As soon as Ying Bu finished speaking, Han Xin and the others who had just arrived turned their gazes toward the scene.
All of their expressions were filled with shock.
"Did the Lord cut this?" Han Xin was stunned.
"One sword sliced through hundreds of trees. Judging from the distance, it's at least two hundred zhang," Li Mu lifted his head, estimating the power of the strike.
"The Lord's sword extended two hundred zhang, but the sword energy explosion was the final strike," Sima Shang analyzed.
Li Mu's expression shifted slightly, and he quickly stepped forward.
The others, being intelligent, immediately understood his intention and followed suit even though Xiao He was no exception.
He wanted to witness firsthand the true extent of his Lord's attack.
When they reached the nearly two hundred zhang mark, they saw the aftermath of the slash.
The cut extended for nearly two hundred zhang, and the surrounding dozens of zhang were also affected.
Every fallen tree had been sliced cleanly and neatly.
As they reached the end of the sword's trajectory, what they saw left them frozen in shock once more.
Right before them was a massive sword crater.
Inside, residual sword energy could still be felt, sharp and undissipated.
But what truly left them dumbfounded was the solid stone wall ahead it had been cleaved in half by the sheer force of the strike.
"This... this is no longer human strength," Li Mu murmured after a long moment of silence.
"A Grandmaster's true qi... has already surpassed the realm of mortals."
"Can martial arts truly lead to immortality?" Xiao He asked in a daze.
"The Lord once said"
"The path of martial arts leads to immortality."
"Once one steps into the Xiantian Realm, their lifespan extends to one hundred and fifty years," Li Mu said slowly.
"Truly? One can attain immortality?"
Xiao He's eyes widened in disbelief.
He was silent for a long while.
"All the knowledge I have studied, everything I have read and learned... pales in comparison to what I have witnessed today."
"Martial arts… immortality…"
"Legends and myths… standing right before me."
"And I have grasped it!"
Xiao He's face was filled with excitement.
Only now did he realize how to correct he decided to follow Zhao Feng.
Not only had he seized the opportunity to rise to a high-ranking position, but he had also stepped onto the path of martial cultivation and possible immortality.
This was an opportunity beyond imagination.
"General Li Mu."
"You mentioned earlier that you have reached the Xiantian Realm. Does that mean you now have a lifespan of 150 years?" Xiao He looked at Li Mu.
"That's right."
Li Mu nodded with a smile. "Now, I feel more energetic than ever. I have already lived for over forty years, and unless someone kills me, I should still have a century ahead of me."
"Throughout history"
"How many emperors have sought immortality and failed?"
"They searched for the mythical Penglai Island but found nothing."
"Yet we… we have found a way."
Xiao He sighed with emotion, his expression filled with gratitude.
"Brother Xiao He."
"Since you have joined the Lord's ranks, I won't waste words."
"You were personally brought here by the Lord, which means he holds you in high regard."
"And he has granted you the opportunity to cultivate martial arts."
"Now, you have three martial arts techniques to choose from," Li Mu explained.
"First, the Dragon Elephant Technique, a body-tempering method that strengthens the physique, suitable for warriors trained in military formations."
"Second, an intermediate internal cultivation technique. This is the basic cultivation method for recruits of Yan Court. After a year of service and notable contributions, higher-level techniques can be awarded."
"Third, an advanced internal cultivation method. This technique is profound, and capable of reaching the peak of the Xiantian Realm. Its greatest advantage is that it allows for future transitions to even higher-tier techniques."
"You were personally selected by the Lord, which shows his trust in you. Thus, you may choose freely among these three techniques," Li Mu said.
Xiao He pondered for a moment before replying, "I choose the third option."
He was a smart man it only took a brief moment of thought to determine the best choice.
"Good."
"Close your eyes and focus."
"In your mind, silently call out 'Yan Court.'"
Li Mu instructed.
Xiao He glanced at Li Mu, confused.
But he followed the instructions anyway.
"Yan Court," Xiao He called in his mind.
The next moment, three streams of information appeared in his consciousness.
Even though he had never experienced this before, he instantly understood these were martial arts techniques.
Without hesitation, Xiao He reached for the Advanced Internal Cultivation Method.
Immediately, a surge of profound knowledge imprinted itself onto his consciousness.
In the blink of an eye
The technique, which could be cultivated up to the peak of the Xiantian Realm, was ingrained into Xiao He's mind.
When he opened his eyes, his face was filled with shock.
"This… This is divine power!"
"You have just joined the Lord's ranks, so as someone who has been here longer, let me remind you of two things."
"First."
"Martial techniques are strictly forbidden from being shared. If you attempt to pass them on without the Lord's approval, your consciousness will be erased instantly, leaving you a mindless husk."
"Second."
"Do not betray the Lord. If the thought even crosses your mind, the Lord will sense it and at that moment, Yan Court will cleanse its ranks."
Ying Bu stepped forward, his voice cold as he addressed Xiao He.
As the leader of Yan Court's enforcers, he was Zhao Feng's blade.
"I understand." Xiao He immediately nodded.
"Brother Xiao He."
"Find a place to begin your cultivation. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us."
"Once you establish your foundation, we will use Bone Refining Powder to temper your body," Li Mu said.
"Thank you, brothers." Xiao He bowed in gratitude.
Inside the Camp
"The Martial Root Testing Monument."
"The materials have already been gathered by Yan Court. By activating it with qi and blood, we can assess one's innate martial potential."
"With this, future recruitment can be based more on natural talent."
"And weapons…"
"Since I have inherited the knowledge of a master forgemaster, I should put it to the test."
"This forging inheritance is remarkable it allows for void forging, eliminating the need for a physical furnace."
Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Then, he began his first attempt at forging.
A few days later
Zhao Feng successfully emerged from seclusion.
"Welcome back, my Lord!"
Li Mu and the others bowed respectfully.
"I was delayed for a few days."
"But I have forged some new items."
Zhao Feng spoke in a deep voice.
With a wave of his hand
Five Martial Root Testing Monuments appeared before the crowd.
Each was half a man's height, emanating a unique aura of craftsmanship.
"This is the Martial Root Testing Monument. From now on, all recruitment for Yan Court will be based on this," Zhao Feng said solemnly.
"Those with martial roots will receive focused training. Those without will not be overly valued, only given basic training," he continued.
"We obey," Ying Bu responded immediately.
"One more thing."
"You have all followed me for many years."
"I forged some weapons in my spare time."
Zhao Feng smiled and waved his hand again.
Six gleaming swords, radiating a chilling light, stabbed into the ground.
Even at a glance, it was clear these were divine weapons of exceptional quality.
Among those present were Li Mu, Sima Shang, Qing Qin, Xiao He, Han Xin, and Ying Bu.
Zhao Feng casually handed these weapons to them as practice pieces.
But even though they were merely practice creations, they had already reached the high-grade Yellow Tier, making them absolute treasures in this era.
"Many thanks for the Lord's generous gift," the group responded in unison.
"Ying Bu, one more thing."
Zhao Feng turned to look at Ying Bu.
"Please give your orders, my Lord," Ying Bu responded immediately.
"In the future, train people skilled in medicine and blacksmithing."
"I also need talents in alchemy and weapon forging."
"These individuals must have at least mid-tier martial roots. When the time comes, I will personally teach alchemy and forging techniques in Yan Court," Zhao Feng instructed.
"I understand," Ying Bu nodded seriously.
"Good," Zhao Feng nodded in satisfaction.
The Yan Court he was establishing was the early framework of his future empire.
It wouldn't be just about warriors.
Alchemy and forging these auxiliary fields must also be fully developed.
Since Zhao Feng had decided to establish an immortal martial dynasty, he had to start laying the groundwork now.
Back Home!
"Feng'er."
"What have you been up to again?"
As soon as he returned, Xia Dong'er walked up to him, looking at him with a face full of reproach.
"Mother,"
"I was just handling some minor matters."
"But I'm back now," Zhao Feng replied with a grin.
In front of his mother, he wouldn't dare argue.
When he returned from Yan, Xia Dong'er had scolded him thoroughly for being reckless and careless.
Zhao Feng, however, had accepted it all without complaint.
After all, this was his mother's way of expressing her concern for him.
"Brother."
"You're always running around."
Beside him, Zhao Ying playfully teased.
"You little rascal," Zhao Feng glanced at her, pretending to be annoyed.
Then, his tone changed.
"This time, you stay home and keep Mother company. I'll be heading to Xianyang and will return after my trip," Zhao Feng said.
"When will you leave?" Xia Dong'er asked.
"When I was in Yan, His Majesty sent an urgent decree summoning me back to Xianyang as soon as possible. I delayed because of the foreign invasion. Now that I've been home for several days, I plan to set off the day after tomorrow," Zhao Feng explained.
Hearing this, Xia Dong'er nodded. "Since it's a royal decree, you should follow it."
"Mother,"
"You can come to Xianyang with me," Zhao Feng suggested with a hint of persuasion.
"We'll see in the future," Xia Dong'er shook her head.
Seeing his mother's reluctance, Zhao Feng chose not to press the matter.
He could tell that his mother had a deep aversion to Xianyang.
"Feng'er."
"What do you think of Li You?" Xia Dong'er suddenly asked.
Beside them, Zhao Ying's face showed a hint of worry.
"Li You is just one of my generals. I don't know him too well."
"Ying'er interacts with him more, so ask her."
"As long as Ying'er is willing, I, as her brother, will support her," Zhao Feng replied with a grin.
Hearing this, Xia Dong'er turned to Zhao Ying. "Ying'er, you're already twenty-two. In a few months, you'll be twenty-three. Most girls marry in their teens you're already an old maiden. If you think Li You is suitable, then let it be him."
"I can see that he truly cares for you."
"He's only a few years older than you, and he's unmarried, which makes it even more suitable."
"With your brother's influence, you won't suffer after marriage."
Xia Dong'er was anxious about her daughter's marriage.
In the past few days, Li You's constant efforts to impress had moved Xia Dong'er.
She had even secretly asked Zhang Ming to gather information about him.
"Ying'er, it's your choice."
"As long as you're willing," Zhao Feng smiled, leaving the decision to his sister.
On the surface, Li You did seem like a good match.
"Brother, let's wait and see."
"If he is truly sincere, I will know," Zhao Ying thought for a moment before responding.
"Ying'er," Xia Dong'er was visibly anxious.
"Mother,"
"Let's go with Ying'er's decision."
"If someone wants to marry my sister, it won't be that easy," Zhao Feng chuckled.
Then, he turned. "Zhang Ming."
"Here!"
Zhang Ming quickly stepped forward.
"Tell Li You to wait for me in the main hall," Zhao Feng commanded.
"Understood," Zhang Ming responded immediately.
A short while later
In Zhao Manor's Main Hall!
"General!"
Li You bowed deeply to Zhao Feng.
"Sit."
Zhao Feng walked forward and nodded.
"Thank you, General," Li You expressed his gratitude before sitting down, though he appeared somewhat uneasy.
Zhao Feng fixed his gaze on Li You, his presence exerting heavy pressure.
Slowly, he asked, "Do you truly have feelings for Ying'er?"
Upon hearing this,
Li You immediately said, "Great General, I am absolutely sincere about Ying'er."
"The moment I first saw her, I knew she was the one."
"As long as Ying'er agrees, I am willing to do anything."
"I have made up my mind she is the only woman I will have in this lifetime. There will be no one else."
In this era, upholding a monogamous relationship was extremely rare.
However, at this moment, Li You made repeated assurances, and he was completely serious.
After all, Zhao Feng was not an ordinary man he was the Great General of Qin.
Once these words were spoken, they were not empty promises. If Li You were to break his oath, it would not be something that could be easily dismissed.
"Remember your words," Zhao Feng said, staring at Li You.
"Great General, you… you're not opposed to me and Ying'er?" Li You's eyes lit up with joy.
"If I were opposed, I would have stopped you from approaching Ying'er from the very beginning."
"Besides"
"I have always said that Ying'er's marriage is her own decision. I will not force her, and no one else can force her either."
"Ying'er does not dislike you, and she has even developed some feelings for you."
"If you persist, you will have a chance."
"When the time comes, have your father formally propose the marriage," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Hearing this, Li You nodded repeatedly. "Please rest assured, Great General. I will never give up!"
At this moment, Li You felt as if he had been injected with a powerful boost of confidence, filling him with determination.
Especially after hearing that Zhao Ying also had some feelings for him, he became even more motivated.
"Li Si,"
"If your son truly ends up with Ying'er…"
"No matter what fate awaits you in the future, I will protect Li You."
"Not for any other reason but because he would be my brother-in-law."
Zhao Feng thought to himself.
In history, Li Si eventually became the Prime Minister, reaching the pinnacle of power.
But after the death of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, when Qin Er Shi, Hu Hai, ascended the throne,
Li Si was ultimately deceived by Zhao Gao and sentenced to be executed along with his entire family.
Li You was no exception.
As for Li Si
He was a man skilled in political strategy. To a ruler, such men were useful.
But to Zhao Feng, he was unappealing too full of schemes and calculations.
However, Li Si was Li Si, and Li You was Li You.
Everything
Would be left to fate.
If, in the future, Li Si still chose to falsify the imperial edict and support Hu Hai, then that would be his destiny.
Zhao Feng would not interfere too much, because he had no reason to.
Serving someone as incompetent as Hu Hai was something he could never do.
With his immense strength and the vast network of Yan Court under his control,
Zhao Feng had no intention of submitting to Hu Hai or even to Fu Su.
To put it bluntly
Zhao Feng already had ambitions of his own.
As long as Emperor Qin was alive, Zhao Feng would honor his gratitude and continue to serve Qin,
Fighting against foreign enemies for the empire.
But if Emperor Qin passed away, plunging China into chaos
Then in the turbulent twilight of the Qin Dynasty,
The one who would eventually unify the land and rule the world
Would undoubtedly be Zhao Feng.
Time passed quickly!
Inside Zhangtai Palace
"Your Majesty."
"These are the reports from Yan territory."
"They concern household registrations and the resettlement of refugees."
Zhao Gao pointed to the newly delivered pile of memorials and respectfully reported.
Ying Zheng glanced at the towering stack beside him and rubbed his temples in exhaustion.
"Is this all of them, or just a portion?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty, this is only thirty percent. The remaining seventy percent has yet to be delivered," Zhao Gao replied respectfully.
"Mm."
Ying Zheng nodded with a hint of resignation.
The annexation of Yan
This meant new territory had been incorporated.
And with it came an endless flood of administrative reports.
Many matters required his attention.
Despite the Nine Ministers system, there were still too few officials and clerks.
As the empire expanded, the accumulation of government affairs became overwhelming, eventually landing on Ying Zheng's desk.
"Your Majesty,"
"You have been working on these reports for an entire day."
"Would you like to take a break?" Zhao Gao asked respectfully.
Ying Zheng glanced at Zhao Gao and shook his head.
"Every memorial concerns the state. Even the slightest mistake could cause chaos."
"I can endure."
Saying this,
Ying Zheng looked at the empty bottles on his desk and muttered internally,
"That brat still hasn't returned. I've already finished the elixirs he gave me."
"Handling these reports without those pills is utterly exhausting."
"Has Zhao Feng returned yet?" Ying Zheng finally asked.
Zhao Gao immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I have already given orders that as soon as the Great General returns, you will be informed immediately."
"Yesterday, we received word that the Great General has already reached the outskirts of Xianyang. He should be arriving soon."
Hearing this,
Ying Zheng nodded.
"Send out my decree when Zhao Feng returns, have him come to Zhangtai Palace at once!"
Zhao Gao promptly nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty."
By now, Zhao Gao had grown accustomed to the immense favor Ying Zheng bestowed upon Zhao Feng.
At first, he had been surprised by the extreme level of imperial favor shown to an outsider, but now he was entirely used to it.
"Your Majesty."
"Do I have to roll inside?"
Just then,
A voice echoed from outside the hall.
Upon hearing it,
Ying Zheng, who had been wearing a cold expression, was momentarily stunned.
Then, for a fleeting second, he smiled.
However, he quickly suppressed it and returned to his stern demeanor.
"Get in here!" he ordered.
With that,
Zhao Feng strode into the hall with a broad grin.
Meanwhile, the ever-attentive Zhao Gao discreetly bowed to Ying Zheng before quietly leaving the hall,
Even thoughtfully closing the door behind him.
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