"Alright, we agree."
Although Zhang Liang felt deeply unwilling, he eventually agreed to Daniel Davis's terms. He had no choice—Daniel's strength was overwhelmingly powerful, and with the current flourishing state of the Qin Empire, opposing it would be like an ant trying to stop a cart.
Under such circumstances, betting everything on overseas ventures seemed more practical. If this generation had no chance, then perhaps the next one would. Although Ying Zheng was a brilliant leader, his descendants might not necessarily inherit his talents.
Daniel Davis, of course, was aware of Zhang Liang's thoughts, but he didn't care. Ying Zheng could live for centuries, perhaps even a millennium. Over such a long period, this world's Qin Shi Huang might evolve to match the legendary Ying Zheng of the Moon World.
By directing Zhang Liang and others to focus on overseas ventures, Daniel aimed to broaden the horizons of the domestic aristocracy. If they sought benefits, why oppose Ying Zheng at home? It would be better to explore new worlds across the sea. Daniel even felt tempted to utter, "Do you want my treasure? Come, I've hidden it at the ends of the sea. Search for it!"—ushering in an age of exploration.
Looking back at China's millennia-long history, one key reason for its lagging development in modern times was Confucianism's reluctance to embrace the Age of Exploration. Things were different now, with the Qin Empire leading the charge into this new era.
As for Zhang Liang and his cohorts dreaming of a comeback? That was pure fantasy.
"Earth Escape: Yellow Springs Swamp."
Even though Daniel reached an agreement with Zhang Liang and Wei Zhuang, he had no intention of sparing the anti-Qin forces gathered in the Mechanized City. These people were staunchly opposed to the Qin Empire, and Daniel needed an example to deter others. These rebels became his chosen "chickens to warn the monkeys." Daniel personally took action, not relying on the Qin army, the Yin-Yang Clan, or the Six Doors Organization.
Using earth manipulation, he created a massive swamp nearly a kilometer in diameter, trapping everyone within. Not even ninjas could escape the Yellow Springs Swamp, let alone these rebels. Whether they were top-tier or first-class martial artists, all were equalized in the face of this deadly quagmire.
It was then that Daniel realized the best ninjutsu for countering cavalry was not some earth wall but the Yellow Springs Swamp.
"The Xiang clan got lucky this time." Though Daniel eliminated the majority of the anti-Qin forces, a small group managed to escape. Given the city's remote mountainous location, completely sealing it off was difficult unless Daniel constantly used his Observation Haki to monitor the surroundings.
Among the escapees were Fan Zeng, Xiang Liang, and others from the Xiang clan, as well as Ban Master and Xu Fuzi from the Mohist School. The Mechanized City, after all, had been here for over a century, and the Mohists, with their expertise in mechanisms, had long dug secret tunnels around the area.
Daniel wasn't too concerned about their escape. On one hand, they no longer posed a significant threat. On the other, he could predict their next destination—likely Sanghai City's No Boundary Inn, run by Pao Ding.
With Yan Dan, Xiaoyaozi, and others dead, the Mohist Mechanized City incident drew to a close. The Qin army cleaned up the aftermath and escorted prisoners, while Gongshu Qiu focused on studying the Mechanical Azure Dragon and figuring out how to transport it back to the capital.
After briefly inspecting the Mechanical Azure Dragon, Daniel gave up. While the dragon was indeed powerful and fast—enough to rival a Kage-level fighter in the Naruto world—it held little value for him now. Better to leave it to the Gongshu family for research.
"The Xueji Sword should be returned to the Daoist Celestial Sect."
After concluding matters, Daniel arranged for the Xueji Sword to be sent to the Celestial Sect of Daoism. As the symbol of the sect's lineage, it rightfully belonged there. With Xiaoyaozi dead, the Celestial Sect's internal conflict with the Mortal Sect could finally come to an end—at least for this generation. However, the two sects would remain separate. Unlike other schools of thought, Daoism, which emphasized non-action, was indifferent to merging.
Xiaoyaozi's body was also sent back to the Celestial Sect's location. While many of his direct disciples in the Mortal Sect opposed the Qin Empire, some factions were close to the empire—for instance, the elder Mu Xuzi, who had died at Xiaomeng's hands in the original storyline.
With Xiaoyaozi gone, figures like Mu Xuzi, who had previously been unable to oppose him, might now gain influence.
"They've all agreed." In Xianyang City, Daniel and Ying Zheng sat across from each other playing Go, while discussing the nobles from the six states who had been sent overseas.
"They had no choice but to agree. However, how many will actually survive the journey remains uncertain."
Navigating the seas was no easy feat. In this era, there were no expert navigators. Instead of sending Qin personnel to explore the sea routes, Ying Zheng strategically used these individuals. Naturally, he would plant spies among their ranks.
As a sovereign for the ages, Ying Zheng was unmatched. His careful planning ensured no rebellion during his reign. For instance, the Mo School's spy was just one of his arrangements; there were likely others in Confucian circles.
However, these plans, while effective during Ying Zheng's lifetime, often fell apart after his death due to the lack of successors to manage them.
"Your chess skills are remarkable, Your Majesty. I concede."
To be fair, Ying Zheng was skilled at Go, though far from the best. Unfortunately, Daniel's skills were worse. Ying Zheng had grown up playing Go, giving him a significant advantage.
"Haha."
Ying Zheng was delighted by Daniel's concession. As emperor, few dared to play against him seriously. Only three people did so: Daniel, Gai Nie, and Li Si. Li Si, ever the pragmatist, wouldn't have dared to challenge Ying Zheng earnestly, were it not for the emperor's explicit command to play sincerely.
"It's time for me to retreat."
With the empire united, the Mechanized City pacified, and the anti-Qin forces either destroyed or sent away, the remaining issues were minor. Daniel now had little to occupy his time.
One of Daniel's main interests now was obtaining a baby Pixiu. Not only was it a divine beast, but it was also irresistibly adorable.
Ying Zheng was the true master of this era; Daniel, merely a guest, had no intention of overshadowing him. After all, Daniel had watched enough historical and palace dramas to understand the dangers of overstepping.
"I didn't expect you to choose to stay."
Daniel had agreed to Zhang Liang's request to allow Han Fei to leave. However, to his surprise, Han Fei declined, something Daniel hadn't anticipated.
"If I left, she would give up everything here to follow me. In this situation, no one can contend with Ying Zheng anymore." After Daniel's words, Han Fei sighed deeply.
"I salute you. In this regard, Changping Jun and Yan Dan fall short."
Han Fei was undoubtedly talented, but his downfall lay in his deep emotional ties. The maxim "great men are not bound by trivialities" didn't apply to him. While others saw this as a flaw, Daniel considered it Han Fei's strength.
Daniel respected Han Fei and disdained figures like Changping Jun and Yan Dan precisely because of this.
"Now, it's time to explore new worlds."
Before embarking on the exploration, Daniel visited various worlds to assess their situations. In the One Piece world, he delayed his plans after discovering Fujitora, the future Marine Admiral.
At this point, Fujitora wasn't yet an admiral and lacked the "Fujitora" title. Though not obscure, his reputation wasn't widespread. Many would find it hard to believe that this seemingly kind, smiling blind man possessed admiral-level strength.
Fujitora's gentle personality meant he rarely used his strength to deal with provocations. For instance, even as an admiral, he remained calm when Doflamingo's subordinates mocked him in a casino—a demeanor akin to Shanks tolerating the mountain bandit who splashed him with alcohol.
This mildness made Fujitora difficult to locate. If he were more famous, finding him would have been much easier.
In the West Blue, on a serene and picturesque resort island, Daniel tracked Fujitora to a quiet coffee shop.
"Mr. Smile, you're quite elusive."
Seated at a table, Fujitora quietly enjoyed his coffee. Daniel approached and casually sat across from him, ordering a cup for himself.
"Why seek out an old, blind man like me? What could warrant a Seven Warlords member's personal visit?" Fujitora showed no change in demeanor and immediately recognized Daniel's identity.
"I've always wondered—does Fujitora summon meteors with his Devil Fruit ability or by combining it with Observation Haki?"
Many speculated that Fujitora's Observation Haki was so advanced he could detect meteors, using his fruit to pull them down. If true, this level of mastery was almost inconceivably terrifying.
Even without such extremes, Fujitora's Observation Haki was undoubtedly formidable—perhaps surpassing even Rayleigh's. Daniel didn't underestimate Rayleigh but noted that as a blind man, Fujitora depended entirely on Observation Haki, while most others, including Daniel, primarily relied on sight.
Fujitora's ability to sense malice, kindness, and even
the shapes of clouds made him extraordinary. Daniel, despite his training, couldn't achieve such refinement.
"A blind old man with admiral-level strength is a rarity. I'm here to discuss the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. But this isn't the place for such a conversation. Shall we move elsewhere?"
Facing Fujitora, Daniel presented himself openly. After finishing his coffee, he stood up and left, settling the bill on his way out.
Fujitora took his time, finishing his drink before slowly following Daniel. Guided by his Observation Haki, he headed toward an uninhabited eastern shore.
"What do you wish to discuss?"
Fujitora had no fondness for the Seven Warlords, viewing them as pirates legitimized by the World Government. His interest was piqued only because of Daniel's intriguing proposition.
"This place is too public. Let's go further out." Daniel took to the sky, flying eastward over the sea.
Fujitora simply stepped onto a rock, which split and rose to carry him through the air. Following Daniel, he reached a secluded area miles from shore.
"Mr. Smile, do you think this world is just? The Celestial Dragons claim to be the descendants of the Creator, enjoying every privilege. Does that seem right to you?"
Daniel didn't oppose privilege itself—wealthy individuals enjoying luxuries was normal. But the Celestial Dragons treated everyone as slaves, which was unacceptable.
"You, sir, are a member of the Seven Warlords."
"True. But have you considered why the Seven Warlords exist? This system wasn't created by pirates—it's a strategy devised by the World Government."
Both the One Piece and Naruto worlds suffered from the same flaw: inadequate education. Despite the abundance of powerful individuals, the populace posed little threat to the ruling authorities. The Rocks Pirates decades ago were merely an anomaly.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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