The process of summoning gods generally falls into two main categories: one involves summoning yin spirits to fight independently, with the yin spirit manifesting as an individual entity. The other is possession.
Possession itself can be further divided into multiple subcategories.
The first type is complete possession, where the summoner surrenders full control of their body to the yin spirit. In this case, the spirit's comprehension, techniques, and abilities combine with the summoner's physical body, vitality, and treasures to engage in combat. The summoner's own soul essentially becomes a passive observer.
The second type is partial possession, where the summoner remains dominant while borrowing the divine power of the yin spirit. For example, a Sixth-Rank martial artist summoning a yin spirit might temporarily gain a Pure Essence Golden Body. If the summoned spirit is from a foreign race, the summoner's body may transform entirely, with their physical attributes significantly enhanced by the divine power.
At this moment, Zhao Xing chose the method of partial possession.
Both partial possession and complete possession involve allowing an external force to act in one's stead. The difference lies in the degree of control—whether the summoner retains any authority over their body.
Both methods avoid the reading of memories.
Theoretically, complete possession offers greater combat effectiveness. However, Zhao Xing's personality made it impossible for him to completely relinquish control of his body. Therefore, he opted for the less invasive partial possession, which allows him to remain in charge.
Once True Lord Tianyang's spirit possessed him, it appeared as a magnified version of himself standing behind Zhao Xing, their hands overlapping.
Eagerly, True Lord Tianyang flipped open the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex.
"Shhrrrip—"
In an instant, True Lord Tianyang fully understood the purpose of the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex.
"Ha! This is a magnificent treasure!" he exclaimed with glee.
"Dust to dust, earth to earth, yin and yang in harmony. Heroic spirits, return to your realm—scatter!"
True Lord Tianyang pointed a finger, and Zhao Xing's hand mirrored the motion, extending skyward.
At that moment, the four yin generals and forty thousand yin soldiers who had been summoned were sucked back into the swirling vortex at an even faster speed than they had arrived.
Within seconds, they had vanished without a trace.
"This feels amazing! So this is what it's like to be a Grand Priest," True Lord Tianyang said, laughing with the excitement of a child.
After sending the yin soldiers back, he eagerly flipped through the pages of the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex.
"Ancestor, how much power can you unleash?" Zhao Xing asked.
"My soul fragment may only be of the Second Rank, but my comprehension remains intact. With this treasure, I can wield 90% of its power. Given more time to study it, mastering its full potential would not be difficult."
"In that case, I'll proceed to deal with the rebels!" Zhao Xing said.
"Go ahead without hesitation! With your ancestor here, a mere priest like him won't dare cause trouble!"
"Understood!"
Encouraged by True Lord Tianyang, Zhao Xing strode boldly toward the shrine.
Seeing that Zhu Qingyou was still shouting orders for the yin soldiers to capture Wu Xuanying, Zhao Xing couldn't resist taunting him. "Stop shouting, brother. The yin soldiers just left."
"Who are you?" Zhu Qingyou demanded, glaring at Zhao Xing.
"The one who has come to kill you."
"What have you done? Where are my yin soldiers and generals?" Zhu Qingyou clutched his command arrow, shouting furiously. "What exactly have you done?!"
His gaze landed on the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex in Zhao Xing's hands and the towering image of True Lord Tianyang behind him. Zhu Qingyou's expression turned to one of shock.
"True Lord Tianyang?! A Ninth-Rank Treasure?!"
"This… this is impossible!" Zhu Qingyou stammered, unable to believe his eyes.
"A mere Fifth-Rank official, whose cultivation level is barely Fourth Rank, yet he managed to summon a Second-Rank yin god for possession? Even if he succeeded, how is he maintaining it for so long without his soul collapsing?"
A Fourth-Rank cultivator summoning a Second-Rank god would typically only manage to sustain the possession for three or four breaths at best.
But Zhao Xing? He was walking leisurely toward Zhu Qingyou as if this were entirely effortless. His demeanor wasn't one of someone struggling at the limit of their strength. Coupled with the Ninth-Rank treasure in his possession, it completely shattered Zhu Qingyou's composure.
"How does he have all this?!" Zhu Qingyou's mind raced in disbelief.
"Who is this man? How could he so effortlessly summon the Second-Rank golden body of a former Grand Shennong, and also wield a Ninth-Rank treasure?" Yao Yuanchun, standing nearby, was similarly stunned.
The disparity in strength between the two sides was staggering.
With the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex in hand, True Lord Tianyang could wield the treasure's full power. His summoning techniques could separate yin and yang realms at will!
"Kill him!" Zhu Qingyou's eyes turned blood-red with desperation.
There was no turning back now. His only chance lay in defeating Zhao Xing and seizing the Ninth-Rank treasure. It was his only hope of survival.
"Dark Soul Moon Wolf General!"
"Netherworld Phantom Elephant General!"
"Spirit Platform's Four Tiger Generals!"
"Manifest!"
Zhu Qingyou, along with five priests at his side, unleashed their trump cards. They had long since assimilated fragments of foreign yin spirits.
"Ancestor, it's time to act," Zhao Xing said.
The pages of the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex rustled.
"Here we go!"
A pale blue talisman flew out from the codex. Initially, it was no larger than a palm, but as it ascended, it expanded to cover the entire sky.
Pale blue threads of light descended like willow branches, gently touching the earth.
"~"
The moment the summoned yin spirits came into contact with the light, they froze in terror.
"A God-Slaying Talisman?!"
"Run!"
"Spare us! We were deceived into leaving the yin realm!"
"True Lord Tianyang, have mercy! I'm willing to return to the yin realm immediately and accept punishment. Please spare me!"
Among them, a wolf-headed yin spirit at the early Second Rank whimpered in fear, as though it had encountered its nemesis.
These spirits had manifested in their true forms in the mortal realm. If they were destroyed here, their very existence would be obliterated.
"~"
True Lord Tianyang showed no mercy. He wiped them out completely, leaving no trace of their existence.
"These treasures of yours are truly handy," True Lord Tianyang remarked.
"You flatter me, Ancestor. Even without this treasure, you could have easily eliminated them."
Zhao Xing's words weren't just flattery.
Though the wolf-headed yin spirit was of mid-Second Rank, True Lord Tianyang, even as an early Second Rank, was far superior. Their capabilities were worlds apart.
These so-called "Dark Soul Moon Wolf General," "Netherworld Phantom Elephant General," and "Spirit Platform's Four Tiger Generals" were nothing more than glorified beasts.
In life, they had no real positions of authority. They were akin to creatures like mountain cats, spirit illusion goats, or celestial hounds who had been rewarded with titles for meritorious service.
They were not on the same level as someone like True Lord Tianyang, a former Grand Shennong. The difference in their spiritual offerings and divine powers was monumental.
Even without the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex, True Lord Tianyang would have effortlessly crushed them.
"Retreat!" Zhu Qingyou finally realized the futility of resistance.
"Retreat?" True Lord Tianyang's ethereal form sneered.
The Primordial Thunder Lock activated instantly.
Zhao Xing closed his eyes, immersing himself in the sensation. True Lord Tianyang was using his Xuan Tian Thunder Technique, specifically the Primordial Thunder Lock, an advanced technique typically wielded by Fourth to Sixth Transform cultivators.
As the thunderbolts coiled around Zhu Qingyou and his followers, the intricate lightning formed the shape of a hoe. Their bodies twisted grotesquely, frozen in the same posture as the lightning's design.
"Well done, Ancestor!" Zhao Xing praised.
"Of course," True Lord Tianyang replied, nodding modestly.
Zhao Xing had quickly figured out his ancestor's temperament—he enjoyed hearing compliments.
Zhao Xing grinned, understanding that flattery was the key to keeping his ancestor in high spirits. Just as he turned to address the aftermath, Yao Yuanchun stepped forward.
"Zhao Xing, may I handle his execution?" Yao Yuanchun asked solemnly.
Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Yao Yuanchun's expression grew complex. "Though Zhu Qingyou has strayed far, he was once a Third-Rank Priest who gave me guidance in my early days. I wish to give him a dignified end."
Zhao Xing considered for a moment before nodding. "Very well."
Yao Yuanchun appeared in front of the immobilized Zhu Qingyou. Without hesitation, he channeled fiery seals between his hands. Two bright flames ignited at Zhu Qingyou's forehead and the back of his head.
Whoosh—
In an instant, Zhu Qingyou's soul was annihilated. His body remained pristine, as though he had simply fallen asleep.
Yao Yuanchun sighed heavily as he looked at Zhu Qingyou's lifeless form. "For someone brave enough to rebel, why did you lack the courage to face death?"
With Zhu Qingyou and his followers dead, the bindings around Wu Xuanying dissolved. Gasping for breath, he staggered out of the shrine to assess the situation. His eyes scanned the scene and fell on Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun.
"Yao Yuanchun... and..." Wu Xuanying's gaze sharpened as he studied Zhao Xing's unfamiliar figure. Upon closer inspection, his expression shifted dramatically. He hurried forward and knelt on one knee.
"Greetings to True Lord Tianyang!"
True Lord Tianyang, still engrossed in flipping through the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex, barely glanced at him. "Hmm."
Wu Xuanying's voice carried deep regret as he addressed the towering figure. "I have failed in my duties. To think that Zhu Qingyou and his faction would rebel under my watch... The blame lies with me. Please, True Lord, punish my negligence."
True Lord Tianyang finally looked up. His tone was sharp. "You call yourself incompetent? A Fourth-Rank Priest bested by a Third-Rank Priest. Were you drinking porridge instead of cultivating?"
"Had this child not carried my golden body here, your failure today would have cost more than just your reputation—it would have been an unforgivable sin!"
Wu Xuanying paled and immediately prostrated himself. "I acknowledge my failings, True Lord. I shall not shirk responsibility."
True Lord Tianyang gave a dismissive snort, his ethereal form exuding a mix of disdain and finality. "Hmph. See to it that you redeem yourself. If I didn't feel nostalgic for my role as Grand Shennong, I wouldn't have saved you at all."
Despite the harsh reprimand, Wu Xuanying's gratitude was clear as he kowtowed deeply. "Thank you, True Lord, for your leniency. I will make amends!"
With the situation under control, True Lord Tianyang turned his attention back to Zhao Xing. He whispered through their shared connection, "Now's your chance, disciple. I've done the scolding; you can play the good cop."
Zhao Xing stifled a laugh, realizing his ancestor's tactic. He stepped forward, extending a hand to help Wu Xuanying up.
"True Lord, perhaps it's not fair to be too harsh on Wu Xuanying. The suddenness of the rebellion caught everyone off guard. Even a seasoned priest couldn't have anticipated such underhanded tactics from Prince Liang," Zhao Xing reasoned.
He continued, "The disturbance in the yin realm wasn't just Zhu Qingyou's doing. Prince Liang unleashed sealed malevolent yin spirits, bolstering their power. This was no fault of Wu Xuanying's; it was a matter of overwhelming circumstances."
True Lord Tianyang's image lingered, his expression softening slightly. "Hmph. Fine. Let this incident serve as a mark against him. Wu Xuanying, I will give you a chance to redeem yourself."
Wu Xuanying raised his head, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, True Lord! I will repay your mercy with diligence and resolve."
Satisfied with the exchange, True Lord Tianyang withdrew his spiritual presence, leaving behind only the golden body. Zhao Xing immediately noticed that the golden body felt lighter in his hands, a clear indication that the possession had ended.
This was a peculiar detail—Zhao Xing realized that during the entire ordeal, he had expended none of his own vitality. True Lord Tianyang had borne the full cost of the summoning, leaving Zhao Xing unscathed.
Wu Xuanying, finally regaining his composure, turned to Zhao Xing with newfound respect. "May I ask for your name and position, noble one?"
"Zhao Xing, courtesy name Chen'an. I serve as the Hundred-Path Transport Officer of Tianhe Prefecture and Third-Level Inspector of the Five Prefectures of Pinghai Province," Zhao Xing replied with a modest bow.
Wu Xuanying's eyes widened slightly at the titles, a mix of understanding and surprise crossing his face. "That explains how you managed to summon the Shennong God. Still, I have many questions about today's events, but those can wait."
Turning his attention to Yao Yuanchun, Wu Xuanying continued, "Yao Yuanchun, you are in charge of the Shrine of the Divine Agricultural Spirits. How fares the situation there?"
"Stable," Yao Yuanchun replied. "With Zhao Xing's assistance, the rebels within the shrine have been eliminated."
"Good," Wu Xuanying said, nodding in approval. "Now that Zhu Qingyou is dead, the remaining traitors are no longer a threat. Follow me into the Hall of Heroic Spirits. We will summon the Tianhe yin soldiers and generals to suppress any rebellious yin spirits still lingering."
"Yes!" Yao Yuanchun answered with a salute.
Wu Xuanying then turned back to Zhao Xing, his tone more respectful. "Zhao Xing, you've come from outside the shrine. Do you have any news of the situation beyond these walls?"
"The Transport Division is secure, and Lord He is currently engaged in deliberations at the Grand Ceremony," Zhao Xing reported. "The city's defense mechanisms remain under contention, but Martial Inspection Officer Li Gan has already been dispatched to take command."
Though the shrine was isolated from the outside world, Zhao Xing's external avatars had kept him informed.
Wu Xuanying exhaled in relief. "That's good to hear. It seems the chaos has not spread too far—yet."
He vaguely sensed that the young official before him had played a significant role in stabilizing the situation. With a respectful gesture, he said, "Would it be possible for you to report to the Governor and the other department heads? Inform them that I, Wu Xuanying, can eliminate the rebellion within the shrine within a single day, restoring peace. Afterward, I'll be available to assist in stabilizing the situation within the provincial city."
"This is but my duty—no need for thanks. The hard work lies with you, Lord Wu," Zhao Xing replied, cupping his hands. "Lord Wu, Lord Yao, I'll head out now. Please take care."
"Take care."
As Zhao Xing and his incarnations left swiftly, Wu Xuanying suddenly remembered something. "Isn't this the Myriad Manifestation Incarnation technique? Ah, it must be his disciple. No wonder he could call upon the True Lord Tianyang."
"Lord, what are you talking about?" Yao Yuanchun asked curiously. "Who exactly is this man?"
"He's a disciple of Liu Wanfa," Wu Xuanying replied. "His master, Liu Tianning, is the First Vice Dean of Shangluo Academy, which essentially positions him as the next leader of the Self School and potentially the future Grand Shennong."
"I see," Yao Yuanchun realized. The involvement of the True Lord Tianyang's second-rank golden body now made sense.
Exiting the shrine, Zhao Xing glanced back.
The vortex above the shrine was indeed shrinking. The passage to the yin realm was closing.
"Once this passage is sealed, the shrine will be pacified."
"Now, only the Governor's side remains," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
The City Defense Directorate relied more on its mechanisms than manpower, making that situation relatively easier to address.
Zhang Ping had already coordinated Ouyang Zhen and Zou Yong to assist Li Gan in taking control there.
"I can't wait for their results. Time is of the essence now."
"The eleven stationed garrisons across various counties must be resolved quickly."
The shrine operation had taken three hours, and by the time Zhao Xing emerged, the sky had completely darkened.
Zhang Ping, who had recovered somewhat, saw Zhao Xing emerge safely and noted the shrinking vortex above the shrine. He let out a breath of relief.
"Chen'an, how is the situation?"
"Lord Wu will resolve the shrine's issues within the day," Zhao Xing replied. "Lord Zhang, how are the counties faring?"
At this moment, Zhang Ping held the highest rank in the area, second only to the Governor.
Zhang Ping responded, "Sixty percent of the county towns have responded, but forty percent remain unaccounted for. Most of the unresponsive areas are military garrisons."
"Does this mean they've all turned traitor?" Li Gan asked in surprise.
"Not necessarily," Zhang Ping shook his head.
"It's just that the effects of the Earth Mirror have significantly weakened, and yin gods delivering messages have also failed. Currently, we can only rely on more primitive methods of communication, which are relatively inefficient."
Zhao Xing nodded. King Liang's rebellion wasn't all-encompassing.
King Liang's ability to manipulate Fortune was limited. At this early stage of the rebellion, at least fifth-rank officials were needed for his subversion list.
When Governor He Zhengchen issued his orders through the Earth Mirror, he summoned all fifth-rank and higher officials to the city.
Controlling officials at the fifth rank or above was key to quelling the rebellion.
Similarly, rebel generals also needed time to organize their forces and solidify their positions.
However, Zhao Xing remained unaware of the situation beyond the city walls and would need the Tianhe Prefecture Shrine to resume normal operations first.
By the time the yin vortex above the shrine completely dissipated, it was February 3rd, during the You hour (5–7 PM).
Wu Xuanying and Yao Yuanchun emerged from the shrine.
At this moment, the governor's office was still locked in a battle of spells. Governor He Zhengchen had yet to emerge.
Upon their emergence, Zhao Xing immediately cupped his hands toward the golden body of the True Lord Tianyang and said, "Master Ancestor, please manifest your divine presence."
"Grand-disciple, what do you request?" The golden body opened its eyes, its voice resonating like a bell.
"Grand-disciple seeks your aid in two matters," Zhao Xing said respectfully.
"Speak."
"First, I ask you to observe the governor's office and determine whether Governor He Zhengchen will ultimately prevail," Zhao Xing requested.
If He Zhengchen could not secure victory, Zhao Xing would not dare leave the city to suppress the rebellion. Losing the provincial city would be a grave mistake with dire consequences.
"He Zhengchen holds the upper hand. Victory is only a matter of time," the True Lord Tianyang declared.
This response aligned with Zhao Xing's expectations.
He then added, "Master Ancestor, could you reach out to the yin gods of the Shennong Division in the various counties and prefectures under Tianhe Prefecture to investigate the situation of the eleven stationed garrisons? Who has turned traitor, and who has not?"
"Particularly the King of Tianxia in the eastern twelve counties, who commands four stationed garrisons. Has there been any unusual activity on his part?"
The golden body emitted a radiant light, indicating it was taking action.
Zhao Xing stood quietly, awaiting the results.
The True Lord Tianyang's golden body was not merely a protective entity but also a source of critical intelligence.
As someone who could communicate with the myriad gods of the yin realm, the True Lord Tianyang had access to intelligence faster and more comprehensive than that available in the mortal realm.
In the vast territories of Great Zhou, there might be areas beyond the reach of the Earth Mirror, but no place escaped the influence of shrines. Even remote mountain corners often housed small temples barely half a meter tall.
"The King of Tianxia has not accepted King Liang's decree but has instead raised his own banner of rebellion. He is consolidating his hold over the twelve counties and four stationed garrisons, purging imperial overseers."
"The Marquis of Xinyang has perished, and his forces are now under the control of Vice-General Yuan Xin, who has sworn allegiance to King Liang."
"Among the remaining six garrisons, three have declared their loyalty to the imperial court: the Yuanyu Army, the Yuankui Army, and the Yuanhe Army."
"The other three have fractured, with factions fighting among themselves within their barracks and unable to act decisively."
Within moments, the True Lord Tianyang had gathered a wealth of intelligence. This was thanks to the widespread faith in him and the undisturbed functionality of the Shennong Division's yin gods, ensuring smooth communication.
The primary reason for this was that priests typically didn't learn the Shennong Division's summoning techniques. Outside of Military Shennong, civilian Shennong practitioners generally lacked combat prowess.
Rebellion at its onset focused on seizing power rather than disrupting agricultural efforts or damaging natural resources. Even King Liang sought an intact Pinghai Prefecture rather than a devastated one. Only if he failed to secure it would he resort to scorched-earth tactics to delay and obstruct the imperial army's advance.
"Master Ancestor, is it possible for you to seize control of Wu Xuanying's authority and command the 100,000 yin soldiers and yin generals?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Previously, it would have been impossible, but now it can be done," the True Lord Tianyang replied. "However, I do not recommend such action. Your position as a third-rank Inspector limits you to overseeing officials below the third rank. Seizing control of yin soldiers and generals is beyond your jurisdiction."
"King Liang represents chaos, while the imperial court embodies order. At this juncture, any sensitive actions are inadvisable."
"Even if you were to use these 100,000 yin soldiers and generals to pacify Tianhe Prefecture, the best outcome would be neutralizing your achievements with blame. Worse, if Wu Xuanying resisted, you might even incur penalties."
Zhao Xing nodded in understanding. Acting as an imperial official always involved more constraints than being a rebel. He hadn't seriously considered taking over the yin forces in the first place. It was enough to have the True Lord Tianyang's assistance in intelligence gathering.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master Ancestor."
Having completed his inquiries, Zhao Xing immediately sought out Wu Xuanying and Zhang Ping for a meeting. Given their current positions, they were the highest-ranking officials present.
These two then summoned the department heads from various divisions.
Among the martial forces, there was no third-rank official; the highest-ranking individual was the fourth-rank City Guard General, Li Gan, as most high-ranking martial officials were stationed with the military.
The City Defense Directorate also lacked high-ranking individuals, with the highest being Gongsun Yang, a primary fourth-rank officer.
Although Tianhe Prefecture housed advanced machinery, operating them didn't require high-ranking personnel.
Two other individuals were summoned: Peng Yu, Dean of the Lihuo Dao Academy's Tianhe Branch, and Xiao Han, Dean of the Bishui Dao Academy's Tianhe Branch.
These two were both third-rank officials, though their combat capabilities were only average, making them relatively weak third ranks. Their primary role was overseeing the branch academies in Tianhe Prefecture, managing the formations of the Lihuo Shrine and the Azure Sea Cang, which served as logistical hubs for material transport.
Outside the scope of the academies, their third-rank strength could not be fully utilized.
"Honorable officials, we can now confirm that the Xinyang Army has rebelled. The commanding general has been killed, and the new rebel general has pledged allegiance to King Liang."
"Additionally, the King of Tianxia has openly raised the banner of rebellion."
Zhang Ping and Wu Xuanying displayed no surprise at this news.
However, Gongsun Yang, Peng Yu, and Xiao Han were visibly shaken.
"The King of Tianxia is a mid-stage third-rank martial artist who rose through the ranks in the military. While he may not excel in other areas, he is exceptionally skilled in battlefield formations," Peng Yu remarked, trembling slightly. "A second-rank official wouldn't be able to kill him when he's commanding troops in battle."
Zhang Ping handed over a document. "The King of Tianxia has sent an ultimatum to the provincial city, demanding that He Zhengchen and all officials bow to him."
"The King of Tianxia claims control over fifty-six counties in the east, with eight stationed garrisons under his command."
"He boasts of having three million troops."
"He's given us half a month to consider, or he'll march his forces into the city."
Zhao Xing took the document and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Such exaggeration is standard for rebellions. They always like to inflate their strength to intimidate and lure unsuspecting individuals to join them."
Gongsun Yang, Peng Yu, and Xiao Han exchanged glances, finding it odd how respectfully Wu Xuanying and Zhang Ping treated Zhao Xing. It was as if Zhao Xing stood on equal footing with them, despite his lower official rank.
"Do the honorable officials have any plans to counter this?" Zhao Xing asked.
Zhang Ping and Wu Xuanying exchanged hesitant glances. They had already deduced that Zhao Xing intended to deploy forces outside the city to suppress the rebellion.
Wu Xuanying said, "The provincial city must not fall. As long as the city remains under imperial control, Tianhe Prefecture won't become rebel territory, and the counties will have the morale to resist."
"If the city falls, the entire region will be lost."
Zhao Xing nodded in agreement. "How many troops can be spared from the city guard without compromising its defenses?"
Li Gan, the City Guard General, considered this for a moment. "At most, five thousand troops."
Zhang Ping added, "The Transport Division can provide five hundred Military Shennong officers."
Wu Xuanying said, "As for the 100,000 yin soldiers and generals under Tianhe Prefecture's control, I can spare 10,000 yin soldiers and one yin general for external operations. Additionally, I can assign Yao Yuanchun to assist."
Gongsun Yang noticed Zhao Xing's gaze and, although unsure why Zhao Xing had the authority to issue such requests, replied honestly, "Without affecting the defense formations, we can mobilize 10,000 mid-grade mechanists to operate warships, large siege engines, and boundary-breaking mechanisms."
"The Lihuo Dao Academy has no personnel to spare," Peng Yu shook his head.
"The Bishui Dao Academy is similarly constrained," Xiao Han added.
Their limitations were genuine. The protracted Southern Barbarian War had drained the supply of mid- and high-ranking personnel, leaving only a skeleton crew to maintain operations in the inland counties.
If not for this depletion, King Liang wouldn't have dared to rebel.
Zhao Xing nodded and turned to Zhang Ping. "Lord Zhang, how many seventh-rank warships and large siege and boundary-breaking mechanisms does the provincial city have?"
"Tianhe Transport Division has an abundance of supplies. We have 500 seventh-rank warships and 300 large siege and boundary-breaking mechanisms."
"As for other military supplies, the stockpile is mountainous, even just counting seventh-rank equipment."
This abundance made it clear why the city must not fall. Tianhe Prefecture was a major stockpile of military supplies. Whoever controlled it would see their power surge instantly.
While the city had ample supplies for defense, it was poorly equipped for external operations due to a lack of personnel capable of utilizing these resources.
Originally, external reinforcements from the eleven stationed garrisons could have tapped into these supplies, but now, those garrisons were in disarray.
Even in a prolonged war, the supplies could sustain the eleven armies for decades.
However, with internal rebellion, the city's personnel alone couldn't manage external operations.
"Honorable officials, I need to mobilize Li Gan and his 500 city guards—all of them fifth-rank or higher," Zhao Xing said firmly.
"Li Gan, are you willing to join me in suppressing the rebellion?"
"At your command!" Li Gan immediately saluted.
"Gongsun Yang, I require fifty seventh-rank warships, fully equipped with large-scale armaments and mechanisms," Zhao Xing instructed.
"Only the minimum number of mechanists needed to operate the ships' flight systems are required."
Gongsun Yang was taken aback. "Lord Zhao, you only have 500 men. Why do you need so many ships? And why fully armed? This doesn't seem like a suppression mission but rather a defection."
Zhao Xing smiled faintly as shadows spread across the hall. Moments later, numerous incarnations appeared, filling the room.
"I have the Myriad Manifestation Incarnation technique."
Gongsun Yang was startled but quickly understood. "Understood. I'll prepare them immediately."
Although Zhao Xing's Myriad Manifestation Incarnations numbered only 100, he could also deploy additional straw puppets, such as the Divine Strength Puppet and Sacred Shield Puppet.
While only the Myriad Manifestation Puppets could wield top-tier techniques, the other, weaker puppets could number up to 50,000!
The strength of his Derivation of the Divine Spirit technique dictated the strength of his puppets, making it effortless to operate the warships and their weapons.
"Lord Wu, I don't need the 100,000 yin soldiers and generals under Tianhe Prefecture. I only require Yao Yuanchun to assist me," Zhao Xing said.
Wu Xuanying glanced at Yao Yuanchun, who showed a flicker of excitement in his eyes.
"Very well, then I'll entrust Yuanchun to you," Wu Xuanying replied.
Zhao Xing declared, "The current unrest is only just beginning. The rebel generals and kings haven't yet established solid footholds. We must eliminate them swiftly."
"If they are allowed to consolidate their power, purge dissenters, and spread their influence to other areas, the consequences will be disastrous."
"I ask all of you to hold the provincial city firmly, especially the Bishui and Lihuo formations. These must not fall."
Zhang Ping and Wu Xuanying responded solemnly, "If the rebels want to enter the city, they will have to step over our dead bodies first!"
The night was dark and the wind fierce—perfect conditions for action.
On the evening of February 4th, Zhao Xing quietly led fifty fully equipped seventh-rank warships out of the city. The ships carried Li Gan and his 500 city guards, along with Zou Yong, Ouyang Zhen, and 500 Military Shennong officers.
Additionally, 2,500 mechanists were onboard to operate the warships and weaponry, and the only priest present was Yao Yuanchun.
The Inspection Directorate could have provided additional personnel, but as Tianhe Prefecture was a military-administered region, the Inspection Directorate officials primarily served as military supervisors, embedded within the stationed armies. They did not oversee civilian officials, as that was the purview of the Censorate.
Despite the limited personnel, Zhao Xing's authority as a third-rank Inspector gave him jurisdiction over all officials below the third rank. This meant that as the campaign progressed, his forces could grow through recruitment and cooperation.
Aboard the lead warship, Zhao Xing studied the information displayed on the Earth Mirror.
The intelligence had been sent by Lord Luo, containing far more detail than what the True Lord Tianyang had provided. It included names, locations, and a wealth of supplementary data.
The densely packed lists of information constantly updated, with entries appearing and disappearing. The total count exceeded 100,000 names, and the data's complexity was staggering.
For someone without an advanced cultivation technique like the first layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, processing and summarizing such information would have been impossible.
Lord Luo had entrusted Zhao Xing with this level of authority precisely because he had achieved the first layer of the technique.
"In less than three days, 1,456 individuals have declared themselves kings within Tianhe Prefecture alone?" Zhao Xing muttered, scrolling through the list.
"Even sixth-rank counts dare to crown themselves," Yao Yuanchun remarked. As a priest capable of communicating with yin gods, he also had access to certain intelligence.
"King Liang has truly emboldened these people. Even a sixth-rank official dares to claim kingship!" Yao scoffed.
Zhao Xing chuckled. "Some of these people were already tyrants in their local areas. With the collapse of central authority, their ambitions have simply been unleashed."
"Where should we strike first?" Yao Yuanchun asked.
"The most significant power in Tianhe Prefecture is the King of Tianxia. The others declaring kingship are just petty warlords—mere pretenders," Zhao Xing replied.
"Eliminating the King of Tianxia will make it easier to deal with the smaller threats."
"Once he's gone, the provincial city can dispatch troops more freely."
"With our small force, how do we defeat the King of Tianxia?" Yao Yuanchun was startled. "Zhao Xing, the Tianxia County has been fortified for hundreds of years. Can we really pull this off?"
"He's a third-rank martial artist and near-invincible in a battle formation. Who could possibly kill him?"
"Don't worry," Zhao Xing said, gazing into the distant darkness. "He won't be able to form a battle formation."
The seventh-rank warships moved swiftly, covering vast distances in less than half a day. Soon, they reached the airspace above Tianxia County.
"Stop!" Zhao Xing commanded.
The warships halted, hovering silently above the clouds.
"All warships, enter stealth mode," Zhao Xing ordered.
The fifty warships disappeared into the cloud cover, leaving no trace.
Yao Yuanchun watched Zhao Xing intently.
"Brother Yao, you're in charge of monitoring any movements around us," Zhao Xing instructed before heading into the ship's cabin.
Lying down on a simple bed, Zhao Xing closed his eyes.
"Hm~" A faint hum echoed as he instantly entered the dream realm.
"My dreamscape is now expansive enough to envelop the entire Tianxia County," Zhao Xing muttered with a slight smile as he observed the vast dreamscape mirroring the county below.
Yao Yuanchun was right; it would be almost impossible to kill the King of Tianxia while he remained entrenched in his battle formation. But Zhao Xing had no intention of directly confronting such a force. Instead, he aimed to eliminate the backbone of the King's forces—those mid-rank commanders whose presence enabled the formation to function.
Without them, the King of Tianxia would be no more than a standard mid-third-rank martial artist.
"Battle formations require alignment of vital energy and blood. For a mid-third-rank martial artist like him, the soldiers forming his battle formation must be no more than three major ranks below his level."
"If the remaining soldiers are only mid-sixth-rank martial artists, the absence of fifth- and fourth-rank commanders to bridge the gap will render the formation ineffective. It would be like asking a pony to pull a heavy carriage—it wouldn't enhance the King's power but instead drag him down."
"So, the key is clear: eliminate his mid-tier officers before targeting the King himself."
"The most efficient way to accomplish this lies within the dreamwalking technique."
Zhao Xing's dreamscape expanded rapidly, spreading over the entirety of Tianxia County.
The dreamwalking technique allowed for killing within dreams—a terrifying capability. While Zhao Xing couldn't yet affect higher-rank enemies, those below the third rank were utterly vulnerable to his soul techniques.
The dreamscape was the foundation of dreamwalking. Zhao Xing's current abilities allowed him to encompass an entire county.
"It's midnight now. Most people are already asleep," Zhao Xing noted. "Though there are still some who remain awake."
Within the dreamscape, over three thousand translucent orbs floated like bubbles in midair. The size of the bubbles represented the strength of the individual's cultivation level, while their color depth indicated how deeply the person was immersed in their dream.
"Over three thousand mid-tier individuals, but most of their dreams are shallow," Zhao Xing observed, forming a series of hand seals.
"Thousand Miles Without Return!"
At his command, the three thousand dream bubbles turned pitch black, like pools of ink.
The "Thousand Miles Without Return" technique, part of the dreamwalking method, created layered dream realms from which individuals couldn't easily awaken.
Unlike the sleep bug technique, which used parasitic worms to latch onto the life soul, "Thousand Miles Without Return" worked by creating a multilayered dream reality. This caused individuals to lose themselves within the illusion.
"Shh~" Zhao Xing entered one of the black bubbles.
Inside was a mid-fifth-rank general dreaming of himself adorned in luxurious robes, surrounded by countless consorts in a grand palace.
"Die."
Zhao Xing materialized a blade in his hand, appearing behind the general in an instant.
"Swish~" The blade sliced through the air, severing the man's head in a single stroke.
"Killed in a dream. When the soul perishes, so does the path," Zhao Xing murmured. "This is the quickest way to deal with them."
As the dream bubble burst with the general's death, Zhao Xing moved to another bubble.
Meanwhile, a shadowy figure of himself stood vigil in the dreamscape's sky—a dreamwalking anchor to ensure he didn't lose himself in the myriad dreams and confuse them with reality.
"Swish, swish, swish~" One by one, Zhao Xing efficiently eliminated his targets. The ancient sect's pinnacle dreamwalking method displayed its fearsome efficacy. Whether fourth-rank or sixth-rank, as long as their soul realm was weaker than Zhao Xing's, they couldn't resist, escape, or call for help.
In the dreamscape, they died silently.
Within a mere quarter-hour, Zhao Xing had eradicated all three thousand mid-tier officers. In the real world, their deaths appeared as if they had simply passed away in their sleep. Their bodies remained undisturbed, breathing faintly through biological reflexes, leaving no discernible signs of foul play.
"The dreamscape is the foundation of the dreamwalking method," Zhao Xing reflected. "Dreamwalking across miles determines the technique's speed. 'Thousand Miles Without Return' deepens the dream's layers, and 'Dreamkill' is the quickest method of killing."
Looking at the now-empty dreamscape, Zhao Xing couldn't help but marvel at the technique's horrifying potential.
"Legend has it that during the era of the Ancient Sect, there was an official named Wei Zheng who had mastered the dreamwalking method. Summoned to the imperial palace to play chess with the emperor, Wei Zheng discovered that his sect was under attack by a dragon while he was away."
"Unable to excuse himself from the emperor's presence, he used the dreamwalking method during a midday nap. From tens of thousands of miles away, he entered the sect's dreamscape and slew the dragon wreaking havoc."
"The dragon's soul perished in the dream, and its physical body disintegrated into countless pieces in reality."
"My dreamwalking can only encompass one county for now. Even after killing the soul, I can't yet affect the physical body in reality," Zhao Xing noted to himself.
In this era of spiritual energy, some powerful martial artists fused their physical bodies with their seven mortal souls and spiritual soul. Simply severing the life soul wasn't enough to truly kill them; they could resurrect using remnants of their physical soul.
"Three thousand lives taken, including ten fourth-rank officers. But many remain awake at this time," Zhao Xing mused.
Sleep itself didn't guarantee dreaming. But the dreamwalking method was far more versatile than its surface capabilities suggested.
"The sleep bug technique can induce sleep. Once they're asleep, I can invoke the 'Invite You to Dream' technique."
Zhao Xing opened his eyes, returning to the ship's cabin.
"Brother Yao, do you know the invisibility technique?" Zhao Xing asked.
"I do," Yao Yuanchun replied with a nod.
"Escort me down," Zhao Xing requested. "Hover at a height of three thousand meters."
"Understood," Yao Yuanchun agreed, flying out of the seventh-rank warship alongside Zhao Xing. They descended from an altitude of ten thousand meters to three thousand meters.
The sleep bug technique, now a top-tier method, could be used from kilometers away. But for maximum effectiveness, they needed to be within three thousand meters of their targets.
All of Zhao Xing's myriad technique clones resided within his body, with his seven-star life soul fully integrated. When performing such large-scale soul techniques, he couldn't simultaneously manage other techniques, necessitating a guardian's protection.
"This should do," Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun stopped at an altitude of three thousand meters. The sky was pitch black, with strong winds howling around them.
Yao Yuanchun watched Zhao Xing quietly assume a cross-legged position midair. Activating his Heavenly Eye, Yao observed tiny specks of light rising from Tianxia County below.
"Is he absorbing souls?" Yao Yuanchun's face paled.
Was this some kind of heretical technique?
But upon closer inspection, Yao realized his mistake. The lights rising into the sky weren't human souls but small insect-like entities resembling the nature of yin spirits.
"These are soul bugs?" As a fourth-rank priest skilled in soul arts, Yao Yuanchun recognized the insects as parasites found within life souls. However, he had never delved deep enough to understand their purpose.
"Zhao Xing, just who are you? Such profound soul techniques—I've never even heard of them," Yao Yuanchun thought, astounded. He had always considered himself among the elite of Pinghai Province, but meeting Zhao Xing shattered that illusion.
"After this mission, I must apply to join the Nine Provinces Touring Directorate and travel the world. My knowledge is embarrassingly limited," Yao Yuanchun resolved silently.
Tianxia County, on the eastern side of the county city, at the Tianxia Mansion.
"Ahhh~" Chen Guang, a burly man with a shaved head and a peak fourth-rank cultivation level, yawned loudly. He was one of King Tianxia's personal bodyguards and was currently in his mansion refining his strength.
After King Tianxia's rebellion, many resources and treasures had been distributed among his subordinates to bolster their power. Chen Guang, in particular, had been rewarded with a "Heavenly Origin Essence Pill," which greatly increased his cultivation. Now, he was in the process of fully assimilating its effects.
"Why am I so drowsy today?" Chen Guang muttered, yawning once more. "It must be the combination of the power surge from the pill and the past few days of exhaustion."
"Still, I can't afford to sleep now. His Majesty might summon me at any moment," he said, trying to muster his energy. With a deep breath, he circulated his blood energy in an attempt to shake off the drowsiness.
Yet, the sleepiness seemed unusually heavy, coming in wave after wave. His eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
Chen Guang could have resorted to injuring himself to stay awake, but this wasn't a battlefield situation where such drastic measures would be warranted. Who would self-harm just to resist sleep? That would be insane.
"Forget it. I'll just take a quick nap—an hour at most," Chen Guang finally relented, calling out to the guards stationed outside his room before lying down on a jade bed.
"Invite You to Dream!" A whisper echoed faintly in the room, but Chen Guang, already slipping into unconsciousness, didn't register it.
Under the influence of the top-tier Sleep Bug technique and the "Invite You to Dream" method, Chen Guang instantly entered a deep dream state.
Within the King of Tianxia's grand residence.
"Starting February 5th, the Divine Mechanism Battalion, Divine Fire Battalion, Divine Formation Battalion, and Heavenly Dragon Battalion will gather in Tiannan County," King Tianxia declared, his deep voice resonating in the grand hall.
"We shall use Tiannan County as a stronghold to expand southward and incorporate the seventy-two counties along the southern border of Tianhe Prefecture into our domain," he continued, his commanding tone unwavering.
"In addition, the Yuankui Army… this king is determined to seize them. They are an entire army composed of mechanical puppets, fearless in battle and capable of unleashing unparalleled power—"
"Impudence!" King Tianxia's words were cut short as he slammed his palm down on the sand table, glaring furiously at the assembled generals.
During his speech, three fifth-rank generals had been repeatedly yawning, an unforgivable display in his eyes.
"Guards, drag them out and—hm?"
Before King Tianxia could announce their punishment, the three generals suddenly closed their eyes and collapsed to the ground, falling into a deep sleep. At the same time, more than half of the dozens of generals present began yawning uncontrollably.
"Thud! Thud!" One after another, generals fell asleep where they stood.
Within the span of a breath, nearly half the room had succumbed to sleep!
Even if he were foolish, King Tianxia would have noticed something was amiss. His expression darkened.
"Everyone, circulate your vital energy and stimulate the central and Tianchong souls!" His voice boomed like thunder, jolting the remaining awake generals.
"General… I'm so sleepy…"
"I… I can't hold on…" Despite his commands, several fourth-rank generals showed signs of drowsiness, their faces slackening under the weight of an unnatural sleep.
"Who dares to play tricks on me?!" King Tianxia bellowed, his fury tinged with alarm. He had never encountered such an inexplicable technique before.
"Prime Soul Projection!" King Tianxia stood still, and a faintly glowing figure emerged from his body, his soul scanning the gathered generals.
What he saw left him shaken—each general's soul was enveloped in a black, spherical haze.
"What is this? What kind of technique can trap my fourth-rank generals in a dream state?" King Tianxia's heart filled with disbelief and anger. Despite the layered defensive formations protecting the hall, someone had managed to infiltrate unnoticed.
"Wake up!" he roared, his soul emitting a dazzling light.
Boom!
The sound echoed through the hall like an explosion.
About half of the sleeping generals snapped awake instantly. However, the other half remained trapped in their slumber, unresponsive.
"Invite You to Dream…"
The lingering echo of a soft voice reached his ears. King Tianxia felt a wave of drowsiness washing over him. Alarmed, he immediately retracted his soul and returned to his body.
Whoosh!
He shot into the air, flying toward the source of the voice.
What King Tianxia didn't realize was that the half of the generals still asleep had already lost their souls. The "Dream Soul Severing" technique didn't directly destroy the souls—it gradually eroded them, causing eventual annihilation. Unfamiliar with soul techniques, King Tianxia assumed it was merely an illusion targeting his men.
Losing his mid-tier generals would cripple his ability to lead the army. Resolving to root out the perpetrator, he charged forward, fully aware of the risks.
In the sky above.
"It seems I still can't force third-rank cultivators into slumber," Zhao Xing murmured, his eyes opening. "But this will suffice."
"Brother Zhao, a powerful figure is flying toward us!" Yao Yuanchun's expression turned tense as he glanced below.
"It's King Tianxia," Zhao Xing replied, standing up. "Brother Yao, prepare for battle!"
Below, a bronze war chariot ascended into the air, driven by fierce astral winds. King Tianxia stood in the chariot, clad in radiant golden battle armor. Behind him, fifteen of his elite guards followed in similar bronze beast-headed chariots.
Whoosh!
Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun rose higher into the air.
"Where do you think you're going?!" King Tianxia roared, his chariot surging forward.
His war chariot, an eighth-rank treasure, could form a mid-air formation and travel at incredible speeds. Confident in his ability to corner his targets, King Tianxia had no doubt he could trap the two fugitives.
Boom! Boom!
As the gap closed, Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun suddenly released a cloud of mist, accelerating upward and widening the distance between them. At the same time, their energy signatures weakened slightly.
"Hmph, using forbidden techniques to escape? Let's see how many times you can pull this off!" King Tianxia sneered, continuing his pursuit.
Within twenty breaths, the distance shrank again to less than 500 meters.
Another burst of mist erupted from Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun, increasing the distance to a full kilometer.
"Almost there," King Tianxia muttered. He could sense their energy dwindling to nearly half.
Ten breaths later, Zhao Xing unleashed the "A Step to Infinity" again, pulling further away.
For King Tianxia, the frustration mirrored what the Blood Spirit Sovereign had once experienced: the closer he seemed to be, the further his prey managed to slip away.
Undeterred by the possibility of a trap, King Tianxia continued his relentless pursuit, certain that his strength would prevail. The game of cat and mouse repeated a dozen times until finally, Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun halted.
By now, King Tianxia had chased them to an altitude of 30,000 meters.
"Not running anymore, are we?" King Tianxia sneered at the pair, malice gleaming in his eyes.
"Open fire!" Zhao Xing commanded abruptly.
"What?" King Tianxia was momentarily stunned. Open fire? What fire?
Before he could react, Zhao Xing smiled faintly, grabbed Yao Yuanchun, and disappeared into a cloud of mist.
"What?!" King Tianxia's surprise deepened as he realized he had completely lost his connection to Zhao Xing.
At that moment, fifty seventh-rank warships appeared in the sky, each emitting jets of fire.
"Seventh-rank Hunyuan warships?!" King Tianxia's heart sank as he saw the vessels forming a Hunyuan Fire Formation. The realization hit him—he had stepped into their trap.
"Break out!" King Tianxia ordered, his chariot hurtling in one direction.
But the encirclement was complete. The fiery dome surrounding him closed tightly, leaving no escape. Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun had vanished moments before, but the formation had already activated.
The fifty warships unleashed molten flames resembling rivers of magma, targeting the astral winds around King Tianxia rather than directly attacking him.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The flames intertwined, creating a fiery cage in the astral layer.
Fire. Fire everywhere.
Zhao Xing and Yao Yuanchun had used their near-teleportation escape technique to flee the fire prison, but King Tianxia and his guards had been trapped inside.
"King Tianxia, does this Fire Cage Formation look familiar to you?" Zhao Xing's voice echoed.
King Tianxia's expression darkened. He knew the Fire Cage Formation well—it was a military tactic designed specifically to kill high-ranking cultivators. The materials fueling the flames seemed abundant, and the formation could burn continuously for a year if needed.
"King Tianxia, surrender now and abolish your cultivation. I can guarantee the survival of your descendants," Zhao Xing said, his tone calm but firm. "You haven't yet committed unforgivable acts. With your family's records, sparing your lineage is still possible."
"Hmph! This so-called Fire Cage Formation might trap me, but it cannot kill me," King Tianxia declared. "And you think you can escape? This is my territory. Do you believe reinforcements won't arrive?"
"My forces number a million, with 5,000 fourth-rank generals. Six prefectures stand ready to aid me. Where do you think you can run?"
King Tianxia's threats failed to faze Zhao Xing, who replied coldly, "Stubborn as ever. Then let's see whether your reinforcements arrive first, or if you're reduced to ashes."
Zhao Xing divided his soul to personally operate the warships. The Hunyuan warships could only deploy one elemental formation at a time, and the Fire Cage Formation was chosen specifically to leverage the high-altitude astral winds, amplifying the fire's destructive power.
This was the pinnacle of Great Zhou mechanist craftsmanship. Without King Tianxia's eighth-rank main chariot and his fifteen seventh-rank support chariots, he wouldn't have lasted even half an hour in the inferno.
"He's trapped," Yao Yuanchun said, excitement evident in his voice. "I can't believe he fell for it!"
"Of course, he did," Zhao Xing replied, his tone calm but confident. "We're only fourth-rank cultivators. With his advantage in strength, rank, and numbers, why wouldn't he pursue us?"
"Can we kill him?" Yao Yuanchun asked, still uncertain about the formation's capabilities.
"We can. It just takes time," Zhao Xing explained. "He won't receive any reinforcements in this fiery prison. Every moment, his energy will deplete."
"Our warships are capable of burning for an entire year," Zhao Xing remarked confidently.
This was the sheer power of military-grade large-scale machinery. As long as King Tianxia dared to step into the fiery prison without external support, his death was inevitable.
"Brother Yao, I'll be operating the formation. Any minor enemies approaching, I leave to you," Zhao Xing said. "Within Tianxia Commandery, there shouldn't be many formidable foes left."
"Understood." Yao Yuanchun clenched his fists with determination. "Leave it to me!"
"Wait, listen carefully first…" Zhao Xing began explaining his strategy further, and Yao Yuanchun's expression gradually shifted to one of astonishment.
"I see. I understand now," Yao Yuanchun nodded.
"Go!"
Zhao Xing then fully focused his attention on King Tianxia, who was trapped within the flaming prison. Killing a titled king was an unparalleled opportunity to build reputation—letting him escape was not an option.
Inside the fiery prison, King Tianxia stood tall, exuding confidence. He firmly believed reinforcements would arrive to surround and eliminate Zhao Xing.
And indeed, it seemed his predictions were correct.
One hour later, noises erupted from outside.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"What's going on?"
"General!"
"Kill them all!"
The outside erupted in deafening battle cries, as if tens of thousands had gathered at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
"Ha ha ha! They're here!" King Tianxia burst into laughter. "You two little thieves, release this king at once!"
"If you agree to destroy the formation yourselves, this king might even spare your lives!"
"Keep dreaming!" Zhao Xing's voice rang out within the fiery world, a mix of fury and disdain. "King Tianxia, you're truly despicable, resorting to corrupting so many people to serve you!"
"Hmph, those who recognize the times are the wise ones," King Tianxia retorted. "Boy, you have talent and guts—why not submit to this king and accomplish great things together?"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The loud, chaotic noises drowned out the conversation.
The first day passed amidst endless cries of battle. Yet, the fiery prison remained intact.
By the second day, the intensity of the noise outside grew even greater. The fiery prison trembled as if it could collapse at any moment.
By the third day, King Tianxia made two attempts to break through but failed each time. As the commotion outside began to diminish, a sense of foreboding crept into King Tianxia's mind.
It was midnight on the third day when he realized something was seriously wrong.
Three days had passed, and yet reinforcements hadn't broken through? Could two fourth-rank cultivators really hold off tens of thousands of troops?
"Damn it! I've been tricked by this brat!" King Tianxia was both shocked and furious.
Zhao Xing's strategy was akin to boiling a frog in warm water. By the time King Tianxia understood what was happening, his options had run out.
"Nine Dragon War Chariot—explode!" King Tianxia's eyes burned with rage as he commanded his chariot. The massive vehicle, adorned with the coiled forms of nine dragons, shone with brilliant light as it hurtled toward the flaming prison.
Boom!
The collision triggered a violent explosion, and the flames surged as a gaping hole was blasted into the fiery cage. Shards of the war chariot, radiating light, scattered in all directions.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The impact severely damaged eight of the Five Elements Warships maintaining the formation.
"Go!" King Tianxia seized the opportunity to escape, taking his guards with him through the breach.
In the violent astral wind layer, dust and debris swirled chaotically.
King Tianxia emerged, only to find himself facing a hundred identical Zhao Xings, all pointing their fingers at him.
Among them, one Zhao Xing was accompanied by the ethereal figure of an elderly man.
"Heavenly Thunder Finger!"
"What?!" King Tianxia had no time to react. Zhao Xings surrounded him from every direction.
"Five-Emperor Dragon Fist! Die!" King Tianxia roared, throwing a punch that merged his entire being into a dragon-shaped shadow, which shot directly at Zhao Xing's true form.
Crackle!
Ninety-eight Heavenly Thunder Fingers struck simultaneously. Ninety-seven of them collided with King Tianxia's golden fist projection, leaving tiny punctures. The final one, however, pierced straight through King Tianxia's chest.
The ninety-seven were unleashed by Zhao Xing's top-tier three-turn Heavenly Thunder Finger technique. The final strike came from the elder—Zhao Xing's mentor, Tianyang Zhenjun.
Boom!
A ripple of purple light emanated from King Tianxia's armor as the Five-Emperor Dragon Fist disintegrated.
A second ripple, black in color, scattered his protective vital energy, transforming the remaining power of the Heavenly Thunder Finger into destructive force.
The combined purple and black ripples then reversed, coalescing into a black vortex that drilled through King Tianxia's chest.
King Tianxia's armor remained intact, but his body exploded, reducing him and his fifteen guards to fragments.
In the astral wind layer, only seven chariots and a few pieces of armor floated aimlessly.
"Truly hard to kill," Zhao Xing muttered, recalling his clones. "Even after wearing him down for three days and nights, his final counterattack was still so devastating."
"My apprentice, he was a titled king of Great Zhou," the elder's voice responded. "Such strength is to be expected."
"King Tianxia excelled in battlefield tactics, and his fifteen guards never left his side. If you hadn't trapped him in the fiery world for three days, exhausting his energy, his combat power would've been even more overwhelming."
Zhao Xing nodded, reflecting on the battle. He recognized that the victory was not solely due to his abilities but also the favorable conditions.
"My ability to kill King Tianxia was largely due to the right timing, location, and people—it doesn't mean I can truly rival a titled king," Zhao Xing concluded.
But Yao Yuanchun, who had witnessed the scene, felt differently. His widened eyes betrayed both awe and fear.
Zhao Xing had lured King Tianxia into the trap, caused a diversion outside to keep him distracted, and calculated that King Tianxia would hesitate to destroy his eighth-rank chariot too soon. By giving the enemy false hope, Zhao Xing had worn him down over three days before delivering a fatal blow.
"Unbelievable," Yao Yuanchun thought, shuddering. "He's a monster. Toying with a titled king as if it were nothing…"
"Brother Yao, good work," Zhao Xing said, approaching him.
"It was nothing," Yao Yuanchun replied reflexively, straightening his posture. He unconsciously referred to himself as Zhao Xing's subordinate.
Yao Yuanchun barely grasped the full depth of Zhao Xing's meticulous planning. The fiery cage formation, designed with precision, wasn't entirely indestructible—it was a calculated ploy. Zhao Xing had deliberately asked King Tianxia if he recognized the formation, planting the seed of belief that it was impenetrable without self-destruction. This led King Tianxia to conserve his resources, avoiding direct attacks against the array.
If King Tianxia had attacked the formation consistently over the three days, he might have found a weak point and escaped sooner. But Zhao Xing had banked on King Tianxia's military background and understanding of the formation's power. The king's expertise ironically worked against him, ensuring he remained ensnared until Zhao Xing's decisive ambush.
"Yao Yuanchun, Li Gan, Zou Yong, Ouyang Zhen," Zhao Xing commanded, "take three warships down to Tianxia Commandery. Suppress the rebellion there. Identify those coerced into compliance and eliminate any resistance without mercy."
"Understood!" The group saluted before quickly setting out on their mission.
With that settled, Zhao Xing retrieved a Earth Mirror and sent a message to Lord Luo. He also updated the intelligence database for Tianhe Commandery to ensure no unnecessary reinforcements would be dispatched.
Within a high-altitude war fortress, Lord Luo, Lord Xin, and Lord Anning were deep in strategic discussions. Their meeting was interrupted when Lord Luo retrieved his Earth Mirror, communicating silently.
Lord Xin and Lord Anning exchanged curious glances but remained focused on their plans. However, Lord Luo's expression abruptly shifted, drawing their attention.
"Are you saying… Tianxia Commandery has revolted? That King Tianxia himself is leading the rebellion?" Lord Luo's voice trembled with disbelief.
After a brief pause, his expression turned even grimmer. "You already killed him?!" His voice rose in shock.