arm and a leg?"
"Why are you asking me?" Yuan Yang continued cleaning the golden needles. "I'm just a medic."
"Brother Cao," Wang Ji turned to Cao Qianyue.
"Deputy Liao suspected experts were appearing along the Canglan River and spying on the Shenwei Army's training grounds. He decided to pursue them with us."
"And?"
"A Third-Rank Worm Shaman," Li Muwan said as she carried the shaman's corpse back and threw it to the ground. "Wang Gong, this doesn't feel right."
"It's definitely wrong!" Wang Ji said grimly. "We need to inform Prince Xin immediately."
Prince Liu Yong, known as Prince Xin, was one of the ruling figures in the military realm. Having inherited his father's influential position, he was also a veteran from the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven era.
"Swoosh~"
A golden stream of light approached swiftly. At the forefront was a figure wielding a golden spear, clad in dragon-patterned armor.
"Alert!"
"Don't act rashly—it's the Jinwu Guards," Wang Ji looked up and identified the newcomers.
The golden streaks of light descended rapidly, landing in front of Wang Ji. The leading figure's aura radiated a commanding presence, clearly indicating a mid-stage Heavenly Luck cultivator. Wang Ji, Cao Qianyue, and Li Muwan—all at the peak of Third Rank—immediately realized the disparity in strength.
"I am Yang Wanli, Seventh Jinwu General of the Jinwu Guards," the man announced, his face resolute as he lifted his visor, revealing a rugged visage adorned with a neatly trimmed beard. "Where is Deputy General Liao Rulong?"
"Reporting to General Yang, Deputy General Liao was injured while pursuing the Worm Shaman," Wang Ji replied with a respectful bow. "I am Wang Ji, Right General of the Shenwei Army."
Yang Wanli nodded solemnly. "The Southern Barbarians' Four Great Royal Courts have mobilized significant forces. Their aim is to breach the defenses along the Canglan River."
The weight of his words made Wang Ji's expression tighten. "General, what exactly is happening?"
Yang Wanli's tone lowered. "I'll explain later. For now, the Shenwei Army is to immediately integrate into the combat sequence under the command of the Jinwu Guards."
"What?" Wang Ji's surprise was evident. "General, why are forces like ours being mobilized for a Jinwu Guard operation?"
"Details will be provided in due time," Yang Wanli said, his voice steady but firm. "Rest assured, I've had dealings with Duke Zhao before. Follow my orders, and I guarantee no harm will come to you."
"Yes, General," Wang Ji replied, suppressing his concerns.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Barbarian Holy Mountain, the Moon God Shaman issued an absolute directive: the Four Great Royal Courts were to spare no cost in securing their objective. Ten Great Divine Sects and thirty-six elite sects had been summoned to spearhead the offensive against the Western Extremes Province of the Grand Zhou Dynasty.
Their strategy was clear: strike decisively and overwhelm the Zhou defenses along the Canglan River. With peace having lasted less than 170 years, the sudden resurgence of high-tier experts in this region was highly unusual.
This was the perfect storm for the Southern Barbarians. Emperor Jing's decades of military restructuring had reduced troop numbers, and the newly ascended Emperor Xu had yet to solidify his rule. The timing was too perfect to pass up.
Simultaneously, a probing skirmish broke out in the Western Extreme Glacier of the Western Extremes Province.
"Who's guarding the Western Extreme Glacier front?" asked Yu Feiyang, a prince of the Winged Clan. Dressed in golden battle armor with angelic wings and wielding a holy sword, he gazed toward the icy expanse ahead.
"Your Highness, it's Tang Lan of the Xuling Cave-Heaven," his aide replied. "He serves as the main commander of the Xuling Army."
"The Xuling Army only has five hundred stationed in the western sector of the glacier," the aide continued. "But they're reinforced by 30,000 troops from the Northern Tu Kingdom, led by the crown prince, Yi."
"Tang Lan? Never heard of him," Yu Feiyang remarked coldly. "What's his cultivation level?"
"Based on intelligence, the Xuling Cave-Heaven ranks 221st among Zhou's territories. Tang Lan, its guardian, is reportedly in the late-stage Destiny Palace Realm. He hasn't mastered any ultimate combat techniques or comprehended a Rule Domain."
"The Xuling Cave-Heaven doesn't produce top-tier experts, but Tang Lan specializes in military formations. The Xuling Army's mechanisms, such as the Nine Bends Heavenly River Formation, Illusory Void Formation, and Black Tortoise Guardian Formation, are well-regarded and even earned Emperor Jing's praise during the last Grand Military Tournament."
Yu Feiyang nodded thoughtfully. "It's clear that Zhou is taking a defensive approach here. Even the forces encountered by Yanlie and Ziling'er were stationed in fortified positions."
He smirked. "Their strategy is obvious—delay for time. Our approach will be the opposite—swift and aggressive."
To cause enough damage to the Great Zhou, only then could one earn a place at the negotiating table and qualify to explore the ruins. Even the allocations for the Ancient Dragon Court's ruins back then were decided through a combination of battles and negotiations.
"The Royal Court has issued an absolute order: the first battle must secure a victory!"
"Let's start with the Xuling Army!"
"Transmit the command! Dispatch nine Golden God Generals to break their formation!"
"Yes!"
On the Western Extreme Defensive Line, rows of icy peaks had been carved into unique shapes, each fitted with countless precise mechanized components. The commander of the Xuling Army, Tang Lan, patrolled the formation array with a grave expression.
"Report!"
Suddenly, a personal guard leaped onto a flying vessel from the distant outposts.
Tang Lan's face stiffened. These sentries were his vanguard scouts. If only the concealed outpost remained intact, it meant the enemy was already dangerously close and possessed formidable strength.
"Speak!"
"The Golden Feather Royal Court's prince, Yu Feiyang, is leading the elite Golden God Army in an advance."
"The Golden God Army?" Tang Lan's expression darkened. While he hadn't heard of Yu Feiyang, the reputation of the Golden God Army was thunderous.
The Xuling Army, ranked only 200th in Great Zhou, paled in comparison to the Golden God Army, one of the top ten elite forces of the Golden Feather Royal Court.
"Activate all arrays at once!"
Tang Lan gripped the Thousand Mile Command Token and roared.
Buzz—
Buzz—
Buzz—
A series of icy peaks lit up in unison. Rainbow-like beams shimmered at their summits, fusing the array across a three-hundred-mile radius into a seamless defense.
"What terrible luck to face such an elite force," Tang Lan muttered bitterly.
"My Xuling Army can't possibly hold against the Golden God Army."
Flying into the army's command hall, Tang Lan stared at the densely packed red dots on the map—each representing an advancing enemy.
"However, there's still hope to hold the defense."
Despite their superior combat strength, the attacking side always paid a higher price in an assault.
Tang Lan immediately reported the situation to Lord Luohou, but no new orders arrived, indicating he had to hold the line per the initial directive.
On the path of Yu Feiyang's advance, a massive phantom of a Black Tortoise materialized, its head raised as it emitted deafening roars, reverberating with thunderous echoes. The surrounding vital energy converged like a torrential flood, being absorbed into the Black Tortoise Array.
"Hmph," Yu Feiyang scoffed. He despised these turtle-like defensive arrays the most.
At the sight of an enemy approach, the Black Tortoise Array immediately drained the vital energy from a thousand miles around. Offensive forces couldn't interfere since the defenders had preemptively secured the area. Without access to external vital energy, attackers were forced to rely solely on their supplies.
In the Western Extremes Glacier, procuring supplies was no small challenge, creating a logistical test for both sides.
"Dispatch the Golden God Generals!" Yu Feiyang commanded, pointing forward.
Clank, clank, clank!
Surrounding Yu Feiyang's Divine Feather Warship, eighty-one vessels shifted into new formations, intertwining and transforming into nine colossal golden giants, each towering over three thousand meters. The giants' shoulders and midsections contained hollow vortex arrays that spun, emitting a faint and eerie glow.
"They're coming!" Tang Lan tensed as he watched the advance.
The Golden Feather Royal Court's mechanized arrays rivaled those of Great Zhou in many aspects. Among the four great royal courts, they were the only nation capable of crafting divine-grade weapons.
In the past Southern Barbarian War, Golden Feather Armor was among the most sought-after spoils of war, requiring the highest merit points to exchange. For Great Zhou's generals, obtaining a piece of Golden Feather Divine Armor was a mark of pride.
"The Golden God Generals—one of them even has a cyan exterior, its core forged from a fragment of a small world's rules," Yu Feiyang observed confidently. His royal court's mastery of war machinery was comparable to Great Zhou's craftsmanship.
"To dismantle this turtle formation, the key lies with the Wood God General."
Yu Feiyang's mechanists were well-trained. Eight golden giants protected a central cyan-colored Wood God General.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
As the nine giants approached the Black Tortoise Array, sparks flew from the friction between their exteriors and the defensive barriers.
The overwhelming repulsion force of the array generated intense feedback, igniting the giants into flaming behemoths. Within, the mechanists operating the giants experienced accelerated vital energy depletion.
Only the Wood God General remained untouched, its cyan hue undisturbed by the flames.
"Charge!" Yu Feiyang's gaze was sharp, his aura dominating.
The transition between emperors in Great Zhou had brought shifts among civil and military officials. This large-scale advanced warfare marked Yu Feiyang's debut in high-level combat, leaving no room for failure.
"Hold the line!"
Tang Lan, equally determined, commanded the mechanists stationed in the icy peaks to give their all in sustaining the array. Teams of formation masters tirelessly reinforced the array foundations to enhance its resilience.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The eight golden giants, ablaze from the intense friction, finally escorted the Wood God General into the core of the Black Tortoise Array.
"Anchor it! Quickly anchor it!"
Inside the Wood God General, an elderly bald mechanist roared while tens of thousands of mechanists within the giant sprang into action.
Clank! Clank! Clank!
Brilliant green light surged from the sides of the giant's legs, creating the Sunlit Heavenly Mulberry Domain. However, instead of spreading outward, the domain condensed tightly into a spinning gyroscopic field.
The Wood God General began sinking, half of its massive frame quickly submerging into the icy ground.
"It's done!"
A faint smile appeared on Yu Feiyang's face.
Once the Wood God General embedded itself into the Black Tortoise Array, it was enough to disrupt the entire system, much like jamming an iron rod into the spokes of a rapidly spinning wheel.
Boom!
The first icy peak within the Black Tortoise Array exploded violently.
The thirty mechanists stationed inside the mountain were obliterated without uttering a single cry.
"Retreat to the Nine-Bend Heavenly River Array!"
Tang Lan had no time to mourn his subordinates. He immediately ordered the remaining mechanists to evacuate through the icy tunnels and regroup within the smaller Nine-Bend Heavenly River Array.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
At first, it took half an hour for one icy peak to collapse, but as the first ten peaks fell, the collapse accelerated.
In just eight hours, the defensive Black Tortoise Array—which encapsulated the entire military base—was completely destroyed.
The Xuling Army suffered devastating losses, with over 170 mechanists killed.
On the other hand, Yu Feiyang's nine Golden God Generals emerged with only minor surface damage.
After all, the Black Tortoise Array had no offensive capabilities, only defensive ones.
"Advance!"
Seizing the momentum, Yu Feiyang ordered the nine Golden God Generals to charge into the Nine-Bend Heavenly River Array.
His subordinates, skilled in the art of formations, rendered the Nine-Bend Heavenly River Array ineffective within an hour.
"Your Highness, the nine Golden God Generals have suppressed the Sea Eye of the Heavenly River. We have a three-hour operational window," one of his strategists reported.
"In three hours, the Golden God Generals will face critical risk."
"Three hours is more than enough!" Yu Feiyang sneered. "The remaining Xuling Army's illusory formations are negligible. Our Royal Guards, equipped with Golden Feather Divine Armor, are immune to the confusion of illusions."
"Decapitate their commander, and their mechanists will scatter, causing their formations to crumble."
An hour later, the commander of the Xuling Army, Tang Lan, fell defending the Western Extreme Glacier's first defensive line. Cities 45 through 58 were completely overrun.
Every soldier stationed in the Xuling Army's garrison perished, with no survivors.
Yu Feiyang decapitated Tang Lan with a single strike, while Prince Yi of Beitu Kingdom, accompanied by four elite guards, was also killed in the chaos. Over 30,000 soldiers of Beitu Kingdom fled in disarray.
As the fleeing soldiers spread out, so did the name of Yu Feiyang, striking fear into their hearts and spreading like wildfire across the battlefield.
Yu Feiyang achieved a major victory in his first battle. The royal of the Purple Dragon Court, the "Purple Qilin King," and the Holy Spirit Court's "Tuoba Hong" also reported consecutive triumphs. On March 10th of the third year of the Yuan Shou era, the Purple Qilin King commanded fifty thousand hybrid ferocious beasts, the "Feizhi," to break through two defensive lines set up by the Great Zhou. The Feizhi, favoring icy and cold environments and capable of consuming barrier forces, was a hybrid ferocious beast species that the Purple Dragon Court had never previously deployed.
Under the command of the Moon God of Sorcery, the Purple Qilin King unleashed a trump card unit he had painstakingly cultivated over the years to attack the Great Zhou's outer defenses, quickly achieving significant results. The commander of the Chishui Cave-Heaven in the Western Extreme State was killed, along with the deputy commander of the Tianzhu Cave-Heaven.
The following day, Tuoba Hong, a consummate master at the Destiny Palace realm, launched an assault from the northwest carrying the divine artifact, the "Evil Hunt Eighteen Altars."
Eighteen Evil Gods tore through a passageway to the shadow world in the Western Extreme State, encircling the forces of the two subordinate states, Sakhe and Ander, that blocked their path. Despite their kings comprehending fifth- and sixth-tier Rule Domains, they could not withstand Tuoba Hong's Evil God Ghost Abyss. The combined forces of 3,700 high-level cultivators and nearly one million mid-level cultivators were all refined and absorbed into the Evil Hunt Eighteen Altars, becoming part of this enhanced Soul Banner.
The three royal courts launched surprise attacks from their selected directions, taking advantage of the Great Zhou's unstable footing and achieving considerable success. However, the Flame Light Court's Yan Lie suffered a major defeat.
The Flame Light Court's people thrived in the scorching desert sun, but the Babok Worms they relied upon could not survive on the Western Extreme Continent. While they were resistant to heat, they were vulnerable to the cold. Even their cultivation techniques and Rule Domain comprehension were tied to the Three Yang Principles.
In March, the coldest period on the Western Extreme Continent, even the Grand Shennong could not alter the extreme weather conditions.
Yan Lie, who had comprehended a sixth-tier Rule Domain, launched an attack from the south with five thousand high-level cultivators. Unfortunately, they encountered the reinforcements dispatched by the Great Zhou: the Lord of Longyuan Prefecture and Ling Tianchen.
On March 25th, Yan Lie, along with the divine artifact Water Peak, was swallowed whole by Ling Tianchen. Nearly half of Yan Lie's five thousand high-level warriors were killed or wounded. Though the majority were third-rank cultivators, this was enough to awaken the fanatical royal court from its delusions.
Yan Lie's death and the Flame Light Court's significant defeat forced the aggressively advancing southern barbarian forces to halt their assault, waiting for allied reinforcements.
Under the Glacier Ruins, within the Matrix Palace, Zhao Xing reentered the barrier once more.
Thanks to his information, over a hundred people had already arrived in the ancient city to receive its inheritance.
"Not even four hundred years old and already mastering top-tier Rule Domains and Ultimate Techniques. Those who meet the requirements for inheritance are more abundant than I thought," Zhao Xing mused. The Great Zhou casually summoned over a hundred individuals, with evidently more on the way.
It was worth noting that many Great Zhou elites were still fighting outside. Figures like Lu Ying, Wei Hong, the Lord Luohou, and Old Liu were absent. Since Qing Yuzi was a Shennong, and Puta was a Mechanist, the Mechanists and Shennongs arrived in droves.
As for Fairy Su, who was said to walk the path of the soul, anyone cultivating Derivation of the Divine Spirit could try their luck, regardless of profession.
It was clear that the place would soon be brimming with geniuses.
The minimum threshold for the inheritance was the third rank. Candidates only needed to possess one of the following: a top-tier Dao Body, mastery over a top-tier Rule Domain, or comprehension of an Ultimate Technique—all while under the age of 400. It wasn't necessary to meet all three requirements.
When Zhao Xing achieved the third rank, it was by condensing a top-tier Dao Body and Martial Body through supreme Dao Intent. In theory, other third-rank cultivators could qualify as well.
"But third-rank cultivators are just here to make up the numbers," Zhao Xing thought as he flew to the temple entrance. "From my perspective, the first trial alone is already extremely challenging. To shatter the Wall of Dao Transmission through sheer power, one would need at least an Ultimate Technique and profound comprehension of Dao."
Naturally, the trials likely included mechanisms crafted by Puta and soul tests devised by Fairy Su, meaning power alone might not suffice.
Zhao Xing had only heard about the trials left behind by Qing Yuzi. He speculated that others might see not Qing Yuzi's Manifestation of Dao, but perhaps Fairy Su's or Puta's, which could lead to different requirements.
"Zhao Xing."
"Dean." Zhao Xing cupped his hands in greeting to Wang Tianzhi, the current leader of the Heavenly Timing Sect and dean of Xuantian Academy. Ling Tianchen, focused on perfecting the Marquis Reform Technique, had not competed for the position of headmaster.
From Zhao Xing's perspective, Ling Tianchen and Wang Tianzhi were evenly matched. It came down to the environment: in extreme conditions, Ling Tianchen's Marquis Reform Technique and his Divine Beast Physique gave him the upper hand, as he could endure harsh climates. Wang Tianzhi, by contrast, needed to expend extra vitality to withstand environmental pressure. In non-extreme conditions, Wang Tianzhi's dual Rule Domains granted him a slight advantage.
Both Wang Tianzhi and Ling Tianchen had descended to the Matrix Palace since Zhao Xing had confirmed that entering the Purple Light Temple was safe. Even if one failed, there was no danger.
"Dean, have you entered yet?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Not yet," Wang Tianzhi replied, pointing to the entrance. "I just arrived and am listening to others' experiences."
The rules were clear: failing the trial on the first attempt would result in memory loss regarding the temple. Even being brought back in later with a Purple Light Command would not reveal the critical murals.
This single opportunity made Wang Tianzhi cautious.
"Dean, I'll head in first." Zhao Xing, aware of the timing and requirements, was determined to proceed with the trial set by Qing Yuzi.
"Be careful," Wang Tianzhi advised. "One can never predict the motives of outsiders. Stay vigilant."
"I understand," Zhao Xing nodded.
With a swift motion, he entered the temple.
Moving through the mural corridor, Zhao Xing reached the stele unhindered. He found himself alone. "It seems each comprehension space is independent and isolated."
Despite over a hundred elites entering, the stele's surroundings were empty. "The three inscriptions recorded on the steles are Derivation of the Divine Spirit, Purple Moon Origin, and Void Wind."
"Derivation of the Divine Spirit is universal to all professions. Purple Moon Origin pertains to Dao comprehension, while Void Wind is about deconstructing laws. It seems Qing Yuzi cultivated all three."
Zhao Xing first studied the Derivation Stele but felt no connection after a while.
"I've already integrated the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact, but it offers no further help in comprehending the Dao of Souls, at least not with my innate abilities," Zhao Xing thought.
The Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact primarily enhanced comprehension of common paths like Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Yin, and Yang. The Dao of Souls and the Dao of Life were beyond its scope.
With only five years to pass the first trial, Zhao Xing shifted his focus to Purple Moon Origin and Void Wind.
As Zhao Xing's gaze settled on the Purple Moon Origin Stele, he immediately felt a resonance. It was as though he had been transported into the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Above him hung an enormous purple moon, radiating an otherworldly brilliance. Countless figures knelt in reverence before this celestial body, their voices blending into a hymn of devotion.
"So, this must be the Taiyin Star from Qing Yuzi's homeland. But why is it purple?" Zhao Xing pondered. "Could this be a projection on the world's star, altered in appearance due to inter-dimensional reflection?"
Thoughts swirled in his mind as he compared it to the Taiyin Star visible in the Xuanyuan Realm. On nights in Xuanyuan, the moon could be faintly seen, though its size was comparable to a grindstone or even smaller, often appearing hazy and indistinct.
The difference was stark. "It must be due to the boundary of the Xuanyuan Realm, or the star's great distance, resulting in such a weak projection."
Similarly, the Taiyang Star, visible as the sun, was unstable in most parts of the Xuanyuan Realm outside the Nineteen Provinces of Zhongtu.
"Yet here on Qing Yuzi's home star, the Taiyin Star is so clear, its force so potent," Zhao Xing mused. "If the Taiyin force is this strong, then the Taiyang force must be equally vivid. What an incredible cultivation environment."
This realization struck him deeply. "Yin and Yang give rise to the Five Elements. Such clarity in their fundamental forces would naturally accelerate the comprehension of Five Elemental Rule Domains."
Zhao Xing allowed himself to immerse in the majesty of the Taiyin Star, feeling the Yin energy flow into his senses, pure and profound. However, one unique observation stood out: the Yin energy here slightly surpassed the Yang energy.
"It seems that in Qing Yuzi's world, the comprehension of Yin-based Rule Domains is naturally easier. As a result, Yin-attributed spells, martial arts, and formations must have advanced significantly."
He sighed with both awe and envy. "It appears that Void Wind is another Yin-based technique."
Zhao Xing's first destructive wind technique had also been a Yin Wind technique. Though he had largely abandoned wind-based methods in favor of other paths, this inheritance seemed to steer him back.
Transitioning his focus from the Purple Moon Origin Stele to the Void Wind Stele, Zhao Xing felt the atmosphere around him shift drastically. It was as if he had stepped into the void of a pitch-black universe.
A fierce gale howled from the depths of the void, cutting through the stillness. The cold wind seemed to pierce straight into Zhao Xing's soul, freezing his thoughts and even his perception.
When his mental activity froze entirely, the comprehension session abruptly ended.
"It's clear my comprehension of Dao is still too shallow," Zhao Xing muttered. "When it comes to the Wind element, I haven't even comprehended a single Rule Domain. Attempting to understand Void Wind, such a profound secret technique, is a path leading nowhere."
His decision was swift. "I'll focus on Purple Moon Origin first. Once my Dao comprehension reaches a higher level, I'll return to study Void Wind. By building a solid foundation first, I can create stronger techniques with greater power."
Zhao Xing ignored both the Yan Shen Stele and the Void Wind Stele, focusing solely on comprehending Purple Moon Origin. With the assistance of the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact, his comprehension of the Dao accelerated tremendously.
Within just three days, Zhao Xing had comprehended the Three-Lights Divine Water Domain.
"When I originally formed my Myriad Laws Dao Body, the water-based true intent I chose was Three-Lights Divine Water," Zhao Xing mused. "My choice was deliberate. Firstly, because of its detoxifying properties."
Three-Lights Divine Water could neutralize all poisons—whether naturally occurring toxins or bizarre poisons derived from sinister arts or enchanted treasures, Three-Lights Divine Water could cleanse them effectively.
"Secondly, it excels in restoration. Whether it's fractured bones and torn flesh from external injuries or damaged meridians and internal organs from internal injuries, Three-Lights Divine Water accelerates recovery. Injured cultivators treated with it can quickly regain combat strength in a short period."
"For the Shennong role in all its variations, its positioning often revolves around support, and Three-Lights Divine Water is indispensable. Mastering the Three-Lights Divine Water Domain can easily allow one to replace a physician in a team.
"The secret arts derived from Three-Lights Divine Water True Intent are predominantly restorative spells."
"Beyond that, Three-Lights Divine Water is the ultimate essence for Shennong. Its immense vitality and energy nurture all living things. Rare plants like spiritual herbs and spiritual trees grow more robustly under its influence. Even weaker lifeforms can gain heightened vitality and cultivation levels. Areas imbued with Three-Lights Divine Water often become spiritual sanctuaries teeming with prosperity."
"Lastly, it offers exceptional defensive capabilities."
Three-Lights Divine Water could create a unique protective barrier that resisted various forms of attack, whether from enchanted treasures or supernatural arts. It was particularly effective against curse-type and calamity-based spell damage, making it invaluable for countering such threats.
Zhao Xing's choice to cultivate the ultimate rain-based technique Heaven's Eclipse was undoubtedly aligned with the principles of yin and rain. However, when it came to choosing true intent, he opted for the gentleness and resilience of Three-Lights Divine Water. His combat philosophy followed one principle:
"Better I strike the world with my shadow than let the world strike me in return!"
After comprehending the first stage of the Three-Lights Divine Water Domain in three days, Zhao Xing was quite satisfied. Capturing the insights of the water-based true intent from Purple Moon Origin, he continued to deepen his understanding. After one month, the Three-Lights Divine Water Domain advanced to the third stage.
"This pace is still a bit slow," Zhao Xing remarked as he opened his eyes.
"I must have lost my mind. Since I'm in a rapid progress phase, why am I not using soul splits for comprehension? Qing Yuzi's restrictions forbid avatars from entering, but they don't prohibit using soul splits once inside."
"Primordial Soul Projection—Split!"
Zhao Xing divided himself into seven soul projections, forming a circle around the Purple Moon Origin Stele.
"Perfect. The effect of the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact persists even with the soul splits."
"And there's no triggering of restrictive rules or taboos."
Six soul projections and one main body.
Each began delving into a different aspect of the fundamental Dao rules.
Two months later, Zhao Xing achieved significant breakthroughs.
"Metal: Solar Geng Metal Domain, third stage."
"Fire: Lihuo Domain, third stage, and Great Heat Domain, third stage. The Great Heat Domain, in fact, is a variation of the Solar True Fire Rules. For the fire element, I now have two domains."
"Wood: Cangwu Domain, third stage."
"Earth: Spirit Mountain Domain, third stage."
"Water: Three-Lights Divine Water Domain, fourth stage."
"Wind: Heavenly Wind Domain, third stage."
"Lightning: Mixed Thunder Domain, third stage."
Zhao Xing retracted his soul projections, meticulously organizing the insights in his mind.
The Heavenly Wind Domain and the Mixed Thunder Domain were directly comprehended from Purple Moon Origin, while the other five elements stemmed from the true intents he had been cultivating since forming his Dao Body.
"Two months of effort, and my domains for the five elements, wind, and thunder have all reached the third stage. Meanwhile, the Three-Lights Divine Water Domain has advanced to the fourth stage."
"With all five elemental domains complete, my inner five-elemental world has undergone a qualitative transformation. Even my Personal Domain has reached the third stage."
"The rule-jumping technique has become much stronger. If someone wants to suppress my domain, it's possible, but stopping me from rule-jumping requires an equally powerful top-tier true intent domain, and it must include all five elements."
"Those relying on a single domain would likely need a top-tier sixth-stage domain or an advanced seventh-stage domain."
Typically, only those with a Myriad Laws Dao Body would seek to complete all five elements, meaning someone like Liu Tianning would need to surpass Zhao Xing by at least one sub-realm to suppress his rule-jumping ability. For anyone else, it would require several levels of advantage.
"Three months have passed. I wonder how things are in the outside world."
As Zhao Xing's comprehension slowed, he dispatched one of his soul projections to the entrance of the temple to assess the situation.
"Hm? There are already over five hundred people in the Three-God Plaza?"
"Over five hundred just resting and discussing among themselves here at the plaza. There must be more inside the temple."
Comprehension didn't necessarily require one to stay by the stele at all times. Many chose to step outside and engage in sparring and discussions with their friends when they felt their progress stagnating. This was also a valid approach. A single glance was enough to tell Zhao Xing that the number of people had significantly increased.
"Three months have passed. Have other forces entered here?"
Zhao Xing's soul projection floated outward. He didn't recognize all the prominent figures of the Great Zhou Dynasty, especially those from Dao Academies.
After all, he had only been a Junior Shennong for a short time and had only mingled with the higher echelons of power for about two or three years. Given the generic nature of Daoist robes, it was challenging to distinguish between those from the Dao Academies and external rogue cultivators.
"Chen Ju and the others aren't here either." Scanning the crowd, Zhao Xing couldn't spot any familiar faces. He decided to approach someone wearing a robe of the Xuantian Academy for answers.
"May I ask which branch of the Xuantian Academy you hail from? You look unfamiliar," Zhao Xing inquired.
The white-robed man, with cloud-patterned embroidery, looked up from where he was seated, studying the Palm Thunder Art. Upon seeing Zhao Xing, he bared his teeth in a grin.
"You don't recognize me, but I know you."
"You're called the Holy Son of the Three Sects, and some even regard you as a founder-level figure. Chen'an Daoist, Xuantian Holy Son, Zhao Heavenly Venerable… your reputation precedes you, even in the Xuantian Divine Sect."
Hearing this, Zhao Xing immediately understood this individual wasn't from the Xuantian Academy but rather from the Xuantian Divine Sect.
"In the Xuantian Divine Sect, I have such titles?"
"Holy Son of Xuantian, Chen'an Daoist, Zhao Heavenly Venerable?" Zhao Xing's expression grew strange.
I've been promoted to Heavenly Venerable?
"And what is your position in the Divine Sect? How did you get in here?" Zhao Xing asked.
The man in the cloud-patterned robe gave a slight bow. "They call me the Mist Walker. How I got in? I walked, of course."
"You don't know yet, Zhao Heavenly Venerable? The Great Zhou Dynasty has already fallen!"
"..."
Zhao Xing's heart sank. He immediately used his main body to sense the time flow in his internal world.
He confirmed he had only spent three months in comprehension, not three thousand years.
It suddenly became clear that he had been played.
"Hmph!" Zhao Xing snorted coldly and turned to leave.
"Wait, Zhao Heavenly Venerable, don't go! It was just a joke!" Mist Walker called after him, trying to keep him from leaving.
Zhao Xing ignored him and walked straight toward the area where the Great Zhou forces might gather.
"Even members of the Xuantian Divine Sect have made it inside. In just a couple of months, what could have happened? Did the Great Zhou Dynasty give up its defenses so quickly? That doesn't make sense..." Zhao Xing glanced around and noticed that many of the individuals in the plaza did not belong to the Great Zhou forces.
"What exactly happened?"