Chapter 8: The Path to Qi Refinement Begins—The First Emperor’s Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 8: Introduction to Qi Refinement, Emperor Qin’s Path to Immortality

Year Seven of Emperor Qin’s Reign (the seventh year since Ying Zheng proclaimed himself the First Emperor)

Five years had swiftly passed, marked by numerous rebellions and unrest. When the initial policies were announced, they met with widespread opposition, especially from the empire’s nobility, large landowners, and the Ying royal family.

The reforms in governance were somewhat manageable. Although the power of the chancellors and generals was curtailed, Emperor Qin strengthened his own control over the court and the military. While some harbored resentment, none dared to openly oppose him.

However, the land reforms truly struck at the core interests of many. At that time, the greatest rewards were land grants, which meant many nobles held vast estates. Declaring land as state property provoked fierce resistance, even sparking uprisings.

Within the military, voices of dissent were also loud, as generals possessed the most land. Yet, with the establishment of the Hall of Heroes, retirement provisions, and generous monetary compensation in exchange for land, opposition within the ranks soon waned.

Once the military was settled, the rest became easier to manage.

At the time of unification, Emperor Qin’s prestige, popular support, and military loyalty were at their zenith. Any dissenters kept their grievances hidden, while those impeding reforms were arrested—severe offenders executed, lesser ones sentenced to hard labor, euphemistically termed “reform through labor.”

After five years, the Qin Empire underwent earth-shattering changes. Concrete roads connecting Xianyang to surrounding prefectures were completed in succession, and key passes and cities were fortified with concrete. Unfortunately, steel reinforcement was still unavailable, so architectural innovations remained limited.

The five major legions had been fully reorganized! All soldiers were equipped with steel weapons and armor, including five thousand sets of full plate armor for heavy cavalry. Yet, suitable warhorses were scarce, so the heavy cavalry remained understrength with only a thousand troops.

Regrettably, low grain production limited the training of heavy infantry to only five thousand men—each costing as much as ten ordinary soldiers. The heavy cavalry was even more expensive, equivalent to the upkeep of fifty regular soldiers.

Still, these challenges were minor compared to the goal: to conquer the Xiongnu and Donghu tribes. Doing so would grant the Qin vast grasslands for grazing cattle and sheep, enabling the empire’s people to afford meat.

Jingyang Marquis’s Mansion

Yang Zimo finished breakfast with Wan Niang and his two daughters in the main hall, then returned to his study to immerse himself in the cultivation of the clan artifact within his consciousness. Over these five years, he had accumulated many civilization points and spent a fair share as well. Today, he planned to use all the points he had saved, as he discovered that the book "Introduction to Qi Refinement" was now available for exchange.

“Exchanging ‘Introduction to Qi Refinement’ will cost 10,000 civilization points. Please confirm!”

“Confirmed!”

“Transmit now?”

“Yes!”

Suddenly, an ancient, exquisitely bound book materialized in Yang Zimo’s mind. Though he had experienced this countless times, each occasion still filled him with wonder.

This was his greatest secret, one he had not even shared with his closest confidants.

Following the book’s guidance, Yang Zimo slowly began to mobilize his body, attempting to sense the spiritual energy in the air. One time, two times, three times, ten times—nothing.

Damn it.

Determined, Yang Zimo tried again, and as the attempts increased—

Crack!

A crisp sound echoed, as if some internal lock had been broken. Gradually, Zimo felt the spiritual energy, ethereal yet palpably present.

Recalling the method, he guided the faint spiritual energy through his meridians, completing a full circulation.

He noticed his hearing sharpened, and upon opening his eyes, his vision had improved remarkably. Closing his eyes again, he continued cultivating.

A month passed, and Yang Zimo finally stepped through the gateway of Qi Refinement. Though the difference from an ordinary person seemed slight, he felt invigorated, his spirit rejuvenated as if he were young once more.

The next day, in the Qilin Hall

Ying Zheng and his civil and military ministers were discussing state affairs in the grand hall. Meanwhile, Yang Zimo slept soundly in his seat—there was no helping it. Rising too early and rarely having a voice in court matters, he found sleeping more practical.

Ying Zheng and the ministers were long accustomed to his dozing. The emperor even remarked not to disturb him, suggesting the immortal master might be wandering in the celestial realms.

After several hours, the court session ended.

“Meng Yi, summon the immortal master,” Emperor Qin said, rising and smiling at Yang Zimo.

Meng Yi poked Yang Zimo, “Immortal master, the court is adjourned.”

“Ah!” Yang Zimo awoke, quickly standing and bowing to the emperor. “Your Majesty, my apologies for my rudeness.”

“No matter. Immortal master, walk with me.” With that, Qin Shi Huang took the lead.

The two chatted and laughed as they strolled toward the Xianyang Palace. Suddenly, the emperor stopped and gazed over the city.

“In these five years, immortal master, I have witnessed your contributions to Qin. I have deeply felt the empire’s transformation. You once said I would pass away in the twelfth year of my reign—that is, five years from now.

I know the so-called elixirs of immortality are all nonsense, but I still wish to see this magnificent land endure. Is there truly no way, immortal master?

I am truly unwilling to accept this fate.”

Looking at the slightly aged man before him—though the most powerful in the world—he could not escape birth, aging, sickness, and death.

Fortunately, Ying Zheng had met Yang Zimo, and that changed everything.

Then Yang Zimo bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, please dismiss everyone.”

With a wave of his hand, Ying Zheng commanded, “All of you, leave! No one is to come within ten yards!”

The crowd bowed and complied.

Once alone, Ying Zheng turned to Yang Zimo. “Immortal master, what secret matters do you have? Speak quickly!”

Yang Zimo no longer hesitated. He glanced around and lowered his voice.

“Your Majesty, do you wish to cultivate immortality?”

“Cultivate… immortality!” Qin Shi Huang grabbed Yang Zimo’s hand eagerly. “Immortal master, you have the method of cultivation? Can I truly become immortal?”

The promise of immortality was a tremendous temptation for anyone, especially for Qin Shi Huang. He was a man of action in this pursuit, summoning alchemists from across the realm and heeding Xu Fu’s tales to seek the elixir of life overseas.

But since Yang Zimo had enlightened him, the emperor’s hopes had dimmed—until now.

Unexpectedly, the extinguished desire reignited with Yang Zimo’s words. The thought of eternal life made Qin Shi Huang smile involuntarily.

Yang Zimo, puzzled by the emperor’s silence, waved his hand before his face.

“Your Majesty?”

“Your Majesty!!!”

“Oh, immortal master, I lost my composure!” the emperor said sheepishly.

Yang Zimo paid no mind and produced the book from his robes, handing it to the emperor.

“Your Majesty, this is the essential scripture of the immortal arts. Study it first. As long as you cultivate according to its principles, with my guidance, you will enter the Dao within a year. Your physical condition and lifespan will also greatly improve as you advance.”

“Your Majesty, come and train with me:

‘The Way contains purity and turbidity, movement and stillness; Heaven is pure, Earth is turbid; Heaven moves...’”

(End of chapter)