https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-9-Isn-t-Annihilating-Nine-Generations-a-Bit-Too-Much-/12917619/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-11-Three-Breaths-to-Climb-the-Mountain-One-or-Two-Silver-Coins-Each-Time-/12917621/
Chapter 10: "Grand Xia Sect Rankings"
Chapter 10: "Grand Xia Sect Rankings"
"It was said that the situation back then was quite complex. It was a time of chaos, and many surrounding nations and races were engaged in life-and-death battles. Grand Xia, in order to attract talents from all over, extended the highway far and wide, declaring that anyone who stepped onto the Grand Xia Highway, regardless of their identity, would receive Grand Xia's protection."
"No one was allowed to attack them."
"The Iron-Blooded Emperor's forces slaughtered millions of people, which made all the surrounding races and nations remember the four words, 'Grand Xia Highway'."
"Relying on this national policy, Grand Xia attracted numerous talents from other nations and races that had perished. Even today, there are still many foreigners and even members of the demonic races holding high positions in the Grand Xia court."
"Many people came to surrender, and for a time, Grand Xia's prestige was at an all-time high."
"At that time, Grand Xia's laws represented many things and demonstrated its attitude towards the outside world. If there was even a slight sign of weakness, other races would find an opportunity to exploit it."
"In a desperate situation, the Holy Emperor of Grand Xia at that time expelled this third prince from the royal family. He was then executed on the central execution platform in the capital city, enduring a torturous death by a thousand and twenty-four cuts."
"This was the first prince in history to be executed by lingchi for killing a rabbit."
"After that, the law was slightly amended. It was no longer the Nine Generations Punishment but changed to lingchi."
"Five hundred years have passed."
"The reputation of the 'Grand Xia Highway' has been etched into everyone's minds. From the young to the old, everyone understands that as long as they are on the 'Grand Xia Highway', they are absolutely safe."
Chen Ren nodded in understanding but remained silent, instead observing his surroundings. The morning sun shone upon him, and his whole body felt warm, even the injuries he sustained the night before seemed to have lessened.
Perhaps due to the early hour, there weren't many people on the highway.
There were farmers carrying hoes, messengers riding swiftly on their horses, and cultivators flying in the sky with their swords.
It seemed like there were no ordinary people in this world.
Basically, every adult man had at least reached the first level of the Qi Condensation Stage, a cultivation level that couldn't extend lifespan or strengthen the body, but it at least granted them an initial entry.
On both sides of the highway were numerous spirit fields, and at that moment, farmers were standing amidst them, practicing the Spring Rain Art, allowing the rain infused with Essence Energy to precisely irrigate their fields.
It was a harmonious sight to behold.
The highway was wide enough to accommodate eight carriages side by side.
Every two steps along the sides of the highway, there was a golden stone embedded in the ground. According to Fat Dragon's introduction, these golden stones were Array Stones.
Once there was any Essence Energy fluctuation on the highway, the Array Stones would transmit the nearby scene to the city lord's mansion of the nearest city.
Moreover, these Array Stones formed a Formation that covered the entire Grand Xia nation. It was also said that five hundred years ago, such a large and complex Formation was impossible to set up.
Generally, Formations are either circular or square and are used to protect important places like sects.
However, the layout of the Grand Xia Highway resembled a spider web.
Setting up a Formation a hundred times more complex than a spider web was as difficult as ascending to heaven. Later, an Array Master suddenly came up with a perfect solution, making it possible.
These Array Stones not only served as surveillance but also ensured the highway's integrity. When attacked, they could create a protective barrier covering the entire section of the highway, capable of blocking attacks below the Golden Core Formation Stage.
Additionally, the Array Stones buried beneath the highway's surface would quickly activate, covering the entire road with the Gale Walk Technique, increasing travel speed twentyfold and allowing for a swift escape from danger.
"It's evident."
Chen Ren surveyed his surroundings, "The Holy Emperor of Grand Xia five hundred years ago truly put a lot of thought into this highway. He genuinely wanted to attract talents from all over."
"It's just that..."
He furrowed his brows slightly and pointed towards the highway ahead, which made a nearly sixty-degree right turn, and asked in confusion, "Why does the highway ahead make a detour of over thirty zhang?"
"The official road ahead suddenly veered off to the right for no apparent reason, looping back to continue straight ahead after a distance of several dozen zhang.
There were no mountains, villages, or lakes around.
What was the point of such a detour?
'I don't know,' Fat Dragon shook his head. 'I guess there might be a Spirit Stone mine hidden beneath the originally planned road, or perhaps there used to be a village here that was later relocated. I don't have access to such detailed information; my understanding of this world comes mainly from rumors.'
'We're here.'
'The relay station is just ahead. Like the official road, it's absolutely safe. You can stop and have a warm meal without any worries.'
Fat Dragon heaved a sigh of relief and eagerly looked towards the nearby relay station. Beyond it was the bazaar, and once they sold all their treasures, they would truly become rich!
Chen Qiu reached for the storage bag hidden under his clothes and examined the relay station before them. It was quite spacious.
It was a small two-story wooden building with a courtyard and a stable at the back.
The first floor was for dining, and the second floor for lodging. This was the standard layout for most relay stations. At a glance, it seemed to have over twenty rooms for travelers, making it quite large.
Fat Dragon, full of anticipation, strode into the relay station. There were only two occupied tables inside, as it was still early in the morning.
Autumn had already set in, and although the sun was shining brightly, the autumn breeze carried a chill.
'Waiter!'
'One roast duck, two bowls of lamb soup, three liang of beef, and two dry pancakes!'
After ordering the food with the familiarity of a regular customer, Fat Dragon turned to Chen Qiu and said with a smile, 'This relay station is semi-official. It's funded by the public but managed by the government. Only imperial edicts or appointment documents travel on the official road; all secret orders are delivered through other means. The Great Xia Kingdom has its ways.'
'Its main function is to provide food and accommodation for travelers along the way.'
Chen Qiu remained silent, gazing at the entrance of the relay station. The owner's cat was lounging on a small wooden stool, soaking up the sun. He was contemplating his future path, knowing he would never return to woodcutting.
With the "Continuous Growth" entry, a colorful entry at the beginning, it seemed that even Heaven was guiding him onto the path of cultivation.
According to Fat Dragon, anyone joining a faction or sect, or even becoming a private guard for a wealthy family, would have to undergo a "Spirit Detection" process. This was a method that required the full cooperation of the subject and could reveal all the entries on their body.
His entry must not be exposed. The path of joining a sect was no longer an option.
As for becoming a loose cultivator, that was like starting the game on hell difficulty. Not to mention, they wouldn't be eligible for the monthly Heavenly Blessing on the "Great Xia Sect Ranking."
After much thought, it seemed that the only option was to establish their own sect.
However, their current cultivation..."
After a long silence, Chen Qiu turned to Fat Dragon, gazing at the fat man who was already devouring his food. After another period of contemplation, he spoke up.
'What are the requirements to establish a sect recognized by Heaven's Dao?'
He intended to create a legitimate sect, one recognized by Heaven's Dao, that could be listed on the "Great Xia Sect Ranking" and participate in the sect fortune competition. Not just any sect, but a proper one, unlike Fat Dragon's, which only he knew about.
Although his strength was far from sufficient to establish a sect, it didn't matter. Having the title of Sect Master would be enough.
When he broke through to the first level of the Qi Condensation Stage, he discovered that by focusing his gaze inward, he could see numerous rankings shrouded in clouds.
The most prominent among them was the "Great Xia Sect Ranking."
(End of Chapter)
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