"Urgent news from the border!"
"The six nations beyond the frontier have mobilized their entire armies to attack Hangu Pass! The Great General urgently requests reinforcements!"
A border patrol, their faces spattered with blood, flew in from the distant sky. Their desperate cries shattered the ancient capital's tranquility.
When the news reached the imperial court, it sent shockwaves through the assembled officials. Emperor Qin hastily convened a council to discuss strategies to repel the enemy.
In the heart of the Imperial Capital, apart from the Imperial Palace itself, lay the magnificent residences of civil and military officials, all constructed with splendor. Yet, on the city's edge stood a few modest, almost out-of-place, dwellings.
A young man in a black robe reclined beneath a large tree in one such courtyard. Sunlight, filtering through the leaves, dappled his face, causing him to squint slightly.
His appearance was ordinary, yet there was a certain charm to him. The most striking feature was his slightly narrowed eyes, which held a depth and vicissitudes that seemed to have witnessed the myriad changes of the world, as if he had comprehended life's truest meaning.
"Your Highness, news from the palace!"
A middle-aged man in a white robe hurried over, a sly smile playing on his lips. Cupping his hands in salute, he said, "The six nations are attacking Qin! Their forces are at Hangu Pass, and the border is in grave danger!"
The youth's brow furrowed for a moment before smoothing out. "How does the court intend to respond?"
"Fight to the death!"
"Emperor Qin has decreed that everyone, from the imperial family down to the common nobility, must dispatch scions of their houses to fight at Hangu Pass!"
Pausing here, the middle-aged man was filled with emotion as he said, "Your Highness, the opportunity we've been waiting for has finally arrived!"
"Yes! It's finally here!"
The youth stood, an formidable aura of intense battle intent swirling around him. His eyes gazed into the distance, where a flame named 'ambition' burned fiercely.
He had been in this world for fifteen years, and now, finally, his chance to truly make his mark had arrived.
This world was called the Primitive Continent, which contained 3,000 Dao Realms. He was currently in the East Ancient Domain, within the Qin Empire—a mighty empire with a history of 100,000 years.
Logically, as the Ninth Prince of the Qin Empire, a scion of imperial lineage, he should have enjoyed a life of glory and high status. The reality, however, was the stark opposite.
After 100,000 years of development, intricate networks of power factions had become deeply entrenched within the Qin Empire. His birth mother was a commoner, lacking influential backing, so he had been marginalized from the center of power from the moment he was born.
His name itself was telling: Qin Wudao. Wudao! Wudao! Here, 'Dao' clearly signified the path to the throne—the position of Crown Prince, the imperial seat itself!
Possessing the wisdom of two lifetimes, Qin Wudao deeply understood the ruthlessness of the imperial family. To preserve his life, he dared not reveal the slightest ambition, thus retreating to this dilapidated dwelling, remaining secluded and studiously avoiding any attention.
Naturally, he was unwilling to accept such a fate.
Fortunately, at the age of five, the System that had transmigrated with him awakened, granting him the chance to alter his destiny.
This System was called the Check-in System.
Every year on his birthday, he could use the System to check in and obtain Divine Skills, unique physiques, exceptional individuals, powerful legions, and more.
The longer his consecutive check-ins, the more bountiful the rewards.
In the first year, he checked in and received the Chaos Physique, ranked as the continent's foremost Dao Body.
In the second year, he checked in for the "Chaos Heavenly Scripture"; upon achieving full mastery, he could step into the legendary Immortal Realm.
In the third year, he checked in for the Xuanyuan Sword, a weapon of the Saintly Dao!
In the fifth year, he checked in for the strategist Jia Xu, and subsequently formed the Hidden Guard to gather intelligence.
In the eighth year, he checked in for the Eighteen Yan Yun Riders.
In the tenth year, he checked in for 50,000 Great Qin Elite Soldiers, storing them in the System's space.
Now, at precisely fifteen years of age and having checked in for a full ten years, the treasures he had accumulated had allowed him not only to establish the Hidden Guard—an intelligence network spanning the East Ancient Domain—but also to command a powerful army. Even his own cultivation had reached the Fasang Realm, far surpassing Qin Xiaolong, the Qin Empire's premier Heavenly Talent!
If word of this were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause a colossal uproar and leave many sleepless with worry.
Thus, he was waiting for an opportunity.
An opportunity to rise legitimately, one that outsiders could not obstruct.
"Jia Xu, go and make the preparations!" Qin Wudao said in a low voice, his impatience palpable.
As long as he could achieve unparalleled merit in the Hangu Pass campaign, he would be qualified to contend for the position of Crown Prince, undaunted by the powerful factions backing the other princes.
He was a prince; participation in the struggle for the crown was an inescapable imperial destiny. The victor claims the throne, the vanquished are branded outlaws! Moreover, with the Check-in System in his possession, he refused to resign himself to mediocrity. After fifteen years in the shadows, it was time for his debut!
"Understood!" Jia Xu bowed respectfully and went into the house to pack.
Soon, an imperial edict was issued from the palace: Qin Wudao was appointed a Fourth-Rank Regular General, tasked with assembling an army and proceeding to Hangu Pass to engage in battle.
In the Qin Empire's military structure, ranks spanned from First to Ninth Grade. Fourth Grade was a significant threshold; surpassing it meant one could independently lead an army of 50,000.
On the same day, Emperor Qin's other eight sons also received imperial edicts. This included the premier Heavenly Talent, Qin Xiaolong; all were appointed Fourth-Rank Regular Generals and were to independently form their own legions—a decision devoid of favoritism.
Anyone with discernment could see that Emperor Qin was testing his nine sons. Hangu Pass was to be their crucible, a place where, amidst the slaughter of blood and fire, only those who survived and earned sufficient military honors would gain the Emperor's notice.
In the ensuing days, troops in the Imperial Capital were frequently mobilized, and series of commands were dispatched to the four frontier regions of the empire.
The colossal war machine of the Qin Empire, under Emperor Qin's command, whirred into motion at incredible speed, unleashing astonishing combat power.
With the exception of Qin Wudao, the other eight princes, bolstered by the support of their respective factions, assembled their legions. They were accompanied by many powerful followers who would join them on the expedition.
"The First Prince, Qin Xiaolong, marches to war!"
"The Second Prince, Qin Zhangu, marches to war!"
"The Fifth Prince, Qin Suming, marches to war!"
"The Eighth Prince, Qin Taiyi, marches to war!"
At regular intervals, a powerful voice would resonate above the Imperial Capital, announcing the departure of another prince for the campaign. Innumerable commoners lined the streets to bid them farewell, their cheers of 'Wansheng!' echoing through the city.
The Tiger-Wolf Qin Country.
The hot blood of the old Qin folk was fully kindled by this war.
Everyone's attention was fixated on the eight princes, speculating as to who among them was most likely to achieve monumental military glory. They subconsciously overlooked the Ninth Prince, Qin Wudao.
Qin Wudao paid this no mind. Accompanied by Jia Xu and the Eighteen Yan Yun Riders, he quietly departed the Imperial Capital, disappearing into the boundless wilderness.
A dragon contends in the wilderness! He may lie low, but once he soars, he will astound the world!