In Order to Live as an Immortal, I changed a martial artist world to a xianxia world

Chapter 7: A Thunderbolt from the Heavens! A Heavenly Pit!

Qin Dynasty, Shaqiu.

Dozens of carriages rolled steadily forward, escorted by tens of thousands of armoured soldiers. These elite troops of Qin were tasked with safeguarding the First Emperor, Ying Zheng, during his inspection tour of the realm.

[Shaqiu (沙丘, Shā Qiū): A historical location in ancient China, often associated with the later years of Ying Zheng’s life.].

“Still no results?” Ying Zheng muttered to himself, his expression tinged with despondency as he sat in his carriage.

Having swept through the Six Kingdoms to unify Dongzhou (东洲, “Eastern Continent”), Ying Zheng had ascended to the pinnacle of power and prestige. Yet even as the ruler of Qin, he was not without his troubles.

Though he loathed to admit it, none of his numerous heirs were fit to succeed him. This bitter truth drove his relentless search for the elixir of immortality.

Ying Zheng did not fear death, but he could not bear the thought of his great Qin collapsing after his demise. Only by extending his life could he ensure the empire’s enduring stability.

Years of searching, however, had yielded nothing. Ying Zheng could keenly feel his body’s growing frailty. This tour of Dongzhou was his final hope. If he failed to find a means to prolong his life, all would be lost.

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

Suddenly, thunderous crashes shook the earth.

“Enemy attack!”

“Assassins! Protect His Majesty!”

“Show yourselves, cowards!”

The frantic shouts of soldiers reached Ying Zheng’s ears.

“Zhao Gao; Wang Ben” Ying Zheng’s calm voice emerged from the carriage, carrying neither fear nor panic.

“Your servant is here!”

“Your servant is here!”

Two figures entered the carriage, kneeling before Ying Zheng with utmost deference.

One was Zhao Gao, dressed in ornate robes, his pale, beardless face exuding an air of slyness and refinement. Trusted above all, he served as the Zhongche Fuling (中车府令), the Director of the Palace Secretariat.

[Zhao Gao (赵高, Zhào Gāo): A powerful eunuch and trusted official of Ying Zheng, infamous for his later role in the Qin Dynasty’s downfall.].

The other was Wang Ben, clad in imposing armour, his rugged demeanour radiating a sharp, martial intensity. The son of the legendary General Wang Jian, he now commanded the Tiger Ben Army as one of Qin’s foremost generals.

[Wang Ben (王贲, Wáng Bèn): A general of Qin and the son of Wang Jian, a legendary military strategist.].

“Resolve this within the time it takes to burn one stick of incense,” Ying Zheng ordered coldly, his expression unchanging.

He did not ask who the assassins were, nor whether they could handle the attack. He simply set a deadline for Zhao Gao and Wang Ben to annihilate the enemy.

Such was Ying Zheng—proud, domineering, and unwavering in his confidence.

“By Your Majesty’s command!”

“By Your Majesty’s command!”

Without hesitation, Zhao Gao and Wang Ben leapt into action, their figures vanishing from the carriage.

“Tiger Ben Army, charge and destroy the enemy!”

“Net Assassins, leave no one alive!”

[Tiger Ben Army (虎贲军, Hǔ Bēn Jūn): Elite troops of the Qin Dynasty, known for their prowess and loyalty.].

[Net Assassins (罗网, Luó Wǎng): A secretive and deadly organization serving Qin, skilled in espionage and elimination.].

Their voices, amplified by true qi, reverberated across the battlefield.

Both Zhao Gao and Wang Ben were Grandmasters of the Tianxiang (天象) realm. Under their leadership, the assassins stood no chance.

“Remnants of the Six Kingdoms,” Ying Zheng murmured, his eyes flashing with icy disdain.

He knew full well who sought his life.

Though Qin had unified Dongzhou, nobles and warriors from the fallen Six Kingdoms harboured deep resentment. Over the years, they had orchestrated numerous disruptions to Qin’s rule.

Yet never had Ying Zheng expected their audacity to escalate to a direct assault on his imperial procession.

“It seems I was too merciful back then,” he muttered regretfully. Had he eradicated the Six Kingdoms’ aristocrats during the unification, such problems would not have existed. But now, with his years waning, he lacked the strength to rectify past leniency.

Before long, the clamour of battle subsided.

“Your Majesty,” Zhao Gao reported as he reappeared, “all assassins have been executed.”

“Good.”

Ying Zheng stepped out of the carriage, pulling back the curtain. Zhao Gao followed closely, with reverence.

“Salutations to Your Majesty!” Wang Ben knelt immediately, his voice resounding.

“Salutations to Your Majesty!”

“Salutations to Your Majesty!”

The assembled Qin soldiers echoed his cry, their expressions alight with fervent devotion. To them, Ying Zheng was more than an emperor—he was their eternal faith.

“Boom!”

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning split the sky, striking the earth in the distance.

“Boom! Rumble!”

The ground quaked violently as a massive chasm opened, revealing an enormous pit.

Ying Zheng froze. Wang Ben, Zhao Gao, and the soldiers all stared in stunned silence.

“What is happening?” Wang Ben exclaimed, his voice trembling with shock. “How could a lightning strike wield such destructive power?”

“Investigate,” Ying Zheng commanded, his brow furrowed.

In his mind, the lightning’s appearance was far too sudden. He doubted its power alone could have caused the pit. The only explanation was that the strike had triggered a latent secret hidden beneath the ground.

“As you command, Your Majesty!” Zhao Gao responded, vanishing instantly to obey.

Moments later, he returned, his face etched with disbelief.

“Your Majesty,” Zhao Gao reported, his voice heavy with awe, “there is something extraordinary beneath the pit!”