Nobody knows how to be a villain better than me.

Just now, you called me a "stranger"...

Hearing this clearly ill-intentioned title, Samael secretly grumbled to himself.

Noticing that the First Emperor Ying Zheng was looking forward to the show, the female general outside the palace gate could only disperse the spears in her hands and the three thousand white-spear soldiers behind her, and had no choice but to take her leave, letting the emperor do as he pleased.

Samael watched the female general's departing figure, his eyes flickering thoughtfully.

Three thousand white poles...

It was indeed her, Qin Liangyu, the Marquis of Loyalty of the Ming Dynasty.

As the answer was revealed, records about this legendary female general surfaced in the ancient serpent's mind.

Historically, this loyal Marquis of the Ming Dynasty, along with his brothers Qin Bangping and Qin Minping, participated in battles such as resisting the Qing army, the rebellion of She Chongming, and the rebellion of Zhang Xianzhong, achieving remarkable military exploits.

As is well known, in the history of the past dynasties, female celebrities were recorded in the biographies of virtuous women. Qin Liangyu is the only female hero in history to be recorded as a famous general of a dynasty in the official history's biographies of generals and ministers.

Therefore, the prestige of this female general is self-evident.

Equally famous as her were the three thousand White-Spear Soldiers under her command.

This is a special type of soldier, trained by Qin Liangyu based on the geographical environment of Sichuan, who is skilled in mountain warfare.

The white-shafted spears carried by this type of soldier are made of sturdy white wood (ash tree) with a long shaft, a bladed hook at the top, and a hard iron ring at the bottom. In combat, the hook can be used for cutting and pulling, while the ring can be used as a hammer-like weapon.

Back then, Qin Liangyu led this army to participate in various campaigns, including the pacification of Bozhou, the suppression of She, the aid to Liaodong, the resistance against the Qing Dynasty, the defense of the emperor, and the suppression of bandits, and earned numerous merits.

However, compared to these dazzling achievements, her unwavering loyalty to the country and the nation was an even more precious quality in that chaotic era.

That is why she was posthumously honored with the title "Loyal and Chaste".

Having witnessed the earlier incident, Hinako's arrogance had already been largely dampened before she even entered the room.

But since the purpose of her trip had not yet been achieved, she was naturally not going to give up so easily.

Akuta took a deep breath, picked up her sword, stepped over the threshold, entered the main hall, and stood below the hall, coldly questioning the First Emperor.

"Where's the Kongtong Seal? Give it back to me!"

"Oh? Why?"

The First Emperor, who was wiping the bronze sword in his hand, glanced at it disdainfully and raised an eyebrow.

"Stop pretending! The Emperor's Seal, that thing belongs to Kunlun!"

Seeing that the person opposite her was asking a question she already knew the answer to, Hinako's temper flared up, and she looked annoyed.

"Since it is the seal of the Human Emperor, it should belong to the people. When did it become your Kunlun's place to interfere?"

The First Emperor calmly and composedly refuted him, his eyes revealing a hint of mockery.

The impeccable logic left Hinako Akuta, whose mind was momentarily blank, speechless.

"Qin was a small state that inherited the great lineage of Zhou. According to custom, the imperial seal should have been handed over to the current ruler by the celestial maiden of Kunlun, so that he could be considered to have received the mandate of heaven, govern the world and bring peace to the people, and continue the imperial dynasty forever."

Just as Akuta Hinako was somewhat bewildered, a light, gentle reminder echoed throughout the hall.

In a dark corner, a fox spirit leaned against a stone pillar, arms crossed, and spoke with a smile.

Clearly, this petty canine is holding a grudge against the neglect it suffered earlier.

"Oh, yes, that's right!"

Having found a breakthrough, Hinako Akuta chimed in with agreement.

In the sixth year of King Xiao of Zhou, Qin Feizi, the ancestor of the Qin people, was enfeoffed as a state by the Zhou emperor for his meritorious service in raising horses. He established his capital at Qin Yi and was known as "Qin Ying".

In 821 BC, Duke Zhuang of Qin defeated the Western Rong and was appointed as the Grand Master of the Western Frontier by King Xuan of Zhou.

In 770 BC, Duke Xiang of Qin sent troops to escort King Ping of Zhou to move east, and was enfeoffed as a vassal.

In 221 BC, the First Emperor unified the six kingdoms and replaced the Zhou dynasty with the Qin dynasty.

From a legal perspective, since the Qin Dynasty inherited the Zhou Dynasty's legacy, it naturally had to fulfill its corresponding responsibilities.

"The Emperor? Heh..."

The First Emperor smirked, then flicked his sleeve, rose, gripped his sword, pointed the blade at the vast landscape on the sand table, and spoke arrogantly.

"I have built upon the accumulated achievements of six generations, conquered the two Zhou dynasties, destroyed the feudal lords, expanded the four seas, and subdued the nine provinces. My virtue surpasses that of the Three Sovereigns and my achievements exceed those of the Five Emperors. I am the First Emperor, unparalleled throughout history! When have I ever been an emperor who had to bow down to heaven, earth, and spirits!"

A chilling, domineering aura swept across the hall, and the three of them felt as if they were seeing a black dragon that had opened its eyes and bared its claws.

Under the emperor's watchful eye, the fox spirit, who had originally intended to cause trouble, shrank back and quietly crept behind Samael, acting as if it were none of her business.

Without the support of an external brain, Hinako Akuta revealed her true colors, stubbornly arguing her case.

"Stop talking nonsense, I clearly found the Kongtong Seal first!"

"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king; all things under heaven should belong to the Great Qin."

The First Emperor replied confidently, clearly taking advantage of the other party's lack of knowledge of property law.

"You...you're cheating!"

Faced with a battle that was not even in the same league, the tongue-tied Hinako was immediately defeated and could only utter a weak protest.

Soon, the furious owner took even more convincing actions.

"Ah! You won't pay? You won't pay, huh! If you don't pay, none of you will live!"

Samael stared at the familiar red light emanating from Hinako Akuta's body, sensing the explosive power contained within it, and his eyes twitched involuntarily.

Self-destruction? Here we go again!

So the ancient snake decisively pulled the fox spirit behind him and held it in front of him.

Just as the human bomb in the main hall was about to explode, the First Emperor, standing before the altar, spoke seemingly casually.

"However, given my magnanimity, it is no problem for me to lend you the Kongtong Seal temporarily."

"Really? You didn't lie to me?"

In an instant, the ether that was frantically gathering in the hall was swept away. Hinako Akuta stopped her self-destruction and asked him questions with disbelief.

"Of course, a king's word is his bond."

The First Emperor made a solemn promise, appearing completely calm and composed.

Having received a definite answer, Hinako's brow immediately relaxed, clearly indicating that she had agreed to the proposal, and she eagerly extended her right hand.

"Okay, where's the stuff?"

"The item is indeed on me, but..."

The First Emperor paused briefly, then looked at Samael opposite him with a meaningful gaze.

"Another distinguished guest also wishes to use this item. There's only one item, but two people want it. It's a difficult decision to choose. Perhaps..."

In the drawn-out tone, the pair of bee-like long eyes glanced at both sides present with amusement.

Having grasped the unspoken meaning, Hinako immediately gripped her twin swords and glared at someone with ill intent.

"Are you stupid?"

Seeing that the woman was getting a little carried away again, Samael, unable to bear it any longer, complained with a dark face.

"The item was originally yours, but he took it, and you want to fight me to get temporary access?"

It seems that's the case...

After an unknown amount of time, Hinako finally circled back, suddenly realizing what had happened, and turned her head angrily to glare at the First Emperor who had unknowingly led her into the trap.

Boring...

Seeing that Hinako had set her sights on him again, the First Emperor, who was waiting for the show to begin behind the table, couldn't help but look dejected.

Originally, the intention was to shift the blame and take the opportunity to test the mettle of both sides.

Unexpectedly, one didn't fall for the trick, while the other did, but then became hesitant and timid.

It seemed that she was more wary of the person in front of her than of herself.

The First Emperor glanced at the figure opposite him, a barely perceptible shadow passing through his eyes.

He disliked this feeling of being out of control.

"Your Majesty, there is no need to be so wary. Let's have an open and honest talk."

As things reached a stalemate, Samael took the initiative to speak.

"Perhaps, we can still become allies and achieve mutual benefit, just like last time."

"Oh? Tell me."

Finally, based on the good foundation of previous cooperation, the suspicious First Emperor finally lowered his guard a little and became somewhat interested in listening.

"The solution is simple. Since you don't want to lend it, then please bring the Kongtong Seal and come with us." As he spoke, the ancient snake turned to the bewildered Jie Chuzi beside him and reminded him impatiently, "What are you standing there for? If you want to go back to Kunlun, or resolve the doubts you have, then sit down obediently!"

"What?! You're all going to Kunlun?!"

Hinako looked bewildered and subconsciously began to reveal her purpose, then quickly covered her mouth in self-deception.

"if not?"

Samael rolled his eyes at Hinako Akuta and pointed to Tamamo-no-Mae beside him.

"By the way, this is also a celestial maiden from Kunlun, your senior. You can get to know her first."

Instantly, Hinako's eyes lit up with excitement, as if she had found a long-lost relative and wanted to pounce on Tamamo-no-Mae to ask her the truth.

"I never said I would accompany you on this trip..."

The First Emperor scrutinized the foreign ruler before him who had so easily categorized Akuta Hinako as part of the same camp, and the wariness in his eyes deepened.

"[Yi requested the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West, who entrusted it to Chang'e. Chang'e swallowed the elixir and ascended to heaven.] The effectiveness of the Kunlun elixir has been verified..."

Samael raised his head, smiled slightly, and spoke meaningfully.

"But the divine power of the Kongtong Seal may not truly grant immortality; otherwise, there would be no need for the succession of emperors, would there? Your Majesty..."

The First Emperor's pupils contracted involuntarily, and his expression became solemn and grave.

He actually guessed it all!

But I have to admit, it's a temptation that's hard to resist.

After a moment of silence, the First Emperor finally dropped his superficial jest, and his face became more serious.

At that moment, noticing the subtle change in the expression on the other side, Samael's lips curled into a pleased smile.

Sure enough, what I thought was right.

The reason why this emperor of all ages valued the Kongtong Seal so much was because of his obsession with pursuing immortality.

This seal existed as early as ancient times. It is engraved with the images of the Five Emperors, and a golden and jade dragon is coiled around it.

Legend has it that it can make people immortal. Since ancient times, many alchemists have gone to sea to find this seal, but in the end, they all embarked on a journey of no return.

In those days, the First Emperor dispatched a large amount of manpower and resources to the East Sea to seek immortality and perpetuate his imperial rule.

Naturally, the Kongtong Seal, a treasure containing such divine power, was also among those being sought.

Now that things have changed, the First Emperor will certainly not let go of this thing easily, since it has fallen into his hands.

The reason Samael needed to use this item on this trip is because of its other name.

—"Emperor Shun's Seal".

According to historical records, among the Five Emperors, Zhuanxu succeeded the Yellow Emperor, Emperor Ku reigned, and then Emperor Yao ascended the throne. When Yao grew old, Emperor Shun became regent. After eight years, Yao died, and Shun recommended Yu to Heaven. Yu died seventeen years later, and after the three-year mourning period, Yu became king.

The one who severed the connection between heaven and earth was Zhuanxu, who ranked second among the Five Emperors.

The power he relied on was precisely the seal bestowed upon the Human Emperor by Kunlun, namely the Kongtong Seal.

This item was originally given to the Yellow Emperor by the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady to fight against Chiyou. It has the supernatural power to command ghosts, gods, and beasts.

Afterwards, the Kongtong Seal was passed down through five emperors and finally fell into the hands of Emperor Shun, so it is also known as the "Seal of Emperor Shun".

In short, this ancient seal, representing the mandate of heaven and royal power, is both a great lock that severs the connection between heaven and earth and a key to restarting the Chinese divine era.

My rhinitis is acting up, so I'm taking a day off. I'll resume updating during the day.

I've been staying up too late, and with the hot weather and air conditioning on too much, my allergic rhinitis has flared up again. I've had a headache for the past two days and am currently getting injections and taking medication. Sorry, I need to take two days off.

I'm feeling a bit better tonight, so I'll go to bed early and resume updates tomorrow during the day.

Let me send some red envelopes to the subscription and full subscription groups as an apology.