Shennong Dao Master
Chapter 74 - 72: Cloud Movement Duel, Another Expert?

Chapter 74: Chapter 72: Cloud Movement Duel, Another Expert?

The Yin Wind Technique Nine Revolutions greatly boosted Zhao Xing’s confidence.

Originally, he did not hope to get the first few sticks of incense, but now, he felt some assurance.

"The temple gate is about to open, hurry and recover your energy," Zhao Xing said.

He quickly took out three Gathering Yuan Pills from the bamboo box and swallowed them, then bit into a Tianyuan Pear, and his complexion instantly became rosy.

After recovering more than half of his energy, he glanced at the sun dial.

"It’s already Hai hour six, only two quarters left before the temple gate opens," he said.

Zhao Xing scanned Heavenly Altar Square and found that Shen Zhui still hadn’t arrived.

"I wonder what happened to him, even delaying the incense fight on the second night," he said.

"I hope it’s something good," he added.

On the first night, he did not vie for the first incense either, instead hiding in a cave to take the Red Fruit and break through.

Thinking about it, Zhao Xing walked towards the other side of the square.

"Mr. Zong," he called.

Zong Shichang was discussing with someone beside him, looking annoyed at being interrupted, but when he saw it was Zhao Xing, his furrowed brow relaxed, and he smiled, "What happened to you in such a short time, how come you look a bit frail?"

The Ten Thousand Skill Spiritual Beauty had rapidly raised Zhao Xing’s Yin Wind from entry to Nine Revolutions, but it had also consumed a massive amount of energy, especially his po and qi. The violent cultivation had caused such massive fluctuations that Zhao Xing now looked somewhat withered.

Zhao Xing ignored Zong Shichang’s teasing and got straight to the point: "When the divine temple opens and we fight for the first incense, how about we join forces?"

Zong Shichang’s expression turned troubled, and he whispered, "Honestly, I am willing, but these people I brought will only protect me. They may not be able to safeguard you. Let me ask them."

Zhao Xing nodded. Zong Shichang was only at Gathering Essence Fourth Rank; it would be absurd to let this playboy call the shots during a fight.

If Zong Shichang had taken charge directly, Zhao Xing would have immediately turned and walked away; this would be treating his life as a joke.

Zong Shichang turned back to the group and whispered to them.

About seventeen or eighteen people had gathered around him.

The first echelon consisted of three Gathering Essence Eighth Rank experts; they had been hired by his father for a hefty price.

Since they were hired, Zong Shichang could not command them directly; most actions required the experts’ consent.

Zong Shichang was sensible enough to not offer layman’s advice to experts.

The second echelon included five Gathering Essence Seventh Rank young talents from Nanyang County. They were Zong Shichang’s acquaintances, acting more as partners than subordinates.

The third echelon, comprising Gathering Essence Fifth and Sixth Ranks, were people Zong Shichang had recruited with silver notes. These individuals would follow Zong Shichang’s commands.

Zong Shichang, a socialite, had no objections to Zhao Xing joining.

The more, the merrier; he wished everyone in Heavenly Altar Square would join him for the fun!

But he knew his limits and felt that Zhao Xing’s chances of joining were slim, considering the Minister of Agriculture had little combat prowess. In his impression, Zhao Xing’s rank was not high, at least as far as he could tell.

However, when he voiced his suggestion, a tall, lean middle-aged man carrying four swords spoke up: "Mr. Zong, I think we can let him join."

"Huh?" Zong Shichang was stunned, looking at his father’s hired expert, "Uncle Cang."

"Indeed, Mr. Cang is right," another middle-aged swordsman with a mole at the corner of his mouth added, "You might also learn something, young master."

Zong Shichang was bewildered: "Uncle Cang, Uncle Hu, are you joking? Just now, when I asked for money, you both disagreed."

He was unsure whether they were being sarcastic, suggesting he had no sense after spending money and now wanting to bring someone else along.

"Times change," Uncle Cang smiled, "Before he absorbed the third Spiritual Beauty, he was barely useful."

"But after absorbing the third Spiritual Beauty..." swordsman ’Uncle Hu’ had a glint in his eye, "I felt a strong sense of threat from this kid, a life-and-death kind of threat."

Two out of the three experts had agreed; the remaining one had not spoken.

Without opposition, Zong Shichang quickly came around and laughed, "In fact, I already saw this coming. See, those two hundred silver notes were indeed justified!"

The three experts smiled without a word.

"You saw it coming?"

"What nonsense! You were just wasting money!"

"Ahem, I’ll go tell him," Zong Shichang said, seeing no one was playing along with his bragging, turning to Zhao Xing.

"Mr. Zhao, I’ve got it all sorted. You’ll join us for the incense fight," Zong Shichang said.

Zhao Xing had heard everything but still gave him a thumbs up: "Impressive, it has to be Mr. Zong."

"Ah, it’s nothing," Zong Shichang felt elated, his smile growing wider.

"Since we have some time, shall I tell you about some strategies?"

"Alright," Zhao Xing listened attentively; he was unfamiliar with these experts.

Zong Shichang stood beside Zhao Xing, pointing to a corner of Heavenly Altar Square: "See that man with the feather fan? His name is Wen Zhao, Gathering Essence Ninth Rank, thirty-six years old, an official in Nanyang County’s Ceremony Hall."

"He’s a Ritual Repairer, especially skilled in ’Harmony Ceremony’ and ’Fire Ceremony.’

"Last night, he won the fifth stick of incense."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly, recognizing him as a Ritual Repairer. Upon entering Heavenly Altar Square, this man had burned a few of his grassmen.

"The swordsman beside him is Zhang Boran, Gathering Essence Eighth Rank, his cousin. He wields a third-tier superior ’Tiger Ring Saber,’ proficient in a mid-tier secret technique ’Tiger Slaughter Saber.’

"These two complement each other well, one in literature and one in martial arts," Zong Shichang explained.

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