The one who pioneered martial cultivation and was revered as the progenitor of the path.
"You have obtained the trait [Martial Ancestor]."
"Would you like to claim and integrate the trait?"
A prompt suddenly appeared before Zhao Feng.
"Another trait?"
"Martial Ancestor?"
Zhao Feng looked at the trait that had unexpectedly appeared before him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Integrate."
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng made his decision.
Instantly
A radiant glow merged into Zhao Feng's body.
At the same time, the attributes of this trait appeared before his eyes.
[Martial Ancestor] (Gold):
As the founder of martial cultivation, you are revered as the Martial Ancestor.
All martial cultivators are subject to your suppression.
The fate of all martial practitioners converges upon you, enhancing your luck and granting you opportunities.
You can channel the collective power of all martial cultivators to unleash a Martial Ancestor Strike.
"To be the progenitor of a path… such immense power."
"To have the fortune of martial cultivators upon me, shielded by the martial path."
"And to be able to gather the strength of all martial practitioners into a single devastating strike."
"Just how formidable is this?"
"Any martial cultivator who dares oppose me is essentially courting death."
"The title of Martial Ancestor… truly remarkable."
As Zhao Feng studied the trait's attributes, even he couldn't help but be astonished.
This trait
Was truly extraordinary.
At this moment
From what he could see, its power was already on par with the Heavenly Dao Authority and Human Dao Authority he had previously acquired.
"Next"
"It's time to visit Baiyue."
"The Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia, the sacred artifacts of our race, must be secured in my hands."
With this thought in mind, Zhao Feng had already formulated his plan.
Without hesitation
He waved his hand, tearing through space and stepping into the void.
As Zhao Feng's figure vanished
"Respectfully seeing off His Highness!"
"Respectfully seeing off the Martial Ancestor!"
Countless citizens across the empire raised their voices in unison.
Not only in Xianyang, but across the entire Nine Provinces of Great Qin, millions of subjects paid their reverence.
Outside Xianyang City
Only after nearly a full incense stick's time had passed did the gathered citizens gradually disperse, making their way back into the city.
For them, today had been a monumental gain.
After today
Great Qin's martial path would usher in an era of unprecedented prosperity.
"I am currently at the third level of the Postnatal Realm. If I train even harder, I am sure to reach the Innate Realm!"
"His Highness's martial teachings were truly enlightening. If I can one day become a Grandmaster, I will dedicate myself to serving Great Qin!"
"Now that the Prince's martial lecture has concluded, in a few days, the National Preceptor will give a lecture on the Immortal Dao."
"By then, those with spiritual roots will have their chance to listen as well."
"Just one sentence from His Highness has shown me the way to break through. I must seize this opportunity!"
Martial practitioners throughout the empire left with renewed determination.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
"Your Majesty, we pay our respects!"
A group of more than ten figures entered the grand hall and bowed deeply.
"With the Prince's martial lecture concluded, Great Qin will truly enter a golden age of martial cultivation."
"You are all the most accomplished alchemists, artifact refiners, and formation masters of Great Qin."
"I have already instructed Xunzi to place you within the Imperial Academy, where you will establish the foundation for the auxiliary paths."
Qin Shi Huang's voice was calm yet firm.
"We shall obey the imperial decree!"
The group responded in unison.
"Good."
Qin Shi Huang nodded slightly. "You may withdraw."
Once the ministers had left
"Martial cultivators, immortal cultivators, national destiny, and auxiliary arts everything is now in place."
"The golden age of Great Qin has arrived!"
Qin Shi Huang's face was filled with satisfaction.
At that moment
"Your Majesty,"
A figure entered the hall and respectfully reported, "His Highness has departed from Xianyang and is headed for Baiyue."
It was Ren Xiao.
"Baiyue holds one of the sacred treasures of our Huaxia lineage. Naturally, Feng'er must go in person."
Qin Shi Huang was unsurprised, merely letting out a soft chuckle.
Clearly
Zhao Feng had already informed him that the Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia were hidden in Baiyue.
If acquired, these divine artifacts would undoubtedly be of immense value to Great Qin.
Baiyue
"As expected, this land is filled with miasma. To completely purify it, I will need to divert the waters of Shenzhou and carve out new river channels to gradually cleanse it."
"But for now, there is no urgency."
High in the sky
Zhao Feng stood in the void, gazing down upon the lands of Baiyue.
Unlike the vast plains of Shenzhou, Baiyue was a land of towering mountains and deep valleys, making it unsuitable for large-scale development in this era.
After all
Shenzhou's vast plains made it ideal for building cities, constructing imperial roads, and establishing trade networks.
But Baiyue
With its rugged terrain and harsh environment, was far more difficult to cultivate in this age.
"This is the place."
"The strongest of the Nine Tribes of Baiyue
"The Jiuli Tribe."
Zhao Feng released his divine sense.
After such a long period of cultivation, with the power of fate supporting him, Zhao Feng's cultivation speed accelerated even further.
Now, all his attributes were nearing two hundred thousand.
His cultivation had already reached the peak of the Shattered Void Realm, just one step away from the Martial Dao Transcendence Realm.
Then, with a single movement, Zhao Feng soared through the air.
In the blink of an eye, he arrived at the entrance of the Jiuli Tribe.
At this moment, what was once the largest tribe in Baiyue had already been conquered by the Qin army.
Everywhere, black-armored Qin soldiers were stationed.
Among the settlements of the tribe, Jiuli clansmen could be seen.
Tracing back to their origins, they had once lived in the lands of Shenzhou. However, during the great war of the ancient Human Sovereigns, they had been defeated and forced to migrate to the harsh and unwelcoming lands of Baiyue.
In total, the Baiyue region was home to five to six million Jiuli clansmen.
They raised Gu insects and cultivated poisonous creatures.
These practices had caused significant trouble for the elite Qin warriors who marched to conquer Baiyue.
However, in the face of absolute strength, Baiyue was ultimately unable to resist and was subdued.
After the conquest of Baiyue and its various tribes, the Jiuli people were shocked to find that the Qin Empire did not treat them cruelly. On the contrary, they were shown kindness grain was distributed, roads were constructed, waterways were excavated, and clean water was brought into Baiyue to dispel the miasma.
In just two or three months, the Jiuli people, who had lived in Baiyue for thousands of years, experienced an overwhelming contrast.
For generations, their ancestors had passed down the belief that the Huaxia people to the north were their mortal enemies.
If given the opportunity, they were to march back into Shenzhou and reclaim their homeland.
Yet, after so many years, that opportunity had never come.
The Huaxia people had only grown stronger in Shenzhou. Now, they had even conquered Baiyue with ease.
Inside the Jiuli Tribe.
A breathtakingly beautiful woman, dressed in the traditional attire of the Jiuli people with an exotic aura, stood to the side.
In front of her was Tu Sui.
"General Tu," the woman asked, "do you know when the Crown Prince will arrive?"
"Saintess Chiqian, there is no need to worry. The Crown Prince will arrive in the coming days."
"Moreover, the grace shown to the Jiuli Tribe is by the decree of both His Majesty and the Crown Prince. Whether or not the Crown Prince comes, our Great Qin will treat the Jiuli people with benevolence," Tu Sui said with a slight smile.
Chiqian.
The saintess of the Jiuli Tribe.
She was also, in name, the highest leader of all the Jiuli tribes.
When the Qin army invaded, it was the Jiuli Tribe that led the resistance. However, in the face of Qin's unstoppable forces, the Jiuli coalition was utterly powerless.
The men of the Jiuli Tribe were tall and strong, even more so than the Huaxia people, but against the disciplined and well-equipped Qin warriors, they stood no chance.
In the end, realizing they could not defeat Qin, Chiqian ordered the Jiuli to surrender, thus preventing a large-scale massacre of their people.
Afterward, Tu Sui conveyed the decrees of the First Emperor and the Crown Prince: the Jiuli would be treated with kindness, and there would be no senseless slaughter.
In the months that followed, Qin's elite warriors worked alongside the Jiuli people, constructing roads, digging canals, and introducing clean water. The once-deadly miasma covering Baiyue had been significantly reduced.
"I wonder how Great Qin plans to settle my Jiuli people?" Chiqian asked nervously.
"Saintess, you need not worry."
"The Huaxia and Jiuli were originally both from Shenzhou."
"The Crown Prince will not treat you unfairly."
"You may set your mind at ease," Tu Sui reassured her with a helpless smile.
Ever since the Jiuli Tribe surrendered, Chiqian had been deeply worried that Zhao Feng would order a massacre of her people or reduce them to eternal servitude.
At that moment
"Greetings to the Crown Prince!"
A chorus of excited voices erupted from outside the tribe.
Hearing this, Tu Sui's face lit up with excitement.
"The Crown Prince has arrived!"
"Quickly, gather the people. Make sure there is no disrespect!" Tu Sui urged Chiqian.
"Understood!"
Chiqian was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded.
At the entrance of the tribe, countless Qin warriors bowed fervently, their expressions filled with devotion.
Under their gazes, Zhao Feng walked forward, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Brothers, you may rise," Zhao Feng said with a gentle smile, raising a hand.
Hearing these long-awaited words, the warriors were overwhelmed with emotion.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
"Minister Tu Sui greets the Crown Prince!"
Tu Sui, along with a group of generals, hurried forward.
Among them was Wei Quan.
Wei Quan was no longer a mere deputy general he had now risen to the rank of a main general under the Wu'an Grand Camp.
"Enough."
"There is no need for excessive formality," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
At that moment
"We pay our respects to the Crown Prince of Great Qin!"
Inside the tribe, a woman led tens of thousands of Jiuli clansmen in kneeling.
Zhao Feng's gaze swept over them.
The Jiuli men were all broad-shouldered and burly, while the women were more delicate, similar to Huaxia women.
As they paid their respects, many appeared uneasy and fearful.
Zhao Feng chuckled. "You may all rise."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
The crowd shouted in unison.
As they stood, they anxiously observed Zhao Feng.
"Your Highness," Tu Sui stepped forward, "this is Saintess Chiqian of the Jiuli Tribe, the recognized leader of the Jiuli people."
"It was thanks to the Saintess that the Jiuli Tribe submitted peacefully."
Tu Sui gestured toward Chiqian.
Zhao Feng turned his gaze toward her.
Chiqian, in turn, hesitantly looked up.
The moment she saw Zhao Feng, her heart trembled.
He was completely different from what she had imagined.
The man before her looked like a refined scholar, his demeanor extraordinary.
"Saintess Chiqian."
"Since you have submitted to Great Qin, you and your people will not be mistreated."
"From now on, the Jiuli and Huaxia shall be one."
Zhao Feng smiled and gave his assurance.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Chiqian beamed with joy.
At that moment, the weight in her heart was lifted entirely.
"Where is the location of the formation?" Zhao Feng turned to Tu Sui.
His purpose in coming to Baiyue was to obtain the Huaxia Eight Cauldrons.
Zhao Feng knew that gathering all nine cauldrons would be of great significance.
"Your Highness," Tu Sui said, "it's quite the coincidence the location marked on the map you provided is right here, within the Jiuli Tribe's sacrificial altar."
"The Jiuli Tribe's altar?" Zhao Feng was intrigued.
Could it be such a coincidence?
"Lead the way," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness. Please follow me," Tu Sui promptly responded.
Hearing this, Chiqian quickly stepped forward.
"Your Highness, our tribe's altar is very peculiar. It has existed since we first migrated to Baiyue. Even our people can only worship outside it we cannot enter. Anyone who gets too close risks their life."
"It is of no concern," Zhao Feng said calmly.
Zhao Feng waved his hand.
Since the location of the Hua Xia Nine Cauldrons was being stored, it was naturally shrouded in mystery Zhao Feng could easily imagine that.
Otherwise, with Tu Sui's Grandmaster-level cultivation, he would have already entered and retrieved the eight cauldrons.
Arriving outside the altar
It seemed to be in another part of the Jiuli tribe's settlement.
A massive statue stood here, towering ten zhang high. It held a long blade in one hand and rode a strange beast beneath it, exuding an aura of ferocity and slaughter.
"This is the statue of our ancestral founder."
"It has been enshrined here ever since our tribe migrated to this place," Chi Quan quickly explained.
"Chi You!"
"The Wu Clan?"
Zhao Feng gazed at the statue and immediately recognized who it was.
A long blade in hand, riding an iron-eating beast, with a giant serpent coiled around its body an image akin to a towering giant.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng naturally thought of the Wu Clan.
However
The Jiuli tribe differed from the true lineage of the Wu Clan. They were the offspring of a union between the Wu Clan and the human race a mixed lineage of both.
"If the altar is behind this, then the presence of the eight cauldrons here must be intentionally arranged by someone with a specific purpose," Zhao Feng pondered.
He then bypassed Chi You's statue and walked toward the altar.
"Your Highness!"
"You mustn't approach it is dangerous!" Chi Quan hurriedly stepped forward to stop him.
Zhao Feng raised his hand
Signaling for Chi Quan to retreat.
Then, he expanded his divine sense.
Instantly
The entire altar appeared clearly in his mind's eye.
Rather than an altar, it was more like a formation array.
The altar itself was a formation disk.
"Interesting," Zhao Feng mused.
With a wave of his hand
The Tianwen Sword appeared in his grasp.
"Slash!"
Zhao Feng channeled ten percent of his true essence, striking down at the altar with full force.
In an instant
A sword light a thousand zhang long descended upon the altar, slashing down fiercely and causing the entire structure to tremble.
The sheer power tore through the void.
The surrounding people were all pushed back by the invisible shockwave of energy.
"Is this... still the power of a mere mortal?"
Chi Quan and the Jiuli tribespeople behind her were utterly shaken as if witnessing the power of an immortal deity.
That single strike
Completely overturned their understanding.
And it was precisely that strike
That activated the formation embedded in the altar.
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth began to surge. An overwhelming killing aura erupted from the altar, instantly engulfing the entire Jiuli tribe.
Following that
Endless killing intent gathered.
Faintly
Eight colossal cauldron phantoms emerged within the boundless murderous aura.
Countless fierce beasts, condensed from pure killing intent, charged toward Zhao Feng.
"Interesting,"
Zhao Feng chuckled at the sight.
This immense killing aura seemed powerful
Perhaps strong enough to slay a cultivator at the Combined Void and Dao Integration Realm.
But it was not enough to kill him.
However
With such power in place, it would be nearly impossible for mortals to break through this altar.
"In that case, I'll break it with a single strike."
Zhao Feng smirked.
His martial aura suddenly surged.
"Prison Heaven Finger!"
With a single press of his finger
A tremendous force erupted.
This one strike
Surpassed the power of even an immortal.
Boom!
Under this one strike, the countless murderous beast phantoms condensed in the void were instantly crushed into dust, and the boundless killing aura was completely wiped out.
And the altar
The formation disk
Could no longer withstand the force.
Crack, crack!
The sound of fracturing rang continuously.
Finally
With a resounding boom!
The altar shattered, breaking into countless pieces.
As the formation disk was destroyed
The entire formation lost its sustaining power and instantly dissipated into the void.
"Hua Xia's Eight Cauldrons..."
"So they were here."
"This formation... is a Fate-Suppressing Formation."
"Using the human fate energy contained within the Hua Xia Eight Cauldrons, it suppressed the fate of the Jiuli tribe
Even. stifling the prosperity of their lineage."
Upon seeing the eight giant cauldrons and drawing upon his knowledge of fate energy, Zhao Feng immediately understood.
The eight cauldrons were placed here for one reason to suppress the Jiuli tribe!
"Who orchestrated this? Who suppressed the Jiuli tribe with the Eight Cauldrons?"
"Was it a past Human Emperor of our race? Or someone else entirely?"
Doubts arose in Zhao Feng's heart.
To suppress the Jiuli tribe
That was the only logical conclusion he could come to.
"However"
"At least now, I have found them."
Zhao Feng took a step forward, preparing to collect the eight cauldrons before him.
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