The Qin Family had completely taken control of the Chu Dynasty. Three months had passed.
In those three months, the whole world had been transformed.
Qin De, Qin Feng, Qin Zheng, Xu Yuan, and the others had personally taken charge, launching reforms across twelve prefectures, including Leixue Prefecture, Shangque Prefecture, Zhenyang Prefecture, and Bachu Prefecture.
They abolished the Xiang Family's harsh policies, reassured the people, inventoried the treasuries, reorganized the surrendered troops, stamped out banditry, and restored order.
Everything proceeded swiftly and in good order.
The lands, once thrown into turmoil by war, quickly regained their vitality. The people lived in peace, the military remained steadfast, and the nation's strength had not merely recovered—it had surpassed what it had been under the Xiang Family's rule.
When the news spread, the neighboring Han Dynasty and Ming Dynasty immediately grew interested.
The rulers of both countries had assumed that after enduring civil war, the Chu Dynasty would be severely weakened and short of troops, making it the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the chaos and carve up its territory.
So both countries mobilized their forces and massed troops along the borders, watching like hawks as they waited for a chance to seize a piece of the spoils.
But when they actually approached the borders and took a look, they were stunned.
The Chu Dynasty's troops were strictly disciplined, its city defenses strong, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers stood ready for battle. The Qin Family's Fierce Tiger Army guarded key positions, while the power of the immortal sects lay hidden among them.
The civil war had seemed fierce, but the Qin Family's true elite forces and core strength had suffered almost no losses.
The princes and generals of the Han and Ming Dynasties felt a chill in their hearts.
This was no weak, helpless lamb. It was a mighty tiger, freshly awakened and at the height of its strength!
If they really went to war, they would be lucky to get a share of the spoils. They might even lose their own territory.
After weighing their options again and again, both countries could only withdraw in frustration. They had gained not so much as a hair and slunk back into their own lands.
After this scare, the surrounding minor powers finally recognized the truth:
The newly founded Qin Dynasty was not to be trifled with.
The realm was secure within, and threats from without had been deterred.
With the time ripe, Qin Zheng ascended the throne in a grand ceremony at the imperial palace in Yanjing City, supported by all the civil and military officials.
From that day on, the Chu Dynasty was officially renamed the Qin Dynasty.
Qin Zheng became the founding emperor of the Qin Dynasty. He ushered in a new era and proclaimed it throughout the land.
The court then issued a series of appointments:
Qin Feng was appointed Grand Marshal, with command over the nation's armed forces;
Xu Yuan became Prime Minister, overseeing the affairs of state and bringing peace to the realm;
Qin De was honored as the Retired Emperor. He devoted himself to cultivation and the pursuit of the Dao, taking no part in day-to-day affairs;
Yun Ce and Feng Yuzi were appointed Protectors of the Nation, honored in status and serving as a deterrent to other states;
Though still young, Qin Yu was granted the title of Marquis Who Pacifies the World for his unparalleled achievements and formidable cultivation. He commanded the Fierce Tiger Army and wielded immense power.
On the day of the ceremony, lanterns and decorations adorned the palace inside and out. Music filled the air, officials paid homage, and the people rejoiced in celebration throughout the land.
At the celebratory banquet, everyone was in high spirits, joining in the festivities to mark the birth of the new dynasty.
Amid all the revelry, Qin De and Feng Yuzi received a message talisman from Yun Ce at the same time.
They unfurled the talisman. Its words were calm and composed:
"The new dynasty is settled, and mortal affairs are concluded.
"Qin Yu has exceptional natural aptitude. Though he has spent a long time among mortals and achieved a certain level of cultivation, he still lacks experience and maturity.
"I will take him and Black Eagle with me into the depths of the Great Wilderness to temper and train. We may be gone for only a few years, or as long as a decade, but we will return.
"With the two of you holding down the fort at court, all will be well."
After reading it, Qin De gave a gentle nod. There was no reluctance in his eyes, only understanding and support.
Feng Yuzi simply smiled.
They both knew that Yun Ce was a great cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage. With him taking Qin Yu on a journey of training, Qin Yu would be more than safe—he would have a tremendous opportunity.
To cultivators, a mortal throne, power, and wealth were fleeting as passing clouds. The true Great Dao lay above the nine heavens, within the world of cultivation.
"Xiaoyu's path to immortality has truly begun," Qin De sighed.
That very day, Yun Ce did not delay any further.
Dressed in white, he was as calm as the wind. Beside him stood Qin Yu, brimming with fighting spirit and anticipation, and Black Eagle, standing quietly with a cold, austere presence.
The new emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Zheng; the Retired Emperor, Qin De; the Protector of the Nation, Feng Yuzi; the Grand Marshal, Qin Feng; and the others personally escorted them outside the city.
"Brother Yun, Yu'er, take care on your journey," Qin De said, bowing.
Qin Yu and Yun Ce returned the bow. Xiao Hei flapped his wings and let out a loud cry in reply.
Yun Ce gave a slight nod. "Let's go. The Great Wilderness is vast, and opportunity goes hand in hand with danger. Farewell."
With that, the three figures soared into the sky, broke through the clouds, and sped toward the boundless depths of the Great Wilderness at the edge of the world.
Before you continue