The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

After listening to Chen Shijie's explanation, Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel admiration.

Guiniang was not officially connected to him, merely a lover; the public order of Nanyang County was not his responsibility either, as his duty as Shennong was simply to promote agriculture.

He could have left it all behind, been promoted, and returned to the military to serve as a military Shennong.

Yet, he was willing to risk his life, set a trap, and attract the Xuantian Sect to target him.

For Guiniang and the common people, it showed both duty and responsibility. To defeat the bandits and enemies demonstrated courage and confidence!

Old Chen, a true man indeed!

After thinking it through, Zhao Xing realized it was time for him to say something. Old Chen had shared so much with him, a clear sign of trust.

"Actually, my visit today is also related to the Xuantian Sect."

"Oh?" Chen Shijie raised an eyebrow. "You mean…?"

"Yes, ever since I obtained the Calamity-repelling almanac, I have encountered three major calamities and several minor ones. All of these happened after the summer solstice, during the period when the county and the Donghu Army were conducting joint searches," Zhao Xing said calmly.

"Why didn't you report this earlier?"

"For the same reason you didn't," Zhao Xing replied. "I'm just a low-ranking official. I've already taken precautions with the Thousand-Mile Communication Token and Calamity-repelling almanac. As a mere third-stage Essence gathering official, what, do I expect a ranked expert to come and protect me?"

The Calamity-repelling almanac isn't all-encompassing. The information it provides is very limited, indicating which time or direction might bring trouble—but it's not guaranteed.

It's like the traditional calendars used by ordinary people: "Today is suitable for starting construction or opening a business but unsuitable for tree cutting or holding a funeral." But how serious is the guidance? Who does it affect? The possibilities are endless.

"There's a simple reason why I didn't report it."

"First, reporting it wouldn't change much. The higher-ups would still carry out their plans. They won't go out of their way for a small official like me."

"Second, if they take it seriously, they might ask me to act as bait to gather more information. That would be beneficial to the government, but for me, it's highly dangerous."

Zhao Xing was candid and straightforward.

He feared being sacrificed.

Who could guarantee that everyone in the higher-ups had pure intentions?

Even if there were no ill intentions, what if someone got overly ambitious in pursuit of personal glory?

In the best-case scenario, where everyone did their jobs selflessly, the operation itself still carried risks.

Based on what Zhao Xing knew about the Xuantian Sect, he figured it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble and stay alert on his own.

The Xuantian Sect wasn't some small-time gang or bandit group—it was a sinister sect that had endured for thousands of years.

"So why bring this up now?" Chen Shijie asked with interest. "Have you been inspired by my bravery?"

"Not at all," Zhao Xing replied without hesitation. "After I left the mountain, I gained a lot—securing forty-two portions of spiritual essence on my own. If the Xuantian Sect isn't blind, they'll definitely move me up on their capture list."

Zhao Xing's reasoning was much like Chen Shijie's. He too realized that his importance on the Xuantian Sect's list had increased.

Additionally, he had family and friends he cared about: Zhao Ruide, Zhao Zheng, even Madam Cai, Ziyu, and Qian Dong. He didn't want them to be implicated because of him.

"Striking a blow against the Xuantian Sect and eradicating their operation in Gucheng is also the outcome I want," Zhao Xing said. "The Xuantian Sect is powerful, but a big fish like them is harder to keep hidden."

"Once their lair is destroyed, it'll take them at least ten or twenty years to recover."

Chen Shijie nodded slightly. "You say you don't hold much weight in the government. If you were in my position, what would you do?"

Zhao Xing answered slowly, "That depends on how much influence you really have."

Chen Shijie thought for a moment. "Assume I'm a standard seventh-ranked official. Since you know about Bixia Yuanjun's water scrolls on Zixiao Island, you should understand the power of a seventh-rank official."

Zhao Xing played it down. "Don't overestimate me. I just enjoy reading odd books, old county records, regional reports, and tales of ancient sects. Those aren't hard to find."

Chen Shijie laughed. "We're just chatting casually here—no need to be overly cautious. Whether right or wrong, it's just between us."

Zhao Xing considered for a moment before nodding. "Alright, if you insist, I'll share my thoughts. But I'd like to see the latest reports from the prefecture, as well as an outline of the military and officials in Nanyang County. Also, any intel related to the Xuantian Sect—anything I'm allowed to see, I want to review it."

"Once I've gone through it, we can do a simulation. You have a model of Nanyang County here, don't you?"

Chen Shijie raised an eyebrow. He had only expected a casual chat but didn't think Zhao Xing would take it seriously.

Seeing Zhao Xing's attitude, his interest was piqued. "I do, I do. I'm a military Shennong after all—come with me."

He led Zhao Xing through the courtyard into the back hall.

Chen Shijie, true to his military background, had transformed the back hall into a small war room.

In the center was a topographical model—a fourth-grade treasure capable of simulating various landscapes and terrains, all to scale.

You only needed to place a map in the base, and it would recreate the scene.

Clouds even floated over the terrain, and weather conditions were recorded as well!

"A fourth-grade high-quality model? Wait, this map… is it the upper reaches of the Canglan River over the Six Barbarian Counties? No, where is Xier County? Why is it depicted as scorched earth?!"

Chen Shijie raised an eyebrow. "You've got sharp eyes, recognizing that at a glance… Now I truly believe you've read a lot."

"As for Xier County, in my simulation, it's been destroyed. Of course, in reality, it still exists."

Chen Shijie waved his hand, and the scorched area of the model was restored.

"You know how to operate this?"

"Not really," Zhao Xing lied. He didn't want to reveal too much. Knowing things from books was one thing, but being familiar with military-grade equipment? That would raise suspicions.

"It's all in Military Tactics. You can check it out for yourself." Chen Shijie pointed to a pile of documents. "Almost forgot—Guiniang is still waiting in the side hall. You go ahead and read, I'll be back soon."

With that, Chen Shijie turned into a gust of wind and disappeared.

Zhao Xing began inspecting the war room.

In addition to the topographical model, there were numerous straw men, miniaturized to palm-sized figures for scale.

There were also war drums, emergency military orders, and various military flags.

Each object emitted a faint glow, indicating they were of significant grade.

"How high-ranking was Old Chen before? Could he really have been a seventh-ranked official?" Zhao Xing mused as he sat at the table, sifting through documents.

The materials were varied, covering many topics:

Detailed Training of Pikemen, The Fierce Fire Formation of the Five Element Camps, Hundred Solutions to Mechanical Units, The Military Shennong Strategy, Exotic Beasts: The White Bone Golden Claw, Hundred Battles: The Geography Chapter, Seventh-Rank Provisions…

The large table, and even the space beneath it, was packed with books.

As a competent military Shennong, Chen Shijie's knowledge and mastery of spells far surpassed those of a civil Shennong.

"Old Chen's pretty capable," Zhao Xing thought, assessing him.

He didn't read through everything but focused on the reports and intel related to the Xuantian Sect.

"In the winter of the 241st year of Chengkang, the heretics of the Xuantian Sect caused chaos in Daoyuan Continent. The demonic bandit known as 'Master of Myriad Transformations' used dark arts to corrupt and control a garrison of 47 soldiers and officers from the Qinglong Garrison, intending to unleash carnage upon the city, which could have spread havoc across 14 counties. Fifteen days later, the bandit was killed by Wuhou 'Zhou Jue'."

"In the spring of the 249th year of Chengkang, heretics of the Xuantian Sect attacked Mount Wanchuan in Dayuan Prefecture, hijacking two dragon-headed tower ships transporting materials for the creation of cave heavens, with the intent of distributing the cargo among the seven counties of Dayuan Prefecture to spread the belief in evil gods. Three days later, the heretic 'Master Fazhen' and two evil gods were destroyed by 'An Dinghe', the commander of the Night God Guard, and the True Lord of Dayuan."

"In the summer of the 257th year of Chengkang, the Xuantian Sect attacked the Minghu Taoist Academy, resulting in the deaths and injuries of 420 students..."

"In the year 261 of Chengkang..."

Chengkang was the era before Jingxin.

Now it is the 15th year of Jingxin, not too far from the previous era.

Chen Shijie was searching for information regarding the activities of the Xuantian Sect within the last century.

"They were always swiftly suppressed, and the demon bandits were quickly killed. Yet, they keep popping up now and then to stir up trouble," Zhao Xing remarked as he reviewed the reports.

The most frustrating part about the Xuantian Sect was that they always sent powerful individuals who were nearing the end of their lives to cause trouble. Since these people were close to death anyway, they didn't care about anything and acted recklessly.

Even if they were killed, it didn't matter much.

Most of the time, the Xuantian Sect wasn't trying to seize territory or loot treasures. Their goal was simply to disgust the Great Zhou Empire and spread the knowledge of their existence.

Planting seeds of fear in the hearts of the people, making them aware of the Xuantian Sect's presence, was enough to achieve their goal.

There was no need for belief. Fear itself was nourishment for the evil gods.

"Since the beginning of the Jingxin era, they've changed their strategy to abduct people everywhere. This is a new phase in their scheme," Zhao Xing compared the intelligence reports with his memories of his previous life.

At the same time, he was pondering how to remind Chen Shijie while maintaining the right balance.

He couldn't let himself appear too abnormal.

Chen Shijie returned after more than an hour.

When he came back to the rear hall, he seemed somewhat dejected. It was clear that Gui Niang was someone he truly cared about.

Zhao Xing had no interest in prying into Chen Shijie's personal affairs. He found romantic entanglements troublesome. Even someone as tough as Old Chen could be affected by a woman. As for himself, he decided it was best to just keep things purely physical in the future.

"How does it look?" Chen Shijie asked.

"Not bad," Zhao Xing put down the documents in his hand.

"Then let's begin."

Zhao Xing moved to the tactical sand table and replaced it with the map of Nanyang County.

"Buzz~"

The sand table trembled lightly. The ten-meter-long, four-meter-wide table began to shift.

New mountains, rivers, and peaks emerged on the surface, and soon, even the weather patterns in various regions were simulated.

Zhao Xing located the position of Gu County on the sand table and infused it with energy.

Immediately, Gu County enlarged, occupying the entire sand table.

"Let's assume I'm a member of the Xuantian Sect, hiding somewhere in Gu County but not within Gu City. My goal is to abduct you, the Nine-Rank County Shennong Officer of Gu City. The first thing to consider is timing."

Zhao Xing's opening statement made Chen Shijie pause for a moment. He had expected Zhao Xing to analyze things from his own perspective, but Zhao Xing instead adopted the viewpoint of the Xuantian Sect.

"What kind of timing?" Chen Shijie asked.

"The best time would be during Yang months, Yang days, and Yang hours," Zhao Xing replied.

Chen Shijie frowned slightly. "To avoid detection by the temple?"

"Exactly," Zhao Xing pointed to the position of the temple in Gu City. "The first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh months are Yang months. Based on the intelligence, every time the Xuantian Sect sends out shadow spirit clones, it happens in one of these months."

"And it's always during Yang months and Yang days."

"During these special time periods, the monitoring ability of the temple's Yin gods is weakened."

"Although the power of the Xuantian Sect's shadow spirits would also be diminished, acting during such a period would still be advantageous."

Chen Shijie nodded. It made sense.

When both sides had equal advantages, it was as if neither had one, because the shadow spirits of the Xuantian Sect could never match the Great Zhou's temple.

But when both sides had equal disadvantages, it became an advantage for the Xuantian Sect since the surveillance of the temple's Yin gods would be weakened.

They would have a window of time to act unnoticed.

Of course, they would still eventually be discovered, and even then, they wouldn't be able to defeat their enemies. However, the 'action-to-discovery' time would be significantly extended.

And that period of time was exactly when the Xuantian Sect could make their move.

"If I were planning to make a move on you, it would definitely be in the eleventh month."

"Why? There are still a few days left in the ninth month," Chen Shijie asked.

"It's not enough time," Zhao Xing shook his head. "I'm trying to abduct you, not kill you."

"The remaining days aren't enough to take you out of the Great Zhou's territory."

"Gu County is 108,000 li from the border of the Great Zhou. Since the Xuantian Sect's members aren't citizens of the Great Zhou, they would need to act discreetly and avoid using magic, so time is crucial."

"That's true," Chen Shijie nodded. "If I were setting a trap, it would also be in the eleventh month, preferably at the beginning. Go on."

"After confirming the time, the next step would be to assess the situation." Zhao Xing pointed to the map. "If you stayed in the county city the whole time under the strong protection of the temple, I wouldn't have any opportunities. The Xuantian Sect couldn't possibly abduct you from within the city."

Attacking the temple in a county city was impossible, especially during this period in the Great Zhou.

"So, what situation would give you an opportunity to abduct me?" Chen Shijie asked.

"In the eleventh month, you're bound to leave the city at least twice," Zhao Xing explained. "Once for the Winter Solstice exam, and another time during the Lesser Snow solar term."

"The Winter Solstice exam, as the chief Shennong Officer, you must attend. And while the Lesser Snow term doesn't involve an exam, you would still inspect the various towns in Gu County to ensure the seasons are progressing normally."

"Correct," Chen Shijie nodded. "During the Lesser Snow period, there's a high chance of a snow disaster. I have to make sure everything is in order. Acting during these two times would be very reasonable."

"After considering the timing, I also have to think about manpower," Zhao Xing said. "Gu City is a top-tier county. Its various departments—Sergeant's Office, Armed Forces Unit, Inspection Department, and the Eastern Lake Army stationed by the lake—all need to be accounted for."

"You're a Nine-Rank official. To abduct you, I'd need at least seven Eighth-Rank experts."

Chen Shijie shook his head. "You're underestimating me. You should treat me as if I'm a Seventh-Rank. The Xuantian Sect doesn't know my true strength."

Zhao Xing calmly replied, "Even if I don't know, I still need to prepare that many. And it's easy to find out you're a military Shennong Officer."

"Capturing you without a sound would be ideal."

"But if something unexpected happens, some of these men will be left behind to distract attention."

"After abducting you, I would quickly use shape-shifting techniques, sealing both your soul and energy, turning us both into ordinary people."

"Next, we'd rely on regular believers to help us escape, using horses, carts, or boats to leave the Great Zhou's territory."

Zhao Xing minimized the map of Gu City, expanding it to encompass the entirety of Nanyang County.

He pointed at the map. "Nanyang County has many waterways. As long as we can board a boat on the Canglan River and sail downstream, we can reach the border town a thousand li away in less than a day. Once we cross the mountains and use magic, we can disappear into the skies."

Chen Shijie laughed and asked, "That's an ideal scenario. Now, where do you think the best ambush spot would be in Gu City?"

Zhao Xing enlarged the map of Gu City again and pointed to several locations. "Gu City is a top-tier county and a major grain-producing area. The central grain production zones of Gu City are Shanggu Town, Laoliangcang Town, Bashui Bay, Sanpochong, and Pingtang Town."

"You'll definitely visit these places to inspect them, right?"

Chen Shijie looked at the map and admitted, "Yes, ensuring the harvest for the people is my responsibility. I will visit these eight places."

Zhao Xing said, "Then it's down to one in eight. Any of these places could be the target, and the locations aren't too different."

Chen Shijie nodded with a smile. "Indeed, your analysis is very sound."

Zhao Xing could tell from Chen Shijie's expression that he had already considered these points, likely even more thoroughly than he had.

However, out of concern for Chen Shijie's safety, Zhao Xing continued, "The Xuantian Sect doesn't care about the cost of life or resources when they act. The operatives they send are always those on the verge of death."

"So, when I say they'll send seven Eighth-Rank experts, that's actually conservative. There could be even more."

Chen Shijie tilted his head. "You didn't mention the other officials or clerks from the other departments. You only considered the force needed to capture me. In reality, there will be fewer sent after me because the Xuantian Sect won't have enough manpower to deal with everyone."

Zhao Xing knew from Chen Shijie's tone that he had fallen into the trap of relying on his past experience.

In previous incidents, the Xuantian Sect had abducted more than just Shennong Officers. They had also captured minor officials and clerks.

However, Zhao Xing was working backward from the results. He knew that the Xuantian Sect's primary target was Shennong Officers, as they were taken to be brainwashed and trained to cause natural disasters within the Great Zhou.

"Let's assume I'm the leader of the Xuantian Sect. I think just capturing you alone is enough," Zhao Xing said, seemingly countering. "Chen Daren, as a military Shennong Officer, your reputation is significant. Even Sixth-Rank officials come to support you. Capturing you alone is worth more than capturing dozens of lesser officials."

"The impact caused would be far greater, wouldn't it?"

"Or maybe the Shennong Officer is their primary target, and the others are just incidental, disposable?"

Chen Shijie's expression grew more serious. The previous analysis had all been within his expectations.

But now, Zhao Xing's seemingly casual comment had reminded him of something—if this possibility truly existed, had he underestimated the Xuantian Sect?