Liang Rui bowed deeply to Zhao Xing, Ji Si, and Yang Baihe, leading Tang Menghe and the rest of his guards.
"If it weren't for the three of you, I'd already be dead in the Medicine King Realm. Please accept my bow in gratitude."
The three of them did not avoid it and accepted the full bow.
After receiving the courtesy, Zhao Xing lifted his hand in a supporting gesture and said, "Seventh Prince, please rise."
Seeing Zhao Xing sitting casually on a flowered chair, Liang Rui was a little surprised.
Keeping his slight bow, he spoke, "May I ask for your honored name? I wish to properly repay your life-saving grace."
"Zhao Xing, Shennong of the Red Star Empire. These two are my friends, Yang Baihe and Ji Si," Zhao Xing introduced them simply.
"Zhao Xing?" Liang Rui's expression changed slightly.
"Could you be the one who wrote A Theory on the Origins of the Triassic Boundary Mountains, the Shennong who resolved the Barrier Mountain dilemma with your Dao theory?"
Liang Rui had heard of Zhao Xing before.
The frequent forums held by Primordial Hill and the extensive promotion by the Academy had spread Zhao Xing's name far and wide.
Though Liang Rui had never met Zhao Xing in person, he had studied Zhao Xing's work before.
Adding Zhao Xing's Dao Domain cultivation, it all clicked into place.
"Not worthy of such praise. It's just a minor contribution, lucky enough to be archived in the Nine Classics Pavilion. I've yet to reach the level of writing a Dao Tree Thesis," Zhao Xing replied humbly.
"You'll make it there sooner or later!" Liang Rui appeared quite excited.
"I've read your essay. It might be the greatest contribution of the Second Era!"
"I even studied your Zhao Clan's Eight Methods—Qi Circulation, Void Communication, Amber Refining, Water Transformation, Terrain Mapping, Earth Sensing, Fragmentation, and Wall Breaking."
"These eight techniques, combined with your Dao theory, practically open up a whole new field of study! One that benefits countless living beings!"
"Unfortunately, I'm not a Shennong, so I can't fully comprehend its mysteries."
Zhao Xing hadn't expected that even Liang Rui had read his works and held them in such high regard.
But thinking about it, it made sense.
With all the efforts to promote his theories across the Barren Domain, his fame naturally spread.
Especially with the ongoing expansion of the Seven Great Ancient Paths, the importance of his theories became even more apparent.
Though Liang Rui was a musician by profession, he was a prince and the favored candidate for the throne.
Naturally, he would be concerned with matters of governance and favor practical knowledge.
It wasn't strange that he admired Zhao Xing's work.
"Since Your Highness is being so gracious, I won't pass up the chance to take advantage of you today," Zhao Xing teased.
Liang Rui paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"Zhao Shennong, feel free to name your price. Whatever I have, I will do my best to offer it to you."
Saving a life created a karmic debt greater than the sky itself, and Liang Rui had to address it.
He was also genuinely pleased that the one who saved him turned out to be Zhao Xing.
Had it been someone unscrupulous, they might have demanded something unreasonable, putting him in a difficult spot.
"Your Highness's men are injured. Let's have them rest at my place first. We can discuss the rest later."
Zhao Xing invited Liang Rui to his residence, leaving the negotiations to Ji Si and Tang Menghe.
He wasn't planning to make things too difficult for Liang Rui.
At the residence, the two drank and chatted through the night.
After staying for one month, Liang Rui finally took his leave.
Watching Liang Rui depart, Zhao Xing turned to Ji Si.
"How did the talks go, Master Ji?"
Ji Si replied, "Liang Rui surrendered the three treasures he prepared for the Medicine King Banquet.
In addition, he transferred five hundred thousand realm essence to us through the Realm Jade."
"Five hundred thousand?" Zhao Xing was surprised.
That was an astronomical sum.
Zhao Xing's own quota was only one million, pooled together by the Five Venom Emperor, Zuo Qiyu, and Emperor Hongshan.
Five hundred thousand realm essence was more than the entire wealth of a typical Emperor-level cultivator.
"His life is worth that much," Ji Si said with a smile.
"After all, he's very likely the next ruler of Tianyou Ancient Kingdom."
Zhao Xing hadn't expected Liang Rui to be able to produce such a sum.
"By doing this, Liang Rui is essentially withdrawing from the competition at the Medicine King Banquet."
"That leaves only Lord Sangyu, who poses little threat."
Without a Fate Officer or a star historian on his team, Lord Sangyu wouldn't be able to make much progress in the Transmission Realm.
He would likely give up soon.
"With this, my trip to the Medicine King Realm didn't cost me anything. In fact, I've profited."
Of course, Zhao Xing had no intention of keeping the five hundred thousand realm essence all for himself.
"Master Ji, during the upcoming Rare Treasures Banquet, if Yang Baihe takes a liking to anything, feel free to spend from this quota to secure it."
Though Yang Baihe had declined to take a share, Zhao Xing couldn't ignore his contribution.
Without Yang Baihe's help, Ji Si might not have been able to take down Ji Qiujun alone.
"Alright, I'll keep an eye out," Ji Si nodded.
Following the advice of Apothecary Wang Shuning, Zhao Xing had already acquired two treasures: the Violet Ganoderma Sacred Spring Water and the Nine Radiance Heart Pearl.
Now, thanks to Liang Rui, Zhao Xing had obtained three more treasures: the Purple Sky Gemstone, the Blue Sea Conch Fruit, and the Three-Life Moon Dew.
Zhao Xing packaged these items and sent them to Wang Shuning at the Xiangling Blessed Land.
Then he quietly waited for two more months.
Two months later, Wang Shuning informed Zhao Xing that he had earned the qualification to attend the Medicine King Banquet and handed him an invitation.
The banquet would be held at the Medicine King Palace in half a month.
"It's done. At the banquet, I'll negotiate for the Nine-Turn Soul Dissolving Pill.
If I can bring it back to the Barren Domain's Second Era and have the Academy refine it into medicine, it could neutralize part of the True Spirit Heavenly Poison."
Zhao Xing brushed his fingers over the Realm Jade.
[Nine-Turn Soul Dissolving Pill]
[Exchange Cost: Thirty Thousand Realm Essence]
[Available Quantity: Eight]
Bringing back one Nine-Turn Soul Dissolving Pill would only cost thirty thousand realm essence.
There were a total of eight available, meaning that in this timeline, only eight pills existed.
"All eight would cost just two hundred forty thousand realm essence. I still have plenty left. Should I take a trip to the Lixing River in Tianyou Ancient Kingdom?"
Zhao Xing recalled the description in Tianyou Peace Chronicles.
The Devouring Spirit Grass—wasn't that a legendary Devouring Spirit Grass?
"I should probably discuss this with Yang Baihe first."
With that thought, Zhao Xing went to find Yang Baihe, who was leisurely fishing by a lakeside.
"Captain, you really are on vacation," Zhao Xing said as he propelled his wheelchair over.
"Of course," Yang Baihe lazily replied.
"After being on edge for so long in Sparks Unit, I need to relax my mind and body if I plan to find a partner and have a child."
Zhao Xing hesitated, feeling a little embarrassed to bring it up after hearing that.
"Spit it out. I haven't retired yet, you know," Yang Baihe noticed Zhao Xing had something to say.
"Captain, before leaving the Medicine King Realm, I'd like to check out one more place. Is there any risk to that?" Zhao Xing asked.
"That depends on where you're going."
"If it's not far, still within the scope of the Medicine King Transmission Realm's timeline, then it's fine. But if you suddenly run off to the Demon Territory or something, that's very dangerous."
"Second, it depends on what you plan to do."
"Like I said before, although the Transmission Realm connects to historical timelines, it still carries the characteristics of a transmission world."
"Since it's a transmission world, it comes with a storyline that has a beginning, middle, and end."
"Our actions can't exceed that boundary."
Zhao Xing thought for a moment.
"What happens if we do cross that boundary?"
"It'll trigger a Void History Event," Yang Baihe said casually.
"For example, if you do something that never actually happened in history, then from the perspective of true history, your actions would be void."
"The Transmission Realm itself has the function of a Boundary Revision Pen, which performs historical corrections."
"Specifically, the entire transmission world will turn against you. It can get pretty terrifying."
"How terrifying?" Zhao Xing asked.
Yang Baihe thought for a moment and answered,
"I was on a mission once. We encountered a Void History Event."
"We didn't retreat in time and ended up triggering what's known as 'Heaven's Wrath'. One of my teammates choked to death while drinking water."
Choking to death on water—there was no better example of how unavoidable Heaven's Wrath could be.
Simply put, once a Void History Event occurs, disaster strikes out of nowhere. It's almost impossible to avoid.
Zhao Xing had never encountered such an event in his past life, only heard about them.
After some thought, he decided to give up on going to Lixing River in Tianyou Ancient Kingdom.
"Sounds like you were thinking about something else?" Yang Baihe asked.
"No, nothing," Zhao Xing shook his head.
"Come on, just tell me. It doesn't hurt to talk about it, even if you don't act on it."
Yang Baihe looked completely relaxed.
"I was thinking of visiting Tianyou Ancient Kingdom—"
Zhao Xing started explaining but Yang Baihe suddenly stopped him, frowning as he looked toward the sky.
"What's wrong?" Zhao Xing looked up too, but saw nothing.
Yang Baihe shook his head.
"My Life-Bound Reincarnation Boundary Pen just reacted a little, but the fluctuation wasn't significant—still within the normal range."
"Could it really be that much of a coincidence?"
Zhao Xing was startled. The Boundary Pen usually reacted when the worldline was disturbed.
"Maybe it's just because the topic we're discussing is sensitive," Yang Baihe replied.
"The Transmission Realm's isolation prevents our words from reaching the historical timeline, but that doesn't mean our behavior is entirely safe. Enough talk—let's fish."
Meanwhile, in another palace, Lord Sangyu was holding an invitation with a dark expression.
In front of him stood a Dao Domain-level apothecary who had delivered the invitation.
"You're telling me that despite all the gifts I sent, I still can't attend the Medicine King Banquet? I can only attend the Xiangling Banquet?"
"The Medicine King Banquet has limited slots," the apothecary replied calmly, unfazed by Lord Sangyu's anger.
"Though your gifts were precious, they were not what my ancestor needed. However, several Xiangling Elders are willing to invite you as a guest."
"Bullshit. What a joke!" Lord Sangyu roared,
"You Medicine King Realm people make up the rules as you go!"
"Please, calm yourself," the apothecary's expression tensed.
His breath quickened as if struggling to withstand Lord Sangyu's pressure.
"The Xiangling Banquet still offers many rare treasures for you to choose fr—"
Before he could finish, the light in his eyes dimmed.
The apothecary's voice and expression shifted.
"Failed… That old guy didn't invite me."
Lord Sangyu's eyes turned icy cold.
"I can't attend the Medicine King Banquet—all thanks to Ji Si and Zhao Xing!"
At this point, Lord Sangyu's mentality had completely shifted.
He was convinced that Zhao Xing and Ji Si had ruined his chances of attending the banquet.
If they hadn't killed Ji Qiujun and scared off Lord Fengyang, he wouldn't be in this situation.
"There's still one option left."
He clenched his fists, a cold glint in his eyes.
"I'll use soul manipulation to control someone with an invitation to the Medicine King Banquet."
Lord Sangyu looked down on the ancients.
He believed that the techniques of the Barren Domain's Second Era far surpassed those of the earlier twenty-two eras.
As an Emperor-level Soul Master, he believed he could control someone qualified to attend the banquet and get what he wanted.
However, this move was extremely risky and could trigger uncontrollable consequences.
"I've already taken control of this invitation bearer. From here, I just need to find another Emperor-level guest who has an invitation."
"Then I'll use a soul secret technique to control them, enter the Medicine King Banquet, and complete the exchange."
"This is all Zhao Xing and Ji Si's fault, forcing me to take such a risk."
A trace of madness and killing intent flashed in Lord Sangyu's eyes.
"You'd better pray I succeed."
"Otherwise, we're all going down together!"
The Medicine King Banquet, hosted by a Demi-God, was the highlight of the Rare Treasures Assembly.
Zhao Xing brought Ji Si and Yang Baihe to the banquet.
They arrived at the very center of the Medicine King Realm Star, where a grand sky city came into view.
"That one is Emperor Baihan, a martial artist of the Origin Heaven Palace. But he's already dead—died in the Barren Domain exploration during the Fourteenth Era before the Barren Domain."
"See that one in the four-leaf ceremonial robe? That's Emperor Boling, a Shennong of the Self School from the Original World. Died in the Twentieth Era before the Barren Domain."
"Sitting at the southeast platform in the floating palace is Lord Ka. He's a craftsman from the Empire's Engineering Hall. Reached Emperor level in the Tenth Era before the Barren Domain. Part of the Empire's mechanical legion technique 'Desperate Great Wall' was his improvement. He's still alive in the Second Era of the Barren Domain."
"And that one in the southwest—"
Yang Baihe continued introducing the various powerhouses at the Medicine King Banquet to Zhao Xing via voice transmission.
Most of them were historically recorded figures.
Anyone who reached the level of Emperor usually ended up in the records.
A few Lords were also known, but even Yang Baihe didn't recognize all of them.
Because of the existence of Reincarnation Secret Techniques, some reincarnation cultivators remained low-profile, deliberately avoiding historical documentation.
"So many people… all dead?" Ji Si was a bit surprised.
There were quite a few Emperors at the Medicine King Banquet, but from Yang Baihe's introduction, at least sixty to seventy percent didn't survive until the Barren Domain Era.
"Theoretically, an Emperor's lifespan should be eternal, right? This is the Twenty-Second Era before the Barren Domain. Living until the Second Era shouldn't be difficult."
"Theoretically, yes," Yang Baihe shook his head.
"In reality, the maximum lifespan for Emperors isn't much higher than for Dao Domain cultivators. Once they sense their true soul declining, they usually start preparing for reincarnation early. Emperors just have a higher success rate with reincarnation."
"But even the strongest reincarnation soldiers don't succeed every time, nor do they always regain their previous cultivation."
"Why's that?" Ji Si was puzzled.
"That relates to what's known as the Cataclysmic Eras," Yang Baihe replied.
"I don't fully understand the details myself.
In short, these Emperors can't really live that long."
"Grand Shennong, do you know more about this?" Ji Si asked Zhao Xing.
"Emperors not achieving immortality has both external and internal causes," Zhao Xing replied after some thought.
"Externally, the Barren Domain's expansion compressed the territory of both humans and demons, forcing Emperors to fight for resources."
"There were multiple great wars against alien races in history, resulting in many Emperor-level deaths. Some also died due to internal conflict."
"That already accounts for a lot."
"Internally, it's what the Captain mentioned—Cataclysmic Eras."
"Reincarnation Secret Techniques essentially bypass the universe's lifespan rules by allowing a soul to restart life under a new identity, tricking the universe's laws to extend life."
"But Reincarnation Techniques aren't perfect, much like mechanical formations."
"They can still function with minor flaws, but as those flaws pile up, the entire formation eventually collapses."
"Reincarnation is the same.
The more you reincarnate, the more you disrupt universal law, and the stronger the suppression becomes."
"In the end, this builds up to a point where you can no longer reincarnate and escape.
The universe wipes out this anomaly—this is what's called a Cataclysmic Era."
"At that point, there are only two choices—step further and become a Demi-God or even a God, or have your true soul destroyed, dying completely with no chance of revival."
"Because even if you resurrect, you'll still face suppression and remain trapped in that Cataclysmic Era.
That's why the Reincarnation Palace has strict revival rules."
"First, they won't revive anyone who died due to true soul cataclysm.
Second, they won't revive anyone who died in the Barren Domain.
Third, they won't revive anyone who broke the balance of the universe."
Ji Si pondered this and remarked,
"This sounds a bit like the True Soul Heavenly Poison."
Zhao Xing nodded.
"Exactly. If I don't resolve the True Soul Heavenly Poison, even if I die and revive, I'll still be poisoned again.
It's the same concept.
The Reincarnation Palace wouldn't waste the effort reviving me."
Ji Si sighed softly.
"Even someone like Demi-God Ju is still bound by the laws of the universe.
Eternal life really is just wishful thinking."
"Not just her," Zhao Xing sighed.
"Look at history. Every ruler of the Five Emperors Era was at the God Realm, yet they've all disappeared."
Zhao Xing once thought God Realm meant true immortality.
But after learning the secret methods from Fan Qianrou, his view had changed.
Even the Goddess of Medicine perished.
The God Emperor she served was probably even stronger, yet the Five Emperors Era still ended.
"Enough of these pointless thoughts," Yang Baihe suddenly glanced around, looking slightly tense.
"Captain, what's wrong?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Ever since we arrived in the Medicine King Realm, my Boundary Revision Pen has been fluctuating constantly.
Ji Si, have you noticed anything like that?" Yang Baihe asked.
"I have," Ji Si nodded.
"But it's very subtle. Maybe my cultivation is too low to feel anything unusual.
It seems like normal fluctuations to me."
"Normal or not, let's be ready.
We might be facing a Void History Event," Yang Baihe warned.
"Once we get what we want, let's leave quickly."
"Got it."
The Medicine King Banquet soon began.
After the formal welcome and thanks, Demi-God Ju distributed a treasure list to all the guests and began personally interacting with each one.
Meanwhile, the guests could also exchange treasures with each other to meet their needs.
As the process concluded, golden light shimmered in the palace among the clouds.
A handsome young physician appeared silently in front of Zhao Xing's table.
He wore a plain white robe, his hair tied with a jade band.
His simple appearance made him feel very approachable.
"Greetings, Medicine God," Zhao Xing and the other three quickly stood and bowed.
"No need for such formality," the physician replied with a smile.
"You've given me five treasures.
I'm quite pleased."
"You may choose any one to three items from this list."
"Or you may make a personal request—
as long as it doesn't violate the Medical Dao's heavenly principles."
Demi-God Ju was a successor of the Medicine Dao tradition from the Era of the Feather Emperor. His demeanor was warm and gentle, and the Medicine King Realm itself leaned toward the orderly, neutral faction. Therefore, when requesting favors from Demi-God Ju, one couldn't ask for anything malicious.
"Senior Medicine God, I would like the Nine-Turn Soul Dissolution Pills and the Boundary Revision Pen," Zhao Xing stated his request.
The Nine-Turn Soul Dissolution Pills were the primary goal of this trip. As for the Boundary Revision Pen, it was a historical Reincarnation Dao Soldier Zhao Xing had carefully chosen for Yang Baihe.
It wouldn't sit right if he didn't share the rewards with Yang Baihe.
"Approved," Demi-God Ju nodded.
"Since you're only asking for two items, I'll give you all eight of the Nine-Turn Soul Dissolution Pills."
With a wave of his hand, a golden light flashed, and a medicine bottle along with a pitch-black Dao Soldier pen appeared on the table in front of Zhao Xing.
"Thank you, Senior Medicine God," Zhao Xing cupped his hands respectfully and then put the items away.
Whoosh—
Demi-God Ju's figure vanished.
"It's done." Zhao Xing let out a sigh of relief.
"What now? Do we keep exchanging with the other guests?" Ji Si asked.
"No, let's go." Yang Baihe shook his head.
"The unease in my heart is growing stronger. We'd best leave early."
"Alright."
After achieving their goal, the three of them left the banquet early and prepared to return to the Great Ru Ancient Kingdom.
"Once we safely reach the Great Ru Ancient Kingdom, we can return to the Second Era of the Barren Domain without any extra cost," Yang Baihe said.
"It'll only take three months."
Sha-sha-sha—
Yang Baihe's Boundary Revision Pen floated in front of him, writing out line after line of neat script.
[The Medicine King Realm's Treasure Banquet proceeded smoothly. Zhao Changling, the Thirteenth Prince of the Great Gan Ancient Kingdom, and his two guards are currently on their way back.]
Yang Baihe wasn't actively controlling the Boundary Revision Pen at this moment. It was merely syncing with the natural progression of the historical narrative.
The pen's purpose was to let them preview the upcoming sequence of events.
If needed, as a Starry Sky Historian, Yang Baihe could make minor adjustments—
As long as they didn't involve major historical events or clear records, small changes to the fates of insignificant figures were acceptable.
"For the return trip, the correct way is to head back to the Great Ru Ancient Kingdom and activate the Boundary Jade there to return to the Second Era of the Barren Domain," Yang Baihe explained.
"The starting point is the safe departure point, and it's also the anchored return point.
If we use the Boundary Jade elsewhere, it'll cost extra Boundary Spirit Points."
"Let's get moving."
The Skywind Palace activated, preparing to depart from the Xia Ling Blessed Land.
However, just as they were about to take off—
BOOOOOM!
A thunderous explosion erupted from Haodong City within the Xia Ling Blessed Land.
"Huh?" Zhao Xing immediately turned to look ahead, his face darkening.
He saw a massive hole torn open in the city's formation, and a pillar of brilliant blue light shot outward, spreading rapidly.
It was as if an entire world had exploded inside.
Before they could react, a second explosion went off.
It was even more violent, leveling the entire city.
"Damn!" Yang Baihe immediately grabbed the Boundary Revision Pen, only to see it writing something he had least wanted to see.
[—The Thirteenth Prince of the Great Gan Ancient Kingdom, Zhao Changling, and his two guards encountered a sudden upheaval just as they were about to depart.]
[One of the key locations of the Treasure Banquet, Haodong City, suffered a massive explosion. The formations within and outside the Medicine King Realm activated, sealing off all exit routes.]
"Captain, what's going on?" Zhao Xing's eyelid twitched as he anxiously asked.
But Yang Baihe couldn't answer him.
He was pouring all his focus into trying to manipulate the Boundary Revision Pen, attempting to steer their trajectory back to the normal path.
"Ji Si!" Zhao Xing turned to Ji Si.
"I can't predict it," Ji Si shook his head.
"But tracing the source, this explosion… came from Lord Sangyu!"
"Lord Sangyu? Is he insane?!" Zhao Xing was dumbfounded.
What Sangyu was doing could very well trigger an uncontrollable disaster.
"He's much stronger than Ren Qiujun. I can't predict his actions at all," Ji Si said bitterly.
"And now, it's even more impossible."
While Ren Qiujun had just reached the Emperor level, Sangyu was already a peak Lord, infinitely close to the Emperor level.
He only needed to survive this era to ascend to Emperor status.
Of course Ji Si couldn't foresee his behavior.
Zhao Xing immediately reached for his Boundary Jade, intending to activate emergency teleportation.
At that moment, the cost displayed on the Boundary Jade skyrocketed from 50,000 to 300,000 Boundary Spirit Points.
And that was with a discount as a Six-Pillar Jade holder.
Ji Si and Yang Baihe's emergency teleportation costs had jumped to a staggering 500,000!
"So this is the price of triggering a Void History Event."
Seeing this, Yang Baihe gave up on trying to make corrections and simply stowed the Boundary Revision Pen away.
"Sangyu really has lost his mind," Zhao Xing muttered, staring at the devastated Haodong City.
"Don't tell me he did all this just to target us?"
Ji Si's Heavenly Fate Eye opened, scanning the chaotic space-time around the explosion.
Before long, Ji Si spotted a streak of blue light fleeing into the skies beyond the Medicine King Realm.
It was none other than Lord Sangyu.
"I get it now!" Ji Si suddenly exclaimed.
"Sangyu failed to secure an invitation to the Medicine King Banquet, so he tried to use soul manipulation to control another Lord who had qualified."
"But he failed.
That Lord's strength was just as formidable.
To cover his escape, Sangyu detonated a World Core to create chaos."
Now that the event was unfolding, with more known variables, Ji Si could piece together the chain of events.
"That bastard!" Yang Baihe cursed furiously.
"Who does he think he is?!
Even if soul manipulation techniques from the Second Era were superior, the success rate is still extremely low—especially here in the Transmission Realm! What a brainless idiot!"
"Zhao Xing, Ji Si, we need to move!
The Void Event has already begun.
We have to get far away from the epicenter or we'll be dragged down with it!"