Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 854 Chapter 347: Father, I Want to Give the Immortals and Gods a Big Gift! Hao Tian's Wrath! (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
"The thirty-six Western Nations fall under the influence of the Buddhist Sect."
"Mobilizing our forces now presents the perfect chance to eradicate the Buddhist Sect within the Mortal World."
"Have the State Preceptor bring all his disciples along," Zhao Feng mused for a moment before stating.
"The Heibing Platform has already been dispatched to investigate the situation in the various Western Nations," a subordinate reported.
"These thirty-six countries combined have a population less than twenty million, and their national power doesn't even rival the Xiongnu."
"A single legion could easily sweep through them, but to ensure absolute safety, deploying two legions would be prudent," Ying Zheng advised.
"This undertaking can be entrusted to my father-in-law," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Ah, almost forgot."
"Have you given thought to the marriage proposal with the Holy Daughter of the Jiuli Clan?" Ying Zheng inquired with a smile, looking at Zhao Feng.
"I shall marry her; after all, there's no downside for me."
"Since the Jiuli Clan has extended this request, it signifies their earnest desire to completely submit to Qin. In that case, I will fulfill their wish and assuage their concerns," Zhao Feng responded with a grin.
"The Jiuli Clan has been under our banner for nearly two years now. The Qin name has been propagated, and our culture is gradually permeating their society. Jiuli has transformed from scattered tribes into settled cities."
"The Jiuli people show no resistance, and Martial Arts can now be passed down within their Clan," Ying Zheng stated gradually.
"In that case,"
"I shall personally pass down Martial Arts after marrying the Holy Daughter of the Jiuli Clan."
"Once the Jiuli Clan masters Martial Arts, it might bestow upon Qin an unforeseen advantage."
"Their Witch Clan bloodline, their Witch Bodies."
"In time, Qin's soldiers will become utterly invincible across the realm," Zhao Feng declared with a smile.
Within his mind, recollections from his past life regarding the Witch Clan surfaced – tales of each Witch Body unraveling to reveal immense power. He envisioned punches and kicks capable of shattering the heavens and earth.
Now that the Jiuli Clan was subdued by Qin, when Qin eventually marched against the Immortal Realm, they could demonstrate to those Immortals and Gods the true meaning of the Witch Clan's resurgence.
Only this time, the reborn Witch Clan would be entirely under Qin's dominion.
"Furthermore,"
"Among the Four Great Continents of the Earth Immortal Realm, the orthodox Witch Clan could not be entirely annihilated; they must still exist."
"According to legend, the Ancestral Witch Houtu transformed into the cycle of reincarnation. Perhaps, by establishing a connection with the Jiuli Clan, one could locate the legendary Ancestral Witch and potentially secure the allegiance of a new formidable force," Zhao Feng contemplated internally, his gaze already fixed on the future.
Ying Zheng recalled Zhao Feng's earlier mention of the Witch Body and, observing his son's current expression, also smiled.
"What grand offering do you intend to present to those Immortals and Gods?"
Shifting the conversation's topic, Ying Zheng expressed his curiosity.
He understood his son intimately: gracious to allies, but utterly ruthless towards enemies.
Since Zhao Feng had spoken of it, he undoubtedly had a plan in motion.
"Father, observe this,"
Zhao Feng smiled.
He raised his hand.
A stream of dark, intangible air materialized in his palm.
Ying Zheng glanced at it, a hint of confusion in his eyes, asking, "What is this?"
"Immortal Miasma."
"A potent, Innate-level venom that is effective against both Immortals and Gods."
"Are those beings, the so-called Immortals and Gods, not merely raising the Human Race as sustenance? Are they not seizing Spiritual Charms?"
"Then I shall sever this very path for them," Zhao Feng sneered.
"Can this Immortal Miasma truly vanquish these Immortals and Gods?" Ying Zheng inquired, a note of surprise in his voice.
"Immortal Miasma, as its name suggests,"
"creates a chasm between the Immortal and the Mortal."
"Should a mortal become infected with this poison, no apparent symptoms will manifest. However, if an Immortal were to kill a mortal tainted by this poison, they would invariably be invaded by it. Consuming mortal flesh and blood, or seizing Spiritual Charms, only deepens the erosion. The more mortals they slay, the more profound the Immortal Miasma's encroachment becomes. The consequences of infection range from minor, resulting in significant damage to their cultivation, to severe, culminating in death," Zhao Feng explained with a chilling smile.
"This peculiar poison is truly remarkable."
"Its potency is astounding."
Only now did Ying Zheng regard the dark stream of air in Zhao Feng's palm with genuine seriousness.
"Feng'er,"
"Are you capable of completely controlling this substance?"
"If, in the future, Qin ventures into the Immortal Realm, will our soldiers who happen to kill mortals infected with Immortal Miasma not also fall prey to its erosion?" Ying Zheng immediately considered the long-term implications.
"Father, this venom has been completely refined by me. The Immortal Miasma that is dispersed remains identical to my refined substance."
"So, there's no need to fret about being harmed, right?"
"Precisely."
"Our Great Qin is not like those fiends. Should we truly invade the Immortal Realm in the future, we shall not slaughter mortals without cause. This Immortal Miasma is precisely what these Immortals and Gods have coming to them."
"Once this poison is unleashed, it will undoubtedly strike a powerful blow against them," Zhao Feng sneered coldly.
"Hahaha."
"Now that you phrase it so, I find myself eagerly anticipating the commotion the Immortal Miasma will sow throughout the Immortal Realm," Ying Zheng guffawed, his voice brimming with expectation.
...
The Heavenly Court!
```
"Your Majesty."
"The Four Divisions have just submitted their reports."
"Their divine power's descent into the mortal world has faltered, and they are now completely unable to channel their divine power downwards."
Taibai Jinxing approached Hao Tian, his expression etched with unease.
Hao Tian knitted his brows: "Divine power can no longer descend to the mortal world?"
"Has the cause been ascertained?"
Taibai Jinxing promptly responded: "It appears a certain force within the mortal realm is actively obstructing the descent of divine power."
Upon hearing this news!
Hao Tian's countenance grew even graver.
"Furthermore."
"The Buddhist Sect seems to have taken action against Shenzhou," Taibai Jinxing added.
"What?"
Hao Tian's eyes widened with fury: "Tathagata, does he dare?"
"According to secret intelligence from our informants within the Buddhist Sect, Tathagata has issued an edict, commanding mortal Buddhist practitioners to spread their doctrines into Shenzhou, with the intention of gradually usurping Shenzhou's Qi Fortune," Taibai Jinxing elaborated.
"How audacious of Tathagata!"
"To act in such a manner!"
"The obstruction of divine power descending to the mortal world must surely be connected to his Buddhist Sect," Hao Tian surmised coldly.
"Then, Your Majesty... what course of action should our Heavenly Court pursue?" Taibai Jinxing inquired tentatively.
"It seems a visit to Lord Lao Zi is in order."
A contemplative expression settled upon Hao Tian's face.
Without delay.
Hao Tian vanished in a flash of light.
He departed directly from the Lingxiao Palace.
Reappearing, he had already arrived at a majestic palace suffused with the profound essence of the Dao.
Within the Thirty-Three Heavens, the Doushuai Temple!
"The Heavenly Emperor graces us with his presence. What pressing matter compels your visit?" A slightly aged voice emanated from within the temple as Hao Tian approached.
Though aged, the voice lacked the frailty of one nearing the end of their mortal lifespan.
"Regarding the affairs of Shenzhou, I have come specifically to consult with Lord Lao Zi," Hao Tian stated.
Before the Doushuai Temple, Hao Tian did not display any imperial arrogance. He understood that following the disappearance of the Saints many years prior, Lord Lao Zi was renowned as the most knowledgeable in comprehending past events in the world, perhaps even the most powerful being in the universe.
"Please, enter."
Lord Lao Zi's voice beckoned him inside.
Hao Tian stepped into the Doushuai Temple without hesitation.
Within the inner sanctum of the palace.
Lord Lao Zi was seated upon a futon, a horsetail whisk in hand, with an alchemical furnace positioned nearby. The entire hall resonated with the potent aura of the Dao.
"Greetings, Lord Lao Zi," Hao Tian offered a slight bow of his head.
"What critical matter concerning Shenzhou necessitates the Heavenly Emperor's personal visit?" Supreme Lord Lao Zi inquired calmly.
"Shenzhou has slipped from our grasp, apparently due to the presence of cultivators. The seals previously placed upon Shenzhou have also been shattered."
"Moreover... the Buddhist Sect has already begun propagating Buddhist teachings within Shenzhou, with the clear intention of seizing Shenzhou's Qi Fortune," Hao Tian reported urgently.
Supreme Lord Lao Zi cast a discerning glance, then queried, "Shenzhou possesses immense Qi Fortune. It is only natural that the Buddhist Sect would vie for it."
"When I previously settled matters with Tathagata, we agreed to a contest of abilities, but stipulated that neither side should overstep boundaries."
"Now, I dispatch calamities to Shenzhou, yet the Buddhist Sect interferes, thereby disrupting my carefully laid plans."
"Lord Lao Zi, should the Buddhist Sect succeed in usurting Shenzhou's Qi Fortune, our Taoist Sect will undoubtedly suffer a grievous loss," Hao Tian declared with solemnity.
Supreme Lord Lao Zi maintained his composure, gazing at Hao Tian: "Then, what is the Heavenly Emperor's proposal?"
"I hope Lord Lao Zi will lend his aid in forcefully reintegrating Shenzhou into the Earth Immortal Realm."
"Only through such an action can our Heavenly Court legitimately claim Shenzhou's Qi Fortune," Hao Tian stated.
"I give my word, should Shenzhou's Qi Fortune be secured, I shall gladly share it with Lord Lao Zi," Hao Tian's eyes gleamed with a hint of cunning.
Initially.
His original plan was to act after Shenzhou's Qi Fortune had been depleted, amidst the ensuing chaos engulfing the mortal realm.
The interference then wouldn't have been so substantial, but now, he was compelled to accelerate his strategy's implementation.
"Without the Qi Fortune of Shenzhou being severed, how do you propose to draw Shenzhou into our grasp?"
"Back in the day, the Human Emperor's accomplishments are something the Heavenly Emperor is aware of, are they not?" Supreme Lord Lao Zi stated with composure.
"Supreme Lord Lao Zi."
"With our combined might, success is absolutely within our reach!" Hao Tian's gaze flashed with a hint of unhinged determination.
Supreme Lord Lao Zi bore a contemplative mien.
...