Lord of the Earth

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The faces of the many princes and dukes were filled with joy.

It should be noted that the Tianyuan Coin is priceless because it contains the "merit" of Qianxia. In critical moments, it can even be used to pray to Qianxia for a "life-saving" gift. Qianxia would not easily bestow it upon his partners!
The access to "Spirit Realm·Skynet" is an opportunity that countless alien races and even human races and other countries' powerful figures dream of but cannot obtain. It allows them to acquire knowledge, exchange cultivation techniques, and even conduct combat drills, making its value immeasurable!
In comparison, although the treasures they presented were also very valuable, Qianxia's "return gift" was truly "priceless".

Of course, the reason why Xia Tian treated these princes and imperial sons relatively "favorably" was because, in a sense, these people were also "hostages" sent to the core of Qianxia by the "destiny forces" of their respective human races!
Although Qianxia is now powerful enough that, strictly speaking, it doesn't need to resort to the "hostage" system.

Furthermore, according to the rules of the "Path of Destiny" in the Eternal Land, once one becomes the ruler of a dynasty, one can have a lifespan comparable to that of a "demigod," with a lifespan of over a thousand years!
If an emperor can establish a dynasty, he himself can possess a "divine status" and live for more than ten thousand years!

In this case, these "princes" and "princes" who are away from home may not even outlive their "father, the emperor." In addition, with the two places separated, there is no "emotional" issue, so the meaning of using them as "pledge" is not great!
"However, these forces are not necessarily 'loyal'... Once Qianxia itself faces a crisis... these forces are likely to waver... and the rulers of these dynasties themselves may also die unexpectedly."

"At that time, these protons cultivated in Qianxia... naturally found a place to be used!"

This sentence was said by Fan Li to Xia Tian.

The proverb "a rare commodity is worth hoarding" has been proven true not only in the cases of Gongzi Yi and Gongzi Xiaobai!
For these princes, becoming a "hostage" of the Qianlong Emperor, staying in the Forbidden City, and having access to the Qianlong Emperor's inner circle was not a humiliation, but rather a long-awaited opportunity, which made them ecstatic.

"Moreover, I intend to implement the 'Heavenly Net' in the fates of numerous vassal states and even vassal tribes... At that time, even those of you far away in Qianxia will be able to enter the 'Spiritual Realm'..."

Looking down at the hostages below, who were excited about receiving their rewards, Xia Tian spoke again with an air of authority.

Today, in Qianxia's strategy, "Tianwang" and "Tianyuan Coin" will gradually become invisible tools for Qianxia to bind allies and build order.

However, for Qianxia's own safety and due to the limitations of his luck, he was only allowed to connect to the "Skynet" within the coverage area of ​​his own luck cloud sea. Moreover, among the various affiliated forces, only a few qualified "emperors, generals, and prime ministers" were qualified!
This is also a way to attract people from other countries to migrate into Qianxia...

However, now Qianxia can further expand its authority.

Firstly, the development of the Qianxia Dynasty itself is now far too obvious compared to its subordinate forces... A very simple comparison is the concentration of spiritual energy, which is the most crucial factor for cultivators.

The entire Qianxia now possesses the "Zhou Tian Star Array, Nine Cauldrons, and Nine Sons of the Dragon," which gather spiritual energy and create dragon veins... It can be said that the concentration of spiritual energy in any city is comparable to, or even surpasses, the royal cities of the surrounding dynasties and imperial dynasties.

Furthermore, Wang Yangming, who has already been promoted to "quasi-true god", has condensed the "philosophy of mind" Dao fruit, which is even more able to recreate the "scenes" of the human race's past gods preaching in "Jade Pool" within the "Dragon Field" of his own unique building!

It can be said to be superior to the "ancestral land" that is the core of many "super races".

Therefore, talents will continue to flow to Qianxia, ​​just like the Yangtze River flowing eastward and water flowing downhill... As long as Qianxia is the "first imperial dynasty of the human race", this trend will never stop!
"Thank you, Your Majesty..."

The numerous hostages of the subordinate forces once again knelt down in joy.

It is important to know that nowadays, obtaining an official "internet access" qualification recognized by the Qianxia government has become one of the most important indicators of whether someone belongs to the "Qianxia core circle" or is a "Qianxia confidant"!

These subordinate human dynasties and alien forces had always felt a certain "gap" between themselves and the core of the human race.

Now, I suddenly feel like I'm being treated as a "Qianxia citizen"!
In addition, the emperor and his ministers of Qianxia had always been somewhat wary of foreign vassal forces, including Xia Tian.

Even though the Queen Mother of the West bestowed the complete "Scripture of Heavenly Demons Transforming into Humans" when she preached in the past, Xia Tian has only ever passed it down to some races that are relatively secure!
For example, there's "Yu Jiaolong," the silver-scaled dragon girl of the dragon clan, and "Ling'er," the female prodigy of the Azure Dragon clan and also Zhao Yun's wife...

This is because the issue of aliens being transformed into humans is of great importance.

One wrong move could easily "invite a wolf into the house," affecting the overall situation of Qianxia and even the entire human race...

However, this summer, it is relatively safe to further expand "Skynet" and even allow these alien races to "go online".

This is because, after the "Golden Bee Queen" advanced to the level of "quasi-true god," the nascent form of the "spiritual network" she condensed could be directly and remotely connected to Qian Xia's "heavenly network."

In this way, these "golden bees" and their "nests" can be used as a transit station, and alien forces and remote human dynasties can also be initially connected to the secondary nodes of the Spirit Network.

In this way, it can gather the thoughts of more living beings, allowing the queen bee to further improve her "spiritual Dao fruit", and at the same time, it can allow Qianxia's spiritual network to obtain information feedback from a wider area!

Thus, this "sky net" can truly encompass everything...

“Your Majesty, the Spirit Race is also extremely skilled in the arts of the mind… I, Qianxia, ​​can rely on the ‘Golden Sacred Bee’ and the Spirit Race’s network to verify each other, enough to make all the information in the world under my control!”

"Your Majesty, I request permission to carry out this task, and I will surely ensure that our human race's 'Heavenly Net' truly covers the Eternal Land..."

Jia Xu's eyes were filled with longing; he could sense that it must be the foundation for his own enlightenment!
"Alright, let's do as Lord Jia says. We'll first select some suitable alien races as test candidates for this extended 'Spirit Network'... in order to further win the hearts and minds of these forces and prepare for Qianxia's advancement to a Celestial Dynasty!"

In Xia Tian's long-term plan, this "spiritual network" that covers the entire region and connects all spirits will, together with the "Tian Yuan Coin" that circulates throughout all worlds, become the true "national treasure" that Qian Xia has forged for himself!
Xia Tian even believed that its potential was comparable to that of the "Holy City of Humanity," and that it would become the prototype of the most powerful "Supreme Artifact" when Qianxia ascended to the "Immortal Dynasty" in the future!

……

Just as the Qianxia court was finalizing its grand plan, far away on the other side of the Eternal Land...

The pitch-black seawater surged, with demonic energy swirling at its center. A massive fiery mountain spewed forth continuously, and within its central lava lay a grotesque palace, like a "devil's eye" embedded in the sea.

"Your Majesty, the section of the hibiscus branch has been successfully delivered to Qianxia!"

A subordinate dressed in ninja attire knelt down to report.

At the far end of the palace, on a throne shaped like a twisted demon, Oda Nobunaga, clad in dark armor, rhythmically tapped the armrest with his fingers. Upon hearing this, a smirk appeared on his crimson lips.

"Oh? Has Qianxia agreed to the deal?"

"Hai! According to the information relayed from our inside sources, the ruler of Qianxia has personally agreed to hold the exchange in March at the border between our dynasty and the 'Yanming Dynasty'."

"very good!"

Oda Nobunaga stood up and walked outside the hall. He was toying with a crimson "leaf" in his hand.

With a casual swipe, the void ripples, revealing a wondrous scene.

It was a secret realm shrouded in endless flames, with a towering divine tree in the center, its shape strange, its branches like dragons, its leaves like fire, and its body covered with Daoist runes, exuding a heart-palpitating innate fire spirit aura—it was the Fusang Tree, one of the legendary "Five Elements Innate Spiritual Roots" of China! However, this divine tree seemed to be imprisoned by some powerful force, and its radiance was slightly dimmed.

"Three months from now... the rules of heaven and earth should be further unlocked, which will be the time for my true form to enter the world..."

A grand and ancient voice, seemingly coming from the heavens above or from the depths of hell, resounded directly in Oda Nobunaga's mind.

"At that time, I will personally take action to help you get rid of that troublesome 'Yanming Dynasty' next door, so that your Heavenly Demon Dynasty can truly live up to its name!"

Given the size and heritage of Japan, it would undoubtedly be extremely difficult for the country to independently reach the level of an "imperial dynasty".

Especially near the "Heavenly Demon Dynasty", there is another powerful "quasi-imperial dynasty", namely the "Yanming Dynasty" established by "Ming Taizong" Zhu Di!
As an "ally" of Qianxia, ​​this former "Ming Taizong" was exceptionally capable, with outstanding civil and military achievements. He had a multitude of capable ministers and fierce generals under his command. If it weren't for the limitations of the initial population and territory, he would have already reached the level of an imperial dynasty!

Friction between the two sides is constant as they vie for resources and fortune.

Originally, the "Heavenly Demon Dynasty" was always at a disadvantage. Only recently, with the help of the "Heavenly Emperor", has it been able to barely contend with the Yanming Dynasty.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!"

Oda Nobunaga faced the void, bowed deeply, and his expression was filled with just the right amount of excitement and gratitude.

The grand voice continued to resound, carrying a hint of cold mockery and greed.

"Did the Lord of Qianxia really think he could use what he took from me at will? Little did he know that everything in this Eternal Land is governed by cause and effect, and is predetermined... Since he took what he took from me, he must return it with interest... I've heard that Qianxia has already collected several innate spiritual plants such as the Peach Wood and the Heavenly Tree... It seems that it won't be long before they establish a 'Celestial Dynasty'... Unfortunately, all of this will ultimately only benefit you and me..."

The owner of that voice was hidden behind an endless mist of time and space.

He seemed to be in a strange state, his facial expression constantly changing, sometimes majestic, sometimes ferocious, sometimes indifferent, as if thousands of different wills were intertwined and dormant within him.

Although Japan was a vassal state or student of China for most of its history, this does not mean that its rulers were without ambition.

At the very least, this "Emperor" hidden behind the scenes harbored a burning ambition to "replace" Qianxia...

However, this can be considered a tradition of some rulers in Japan.

Certain characteristics of this civilization make them both revere and yearn to become powerful; their inherent inferiority complex mixed with an extreme wolfishness forces any powerful civilization that wants to completely conquer or trust them to be wary.

"Your Majesty, Nobunaga will now go and make detailed arrangements for the 'transaction'..."

Oda Nobunaga, speaking with utmost respect, slowly withdrew from the underwater demon palace.

When he returned to his royal palace atop the volcano via the teleportation array, the humility and excitement on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a cold solemnity.

He waved his hand to dismiss those around him, walked alone to the window, and looked down at the churning lava.

"You didn't expect this, did you? The dignified 'Sixth Heaven Demon King' is so skilled in this 'face-changing' technique... It truly broadens my horizons..."

A playful and ethereal voice suddenly rang out in the hall.

In the void, a complex purple magic totem silently appeared, and then a large amount of thick, almost tangible purple smoke surged out from it, quickly condensing into a blurry human figure.

Its form is ethereal and uncertain, as if it has no fixed entity. Only two scarlet lights flicker at the head position, which is the Heavenly Demon Prince from the abyss.

"Ha, I originally thought that the 'Takamagahara' secret realm was full of ancient treasures, but who knew that instead of finding many treasures, I dug up a living 'ancestor' with my own hands... The Emperor's strength is definitely among the best of the quasi-true gods... In fact, it is very likely that he has already stepped halfway into the 'true god realm'..."

“Such an existence, even in my ‘Abyss,’ could still be considered a ‘Great Demon King’… This is indeed very troublesome.”

The Heavenly Demon Prince's voice remained relaxed, as if he were discussing a trivial matter unrelated to himself.

"However, you don't need to worry too much. When the time comes, my father will naturally consider helping you... After all, you are the 'Sixth Heavenly Demon King' personally appointed by him, and you are nominally the lord of my Abyss lineage. If you were to be bullied by a human ancient god, wouldn't it make the Abyss seem like it has no one to rely on?"

He floated to Oda Nobunaga's side, his scarlet eyes sweeping over the other's solemn profile, his tone carrying a hint of seduction.

“You know, apart from those few ‘Morning Stars’ who fell from the heavens to hell in ancient times, my father hasn’t thought so highly of a human in a long time… Your ruthlessness, decisiveness and ambition are very much to his liking.”

Oda Nobunaga finally turned around, his sharp gaze fixed on the elusive, shadowy figure.

"You came here in person not just to offer these words of comfort, were you? Has the Abyss given any new instructions regarding the specific details of the transaction with Qianxia?"

The Heavenly Demon Prince let out a low laugh.

"It's not really an instruction, just a reminder to be careful and make sure you get that mask smoothly. As for the rest... my good younger brother is currently holding an important position in Qianxia, ​​is highly trusted, and is even said to have the ability to break through to 'quasi-true god'..."

"Sigh, to avoid him competing with me for the position of 'Lord of the Abyss' in the future, I have no choice but to 'sorry' and let him dissipate as well..."

His tone seemed to be filled with feigned regret and cold calculation.

The Demon Race was once one of the supreme races in the myriad realms, and the Heavenly Demon Race is one of the "royal bloodlines" among the Demon Race!

The internal power struggles are equally brutal and treacherous, even going so far as to plant pawns within the human race's various "dynastic dynasties." (End of Chapter)