Daqin Zhentiansi

If you owe a debt, you have to work to pay it off.

Upon arrival in the capital, they will be dispersed and resettled.

The Department of Crafts, skilled in fire magic and weapon crafting, assists in forging military equipment, refining Chaos Pearls, or modifying frontline magical materials.

Those skilled in setting up formations, sealing techniques, or talismans are subject to the command of the Heavenly Guard.

Those with exceptional strength or who possess unique water-elemental techniques will be selected by the Ministry of War to either be incorporated into the logistics department or join special military units adapted to naval warfare.

Regardless of which government office they were in, they all had only one core objective: to refine the Chaos Yuan Power day and night, and to create the Chaos Yuan Pearl, which was the size of a pigeon egg but priceless, in order to repay the debt of saving their lives owed to the Great Qin.

Their dream of immortality and carefree wandering was temporarily locked beside the forge of the massive Qin chariot.

A promise that lasts for ten thousand years.

The contract personally drawn up by the Marquis of Qingyang of the Great Qin Dynasty saved Penglai, but also imprisoned it.

The Great Qin Imperial City.

Qianyang Palace.

Inside the majestic and solemn Qianyang Palace, the assembled officials held their breath.

Emperor Yuankang, dressed in a black dragon robe, sat high on his throne, his gaze calmly fixed on the returning Marquis Qingyang.

Zhang Yuan, though travel-worn, exuded an aura of profound depth. He took out a square seal wrapped in dark gold cloth from his storage artifact.

When presented with both hands, the cloth automatically lifted a corner, revealing a jade seal that was entirely green, yet stained with traces of time and the fires of calamity.

The seal knob, with its nine dragons coiled around it, is lifelike, and the ancient seal script inscription "By the mandate of Heaven, may your life be long and prosperous" flows with a dim luster.

This is the Great Qi Imperial Seal, which has been passed down for eight hundred years!

The cloth fell completely, and the imperial seal was silently placed on the imperial desk.

Emperor Yuankang's gaze fell upon the jade seal. He stretched out his slender fingers and gently stroked the warm yet cool jade, his fingertips slowly caressing the dragon patterns and fine engravings on it.

The hall was silent, and all eyes were focused on the seal that symbolized a once-powerful dynasty.

The emperor's face showed neither excessive elation nor deliberate restraint.

It was a profound sentiment, a sentiment that could only arise from the accumulation of countless dynasties' rise and fall histories.

That sigh revealed a clear understanding of the ironclad rule that "rise and fall, glory and disgrace are the natural course of dynasties."

There is a review of how Emperor Taizu of Qi, Jiang Huan, divided the land and territory back then, and there is also an overwhelming and irresistible trend that has almost solidified into reality!
Eight hundred years of trials and tribulations, eight hundred years of entangled grudges, all come to an end today.

This jade seal, stained with too much blood and fire, lies quietly on the desk. Its return itself is the most magnificent epic written by the Qin Dynasty with its overwhelming national strength and will.

The emperor's voice, deep and clear, echoed in the silent hall, delivering the final verdict:

"The Qi dynasty... has come to an end."

Zhentiansi.

Youxuan Palace.

The interior of the hall was not brightly lit like a typical hall, but rather dimly lit, simulating the depths of the ocean.

The runes, like twinkling stars, flowed slowly across the walls and dome, like a slumbering sea eye.

The air was filled with the salty sea breeze and a faint, eerie pressure, so ordinary guards would never dare to enter without permission.

Zhang Yuan sat on the black iron throne at the head of the table. He was not wearing armor, but dressed in a black casual robe with two swords hanging at his waist.

Opposite him was not a physical entity, but a deep, turbulent vortex.

At the center of the vortex, two dark golden lights shone, like cold pupils piercing through the ages.

Containing violence, loneliness, and a trace of barely perceptible weariness, it was the projection of the divine soul of the Xuanqiong Demon Lord, trapped in the core of the Zhenhai Formation.

"Lord Qingyang..." A deep, resonant thought, seemingly emanating from the deepest abyss, echoed through the palace, carrying the pride of an ancient demon, "You invited me here, intending to use this prison as a bargaining chip to discuss... matters of service?"

The vortex twisted slightly, conveying a sense of being offended and scrutinized.

Zhang Yuan's face remained calm as his fingertips unconsciously tapped the cold armrest, producing a soft, clear sound that was particularly distinct in the tranquil hall.

He stared directly into those two dark golden eyes: "Chancery? Demon Lord is mistaken. Reshaping the Sea-Suppressing Pillar and activating the Great Array is not to imprison you, but to establish the foundation for stabilizing the sea, which cannot be lost. You have nowhere to escape, that is a fact."

"However, the cooperation is not because of your predicament, but because you have something useful to offer."

He paused, slowing his speech, each word carrying undeniable weight: "In the early days of the divine path, heaven and earth were in order. You wish to use the imperial decree of the Great Qin Dynasty, based on your divine soul, to become a guardian deity of the sea? A good idea. Unfortunately—"

A faint smile curved Zhang Yuan's lips, conveying a sense of looking down and expectation: "With your current remnant soul and remaining power, you are not yet capable of guarding this vast sea frontier and protecting the sea people."

"You are not qualified to sit on the throne of the Dragon King of the East Sea."

Xuanqiong Demon Lord's soul vortex suddenly stopped, and waves of anger and humiliation surged like deep-sea currents. The starlight runes in the hall flickered violently for a moment, as if they were about to collapse.

The ancient, ferocious aura almost broke through the projection, but it was firmly suppressed by the invisible palace restrictions and the faint yet powerful aura emanating from Zhang Yuan.

Finally, that raging fury transformed into a deep, thunderous roar: "Arrogant humans!"

"Whether it is arrogance or not, the Demon Lord knows for himself." Zhang Yuan remained unmoved, his gaze piercing through the vortex, as if seeing a more distant future. "But you are not entirely without a place to go. The East Sea army has just been pacified, and the soldiers have shed blood. Among them, those who are willing to take root in this boundless deep blue do not wish to return to the land."

"I intend to establish a new army dedicated to deep-sea patrols, exploration, and protection. This 'Sea-Suppressing Hidden Dragon Army' can be entrusted to your command."

Zhang Yuan's tone carried a solemn air, as if he were entrusting someone with an important task.

"With your remaining strength, train and command those fierce soldiers who yearn to remain in the sea, using their blood and military might to nurture your divine soul. When the campaign against Wei is successful and the army returns in triumph, the time for rewarding merit will be the time for you, Xuanqiong, to regain a 'divine body' truly worthy of the responsibility of guarding the sea!"

"This is a transaction, and it is also your only smooth path back to the world."

"The Hidden Dragon Army?" Xuanqiong Demon Lord pondered, his dark golden eyes flickering slightly.

To lead a valiant human army?
This is much better than just a wandering ghost.

But an even greater temptation followed...

Zhang Yuan leaned forward slightly, his eyes seemingly reflecting a vast galaxy, his voice carrying a convincing breadth: "Demon Lord, the ancient times collapsed, and the Nine Provinces were divided. The Great Qin's blade has already settled the Liangyuan Domain, pacified the East Sea, and destroyed the Qi Kingdom; this is merely the beginning."

"One day, the Qin warships will break through the endless waves and march on Zhao Continent, Qi Continent, and even the distant outer realms..."

The scene he described resonated within the soul of the Xuanqiong Demon Lord: "That is the truly vast stage! There, perhaps there are old friends who are still alive... and even 'old friends' who lured you into the Zhenhai trap or stood by and watched."

"Don't you want to watch them be annihilated under the iron hooves of the Qin Dynasty? Or... reunite in the new heaven?"

The words "old friend" carry a chilling undertone and an irresistible allure.

"boom!"

The deep vortex suddenly burst forth with an unprecedented light, no longer the angry golden light, but a blood-red starlight mixed with excitement, ambition, and boundless desire!
The heart of the Xuanqiong Demon Lord, which had been dormant for 120,000 years, was completely ignited!
The sea of ​​stars!

revenge!

Witness the demise of those "old friends" who once looked down upon you!

"Zhang Yuan... Marquis Qingyang!" The Demon Lord's will was no longer suppressed, but carried an almost roaring determination, "The Hidden Dragon Army... I accept! After destroying Wei... I want my true form! I want to see the Qin warships stain the outer seas!" An invisible divine soul contract intertwined in the hall, and the vast fortune and the power of the ancient demon soul entwined, finally achieving stability.

……

Imperial City.

Altar for worshipping Heaven.

The sun shines brightly, yet it cannot conceal the grandeur of the altar.

A nine-tiered platform made of white jade points straight to the sky, covered with ancient and weathered runes.

Emperor Yuankang, dressed in a robe with twelve imperial symbols, stood atop the altar, his majesty resembling that of a deity descending to earth.

Below in the plaza, the remains of thirteen enormous, mountain-like monsters were piled up in a pyramid shape, each exuding a terrifying aura that sent chills down one's spine!
There is a giant Kun skeleton, as white as snow, as if it were carrying the blue sky on its back.

Of the nine-headed black dragon, only seven heads remain, and electric arcs still leap from the severed, hideous head.

The turtle's shell was broken, yet it was still filled with a heavy, watery aura.

Even more amazing creatures include the Lava Demon Lizard and the Vajra Realm Giant Octopus...

These are the most glorious spoils of the East China Sea Battle, a monument to the Qin Dynasty's iron-blooded conquest!
"The mighty Qin Dynasty, by the mandate of Heaven, will sweep across the eight wastelands!" The Master of Ceremonies' voice, like a resounding bell, echoed in all directions.

The emperor raised his cup to the heavens, his expression solemn: "Now, with the body of this demon from the Eastern Sea, I offer this sacrifice to Heaven and Earth! The Eastern Sea is calm, the rebellious Qi has been annihilated, Liang is pacified, and the divine way is restored! This is the favor of Heaven, and also the result of the blood and courage of me and the soldiers of Great Qin!"

"Long live our emperor! Long live the Great Qin!"

A million soldiers and the entire city's populace roared in unison. The sound waves converged into a tangible torrent, soaring straight to the heavens!

As the emperor poured the wine from the jade goblet onto the altar and ignited the "whale brain jade fat" within the thirteen remains of demon kings, an indescribable and vast power erupted!
"Om-!"

Thirteen thick beams of light shot into the sky from the demon's body!

Red, gold, cyan, blue, purple...

Thirteen colors of divine light intertwined and twisted, piercing through the clouds and turning the entire sky into a magnificent and colorful painting!

There are thousands of rays of light and auspicious aura!
The spiritual energy between heaven and earth has never been so rich and active, and the aura of the divine path is clearer and more powerful than ever before.

A profound and mysterious will seemed to be completely awakened, and the aura of the Heavenly Dao became even more intense and powerful.

Countless tiny threads of law shimmered and coalesced between the pillars of light, as if heaven and earth had rewoven order for this grand triumph.

The Great Dao roared, the divine throne trembled, and the spiritual veins of mountains and rivers rejoiced!

This is the grandest manifestation of the Qin Dynasty's national fortune, the prelude to the future conferment of divine titles, and the glorious moment when the foundation of the divine way is completely anchored in this world!

The viewing pavilion.

Elegant room.

The strange phenomenon of the sacrificial ceremony in the distance was reflected through the glass window, its bizarre and colorful light illuminating the figures embracing each other.

Zhao Yu leaned lazily against Zhang Yuan, her delicate chin resting on his shoulder. Looking at the thirteen magnificent beast corpses in the square, her watery eyes did not reflect awe or excitement, but rather a deep sense of regret.

She wrinkled her pert little nose, stretched out her slender, jade-like finger, and whispered a complaint towards the window, her soft voice carrying a strong hint of greed: "Zhang Yuan... look at that huge whale skeleton. If it were disassembled and sold as a whole, the spirit materials market would be fighting tooth and nail for it..."

"And that seven-headed dragon serpent, tsk, only five heads left. It's not in good condition, and its horns are broken off. How much will it be discounted now..."

"Oh dear, that giant turtle's shell is so badly cracked! Those old men in the Ministry of Works are heartbroken... If they were all transported to Wanbaolou for auction, how many immortal jades could they get back?"

"Just burning it like that... what a waste..."

She became more and more engrossed in her speech, her little face full of "virtuousness" as she planned for her family's business, and her whole being exuded the shrewdness of a "little money-grubber".

The magnificent sacrificial ceremony before her eyes seemed to be a huge, money-burning loss in her eyes.

Zhang Yuan didn't say anything, but the large hand around her waist began to wander.

“Hmm…” Zhao Yu’s body stiffened abruptly, and all his calculations about the immortal jade vanished instantly.

A soft, startled moan escaped her lips, which she bit down hard and swallowed back, leaving only a seductive whisper.

Her pretty face flushed instantly, as if painted with the most vibrant rouge, and even her fair and slender neck took on a faint pink hue.

She bit her lower lip hard with her pearly teeth, trying her best to maintain a dignified appearance, and dared not make a sound.

Her bright, large eyes were now watery, glaring at Zhang Yuan with a mixture of shyness and annoyance.

Zhang Yuan chuckled softly, feeling the soft trembling in his arms and her adorable reaction. He tightened his arms slightly, gently nuzzled her fragrant hair with his chin, and continued to admire the grand sacrificial ceremony outside the window, a scene that Zhao Yu found so heartbreaking.

The grandeur of the sacrificial ceremony and the beauty in one's arms, the coldness of imperial power and achievements and the tender thoughts of one's beloved, all intertwine at this moment, creating the most authentic human experience.

……

The clamor in the imperial city had not yet subsided, and the afterglow of the grand sacrificial ceremony to Heaven still lingered in the sky, yet Emperor Yuankang's edict to bestow titles and rewards upon the generals of the Eastern Navy had already shaken all directions.

Yu Wanjun, Xue Dingyue and other fierce generals were promoted to earls, given swords and seals, and were at the height of their power.

The precious materials and medicines, as well as the imperial fields and mansions obtained by Pei Lie and other disciples of the Nine Yang Sword Sect, are also the envy of many.

However, what truly captivated countless hearts was another recruitment notice.

The Great Qin officially established the "Zhenhai Guard," recruiting three million elite soldiers and promoting one hundred and twenty meritorious generals!

The area in front of the Ministry of War was bustling with carriages and horses, as sons of military merit, descendants of generals, and even heroes from humble backgrounds crowded together.

East China Sea!

The front line that held off the Eastern Wei Dynasty was also a legendary blue battlefield filled with rare treasures!

Military achievements, wealth, power...

Who wouldn't be tempted by a future that offers all three?

Amidst the sweltering heat of the East China Sea sweeping through the capital, in an inconspicuous corner of the Ministry of Rites, clerk Wang Ping, holding a self-recommendation letter with its ink still wet, walked with a much lighter pace than usual.

Pushing open the door to the newly allocated three-story courtyard house in Zhongsancheng, a house that is small but complete, the aroma of food mixed with the warmth of charcoal fire wafts out.

The old father was picking walnuts in the hall, the old mother was nagging by the stove, his wife Liu was bending over to coax their five-year-old son to eat, and their seven-year-old daughter was practicing calligraphy by the window.

"Why are you back so early today?" His wife, Liu, looked up and saw the documents in his hand. She had already guessed what was going on, and her smile froze slightly.

“Father, Mother, Hui Niang…” Wang Ping took a deep breath, placed the document on the slightly old eight-immortal table in the main room, and said with a hint of barely perceptible excitement in his voice, “The Ministry of Personnel is recruiting the Quartermaster of Zhenhai Guard. I… I signed up. I got the job. I will go to Zhenhai Guard to report tomorrow.”

The hall fell silent instantly.

The old mother stopped her rambling and looked at her son in astonishment.

The old man paused, his hand still holding the walnuts.

The smile on Liu's face completely disappeared. She looked at the thin piece of paper on the table, then at Wang Ping, whose eyes were full of expectation, and finally her gaze fell on the bright and clean little home.

This was a true "home" within the imperial city, a place I had never even dared to dream of before. (End of Chapter)