As the match between Ying Yang and Ying Xue came to an end, the Grand Academy of the Capital truly began its main proceedings.
A scholar, enveloped in the immense pressure of national fortune, walked through the air at a steady pace.
Though he showed no traces of martial true essence or immortal spiritual power, the weight of his presence was such that even martial artists at the Martial Dao Transcendence Realm dared not underestimate him.
This man was none other than the Grand Academician of the capital's academy Xunzi.
For many years, he had presided over the academy, trusted by the First Emperor himself to oversee all academies across the empire and to conduct examinations.
Alongside him were several other esteemed scholars of the academy.
The leading scholar of the Immortal Dao Zhang Yi.
The leading scholar of the Buddhist Dao Ming Zhi.
This Buddhist title was unique to Great Qin. The first generation of Buddhist cultivators bore the title Ming to understand the Buddha's heart and establish Buddhist doctrine.
"If the Buddha resides in one's heart, then the Buddha exists within."
This was the essence of Buddhism in Great Qin.
Beyond the main paths of cultivation, there were also auxiliary disciplines alchemy, artifact crafting, forging, formations, and talismans.
Each discipline had its chief scholar, responsible for overseeing practitioners and maintaining the foundation of that path of study.
As the scholars took their positions, all students of the academy cast respectful gazes upon them.
"Greetings, Grand Academician!"
"Greetings, esteemed scholars!"
Both academy students and independent cultivators bowed toward the figures in the sky.
It had been ninety-six years since the transmission of the Dao began in Great Qin.
These scholars had made great sacrifices to strengthen the empire and were deeply valued by the First Emperor.
Their virtue and dedication to teaching had earned them the admiration of all students.
Seeing this, Xunzi smiled slightly.
"Students of the academy."
"Cultivators of the realm."
"Today marks the ninetieth grand examination of the capital's academy."
"By the grace of the First Emperor and the Crown Prince, all who pass this examination shall be rewarded with advanced cultivation techniques, contribution points, elixirs, divine weapons, and magical treasures."
"As per tradition"
"Within the hundred martial arenas, a hundred Heart-Tempering Formations have been set up."
"Passing through the Heart-Tempering Formation is the first trial. Those who succeed shall advance to the second stage a grand competition in martial cultivation and auxiliary disciplines. The top thousand in each category shall then qualify for the final individual challenge."
Standing in the air, Xunzi declared the rules in a loud voice.
"We obey the Grand Academician's decree!"
Tens of thousands of participants responded in unison.
They had come from all corners of Great Qin.
Not just the Hua-Xia and Jiuli tribes, but even those from beyond the two major lineages.
However, while the Hua-Xia and Jiuli clans enjoyed flourishing cultivation systems, the other tribes were restricted to martial arts alone.
Even auxiliary disciplines were off-limits to them Great Qin's way of maintaining control.
Inside the Imperial Palace
Zhangtai Palace
"Grandfather."
"The grand competition at the academy has begun."
"This year is livelier than ever over seventy thousand participants have entered."
"Great Qin truly grows stronger with each passing year." Zhao Qi spoke with a smile.
"Ninety years…"
"While your father is in the Earthly Immortal Realm, battling and expanding his domain, we in the mortal realm must also make our advancements."
"Compared to ninety years ago, Great Qin has grown far stronger." Ying Zheng said with deep emotion.
Ever since Zhao Feng ascended to the Earthly Immortal Realm, Ying Zheng had not allowed himself a moment of rest. He remained ever watchful, ensuring the continued rise of Great Qin.
Now, not only had the population exploded, but the empire's prosperity had led to a surge in national fortune and a dramatic rise in the strength of Great Qin's martial artists.
Once merely an earthly empire, Great Qin had now ascended to the ranks of celestial dynasties, wielding the power of a divine nation.
"I wonder how Father is faring in the immortal realm…" Zhao Qi murmured, his face filled with longing.
In the Earthly Immortal Realm, perhaps only a few months had passed for Zhao Feng, but in the mortal world, ninety years had come and gone.
Time had shifted, and the world had changed.
Even if Zhao Feng returned now, he would surely be astonished by the transformation of Great Qin.
"Over five hundred thousand troops have entered the Earthly Immortal Realm. I imagine your father has already carved out a significant territory there." Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"Indeed." Zhao Qi nodded.
At that moment
"Young Master Yang."
"Princess Xue."
A voice called from outside the hall.
Soon after, Ying Yang and Ying Xue strode quickly into Zhangtai Palace.
Ying Xue was still puffing her cheeks in frustration.
The moment she entered, she pouted and said, "Great grandfather, my brother bullied me!"
"He dares to bully you?" Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow.
"Yes!"
Ying Xue nodded firmly.
Meanwhile, Ying Yang shrank his neck, not daring to speak.
"And how exactly did he bully my dear Xue'er?" Ying Zheng asked with a chuckle.
"In our match just now, he didn't even let me win!" Ying Xue pouted.
Hearing this,
Ying Zheng and Zhao Qi exchanged glances and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Hahaha!"
"Great grandfather, Father!"
"You're still laughing!" Ying Xue pouted in dissatisfaction.
"Xue'er,"
"Heaven and earth bear witness,"
"If I hadn't gone easy on you just now, do you think you'd still be standing here just fine?" Ying Yang couldn't help but say.
"See! He's still bullying me!" Ying Xue huffed proudly.
In truth, it was all just playful banter.
"Qi'er,"
"It seems these two have too much free time on their hands," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"They do seem a bit too idle," Zhao Qi nodded in agreement.
"Recently, various regions of Great Qin have seen an increase in the appearance of demonic beasts, and even some fully transformed demons."
"Some abide by the laws of Great Qin, while others engage in man-eating and reckless slaughter."
"Since you both have the time, go patrol the realm and eliminate those man-eating demons," Ying Zheng ordered without hesitation.
Given that they were already at the Martial Dao Transcendence Realm, they could travel anywhere in the mortal world without issue. Ying Zheng had no concerns about their safety.
"Understood!"
Ying Yang and Ying Xue's eyes lit up with excitement, and they immediately nodded.
Over the past ninety years,
The path of cultivation had flourished, and the constraints once imposed by the Heavenly Court and Buddhist Sect on the mortal realm had completely vanished.
Not only had all the people of Great Qin embarked on the road of cultivation, but even the beasts that had once been suppressed began to evolve under the nourishment of the world's spiritual energy. Many had transformed into demonic beasts, and some had even awakened their ancestral memories, becoming true demons.
After all,
The demon race of the past possessed inherited bloodlines. Once they transformed and gained intelligence, they also acquired cultivation methods.
Initially,
The emergence of transformed demons did cause some chaos,
As their abilities were not to be underestimated.
However, under the absolute power of Great Qin, they were quickly subdued.
Drawing inspiration from Zhao Feng's vision
A future where Great Qin would be home to many races, all serving as its strength
The empire introduced policies for dealing with transformed demons.
To live within Great Qin's territory,
They had to officially register, receive a Tianxuan Mirror, obtain citizenship, and govern a designated forest region.
They were forbidden from eating humans or engaging in slaughter.
If they contributed to Great Qin, they would even be granted contribution points as rewards.
Naturally, most transformed demons chose this path.
However,
There were still those who remained violent and bloodthirsty, feeding on humans.
For such beings, Great Qin showed no mercy.
They were hunted down and eradicated by dispatched experts.
Given the dense spiritual energy in the mortal world and the countless wild beasts roaming the lands, many were bound to transform.
Some chose to submit to Great Qin, while others resisted.
Of course,
The latter were the minority.
To regulate the emergence of demons,
Great Qin enacted new laws:
Citizens of Great Qin were forbidden from killing intelligent demon beasts. Violators would face severe punishment.
However, wild beasts remained fair game for hunting.
"Father,"
"When do you think Grandfather will return?"
Ying Yang asked curiously.
He and Ying Xue were born forty years after Zhao Feng had ascended to the Earthly Immortal Realm.
As one's cultivation grew stronger, conceiving offspring became increasingly difficult.
Zhao Qi had fathered them when he was in the Shattered Void Realm, and their mother was a woman from the Meng family.
"For now, he likely won't be returning,"
"Your grandfather is still expanding Great Qin's territory in the Immortal Realm."
"But in the future, we will all eventually journey to the Immortal Realm," Zhao Qi replied.
For him,
This was a form of motivation.
"Just how strong is Grandfather?"
Ying Xue asked curiously.
"Your grandfather is the strongest in all of Great Qin."
"Even the celestial gods of the heavens are no match for him," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.
So many years had passed.
To say he didn't miss Zhao Feng would be a lie.
But considering the time difference between the Immortal Realm and the mortal world,
Ying Zheng didn't want to disturb him.
Just then
Ying Zheng seemed to sense something.
With a wave of his hand,
The Tianxuan Mirror appeared.
And immediately after
Zhao Feng's figure emerged within the grand hall.
"Your son pays respects to Father!"
Upon seeing him, Zhao Qi immediately bowed with excitement on his face.
Ying Zheng's gaze softened.
"Father."
Zhao Feng smiled slightly, looking at Ying Zheng.
"Qi'er."
Zhao Feng turned his gaze toward his son.
At this moment
Outside the Tianxuan Mirror,
Zhao Feng also noticed the presence of Ying Yang and Ying Xue.
"Who are they?"
Seeing their features somewhat resemble Zhao Qi's, Zhao Feng had already made a guess.
"Father,"
"They are my children."
"My eldest is named Ying Yang, and his younger sister is Ying Xue," Zhao Qi immediately said.
"You two, hurry and pay respects to your grandfather," Zhao Qi instructed them.
Ying Yang and Ying Xue did not dare to be negligent and immediately knelt.
"Grandchildren greet Grandfather!"
"Hahaha!"
"Not bad!"
"I've only been in the Immortal Realm for three months, and I already have grandchildren?"
"They've grown so much, and they've even reached the Martial Dao Transcendence Realm!" Zhao Feng laughed heartily, clearly delighted.
"It's all thanks to the cultivation grounds in the small world and the abundant resources of Great Qin," Zhao Qi quickly explained.
"That is their ability as well," Zhao Feng smiled.
His gaze toward his two grandchildren softened considerably.
"Feng'er,"
"How is the situation in the Immortal Realm?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"The Immortal Realm is far more ruthless than I had imagined,"
"But only for mortals."
"Among the human race in the Immortal Realm, none are allowed to cultivate. Only those selected by immortal sects have the opportunity to cultivate but in truth, this so-called selection is merely an excuse to extract spiritual essence from those with spiritual roots and refine their flesh and blood."
"In reality, they are merely livestock raised by the immortals and gods," Zhao Feng said grimly.
"Immortals and gods..."
"They possess the power of immortals and gods, yet lack their true virtue."
"How laughable," Ying Zheng scoffed.
"Mortals being unable to cultivate makes it easier for immortals and gods to control them, legitimizing their enslavement."
"But this situation has worked to Great Qin's advantage."
"Wherever Great Qin's army marches, we conquer!"
"In just three months, we have seized a territory spanning tens of millions of miles and gained a population in the hundreds of millions."
"I have already begun teaching them the path of martial cultivation," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"So, the immortals and buddhas have not yet noticed your presence in the Immortal Realm?" Ying Zheng asked.
"The Heavenly Dao is incomplete, and the heavenly mechanisms are unclear."
"They cannot divine my presence."
"Furthermore, upon entering the Immortal Realm, I did not reveal Great Qin's name. Instead, I took a dormant approach to expanding our territory. The immortals hold no regard for the mortal nations; they pay them no attention. So even as Great Qin has expanded across tens of millions of miles, they remain indifferent," Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Immortals and gods..."
"Perhaps they have never seen mortals as anything significant from the very beginning. That truly plays into our hands," Ying Zheng laughed.
"By the way,"
"How is the mortal realm faring?"
"In the Immortal Realm, one day equals one year in the mortal world."
"So, it has already been ninety years in the mortal realm," Zhao Feng asked.
"In these ninety years, Great Qin has undergone immense transformation."
"Great Qin is no longer what it once was."
"Currently, we have over 30,000 warriors at the Martial Dao Transcendence Realm, over 5,000 at the Martial Dao Great Power Realm, over 500 at the Martial Dao Fusion Realm, and over 30 at the Martial Dao Domain Realm."
"As for immortal and Buddhist cultivators, over 5,000 have reached the Nascent Soul Unity Realm, more than 1,000 have reached the Immortal Realm, over 300 have reached the Earth Immortal Realm, 30 have reached the Heavenly Immortal Realm, and we even have three Golden Immortals."
"Our Grand Preceptor has already broken through to the Taiyi Golden Immortal Realm!"
Ying Zheng excitedly detailed Great Qin's current strength.
"That is indeed remarkable."
"Such progress is truly astonishing," Zhao Feng nodded approvingly.
"And this is only in terms of cultivation realms our auxiliary fields have also seen countless advancements."
"The national strength of Great Qin is now sufficient to aid you."
"If the Heavenly Court does take notice, Great Qin now has the power to fight."
"It is no longer just you alone on the battlefield," Ying Zheng said with a hearty laugh.
Clearly
As the protector of Great Qin,
Seeing Zhao Feng always fighting alone had never sat well with Ying Zheng.
Every time, it was his son who had to shield Great Qin.
How could he, Ying Zheng, accept that?
It was not out of jealousy.
But as a father, he, too, wanted to protect his son and safeguard Great Qin.
"Father,"
"You've worked hard," Zhao Feng said with a warm smile.
"Compared to you, what I've done is nothing," Ying Zheng smiled faintly.
"By the way,"
"Your mother and the others haven't seen you in a long time either."
"Qi'er, go call them over," Ying Zheng instructed Zhao Qi.
"Understood!"
Zhao Qi immediately nodded and rushed out.
"Since the Heavenly Court suffered a crushing defeat last time, they have not made any moves against Great Qin."
"I wonder what their next move will be," Ying Zheng mused.
"They are plotting something."
"But after suffering such losses, their next move will likely involve trying to pull Great Qin into the Immortal Realm," Zhao Feng said gravely.
"If they succeed in dragging Great Qin into the Immortal Realm, then a direct war between us and them will be inevitable."
"This matter must be handled with great caution," Ying Zheng nodded seriously.
"Don't worry."
"I will stir up chaos in the Immortal Realm, ensuring that they won't have an easy time," Zhao Feng chuckled.
He had already established a stronghold for Great Qin in Dongsheng Divine Continent.
Now, it was time to truly unleash the storm.
Zhao Feng was determined
He would plunge the entire Immortal Realm into turmoil.
Only then
Would their intricate schemes be thrown into disarray?
Moreover, the Immortal-Mortal Miasma was about to erupt.
When that happened
Those so-called immortals and gods were bound to have a "wonderful surprise" waiting for them.
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