Chapter 133: Lecturing Ying Zheng

"Ying Zheng? Welcome."

"Insolent commoner! How dare you address His Majesty by his given name? You deserve to die!"

"Quiet! Kneel!"

Chu Xiaoyu merely snapped his fingers, and the atmosphere in the surroundings shifted violently in an instant.

Time stood still; space twisted.

As the domain of his divine power descended and enveloped them, everyone felt as if their breathing had become labored. Meng Tian, in particular, felt an immensely powerful pressure slam directly into his face, forcing his upright frame to buckle at the spine.

What terrifying, overwhelming power!

I will not... kneel!

Meng Tian gritted his teeth, struggling against the force, but it was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—an act of utter futility. His arms were destined to be no match for such might.

With a sudden thud, Meng Tian’s resistance crumbled in less than a minute. He collapsed onto his knees, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his forehead, his face drained of all blood.

Could such terrifying power destroy the heavens and the earth?

Meng Tian found himself choked, unable to even draw a breath.

Incredible! How terrifying!

Who exactly is this young man? Why could he instantly bring everything around him to a complete standstill?

For the first time in his life, Ying Zheng felt the sting of fear. It was a profound, overwhelming dread.

King Zhou, Su Hu, Bi Gan, Su Daji, and the others were equally shaken to their cores. They marveled in silence at the heaven-defying capabilities of this man, Mr. Chu. Anyone who dared to defy him would surely face a fate worse than death—they would not even have a place to be buried.

"M-Mr. Chu, please forgive Meng Tian's ignorance for offending you. I—oh, no, I mean, Ying Zheng, offers my apologies here. I hope you, sir, will be magnanimous."

Suddenly realizing the tyrannical and formidable nature of this young man, Ying Zheng had no choice but to lower his pride and plead on Meng Tian’s behalf. Those who recognize the currents of the times are wise.

***

Chu Xiaoyu narrowed his eyes slightly, casting a glance at the kneeling Meng Tian before looking at Ying Zheng. With a gentle wave of his hand, he immediately lifted the restrictions within the divine domain.

*Hah!*

The moment the suppression was lifted, everyone felt their breathing return to normal. Meng Tian stood up, trembling, no longer daring to act recklessly. He had just circled the gates of hell; the sensation of that crushing, imprisoning power was truly horrific. Having experienced such an ordeal, it was an indelible memory he would never forget for the rest of his life.

Having learned his lesson, Meng Tian stood obediently behind Ying Zheng, occasionally sneaking a glance at Chu Xiaoyu before quickly looking away, behaving much like a naughty child who had just made a mistake.

The group returned to the main hall. Throughout their walk, both Ying Zheng and Meng Tian were astonished by everything they saw in the manor. These were items they had never encountered in their lives.

Dread, shock, awe... until they were finally numbed by the sheer impossibility of it all.

They sat down, and tea was served. When Ying Zheng caught sight of Su Daji, he was instantly struck by her ethereal beauty. The Qin State was a major power, and he had seen his fair share of beauties, but a temptress like Su Daji was something he was witnessing for the very first time.

As Su Daji poured the tea, Ying Zheng was completely captivated, his eyes fixed upon her, unable to even blink. Men remain boys until their dying day; no matter their age, even if they are withered old men, their passions remain unchanged. An old man’s fondness for beautiful maidens is simple—it is merely for the sake of daily delight.

"Ahem... Your Majesty..."

Finally, Meng Tian, overcome with embarrassment, had to remind Ying Zheng. Even if one were an emperor, one could not simply stare at a woman so blatantly in front of everyone, could one? A man’s indulgence in beauty must have its limits, or it would be too shameful.

"Hehe..."

Realizing his unsightly behavior, Ying Zheng quickly straightened his posture. With a humble demeanor, he asked Chu Xiaoyu, "Sir, I wish to consult you on a matter. This place..."

"Let me tell you instead. You are curious about what this place is, aren't you? This is a paradise on earth. The fact that you could pass through the Gate of Immortals shows that you are all people with a special destiny with Mr. Chu," King Zhou interjected.

Ying Zheng still could not believe that the man speaking to him was Emperor Xin of the Shang Dynasty.

***

The second dynasty of the Divine Mainland? It was inconceivable.

How could they be meeting with an ancient figure from a different time and dynasty? What kind of situation was this?

Ying Zheng steadied himself, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, and then stared intensely at King Zhou. "I have read the history of the Yin Shang. You, Emperor Xin, were the last king of the Great Shang, reigning for 30 years. After your death, history recorded you as a tyrant, cursed by future generations. Yet, how is it that you..."

Looking at Emperor Xin’s face, he appeared ruddy with vitality, possessing the strong aura of a king. He did not look like the ruler of a fallen state at all. What was going on? Ying Zheng was deeply puzzled.

"Haha!" King Zhou laughed heartily. "Ah, brother Ying Zheng, there is much you do not know. Of course, the historical records you mentioned are true, but... with Mr. Chu’s guidance and support, my Great Shang is now thriving. As for the theory of our downfall? Hehe, that no longer exists."

History had deviated from its original path. Under the guidance and planning of Mr. Chu, the Great Shang would not fall; they were currently preparing to build a powerful nation. The future was full of promise.

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng became excited and bowed deeply to Chu Xiaoyu. "Sir, I have a request. I wish to know the fate of the Great Qin. Could you tell me?"

Every monarch throughout history was deeply concerned with the longevity of their dynasty. To unify the world and rule for ten thousand generations was the lifelong dream of every emperor. Ying Zheng was desperate for an answer.

Chu Xiaoyu picked up his teacup, took a sip, swept his gaze over the group, and began: "You, Ying Zheng, are known as the 'First Emperor Through the Ages,' but as for the reign of your Qin Dynasty... alas, it is truly a pity."

"Sir, what do you mean by that? What is a pity?"

He was called the "First Emperor Through the Ages" by future generations? It was the supreme honor. Ying Zheng should have been happy, but hearing the hidden meaning in Chu Xiaoyu’s words caused his heart to sink. He sensed something ominous.

"I mean it is a pity because your Great Qin Empire only lasted a brief 14 years before it was destroyed."

"Wh-what? Only 14 years before it is destroyed? This... how could that be? How is that possible?"

Ying Zheng jumped up from his chair, staring fixedly at Chu Xiaoyu. "S-sir, is what you say true? My Great Qin has a lifespan of only 14 years? This..."

14 years? That would pass in the blink of an eye.

He could not accept it! He could never, even in death, accept such a cruel truth.