"Because the Saints have not appeared for countless years."
"As for the details, how could a lowly immortal like me possibly know?"
Gui Guzi shook his head, his tone filled with helplessness.
"There are Saints…"
"Damn it."
"I knew this world wasn't simple, but I never expected it to be the Honghuang world."
Now that Gui Guzi had confirmed the existence of Saints, Zhao Feng was left somewhat bewildered.
After a long silence, Zhao Feng regained his composure.
"Senior, you still haven't answered my question why are there no cultivators in Shenzhou?"
"Could it be that you are the only cultivator in all of Shenzhou?"
Gui Guzi chuckled. "Aren't you the second one?"
"Senior."
"I was referring to immortal cultivators," Zhao Feng said helplessly.
"As you can see."
"I am the only cultivator left in Shenzhou."
"To be precise, I am the only living cultivator," Gui Guzi replied with a faint smile.
"If immortal cultivation truly exists, not everyone should have relied on the Linggen Pill for cultivation. There should still be real cultivators, right?" Zhao Feng asked.
"It has been too many years I have long since forgotten."
"However…"
"Have you ever heard of 'Absolute Land, Impassable to the Heavens'?"
Gui Guzi suddenly asked.
"I've heard a little about it."
"Heaven is home to the immortals, the mortal world to the common people, and each has its domain," Zhao Feng replied.
Naturally, this knowledge wasn't something he had learned in this world but rather from mythologies in his past life.
"Immortals are forbidden from entering the mortal world."
"That is the core principle of 'Absolute Land, Impassable to the Heavens,'" Gui Guzi explained.
"Then why are you here?"
"Moreover, if immortals cannot descend to the mortal realm, shouldn't the methods of cultivation have still been passed down?" Zhao Feng asked, still puzzled.
"Those who cultivated using the Linggen Pill have already begun eliminating the immortals who refused to use it, hunting them as food, branding them as demons."
"And Shenzhou is the last pure land they have yet to set foot in."
"So naturally, they have cut off the path of cultivation in Shenzhou, severing its ability to resist," Gui Guzi said gravely.
"Shenzhou is the last pure land?"
"If the rest of the world has already fallen, why does Shenzhou still stand?"
"Is there some kind of power protecting it?" Zhao Feng asked curiously.
Ever since meeting Gui Guzi, he had accumulated too many questions.
"Shenzhou is protected by the last remnants of humanity's fate and destiny."
"Of course…"
"You may not fully understand what I mean by 'human fate.'"
"In short…"
"At least for the next thousand years, Shenzhou will remain the last pure land of this world."
"But after a thousand years, things may change." Gui Guzi sighed helplessly.
"A thousand years later… Will humanity's fate dissipate?" Zhao Feng pressed further.
"The fate of humanity is tied to its people and the unification of its dynasties. If the dynasty falls into chaos and war erupts everywhere, as people slaughter each other, the fate of humanity will wane with every death."
"Do you understand now?"
"Moreover…"
"You think those demonic immortals aren't watching Shenzhou?"
"They are merely waiting for the fate of humanity to fade away. Once Shenzhou loses its protection, it will become a land of blood and slaughter, a living hell," Gui Guzi said, his tone heavy.
Listening to Gui Guzi's explanation from beginning to end, Zhao Feng immediately thought of history.
He thought of the late Qin Dynasty.
He thought of the death of Qin Shi Huang.
Then he thought of the Han Dynasty.
Of Wang Mang's usurpation.
Of the chaos at the end of the Eastern Han.
Of the Five Barbarian Invasions that ravaged Shenzhou.
Of the future Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.
There was no doubt about it.
The future of Shenzhou would be filled with endless wars. The fate of humanity would slowly dissipate amidst the chaos until it could no longer protect Shenzhou. Ultimately, Shenzhou would become a land of blood and slaughter.
All of this…
Was likely part of the immortals' plan.
To shatter Shenzhou's fate.
To turn it into a slaughterhouse.
Even Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel a deep sense of oppression at this realization.
If this were to truly happen, what would become of the future of humanity? Of the future of the Huaxia people?
Would it become an unimaginable nightmare?
"Senior, if you already know about this, why haven't you stopped it?"
"With your abilities, you should be able to stop it, right?" Zhao Feng asked in a low voice.
"Immortals cannot remain in Shenzhou."
"Although I am heavily injured, I am still immortal. If I interfere, the fate of humanity itself will consume me, which is why I cannot act directly," Gui Guzi sighed.
"So, ever since you entered Shenzhou, you have been training disciples, hoping they could enter the world and end the chaos?" Zhao Feng deduced.
Gui Guzi nodded. "That's right."
"Unfortunately, although the disciples I've trained are talented, they are still mere mortals. Bringing peace to the warring states and uniting the world has proven far from easy."
"Furthermore…"
"You think those demonic immortals don't have countermeasures?"
"The thing they fear most is the unification of the human race and the consolidation of its fate this would be disastrous for them."
"However…"
"Wei Liao is quite good."
"Among all the disciples I have trained, he has come the closest to assisting a ruler in unifying the world."
"And…"
"To those demonic immortals, you may be an unforeseen variable."
"A different path of cultivation a completely new system."
"In the future, perhaps Shenzhou really will have a chance."
"If you can reach a sufficiently powerful level, perhaps you really will be able to protect Shenzhou."
As he spoke, Gui Guzi's gaze toward Zhao Feng became filled with anticipation.
This was an emotion he had never shown before.
He could not see through Zhao Feng.
But in Zhao Feng, he saw a glimmer of hope.
This mysterious martial path did not require a Linggen.
And it was incredibly powerful.
If Zhao Feng could continue to grow stronger, he could stand against those demonic immortals.
The fate of humanity in Shenzhou remained Zhao Feng still had enough time to cultivate.
The future was still uncertain.
"Senior, after hearing all of this…"
"I suddenly feel like a great burden has been placed on my shoulders," Zhao Feng said with a wry smile.
Originally, Zhao Feng had believed himself to be invincible in the mortal realm.
No, perhaps he truly was invincible within Shenzhou.
But now, after hearing Gui Guzi's descriptions of the world beyond Shenzhou, of the so-called Earthly Immortal Realm and Heavenly Realm…
Of immortals feasting on human flesh and drinking human blood…
The mere thought of such scenes sent chills down Zhao Feng's spine.
It was almost unbelievable.
This realization filled Zhao Feng with an urgent desire to grow stronger.
His current strength…
Was far from enough.
"Are you willing to watch Shenzhou fall?"
"I don't believe you would just sit idly by," Gui Guzi said with a smile.
"The future is the future."
"If I truly gain the power to protect Shenzhou, I will do everything I can."
"But if I don't… Then I can only protect the people close to me," Zhao Feng said solemnly.
With the treasures he possessed, Zhao Feng was confident that he could protect his loved ones and his subordinates.
After all, he had access to a small world separate from this one, governed by different rules and order.
If he could keep them safe, then in the future, he might be able to leave Shenzhou, embark on a grand slaughter, and eliminate those demonic immortals along with the so-called cultivators who relied on spiritual root pills. The attributes he would gain from such battles would be immense.
After all, as long as there was war, Zhao Feng's strength could grow infinitely, without any bottlenecks in his cultivation.
The future
He could establish a Martial Dao empire, pioneer the path of martial cultivation, and lead an army of a million martial warriors beyond Shenzhou to slaughter those cultivators. How satisfying would that be?
How powerful would he become?
Although the cultivators beyond Shenzhou posed a great threat, to Zhao Feng, they also represented an even greater opportunity opportunity to grow stronger, an opportunity to achieve Martial Dao transcendence.
The future was full of possibilities!
Moreover, once Zhao Feng founded his empire, the cultivation technique he practiced would reach its full potential. With destiny as its foundation and the empire as its core, he would establish a Martial Dao Destiny Dynasty.
That was a future worth looking forward to!
Furthermore, once Zhao Feng succeeded, his dynasty would not meet an early demise like the Second Emperor's rule.
Since those cultivators viewed humanity as mere food, Zhao Feng would, in turn, treat them as prey. The roles of hunter and hunted would be reversed.
Why should he fear them?
"You have the right mindset," Ghost Valley Master said with a smile while stroking his beard.
"But,"
"Have you ever thought,"
"Why should we take a defensive stance?" Zhao Feng raised his gaze slightly and looked at Ghost Valley Master.
"What do you mean?" Ghost Valley Master's expression shifted.
"If I truly become the strongest in Shenzhou one day and establish my empire, why should I limit myself to mere defense?"
"They treat humanity as food so why can't I treat them as nourishment for my strength?"
"Those who kill will be killed in return," Zhao Feng sneered, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
Seeing Zhao Feng like this, Ghost Valley Master's expression became somewhat odd, even a little shocked.
He had never expected Zhao Feng to be this bold.
"Perhaps your way of thinking is correct,"
"But I… am afraid."
"If I hadn't fallen into a spatial rift by accident back then and miraculously arrived in Shenzhou, I would have already been devoured by those demonic immortals," Ghost Valley Master sighed and shook his head.
"Senior,"
"Dare to make a bet with me?" Zhao Feng suddenly asked.
Ghost Valley Master raised an eyebrow. "What kind of bet?"
"It's simple."
"If one day I establish my empire, I want you to serve in my dynasty."
"To strengthen our people," Zhao Feng said seriously.
"If I step into the mortal world, the power of humanity's destiny will consume me."
"Moreover,"
"A unified empire will have an even stronger destiny, one that I cannot withstand," Ghost Valley Master shook his head.
"What if I find a way to resolve that issue in the future?" Zhao Feng smiled confidently.
In this world, there was no known method for controlling destiny dynasties.
Even a true emperor could only guide destiny with commands, but he could not fully control it.
However, Zhao Feng by relying on his unique cultivation technique could achieve that.
In the future, when he established his destiny dynasty, a single decree from him could allow Ghost Valley Master to enter the mortal world without repercussions.
"If you can solve it,"
"Then why wouldn't I serve your dynasty?" Ghost Valley Master laughed.
"Senior, then it's settled!" Zhao Feng immediately nodded.
"It's settled."
"After so many years, I long to experience the outside world again," Ghost Valley Master sighed with deep emotion.
"I will help you enter the mortal world in the future," Zhao Feng said with unwavering confidence.
Ghost Valley Master chuckled, then suddenly thought of something.
"Zhao Feng forget it, I'll just call you Zhao brat."
"I have lived for countless years beyond your imagination."
"Right now, the Qin state has yet to unify Shenzhou, and the Qin King is still alive, yet you're already talking about founding your empire."
"What?"
"Are you not planning to assist the Qin King?" Ghost Valley Master asked with a teasing smile.
"Currently, the Qin King has indeed allowed me to rise, and though I earned my rewards through battlefield merit, I cannot deny that he has treated me well."
"But the Qin King is still just a mortal his lifespan is limited."
"And with my strength, should I serve his incapable sons once he is gone?"
"That, I refuse to do," Zhao Feng stated firmly, hiding nothing from Ghost Valley Master.
"I may have stayed hidden in Ghost Valley, but every so often, that brat Wei Liao sends messages to keep me informed of the world's affairs."
"The court and the world remain in constant turmoil,"
"Indeed,"
"The Qin King's sons are all unimpressive."
"If the Qin King dies, the vast empire of Great Qin may not be able to stand," Ghost Valley Master agreed with a nod.
"Destruction precedes rebirth."
"Once the Qin King falls, the world will undoubtedly plunge into chaos once more, and I will seize that moment leading my army to sweep across the land and reshape the world," Zhao Feng declared.
"Yes," Ghost Valley Master nodded approvingly.
"Senior, having resided in Ghost Valley for so long,"
"Have you never trained any cultivator disciples?"
"With your abilities, you should be able to find disciples with spiritual roots, right?" Zhao Feng asked curiously.
"Sigh."
"I was gravely injured and saw no future ahead why would I train disciples only to lead them into despair?"
"However,"
"Humans are not emotionless."
"In the past, those I trained who returned to Ghost Valley have now all stepped onto the path of cultivation."
"Nowadays, they hide away in the mountains, dedicating themselves to cultivation," Ghost Valley Master smiled.
"If that's the case,"
"Then when you enter the mortal world one day, you'll be able to bring talented individuals with you," Zhao Feng's eyes lit up.
Sun Wu (Sun Tzu),
Pang Juan,
Zhang Yi…
So many of Ghost Valley's disciples!
Each one of them was a genius.
"You do think far ahead,"
"If your vision truly becomes a reality, why wouldn't my disciples and I enter the mortal world?" Ghost Valley Master burst into laughter.
"Good! That is exactly what I hope for!" Zhao Feng laughed along with him.
The two conversed happily within the Ghost Valley.
Xianyang!
Inside the court's main hall!
"Reporting to Your Majesty!"
"An urgent report from Chen Ying City!"
"It is personally written by Grand General Huan Yi!"
A messenger soldier hurriedly entered the hall, his expression carrying a sense of seriousness.
He held the urgent report in his hands, raising it high.
Upon hearing this!
Ying Zheng, seated on the throne, showed a slight change in expression.
This was not a victory report.
Moreover, since it was personally written by Huan Yi rather than a middle-ranking officer like the central army's Sima, it was evident that this was not good news perhaps even a dire one.
"Present it to me."
Ying Zheng commanded in a deep voice.
Zhao Gao, standing by his side, immediately stepped forward, took the urgent report with both hands and quickly ascended the steps, presenting it respectfully to Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng broke the seal at once and unfolded the report.
As soon as his eyes scanned its contents
His face turned extremely grim.
Under the gaze of all the ministers in the court
"Outrageous!"
Ying Zheng roared in fury, hurling the report across the hall.
The terrifying aura of a sovereign ruler instantly filled the entire court.
Every official's face changed drastically; they were at a loss, unable to comprehend the situation.
"Your Majesty, please quell your anger!"
But in the next moment
All the ministers immediately bowed, collectively shouting in reverence.
Among them, Han Fei glanced at Ying Zheng's livid face before stepping forward with measured steps, picking up the discarded urgent report.
As he unfolded and read it
Han Fei's expression darkened as well.
His gaze, whether intentionally or not, landed on Fusu.
"Father, what has happened?"
Noticing Han Fei's glance, Fusu bowed deeply toward Ying Zheng and asked.
Upon hearing his son's voice, a cold light flashed through Ying Zheng's eyes.
But in the end, he suppressed his fury, withdrawing his gaze, and merely waved his hand at Han Fei.
Han Fei immediately understood.
Holding up the urgent report, his tone was grave.
"The Grand General's urgent report!"
"Lord Changping, Mi Qi, has betrayed the nation and defected to Chu!" Han Fei announced loudly.
The moment these words fell
It was as if a thunderclap had struck the grand hall.
Every minister was utterly stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
Especially Fusu his complexion turned pale, his body wobbled as if he could barely stand.
On the other hand, Hu Hai and Zhao Gao, standing beside Ying Zheng
After a brief moment of shock
Their hearts surged with joy.
"This is truly heaven's will against Fusu becoming the crown prince!"
"Mi Qi is Fusu's maternal grandfather!"
"If Mi Qi has betrayed the nation, and turned against the king's grace, how can his grandson, Fusu, ever hope to be crown prince?"
"Fusu is finished!"
"The Mi faction is finished!"
Zhao Gao was inwardly ecstatic.
Undoubtedly
This news was the most devastating blow Fusu could receive.
His maternal clan's betrayal of the nation how utterly disgraceful was that?
Mi Qi's actions had essentially ruined Fusu, destroyed his grandson's future, and annihilated any influence the Mi faction had in Qin's court.
"It's over."
"The Crown Prince is finished."
Wei Zhuang's face turned grim.
Those ministers who had supported Fusu shared the same despair.
Given the current circumstances, everyone could see the immense damage this had caused Fusu.
"How could Lord Changping betray the nation?"
"Your Majesty!"
"Could there be some misunderstanding?"
Wei Zhuang gritted his teeth and stepped forward, his voice laced with hesitation and apprehension.
"Betrayal has already been confirmed, and yet you still speak of misunderstanding?"
Ying Zheng snapped coldly.
"I dare not!"
Wei Zhuang immediately bowed deeply and stepped back.
At this moment
Han Fei spoke again.
"This urgent report was personally written by Grand General Huan Yi."
"I shall read it aloud."
"Mi Qi has betrayed the nation, colluding with Chu's Xiang Yan, intending to annihilate our entire army at Hangu Camp!"
"Xiang Yan led his troops out of Chu's Fangcheng, attempting to lure our forces into battle. Once our army advanced, Mi Qi would cut off our supplies, seize Chen Ying City, and sever our retreat."
"Fortunately, Grand General Zhao Feng sent a warning, revealing Mi Qi's treachery."
"As Xiang Yan engaged our forces, I ordered a tactical retreat, catching Mi Qi off guard. I then led my troops in a direct assault on Chen Ying City!"
"We seized the city in one decisive strike!"
"Most of the traitors who followed Mi Qi in his betrayal have been executed."
"However, Mi Qi sensed the danger in time, leading his remaining forces to flee Chen Ying City and escape into Chu territory."
"This battle was perilous."
"Our forces have now withdrawn to the Chu border, regrouping at Chen Ying City."
"Once we have recovered, we shall launch a renewed assault on Chu!"
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