"Your Majesty."
"The fate of Shenzhou has not yet dissipated. If you wish to draw it into the Immortal Realm, the price will be quite significant."
"There is little I can offer to assist Your Majesty."
"However, I can provide a piece of advice if you truly wish to seize the fate of Shenzhou, you may consider visiting Western Kunlun and seeking out the Queen Mother of the West."
"She possesses a supreme treasure capable of traversing the void between worlds. Perhaps it could aid Your Majesty."
The Grand Supreme Elder Lord (Taishang Laojun) spoke slowly.
He had no intention of getting involved in this battle for Shenzhou's fate.
Hearing the name "Queen Mother of the West," Haotian's eyes lit up. He cupped his hands and bowed.
"Many thanks for your guidance, Elder Lord. I shall take my leave."
With that, Haotian turned and left the Tusita Palace.
Watching Haotian's departing figure, the Grand Supreme Elder Lord's expression remained contemplative.
"The fate of Shenzhou… the fate of humanity…"
"The last spark of vitality in this world."
"The so-called path to sainthood… nothing but a joke."
"You all fight and scheme, but will the fate of Shenzhou truly choose any of you?"
The Elder Lord muttered to himself, his gaze filled with deep complexity.
It seemed…
He knew far more than he let on. He understood what had truly transpired in this world!
Nine Li Tribe
"Holy Maiden, what news?"
The leaders of the Nine Li tribes looked at Chi Quan with anticipation.
"A decree has arrived from the imperial court—the Crown Prince has agreed to marry me."
A smile appeared on Chi Quan's face.
Upon hearing this, the gathered tribal leaders erupted in excitement.
"This is wonderful!"
"With the Crown Prince marrying our Holy Maiden, our Nine Li Tribe will truly be one with Great Qin."
"That's right!"
"The Holy Maiden is our leader, and this union with the Crown Prince will allow us to fully integrate into Great Qin."
"Yes, now we can finally rest assured."
The tribal leaders were visibly overjoyed.
However…
Unlike them, Chi Quan's expression remained serious.
"Enough."
She swept her gaze across the room and spoke in a firm tone.
The crowd fell silent, turning their attention toward her.
"For the past two years, you have all seen how Great Qin has treated our Nine Li people."
"Holy Maiden, Great Qin has been exceptionally kind to us."
"In the past, our Baiyue lands were nothing but barren mountains and poisonous swamps. Every year, countless tribesmen perished from miasma and disease. But now, Great Qin has built roads, canals, and even cities for us. Their kindness is immeasurable."
"Yes, indeed."
"At first, I thought Great Qin's conquest of Baiyue was to enslave us. But now, I see they treat us as equals, as part of the Huaxia people."
"Great Qin has given us roads, cities, and even food. We never could have imagined such a life before."
One after another, the tribal leaders spoke.
To them, Great Qin's benevolence had earned their complete loyalty.
Hearing this, Chi Quan allowed herself a slight smile.
"Since Great Qin has shown us such kindness and lifted us from hardship…"
"What do you think our Nine Li Tribe should do in return?" she asked.
"We must pledge our unwavering loyalty to Great Qin!"
"The Emperor and the Crown Prince have shown us great favor. Our Nine Li Tribe will forever be part of Great Qin!"
"That's right."
"We are Qin people now. We will serve Great Qin until our last breath!"
The tribal leaders responded without hesitation.
"Remember your words, and ensure that every one of our tribesmen remembers as well."
"If our people do not show gratitude and instead betray Great Qin, then our Nine Li Tribe will have no future."
"After I marry the Crown Prince, you must fully cooperate with the imperial officials sent to govern our lands and abide by Qin's laws."
"If I hear of anyone defying the imperial court's orders after I leave for the capital, I will personally see to their punishment."
Chi Quan's expression was stern as she issued her warning.
She was making her stance clear.
"Holy Maiden, rest assured!"
"Great Qin has shown us such great kindness anyone who betrays them is no son of the Nine Li Tribe!"
"Indeed."
"We Nine Li people know how to repay kindness. We will never turn our backs on Great Qin!"
The tribal leaders declared firmly.
Great Qin Capital, Xianyang
Crown Prince's Manor
"A single Sixth-Tier Treasure Chest."
"Nine Fifth-Tier Treasure Chests."
"One Fourth-Tier Treasure Chest."
"This time, it's another harvest!"
Zhao Feng grinned with anticipation.
The Sixth-Tier Treasure Chest was obtained from his full attribute transformation.
The nine Fifth-Tier Treasure Chests were rewarded for breaking the 200,000 attribute threshold to 300,000 and for elevating the empire's status.
The Fourth-Tier Treasure Chest was acquired from slaying the Eastern Hu King, Tuoba Hu.
To be fair…
The Tuoba father and son had contributed quite a lot to Zhao Feng's progress.
"Open all the treasure chests!" Zhao Feng commanded.
[System Notification]
"Opening all treasure chests…"
[Fourth-Tier Treasure Chest Opened]
Reward: One [Intermediate Spiritual Vein]
[Fifth-Tier Treasure Chests Opened]
Reward: Law Seed [Thunder Seed]
Reward: Supreme Post-Heaven Spiritual Treasure [Nine-Rank Green Lotus]
Reward: Post-Heaven Superior-Grade Spiritual Root [Twenty Post-Heaven Peach Trees]
Reward: Law Seed [Time Seed]
Reward: Sixth-Tier Alchemist Inheritance
Reward: Post-Heaven Martial Skill [Fist of Eight Desolations]
Reward: Innate-Grade Spirit Flame [Samadhi True Fire]
Reward: [Advanced Spiritual Vein]
Reward: Sixth-Tier Artifact Refiner Inheritance
[Sixth-Tier Treasure Chest Opened]
Reward: Innate Mid-Grade Spiritual Treasure [Vajra Bracelet]
Zhao Feng scanned through the rewards, his gaze locking onto the two Law Seeds.
"Law Seeds… containing the power of laws."
"Thunder and Time Laws… two incredibly powerful forces."
"If I refine them, I will be able to comprehend these laws directly."
"But I don't even need to refine them myself—I can throw them into my Small World and let the power of its Heavenly Dao absorb them. Then, through the authority of the Heavenly Dao, I will be able to control them effortlessly."
A smile spread across Zhao Feng's face.
For an ordinary cultivator, obtaining a Law Seed was akin to discovering a supreme treasure worth far more than even Innate Spiritual Treasures because it allowed direct comprehension of fundamental laws.
But for Zhao Feng, the benefits were even greater.
By using his Small World's Heavenly Dao Authority, he could refine these Law Seeds directly. Once refined, he could wield these laws through his Chaotic Law Authority, achieving complete mastery over them.
"Nine-Rank Green Lotus… a powerful defensive treasure."
"Its defensive capabilities rival even innate-grade treasures. Not bad."
"Post-Heaven Peach Trees… even stronger than their predecessors, and their peach pits can be cultivated further."
"A post-heaven martial skill also useful."
"Samadhi True Fire is an innate-grade spirit flame. Even the Monkey King fears this."
"And two master-tier inheritances in alchemy and artifact refining perfect. Once I absorb them, I can integrate their knowledge into the Empire's Alchemy and Artifact Halls."
"Intermediate and Advanced Spiritual Veins… I'll place them into my Small World."
"The Vajra Bracelet from the Sixth-Tier Chest… could this be the one belonging to the Grand Supreme Elder Lord?"
"If so, this is incredible." Zhao Feng chuckled.
This Vajra Bracelet was an Innate Spiritual Treasure with formidable abilities.
It could capture weapons and treasures and even smash enemies into submission.
"Overall, this was an excellent haul." Zhao Feng mused.
Then, with a thought, he entered his Small World.
Thinking.
Zhao Feng directed the two spiritual veins he obtained from the treasure chest into his small world.
The spiritual veins transformed into dragons and directly integrated into the small world.
In an instant.
The heaven and earth's spiritual energy within the small world surged once again.
Yet, many of the inhabitants of the small world were not surprised by this.
"Father."
"Why do I feel like the spiritual energy has become even denser?"
A ten-year-old boy looked at his father and asked.
"Because the Lord of the World has bestowed his grace upon us." The boy's father patted his son's head, speaking with deep reverence.
"What does the legendary Lord of the World look like?" The boy asked curiously.
"The Lord of the World is majestic in the hearts of all of us."
"If not for the Lord's great kindness in relocating us to this world, we might have already perished in famine or war."
"You must always remember the Lord's grace and repay it well in the future." The father spoke earnestly.
"Father, I understand." The boy nodded firmly.
At this moment.
As the spiritual energy in the small world increased once again, the people living within it were reminded of the Lord's immense power.
Over the years, the small world has developed well. The Yan Court, which Zhao Feng had originally placed in the small world, had successfully taken control as its governing body. Under their leadership, the small world had stabilized and thrived, with everyone fulfilling their roles.
As such, Zhao Feng did not need to show himself.
Yet, the name of the Lord of the World had already spread and was passed down from generation to generation.
The first group of people who had entered the small world was still alive, but as time passed, the name of the Lord of the World would become a legend, much like that of a deity, inspiring awe and reverence.
"Compared to Great Qin."
"The martial arts development within the small world has advanced significantly."
"Many in the Yan Court have broken through to the Divine Ability Realm, and there are also quite a few Grandmasters."
"They, too, have benefited from the increasing spiritual energy."
"Let them continue developing on their own."
Zhao Feng glanced at the situation within the small world. Everyone was a martial artist, and once they reached five years old, they were tested for their natural talent and began their cultivation journey.
In the small world, martial arts were the dominant form of cultivation, followed by alchemy, weapon refining, and formations.
There was no presence of immortal cultivators or Buddhist cultivators.
If this world were to be named in the future, Zhao Feng would call it the Martial World.
"Now then."
"The two Law Seeds."
"Once these Law Seeds merge, the small world may undergo yet another transformation."
Zhao Feng recalled the main reason for his visit.
Immediately, he summoned the two Law Seeds.
One emitted a flickering thunderous aura.
The other carried a vast, time-related power.
"Devour."
With a single thought, Zhao Feng commanded the World Tree, which extended two branches and absorbed the two Law Seeds into the world's core.
"Now that the small world possesses a Heavenly Dao, unlike before when it could only slowly refine spiritual materials, it should take no more than half a year, or at most a year, to fully refine these Law Seeds and integrate their laws into the world."
Zhao Feng mused.
Then, his divine sense withdrew from the small world.
"Next."
"It's time to send some grand gifts to the Immortal Realm."
"I hope they enjoy them."
Zhao Feng sneered.
Afterward.
He summoned the Heavenly Profound Mirror.
Heavenly Profound Mirror: A lower-rank innate fortune treasure. [Possesses the ability to create sub-mirrors, open cultivation spaces, transfer items, transmit objects across worlds, and perform divination.]
With the blessing of Great Qin's national fate, the Heavenly Profound Mirror had finally undergone its ultimate transformation, becoming an innate treasure.
Because of this.
It had gained a new ability it previously lacked cross-world item transmission.
Before achieving this level, there was a divide between the mortal and immortal realms. Even though the sub-mirrors of the Heavenly Profound Mirror were linked after Zhao Feng sent Ying Bu and his men to the Earthly Immortal Realm, the Heavenly Profound Mirror had lost its ability to connect.
But now, as an innate treasure, things were different.
"The Immortal-Mortal Plague This is the first gift my Great Qin shall present to you, so-called immortals and gods."
Zhao Feng sneered.
With a wave of his hand.
The invisible and intangible Immortal-Mortal Plague was sealed into over ten thousand porcelain bottles.
"Ying Bu."
Zhao Feng called through the Heavenly Profound Mirror.
At this moment.
Earthly Immortal Realm
Southern Continent.
Within a city.
Inside a tavern.
"Wine from the Wine Immortal Tavern! Selling fine wine!"
"Premium spiritual brews!"
Many shop assistants were calling out to the streets, and numerous customers were already gathered outside the tavern.
Their clothing was similar to that of the Qin and Zhou dynasties, and all of them were human.
Wine Immortal Tavern.
Hearing this name, one could immediately tell that it was an establishment set up by Great Qin's Yan Court operatives.
Before arriving.
They had carried countless resources that Zhao Feng had prepared inside their Heavenly Profound Mirrors.
Fine wines, spirit stones, and elixirs.
All for the sake of establishing a foothold in the Earthly Immortal Realm.
"It's finally on sale."
"Shopkeeper."
"When will your wine be available all the time?"
A dissatisfied customer asked.
"Hahaha."
"Dear guest, fine wine takes time to brew. The Wine Immortal Tavern only makes premium brews." Ying Bu chuckled.
He had already been in the Earthly Immortal Realm for some time.
Time flowed differently between realms one day in the heavens could be a year in the mortal world.
Upon arrival.
Ying Bu immediately gathered his subordinates and established a foothold in the area, moving cautiously and steadily.
As he conversed with customers.
Ying Bu suddenly sensed something and immediately instructed his men before heading inside the tavern.
Inside a private room.
Ying Bu immediately summoned the Heavenly Profound Mirror, and Zhao Feng's image appeared on its surface.
"Your subordinate greets the Lord."
Ying Bu knelt in salute.
"How are things?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"Reporting to the Lord."
"All is well."
"However, several dozen brothers have perished." Ying Bu said grimly.
"Why?" Zhao Feng frowned.
"Demons."
"This Immortal Realm is overrun with demons."
"When the Lord sent us to the Immortal Realm, we weren't all placed together. Some were scattered into mountains and forests and were killed by demons." Ying Bu explained immediately.
"Hmm."
Zhao Feng nodded.
The Immortal Realm was home to countless races, and so-called demons were naturally the demon race.
"You are currently in a human city?"
"What nation is this?" Zhao Feng asked.
"This land is known as Huangfeng Kingdom, a small nation with a population of about ten million."
"Their customs are somewhat similar to those of our Great Qin, but their written characters resemble those of the ancient Shang and Zhou dynasties overly complex." Ying Bu reported.
"Huangfeng Kingdom?"
Zhao Feng pondered for a moment and quickly made a realization.
"Huangfeng Kingdom… Huangfeng Ridge."
"So that's how it is." Zhao Feng mused.
But.
The Huangfeng Kingdom had not yet turned into that desolate land of yellow sand. Humans still lived there.
Things had not reached that point yet.
"Are there cultivators in the Huangfeng Kingdom?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Yes, my Lord."
"But they do not exist in the open; they remain in the shadows."
"Furthermore, it seems a sect is backing this kingdom, selecting those with spiritual roots each year to join them."
"On the surface, the Huangfeng Kingdom is peaceful and stable." Ying Bu said respectfully.
"Hmm."
Zhao Feng nodded.
As for the sect recruiting disciples.
He could already guess the truth.
Raising livestock.
The kingdom seemed peaceful, but those chosen were likely being used for their blood and spiritual essence.
"Now listen well."
"I have sent ten thousand bottles of Immortal-Mortal Plague into your Heavenly Profound Mirror. Find a way to spread it."
"Make sure it reaches the entire Earthly Immortal Realm."
The Immortals and Gods are ruthless.
Their methods are merciless.
Once they discover the source of the Immortal-Mortal Miasma, they will eradicate it without hesitation.
The death of living beings is of no concern to them.
"Understood." Ying Bu nodded solemnly.
"Now that the Heavenly Profound Mirror can transport items between the two realms without restriction, you can collect various spiritual roots and fruits under the guise of brewing wine in the Earthly Immortal Realm, purchasing them with spirit stones."
"In addition, you may acquire immortal techniques, divine abilities, magical treasures, weaponry, alchemical and refining methods, as well as refining materials from the Immortal Realm."
"However many spirit stones you need, I will provide them."
"Of course."
"Everything must still be handled with caution. The so-called order in this Earthly Immortal Realm is merely an illusion. Strength is the foundation." Zhao Feng said in a deep voice.
"Understood." Ying Bu nodded heavily.
"If anything happens, contact me immediately."
Zhao Feng nodded, and the figure within the Heavenly Profound Mirror disappeared.
"Farewell, my Lord." Ying Bu bowed before slowly putting away the Heavenly Profound Mirror.
Then, he focused his thoughts on the mirror's space.
Sure enough
Ten thousand porcelain bottles appeared.
Ying Bu retrieved one and opened it.
A formless aura instantly entered his body.
He did not even feel a thing.
"The Immortal-Mortal Miasma."
"Immortals, gods, demons you're all in for a treat." Ying Bu smirked coldly.
Great Qin.
The Crown Prince's residence.
"The grand gift has been delivered."
"Now, we wait for the reaction. It will take time to ferment."
"I hope you all enjoy the gift I have prepared for you."
"Mortals cannot consume it, and spiritual essence cannot be absorbed."
"In essence, I have severed your path to immortality."
"Unknowingly, I have also saved countless mortals."
With the Immortal-Mortal Miasma successfully delivered to the Earthly Immortal Realm, Zhao Feng smiled.
He was eager to see what changes it would bring to the Immortal Realm.
"By the way, with the empire's promotion, the imperial panel has also evolved."
"The attributes of the Xuan Bird Totem should allow another selection."
Immediately, he summoned the Xuan Bird Totem attributes.
Soldiers: Enhances the nation's military power with national destiny, granting a 40% boost to the army's combat strength at the superior royal dynasty level.
Abundance: Ensures favorable weather within the territory, increasing harvest yields by 40%.
Cultivation: Provides a 40% boost to the cultivation speed of all citizens.
Spirit: Increases the likelihood of newborns possessing cultivation talent by 40%.
"When the dynasty was established, I chose 'Cultivation.' Now, with my decree encouraging population growth, Great Qin's newborn population will surge."
"Then I shall choose 'Spirit.' Great Qin will undoubtedly produce even more cultivation geniuses."
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng selected Spirit.
With this, more children in Great Qin would be born with cultivation potential.
As the national destiny grew, the increase would be even greater.
After selecting the Xuan Bird National Destiny attribute—
"Now, it's time to cultivate divine abilities, refine spiritual flames and treasures, and enhance my cultivation." Zhao Feng thought as he entered seclusion.
To the west of Shenzhou, in the Western Territories
There were thirty-six small nations.
They constantly waged war against each other, yet an unseen force maintained balance among them. For years, none of the nations had been destroyed.
Within these thirty-six nations
Most followed the Buddhist faith.
They believed that enduring hardship in this life would lead to reincarnation as a noble in the next.
Among them, the strongest nation was Wusun.
And within Wusun, the most opulent and magnificent structure was not the royal palace, but a grand Buddhist temple.
In the capital city
Monks could be seen everywhere.
However, they were not revered ascetics, but plump and well-fed men, stronger than the common folk.
On the streets
Ordinary citizens would kneel in reverence upon seeing these monks, showing deep fear and respect.
Clearly
In Wusun, Buddhist disciples held immense power.
Inside the temple
It was lavishly decorated, and the statues were carved from gold, giving the illusion of entering a place of extreme luxury.
Beneath the golden Buddha
Numerous monks in robes sat cross-legged in the hall.
Each was surrounded by a faint Buddhist glow, appearing sacred.
"Abbot."
"Falin has been in Shenzhou for a month, but there has been no word. Could something have happened?"
One Buddhist cultivator spoke up.
"Falin possesses the power of the Void Union Realm and has condensed a relic."
"Who in Shenzhou could harm him?"
The one seated on the main cushion, radiating Buddhist light yet exuding a sinister aura, spoke slowly.
He was Fazhi, the leader of the Buddhist cultivators in the Western Territories.
A demonic cultivator hidden beneath a Buddhist façade.
"Falin said he would return in ten days, but it has been much longer."
"It is likely that something has indeed happened."
"Qin's national destiny is thriving, and even an envoy from the Celestial Court perished in Penglai without cause. This must be due to Shenzhou."
"In my opinion, we should strike first."
"We cannot delay the grand plan of the Buddha."
A Buddhist cultivator said solemnly.
"I agree."
"With Shenzhou's flourishing destiny, if Falin has not returned, it must be because of Qin. This proves Qin stands against our Buddhist sect. In that case, we must strike first."
"With the strength of the thirty-six nations, we can break Qin's destiny and spread our Buddhist teachings into Shenzhou. We will seize its fortune, and the Buddha will be pleased."
"Indeed."
"Shenzhou is far superior to the Western Territories."
"Its land is rich in spiritual energy, and there must be countless people with spiritual roots and wisdom. Once we take Shenzhou, not only will we gain its destiny, but our Buddhist sect will obtain endless spiritual essence, greatly increasing our power and allowing us to ascend to the higher realms."
The monks all voiced their agreement.
As they spoke of Shenzhou's vast resources and gifted populace, their eyes gleamed with bloodthirsty greed.
The once-holy temple instantly seemed like a sea of corpses, filled with wailing souls.
"Send an edict to the thirty-six nations. Mobilize all armies to march east against Qin."
At this moment
Fazhi, the Buddhist leader, made his decision.
Originally
He had planned to gradually spread Buddhism into Shenzhou, controlling it step by step as he had done with the Western Territories. But now that his envoy had disappeared, he had the perfect excuse to strike directly.
"By your command, Abbot." The monks answered in unison, their greedy eyes unwavering.
Great Qin's capital, Xianyang!
Imperial Court Hall!
"Your Majesty!"
"Urgent report from the western border!"
"The thirty-six nations of the Western Territories are mobilizing troops, seemingly preparing to invade Great Qin," Wei Liao reported loudly.
"The Western barbarians dare to invade Great Qin?"
Hearing this, even Ying Zheng was surprised.
"Hahaha."
"This is quite unexpected."
"I have yet to make a move against them, yet they dare come first." Ying Zheng laughed, clearly pleased.
Then, he turned to Wang Jian. "Grand Marshal, what of our troops?"
"Your Majesty!"
"The Lantian and Hangu armies have already been deployed to the western border."
"We only await your command to cross the frontier and strike the Western nations." Wang Jian replied at once.
"No."
Ying Zheng waved his hand with a cold smile. "Since they wish to march on Great Qin, let them. We will crush them in a single battle, just as we did with the Xiongnu and Donghu."
"Moreover, if all thirty-six nations are gathering, this must be connected to that Buddhist cultivator."
"They have long coveted Shenzhou."
"This is undoubtedly the work of the Buddhist sect."
"Your wisdom is unparalleled, Your Majesty." The ministers all nodded in agreement.
"Qi'er."
"After the court session, personally go to the Academy and request the National Teacher to lead his disciples to the western frontier for defense."
"The strength of the Buddhist cultivators is not to be underestimated. Only the National Teacher can suppress them." Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Qi as he spoke.
"Your grandson accepts the decree." Zhao Qi immediately nodded.
Now that Zhao Qi had been appointed as the heir to handle state affairs, Zhao Feng no longer needed to attend court at all times.
"Your Majesty."
"The Saintess of the Jiuli Tribe has already arrived in Xianyang. When shall she be wed to the Crown Prince?" Han Fei stepped forward and respectfully inquired.
"The Jiuli Tribe has pledged allegiance to Great Qin, and their Saintess is to marry the Crown Prince. This must be handled with due solemnity."
"Chancellor Han."
"Make the necessary preparations."
"A royal wedding banquet shall be held in the palace in the coming days for the Crown Prince's marriage to the Jiuli Saintess." Ying Zheng declared.
The Jiuli Tribe, once an unrivaled force among the ancient Wu clans this was something Ying Zheng had learned from his son. Now that the Jiuli had been fully integrated into Qin, they had to be treated with favor. Granting the Saintess due honor was part of that arrangement.
"Your minister obeys the decree." Han Fei immediately acknowledged the order.
Ying Zheng nodded, signaling the court ministers to continue their reports.
"Your Majesty."
"The national policies set forth by the Crown Prince have been announced across the empire."
"The people of Great Qin are filled with enthusiasm. It is expected that our population will see a rapid increase in the coming years." Lü Buwei immediately reported.
"Your Majesty…"
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