"The imperial decree has arrived! Announcing to all the citizens of the Great Qin!"
Across the lands, all the officials holding the decree read it aloud in powerful voices.
Countless citizens turned their attention toward them.
"Today."
"The Great Qin stands in peace, China is united as one, the Divine Continent flourishes, and every citizen has land to farm and food to eat."
"This is the fortune of both His Majesty and the Crown Prince, and even more so, the fortune of the people of Great Qin."
"However."
"Though the people of Great Qin live in prosperity, the nation still belongs to the mortal realm."
"His Majesty and the Crown Prince seek to forge an eternal Great Qin, an immortal dynasty."
"Therefore."
"His Majesty and the Crown Prince extend their benevolence to the people, bestowing upon them the path of cultivation, teaching it to the masses, and spreading blessings across the land."
"From this day forward! Martial arts and immortal cultivation shall be passed down to the people!"
"Martial arts, created by the Crown Prince, can be cultivated by all. Through diligent practice, one can strengthen their body, extend their lifespan, and break mountains and stones. Effort can make up for lack of talent."
"Immortal cultivation, taught by the Grandmaster of Great Qin, is only for those with spiritual roots. Once cultivated, one can soar on swords and embody the ways of the immortals."
"Both paths lead to longevity, each depending on one's fortune and innate talent."
"All citizens of Great Qin shall be granted martial arts and immortal cultivation techniques."
"Those residing in villages may receive permission from the village chief and obtain their cultivation techniques through the Celestial Profound Mirror."
"Those in county towns may receive permission from the county office."
"Those in provincial capitals and state capitals may go to the local government offices to gain access to these techniques."
"Martial arts and immortal cultivation techniques are granted by the imperial court, bestowed upon all the people."
"Only the citizens of Great Qin may cultivate them. Those who are not of Great Qin and do not share its fate will suffer deviation and die upon attempting cultivation."
"Within all academies under the heavens, Great Qin shall establish classes for both immortal cultivation and martial arts."
"Those with outstanding martial talent and those with extraordinary spiritual roots shall be taught by the great masters of Great Qin."
"This is the boundless grace of Great Qin upon the world!"
"From this day forth!"
"The First Emperor establishes a new Great Qin calendar, with this year as the First Year of the Path Transmission Era!"
Across the land, the benevolence of Great Qin was revealed.
As the decree was read, the world was shaken.
Countless citizens were left in shock.
"This… this must be a joke, right?"
"Cultivation techniques? Are they truly real?"
"That can't be possible!"
"Martial cultivation? Immortal cultivation?"
"Does this mean immortals truly exist in this world?"
"Ever since the Crown Prince was born, he has never met an equal on the battlefield. Wherever his army went, none could stand against him."
"There have long been rumors that the Crown Prince is the reincarnation of an immortal. Now it seems that it is all true."
"Indeed."
"The Crown Prince is truly an immortal reincarnated."
"We, the people of Great Qin, are truly fortunate to receive the teachings of His Majesty and the Crown Prince. We can extend our lifespans, and perhaps even achieve immortality."
"This... this is truly unprecedented!"
"Yes!"
"Throughout history, emperors have searched for immortality, spending vast resources without hesitation, yet never has a ruler bestowed the path to immortality upon the people."
"His Majesty's benevolence is unparalleled! The Crown Prince's kindness is immeasurable!"
"Such grace can never be repaid, even in ten thousand lifetimes!"
"Indeed, it can never be repaid…"
"We must not waste this blessing from His Majesty and the Crown Prince! I must go to the local office and receive the cultivation techniques immediately!"
"Yes!"
"Let's go together! The Crown Prince created the martial path I will cultivate it! As for immortal cultivation, I shall see if I have the potential."
"Hahaha!"
"We, the people of Great Qin, are truly blessed beyond measure!"
All across the Great Qin, the citizens erupted in joyous celebration.
The path of cultivation.
Martial arts and immortal cultivation.
Both lead to longevity.
The ambitions of Great Qin's 80 million citizens were ignited.
This decree alone was enough to shake the entire world.
However, it wasn't just the common people who were affected.
All officials of Great Qin whether village chiefs, county magistrates, or simple government clerks received an additional decree.
"Imperial decree."
"The people shall be granted martial and immortal cultivation, both paths available to all citizens of Great Qin."
"Yet countless officials have dedicated their lives in service to Great Qin, displaying unwavering loyalty and meritorious deeds."
"Now, His Majesty bestows upon all officials of Great Qin the national destiny cultivation technique, [Forging the Duty of Ministers]."
"All officials of Great Qin may cultivate it, refining their souls with the power of the national destiny. They may draw upon the fate of the nation, wield it against their enemies, and their spirits shall merge with the empire flourishing as Great Qin flourishes, existing as long as Great Qin endures."
"Beyond this, officials may also choose to cultivate martial arts or immortal cultivation."
As the national destiny cultivation technique was bestowed, the officials of Great Qin were overwhelmed with gratitude.
Originally, this technique was reserved for the highest-ranking ministers and governors of the thirty-six provinces. However, with this decree, all officials, regardless of rank, were granted access to it.
Such a blessing.
How could the officials of Great Qin not understand its significance?
Inside the Crown Prince's Manor
"Your Highness."
"The decree has been delivered across the land."
Zhang Ming entered and reported to Zhao Feng.
"How is the response?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"The people of Great Qin are praising His Majesty and Your Highness for your immense kindness," Zhang Ming replied with a bright smile.
"That is good."
"You may take your leave."
"I will now enter seclusion for some time." Zhao Feng declared.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Zhang Ming bowed deeply and exited the grand hall.
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng remained seated, his expression contemplative.
"Passing down cultivation techniques is merely the first step. Next, we will use the foundational techniques as a selection mechanism, allowing academies across the empire to recruit and train talented individuals with great potential. Additionally, future military recruitment will prioritize aptitude and cultivation talent."
"Those lacking sufficient talent or an affinity for martial arts will be reassigned to labor divisions."
Zhao Feng had already planned the follow-up steps after introducing the cultivation techniques.
With the dissemination of these techniques, the once peaceful Qin Empire would now enter a new era filled with immense opportunities. Those among the common people who possessed cultivation talent would seize their chance to rise like carp leaping over the dragon gate.
Just as Emperor Ying Zheng had proclaimed with the new era name this was the dawn of a new age.
The Great Era of Cultivation!
"Claim the rewards," Zhao Feng commanded as he refocused his attention and activated the system panel.
"Martial practitioners have increased to two million rewards: One Tier-5 Treasure Chest."
"National power has risen to Level 2 reward: One Tier-5 Treasure Chest," the system prompted.
"Open the empire panel," Zhao Feng ordered.
A display appeared before him:
Empire Name: Great Qin Empire (Top-Tier Dynasty)
Totem: Top-Tier Dynasty – Mysterious Bird (Enhances the nation and its people when activated.)
Population: 87.88 million (Increasing population unlocks treasure chest rewards.)
Military Strength: Five Grand Camps – 1.4 million soldiers, Provincial Troops – 280,000, Logistics Corps – 500,000
Martial Practitioners: 2.3 million (Reaching a certain number of innate martial artists unlocks treasure chest rewards.)
National Power: Level 2 (Increasing national power unlocks treasure chest rewards.)
"I haven't checked the Empire panel in a long time. I didn't expect it to change after establishing a Fate Dynasty."
"Now it includes fate-related attributes, and there's even a new totem."
Zhao Feng's expression lit up with excitement.
Especially the totem could enhance the abilities of the entire population.
"What are the attributes of the Mysterious Bird totem?"
Zhao Feng examined the totem panel.
"Activate attributes," he commanded.
Instantly, a miniature Mysterious Bird emerged before him, soaring gracefully before transforming into a shimmering light screen.
Totem Attributes:
War: Strengthens military forces with national fate, increasing battle power by 30%.
Harvest: Ensures favorable weather conditions, boosting agricultural yield by 30%.
Cultivation: Increases the cultivation speed of all citizens by 30%.
Spirit: Increases the probability of newborns being born with cultivation aptitude by 30%.
"For each tier of the Fate Dynasty, only one attribute can be selected. The host may choose one now," the system notified.
"I see."
"Right now, the Mysterious Bird offers four attributes to choose from. This is a difficult decision."
"But given the current stage of development, the empire must focus on the future."
"The third and fourth options are the most beneficial."
"The third option speeds up cultivation for the entire population, helping us prepare for future threats from immortals and deities. The fourth option increases the likelihood of future generations being born with cultivation aptitude."
Zhao Feng pondered the choices carefully.
If possible, he would have chosen them all.
But unfortunately, that was not an option.
"I'll choose the third option. Now that the cultivation techniques have been spread, granting the entire population a 30% boost in cultivation speed will be invaluable."
After careful deliberation, Zhao Feng made his choice: Cultivation.
As soon as he selected it, the Mysterious Bird let out a resounding cry.
Above Xianyang, the imperial capital
A colossal, radiant Mysterious Bird suddenly appeared in the sky, its cry echoing across the entire Qin Empire.
A wave of invisible energy radiated outward, connecting with the fate of every citizen.
In that moment
The power of the totem enhanced the entire population.
Unseen yet profound, every citizen's cultivation speed increased.
"I already had a cultivation speed boost from my national fate, but now the totem is providing an additional enhancement."
"With this, my Great Qin Empire is truly stepping into the era of cultivation."
Zhao Feng could feel the effects of the totem's power.
This was an enhancement beyond what the national fate alone could provide.
"Now it's time to open the treasure chests."
"With the two new Tier-5 Treasure Chests, I now have four in total."
"Open them all," Zhao Feng commanded.
"Opening Tier-5 Treasure Chests..."
Acquired: Postnatal Middle-Grade Spirit Treasure – "Essence Refining Tower."
Acquired: Postnatal Spirit Item – "Creation Soil."
Acquired: Divine Ability – "Heaven and Earth Manifestation."
Acquired: Postnatal Supreme Treasure – "Spatial Mirror."
The system notifications appeared.
Seeing the rewards, Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel thrilled.
Every single one of them was an extraordinary treasure.
"A Supreme Treasure..."
With just one glance, Zhao Feng's attention was instantly drawn to it.
A Postnatal Supreme Treasure.
This was no trivial matter.
A treasure of this caliber possessed power on par with an Innate Spirit Treasure, its might virtually limitless.
"Spatial Mirror... I've truly struck gold this time."
"If this Postnatal Supreme Treasure is as powerful as I expect, it might even surpass the Heavenly Profound Mirror."
"And then there's the Essence Refining Tower sounds like a support-type treasure."
"If that's the case, it would be a great boon. Right now, what Great Qin lacks most are auxiliary artifacts." Zhao Feng was incredibly excited.
Though the Heavenly Profound Mirror aided cultivation, it consumed a large number of spirit stones, and it had yet to be made accessible to the public. If this new treasure could function without spirit stone consumption, it would be a perfect solution.
"Heaven and Earth Manifestation."
"That's an incredible divine ability. But the strongest version should be Heavenly Transformation, right?"
"Still, this is more than good enough."
"Creation Soil, a postnatal-grade spiritual item could it be used to cultivate spiritual roots and similar things?"
"This is perfect. I can place it in my Small World, allowing large-scale cultivation of spiritual roots and fruits in the future."
Zhao Feng silently considered his options.
Then, without hesitation
"Extract Spatial Mirror," he commanded.
In the next instant, a magnificent treasure mirror materialized before him.
"As expected of a Postnatal Supreme Treasure forty-two layers of postnatal seals. This is the absolute limit of postnatal spirit treasures."
"I'll refine a few layers first."
Gazing at the Spatial Mirror, Zhao Feng was overjoyed.
Infusing his true essence, he began the refining process.
After a while
Zhao Feng opened his eyes, and an overwhelming sense of exhilaration surged through him.
"The Spatial Mirror… it can traverse space, even break through world barriers."
"Does this mean I could use this treasure to enter the Immortal Realm?"
Zhao Feng's heart pounded with excitement.
If that were truly the case, then for him and Great Qin the implications were immense.
Currently, in Shenzhou, the hands of immortals and deities had yet to reach too far. However, it was only a matter of time before Shenzhou fell under the dominion of the Immortal Realm. If the day came when Shenzhou lacked the power to resist the Heavenly Court, then both Shenzhou and Great Qin would be doomed.
But now
Everything was different.
If Zhao Feng could enter the Immortal Realm through this treasure, he could take root step by step, counterattack the Immortal Realm, seize its fate, and establish his foothold there.
"This treasure… truly deserves the title of a Supreme Treasure."
"Immortal Realm… Immortals and Gods…"
"The hunter and the hunted are about to switch places."
A cold smirk crossed Zhao Feng's face.
Without delay, he summoned the Essence Refining Tower.
"The tower contains a spiritual fire refining force, capable of tempering the physical body and even purifying true essence a powerful cultivation aid."
"This Supreme Treasure shall be placed in Xianyang. Those with exceptional martial and immortal talent shall have access to it for training."
"In addition"
"I shall also use the Heavenly Profound Mirror to deduce more cultivation techniques and martial arts. This way, Great Qin's martial path will flourish."
"Moreover, a contribution points system can be implemented. If someone successfully deduces a new cultivation technique using the Heavenly Profound Mirror and submits it, they will receive contribution points as a reward. The same applies to martial arts techniques."
"I have laid the foundation for this world's martial cultivation, but to strengthen and enrich it, I need the collective wisdom of many. Only by incorporating the best of all approaches can the martial path be solidified and passed down for generations." Zhao Feng silently planned.
As for Creation Soil, he already had a place in mind for it.
Without hesitation, he deposited the soil into the Small World's spiritual spring, where numerous spiritual roots were already being cultivated. With the help of Creation Soil, their growth would be vastly improved.
Immortal Realm
Western Buddhist Lands
"The state of Shenzhou…"
"Disorder has already begun."
"Shenzhou's fate is no longer firmly within the grasp of our Buddhist Sect."
"I have decided to spread Buddhism into Shenzhou, establish an order of monk soldiers, and seize Shenzhou's fate for ourselves."
Seated upon a golden lotus throne, Tathagata spoke slowly. His tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority.
"World-Honored One,"
"Shenzhou is a land of mortals, and the Eastern Heavenly Court watches it closely. If our Buddhist Lands act upon Shenzhou, will we not violate the heavenly mandate set by the Heavenly Court?" a Buddha inquired.
"I have already calculated."
"The heavenly mandate set by the Heavenly Court has been broken."
"In the past, the Heavenly Court gained an advantage in Shenzhou because their preparations were extensive, leaving no room for us to interfere."
"But now, their mandate is broken. Naturally, I cannot stand idly by."
"Seizing Shenzhou, claiming its fate, and making it part of our Buddhist Lands this shall be the new heavenly mandate." Tathagata's voice was like a sacred chant, compelling and undeniable.
"We shall follow the decree of the World-Honored One!"
All the Buddhas of the Western Buddhist Lands responded in unison.
"Saints."
"Heaven and Earth."
"Gathering fate… the path to Sainthood."
"I shall not let this opportunity slip away."
As Tathagata gazed upward, his heart swelled with ambition.
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