Snapping back to reality!
"Three fifth-tier treasure chests, one fourth-tier treasure chest."
"Now that I've reached the Martial Dao Transcendence level, the treasure chests remain at the fifth tier."
"It seems that only when all attributes surpass the Martial Dao Grandmaster realm will I be able to obtain sixth-tier treasure chests."
"Still, not bad."
"With good luck, a fifth-tier treasure chest can even yield a supreme treasure."
Zhao Feng mused to himself.
Then
"Open all the treasure chests." Zhao Feng issued the command.
Opening the fourth-tier treasure chest.
Obtained postnatal-grade spirit fire [Burning Soul Flame].
Opening the fifth-tier treasure chests.
Obtained divine ability [Summon Wind and Rain].
Obtained innate-grade spirit treasure [Soul Suppression Monument].
Obtained innate-grade spirit poison [Immortal-Mortal Miasma].
The system notifications appeared.
"Not bad."
"A postnatal-grade spiritual item."
"And the divine ability 'Summon Wind and Rain' although it's not an offensive ability, it's a great one for stabilizing the people. I can pass it on to Guiguzi and the immortals of my Great Qin."
"The Soul Suppression Monument, an innate-grade spirit treasure is quite the jackpot."
"But what is this 'Immortal-Mortal Miasma'? It's an innate-grade spirit poison?"
Zhao Feng's curiosity was piqued.
Without hesitation, he extracted the Immortal-Mortal Miasma.
A wisp of eerie black mist, wriggling like a living creature, appeared in Zhao Feng's palm.
It was neither fire nor water, yet its aura exuded a sense of unfathomable danger.
For a spiritual poison to reach the innate level, it was undoubtedly something extraordinary.
At that moment
Zhao Feng focused his gaze.
The attributes of the Immortal-Mortal Miasma appeared before him.
Immortal-Mortal Miasma: An innate-grade poison from the myriad worlds. It is formless and traceless, capable of merging into the bodies of mortals below the Immortal Realm, integrating into their flesh and blood. If a cultivator slaughters mortals, they will be invaded by the Immortal-Mortal Miasma.
Light cases: Severe loss of cultivation and lifespan.
Severe cases: Complete annihilation.
The more killings, the faster the spread.
"This is a spirit poison?"
"This is a freaking weapon against immortals!"
Zhao Feng was dumbfounded for a moment, then his lips curled into a smirk, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
If this were a world where order reigned and mortals and immortals were completely separate, the Immortal-Mortal Miasma might not have much effect.
But in this world on the surface, the Divine Continent was separate from the Celestial Immortal Realm. However, one day, the Divine Continent was destined to merge back into the Celestial Immortal Realm.
Moreover
The so-called immortals and gods of this world were far from the righteous overseers they claimed to be.
From what Zhao Feng had learned, the immortals of the Celestial Immortal Realm raised humans like livestock, feeding on their blood and devouring their spiritual essence.
Even demons and monsters that massacred humans would devour their essence and vitality for cultivation.
These so-called immortals, these so-called cultivators didn't just kill mortals. They feasted on them.
The Immortal-Mortal Miasma was a weapon tailored to deal with them.
"If this miasma can merge into mortals' bodies… If I spread it across the Celestial Immortal Realm, then whenever those immortals feast on mortals, what will happen to them?"
Zhao Feng's eyes flickered with anticipation.
There was no doubt
This was not just an ordinary poison.
This cut off the immortals' food supply at the root!
If they dared to massacre mortals on a large scale, the weaker ones among them might be devoured by the miasma themselves.
"I must refine it this Immortal-Mortal Miasma will bring a wonderful surprise to those so-called immortals and gods."
Staring at the black mist in his palm, Zhao Feng's excitement was palpable.
He was even more thrilled about this than obtaining the Soul Suppression Monument.
Because this
Was a deadly weapon against the immortals of the Celestial Immortal Realm.
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng began refining the spiritual poison.
Although the Immortal-Mortal Miasma was not a spirit treasure, it was a spiritual entity, just like the spirit fires he had obtained before it could be refined and controlled.
Before long
Because it was acquired through a treasure chest, there were no obstacles. Zhao Feng successfully refined the Immortal-Mortal Miasma.
With a flick of his hand
A faint trace of black mist flickered in his palm before vanishing into nothingness.
"Immortals and gods."
"Wait for my grand gift." Zhao Feng sneered, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
However
There was still the Burning Soul Flame, the Soul Suppression Monument, and the divine ability Summon Wind and Rain.
Zhao Feng began refining them as well.
....
Northern Frontier!
The three elite military camps of Great Qin advanced in full force, launching an all-out assault.
Under Zhao Feng's command, a logistical army of 300,000 soldiers marched towards the vast deserts of the Northern Frontier, tasked with constructing cities.
With the aid of the Heavenly Profound Mirror, timber was felled from within Great Qin, bricks were prepared, and the logistical forces worked tirelessly to build. Over time, cities began to rise across the vast expanse of the Northern Frontier.
Wherever Great Qin was conquered, the defeated foreign tribes were relocated into these cities.
Nomadic people were difficult to govern, and Zhao Feng's goal was to bring the Donghu and Xiongnu tribes fully under his control.
As for the Xiongnu, under Modu Chanyu's submission, the transition proceeded smoothly. Having witnessed Zhao Feng's god-like power, Modu abandoned any thoughts of resistance and chose to comply.
Regarding the Donghu, the three elite military camps swept across their territory with unstoppable force.
With the power of martial arts enhancing the troops, the Donghu were completely incapable of resisting Great Qin. One by one, their tribes were crushed, and countless Donghu people were forcibly relocated into the newly constructed Qin cities.
Time Passed:
Three months...
Five months...
Six months...
Eight months...
The Donghu and Xiongnu had been fully incorporated into Great Qin's dominion. The construction of cities across the Northern Frontier continued, with the relocation of these two tribes well underway.
Imperial Court Assembly!
"Your Majesty," an official reported, "the Northern Frontier has been pacified.
As of today:
The Donghu and Xiongnu tribes, apart from a few remnants who fled to the Yuezhi, are now entirely under Great Qin's control.
Over 20 million people from both tribes have come under our rule.
Cities continue to be constructed and populated by Your Majesty's decree. Currently, over 300 cities have been established in the Northern Frontier, with many more in progress."
Hearing this, Emperor Ying Zheng smiled.
"Excellent!" he declared.
"The Zhenbei, Northern Frontier, and Lantian military camps have all worked tirelessly.
Transmit my decree:
All soldiers who have slain enemies in battle shall receive merit points in addition to their existing military rewards.
For every enemy slain, 50 merit points shall be granted, with no upper limit.
Even if a soldier dies for the country, the merit points will be passed to his family.
Let this be a grand reward to inspire all Great Qin warriors!"
As the decree was proclaimed, the court officials collectively bowed.
"His Majesty is wise and benevolent!"
"Chancellor Lü," the emperor continued, "the Northern Frontier is vast, even larger than our Shenzhou territory.
The construction of cities and relocation of the Donghu and Xiongnu people requires your close attention.
I will have the stationed military forces fully cooperate with your administration."
Lü Buwei bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I shall do my utmost."
At this moment, Prime Minister Han Fei stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the Donghu population numbers 15 million, while the Xiongnu have 13 million this is in line with our previous estimates.
Such a vast population must be governed with caution."
Ying Zheng nodded. "Prime Minister Han's concerns are valid.
The Northern Frontier is vast, and these two tribes have only recently been subdued. Many among them surely harbor resentment toward Great Qin.
Careful governance is essential."
Minister Li Si then stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, as the Crown Prince once suggested, the 'governing foreigners with foreigners' policy has been successfully implemented in Tuan'an and Goryeo.
The same approach can be applied to the Northern Frontier.
Foreigners must be guarded against, but they can also be utilized.
The nobility of the Donghu and Xiongnu have long controlled the pasturelands, while ordinary herders were forced to pay heavy taxes to survive.
Though they are foreigners, Great Qin can extend benevolent rule to their common people granting household registration, pasturelands, and crops.
This would diminish the power of the tribal aristocracy over them.
Furthermore, the Northern Frontier is vast and must be divided into provinces and prefectures to facilitate effective governance."
Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.
To govern foreign populations, it was not enough to suppress them with force alone a blend of strict control and benevolence was necessary.
This approach had already proven successful in Tuan'an and Goryeo.
Foreigners were governed separately from Great Qin's Huaxia and Jiuli citizens under three distinct rules:
Higher taxes they paid 20% more in tribute.
No access to martial arts cultivation they were forbidden from practicing or learning it.
Longer labor service they served five years of corvée labor, whereas Huaxia citizens only served two years.
Despite these restrictions, their living conditions had improved dozens of times compared to before, fostering gratitude toward Great Qin.
Dividing the Northern Frontier
"How many provinces and prefectures should be established in the Northern Frontier?" Ying Zheng asked the court.
Lü Buwei stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the Northern Frontier is vast, with over 30 million people.
To effectively govern them and prevent rebellion, I propose:
The establishment of five provinces.
The division of these provinces into fifty prefectures.
By dividing their population and territories, we can prevent them from ever regaining their cohesion."
Ying Zheng nodded.
"Very well. We shall establish five provinces and fifty prefectures, with county divisions determined as necessary.
Chancellor Lü, I entrust this matter entirely to you.
You will be responsible for selecting governors, prefectural administrators, and county officials.
Once your list is finalized, submit it to me for approval."
This was not something the emperor needed to handle personally.
With Great Qin's abundance of talented officials, Ying Zheng preferred to delegate such tasks.
At this moment, Crown Prince Zhao Feng spoke.
"Grandfather Emperor, the Heavenly Profound Mirror is the foundation of Great Qin's governance, enabling communication and administration across vast territories.
The people of the Northern Frontier should also be granted access to the Heavenly Profound Mirror this will allow government decrees, orders, and benefits to be conveyed swiftly, fostering loyalty.
Furthermore, at least two elite military camps must be permanently stationed in the Northern Frontier.
Benevolent rule must be upheld, but we must also have a military presence to maintain control.
I believe the Northern Frontier Camp and the Zhenbei Camp should be stationed here.
While we extend mercy, we must ensure our military strength remains an unshakable deterrent."
At the foot of the steps, Zhao Qi stepped forward and reported.
Upon hearing this,
A look of satisfaction appeared on Ying Zheng's face.
"Qi'er is right."
"It should indeed be so."
Ying Zheng smiled and immediately agreed.
"Zhongfu, distribute the Tianxuan Mirror as part of the governance measures."
"State Marshal."
"Send an edict to Generals Meng Wu and Li Mu, ordering them to guard the northern frontier. If any foreign tribe dares to rebel kill them." Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.
"We accept the decree."
Lü Buwei and Wang Jian immediately responded.
At this moment
Chunyu Yue stepped forward. "Your Majesty, from the academies of the Nine Provinces, five thousand students have arrived at the capital's academy to undergo the court's examinations."
"Who shall oversee the exams this time?"
"May Your Majesty issue an edict."
A full year had passed.
The second batch of students from provincial academies was now due for assessment to join the imperial administration.
A year ago, the first batch of students had already passed their exams and entered government service.
The examiner for the first exam had, of course, been Zhao Feng.
"Royal Grandfather."
"These students are the future pillars of our Great Qin. Your grandson requests the honor of overseeing the examinations."
Zhao Qi immediately volunteered.
"Very well."
"It is enough that you have the heart for this."
"You shall oversee this round of examinations." Ying Zheng laughed heartily.
"Thank you, Royal Grandfather." Zhao Qi responded joyfully.
"How are the academies across the realm faring now?" Ying Zheng turned to Chunyu Yue and asked.
"Reporting to Your Majesty."
"In the academies, we have established diverse disciplines including governance, military strategy, martial arts, immortal cultivation, alchemy, artifact forging, formations, and the wisdom of all schools of thought. Students are no longer confined to a single discipline but instead study multiple fields within Great Qin's knowledge system."
"Each has their expertise." Chunyu Yue reported excitedly.
"That is excellent."
Ying Zheng nodded. "Great Qin shall not favor any single doctrine but shall instead draw upon the strengths of all to strengthen our nation."
"Your Majesty is wise."
The court officials all voiced their agreement.
Just then
Ren Xiao rushed into the hall.
"Your Majesty."
"There is trouble."
Ren Xiao's expression was grim.
The eyes of all the ministers immediately turned toward him.
"What has happened?"
Ying Zheng looked puzzled.
With Great Qin's current strength, what could have gone wrong?
"Your Majesty, I have just received an urgent report from Guanzhong."
"Guanzhong is suffering a severe drought."
"The Great River has run dry, the major canals are without water, the farmlands have parched, and the spiritual rice crops are withering." Ren Xiao reported with a heavy expression.
Upon hearing this
The faces of the court ministers instantly changed.
"A drought in Guanzhong? How could this be?"
"The Great River has run dry? The fields are parched? The spiritual rice is withering?"
"That's impossible!"
"Since Guanzhong was first cultivated, there has never been a drought in decades. How could this happen now?"
The court was filled with shocked exclamations.
If a drought had struck elsewhere, it might have been understandable but Guanzhong?
Guanzhong had canals connected to the Great River and Luo River. How could it experience drought?
"When did this happen?" Ying Zheng's face darkened as he asked.
"Your Majesty, the first signs of drying appeared two days ago. The governor of Guanzhong immediately investigated and confirmed the drought. He submitted his report today." Ren Xiao responded.
"A drought?"
Ying Zheng frowned deeply.
At that moment
Xiao He's expression changed. "Your Majesty, the governor of Shu Commandery has reported that Shu is also experiencing a severe drought. In addition to Shu, Du Kang has also been hit by drought, with farmlands drying up and spiritual rice withering."
"What?"
"Three of our major grain-producing regions have all been struck by drought?"
"This is too much of a coincidence!"
"These three places are thousands of miles apart how could they all be affected at the same time?"
The ministers were stunned.
The affected regions weren't just any territories they were Great Qin's main granaries.
Before Ying Zheng could process this information
Han Fei's face changed as well, seemingly after receiving an urgent message through the Tianxuan Mirror.
"Your Majesty."
"The governors of Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Yuzhou have submitted reports."
"Multiple counties across these provinces have been struck by a severe plague."
"Many citizens have already been infected."
"The first signs appeared two days ago, and today it has been officially confirmed as a large-scale epidemic." Han Fei reported solemnly.
As soon as he finished speaking
The entire court was thrown into chaos.
Drought!
Plague!
Natural disasters and human calamities!
These occurrences were nearly impossible to coincide but now, they had all appeared at once, affecting multiple provinces of Great Qin.
"Your Majesty."
"How could this be happening?"
"The timing and extent of these disasters are far too suspicious it seems as if someone is deliberately orchestrating them."
"Could it be that the gods are punishing us?"
Lü Buwei said grimly.
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 375+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader