At this moment
Han Fei raised his head, his face filled with astonishment.
Ying Zheng's sudden nomination took him completely by surprise. Nearly all the court officials had not expected it.
"How could this be?"
"Han Fei has only been in Qin for such a short time."
"Why would His Majesty appoint him as chancellor?"
Li Si, who had been supremely confident, suddenly felt a wave of panic rising in his heart. An unwillingness surged within him.
He had coveted the position of Chancellor for a long time.
To be second only to the ruler and above all others.
That was his ambition.
Among all the officials in the court, Li Si undoubtedly had the greatest desire for power. He longed for authority, prestige, and much more. To him, power was of utmost importance.
Especially when it came to Han Fei, his former classmate.
Back at the Jixia Academy, Li Si had always been inferior to Han Fei.
After leaving the academy, Li Si set a goal for himself to surpass Han Fei.
When Qin conquered the Han
Seeing Han Fei thrown into prison, Li Si felt a sense of triumph.
But later
Han Fei had undergone an unexpected change. He chose to surrender to Qin and dedicate himself to its service. Step by step, he rose through the ranks, eventually reaching the same high position as Li Si among the Nine Ministers.
And now
Han Fei was about to take yet another step ahead of him, becoming Qin's Left Chancellor, the highest-ranking civil official.
Seeing Han Fei remain motionless
Ying Zheng spoke again, "Han Fei."
The call jolted Han Fei back to his senses.
He immediately strode toward the center of the grand hall.
"Your servant is here."
Han Fei bowed deeply.
"Han Fei, since you began serving Great Qin, you have made numerous contributions, excelling in governance, agricultural development, and tax collection."
"The Left Chancellor of Great Qin is responsible for grain, taxation, and the well-being of the people."
"You are a man of great talent and fit for such a crucial role."
"Today"
"I appoint Han Fei as the Left Chancellor of Great Qin, entrusting him with the Chancellor's seal."
"His current position will remain under his authority until suitable officials can be appointed later."
Ying Zheng spoke slowly.
With this
The long-disputed appointment of the chancellorship was settled.
"The King chose me?"
"There's no reason for this."
"In terms of ability and seniority"
"It shouldn't have been me."
Han Fei's face was filled with disbelief. Even though the decree had already been issued, he still couldn't quite comprehend it.
In fact
Instead of feeling ecstatic, he was momentarily dazed.
However, Han Fei was steady at heart. He quickly composed himself and bowed once more. "Your servant will never disappoint Your Majesty."
"I believe in you." Ying Zheng nodded.
Then, he turned his gaze back to the court.
"Let the discussion continue if there are other matters."
With the chancellorship decided
The ministers in the court each had their thoughts. Compared to the intense debates earlier, the discussion on appointing a new chancellor had quieted significantly.
Many looked at Han Fei, some even with a hint of jealousy in their eyes.
In this strange atmosphere
The morning court session concluded.
After Ying Zheng left
"Chancellor Han, congratulations."
Wang Jian stepped forward and offered his congratulations to Han Fei.
"Thank you, Supreme General."
Han Fei immediately returned the courtesy.
He and Zhao Feng were of equal standing as friends, but in front of Wang Jian, he still paid his respects as a junior.
"Haha."
"With Chancellor Han leading the civil officials, there will be fewer ignorant voices in court from now on."
"This calls for a celebration," Wang Jian said with a hearty laugh.
"I truly did not expect to receive such an esteemed appointment from His Majesty," Han Fei said with deep emotion.
"Chancellor Han is highly capable. In time, you will come to understand His Majesty's deeper intentions," Wang Jian replied with a smile.
Why was Han Fei appointed as chancellor?
Others might not know, but how could Wang Jian not?
The key reason was Han Fei's close ties with Zhao Feng.
Among all the officials in the court
The one closest to Zhao Feng was undoubtedly Han Fei.
And that connection was the decisive factor in his promotion to Left Chancellor.
Of course
Han Fei's talent also played a role.
But his close relationship with Zhao Feng was even more critical.
Han Fei might not realize this now, but in time, he would understand.
"Chancellor Han."
"Congratulations."
"Congratulations to Chancellor Han."
"Chancellor Han…"
At this moment
One minister after another stepped forward to congratulate Han Fei.
For a while
Almost half the court gathered around him in celebration.
Han Fei, as the new chancellor, was neither part of the old nobility nor the new nobility, nor did he align with any royal princes.
A person like him was someone no one wanted to offend. Moreover, many officials now served under him, and they certainly wouldn't dare to be disrespectful.
Seeing this scene of people flocking around Han Fei
Li Si felt a surge of jealousy.
But in the end, that jealousy turned into resignation.
"Compared to letting Wang Wan's faction take this position, Han Fei is the better choice."
"Perhaps"
"I was never his equal from the start."
Li Si secretly pondered in his heart.
At this moment, after experiencing a brief surge of jealousy, he found himself feeling a sense of relief.
As his thoughts cleared, Li Si stepped forward with measured steps.
"Congratulations," he said with a cupped fist and a smile.
Seeing Li Si coming forward to congratulate him, Han Fei was somewhat surprised.
If it had been the Li Si of the past, he might not have even approached at this moment.
Although they were no longer close, since Li Si had taken the initiative to offer his congratulations, Han Fei did not act arrogantly. Instead, he cupped his fists in return. "Thank you."
"It is all due to His Majesty's trust," Li Si replied.
Inside the court hall, after a brief commotion, everything gradually returned to calm.
For them, as of today, the position of chancellor was settled once and for all.
The political landscape of the court had also undergone a subtle transformation.
Zhao Residence
"Master."
"We have just received news."
"Lord Han Fei has been promoted to the position of Left Chancellor," Zhang Ming reported respectfully.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng's face showed a hint of surprise. "I merely mentioned it in passing, but I didn't expect the King of Qin to appoint Han Fei to the position."
"Master," Zhang Ming asked, "should we prepare a gift to send to Han Fei's residence?"
"Of course," Zhao Feng chuckled.
Han Fei's promotion was far preferable to anyone else taking the position. With Han Fei in court, there would be far fewer troubles in the future.
Although Zhao Feng was not afraid of trouble, having fewer problems was always a good thing.
"From now on," Zhao Feng continued, "I will enter a period of secluded cultivation. Unless it is an urgent matter or a summons from the King of Qin, do not disturb me."
"In addition, take this box of spiritual pills and personally deliver it to His Majesty."
With a wave of his hand, a small box appeared in front of Zhang Ming.
"This subordinate obeys," Zhang Ming replied respectfully.
Taking the box containing the spiritual pills, he quietly withdrew.
Now that the war was over and everything had settled, Zhao Feng could finally focus on improving his attributes.
As long as he remained in secluded cultivation, in just three months, all of Zhao Feng's attributes would surpass the 100,000 mark.
Since enlisting, he had never undergone true secluded training. One reason was that his previous martial techniques had limited improvement, and his cultivation level had been relatively low.
But now, with superior martial techniques and a vast range of mental strength, his cultivation efficiency had multiplied.
Inside Xianyang Palace
"Your Majesty," an attendant announced, "this is a gift from the Supreme General."
Zhang Ming entered the hall, carrying a jade box in both hands.
Raising his hand, Ying Zheng signaled for Zhao Gao, his trusted eunuch, to step forward and receive the box.
"What is your Supreme General doing in his residence?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Reporting to Your Majesty," Zhang Ming replied, "the Supreme General said that he wishes to study military strategy in seclusion. Apart from the one-month leave granted by Your Majesty, he also wishes to request an additional two months."
"This kid..."
"He enjoys his peace and quiet," Ying Zheng muttered with a sigh.
"Very well," he continued. "With the war in Yan concluded and the court properly staffed, if he wishes to take leave, let him."
"This servant thanks Your Majesty on behalf of the Supreme General," Zhang Ming said, bowing deeply.
Ying Zheng did not say anything further and simply gestured with a wave of his hand.
Zhang Ming withdrew respectfully.
Turning his gaze to the jade box on the table, Ying Zheng opened it and saw thirty bottles of spirit-boosting pills neatly arranged inside.
"This kid..."
"He even knows how to refine pills now?"
Ying Zheng silently mused, looking at the large number of elixirs with a mix of surprise and admiration.
Time Passed
One month.
Two months.
Three months.
With the conquest of Yan, only Qi and Chu remained as the last independent states in China.
During Qin's campaign against Yan, Qi and Chu had frequently dispatched envoys to plead for peace, hoping to persuade Qin to cease its expansion. But with Yan now conquered, such negotiations had become meaningless.
Now, these two states still sent emissaries to Qin, but their intentions had changed this time, they were merely trying to placate Qin, fearing that they might be the next targets.
After all, with only two states left in the world, the writing was on the wall.
However, the Kingdom of Qin had just annexed Yan and still needed time to fully integrate its newly acquired lands.
Thus, Ying Zheng readily accepted the friendly gestures from Qi and Chu, allowing them to lower their guard.
Only when Qin had recuperated sufficiently when the grain stores were full once more, would the next phase of conquest begin.
Inside the Supreme General's Mansion
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A powerful surge of true energy and blood vitality erupted from Zhao Feng's body.
His heartbeat thundered like rolling thunder.
At last, the pounding of his heart reached its peak.
Boom!
An immense force exploded from within Zhao Feng.
Slowly, he opened his eyes.
At that moment
A notification appeared before him.
"Congratulations! All attributes have surpassed 100,000 points."
"Initiating Attribute Metamorphosis."
As this happened
Zhao Feng felt as if his entire being had undergone a tremendous transformation, a kind of sublimation far beyond any previous enhancement of his attributes.
Moreover, he could sense the true energy within his body evolving, ascending to an entirely new level.
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 24
True Essence: 1,000 points (True Qi transforms into True Essence, ten times more powerful than True Qi! Stronger! Divine Ability First Realm True Essence!)
Dragon-Elephant Strength: 1,000 points (A single punch can unleash the power of a thousand dragons and elephants.)
Divine Speed: 1,000 points (A single step spans ten zhang; the higher the number, the faster the speed.)
Postnatal Spirit Body: 1,000 points (Transformed from a mortal body into a Postnatal Spirit Body, ten times faster in refining spiritual energy, rapid recovery from injuries, endless stamina, and faster True Essence regeneration.)
Divine Sense: 1,000 points (Divine sense can extend ten thousand zhang outward, manipulating vast amounts of spiritual energy within that range and even performing soul-searching.)
Soul Power: 6,754 (The stronger the soul power, the more resilient the soul; even if the body perishes, the soul remains intact.)
Lifespan: 471 years and 248 days (Realm lifespan: 2,000 years, suppressed by an unknown rule.)
Merit Points: 1,125 (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 10,099 cubic units
Cultivation Technique: Martial Dao Emperor Dragon Codex (Cultivation for one day increases all attributes by 20 points, with a single attribute capable of increasing by 100 points.)
"It's different now; everything has changed dramatically," Zhao Feng murmured.
"My True Qi has transformed into True Essence."
"My speed has turned into Divine Speed."
"My physique has evolved into the Postnatal Spirit Body, refining spiritual energy ten times faster."
"And my Divine Sense it's now capable of soul-searching!"
"This complete attribute transformation although the numbers seem lower, my strength has increased tremendously!"
"My Soul Power is still far from its next transformation, and my Merit Points remain unchanged."
"But all my initial attributes have undergone a qualitative change."
"Three months of secluded cultivation have finally brought about a massive surge in strength," Zhao Feng said with a wide smile.
Just then
"Congratulations, host! Your full attributes have transformed."
"Reward: One Tier-Four Treasure Chest."
"Full attribute increase of 50,000 points. Additional reward: Five Tier-Two Treasure Chests."
A prompt appeared on his status panel.
"A Tier-Four Treasure Chest?"
Zhao Feng's eyes lit up instantly.
When he killed a king, he obtained a Tier-Three Treasure Chest.
When he was conferred as a lord, he received another Tier-Three Treasure Chest.
But a Tier-Four Treasure Chest he had never seen before!
"What kind of treasure could this level of chest contain?"
Zhao Feng could hardly imagine.
However, he did not rush to open it immediately.
Instead, he slowly stood up, summoning a strand of True Essence in his palm.
Unlike the formless nature of True Qi, True Essence seemed tangible
A golden radiance coalesced in his hand.
Even with just a single strand, he could feel the terrifying power it contained.
"So this is the power of True Essence!"
"A single wisp is already comparable to an entire mass of True Qi from before!"
Feeling the overwhelming energy within his palm, Zhao Feng smiled.
Then
He sensed something.
Abruptly standing up, he directed his True Essence
His body suddenly lifted off the ground!
"Divine Ability Realm Flight!"
"Could this be the ability of the Divine Ability Realm? The power of flight?"
Zhao Feng's expression was filled with astonishment.
At this moment after his attributes had fully evolved
He realized that he could fly without even using his Black Dragon Beast Soul's abilities.
"No…"
"If the Divine Ability Realm merely grants the ability to fly, how could it be called the Martial Dao Divine Ability?"
Zhao Feng pondered for a moment then sat down cross-legged once again.
He focused his mind inward, channeling his cultivation technique, and delving into the changes his body had undergone after the transformation.
Finally
After a period of deep meditation, he discovered something in his dantian.
"A seed?"
"A Divine Ability Seed?"
Zhao Feng was stunned.
Then, he immediately extended his Divine Sense to touch it.
At that moment
A realization struck him.
"The Divine Ability Realm… The Martial Dao Divine Ability…"
"What is my Martial Dao Divine Ability?"
"What is the essence of my path?"
The instant his Divine Sense connected, Zhao Feng fell into a state of enlightenment.
It lasted for a long time.
Then
BOOM!
A terrifying force erupted from Zhao Feng's body.
"I rose from the battlefield I forged my path through slaughter."
"In the future, my destiny shall be the founding of an empire!"
"On the battlefield, I shall slay all enemies in my way!"
"The Dao of Slaughter shall be my first Divine Ability!"
Zhao Feng's eyes snapped open.
A deep crimson light surged within them overflowing with boundless killing intent.
At the moment of enlightenment
A blood-red aura burst from Zhao Feng's body.
It spread across the entire grand hall so intense that even the sky above seemed to be stained in red.
BOOM! BOOM!
Within Zhao Feng's estate
The elite guards' expressions changed drastically.
They all turned to look toward the main hall.
As warriors, they instantly sensed the immense, oppressive force.
A force so overwhelming that it crushed any notion of resistance.
"The Lord has broken through!"
"No one must disturb him!"
"Surround the main hall!"
Zhang Ming barked out orders.
Immediately
The elite guards moved into formation, sealing off the hall.
Ensuring that no one could approach.
At the same time
The phenomenon from Zhao Feng's estate attracted the attention of the citizens of Xianyang.
All of a sudden
A vast crimson mist spread across the sky like an ominous cloud, covering hundreds of zhang of the heavens.
The entire sky
Turned blood-red.
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