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Chapter 93: The Gambling Dog Tactic? Arrival of the Shenwei Army, Zhao Xing's Shock!
🕑 Added 2024-10-12 06:42:43 +0000 UTCThe Myriad Law Cloud Diagram is a supreme Dao Transmission painting because it contains the profound mysteries of cloud techniques in their entirety. It also has a special feature: it presents insights based on the viewer's desires.
For example, just like Zhao Xing’s previous Phantom Earth Palace painting, there exists another supreme painting called Myriad Law Earth Palace. Whatever kind of Earth Palace technique Zhao Xing wanted to comprehend, he would likely achieve it.
That’s why Lu Qian wrote, May your wishes come true.
The Myriad Law Cloud Diagram truly has the ability to grant the viewer’s desired insights.
Before beginning his contemplation, Zhao Xing quickly sorted out his thoughts: “Among the cloud techniques with notable names in the mid-grade, there is Flowing Cloud Technique. The clouds flow endlessly, and when controlling the clouds, their force is like a mighty river, and they move swiftly.”
“Weapon Cloud Technique has the strongest offensive power, where the clouds can transform into various divine weapons. During cloud battles, it has the greatest lethality.”
“Blood Cloud Technique is the most sinister, able to retaliate against the caster through the cloud qi. Once someone is entangled by the blood cloud, they can't shake free for a while. Both blood and cloud qi are rapidly drained, and when the cloud battle is won, it causes the greatest damage to the enemy.”
“Thunder Cloud Technique can enhance the power of lightning techniques.”
“There’s also the relatively obscure Frozen Cloud Technique…”
“But, in the way of cloud techniques, the most domineering one, I think, is still Devouring Cloud Technique! This is also the technique I’m most familiar with from my previous life.”
“It can slice through and devour the enemy’s cloud qi, turning it into my own. It can even temporarily gain the effects of other cloud techniques.”
“It’s all about dominance, and the longer the battle, the stronger it gets, especially in large-scale battles.”
“My beginner-level cloud technique already vaguely hints at the Devouring Cloud Technique, but it’s not fully refined. It’s only the result of my operating skills and experience.”
After recalling these thoughts, Zhao Xing confirmed his desire and then opened his eyes to observe the scroll.
The painting revealed a sea of clouds.
Within the sea of clouds were various shapes. Some looked like mountain peaks—these were more ordinary cloud techniques.
Zhao Xing quickly passed them by.
Others took the shape of weapons—these were for the Weapon Cloud Technique, but he ignored them as well.
Some clouds were vibrant with many colors. Zhao Xing focused his thoughts, and these clouds drifted past him.
He maintained one thought throughout: to find the Devouring Cloud Technique!
“Why haven’t I found it yet? Isn’t this Myriad Law Cloud Diagram supposed to grant my wishes?”
“Could this be a fake?”
Zhao Xing felt that his desire was clear and firm, so he should have easily found the Devouring Cloud Technique.
However, many types of clouds floated by, yet he hadn’t found what he was looking for.
“Devouring Cloud Technique, I want the Devouring Cloud Technique!”
Zhao Xing shouted in his heart.
Suddenly—
All the clouds before him disappeared, leaving only a clear blue sky.
“Is it over? Was this really a fake? Impossible… Hmm?”
Just as Zhao Xing was puzzled, he suddenly looked in one direction.
He saw that all the clouds he had seen earlier were drifting toward a single point.
In the distance, a pitch-black cloud vortex appeared, absorbing all the clouds into it.
With every cloud it devoured, the vortex flashed, then grew larger.
At this terrifying rate of consumption, the black cloud rapidly expanded, covering Zhao Xing's entire field of vision in an instant.
"Buzz~"
Zhao Xing was also sucked into the black cloud vortex.
At the center of the swirling clouds—
Dots of black light merged into Zhao Xing’s body.
His body flickered, covered with black light, giving him an eerie and enchanting appearance.
After flashing seven times, the black light gradually subsided.
The next moment—
Zhao Xing, in the real world, opened his eyes.
Four meters above his head, a black, inky cloud appeared, with a massive vortex at its center.
“The Devouring Cloud Technique! This is the Devouring Cloud Technique!”
Zhao Xing looked up with delight.
“Whoosh~”
The Dao Transmission painting suddenly ignited and quickly turned to ashes.
Unlike other Dao Transmission paintings, the supreme Myriad Law series offers only one opportunity for comprehension.
But the effects of the Myriad Law Cloud Diagram are much more intense!
During his insight, Zhao Xing had flashed seven times with the black light, indicating that he had comprehended the technique to the seven transformations level!
Reaching the seven transformations in one go shows just how powerful the painting’s effect was.
“Under the influence of a supreme Dao Transmission painting, unless one has extremely poor talent, they would only comprehend a spell at one or two transformations at most.”
“With average talent, when comprehending the desired cloud technique, this single opportunity could lead to three to six transformations.”
“Seven transformations is the limit for a fourth-grade cloud diagram transmission.”
While it doesn’t compare to the Myriad Law Essences of the Great Spirit Mountains, the result was still impressive.
After all, Myriad Law Essences are extremely rare and are only found in grand, sealed-off mountains or during major mountain openings.
Dao Transmission paintings, on the other hand, can be produced in larger quantities, making them much more accessible.
“Now that I have the Devouring Cloud Technique, I’ve just about completed the Four Weather Techniques at the mid-grade level.” Zhao Xing felt quite satisfied.
Once the Four Weather Techniques were complete, his spells would complement each other, increasing their power.
Of course, Zhao Xing’s Yin Wind Technique couldn’t be considered a regular mid-grade wind technique, so there was no synergy with the Devouring Cloud Technique.
However, for other spells, such as using the Devouring Cloud Technique before casting a lightning spell, the power would be much greater than before. The same applied to his rain techniques.
The Four Weather Techniques were so named because of the synergy between them, enhancing each other’s effects.
Similarly, the Four Earth Techniques—Xuan Earth, Earth Repository, Earth Splitting, and Earth Palace Techniques—were interconnected.
“Time for the last scroll.”
“The mid-fourth-grade Dao Transmission painting: Earth Fissure.”
After a brief rest, Zhao Xing opened the last box and pulled out the scroll.
“Boom~”
Zhao Xing felt the ground beneath him shake violently, and the great mountain in front of him trembled as well.
“Crack, crack, crack~”
The earth split open with deep fissures, and terrifying Earth Vein energy erupted from the cracks.
“Whoosh~”
Just as Zhao Xing was about to leap over a fissure, a pillar of fiery red light suddenly burst forth from the ground ahead.
Blazing magma surged up, melting the nearby rocks.
Zhao Xing quickly retreated, but another fissure opened up behind him.
This time, violent Earth Vein energy surged forth, blowing the familiar Yin Wind.
Whoooosh~
It felt as though Zhao Xing’s soul was about to be swept away, leaving him teetering on the edge.
Just as he was gritting his teeth and holding on—
“Boom!”
A massive explosion sounded as the mountain ahead split in two, with enormous boulders tumbling down from above.
Zhao Xing tried to dodge, but found himself ensnared by mysterious vines that had appeared beneath his feet, rapidly wrapping around him like creeping creatures.
It took great effort to break free.
“Gurgle, gurgle~”
Suddenly, a geyser erupted beneath him, launching Zhao Xing into the air.
When he finally landed—
“Clang!”
A sharp object pierced through his chest.
It was a giant stone sword that had emerged from the earth, impaling him completely.
The pain and tearing sensation were excruciating, yet strangely, Zhao Xing’s mind became even clearer.
Just like with the Yin Wind and magma, he was still able to observe the profound mysteries behind these terrifying phenomena.
And so, Zhao Xing hung suspended by the stone sword, watching the horrifying scenes unfold across the land.
“Buzz~”
Half an hour later, Zhao Xing opened his eyes.
【You have observed the mid-fourth-grade Dao Transmission painting 'Earth Fissure' and comprehended the mid-grade spell 'Earth Vein Consolidation: Human Path'. Remaining insights: 3】
[Earth Vein Consolidation: Human Path: Mid-grade spell
Proficient: Three Transformations (3546/9999)
Effect: Earth Veins surge violently, causing chaos in the world. Attacks harness the random power of the Five Elemental Earth Veins.]
“Earth Vein Consolidation: Human Path? I actually comprehended this technique from the Earth Split series?” Zhao Xing’s expression turned strange. “Of all the Earth Split techniques, I ended up with this one?”
The reason for Zhao Xing’s odd reaction was the nickname this spell had earned.
The Earth Vein Consolidation: Human Path technique was also known as the Gambling Dog Tactic!
Its effectiveness in battle was entirely dependent on luck.
It randomly manifested one or more effects from the five elements.
At its strongest, it was terrifying—summoning all five elements at once, a single spell becoming as powerful as five spells!
At its weakest, casting the Earth Vein Consolidation: Human Path might produce nothing more than a small sapling, contributing little more than a decorative touch during battle.
“Different places have different Earth Veins. Nanyang County’s Earth Veins are quite stable, but this spell only unleashes its full power in regions where the Earth Veins are highly volatile.”
“The Gambling Dog Tactic relies entirely on luck. Well, at least I have decent odds. My chances of triggering all five elements together should be pretty high.” With this thought, Zhao Xing felt somewhat comforted.
After all, with his current level of fortune, like his Derivative Three Fortune, his chances of success with luck-based spells were relatively high.
Most of his other spells were quite stable.
Only during the early stages of learning, when his proficiency was low, would luck have a significant impact.
Of course, luck-based spells had both successes and failures.
The power of these spells fluctuated greatly, which was simply a sign of inexperience and unstable control.
Once he mastered the spell and advanced to the Gathering Essence stage, such fluctuations would become much less frequent, and the probability of triggering luck effects would be minimal.
In battle, he might occasionally have a moment of peak condition, slightly boosting the spell’s power. As for breakthroughs during combat? The chances of that happening were extremely low.
“If I get the opportunity, I’ll give it a try. If the situation calls for gambling on luck or if I encounter an extreme Earth-aligned environment, this spell might come in handy.”
The first three Dao Transmission paintings exceeded expectations, while the last one was just satisfactory.
On October 4th, Zhao Xing was a guest at the Zong family residence.
On October 5th, Zhao Xing visited the Xue family residence.
On October 6th, Zhao Xing was a guest at the Chen family residence.
During his five-day stay at the Zong residence, he completed the comprehension of two of the Dao Transmission paintings.
He had intended to visit Old Shennong Officer to comprehend another technique, but after only one night, Xue Wenzhong had urgent matters and had to travel to the county city to visit his grandson, Xue Bai.
Thus, on October 6th, Zhao Xing visited Chen Shijie’s residence.
At dusk, a mysterious guest arrived outside the Chen residence.
Chen Shijie was conducting his daily training in the front courtyard, while Zhao Xing was meditating in the pear garden.
Suddenly, Chen Shijie sensed an unusual disturbance in the breeze and swiftly looked outside.
Through the gate, he saw a vague black figure.
“Who dares to spy on this official?!”
“Chen Shijie, you’ve grown quite authoritative, haven’t you?” The black figure steadied, no longer flickering, and transmitted a deep, aged voice directly into his ear.
Upon hearing the voice, Chen Shijie’s expression brightened. “Long Xiao? You’re here already?!”
“Really? I disguised my voice, and you still recognized me?” The shadow’s voice returned to normal.
“I’d recognize you even if you turned to ash,” Chen Shijie laughed. “But why are you here so early?”
“Aren’t you going to invite me in first?” Long Xiao replied.
“Oh, I nearly forgot. Come in.”
As soon as Chen Shijie spoke, the shadow outside the gate leapt into the courtyard.
Long Xiao shed the black robe he was wearing, revealing his true form. His sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, combined with the large sword on his back, made him look like an unsheathed blade standing in the training ground.
“Good lad, your Slaughter Sword Technique has improved,” Chen Shijie remarked, inspecting him.
“You haven’t been idle either. These five years since you left the Shenwei Army, your perception has become sharper.” Long Xiao’s eyes glowed as he stared at Chen Shijie. “The moment I arrived outside your gates, you sensed me.”
The two exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
They both realized that despite years apart, neither had slacked off. Just a single look told them that they were still the like-minded brothers they once were!
“Come on, let’s talk inside.”
The two walked side by side into the main hall.
By this time, Zhao Xing had finished his meditation and came outside. Though he hadn’t heard Long Xiao’s voice, he had heard Chen Shijie’s.
“Lord Chen, is something the matter?”
“No worries, we have a guest. You’re just in time. Come in, I’ll introduce you.”
Once inside, Zhao Xing saw Long Xiao standing next to Chen Shijie and couldn’t hide his surprise.
“Hm?” Long Xiao quickly noticed Zhao Xing’s change in expression. “It seems like you recognize me?”
Of course, I recognize you! Marquis Shenxiao, Long Xiao… I even worked under you once. But when was it that you received the marquis title? Wasn’t it during the Great Prosperity Era? Not during Emperor Jing’s reign, right?
“I don’t recognize you, I just feel that your presence is extraordinary, like an unsheathed sword. I was overwhelmed by your imposing aura.” Zhao Xing quickly adjusted and bowed respectfully.
Long Xiao nodded and turned to Chen Shijie. “So this is the kid you’ve been talking about? He seems pretty average to me.”
Chen Shijie responded calmly, “He’s still young and hasn’t encountered someone like you, a master of the sword. Give him ten or so years in the army, and you might end up relying on him someday.”
“Oh? It’s one thing to rely on you as a Shennong officer, but you think I’ll rely on him too?” Long Xiao took another look at Zhao Xing. Initially, he thought Zhao Xing was just overwhelmed by his aura and seemed ordinary, but after Chen Shijie’s words, he took a closer look and noticed that Zhao Xing’s presence was quite extraordinary.
“Zhao Xing, let me introduce you. This is Captain Long Xiao of the Shenwei Army, and also my dear brother.”
“Greetings, General.” Zhao Xing bowed. Captain Yi-Mo was a seventh-rank military position, meaning Long Xiao was at least a seventh-rank cultivator, if not higher.
“No need for such formality. I haven’t officially resumed my military duties yet; I’m just a wandering soldier.” Long Xiao waved his hand dismissively.
“Have a seat,” Chen Shijie said.
Zhao Xing sat down, maintaining a calm exterior, though inwardly, he was astonished.
The Long Xiao of today and the future Marquis Shenxiao were vastly different.
Now, Long Xiao seemed outgoing and lively, but as Marquis Shenxiao, he was composed, introverted, and even melancholic.
Zhao Xing had never heard of Chen Shijie in his past life, but now it was clear that Chen Shijie was part of the Shenwei Army.
Long Xiao eventually became a marquis, yet Old Chen’s name was nowhere to be found—had his life been cut short along the way?
“So Long Xiao is also from the Shenwei Army, and his superior would have been Marquis Shenwei?”
“Marquis Shenwei is long gone, and Old Chen isn’t around anymore either. I remember this army was wiped out…” Zhao Xing tried to recall more details but couldn’t. After all, by the time he had carried out missions, the Shenwei Army had already ceased to exist.
“You still haven’t told me, how did you get here from Xi’er County so quickly? It’s such a great distance. Even if you left the day you received the letter, and traveled on the Dragon Head Warship, it shouldn’t have been this fast.” Chen Shijie’s question jolted Zhao Xing’s memory. The mention of the Pacification Six Counties and Xi’er County brought back more memories.
But he wasn’t entirely sure yet, so he decided to listen further.
Long Xiao laughed. “I didn’t take the Dragon Head Warship. I traveled through the Lihuo Dao Academy, borrowing their path. First, I arrived at Dayuan Prefecture, and then I made my way to Nanyang County.”
“How about that, brother? Quite impressive, right? After borrowing the Fire Path, I’ll have to travel eighty thousand li on foot to repay the Lihuo True Lord.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing instinctively used his Five Element Observation Technique to examine Long Xiao. He noticed that Long Xiao’s body was enveloped in a faint but extremely pure fire element.
If Zhao Xing’s level were higher, he might even have seen a divine figure manifest within the fire element.
Long Xiao noticed Zhao Xing’s inspection and asked curiously, “Kid, did you understand what I just said?”
Zhao Xing bowed slightly. “I did. General, you mentioned borrowing the Fire Path, meaning you used the Lihuo Dao Academy’s Lihuo Divine Altar, a long-distance fire-element teleportation array, to travel instantly from Xi’er County to the Lihuo Branch Academy in Dayuan Prefecture.”
“Correct.” Long Xiao nodded. “But do you know why I have to travel eighty thousand li to repay it?”
Zhao Xing continued, “Since you borrowed the path, you now owe a debt. The Lihuo True Lord is an ancient figure who feared that his disciples wouldn’t be able to guard the Lihuo Divine Altar, so he set a grand vow.”
“Any outsider who uses the Lihuo Divine Altar must walk double the distance they teleported without using magic or spiritual power, relying solely on their physical strength.”
“Since you borrowed the path both ways, traveling forty thousand li, you must walk eighty thousand li to repay the Lihuo True Lord’s debt.”
“Well said, you’re quite knowledgeable.” Long Xiao was somewhat surprised. A mere Shennong Officer clerk knew about the Lihuo Dao Academy, a testament to his broad knowledge.
This was a crucial trait for a Shennong Officer.
To know the world, to know the affairs of the world, so that no matter where one went, they could adapt quickly.
For a Shennong Officer, adapting quickly to unfamiliar environments meant the army they served could also adapt quickly and establish a stronghold.
“I told you not to underestimate him,” Chen Shijie smiled. “Young in age doesn’t mean lacking in wisdom.”
“Hahaha, you’re right.” Long Xiao laughed heartily. “But kid, you’re a bit too formal. Why do you keep calling me General? Didn’t I tell you? I haven’t resumed my military position yet. Loosen up and call me Brother Long.”
Zhao Xing didn’t know what to say. His formal attitude had simply been triggered by seeing Long Xiao.
Long Xiao then pointed at Chen Shijie, “And call him Old Chen.”
As Zhao Xing looked a bit bewildered, Chen Shijie let out a cold smile. “Trying to make fun of me, are you? Just wait until we’re back in the army—I’ll make sure you go hungry a few times!”
“Hahaha! I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I admit my mistake!” Long Xiao laughed, quickly brushing it off. “Brother Chen, let’s get down to business.”
“I’ve arrived twenty days early, and no one knows I’m here. Can we take this opportunity to wipe out the Xuantian Sect stronghold in this area?”
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