However!
Although Xu Fu possessed some level of cultivation, he failed to detect the presence of Ying Bu and Dun Ruo.
The celestial envoy behind him had not granted him much.
Under the escort or perhaps the watchful guard of the imperial guards, Xu Fu entered the city.
Seated in a carriage, Ren Xiao accompanied him.
"Commander Ren,"
"I have not returned to Xianyang for nearly eight years. I never expected such a dramatic transformation. The city has become even more prosperous," Xu Fu said with a smile.
Ren Xiao remained calm and simply nodded. "Xianyang is the center of the world. Naturally, it thrives."
"Have there been any major events over the years?"
"I noticed that the military has undergone some changes."
"The soldiers seem much stronger and more vigorous now," Xu Fu probed cautiously, keeping his expression neutral as he tested the waters.
The city guards stationed at the gates exuded an intense vitality.
Ren Xiao himself radiated an even stronger aura, as did the surrounding imperial guards.
This puzzled Xu Fu immensely.
Ren Xiao glanced at Xu Fu and replied casually, "You will understand once you meet His Majesty."
"But after all these years, Xu Shouzun*, where exactly have you been?" Ren Xiao asked in return.
(*Shouzun: An honorific title meaning 'Chief Venerable' or 'Head Elder.')
"His Majesty yearns for immortality, so I naturally set out to seek the elixir of eternal life for him," Xu Fu said proudly.
"I have spent these years searching overseas."
This explanation, in Xu Fu's mind, was flawless.
Immortality!
That had been the very mission he was assigned when he left Xianyang.
And Ying Zheng had personally approved it.
Back then, Xu Fu was a trusted confidant of the Qin King.
Hearing his words, Ren Xiao sneered internally. "An elixir of immortality? The nerve of him to say that. If not for His Majesty's instructions, I would have thrown him into prison on the spot. That poison he called medicine if not for the Crown Prince, His Majesty might have been killed by this scoundrel long ago."
"Then, Xu Shouzun, have you found the elixir of immortality?" Ren Xiao asked impassively.
"I have not yet found the true elixir, but I have discovered a medicine that extends life. If His Majesty takes it, he can prolong his lifespan by a hundred years," Xu Fu declared, his face full of pride.
Clearly, with this so-called longevity medicine, he was confident he could regain Ying Zheng's trust.
As for whether the medicine worked, Xu Fu was certain that the Qin Emperor would believe him.
After all, in the eyes of both Ying Zheng and the people of Shenzhou, his abilities were akin to divine miracles.
"A hundred years?"
"Xu Shouzun has indeed performed a great service for Qin," Ren Xiao said with feigned shock while smirking internally.
"His Majesty entrusted me with this task, and I must do everything in my power. As long as His Majesty continues to have faith in me, I will surely find the true elixir of immortality one day," Xu Fu said confidently.
"Xu Shouzun,"
"The land of Shenzhou has now been unified, and the Huaxia people stand united as one."
"His Majesty is no longer addressed as 'King of Qin,' but as the First Emperor, our sovereign ruler."
"Did you not learn of this on your way back?" Ren Xiao asked, eyeing Xu Fu with suspicion.
"Ah, well… Commander Ren,"
"This time, I moved the celestial beings with my sincerity, and they used divine power to send me directly to Xianyang."
"Thus, I did not pass through other regions," Xu Fu explained with a smile.
This was not a lie it was true.
Had he returned to Qin via sea, he would have known about the changes in the empire. Instead, he had arrived directly in Xianyang territory and had even been stopped at the city gates for lacking something called a Tianxuan Mirror.
Hearing those words had left him dumbfounded.
He had no idea what they were talking about.
"You have been away from Qin for too long; naturally, you do not know how much has changed."
"But you will soon understand," Ren Xiao said with a knowing smile as he gave Xu Fu a meaningful look.
"Oh, Commander Ren,"
"What exactly is the Tianxuan Mirror?"
"Why does one need it to enter the city?" Xu Fu asked, puzzled.
"The Tianxuan Mirror is the identity token of our Qin citizens. Without it, one cannot enter the city," Ren Xiao stated flatly.
"That is strange. Isn't household registration the means of identification? Why name it a mirror?" Xu Fu was bewildered.
Ren Xiao did not bother explaining further.
Under the watch of the imperial guards, the carriage soon arrived at the palace.
"You are not carrying any weapons, are you?" At the palace gates, Ren Xiao looked at Xu Fu and asked.
"Of course not," Xu Fu replied with a smile.
He spread his hands to show that he was unarmed, allowing Ren Xiao to search him.
Ren Xiao gestured.
Two imperial guards stepped forward and thoroughly checked Xu Fu, finding no weapons.
"Fools."
"You mere mortals have no idea what a spatial storage artifact is."
Xu Fu sneered in his heart.
However…
Ren Xiao had no idea what Xu Fu was thinking.
If he had known, he would have sneered back.
The Crown Prince had bestowed the Tianxuan Mirror upon the people of Qin, and for Qin officials, its functions were even greater.
Not only did it grant access to a special training space for cultivation, but it also provided a personal storage space the higher the official rank, the larger the storage capacity.
For example, as the commander of the imperial guards, Ren Xiao had a storage space of 500 cubic feet.
Even the lowest-ranked Qin Rui Shi (elite warriors with noble titles) had a storage space of one cubic foot.
The Tianxuan Mirror was indeed powerful, but opening so many storage spaces required energy. If not for the discovery of spirit stone mines, it would have been impossible to sustain.
As for whether this storage function would one day be available to all Qin citizens, that would depend on their contributions.
It would be implemented gradually in the future.
"Report to His Majesty!"
"Xu Fu has arrived and awaits outside the hall!"
Standing outside the hall, Ren Xiao called out loudly.
Upon hearing this!
Ying Zheng's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes flashed with murderous intent.
Xu Fu…
Back then, all the court alchemists had been executed.
Only Xu Fu had escaped.
Once, Ying Zheng had trusted Xu Fu completely.
But had it not been for his son's intervention, had he continued taking those so-called elixirs, he might already be on his deathbed.
Especially after embarking on the path of cultivation when he first reached the Xiantian Realm, his eight extraordinary meridians had been opened, forcing the toxins from his body.
Only then did Ying Zheng realize how long he had been poisoned by those accursed elixirs.
"Summon him."
Ying Zheng's voice was low and commanding.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
At the sound of the order, Xu Fu adjusted his robes, straightened his posture, and walked into the hall with his head held high.
He remained oblivious to the killing intent in Ying Zheng's eyes.
Nor did he know what fate had befallen his disciples.
"Your humble servant, Xu Fu, pays respects to His Majesty, the First Emperor!"
As soon as he entered the hall, Xu Fu respectfully bowed to Ying Zheng.
The eyes of the court officials immediately focused on Xu Fu with peculiar expressions.
Sensing the scrutinizing gazes of the officials, Xu Fu remained composed.
"Eight years have passed," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"Where have you been?"
Xu Fu's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly responded, "Your Majesty, I was searching for the elixir of immortality for you."
"And did you find it?" Ying Zheng sneered internally.
"The elixir of immortality exists only in legends it belongs to the gods," Xu Fu declared.
"Though I could not find it, I did find an immortal a true celestial being."
"I pleaded with the immortal for a long time, and finally, he granted me a sacred medicine. Though it is not the elixir of immortality, it can extend life by a hundred years."
"Today, I offer it to Your Majesty."
With a respectful expression, Xu Fu held out both hands. With a thought, a porcelain bottle appeared in his palm.
Summoning the pill from his storage ring, Xu Fu felt smug.
With such a display of conjuring objects out of thin air, he was certain he would astonish the entire court.
However
To his surprise, the court remained silent. Everyone simply looked at him calmly.
It was as if his ability to summon an object was nothing extraordinary.
"What is going on?"
"Why aren't these court officials reacting at all?"
"My ability to summon objects is beyond mortal comprehension!"
Xu Fu had not expected his trick to fail to impress.
However
Upon witnessing Xu Fu's display, the officials only became more serious.
"This man carries no trace of martial energy, yet there is a peculiar power within him something different from martial arts."
"He also has an overwhelming aura of blood and slaughter intensely sinister."
"He must be carrying a storage treasure."
"There is indeed something suspicious about this man and his motives."
"Back then, it was only because the Crown Prince warned His Majesty that he discovered the so-called 'immortal pills' were poisonous. These pills were all created by the very man standing before us clear evidence of his attempt to poison the Emperor."
"Now he returns he must have a hidden agenda…"
The court officials exchanged cold glances, their thoughts filled with suspicion.
"Why is Ying Zheng not reacting at all?"
"I just told him that this pill can extend his life by a hundred years!"
Sitting high on his throne, Ying Zheng remained expressionless.
This puzzled Xu Fu even more.
"Your Majesty," Xu Fu continued, "this sacred medicine can extend your life by a hundred years."
"Furthermore," he added, "I have also petitioned the immortals for the elixir of eternal life."
"They have agreed."
"As long as Your Majesty offers five thousand boys and five thousand girls to them,"
"they will grant you the elixir of immortality, allowing Your Majesty to rule the world forever."
Xu Fu raised his voice, convinced that Ying Zheng, who had once been obsessed with immortality, would never refuse such an offer.
"Is that so?"
Ying Zheng finally spoke, his tone still calm and indifferent.
"O… Of course," Xu Fu stammered, feeling uneasy at Ying Zheng's reaction.
"In that case,"
"I will grant you this life-extending sacred medicine."
"Now, you shall take it yourself."
Ying Zheng's eyes locked onto Xu Fu with an icy gaze.
Hearing this, Xu Fu's face paled, and he hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this is a sacred medicine I obtained from the immortals, meant for you. How could I dare to take it myself?"
"If the elixir of immortality truly exists, what need do I have for a mere life-extending pill?"
Ying Zheng smiled faintly, his gaze filled with amusement.
"This… This…"
Xu Fu's palms grew sweaty, his mind spinning in panic.
It was obvious
This so-called life-extending pill was nothing more than a deception, just like the previous "immortal pills."
It was laced with poison highly toxic.
When consumed, it would indeed bring an initial sensation of immense comfort, making one believe it was a divine medicine.
But in truth, within a year or two, the poison would take effect.
The destiny of the land had gathered upon Qin.
The fortune of China was now concentrated.
Even the immortals above could not fully predict what lay ahead.
Thus
The so-called celestial envoys of Penglai had received an order from the heavens an order to ensure the early demise of the Qin Emperor.
Xu Fu was merely carrying out this mission.
Of course
The so-called "elixir of immortality" was a complete fabrication, merely a ruse to abduct ten thousand boys and girls.
"Your Majesty,"
"The elixir of immortality is far away in Penglai. Even if I take the children there, it will take years for me to return."
"If Your Majesty takes this life-extending pill now, you will be immune to all diseases and feel rejuvenated. Then, once you take the elixir of immortality, you will achieve true greatness."
Xu Fu bowed deeply, trying to persuade Ying Zheng.
However
Ying Zheng's eyes gleamed with amusement.
"I am still young. I do not need a life-extending pill."
"Now"
"I command you take this sacred medicine."
"If you refuse, then you are betraying the favor I have bestowed upon you, and I will not forgive such treachery."
Ying Zheng's voice carried an undeniable authority.
At that moment
Xu Fu was completely flustered.
"This… This…"
Xu Fu stammered, clutching the pill bottle with trembling hands.
He had been sent on a mission.
His task was not only to have Ying Zheng ingest the poisoned pill but also to acquire the young boys and girls.
Even if Ying Zheng immediately ordered their selection, it would take months to gather them.
Then there was the matter of shipbuilding
That would take even longer.
A journey to Penglai would take at least a year or more.
If he took the pill now, Xu Fu wasn't even sure if he would survive long enough to see the so-called celestial envoy again.
"What now?"
"Are you refusing my kindness?"
Ying Zheng frowned, his expression filled with anger.
The gazes of the entire court fell upon Xu Fu, all showing displeasure.
Most of the ministers had already realized that Xu Fu harbored ill intentions, and this so-called "elixir" was problematic.
At this moment, their emperor was merely toying with Xu Fu.
"Y-Your Majesty… I… I…"
Xu Fu stammered, utterly flustered.
"If you refuse to take it, then allow me to help you."
Ying Zheng let out a cold laugh.
Then, in a commanding tone, he ordered, "By my decree, Xu Fu is rewarded for presenting the elixir. I grant him the honor of consuming it immediately!"
The moment his words fell, the phantom of a blackbird slowly appeared.
The power of the nation's fate was activated.
The laws of humanity came into effect.
Xu Fu instantly felt himself restrained by an invisible force of law.
The hand holding the elixir began to move on its own, pulling back and opening the bottle.
"What is happening?"
"Why can't I control my hand?"
"How is this possible?"
"How is Ying Zheng doing this?"
Xu Fu panicked even more.
He realized that he had completely lost control of his body.
All he could do was watch as he poured out a pill and brought it to his mouth. Despite his desperate struggles, he was powerless to resist.
In the end, the pill was swallowed down into his stomach.
Only after consuming it did Xu Fu regain control over his body.
"Y-Your Majesty… what… what did you do to me?"
Xu Fu looked at Ying Zheng in horror.
For that brief moment, he had been completely like a puppet on a string.
Even the celestial envoys from the immortal island couldn't have such power!
"Are you questioning me?"
Ying Zheng's gaze sharpened.
Immediately, the imperial guards stormed into the hall, their eyes locked on Xu Fu with deadly intent.
"I-I wouldn't dare!"
Xu Fu's face paled.
He was inside the Great Qin's court within the very heart of the nation's power.
Even though he had cultivated some abilities, in the face of Great Qin's national destiny, he was nothing but an ant.
Even without the power of the nation's fate, he still had no way to resist.
"Xu Fu."
"You are truly bold."
"For years, you have been concocting so-called 'elixirs' to poison me."
"And now, you return to present me with another poisonous pill."
"Tell me, what punishment do you deserve?" Ying Zheng glared down at Xu Fu, his eyes filled with judgment.
At these words, Xu Fu was completely terrified and utterly shaken.
"Y-Your Majesty…"
"I… I would never… I have always been loyal to Your Majesty… My entire life has been spent searching for the elixir of immortality for you!" Xu Fu desperately tried to defend himself.
"Even now, you refuse to speak the truth."
Ying Zheng shook his head, disappointment flashing in his eyes.
Then, once more, he invoked the power of the nation's fate.
"I command you to reveal everything."
"Why do you cultivate? Why did you try to poison me? Why have you returned? Who is behind you?"
"Speak the truth all of it."
Ying Zheng's eyes locked onto Xu Fu as his decree was issued.
Once again, the power of the nation's fate stirred.
The laws of humanity took hold.
Xu Fu trembled violently, his body no longer under his control.
"When I was young, I encountered a true immortal in the land of Qi. He said I possessed spiritual roots and could cultivate the immortal path."
"I trained under this immortal for five years, reaching the level of refining qi into the spirit. Then, the immortal ordered me to leave and serve the state of Qin as an alchemist. He gave me many formulas for poisonous pills, to ensure the King of Qin would not live long and would die an untimely death."
"With my cultivated abilities, I quickly gained the king's trust, and he frequently consumed my pills."
"Once I had trained many disciples in the art of poison refining, I received a summons from the immortal and departed overseas to continue my cultivation in his celestial dwelling."
"This time, I have returned on his orders. The immortal requires the flesh and blood of boys and girls for his cultivation, and because great changes are coming to the land of Shenzhou, the King of Qin must die quickly."
"My mission was to present the so-called 'longevity elixir' to poison the King of Qin. Once consumed, the poison would take effect within a year and a half, leading to his death."
"Meanwhile, I was to transport the boys and girls to the immortal's celestial dwelling as offerings."
Xu Fu's face twisted in agony, but the words kept pouring from his lips he was unable to stop himself.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's expression turned ice-cold.
"Unforgivable!"
"This wretch truly conspired to harm His Majesty!"
"He had already been poisoning the emperor from the moment he first entered Qin!"
"If not for the Crown Prince discovering the truth, His Majesty might have been killed by this traitor!"
"And behind him stands this so-called 'immortal' the true mastermind!"
"No way!"
"What kind of immortal would demand the flesh and blood of children? Can such a being even be called an immortal?"
"This is a demon! A fiend!"
"Indeed!"
"This must be a demonic entity trying to harm His Majesty!"
One minister after another erupted in fury, cursing Xu Fu.
Upon his throne, Ying Zheng's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
"If it weren't for Feng'er warning me… if I had continued consuming those pills… I might never have lived to reunite with Ah Fang, or to see Feng'er's family restored to their rightful place."
"You deserve death, and that so-called immortal of yours deserves death even more."
Ying Zheng's gaze burned with boundless killing intent as he glared at Xu Fu.
He wished he could tear him to pieces.
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