Zhao Feng glanced over and smiled.
The disciples of Ghost Valley.
Each one was a legendary figure throughout history.
To the mortal world, these disciples of Ghost Valley had long perished, becoming mere footnotes in history.
But in reality
When Ghost Valley Master accepted disciples, he not only sought intelligence and talent but was also a crucial factor in spiritual roots.
Because of this, his disciples managed to survive to the present day.
Had Zhao Feng not appeared, they might have remained in Ghost Valley indefinitely.
"Disciples pay respects to Master!"
Twelve figures stepped forward and bowed before Ghost Valley Master.
"I have entered the world and pledged my allegiance to Great Qin as an official."
"Would you all be willing to follow me into the world?" Ghost Valley Master asked his disciples.
Upon hearing this
The disciples did not hesitate. "We shall follow Master's command!"
"This is the Crown Prince of Great Qin."
"Kneel and pay your respects!"
Ghost Valley Master pointed at Zhao Feng.
"Greetings to Your Highness, the Crown Prince!"
The disciples of Ghost Valley bowed in unison.
Seeing these individuals, Zhao Feng smiled. "All of you, rise."
"Your Highness,"
"Among my disciples, many once served as officials in Great Qin."
"However, due to various reasons, they eventually returned to Ghost Valley," Ghost Valley Master remarked with a smile.
"I am Sun Wu (Sun Tzu),"
A young disciple stepped forward.
"I am Pang Juan."
"I am Su Qin."
"I am Zhang Yi."
"I am Gai Nie."
…
One after another, Ghost Valley disciples introduced themselves to Zhao Feng.
Some had left their names in history, while others had not.
But being chosen as disciples of Ghost Valley Master, each possessed extraordinary talents.
With Ghost Valley Master joining Qin, he had essentially gifted Great Qin over a dozen exceptional talents, an undeniable blessing for the empire.
"Excellent!"
"With all of you joining Great Qin, the empire shall not disappoint you!" Zhao Feng laughed heartily.
…
The Celestial Realm!
The Heavenly Court!
Beneath the golden and resplendent palaces, an ominous undercurrent of bloodthirst surged.
"Your Majesty,"
"The heavenly secrets are in chaos, and the Celestial Records have changed."
"The one originally ordained by fate has lost his destiny, and even his soul has not entered the Nine Hells."
An elderly Daoist holding a horsetail whisk spoke solemnly.
"The ordained one is protected by the heavens. How could he lose his destiny?"
"Even if an immortal descended to the mortal realm, they could not withstand the heavenly backlash!"
The Heavenly Emperor furrowed his brows, his aura tinged with fury.
"Your Majesty,"
"The fortune of the Divine Continent is gathering, seemingly due to the Qin Empire's unification of the land."
"There is already an upheaval in the mortal realm."
"Your Majesty must make a swift decision."
"The fortune of the Divine Continent must not fall into the hands of the Western Buddhists!"
"I suspect that demons and fiends are stirring within the mortal realm."
A deity carrying a pagoda stepped forward and spoke urgently.
"Demons and fiends?" The Heavenly Emperor's face darkened.
Within the gilded halls of the Heavenly Court, the mention of demons seemed appropriate.
Yet, if one were to extend their divine sense and perceive the wailing souls within this blood-drenched court, the irony of labeling others as demons became apparent.
"There is indeed a disturbance in the mortal realm."
"We must act."
"If the Western Buddhists seize the opportunity to claim the Divine Continent's fortune, it will be detrimental to my Heavenly Court."
The Heavenly Emperor's voice was cold, his chilling presence casting a suffocating oppression over the hall.
"Your Majesty,"
"To reclaim the Divine Continent for the Celestial Realm, we must shatter the gathered fortune of the continent. We must plunge the land into chaos once more."
"Without breaking the fortune of the land, even Your Majesty cannot forcibly integrate the Divine Continent back into the Celestial Realm."
The deity holding the pagoda continued.
"A decree!"
"In the Divine Continent, the Qin Emperor shall fall, and the world shall be divided."
"Disasters shall befall Qin, and an era of chaos shall begin."
"He who seizes the Mandate of Heaven shall rule the world!"
The Heavenly Emperor decreed after a moment of contemplation.
As his voice fell
The entire Heavenly Court trembled as if the decree had been set into motion.
Above the firmament
The stars shifted.
An unseen force of divine law was activated.
It pierced through the void, through the boundaries of realms, and descended upon the mortal world.
"Your Majesty!"
"The fortune of the Divine Continent cannot be consolidated by an ordinary mortal. There must be a cultivator, and not just any cultivator but one of immense power!"
"I suspect that powerful cultivators exist within the Divine Continent, perhaps even those with great divine abilities!" A deity stepped forward and spoke.
"Marshal Wang Lingguan,"
"You are mistaken."
"In ancient times, Zhuanxu severed the connection between Heaven and Earth, cutting off a portion of Jambudvipa, thus creating the mortal realm. From that moment, immortals and gods were barred from descending to the mortal world."
"Unless one possesses the power of the ancient Saints, who could enter the mortal world? And even if they could, who would willingly sacrifice their essence to descend?" Another deity argued.
"Nothing is absolute."
"Since the Saints fell, the order of Heaven and Earth has been in turmoil."
"Who can say for certain that no powerful cultivator has descended to the mortal realm?"
"Besides"
"Your Majesty has long planted hidden agents in the mortal world."
"If there truly is a formidable cultivator resisting my Heavenly Court's will within the Divine Continent, then our hidden agents shall deal with them."
"We must not allow the Western Buddhists to take advantage of this opportunity."
"The fortune of the Divine Continent and the spiritual essence of its beings must belong to my Heavenly Court!"
"The souls of demons and fiends are far too weak to sustain our divine lifespan!"
Marshal Wang Lingguan sneered.
...
The West, Buddhist Lands!
"Shenzhou has changed."
"The bearer of the Mandate of Heaven has perished."
"Activate the hidden agents beyond Shenzhou. We must not allow Shenzhou to fall into the hands of the Celestial Court."
Seated upon a golden lotus, Tathāgata spoke slowly, his voice resonating like sacred chanting, filled with infinite authority.
"We obey the World-Honored One's decree."
The assembled Buddhas responded in unison.
Each one was enveloped in radiant Buddhist light, yet beneath that divine glow, just like the celestial gods of the Heavenly Court, there lurked a hidden aura of bloodlust and demonic energy.
Great Qin, Shenzhou!
The Imperial Court Assembly Hall!
"Your Majesty, I bring urgent news."
"A great victory has come from the northern frontier."
"General Li Mu has successfully breached the capital of Goguryeo and has captured the entire royal family."
"The former Grand General of Tu'an, Jin Feng, resisted and was executed on the spot by General Li Mu."
"Both Tu'an and Goguryeo now belong to the domain of Great Qin."
"They no longer exist as separate states."
Strategist Wei Liao delivered the report with great excitement.
"Excellent."
Upon the imperial throne, Ying Zheng's brows lifted with satisfaction.
Expanding the empire's territory this was the ultimate glory of an emperor. Although Tu'an and Goguryeo were small nations, their conquest had expanded Great Qin's lands by thousands of miles and increased its population by nearly eight million. Such resources were invaluable, and how could Ying Zheng not be pleased?
"Issue my decree."
"General Li Mu has achieved great merit. He shall be promoted to Protectorate Commander and honored as the Supreme General."
"The northern frontier army shall be renamed Zhenbei (Pacification of the North) Army."
"Han Xin will be promoted to Chief General."
"Li Mu shall govern the newly acquired territories. Any act of disobedience shall be met with death."
Ying Zheng's voice rang with majesty, his decree imbued with the power of an imperial edict.
With his words, a surge of national destiny rippled through the air.
"Long live the wise ruler!"
The entire court of ministers and generals raised their voices in unison.
As for Li Mu
Even before Great Qin unified Shenzhou, he was already renowned across the land as a military genius. Later, he was recruited by Zhao Feng and became a close associate of the Crown Prince. Naturally, none opposed his promotion.
"Your Majesty,"
"Though Tu'an and Goguryeo are small nations, their combined population numbers nearly eight million."
"If we do not establish proper governance, chaos will arise. We must either install local rulers to oversee them or dispatch capable officials to administer the region."
Prime Minister Han Fei stepped forward to offer counsel.
"You shall take charge of this matter," Ying Zheng replied with a smile.
These were but minor nations. As long as Qin's military power maintained control, nothing else needed his concern.
"Your Majesty,"
"The northern frontier is now settled."
"Our next objective must be Baiyue."
Chancellor Lü Buwei stepped forward with another proposal.
"Baiyue, the land of barbarians, filled with deadly plagues and poisonous miasma."
"General Wang Jian has been stationed there for a long time, and now that we have the Celestial Mirror, logistical support is no longer a concern."
"Issue my decree."
"General Wang Jian shall launch the conquest of Baiyue."
"But heed my command Baiyue shall not be subjected to mass slaughter. Once Baiyue is incorporated into Great Qin, its people shall be treated as our citizens."
Ying Zheng issued his orders decisively.
"Your Majesty is wise," Lü Buwei promptly acknowledged.
The land of Baiyue
It had always been part of Shenzhou.
The Baiyue tribes could trace their ancestry back to the ancient battle between the Yellow Emperor and Chiyou. When Chiyou was defeated, the Jiuli Tribe fled beyond the central plains and settled in Baiyue.
This was the origin of the Baiyue people.
Because of this, Ying Zheng held Baiyue in high regard, as well as the descendants of the Jiuli Tribe. To him, they were all rightful members of the Huaxia civilization.
"Your Majesty,"
"It has been over two years since the establishment of the Imperial Academy."
"Academies in every county are now filled with students."
"The regional academies have already begun admitting scholars, and soon they will advance to the provincial academies."
"By next year, the provincial academies will send their top scholars to the capital for imperial examinations."
Lü Buwei reported with a satisfied smile.
"The scholars from the provincial academies will come to the capital for their final examination. This is the first time in Great Qin's history."
"Those who pass will be granted official positions."
"This is an important matter."
Ying Zheng's tone grew serious.
"Your Majesty,"
"That is precisely why I bring this up."
"The Imperial Academy in the capital has already been fully prepared."
"Once the scholars arrive next year, the examinations may commence."
"As for the format of the examinations, we await your decision."
Lü Buwei bowed respectfully.
"Chancellor,"
"I entrust this matter to you."
"The examiners shall be Master Xunzi and other esteemed scholars from the Hundred Schools of Thought."
"I have full confidence in you."
Ying Zheng smiled and handed over the responsibility.
"This humble servant will not disappoint Your Majesty," Lü Buwei responded with gratitude.
Just at that moment
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The lands of Shenzhou trembled.
From the highest point of the sky
A thunderous, earth-shaking roar erupted.
It was as if the fabric of heaven and earth itself had been shaken to its core.
"What is that sound?"
Ying Zheng's brows furrowed as he gazed beyond the palace hall.
"Your Majesty!"
"A celestial star has fallen from the sky"
"It is descending upon Xianyang City!"
Minister Ren Xiao hurried into the hall, shouting the report.
"What?"
Ying Zheng's expression changed, and he took a single step forward.
In an instant, he had already arrived outside the palace.
Seeing how formidable Ying Zheng was, the court officials were all visibly shaken. However, they quickly regained their composure and rushed outside after him.
As soon as they stepped out, their eyes were drawn to a massive meteor streaking across the sky, surrounded by a fiery red halo, hurtling straight toward Xianyang City.
If it were to crash down
It would undoubtedly bring widespread devastation.
"How could a meteor suddenly descend?"
Ying Zheng furrowed his brows.
"Your Majesty!"
"If this meteor falls into the city, it will cause immense casualties."
"I will immediately order the evacuation of the people!" Lü Buwei said, his face grim.
As the capital of Great Qin, Xianyang City had the highest population density.
If the meteor struck, at least half of the city would be reduced to ruins.
"There's no time."
Ying Zheng fixed his gaze on the rapidly descending meteor, his expression solemn.
"Ministers, do not panic!"
"I am here."
Ying Zheng's voice rang out.
He ascended into the air.
Meanwhile, in Xianyang City
Countless citizens, drawn by the deafening noise, looked up at the sky to see the falling meteor.
"This is bad!"
"The meteor is heading straight for Xianyang City!"
"Run! Run for your lives!"
"If this meteor crashes down, we are all doomed!"
"Flee the city! Quickly!"
"Heavens, why has a meteor fallen upon Xianyang?"
"Run for your lives…"
Upon seeing the meteor streaking through the sky, the people were consumed by terror.
To them
If the meteor landed, it would mean certain destruction.
At that moment!
Ying Zheng stood in the sky above Xianyang City.
"Citizens of Great Qin, do not fear. I am here there is no danger from the meteor!"
With the support of the nation's fate, Ying Zheng's voice echoed across the entire city.
At that moment
Many citizens raised their heads and saw the figure standing in the sky.
"His Majesty… Is His Majesty an immortal?"
"Could that be His Majesty?"
"His Majesty can fly!"
"This is divine power!"
"Legends say that the Crown Prince is an immortal descended to the mortal world, but it turns out His Majesty is as well!"
"Heaven blesses Great Qin!"
"Trust in His Majesty, we will be safe…"
Upon witnessing Ying Zheng standing in the air, the people were both astonished and reassured.
The people of Xianyang were loyal Qin subjects.
They had unwavering faith in their king their emperor.
"The meteor…"
Ying Zheng locked his gaze on the rapidly approaching meteor, now a colossal fireball. It seemed as if it was being guided directly toward Xianyang City.
"Within Great Qin's domain, I am the heavens!"
"Stop now!"
Ying Zheng's voice rang out as he stared at the plummeting meteor.
The Imperial Jade Seal circled him.
An invisible force of national destiny emerged, and a mysterious black bird hovered in the air.
The next moment
A decree of golden words.
Boom!
Suddenly, a resounding explosion echoed through the sky.
The meteor seemed to collide with an invisible barrier, and the immense impact sent tremors through the heavens.
That incomparably powerful meteor
It was forcibly halted in midair.
"His Majesty stopped it!"
"The meteor has stopped!"
"This is His Majesty's divine power!"
"His Majesty is almighty!"
"His Majesty is almighty!"
All of Xianyang's citizens watched the scene unfold in the sky.
That meteor, carrying boundless destructive force, had been stopped in its tracks by an invisible power.
Everyone understood
It was their emperor who had done this.
Inside the Xianyang Palace
Seeing Ying Zheng's overwhelming power, the court officials were all in utter shock.
"His Majesty has merged with the nation's fate and now controls the destiny of Great Qin."
"With His Majesty's strength, even a true immortal descending upon this world would not be able to defeat him!"
"This power is unimaginable!"
"Even though I have practiced the [Forging of Ministerial Duty] technique, I cannot command such national fate."
"The way of national destiny is far too powerful!"
"Even in martial cultivation, reaching such a level… one would have to surpass the Grandmaster realm!"
"No, perhaps even a Grandmaster could not achieve this feat of stopping a meteor!"
"Besides the Crown Prince, only His Majesty could have accomplished this!"
Countless ministers were in awe, their expressions filled with disbelief.
At this moment
Martial cultivation had already spread.
The path of national destiny had also been revealed.
They all understood just how formidable this ability of Ying Zheng's was.
And high in the sky
Staring at the massive, motionless meteor above him, Ying Zheng finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Luckily, I can now harness thirty percent of Great Qin's national fate…"
"Otherwise, I truly wouldn't have been able to stop this!"
Ying Zheng thought to himself.
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