Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 836 Chapter 339: Nine Tripod Cauldrons [Nine Provinces Barrier]! Major Strength Breakthrough! Ying Zheng's Astonishment! (Part 2)...
Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
"The Nine Cauldrons can serve as the primary focus, complemented by Qi Fortune, to establish the Nine Provinces Barrier."
"The Nine Provinces Barrier will protect the territory, extending its reach wherever Qin's dominion stretches. The ultimate might of Huaxia's Nine Cauldrons hinges on the strength of the National Fortune."
"An unparalleled treasure, truly a supreme artifact for suppressing the Human Race."
"Once the Nine Provinces Barrier is successfully erected, celestial meteor showers will cease."
"However, preparations are still necessary. Establishing the Nine Provinces Barrier demands a National Fortune at least of the dynasty level. Once the Northern Frontier is assimilated, it should suffice."
"The Nine Provinces Barrier will be erected as a bulwark for Qin."
At this very moment.
Zhao Feng was filled with elation.
This Nine Cauldron of Huaxia, hailed as a supreme treasure of the Human Race, wielded a power far exceeding his initial estimations.
The Nine Provinces Barrier.
A shield for the land.
Its strength directly correlated with the potency of the Qi Fortune.
This revelation was sufficient to dramatically accelerate the territorial expansion of Great Qin, aggressively collecting Qi Fortune to fortify its foundation.
"Collect."
With a mere thought, Zhao Feng willed it.
The Nine Cauldrons rapidly diminished in size, soaring towards Zhao Feng before seamlessly integrating into his Dantian.
"Congratulations, Your Highness."
"You have successfully mastered the Nine Cauldrons."
Witnessing Zhao Feng's triumph, General Tu Sui promptly stepped forward to convey his felicitations.
Zhao Feng offered a nod, his attention then shifting to Chi Quan: "Does the Jiuli Clan pledge eternal allegiance to Qin?"
"We do."
"I swear upon my station as the Holy Daughter of the Jiuli Clan; the Jiuli Clan submits to Qin and shall never falter in loyalty." Chi Quan affirmed swiftly.
"What is the population of the Jiuli Clan?" Zhao Feng inquired.
"Replying to Your Highness, the Crown Prince."
"The Jiuli Tribes number close to six million." Chi Quan responded.
"Since my arrival, I have already mandated the integration of the Jiuli Clan into Qin, requiring them to learn the Qin script and practice Qin customs."
"If the Jiuli Clan desires to transcend their current existence in the land of Baiyue, this assimilation is imperative."
"As the Holy Daughter, you must shoulder this responsibility." Zhao Feng stated.
"Great Qin has shown us immense kindness; the entire Jiuli Clan recognizes this." Chi Quan immediately avowed.
"Hmm."
Zhao Feng gave another nod, his gaze returning to General Tu Sui: "Commence the construction of the river channels and the opening of roads. The entire army is to execute these orders with utmost diligence."
"I acknowledge the command." General Tu Sui responded without hesitation.
"Crown Prince."
"I... I..."
At that moment, Chi Quan appeared visibly hesitant as she looked towards Zhao Feng, seemingly wanting to speak but visibly apprehensive.
"Speak your mind; I do not devour people," Zhao Feng remarked with a subtle smile.
"General Tu Sui mentioned that the Martial Path was established by the Crown Prince and is accessible to all Qin citizens. I wished to inquire if the Jiuli Clan might also be permitted to cultivate it?" Chi Quan asked tentatively.
"Should the Jiuli Clan offer their complete submission to Qin, they will, naturally, be granted access to cultivate the Martial Path."
"However, should their submission not be genuine, such an opportunity will be lost." Zhao Feng added, a note of warning in his tone.
The phrase "lost opportunity" carried a dual implication.
On one hand, it signified that the Jiuli Clan would be denied the chance to practice the Martial Path; on the other, it hinted at the grim prospect of their annihilation.
Zhao Feng had always been benevolent towards those who aligned themselves with him. His conquest of Baiyue and the subsequent acceptance of the Jiuli Clan's surrender were partly due to their historical standing as a former orthodox power in Shenzhou, thus allowing them the option to submit to Qin.
Yet, if they failed to value this chance, Zhao Feng harbored no reservations about treating them as foreign adversaries.
"The Jiuli Clan will submit with sincerity."
Chi Quan reaffirmed her pledge.
"I place no faith in mere spoken words."
"My hope is that the Jiuli Clan will truly become one with Qin."
Zhao Feng ceased speaking.
With a sweep of his hand.
He rent the very fabric of the Void.
His cultivation having ascended to the Realm of Martial Dao to Divinity, the act of tearing through the mortal world's Void had become significantly simpler for Zhao Feng.
"Is Your Highness departing already?" General Tu Sui's expression shifted slightly.
"With you overseeing Baiyue, I am naturally at ease."
"Once Baiyue is fully pacified and integrated, you may then return to the capital." Zhao Feng smiled, stepping directly into the rent Void and vanishing from the scene.
His journey to this location had been solely for the acquisition of the Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia; having attained them, Zhao Feng considered his mission complete.
"I respectfully bid farewell to His Highness."
General Tu Sui bowed his head towards the closed passage.
After a period of time, General Tu Sui finally straightened his body.
"General Tu."
"Tell me, how does one earn the Crown Prince's trust?" Chi Quan inquired softly.
"Nothing more than demonstrating unwavering loyalty."
"The Crown Prince possesses the potent ability to perceive the intentions of others. Should your allegiance be feigned, he will discern it instantly," General Tu stated with gravity.
Hearing this declaration.
Chi Quan felt a jolt of astonishment within her heart.
The power to perceive the heart of man.
A truly divine immortal ability.
However, recalling the formidable sword Zhao Feng had wielded and the single finger that had obliterated the sacrificial altar, Chi Quan found her surprise receding.
"If I were to wed the Crown Prince, would that be deemed genuine submission?" Chi Quan asked, her voice barely a whisper.
General Tu recoiled in surprise: "What did you say?"
"Nothing... it's nothing," Chi Quan quickly dismissed, shaking her head.
Yet, deep within her mind, a clear thought was taking root.
Xianyang beckoned!
The Imperial Palace awaited!
Within the resplendent Zhangtai Palace, long after nightfall, the lights still burned brightly.
Ying Zheng, in a rare departure from his usual routine of reviewing official documents, sat to the side. His grandson, Zhao Qi, occupied the main seat, diligently poring over a stack of petitions.
"Grandfather."
"A report indicates a potential collapse of the riverbanks in San Chuan County, which falls under Ji State's jurisdiction. Funds from the Imperial Treasury are required for their reinforcement."
"Generally speaking, approximately how much wealth and provisions are necessary for the construction of river embankments?"
Zhao Qi inquired, a touch of confusion in his voice as he examined the document in his hand.
"How much do you estimate would be required to construct the riverbanks of a major waterway?" Ying Zheng countered with a gentle smile.
"My grandson has already been exposed to numerous governmental matters. For the riverbanks of a single county, a minimum of one million coins would likely be needed."
"Should we aim to strengthen all the riverbanks, then a million coins would still fall short," Zhao Qi concluded after careful deliberation.
"Currently, under Qin's enlightened rule, with the Tian Xuan Mirror overseeing the Nine Provinces, and your father's established Yan Court diligently inspecting the realm, common citizens can submit their grievances directly to the Yan Court Inspection Envoy via the Tian Xuan Mirror. Consequently, corrupt officials find themselves with no place to conceal their misdeeds."
"Therefore, whether for constructing riverbanks or disbursing relief funds, ample resources can be generously allocated."
"There is no need to fear misappropriation," Ying Zheng stated, a warm smile gracing his lips.