Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

In addition, she showed him a sword.

It was because of that sword that he agreed to let Xu Qing forge a "health-preserving" sword for him, which is the Longevity Sword he is currently wearing at his waist.

"Is it the same sword from back then?"

Xu Qing's words revealed the truth, and Ying Zheng suddenly realized the truth. His past memories became clear. He gripped the First Emperor Sword tightly, his heart filled with emotion, and his tone was somewhat moved: "So that's how it is! No wonder it looked so familiar. It was that unfinished sword from back then! It seems that Mr. Xu has finally completed it."

Xu Qing said calmly, "The reason it was not forged back then was because the six kingdoms had not been destroyed, the world had not been unified, and the fortune was insufficient to bear the power of this sword. Now that the world is unified, Your Majesty is the First Emperor, who has received the mandate of heaven and gathered fortune. Only then can this sword be considered to have been truly forged and found its true master."

"I didn't realize Mr. Xu was such an eloquent speaker." A faint smile appeared on Ying Zheng's lips.

Xu Qing also smiled faintly.

Ying Zheng then said, "Since Mr. Xu has come, that's perfect. There are some things I would like to ask you about."

Acquiring a brand new sword is certainly a joyous thing, but before receiving this gift, Ying Zheng was already pondering some questions, some of which happened to be related to what Xu Qing had said earlier.

Now that the person in question is here in person, it's a perfect opportunity to ask for their advice personally.

"What would Your Majesty like to ask?" Xu Qing asked Ying Zheng.

"Regarding matters concerning the world beyond the Nine Provinces!" Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.

"Now, the six states have been destroyed, and the world is unified. Qin has unified the world, but if what Mr. Xu said about heaven and earth is true, then the territory of my Qin state does not seem to be particularly large..."

Ying Zheng revealed his ambition and his desire to expand outwards.

Chapter 375 An Unfinished Journey, An Inevitable Trend

Upon hearing Ying Zheng's words, Xu Qing immediately understood what Ying Zheng wanted.

He made no attempt to conceal anything, and slowly began to lay out the world beyond the Central Plains before Ying Zheng, saying, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. What the Great Qin has unified now is only the land of the Nine Provinces in the Central Plains. Looking at the whole world, this is just a small corner."

"West of the Central Plains, beyond the Kunlun Mountains, and tens of thousands of miles further west, lies a vast and boundless land called Europe. There, numerous states stand, much like the chaotic period of warring states in the Central Plains. Some are skilled in seafaring and trade, while others are adept at cavalry warfare. Their people are tall and have diverse customs, their own writing systems and etiquette. They mostly live in city-states, constantly fighting each other, yet this has also given rise to a unique civilization."

If Xu Qing's account of overseas affairs by Qujiang Pool that day was merely a brief mention, giving Ying Zheng a general outline, then...

Now, the story will be told in great detail.

Ying Zheng's eyes brightened slightly, and he immediately became very interested. The unknown was always fascinating, and he pressed on, "Europe? There is such a place? Are there any other places besides Europe?"

“Of course there is.” Xu Qing nodded slightly and continued, “East of the Central Plains, beyond the vast ocean, lies a vast new continent called the Americas. On that land, there are no unified nations, but rather tribes living together. The vegetation is lush, exotic beasts abound, the soil is fertile, and there are grains and minerals that have never been seen before. However, it is separated by a vast ocean, and one must build sturdy ships and open up ocean routes to reach it.”

At this point, Xu Qing paused and added, "Besides, to the north of the Central Plains, beyond the land inhabited by the Xiongnu, there are vast grasslands and forests stretching thousands of miles away, connecting with another unknown land; to the south of the Central Plains, beyond Lingnan and Dian, there are fertile lands occupied by barbarian tribes, and can even reach the distant islands of the South Seas, where islands are scattered like stars, rich in resources, and the people are simple yet fierce."

"Among them, the eastern part of Europe and the northern grasslands have routes that can directly connect with the Central Plains. There is no need to cross the sea. You only need to organize your troops and open up new territories to reach them. However, the Americas and the islands of the South Pacific require the use of navigation skills and the construction of large ships to set foot in those unknown lands."

Ying Zheng listened quietly, the First Emperor Sword in his hand trembling slightly involuntarily. The sword seemed to resonate with him, as if sensing his emotions, and emitted a faint hum, as if echoing the surging passion in his heart.

He originally thought that destroying the six kingdoms and unifying the world would be the pinnacle of his life and the end of his childhood dream. However, Xu Qing's words were like opening a brand new door for him, allowing him to glimpse a wider world. The emptiness and confusion in his heart were instantly replaced by surging ambition and aspirations.

In the past, he devoted his entire life to conquering all directions, all for the sake of ending the warring states, unifying the Central Plains, bringing peace to the world, and letting the banner of Qin fly throughout the land.

But only now did he realize that the Central Plains and the Nine Provinces were merely the tip of the iceberg of the world. Those unknown lands, unfamiliar civilizations, and unconquered territories were all journeys he had never set foot on.

Ying Zheng remained silent for a long time, seemingly talking to himself, yet also to Xu Qing: "So that's how it is... So the unification of the world is just the beginning."

He turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Xu Qing, his eyes brimming with pride: "The six kingdoms have fallen, and I have unified the nine provinces. The world thinks I have already achieved great success, but after hearing your words today, I realize that there is an even wider world waiting for me to conquer, and an even greater achievement waiting for me to build!"

"The nations of Europe, the Americas, the northern grasslands, the islands of the South Seas... all that lies between heaven and earth should be the territory of Great Qin; all the people of the world should be my subjects!" Ying Zheng's voice grew louder and louder, carrying the domineering and resolute air of an emperor. "In the past, I was able to conquer the six kingdoms with the power of Qin. Today, I can muster my troops, set sail, and conquer those unknown lands, so that the glory of Great Qin may shine upon the entire world!"

Xu Qing stood to the side, looking at Ying Zheng whose eyes were burning with ambition, his expression remained calm. "The world is vast and there is much to be done. Since Your Majesty has such ambition, you will surely be able to travel all over the world and achieve a great feat that has never been seen before."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng burst into laughter, his voice echoing throughout the Zhangtai Palace, radiating an unprecedented sense of triumph.

Past achievements are now history; the unfinished journey has only just begun.

He knew that conquering the land beyond the Central Plains would inevitably involve countless hardships and obstacles. There might be the barrier of a vast ocean, powerful foreign enemies, or unknown risks lurking around, but he was fearless.

In the past, he was able to stand out from the chaos of the warring states and destroy the six kingdoms. Now, he can rely on the power of the Qin Dynasty and his ambition to overcome all obstacles and expand the territory of the Qin Dynasty to the ends of the earth.

Of course, even if we know what's happening overseas, there's no rush to embark on this journey.

This only temporarily dispelled the confusion in Ying Zheng's heart.

Xu Qing did not linger in Zhangtai Palace for too long.

Then they left.

Time passed slowly, and the Qin state was still filled with the joy of unifying the world.

The implementation of a new era and a new order naturally presents many challenges.

However, Ying Zheng was powerful enough that everything proceeded smoothly.

It was also during this time that Xu Qing met some old acquaintances.

The first person he saw was the Six-Fingered Black Knight.

"I didn't expect it would take you so long to finally make up your mind."

Xu Qing did not meet with Six-Fingered Black Knight at the Yin-Yang School, but at his residence in Xianyang.

Accompanying the Six-Fingered Black Knight was Jing Ke.

It must be said that the Mohist mechanical arts were indeed unique.

Six-Fingered Black Knight lost both legs in the past due to falling off a cliff, but after returning to the Mechanical City, he managed to create a pair of mechanical prosthetics using his powerful mechanical skills.

But why isn't it made of wood?

Didn't they say that the Mohists used wooden and stone mechanisms to make things walk? It was the Gongshu family who preferred to use bronze.

And right now, the Six-Fingered Black Knight's prosthetic limbs are made of bronze.

Of course, the Mohists' mastery of mechanical devices was remarkable.

In any case, Six-Fingered Black Knight's current actions are not much different from those of ordinary people.

“I made the wrong choice in the past, and now I have to make a new choice, which will naturally take a long time,” Six-Fingered Black Knight replied in a deep voice, meeting Xu Qing’s gaze.

Before the fall of the Yan Kingdom, Xu Qing met with Jing Ke. Gongsun Liji also followed Jing Ke back to the Mo Family's Mechanical City. Before they left, Xu Qing told Jing Ke some things. Jing Ke had made up his mind, but since he was not yet the leader of the Mo Family, he needed to report to Six-Fingered Black Knight.

The former Six-Fingered Black Knight was a decisive person, but unexpectedly, this time, he was so hesitant.

After the fall of the Yan and Qi states and the unification of the world, several months passed before he finally made up his mind and officially came to Xianyang.

"So, how did you choose?" Xu Qing asked Six-Fingered Black Knight again.

He completely ignored Jing Ke, who was standing next to Six-Fingered Black Knight.

If the Six-Fingered Black Knight were not around, Jing Ke would have been a worthy successor to the Mohist leader. However, with the Six-Fingered Black Knight present, Jing Ke's importance diminished. Ultimately, he failed to become the new leader of the Mohist school.

Six-Fingered Black Knight is quite old, and both his legs are crippled, but he seems to have a penchant for power.

Within the Mohist school, the one in charge of truly important matters is always the Six-Fingered Black Knight.

The Six-Fingered Black Knight remained silent for a moment, then spoke slowly yet firmly, explaining the Mohist school's choice word by word: "The tide has turned, the world has fallen to Qin, this is an irreversible fact. The Mohist school's lifelong pursuit has been nothing more than non-aggression and universal love, wishing the people of the world to be free from the suffering of war. In the past, the feudal lords were divided, and years of war caused widespread suffering. We traveled far and wide, trying to stop the fighting, but ultimately could not defy the tide. Now, the six states have been destroyed, the world is unified, there is no longer the conflict of multiple states, no more pointless slaughter, and the people can finally breathe. Is this not the non-aggression principle that we, the Mohists, have been pursuing?"

He looked up at Xu Qing, his expression a mixture of relief and helplessness: "The Mohists have always acted in accordance with the trend, not against it. Qin has unified the world and order has been established. We are unwilling to do anything against the trend and only increase the suffering of the people. Therefore, the Mohists are willing to submit to Qin and do our part for the peace of the world."

Upon hearing this, Jing Ke nodded slightly, showing no objection in his eyes.

He had already made up his mind, and now that the Six-Fingered Black Knight had officially decided on the Mo family's choice, he accepted it calmly.

After all, the unification of the world did end years of war, which ultimately aligns with the original aspirations of the Mohists.

Even though his master Gongsun Yu died at the hands of the Qin state, and Puyang fell because of Qin's attack.

But people shouldn't be stuck in the past.

After all these years, some things just need to be let go.

In particular, he is no longer alone; he is the successor of the Mohist leader, who is now old, and he will eventually have to take over the heavy responsibility of the Mohist school.

If personal grudges lead the Mohists astray, how are they any different from Yan Dan back then?

Jing Ke was broad-minded by nature, and over the years he had come to terms with things.

Xu Qing listened to Six-Fingered Black Knight's words without any surprise on his face. His expression remained calm and indifferent, as if he had already expected this answer.

He said calmly, "Your choice is reasonable. The general trend is in Qin, and the world is unified. The Mohists are following the trend, both for the survival of the Mohists and for the sake of the people. There is nothing wrong with that."

After a pause, Xu Qing added, "Since you have made up your mind, I will take you to see the First Emperor when I have time. The Mohist school is one of the Hundred Schools of Thought and a prominent school of thought in this era. If you are willing to submit to him, he will surely accept you and give the Mohist school a suitable home."

Upon hearing this, Six-Fingered Black Knight said in a deep voice, "Thank you for your trouble."

Xu Qing waved her hand, "It's nothing, we're old friends after all."

After discussing this matter, Six-Fingered Black Knight sighed again.

"I never imagined that the Yin-Yang School, which has been passed down for hundreds of years, would fall into the hands of an outsider like you..."

His gaze toward Xu Qing held a strange glint.

In a daze, he recalled the scene when he first met Xu Qing in the Taihang Mountains. At that time, Xu Qing was just an unknown young man, but he caught his attention because of his unusual words and deeds. He accepted Xu Qing's kindness and borrowed Xu Qing's sword to wipe out the bandits in the Taihang Mountains. After that, they traveled together.

Although some of Xu Qing's ideas contradicted those of the Mohists, he still gave Xu Qing a token as a testament to their friendship.

However, even he did not expect that the boy from back then would reach such heights.

In a short period of time, his strength also rose to an extremely terrifying level, and the swords he forged were all the most powerful in the world.

The longer Six-Fingered Black Knight wields the White Rainbow Sword, the more he can feel its power.

He was originally afflicted by the Yin-Yang School's Six Souls Terror Curse, which is most effective against the Mo School's internal energy. Only by reaching the highest level of "universal love" can one resist it with powerful internal energy. However, at that time, in addition to being afflicted by the curse, he was also severely injured. The Six Souls Terror Curse attacked his heart, and he was in a situation where death was inevitable.

However, Xu Qing managed to neutralize it, especially the White Rainbow Sword. As they spent time together, the power of that sword continuously dissolved the cursed seal within him.

Although the foundation was damaged in the past, resulting in a shortened lifespan, compared to the inevitable death, at least for now, one can survive.

But the shock Xu Qing brought him went far beyond that.

Xu Qing saved him in the past, but also made enemies with the Yin Yang School. Xu Qing once helped him repel the attacking Donghuang Taiyi.

In this context, Xu Qing can be considered an enemy of the Yin-Yang School.

However, when Jing Ke returned to the Mo family with Gongsun Liji, he learned some astonishing news from her.

Xu Qing took over the Yin-Yang School and became its new leader.

Gongsun Liji was unaware of the connection between Xu Qing and the Yin-Yang School, so although she was taken aback, she did not delve into it.

When Six-Fingered Black Knight learned the truth, he was inevitably shocked.

How exactly did Xu Qing manage to do that?