Upon hearing that Zhao Feng would be teaching martial arts to all the people of the empire, many officials in the court, especially the military ministers, were filled with anticipation.
Unlike the civil officials, most of the military ministers had chosen the path of martial cultivation, except for those who were too old or physically weak to pursue it.
"His Highness the Crown Prince is wise!"
The ministers all shouted in unison.
"Father."
"It's time to make the announcement."
Zhao Feng smiled as he looked at Emperor Ying Zheng.
"Qi'er."
Ying Zheng smiled slightly and called out towards the hall's entrance.
In response
A young man, handsome and imposing, dressed in noble attire, walked steadily into the great hall of court deliberations.
He was none other than Zhao Feng's eldest legitimate son, Zhao Qi, who was also the eldest grandson of the current Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
"Your grandson greets the Royal Grandfather."
"Your son greets Father."
Zhao Qi stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Announce the decree."
Ying Zheng waved his hand with a faint smile.
"Imperial Edict of the First Emperor!"
"Zhao Qi, eldest legitimate grandson of the royal family, has now reached the age of eighteen and is of age to take on responsibilities within the imperial family."
"Today, he is officially granted the title of Heir Apparent and bestowed with the Seal of the Heir Apparent, thus enjoying the protection of the empire's national fortune and holding authority in governance."
An attendant standing beside them held up the imperial edict and read it aloud.
Moments later, another attendant approached Zhao Qi, holding a box that contained the Seal of the Heir Apparent.
"Your grandson is deeply grateful for the trust of the Royal Grandfather."
"Your son is grateful for the trust of Father."
Zhao Qi respectfully took the seal with both hands and bowed deeply.
"We pay our respects to the Heir Apparent!"
All the court officials bowed in unison.
"Rise, all of you."
Zhao Qi turned around, lifted the seal, and declared loudly.
"We thank the Heir Apparent."
The officials responded in unison.
"Qi'er."
"As the Heir Apparent, you now bear the responsibilities of this title."
"Your father enjoys battle and dislikes governance, so the duties that were once his will now fall upon you."
"You must assist your grandfather in handling state affairs properly."
Zhao Feng smiled at his son.
Even in the presence of the entire court, Zhao Feng made no secret of his lack of interest in political affairs.
His ambitions extended far beyond mere governance.
"Father, please rest assured."
"Your son will fully support Royal Grandfather."
Zhao Qi responded solemnly.
Upon receiving this seal, he understood the weight of his responsibility.
As for his father, everyone in the court and across the empire knew that his duties lay elsewhere.
He should not be burdened with the tedious affairs of governance. Even Emperor Ying Zheng never criticized him for this, for it was Zhao Feng who had brought the empire to where it is today.
"Fusu."
Zhao Feng turned to Fusu, his younger half-brother.
"I am here."
Fusu immediately responded.
"When An'er turns eight, have him join Qi'er in assisting with governance."
"He may choose between mastering state affairs, martial arts, or immortal cultivation."
Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Thank you, Elder Brother!"
Fusu bowed excitedly.
Having his son by Zhao Qi's side would greatly benefit his prospects.
The Decree is Issued
Following the court session
"Imperial Edict!"
"People of the Great Qin, hear the decree!"
"Martial and immortal cultivation techniques have been disseminated for several months now."
"However, while the people have received these teachings, many remain unaware of the true nature of martial cultivation its realms, its barriers, and its ultimate pinnacle."
"Thus, the Crown Prince, moved by his duty, has decided to teach martial arts to the entire empire, enlightening all people of Great Qin."
"All citizens of the empire may listen!"
"As the population of Great Qin is vast and cannot all gather outside Xianyang City, the Crown Prince has generously activated the authority of the 'Heavenly Profound Mirror.' Thus, all citizens may use the Heavenly Profound Mirror to listen to the Crown Prince's teachings remotely."
"Following the Crown Prince's lecture, the Grand Master of Ghost Valley will teach the people the path of immortal cultivation."
"All citizens of the empire may listen!"
"Additionally"
"By the decree of His Majesty!"
"The year is drawing to a close, and a new year approaches."
"The Great Qin has become wealthy and powerful, its citizens prosperous, and the national treasury abundant."
"This prosperity is owed to the efforts of the people, and so the court shall bestow favor upon all citizens."
"From this day forth, the grain tax shall be reduced by another ten percent!"
"Let us celebrate the New Year together!"
Across all thirty-six provinces of the empire
Officials stood in public squares, reading aloud the imperial decree.
There was no doubt
This decree caused an immediate sensation across the land.
"His Majesty is wise!"
"His Highness the Crown Prince is truly benevolent!"
"Taxes have been lowered again! My family will have ten percent more harvest this year!"
"Hahaha! That means more surplus grain that I can exchange for contribution points to aid in cultivation. My talent is average, but my son has great potential I must do everything I can to support him!"
"The same for my family! The path of martial cultivation is the foundation of Great Qin's future!"
"The Crown Prince is personally teaching martial arts this is an incredible opportunity!"
"The Crown Prince is the creator of the Martial Path, the 'Martial Ancestor' himself! With his teachings, we will surely gain a deeper understanding of cultivation and improve our training!"
"Indeed! So far, all we know is the 'Postnatal Realm,' which is the foundation of martial arts passed down by the court. But what comes after that?"
...
When the decree came, people all over the world were excited.
Naturally, the announcement stirred great excitement.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
Ying Zheng and his son, Zhao Feng, sat across from each other.
"Feng'er," Ying Zheng said with a serious expression, "I have an idea."
"What idea?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"Now that the path of cultivation has spread throughout Great Qin, the resources required for cultivation are immense," Ying Zheng explained.
"The resources provided by the court are only enough to sustain the army and government officials. However, for the common people, it is difficult to truly prosper in cultivation."
"If we encourage the people to cultivate spiritual herbs and medicines on a large scale, it could yield significant results."
"Furthermore, the court can purchase these herbs from the populace, refining them into pills. The arts of alchemy, artifact refinement, and formation techniques must also be developed."
"The court can produce a sufficient supply of pills, and civilian cultivators can purchase them directly through the Heavenly Profound Mirror, using spiritual herbs in exchange for contribution points, which can then be used to buy pills and other resources. This will create a sustainable cycle."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Father, you've finally grasped the essence of commerce."
"Indeed, if we wish to stimulate the emergence of civilian martial artists and talented individuals, this is a viable approach."
"In addition," Zhao Feng continued, "I have already established a reward system within the Heavenly Profound Mirror. If someone creates a new martial technique or cultivation method and submits it, the mirror will evaluate its value and grant contribution points accordingly. The same applies to celestial arts and techniques."
"Only through both incentives and discipline can Great Qin's cultivation path truly thrive."
Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.
"The Imperial Academy has already introduced the Martial Path and the Celestial Path, but alchemy, artifact refinement, and other supporting disciplines have yet to be formally established."
"These fields still require the efforts of the Yanting Bureau."
"Naturally," Zhao Feng responded.
"In the future, Great Qin must develop in all aspects."
"The Imperial Academy is the cradle of Great Qin's talent. Not only martial and celestial cultivation, but also all auxiliary disciplines must be prioritized."
Ying Zheng smiled and said, "I'll leave the specifics to you."
"I handle state affairs, but when it comes to cultivation, you take the lead."
"Understood," Zhao Feng nodded.
Ten Days Later
Time flew by, and soon, the long-awaited day arrived.
For Xianyang, today was a grand occasion.
Hundreds of thousands of people had gathered outside the city.
Men and women, young and old, had come together. Except for those who were physically unable, nearly all the citizens of Xianyang had gathered. Many had even traveled from distant cities, eager to hear the Crown Prince's Martial Lecture.
The atmosphere outside Xianyang was incredibly lively.
This was an event of unprecedented scale in the hundreds of years since Great Qin's founding.
"I've lived so long, but I've never seen this many people in Xianyang."
"The entire area outside the city is packed."
"With so many people, will we even be able to hear the Crown Prince's lecture?"
"The martial cultivation methods have already been passed down, but the Crown Prince's lecture is an unparalleled opportunity. I hope we can hear it."
"Yes, indeed."
…
Surrounded by the sea of people, countless Qin citizens were both eager and anxious.
As time passed, the sky gradually brightened.
Finally
From the skies above
A figure soared through the air.
"Look! Up there!"
"That's the Crown Prince!"
"It is!"
"He's flying! That's an immortal technique!"
"Is this the power of the Martial Path?"
"The Crown Prince is like a divine being!"
"What level of martial cultivation is required to achieve flight?"
Countless citizens watched in awe, their faces filled with reverence.
Under the gaze of the masses, Zhao Feng descended onto the Xianyang city walls.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
The vast crowd knelt in respect.
Those with noble titles were exempt from kneeling, but commoners performed a full kowtow.
"Rise, people of Great Qin," Zhao Feng said with a gentle smile, raising his hand.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
The citizens shouted in unison.
"Several months ago, the Martial Path was spread across Great Qin, granting all citizens the opportunity to cultivate," Zhao Feng declared.
"However"
"The people do not yet understand the realms of martial cultivation. They do not know the key to breakthroughs."
"Today"
"I shall resolve these doubts for the people of Great Qin."
His voice, infused with true essence, echoed throughout Xianyang and beyond.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
The citizens shouted excitedly.
"Heavenly Profound Mirror," Zhao Feng said, his voice steady.
Zhao Feng waved his hand.
The Tianxuan Mirror split from his dantian, and under Zhao Feng's control of his true essence, it flew directly into the void above the palace. Then, it divided into more than a dozen sub-mirrors, transforming into large reflective surfaces, each displaying Zhao Feng's figure.
At that moment, all the citizens present could see Zhao Feng.
Meanwhile, throughout the Qin Empire
Countless citizens also took out their Tianxuan Mirrors.
"His Highness the Crown Prince is giving a martial lecture!"
"Quick! We can watch through the Tianxuan Mirror."
"Yes! We can see His Highness right now."
"The Tianxuan Mirror truly is an immortal treasure. Incredible!"
"His Highness is in Xianyang, while we are tens of thousands of miles away, yet we can see him as if he were right before us."
"This martial lecture is truly something to look forward to..."
Countless Qin citizens held up their Tianxuan Mirrors, clearly seeing Zhao Feng's figure.
Every movement of his was under their watchful eyes.
Across the entire Qin Empire, nearly everyone was watching this grand martial lecture.
Even those who did not cultivate were eager to catch a glimpse of the Crown Prince's majestic appearance.
"Now,"
"I shall begin the lecture on martial arts."
Zhao Feng spoke slowly.
His voice, amplified by the Tianxuan Mirror, resonated in the ears of countless Qin citizens.
Outside Xianyang City, where hundreds of thousands of people had gathered, an eerie silence fell only the sound of breathing could be heard.
Every person was listening intently.
"Martial Dao and Immortal Dao."
"Though they are two different paths of cultivation, ultimately, all roads lead to the same goal seeking great strength and pursuing longevity and freedom."
"Martial Dao places great importance on martial aptitude. The stronger one's aptitude, the faster their cultivation progresses. Aptitude is the bridge through which a martial artist absorbs the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth. The stronger the aptitude, the more efficiently spiritual energy is converted into true qi and true essence, which greatly aids in cultivation. However, there is one aspect of Martial Dao diligence can make up for a lack of talent."
"The Immortal Dao, compared to Martial Dao, has stricter entry requirements. One must possess a spiritual root to cultivate it. The higher the grade of the spiritual root, the smoother one's path in the Immortal Dao. Without fortune or opportunity, those with poor spiritual roots are destined to be unable to reach the pinnacle of immortality."
"As for the realms of the Martial Dao"
"The introductory realm is the Postnatal Realm."
"Even at the peak of the Postnatal Realm, with even the lowest-tier martial techniques, one can achieve immense strength, enough to move mountains. The higher the tier of the martial technique, the greater the strength one can wield within the Postnatal Realm."
"The Postnatal Realm is the introductory phase, focusing on tempering the body and cultivating internal energy."
"The Xiantian Realm marks the true beginning of a martial artist's journey. At this stage, internal energy transforms into true qi, allowing one to draw the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth into the body."
"The Grandmaster Realm allows for the external release of true qi. With a mere wave of the hand, one can shatter city walls. With true qi reinforcement, a grandmaster can take on hundreds of foes alone."
"The Great Grandmaster Realm those who reach this stage are no longer ordinary mortals. With a single gesture, they can wipe out hundreds, even thousands of people. No mere human force can match them. Even if faced with a rain of arrows, as long as their true qi does not run dry, a Great Grandmaster will not fall. With the power of true qi, they can decimate entire armies."
Zhao Feng spoke steadily.
His voice echoed across Xianyang City and resounded throughout the Qin Empire.
At this moment
Countless martial cultivators across the empire gained a newfound understanding.
"The Martial Dao has so many realms!"
"Postnatal, Xiantian, Grandmaster, Great Grandmaster…"
"If someone at the Great Grandmaster Realm can single-handedly destroy an army of ten thousand, are they even human?"
"Then what realm has the Crown Prince reached? He can fly through the air!"
"The Martial Dao has limitless potential!"
"If I can reach the Great Grandmaster Realm, I will surely become famous across the world!"
Countless citizens were filled with excitement, their hearts burning with longing for the Martial Dao.
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng continued to explain, elaborating on the key breakthroughs at each stage of martial cultivation.
Of course
Though the Martial Dao had its realms, the techniques available to the public only extended to the Postnatal Realm. To obtain higher-tier techniques, one had to enter the imperial academy, display exceptional talent, and join the military, or accumulate enough contribution points to exchange for them through the Tianxuan Mirror.
Time passed.
The entire day quickly flew by.
Even as night fell
Citizens across Xianyang and the entire empire were still listening attentively.
This opportunity was too valuable to miss. Everyone who desired the Martial Dao was utterly engrossed.
By the time the second dawn arrived
Zhao Feng's voice gradually faded.
"The Martial Dao's realms and the key points for breakthroughs"
"I have explained them all."
"Martial techniques are the foundation of the nation."
"If anyone of exceptional talent reaches the peak of the Postnatal Realm, they may register with the authorities to receive further martial techniques."
"Martial knowledge must not be carelessly spread."
"Likewise"
"With the spread of the Martial Dao, countless geniuses will emerge across the empire. Many will create their own martial techniques and combat arts. If such knowledge is submitted to the imperial court, the Tianxuan Mirror will evaluate its worth and award contribution points accordingly."
"In the future"
"The Tianxuan Mirror will provide various auxiliary cultivation pills, which can be exchanged for contribution points."
"In the future"
"The Qin Empire will establish a system to exchange contribution points. Spiritual herbs, miraculous treasures, and all manner of rare materials will be accepted in exchange for contribution points."
"All citizens of the empire may participate in this exchange."
"That is all."
"This concludes today's martial lecture. If an opportunity arises in the future, I will conduct another lecture."
Zhao Feng slowly finished speaking.
Hearing this
Countless citizens snapped out of their trance-like state, filled with deep reluctance.
"Many thanks to His Highness for his generous teachings!"
"We are eternally grateful!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
"His Highness has pioneered the Martial Dao and shared it with the world he should be honored as the Martial Ancestor of Qin! The Martial Ancestor of the world!"
"We pay our respects to the Martial Ancestor!"
One voice after another rose from the vast crowd outside Xianyang.
Gradually
The title of Martial Ancestor took root.
And at that very moment
"For creating the path of Martial Dao and being honored as its progenitor."
"You have gained the attribute title..."
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