"However, were there only about a hundred Buddhist cultivators?"
Ying Zheng was slightly surprised.
Zhao Feng had searched the soul of the Buddhist cultivator Fa Lin, and according to what he learned, Buddhism had entrenched itself in the western nations for many years perhaps even since the separation of the Divine Continent from the Earthly Immortal Realm. There was no way that there were only a mere hundred Buddhist cultivators.
"Your Majesty,"
"These Buddhist cultivators likely underestimated our Great Qin, so they only sent this small number."
"After all, they have never truly understood the depths of our Great Qin's power."
"However, their Buddhist techniques are indeed formidable. When they cast their spells, the foreign armies seemed to turn into berserk demons fearless of death, devoid of pain, and only focused on slaughtering."
"If not for the fact that our entire Great Qin army practices martial cultivation, it would have been impossible to hold the line against such fearless enemies." Wei Liao spoke respectfully, his face filled with deep emotion.
If the Great Qin army had not embarked on the path of martial cultivation, had not inherited the teachings of the martial way,
Then facing an army of foreign berserkers bewitched by Buddhist magic would have been an absolute disaster.
Think about it
These warriors felt no fear, fought with reckless abandon, and showed extreme levels of madness. How could an ordinary army possibly stand against them?
All humans, as they grow, develop emotions and desires.
No matter how brave one is, there is always an instinct to fear death.
On the battlefield, even the elite soldiers of Great Qin, battle-hardened and fearless, could not possibly match the sheer insanity of these bewitched foreign troops.
"The Buddhist cultivators of the Western Region…"
"On the surface, they preach compassion, but in truth, they are nothing more than demonic cultists."
"This time, as we pacify the Western Region, we must also eradicate these Buddhist cultivators." Ying Zheng declared coldly, his voice filled with undisguised contempt for these Buddhist monks.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
The court officials spoke in unison.
"Your Majesty,"
"The Holy Maiden of Jiuli has been waiting for several days now."
"All preparations for the wedding banquet have been completed, and the wedding is set for today. When will the Crown Prince leave seclusion?" Han Fei stepped forward and asked respectfully.
"If Han Qing has arranged everything, then let us hold the wedding banquet today."
At that moment!
A clear and bright voice rang out from outside the hall.
All the ministers immediately turned their heads and looked in the direction of the voice, their expressions shifting to awe and reverence.
"We pay our respects to the Crown Prince!"
The ministers all bowed deeply in unison.
"Rise, all of you," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
"Father," Zhao Feng then respectfully saluted Ying Zheng.
"Feng'er, so you've finally decided to leave seclusion," Ying Zheng said with a chuckle.
"This period of closed-door cultivation has yielded great results."
"But since this concerns the Jiuli, I must not delay the Holy Maiden." Zhao Feng smiled.
"The Buddhist cultivators incited thirty-six nations to attack our Great Qin, sending nearly 800,000 troops, but our Great Qin warriors crushed them completely, capturing many prisoners."
"Our forces have now invaded the Western Region and taken control of the land." Ying Zheng stated.
"Father,"
"The Western nations are of no concern. The real threat lies with the Buddhist cultivators of the region."
"However, with the National Preceptor personally leading our forces, there shouldn't be any real danger." Zhao Feng smiled confidently.
He didn't consider the Western nations a challenge at all.
At this point, Great Qin's national strength and power level were far beyond what ordinary mortal nations could hope to contend with.
Furthermore, Guiguzi had already reached the Golden Immortal realm making him a formidable force even in the Immortal Realm, let alone the mortal world.
"Since the Crown Prince has emerged from seclusion,"
"My ministers,"
"There will be a grand wedding banquet today in the imperial palace."
"The Holy Maiden of Jiuli is to marry into our imperial family, ensuring the absolute loyalty of the Jiuli tribe to our dynasty from this day forward." Ying Zheng addressed his court.
"We obey Your Majesty's decree!" The ministers all responded with joy.
"Father,"
"During my seclusion, I obtained a special cultivation space where spiritual energy is far richer than in the Divine Continent. Furthermore, its flow of time differs from ours."
"This will significantly boost the strength of our entire Great Qin."
"Today, I attend court to discuss this matter." Zhao Feng announced.
A cultivation space had already been established within his small world.
In comparison to the Divine Continent, time in this space flowed at a rate of fifty years to one.
This would allow Great Qin to rapidly strengthen its overall power.
"A difference in time?"
"What do you mean?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.
"In the cultivation space I obtained, training for fifty years is equivalent to just one year passing in the Divine Continent." Zhao Feng explained with a smile.
Hearing this!
Ying Zheng's eyes widened in delight, and he immediately showed great excitement. "To think such a cultivation space exists is like a divine blessing for our Great Qin!"
"Feng'er, how do you plan to use this space?" Ying Zheng asked eagerly.
As the ruler of the empire, he fully understood what such a resource meant.
If utilized correctly, it would accelerate the growth of Great Qin's power by an unimaginable degree.
"The cultivation space will be open to martial arts, immortal cultivation, Buddhist cultivation, and various auxiliary disciplines."
"The first batch of entrants will be selected from the academies, the military, and the Alchemy and Forging Halls."
"There is no set limit on numbers."
"Those who have not yet reached the Innate Realm must be under thirty years old to enter."
"Those who have reached the Innate Realm must be under a hundred years old to qualify."
"Of course,"
"Once inside, if one finds themselves unable to break through and does not wish to exhaust their remaining lifespan, they may choose to leave."
Zhao Feng had already carefully considered how to manage this training space.
Those below the Innate Realm had a lifespan of less than a hundred years. If they reached the Innate Realm, they could extend their lifespan to about 150 years.
For those with weaker talent, this was likely the only opportunity they would ever have to keep up with Great Qin's rapid pace.
"Do you all understand?"
Ying Zheng surveyed his ministers.
"We understand, Your Majesty!" The officials responded in unison.
One year in the Divine Continent equaled fifty years in the cultivation space.
But this was only beneficial to those with sufficient remaining lifespan.
If someone lacked the potential to break through, this opportunity could be fatal.
With the establishment of Great Qin's imperial destiny, the lifespan restrictions imposed upon the people of the Divine Continent had already begun to loosen.
Previously, the blessings of national fortune had primarily benefited the officials of Great Qin.
But with the formation of the Nine Provinces Barrier, which now enveloped all of Great Qin, the invisible power that suppressed the lifespan of the Divine Continent's inhabitants had been cut off.
Clearly,
This suppressive force originated from the Heavenly Realm, intended to trap the people of the Divine Continent in an eternal cycle of mortality ensuring that no matter how strong they became, they could never escape their limited lifespan.
Only through the rise of human destiny could these restrictions be broken.
Zhao Feng had done it.
"When selecting participants, make sure to ask them whether they are willing."
"This opportunity relies on using the difference in time to grow stronger, but it comes at the cost of lifespan. I will not force anyone." Zhao Feng stated.
"We understand!" The officials nodded solemnly.
The court session continued.
Soon, a series of national policies centered around the cultivation space were established.
As the morning assembly dispersed,
The officials all became busy with their respective duties.
Those overseeing the academies and military prepared their selections.
Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, festive decorations adorned every hall.
Today, Crown Prince Zhao Feng would marry the Holy Maiden of Jiuli.
"It seems Feng'er has truly gained a great deal from this seclusion," Ying Zheng remarked with satisfaction.
Ying Zheng chuckled, looking at Zhao Feng with great interest.
Zhao Feng did not waste any words.
He raised his hand, and a bolt of lightning gathered in his palm.
"A Law?"
Ying Zheng glanced at it and immediately understood.
With Great Qin's ascension to an imperial dynasty, Ying Zheng, who was fused with the nation's destiny, could slay immortals when invoking national fortune. If he unleashed the full power of the empire's fate, he could even contend with a Heavenly Immortal.
And this was only the beginning of Great Qin.
Once the entire mortal realm was unified and Great Qin's national fortune increased further, Ying Zheng's power would undergo yet another transformation.
"It seems your strength has advanced significantly once again."
"That's good."
"The stronger you become, the more leverage you'll have when facing those immortals and gods in the future." Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"Father."
"You don't have to worry so much."
"Even if, one day, Great Qin truly finds itself outmatched by those immortals and gods, even if they breach our borders, I have already prepared another path for our people."
"Great Qin will not perish."
"Never." Zhao Feng reassured him with a firm tone.
He could see the concern in his father's heart.
Despite Great Qin's rapid development, its enemies were beings from the celestial realm immortals and gods capable of destroying the world with a single gesture.
Under such circumstances, even as the ruler of the empire, Ying Zheng naturally felt an immense amount of pressure.
"You little rascal, what do I have to worry about?"
"Aren't you the one shouldering all of this?"
Ying Zheng sighed, gazing at Zhao Feng with a look of deep emotion, his face filled with a trace of guilt.
"Feng'er."
"To be honest."
"I feel I have failed you."
"As your father, I have never shielded you from the storms of life since you were young. Now, even the future of Great Qin rests on your shoulders. It seems I have done nothing to truly support you." Ying Zheng said with remorse.
"Father."
"If you say that, I'll get upset."
"If not for you, how could I possibly manage this vast empire all on my own?"
"You have already helped me tremendously." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Hearing these words, Ying Zheng was deeply moved.
"Feng'er, rest assured."
"You don't need to concern yourself with the mundane affairs of the empire just focus on what you must do."
"The future of Great Qin, of Shenzhou, all rests upon you." Ying Zheng said with great solemnity.
"Alright, Father."
"For today, just enjoy your wine."
"This is, after all, a day of great joy for your son." Zhao Feng laughed.
However, as he spoke, his gaze shifted to Zhao Qi, standing beside them.
"This boy has also reached the age for marriage."
"I should arrange some marriage prospects for you." Zhao Feng teased with a smile.
"Father."
"I'm still too young."
Zhao Qi quickly protested.
"You're almost twenty it's not early at all."
"I'll have the Minister of Rites find a suitable match for you."
"I also want to hold my grandchild." Zhao Feng laughed.
"Your father is right."
"It's indeed time for you to take a wife. With the rapid development of the empire and the many wars in recent years, I had nearly forgotten about your marriage."
"This time, I will personally find you a few suitable candidates. You can make the final decision yourself." Ying Zheng said with a smile.
With both his father and grandfather speaking on the matter, Zhao Qi could only nod.
"Alright."
"Wu'er has also grown up."
"It's time for him to enlist in the military." Zhao Feng added.
"Let the younger generation handle their affairs."
"Qi'er, you'll decide how to arrange matters for your younger brothers."
"Your father and I won't interfere." Ying Zheng smiled.
"Yes." Zhao Qi nodded.
"Alright."
"Feng'er, go change into your wedding robes."
"Make your preparations."
"Though she won't be your primary wife, she should still be treated with honor." Ying Zheng said.
"Understood." Zhao Feng nodded.
Soon, night fell.
The imperial palace was filled with joyous festivities.
The emperor and his ministers gathered, holding a grand banquet.
The celebration was lively and extravagant.
Though the Nine Li Saintess was only taking the status of a concubine, given her sacred identity, Great Qin still granted her the highest level of honor.
After the banquet ended…
Inside the Crown Prince's residence…
In Zhao Feng's bedchamber…
Chi Quan was dressed in the traditional wedding attire of the Nine Li tribe.
Her body was adorned with silver ornaments, exuding an exotic charm different from the wedding dresses of the Central Plains.
When Zhao Feng pushed open the door and stepped inside, he saw Chi Quan waiting for him.
"Husband."
Chi Quan greeted him softly.
"Chi Quan, after our brief encounter that day, I never expected that you would one day become my wife." Zhao Feng smiled slightly.
"My husband is as mighty as a celestial god. To be able to marry you is my greatest fortune, and also the greatest blessing for my Nine Li people." Chi Quan replied tenderly.
"In that case, let us move to the main event." Zhao Feng chuckled, stepping forward.
With a wave of his hand…
The candlelight in the chamber was extinguished.
A night of celebration unfolded behind closed doors words could not fully describe it.
More than an hour later…
The battle was over.
A crimson light suddenly emerged from Chi Quan's body.
Immensely terrifying energy radiated from within the blood-red glow.
"What is this?"
Zhao Feng's eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at the floating red light before him.
"Detected: [A drop of Pangu's Blood]."
"Fusion can enhance and strengthen the physical body, altering the constitution, and granting bloodline inheritance."
The system notification suddenly appeared.
"Pangu's Blood?"
Zhao Feng widened his eyes in disbelief.
Although
This was not the legendary Pangu's essence blood, even a mere drop of his blood contained boundless power.
Pangu.
The creator god of this world, from whom all things in heaven and earth manifested. It could be said that no matter which race lived in the primordial world, all must revere Pangu as the Father God, for all beings were born because of him.
His blood.
It was the blood of the creator god. Even if it was not his essence blood, it still possessed unimaginable power.
"I never expected the legends of my tribe to be true."
Chi Quan gazed at the crimson light before her, beads of sweat forming on her delicate face, her expression filled with surprise.
"You know what this is?"
Zhao Feng asked curiously.
"Husband, do you know why the Nine Li Tribe has a tradition of having a Saintess?" Chi Quan asked softly.
"My knowledge of the Nine Li Tribe comes only from ancient records. I don't know the details." Zhao Feng shook his head.
"Every generation of the Nine Li Tribe's Saintess is forbidden to marry. The inheritance of each Saintess follows a unique ritual of our tribe. According to legend, the body of the Saintess seals the power that could revive our tribe. Once awakened, the Nine Li Tribe would gain the strength to dominate the divine lands."
"But so many years have passed, and this power never emerged. Turns out, it required the Saintess to marry." Chi Quan suddenly realized.
"If Saintesses were not allowed to marry, why did you agree to marry me?" Zhao Feng asked with a teasing smile.
"The Nine Li Tribe is not as rigid as it once was, especially after Qin's language and culture spread among us." Chi Quan rolled her eyes at Zhao Feng.
This girl was not as reserved as the other concubines.
Unlike them, who feared displeasing Zhao Feng, she was much more at ease around him.
"You made the right choice in marriage."
"This time, thanks to you, I've obtained an immense opportunity." Zhao Feng grinned.
He reached out and touched the crimson light.
Instantly.
The red glow surged toward Zhao Feng's body.
The Blood of Pangu, once merged, will transform and enhance the physique. It contains bloodline inheritance.
A notification from his system appeared.
"Absorb it."
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng made his choice.
If it were the bloodline of the Twelve Ancestral Witches, Zhao Feng might have reconsidered, as he did not wish to lose his human identity. But the blood of Pangu was entirely different.
It was the blood of the creator god, from whom all beings in this world descended. Absorbing it would only strengthen his bloodline.
As soon as Zhao Feng made his decision.
The drop of Pangu's blood fused into his body.
Boom, boom, boom!
His heartbeat grew thunderous.
Pangu's blood energy was detected. Convertible to:
100,000 points of Dragon Elephant Power
20,000 points of All Attributes. Please select.
A new system notification appeared.
Zhao Feng's All Attributes had long surpassed their initial and secondary evolutions.
Now, his growth had reached an even higher level.
For any other person, obtaining this drop of Pangu's blood would instantly grant them the power of an immortal.
For Zhao Feng, the benefits were equally immense.
"I choose 20,000 points of All Attributes."
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng made his decision.
Only by increasing his All Attributes could he unlock treasure chest rewards.
The next moment.
The Pangu blood completely merged with Zhao Feng.
His entire being transformed.
His dantian expanded, his essence energy surged, and his power skyrocketed.
Host's All Attributes have reached 300,000 points. Reward: Two Sixth-Tier Treasure Chests.
His system once again provided a notification.
"Chi Quan."
"You truly are my lucky star."
"It seems I must properly reward you."
Zhao Feng laughed and reached for her again.
Western Frontier.
Following the decisive defeat of the coalition forces of the Western nations by the elite Qin army
The Qin Empire's forces surged across the western lands with unstoppable momentum.
Wherever the army marched, no one could stand against them.
The first nation to be conquered was the Kingdom of Dayuan, closest to Qin's western border.
But the Qin forces did not stop there.
They continued their invasion.
One month.
Two months.
Three months.
The western nations had no power to resist. The once-mighty Buddhist sects suffered heavy losses, forcing them to retreat from their occupied territories. They abandoned their temples and withdrew to the headquarters of the Buddhist sect in Wusun.
By the fourth month.
Wusun Kingdom – Capital City.
"Wind, wind, wind!"
"A great wind is coming!"
Beyond the city walls.
A tide of black-armored soldiers surged forward.
The overwhelming army advanced with a battle cry, sweeping toward Wusun's capital.
At the forefront.
General Wang Ben led the charge.
With a single swing of his blade
A massive blade projection slashed through the air, instantly shattering the city gates.
The black-armored troops poured into the city, cutting down all who resisted.
Inside the city, Wusun's remaining army of mere tens of thousands crumbled in an instant, falling to their knees in surrender.
As the Qin troops reached the royal palace, they set their sights on the grand temple of the Wusun Buddhist sect.
There.
The advancing army halted, drawing their bows and taking aim at the temple.
Before them
Tens of thousands of Buddhist monks had gathered at the temple entrance, gripping long staves, standing firm.
Yet their expressions showed no fear.
"General!"
"We have conquered the Wusun capital. Only the temple remains."
As Wang Ben and Tu Sui arrived, a subordinate reported the situation.
Wang Ben and Tu Sui exchanged a glance, then gave the order.
"Loose the arrows!"
At their command.
A rain of arrows darkened the sky, descending upon the temple like a torrential storm.
However
The monks remained unshaken.
A senior monk, wielding a staff, slammed it against the ground.
Boom!
A golden barrier of light expanded outward, enveloping the entire temple.
In an instant
The thousands of arrows halted midair, unable to pierce through the golden shield.
"People of Qin."
"This temple is a sacred site of our Buddhist sect, where the golden statue of the Buddha resides."
"If you withdraw now, we shall surrender the western lands to you."
"If not do not blame us for what comes next."
The elder monk spoke with a cold voice. Though anger flickered in his eyes, he suppressed it.
"You threaten Qin?"
"When your Buddhist sect invaded our lands, did you show any mercy?"
"And now you dare to negotiate?"
Wang Ben sneered.
Then.
With a commanding voice, he called out
"Summon the Grand Preceptor!"
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