Great Han.
Chang'an, Tianyong City of the Great Han.
Wujiang Hall.
Sun Li's fair and slender hands gripped the Red Lotus Blade as she focused intently on practicing her blade technique. Up to this point, she remained at the Profound Manifestation realm perfection stage, unable to break through to the Martial Saint realm.
"This blade technique appears chaotic like lotus blossoms and fierce like raging fire, but in truth, one must find stillness within chaos and stability within fury. The same principle applies to breathing. Come…"
Chen Sanshi stood behind the Imperial Noble Consort, guiding her hand by hand through each movement and each breath, attending to every detail without omission.
This was the full instruction of the number one martial artist under heaven in the Eastern Divine Continent. Not even his few disciples had received such treatment.
Unfortunately…
The siblings Sun Li and Sun Buqi—while the former had been diligent in her youth but lacking in talent, the latter possessed sufficient talent yet was exceedingly lazy.
Now Sun Buqi had already become a Martial Saint, yet Sun Li was still stuck at the Profound Manifestation realm, struggling without breakthrough. It was truly worrisome.
"Senior Sister."
Chen Sanshi spoke softly, "I have already prepared the heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Once you advance to Martial Saint, you can begin attempting to open the twenty-four scenic divine spirits."
Sun Li executed a dazzling flourish of her blade, sheathing the Red Lotus Blade. Yet her expression dimmed slightly, forming a faint, forced smile. "You know that my aspirations do not lie in cultivation."
"How can that be acceptable?"
Chen Sanshi immediately refuted, "A mortal's lifespan is limited. Senior Sister has no spiritual root, so martial arts are her only hope. Strive to break through above the True Force Realm as soon as possible—that is the long-term path."
Sun Li did not reply. She merely offered a slight bow. "This concubine obeys Your Majesty."
"Eh?"
Before Chen Sanshi could react, she had already departed.
Left with no choice, he went to the bedchamber behind Wujiang Hall to find the Empress, who was engaged in needlework, hoping that while he was away she could help urge Sun Li forward.
"Your Majesty should not press Sister Li so much. She knows what she is doing."
Gu Xinlan set down her needle and thread and spoke gently, "During the days when Your Majesty is absent, Sister Li feels quite lonely.
"Although she usually spends time with Yunxi and Yunhuan, the more she does so, sometimes the more… Does Your Majesty understand what this concubine means?"
"I do."
Chen Sanshi said thoughtfully, "It is my negligence. These years, I have indeed neglected Senior Sister."
"Exactly."
Gu Xinlan continued, "Those ministers in court also submit memorials daily, urging the nurturing of more imperial heirs to strengthen the imperial clan."
"Lan jie'er."
A thought suddenly occurred to Chen Sanshi. "Would you like to try cultivating the Path of Incense and Divinity?"
Breaking through to the second realm of the Path of Incense and Divinity also extended one's lifespan.
"This concubine should decline."
Gu Xinlan gently shook her head. "This concubine truly understands nothing about cultivation. I fear I would not even comprehend the strange and obscure terminology within."
"Very well."
Chen Sanshi said no more.
According to his understanding, anyone who cultivated the Path of Incense and Divinity required 'devotion.' Upon reaching a certain height, one became a 'Divine Envoy.' The entire person belonged completely to the religion, even to the extent of losing oneself.
This was true whether one followed the righteous path or the Path of the Evil God.
That night.
Chen Sanshi returned to Yonghe Palace within Qinghua Palace of the rear palace.
This was Sun Li's residence. For a period of time ahead, he intended to stay here, taking advantage of his leisure to make more effort and strive for another imperial heir.
The next morning.
Chen Sanshi donned his dragon robe and went to Taiji Hall in the Daming Palace for the morning court session.
"We pay respects to Your Majesty!"
"Long live our Emperor, long live, long live ten thousand years!"
"If there are matters, present them. If none, court is dismissed."
After the customary procedures, the formal court session began.
There was no need to detail the various affairs large and small. In summary, everything was flourishing. The national treasury was abundant, finances robust, commanding 2,800,000 troops in total, of which more than 400,000 were elite forces.
"Reporting to Your Majesty."
Xu Wencai stepped forward. "Regarding Southern Xu's removal of the imperial title and submission as a vassal to our Great Han, arrangements have been properly concluded. It is expected that in 10 days, Fan Shuzhen will formally exit the city to surrender the imperial seal. Qi Cheng is currently near the Southern Xu capital.
"As for Eastern Qing, their attitude was initially good, but when it came time for implementation, they changed their tone and even set up an ambush, causing our forces to suffer losses of more than 1,000 troops."
"Eastern Qing."
Chen Sanshi lightly tapped the dragon throne with his finger, recalling information in his mind. "If I remember correctly, the current emperor of Eastern Qing is a child of only 10 years?"
"Precisely."
Xu Wencai said, "Several years ago, Eastern Qing's former emperor, Emperor Suiyuan, had voluntarily sought to become a vassal state. However, he was overthrown by the current young emperor in collusion with members of the imperial clan. Though young, this child emperor possesses some degree of cunning."
"Set a deadline for them."
Chen Sanshi said in a deep voice, "If by that time they are still unwilling to submit, I shall personally make a trip."
"This minister will arrange it at once."
Xu Wencai added, "Regarding the recent surrender ceremony of Southern Xu, does Your Majesty wish to attend in person? After the ceremony concludes, according to the original plan, troops will be successively deployed to Southern Xu's southern border."
"I shall arrange it personally."
Chen Sanshi gazed at the enormous map of the Eastern Divine Continent displayed along the side of the grand hall. He knew that certain deployments could now begin preparation.
He added, "In the pacification of Southern Xu, many of you have rendered merit. I shall reward and punish with clear distinction."
"Court—dismissed!"
Accompanied by the eunuch's resonant announcement, the court session came to an end.
After handling several additional administrative matters, Chen Sanshi boarded the Shuhu dragon carriage. Leaving Chang'an, he flew straight south, arriving in Southern Xu a few days later.
Qi Cheng, disciple of Wolong, had rushed back to the continent after concluding affairs at Luoxia Mountain to oversee Southern Xu's surrender. Under his reception, the Tianwu Emperor led several thousand cavalry to the gates of the capital.
"Rumble—"
The city gates slowly opened.
The Hongxi Emperor of Southern Xu, Fan Shuzhen, had changed from dragon robes into a python robe. Holding the imperial crown and the national seal of Southern Xu aloft, he led the civil and military officials out of the city to kneel in welcome.
"We pay respects to His Majesty, the Tianwu Emperor!"
Fan Shuzhen's expression was somewhat dejected. Bloodshot veins lingered in his eyes. In his voice one could hear unwillingness and helplessness. "This subject, Fan Shuzhen, is willing for all eternity to serve as a vassal of Great Han!"
"Rise."
Chen Sanshi personally helped him up. "I shall leave you in Chu Capital City. Govern well as King of Southern Xu."
"This subject kowtows in gratitude for Your Majesty's heavenly grace!"
Now middle-aged, Fan Shuzhen knocked his head heavily against the ground. When he raised it again, he seemed to have aged 20 years in an instant. Looking at the Tianwu Emperor before him, he felt as though lifetimes had passed.
He recalled how, at Hulao Pass years ago, he had stood as an imperial prince while the other had merely been a commanding general.
More than a decade later, their identities had undergone such earth-shaking reversal.
Chen Sanshi invited him onto the dragon carriage. Together they entered the capital. The army followed in overwhelming force. From that day onward, Southern Xu ceased to exist. The Great Han Dynasty, once with 1 capital and 36 prefectures, now became 1 capital and 62 prefectures.
Within Chu Capital City, he ordered officials from the Ministry of War to bring forth a map.
"Transfer the Northern Liang Army's Hongze Battalion to garrison Longhua Prefecture. The Heavenly Strategy Camp shall garrison Qianyang Prefecture. The Black Turtle Battalion shall garrison Liu'an Prefecture. The White Tiger Battalion shall garrison Zitong Prefecture."
Among mortals were numerous spies of the Heavenly Water sects. Every move was under enemy surveillance. Such a major troop redeployment was naturally no exception.
Thus this deployment mixed truth with falsehood. On the surface, it appeared purely to strengthen control over Southern Xu's core territories. In reality, 2,000 troops were stationed near Nanling Town. At the moment an order arrived, they could advance toward Nanling Town at the fastest speed.
2,000 troops was a small number.
This was because traveling from Nanling Town to The Edge of the World required crossing the vast Sea of Mist. Chen Sanshi had not yet acquired enough specially crafted warships.
In the coming years, he would need to find a way to purchase more.
This posed a significant obstacle to advancing into Heavenly Water as well.
Any warship capable of traversing the Sea of Mist was a graded magical artifact. Not only were they expensive, they were also difficult to procure in large quantities, especially large vessels.
The best solution was custom construction.
"Zinan."
Chen Sanshi recalled one of his former neighbors at Little Bamboo Peak. That man was proficient in the art of weapon forging. Constructing warships should pose no difficulty for him. Upon returning, he would attempt to make contact.
In any case, he would mobilize as many as possible. So long as he could deploy the Heavenly Book formations effectively, it would barely suffice.
After all, the number of cultivators at Daze Market was limited.
Within the central camp of the Hongze Battalion.
Wang Li, Liu Jinkui, Xiong Qiu'an, Zhuang Yi, and other brothers from Poyang gathered here, fully armed and ready at all times.
Once everything was arranged,
Chen Sanshi began rewarding those who had rendered merit since the founding of Great Han 10 years ago.
After more than a decade of tempering, Qi Cheng had reached his thirties, becoming increasingly mature and steady. Diligent and tireless, he had executed a feint in the Battle of Luoxia Mountain, and personally handled the surrender of Southern Xu and Eastern Qing. For his accumulated merits, he was additionally granted the title Marquis of Anding.
Dongfang Jingxing, who conducted affairs properly and acted decisively in his first campaign, was promoted to Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial Supervision, ranking only below the Superintendent.
Zhou Weizhen, exceptionally gifted and leading from the front in bloody combat, was conferred the title of Second-Rank General of Agile Cavalry and appointed as Lieutenant General of the Central Army of the Tianxi Army.
Others who had shown valor in the Battle of Luoxia Mountain were likewise rewarded.
By the time Chen Sanshi had settled all affairs, more than a month had passed. According to the original schedule, the opening of the Nine Nether Forbidden Land was imminent.
However, news sent back by Shunzi from Heavenly Water reported that the forbidden land had not yet opened. Only intermittent disturbances arose within, each greater than the last.
Since it had not opened, Chen Sanshi was not in a hurry to return. Instead, he devoted himself to refining various skills while taking time to accompany his children and disciples.
Within the training ground of Wujiang Hall.
Su Can, Yu Ji, and Yu Lie cultivated separately along the sides.
Chen Duhe, meanwhile, leaned against a stone pillar, yawning repeatedly.
"Stand straight!"
Dressed in white robes, Chen Sanshi clasped his hands behind his back and rebuked, "You cannot even stand or sit properly. How can you practice martial arts?"
Only then did Chen Duhe straighten himself.
"Have you thought it through?"
Chen Sanshi asked, "What weapon do you plan to practice?"
Beside them, on the weapon rack, the eighteen types of weapons were laid out—saber, spear, sword, halberd, axe, poleaxe, hook, fork—everything one could imagine.
"A spear, of course."
Chen Duhe spoke as if it were only natural. He walked to the rack and reached for a Reed-Leaf Spear, but upon noticing the weapon beside it, he suddenly changed his mind.
"This one!"
He pulled out the weapon he had taken a liking to.
It was also a long-spear type, but along the edge of its spearhead extended an additional curved blade, shaped like a sickle.
"A Hooked Sickle Spear."
Chen Sanshi nodded. "Compared to an ordinary spear, it is easier to learn but harder to master. Have you thought it through?"
Chen Duhe gave a tacit nod.
"I happen to have a set of Hooked Sickle Spear techniques that your grandmaster once passed down to me. I will now pass them on to you. After you cultivate to a certain level, I can modify the technique personally for you and tailor it to your body."
Chen Sanshi began teaching patiently. "Do not underestimate the Mortal Shedding realm. Tempering blood, tempering bone, and even tempering organs—these early realms indeed possess less combat strength than a Qi Refining first-layer spell cultivator, but they form an extremely important foundation.
"No matter how far you go in the future, your understanding of martial arts originates from the Mortal Shedding period. Reaching perfection in Mortal Shedding and attaining the Martial Saint realm is the pinnacle of 'martial.'
"So you must treat it seriously and never slack off. A difference of a hair may lead to an error of a thousand miles, and it will affect your future upper limit."
Chen Duhe listened without comment, somewhat clumsily practicing his stances and spear techniques. In less than half a day, he began to find his rhythm.
The eldest son practiced martial arts, while the two daughters cultivated the immortal path.
Chen Yunxi cultivated sword techniques under Zhao Zhao and was now on the verge of stepping into Qi Refining fourth layer.
"Here, these pills are prepared by Father for you."
Chen Sanshi tossed over a porcelain bottle.
"Thank you, Father."
Chen Yunxi performed a graceful bow and said softly, "Father, where is Sister Qianxun? Recently, a few spirit beasts at Langfeng Peak have been disobedient. I'd like to ask Sister Qianxun to discipline them."
"Sister Qianxun? When did it become your sister?"
Chen Sanshi released it from his storage bag. "Yunxi has worked hard helping look after the mounts during this period. That is no easy task."
"Father, what are you saying?"
Chen Yunxi quickly replied, "This daughter should be happy to share Father's burdens. Not only me, Yunhuan is also finding ways to serve Tianyong City of the Great Han."
"Where is she?"
Chen Sanshi said, "Take me to see your younger sister."
"Alright."
Chen Yunxi somewhat awkwardly summoned her flying sword. When she stepped onto it, a trace of fear still lingered on her small face. After swaying several times, she steadied herself and flew toward Langfeng Peak.
Langfeng Peak was specifically used for raising spirit beasts.
Now, between Shuhu and Lushu, their numbers had reached nearly 1,000. Viewed from above, herds of spirit beasts galloped ceaselessly in magnificent momentum.
After reaching 1,000, their numbers would soon double again.
With Chen Yunxi and Qianxun present, even if most riders were ordinary Northern Liang soldiers, they would still be able to command them.
Over the past 2 years, whenever Chen Sanshi had the opportunity, he had also purchased other spirit beast cubs to raise. However, their growth speed was comparatively much slower.
Beside the spirit beast garden, Xu Yunhuan had cultivated a medicinal field. At this moment, both her hands formed spell seals. Specks of emerald-green spiritual light surged from the hand seal before her, cascading like moonlight onto the soil.
Chen Sanshi landed gently, not rushing to disturb her.
"Ah, Father Emperor has come."
After quite some time, Xu Yunhuan finally sensed someone approaching. Upon seeing who it was, she joyfully bowed. "This daughter greets Father Emperor."
"No need for such formalities."
Based on her constitution, Chen Sanshi also tossed her a bottle of the most suitable pills.
His adopted daughter's usual pastime was tending flowers and plants. She cultivated a Wood-attribute technique and hoped to help the court grow the most scarce spiritual plants.
From auctions, Chen Sanshi had acquired quite a number of precious spiritual plants. Unfortunately, the court lacked spiritual fields suitable for cultivation.
Recently, he had been consulting ancient texts and had found several heavenly materials and earthly treasures capable of transforming ordinary land into spiritual fields—but all were exceedingly rare.
"Yunxi, Yunhuan, Father Emperor understands your good intentions. But neither of you needs to rush to accomplish anything. Focus on cultivating diligently—opportunities will come sooner or later.
"Today your mother has personally cooked some dishes. Come with me to the family banquet."
He was just about to lead them away when, in the distant sky, a figure flying on a magical artifact suddenly appeared.
Zhang Shun landed in haste and cupped his fists. "Your Majesty, there is activity at the Nine Nether Forbidden Land!"