Daqin Zhentiansi

The next morning.

Outside the hermitage, shadowy figures could be seen.

An aura of awe, curiosity, and caution quietly permeated the air.

The disciple on duty announced that Yuwen Zhen of the Yunliao Sword Sect, Ling Hao, an elite disciple of the Dahe Sword Sect, and several core disciples, along with several young men and women dressed in clothing with the Tianxuan Star pattern, had come to visit.

Yuwen Zhen stepped in first, his gaze toward Zhang Yuan filled with immense awe and a lingering trace of fervent excitement.

He considered the battle at the core of the Blood Sea the highest honor of his life, and he also fully realized the vast gap between himself and the person in front of him.

He bowed deeply, his movements extremely solemn: "Senior Brother Zhang! I will never forget your life-saving grace! On this journey to the Sword Tomb, we disciples of the Cloud Blazing Sword Sect are willing to follow your lead without question!"

When Yuwen Zhen returned to the sect, he had already reported all his experiences in the Blood Sea.

The elders of the sect decided to send Yuwen Zhen to the Great River Sword Sect to form an alliance with them.

Ling Hao followed behind Yuwen Zhen, his expression complex.

The arrogance of being humiliated at the Canglang Pavilion and ignored at the Hanging Waterfall Banquet has long been crushed, leaving only a deep-seated awe.

He bowed deeply: "Senior Brother Zhang's swordsmanship is divine, we all admire him. We were presumptuous the other day, please punish us."

His tone was no longer arrogant, but filled with heartfelt respect.

If Zhang Yuan hadn't rescued him during the Blood Sea Trial, he and his disciples would have perished.

Moreover, he watched Zhang Yuan climb to the top of the leaderboard step by step.

This was a position that Ling Hao dared not even dream of.

It should be noted that the best result achieved by a disciple of the Great River Sword Sect is only 530th place.

That's Ling Hao.

According to the calculations of several elders in the sect, Zhang Qingyang's cultivation and combat strength have far surpassed those of the several Supreme Elders who are in seclusion in the sect, making him invincible in the Great River Sword Sect.

A woman with a cool and aloof demeanor, leading the Tianxuan Sword Pavilion, stepped forward. Her posture was respectful yet maintained the pride of her sect: "Your Excellency Qingyang, I am Yun Shuang, a disciple of the Tianxuan Sword Pavilion. I have come to pay my respects on the orders of the Supreme Elder, Ying Zun."

"The elders have made it clear that within the Sword Tomb, the disciples of Tianxuan must rely on each other and advance and retreat together with Qingyang Marquis."

When you mention "Ying Zun", you are referring to Ying Yuexuan!

The name of the Supreme Elder of the Qin Imperial Family is an immense symbol.

What they brought was Ying Yuexuan's recognition and reliance on this young warlord.

Inside the study, the atmosphere was somber.

Yuwen Zhen and the other disciples of the Great River Sword Sect looked on with gratitude and respect.

The disciples of Tianxuan Sword Pavilion responded solemnly.

All eyes were drawn to the figure in black robes sitting quietly behind the long table.

Although there was no overwhelming pressure emanating from him, his unparalleled achievements of slaying a half-step Saint Realm demon with one hand and calmly crushing a sword master had already transformed into an invisible "force" that weighed heavily on everyone's heart.

Zhang Yuan's gaze swept calmly over the crowd, naturally revealing the majesty of someone who had been tempered by blood and fire, who bore the weight of imperial authority and military secrets, and who wielded extraordinary power.

"Yes." His voice was calm, yet carried a reassuring weight. "Since we're in the same profession, we're comrades. The Sword Tomb is treacherous; it's only natural to protect and assist each other. Let's all prepare to go."

A simple affirmation and promise acted like a stabilizing force, instantly calming the unease in everyone's hearts caused by awe.

They bowed in unison, their voices filled with excitement: "Yes! We will obey the orders of the Marquis and our senior brother!"

The hermitage returned to tranquility.

Zhang Yuanduan sat down at his desk, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold spine of the "Yuanyue" sword, his gaze passing through the window lattice and towards the distant, rushing river.

The trial by fire has begun; its edge has been tested.

The trip to the Sword Tomb marked the beginning of his true breakthrough, as he used the Sword of the Sea and Mountains to cleave through the ancient forbidden lands and lay the foundation for the Qin Dynasty.

The dangers and taboos lurking within are both a challenge and an opportunity, and also the beginning of his ascent to the lost Heavenly Court.

Great Qin, let us recreate the glorious era of the thirty-six continents!
……

The political landscape of Yangtianzhou was in turmoil due to the earth-shattering upheaval of the Blood Sea Trial.

Zhang Qingyang, whose name rose like a comet, not only topped the Blood Sea Trial points leaderboard.

The legend of his final solo charge into the demon's lair, his apparent slaying of a half-step Saint Realm demon, and his ultimate triggering of a million-mile-long sea of ​​blood annihilation swept through all major forces like an invisible storm.

The heartland of the Immortal Alliance.

Taixu Sword Pavilion.

Beside the sword pool shrouded in mist, the white-clad youth with a sword mark between his brows stood with a somber expression.

A jade slip in his hand turned to dust. Inside was a record of Zhang Qingyang's "one-foot-high tilt" in front of the Great River Sword Sect, forcing the Sword Pavilion Elder Li Mubai to retreat.

"Zhang Qingyang..."

The young man murmured the name, his eyes sharp as a drawn sword.

"When I first entered the Blood Sea, I was unknown. In just a few days, I reached the top, overpowering Xuan Chengzi and the genius of my sect. In the end, I was able to trigger such a catastrophe."

"What virtue or ability does the Great River Sword Sect possess to harbor such a true dragon?"

He slowly rose to his feet and ordered the disciples standing behind him, "Pass down the order: within the Sword Tomb, all disciples of Taixu must be extremely cautious if they encounter this person!"

"Avoid their sharp edge for now, and do not engage in conflict unless absolutely necessary. However, if there is an opportunity to fight, seize the moment or draw on other forces to counter the external demons."

A mixture of apprehension and probing—this was the attitude of the leader of the Immortal Alliance.

When in charge of Yangtian Continent, the Immortal Path always employs a combination of kindness and severity.

Myriad Tribulations Talisman Sect.

Inside the ancient stone hall, the old man who had once been moved before the crystal tablet squinted, toying with a jade pendant inscribed with lightning runes in his hand.

The image projected onto the jade pendant was a clip of Zhang Qingyang performing the "Sea-Stabilizing Diversion" at the Nine-Bend Sword Wall.

"What a magnificent heavy sword carrying the vast ocean! Li Mubai has really gotten a huge bargain."

A strange smile crept onto his lips: "Such an amazing physical body and a Saint-level divine soul, if I could obtain its assistance, perhaps I could glimpse the ultimate mystery of the 'Zhou Tian Star Talisman Grand Array'..."

“Li Mubai is protective of his own, but he is no ordinary man. The Great River Sword Sect may not be his final destination.”

"Send a message to the disciples cultivating in the Sword Tomb, be sure to show goodwill, and use the ancient 'Thunderstrike Talisman' rubbing from the sect's secret collection as a pretext to probe their intentions."

……

Outer Realms Demon Cave. Blood Fiend Abyss.

Filthy blood clouds rolled and churned, and a mournful demonic howl echoed through the abyss.

A pair of enormous pupils, burning with blood-red flames, opened in the darkness, reflecting the afterimage of the destructive storm before the spatial rift collapsed, as well as the blurry yet ferocious humanoid silhouette at the center of the storm.

"It's him! I can sense the aura of the Sea-Suppressing Divine Gold... and that Soul-Burning Power!"

The deep, resentful voice seemed to come from the deepest hell.

"Li Mubai has actually found such a deadly weapon! This man cannot be allowed to live; his power has already been established, and he will surely become a major threat to our clan! Issue orders to all those infiltrating and the 'Shadow Assassins'!"

"Within the Sword Tomb, at all costs, annihilate it! Anyone who brings its head or retrieves the Zhenhai Fragment will be granted the baptism of the 'Blood Sea Sacred Pool' and promoted to the rank of Demon Lord!"

"If necessary, activate the 'God-Eating Demon Nails'..."

The murderous intent was so intense it was almost tangible; it was clear that they were willing to sacrifice their resources to eliminate him as quickly as possible.

Hejian Prefecture City.

The Zhao family mansion.

The patriarch, Zhao Changlin, paced back and forth excitedly, clutching a more detailed copy of the Blood Sea Battle Report in his hand.

"It's him! It must be that Marquis Qingyang of the Great Qin Dynasty! Zhang Qingyang of the Great River Sword Sect is none other than Marquis Qingyang, Zhang Yuan!"

He lowered his voice and said to the core elders, "There's no mistake! Such a spirit of overwhelming one's peers and slaying evil is rare in the world! Quick! Prepare generous gifts, no, prepare two sets!"

"One copy will be sent to the Great River Sword Sect to congratulate Zhang Qingyang on reaching the top, and the other, even thicker copy, will be sent to the secret liaison point in Yangtianzhou to congratulate the Great Qin Zhentianhou on his unparalleled martial achievements! With such a towering pillar outside, the Zhao family's future is limitless!"

After confirming Zhang Yuan's identity, the Zhao family leaders were overjoyed.

As one of the forces left behind by the Great Qin in Yangtianzhou, the Zhao family had been waiting for this day for countless years.

Unbeknownst to them, the entire Yangtian Continent was in turmoil.

……

Spring Mountain Cave.

The babbling brook remains unchanged, crystal clear, its tinkling sound like a tranquil melody.

The fragrant aroma of tea permeates the air amidst the scents of rare flowers and herbs, gently warming this small corner of the world.

Zhao Yu nestled beside Zhang Yuan.

Her bright face showed less worry and unease than when we last met, and more of a vibrant and excited blush, like a newly blossoming crabapple.

Her voice was clear and bright, filled with undisguised excitement as she eagerly shared the good news from her distant homeland: "I just received an urgent secret report from the Zhen Tian Division three days ago—a great victory on the western front!"

"His Highness the Crown Prince, commanding the army, decisively launched a northern attack on Chenzhou's gateway, based on the solid foundation of Qingtianzhou!"

"The report says they have made unstoppable progress, breaking through three strategic passes and fortresses that were severely corrupted by demonic energy!"

Zhao Yu's eyes gleamed, his tone brimming with pride: "Not only have we routed the main force of the defending army, but we've also selected a site in a strategically vital location on the outskirts of Chenzhou and begun constructing the impregnable 'Zhenyuan City'!"

Zhang Yuan's fingers, which were gently stroking her hair, paused slightly, and a look of understanding and deep approval flashed in his eyes.

He nodded slightly, his voice steady and powerful: "'Zhenyuan City'...a good name. The Crown Prince and the Master have worked together seamlessly, and the grain and education foundation of Qingtian Continent is now stable. At this moment, the timing of their military advance northward towards Chen Continent is extremely accurate."

"Choosing to establish a city and hold a strategic position after the demonized fortress has fallen and the enemy chieftain is terrified will not only allow us to guard the key points, but also serve as a base for either prolonged confrontation and pressure, or we can wait until our national strength is greater before making further moves."

"Chenzhou has been frozen for ten thousand years. It seems powerful, but it is riddled with internal contradictions. Now it is in a panic and dares not start a war. This is the time to consolidate its gains and digest its advantages. This move is in line with the essence of steady and solid progress."

Hearing his evaluation, Zhao Yu's admiration deepened. He nodded vigorously and continued, "The Eastern Frontier Camp, where the old Duke Han Qi was stationed, was the main battlefield. Yuting Pass, a key town in the eastern frontier that Wei had cultivated for many years and was known as an 'impregnable fortress,' has been captured by our main force in one fell swoop!"

"The morale of the Wei army has been severely damaged. That treacherous King Yuwen Tuo of Wei has been terrified and has sent a secret envoy to beg for surrender and peace!"

At this point, she wrinkled her delicate nose, a hint of disdain and pleasure in her expression: "What kind of person is the old Duke? He doesn't buy into that at all! He directly shut down the envoy, sternly ordering Yuwen Tuo to personally 'bind himself and come to the front of the army,' addressing him with the respect due to a subject, otherwise—"

Zhao Yu mimicked Han Qi's shrewd tone, waving his small fist: "The old Duke has made a bold statement: within a month, his army will surely be at the gates of the Wei capital, 'Wanren City'!"

In fact, the capital of Wei was originally called Wanren City, but after Wei established its capital there, it was renamed Yuanliang.

In the eyes of the Qin Dynasty, that was Wanren City, a vital strategic location in the eastern border region.

Zhang Yuan smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "Old Han has always been decisive and ruthless. With the fall of Yuting Pass, the eastern gate of Wei Kingdom is wide open, and our army can now advance unimpeded."

"Yuwen Tuo is ambitious but cowardly. His current attempt to seek peace is nothing more than a delaying tactic, hoping to lure other forces into intervention or defend the capital."

"The old Duke's demand to 'bind himself and submit' is a calculated move, designed to force him to choose between a humiliating surrender and the complete annihilation of his state. As for the State of Zhao..."

His tone turned cold and certain: "In the Battle of Feiyun Gorge, most of Zhao's elite troops were surrounded and annihilated. They are like turtles in a jar, their fate is sealed, and their defeat is just around the corner."

"It seems that Elder Han is determined to achieve his goal in one fell swoop and wipe out the two bandits in the eastern border."

Zhang Yuan left Yongtianzhou to relinquish his military achievements.

As he said, he was not lacking in military achievements; what the Qin Dynasty lacked were countless brave men like him.

The great war is now raging, and countless military heroes hope to make their mark.

"Yes!" Zhao Yu nodded emphatically, completely agreeing with Zhang Yuan's judgment. Her face flushed with excitement. "Good news is also pouring in from the southern front! Even the secret reports from the Zhen Tian Division praise the Third Prince Ying Xian's extraordinary abilities!"

"Your Highness is playing a skillful game of alliances and counter-alliances in the Azure Sky Domain. On the surface, he is pressing forward and exerting pressure on the arrogant armies of the various tribes in the Azure Sky Domain, but in secret, he has already made contact with the powerful tribes in the Pingchong Domain who have been oppressed by the Azure Sky Domain Lord for many years."

Her eyes gleamed with excitement: "Just three days ago! The largest force in Pingchong Domain, the Baixi Tribe, suddenly rebelled and joined forces with His Highness the Third Prince!"

"They took us by surprise, and with the help of our well-prepared elite army, they captured Dingbo City, the key city at the confluence of three rivers in Pingchong, which controls the entire southern waterway!"

Zhao Yu's voice rose dramatically: "This has stirred up a hornet's nest! It has directly severed the main waterway lifeline upon which the Azure Sky Domain depends for its survival!"

"The entire Azure Sky Domain was thrown into turmoil, and panic spread. Even the Azure Sky Domain Lord, who had always been arrogant and disdainful of others, finally couldn't hold on any longer!"

"I heard that he has been forced by internal and external pressure to secretly send a secret envoy to our army camp to request negotiations on terms of surrender! Grand Secretary Wang Anzhi of the Council of State is already working tirelessly to draft the regulations for future enfeoffment as a vassal state."

"The Battle of Dingbo City was a stroke of genius." Zhang Yuan's eyes flashed with a rare hint of appreciation. "Your Highness Ying Xian's strategy was to divide and conquer, prioritizing psychological warfare. Taking Dingbo City is tantamount to severing the bloodline of the Azure Sky Domain, inevitably leading to internal strife."

"The fact that the lord of the territory has sent an envoy is already a sign of a dead end. The core of Wang Anzhi's proposed plan should be the word 'control'. It is necessary to give nominal vassal states to reassure them, and more importantly, to firmly grasp their economic and defensive lifelines in the hands of the Qin through methods such as stationing troops and controlling trade routes and waterways."

"A combination of kindness and severity is the way to long-term success." He paused slightly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the boundaries of the cave, looking towards the distant south. "The southern front is now secure."

Zhang Yuan didn't have much interaction with the Third Prince.

But he knew that although this person was not very capable and did not have many powerful backers, it was already remarkable that he had achieved such a record.

In fact, after the eldest prince went to Qingtianzhou to take charge, many people in the royal family had changed their minds.

Even the Fifth Prince has stopped eyeing the throne and the position of Crown Prince.

After all, the major changes in the situation on Yongtian Continent are obvious to everyone. (End of Chapter)