The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After several days of long journey, the First Emperor's eastern tour caravan finally entered Liaoxi County.

This huge army marched forward in a mighty manner, with flags fluttering and soldiers marching in neat steps. The sound of horse hooves and wheels rolling intertwined, as if playing a magnificent piece of music.

The First Emperor sat in his carriage, gazing out the window at the strange yet familiar scenery. His heart was filled with anticipation and excitement, because this eastern tour was not just a simple inspection, but also an exploration and prospect of the future of the empire.

The army temporarily stopped at Lizhi County in Liaoxi Commandery, which was only two days' journey from Jieshi. The First Emperor decided to stay there for a while to allow the army to rest and make full preparations for the next journey.

Standing before his tent, the First Emperor gazed upon the distant mountains and rivers, a surge of heroic pride welling up in his heart. He was well aware of the importance of this land, not only as the empire's frontier but also as a boundary with northern nomadic peoples like the Xiongnu. The First Emperor also hoped, through this eastern tour, to strengthen control and administration of the Liaoxi region and ensure border security and stability.

After returning to the tent, the First Emperor looked at the people before him. After a moment's contemplation, he said, "This voyage to search for immortals is of great importance. Hu Hai, you and Zhao Gao will go ahead to Jieshi and make all preparations in advance."

Upon hearing this, everyone expressed their agreement. The First Emperor then said, "Hu Hai, Zhao Gao, when you go this time, you must coordinate with Master Xu to ensure that all preparations for the sea voyage to search for immortals are completed smoothly."

Hu Hai quickly stepped forward and replied respectfully, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations. I guarantee that the day Your Majesty arrives at Jieshi, the ship will set sail to search for immortals."

Zhao Gao quickly echoed, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I, the eunuchs, will fully assist the young master and live up to your trust."

The First Emperor nodded slightly, expressing his satisfaction, and then said, "Okay, I will wait here for your good news."

Hu Hai and Zhao Gao looked at each other and replied in unison: "Your sons/eunuchs obey your orders!" After that, the two turned and left.

After receiving the order, Hu Hai and Zhao Gao left the camp with a group of trusted men.

The First Emperor had high hopes for Xu Fu's journey to find immortals. He believed that by finding the elixir of immortality, he could extend his life and continue to rule this great empire.

At this moment, the First Emperor paced his tent, lost in thought. He thought of his own reign. He knew his life was limited, but he hoped to find the elixir of immortality through his journey, extending his lifespan and allowing him to continue ruling this great empire. He believed that as long as he lived, he could continue to maintain the unity and stability of the empire.

Prince Hu Hai and Zhao Gao set out on the journey to Jieshi with Qin Shihuang's expectations.

Along the way, they saw many new and interesting sights. The customs and practices of western Liaoning were very different from those of the Central Plains. Hu Hai and Zhao Gao admired the scenery while discussing their journey to find immortals.

Hu Hai rubbed his hands excitedly, his face filled with irrepressible joy. He couldn't wait to ask Zhao Gao: "Teacher, this eastern tour really opened my eyes! It turned out that the territory of our Great Qin is so vast and boundless! My father can rule such a huge empire alone, he is simply a god-like existence! I really want to know, if one day I can be like my father..." At this point, his eyes flashed with excitement and ambition.

Zhao Gao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He replied softly, "You are quite right, sir. However, this is only the eastern part of the Qin Empire. In reality, the Qin Empire's territory extends far beyond this. If we extend westward and southward, the lands there will be even more vast than this boundless land."

Hu Hai's eyes widened as a magnificent scene appeared before his eyes, and his heart was filled with longing and anticipation. He clenched his fists tightly and muttered to himself, "Doesn't that mean that the whole world belongs to our Great Qin?"

Zhao Gao smiled and nodded in agreement, then earnestly reminded him, "Sir, as long as you can please His Majesty, you may ascend the throne and rule the world in the future."

After hearing what Zhao Gao said, a greedy look flashed in Hu Hai's eyes. He nodded vigorously, as if he had made up his mind.

"However..." Zhao Gao's tone suddenly changed, a hint of worry lingering in his voice. "Sir, don't forget we have a formidable competitor—Fusu. He's the eldest son, holds a distinguished position, and commands considerable prestige within the court. We must remain vigilant and carefully manage our actions."

Hu Hai frowned, staring into the distance with a gloomy look, and muttered to himself: "Fusu is indeed a trouble. But as long as I get my father's favor and become the crown prince, he will not be a problem to be afraid of." His voice was low and firm, as if he had already seen his own glorious future.

Zhao Gao stood aside, bowed slightly, a sinister smile on his face, and echoed: "Young Master is right. Now we must hurry up, rush to Jieshi, and complete the task assigned by His Majesty as soon as possible." There was a cunning gleam in his eyes, as if he was planning some conspiracy.

Hu Hai nodded, "Teacher, I understand!" A look of determination flashed through his eyes. He knew that he must continue to demonstrate his abilities, and he would surely win his father's praise and trust. The thought of this filled him with excitement, his heart filled with anticipation.

Seeing Hu Hai's confidence, Zhao Gao warned him again, "Sir, we must not let our guard down. This mission is of grave importance. If we fail to execute it well, it will probably cause His Majesty's displeasure."

Hu Hai took a deep breath and said calmly: "Don't worry, teacher. I have made full preparations and will not let my father down." After that, he waved his hand to signal the team to continue moving forward. The group sped up and headed towards Jieshi.

When the two arrived at Jieshi, they found Zhao Cheng and Xu Fu had been waiting there for a long time. Zhao Cheng and Xu Fu met with Hu Hai and Zhao Gao and briefed them on the progress of the preparations.

Zhao Cheng said respectfully, "Sir, Lord Zhao Gao, we are ready and only await His Majesty's arrival!"

Xu Fu continued, "Sir, please rest assured, Lord Zhao, all preparations are ready. We are only waiting for His Majesty to arrive. With one order, we can set sail!"

Hu Hai smiled with satisfaction and said, "Master Xu, this voyage is entirely dependent on you!"

Zhao Gao echoed, "Master Xu, I hope you'll return soon. Master Hu Hai will need your help when the time comes."

Xu Fu showed confidence and bowed, saying, "I will not fail my mission!" Then he looked towards the sea, his eyes revealing a longing for the unknown.

Hu Hai and Zhao Gao exchanged a glance, secretly delighted. On this eastern tour, they must satisfy the First Emperor and use the opportunity to showcase their talents. And Xu Fu's journey to find immortals might be a crucial step in their journey to the pinnacle of power.

Afterwards, Prince Hu Hai and Zhao Gao rode at full speed all the way, not daring to stop for a moment, and finally arrived at Lizhi County, where they reported Xu Fu's situation in detail to the First Emperor.

"Father, Immortal Master Xu has made full preparations. He said that the fairy mountain is in the sea east of Penglai, and it should not be far away." Hu Hai said excitedly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Master Xu is full of confidence in this voyage." Zhao Gao also echoed.

After hearing this, the First Emperor showed a relieved smile on his face: "Very good, I knew that Master Xu would not let me down."

"In that case, there's no need to waste any more time," the First Emperor ordered decisively, "Set out immediately and head towards Jieshi!"

Following the First Emperor's command, the vast army set out again, slowly advancing along the coastline. The soldiers' morale was high, as if they had been injected with chicken blood. The First Emperor sat in the carriage, feeling extremely excited, as if he had seen the hope of immortality, his eyes full of anticipation.