Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 354: Legend

"Daoist Qin has become a distinguished disciple of Shaohua Mountain and has reached such a high level of cultivation. Knowing that my momentary negligence did not delay your path brings me some comfort..."

Han looked ashamed, as if recalling something. He then asked, "After I recovered from my injuries and left seclusion, I worried about you and sent people to search near the You Mountain range, but they failed to find any trace of you. I haven't heard any news of you all these years. Have you been in seclusion, diligently cultivating at Shaohua Mountain?"

Qin Sang replied, "After joining Shaohua Mountain and breaking through to the Foundation Building Realm, I ventured to the Ancient Immortal Battlefield for training. This time, I just returned from there and happened to pass by Youshan Market. Meeting you again, Daoist Han, is a pleasant surprise. From what I know, the You Mountain Range is an unregulated land. Since you've brought your clan’s experts here, does the Cunyang Sect intend to establish control over this place?"

"That is not the case," Han shook his head and explained, "Since you are a disciple of Shaohua Mountain, you should be aware that the borders of the Small Cold Domain have been restless lately. The Tianxing Alliance is stirring, and every major sect is preparing for war, readying their forces. Under such circumstances, many demonic sect's fiends have been crossing the borders, trying to take advantage of the chaos. To maintain stability in the rear, our sect ordered us disciples to cleanse the demonic presence as a warning. The Han Family, along with a few other families, happened to be assigned to the You Mountain region..."

Only then did Qin Sang realize that Han had not only become the clan leader but, after reaching the Foundation Building Realm, had also been accepted as a direct disciple by a Golden Core master of the Cunyang Sect. His status within the sect was now highly regarded.

"Is the Tianxing Alliance truly planning a large-scale invasion? How severe is the current situation?" Qin Sang's heart sank, and he hurriedly inquired. frёeωebɳovel.com

If war broke out, the Yuncang Marshlands would inevitably become a battlefield, with Shaohua Mountain bearing the brunt of the attack!

Han reassured him, "Daoist Qin, do not be alarmed. It is said that tensions in the Yuncang Marshlands are indeed high, but there are no signs of outright war yet. At the very least, we must wait for the arrival of the Spirit Tide to see how things unfold. Moreover, the Small Cold Domain currently has more Spiritual Infant experts than it has seen in thousands of years, reaching a peak in power. Before making a move, the Tianxing Alliance must first weigh its own capabilities!"

Qin Sang nodded in agreement.

Han's words were true—the Small Cold Domain’s strength was indeed formidable at present.

However, there were also rumors that not every so-called Spiritual Infant expert truly possessed the full battle strength of that level. What secrets lay behind this was beyond their reach to uncover.

As they spoke, Qin Sang noticed that the flying boat was not heading toward Great Sui. Curious, he asked, "Isn't the Han Residence near Great Sui?"

Previously, Qin Sang had only known that the Cunyang Sect oversaw a Han Family, but the geomantic map did not mark the exact location of the Han Family’s residence.

Han smiled and replied, "It used to be some distance from Great Sui, but now, it is within its territory."

"Oh? Has there been some major shift in power over the years?"

Qin Sang was surprised, and a suspicion formed in his mind.

Han hummed in acknowledgment before patiently explaining,

"Due to the meritorious deeds of our ancestors, when they founded the Han Family, our sect granted us dominion over the region where Great Sui and several other mortal nations now stand."

"At first, our ancestors considered mortals ignorant and sent clan members to establish kingdoms and rule over them."

"However, those members not only lacked governance skills but also abused their status as immortal cultivators, acting recklessly. They indulged in hedonism, abandoned their Daoist aspirations, and plunged the secular world into chaos, filling it with corruption and suffering."

"In deep regret, our ancestors resolved to entrust governance to mortals!

"All clan members were recalled to the Han Residence to focus solely on cultivation. Even rogue cultivators in our domain were strictly regulated, forbidden from revealing their powers or interfering in worldly affairs without due cause."

"Of course, the mystical nature of immortal cultivation means that some influences are hard to eliminate completely. But ever since the rules were established, external interference has significantly decreased."

"From that point onward, the mortal world was left to develop naturally, with capable and virtuous individuals assuming leadership. Although wars and conflicts continued to arise, the world unexpectedly flourished even more."

"Our Han Family only needs to collect tribute from the ruling monarchs, provide a few pills when necessary, and intervene in cases of plagues or disasters beyond mortal capability. It is both efficient and hassle-free."

"Seeing the success of this approach, other sect-affiliated families have followed suit. Nowadays, this has become the standard practice for managing mortal territories under sect control..."

Hearing this, Qin Sang felt a lingering fear. He was fortunate that, back then, he had acted cautiously—remaining in the shadows, conducting reconnaissance, and never recklessly unleashing King Yan in battle. Especially during the assault on the imperial capital, he had stayed hidden the entire time.

Otherwise, the Han Family might have long since hunted him down and executed him.

Unaware of Qin Sang’s thoughts, the Han Family head continued, "Our ancestors' decision proved wise. Over the years, the mortal world has produced many exceptional talents, some of whom even we cultivators cannot help but admire."

"However, there are few who can compare to that empress of Great Sui!"

"General Qin, you once served under her command—you must have some understanding of her, right?"

"During her lifetime, the empress, as a woman, took actions that shocked the world. She initiated a military coup."

"Her father had barely ascended the throne for a few days before she seized power, deposing him to the status of retired emperor. Back then, the Han Family also debated the ethics of such an act, but ultimately chose not to intervene and acknowledged her rule."

"Unexpectedly, after ascending the throne, the empress displayed unparalleled talent. Internally, she appointed capable officials and nurtured the nation's strength. Externally, she formed strategic alliances and bided her time. When the moment was ripe, she launched a campaign with overwhelming force."

"With the power of Great Sui alone, she achieved victory after victory, conquering several nations in just a single year."

"Now, Great Sui's territory is no smaller than that of Heng Kingdom, and under her governance, it has only grown more prosperous."

"She was a woman who stood shoulder to shoulder with men, excelling in both civil governance and military prowess—a truly brilliant ruler of her era!"

"Daoist Qin... Daoist Qin..."

The Han Family head was singing praises of the empress when he noticed that Qin Sang seemed distracted. "Daoist Qin, what are you thinking about?"

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing! Nothing at all!"

Qin Sang snapped out of his thoughts and quickly shook his head, brushing it off. After a slight cough, he couldn't help but ask, "The empress was indeed an extraordinary figure! But you spoke of her in the past tense—has she already passed away?"

The Han Family head nodded.

"The empress was, after all, a mortal. And given the scale of Great Sui's expansion and the unprecedented empire she built, every step she took was as precarious as walking on a tightrope, constantly at the risk of total ruin.

"She lived like a dancer suspended on a silk thread, toiling day and night, exhausting both body and mind. Though the Han Family provided her with a few restorative pills, it was ultimately futile."

"Still, the grandeur of her life is something that even we cultivators can only marvel at. She truly lived without regrets."

"In comparison, many so-called immortal cultivators are nothing more than rotting wood that merely survives a few years longer!"

As Qin Sang listened to Han's words, his mind drifted far away.

The Dongyan Commandery Lady... grand princess... the empress...

He had witnessed her rise, step by step.

Qin Sang had known of her ambition long ago. That night before his departure, he had already understood that she was preparing to stake everything on one last gamble.

So, he willingly became the bait, luring out the heir to the emperor to give her one final push toward the throne.

In the end, she never wavered in her conviction.

She had become a legend