Hearing Zhao Feng's words, Ying Zheng naturally understood Zhao Feng had already formulated a plan.
"How do you plan to proceed?"
"I will fully support you."
"No matter who is involved, I will leave the decision to you," Ying Zheng said solemnly.
"What if it's one of Father's sons?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
As soon as he said this, Ying Zheng's expression shifted slightly.
"Fusu wouldn't do such a thing," Ying Zheng sighed.
"Indeed, Fusu wouldn't but another one just might," Zhao Feng said with a smirk.
"Hu Hai?"
Ying Zheng looked surprised. "Would he dare to make a move against you?"
In Ying Zheng's view, Hu Hai was among his sons the least remarkable. The only reason he had been allowed to act as a regent was to create a visible rivalry with Fusu, allowing Zhao Feng to develop without obstacles.
And it had worked.
While the court was divided between supporting Fusu and Hu Hai, Zhao Feng swiftly rose to power.
"Father, you underestimate how tempting power is."
Zhao Feng chuckled.
"If he truly acts against me, spare his life," Ying Zheng sighed.
After all, Hu Hai was still his blood. No matter how ruthless he could be as an emperor, he could not bring himself to kill his son.
"Alright," Zhao Feng nodded without hesitation.
"Also."
"Today, go to Zhangtai Palace. I have already decreed that all your younger siblings will first pay respects to your mother, and then come to see you."
"Now that your identity has been restored, it is time for you to meet your brothers and sisters," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"I will follow Father's arrangements," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
At that moment
Ying Zheng looked Zhao Feng up and down before suddenly smirking, "Brat, don't you have something for me?"
"What do you mean?" Zhao Feng was momentarily stunned.
"You little rascal."
"Your mother already told me everything about you."
"Still trying to play dumb?"
Seeing Zhao Feng's puzzled expression, Ying Zheng widened his eyes in mock annoyance.
"What exactly did she say?"
Zhao Feng played along, pretending to be clueless.
"You wanted to go to Baiyue to guard the borders, but wasn't that just an excuse to wait for the collapse of Qin and then take over for yourself?"
"Your mother already told me everything."
"You brat," Ying Zheng scolded.
"Hehe."
"Father."
"It's just that none of your other sons could hold the empire together. I had to consider my mother's safety," Zhao Feng said with a grin.
"And now?"
Ying Zheng huffed.
"Now, things are different."
"Since I have accepted the position of Crown Prince, I will change Great Qin's fate."
"And, I do have a gift for you." Zhao Feng smiled.
"Oh?" Ying Zheng was intrigued.
He immediately thought of martial cultivation techniques.
His wife, Afang, had once told him that Zhao Feng only allowed his closest family and most trusted followers to cultivate his martial techniques.
"But before that," Zhao Feng said, "didn't you once say that after unifying the world, you would show me the ancient texts about immortals?"
"Isn't it time to bring them out?"
"Haha, come with me."
Ying Zheng chuckled and led Zhao Feng to the rear palace.
Zhao Feng followed without hesitation.
As they entered, a massive map of the world came into view.
However, unlike before, the entire landmass was now under Qin's rule.
Ying Zheng walked to a shelf and retrieved a box, handing it to Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng took it and opened it, finding a single bamboo scroll inside.
"Only one scroll?" Zhao Feng asked in surprise.
"Just read it," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
Without delay, Zhao Feng unrolled the bamboo scroll and read its contents:
"At the founding of the Zhou Dynasty, celestial beings descended from the heavens to congratulate the Zhou King."
"Zhou Wu Wang (King Wu of Zhou) offered three thousand boys and girls as tribute to the immortals."
"During the reign of Zhou Mu Wang, traces of immortals were found at Mount Kunlun. The king sought them out and gained eternal life."
"Six hundred years ago, during the rule of Qin Gongbo, an immortal appeared above Xianyang, observing the world, and took a thousand boys and a thousand girls to the celestial realm."
"Five hundred years ago, an immortal prophecy was left behind: 'On Penglai Island, the Gate of Heaven shall open.'"
"During these years, across the land, there were many accounts of children being taken away by immortals."
"Four hundred years ago, celestial blood rained from the sky, covering the land in a crimson cloud. Every kingdom recorded the event. Shortly after, a great plague swept across the land."
"Three hundred years ago, all traces of immortals vanished, and no records of them remained. From then on, kings across the land sought them in vain."
Zhao Feng pondered over the text.
"Finished reading?"
"What do you think?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"I'm not surprised that immortals exist."
"But, Father, have you noticed a pattern in these records?" Zhao Feng said seriously.
"What pattern?" Ying Zheng asked, frowning.
He had never seen any particular pattern in the accounts.
"The immortals cannot freely come and go in the mortal realm."
"Moreover, three hundred years ago, their traces completely disappeared. Do you know why?" Zhao Feng asked.
"I have no idea," Ying Zheng admitted.
"Three hundred years ago, the land was divided among many states not as many as in the earlier times, but still numerous," Zhao Feng explained.
"And what does that have to do with the immortals?" Ying Zheng asked, still puzzled.
"The fewer the warring states, the less chaos there is. The stronger the states, the stronger the nation's fate."
"And when the fate of the land is strong, the immortals cannot descend." Zhao Feng concluded.
Now.
Through this ancient record, Zhao Feng finally understood why the so-called immortals had appeared less and less frequently in Shenzhou over time.
Back when Guiguzi first arrived in Shenzhou, he was able to move around freely. However, as time passed, he could no longer leave the mountain. The fortune of Shenzhou had a significant suppressive effect on immortals.
"I don't understand what you're saying." Ying Zheng shook his head.
"Mother must have told you about the power of martial arts, right?" Zhao Feng turned to look at Ying Zheng, his gaze filled with amusement.
"Haha." Ying Zheng laughed twice, making his meaning quite clear.
"Father, what do you think martial arts are?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"The first time I saw it, Qi'er was only a few years old but was already able to lift a massive artificial mountain weighing dozens of stone." Ying Zheng sighed with emotion.
"Then, do you know what kind of nation I would have built if I were not your son if I had guarded Baiyue, swept across the land, and established my own rule?" Zhao Feng asked again.
Ying Zheng remained silent and simply looked at Zhao Feng.
"I would have built a martial nation."
"In Shenzhou, all my people would be able to cultivate. The foundation of my empire would be martial arts, and my dynasty would last for eternity." Zhao Feng's voice carried an undeniable ambition and dominance.
"Can martial arts grant immortality?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Of course."
"However, there is something peculiar about this world. When one reaches a certain level in martial arts, they should gain an extended lifespan but they do not."
"I have been searching for the reason, but I have yet to find it." Zhao Feng sighed.
"Then how long can you live now?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.
"Seven to eight hundred years." Zhao Feng smiled.
"Hiss"
Hearing this number, Ying Zheng couldn't help but gasp.
"Father, do you want to experience the power of martial arts for yourself?"
Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"How do I experience it?" Ying Zheng had long been curious.
Zhao Feng grinned. "Just don't be scared."
With that, Zhao Feng smirked mischievously, placed his hand on Ying Zheng's shoulder, and lifted him slightly.
Then, in an instant, he leaped into the sky.
In just a blink of an eye, both Zhao Feng and Ying Zheng vanished from the palace hall.
Outside the hall
The imperial guards on duty only felt a sudden gust of wind sweeping past them, making them stagger slightly.
"What just happened?"
"No idea."
"There was no sound."
The guards exchanged puzzled glances.
They looked back at the palace behind them. There was no movement at all.
The sudden gust of wind left them utterly confused.
Meanwhile, high above in the sky
Zhao Feng used his true energy to support Ying Zheng, allowing him to stand in the air. He smiled.
"This... this... this..."
Standing in midair, gazing down at Xianyang City below, Ying Zheng was utterly astonished.
For an emperor as mighty as him to show such a reaction, perhaps only Zhao Feng could have made it happen.
At this moment
He was standing at a height of a thousand zhang.
If he fell, he would be crushed to pieces.
An ordinary person would have been scared out of their wits.
But while Ying Zheng was shocked, he remained calm and did not show any fear.
Underneath his astonishment was deep curiosity.
"Father."
"How does it feel?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"Immortal arts..."
"My son has become an immortal."
"Unbelievable."
"The heavens have eyes my son, Ying Zheng's son, has become an immortal!" Ying Zheng laughed heartily, his voice filled with excitement.
At this moment, his heart surged with boundless joy.
Throughout history
Countless emperors had sought out immortals, yearning for their blessings to attain eternal life, so they could rule forever and become the one true eternal monarch.
Yet throughout history
Aside from the legendary King Mu of Zhou, who was long buried in ancient records, who else had ever achieved eternal life?
But now
Future generations would record the name of one man.
Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng the first emperor to unify the land, consolidating all of Huaxia into one.
His son, Zhao Feng an immortal, wielding immortal powers, possessing the foundation of eternal life.
"Immortality..."
"It is still too far away."
"And perhaps, the ultimate goal of martial arts is not to become immortal. While martial arts seek power, even if one reaches a level equal to the immortals, they do not call themselves immortals." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
After speaking with Guiguzi
Zhao Feng had come to understand something.
Martial arts did not exist in this world.
Immortal cultivation was the only known method of training.
Zhao Feng had created an entirely new path of cultivation within this world.
The path of martial arts.
In the future
He, Zhao Feng, would become the Martial Ancestor of this world.
"I may not understand everything you say."
"Nor do I fully grasp the scale of your ambitions."
"But as your father, I will unconditionally support you in whatever you wish to do." Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Feng with unwavering determination.
As an Emperor
As the first emperor to unify the land under one rule, Ying Zheng could sense that his son's ambitions surpassed even his own.
As the King of Qin, Ying Zheng had once set his sights on conquering the Six Kingdoms and ruling the world, which, in the eyes of people in this era, referred to the land of Shenzhou.
After all, the vastness of Shenzhou was already beyond the reach of ordinary mortals.
But Zhao Feng's ambitions were not limited to Shenzhou alone he aspired to conquer the entire world, the entire heavens and earth.
His ambitions were far greater!
Upon hearing Ying Zheng's words, Zhao Feng's face revealed a touched smile.
Ever since their recognition at Mount Tai, Zhao Feng had come to understand all that his father had done for him in secret.
After learning of Zhao Feng's true identity, Ying Zheng spared no effort in promoting him, ensuring he gained power and reputation.
To help Zhao Feng build his following, he had given heavy responsibilities to figures like Han Fei and Xiao He.
To put Zhao Feng's mind at ease, he had even entrusted him with the affairs of the state.
A father, an emperor what Ying Zheng had done for his son was nearly unheard of throughout history.
In royal families, a monarch's power was something no one was allowed to interfere with not even their children.
Between father and son, between members of the royal family, there was often no room for sentiment.
The phrase "there is no familial love in the imperial family" was not just empty talk.
Yet, Ying Zheng had truly shown his paternal love to Zhao Feng's family.
"Father."
"Do you want to ride a dragon?"
Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"A dragon?"
Ying Zheng turned to look at him in surprise. "Do dragons exist?"
Since ancient times, dragons have been symbols of imperial authority, representing the sovereign's divine status.
Even though Qin's totem was the Black Bird, dragons remained the ultimate symbol of emperors.
"If I say they exist, then they do."
Zhao Feng smiled.
With a mere thought
A flash of light.
A massive black dragon spanning over a hundred meters suddenly appeared in the clouds above.
"This..."
Seeing the enormous dragon hovering in the sky, its appearance exactly like the legendary divine beasts of myth, radiating an overwhelming aura of dominance.
Ying Zheng was utterly stunned.
"Father."
"Today, as your son, I present you with this great gift let me show you the vast lands of Great Qin."
Zhao Feng chuckled, then gently lifted Ying Zheng with his True Essence and landed on the dragon's head.
"Good!"
Ying Zheng laughed heartily. "Having an immortal son is truly remarkable. I never imagined that I, Ying Zheng, would one day experience riding a dragon and soaring above the world!"
"I am indeed the greatest emperor of all time!"
These words were filled with unparalleled grandeur and pride.
"That's right."
"Father, you naturally deserve such a title. In the future, for thousands, even tens of thousands of years, your name as the first emperor of all time will echo throughout history." Zhao Feng said with a bold laugh.
Then
The black dragon soared through the sky, its speed unimaginable.
Below them, Xianyang City and the surrounding lands unfolded like a grand painting.
By the time they returned to the palace for lunch
"Now I understand."
"With your abilities, it's no wonder you're fearless on the battlefield."
"With such power, you could easily storm into the royal palaces of any enemy nation, and no army would be able to stop you."
Ying Zheng was filled with awe.
Earlier, Zhao Feng had taken him out and returned without anyone noticing.
Such a feat was simply unimaginable.
Ying Zheng even thought
If. Zhao Feng truly wanted to kill someone, what king in the world could resist him?
"Father."
"You're overthinking it."
"Have you forgotten what I just told you about national destiny?"
Zhao Feng smiled.
"This 'national destiny' what exactly is it?" Ying Zheng asked.
"National destiny is the fortune of a nation. The stronger the country, the larger its population, the greater its power, the stronger its destiny."
"As the ruler of a nation, a monarch is naturally protected by this national destiny."
"Even if I reach the highest levels of cultivation, even if a true immortal were to try, they would be unable to kill you."
"The moment they approach, national destiny would automatically shield you."
"Take you, for example, Father."
"Right now, not even ten immortals could harm you."
"All because of national destiny."
"Great Qin has unified Shenzhou its national destiny is unparalleled." Zhao Feng explained with a smile.
"Then back when Jing Ke attempted to assassinate me, are you saying that even if I hadn't dodged, I would have been unharmed?" Ying Zheng's eyes lit up.
Zhao Feng chuckled. "You're mistaken again. National destiny only affects cultivators. Jing Ke was an ordinary mortal, so he was unaffected. If you hadn't dodged back then, you really might have been killed."
"Back when I was merely a king, I thought I understood a great deal. After becoming emperor, ruling the world, with access to all the records and knowledge under heaven, I believed nothing could escape my grasp."
"Yet after hearing your words today, I realize how limited my understanding truly is."
Ying Zheng sighed deeply.
"Father, what you have accomplished is already incredible."
"You are the one who achieved unification the first and only one in history."
"It's just that what I am speaking of is beyond the knowledge of ordinary people."
"In the future, you and I will work together to strengthen Great Qin, establish a nation of martial cultivation, and ensure that our family achieves eternal life. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Hearing this
A flicker of longing appeared in Ying Zheng's eyes.
Eternal life.
As the ruler of the world, how could he not desire it?
"Feng'er."
"If I truly gain immortality, when will you inherit the throne?" Ying Zheng smirked playfully at Zhao Feng.
Hearing this question
Zhao Feng laughed. "Father, do you know what my original plan was?"
"How would I know?"
"You keep your thoughts buried so deeply." Ying Zheng replied.
"I originally planned to wait until the collapse of Qin, then rebuild Shenzhou under a new dynasty."
"After establishing my empire, I had no intention of staying in Shenzhou. Once it was unified, I would hand the government over to Qi'er, so I could focus entirely on leading my armies beyond Shenzhou."
"Now that I am the Crown Prince of Qin, I no longer need to go through the trouble of recreating Shenzhou from scratch. Instead, I can focus on reforming Great Qin, strengthening the military, and, in the future, setting out on my conquests without distraction."
"Father, the affairs of state will be in your hands." Zhao Feng said with a grin.
Hearing this
Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow and laughed. "So, should I take this as you throwing all the government work onto me?"
"Hahaha!"
"You're the emperor of Great Qin handling state affairs is your job!"
"If you ever get tired of it, just leave it to Qi'er. As for me, I have no interest in such things." Zhao Feng laughed heartily.
His ultimate pursuit was to reach the peak of martial cultivation, to achieve true immortality so that his family could live forever.
As for the burdensome affairs of governance?
That would only get in the way of his pursuit of power.
Now that he had his father a perfect workhorse everything was falling into place.
In the future, he would expand Great Qin while his father maintained order at home.
A perfect arrangement.
Once the mortal realm was fully unified
What lay beyond Shenzhou?
A world without the protection of Shenzhou's destiny
What kind of world would that be?
Zhao Feng was eager to find out!
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