The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

A year had passed, during which Zhao Xing had nearly disregarded all external matters. Even the activities carried out by his manifold avatars were intentionally forgotten to avoid interfering with his cultivation.

Now that his training was complete, Zhao Xing closed his eyes again, allowing the memories he had deliberately suppressed to resurface.

"October of Jingxin Era Year 35, the evacuation plan had already impacted over one hundred million people."

"By December of the same year, Liu Si, the Grand Chancellor, was executed by dismemberment. The effects of Wei Shenluo's strategies had significantly weakened, the Black Dragon's Fortune had plummeted, and even a large number of Yin Spirits no longer heeded King Liang's commands."

"The evacuation plan now extended to twelve prefectures, surpassing one billion people."

Although a billion civilians seemed like a staggering number, when dispersed across twelve prefectures, the figure didn't appear as overwhelming.

"Reaching this scale, growth has naturally slowed down," Zhao Xing noted silently.

"First, there's a shortage of manpower and resources, making further expansion difficult."

"Second, local officials and other prominent clans are also working on similar efforts, so we're not alone in this."

"Third, King Liang completely tore his mask off in February of Jingxin Era Year 36."

"He accused Emperor Jing of ten crimes: harming his siblings, slaughtering ministers, violating ancestral laws, oppressing the people, disrespecting heroic spirits, favoring incompetent officials, waging unjust wars, breaking promises, and indulging in debauchery. He's essentially condemning Emperor Jing as a tyrant."

"In March, King Liang launched a massive roundup of civil and military officials, arresting 3,552 individuals from the Hidden Fortune Dragon Rankings."

"On March 25th, he held a swearing-in ceremony at the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture. Those officials unwilling to submit were branded as traitors aiding tyranny. Over three thousand people were executed, their blood used to consecrate the Black Dragon Banner."

"His forces include the Black Dragon Army, Divine Oracle Army, Sky Azure Army, Bright King Army, and Vast Heaven Army."

"Among them, three Armies were the original elites of Great Zhou. The Bright King and Vast Heaven Armies were reinforced by a mix of forces from the Southern Barbarian Royal Court, Eastern Desolate Tribes, Eastern Sea Clans, and rogue sects. Adding the allied princes from nineteen provinces, they claim to possess one million high-grade cultivators!"

"In early April, King Liang deployed three Armies, attempting to march through the five key passages of the Military Realm to break out of Pinghai Prefecture."

"According to intelligence, King Liang's path of advancement runs through Luliang Prefecture, Daoyuan Prefecture, Yuanzhou, Guangling Prefecture, and finally Tianyong Prefecture."

"By now, Li Boqian has already made his move."

Zhao Xing put down the intelligence report and closed his eyes.

"This is King Liang's final madness," he murmured.

"He's betting everything, inviting the Southern Barbarian Royal Court and external sects into Pinghai Prefecture to wreak havoc and siphon off Great Zhou's Fortune."

"He's abandoned his identity as a descendant of the Ji clan, aiming only to fracture the realm and return the nineteen provinces to the Era of Myriad Nations."

"However, he won't last half a year outside Pinghai Prefecture before he's killed. The remaining rebel kings and external forces will be completely eradicated by Jingxin Era Year 37."

"My plans must now move to their third phase."

Zhao Xing opened his eyes, a faint red glow flashing within his pupils, accompanied by a chilling murderous intent.

"Kill, kill, kill!" he muttered to himself.

"At this stage, the more I kill, the greater the rewards!"

"There's a fortune of treasures waiting in the estates of these rogue princes for me to seize!"

"These princes' vaults must be filled with Spiritual Qi artifacts!"

"And the external sects and the Southern Barbarian Royal Court are fat targets. Even a small bite will leave me with riches spilling over."

"Go!" Zhao Xing commanded as he sent all his avatars flying out of the Star Palace.

Over a thousand top-tier Dharma Bodies surged forth, scattering like a storm. In the blink of an eye, the Star Palace was left empty.

Zhao Xing himself entered a state of complete mental stillness, leaving his thoughts to dissolve into serenity. At this moment, his main body's soul force was at its weakest.

If all his avatars were destroyed, Zhao Xing would be left with only a single strand of Life Soul, and repairing it would be a difficult endeavor.

But compared to the potential benefits, this was a worthwhile risk.

As long as his main body survived, recovery was merely a matter of time.

"Swish, swish, swish—"

Avatars disappeared into the earth, flew into the sky, or used teleportation techniques to disperse across the region. Meanwhile, Zhao Xing's main body headed toward the treasure vault of the Star Palace, opening the storeroom specifically dedicated to Soul-Origin Liquid.

"The Soul-Origin Liquid reserves left by King Tianyan have been completely emptied by me."

"But he probably won't mind, right?" Zhao Xing chuckled to himself. "If he does, I can always raid the Underworld later to replenish them."

"Crash—"

He transported all the chests containing Soul-Origin Liquid to another pool.

"Whoosh—"

The liquid from the chests poured into the pool, creating a shimmering cascade.

"Ninety-seven thousand measures of Soul-Origin Liquid in total."

"With this as a reserve, I can disregard the loss of avatars."

"If one is destroyed, it can be immediately replenished through the Soul-Origin Pool, then forged anew."

"Plop."

Zhao Xing leaped into the pool.

In Datong Prefecture, Xier County.

It was a sunny May in name, yet Xier County was overgrown with wild grass and swept by autumn winds, presenting a desolate scene.

"Rustle, rustle—"

Zhao Xing stepped out from within a willow tree, his gaze fixed on the distant Xier County City.

"Xier County…" he murmured, rubbing his right arm.

His right arm's bone was crafted from two segments of Seventh-Rank Gengjin Divine Wood, which housed the Azure Dragon Sword Qi of Yang An.

After perfecting his top-tier Dharma Body, Zhao Xing had ordered his advanced avatars to rendezvous with his top-tier Dharma Body and transfer the sword qi.

The Soul-Devouring Dharma Body naturally possessed the Guardian Straw Puppet's abilities. Nurtured within the Gengjin Divine Wood, the two strands of Azure Dragon Sword Qi had grown even more formidable.

"The only remaining strands of Azure Dragon Sword Qi in existence," Zhao Xing muttered, running his hand over his arm. "Lord Marquis, today I will use them to avenge you and resolve your karmic ties."

The first thing Zhao Xing did upon exiting seclusion was to seek justice for Yang An. This was also the shared wish of Long Xiao and Chen Shijie.

Following King Liang's rebellion, the details of Yang An's death had come to light. It was revealed that Yang An had rushed to the Shadowy Mountain upon receiving a distress signal from his sworn brother, the Warlord Luo Zhen.

But Luo Zhen had betrayed Yang An, using him as a pawn to secure favor with King Liang.

The betrayal had driven the peerless Yang An into a desperate situation.

Now, Luo Zhen had been ennobled as the King of Xier by King Liang, reaching the peak of Third Rank cultivation.

Ironically, King Liang had stationed Luo Zhen in Xier County—the very military garrison where the Divine Might Army had been headquartered.

While Yang An's killer had been a Southern Barbarian Earth Shaman, in war, soldiers accepted the inevitability of death. Dying by the hand of the enemy was one thing, but betrayal by one's own was unforgivable. Zhao Xing's fury burned fiercely toward the King of Xier, Luo Zhen.

"I will use Yang An's sword qi to end you."

Zhao Xing slipped back into the ground, stealthily making his way toward Xier County.

Thirty miles outside the city, the area was densely patrolled by military fortresses, sentry posts, and elite guards in both the skies and underground.

In the subterranean space, a Fourth-Rank Warlock sat cross-legged in meditation.

"Hmm?" The warlock suddenly yawned.

"Why am I so sleepy?" he muttered.

"Must be because I overexerted myself with Lady Liu last night."

"That vixen is really something else…"

As his mind drifted to his indulgent thoughts, the warlock leaned back onto his bed, succumbing to sleep.

"Whoosh—"

A gentle breeze stirred as Zhao Xing appeared within the underground chamber.

He stood silently by the bed, watching the sleeping warlock.

With a flick of his finger, a strand of soul force entered the warlock's body.

"So, your name is Luo Le, and you're Luo Zhen's nephew."

Dreams often betray details, and Zhao Xing quickly gleaned the warlock's identity.

Stripping Luo Le of his clothes and possessions, Zhao Xing summoned a Lesser Yang Flame.

"Fwoosh!"

Within moments, Luo Le was no more.

Zhao Xing quickly transformed using the Illusory Form Technique, his appearance morphing into an exact replica of Luo Le. He then dressed in Luo Le's clothes, carrying his belongings.

"Only high-grade cultivators can see through my Illusory Form Technique," Zhao Xing thought confidently. "Combined with this identity, I can walk into Xier City without issue."

Emerging from the underground space, Zhao Xing strode boldly aboveground, leading a group of his avatars toward Xier County.

As he approached the city's defensive formation, a city guard commander stopped him. "Lord Luo, why have you returned to the city?"

"I have urgent matters to report to my uncle. Let me through immediately!" Zhao Xing tossed Luo Le's command token to the guard.

"Yes, of course." The commander glanced at the token, then at the soldiers behind him. With a fawning smile, he gestured Zhao Xing to pass. "Please enter, my lord."

Despite being a Fourth-Rank Warlock, the commander didn't dare to offend Luo Le, whose rank and status far exceeded his own. Watching Luo Le lead his group inside, the commander muttered disdainfully, "Urgent matters? Probably going to fool around with women again, hmph."

Once inside the city, Zhao Xing made his way toward the governor's mansion, mindful of the no-fly restrictions within the city limits. He kept a low profile to avoid unnecessary attention.

"King of Xier, Luo Zhen, is at the peak of the Third Rank. His combat prowess should match his cultivation realm," Zhao Xing analyzed as he walked.

"He's a martial artist who practices the top-tier martial technique Dominating Blade and has mastered the Flaming Sun Dominating Blade Slash and Black Water Dominating Blade Slash."

"However, his mastery likely caps at the Fourth Transformation level. He hasn't comprehended the full Third-Rank True Intent of Water and Fire, let alone reached the level of Rule Distortion. If he had, King Liang wouldn't have only made him the King of Xier with three command cities."

True mastery of the Third-Rank True Intent of Water and Fire was akin to the late King Jin Ye, the martial artist who had once attempted to assassinate Zhao Xing. Achieving Rule Distortion, however, required unparalleled talent, like Ye Yukong, the lord of Mingyue Prefecture.

Ye Yukong could create his own top-tier secret techniques, unyielding even against Second-Rank cultivators. But advancing to the Second Rank Heavenly Fortune Realm demanded immense fortune to support one's breakthrough. Ye Yukong lacked the necessary Fortune to step into the Second Rank.

Under Emperor Jing's reign, power came with immense responsibility. Zhao Xing remembered the time he spent with Ye Yukong, who often bragged:

"If I wanted to take on more responsibilities, His Majesty would enhance my Fortune and help me reach the Second Rank immediately.

"But I'm lazy and disdain King Liang. I didn't even bother joining the Southern Barbarian War.

"If they made me a ruling prince, I'd find it a pain to deal with."

Undoubtedly, Ye Yukong's martial talent was among the highest tier, on par with Long Xiao. They possessed extraordinary comprehension, combat instincts, unyielding determination, and unique fortuitous encounters, such as Long Xiao's consumption of rare treasures like Dragon Whale Blood and Life Soul Fish.

The second tier consisted of individuals like King Jin Ye, with superior talent and decades of rigorous training, allowing them to master Five Elemental True Intents and greatly enhance their martial techniques. However, their fortuitous encounters were average, and they hadn't consumed many rare treasures.

The third tier was the standard for Great Zhou—measured solely by the transformations of their techniques and martial skills, without True Intent comprehension or extraordinary secret technique enhancements.

The lowest tier included those artificially elevated by Fortune, the so-called "Weak Third Ranks." These individuals had reached the Third Rank in realm but possessed only high-level skills and martial arts.

Through information gathered from intelligence reports and Luo Le's memories, Zhao Xing concluded: "King of Xier is a standard Third-Rank cultivator."

For King Liang's forces, Luo Zhen was considered an elite. Most of his subordinates were Weak Third Ranks, and only a handful of true geniuses sided with King Liang's rebellion.

The Xier County Governor's Mansion bore no resemblance to its former state. As Zhao Xing walked, he couldn't spot any familiar landmarks. Luo Zhen had seemingly erased every trace of Yang An's legacy.

The mansion appeared deserted, with minimal activity around its gates. Zhao Xing had chosen to approach during the early Hour of the Boar, ensuring few martial officers were entering or leaving.

"Luo Le? What brings you here?" Luo Zhen's voice echoed from the main hall as Zhao Xing approached. The King of Xier was examining a military sand table, but the familiar aura nearing him caused him to instinctively glance up.

"Didn't I assign you to guard the outskirts of the city?"

In the next moment, Luo Zhen frowned. Something felt off.

His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of his nephew, Luo Le. While the aura was familiar, there was a faint sense of strangeness. The eight guards following him also seemed unfamiliar.

"Luo Le, you—"

It was time! Zhao Xing couldn't delay any longer.

In a burst of motion, Zhao Xing's eight avatars disguised as guards launched a coordinated assault on Luo Zhen.

"Boom!"

Luo Zhen reacted instinctively, unleashing a powerful surge of qi. Although his mind hadn't fully registered the danger, his body responded on instinct.

The Flaming Golden Body technique activated, causing golden flames to envelop Luo Zhen's figure, his vitality surging like a roaring inferno.

"Ugh!" Luo Zhen felt searing pain erupt from three points on his body.

Blades!

He reflexively reached for his weapon. As a cautious general, his blade was never far from his side.

But his hand grasped only empty air—no, it touched the ground. His arms had been severed cleanly at the shoulders. The stumps now sprouted strange spikes and scales, sealing off his energy circulation.

Yet, somehow, Luo Zhen's blade still left its sheath!

Upon advancing to the Pure Essence Realm, both martial artists and sorcerers could wield skills with any part of their bodies, even controlling weapons from a distance.

"Boom!"

The Flaming Sun Dominating Blade Slash erupted, a massive surge of fiery blade qi engulfing the hall. The overwhelming energy should have annihilated Zhao Xing's nine avatars.

But the attack fell short. Wielding the blade with qi instead of his physical body reduced its potency.

As the blow landed, Luo Zhen immediately realized his disadvantage. The attack had barely threatened his enemy.

"I have to retreat!" Luo Zhen made a split-second decision to prioritize his survival.

Before he could act, the ceiling above him collapsed with a thunderous crash.

Boundless Earth Palace!

A crushing pressure descended, sending chills through Luo Zhen's heart. He attempted to ready another slash.

But then, he noticed—the blade was below him. He was below it.

Luo Zhen froze in horror, only now realizing that his soul had been forcibly separated from his body.

"Clang!"

The sound of a resonating bell echoed in his mind, reverberating endlessly. In truth, this was the Ninth Ring, though Luo Zhen had failed to perceive the first eight.

"You… who are you?" Luo Zhen asked weakly, staring at the nine figures surrounding his captured soul.

His soul could never return to his body.

The moment the structure collapsed, Luo Zhen's body had already sunk into the earth.

Separated from his soul, his body had been buried underground by Zhao Xing.

Luo Zhen's frantic attempts to reassert control were answered by a streak of azure sword energy, forming a fierce dragon.

"Roar~~!"

The aura of the Azure Dragon Sword Qi was supremely masculine and blazing. Luo Zhen's eyes widened in sudden realization.

"Marquis Yuan—it's you! You've come for his revenge, haven't you?"

Yang An had indeed regarded Luo Zhen as a close friend. He had even shared secrets about the sword qi with him.

"Roar~~!"

The dragon-shaped sword energy shot forth, and Luo Zhen, suspended midair, vanished without a trace.

His body, hidden underground, was crushed into pulp by immense earth vein pressure. Only a set of unbroken golden bones remained.

The azure dragon swirled back, reentering Zhao Xing's body.

"Only half of it is left," Zhao Xing muttered as he flexed his wrist, sensing the strength of the sword energy.

He noticed something. "Someone's coming."

Despite sensing rapid movements closing in, Zhao Xing remained calm. With his speed and the ability to perform the A Step to Infinity, few Third-Rank cultivators could match him.

"Swish~~!"

One of Zhao Xing's avatars darted into the sky to draw attention, while the others activated Illusory Form Techniques and stealthily began searching Luo Zhen's residence.

Through Luo Le's dream, Zhao Xing had learned of a secret treasury belonging to Luo Zhen—a treasure vault that had even made Luo Le envious.

Although Luo Zhen's abilities only matched a standard Third Rank, his wealth far exceeded the norm.

After joining King Liang, Luo Zhen had participated in battles against the Southern Barbarian tribes, earning a share of the spoils. Later, upon returning to the Great Zhou, he served as King Liang's enforcer, pillaging and oppressing noble families, further amassing wealth.

Luo Le's envy only made Zhao Xing more determined not to let the opportunity slip.

"This is the place," Zhao Xing muttered as he descended near an artificial rock formation. There, he discovered a concealed chamber.

The thick stone gate was reinforced with anti-tunneling formations designed to trigger alarms and prevent intrusion.

"Standard strength," Zhao Xing assessed. "This setup is more about preventing theft than an all-out assault. Luo Zhen feared his treasures being stolen but didn't prepare for someone breaking in and killing him outright. If an enemy's strong enough to do that, no formation could stop them."

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Zhao Xing's Heavenly Thunder Finger effortlessly dismantled the barriers guarding the vault.

"Crash~~!"

Inside, treasures were piled high—chests, racks filled with weapons, mechanized warhorses, and artifacts of varying styles, many showcasing Southern Barbarian craftsmanship.

"This is it?" Zhao Xing sneered as his Heavenly Eye scanned the room.

Traveling via his avatar meant he couldn't carry much, forcing him to prioritize valuable items. Yet, the collection was underwhelming.

"Luo Le really had shallow standards. His judgment is leagues below Xia Jing's," Zhao Xing remarked.

He recalled Xia Jing donning a Sixth-Grade Thousand Mechanisms Armor during their encounter at Fire Dragon Pass, even though Xia Jing had only been Seventh Rank at the time.

"This pretender of a king doesn't even compare to Marquis Xiahou. If I could raid his vault..." Zhao Xing shook his head. "No, no, I can't entertain such sinful thoughts."

He casually picked up some energy-type treasures to replenish vitality, preparing to leave when a glint from the corner caught his attention.

"Hmm?"

In the distant Star Palace of the Weaponry Realm, Zhao Xing's main body felt a subtle ripple of excitement.

"Let's see what this is."

The avatar swiftly moved closer. In the midst of golden and silver artwork lay an unremarkable purple coin.

"Hiss... Is this—Ancient Purple-Gold Coin?" Zhao Xing exclaimed, picking it up for closer inspection.

The coin was roughly the size of his palm. Except for its slightly larger dimensions, it resembled ordinary coins, with a round shape and square center.

On one side, the characters "Chang Yi" were inscribed, and on the other, "Heaven's Blessing."

Thanks to his prior studies in ancient scripts while communicating with the Fate Blackbird, Zhao Xing instantly recognized the characters.

"This is a Ancient Purple-Gold Coin, forged during the Xia Dynasty by the Divine Court of Antiquity!"

"It's a Fortune Coin issued by Emperor Zhuan to enhance Fortune."

Zhao Xing burst into laughter. "Ha! Derivation Six's Fortune is truly remarkable!"

"It even led me to stumble upon such a rare treasure!"

Fortune Coins could temporarily boost one's Fortune while in possession.

The Ancient Divine Court issued Purple-Gold Coins and Fortune Coins as a means of bestowing Fortune upon officials. However, modern scholars often dismissed this as an outdated practice.

To maintain Fortune, one had to carry the coins at all times—a cumbersome prospect. "Who fights battles while draped in wealth? It'd be far too ostentatious!"

Moreover, what if the coins were stolen?

Such reasoning led historians to conclude that the Ancient Divine Court was primitive, lacking the sophistication of the current dynasty.

Subsequent dynasties, after the Xia, never issued such coins, reinforcing the notion of their obsolescence.

The crafting techniques used to imbue coins with Fortune had also been lost, making such artifacts exceedingly rare.

However, Zhao Xing knew the scholars were entirely wrong.

The Xia Dynasty wasn't merely an ancient relic—it was a dynasty capable of ascending beyond the mortal realm!

Ancient Purple-Gold Coins weren't limited to physical possession for enhancing Fortune.

"Their potential is immense." Zhao Xing grinned. "Let's see if there are more."

He meticulously searched the treasury and found another Ancient Purple-Gold Coin in a nearby chest.

This second coin bore different inscriptions: one side read "Zhuan," while the other displayed "Mountains and Seas."

"Another one!" Zhao Xing exclaimed, slapping his thigh in excitement.

"Such a good treasure, and yet the King of Xier didn't even know how to use it? Just let it collect dust here?"

In truth, during this period, very few people understood how to use the Ancient Purple-Gold Coins and Fortune Coins.

Those who did consider the method a closely-guarded secret, never mentioning it to anyone.

"First, you'd need to recognize the ancient script and identify the type of coin to even know its purpose. Each coin has distinct effects."

"The King of Xier truly suffered from a lack of education," Zhao Xing thought smugly as he carefully tucked the coins into his robe. Once he confirmed there were no more coins in the vault, he left swiftly.

Back at the Star Palace, Zhao Xing's true body was soaking in a bath infused with Yuan Soul Liquid, his expression filled with satisfaction.

"A Chang Yi Coin, Heaven's Blessing edition."

"A Zhuan Coin, Mountains and Seas edition."

"Both Ancient Purple-Gold Coins have multiple uses," Zhao Xing mused.

"First, the legendary ability—carrying them can increase one's Fortune. However, this requires a specific secret technique to activate."

"Second, they serve as ideal mediums for divination in the Turtle Coin Divination Method."

"Beyond that, different editions have unique effects!"

"The Heaven's Blessing Chang Yi Coin can be used to locate treasures."

"Chang Yi, Chang Yi—it implies that wishes can come true. It can help find any kind of treasure one desires. With multiple coins, their combined effects could even grant Heaven's longevity blessings!"

The thought of extending his lifespan made Zhao Xing chuckle in delight.

"The Zhuan Mountains and Seas Coin, with its broad, rounded script, symbolizes vastness and abundance, adding immense Fortune to its bearer. Among the various editions, it provides the largest Fortune boost!"

Activating Ancient Purple-Gold Coins wasn't difficult. Zhao Xing's Turtle Coin Divination Method already included a suitable technique.

"Let's send these treasures back to my true body," Zhao Xing decided.

Using them on an avatar was pointless, as avatars couldn't accumulate Fortune. Carrying such treasures on an avatar would yield no benefit.

Good items like these naturally belonged with his true body for safekeeping.

Within just two days, both coins were delivered to the Star Palace.

Despite their arrival, Zhao Xing didn't immediately activate them.

Using them while confined in the palace would be wasteful, and the benefits of using multiple coins together far exceeded that of using them individually.

"For now, I won't use them. When the time comes, they'll serve a far greater purpose," he thought.

"If I activate them in the Ancient Dragon Court, I'll undoubtedly uncover greater treasures!"

In Pinghai Province, treasure troves were scarce. If Zhao Xing were to seek treasures, his only real options would be raiding the imperial treasury or King Liang's vault.

No need for divination—Zhao Xing already knew the imperial treasury contained excellent items, and King Liang was known to possess divine artifacts.

"The most suitable place for these coins is the Ancient Dragon Court."

"King of Xier, your death is truly a blessing!"

This experience led Zhao Xing to begin targeting other rebel kings.

"The Southern Barbarians are rich in ancient treasures. The rebel kings who followed King Liang in the Southern campaigns are prime targets for raiding."

"Among their possessions, there may very well be spirit artifacts or items like Ancient Purple-Gold Coins and Fortune Coins."

After slaying the King of Xier on May 15th, Zhao Xing started paying close attention to the generals under King Liang who had participated in the Southern Barbarian campaigns.

He especially noted those who had followed King Liang across the Yin You Mountains, waging wars against ancient sects.

Such civil and military officials became the focus of Zhao Xing's scrutiny.

However, these generals were powerful in their own right and constantly moving under King Liang's orders.

It wasn't until May 27th that Zhao Xing found a suitable opportunity.

In Heze Prefecture, Dongze County, a region characterized by its mountains and rivers, heavy with dampness.

According to Zhao Xing's Theory of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi Grand Zhou Celestial Cycle, the area was inherently deficient in yang energy and heavy with yin.

For two-thirds of the year, the skies were overcast, with dim, rainy weather dominating the landscape.

"Illusory Nether Cave-Heaven," Zhao Xing murmured as he overlooked a mountain peak from above.

"The Illusory Nether King is one of the Thirty-Three Ruling Kings of the Military Realm."

"He governs both the Illusory Nether Cave-Heaven and the Illusory Nether Army."

"The Illusory Nether King is a priest by profession. I've collaborated with them before, alongside Nangong Ye, during the assault on the Spirit Sacrifice Pass."

There was no doubt—the Illusory Nether King was a formidable ruler, and Zhao Xing wouldn't dare provoke him.

However, his goal wasn't the Illusory Nether King.

It was one of his subordinates.

"Qiu Changzhi, the first Martial Marquis under the Illusory Nether King—Changwu Marquis."

"Changwu Marquis is at the pinnacle of the Third Rank."

"His position is equivalent to Liu Tianning under King Luo, highly favored and trusted."

"During the Southern campaigns, Changwu Marquis's merit rose rapidly, second only to the Illusory Nether King himself."

With great merit came higher rewards, and Changwu Marquis undoubtedly received the lion's share of spoils during the campaigns.

After several calculations, Zhao Xing concluded that there was an 80% chance Changwu Marquis possessed the treasures he sought!

The demand for something as precious as a Millennium Mystic Tortoise wasn't unreasonable. For treasures of this caliber, the difficulty would naturally be high.

But to seize such treasures, someone had to die.

"Changwu Marquis won't be easy to kill," Zhao Xing muttered to himself.

"Judging by his battle record, Changwu Marquis is a second-tier prodigy. A second-tier prodigy in the priesthood is already extraordinary!"

After all, priests were highly esteemed during the era of Spirit Qi.

Even if Zhao Xing summoned numerous avatars, he couldn't guarantee the ability to eliminate a guardian like Changwu Marquis stationed at this location.

Unless the marquis allowed him to set up an elaborate trap and willingly walked into it—but that was absurd.

"If my true body personally arrived, armed with the Yuan Yin Sacred Codex, and I sought aid from my master ancestor—"

"No, that's impossible." Zhao Xing dismissed the tempting thought.

Leaving the Star Palace exposed his true body to danger.

Moreover, how would figures like King Tianyan, King Luo, and the three sect academies view him if they learned he risked his life for mere treasures?

Foolish! Short-sighted!

Even True Lord of Tianyang would disapprove.

Unable to rely on his true body or defeat Changwu Marquis with avatars alone, what could he do?

Of course, he could call for help.

"Big Brother," Zhao Xing activated the Earth Mirror, immediately connecting to Ye Yukong.

For other powerful figures like the Lord of Longyuan Prefecture, Ling Huan King, and Shenluo King, he only had fleeting relationships. Such requests wouldn't sit well.

Furthermore, they were busy with major affairs and couldn't travel far just to act as his enforcers.

Ye Yukong, however, was relatively free.

The Mingyue Commandery already had a new commander in place.

Additionally, Mingyue Commandery wasn't a strategic location—it had no connections to the Military Realm and was wedged between the territories of the Tianhe Prefecture and the King of Jiujiang, leaving it devoid of military conflicts.

His relationship with Ye Yukong was closer than with anyone else.

After assisting Ye Yukong with official duties for several months, the man had started affectionately calling Zhao Xing his "little brother."

"Is Ye Yukong free, I wonder?" Zhao Xing mused.

"I'm here, little brother. What's up?" Ye Yukong responded quickly.

Though Zhao Xing's true body had been in seclusion for a year, his avatars remained active. To Ye Yukong, it seemed like Zhao Xing had never disappeared.

"Big Brother Ye, are you free? I need help to take down a rebel," Zhao Xing said.

"Free enough. Where's the target?"

"Heze Prefecture, Dongze County."

"Hmm, sounds far," Ye Yukong murmured from within Mingyue Prefecture.

Lazy by nature, he disliked traveling long distances. If it were anyone else, he would have declined outright.

But this was Zhao Xing. After hesitating for just a moment, Ye Yukong agreed.

"Alright, I'll head over immediately. Wait for me."

After two and a half days, Ye Yukong arrived at the Dongze County border in Heze Prefecture, where he met Zhao Xing.

As soon as Ye Yukong saw Zhao Xing, he looked visibly surprised.

"Little brother, why does your avatar look so different from before?"

"I've broken through," Zhao Xing replied. "What stands before you now is a top-tier dharma body."

"Oh?" A flash of astonishment flickered in Ye Yukong's eyes. "Little brother already has a top-tier dharma body? Impressive!"

Even Ye Yukong had to acknowledge Zhao Xing's achievement. Cultivating a top-tier dharma body was no easy feat—it required mastery of the first level of the Derivation Divine Technique.

Zhao Xing had only been promoted to a fifth-rank official in the 30th year of the Jingxin Calendar.

Even assuming he started from that point, mastering the first level of the Derivation Divine Technique in six years was an extraordinary pace!

"How many avatars do you have here now?"

"Two hundred and three," Zhao Xing replied.

"That many?" Ye Yukong's expression shifted.

If Zhao Xing had merely brought high-level dharma bodies, Ye Yukong would've treated this as a simple mission, helping a younger brother earn some merit.

But with two hundred and three top-tier dharma bodies present, Ye Yukong reevaluated the situation.

Zhao Xing clearly possessed third-rank, high-tier combat power!

What kind of rebel would require Ye Yukong and two hundred and three top-tier dharma bodies to eliminate?

Ye Yukong's eyes sparkled. "Does this rebel have something valuable on him?"

Zhao Xing chuckled. When it came to fighting, Ye Yukong's instincts were razor-sharp.

"Yes, absolutely!"

"I even know why Big Brother Ye has been stuck at the Heavenly Luck Stage for so long.

"If we pull this off, Big Brother, you might not even need the court's bestowed Fortune to ascend to the Heavenly Luck Stage!"

Zhao Xing revealed this information for two reasons. First, he needed Ye Yukong to give it his all. Combat was about mutual trust—sharing benefits ensured stronger cooperation.

Second, he had noticed that the Ancient Purple-Gold Coins in Changwu Marquis's possession had already been activated. Whether Zhao Xing mentioned it or not, Ye Yukong would notice the abnormality during the operation.

This second judgment came from observing the clash of Fortunes.

When Zhao Xing approached Changwu Marquis, his own Fortune visibly decreased.

When he moved away, it returned to normal.

By combining the Great Derivation Fortune Observation Technique, his personal interface, and Changwu Marquis's battle records, Zhao Xing deduced that the marquis had activated one or more Ancient Purple-Gold Coins.

"Is there really such a chance?" Ye Yukong's heart leapt with joy.

Truthfully, who wouldn't want to break through?

Ye Yukong certainly did.

His hesitation stemmed from the fear that reaching the Heavenly Luck Stage would saddle him with heavier responsibilities from Emperor Jing.

But if he advanced through self-cultivation, Emperor Jing might be too embarrassed to assign him unpleasant or laborious tasks.

"Not guaranteed, but I'm painting the picture for you, Big Brother," Zhao Xing said with a grin.

"Haha, you sly kid! Tell me, what are the odds?" Ye Yukong asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I've calculated that there's an 80% chance he has the treasure, but as for whether we can successfully seize it, that's harder to estimate."

"Let's do it!" Ye Yukong declared.

After all, a mission was a mission.

If Zhao Xing hadn't reached out, Ye Yukong likely would've been assigned a task soon anyway.

"Alright, here's my plan—"

Zhao Xing picked up a branch and started drawing on the ground.

As a fellow military man, Ye Yukong quickly grasped Zhao Xing's strategy, nodding repeatedly.

In military terms, an operation like this—focused on a decisive strike—required a meticulous plan.

The key point was preventing Changwu Marquis from forming a large-scale Blood Energy Combat Array.

Once the array formed, even Ye Yukong wouldn't be able to kill a third-rank powerhouse like Changwu Marquis.

"Big Brother, any suggestions to add?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Yes," Ye Yukong replied. "Your plan seems a bit bloated. I feel like you're underestimating my strength and overestimating Changwu Marquis."

"I just reviewed his battle records—he's no match for me."

"Better to overestimate the enemy than be caught off guard," Zhao Xing replied. "I've accounted for the possibility that he has treasures."

"That could make a huge difference."

"For example?"

"For instance, just as you're about to strike him down, the ground suddenly shifts, and an eruption of earth veins saves him."

"Or he experiences a sudden flash of inspiration and breaks through mid-battle, ascending to another level."

"Or, reinforcements suddenly arrive out of nowhere."

"That extreme?" Ye Yukong exclaimed. "Wouldn't that mean he's at the Heavenly Luck Stage?"

Being blessed by Heaven, advancing with great Fortune—such a second-rank Heavenly Luck Stage cultivator was nearly impossible to ambush successfully unless they sought their own demise.

Of course, if both sides were in the Heavenly Luck Stage, it would be different. Their Fortunes would counterbalance each other.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Xing said, "If the treasures he carries are as I suspect, they might indeed elevate him to the Heavenly Luck Stage in terms of Fortune."

"In that case, I've got no issues. Let's stick to your plan," Ye Yukong decided.

When it came to mystical factors, Ye Yukong chose to trust Zhao Xing.

After all, Zhao Xing was closely associated with the King Tianyan, a figure Ye Yukong held in high regard.

Back during the siege on the assassin group, the Divine Luo Formation had been prearranged under the guidance of the King Tianyan.

Even the Ling Huan King had waited at a specific location based on predictions from the King Tianyan.

Such uncanny foresight defined the role of a Fate Officer.

Though their combat prowess wasn't always the strongest, their influence was unparalleled.

"Alright, let's move out!"

Changwu Marquis, Qiu Changzhi, was meditating cross-legged within Dongze County when a wave of unease suddenly washed over him, preventing him from entering a state of tranquility.

"What's going on?"

Qiu Changzhi opened his eyes, irritation clear on his face.

"Could someone be plotting against me?"

"Or is the court planning to send forces to attack me and seize this small pass?"

Qiu Changzhi was stationed here under direct orders.

The King of Liang was preparing to leave Pinghai Prefecture, yet he wasn't entirely abandoning the region. Ji Mingxian had left two large armies stationed in Pinghai Prefecture as a safeguard, ensuring that if the campaign went poorly, they could retreat at any moment.

Access to fast troop deployment passages became critically important.

If these vital passageways were lost on a large scale, it would be equivalent to losing Pinghai Prefecture entirely.

The passage guarded by Changwu Marquis Qiu Changzhi was significant yet not the most crucial. While losing it wouldn't immediately compromise the entire defense, it remained within the encirclement of the Illusory Nether King.

Large battalions attempting to use such a small passage would struggle to establish a foothold for a forward base, risking annihilation rather than gaining any strategic advantage.

"The forces under my command are already more than sufficient," Qiu Changzhi muttered to himself. "If the court dispatched an overwhelming force capable of destroying mine, and it somehow broke through Illusory Nether King's encirclement, it wouldn't be cost-effective."

He furrowed his brows. "There hasn't been any significant troop movement lately, so there's only one other possibility."

"Assassination." A glint of solemnity appeared in Qiu Changzhi's eyes. "A high-level assassination."

Oddly, upon realizing this possibility, Qiu Changzhi relaxed slightly.

"As long as I don't leave my stronghold, no matter what bait they use, I won't fall for it. Even a second-rank cultivator couldn't kill me under these conditions."

"Do they think I'm so easy to assassinate?" Qiu Changzhi chuckled, his fingers brushing against a coin at his waist.

Satisfied, he closed his eyes, quickly entering a meditative state with his thoughts clear and undisturbed.

Later that afternoon, Qiu Changzhi abruptly opened his eyes, his heart gripped by a strange, fleeting desire. The sensation grew stronger, stirring his emotions until his pulse raced uncontrollably, as though he had consumed an aphrodisiac.

"This feeling... Another ancient coin?" His gaze fell upon the coin at his waist, which trembled faintly. A wave of greed flashed across his face.

For a brief moment, Qiu Changzhi suppressed his longing, forcefully calming himself.

"No. I can't go out. This must be a trap!" he reminded himself repeatedly, staying seated. "Don't leave, don't leave..." His murmurs became a mantra, aiding his attempts to enter meditation once again.

Still, a subtle, elusive connection lingered in his mind, an itch he couldn't scratch.

In a secluded valley in Dongze County.

Zhao Xing held a faintly glowing coin, a cold smirk on his face. "Such resolve. It's been three days, and you're still holding out."

To lure Qiu Changzhi, Zhao Xing had activated another ancient coin he had secured during his investigation and brought it to the valley.

When multiple Purple-Gold Coins were activated simultaneously, their owners would sense each other's presence.

Zhao Xing was no stranger to such tactics; his experiences with universal-level strategies had instilled unshakable patience in him. What surprised him was Qiu Changzhi's ability to endure.

"You can play ignorant all you want, but if you know its significance, there's no way you can resist." Zhao Xing's tone was indifferent as he waited. His avatar stationed here didn't hinder his operations elsewhere, including raiding estates.

As for Ye Yukong? He felt nothing. Those without a coin wouldn't sense its activation.

In terms of military strategy, Zhao Xing was equally unyielding.

From May 25th to June 10th, Zhao Xing tracked the position of the coin in Qiu Changzhi's possession. It remained unmoving the entire time.

At midnight on June 10th, a sudden commotion erupted as a large army advanced toward Zhao Xing's valley hideout.

The clash of blades and artillery fire filled the air as the army launched an all-out assault on the valley.

"Marquis, the area shows no signs of life," a soldier reported.

"Search it thoroughly!" Qiu Changzhi's voice echoed through the ground mirror.

"Yes, sir!" The deputy immediately dispatched troops to scour the area.

Despite their thorough search, they found nothing.

Elsewhere in Dongze County, Zhao Xing stood with Ye Yukong, observing from a safe distance.

"That Qiu fellow is cautious, sending an army instead of coming himself," Ye Yukong remarked.

"I anticipated he'd take this route," Zhao Xing said with a faint smile. "Does he think capturing me will be that easy?"

"Especially not with your two hundred-plus avatars," Ye Yukong quipped.

Such was the advantage of top-tier dharma bodies. Zhao Xing's avatars surrounded the county, quietly monitoring the situation. Any significant movement by Qiu Changzhi's forces allowed Zhao Xing to retreat well in advance.

Few professions could achieve such precision in reconnaissance.

"I'm staying put. Let's see how long he can hold out," Zhao Xing said, his smirk widening. "In his own stronghold, there's no chance for a large-scale enemy attack. If he still doesn't dare leave the city, then I'll consider myself unlucky for overestimating his courage."

"Little brother, this is a classic open scheme," Ye Yukong laughed. "The bait is obvious, the trap plain to see, but the temptation is irresistible."

In his quarters, Qiu Changzhi's face flushed with anger, his breathing ragged. His eyes were bloodshot, sleepless for days.

He couldn't rest. The ancient coin represented the greatest opportunity of his life. His rise to power owed much to its mystical properties.

Now, another such treasure danced tantalizingly close to his grasp. He had the strength to seize it—how could he possibly sleep?

A few days of restraint had worn thin. After half a month, his resolve began to waver.

"What if... what if there's no enemy? No assassins? What if this is simply a burst of Fortune?"

"Destiny favors the virtuous. Treasures belong to those who deserve them!"

The King of Liang's aura-enhancing buffs distorted Qiu Changzhi's mindset, further eroding his rationality.

"What if it's not a trap? Would I miss the greatest opportunity of my life?"

"Even if it is a trap, careful planning might let me claim the bait without being caught."

"Haven't I emerged unscathed from countless battles in the Southern Barbarians?"

Moments later, Qiu Changzhi's breathing steadied, his gaze sharp and determined. Donning his armor and drawing his treasured sword, he declared, "Fortune favors the bold!"

"I dared to rebel. Why wouldn't I dare take this risk?"

With his mind made up, Qiu Changzhi wasted no time.

"Relay my orders! Summon the elite guards!"

"Yes!"

"Finally, it's time."

In a dense forest, Zhao Xing revealed a bright smile, his teeth shining under the faint moonlight.

"Brother Ye, get ready!" Zhao Xing's voice carried a trace of excitement.

"Let them come," Ye Yukong responded from another location, his eyes opening with a sharp gleam. Battle intent surged through his aura. "I've been looking forward to this."

On the night of June 10th, during the hour of Chou (1:00-3:00 AM), Changwu Marquis Qiu Changzhi led 500 elite guards out of the city, heading directly toward the source of the resonance.

On the surface, it appeared that only 500 soldiers were moving, but secretly, an additional 3,000 troops followed at a distance.

The enemy intended to lure him into a trap, but Qiu Changzhi had the same idea—to use the bait to ensnare the enemy.

Later that night, during the Yin hour (3:00-5:00 AM), Zhao Xing deployed 230 of his avatars in groups, activating the Dreamwalking Technique to target the pursuing 3,000 soldiers.

Changwu Marquis quickly responded by mobilizing additional troops to hunt down Zhao Xing's avatars. Meanwhile, he personally led his 500 elite guards to chase the origin of the ancient coin's resonance.

Thus, a deadly pursuit unfolded between the two forces.

Zhao Xing's avatars became increasingly exposed, while Qiu Changzhi's elite guards and their accompanying Yin Gods intensified their tracking efforts. By the hour of Chen (7:00-9:00 AM), both parties realized something was amiss. They suppressed the resonance of the ancient coins and temporarily withdrew their forces.

June 12th marked the resurgence of the resonance. Both Qiu Changzhi and Zhao Xing grew increasingly cautious, engaging in probing maneuvers across Dongze County to test each other's strength.

The roles of hunter and prey constantly reversed.

This time, however, both sides escalated their efforts.

By the end of the day, Zhao Xing had lost ten avatars, while Qiu Changzhi had sacrificed 200 elite guards.

June 13th saw another wave of resonance.

Once more, Qiu Changzhi and Zhao Xing engaged in mutual testing, with both suffering additional losses. Their movements grew more frequent, and the intensity of their pursuit escalated.

At their closest encounter, the distance between the two ancient coins was reduced to merely ten li.

For cultivators at the third rank, such a short distance was practically negligible—a matter of moments.

Yet, neither of them seized the opportunity, both choosing to retreat at the last moment.

This cycle of pursuit and retreat continued for seven days.

Ultimately, it was Qiu Changzhi who lost his composure.

By then, he had inexplicably lost 1,800 men and multiple Yin Gods. Rumors began circulating within his ranks, eroding morale. Containing these whispers became increasingly difficult.

Moreover, his troops weren't expendable pawns. Any further delay would raise questions from the Illusory Nether King.

Without a valid combat report, how could he justify such heavy losses?

But he couldn't report the truth—this was his most closely guarded secret.

Finally, at the third quarter of the Chou hour on June 18th, Qiu Changzhi decided to risk everything.

This time, he brought only 200 elite guards, leaving all warships behind. His support troops were stationed 50 li away, far enough to avoid immediate involvement.

"This is it! Now or never!" Qiu Changzhi's eyes gleamed in the darkness. "My reinforcements will take half an incense stick's time to arrive."

"With only 200 elite guards at my side, you should make your move!"

"I've laid out this bait for half an incense stick's worth of time. Will you take it or not?"

Three kilometers away, Zhao Xing stood motionless, gazing in Qiu Changzhi's direction as if he could hear the marquis's thoughts.

"If you can hold out until your reinforcements arrive, you might seize the ancient coin."

"But if you can't, it will mean your death and the treasure changing hands."

"I've waited long enough. Let's end this!" Zhao Xing's eyes shone with a chilling bloodlust.

By this point, Zhao Xing had invested heavily in this confrontation, losing 35 avatars in total. His main body had been forced to draw 800 units of Soul Essence Liquid from his Soul Essence Pool to recover rapidly.

Neither Zhao Xing nor Qiu Changzhi was a fool. Both understood that this would be their final showdown.

If this opportunity slipped by, neither would dare to advance further.

"Brother Ye, this is it! When two paths cross, the braver one wins!" Zhao Xing shouted.

A deafening roar followed. Ye Yukong responded not with words but with action—his sword aura exploded into the sky, piercing the clouds and signaling his resolve.

"There!" Qiu Changzhi immediately sensed the resonance of the ancient coin ceasing its movement. At the same time, the surge of sword intent pinpointed its location.

The opportunity was now within reach!

The treasure was almost in his grasp!

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

The shouts echoed simultaneously. Ye Yukong, Zhao Xing, Qiu Changzhi, and his 200 elite guards charged toward one another, their killing intent erupting like a tidal wave.

None of them hesitated. None of them intended to retreat.

The three kilometers between them vanished in an instant.

As the two forces closed the gap, Zhao Xing's remaining 190 avatars sprang into action. One hundred of them manifested simultaneously, each holding a seventh-rank Divine Talisman that shimmered in the void.

Within a five-kilometer radius, the third quarter of the Chou hour reversed to the exact moment of Zi hour (midnight).

The light from the divine statues carried by Qiu Changzhi's priestly guards dimmed to an almost imperceptible flicker.

"One hundred Zi-Sealing Talismans?" Qiu Changzhi's heart skipped a beat. At last, he could see the full extent of his opponent's power.

However, his response was immediate.

"Invoke the spirits! Descend upon me!"

With a thunderous shout, the 200 elite guards roared in unison. Behind them, their divine spirits opened their eyes.

Yet the process of spirit possession slowed dramatically. The Zi-Sealing Talismans extended what should have been a brief invocation into an agonizingly slow ordeal.

"Blood Sacrifice to the Golden Body—Shatter!"

Qiu Changzhi's eyes burned red as he summoned a three-headed, six-armed foreign Yin God to possess him.

The Yin God extended its razor-sharp claws, slashing across Qiu Changzhi and the chests of his 200 elite guards.

"Splurt—"

Blood sprayed, splattering onto the golden statues behind them.

The statues shattered instantly.

One hundred Zi-Sealing Talismans, shimmering with divine power, began to crack under the immense pressure.

The intertwining of Yin and Yang created a resonance that flung open the channel to summon divine spirits in an instant.

"Second invocation: bestow us divine strength!"

"Third invocation: vanquish the demons!"

Changwu Marquis, along with his 200 elite guards, completed the Three Invocations of the Divine Spirits in a matter of moments.

The price? Fifty years of lifespan.

But in exchange, the aura of Qiu Changzhi swelled immensely, surpassing the perfection of the Third Rank and beginning its march toward the Second Rank. The atmosphere thundered with deafening explosions as his power surged uncontrollably.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Zhao Xing's Heavenly Thunder Finger struck with unrelenting fury, slamming into the divine phantasm above the elite guards.

The battle formation trembled under the assault, but it reassembled itself just as quickly.

"Hahaha, Zhao Xing, so it's you!" Qiu Changzhi laughed, his voice echoing with unrestrained arrogance.

"You've got some nerve!"

"To think you'd dare challenge a superior force with your meager numbers!"

"Behold the wrath of the King of the Underworld! Divine authority descends—kneel before me!"

Changwu Marquis's aura became oppressive, his divine presence akin to that of a god descending to the mortal realm. He extended a finger skyward, and the 200 statues behind him mirrored his motion.

A colossal purple eye, spanning over a kilometer, appeared in the heavens, its gaze fixed on Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing's avatars swayed unsteadily, as if an unseen force compelled them to kneel under the overwhelming divine authority.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The Soul-Crushing Bell activated, jolting Zhao Xing back to clarity.

However, just as he regained his composure, the Eye of the Underworld in the sky began to radiate crackling lightning, ready to strike.

"Rumble!"

The thunder roared like a god's judgment, as if the heavens themselves had descended to mete out punishment. Zhao Xing's avatar, clutching the ancient coin, was obliterated instantly, reduced to nothing but scattered fragments.

"Whoosh!"

Changwu Marquis's eyes gleamed with greed as the divine phantasm behind him extended its massive hand, desperately grabbing for the ancient coin.

But just as the coin seemed within reach, it plummeted rapidly into the earth, disappearing into the depths.

The colossal hand swiped at nothing but air.

"Now's the time!"

Zhao Xing's remaining avatars sprang into action, launching an array of techniques. The Soul-Crushing Bell rang out once more, and the Dreamwalking Technique activated.

While Changwu Marquis remained unfazed, his 200 elite guards were not so fortunate. A haze of confusion clouded their minds, their movements growing sluggish and erratic.

The battle formation drew on its reserves, channeling energy to heal the guards' injuries and counter the effects of the Dreamwalking Technique. Yet even so, a momentary weakness flickered across Qiu Changzhi's face.

"Damn it!"

Sensing something amiss, Qiu Changzhi snapped his gaze upward.

What he saw stunned him—a full moon, glowing brilliantly, reflected in his wide eyes. The King of the Underworld's phantasm had vanished from his sight entirely.

"What a beautiful moonlight," he murmured, momentarily entranced.

"Moonlight Illuminates the Earth!"

Ye Yukong's voice resonated across the battlefield. His sword aura descended like cascading moonlight, penetrating everything in its path. Nothing between heaven and earth could obstruct the piercing intent of his Moonlight Sword.

The endless torrent of moonlit sword intent converged entirely on Changwu Marquis.

Qiu Changzhi's body glowed momentarily before it was riddled with countless tiny holes, each emitting a faint light.

"I've lost…" Qiu Changzhi muttered, glancing down at his punctured body.

The ancient coin, hanging from his waist by a frayed cord, snapped loose and began to fall.

He instinctively reached for it, but his hand was no longer there. Nor was his lower body—it had already disintegrated.

"In the end, I succumbed to my own greed."

This final thought flickered through Qiu Changzhi's mind before his consciousness was engulfed by eternal darkness.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

With the leader gone, the battle formation crumbled completely. The remaining 200 elite guards were annihilated in an instant by Ye Yukong's Moonlight Sword intent.

"Boom!"

Three blazing crimson pillars of light descended upon the battlefield—Changwu Marquis's reinforcements had arrived.

"Retreat!" Zhao Xing shouted as he grabbed Ye Yukong, activating the Step to Infinity technique.

His remaining avatars followed suit, disappearing one by one.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The net of heaven and earth descended, but it was too late—it caught nothing but empty air.

"Lord Marquis is… dead!" The deputy general, witnessing the scene, could only cry out in terror.

With the treasure secured, Zhao Xing and Ye Yukong fled over a thousand kilometers within half an hour. They emerged in the desolate wilderness of Heze Prefecture's Wasteland County.

"Rustle… rustle…"

Amid the clearing mist, Zhao Xing and Ye Yukong appeared beneath a massive tree.

"We made it out," Zhao Xing sighed in relief. "Brother Ye, we're far from Dongze County now. Brother Ye?"

Ye Yukong stood silently at the base of the hill, holding a purple ancient coin in his hand, staring blankly at the night sky.

Above, the full moon shone brightly, and a golden dragon's shadow descended from the heavens. The pillar of fortune above Ye Yukong's head deepened from purple-red to dark purple.

In that moment, Ye Yukong broke through to the Second Rank. The transformation was so rapid that before Zhao Xing could utter his next question, the moonlight above had already vanished.

"Amazing… such a miraculous artifact truly exists," Ye Yukong murmured.

He turned to Zhao Xing, handing him the ancient coin. "Brother Zhao, what exactly is the origin of this ancient coin?"

Zhao Xing examined the coin and broke into a smile. "It seems today is a lucky day. Brother Ye, you've only absorbed one-tenth of its power, yet you've triggered the descent of fortune across Pinghai Province."

"This coin is a Fortune Coin."