Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 898 Chapter 366: Kneel Before I! (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
In this era, the rules of the Heavenly Dao are fractured, rendering the so-called Heavenly Dao Oath a mere jest.
With Hao Tian's direct proclamation, it serves to nullify any intention he might have harbored of reneging on his promise.
"Very well," Hao Tian stated, his patience exhausted with further discourse.
In a sudden flash, he vanished from the scene.
Observing Hao Tian's departure, Tathagata's countenance finally settled into a satisfied smile.
"Now that the Saint has departed," he mused, "the majority of the world's Qi Fortune resides with our Buddhist Sect and your Heavenly Court."
"You are preoccupied with the ephemeral chance of attaining Sainthood in the Mortal World, while my focus is the Qi Fortune of the Eastern Continent. If I can claim all of it, it may very well be sufficient for me to take that crucial step."
"Ah, Sainthood!"
"Such a revered and awe-inspiring realm."
A surge of ambition ignited within Duobao Tathagata's eyes.
Having personally witnessed the overwhelming might of a Saint, who wouldn't aspire to such absolute power?
The ability to shatter heavens, annihilate earth, and even forge new worlds.
Since the vanishing of the Saints, this has been the ultimate desire of all Great Divine Ability Practitioners throughout the heavens.
Be it Hao Tian, Tathagata, or the myriad of Great Divine Ability Practitioners in the Earth Immortal Realm, all share this fervent longing!
Heavenly Court!
Within the Polestar Palace.
Gold Star Taibai held aloft the Holy Decree.
"By the Heavenly Emperor's command," he began.
"Today."
"The Heavenly Court and the Buddhist Sect have honored their alliance, and thus, when the Mortal World rejoins the Earth Immortal Realm, the Buddhist Sect shall be permitted to propagate the Buddhist Law eastward, into the territories bordering the Nan Zhanbu Continent and the Eastern Continent."
"Heaven and earth bear witness to this covenant," Gold Star Taibai proclaimed with resounding force.
Upon hearing the pronouncement,
The Immortals and Gods assembled within the hall were left utterly speechless.
Yet, with the Emperor's throne conspicuously vacant,
Despite their bewilderment, the assembled Immortals and Gods could offer no objection.
...
Earth Immortal Realm!
In the span of merely three months,
Under Zhao Feng's decisive leadership, fifty thousand elite soldiers have already subjugated hundreds of thousands of square miles of territory.
Every small nation encircling the Aolai Kingdom has been seamlessly integrated into Qin's dominion.
Much like their control over the Aolai Kingdom, the Daqin Elite Soldiers encountered minimal resistance.
Merely showcasing their divine prowess was enough to convince these Mortal Kingdoms that they were witnessing the descent of Immortals, prompting immediate surrender and fervent pleas for their presence.
The Immortals and Gods of the Heavenly Court had long since subdued the inhabitants of the Eastern Continent, instilling a profound veneration for Immortals, to the point where defiance was unthinkable. This pre-existing reverence greatly facilitated Zhao Feng's campaign.
Wucheng!
Once the capital of a minor state, it was renamed Wucheng by Zhao Feng.
It now serves as Qin's provisional capital within the Earth Immortal Realm.
At this very moment!
Within the grand hall of the former royal palace,
Zhao Feng occupied the central seat of authority.
Seated below were the principal generals from various divisions, alongside esteemed civil officials.
"Your Highness," Han Fei addressed him, "in a mere three months, encompassing millions of square miles and billions of souls."
"This pace of conquest is immeasurably faster than Qin's campaigns in the Mortal World of the past," he remarked with palpable awe.
Following Zhao Feng's establishment of territory within the Earth Immortal Realm, Han Fei had formally requested and received stewardship over the conquered lands.
"The mortal populace of this realm has been utterly disregarded as mere insects by the Immortals and gods, thoroughly subjugated across this Eastern Continent."
"My Martial Mystic Powers are perceived by them as the divine abilities of Immortals; how could they possibly offer meaningful resistance?"
"Nonetheless," Zhao Feng commented with a serene, faint smile, "this situation proves advantageous for Qin. At the very least, future conquests of these Mortal Kingdoms within the Earth Immortal Realm will encounter no significant impediments."
"Your Highness," Wei Quan inquired, a note of confusion in his voice, "I find myself quite perplexed. Qin has successively annexed over a dozen minor nations, commanding billions of people, and has even become aware of the existence of those Immortal Sects, yet they have taken no action. Why have they not hindered Qin's military advance, as if they remain entirely oblivious?"
"Because their perspective is vastly superior."
"They hold mortals in complete contempt."
"In their eyes, conflicts among mortals are nothing more than trivial squabbles."
"This is precisely why I have temporarily concealed Qin's national designation," Zhao Feng explained with a knowing smile.
"Should Qin's name be revealed overtly, it might incite unforeseen and undesirable repercussions."
"Your Highness's wisdom is profound."
"In a mere three months, Qin has assimilated billions of souls and millions of miles of land."
"As our development continues, we are destined to claim even vaster territories and accumulate more potent Qi Fortune," Han Fei responded with a smile.
"However."
"The much-anticipated Immortal Ascension Ceremony of those Immortal Sects is now upon us."
"Indeed."
"Qin will finally confront the true Immortals of this realm," Zhao Feng stated grimly.
The moment Zhao Feng concluded his statement.
Above the vast expanse of Wucheng.
Celestial clouds abruptly materialized in the heavens.
An ethereal immortal aura descended.
As the clouds parted.
Suspended above the dispersing vapors.
More than a hundred disciples, clad in the distinctive Daoist robes of the Immortal Sects, made their appearance.
"The Immortals have graced us with their presence."
"We offer our deepest salutations to the Immortals."
"The Immortal Ascension Ceremony is finally on the brink of commencement."
"This is truly magnificent."
"My son has reached the age of ten and is eligible to participate in the Immortal Ascension Ceremony."
"Once accepted into an Immortal Sect, his destiny is sealed as an immortal, bringing immense honor to our lineage, transforming our family into one of true immortals."
"Precisely."
"Each year, numerous gifted individuals possessing spirit roots are inducted into the Immortal Sects. My son, who practices the Qi Cultivation Technique and can harness the spiritual energy of nature, clearly possesses such a spirit root."
"Congratulations, heartfelt congratulations."
"Your household will soon be blessed with an immortal."
"Yet, we are no longer the State of Ying, but now the State of Wu. Will this transition bring any alterations to the Immortal Ascension Ceremony?"
"What conceivable changes could there be?"
"The Immortals exist in unity; how could the sacred Immortal Ascension Ceremony be subject to change?"
...
Witnessing the arrival of the immortals in the heavens, the myriad citizens within the city were overcome with overwhelming excitement.
Naturally.
During this pivotal Immortal Ascension Ceremony, the dispatch of Immortal Sect disciples to conduct spirit root examinations would not be confined to the capital alone. Any city boasting a population exceeding five hundred thousand would receive such a visitation.
"Your Highness."
"They have arrived with remarkable swiftness," Wei Quan remarked, gazing upward at the celestial dome with a subtle smirk.
"One Heavenly Immortal, fifty Immortals, and the remainder belonging to the Refining the Void and Merging with the Path realms, totaling over three hundred individuals."
"This impressive contingent likely represents only the forces for a single nation."
"It appears I underestimated the might of these Immortal Sects," Zhao Feng admitted, his expression growing serious.
"Your Highness."
"The troops stand prepared."
"A formidable grand formation has been erected within the former capitals of each subjugated country. Should they dare to advance, this formation, bestowed by Your Highness, possesses the power to annihilate them," Wei Quan declared promptly.
"Transmit the order to Liu Shi and the others: if they can achieve capture, capture them; if not, then terminate them."
"Let us proceed."
"It is time to observe the spectacle."
Zhao Feng chuckled, commencing a leisurely walk toward the palace gates.
High in the void.
The lead Heavenly Immortal, surveying the surroundings with palpable arrogance, issued a commanding decree: "King of Ying Country, present yourself forthwith to pay homage."
Zhao Feng emerged at a measured pace.
"The State of Ying has ceased to exist."
"It is now the State of Wu," Zhao Feng stated with unruffled composure.
"Whether Ying Country or Wu Country."
"Is the tribute for this year's Immortal Ascension Ceremony prepared?" the leading Heavenly Immortal inquired icily.
"I find your posture while speaking most disagreeable."
"Kneel before me," Zhao Feng commanded with chilling authority.
With a single, decisive gesture.
In an instant.
Hundreds of Immortal Sect disciples suspended in the void found themselves utterly unable to react, overwhelmed by an immense, crushing force. They were all compelled onto the clouds, forced into a kneeling posture, their limbs buckling, vainly struggling against the unyielding pressure.
Bearing witness to this unbelievable display.
Every citizen within the city was rendered speechless, utterly stunned.
"Immortals... Why are all the revered Immortals kneeling?"
"What precipice of events is this?"
"How is it conceivable for Immortals to be subjected to such treatment?"
Tens of thousands of citizens stood dumbfounded, their voices lost for words.
Clearly, this spectacle had irrevocably shattered their ingrained perception of immortals.
At this profound juncture!
Zhao Feng, hands clasped behind his back, advanced slowly into the void.
Directly confronting the assembled immortals.
"Immortals, are they truly so formidable?" Zhao Feng questioned, his voice laced with cold disdain.
"Who... who are you?"
"How dare you display such audacious disrespect towards Kunlun?"
"Kunlun stands as a paramount pillar among the Immortal Sects; how could you possibly dare to inflict such humiliation upon us?" The leading Heavenly Immortal glared furiously at Zhao Feng.
"Kunlun?"
"And so what if it is?" Zhao Feng let out a slight, mocking laugh.
He then cast his gaze downward, observing the astonished populace in the city below.
"My beloved people."
"I, your sovereign."
"Present this sight to you: the very immortals you hold in such high reverence are now prostrate, like mere ants, before me."
"They are not invincible, nor are they omnipotent."