"The Five Spirit Orbs are spiritual artifacts, not divine weapons."
"Yet within them lies a power I have never encountered before the power of laws."
"Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth are the fundamental laws of the Five Elements that shape the world."
"Even though I have yet to reach the realm where I can comprehend the power of laws, I can already sense their existence. This is truly astonishing."
As Zhao Feng gazed at the Five Spirit Orbs before him, he felt deeply moved.
"Detected an item containing the power of laws. Upon reaching the Martial Dao Transcendent Realm, the host may attempt to collect the power of laws."
As soon as Zhao Feng touched the Five Spirit Orbs, a notification appeared before him.
"Collect the power of laws?"
"This is too heaven-defying!"
Zhao Feng's eyes lit up.
However…
It seemed that he was currently unable to do so.
Then, a thought crossed his mind as he fixed his gaze on the Five Spirit Orbs.
His mind instantly turned to his Small World.
"The Small World was originally a ruined world, completely devoid of laws. If I inject these laws back into it… could I restore the Small World and grant it laws once more? Could it become a true world again?"
At this realization, Zhao Feng could hardly contain his excitement.
With a thought
He immediately entered his Small World.
So much time had passed, yet the world's development continued steadily.
Life thrived within the Small World.
"If the Five Spirit Orbs can truly transform my Small World, the benefits I'll gain in the future will far surpass simply collecting the power of laws. If my Small World becomes a true world… then I will be its Heaven's Dao. The benefits will be unimaginable!"
Zhao Feng's mind raced with anticipation.
Without hesitation, he activated his divine sense.
The Five Spirit Orbs were instantly summoned into the Small World.
"If I directly infuse the Five Spirit Orbs into this world, will the Small World passively absorb the power of the Five Elemental Laws?"
Zhao Feng pondered, then decisively channeled the power of the world itself, guiding it with his divine sense.
The world's energy surged forward, engulfing the Five Spirit Orbs.
Boom!
The entire Small World trembled as an invisible force of creation emerged. The power of the Five Elemental Laws within the orbs began to merge with the world.
"It's working!"
"However…"
"The process of refining the Five Spirit Orbs won't be completed overnight. It will take time."
"But I can afford to wait."
Zhao Feng could sense that the Small World was gradually absorbing the power of the orbs, integrating the elemental laws into its very foundation.
However, this transformation would take time.
His consciousness returned to reality.
"Next, it's time to head to Mount Tai and witness Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Fengshan Ceremony."
Zhao Feng's expression was filled with anticipation.
The very first Fengshan Ceremony was held by Qin Shi Huang.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, may the empire endure for eternity."
From that moment on, Qin Shi Huang's imperial jade seal became the ultimate symbol of the emperor's authority.
In the Zhangtai Palace
"Your Majesty!"
"The Chancellor of Han has sent word that 50,000 regional soldiers have completed the construction of the imperial road to Mount Tai."
"The Fengshan Ceremony is ready to commence at your command."
Zhao Gao stepped forward respectfully and reported to Qin Shi Huang.
"Issue my decree."
"All court officials, except those stationed in Xianyang, shall accompany me to Mount Tai for the Fengshan Ceremony."
"Five thousand imperial guards shall escort the imperial procession."
Qin Shi Huang's voice was firm and majestic.
In his eyes
Anticipation burned brightly for the upcoming Fengshan Ceremony.
"Ah, Fang."
"The time has finally come."
"At last, I shall reveal you and Feng'er to the world, so that you may receive what is rightfully yours."
A triumphant smile spread across Qin Shi Huang's face.
He had waited a long time for this moment.
Mount Tai hailed as the peak of the Central Plains and the closest place to the heavens.
Now
News of the grand event had spread across the empire.
The ruler who had unified the world Qin Shi Huang was about to ascend Mount Tai to perform the Fengshan Ceremony, a sacred ritual to honor the heavens.
The entire world was abuzz.
This was an unprecedented event in history.
The imperial convoy set out for Mount Tai, passing through the former territories of the defeated states.
Han Fei had meticulously planned the fastest route traveling through the Chu region's Sishui Commandery, then following the Sishui River north into Qi territory.
In the bustling commandery capital
Countless citizens crowded along the official roads, craning their necks in excitement and anticipation.
"The First Emperor is coming to Sishui!"
"This is the one and only Qin Shi Huang! We've only heard of his legendary might, but now, we finally have the chance to witness him in person!"
"Indeed!"
"I wonder what the First Emperor's divine presence is like."
"He is the greatest emperor in history!"
"At last, we shall see him!"
"I just hope I can catch a glimpse…"
On both sides of the official road
Regional soldiers maintained order.
Imperial guards patrolled the streets, ensuring no civilians crossed the security lines.
Such were the strict protocols for an emperor's procession.
Nearby, a group of men stood together, mocking someone in their midst.
"Well, if it isn't that scoundrel, Liu Ji!"
"Even a lowly rogue like you has come to catch a glimpse of the First Emperor?"
"Mind your own business! Get lost!"
"Oh? Since when did you have such a temper, Liu Ji?"
"Hah! The First Emperor is traveling through Sishui, and all commoners are allowed to watch. Are you saying he isn't allowed?"
"Haha! Liu Ji may be a scoundrel, but he dreams of becoming an official! By the time you achieve that, we'll probably be regional governors already!"
"Exactly!"
"Hahaha!"
By the roadside, several men sneered and jeered at a dressed, middle-aged man in coarse clothing.
His appearance was unremarkable, his age around thirty-something, and he had no outstanding features.
But
Despite their taunts, Liu Ji remained impassive, as if he had long grown accustomed to such mockery.
Then
"Look!"
"The two young ladies of the Lü family have arrived!"
At that moment, someone in the crowd shouted excitedly.
Immediately
Everyone's attention turned toward a specific location.
Two stunning women in black-and-red long dresses, accompanied by a group of servants, gracefully stepped onto the roadside.
Each of them stood poised, eagerly awaiting something.
Their appearance instantly caused a stir among the gathered onlookers.
All eyes were drawn to them.
"The young ladies of the Lü family…"
Even Liu Ji's gaze burned with an intense desire as he looked at the two beauties.
Just then
"The Emperor's carriage is approaching!"
A cry of astonishment rang out.
All eyes gathered toward the city gate.
This time, the First Emperor was traveling to Mount Tai for the Fengshan ceremony. He had first taken the water route and then continued his journey from Sishui Commandery.
It was the shortest route.
"Sister, do you think the legendary Lord Wu'an will appear?"
Among the two young ladies of the Lü family, the younger one asked curiously.
"He definitely will."
"Lord Wu'an is the greatest contributor to the First Emperor's unification of the world. If even he doesn't go to Mount Tai, then what significance would the Fengshan ceremony hold?" The elder Lü sister replied with a smile.
"Sister, I mean, will he appear in person? If he just stays in a carriage, wouldn't we be unable to see him?" The younger Lü sister responded softly.
"Let's hope we get to see him."
The elder Lü sister also looked expectant.
They both deeply admired Zhao Feng.
Perhaps, the women of the world, countless of them admired Zhao Feng.
He had campaigned across the lands, assisting the emperor in unifying the realm.
He had even led armies to the northern plains, slaughtering foreign tribes.
How could such a man not be admired?
And he was still so young, only in his twenties.
Who in the world didn't know his name?
"Welcome, First Emperor!"
As the imperial guards appeared outside the city, the countless guards and commandery troops within the city all bowed in respect.
Seeing this scene, the surrounding commoners also knelt, saluting.
Those with noble titles were exempt from kneeling, while those without titles had to perform the full kneeling ceremony.
Clearly, in Sishui Commandery, which had once belonged to the Chu state, very few people held noble ranks.
Under the resounding cries, the commoners on both sides of the main road knelt, shouting in unison, "Welcome, First Emperor!"
As the cries echoed, a grand carriage drawn by nine horses slowly approached.
In front of the carriage, apart from a general in imperial armor, there was also a young man wearing a royal robe and crown, riding a horse without any armor.
Everyone watched in awe.
"Sishui Commandery."
"Liu Bang."
"I wonder what kind of person Liu Bang is in this timeline?"
Riding his horse forward, Zhao Feng scanned the crowd.
As soon as he arrived in Sishui Commandery, Liu Bang came to mind.
"Liu Bang."
"The historical Han Gaozu."
"You were indeed remarkable, but with my presence, the future of this empire won't be yours." Zhao Feng smirked inwardly, dismissing any concern for Liu Bang.
If, despite all his strength and resources, he still allowed Liu Bang to seize the empire, Zhao Feng would truly become a joke.
"Sister!"
"Look quickly!"
"That must be Lord Wu'an!"
Kneeling on the ground, the younger Lü sister gazed at Zhao Feng, her eyes filled with admiration.
"It must be!"
"A royal robe, a royal crown, a sword at his side."
"That has to be Lord Wu'an, Zhao Feng."
"He is indeed as handsome and heroic as the rumors say. If only I could marry such a man, how wonderful would that be?" The elder Lü sister said passionately.
"Sister..."
"It's nice to dream, but it's almost impossible." The younger Lü sister sighed with disappointment.
Inside the imperial carriage,
Ying Zheng rested with his eyes closed, but his thoughts were entirely focused on the carriage behind him.
Only a carriage separated him from his beloved, but until they reached Mount Tai, he could not yet reveal this truth.
Sishui Commandery was merely a stop along the way.
Kneeling among the crowd, Liu Ji (Liu Bang) watched the grand procession of the emperor's guards, his eyes gleaming with a fire unbefitting his lowly status.
"A true man should aspire to this!"
Liu Bang muttered, his voice filled with ambition.
The moment he spoke these words,
Zhao Feng's brow furrowed, his gaze cutting through the crowd and landing directly on Liu Bang.
Feeling the sharp, piercing stare of Zhao Feng, Liu Bang shuddered as if he had been locked onto by a terrifying beast.
"A true man should aspire to this?"
"Although you are nothing in my eyes now, who's to say you aren't some so-called child of destiny? If I eliminate you now, it'll save trouble in the future." Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Then, with a thought,
"Ying Bu."
"Once the imperial procession has passed, seize the man I marked with my gaze and bring him to Yan Court. If anyone resists, kill them."
Zhao Feng transmitted his command via divine sense to Ying Bu.
From the shadows of Sishui Commandery,
Ying Bu bowed respectfully, "Your subordinate obeys."
Then, with a glance, he locked onto the man Zhao Feng had indicated Liu Bang, and memorized his appearance.
Once Ying Bu made his move,
Zhao Feng withdrew his gaze.
At that moment,
Cold sweat drenched Liu Bang's back, and his entire body felt numb.
"What a terrifying man," Liu Bang thought in terror, not daring to raise his head toward the imperial carriage again.
Protected by the imperial guards,
The grand carriage passed through Sishui Commandery and soon left.
Only after the procession departed did the kneeling commoners rise, the First Emperor's immense presence lingering in their hearts.
Mount Tai!
A grand road stretched directly to the summit!
Fifty thousand able-bodied soldiers had spent two months constructing it.
This road was like a work of divine craftsmanship.
At the peak of Mount Tai,
The sacrificial altar was already built.
Today,
The sky was clear, and the winds were gentle.
The mountaintop stood above the clouds, seemingly suspended in the heavens.
Sunlight bathed the scene as if the very heavens were watching.
On either side of the grand road,
Imperial guards stood at strict attention, ensuring security.
At the summit of Mount Tai,
Hundreds of officials, their families, and generals stood before the altar.
Not only had the ministers of Xianyang arrived, but governors from various Qin commanderies and numerous commanders of the empire's armies had also gathered.
The princes and princesses of the First Emperor were all present.
This moment,
It was the grandest event of Qin Shi Huang's reign the grandest event in history.
The Fengshan ceremony of Mount Tai!
In later history, it would become a sacred ritual proving the legitimacy of an emperor's rule!
It was Qin Shi Huang who had established this tradition!
"The auspicious hour has arrived."
"The First Emperor shall ascend to the heavens and perform the Fengshan ceremony."
"Heaven and Earth bear witness."
Han Fei shouted.
His voice echoed through the skies, carrying immense power.
Under this resounding call
The officials watched.
The family members who had accompanied the officials watched.
Everyone bore expressions of deep reverence.
Dressed in imperial robes, wearing a crown adorned with three strings of beads, and carrying a sword at his waist, Ying Zheng steadily ascended the steps of the altar that had been built.
Step by step.
Under the gaze of the entire assembly, he ascended, one step at a time.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine steps.
The altar towered into the clouds.
When he reached the summit
Ying Zheng turned with an imposing presence, overlooking both the ministers gathered at the peak of Mount Tai and, as if symbolically, the entire world.
"Your Majesty, the First Emperor!"
"May the First Emperor reign for ten thousand years, and the Qin Dynasty last for eternity!"
All the officials knelt toward the altar, their collective chant thundering across the mountaintop.
"Rise, my ministers."
Ying Zheng waved his hand.
The officials stood up, looking up at the towering figure on the altar.
"The Mount Tai Fengshan Ceremony, personally led by the First Emperor."
"Such grandeur this is truly the presence of an emperor."
Zhao Feng gazed at the figure standing on the altar, feeling a deep sense of awe.
At that moment
"I, Ying Zheng of the Zhao Clan!"
"In fulfillment of the wishes of my ancestors, upholding the spirit of Huaxia!"
"I have swept through the Six States, united the world, and established the great Qin Empire an unprecedented feat in history!"
"Today."
"Atop Mount Tai, I offer my Fengshan sacrifice, witnessed by the heavens!"
Ying Zheng's voice boomed with authority.
His commanding tone echoed through the skies, thundering like a storm.
No excessive embellishments of four words, uniting the world, were enough to prove the First Emperor's monumental achievements.
This was the voice of a true sovereign!
Immediately after
Han Fei stepped forward.
"Offer the sacrifice to heaven and earth!"
"Let the heavens bear witness!"
Han Fei proclaimed loudly.
Then
Beasts and prisoners were brought before the altar.
Executioners appeared, their blades falling with swift precision.
A blood sacrifice to the heavens!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As the sacrifices were made, thunder suddenly rumbled through the sky, as if heaven itself acknowledged this moment.
"I am the ruler of the world, the first emperor of eternity!"
"I am the First Emperor!"
Ying Zheng spread his arms wide, declaring his supremacy.
"Kowtow to the First Emperor!"
Everyone atop Mount Tai knelt once more.
As their voices resounded
Ying Zheng's gaze slowly returned, his expression turning solemn.
Then, he spoke in a measured tone:
"Two months ago, I declared"
"On the day of the Mount Tai Fengshan Ceremony, I shall announce the crown prince and heir."
"Furthermore, today, I shall officially establish my empress."
"Now."
"At long last, this moment has arrived."
"I have waited far too long for this day."
"For twenty-nine years."
Ying Zheng's voice carried an undeniable determination, as well as an unspoken depth of love and longing.
Upon hearing these words
All eyes turned toward him.
Curiosity burned in everyone's heart
Who was this never-before-seen empress?
Who was the First Emperor's son?
"Finally."
"The time has come."
"My son-in-law will finally reclaim his rightful identity."
Wang Jian's heart swelled with excitement.
"To establish the young lord as Qin's legitimate heir"
"A new era for the Qin Dynasty is about to begin."
Li Si, Han Fei, and others were equally thrilled.
To them
They had long awaited this moment.
Meanwhile, Fusu, Huhai, and the many royal descendants all focused their gazes forward.
Their expressions were filled with curiosity, and for some, even unwillingness to accept the truth.
"You have all been wondering who is my wife?"
"Who is my son?"
"Today."
"I shall reveal the truth to you."
Ying Zheng smiled.
With a wave of his hand
"Afang."
"After all these years."
"I can finally welcome you back into my life, openly and honorably."
Ying Zheng's gaze fell upon a woman among the gathered noble families
Dressed in royal attire, her beauty was striking, exuding both grace and dignity.
It was none other than Xia Dong'er.
Hearing this name
Xia Dong'er's body trembled slightly.
All eyes turned toward her.
When they saw her
Those unaware of the truth were utterly stunned.
"Isn't she from the household of Lord Wu'an?"
"Isn't that Lord Wu'an's mother?"
"Could it be that Lord Wu'an is His Majesty's son?"
"That's impossible, isn't it?"
"How could Lord Wu'an be the son of the First Emperor?"
"No one could have expected this!"
...
Many officials, unaware of the secret, were completely dumbfounded.
Though Xia Dong'er had remained in Xianyang without meeting outsiders, she stood at the forefront of the noble families.
By her side were Wang Yan and several other noblewomen.
"Zhao Feng... is Father's son?"
"How could this be?" Huhai's eyes widened in disbelief.
"He's my elder brother?"
Fusu looked at Xia Dong'er, then at Zhao Feng, his expression equally filled with shock.
Other than those already in the know, no one had ever expected this.
As for Zhao Feng
At this moment, his face was completely blank.
For the first time, he was left utterly speechless.
Right now, Ying Zheng's deep and affectionate gaze was entirely focused on his mother.
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