NOVEL NEXT Ch. 2
Chapter 2: Imperial Authority
Jiang Zhaoming’s fishing rod trembled lightly in his hand.
He skillfully manipulated the bait, drawing out an enticing trajectory in the water.
The small green fishes were drawn by the unusual ripples of the bait, gathering around curiously as they examined this strange prey.
Jiang Zhaoming’s gaze was as sharp as fire.
Through the clear river water, he could clearly see the information on each small fish.
【Innate Talent · Strength of a Bull】: Grants you innate divine strength. Without cultivation, you can easily wield objects weighing several thousand catties.
【Innate Talent · Extraordinary Constitution】: You possess astonishing talent in body cultivation, and your training speed far surpasses that of ordinary people.
His gaze locked onto a green fish bearing the 【Extraordinary Constitution】 talent.
He immediately stopped moving the bait and quietly waited.
That little fish, seemingly unable to resist the lure of the bait, slowly approached before finally biting the hook.
The surrounding green fish scattered at once, as though the bait had lost all appeal to them.
Jiang Zhaoming swiftly reeled in the rod, lifting the fish from the water.
The moment it reached the surface, the green fish transformed into a wisp of green smoke and dissipated into the air.
【Name: Jiang Zhaoming
Cultivation: Tempering Bones Realm, First Layer
Innate Talent: Peerless Beauty (Green)
Life Fate: Noble Lineage (Blue)
Divine Artifact Repository: Extraordinary Constitution (Blue Innate Talent)】
【Life Fates and Innate Talents can be bestowed upon your subordinates. You may also examine their Life Fates and Innate Talents.】
【The Innate Talents, Life Fates, and Fortune contained within Blessings are ranked one tier higher than the Blessing itself.】
Jiang Zhaoming did not immediately bestow the talent upon himself, but instead continued fishing with his Fate.
This time, he chose the blue Fate.
The blue Fate transformed into a small fish-shaped bait.
Soon after it sank into the water, a large fish glowing with blue light was lured over.
【Item · Black-Armored Infantry Battalion】: A summoning barracks from the Saint Tang Plane. Once deployed, it can summon 3000 Black-Armored infantry of Tempering Bones Realm Third Layer, 1000 Black-Armored arbalests of Tempering Bones Realm Fourth Layer, 2 Vice-Generals of Black Armor at Blood Refining Realm Third Layer, and 1 Captain of Black Armor at Blood Refining Realm Sixth Layer.
(Note: Aside from absolute loyalty to you, the summoned soldiers are no different from ordinary people.)
Jiang Zhaoming’s eyes widened in shock at the information about this large blue fish.
In the cultivation system of the Great Zhou, the realms were divided into Flesh Refining, Bone Tempering, and Blood Refining, followed by Divine Abilities, Myriad Phenomena, and Golden Body.
Among the guards he had brought this time, there were only 14 at the Blood Refining Realm, 531 at the Bone Tempering Realm, and Qin Wei, a single expert at the Divine Abilities Realm.
These 4000 Bone Tempering Realm Black-Armored soldiers already constituted a standard military unit of the Great Zhou.
If coordinated with battle formations, even a Divine Abilities expert like Qin Wei would not dare face such a legion head-on.
“This Fortune Blessing truly is extraordinary.”
Jiang Zhaoming’s heart blazed with excitement.
If even blue Fate could yield such treasures, what kind of astonishing prize would purple Fate bring?
He quickly transformed a purple Fate into bait and cast it into the water.
The moment the purple bait sank, the little fishes beneath Jiang Zhaoming scattered, and even the large blue fish dared not linger.
Moments later, a pale violet shadow emerged from the depths, slowly approaching the bait.
Seeing the enormous fish below—several times larger than his fishing boat—Jiang Zhaoming could not help but worry whether his small vessel could bear its weight.
【Life Fate · Imperial Authority】: Bearing the visage of destiny, your Fate manifests as dragon and tiger. With but a word, you awe the masses. The hearts of ten thousand people turn to you as water flows downstream.
Jiang Zhaoming’s heart raced upon reading this.
He feared whether he could shoulder such a mighty Life Fate. Yet, upon reflection, since he was able to fish it out, then surely it was destiny itself.
Though his elder brothers were centuries older, with the mysterious long river in his possession, he too could become the next Emperor of the Great Zhou.
“Since it is destiny, then I shall follow Heaven’s will.”
A firm resolve flickered in Jiang Zhaoming’s eyes.
Taking a deep breath, he prepared to reel in the colossal fish.
The instant the purple giant bit the hook, an immense force surged up the rod, tilting the wooden boat violently, nearly lifting its bottom clear of the water!
Jiang Zhaoming gripped the rod tightly, his knuckles turning white. His whole body was nearly dragged into the river.
The behemoth thrashed wildly in the water, raising towering waves.
With just a flick of its tail, Jiang Zhaoming’s arms went numb, almost forcing him to release his grip.
【Warning! The prey is resisting violently. Your fishing boat and rod cannot withstand this!】
【Would you like to consume 4 points of green Fate to upgrade your equipment?】
“All of it—upgrade!” Jiang Zhaoming growled through gritted teeth.
In an instant, the fishing boat swelled.
Its wooden hull expanded, inscribed with ancient runes, exuding a weighty pressure.
The fishing rod metamorphosed into a long silver-white pole, coiled with dragon patterns.
Faint dragon roars echoed from it.
The upgraded boat became steady as a mountain.
With renewed strength, Jiang Zhaoming pulled the rod, finally gaining the upper hand.
The taut fishing line churned the waters as the outline of the purple giant gradually came into view—an enormous dragon carp, its entire body gleaming violet-gold, its scales like armor!
“Come up!”
Jiang Zhaoming bellowed, heaving the rod upward.
【Fishing Successful! Obtained Red Life Fate: Imperial Authority!】
Without hesitation, Jiang Zhaoming directly fused the red Life Fate into his body.
In that instant, a boundless aura of majesty erupted from him.
Purple lightning flickered in the depths of his eyes, while his Fate surged like a dragon.
【Name: Jiang Zhaoming
Cultivation: Tempering Bones Realm, First Layer
Innate Talents: Extraordinary Constitution (Blue), Peerless Beauty (Green)
Life Fate: Imperial Authority (Red)】
【Note: Noble Lineage and Imperial Authority are in conflict. The former has been absorbed.】
【Remaining Fate: Blue ×1, Green ×4】
After reviewing his panel, Jiang Zhaoming did not rush to use his remaining Fate, planning instead to first inspect his fief before making decisions.
A month later.
The wind and sand gradually weakened as the convoy entered an oasis basin.
Half a month more, and they finally reached their destination.
From afar, the outer city walls of the prefecture capital came into sight.
The walls were mottled with scars of blades and axes, showing years of neglect.
“The Prefect dares not welcome His Highness—does he intend rebellion?!”
Qin Wei’s face darkened as he turned to Jiang Zhaoming—only to be struck dumb.
For some reason, though Jiang Zhaoming spoke no word, an innate majesty radiated between his brows, compelling awe.
Even as a Divine Abilities cultivator, Qin Wei felt his heart tremble, cold sweat creeping down his back.
‘Since when did Ah Ming possess such oppressive might…’ Qin Wei thought in shock.
Unaware of the Life Fate of Imperial Authority at work, Jiang Zhaoming simply said faintly: “Uncle, let’s head straight into the city.”
Qin Wei frowned at this, replying gravely: “Your Highness, I fear treachery. It would be wise to send men ahead to probe.”
Before his words faded, the city gates burst open with a thunderous boom!
Two warhorses charged out.
Upon the leading red-maned horse, a female general clad in crimson armor rode forth, her long hair flying, shouting hoarsely from afar.
“Your Highness! Enter the city quickly! The rebels have breached the outer walls—we can no longer hold!”
Jiang Zhaoming and Qin Wei exchanged glances, both their faces darkening like iron.
“Has Anxi Prefecture rotted to this degree?” Jiang Zhaoming cursed inwardly. “Where are the stationed troops of the Great Zhou? Where are the border armies at Dragon-Suppressing Pass?”
Though inwardly fuming, Jiang Zhaoming knew he had no choice.
If the prefectural city fell, he would surely rank at the bottom of next month’s Dragon Ranking.
At that time, not to mention contending for the throne—even his life would be forfeit!