In Order to Live as an Immortal, I changed a martial artist world to a xianxia world

Chapter 43: Ying Zheng’s Confidence

Xianyang, Qin Dynasty Capital

The sound of rhythmic tapping echoed through the imperial study. Ying Zheng, seated on a magnificent throne forged from pure gold, lightly drummed his fingers against the armrest.

Before him stood trusted ministers Wang Ben, Han Zhang, and Li Si, heads bowed in silence. Moments ago, Zhao Gao had detailed the events on Wudang Mountain—an account that had left the First Emperor deep in thought.

Not daring to disrupt the emperor’s contemplation, the gathered officials waited with bated breath.

“Ah…”

“I have long suspected that other immortal inheritances must exist,” Ying Zheng finally said, breaking the silence.

“But even I did not anticipate that such a legacy would surface in Ming territory so soon after I acquired the Creation Sutra of Immortality.”

He sighed, a rare tone of wistfulness slipping into his voice.

“Clearly, the ancient world must have been teeming with immortals.”

Since obtaining the Creation Sutra, Ying Zheng had mobilized the full might of the Qin Dynasty to uncover the origins of the mysterious Chiyang Zhenren (赤阳真人), who had left behind the scripture. Yet despite exhaustive efforts, no trace of the figure’s past could be found.

From this, Ying Zheng concluded that Chiyang Zhenren must have lived thousands of years ago, in an era he now referred to as the ancient times.

Ying Zheng could still recall the inscription on the stone tablet accompanying the sutra. It described the immense sacrifices Chiyang Zhenren had made to obtain the inheritance—sacrifices that ultimately limited his lifespan to a mere 300 years, despite his mastery of Qi Refining to Spirit Transformation Peak.

This suggested a world once brimming with immortals, where competition for such legacies was fierce.

“Your Majesty,” Li Si stepped forward cautiously, his expression grave.

“Zhang Sanfeng was already a peak Earthly Immortal (Lùdì Shénxiān, 陆地神仙) before his ascension. Now, having embarked on the immortal path, he is capable of injuring an Earthly Immortal with a mere sound. His cultivation must have reached Qi Refining to Spirit Transformation Late Stage (Liànqì Huàshén Hòuqí, 炼气化神后期).”

“Although Zhang Sanfeng has historically avoided political entanglements, we cannot ignore the fact that he resides within Ming territory.”

Li Si’s concern was reasonable. Having learned about the vast power of immortal cultivators directly from Ying Zheng, he understood the threat they posed. If Zhang Sanfeng’s allegiance leaned even slightly toward the Ming Dynasty, the implications for Qin could be dire.

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“There is no need for alarm,” Ying Zheng replied, a faint smile curling his lips.

“My own cultivation will soon break into the early stage of Qi Refining to Spirit Transformation. Furthermore, the formations guarding Xianyang have been greatly enhanced. Even if Zhang Sanfeng himself were to march here, I would have little to fear.”

The emperor’s confidence stemmed not only from his personal strength but also from the vast resources at his disposal. The wealth of the Qin Dynasty flowed ceaselessly toward his cultivation, accelerating his progress.

In the past, he had constructed a thunder formation capable of slaying Earthly Immortals. Now, with the city’s defences further strengthened, Xianyang stood as an impregnable fortress.

“That matter is settled,” Ying Zheng declared firmly.

“Wudang and Ming are no longer our immediate concerns. Instead, focus on stabilizing our own territory.”

His voice grew cold.

“Subdue the remnants of the Six Kingdoms. Leave no loose ends. The age of mercy is over.”

Qin’s unification of the continent had left lingering resentment among the conquered states. Ying Zheng’s earlier leniency had been an attempt to integrate these factions peacefully.

But with the rise of the immortal path, the stakes had changed. Should the remnants of the Six Kingdoms obtain an immortal inheritance, their enmity could become eternal.

Ying Zheng would not allow such a threat to persist.

“Submit to Qin and thrive; resist, and be eradicated,” he declared.

The emperor’s resolve was unwavering. Those who submitted, like the remnants of the Yin-Yang Sect (Yīnyáng Jiā, 阴阳家) after Donghuang Taiyi’s death, would be integrated into the empire’s structure. Those who resisted would meet the same fate as the sect’s defiant members—extermination at the hands of Qin’s unstoppable army.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Li Si, Zhao Gao, Wang Ben, and the other ministers knelt in unison, their voices resounding with loyalty.