Chapter 417: Chapter 359: Where Destiny Belongs, Qiankun Treasure
"The Muu Emperor’s Chronicles?"
Song Lin exclaimed in surprise. This was a story from the early days of the West Zhou era.
The Muu Emperor himself was quite a legendary figure. During his reign spanning fifty-five years, he led Zhuxia to war against the barbarians, earning a reputation as a remarkable martial sovereign.
Of course, what fascinated people even more was the tale of his relationship with the Queen Mother of the West.
But this was not the focus. The focal point was physical body crossing.
This was an unprecedented phenomenon—a physical body crossing worlds.
Song Lin sensed it briefly and roughly understood the concept of physical body crossing.
[Physical Body Crossing: Some worlds cannot accommodate soul projection, nor can dharma powers or divine skills be projected. Instead, a portion of essence blood is used to reconstruct a physical body in adherence to the rules of the other world, allowing the physical body to carry dharma powers and divine skills.]
[Upon the body’s death, essence blood dissipates, resulting in a severe depletion of primordial energy.]
"Isn’t this essentially an avatar?"
Song Lin thought to himself.
It was equivalent to part of his own body, yet still linked to the original. If it died, the primordial energy damage would be substantial. Due to the use of essence blood, it might take decades to recover.
Of course, physical body crossing did have its advantages.
Sect techniques cultivated in the story world, along with various enhancements, could be carried back to reality. However, cultivation progress would follow the timeline of the real world.
"This might actually work,"
Song Lin mused.
At least this allowed synchronization between cultivation in the story world and reality, unlike before, where he had to divide his focus between managing real-world responsibilities and cultivating in the story world.
Additionally, the cultivation there could now directly benefit reality, rather than merely providing experience without tangible results.
Still, after undertaking a physical body crossing, cultivation required greater caution, as any deviation or inner demon could influence reality as well.
After pondering for a while, Song Lin snapped back to his surroundings.
He was in a chamber, wearing clothes that felt slightly coarse. However, the intricate embroidery was exquisite, adorned with dragon patterns, bear motifs, mystic bird designs, tripod etchings, and the like.
The material was rough, likely a limitation of Zhou Dynasty craftsmanship and production capability. Yet the vibrant colors and ornate patterns suggested someone of high status.
At that moment, memories surged in his heart.
Childhood, youth, young adulthood, middle age...
Lost in confusion, he married and had a child. His wife later passed away, leaving him with only one son. Though born of noble descent as Ji Man, he was far from fulfilled, harboring grand ambitions that found little outlet.
Several days ago, King Zhao embarked on a campaign against Jingchu and perished by the banks of the Han River.
Thus, the throne was now bestowed upon Ji Man.
He was following rituals to proceed with his ascension.
"Dwelling in the heart of the realm, the King’s Way falters,"
Ji Man had once lamented this sentiment.
The present Great Zhou was no longer its former powerful self. King Wen’s relocation to Chengzhou Luoyi sought to establish the center of the world and better govern it.
The intent was wise. At the time, Great Zhou thrived with the strength to radiate its influence outward.
Yet the nation’s fate, like all things, traversed cycles of prosperity and decline. Every advantage inevitably carried drawbacks.
The capital’s departure from Haojing distanced it from the prosperous Central Pass—the citadel of Great Zhou’s ascent.
Furthermore, Western Rong incursions, vassals colluding with barbarians, and internal strife left Great Zhou precariously vulnerable.
It was amidst such tumult that Ji Man ascended the throne.
Emphasizing ritual and tradition, under the guidance of the Three Dukes, Song Lin underwent intricate ceremonies dedicated to heaven and ancestral sacrifices.
From that day forth, Song Lin officially became the Emperor of Zhou, sovereign over all under heaven.
At court, Song Lin observed the ministers.
The Zhou Dynasty functioned under a system of feudalism, with external vassals and internal governance carried out by the Three Dukes and hundreds of ministers.
"Appoint Jun Ya as the Great Minister of Agriculture and Bo Tong as Grand Steward; admonish the governance of the court,"
Song Lin declared.
Two figures formed the core of his reliance.
The Great Minister of Agriculture, Jun Ya, was a capable officer appointed by Ji Man upon his ascension.
Bo Tong, possessing three eyes, was said to discern the inner thoughts of men.
These two individuals served as his left and right arms, ensuring court stability.
Bo Tong was also an Abnormal Soldier, reputed to be well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge. It was said he consumed mica to achieve longevity and had lived for 180 years.
The court held no shortage of Abnormal Soldiers, a hallmark of the era.
"Pull back banners, halt drums, focus on recuperation,"
Song Lin met with the ministers, conferred titles, and spoke these words to them.
Unlike his predecessor, King Zhao, who led grand campaigns, Song Lin chose to prioritize national recovery.
The accomplishments of the Cheng-Kang peace had been squandered by his father, King Zhao; restoration must come first.
Of course, Great Zhou’s southern and eastern expansion strategies would never waver.
The next agenda involved meeting the vassals.
Quanrong of the shaggy scalp, Eastern Yi, Jingchu Barbarians, and the vassals of Cai, Wei, Yong, Lvu, Maoo, Teng, Guoo, and others assembled to pay their respects.
The sheer multitude of vassals overwhelmed Song Lin.
The vassals wielded extraordinary skills and immense power, with the lowest among them at the Core Formation Stage.
Major vassals either reached the Purple Mansion Stage or had generals of that strength under their command.
The Western Rong, Eastern Yi, and Southern Barbarians boasted Transcendance Tribulation Stage cultivation levels, alongside armies of powerful warriors.
"Is this the beginning of the collapse of rites and music?"
After sending off the vassals, Song Lin inwardly questioned.
The situation was more dire than he imagined. No wonder his predecessor chose to campaign personally; talent within the dynasty was sorely lacking.
Song Lin himself had no choice but to walk the same path.
The First Year of King Mu of Zhou.
The Great Minister of Agriculture and Grand Steward jointly managed court affairs while Song Lin entered seclusion.
The Second Year of King Mu of Zhou.
Marquis Lvu sought an audience.
At a banquet, the royal chef presented the famed Eight Delicacies.
Looking at the blackened lumps of sauce, Song Lin was mildly displeased.
In this era, cooking techniques had yet to include stir-frying; food was mostly roasted or boiled, paired with various meat sauces or ant egg pastes referred to as rare delicacies.
Across the table, Marquis Lvu, with his rugged beard and loose hair, ate with relish. He appeared genuinely delighted, prompting Song Lin to gesture to his servants to serve him more.
"Thank you, Emperor! How shall I deserve such grace..."
Marquis Lvu wept with gratitude. His emotions were genuine, feeling deeply valued by the Emperor.
The attendants unanimously praised the Emperor’s wisdom, and the court historian quickly recorded the event in official annals.
This overwhelming response left Song Lin bewildered.
Upon reflection, it made sense.
In this era, people were generally pure-hearted. Even Zhou Gong’s act of spitting out food could garner the loyalty of all under heaven. By giving his meal to Marquis Lvu, Song Lin demonstrated an act of saintly wisdom.
Perhaps such gestures could persuade unruly minor vassals to submit.
"If that’s the case, I still have many tricks up my sleeve,"
Song Lin thought, recalling examples like Cao Cao’s personal attention, Liu Bei’s weeping, and throwing his child A’Dou...
Marquis Lvu’s strength was remarkable. He wielded a blade sharp enough to pierce iron with ease and rode a Unihorn Xiezhi Beast.
The Xiezhi Beast symbolized justice; legends held it could strike down evildoers with its horn.
"Marquis Lvu, would you be interested in taking up the role of Minister of Justice?"
Song Lin inquired.
Great Zhou lacked a proper legal code, with governance depending entirely on unwritten customs. This was clearly unsuitable for efficient administration.
Nations strengthened themselves beginning with legal reform, and Song Lin aimed to initiate such changes.
The first step involved penalties.
Without rewards, the system would not stand; without penalties, order would not endure.
A clear system of incentives and punishments was essential to ensure loyalty and reverence. Without it, relying merely on ceremonial gestures and posturing would lead to inevitable downfall.
"I am willing!"
Marquis Lvu pledged allegiance.
The Third Year of King Mu of Zhou.
King Mu ordered Marquis Lvu to compose the "Lvu Xing." Historical records commented: "King Mu shines uniquely; justice commands reverence across the cosmos."
The instant Lvu Xing was promulgated.
Above Luoyi, Heavenly Dawn appeared, and golden light filled the skies.
A streak of golden brilliance descended upon the capital.
Song Lin’s mind reflected one line of information.
"Mandate of Heaven Revealed—the Qiankun Treasure!"
It turned out to be a cultivation technique.
...
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