Zhutian: Starting from the Space-Time Merchant

Chapter 482 The First Emperor of All Time!
Langya Commandery, Langya County.

The largest seaport in Qin Dynasty.

"In the twenty-sixth year of the reign, the emperor began his reign."

"Upright laws and regulations are the foundation of all things."

"To clarify personnel matters and establish a harmonious relationship between father and son."

"Sage wisdom, benevolence, and righteousness reveal the truth."

"The eastern territories were pacified to reduce the number of soldiers. The matter was largely completed, and then we approached the sea. The Emperor's achievements are due to his diligence and skill."

On the cliffs surrounded by the sea on three sides, Lin Dao gazed at the Langya Inscription in front of him.

This was carved by the First Emperor two years ago when he made his eastern tour, performing the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, and then came to the seaside.

"Brother Zihou."

Zhang Liang stepped forward, his expression slightly hesitant. "Have we been too presumptuous?"

He turned his head to look behind him, and not far away, Qin soldiers patrolled past with their spears.

This place was not far from the First Emperor's palace, and coupled with the previous assassination attempt, the tight security made Zhang Liang's scalp tingle.

To be honest, he was terrified by Lin Dao's method of getting close to the First Emperor by falsifying his identity.

If the identities of the thousands of Qin soldiers around them were revealed, they would truly be chopped into mincemeat.

“Zifang, there’s no need to worry.” Lin Dao snapped out of his reverie, his expression calm. “The more people there are, the less likely we are to be discovered.”

"and."

He remained calm, saying, "Even if I'm discovered, I can still get away smoothly."

Zhang Liang frowned upon hearing this; something about it felt off.
"gone."

"Think of a way to have a face-to-face discussion with the First Emperor."

Langya Imperial Palace.

Zhao Gao, the magistrate of the Imperial Carriage Office, sat leisurely eating meat and drinking soup.

It was a rare opportunity for the First Emperor to take a midday nap, allowing him a brief respite.

People say that he was highly valued by the First Emperor, serving him and participating in important military and state affairs.

But who could know how difficult it was to serve the First Emperor!
As he grew older, the First Emperor, who had been taking elixirs of immortality for many years, became increasingly irritable.

They vent their anger at the slightest setback.

Zhao Gao, who was closest to the emperor, bore the brunt of the First Emperor's wrath.

Facing the wrath of someone who held his life in their hands, Zhao Gao lived in constant fear.

When will this life of having to sleep with one eye open, always ready to serve the First Emperor, finally end?
"Grand Chancellor~~"

A report came from outside the door.

Zhao Gao, whose hands were covered in grease and who was gnawing on a leg of lamb, paused in his tracks upon hearing the sound.

With a bitter expression and a soft sigh, he said, "I just want to rest a bit and satisfy my appetite, but I'm too busy to do anything else."

"Oh~~~"

As soon as the young men entered, they bowed and announced, "A sorcerer has come to seek service!"

"Hey~"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gao also laughed.

These alchemists have finally found the key to wealth: seeking immortality for the First Emperor is undoubtedly the quickest way to get promoted and make a fortune in the Qin Dynasty at that time.

The First Emperor treated the alchemists so well that even Zhao Gao sometimes regretted not becoming one himself.
"Tell me," Zhao Gao said slowly, picking his teeth with a bronze toothpick. "Where did this sorcerer come from this time?"

"The visitor claimed to be from the Xieyue Sanxing Cave on Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, and that he had received immortal techniques from the Bodhi Patriarch."

"I have come today with my two disciples to inquire whether we have any affinity with His Majesty in the realm of immortals."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gao rolled his eyes.

These sorcerers are all the same.

First, they boast and brag, then they act like reclusive sages, constantly talking about fortuitous encounters and divine connections.

Even Zhao Gao couldn't fool such a trick, but the wise and mighty First Emperor fell for it!
Zhao Gao, who was inwardly complaining, remained outwardly calm.

He put down the toothpick and slowly picked up the bowl of soup to rinse his mouth.

After setting down the soup bowl, he gave a soft hum and said, "Please come here."

Since the First Emperor respected alchemists, these people also had to show respect, even if it was just overt.

However, recently the First Emperor has become increasingly impatient in his pursuit of immortality, and these alchemists' good days are probably numbered.

Before long, Zhu Lang led Lin Dao and his group inside.

Upon meeting him, Zhao Gao was immediately struck by his newfound insight.

As the saying goes, clothes make the man and a saddle makes the horse; the attire, appearance and temperament of Lin Dao and his two companions were completely different from other sorcerers.

The leader, Lin Dao, was dressed in a crane-feather cloak and purple robe.

As she walked, her brightly colored, embroidered sleeves fluttered in the wind, like swirling clouds.

Standing there, his robes flowed like a waterfall.

The Taoist robe, from top to bottom, features a harmonious Yin-Yang crossover collar, embroidered with gold thread in the shape of Bagua, Tai Chi, double fish, and cloud patterns. The exquisite design and arrangement form a 'moving star map,' embodying the order of the universe within a small space.

The sleeves are extremely wide, measuring two feet four inches, subtly corresponding to the twenty-four solar terms.

The cuffs are a bluish-green color, symbolizing 'the law of heaven'.

The two ribbons under the right armpit are a metaphor for ascending to immortality.

Lin Dao stands here quietly, like a mountain.

The three vermilion dots between his eyebrows subtly correspond to the three elements of heaven, earth, and man; his eyes seem to flash with purple light when they open and close; and his clothes flutter as he raises his arms slightly, moving even without wind!
Without a doubt, Lin Dao's appearance immediately stunned the naive Zhao Gao.

If there truly are immortals who have attained enlightenment in this world, they must be exactly like the one before us!

Not only him, but Zhang Liang and Han Xin were also dumbfounded when they saw Lin Dao appear in a different outfit.

At this moment, the two men, dressed as Taoist boys, stood behind him. Seeing the magistrate of the Imperial Carriage Office standing up with wide eyes, they couldn't help but chuckle to themselves.

"Sir/Madam..."

Even Zhao Gao, with his shrewdness, was utterly shocked at this moment.

Even when he speaks, his voice trembles.

He bowed respectfully to Lin Dao and asked, "May I ask your esteemed name, sir?"

"Lin Dao is a disciple of Lingtai Fangcun Mountain."

"So it's Mr. Lin!" Zhao Gao stepped forward with a beaming smile and gestured, "Please take a seat."

The term "Taoist Master" did not yet exist in this era; people usually referred to them as "Fangshi" (方士), such as Xu Fu, who could be called Xu Fangshi.

Zhao Gao was greatly shocked by his first impression of Lin Dao, feeling that he was not a sorcerer, but an immortal.

However, without the First Emperor's explicit confirmation, he could not be called an immortal along with Yue.

He simply addressed him as "Sir" to clearly demonstrate his distinct status in his mind, setting him apart from other sorcerers. Lin Dao flicked his sleeve, and his hand inside the wide sleeve pressed a switch to turn off the built-in fan.

He sat down with a calm expression.

As for Han Xin and Zhang Liang, they naturally followed with their heads down and sat on the ground behind him.

"So that the gentleman may know."

Zhao Gao smiled broadly and said, "His Majesty is still taking a nap. I will report to him immediately when he wakes up."

"If His Majesty knew that a person of such high cultivation as you had come to assist him in seeking immortality, he would surely be delighted."

Before meeting the First Emperor, Zhao Gao had to conduct an interview.

Those who couldn't get past him naturally wouldn't have the chance to meet the First Emperor.

However, Lin Dao's appearance and demeanor immediately evoke images of a celestial being.

At least in Zhao Gao's view, there was really no need for an interview.

"Longevity~"

Lin Dao also looked solemn and lowered his voice, "How can one find a way to live forever? Only good deeds can be passed down through generations."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gao's expression immediately changed.

He frowned and asked, "Does the master mean that there is no way to achieve immortality in this world?"

"You can't say no."

Lin Dao's purple pupils were a little uncomfortable, so he simply closed his eyes. "But it takes a great opportunity, an extraordinary perseverance that is hard for ordinary people to have, and a one in ten thousand chance to even glimpse a little bit of it."

Zhao Gao was completely dumbfounded.

After a moment, he came to his senses and asked in confusion, "Sir, you don't know the way to immortality either?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Dao's expression changed.

"My master did teach me a spell."

"Yes~"

“I have been practicing for a long time, but I still can’t even get to the first step. I am very ashamed.”

He wasn't bluffing; he genuinely learned immortal techniques.

What I learned was the Great Celestial Immortal Technique.

The problem is, they did learn it, but they didn't really master it.
The monkey that sprang from the stone mastered the skill in three years, becoming invincible and achieving the illustrious reputation of the Great Sage.

But Lin Dao only knew the basics; he couldn't even use them properly.

The gap between himself and the stone monkey was far too great.

"May I ask?"

Zhao Gao cautiously inquired, "Sir, where is the Immortal Sect?"

"If the distance is not too far, I think His Majesty would be willing to pay a visit."

"I can't go." Lin Dao waved his hand simply. "It's not an excuse, it's just that I really can't go. Unless Master summons me, no one can go."

He then changed the subject, saying, "Compared to seeking immortality and medicine, there is actually another path to take if you want to achieve longevity."

Zhao Gao was overjoyed, took a breath and bowed, "Please give your instructions, sir."

"The power of merit."

Lin Daoqu tapped the table in front of him with his finger. "Those who have performed great deeds will have great fortune."

"With good fortune upon you, you will be immune to all evil."

"With good deeds on your side, everything will go smoothly."

"If one attains the greatest merit, one will naturally achieve enlightenment and realize the truth."

"By then, immortality will be within easy reach."

Zhao Gao was confused. What were these things called merit and fortune? They were truly mysterious and profound.

Just as he was about to speak again, he heard a deep, resonant voice coming from the inner room.

"What kind of deeds can be considered meritorious?!"

Zhao Gao hurriedly bowed towards the inner room, and all the other young men followed suit.

It goes without saying that the one inside is the First Emperor!

Zhang Liang, who was sitting on the ground, suddenly trembled.

He subconsciously raised his head, his eyes filled with hatred.

Then, he met Lin Dao's gaze as he turned to look at him.

Lin Dao's purple eyes were full of warning.

Control yourself, don't ruin my plans!

Zhang Liang's heart tightened, and he immediately lowered his head.

Footsteps approached, and a tall figure dressed in a black robe embroidered with gold and a crimson skirt, wearing a crown reaching to the heavens, appeared before the crowd.

He was tall, and by appearances, he was about the same height as Lin Dao.

His eyes were sharp as lightning, his hair was slightly gray, and his well-trimmed beard was thick as needles.

His square face exuded an air of authority, making him appear imposing without being angry.

He had a long sword at his waist, the blade of which was so long it almost touched the ground.

The newcomer was none other than the First Emperor of all time, Qin Shi Huang!
A group of armored men, gripping sword hilts, subtly surrounded Lin Dao and his companions.

After the series of assassination attempts, the First Emperor no longer trusted anyone outside the Qin state.

Apart from the people of Qin, there were no people from the other six states.

The only exception was the alchemist.

As he grew older, the First Emperor's desire for immortality also increased day by day.

They were even willing to take risks for it.

Standing there, the First Emperor stared intently at Lin Dao and asked, "What is merit?"

Lin Dao stood up, his wide sleeves fluttering even without wind, exuding an aura of otherworldly elegance.

He looked directly at Lin Daojing and spoke quietly.

"The people live in peace and contentment, and enjoy a prosperous and happy life."

"No foreign bullying, no oppression by the powerful and wealthy, no deception by monks and temples."

"Effort can lead to better results, and talent can be showcased."

"Enjoy food and clothing, have self-respect and self-reliance, and live a happy and fulfilling life."

"The watershed moment in life is no longer amniotic fluid, but struggle and hard work."

"To be able to do these things is to accumulate merit!"

(End of this chapter)