In the East Ancient Domain, the oldest city is certainly East Wilderness City, impressively built within a valley. It seems unremarkable at first glance, indistinguishable from any ordinary city. Only when you enter the city can you grasp its allure. The people coming and going are all Martial Artists. The goods sold on the streets are also related to cultivation. All mundane things seem to disappear within its walls.
"GIDDAP! GIDDAP!"
The urgent sound of horse hooves raced on the wide road. The flag fluttered, revealing the embroidered character 'Chu', exuding endless pressure and displaying an authoritative demeanor.
All passersby stepped aside, waiting for the Chu convoy to pass before starting to speculate.
"Aside from the defeated Great Wei Empire, all the other five nations have arrived!"
"East Wilderness City is the territory of the Six Sects. With the Five Emperors in attendance, something significant is bound to occur. If I were to guess, it's probably a plan against the Qin Empire!"
"A great turmoil is about to sweep the East Ancient Domain; hopefully, we don't get involved..."
In the center of East Wilderness City, there stood a magnificent mansion that sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. Its area surpassed even the Seven Kingdoms' palaces in size.
Outside the massive red doors, six Disciples from various sects stood, each dressed in different colored sect uniforms. Swords in their right hands, emanating a long, potent aura, all had reached the Beyond the Shore Realm.
"His Majesty Chu has arrived!"
"Our ancestor has been waiting for you in East Heaven Hall for some time; please follow me!"
As soon as Chu's caravan stopped, a Celestial Gang Sect Disciple rushed forward. He greeted them, then hurriedly relayed the message.
"We understand!"
The Emperor of Chu descended from the royal carriage, adjusted his imperial robe, and entered this majestic hall alone. Under the lead of the Celestial Gang Sect Disciple, he made his way to East Heaven Hall.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was tense. The six sect deputy leaders and ancestors sat on the left, the sovereigns of the other countries sat on the right, and in the center was a bronze tripod, burning incense, diffusing a faint fragrance.
"I apologize for my late arrival; I had to handle some national affairs!"
The Emperor of Chu seated himself and clenched his fist in salute. Prior to his arrival, he had visited the ancient land where he received a terrifying piece of news.
It was this news that caused him to abandon his original plan...
"You're not late. Now that everyone has assembled, let's get to the point!"
The acting Sect Master of the Celestial Gang Sect smiled and directly dove into the matter at hand. He spoke in a measured tone, "All of you, the Qin Empire has grown quite formidable. Their influence is expanding into both Chu and Wei territories, boasting an army in the tens of millions and numerous powerful warriors. Among them are their founding emperor, Emperor Qin, Bai Qi, and Zhang Gan—all four are powerhouses who have Reached the Holy Realm!"
"The ambition of Qin, the ravenous tiger and wolf, is well known. It has seriously threatened our existence. The fall of Great Wei serves as a forewarning!"
"We must unite and form the strongest alliance to extinguish the Qin Empire, in order to maintain peace and stability in the East Ancient Domain!"
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in solemn agreement. Their meeting was precisely to rally for war against the Qin Empire.
"On behalf of the Sects, we can dispatch six martial artists who have Reached the Holy Realm, forty Heaven Realm martial artists, three hundred Transcendent Realm martial artists, and one thousand Nirvana Realm martial artists!"
The Celestial Gang Sect acting Sect Master paused here, casting his gaze towards the five great empires.
While the Sects have plenty of warriors, their military force is scarce. Conquering cities and seizing territory is not their forte, so they will have to rely on the imperial armies.
"The Great Chu Empire shall dispatch three million elite soldiers, five Heaven Realm martial artists, ten Transcendent Realm martial artists, and thirty Nirvana Realm martial artists!"
The Emperor of Chu was the first to speak. The number of soldiers and powerhouses he intended to mobilize satisfied those from the Sects.
"The Great Jin Empire will dispatch three million soldiers, four Heaven Realm martial artists, nine Transcendent Realm martial artists, and twenty-five Nirvana Realm martial artists!"
"The Great Zhao Empire will dispatch 2,800,000 soldiers, four Heaven Realm martial artists, eight Transcendent Realm martial artists, and twenty-five Nirvana Realm martial artists!"
"The Great Qi Empire will dispatch 2,500,000 soldiers, four Heaven Realm martial artists, ten Transcendent Realm martial artists, and twenty Nirvana Realm martial artists!"
"The Great Yan Empire will dispatch two million soldiers, three Heaven Realm martial artists, six Transcendent Realm martial artists, and twenty Nirvana Realm martial artists..."
The other four emperors successively spoke up, all contributing their most formidable forces, no deceit or cunning tactics involved.
They weren't fools. They knew that this was their only opportunity to attack the Qin Empire. If this alliance did not meet success, allowing the Qin Empire to dodge the bullet and rise again, it would signal their doom.
No force could withstand the retaliation of the Qin Empire on its own.
"Very well, as long as we unite, we can surely conquer the Qin Empire!"
The acting Sect Master of the Celestial Gang Sect waved his right hand, and a map of the Qin Empire appeared in the palace. There were several red lines pointing directly to the Imperial Capital.
"This war will be divided into two lines of attack!"
"On one front, our Sects will lead all martial artists at and above the Nirvana Realm. Riding Flying Boats, we will strike directly at their heart, attacking the Imperial Capital to annihilate the Qin Empire's powerhouses!"
"On the other front, the Empires will lead their grand armies. They will advance through the former territories of the Great Wei Empire, reclaiming lost lands, then attack Hangu Pass. Their objective is to occupy the nine provinces of Qin and enslave all its people!"
After making the deployment arrangements, the acting Sect Master of the Celestial Gang Sect revealed a strong murderous intent, his eyes hinting sinister determination, and said resolutely, "Moreover, there is one more task, which is to kill Qin Wudao!"
Qin Wudao!
With these three words, the murderous aura in the entire palace thickened several times, causing a slight tremor.
If there were one person in the Qin Empire who was the most hated and the most desired to be killed, it would undoubtedly be Qin Wudao.
Special constitution!
The most formidable genius in the East Ancient Domain!
The one who exterminated each Sect's geniuses on the Execution Platform of God!
The instigator of the Great Wei Empire's downfall!
Every single act he has committed, every incident associated with him, has made people's desire to kill Qin Wudao reach a tumultuous peak.
As the Six Sects and five countries gathered in East Wilderness City, Qin Wudao left Ye City, leading his large army, traveling night and day. After three days, they appeared outside the Imperial Capital.
When I left, I was still a nameless soldier, but now...
Standing outside the city, Qin Wudao could not help but show a faint smile while looking over this ancient city.
Fifteen years of perseverance, fifteen years of careful preparation, he had finally achieved today's fame. Who in the world doesn't know him now?
Standing on this new peak, looking down at this city again, he gained a new understanding.
"Ninth Prince, His Majesty has decreed that you go to the Imperial Study!"
At the city's entrance, five eunuchs waited with bated breath. The lead eunuch, who was the chief eunuch of the Imperial Court, said respectfully upon seeing Qin Wudao.
"I understand!"
Qin Wudao nodded his head, leading the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun into the city.
Instead of heading straight to the palace, he opted to go home first to freshen up and have a meal. Then, together with Jia Xu, he leisurely headed towards the palace.
Upon arriving at the palace, instead of heading straight to the Imperial Study, he went to Orchid Heart Hall!
This was where his birth mother resided. It was tucked in a corner at the edge of the harem and was not a part of the main palace complexes. It was only slightly better than where the palace maids resided, which showed just how humble his birth was.
Mother, now that I have gained fame and success, I will surely give you a better life!
A faint smile slipped onto Qin Wudao's face. In the icy palace, Orchid Heart Hall was the only place that could offer him a hint of warmth.
However, when he arrived outside Orchid Heart Hall, he found the door tightly shut.
After questioning one of the palace maids, Qin Wudao learned that his mother had been ennobled as an Imperial Consort and had moved to Phoenix Luan Palace.
This palace was of great prestige and ranked just below Phoenix Ritual Palace where the Empress resided!
Since you've ennobled my mother, I shall make my way to the Imperial Study now!
Qin Wudao took one last look at Orchid Heart Hall, turned around, and walked out of the harem. After circling around for an hour, he finally arrived outside a majestic hall.
Above the palace gate, the majestic words "Imperial Study" glowed brilliantly!