Above the Void!
Looking down at the ruins of Kunlun, the dozen immortals present were all stunned.
"The Sect Master of Kunlun possessed the strength of a Taiyi Golden Immortal. Even within our Eternal Life Palace, he was a formidable figure. And yet, the entire Kunlun Sect has been utterly wiped out there are no survivors, not even a single soul left."
"There must be demonic forces at work!"
"We must report Kunlun's situation to the Eternal Life Emperor immediately!"
The leading immortal spoke in a deep voice.
They had been sent here on a mission to investigate the situation at Kunlun.
The Celestial Edict.
This was a token granted by the Heavenly Court to sects as a symbol of legitimacy.
Holding the Celestial Edict meant that a sect was recognized by the Heavenly Court and blessed by the heavens. It was the foundation that allowed sects to spread their teachings, accept disciples, and govern their territories in the Eastern Continent.
Without the Celestial Edict, a sect would be considered a demonic or heretical path in the eyes of the Heavenly Court. Such entities were forbidden from preaching, passing on techniques, and were liable to be exterminated by the many immortal sects of the Eastern Continent.
Just as these immortals were preparing to report back
"You won't have the chance."
A cold, indifferent voice suddenly echoed from the void.
In an instant, a massive formation took shape across the entire Kunlun void.
Sealing off all space.
Unless they could break through the power of the formation, escape was impossible.
"Not good!"
"The void has been sealed!"
The dozen immortals from the Eternal Life Palace all turned pale.
Their leader was only at the Golden Immortal level, while the others were mere Heavenly Immortals.
While this level of strength made them formidable to mortals, in the vast world of immortal sects in the Eastern Continent, they were nothing special.
"Who's there?!"
The leading Golden Immortal shouted coldly, channeling his immortal power while cautiously scanning the surroundings.
The next moment
The formation trembled.
Tens of thousands of black-armored soldiers materialized in midair, standing resolute.
Each one had reached the level of Martial Dao Enlightenment, and many had even ascended to the realm of Martial Dao Great Power.
Every single one of them exuded an overwhelming aura of killing intent.
At their forefront stood a man whose very presence could crush a Golden Immortal.
The Grand Marshal of the Xuanjia Army Meng Tian.
"Entering the sovereign territory of Great Qin without permission"
"Means only one thing death."
Meng Tian's voice was icy.
"Who are you people?"
The leading Golden Immortal eyed Meng Tian warily.
Though he could not sense any strong immortal energy from Meng Tian or his troops, the sheer sense of danger emanating from them made his skin crawl.
"Army Soul Battle Formation!"
"Unite!"
Meng Tian did not hesitate. With a mighty roar, he raised his massive saber.
"Formation merge!"
Tens of thousands of Xuanjia soldiers responded in unison.
A torrential surge of terrifying blood energy converged upon Meng Tian.
The next instant
The sky trembled.
Meng Tian gripped his saber with both hands and swung down with full force.
A blood-red blade light slashed toward the dozen immortals.
BOOM!
With a single strike
The void shattered.
The immortals, who had been standing in midair just moments before, were instantly engulfed and annihilated body and soul erased from existence.
"It's done. Return to the capital and report."
Meng Tian swept his gaze around the area once more before issuing the command.
The formation dissipated.
The tens of thousands of Xuanjia soldiers swiftly withdrew.
A grand formation known as the Nine Provinces Barrier had already enveloped the immortal realm territory of Great Qin.
Though the barrier had not been fully activated to restrict entry, it was designed to detect and lock onto the position of any outsider whose cultivation surpassed the Realm of Unity and Void Fusion.
This authority
Had been granted by Zhao Feng to the Five Great Generals of the imperial military, as well as to Meng Tian of the Xuanjia Army.
Thus, the moment these immortals arrived at the ruins of Kunlun, Meng Tian had already set up an ambush in advance.
...
Martial City!
Compared to the past
The city was now even more prosperous and lively.
Before
Mortals had lived their mundane lives, completely detached from cultivation.
But now
Things had changed.
Great Qin had distributed martial cultivation techniques through the Heavenly Profound Mirrors, allowing ordinary people to cultivate up to the Celestial Phenomenon Realm.
For those seeking techniques beyond the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, they could either serve Great Qin in exchange for higher-level technique
....
Or earn contribution points to redeem them.
Across the vast territory.
The Great Qin Empire had established halls for alchemy, weapon forging, and cultivation techniques. Anyone with contribution points could exchange them for resources.
With academies now flourishing, millions of students had been recruited across the immortal world's domain, carrying forward the legacy of martial cultivation.
Cultivation had become widespread in the immortal world under Qin's rule.
Within a few short years, the entire immortal world would witness the rapid rise of martial arts.
The Great Hall of Martial City
"Your Majesty!"
"The academies have now been fully established!"
"There are countless eligible students within our territories."
"The academies have already reached full capacity!"
"The first batch alone has recruited over five million students!"
Xunzi stepped forward, his face filled with excitement as he reported.
"With such a large number of students, are the academies facing any difficulties?" Emperor Ying Zheng sat on his throne, his voice calm yet authoritative.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured."
"The scholars and mentors brought from the mortal world are all excellent teachers who have trained many students before. Though there are many students, this is not a difficulty."
"Moreover, this immortal world is truly remarkable!"
"The talent of the students here far surpasses those of the mortal realm not only in aptitude but also in their physical constitutions. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is thousands, even tens of thousands, of times denser than in the mortal world."
"What once took years to achieve in the mortal realm may now take only a year or even half a year in the immortal world."
"As a benchmark, within one year, as long as the students diligently cultivate, every single one of these five million recruits will at least reach the Grandmaster level!" Xunzi said with a broad smile.
The difference between mortals and immortals was profound.
Spiritual energy.
The constitutions and talents of the people!
In such a rich environment of spiritual energy, cultivating for a single day was equivalent to months of training in the mortal realm.
"Xunzi."
"I am at ease entrusting the academies to you."
"Whatever you need, whatever support is required, I will grant it."
Seeing Xunzi's confidence, Ying Zheng had no doubts.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's trust! I shall not let you down!" Xunzi bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty!"
"The spiritual stone mines and spiritual veins of this immortal world far exceed those of the mortal realm."
"In just one month, our formation masters have discovered thousands of spiritual stone mines. Each mine contains at least high-grade spiritual stones, and some even contain stones of even higher quality."
"Please review them, Your Majesty."
Chen Ping stepped forward, presenting a box filled with various spiritual stones.
Inside, there were high-grade and top-grade spiritual stones, but among them was an even more radiant type, exuding an even denser spiritual energy.
"This is a spirit crystal."
"Sealing once mentioned to me that spirit crystals contain far greater energy than ordinary spiritual stones."
"It seems the mortal world lacks spirit crystal mines, and only the immortal world possesses them." Ying Zheng smiled.
"Your Majesty!"
"I believe that spiritual stone and spirit crystal mines should be nationalized, just as we did in the mortal world!" Han Fei immediately proposed.
"Indeed."
Ying Zheng nodded, then turned to Wei Liao:
"Pass down my decree: Each spiritual stone mine shall be guarded by a thousand elite soldiers. Establish strict laws spiritual stone mines are property of the Qin Empire. Any unauthorized mining by civilians will result in the extermination of their entire clan."
"Furthermore, issue a reward decree: Anyone who discovers a new spiritual stone mine and reports it to the imperial court shall receive 100,000 contribution points, a martial cultivation technique, a breakthrough elixir, and a divine weapon."
"In addition."
"Formulate a reward system for martial artists above the Celestial Phenomenon realm who pledge loyalty to Great Qin."
Upon hearing this, Wei Liao immediately bowed. "I shall carry out Your Majesty's orders."
"Your Majesty!"
"In addition to the spiritual stone mines, our formation masters have also discovered various rare refining materials and celestial fruits that do not exist in the mortal world."
"If we use these materials and fruits for forging weapons and refining pills, our empire's strength will see another tremendous leap." Chen Ping continued his report.
Ying Zheng nodded, unsurprised.
"Li Si." Ying Zheng called out.
"Your servant is here." Li Si immediately stepped forward.
"Now that we have ascended to the immortal world, the old salary system of the mortal realm must be revised. Cultivation techniques, elixirs, and contribution points shall all be increased. Salaries shall not only be tied to official rank but also to one's cultivation level." Ying Zheng commanded.
"I understand, Your Majesty!" Li Si acknowledged the decree.
Just then
"Your Majesty!"
"General Meng Tian requests an audience!"
From outside the hall, Ren Xiao's voice echoed.
"Summon him."
Ying Zheng instructed.
"By imperial decree, General Meng Tian is granted an audience!" Ren Xiao announced.
Meng Tian strode into the great hall.
"Your servant greets Your Majesty." Meng Tian bowed respectfully.
"What news?" Ying Zheng asked directly.
"Your Majesty."
"Our forces discovered eighteen foreign immortals near the ruins of Kunlun Sect one Golden Immortal and the rest Heavenly Immortals. All have been eliminated."
Meng Tian immediately reported.
"Good."
Ying Zheng nodded.
"It seems the Heavenly Court has noticed Kunlun's destruction."
Ying Zheng chuckled lightly, showing no concern.
He was now the ruler of the Heavenly Court himself, and his power had reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm strong enough to protect Great Qin.
Unless a Quasi-Saint appeared, he had nothing to fear.
"Your Majesty."
"This group of immortals was likely from the Heavenly Court. Though they were aware of Kunlun's fall, they didn't know the details."
"They were only sent to investigate."
"However, since they have all perished, the next group is bound to arrive soon." Meng Tian reported.
"Generals!"
"I have already granted you authority over the Nine Provinces Barrier."
"Should any foreigners enter our territory, you may deal with them freely, as long as they are below the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm." Ying Zheng declared.
"Your Majesty, rest assured!"
"We understand!"
The five great generals responded in unison.
Great Qin was no longer the mortal empire of a century ago. Even Golden Immortals could now be slain by its forces.
"For at least the next two years."
"Our empire must focus on solidifying its rule over the immortal world. The army shall remain stationed at the borders and proceed with utmost caution." Ying Zheng commanded.
"We understand!"
The five generals responded.
"In short."
"If any cultivators enter Great Qin, regardless of their strength, they are to be captured first and questioned later!" Ying Zheng added.
"Father speaks wisely."
"Our empire must proceed with caution."
A voice rang out.
"Greetings, Crown Prince!"
The officials bowed in unison as Zhao Feng entered.
When Zhao Feng arrived, the courtiers all bowed in respect.
Looking at Zhao Feng, it was as if they were seeing the very backbone of Great Qin.
For the former mortal Great Qin, before unifying the Divine Continent, Ying Zheng had been the absolute pillar.
But with Great Qin stepping into the era of cultivation, Zhao Feng had now taken over that role, becoming the backbone of the nation and the pioneer of its future.
"Feng'er."
"This time coming out of seclusion, I assume you have gained great benefits?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"I have indeed gained much."
Zhao Feng also smiled.
During this period of seclusion, not only had he refined ten layers of seals on the Xuanyuan Sword, but he had also fully refined other supreme treasures.
Additionally, he had completely mastered both the Seventy-Two Transformations and the Thirty-Six Transformations.
"Now that you are out, do you have any plans?" Ying Zheng asked again.
"I intend to head to the Southern Zhanbu Continent," Zhao Feng said with a grin, his eyes flashing with anticipation.
"Didn't you say that Southern Zhanbu is the most chaotic of the Four Great Continents? What are you planning to do there?" Ying Zheng asked in surprise.
"To make the name of Great Qin resound."
Zhao Feng smirked.
With just those words, Ying Zheng immediately understood.
"You intend to establish Great Qin's might in the turbulent Southern Zhanbu Continent, drawing Heaven's Court's attention entirely there."
"Meanwhile, we can continue expanding in Eastern Shengzhou."
Ying Zheng's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"Father."
"This time, I will ensure that the name of Great Qin spreads far and wide in Southern Zhanbu."
"I will firmly attract Heaven's Court's attention."
"As for the expansion in Eastern Shengzhou, that will be in your hands, Father."
Zhao Feng smiled.
"How many troops do you plan to take with you?" Ying Zheng asked.
"I won't bring any for now." Zhao Feng shook his head.
His purpose in heading to Southern Zhanbu was to completely divert Heaven's Court's attention, ensuring they no longer focused on Eastern Shengzhou.
Additionally, it was an opportunity for him to improve his strength.
Eastern Shengzhou was the most stable and prosperous of the Four Great Continents, filled with numerous immortal sects. However, it was also Heaven's Court's top priority. Now that Kunlun had been destroyed, Heaven's Court had sent people to investigate but had yet to suspect anything major. However, if Great Qin continued eliminating sects in Eastern Shengzhou, Heaven's Court would undoubtedly dispatch significant forces.
Thus, Zhao Feng decided to make Great Qin's presence known in Southern Zhanbu, drawing Heaven's Court's attention there instead.
At the same time, he would use this opportunity to attract the forces of Heaven's Court, allowing him to harvest attributes and rapidly increase his strength.
After all, relying solely on closed-door cultivation for improvement was far less efficient compared to gaining power through battle.
Zhao Feng turned to the five great generals in the court.
"Five Generals."
"Your Highness, we await your command."
Wang Ben, Meng Wu, Huan Yi, Tu Sui, and Li Mu all bowed respectfully.
"You have all reached the Martial Dao Law Domain Realm."
"But you lack suitable weapons."
"Today, I grant each of you an acquired-grade lower-tier divine weapon."
With a wave of his hand, five swords appeared before the five generals.
Acquired spiritual treasures.
Even Taiyi-level immortals in Heaven's Court did not possess them, yet Great Qin did.
This was Zhao Feng's sheer wealth and power.
With the Creation Cauldron in his possession, even though it lacked the ability of the Innate Supreme Treasure Primordial Cauldron to refine acquired items into innate ones, it still could refine artifacts into acquired spiritual treasures.
"We are deeply grateful for Your Highness's generosity."
The five generals responded excitedly.
"Very well, the court is dismissed."
"I have some matters to discuss with Father."
After bestowing the weapons, Zhao Feng addressed the courtiers.
"We take our leave."
The officials bowed and gradually exited the great hall.
Once they had left, Zhao Feng walked directly to Ying Zheng.
"Father."
"During my time in seclusion, I forged many weapons and artifacts."
"There are over a hundred in total."
"Additionally, from the extermination of Kunlun, I acquired over a hundred thousand Spirit Rhythm Pills of various grades."
"I leave them in your hands."
"All should be used to enhance the overall strength of Great Qin."
Zhao Feng tossed a spatial ring to Ying Zheng.
"Good."
Ying Zheng did not hesitate and immediately nodded.
The bond between father and son had long been established over the years there was no need for unnecessary words.
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