Outside the Yin Ruins, Ji Chao knelt before a grave mound and bowed deeply.
"Master, this disciple understands." His eyes held realization and respect.
Buried in this lone grave was Ji Chao's master, the magician who had guided Ji Chao onto the path of immortality—Daoist Siji.
Even in the end, Ji Chao never learned Daoist Siji's true name. He knew only his Daoist title, and had not even met Daoist Siji face-to-face many times. Most of Ji Chao's magic had been learned on his own through the connection of the Thought Key Pattern.
But that did not lessen Ji Chao's respect for Daoist Siji.
"To foresee death, and accept death." A glimmer flashed in his eyes. "I understand now."
"If fate wills it, we will meet again."
Ji Chao smiled and rose to his feet.
After giving Daoist Siji's grave one final bow, Ji Chao turned around, shouldered the two activated remains, and set out on his own journey without looking back or hesitating in the slightest.
228 BC.
King Zheng of Qin was handling various affairs.
Ever since ascending the throne, not a single day had passed without him plotting for the realm.
A true man should set his ambitions upon the Nine Provinces. I shall become the mighty ruler who unifies all under Heaven!
King Zheng of Qin had always believed this, and had worked toward that goal.
Last month, Wang Jian had captured Zhao's capital for him, destroying Zhao, one of Qin's fellow great powers. He had hurried to Handan, where he had buried alive some people with whom he held old grudges, established Handan Commandery, and had only just returned to Xianyang from Taiyuan. He had barely even had time to warm his seat.
After killing the King of Zhao, Zhao's Prince Jia seemed to have