"The top priority of our Celestial Court now is to uncover the origins of this plague. Everything else can be set aside for now," Haotian said in a deep voice.
The Palace of the Longevity Emperor
Seated on his imperial throne, the Longevity Emperor listened as a court officer stepped forward with a report.
"Your Majesty," the officer said respectfully, "the Heavenly Edict of our Kunlun Sect in the Eastern Continent has been shattered. Something seems to have happened."
"Furthermore, I sent envoys to contact Kunlun, but there has been no response."
The Longevity Emperor frowned slightly. "The Eastern Continent is under our Celestial Court's complete control. Every sect within its borders adheres to the heavenly edict, ensuring their stability. True annihilation of a sect should not be possible.
"Dispatch some envoys to investigate Kunlun," he ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the officer acknowledged. However, before leaving, he hesitated momentarily before adding, "Your Majesty, the Heavenly Emperor has issued a decree allowing Buddhism to spread eastward.
"This does not seem to be in our best interest. Do you not intend to stop it?"
The Longevity Emperor glanced at him and calmly responded, "This matter has already been discussed between the Heavenly Emperor, myself, and the other Celestial Emperors, Gouchen and Ziwei.
"The Heavenly Emperor would not have proceeded without our agreement, as this concerns the fundamental interests of the Celestial Court."
"But why did Your Majesty agree?" the officer asked in confusion.
"The eastward expansion of Buddhism was once the will of the Heavenly Dao. No matter how we try to obstruct it, we cannot change what is fated. Moreover, its influence will not extend into the core of our Eastern Continent.
"It is merely permitted to spread teachings in the Southern Continent. Beyond that, it depends on their abilities," the Longevity Emperor said with a faint smile, showing no concern.
"But, Your Majesty, the Heavenly Dao is incomplete now. The world's laws are no longer as they were when the Saints were present. Why should we still adhere to the decrees set by the past Saints?"
"This is a game of strategy," the Longevity Emperor said, shaking his head. "You need not concern yourself with it. Just follow the Heavenly Emperor's instructions."
Martial City
Today, the grand hall was filled with an extraordinary atmosphere.
Civil and military officials from Great Qin's mortal realm had all gathered.
"We pay our respects to the Crown Prince!"
Upon seeing Zhao Feng, whom they had not met in over a century, the officials knelt in excitement.
"My dear ministers, it has been many years," Zhao Feng said with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the gathered officials. With a mere glance, he could sense the cultivation levels of everyone present.
"All of this is thanks to His Majesty, the First Emperor, and to you, Your Highness," the officials responded in unison.
"Our advancements in cultivation have only been possible due to the blessings of Great Qin."
Zhao Feng's smile deepened.
"Feng'er," Emperor Ying Zheng spoke, "since I have brought my court officials here, there is no need for you to manage everything alone in this celestial realm."
He then addressed the assembled officials:
"First, establish academies to spread the teachings of martial cultivation.
"Second, bring all the people within this celestial territory fully under Great Qin's rule."
"By your command!" the officials replied in unison.
These matters had already been planned before their arrival.
The establishment of academies, the inheritance of martial teachings, and the enforcement of Qin's laws all would be implemented in this realm.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng's smile grew wider.
Previously, he had laid out his plans, but with only Han Fei and a few bureaucrats to execute them, the progress had been slow. Now that half of Great Qin's civil and military officials had entered the celestial realm, the transformation of Great Qin was bound to accelerate.
"Feng'er," Ying Zheng said with a knowing smile, raising his hand.
Nine enormous cauldrons materialized in the hall.
The legendary Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia.
"With the Nine Cauldrons here, I can rest a little easier," Zhao Feng remarked.
"At the very least, we need not worry about celestial beings infiltrating Great Qin's lands unnoticed."
Ying Zheng's expression turned serious. "Feng'er, is it still not the right time to absorb the celestial realm's fortune?"
He understood well why his son still used the title 'Martial Nation' to govern this celestial land.
The moment they declared 'Great Qin' as the official nation, the Celestial Court would inevitably react.
"The Eastern Continent is the foundation of the Celestial Court," Zhao Feng explained.
"Although we have seized a vast expanse of land, we have not yet taken even one-tenth of the entire continent, perhaps even less.
"This is a forbidden matter for the Celestial Court. To claim the title of 'Great Qin' and absorb this world's fortune, I am waiting for the right opportunity."
Ying Zheng pondered for a moment before realization dawned. "The mortal-celestial miasma?"
"Exactly."
"Enough time has passed now," Zhao Feng said with a confident smile.
"I suspect it has already begun to take effect.
"Once its effects become evident and the Celestial Court is preoccupied with it, that will be the perfect time for us to integrate the fortunes of the billions in the Eastern Continent into Great Qin."
"Then we need only wait for news from the other continent," Ying Zheng said with a grin.
At This Moment!
Zhao Feng seemed to sense something.
With a wave of his hand, the Heavenly Profound Mirror floated into the air above the grand hall.
Within the mirror's reflection, the figure of Ying Bu appeared.
"Your Highness!"
Ying Bu knelt excitedly in greeting.
Upon seeing Ying Zheng, he was momentarily stunned before quickly bowing again.
"Your Majesty has entered the Celestial Realm as well?"
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
Ying Zheng waved his hand dismissively, signaling that there was no need for formalities.
Zhao Feng, however, got straight to the point.
"How is it?" he asked.
Ying Bu took a deep breath, his excitement barely contained.
"Your Highness, the Mortal-Celestial Miasma has fully spread!"
"Almost the entire Southern Continent is now enveloped in the miasma."
"Countless celestial beings, demons, and even Buddhist deities have perished because of it."
"But the miasma is extremely elusive. No matter how hard they try, they cannot trace its source."
Zhao Feng's eyes flickered as he pressed further.
"What is the actual effect of the Mortal-Celestial Miasma?"
Though it was created by his own hands, he had yet to witness its direct impact on celestial beings.
"Your Highness," Ying Bu said, his voice tinged with awe.
"Those immortals who have slaughtered mortals and been infected by the Mortal-Celestial Miasma have suffered horrific consequences.
"The mildest cases result in severe injuries and regression in cultivation."
"The worst? They go mad, suffer qi deviation, and explode on the spot."
"And it's not just those who kill mortals that are infected. Any celestial being who comes into contact with them also gets infected."
"It spreads like a plague, consuming the entire Southern Continent in chaos!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng nodded, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
"The Mortal-Celestial Miasma has spread. The tide is unstoppable.
"Anyone below the level of a Great Golden Immortal will be affected.
"And the more mortals they slaughter, the worse the poison becomes."
"The only way to stop it is for them to cease killing mortals altogether."
"But… do you think they'll stop?"
At that moment, Ying Zheng spoke.
"Feng'er, it is time for the Eastern Continent to be engulfed in the miasma as well."
"If chaos is inevitable, then let us intensify it."
"Only by ensuring unending turmoil in the Celestial Realm can Great Qin endure within its storm."
Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Spreading the Mortal-Celestial Miasma is indeed crucial.
"But not just in the Eastern Continent. The Western Ox Continent must also be affected."
"The Celestial Court, the Buddhist Order, and the many Immortal Sects all of them sustain themselves by feeding on mortal life force and spiritual energy."
"The Mortal-Celestial Miasma will sever their ability to exploit humanity, cutting off their supply of spiritual energy and lifeblood!"
Ying Bu immediately knelt.
"Your Highness, I request permission to spread the Mortal-Celestial Miasma in the Western Ox Continent!"
Zhao Feng's expression turned solemn.
"Go ahead.
"But be extremely cautious. No one must discover our involvement."
The Saints had long vanished from the Earthly Immortal Realm, leaving only deathly aura and calamity qi in their wake.
Not only the Celestial Court and the Buddhist Order, but countless demonic creatures thrived on devouring humans.
They used spiritual energy to avoid tribulations and prolong their immortality.
The Mortal-Celestial Miasma was meant to cut them off from their food source.
Once fully spread across the Earthly Immortal Realm, it would allow countless mortals to survive a monumental act of merit and virtue.
"Rest assured, Your Highness!"
"The Mortal-Celestial Miasma spreads without a trace, and those responsible for its distribution are all suicidal warriors. There will be no leaks."
Ying Bu vowed.
"Then go."
Zhao Feng gave a firm nod.
The success of spreading the Mortal-Celestial Miasma in the Southern Continent was largely due to Ying Bu's efforts.
There was no need to doubt his capabilities.
"I obey!"
Ying Bu bowed deeply.
In the Heavenly Profound Mirror, his image gradually faded.
Zhao Feng's gaze turned sharp.
"The Southern Continent is now in chaos due to the Mortal-Celestial Miasma."
"The Celestial Court and countless factions have their eyes fixed on it."
"After all, spiritual energy is the lifeblood of countless celestial beings."
"Now… the time has come!"
Ying Zheng's expression grew serious.
"How will we conceal our rise while gathering the fortunes of the realm?"
"The Nine Cauldrons are enough," Zhao Feng replied confidently.
"Additionally, I can use the power of laws to mask it further."
They had previously ruled the Eastern Continent under the guise of the Martial Nation, avoiding the direct use of the Qin Dynasty's name to prevent the Celestial Court's interference.
But now, the moment had arrived.
"Good," Ying Zheng said without hesitation.
The next instant
An immense surge of national destiny radiated from him.
"Manifest, Xuan Bird of the National Fate!"
With a single thought
The Imperial Jade Seal of Great Qin materialized.
An overwhelming tide of Great Qin's national fortune erupted.
"Activate the Nine Cauldrons!"
"Activate the Chaos Domain!"
He controlled the Nine Cauldrons and soared into the sky.
In an instant, an area spanning hundreds of thousands of miles was enveloped under the Nine Cauldrons, isolating it from all detection.
At the same time, Zhao Feng unleashed his Law Domain, shrouding the entire Martial City for ten thousand miles.
With this dual-layered concealment, all prying eyes were blocked.
Although Great Qin had already established a foothold in the Celestial Realm, caution was still necessary.
The Celestial Court and the Buddhist Order remained formidable powers, boasting countless Great Golden Immortals, and even Quasi-Saints beyond that level.
Zhao Feng could not afford to face them head-on just yet.
Ying Zheng's voice thundered across the realm.
"I am the First Emperor of Great Qin!"
"From this day forth"
"The Martial Nation shall reclaim its true name, Great Qin!"
"All citizens of the Martial Nation are now citizens of Great Qin!"
"The fortune and destiny of all Qin citizens shall be gathered under Great Qin's banner!"
Through the connection of national fortune, Ying Zheng's decree instantly spread across the entire Great Qin territory in the Celestial Realm, reaching the ears of billions of its people.
Countless commoners were shocked and bewildered, not understanding what was happening.
Then, Zhao Feng's voice echoed through the Heavenly Profound Mirror:
"Do not be alarmed."
"This is my father, the First Emperor of Great Qin."
"From this day forward"
"The First Emperor shall rule the lands and protect all people!"
Upon hearing Zhao Feng's words, the citizens breathed a sigh of relief.
Though Zhao Feng had governed their vast lands for less than a year, his name was already widely known and revered.
At that very moment
Billions of citizens' fortune and destiny began converging upon Martial City, surging toward the Xuan Bird.
This celestial fortune far surpassed the fortune of the mortal realm it was vast and limitless in potential.
In the Void Palace, beneath the blazing golden sun
A massive Xuan Bird, now towering at a thousand zhang, hovered in midair, radiating a terrifying aura that shook the very void.
Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed.
"The Heavenly Dynasty is rising."
"With the national fortune of an entire realm, my father's strength will now be able to slay even Taiyi Golden Immortals."
"And soon… he will be able to battle Great Golden Immortals as well!"
"With Father guarding our foundation, I can expand even further!"
The sheer overwhelming power of Great Qin's fortune filled Zhao Feng with excitement.
"If this continues…"
"Perhaps Great Qin will soon ascend to the rank of a Heavenly Court."
"If our national fortune aligns with the Way of Humanity, then even the Human Dao will reap immense benefits."
Each ascension of the Dynastic Fate resulted in Human Dao feedback, granting Zhao Feng tremendous rewards not only treasure chests but also all-encompassing attribute enhancements infused by Human Dao fortune.
Just then
The thousand-zhang Xuan Bird began to grow even larger.
Fortune transformed into destiny.
The Xuan Bird in the void radiated an endless golden glow, illuminating the heavens.
If not for the Nine Cauldrons merging with Great Qin's national fortune, this overwhelming power would have burst forth uncontrollably.
Even Zhao Feng's Chaos Domain trembled violently under its pressure.
Thankfully, the dual-layered concealment prevented this monumental event from catching the attention of the Celestial Court.
The Xuan Bird of National Fortune continued to grow:
1,020 zhang…
1,050 zhang…
1,080 zhang…
As the Dynastic Fate grew stronger, the amount of fortune required for each breakthrough increased exponentially.
Now, Great Qin was ascending to the Heavenly Court level.
Once it fully crossed this threshold
Great Qin would undergo an unprecedented transformation.
Its national fortune would become Heavenly Fortune.
A divine soul court would form, allowing all Great Qin officials to merge their true souls into it, receiving the protection of Heavenly Fortune.
The higher the official rank, the stronger the bestowed fortune.
Under the watchful eyes of Great Qin's ministers, billions of strands of fortune poured into the Xuan Bird, empowering it further.
However, there was a limitation
These billions of people were mortals.
If they were cultivators, the fortune accumulated would have been several times greater.
Nonetheless
It was enough to ascend to a Heavenly Court!
When the Xuan Bird reached 1,099 zhang, it finally touched the threshold of transformation.
Ying Zheng's eyes burned with anticipation.
"Can Great Qin's Heavenly Court truly take form with this fortune?"
If Great Qin ascended to the Heavenly Court, endless blessings and heavenly fortune would descend upon them.
Great Qin's power would undergo an earth-shattering metamorphosis.
Before the eyes of countless witnesses
Boom!
An infinite golden radiance erupted from the Xuan Bird, and under the overwhelming support of dynastic fortune, it shattered the final barrier.
1,100 zhang!
Low-Grade Heavenly Court!
Zhao Feng's face lit up with joy.
"It worked."
"Low-Grade Heavenly Court!"
"From this day forth Great Qin ascends to the Heavenly Court!"
Although the fortune of this celestial territory was not as refined as that of the mortal realm, it made up for it with sheer population size.
With such a vast reservoir of destiny, the Heavenly Court was now a reality.
Zhao Feng turned to his father.
"Father!"
Ying Zheng immediately understood.
He raised his hand, his voice thundering like the decree of a divine emperor:
"From this day forth"
"Great Qin ascends to the Heavenly Court!"
"It shall be known as the Great Qin Heavenly Court!"
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