Zhao Feng stepped forward.
Instead of directly collecting the cauldrons, he activated his divine sense, and the Yu Province Cauldron appeared beside him.
Back then, someone had used the Eight Cauldrons of Hua Xia to suppress the fate of the Jiuli tribe, ensuring that they could never break free or thrive.
The Eight Cauldrons were embedded in the core of the formation, making them nearly impossible to move.
Only the Yu Province Cauldron, which shared the same origin, could affect them.
"Rise!"
Zhao Feng infused his true essence into the Yu Province Cauldron, which then drifted toward the center of the Eight Cauldrons.
As a treasure of the same origin, the Yu Province Cauldron entered the invisible barrier of the formation without resistance.
Under its guidance, the other eight cauldrons also began to move.
Nine colossal cauldrons floated in the void
Exuding an indescribable aura of ancient majesty.
At that moment
The Eight Cauldrons successfully detached from the formation's core.
The entire grand formation shattered completely.
The nine cauldrons connected in midair
Their intrinsic energies fusing into one!
Boom!!
A terrifying force erupted from the merging of the Nine Cauldrons
Unleashing an earth-shattering power.
The entire void trembled.
In the Celestial Realm!
In the Buddhist Pure Lands!
In the Netherworld!
Across the Four Great Continents and countless hidden sanctuaries
"The Nine Cauldrons of Hua Xia… the human race's artifact of fate!"
"In the past, the Human Emperor Zhuanxu severed the connection between heaven and earth, transforming a portion of the Southern Zhanbu Continent into the mortal realm. At that time, he also shifted the last vestiges of the human race's fate to the Divine Province… The Nine Cauldrons disappeared then yet now they have resurfaced?"
"Interesting."
"This mortal realm is truly full of unexpected changes."
"Perhaps… the future of heaven and earth does lie in the Divine Province."
"Spiritual roots, tribulation energy, slaughter, plunder… Everything is interconnected. This world has already fallen into chaos."
"The Nine Cauldrons of Hua Xia, when unified, form a supreme acquired treasure. If combined with the full power of the human race's fate, they can unleash their true potential. This was once the sacred artifact of the human race. What does its return signify?"
"The Buddhist Pure Lands… the Celestial Court… Everyone covets the last remnants of the human race's fate in the Divine Province, the purest fate of humanity. Whoever obtains it may have the chance to ascend to sainthood. But is such fate so easy to seize?"
"The tribulation energy… ever since the saints vanished, it has enveloped the heavens and earth. And as for those so-called spiritual root pills… ha!"
…
The reappearance of the Nine Cauldrons
Shook the Three Realms!
Countless great cultivators were astonished, but many others harbored anticipation.
For some, this world had long needed change yet they had been powerless to bring it about.
"The Nine Cauldrons."
"The sacred artifacts of my human race."
"At last, they are gathered by my hand."
With a wave of Zhao Feng's hand
The Eight Cauldrons circled above his head under the guidance of the Yu Province Cauldron. He had now gained initial control over them.
"With the authority of humanity, I will refine the Nine Cauldrons and make them my supreme treasure."
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng channeled his fate energy, merging his divine sense with the cauldrons.
Beginning the process of refining the sacred artifacts of the ancient human race.
Meanwhile, behind him
Chi Quan stood in stunned disbelief, gazing at Zhao Feng as if he were a deity.
"General Tu…"
"The Crown Prince… Is he still human?" Chi Quan asked, her voice dazed.
"To the people of Great Qin, His Highness has long since become a god."
Tu Sui's eyes were filled with reverence as he spoke.
There was no exaggeration in his words.
Even if Zhao Feng did not possess such overwhelming strength, the deeds he had done for the people of Great Qin were enough for the countless citizens of the empire to regard him as a deity.
For the common folk
If they were to judge who among the gods was truly worthy of their reverence, it would not be the mystical celestial beings of legend.
But the emperor and crown prince who had brought them peace ensured their food security and freed them from suffering.
For the people of Great Qin
Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng had accomplished exactly that.
Great Qin had ended the era of war banishing war from the Divine Province.
Great Qin had redistributed the lands ensuring that every citizen had fields to cultivate.
Great Qin had reduced taxes and granted seeds an act of grace that the people would never forget for generations.
Having endured war and starvation, they knew all too well how precious their current lives were.
"No, that's not what I meant."
"I mean… how did the Crown Prince achieve all this?"
"That sword strike… and these nine massive cauldrons…" Chi Quan gestured wildly, struggling to put her emotions into words.
Clearly
She could not even begin to describe how deeply this scene had shaken her heart.
"This is the Martial Path."
"A cultivation system created by the Crown Prince himself."
"When the Saintess leads the Jiuli tribe to fully integrate into Great Qin, you will come to understand the divine power of the Crown Prince." Tu Sui chuckled.
"The Martial Path…?"
Chiquan looked on with curiosity, especially at Zhao Feng, who was in the process of refining the Nine Cauldrons.
Time passed gradually.
Nearly two hours went by.
The sky was beginning to darken.
At that moment
Boom!
A powerful martial aura erupted from Zhao Feng's body.
The surroundings seemed to be swept up by a raging storm.
"Refining the Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia, acquiring 10,000 points in all attributes."
"Host's total attributes have broken through to 200,000."
"Reward: One Tier-5 Treasure Chest."
A surge of true essence burst from Zhao Feng's body, expanding his dantian.
His entire physique, spiritual consciousness, and primordial spirit were all transforming.
After a while, the imposing aura emanating from Zhao Feng gradually subsided.
"True Essence Realm: Martial Dao Transcendence."
"All attributes except for the primordial spirit have reached 200,000."
"I never expected that refining the Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia would bring such immense benefits, saving me a great deal of cultivation time."
Zhao Feng opened his eyes, a trace of joy flashing across them.
Besides this
"The Nine Cauldrons have been fully refined."
"Each of the Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia is a postnatal spiritual treasure, but not an ordinary one they are postnatal fate treasures. When united, they become a supreme fate treasure."
"By merging the Nine Cauldrons and using fate as a foundation, the Nine Provinces Barrier can be established."
"Wherever the territory extends, the Nine Provinces Barrier follows. The ultimate power of the Nine Cauldrons is determined by the strength of the nation's fate."
"A supreme treasure undoubtedly a supreme treasure. It is truly the ancestral artifact of the human race."
"Once the Nine Provinces Barrier is successfully established, no more meteors will fall from the sky."
"However, preparation is necessary. To set up the Nine Provinces Barrier, at least the national fate of an empire is required. Once Beijiang is conquered, it should be sufficient."
"Establishing the Nine Provinces Barrier will serve as the shield of Great Qin!"
At this moment
Zhao Feng was filled with excitement.
The Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia, the sacred artifact of the human race, possessed even greater power than he had imagined.
The Nine Provinces Barrier
A shield for a nation.
The stronger the fate, the stronger the barrier.
This would allow Great Qin's territory to expand rapidly, absorbing fate energy as its foundation.
"Return."
With a thought, Zhao Feng summoned the Nine Cauldrons.
They rapidly shrank and flew toward him, merging directly into his dantian.
"Congratulations, Your Highness!"
"You have successfully mastered the Nine Cauldrons."
Seeing Zhao Feng's success, Tu Sui immediately stepped forward to offer his congratulations.
Zhao Feng nodded and turned to Chiquan. "Will the Jiuli Tribe swear eternal allegiance to Great Qin?"
"We will."
"As the Holy Maiden of the Jiuli Tribe, I swear that the Jiuli people will submit to Great Qin and never betray it," Chiquan declared without hesitation.
"How many people are in the Jiuli Tribe?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Your Highness," Chiquan replied, "the Jiuli clans have a combined population of nearly six million."
"I have already instructed that the Jiuli Tribe must fully integrate into Great Qin, learn the Qin script, and follow Qin customs."
"If the Jiuli people wish to step beyond the lands of Baiyue, this is necessary."
"As the Holy Maiden of your tribe, this responsibility falls on you." Zhao Feng stated firmly.
"Great Qin's benevolence is well known among the Jiuli people," Chiquan responded immediately.
"Good."
Zhao Feng nodded, then turned to Tu Sui. "Construct river channels, open up expressways, and mobilize the entire army to carry out the project."
"Your servant obeys!" Tu Sui immediately responded.
"Your Highness..."
Chiquan hesitated, looking at Zhao Feng as if she wanted to speak but was unsure.
"If you have something to say, speak freely. I won't eat you," Zhao Feng said with a light chuckle.
"General Tu Sui said that martial arts were created by Your Highness and that all citizens of Great Qin can cultivate. May my Jiuli Tribe do the same?" Chiquan asked cautiously.
"As long as your Jiuli Tribe truly submits to Great Qin, you will be allowed to cultivate martial arts."
"But if your loyalty is false, then you will never have the opportunity." Zhao Feng's tone carried a warning.
The phrase "no opportunity" carried a double meaning.
On one hand, it meant that the Jiuli Tribe would never get the chance to cultivate martial arts.
On the other hand, it hinted at the threat of annihilation.
Zhao Feng had always rewarded his own people generously. Conquering Baiyue and accepting the surrender of the Jiuli Tribe was a gesture of goodwill acknowledging their status as part of the ancient orthodox lineage of Shenzhou.
However, if they failed to cherish this opportunity, Zhao Feng had no qualms about treating them as mere foreigners.
"The Jiuli Tribe will swear true loyalty."
Chiquan reaffirmed her oath.
"I do not believe in mere words."
"I hope your tribe can truly integrate into Great Qin."
Zhao Feng said no more.
With a wave of his hand
He tore open the void.
After reaching the Martial Dao Transcendence Realm, tearing open the mortal void had become much easier for Zhao Feng.
"Your Highness is leaving already?" Tu Sui's expression shifted.
"With you here, I am at ease."
"Once Baiyue is fully stabilized and integrated, return to the capital."
Zhao Feng smiled, then stepped into the void and vanished.
His purpose in coming here had been to obtain the Nine Cauldrons. Now that he had accomplished this, his task was complete.
"Your servant respectfully sends off Your Highness!"
Tu Sui bowed toward the closing spatial rift.
Only after a full minute did he straighten his posture.
"General Tu Sui."
"Tell me, how can I earn the Crown Prince's trust?" Chiquan asked in a hushed voice.
"It's simple offer true loyalty."
"His Highness possesses the ability to see through hearts. If your submission is false, he will see through it at a glance." Tu Sui answered solemnly.
Hearing this, Chiquan's heart trembled.
Seeing through hearts...
A divine power of the immortals.
But recalling Zhao Feng's sword strike and the single finger that had obliterated the altar, Chiquan was no longer surprised.
"If I marry the Crown Prince, would that prove my loyalty?" Chiquan whispered.
Tu Sui was stunned. "What did you say?"
"N-nothing." Chiquan quickly shook her head.
But deep inside, a thought had already taken root.
Xianyang, the Imperial Palace.
Even after nightfall, the Zhangtai Palace remained brightly lit.
Uncharacteristically, Ying Zheng was not reviewing memorials. Instead, he sat to the side while his grandson, Zhao Qi, occupied the main seat, reading and approving the documents.
"Grandfather."
"The river embankments of Sancha Prefecture in Jizhou are at risk of collapse. The court needs to allocate funds for repairs."
"Typically, how much silver and grain are required for such a project?"
Zhao Qi looked at the memorial in his hand and asked in confusion.
"What do you think is the cost of building a river embankment?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"Grandson has already been exposed to quite a bit of governance. If it's just a single prefecture's river embankment, at least a million coins are required."
"If we were to reinforce all the embankments, then a million coins would be far from enough," Zhao Qi pondered before answering.
"Now that Great Qin's bureaucracy is clear and just, the Tianxuan Mirror oversees the Nine Provinces, and the Yan Court founded by your father patrols the world, even commoners can directly submit reports to the Yan Court's inspectors through the Tianxuan Mirror. Corrupt officials have nowhere to hide."
"Therefore, whether it is building embankments or disaster relief funds, allocations can be increased."
"There is no need to worry about funds being embezzled," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"In that case, I understand." Zhao Qi suddenly realized and immediately approved the memorial.
"Qi'er,"
"The memorials that make it to the Zhangtai Palace all concern the lives of tens of thousands of people. No matter what the matter is, you must handle it with great care," Ying Zheng said in a serious tone.
"Grandson understands." Zhao Qi nodded.
Then, as if he had thought of something, he asked,
"Grandfather, our Great Qin has strict laws. Do local officials have the authority to impose the death penalty?"
"Qi'er, you are quite impressive."
"You considered this matter."
"Our Great Qin's laws were indeed flawed before unifying Shenzhou. Because of this, both I and your father made many changes to the legal system."
"As for the death penalty, we established a rule that any capital punishment must be submitted to the capital, reviewed by the Tingwei (Minister of Justice), and approved within Zhangtai Palace before it can be carried out."
"This prevents innocent people from being wrongly executed and from being harmed by corrupt officials," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"With Grandfather and Father overseeing Great Qin, it is truly a blessing for all the people," Zhao Qi sighed with deep admiration.
At this moment
"Father,"
"Now that Qi'er is handling state affairs, you seem to be enjoying a more relaxed life,"
Zhao Feng's voice came from outside the hall.
"Your father has returned," Ying Zheng smiled.
Zhao Qi immediately stood up and bowed. "Greetings, Father."
"Be seated,"
Zhao Feng smiled as he entered the hall, sitting directly in front of Ying Zheng.
"How was your journey to Baiyue?" Ying Zheng asked.
Zhao Feng smiled and, with a thought,
Nine streaks of light burst from his body, transforming into nine small cauldrons that hovered in midair.
Even though they had not fully activated, a vast and ancient aura belonging to the human race emanated from them.
"The Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia, the sacred artifacts of our people."
"Finally, they have been gathered together."
Looking at the nine cauldrons, Ying Zheng also showed a joyful expression.
"Father,"
"Does that mean the Nine Cauldrons in the ancestral temple are fake?"
Zhao Qi asked in astonishment.
The ancestral temple enshrined Nine Cauldrons!
"Those Nine Cauldrons had already been fake since before the Zhou Dynasty existed," Zhao Feng said with a chuckle.
"Our Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia ended up in Baiyue?"
"Who was responsible for this?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.
"I suspect it was done by an ancient Human Emperor of our race."
"The location of the Nine Cauldrons or rather, the Eight Cauldrons was part of a grand formation that suppressed the fate of the Jiuli Tribe, ensuring that they could never rise again."
"This is one of the reasons why the Jiuli Tribe has been confined to Baiyue for so many years, unable to find a way back to Shenzhou." Zhao Feng said solemnly.
When he saw that grand formation, he had immediately deduced this possibility.
If not a Human Emperor of their race, who else could use the sacred artifacts of their people to suppress fate itself?
"What made the Jiuli Tribe such a threat that an ancient Human Emperor would go to such lengths?"
"They even went as far as to use the Nine Cauldrons for suppression?" Ying Zheng asked in surprise.
"Father,"
"Do not underestimate the Jiuli Tribe,"
Zhao Feng glanced at Ying Zheng with a smile, his expression serious. "In ancient times, they were extraordinary. Unlike us, who are purely human, they are a hybrid of the Wu Tribe, and our people they are the Renwu Clan! In the past, even immortals and deities feared them."
"The Jiuli Tribe was that powerful?" Ying Zheng was still taken aback.
After all,
Though he was an emperor, he was still a mortal ruler.
Even though he had begun practicing cultivation, his mindset had not completely shifted, and he did not yet grasp the full extent of the world's powers and the diversity of its races.
"Of course,"
"But that was in the past."
"The Jiuli Tribe today is no longer the Renwu Clan of ancient times. They are no longer as unruly and defiant."
"As long as our Great Qin treats them sincerely, they will pledge their loyalty wholeheartedly."
"With their allegiance, Great Qin will gain a powerful new force."
"Immortals and deities? We have no reason to fear them!" Zhao Feng chuckled, already beginning to see the value of the Jiuli Tribe.
The Wu Tribe… the Wu Physique!
If the Jiuli Tribe were to cultivate martial arts, they might awaken their bloodline in the future!
If that happened
Great Qin would possess an unparalleled Wu Tribe army!
"As long as you know what you're doing."
"If they were important enough for an ancient Human Emperor to be so cautious, it would be wise to remain somewhat wary," Ying Zheng said gravely.
"Your son can see through people's hearts."
"Moreover, martial arts are my creation. As long as they practice martial arts, no one can surpass me the progenitor of martial arts!" Zhao Feng said confidently.
Seeing Zhao Feng's unwavering confidence, Ying Zheng did not press the matter further. Instead, he turned his gaze to the Nine Cauldrons and asked,
"These Nine Cauldrons are the sacred artifacts of our people. What exactly are their powers?"
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