Chapter 527: Era Worm, 150 Million Contribution Points?

Seeing the condition of Prefect Zi Yue and Prefect Yu Qing, Zhao Xing frowned. However, he wasn't flustered, as their strength wasn't formidable, and he could easily suppress them. Yet, he could only suppress them; he had no way to solve the underlying problem. After all, these two weren't under an illusion, which meant simple methods wouldn't work. Expertise was required, and this problem would likely need a powerful historian to resolve. Fortunately, he had a demigod-level historian within his inner world.

"Venerable Tianguan, please forgive me for interrupting your meditation; I have an urgent matter to consult you about." Zhao Xing brought Venerable Tianguan out.

"Please speak, Chief Agronomist Zhao," Venerable Tianguan asked, puzzled.

"Have you ever heard of history worms?"

"History worms." Venerable Tianguan's expression changed. "Of course, I've heard of them. Bookworms are the bane of all scholars, but most don't cause significant harm. However, history worms pose a great threat to us historians. They are Dao worms born in the long river of history, considered the most extraordinary insects in the world. Legend has it that adult history worms can influence historical time and space, even leading to the extinction of entire ancient kingdoms. However, they usually only exist in the Dao Ancient layer and rarely mature. In this era, history worms are largely extinct; even if larvae exist, they seldom grow to full size. Historically, there was a history worm catastrophe, rumored to be one of the causes of the historical discontinuity after the end of the Five Emperors era."

Zhao Xing recalled the Dao Ancient Golden Cicada Robe that Five Poisons had once given him. The Dao Ancient layer gives birth to unique life forms, and these Dao worms often have a direct connection to the origin of the Grand Dao. Creatures born in the Dao Manifestation layer and Image Manifestation layer are relatively easier to comprehend and kill. Zhao Xing had some knowledge of insect plagues but had never heard of a history worm catastrophe.

"Is it really that exaggerated?"

"I don't know; I haven't seen one myself," Venerable Tianguan replied, shaking his head.

"Look at these two," Zhao Xing said, pushing Prefect Yu Qing and Prefect Zi Yue toward Venerable Tianguan. "Their memories are distorted, as if influenced by history worms."

Venerable Tianguan looked at them with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. After a careful examination, he quickly reported, "These indeed seem like symptoms of being affected by historian magic, but I can't discern the essence and therefore cannot resolve it."

Zhao Xing then said, "Brother Tianguan, please open your Azure River of History and take a look. You are from the ancient kingdom of Mangya; if our nation's history is affected, you should know immediately."

Venerable Tianguan promptly complied. An Azure River of History encircled his body, and bronze gates floated and sank within different historical currents, seemingly segmenting certain historical nodes. Some sections of the river were clear, while others were murky. The clarity or murkiness of the Azure River of History indicated the historian's strength. Venerable Tianguan had a complete grasp of his nation's historical river, with very few murky sections. However, the great river symbolizing the history of the Mysterious Spirit Starfield had many turbid areas.

Above this, there was another layer of the river, encompassing both the Mysterious Spirit Starfield and the newly discovered Heaven's Bounty Starfield, including the ancient demon race, humanity, and various other life forms, forming the "Cosmic History." The river representing Cosmic History was entirely ethereal and chaotic, with only a trickle flowing. Nevertheless, Venerable Tianguan, having even this rudimentary form, was already a leader in his profession. Zhao Xing had seen Yang Baihe's display, and he hadn't even cultivated Cosmic History.

"I haven't found any problems with our nation's history," Venerable Tianguan said. But then his gaze shifted, and his expression changed. "However, there are issues with the history of the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom and the ancient demon race."

"Which epoch?"

"The 452nd solar year of the Eighth Epoch before the Desolate Domain—I can't see it!" Venerable Tianguan's face showed some alarm. "This is bad!"

"Brother Tianguan, don't panic!" Zhao Xing exclaimed. "I've just received news that a swarm of history worms is encroaching upon the Third Epoch of the Desolate Domain. I'm not sure of their full impact, but as a historian, you might know more. Now, let's each inform the trustworthy high-ranking members of our respective factions."

"Alright, alright." Venerable Tianguan, no longer in the mood for meditation, immediately summoned a winged ancient demon, mounted it, and swiftly departed from the Bowa Star Continent. Zhao Xing also left the area at once.

"Judging by Venerable Tianguan's reaction, the current erosion is confined to the history of the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom, indicating a localized attack. Old Qing, as a former ruler in the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom's history, learned of this covert attack. However, for some reason, he couldn't effectively transmit the information back to the Third Epoch of the Desolate Domain." Zhao Xing quickly speculated, "If history worms are only eroding the history of the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom, could they be targeting the Reincarnation Temple?"

What was in the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom? The Reincarnation Temple, of course; its main stronghold was within the kingdom's territory.

After flying out of the Bowa Star Continent, Zhao Xing immediately attempted to send a message back to the Primal Realm via his Star Mirror. But just then, "Whoosh~" The Star Mirror suddenly turned fiery red and scorching hot, refusing his use.

"What's going on?" Zhao Xing's eyebrow twitched. The Star Mirror in his hand trembled continuously, showing signs of self-destruction.

"How is this possible?" Zhao Xing was shocked. As a Primal Emissary, his Star Mirror was integrated with the Primal Token. A Star Mirror of this caliber couldn't be tampered with, not even by Gu Luohe. This was because it was directly controlled by the artifact spirit of the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon. Refusing his access and threatening to self-destruct?

But just then, Zhao Xing noticed the Star Mirror stabilizing. A pale blue light emerged from its interior, contending with the fiery red glow. At the point where the two colors met, a white square and a pure black square appeared. Countless black and white dots emerged, and a multitude of microscopic matrices materialized before Zhao Xing. The palm-sized Star Mirror now displayed trillions of miniature spell formations. It was only then that Zhao Xing realized the Star Mirror in his hand was such an incredibly complex mechanical construct. Observing this scene, Zhao Xing felt as if they were individual soldiers, clashing with each other.

"This is bad!" Zhao Xing's heart sank. One of these artifact spirits was clearly a splinter of Emperor Zifang, and the other a splinter of Emperor Chenjiu. "Could it be that the artifact spirit life of the Star Mirror has also been affected?"

Zhao Xing decisively wrapped the Star Mirror in layers of azure power and then placed it inside the black box given to him by Venerable Bomeng. Zhao Xing no longer dared to take the usual routes or use the Star Mirror for communication. He considered using karmic threads to connect, but then realized that since the Great Dao of Space-Time and the Great Dao of Karma were closely linked, this might not be safe either. He immediately activated his mental willpower technique, using mental projection to call out to Gu Luohe, Ji Si, Five Poisons, and others. This method proved effective.

Ji Si was the first to respond, with a simple message: "Chief Agronomist, the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon's artifact spirit splinters are acting abnormally. I am currently battling within the Celestial Master's Mansion. Do not use the Star Mirror again."

Zhao Xing immediately asked, "What exactly is happening?"

Ji Si hurriedly replied, "It's not clear yet, but it involves the empire's Dao Soldier Artifact Spirit system."

Zhao Xing's eyes widened. The Red Star Empire originated from mechanists, and its advanced mechanical artifact spirit system was the primary reason for the empire's expansion. Artifact spirits controlled numerous facilities, covering almost every aspect: spell formation operation, barrier protection, and mechanical puppet armies. When Zhao Xing first entered the universe, the first "person" he encountered wasn't a flesh-and-blood being, but the artifact spirit 'Ayina'. If the artifact spirit system malfunctioned, the consequences would be dire. The thought of billions of mechanical puppets at Jiachen Pass rebelling and identifying their own people as "enemies" sent shivers down Zhao Xing's spine.

"Could it be that the Evil God faction simultaneously attacked the history of the Tianyou Empire, where the Reincarnation Temple is located, and the empire's artifact spirit system?" At that moment, Zhao Xing looked around, seeing no enemies. Yet, he felt a chilling sensation, as if the entire world had turned against him.

At this moment, Gu Luohe's mental response also arrived: "Do not take the original path. Do not initiate spaceless teleportation before returning to the empire. Abandon all means like mechanical realm ships and spell formations. Plants will show you the way home."

Zhao Xing immediately jumped out of the White Jade Five Tombs Ship. Although Wei Tianchen's warship showed no abnormalities, Zhao Xing, ever adaptable, promptly heeded the advice.

"Plants will guide me home?" Zhao Xing immediately thought of something. Green sprouts instantly grew on Zhao Xing's body, activating the perfected Five Elements Sprout Art. Variant technique, activate! All the parasitic species on Zhao Xing's body mutated into Void Seeds!

With a whoosh, void shuttling allowed Zhao Xing to immediately change his original course. Three breaths later, he landed on the administrative planet of the Bowa star system. As a first-class star system of the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom, the administrative planet of the Bowa system housed a Primal Realm outpost.

"Primal Stronghold, no entry!" When Zhao Xing landed at the Primal Hall, a large number of mechanical puppets immediately appeared.

"Get lost!" Vines swirled around Zhao Xing, lashing out like iron whips, creating spatial ripples that sent the dense mechanical puppets flying into outer space. These mechanical puppets no longer recognized his identity. Naturally, Zhao Xing wouldn't waste his breath.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!" Moving like a phantom, he immediately found his target in a forest space within the Primal Hall. It was a brilliant sea of flowers, with translucent petals and roots shimmering with starlight.

"Instantaneous Flower Sea!" When mechanical spell formations were unusable, the teleportation abilities of wondrous plants were still functional. Back when Zhao Xing accumulated points by clearing challenges across the Primal Realm, he mostly used Instantaneous Flowers. At that time, they were single plants with short teleportation distances, but now it was an entire sea of flowers. While a single Instantaneous Flower had a short teleportation range, a flower sea forming a life spell formation could transport one over great distances.

"Teleport to the Red Tower Star System of the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom!" Zhao Xing sat within the petals of the most central, blossoming Instantaneous Flower. He then pulled the stamens; each three-meter-tall stamen functioned like a control lever. Zhao Xing swiftly initiated the teleportation.

"Buzz~" The entire flower sea lit up. Luminous dots from the roots converged towards the central Flower King. The petals closed, pink and translucent. Zhao Xing felt a powerful spatial-temporal essence gathering directly above him. The next moment— "Boom!" The closed petals erupted like a volcano, launching Zhao Xing into the sky. The stream of light shot up a hundred meters, then abruptly ceased and vanished. Zhao Xing's figure disappeared in an oval stream of light from the Bowa star system. The next moment, he descended from his ascent, appearing inside another Instantaneous Flower King.

"One, two, three, four... there are still nine stamens, meaning one more teleportation is possible." Zhao Xing counted the stamens; half had withered, but nine still stood firm, indicating that the Instantaneous Flower Sea could perform another teleportation. As a long-distance teleportation method usable only by high-ranking individuals in the Primal Realm, not many could employ it.

After three teleportations, Zhao Xing had left the territory of the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom and successfully returned to the empire's southern border—the State of Liufang. The State of Liufang was a vassal state of the empire, serving as a border pass where the demon race and the empire met. The famous Demon Suppression Pass was established with Liufang as its center, and Yun Tiandao had once distinguished himself there. Upon arriving, Zhao Xing could sense his clones stored within the empire's territory.

"Chaos has erupted in the State of Liufang." Zhao Xing observed the layered stellar ring-continents; the void passages were all closed. Inside the spell formation, many people were being hunted by mechanical puppets. "I wonder how long it will take for the empire to restore order to its artifact spirit system," Zhao Xing mused. Even a few minutes of shutdown or chaos could lead to terrifying disasters. The longer it dragged on, the more devastating the damage would be.

"Freeze!" Before initiating spaceless teleportation, Zhao Xing's Mustard Seed Dharma Domain enveloped the entire State of Liufang, freezing all mechanical puppets. However, he was an amateur in the Way of Mechanisms; he could only freeze them, not destroy all the artifact spirits. Destroying them indiscriminately before knowing their function was not a good idea.

"Emperor Liufang, do you recognize me?" Zhao Xing appeared before the ruler of Liufang. At that moment, the ruler was being besieged by seven silver mechanical puppets. These puppets were like liquid, transforming sometimes into demons and sometimes into humans. However, after Zhao Xing's arrival, they completely solidified, unable to move.

"Greetings, Chief Agronomist Zhao." Emperor Liufang knelt on the ground. Before Zhao Xing could ask, Emperor Liufang tearfully recounted in terror: "Chief Agronomist Zhao, we have never betrayed the empire, never! Why would the empire's border-guarding artifact spirits designate our State of Liufang as an enemy?"

Zhao Xing remained silent. If even his Star Mirror had problems, then the issues in vassal territories like the State of Liufang would likely be even more severe.

"What just happened?"

"The border-guarding artifact spirits dispatched powerful mechanical puppets to slaughter the elites of our State of Liufang—" Emperor Liufang recounted sorrowfully. "It was too sudden. Tens of thousands of our strongest individuals in Liufang were instantly executed by the Lightning Realm Net and the Slaughter Realm Net. And seven Grand Luo Heavenly Soldiers deployed from the border arsenal to besiege me." As Emperor Liufang recalled it now, he felt as if he were in a nightmare.

"Emperor Liufang, I can leave a clone behind to help you clear up the mess." Zhao Xing didn't understand the intricacies of the situation, but since Emperor Liufang recognized him, he seemed normal. Thus, Zhao Xing left a clone to help him sort things out. He didn't share his suspicions with Emperor Liufang, fearing it would cause greater panic.

"First, protect yourself and try to rally the empire's elites here, awaiting new orders. Remember, only obey human commands, not those of artifact spirits." With that, Zhao Xing's main body activated spaceless teleportation.

After activating spaceless teleportation, Zhao Xing didn't appear in the Primal Realm but under a pale blue starry sky. He stood to Gu Luohe's right, on a small star-continent. Many divine realm experts were nearby; Zhao Xing counted, and there were as many as thirty-six. Among those he recognized were Mind General Qiluo, Martial God Yama Ao, the mechanical god Yuan Yuan, and Sword God Guomeng. Zhao Xing looked at Gu Luohe and realized that even Gu Luohe had become a Sovereign Divine General!

Behind these divine realm experts were numerous demigods, such as Five Poisons and Meng Wu. Everyone's gaze was fixed forward, where a dazzling mechanical planet glowed red and blue. Two distinct energies occupied opposing hemispheres, and around the planet, torrents of mechanical puppets and Dao soldiers were clashing. Artisan God Yuanyuan was next to the mechanical planet, the only one close enough.

Zhao Xing swallowed hard. This must be where the empire's most powerful divine artifact, the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon, was located. The fluctuations ahead were blocked by the Artisan God, yet even from this distance, they still shook Zhao Xing's mind.

"Senior Gu, this—" The Grand Evolution Divine Weapon indeed had problems, but what was the cause?

Gu Luohe glanced at Zhao Xing's returned main body and shook his head. "The Great Emperor is not in this current space-time, and the nine artifact spirits splintered from the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon showed abnormalities fifteen minutes ago. Zifang and Chenjiu attacked each other, even marking me as an enemy. Two Red Star Divine Soldiers from the Primal Realm ambushed me and destroyed Seaweed City. I only escaped by breaking through to become a Sovereign God," Gu Luohe said with a grim expression. "General Yuanyuan arrived and suppressed the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon's further rampage. The Celestial Master's Mansion is also conducting deductions, but they haven't found the cause yet."

Zhao Xing's heart tightened. He hadn't expected Gu Luohe to become a target. Seaweed City was destroyed, and Gu Luohe was forced to become a Sovereign Divine General? This was an unprecedented disaster.

"Senior, I have an urgent matter to report." Zhao Xing suddenly recalled something.

"Speak."

"On my way back..." Zhao Xing recounted his trip to the Bowa Star Continent and Qingyu Zi's warning.

"What did you say?" At that moment, from the other side, a middle-aged man wearing a Grand Beginning Dharma Robe, with a Grand Historian's Crown on his head and divine power burning around him, appeared with a flash before Zhao Xing. "History worms? Are you sure?"

"Reporting to General Xinghuo, this is a revelation I received from God Qingyu. I cannot be certain; it's merely my own speculation." Zhao Xing knew this was the supreme leader of Xinghuo, also a Sovereign God of History who cultivated the Prime Chronicles.

"I understand." General Xinghuo immediately flew off, heading straight for the mechanical planet. As General Xinghuo approached, the entire mechanical planet suddenly expanded rapidly. "Roar~" A sharp cry, like that of a primeval behemoth, suddenly erupted from within the planet. General Xinghuo's seven or eight divine power avatars were seen dragging out a phantom from the contracting planet. The phantom was clearly half a worm, with a contorted mouthpart, rows of sharp teeth inside, and some paper scraps still clinging to it. Streams of light fell like liquid, causing the mechanical planet to ignite.

Zhao Xing felt a sudden disorientation, as if seeing multiple overlapping images. At the same time, the history worm larva in his storage ring also became agitated, constantly bumping against its insect box.

Epoch Worm (Mutated)Type: BookwormQuality: DivineStatus: AdultDescription: A mutated creature that has devoured Time Pages and numerous special historical texts, capable of influencing the spatial-temporal memories of artifact spirits.

"Hiss," Zhao Xing gasped, looking at the massive, writhing worm-beast spanning the starry sky. He never expected a mutated 'Epoch Worm' to have burrowed into the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon. This unique type of history worm specifically targeted artifact spirits. Compared to humans, the memories of artifact spirits were far more complex and vast. This Epoch Worm must have devoured countless volumes of "History of Mechanisms" related books. Taking advantage of Emperor Chixing's absence, it had stealthily infiltrated the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon, causing chaos throughout the empire's mechanical Dao soldier system! No wonder Artisan God Yuanyuan couldn't fix it immediately; this wasn't just a mechanical attack but one operating on an entirely different level.

"Roar—" When the Epoch Worm shrieked, numerous Dao soldiers began to tremble. Zhao Xing observed many powerful Dao soldier users behind him becoming agitated. Mechanists specializing in Dao soldiers were most affected; many Venerables were even wounded by their own Dao soldiers. However, after two more cries, the Epoch Worm was jointly dismembered into nine sections by General Yuanyuan and General Xinghuo. Ten thousand smaller nodes also shattered, scattering outwards, with numerous characters reflected in the flowing light. Zhao Xing felt these entities had no physical form but genuinely influenced space-time. However, they were soon restrained by the empire's divine realm experts.

"Hum~" The mechanical planet returned to a gentle blue color in the next moment. As the light began to recede, Zhao Xing saw the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon's true form—several terrifying holes had appeared on the mechanical planet.

"Whoosh!" General Yuanyuan and General Xinghuo returned.

"The Grand Evolution Divine Weapon's artifact spirits have recovered," Artisan God Yuanyuan said, looking grim. "However, the three sub-entities—Chenjiu, Zifang, and Tianyi—were severely damaged. Chenjiu, in particular, requires 'rebirth.' If the Great Emperor doesn't return, it will take thirty thousand realm-star years to recover to its pre-damaged state."

"What was that thing?" Yama Ao frowned, looking at the worm-beast's corpse.

"An Epoch Worm," General Xinghuo replied. "A unique Dao worm that causes deviations in artifact spirits' memories. It originated from a space-time territory in the Forty-Eighth Epoch of the Desolate Domain."

"I've never seen one before," Mind General Qiluo said with a solemn expression.

"Indeed, it's new," General Xinghuo shook his head. "This must be a creation of a Divine General-level Evil God who achieved Heavenly Dao Enlightenment."

All the divine generals fell silent; this was a very serious sign. Any creation resulting from Heavenly Dao Enlightenment was extremely powerful, and it was hard to say whether similar attacks would follow. General Xinghuo's gaze fell on Zhao Xing: "If Zhao Xing hadn't brought back Qingyu Zi's warning, I might not have detected this unseen Dao worm. Even a one-second delay would have resulted in significant losses for the empire. It seems Qingyu Zi made a discovery in that space-time. The Reincarnation Temple might be in trouble again. The erosion of the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom's history could trigger a major disaster. The Mysterious Spirit History Book gave no warning, likely suppressed by history worms as well. Proceed as planned."

Most of the conversation among the thirty-six divine generals was not shielded from Zhao Xing. Zhao Xing immediately understood that Old Qing's "work trip" likely led to a major discovery. However, his process of transmitting messages across different space-times was difficult, as at least the efficient and swift methods were blocked. Ultimately, he could only rely on transmitting messages to minor characters like Prefect Zi Yue and Prefect Yu Qing. If he hadn't taken on the task of cultivating history worms from the Immeasurable True God, he probably wouldn't have understood the message.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~" Large numbers of divine generals began to retract their divine light and disperse. Although the issue with the Grand Evolution Divine Weapon was resolved, many artifact spirits in other parts of the empire were not controlled by it. Zhao Xing also returned to the Primal Realm with Gu Luohe.

Back in the familiar Tai Chu City, Zhao Xing noticed a clear trace of fatigue in Gu Luohe's eyes. "Destruction is easy, reconstruction is hard. For a long time, the empire will have to reconstruct its Dao Soldier system and artifact spirit system. Because the Mysterious Spirit History Book gave no warning, had it not been for Qingyu Zi's transmitted message, the consequences would have been extremely severe."

Zhao Xing nodded. Artifact spirits collectively rebelling? That was indeed terrifying. For instance, the empire's legion-class divine artifacts, the Great Wall of Despair and the Four Seasons Heavenly Pass, capable of killing Sovereign Divine Generals, would be utterly catastrophic if turned inward. Fortunately, activating them required human operation; a mere artifact spirit rebellion couldn't launch them instantly.

"For this warning, Qingyu Zi holds the primary credit, and you hold secondary credit," Gu Luohe said. "The thirty-six divine generals of the empire have unanimously decided to award you 150 million contribution points."

150 million contribution points? Zhao Xing's heart trembled. What did that mean? Fifty million contribution points were enough to gain one opportunity to become a Sovereign God, with a probability of at least 30%. 150 million contribution points meant three opportunities: Heavenly Timing, Earthly Advantage, and True Self—exactly three opportunities! He had never imagined that deciphering Old Qing's message would earn him so many contribution points.

"Of course, merits involving over a hundred million contribution points need to be reported to the entire human high command of the Mysterious Spirit Starfield, requiring unanimous approval from the Primordial Hill, Origin Heavenly Palace, Reincarnation Temple, and the Ancient Kingdoms Alliance. Once finalized, you'll still need to wait some time."

"I understand, Senior." Zhao Xing, of course, understood. How vast were resources worth over a hundred million contribution points? Resources for becoming a god required careful allocation to anyone. He had once helped Old Qing become a god, and now Old Qing was indirectly helping him achieve godhood—truly a quid pro quo. If it truly happened, he would likely owe Old Qing a karmic debt.

"The Third Epoch of the Desolate Domain will be turbulent for the next five solar years," Gu Luohe said gravely. "Most of the time, I will not be able to look after you. You must be careful yourself."

"Senior, I have something else to report." Knowing Gu Luohe was busy, Zhao Xing immediately spoke up. "I have already killed Jin Yan. During this process, I discovered—"

As Gu Luohe listened, his expression grew difficult to read; Zhao Xing could even sense a distinct trace of anger in him. Gu Luohe was now a Sovereign Divine General; how could he not suppress his anger? Zhao Xing found it hard to imagine, even wondering if he had misjudged.

"You may leave," Gu Luohe waved his hand. "Do not cultivate the Primeval Strawman Technique for now."

Zhao Xing didn't know what had happened, but he knew Gu Luohe was certainly in a terrible mood. What exactly was the Primeval Strawman Technique connected to? Was Gu Tianyang truly alive in this space-time? Gu Luohe didn't elaborate, and Zhao Xing knew he shouldn't press the matter further. Before leaving the hall, Zhao Xing cast one last glance at Gu Luohe, who was seated, his figure appearing somewhat forlorn. Zhao Xing's main body disappeared outside the door.

The destruction of Seaweed City cast a shadow over the Primal Realm and even the entire empire. Zhao Xing's main body split into two clones; one went to the Great Zhou territory, and the other went to find Ji Si. His main body, however, arrived at Taixu City.

Taixu City was still as deserted as ever, only its city walls had vanished. Seaweed City was destroyed, Gu Luohe was attacked by divine soldiers, and several other targets were also within the strike range, including Zuo Qiyu's Taixu City. Yet, it was the lowest-lying Seaweed City that was destroyed, while Gu Luohe and Taixu City remained unharmed. Now, Zhao Xing no longer needed Gu Luohe to be present when visiting Zuo Qiyu.

At that moment, besides Zuo Qiyu, there was one other person in Taixu City: Liu Tianning. Old Liu had been researching the Strawman Technique, intending to create a method stronger than the Primeval Strawman Technique. Over the past two millennia, he and Zuo Qiyu had become fellow Daoists, meeting occasionally. When Zhao Xing arrived, Liu Tianning was visibly stunned.

"How are you two—"

Zhao Xing showed little reaction, but Zuo Qiyu, unable to control himself, rushed towards Zhao Xing. However, he was as quick to retreat as he was to advance. With a wave of Zhao Xing's sleeve, Zuo Qiyu spun back and reseated himself on the stone chair beneath the wisteria trellis.

A hum. A holy and radiant soul body of Zhao Xing appeared behind Zuo Qiyu. The Asura Tribe's Mind Will Secret Art, Immovable Wisdom King! The Asura Tribe was bloodthirsty and warlike. This secret art was created by their demigod leader to curb the tribe's innate aggression. After Zhao Xing displayed the Immovable Wisdom King, the murderous intent in Zuo Qiyu's eyes rapidly faded.

"Senior Zuo, I will teach you this method to suppress your desire for slaughter and protect your Dao until you achieve the Immovable Wisdom King. This will settle the karmic debt from when you taught me the Strawman Technique," Zhao Xing said, extending a finger and transmitting the Great Darkness Secret Art.

Zuo Qiyu nodded, closed his eyes tightly, and began to enter a cultivation state. Knowing he would soon have the opportunity to become a god, Zhao Xing began to proactively clear some karmic debts and obligations. Liu Tianning quietly waited nearby, and only when Zhao Xing finished did he ask, "Zhao Xing, what has happened?"

"It's a long story," Zhao Xing sighed. "It's very possible that Senior Zuo, Jin Yan, and I were merely experimental subjects for someone's Heavenly Dao Enlightenment."

"So you won't use it anymore?" Liu Tianning frowned.

"Indeed. Fortunately, I hope to find a substitute," Zhao Xing replied. Once the reward arrived, 150 million contribution points would be enough to traverse space-time, and Zhao Xing believed he could learn a divine-level Strawman Technique from historical space-time.

Liu Tianning pondered, "If that's the case, could you teach it to me?"

Zhao Xing was startled: "Teacher, haven't I made it clear enough? This technique..."

"I know," Liu Tianning smiled. "Even so, I still want to learn. Before, this was your path, and I hesitated to ask. But now that you don't intend to cultivate it, I want to give it a try. How rare is a Strawman Technique of Heavenly Dao Enlightenment? Although I haven't cultivated this technique, my understanding of it may not be inferior to yours. Even if Gu Tianyang truly hides behind the scenes, I wish to contend with him."

Listening to Old Liu'