Lord of the Earth

"I feel like the world around me has completely changed; even taking a breath feels like I'm cultivating!"

"The voice of the Great Dao... I think I understand a little bit of it, it keeps ringing in my ears... In this state, any cultivation will enter a state of 'enlightenment', increasing efficiency tenfold!"

The trillions of people of Qianxia, ​​regardless of which dynasty in China, which country on Earth, or which foreign race they came from, all looked up at the dreamlike, interwoven laws in the sky and felt the dramatic changes happening in their surroundings.

The spiritual energy transforms into a purer form of "immortal spiritual energy," which seeps into the meridians with each breath; the damaged earth heals rapidly, and plants revive at a visible speed; even the bottleneck in one's own cultivation shows obvious signs of loosening.

"This...this is the intertwining of the innate Great Dao! The true foundation of an immortal dynasty!"

Shock, excitement, pride... all sorts of emotions surged in everyone's hearts. They knew that they were personally participating in and witnessing the true foundation-laying moment of an unprecedented and glorious civilization!

"Qian Xia... he really came this far!"

On the distant "Ming Dynasty Treasure Ship".

Prince Yan, Zhu Di, stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with complex emotions, including both感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of mixed emotions) and 羡羡 (xiàxiàn, a feeling of envy or admiration).

"Based on the ten innate spiritual roots, the foundation of the Immortal Dynasty has been forged... Although my Yan Ming has managed for decades and has initially established an imperial dynasty, it still pales in comparison to this grandeur."

"From a small territory to the present day when all nations pay tribute and countless races submit to it, laying the foundation for immortality, the hardships and dangers along the way are unimaginable to outsiders... The abilities of Emperor Xia are indeed beyond our reach!"

King Fuchai of Wu also sighed deeply.

"When the Eternal Land first opened, there were billions of human lords, but now only one in ten thousand remains. Those who have reached the Imperial Dynasty are fewer than a handful. And Qianxia... has already taken a step ahead of us, touching the threshold of that legendary 'immortal' realm!"

Duke Huan of Qi, Jiang Xiaobai, gazed at the vast celestial phenomena of the universe, the cycle of birth and death, the rotation of five colors, and the simultaneous brilliance of the sun and moon, and said in a deep voice.

Ancient emperors were all powerful and ruthless rulers, and rarely considered themselves inferior to others.

However, Qianxia has now become the first force in the Eternal Land to forge the "foundation of a Celestial Dynasty," and everyone is sincerely convinced of its power...

"So many 'innate spiritual roots' gathered together to forge the foundation of a celestial dynasty... this is truly unprecedented!"

Not only those within the human race, but also the elven elders, dwarves, and other alien deities who came to observe or secretly spy were deeply shaken.

After all, even some top-tier true gods only possess one "innate spiritual root"... These "ten" innate spiritual roots alone are something that most "quasi-supreme" races can hardly achieve...

"Once a Celestial Dynasty is established, Qianxia will be the absolute overlord of the entire Eternal Land for some time to come!"

The profound knowledge, appeal, and affinity with the eternal will that Qianxia has demonstrated today have completely refreshed their understanding of the potential of the human race.

The future of a nascent immortal dynasty, which is based on the concept of "inclusiveness and tolerance" and has gathered so many innate great paths and received support from many mysterious beings, is beyond the comprehension of ordinary reason!
"Now, I, Qianxia, ​​have finally surpassed all human forces and become the true 'Number One on Earth'."

Standing at the heart of renewal in summer, feeling the boundless vitality and vast laws emanating from the earth beneath his feet, so closely connected to his own bloodline and Dao fruit, his heart swelled with pride.

He knew that this was not simply an accumulation of good fortune or territorial expansion, but rather, from the perspective of "world rules," it laid a near-perfect, sustainable, and infinitely potential "foundation" for Qianxia.

From then on, the Qianxia dynasty was no longer merely an imperial dynasty built on "accumulated fortune".

Rather, it is a "prototype of an immortal kingdom" that initially possesses its own unique system of laws and principles, contains the creation of the universe, and can grow in a self-circulating cycle!
However, the "prototype" is only the beginning.

Next, Qian Xia needs to completely fill and solidify this "framework" before he can achieve a real promotion.

"According to the secret scroll of 'Forging the Heavenly Court,' we still need to undergo another 'Ascension Tribulation'!"

Summer appears solemn, gazing up at the vast sky.

Unlike the conventional "Three Tribulations of Heaven, Earth, and Man" faced by previous forces seeking advancement, this "Ascension Tribulation" does not test mere combat strength, but rather the degree of compatibility and capacity of a force with the "Eternal Land"!
The Celestial Dynasty is a truly colossal entity in the present-day Eternal Land, its essence comparable to the "Divine Court" established by a true god who commands numerous ordinary deities.

Even a fully formed immortal dynasty, if it pursues unlimited expansion, could disrupt the balance of the Eternal Land itself.

In theory, given that the rules of the Eternal Land are not yet fully stable and true gods are not allowed to enter the mortal world, there should not be a Celestial Dynasty.

Therefore, this "Ascension Tribulation" is actually an ultimate examination and dialogue between the eternal will and Qianxia. It is a solemn ceremony to determine whether Qianxia is qualified and capable of bearing the name of "Immortal Dynasty" and exercising part of the power of heaven and earth. Its manifestation is not a simple tribulation of lightning, but a triple embodiment of the question of destiny!
hum!
Above the sky, at the center of the slowly rotating five-colored halo, which was constructed from the Daoist aura emanating from the five spiritual roots of the Bodhi tree, the peach, the hibiscus tree, the yellow plum, and the ginseng fruit, a crack suddenly appeared.

What appears is not boundless nothingness and darkness, but rather a "rain of laws" that flows out as clear as glass, yet reflects all the colors and desires of the world!
Rainwater is not a physical substance, but rather a condensation of the pure power of laws such as "human desires," "causal entanglement," and "order and chaos," which fall gently and continuously.

Wherever it touches, the inner demons, selfish desires, prejudices, and fears that are suppressed by reason and morality in the hearts of living beings will be instantly amplified and manifested!
If a country suffers from bureaucratic corruption, unjust laws, a lack of education, and a loss of popular support, then it is a sign of a crisis.

This rain, once it falls, will instantly trigger madness, betrayal, riots and self-destruction across the entire territory. The so-called dynasty of destiny may collapse in an instant!
In particular, the Qianxia Kingdom has not yet completely eliminated all the "alien armies". If this is compounded by internal strife among the human race, even if more quasi-true gods descend, it will be difficult to hold out!

This is the first question of the "Celestial Tribulation" recorded in "The Forging of the Heavenly Court"—"How to govern the people?"

What is being tested is the way of governance and the will of the people.

"Gentlemen, the real test has arrived. Colleagues, each of you, perform your duties, stabilize public sentiment, and implement the law!"

In the Forbidden City during the Qianxia season, in the Hall of Stars.

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, his expression solemn yet composed.

"Heaven and earth possess righteous energy, which manifests in various forms. Above, it becomes rivers and mountains; below, it becomes the sun and stars. In man, it is called the vast and righteous spirit, filling the boundless sky, ensuring the imperial path is clear and peaceful..."

Holding a brush of righteousness, Wen Tianxiang wrote in the air the golden characters "loyalty," "filial piety," "benevolence," and "righteousness," each character shining brightly. These characters connected with the official and literary aura emanating from the various government offices, academies, and post stations below, forming a nationwide network of order and culture that quickly sorted out and soothed the chaotic thoughts stirred up by the rain of laws.

"The might of the laws of the Qianxia era is now fully manifested!"

Wu Song and his figure appeared in the prison.

The voice in his hand resonated with the legal spirit of the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and local government offices during the Qianxia era. Phantom chains symbolizing "fairness," "punishment," and "discipline" moved through the literary network, restraining desires that might get out of control.

"Where the people's hearts are, there are our walls!"

Countless grassroots officials, village heads, and elders are steadfastly holding their posts, and the goodwill and educational achievements they have accumulated over the years have now become the most solid shield.

In people's homes, the "lights of ten thousand households" offered spontaneously are faintly lit, representing the simple gratitude and recognition that gather into the starlight of wishes, converging into the "civil governance" network of Qianxia, ​​jointly resisting the erosion of this "rain of laws".

However, "civil governance" alone is not enough to completely "control the people".

To live and work in peace and contentment, we need a strong military force to protect our tranquility!
The cannon is only within its range, the truth lies only on the edge of the sword—this is a truth that modern people have never been able to grasp!

"The Great Wall of Humanity, rise!"

At Xia Tian's command, the phantom image of the Great Wall, stretching across the border of Qianxia and embodying the countless heroic souls and unwavering will to protect, suddenly appeared.

It is not only a physical barrier, but also a line of defense for civilization and a spiritual totem. On the Great Wall, the phantoms of soldiers who guarded the border throughout the ages appear. They stand silently with their swords and spears pointed outward, isolating and suppressing all external malice and internal panic!
Bai Qi stepped atop the majestic pass, his killing sword planted in the battlements. The soaring killing intent transformed into a pure will of "protection" and "deterrence," merging with the destiny of the Great Wall.

The rain of laws fell upon the complex defense system formed by the network of civil administration and the Great Wall, stirring up countless ripples.

The literary network cleansed the mind of demons, the law restrained evil thoughts, the people's will provided the foundation, and the Great Wall suppressed internal and external disturbances... Throughout the entire Qianxia territory, although there were minor disturbances and fluctuations in various places, these disturbances were quickly quelled and channeled under the combined effect of a mature and effective state apparatus and a deeply rooted educational order.

In the end, the rain of laws not only failed to destroy Qianxia, ​​but instead acted like tempering water, further purifying and elevating Qianxia's bureaucratic system, legal authority, and public cohesion!
"very good!"

Above the sky, the face representing will revealed a satisfied expression.

Immediately, a stream of crystal-clear Dao power descended, landing on the numerous buildings of Qianxia.

Rumble!
The Forbidden City shone brightly, symbolizing the increased authority of the nation's central governance; the Great Wall, under the rain that contained the laws of nature, emitted a distant rumble, and the patterns on its bricks and stones became clearer and more ancient, even attracting a resonance and blessing from the laws of heaven and earth, its quality subtly moving towards a higher level!

"Buzz!"

After this "first question" ended, time and space seemed to freeze for a moment. In the sky, all the strange phenomena, such as the five-colored halo, the sun, moon and stars, and the latitude and longitude of time, were still.

Immediately afterwards, a chaotic divine lightning bolt, indescribable in color and seemingly containing two completely opposite meanings of "annihilation" and "rebirth," slowly emerged from the center of the "face" manifested by the eternal will, and gently descended towards Xia Tian on the sacrificial altar, towards the core of Qianxia's national destiny.

This seemingly slow thunderbolt actually locks onto the very foundation of civilization's inheritance. It tests whether a civilization possesses a "spark of civilization" that transcends the lifespan of a normal dynasty and is worthy of being passed down through the ages.
Without this spark, the divine thunder would extinguish civilization, and all glory would turn to dust.

If so, then the ruler must carry the nation's fortune and "show" this spark to heaven and earth in the struggle, so that the destructive divine thunder can be transformed into sweet rain that nourishes civilization and benefits all living beings!

This is the second question of the "Celestial Tribulation"—"How can it last forever?"

The test is the continuation of civilization and the passing down of its torch.

"hold head high--!"

The seven-colored dragon, formed from the national fortune of Qianxia, ​​let out a deafening roar and took the initiative to meet it. Its mouth opened and spewed out a massive amount of fortune, attempting to envelop and dissolve the chaotic divine lightning.

Summer also infused it with the power of his own Human Emperor Dao Fruit.

However, divine lightning is of a special nature, and simply resisting it with luck can only delay it, not transform it... It must be countered with the "spark of civilization"!
"How can civilization endure? It lies in the continuous transmission of knowledge and the ceaseless exercise of education!"

A voice rang out.

Suddenly, within Qianxia's "divine city," the Imperial Academy, presided over by Wang Yangming and adhering to the principle of "education for all," burst forth with boundless light.

Within the academy, not only were there human students, but also figures of outstanding individuals from other races such as elves, dwarves, golden eagles, and jade foxes. They sat cross-legged beside Wang Yangming, listening to lectures together, exchanging ideas and discussing the Dao. The sound of reading aloud echoed across the space, representing the light of human thought—the classics of a hundred schools of thought, the pursuit of knowledge through investigation, and the spirit of inclusiveness!

"The reason why the human race has been able to prosper for so long is precisely because of the principles of 'education for all' and 'passing on the torch.' Even if the human race ultimately fails, its ideals and understanding will be enough to endure among all races and in the eternal land!"

The phantom of Wang Yangming stands atop the academy, his voice clear and bright... The light of the academy represents one of the sparks of civilization: the transmission of knowledge, the openness of thought, and the enlightenment of wisdom!

The "Golden Lotus of Merit" in the sky above became even more beautiful. The speed of the Chaos Divine Lightning slowed down, but it was still falling. However, this was not enough!

"The civilization of my Qianxia lies even more in... the spirit of humankind, which has always been fearless in the face of hardship, pioneering and striving!"

As the "Chaotic Divine Thunder" continued its descent, deep within the academy, an ancient altar suddenly erupted with towering orange-red flames! The flames were warm but not violent, within which countless images flowed... Suirenshi drilled wood to make fire, illuminating the darkness; Shennong tasted all kinds of herbs, laying the foundation for medicine; Youchaoshi built nests of wood; Cangjie created characters; the Yellow Emperor made clothing and built boats and carts...

Each key moment in the development of Chinese civilization from ignorance to enlightenment was vividly depicted in the flames!

It was the treasure chosen by Qianxia when he was promoted—the Suiren Altar. Its characteristics, "Drilling Wood to Enlighten the Mind," allow craftsmen to break through their limits within the range of the flames; "A Spark Can Spread Across the Plains" can imprint the memories of civilization into the soul of a newborn; and "Burning Oneself to Protect the Way" can directly shake the foundation of alien civilizations with the spirit of sacrifice!

The flames emanating from this altar are no ordinary flames.

It represents the first spark of wisdom in the origin of Chinese civilization, and even the civilization of humankind!
At this moment, the fire of Suiren burns fiercely, vividly demonstrating to the world the dual spirit of "creation" and "inheritance" of Chinese civilization, which has grown from nothing to something and has been constantly striving for self-improvement.

Then, it rushed straight up to meet the "chaotic divine lightning"!
The instant the divine thunder struck the flame of civilization, a violent burst of light erupted... The aura of destruction and the will to create collided and merged wildly...

Gradually, the law representing "annihilation" within the chaotic divine thunder began to fade, while the part of "rebirth" was ignited and strengthened by the fire of civilization!
Ultimately, under the combined influence of the nation's fortune, the educational light of the Imperial Academy, and the fire of the Suiren civilization, that terrifying chaotic divine thunder actually turned from black to white, from destruction to life, and exploded into a sky full of sweet rain containing the pure power of creation and civilization.

It drifts and falls, landing on every inch of the land in the dry summer!

The rains made the land more fertile, accelerated the growth of medicinal herbs, inspired students with a surge of creativity, made craftsmen seem divinely aided, and even ordinary people felt their senses sharpened and their minds enlightened. Many people's evaluations were directly elevated to a new "level"...

The essence of Qianxia, ​​after this "tempering", has become even more profound, resilient and full of vitality!
"It's acceptable..."

A heavy sigh echoed through the heavens and earth, seemingly originating from the depths of the earth, followed by a violent tremor throughout the entire Qianxia territory!
It wasn't an earthquake, but rather the spiritual veins, dragon energy, and earth vein nodes that form the foundation of the territory began to violently surge and backlash! The tides of spiritual energy were chaotic and reversed, mountains and rivers shifted, and earth fires surged, as if this land was refusing to bear the birth of the immortal dynasty, Qianxia!
This is the third question—"How can we support the heavens?"

Trials are the material foundation of one's destiny and power, and are ordained by fate.

This question is the most direct: Is Qianxia's foundation solid enough to bear the mandate of "Celestial Dynasty"? What does Qianxia have to prove that it is qualified to "bear the heavens"?
In the summer, take a deep breath. A jade seal, its surface warm and smooth, with a corner inlaid with gold, and the bottom engraved with eight bird-and-insect seal characters: "By the mandate of Heaven, may its longevity be everlasting."

It was none other than the He Shi Bi, the national treasure of the Qianxia dynasty!
It is no longer the jade-white quality it once was. After being tempered by fortune and nourished by merit in Xia Tian's hands, and further enhanced by opening the glass treasure chest, it has been promoted to a true divine artifact!

It represents the most orthodox Mandate of Heaven and the divine right of kings.

"With this Imperial Seal, we will inherit the orthodox tradition of China and carry the destiny of humankind!"

In summer, the imperial seal is raised high, and it radiates a magnificent golden light, attempting to soothe the turbulent earth.

Where the golden light passed, the turmoil in the spiritual veins subsided slightly, but did not stop. Clearly, a single true artifact forged with the power of the human race was not enough to completely quell the "wrath" of the earth!
The eternal will demands more substantial "qualifications" and "commitments".

After a moment's thought, Xia Tian's expression became resolute.

Then, he took out the second item—the ancient and simple "Forging the Heavenly Court" scroll, which originated from the Eternal Will and contained endless mysteries!
He unfurled the secret scroll, facing the heavens, the raging earth, and all living beings, and made a grand vow that shook the world:

"I, the ruler of Qianxia, ​​here today, swear an oath to Heaven and Earth, to all my people, and to my own heart!"

"If I, Qianxia, ​​were to ascend to the Immortal Dynasty today, I would certainly not fail this destiny, this land, or the eternal beings!"

"I hereby make the grand vow to 'build a Heavenly Court': After the Immortal Dynasty, we shall strive to govern diligently, integrate order, and, based on my Qianxia Immortal Dynasty, build an unparalleled 'Heavenly Court' for this eternal land!"

"This Heavenly Court is not the private domain of any one clan or family, but rather the order that all races shall abide by, and the law governing the operation of Heaven and Earth! It holds the power of rewards and punishments, and restores order to the universe, so that all living beings, whether human, demon, spirit, or beast, who are virtuous and law-abiding, shall be protected; and those who disrupt the order and defy Heaven and reason, even if they are true gods, shall be punished!"

"If I break this oath, may the Immortal Dynasty collapse, may the Dao Fruit disintegrate, and may I, Xia Tian, ​​be condemned by Heaven and Earth, and never be reincarnated!" (End of Chapter)