Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 788 - 320: Zhao Feng: Father, I Have a Method—If the Nation Does Not Fall, Neither Will You! (3)

"However, this is not the path I'm destined for." Zhao Feng stated.

"You intend to focus exclusively on Martial Arts?" Ying Zheng inquired.

"No."

Zhao Feng gave a shake of his head, a look of deep contemplation crossing his features.

"Within this heaven and earth, countless Cultivation Methods exist, yet Martial Arts does not lead to immortality. Instead, it's a unique Cultivation Method that has never before graced this world."

"To consolidate immense Qi Fortune, one’s own strength must be sufficient to bear the weight of that consolidation."

"I can indeed cultivate this Art of National Fortune, but it will not be my primary focus. Rather, I shall adopt it as a supplementary path for my future endeavors."

"By utilizing the Art of National Fortune to shape the Human Dao—if this indeed proves successful—then in the future, I can attain the status of Master of the Human Dao and, through that, transcend." Zhao Feng expressed, a look of longing on his face.

Within Zhao Feng’s heart,

a comprehensive plan for his future cultivation journey had already been devised.

The path of Martial Arts, naturally, could not be abandoned.

Furthermore, the Martial Arts Skill that Zhao Feng practiced not only allowed him to harness his own Martial Dao Power but also enabled him to draw upon the power of Qi Fortune as a beneficial influence, thereby accelerating his cultivation speed.

As for the art of [Creating a Holy Court],

that was a cultivation technique centered purely on Qi Fortune.

Through this technique, Zhao Feng could consolidate Qin’s National Fortune and gain control over it, but he would refrain from making himself the vessel of this National Fortune, thus avoiding binding himself completely to the fate of the nation.

What Zhao Feng truly sought was to command this vast Qi Fortune. As Qin grew stronger and expanded incrementally, by eventually consolidating the Qi Fortune of the entire Mortal World, it might become truly possible to revive the Human Dao. In such an event, Zhao Feng could leverage the momentum to seize authority over the Human Dao.

The three pillars of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

These are the very foundations of the Primordial Epoch!

If this world is indeed a Primordial World, then the Heavenly Dao ought to be supreme at present, with the Human Dao and Earth Dao lying dormant.

Should one truly wish to establish a foothold and survive in the future, recalling Guiguzi’s words—that the Earth Immortal Realm has become a demonic hunting ground, where living beings are reduced to mere Blood Food—

Zhao Feng inferred.

This world was undeniably in grave error, and on a massive scale.

For the sake of survival, and for the sake of his kin, Zhao Feng had to approach every matter with the utmost prudence.

"I still do not fully grasp what you are conveying."

"However, since you have made your decision, proceed as you see fit."

"Your father shall offer his unwavering support."

Ying Zheng declared with a smile.

When it came to matters of statecraft, Zhao Feng could not rival him; however, in the realm of cultivation, and in understanding this world and the path that lay ahead, Ying Zheng was naturally outmatched by Zhao Feng.

Beyond offering his complete backing, he possessed no other recourse.

"Very well."

"In a few days, I shall commence the consolidation of Qin’s Qi Fortune, transforming it into National Fortune. When that time arrives, Father, you may then cultivate the Art of National Fortune, refine your Divine Soul, integrate the National Fortune into your being, and share in the nation’s destiny, for better or worse."

"Furthermore."

"Once the Yun Dynasty is established, the Great Qin Ministers can also take up the Way of Ministers of National Fortune. They too will be empowered to channel the Power of National Fortune to repel adversaries. The more robust their Divine Soul, the greater the amount of National Fortune they can command, and consequently, the more formidable their Strength shall become." Zhao Feng added with a grin.

"Mm." Ying Zheng affirmed with a nod.

"Very well, Father."

"I shall transmit the Cultivation Technique to you via the Tian Xuan Mirror. Devote these forthcoming days to comprehending its essence."

"Once I have successfully consolidated the National Fortune, you may then concentrate your efforts on mastering this Cultivation Technique." As Zhao Feng spoke, he directed his thoughts, transmitting the Cultivation Technique into Ying Zheng’s Tianxuan Sub-Mirror.

"Understood."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.

"What else is required for the consolidation of National Fortune?" Ying Zheng inquired further.

"Naturally, the heartfelt endorsement of the populace."

"The greater the affirmation for Qin from the inhabitants within its territories, the more Qi Fortune I shall be able to consolidate."

"Conversely."

"Should the people withhold their recognition from Qin, their Qi Fortune will not be assimilated into the National Fortune." Zhao Feng explained with a smile.

"In that case."

"Let the Imperial Decree concerning land distribution be proclaimed throughout the realm in five days. Once the land has been allocated, I trust that the hearts of the people under heaven will be filled with profound gratitude and recognition for Qin." Ying Zheng proposed thoughtfully.

"Indeed."

Zhao Feng also returned to his senses, acknowledging the wisdom of the suggestion.

"You should rest now."

"I will handle this matter." Ying Zheng offered with a smile.

"Mm." the other party replied.

"Then I shall depart first." He stated.

"We shall meet again in the palace in five days." Zhao Feng said with a smile, before turning and descending the steps.

Though he had already ascended to the position of Crown Prince, Zhao Feng continued to reside outside the Imperial Palace grounds. In reality, he possessed the option to take up permanent residence within the palace walls, but Zhao Feng maintained a preference for his own dwelling; it afforded him greater convenience for carrying out his plans.

...

Tu’an Capital!

As the seat of a minor nation, this Capital could not even hold a candle to the bustling prosperity found in a single county city of Daqin.

"Your Majesty."

"Word has arrived from Qin."

"The border has been opened. We merely need to dispatch individuals to escort the princess to the border, and Qin will naturally send their own people into our territory to receive the bride." An official from Tu An reported to King Tu’an, who was seated in the high position.

"So, it has finally reached this stage." A subtle expression of relief flickered across King Tu’an’s face.

"Proceed with the preparations." King Tu’an commanded. "From the Capital to the border, four days should suffice."

"Understood." The Minister responsible for the marriage alliance promptly withdrew.

"Your Majesty." Jin Feng stepped forward, his face etched with anger. "Are we truly going to marry the princess off to Qin, sending her so far away? Is Tu An genuinely so terrified of Qin?"

At his challenging question, King Tu’an wore a bitter smile. "General Jin, I am aware of your deep affection for Yu Shu. In truth, I had originally intended to betroth Yu Shu to you. However, Tu An now shares a border with Qin, a formidable power. The various nations of Shenzhou have all succumbed to his might. By Tu An’s own strength, we are absolutely no match for Qin. For the sake of Tu An’s people, any sacrifice is deemed worthwhile."

Yet, Jin Feng’s countenance remained filled with profound unwillingness.

"Your Majesty." He protested, "Tu An may be small, but we possess two hundred thousand battle-hardened soldiers. Tu An may be weak, but we can forge alliances with other states and clans to jointly resist Qin. To sell out the princess in exchange for a fleeting period of peace is, ultimately, unacceptable." Jin Feng declared through gritted teeth.

All this time, he had already considered Yu Shu as his own woman. The thought of now being forced to watch helplessly as his intended bride became the Princess Consort to the Prince of Qin was unbearable.

"Enough." King Tu’an interrupted, his voice firm. "Things have reached this point; they cannot be altered. Everything is for the sake of Tu An. As for your own marriage, I shall arrange another for you. You may withdraw now." King Tu’an waved his hand, signifying the end of the discussion, unwilling to prolong the agonizing conversation.

...