CHAPTER 205: CHAPTER 202: CONVERSATION_1

A day later, Wizard Ancestor, alone, journeyed towards the Divine Court of the Qin Dynasty.

In just half a day’s time, he reached the border of the Qin Empire and then proceeded straight to the outskirts of the Imperial Capital.

"Hiss! The Fortune of the Divine Court of the Qin Dynasty is truly immense!" Wizard Ancestor did not immediately enter the city. The Power of Laws condensed in his eyes, which flashed with a green glint as he gazed at the Fortune hovering above the city. There, an ocean-like sea of Fortune surged with rolling waves.

In the center of the sea of Fortune lay a coiled Fortune Golden Dragon, its thick, powerful dragon body shimmering with golden radiance, infinitely majestic.

"ROAR!"

Sensing it was being probed, the Fortune Golden Dragon’s eyes snapped open. It turned its head towards Wizard Ancestor and, looking up to the sky, let out a long roar. A terrifying sonic attack erupted, shattering a large expanse of the Void.

"URGH..."

Wizard Ancestor’s complexion paled slightly. He hastily mobilized his Spiritual Energy to block the sonic attack, but it was clearly too late. The inescapable sonic waves, like innumerable sharp needles, pierced his soul. His head spun, the world before his eyes dimmed, and he successively spat out several mouthfuls of blood.

"Who goes there?"

An angry roar echoed from within the city.

Li Yuanba, wielding the Thundering Drum Gold Hammer in both hands, exuded a savage, colossal power that made the Void continuously tremble. He stood like an eternal God Mountain between Heaven and Earth. Two hammer phantoms descended, imbued with traces of terrifying Power of Laws, annihilating everything in their path.

"Sir, please calm your anger! This old one is from the Li Witches Territory and has come to request an audience with His Majesty of Great Qin!" Wizard Ancestor cried out in terror, his voice tinged with supplication.

He hadn’t expected that upon reaching the Imperial Capital of Great Qin, merely glancing at the Fortune Golden Dragon would cause him to suffer such severe injuries, only to then be immediately attacked by an expert. It was truly too tragic.

"Hmm?"

Li Yuanba ceased his attack, slinging the Thundering Drum Gold Hammer onto his shoulder. He circled Wizard Ancestor twice and muttered, "He’s no threat. I’ll take you to see His Majesty!"

Wizard Ancestor’s face darkened. I’m a Saint King expert, for crying out loud! How am I not a threat? He felt utterly slighted.

"Follow me!"

As Li Yuanba spoke, he lightly stomped his feet on the Void. Numerous Rhymes in Dao emerged, tearing two holes into the Void itself.

These Rhymes in Dao... he’s at least a Fourth Revolution Saint King! Wizard Ancestor gulped, no longer daring to harbor any ill intentions. He followed obediently, not daring to look askance.

After a few long minutes, the two arrived at the Court Hall, where a court session was currently in progress.

"Wizard Ancestor is here?"

Upon hearing the guard’s report, Qin Wudao’s eyebrows rose slightly, a hint of surprise in his expression. He had heard of Wizard Ancestor’s name before: the founder of the Li Witches Territory, an expert from the same era as the Bright Ancestor. However, his talent was comparatively weaker, and he had been in deathly seclusion, seeking a breakthrough. So why has he emerged now?

"Summon him!" Qin Wudao commanded, his voice resonant.

The resounding voice carried out of the Imperial Hall, reaching the ears of Wizard Ancestor and Li Yuanba. The two hurriedly entered.

Even a Fourth Revolution Saint requires a decree to enter the Imperial Hall? Just what kind of formidable figure is this Divine Emperor of Great Qin? Wizard Ancestor was astonished yet again. He had initially assumed he could enter the Court Hall directly, especially with Li Yuanba leading the way. He hadn’t expected to have to wait outside, utterly devoid of the privileges an expert should have.

Upon entering the Court Hall, Wizard Ancestor was once more taken aback. Among the civil and military officials, he sensed the aura of a First Revolution Saint King, and another whose cultivation was beyond his perception.

I wonder what level of Saint King that is! Since I can’t perceive their depth, they must be at least a Second Revolution Saint King, far beyond my ability to contend with. The Divine Court of Great Qin truly is a den of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!

Thankfully, I came and didn’t make an enemy of the Divine Court of Great Qin!

Wizard Ancestor felt a sense of relief inwardly, along with a burgeoning, inexplicable sense of dread towards Great Qin. His attitude became even more respectful.

Walking to the center of the grand hall, Wizard Ancestor glanced at Qin Wudao, then quickly lowered his head and saluted respectfully, "This old servant greets Your Majesty, the Divine Emperor!"

"You may rise."

Wizard Ancestor’s respectful demeanor made Qin Wudao pause, slightly surprised. He then commanded with authority, "Grant him a seat!"

A eunuch moved a jade chair, placing it beside the ranks of civil officials, and made an inviting gesture. Wizard Ancestor cupped his hands in thanks and sat down very cautiously, with only half of his rear on the chair. He displayed none of the imposing aura of a Saint King expert, appearing instead like an unsophisticated commoner who had never seen the world.

"And for what purpose has Wizard Ancestor visited us today?" Qin Wudao inquired.

"What are Your Majesty’s views concerning the Li Witches Territory?" Wizard Ancestor replied gravely.

"To accord with the grand tide of events, and to follow one’s heart in all things!" Qin Wudao stated blandly, his voice devoid of joy or sorrow, his expression unchanging, making it impossible to fathom the Divine Emperor’s intentions.

The grand tide of events! To follow one’s heart!

Wizard Ancestor frowned inwardly. This answer is already quite clear. What is meant by ’the grand tide of events’? ’The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide!’ Understood this way, the Divine Court of Great Qin will inevitably conquer the Li Witches Territory to establish a grand, unified, and powerful nation. This means that, ultimately, only one of our sides can continue to exist. And ’to follow one’s heart’ is even simpler to understand! The heart of an emperor desires all under Heaven! ’Under the vast firmament, there is no land that is not the sovereign’s. To the very shores of the earth, there is no one who is not the sovereign’s subject.’ This is the Way of the Ruler!

"Your Majesty possesses the ambition to engulf the world; this old one is ashamed of his inadequacy!" Wizard Ancestor rose and bowed deeply. "This old one is aged and no longer harbors grand ambitions. I only wish for my people to live in peace and for the Way of the Witches to be successfully passed down. I hope Your Majesty will grant this!"

He had no other recourse. The Li Witches Territory bordered the sea to its south, while its other three frontiers adjoined the Divine Court of Great Qin, resembling an isolated overseas island. All avenues for its development were stifled by the Divine Court of Great Qin.

"As long as the Li Witches Territory submits to Great Qin, We shall ensure your people’s safety!" Qin Wudao did not soften his stance because of Wizard Ancestor’s words. As the Divine Emperor, he had to protect the nation’s interests and consider its long-term development. By occupying the Li Witches Territory, Great Qin’s eastern flank would be devoid of any enemies. The nation’s strategic focus could then be shifted to the west, developing towards the central part of the Original Continent. Allowing the Li Witches Territory to persist would always be a threat, one that would divide Great Qin’s attention.

"This..." Wizard Ancestor fell silent. He had underestimated the Divine Court of Great Qin’s determination to expand. He had originally thought there might be room for negotiation, but now, there was none left.

"For those who willingly submit, Great Qin will bestow generous rewards. We grant you three days to consider!" Qin Wudao, noticing Wizard Ancestor’s hesitation, did not demand an immediate answer.

"Many thanks, Your Majesty!" Wizard Ancestor’s expression was solemn. He bowed once more before slowly departing from the Grand Hall.

The moment he left, an atmosphere of joy filled the Grand Hall. Zhuge Liang smiled and offered his congratulations, "Your Majesty, Great Qin is about to gain another royal-class territory!"

Although Wizard Ancestor hadn’t given a definitive answer yet, everyone understood the outcome was already clear. Wizard Ancestor’s willingness to come to the Divine Court of Great Qin demonstrated that he cared for the Li Witches Territory and for the continuation of the Way of the Witches. When one has attachments, one will inevitably have reservations when making decisions.

"During this period, closely monitor Wizard Ancestor’s movements. If there’s an opportunity, flex our muscles a bit. Acquiring the Li Witches Territory peacefully would indeed be a good outcome!" Qin Wudao allowed a slight smile to grace his lips. In truth, the court had not yet formulated a plan to attack the Li Witches Territory.

Now, this was excellent! Such a prime opportunity, having come to their doorstep, could not be squandered.