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

Chapter 18: Youthful Ying Zheng Ascends the Court

Xianyang City, Black Dragon Hall

[Black Dragon Hall (Hēilóng Diàn, 黑龙殿): The primary court of the Qin dynasty, where the emperor held court with his ministers. The name symbolizes authority and power.]

“What is going on?”

“His Majesty just left on a tour—why is he suddenly back?”

“Who knows? His Majesty’s intentions are beyond our comprehension!”

“Clearly, something extraordinary must have happened during the journey!”

The ministers of Qin, both civil and military, whispered among themselves as they assembled in the great hall.

The abrupt return of Ying Zheng to Xianyang the day before had thrown the court into disarray. Typically, his tours of inspection lasted for months, but this time, he returned after just one. The abnormality left everyone baffled.

Yan Le, a sycophant of Hu Hai and son-in-law of Zhao Gao, leaned closer to his master.

[Yán Lè (严乐) can be interpreted as: “Strict Joy” or “Dignified Happiness.” The combination suggests a balance between discipline and joy]

“Your Highness, do you know what this is about?” he asked deferentially.

Yan Le had tried to pry information from Zhao Gao the day before but was met with unusual reticence. Zhao Gao had warned him to tread carefully, further stoking Yan Le’s unease.

Hu Hai shook his head curtly.

[Hu Hai (Hú Hài, 胡亥): The youngest son of Ying Zheng, historically infamous for his role in the eventual downfall of the Qin dynasty.]

“I have no idea!”

Hu Hai’s irritation was palpable. He had sought an audience with Ying Zheng upon his return but was denied. Even Zhao Gao, his longtime supporter, now kept his distance.

Hu Hai’s unease deepened as he recalled how Zhao Gao and Li Si had refused to share any details.

Father suddenly returned, and now even my most trusted allies are avoiding me…

A sense of foreboding took root in Hu Hai’s heart.

The hall fell silent as Zhao Gao appeared, his sharp gaze scanning the assembled ministers.

“His Majesty is ascending the court!”

The announcement sent a ripple through the crowd, and Zhao Gao’s lips curled into a sly smile.

Today’s court session was destined to be unforgettable.

A series of light, deliberate footsteps echoed through the hall.

The ministers frowned. Ying Zheng’s gait had always been heavy with authority, yet these steps sounded uncharacteristically light.

All eyes turned toward the source of the sound, and gasps of shock rippled through the chamber.

A young man, clad in the imperial black dragon robe, strode confidently into the hall and ascended the dragon throne.

“Bold! Who are you to impersonate His Majesty?”

“This is treason! Guards, seize him!”

Outrage erupted among the ministers.

The dragon robe and throne were sacred, exclusive to Ying Zheng. The audacity of this young man, even if he bore a striking resemblance to the emperor’s youthful self, was beyond forgiveness.

“Minister Li Si, Commander Wang Ben, you must act!”

Instead of intervening, Li Si, Wang Ben, and Zhao Gao stepped forward and knelt before the youthful figure.

“Your Majesty,” they intoned in unison. “Your loyal ministers salute you.”

The hall fell deathly silent as disbelief swept through the gathered officials.

“What… What is happening?”

“Is this truly His Majesty?”

Hu Hai’s breath caught in his throat as he stared at the throne.

The man seated there bore an uncanny resemblance to his father in his youth.

“Bold,” Ying Zheng’s voice, calm yet commanding, cut through the stunned silence.

“Since I ascended as the King of Qin, no one has dared to utter that word to me. Yet here you are, breaking decades of silence with your audacity.”

The ministers froze under the weight of his words.

There was no mistaking it—the voice, the authority, and the sheer presence were unmistakably those of Ying Zheng.

Far away, in the central continent of Zhongzhou, Bai Chen sipped wine in his residence at Seven Heroes Town.

System prompt: The host has altered Hu Hai’s perception, earning 500 Creation Energy.
System prompt: The host has altered Meng Yi’s perception, earning 500 Creation Energy.
System prompt: The host has altered Yan Le’s perception, earning 300 Creation Energy.

A string of notifications lit up Bai Chen’s mind.

“At last,” he murmured, setting down his cup with a smile.

“The storm begins. Let’s see how far it will spread.”