CHAPTER 541: CHAPTER 525: WORSHIP ANCESTORS_1

"This servant thanks Your Majesty!"

After accepting the imperial decree, Nie Zheng respectfully bowed and left the Imperial Study, full of joy, to prepare for the establishment of the ’Door of Claiming Lives’.

Assassination was his chosen path! He intended to train a group of assassins in a very short time to solve problems for the Emperor, making the name ’Door of Claiming Lives’ feared throughout the world!

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on acquiring another capable general!" Yuan Tiangang quickly bowed and said.

With his wisdom and strategy, he obviously recognized the immense potential of the ’Door of Claiming Lives’. Properly utilized, it could become a sharp, hidden blade suspended over their enemies’ heads.

"Haha, it’s about time for progress on the battlefields of the Beidou Palace!" Qin Wudao was in a good mood and laughed heartily.

After dismissing Guan Yu from his post, he had appointed the reliable Ma Chao as general. By arraying his forces outside Starlight City without engaging, Ma Chao was containing the main strength of the Beidou Palace and preventing them from reinforcing the Demon Saint’s Court. Although Ma Chao was no match for the seven Star Venerables of the Beidou Palace, they, in turn, could not eliminate his forces.

After summoning Nie Zheng, an idea had sparked in Qin Wudao’s mind—perhaps it could break the ’Seven Star Sword Array’ of the Beidou Palace! If the seven Star Venerables of the Beidou Palace were reduced to six, how much of the sword array’s power could they still wield?

Yuan Tiangang understood the implication in Qin Wudao’s words; he smiled faintly and did not comment. Instead, he posed another question: "Your Majesty, the ninth day of the ninth month in the 3,016th year of the Ninth Epoch is the designated day for the ancestral worship ceremony. Given the ongoing war on the front lines, should we still proceed?"

The ancestral worship ceremony was a state ritual! The founder of the Qin Dynasty had established the empire on the ninth day of the ninth month. To commemorate this day, the ancestral worship ceremony was held. However, due to the long lifespans of Martial Artists, it was not held annually but once every cycle—a cycle being twelve years. The old Qin people, who cherished traditional customs, had never once omitted an ancestral worship ceremony.

"Damn it, I’ve been so overwhelmed lately, I actually forgot about this!" Qin Wudao slapped his forehead. He checked the date to find it was already the seventh day of the ninth month and asked in a low voice, "Why hasn’t the Ministry of Rites submitted a memorial regarding this?"

According to past precedents, preparations for the ancestral worship ceremony would commence a month in advance.

"To answer Your Majesty, due to the critical situation of the war, the Ministry of Rites did not submit a written memorial!" Yuan Tiangang bowed and quickly added, "However, please rest assured, Your Majesty. The Ministry of Rites has already prepared all procedures for the ancestral worship ceremony!"

It wasn’t just the Ministry of Rites; all other departments had postponed matters not directly related to the war effort. But while other affairs could be deferred, the ancestral worship ceremony could not be postponed.

"Issue the order: two days from now, the ancestral worship ceremony will be held as scheduled!" Qin Wudao said solemnly after a moment of contemplation.

This would be the first ancestral worship ceremony he presided over since ascending the throne. It not only had to be held, but it also had to be grand. In mortal nations, such rituals might be merely symbolic and serve little practical purpose, but in a nation governed by Fortune, they possessed tangible effects and could even garner the blessings and protection of ancestors. For instance, the totemic power harnessed by foreign races originated from the strength of their ancestors. The saying, ’May the ancestors bless us,’ was no mere jest.

"Your Majesty, Envoy Li Bai has returned!" At that moment, Xu Chu walked in, wielding his large saber, and saluted with clasped hands.

"Summon him!" Qin Wudao commanded.

He knew Li Bai had been pursuing the Imperial Ancestor. Returning at this time most likely meant he had important matters to report.

A moment later, a figure in a white robe, a battle sword at his waist, and an air of transcendent grace, entered. He exuded a faint Azure Lotus Sword Intent. Perhaps due to a long journey, his robes were slightly disheveled, yet even so, he still resembled an ancient immortal descended upon the mortal realm.

"Your Majesty, in two days, the Dao-Seeking Elder from the Saint Heaven Institute will lead an assault on the Imperial Capital..." Li Bai reported urgently after a respectful bow.

Because it concerned Qin Wudao’s safety, his report was exceptionally detailed, omitting no crucial information.

Upon understanding the full context and implications of the matter, the expressions of Qin Wudao and Yuan Tiangang gradually grew solemn.

The three sacred lands! Four Primal Great Emperor Martial Artists! More than ten ancient-grade factions and numerous Martial Artists at or above the Emperor realm! This was indeed a considerable force. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t threaten the stability of the Qin Dynasty’s Saint’s Court. However, at this moment, it posed a deadly threat. After all, who could be blamed when all the top-tier experts of the Qin Dynasty’s Saint’s Court were engaged on the Demon Saint’s Court battlefield?

"Your Majesty, they are taking advantage of our predicament! Should we recall the State Preceptor?" Yuan Tiangang asked respectfully, his expression grave.

"No!" Qin Wudao shook his head. "The Dao-Seeking Elder came prepared. I fear he has long since reached an agreement with the Demon Saint’s Court. Even if I order the State Preceptor to return, their forces will be inextricably tangled with the experts of the Demon Saint’s Court!"

As long as the Dao-Seeking Elder isn’t a fool, he wouldn’t rashly attack the Qin Dynasty’s Saint’s Court. Taking a step back, even if the Dao-Seeking Elder hadn’t reached an agreement with the Demon Saint’s Court, for the sake of the nation’s interests, he couldn’t allow the frontline experts to return and defend. Once they returned, the resulting weakness on the front lines would inevitably provoke a counterattack from the Demon Saint’s Court. In that scenario, the advantage the Qin Dynasty’s Saint’s Court had painstakingly built might instantly turn into a disadvantage, possibly at an immense cost. That is when true turmoil would befall the empire. Therefore, from any perspective, Yuan Tiangang’s suggestion was the worst possible strategy. To resolve this crisis, they could only rely on the strength within the Imperial Capital itself!

"Order Han Xin, Nie Zheng, and the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun to the palace to discuss our battle strategy!" Qin Wudao commanded in a cold voice, rising after a moment of thought.

His voice wasn’t loud, yet it was firm, carrying supreme imperial authority. It emanated from the Imperial Study, enveloping the entire Imperial Capital, his presence as imposing as a tiger that could devour ten thousand li.

He feared no enemy! Even if the capital was vulnerable, he could defend his imperial legacy! Anyone who dared to jeopardize the peace and stability of the Qin Dynasty would be killed without mercy!

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Yuan Tiangang and Li Bai, inspired by Qin Wudao’s powerful aura, bowed. Two terrifying torrents of battle intent surged skyward, imbued with an invincible resolve.

In two days, it will be the ancestral worship ceremony! Let our ancestors witness how their descendants protect their homes and defend the nation! Qin Wudao clenched his fists, thinking to himself.

「Two days flew by in an instant!」

On this day, the atmosphere in the Imperial Capital was somewhat solemn.

Qin Wudao, dressed in his dragon robe, sat upon the imperial throne, the Xuanyuan Sword in hand. His eyes were slightly closed, as if he were waiting for something. Below him stood all the civil and military officials, their expressions solemn.

"Your Majesty, the hour has arrived. It is time to proceed to the Imperial Ancestral Temple!" an official from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward at noon and reported respectfully.

"I am aware." Upon hearing this, Qin Wudao opened his eyes. He glanced towards the sky in the west, a chilling murderous intent flashing within them, then quickly regained his composure and walked out of the hall.

Just moments ago, through the guardian spirit of the Great Wall, he had sensed scores of terrifying auras crossing the Great Wall and flying towards the heartland of the East Border.

The Imperial Ancestral Temple was located in the eastern part of the palace grounds, not far away. Sincerity was paramount when paying respects to the ancestors, so flying was forbidden; one could only proceed on foot.

Qin Wudao led the numerous officials through a large part of the Imperial City, arriving before a black edifice from which incense smoke curled upwards, carrying a profound energy.

Outside the main entrance of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the Abdicated Emperor Qin Ying, leading the Qin Family members, had already been waiting for some time.

"Greetings, Father Emperor!" Qin Wudao stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" At the same time, the other members of the Qin Family also bowed to Qin Wudao, their faces filled with reverence, worship, and admiration!