The various countries couldn't understand.
No matter how incomprehensible, it was already a settled fact that Wu Yang Country had been annexed by the State of Qin, and probing into the process didn't hold much significance.
The various countries imdiately united to condemn the State of Qin, applying pressure on them—how could they provoke internal turmoil when faced with external threats?
Unperturbed, the State of Qin ignored the rebuke of the other countries. After taking Wu Yang Country, within less than three days of regrouping, the Qingshan Army's swords were pointed at the next nation.
Within Wu Yang Country, the newly liberated and now integrated slaves into the Qingshan Army had already begun practicing "Qingshan Swordsmanship II."
It was conceivable that at this rate, once expansion reached a certain point, the Qingshan Army would form a perpetually self-sustaining cycle, where as many people as were sacrificed at the front could be replaced by new recruits from the rear.
In fact, according to common logic, annexing a country was not a simple matter.
Winning a territory is easy, governing it is hard.
To digest a country's resources requires a lengthy process.
Cultural differences, the citizens' instinctual rejection of the invaders, handling of the nobility, dismissal and appointnt of officials...all of these matters are extrely complex.
But this logic seed not to apply to the State of Qin.
Rejection? The populace of Wu Yang Country actually was eager for the arrival of the Qingshan Army.
Handling of the nobility? Just confiscate all their properties.
"Can't wait for slow digestion, let's fight while digesting. I'll handle opening up new territories, you solidify the rule," said Lu Qingshan to Qin Yitian.
Both perford their duties splendidly.
In just two short months, the State of Qin had taken over all seven neighboring small nations.
Though they were all small nations, this speed was still terrifying.
It was so terrifying that the remaining eight major nations could no longer bear it, threatening that if the State of Qin continued with such unbridled behavior, disregarding the common interests of the Human Race, they would simply abandon the cause and withdraw troops from Iron City.
If the State of Qin ignored the broader situation, then they would all go down together.
If you, the State of Qin, can indeed withstand the Otherworldly Ghosts on your own, then once Iron City is breached, what use will annexing more nations be?
It seed this threat shook the State of Qin, as the unstoppable Qingshan Army finally lay dormant, ceasing all actions.
The tranquility lasted less than a year.
The Qingshan Army mobilized once more.
This ti they divided their troops; one route pointed towards a neighboring country, while the other headed towards Iron City.
The aning was clear.
The State of Qin truly has the ability to fend off Otherworldly Ghosts with just one nation. Defend Iron City if you wish; if not, walk away.
.....
Snow Country.
This is a small country in the South Border, geographically far removed from the Northern Border, so the Otherworldly Ghosts and the State of Qin seed distant to them.
Although the Qingshan Army had not attacked yet, the na of General Lu Qingshan and the Supre Sword Path Profound Mysteries within "Qingshan Swordsmanship II" had already spread over.
The entire nation of Snow Country, whether rural peasants or martial arts masters, would be amazed upon reading the sword manual.
Then, shocked that such exquisite martial arts would be publicly shared by soone.
It is said that in the State of Qin, the remarkable General Lu Qingshan had already compiled "Qingshan Swordsmanship III" and was disseminating it dostically.
Anyone who mastered "Qingshan Swordsmanship II" could seamlessly transition to "Qingshan Swordsmanship III."
No one could understand the reasoning of the State of Qin's general.
To this world, Lu Qingshan is an anomaly.
...
Within Snow Country, a towering snow-capped peak stood majestically, its summit covered in snow.
A pristine river flowed from the mountain peak down to the foot, resembling a celestial maiden's long silver scarf falling to the earth.
This was the location of the most powerful sect in Snow Country, the Yanbing Sect.
At the foot of the mountain, there was a small town.
The town wasn't particularly large, but it was populated with many people.
Rumble, rumble!
Thunder rumbled in the sky, dark clouds stretching endlessly.
"Heaven's wrath" did not wane with ti; in fact, it intensified.
It was deep winter, and soon, heavy snow began to fall.
The largest inn in the town, nad "An Du," had a large fire burning to ward off the cold.
At that mont, the inn's doors were flung open, letting in a blast of cold wind that caused the fire to flicker.
Several figures walked in soon after.
Each one was a woman, their faces all veiled.
The leader, dressed in white as pure as snow, was tall and elegant, her exposed eyes full of spirit.
The inn was already bustling with people, gathered around stoves eating at and drinking wine. Seeing such won enter the inn, many eyes lit up, but upon realizing who they might be, they quickly averted their gaze.
Behind the counter, the innkeeper, busy with accounting, imdiately dropped what he was doing when he saw who had co in, and rose to welco them. "Miss Su, what brings you here? It's wild out there, co in quickly and warm yourself up."
Su Huaqing nodded slightly, "Thank you for the trouble."
The attendants hurried to pull out chairs and wipe tables, showing great diligence, while the previously loud patrons instinctively lowered their voices.
Su Huaqing and the won behind her seed indifferent to these reactions.
They were disciples of the Yanbing Sect, and Su Huaqing was the daughter of the sect leader.
This small town belonged to the Yanbing Sect, so the townsfolk naturally reacted this way upon seeing them.
The innkeeper personally served them fine tea and a pot of steaming lamb, apologetically saying, "Miss Su, you ca unexpectedly, and I wasn't prepared. There's only one room left."
Su Huaqing waved her hand, "No need to trouble yourself. Soone got injured in town, and the sect sent us down to treat the townspeople.
After finishing the task, we were planning to return to the mountain directly, but with the heavy snow, the mountain road isn't safe to travel on. We'll just rest here for a bit and leave when the snow eases up, we won't be staying overnight."
The innkeeper couldn't help expressing admiration, "Miss Su, you truly have a healing heart, and the Yanbing Sect is indeed kind-hearted!
It's our fortune to have the protection of the Yanbing Sect. If only there were more sects like the Yanbing Sect who care for us common folk!"
The Yanbing Sect was a special kind of sect. Although a martial arts sect, its fa stemd not from its martial arts but from its Taoist practices.
Their "Tao of Spirit Enhancent," a miraculous technique capable of "reviving the dead and restoring bones."
The disciples of the Yanbing Sect did not waste their Taoist skills; they frequently descended the mountain to heal the injured townsfolk, earning a great reputation.
Yet, hearing this usual praise, Su Huaqing's chopsticks suddenly paused midair, her face froze.
If only there were more sects like the Yanbing Sect who cared for the common people?
No need, there's already the State of Qin now, more over, the Qingshan Army.
In terms of caring for the people, who can surpass the current State of Qin?
As for more sects?
A few years from now, perhaps even the Yanbing Sect will vanish.
The Qingshan Army hasn't yet reached the South Border, so it has little impact on Snow Country for now.
But the presence of "Qingshan Swordsmanship II," and its spread throughout the Dao Source Realm, is an apocalyptic threat to all sects.
No sect could avoid it.
She rembered her father sighing deeply after reading "Qingshan Swordsmanship II," putting down the manual, "It's not just our Yanbing Sect's martial skills, I'm afraid none of the world's sect arts could surpass this manual."
The great martial arts of various sects have always been imparted to only a select few.
But martial arts as profound and comprehensive as "Qingshan Swordsmanship" are accessible to all, so who would still want to join a sect?
Over ti, the heritage of various sects would naturally be severed.
To Su Huaqing, the Yanbing Sect was ho.
Now, facing such a major crisis, her heart grew heavy.
At that mont, the sound of hoofbeats was suddenly heard,
Whoosh!
A gust of chilly wind rushed through the entrance, sending shivers through the crowd.
It was the inn's door being pushed open again.
Amid the snow and cold, a tall figure suddenly intruded.
Su Huaqing instinctively looked up.
The sky was dim, making it hard to discern the newcor's face, only seeing eyes that shone brightly with heroism.
"Innkeeper, is this the location of the Yanbing Sect?"
The newcor asked in a loud, clear voice.
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