Chapter 242 Howling Dog and Upside-Down Sheep, Winter Preliminary Selection (Long Chapter)

Qin Hongying asked Zhai Zhong and Wen Ji to set out from Bishui Taoist Temple to discuss further cooperation.

Zhao Xing's real body was preparing to leave Gemini Island.

After being busy for so long, Mr. Zhao also plans to go back to Bixian County to take a look.

One is to see how Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai are doing, and the other is to pay attention to Zhao Zheng's situation in Bishui Taoist Temple.

In addition, he also had to go to the palace.

It's already mid-November this year, and he hasn't met the old witch yet. How can this be okay?
Feelings are developed through interaction. How can you not see each other for a year?

Besides, the ten thousand year old black tortoise shell that the old witch promised to give him and the place in the qualifying round have not been confirmed yet.

I heard that she had returned to Bixian County, so Zhao Xing had to go there quickly while she was still there.

He also understood why Sun Shizhao was so excited at the time.

It’s really not easy to meet Princess Youruo.

However, before leaving, Zhao Xing still had to make some preparations and could not go empty-handed.

"When sending something to the old witch, the thought is what matters. Go to the planting area and pick some fruits."

Zhao Xing ran to a plantation on Lu Island, which was his private garden.

There are strict magic arrays guarding the surroundings, and no one is allowed to approach.

Call ~
Zhao Xing held a token, passed through the barrier and landed in the plantation.

He had brought a lot of seeds and seedlings from the military world, and when he took office on the Gemini Islands, he planted them all here.

Counting the time, it has been almost a year.

In fact, as Princess Youruo, she had everything she needed, so Zhao Xing couldn't think of anything new to give her.

Zhao Xing first transplanted several golden bamboos in a bamboo forest.

Golden Bamboo is a fifth-level ornamental plant with a crystal green bamboo body and golden branches and leaves.

It can also be used to make Sinon's weapon - the Spell Scepter.

Its practicality is average, but it is very cool and can add a layer of golden brilliance to spells.

He doesn't like such flashy things, but those dignitaries like them.

The cool special effects make the magic appear noble.

This golden bamboo was originally planted to be given as a gift.

"rise!"

Zhao Xing transplanted eighty-eight plants onto the Taicang flying boat, which was a flying boat specially used by Wen Sinong for transplanting crops.

shuh~
Zhao Xing let the flying boat float, flew for a distance, and ran into a cave.

The cave here is connected to the underground magma lake.

Zhao Xing picked another dark red, five-meter-tall willow tree.

"A fifth-level red curtain willow, with flames flowing through the willow branches, hanging down like a red curtain formed by flames, and the willow catkins flying around like fireworks."

Zhao Xing used the method of folding and trimming the seven curtain willows to make them more beautiful, and then transplanted them to the Taicang flying boat.

Finally, we came to the center of the manor, where there were twelve big trees.

However, only one plant bloomed and bore fruit, and only nine of them were produced.

"The sixth-level purple ivy fruits are ripe. Let's send them to the old witch first." Zhao Xing picked the nine purple ivy fruits.

Even though he spent a huge amount of money to build the Ksitigarbha Guiyuan Array and turned this place into a "secondary treasure land", the purple yuan fruit trees were only barely mature, and the fruits they produced were only the lower grade sixth grade.

With meticulous care and the right timing and location, only one purple ivy fruit tree matured in a year.

Because the growth cycle of woody plants is very long, especially the sixth stage, which is the limit of what Zhao Xing can cultivate.

The sixth-level plants previously in the Midnight Sea, such as the Fish-Eating Grass and the Blue Sea Cloud Vine, were all vines and belonged to the Herbaceous Class.

In terms of growth cycle, woody plants are higher than vines and higher than herbaceous plants.

The growth cycle of woody plants is usually hundreds or thousands of times longer than that of vines and herbaceous plants.

Take plankton for example. If Liu Tianning had given him a seventh-level woody plant instead of plankton.

Zhao Xing wouldn't accept it even if he wanted it.

Why? Because it takes too long.

Even if he were to break through to the fifth level in the future and cultivate pure soil, he would not be able to plant trees right away as it would put too much strain on his body.

What are the conditions for the Si Nong who plant trees in the I-Self sect? They have been planting the same tree for generations!

Grandfather cultivates it in the seedling stage, and passes it to father after his death. Father cultivates it in the growth stage, and the grandson takes over and cultivates it to the mature stage. After his death, it is passed to the great-grandson, but it may not necessarily bear fruit, so it has to be passed down again.

During the reign of Emperor Taizu, Wu Cheng, the Minister of Agriculture, planted a rare and precious tree (a super-quality plant that exceeded the ninth level). It is said that this sacred tree is more than 2,500 years old.

After being passed down for seven generations, the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture has not yet reached maturity.

It was not until the reign of Emperor Wu that it finally matured, but it only produced fruit once before returning to its growth stage again.

Shangluo College has passed down from generation to generation that there are divine tree branches of the [Rare Treasures] level. These are one level lower than the peerless treasures, but their effects are also very powerful.

However, it is only passed on to the leader of the ego faction, and the leader of the ego faction usually serves as the dean of Shangluo College.

"almost."

After Zhao Xing prepared the gifts, he drove the flying boat away from Gemini Island.

After returning to Bixian County, I first went to Dongyang County to visit my adoptive father.

As a result, when he came back, he found the house decorated with lights and full of joy.

A group of old women surrounded Mrs. Cai and kept congratulating her, while Mrs. Cai held her head high, looking very proud.

"Shu~"

Zhao Xing stepped on the cloud and landed in the next yard, where he found Zhao Ruide who was distributing rewards.

"Godfather, what's the good news? How come I don't know about it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Xing'er, you're back just in time." Zhao Ruide said cheerfully, "Madam has just diagnosed a pregnancy. You're going to be a brother again."

"Congratulations, godfather." Zhao Xing also smiled.

Thanks to the money and connections brought back by Zhao Xing, Zhao Ruide donated a lot of money to the "Charity Nursing Home" of the Nanyang County government.

Afterwards, he was awarded the title of "Ciyang Doctor". This title did not have any substantial benefits, but it opened up the channel for self-cultivation to ascend to the seventh rank.

Zhao Ruide was originally a warrior. He ate some of the treasures that Zhao Xing brought back, and at the age of 61, he became a ninth-rank warrior.

After arriving in Bixian County, Zhao Ruide had nothing to do, so he applied for the post of patrol guard in Dongyang County.

It was natural for Yuan Ranghou's father to be a small patrol guard, which was a piece of cake.

Within a year, Zhao Ruide became the deputy director of the Dongyang Inspection Office and broke through to the eighth-grade warrior realm.

At the eighth level, sixty years old is not considered old, and the previous hidden injuries will naturally no longer exist.

Now, Mrs. Cai is pregnant again.

"Father, do you want a daughter or a son?" Zhao Xing asked.

"It's better to have a daughter than a son." Zhao Ruide said with a smile, "You and Zheng'er have been through enough."

Zhao Xing smiled silently.

But what Zhao Ruide said was right. He had moved millions of miles away from home with his family, and it was indeed a lot of trouble.

Zhao Zheng was not a worry-free child when he was young. He never listened to his father. He climbed up the roof to tear off the tiles, went into the water to fish, and set off firecrackers to blow up the toilet. He was very naughty.

"I also hope to have a younger sister." Zhao Xing said with a smile, "I think she will be much more obedient than Zheng'er."

After chatting with Zhao Ruide for a while, Zhao Xing planned to go to the palace in the county town.

Finally, Zhao Ruide pulled Zhao Xing aside and asked, "I asked several gentlemen in the county to choose characters for you, and they chose four in total."

"Which four?"

"Ze Yu, Yuan You, Xizhen, Chen An."

"A gentleman is like jade, and his kindness is felt everywhere. Ze Yu is a good name for you. This was given by Yang Taigong, the censor of the prefecture."

"Rare talent, confident and courageous, I hope it really suits your character. This was chosen by Mr. Yue Lu, the last governor of Bixian County."

"The five elements of Yuanyou are wood and earth. You are Si Nong, protecting all the people. It is also very good to express your aspirations with a character. This was chosen by Liu Sicheng of the Princess's Mansion." Zhao Ruide recalled.

"My godfather actually knows so many important people. Who chose Chen An?" Zhao Xing asked with a smile.

Zhao Ruide pointed at himself and said, "I named Chen An. I hope you are safe and sound every hour."

Zhao Xing's smile paused, then returned to normal, cupped his hands and said, "Then it will be as you wish. Take your name Chen An."

Zhao Ruide immediately laughed happily.

…………

On November 12, the 21st year of the Jingxin calendar, the beginning of winter had just passed.

After Zhao Xing returned home, he stayed there for one day and then went to the palace to pay a visit to Princess Youruo.

"Teacher's wife, I am here to greet you."

"If you're coming, then come. Why bring so many gifts?" Princess Youruo said with some joy in her eyes.

Because Zhao Xing had nothing to give away, they were all planted by him, and he also carefully trimmed them to make the golden green bamboo and red curtain willow more ornamental.

The Purple Ivy Fruit is a sixth-level fruit. Not only does it have heart, it also demonstrates Zhao Xing's ability.

Prove that he did not waste the resources given by Princess Youruo.

"This is a token of my disciple's love," Zhao Xing said. "I planted it for Master's wife when I came here a year ago."

Planted a year ago?
Princess Youruo felt more comfortable after listening to this.

Although it was of no use to her, the fact that Zhao Xing was willing to do these things for her proved that he really meant it.

"Come, walk with me and plant these things."

"Yes."

Zhao Xing followed Princess Youruo and came to a garden.

Plants such as golden bamboo and red curtain willow were transplanted here.

"Yes, it is really beautiful." Princess Youruo praised with great appreciation.

"Go with Liu Sicheng to pick out the ten thousand year old black tortoise shells I promised you earlier."

"After you choose, have dinner at your house before leaving."

"Yes." Zhao Xing bowed and followed Liu Wanliang, the secretary of the royal palace, to the warehouse.

The Prince's Assistant was an official position in the Great Zhou Dynasty. He was responsible for handling all the affairs of the royal family, including princesses and princes. He was a steward who served the royal family exclusively.

Princess Youruo has many housekeepers because she has many palaces and mansions.

This Liu Wanliang is the chief steward, holding the fourth rank in the government, and his own strength is unfathomable.

Zhao Xing remembered this man because when Princess Youruo later married into the Holy Light Royal Court, he followed her and was very loyal.

Later, Princess Youruo turned into an old witch, and many secret tasks were handled by Liu Wanliang.

The inner treasury of the royal palace is not a single room, but a series of palaces.

Each palace contains different treasures.

Liu Wanliang led Zhao Xing and jumped into a lake.

There is a crystal palace in the lake. After entering the palace's barrier, Zhao Xing was dazzled.

A large number of rare treasures from the seabed are neatly displayed and hung everywhere in the palace.

If you take any one and sell it, you won’t be able to finish it in several lifetimes.

"Marquis Yuan Rang." Liu Wanliang brought Zhao Xing to a side hall deep in the Crystal Palace, surrounded by various underwater green plants and corals.

In the side hall, there are many huge tortoise shells.

"Marquis Yuan Rang, the ten thousand year old tortoise shells are all here."

"There are black turtles, fire turtles, alligator turtles, dragon turtles..."

Liu Wanliang introduced.

"Marquis Yuan Rang can choose whatever he wants."

Zhao Xing was not greedy. He just wanted one thing: the shell of a ten thousand year old black tortoise.

"I don't need to choose carefully. Please pick a pair of ten thousand year old black tortoise shells for me."

"Just one serving?"

"Just one serving."

"Okay." Liu Wanliang nodded, then floated to the front and pointed, "Get up!"

Boom~
A crack appeared in the ground, and then a huge monster with a faint light flashed out from the ground.

I never thought that there was another space underground to store treasures.

"Boom~" "Boom~"

A small hill emerged from the ground, and when its full size appeared in the water, Zhao Xing couldn't help but be startled.

so big!

The tortoise shell is a thousand meters long from front to back! The upper part of the shell is oval, but the bottom is flat, and the height is nearly fifty meters.

Like a small hill.

Although the size of this thousand-year-old black turtle is not as big as the dragon whale seen in the Midnight Sea, it is also extremely exaggerated.

The hexagonal tortoise shell pattern could be enough to build a three-bedroom apartment.

"The patterns on the turtle's back are growth patterns. The patterns on the back of a ten-thousand-year-old black turtle are densely packed, and they contain more principles of heaven and earth." Zhao Xing observed, "If you use it to perform the Turtle Divination Method, you can bear a higher price."

Liang Ruohai tested himself at the time and thought that if he had a ten thousand year old black tortoise by his side, he would not have died within ten years.

It can be carried down by using the tortoise shell of this black tortoise.

Of course, this thing can't be used directly.

After moving it back, it needs to be calcined again using the fire refining method.

"It will take half a year of calcining with heavenly fire and practicing the fire refining method to fully exert its effectiveness." Zhao Xing said secretly.

"Wow~"

"Wow~"

Liu Wanliang used magic to fish out the turtle shell that was as big as a hill.

Loaded onto a cargo warship next to the lake.

"Thank you, Lord Liu." Zhao Xing bowed to express his gratitude.

"You are welcome, Lord Yuan Rang." Liu Wanliang replied, "This warship will be parked here first. Your Highness has also prepared some other gifts for you."

"We can go somewhere else first. When we come back, the black turtles here should have been loaded onto the ship."

besides?

As expected of the Princess of the East Sea, she never gives out rewards in single items.

Zhao Xing followed Liu Wanliang and flew to another palace.

"Wang Wang~"

"Ow~"

Zhao Xing was startled when he heard the faint sound of dogs barking coming from the palace in front.

Before landing, Liu Wanliang introduced: "This is the Divine Dog Palace."

"His Highness said that you would participate in the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition, so he asked you to come to the Divine Dog Palace to select a cub."

"Many famous dogs were bred here, including the Ten Great Dogs."

"You can let me choose the divine dog?" Zhao Xing was stunned.

"Of course." Liu Wanliang nodded, "Does Yuan Ranghou know which ten divine dogs they are?"

"Frost Flower Kite, Star Wolf, Golden Winged Lion, Blue Water Dragon, Black Jade, Yellow Leopard, Snow Claw Lu, Sky Magpie, Speckled Beast, Blue Lion. These ten are the divine dogs of the world."

Liu Wanliang nodded slightly: "Since Marquis Yuan Rang understands, I will not say more. In the Divine Dog Palace, the ten great divine dogs all have cubs, you can choose any one."

"As for adult dogs, they all have soul contracts with their masters. Dogs are no different from other beasts and are loyal. Even if the soul contract is broken, they will not change masters. If you force them to change, they will only end up depressed."

"In the east hall, there are also famous dogs Taohua, Wulong, Yugou, Huangcang, and Huanger. They are all famous dogs among famous dogs, and their fighting ability is not inferior to that of divine dogs."

Zhao Xing nodded. The three bloodlines of Jun, Ming and Shen only had higher innate starting points. To be a real war beast, it still depended on how it was raised.

This is just like human cultivation. Long Xiao also came from a poor family, but that didn't prevent him from becoming one of the top ten sword masters in the future.

The mountain cat's bloodline is also very ordinary, but after acquired training, it now belongs to the category of "spiritual species" and is not inferior to the god-level bloodline.

"Wang Wang~"

"Ow~"

After Zhao Xing landed, he walked into the palace, opened his Sky Eye and scanned the kennel.

"Taohua, Huangcang, Huanger, and Wulong, these are all greyhounds, they are slender and slightly smaller in size, also known as 'thin dogs'."

Although they are magical, Zhao Xing personally doesn't like greyhounds very much.

It's fine to raise it as a pet, but it's not very interesting to use it for fighting.

This way, the scope is narrowed a lot.

Because among the ten most legendary dogs, nine are greyhounds.

Only the Cang Ni dog is a mastiff.

"A tough guy should keep a mastiff."

Zhao Xing thought so and walked to the Cang Ni kennel and stood still.

"Mr. Liu, I choose Cang Ni."

Liu Wanliang said, "Why don't you think about it again? There are also some greyhounds that are good at fighting. The ten great divine dogs each have their own advantages. Cang Ni is just strong."

Cang Ni is very powerful, stronger than other divine dogs in both strength and physical strength.

Of course, the other divine dogs also have advantages, such as those that are good at speed, those that are born with illusions, and those that are good at treasure hunting and escaping.

"I've already thought about it." Zhao Xing said, "I prefer mastiffs."

Liu Wanliang nodded, then waved his hand, opened the barrier of the Cang Ni kennel, and accompanied Zhao Xing in.

"Woo woof~" "Wow woof~" "Hehe~"

As soon as they entered, many cubs started barking at the two of them.

However, these Cang Ni are all in their infancy at this time. The youngest is just one month old, and the oldest is only three months old. They are not very powerful, but rather look quite cute.

Zhao Xing took a quick look and saw that there were more than two hundred puppies here.

He counted with his fingers and immediately locked onto three of the Cang Ni puppies.

"With the same feeding environment, these three puppies grow faster and better, and will achieve greater success in the future." Zhao Xing used physiognomy to select the puppies, and it was easy to see that the three in the corner near the east wall were the most suitable to take away.

Zhao Xing then walked through and came to the innermost dog cage.

Seeing this, Liu Wanliang couldn't help but praise: "Marquis Yuan Rang has good vision."

"Sir, just call me Chen An."

Liu Wanliang asked with a smile: "Chen An has a good eye. He picked out the three strongest puppies at first sight. But has he learned physiognomy?"

"I just know a little bit." Zhao Xing said modestly.

"Someone, come here, prepare the soul contract." Liu Wanliang waved his hand behind him, and the dog keeper came over immediately.

"Chen An, which one do you want?"

"All three are similar." Zhao Xing smiled, "It depends on who is willing to go with me."

"Please hold this ring, Lord Yuan Rang." The official next to him handed over a collar, but it was a bit big, so big that even an elephant could fit in it.

"Buzz~" After Zhao Xing grabbed the ring of contract, a pulling force came from it, pulling at his soul.

Zhao Xing did not resist and injected a trace of soul power into it.

The three puppies all smelled an unusual scent and growled at Zhao Xing.

Mastiffs have a strong sense of territory. When the three Mastiffs roared, the puppies around them all avoided them.

"Don't want to leave?" Seeing the three strongest heads retreating continuously, he took a step forward and they took a step back.

After taking the third step, Zhao Xing stopped moving forward, shook his head and turned away.

He could take her away by force, but fate cannot be forced.

Zhao Xing turned around, placed the ring of contract horizontally at chest height, and gently pushed it towards the puppies.

"Whoever of you is willing to follow me may enter this ring."

After saying that, Zhao Xing just watched quietly.

If there is no puppy to choose from, he will give up Cang Ni and choose the other greyhounds.

Ever since he learned fate-related spells, Zhao Xing has believed in the concept of destiny.

"Woof woof~" Eight puppies seemed to understand what Zhao Xing said, and seemed to be curious, and slowly walked towards the ring of contract.

Just as one of them was about to stretch its head over, suddenly——

"Whoosh~"

A black shadow jumped up from behind the pack of dogs, stepped on the backs of its companions, and ran away quickly.

"Buzz~" It bit the ring and tried to drag it down.

"Woo woo~" The Cang Ni puppy was hanging in the air, shaking its head and flapping its limbs, but the ring of contract did not move at all.

Zhao Xing found it funny. The little kid treated it as a toy.

Unable to bite or drag it down, it opened its mouth and fell to the ground, but it was still flapping its wings.

"Woof~" It also prohibits other of its kind from approaching.

It is very young, just one month old, but it is very aggressive. There are bite marks on its forehead, waist, and legs, and a lot of hair is missing.

Although the other cubs also had it, none of them had as many as it did.

"This is just the most aggressive one." The dog keeper next to him said, "He couldn't win, but he refused to admit defeat. He even challenged the three largest ones."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing took a few steps closer.

But this hairless Cang Ni puppy drove away its own kind but did not drive away Zhao Xing. Instead, it stared at him curiously.

Zhao Xing squatted down and said, "Are you willing to come with me? If you are, go in."

At this time, the contract ring had shrunk a lot. Zhao Xing held it with one hand and put it on the ground.

As long as this hairless Cang Ni puppy takes two steps, it can get in.

"Wang~"

It wagged its tail and lowered its head to go through the ring.

"Om~"

The circle quickly shrank to form a pale golden collar that hung around its neck.

Zhao Xing felt a faint connection with the Cang Ni dog and realized that the soul contract had been reached.

"Congratulations, Marquis Yuan Rang." The dog keeper next to him congratulated.

"Chen An, Cang Ni is not very friendly, but this little guy actually took the initiative to get close to you. It seems that he is destined to be with you." Liu Wanliang said with a smile.

"It is indeed fate." Zhao Xing walked out holding Cang Ni.

But after holding him for a while, the little guy couldn't hold back anymore and started moving around.

Zhao Xing also let it run around the palace.

Looking at the energetic Cang Ni puppy, Liu Wanliang asked, "Chen An, what are you going to name it?"

Zhao Xing and Liu Wanliang walked out of the palace side by side. At this time, Cang Ni had jumped onto a white jade carved pillar and howled to the sky.

Zhao Xing pointed at it and said with a smile: "I have a cat named Aotian, so let's call it Xiaotian."

Aotian Cat and Xiaotian Dog, now Mr. Zhao has both a cat and a dog.

After attending the dinner, Princess Youruo called Zhao Xing and Ji Zixuan to accompany her for a walk around Tianhu Lake.

"Why did you only choose one? I was planning to give you a few more preliminary spots for the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition."

Zhao Xing said, "Quality is more important than quantity. I am just going to join in the fun of this year's winter preliminaries. My master's wife gave me three extra spots, which is enough."

There are preliminaries for the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition every year, which last until ten years before the start of the competition.

In fact, the winter preliminaries for the Zixiao Islands this year have already been decided.

Princess Youruo was just a temporary addition to the group.

Given Zhao Xing's current situation, he really can only join in the fun.

Because even in the preliminaries, there are a lot of fifth-grade and fourth-grade war beasts participating, but there are very few sixth-grade ones.

For example, Dragon Lion Island, which ranks first in the western part of the archipelago, has three fourth-grade war beasts signed up.

The mountain cat is only in the early fifth grade, and the Cang Ni is only in the early stage of entering the grade, so this year we can only test the waters.

Princess Youruo said: "If you want, I can also give you a few fourth-grade war beasts, and I can also assign you a few experienced riders."

Zhao Xing shook his head. He wanted to take advantage of Princess Youruo, but he didn't want to be too closely tied to her, as this would affect his future promotion.

Of course, what he said was different: "Thank you for your kindness, Master's wife. I have already received many benefits. If Master's wife interferes again, it will damage her reputation."

"I don't want to see people talking about my wife behind her back."

Princess Youruo smiled and said, "Who dares to say that to me? But it's fine this way."

"I heard that your contract with Bishui Daoyuan was completed well. Even Qin Hongying came to the palace to inquire about you."

"Your behavior is not bad for your teacher's reputation."

"You should go out and try it on your own, otherwise your teacher will blame me for meddling in other people's business."

Ji Zixuan who was standing next to him couldn't help but admire him. Senior brother was truly extraordinary as he didn't even want any benefits.

"I heard that your adoptive father wants to hold a coming-of-age ceremony for you. Is that true?" Princess Youruo suddenly remembered something. "I remember Liu Sicheng also gave me a reference. It seemed to be called Yuanyou? Which one did you choose in the end?"

"Chen'an means peace every hour."

"Oh, that's not bad."

After walking with the old witch for a while, he saw that she looked tired, so he stood up and said, "Master, please don't overwork yourself. I will take my leave now."

"Go ahead, come visit the palace when you have time."

"Yes."

…………

Mr. Zhao, who had both cats and dogs, dragged his thousand-year-old black tortoise and a bunch of gifts back to Dongyang County with great satisfaction.

On November 13, Zhao Ruide held a coming-of-age ceremony for Zhao Xing.

He posted a message to invite friends, colleagues, and superiors he had met in Dongyang County and Bixian County over the past year.

Zhao Ruide also sent the message to the Bixian Palace, but Princess Youruo had gone out for something and was not in Bixian County.

She sent Liu Wanliang, the secretary of the royal palace, to attend the banquet in a low-key manner.

But it was still discovered.

As a result, Zhao Ruide, who had originally planned to hold a small event, sent out hundreds of invitations.

Because Liu Sicheng, who was sent by Princess Youruo, has been with her the longest and has the highest status.

Such a person has gone to Dongyang County for a banquet. How could the officials of Bixian County not know about it?

Therefore, many people found the county magistrate of Dongyang County and the director of the Inspection Office and asked them to ask Zhao Ruide for another invitation!
They have nothing to do with each other, but they just find all kinds of names to make it up:
I'm the boss of Zhao Ruide's boss's boss. It's reasonable for me to come to the wedding banquet, right?
I was recommended by Zhao Ruide's boss, so it's not too much to send me an invitation.

I was the previous chief of the Bixian County Inspection Office, just one year later. Zhao Ruide is my old subordinate, so it is logical for him to come to the banquet.

As a result, a post sent by a small eighth-rank deputy inspector of Dongyang County actually attracted many dignitaries from Bixian County.

Boatloads of people came to the banquet.

Because it doesn’t matter what banquet you attend, and it doesn’t even matter whether you know Yuan Ranghou or not.

Being able to enter this banquet means you are part of a certain circle, and maybe you can meet some important people at the banquet!
If the banquet had not ended so quickly, I'm afraid people from Chongming Prefecture would have come.

"You're having a coming-of-age ceremony, and there's such a scene. If you don't know, you'd think it's some high-ranking official hosting a banquet."

At Zhao's Mansion, one night after all the guests had left, Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing were chatting in a waterside pavilion.

"Who could have imagined that?" Zhao Xing was also somewhat amused. "These people came here just by smelling the scent. We couldn't stop them. They even gave orders to my father's boss and insisted on getting an invitation."

"When he took office as the inspector, he had no dignity left and wanted to force his way into the banquet. It's really laughable."

Chen Shijie sighed, "The power of the inland officialdom is complicated, and there are countless people who change their minds according to the situation. It is better to join the army, where there are not so many twists and turns."

Zhao Xing glanced at Lao Chen and said, "Did you encounter any trouble on Firefly Island? Did anyone give you a hard time?"

Chen Shijie shook his head and said, "Yes, I encountered some dirty things, but they are still within the normal range. You don't have to intervene."

Zhao Xing also borrowed the power of Princess Youruo. It was reasonable for him to enjoy this halo, but if he came to help Chen Shijie, it would be a bit like taking advantage of Princess Youruo's name to bully others.

It's not a good thing to stretch your hands too far.

After all, Zhao Xing himself was just a sixth-rank supervisor and a third-class marquis.

What if one day Princess Youruo stopped caring? What if she and Liu Tianning broke up?
Chen Shijie didn't want Zhao Xing to waste his affection for him.

"I have to remind you again."

"You held a coming-of-age ceremony and attracted many fifth-rank officials in the county to send gifts. It looked very glorious."

"But don't be too complacent," Chen Shijie warned.

"The princess never married your teacher. If one day she and your teacher part ways and take back all the help they gave you, without this support, you will have to stand on your own feet."

Old Chen spoke from the bottom of his heart, and only he would say such things when Zhao Xing was in high spirits.

Zhao Xing nodded and said, "I understand. Thanks for the reminder."

If it were someone else, they might not listen to him, but Zhao Xing was a man who listened to advice.

He also knew that what Chen Shijie said was right. According to the development of the old witch and Old Liu in their previous lives, they would have broken up during the Dazhi period.

Chen Shijie smiled and said, "Do we need to be so polite to each other? By the way, why didn't Long Xiao come? Didn't you call him?"

Zhao Xing took out the floor mirror and said, "I called him, but he said he was busy with official duties and his boss wouldn't give him leave, so he couldn't come."

Chen Shijie sneered, "This bastard is playing the victim again. I asked about the officials in the Red Stone County Patrol Division. It's a low-paying government office. How can there be so many official duties?"

Zhao Xing was puzzled: "He didn't come back for the New Year, so maybe he really has something to do?"

Chen Shijie said: "I have also found out clearly that he has nothing to do."

"This bastard is entangled with a woman."

"Huh?" Zhao Xing suddenly became interested: "Tell me more."

Chen Shijie laughed and said, "You taught him to use the Public Security Management Ordinance to fight pirates before, and this guy has been running around everywhere to catch pirates since he took office."

"I interrogated him two months ago and found out that he encountered the 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon Army', which is ranked fifth in the East Sea Corps, during a theft raid last year."

"I also fought with Bai Yang, the leader of the Azure Dragon Army."

"With his strength, the leader of the Azure Dragon Army will naturally get beaten."

"Although this person's strength is average, he is the grandson of the Blue-Eyed White Dragon King Bai Yunwu. After Bai Yang returned, he asked his sister Bai Ling to go together to intercept Long Xiao."

"His sister Bai Ling is a fifth-rank garrison commander, but the two siblings still couldn't win when they fought together."

"Then what?" Zhao Xing asked.

"At first, Bai Ling made things difficult for Long Xiao. In the name of the garrison commander, she frequently summoned people from Long Xiao's cruiser division to follow her navy to carry out dangerous missions."

"As they fought, they actually fell in love with each other!" Chen Shijie said, "I asked the people from the Red Stone Island Patrol Division, and they found out that he, the right commander, hasn't been back for half a year, and he spends all day with Bai Ling."

"I think he wants to be the son-in-law of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon King."

After hearing this, Zhao Xing couldn't help but be stunned.

Although the Blue-Eyes White Dragon Army is nominally under the jurisdiction of the East Sea Corps.

But in reality, this army is not directly managed at all and has a great deal of autonomy.

Because this is a water army.

The Blue-Eyes White Dragon King, Bai Yunwu, is also a half-human, half-dragon hybrid.

He can really transform into a Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

And after the transformation, he becomes a strong man at the peak of the second level!
In the sea, Bai Yunwu is extremely powerful.

His throne can be inherited by his descendants. He is also related to Princess Youruo's mother. In terms of seniority, the old witch has to call him Uncle Bai when she sees him.

The down-and-out warrior exiled to the East China Sea suddenly turned his life around, married a rich and beautiful woman, and reached the peak of his life. What kind of cool script is this from Long Xiao?

"He deserves to be beaten for his ungratefulness!" Zhao Xing said angrily, "I'll give him a good beating when he comes back."

…………

November 25th, the 21st year of the Jingxin calendar.

Zhai Zhong and Wen Ji, who were sent by Qin Hongying, came to Longma Prison on Gemini Island to discuss cooperation with Zhao Xing.

The two of them opened their mouth with an order worth tens of billions, asking Mr. Zhao to train fourth or fifth grade pets for the Taoist temple.

Moreover, the contract will be renewed annually, and it will last at least 20 years.

If all orders for the past twenty years were counted, the estimated total would be two to three hundred billion.

Although Zhao Xing was surprised, he was not shocked. Although there were many Si Nong who mastered the method of Hou Bian, there were few Si Nong who could use it to cultivate exotic beasts.

However, Wen Ji and Zhai Zhong then made several more requests and requests for compensation.

First, if Zhao Xing signs a twenty-year contract with the Taoist temple, he must maintain cooperation no matter where he serves as an official.

Second, the Taoist temple arranged for his younger brother Zhao Zheng to receive training as a true disciple.

Third, the Taoist temple granted him the title of Honorable Preacher. If he was still under contract after ten years, he could be made the vice-president of a branch, or the honorary president.

There are also places like Bishui Daoyuan that provide manpower and precious marine plants...

As he was talking, Zhao Xing felt something was not right.

This is not a condition at all, it is clearly a benefit for oneself.

The Taoist temple didn't come for the public contract at all, but for him as a person.

"Do you two know the relationship between me and the princess?" Zhao Xing looked at Wen Ji and Zhai Zhong.

He still has to remind you that his relationship with Princess Youruo is not as deep as you think.

If the Bishui Taoist Academy deliberately offered so many benefits because of Princess Youruo, then there would be no need for that.

"Of course I know." Wen Ji said with a smile, "Liu Tianning, who doesn't know him in the Taoist temple?"

"Whether my master and the princess can get married is still unknown." Zhao Xing said more deeply, "My master would not like the princess to help me too much."

Zhai Zhong waved his hand and said, "Chen An, don't misunderstand. We are here for you. This negotiation has nothing to do with the princess. She is not aware of it."

"You are extremely talented. You are proficient in the three sects of Si Nong magic. You may not even know the value of the magic you possess, such as the Myriad Laws of the Grass Man, Thunderbolt Transformation, and the Moment of Origin."

Zhai Zhong's words made Zhao Xing feel very comfortable. Just from the perspective of cooperative attitude, this sincerity was really full.

But Zhai Zhong was not bragging, they really thought so.

Bishui Taoist Temple does not produce talented agricultural officials.

In fact, it is not just the Bishui Taoist Temple, the entire Pinghai Province is like this.

Because Pinghai Prefecture was built later, most of its area was originally sea area.

At the beginning of the country, there were no aristocratic families in Pinghai Prefecture, and even aristocratic families were rare.

Those who can be called Sinong families are all in Daoyuanzhou and Yuanpinzhou. Talents like Liu Tianning are not from Pinghaizhou.

For more than two thousand years, any outstanding agricultural talent has flocked to the two inland states.

Because of the powerful cave, the academy of the three factions' leaders is not in Pinghai Prefecture.

The talent base is weak, the employment environment is poor, and there are no top or top institutions of learning. Pinghai Prefecture has not seen any outstanding Si Nong for a long time.

Even if you have it, you can't keep it.

Now that I have met Zhao Xing, it is the right time. He is not yet at the fifth rank, so it is the right time to invest.

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and said, "The Taoist Academy has given me too many orders. They will occupy all my attention in recent years. I need to reduce them by 30%. The rest can be discussed later."

For Zhao Xing, Bishui Taoist Academy already has Princess Youruo as a connection, so there is no need to tie it so tightly. At least, the political achievements cannot all come from Bishui Taoist Academy.

…………

After seeing off Zhai Zhong and Wen Ji, Zhao Xing came to the backyard.

These two men did not come empty-handed, they also brought gifts to Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing was the chief officer of the Dragon Horse Supervisory Office, and he was also determined to participate in the competition among all beasts. Qin Hongying also selected a few cubs from the Beast Taming Department.

These included an adult tiger dragon, late fifth rank, and an adult blue phoenix, perfect fifth rank.

There are also some cubs of famous bloodlines.

"Mea~"

While checking the cubs, Zhao Xing's eyes suddenly blurred. Caught off guard, his soul was affected, and he wanted to move forward, but his body actually moved backwards.

"Hmm?" Zhao Xing activated his soul armor, quickly offsetting the effect, and looked at a cage in the corner of the cabin.

There was a pink goat caged inside.

"Phantom goat?" Zhao Xing was stunned. "This breed is rare."

The ghost goat has another nickname: the upside-down goat.

Zhao Xing had seen this kind of sheep before when he was challenging himself in the Dameng Academy, but that sheep had red fur. This one, however, has pink fur.

"As expected of the Taoist temple, upside-down sheep are rare now." Zhao Xing thought to himself, "It's really sincere that they actually gave me one."

The talents of the Spirit Goat are all aimed at the life soul. It is difficult for humans to cultivate the life soul. The Spirit Goat knows soul skills, which is naturally very precious.

"If I want to enter the Dragon Court Ancient Land, I must first qualify in the East China Sea. Now I have a cat, a dog, and a sheep. If I train the three pets well, I will be almost ready to participate in the competition in the future."

Princess Youruo gave Zhao Xing three places.

This qualified him to bring his three war beasts to the Zixiao Arena to participate in the winter review preliminaries in December.

After that, there will be four competitions every year: spring, summer, autumn and winter, with different competitive content and themes.

The preliminaries and group matches in the four seas of the southeast, northwest, northeast and southwest will be held from the 20th year of the Jingxin calendar to the 30th year of the Jingxin calendar to select the strongest batch of battle pets.

In the next ten years, there will be competition from all over the world to select the best.

Finally, he represented the Great Zhou and competed with the water tribe in the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition, and was allocated the places to enter the ancient land of Longting.

It is now December of the twenty-first year of the Jingxin calendar.

Zhao Xing planned to take Aotian Miao, Hu Jiao and Qing Luan to participate in the first winter preliminaries in the western region of Zixiao Islands.

As for the Upside-Down Sheep and Howling Sky Dog, they are still in their infancy and not suitable for participating in the competition.

But before going, he still has to add Mountain Cat, Tiger Dragon and Blue Luan to the list.

With the approval of Chongming Prefecture, the [Divine Selection Department] of the Longma Prison on Gemini Island has become truly effective.

November 29th.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone in Longma Prison and Sun Shizhao.

Zhao Xing brought three war beasts into the God's Chosen Office to worship.

Not long after, three golden lights flashed in the temple and fell on the mountain cat, the tiger dragon, and the blue phoenix.

"Aotian Miao, you are also a royal feeder now."

Zhao Xing looked at the glittering mountain cat, which was receiving the baptism of the country's fortune.

Of course, we haven’t even passed the preliminary round yet, so there is actually not much growth, it’s just a formality.

But in name, Aotian is now the 'official cat'.

During the competition period, one can receive a ration from the court, but not during the seasons when one is not participating.

Every month of participating in the competition will earn you 500 military points, which is already a lot!
It should be noted that Zhao Xing's annual salary was only 50,000 yuan, and including the bonus for the honor, it was only 800,000 yuan.

If Aotian qualifies in the East China Sea, he can also receive a formal salary and be granted an exclusive official rank!
In this way, Zhao Xing, as the owner of the mountain cat, can enjoy the blessings.

If the mountain cat can take part in the Four Seas Competition and win a place in the contest with the aquatic creatures, there is hope that it will be awarded a title or honor!
Everyone who sees him has to call him Lord Aotian.

As his master, you will also be rewarded and even promoted.

"Beast Tamers also have a great future." Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile as he watched the mountain cat bowing in front of the statue in a very formal manner.

Because of the existence of the ancient land of Longting, many beast tamers have become rich.

This once-in-a-century event began in the time of Taizu.

Over the past two thousand years, three or four hundred people have risen to fame with the help of war beasts.

This is because many riders themselves are only at the sixth rank, but the beasts they train have reached the fourth rank.

Of course the beastmaster's war beast must be stronger than the rider, otherwise there is no point in controlling it. You can just roll up your sleeves and go for it.

And if the war beast wins a place and gains something in the ancient land of Longting, it will be considered a contribution to the court.

No matter how incompetent a beast tamer is, he must be promoted to the fifth rank. In history, there have even been beast tamers who went directly from the sixth rank to the third rank!
There have also been cases where war beasts were granted the title of marquis.

"Aotian, you have to work hard in the next few years."

"Whether we can get promoted and make money depends on you." Zhao Xing joked.

"If you can find a big treasure in the Dragon Court Ancient Land, maybe I can become a third-grade cultivator."

"Meow!" Aotian nodded obediently.

…………

After receiving the gift, Sun Shizhao came over to congratulate him. Tao Anchun, Cao Jiang, Dong Yuanqiu and others were also extremely excited.

Because of the previous supervisor, Gemini Island hasn't gotten a preliminary spot for a long time, and when they go outside, they can't even raise their heads.

Even though I got in through the back door, I still got the spot anyway.

"Sir Sun, I'm not at Longma Prison. Please take care of Lu Island." Zhao Xing said.

If he wanted to go to Zixiao Island, he had to bring Dong Yuanqiu, Tao Anchun and others with him.

It's not just one person who goes to participate in the competition. All the veterinarians from Shenshisi, Chenghuasi, and Tuquan Palace have to go.

The eating, drinking, defecating, urinating, and injury treatment of the battle pet must all be taken care of by one's own people.

Although he has Wanfa's clones, his original body also has to go, because there is no other driver in the Gemini Dragon Horse Station but himself. When the time comes for the competition, he will definitely not be able to be distracted.

"Don't worry, Lord Yuan Rang." Sun Shizhao said, "If there is anything missing from the Dragon Horse Supervisor, you can hold me responsible."

Zhao Xing smiled and cupped his hands. Sun Shizhao was betting his entire fortune on it, so naturally he believed it.

"The daily affairs of the Dragon Horse Prison will be handled by Bao Shiqiu. Ling Ruoxue, you will be responsible for assisting Lord Bao."

"Yes."

…………

On the first day of December, Zhao Xing brought Shanmao, Hujiao, Qingluan, and officials of all levels from the Gemini Dragon Horse Prison, and boarded the Yunyu Tower ship to the Zixiao Arena.

On the morning of the second day of December, we arrived at the Zixiao Arena.

　After some adjustments, I finally returned to the world of the living. No more for today, but I will continue to owe you something tomorrow.

　　In addition, friendly book recommendations.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)