Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

Previously, due to time constraints, Xu Qing had sent a message to the other party but had not met with them. Now, however, they could finally meet.

Chapter 374 The First Emperor's Sword

The fall of the State of Qi signifies the formal unification of the world.

The entire city of Xianyang was filled with boundless joy.

Many Qin officials were extremely excited, especially on the day Wang Ben escorted those important Qi officials back to Xianyang. Near Ba Bridge, a large crowd stood watching the scene, pointing and whispering.

In the past, it was not uncommon for the Qin state to escort prisoners of other states into Xianyang, but things were different now.

This is because the State of Qi was the last state to fall, and its demise heralded the arrival of a new era.

Of course, there were also some poignant things that happened during this process.

Whether by coincidence or by deliberate intent, none of the kings of the six already extinct states survived. The former King of Chu, Fu Chu, did manage to reach Xianyang alive, but died suddenly thereafter.

The kings of the other countries either died suddenly before their kingdoms fell, or their kingdoms were embroiled in internal strife, leading to their deaths.

Hmm, it must be a coincidence!

If this was done intentionally, then the person who did it must be far too powerful. What kind of terrifying being could manipulate the deaths of so many kings so silently?

However, not many people actually thought of this.

Many people were still immersed in the joy of Qin's conquest of the six states and unification of the world, and then they couldn't help but look forward to the new era.

Nearly a thousand years ago, the Zhou Dynasty overthrew the Shang Dynasty and then enfeoffed eight hundred vassal states. The vassal states fought each other for nearly a thousand years. Over time, those eight hundred vassal states gradually disappeared, leaving only seven of the most powerful vassal states. They stood in this balance for several hundred years. Now, of the seven powerful vassal states, only one remains: the Qin State.

Will it be like the Zhou Dynasty a thousand years ago, choosing to enfeoff new vassal states and start a new cycle?

Or should we adopt a completely new system?

Many people have high expectations for the future.

In particular, the soldiers and ministers who made contributions in the process of Qin's conquest of the six states were eager to get a share of the spoils.

In the imperial court, ministers vied to submit memorials, some requesting the granting of land, others requesting promotions and titles. Their words were full of urgency and anticipation. Only a few remained clear-headed, yet they could not help but yearn for future rewards.

The entire city of Xianyang was shrouded in the clamor of fame and fortune, except for a secluded valley that remained tranquil, completely out of place with the bustling outside world.

This is where Xu Qing tempered his sword.

He stood atop the valley, surrounded by a faint aura of sword energy, holding the king-slaying sword in his hand.

At this moment, the sword was no longer the ancient and dark blade of the past, but instead gleamed with a chilling light. The faint phantom images of the six kings of the kingdoms flowed across the sword, exuding a domineering and fierce aura. Every time the sword trembled, it could cause fluctuations in the surrounding天地元气 (heaven and earth energy). This was the unprecedented ultimate power that the King-Slaying Sword had reached after killing six kings in succession.

Xu Qing closed his eyes slightly and used the Spirit Gathering Technique to draw upon the primordial energy of heaven and earth to temper the sword.

His expression was calm, without the slightest ripple between his brows, as if the celebrations outside and the disputes in the court had nothing to do with him.

For him, worldly fame and fortune were already fleeting clouds. Having reached his current level, power and wealth were like dust.

His previous involvement in wars of annihilation and his maneuvering among various states were not for the rewards from Qin, nor for the power to control the world. The main reason was to forge this sword that could kill kings.

The six kings were all chosen by Heaven, and their essence and souls were the perfect nourishment for forging the sword's edge. Only by borrowing the destiny of the emperors in this chaotic world could the sword of slaying kings break through its shackles and reach its peak.

As the sword energy swept across the valley, all the vegetation bowed its head, and pebbles flew everywhere, only to be instantly crushed by the sword energy.

Xu Qing remained expressionless, his fingertips swirling with sword intent as he meticulously refined the sword's power, completely fusing the soul power of the six kings to make the sword's domineering and sharpness even more pure.

Time flies, and several months have passed since the world was unified.

A new world is giving birth to a new order.

Standing atop the highest point of the Xianyang Palace, Ying Zheng looked down upon the land he had unified, his eyes filled with the pride and majesty of an emperor.

He abandoned the Zhou Dynasty's enfeoffment system and implemented the prefecture-county system, dividing the country into thirty-six prefectures to strengthen central authority; he standardized writing, currency, and weights and measures to break down barriers between states; and he built highways and straight roads to connect the country and facilitate the transmission of government orders and the movement of people.

It was at this time that Ying Zheng established a unique title—"朕" (Zhen), which only he could use; he abolished posthumous titles and called himself the First Emperor, meaning the first emperor of all time, hoping that the Qin dynasty would last for ten thousand generations and never perish.

During the coronation ceremony, surrendered officials from various states and important ministers of Qin paid homage, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices shook the heavens.

Ying Zheng sat upright on the dragon throne, his expression majestic, receiving the homage of the officials, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.

After the grand ceremony ended and he returned to Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng suddenly felt a sense of emptiness and confusion.

Now, the world is unified, he has conquered the four seas, and the dream of his youth has been fulfilled.

What should we do next?

Just then, he suddenly remembered what Xu Qing had told him by Qujiang Pool that day.

The Great Kyushu says, "Overseas world."

If that's true, perhaps we could try conquering other countries...

Just as Ying Zheng was thinking of Xu Qing, someone came to report that Xu Qing was requesting an audience.

Ying Zheng naturally did not hesitate to receive him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor!"

It was still the same Zhangtai Palace, and the same two people, but as the Qin state unified the world, Xu Qing's way of addressing Ying Zheng had changed.

"No need for formalities!"

Ying Zheng looked at Xu Qing, who was bowing with his hands clasped, and said calmly, "Mr. Xu, what important matter brings you to see me today?"

Xu Qing straightened up and said calmly, "Today, the world is unified, and His Majesty has accomplished an unprecedented feat. After much thought, I have decided to present His Majesty with a gift!"

"Oh?"

Ying Zheng was surprised, "What gift is it?"

“A sword!” Xu Qing said calmly.

As Ying Zheng raised his sword, he subconsciously touched the long sword hanging at his waist, the "Sword of Immortality," which was also made by Xu Qing.

Logically speaking, the Longevity Sword was already a rare divine weapon, but Xu Qing wanted to give him another sword today, which immediately aroused Ying Zheng's curiosity.

"What kind of sword is it?"

Xu Qing explained, "Your Majesty is now the First Emperor, and in the past, you would have been the Son of Heaven. Naturally, you would need a sword for the Son of Heaven!"

“In ancient times, Zhuangzi spoke of three swords: the sword of the Son of Heaven, the sword of the feudal lords, and the sword of the common people. The sword of the common people was for striking and thrusting, used in battle; the sword of the feudal lords was for warriors to use as its edge and commoners as its blade, used to maintain peace in the country; but the sword of the Son of Heaven was forged with the stone city of Yanxi as its edge, Mount Qi as its guard, Mount Jin and Wei as its spine, Mount Zhou and Song as its hilt, and Mount Han and Wei as its flanks; it was surrounded by the four barbarians, wrapped by the four seasons, encircled by the Bohai Sea, and belted by Mount Changshan; it was shaped by the five elements, and governed by the principles of punishment and virtue; it was opened by yin and yang, held by the spring and autumn seasons, and used in autumn and winter. This sword could cut down chaos and eliminate evil, pacify the four seas, and none in the world dared to disobey it.”

At this point, Xu Qing paused, looked at Ying Zheng, and said solemnly, "Now, Your Majesty, with the strength of Qin, has conquered the six states and unified the world. This is the mandate of Heaven. I, with the fortune of the six states and the power of the world, have forged a sword in accordance with the mandate of Heaven. This sword is also called the Emperor's Sword, or the First Emperor's Sword!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of shock flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes. He quickly composed himself and exclaimed in a deep voice, "What a magnificent sword of the First Emperor! What a sword that uses the world as its weapon!"

"Where is the sword?"

He then looked at Xu Qing.

It's understandable that Xu Qing didn't bring his sword this time. After all, this is Zhangtai Palace, the imperial palace, and for his safety, it's natural that no outsider is allowed to bring weapons into the palace.

Even though Xu Qing's identity was special, the guards would not be negligent or lax.

If the sword is elsewhere, Ying Zheng would not mind retrieving it himself.

"The sword resides in Your Majesty's heart!" Xu Qing gave an answer that surprised Ying Zheng.

"The sword is in my heart?"

Ying Zheng frowned, looking at Xu Qing with a puzzled expression.

"Please close your eyes, Your Majesty, and sense it carefully. When you perceive that power, then reach out. At that moment, the sword in your heart will appear in your hand..." Xu Qing said calmly.

Although Ying Zheng was still puzzled, he thought of the many strange things Xu Qing had done before and chose to believe Xu Qing.

He slowly closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down.

Although he didn't know what that power was, Ying Zheng still carefully sensed it.

Just then, he felt the world around him suddenly become quiet.

This is an extremely bizarre thing.

Between heaven and earth, a vast and mighty force surged forth, which, in Ying Zheng's perception, transformed into an enormous black dragon.

The black dragon bared its fangs and brandished its claws. It sensed Ying Zheng's presence and then flew towards him.

In this world of his mind, Ying Zheng's existence was insignificant compared to this black dragon. However, insignificance was only in terms of size. In terms of spirit, Ying Zheng was in no way inferior to this black dragon.

On the contrary, as the black dragon approached Ying Zheng, its size shrank voluntarily, and in the next instant, it flew directly into Ying Zheng's hand.

In the realm of the mind, Ying Zheng found himself holding an extra object; in reality, he also discovered that something had appeared out of nowhere in his hand.

He slowly opened his eyes and looked at his palm. He didn't know when, but a sword had appeared in his hand.

This sword has an ancient and simple design, yet it possesses a unique and malevolent power.

If the feeling that the Longevity Sword brought to Ying Zheng was comfort, that the sword could absorb the power of heaven and earth, transform it into vitality, nourish Ying Zheng's body, and cure his hidden ailments, then with this sword in hand, Ying Zheng felt that he possessed supreme power.

After carefully experiencing the powerful and fulfilling feeling the sword evoked, Ying Zheng looked at Xu Qing and praised, "Mr. Xu, this gift has truly touched my heart!"

Xu Qing stood to the side, his gaze fixed on the First Emperor's sword in Ying Zheng's hand. He slowly began to explain the sword's power: "This sword is a weapon of slaughter, bearing the fortunes of the six kingdoms and gathering the power of the world. Only a true emperor can wield it. When an emperor is enraged, millions will fall dead. Your Majesty, wielding this sword, can subdue the four seas and awe the eight wastelands. With a swing of the sword, its power is unmatched. Domestically, it can slay treacherous ministers and restore order to the world; internationally, it can conquer barbarians and expand territory. All those who do not submit can be killed with a single stroke."

Ying Zheng nodded to himself, and then compared the sword with the Longevity Sword.

The Longevity Sword is for nourishment, while the First Emperor Sword is for killing. If you think about it carefully, one is for defense and the other for offense, and they complement each other perfectly.

However, he still had some doubts in his heart.

That is, how did this sword suddenly appear in my hand?

Ying Zheng did not believe that the sword truly resided within his heart.

Without a doubt, Mr. Xu used some special methods.

However, Ying Zheng had no intention of investigating what methods Xu Qing had used.

Most importantly, he really liked the gift and the sword.

He raised the sword in his hand again and examined it carefully. Upon closer inspection, Ying Zheng discovered some more clues.

“Mr. Xu, this sword…” Ying Zheng began, asking Xu Qing, “I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before…”

Xu Qing smiled slightly and began to recount some past events, "Does Your Majesty still remember our first meeting?"

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng immediately began to ponder.

His first meeting with Xu Qing seemed to have taken place by Qujiang Pool, where he decided to meet Xu Qing after being introduced by Gai Nie.

During that meeting, Xu Qing told him a lot of things.