The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The convoy continued to move eastward, and after a day, a towering city appeared in everyone's sight.

"Your Majesty, the Jieshi City is ahead." Zhao Gao said, pointing ahead.

The First Emperor ordered the carriage to enter the city, and the people of Jieshi City lined the streets to welcome him, shouting "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!"

Xu Fu and the county magistrate, county lieutenant and other officials had been waiting at the city gate for a long time.

Xu Fu led a group of disciples to kneel down to greet the First Emperor, and everyone shouted "Your Majesty!"

The First Emperor got off the carriage, helped Xu Fu up, and said with a smile: "My dear Xu, you have worked hard on the journey."

Xu Fu said in panic, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Serving Your Majesty is my humble duty."

The First Emperor looked at Xu Fu, with a glimmer of admiration in his eyes.

"My dear Xu, I have high expectations of you on this voyage to sea in search of immortals," said the First Emperor.

Xu Fu replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to live up to your trust."

The First Emperor nodded and asked, "Can you find the elixir of immortality during this voyage?"

Xu Fu's heart tightened, and he quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I have found the clue to the elixir of immortality, and I will certainly live up to your trust."

The First Emperor nodded with satisfaction and said, "Okay, Xu Aiqing, you can go down first."

Xu Fu retreated respectfully, and the First Emperor looked at his back, his heart full of anticipation.

Meng Yi took a look at Xu Fu from a distance. He saw that he had deep eyes and a stern face, revealing a mysterious aura. He couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. It was said that this man was the ancestor of the Japanese.

The First Emperor turned to Zhao Gao and said, "Make arrangements. I will stay in Jieshi City for a few days."

Zhao Gao immediately replied respectfully, "As you wish."

Afterwards, the First Emperor, surrounded by his guards, moved into the temporary palace in Jieshi City.

That night, the First Emperor summoned Xu Fu to the palace to discuss with him matters related to going out to sea to search for immortals.

Xu Fu bowed respectfully to the First Emperor, who smiled and asked him to sit down. He then asked, "Master Xu, I heard that you have prepared everything for your voyage to the sea in search of immortals. Is this true?"

Xu Fu reported his plan and preparations to the First Emperor in detail. He said: "Your Majesty, I have prepared everything. The ship has been built, the crew has been recruited, and there is enough food and water."

After hearing this, the First Emperor nodded continuously, feeling very satisfied with Xu Fu's preparations. He asked, "Master Xu, when do you think we can set sail?"

Xu Fu pretended to count with his fingers and replied, "Your Majesty, the day after tomorrow morning at the hour of Chen, the dragon energy will be at its peak, making it a perfect time to go out to sea and search for immortals!"

When the First Emperor heard the news, he was overjoyed. He said, "Okay, Zhao Gao, make arrangements immediately. The day after tomorrow, I will personally send Master Xu out to sea in search of immortals!"

Zhao Gao took the order and began to prepare for going out to sea to search for immortals.

The First Emperor and Xu Fu continued their conversation, and Xu Fu introduced some legends and anecdotes about the immortal mountains overseas to the First Emperor. The First Emperor listened with great interest and nodded in appreciation from time to time.

During the conversation, Xu Fu noticed that the emperor's eyes revealed a desire for immortality. He knew that this was what the emperor cared about most. Xu Fu took the opportunity to assure the emperor that he would do his best to find a way to achieve immortality.

The First Emperor was satisfied with Xu Fu's promise. He said, "Master Xu, I believe you will find the way to immortality. I look forward to your early return and bring me good news."

Xu Fu bowed respectfully to the First Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured that I will fulfill my mission and find a way to achieve immortality for you."

After Xu Fu withdrew, the First Emperor slowly stood up and walked to the window with steady steps. His tall and majestic figure paused by the window, his eyes deep and determined as he gazed out at the distant sea. The sea breeze ruffled his dragon robe, stirring up ripples, but his heart was filled with endless anticipation and hope.

As if transported through time, the First Emperor witnessed Xu Fu leading his vast fleet across the turbulent seas, heading for the mysterious celestial mountain. He firmly believed that if he could find the legendary immortal, he would gain immortality and rule the world forever. This belief, like a burning flame, illuminated his deepest desires.

He murmured to himself, "Immortality, I must obtain immortality." This was both a promise to himself and a hope for the future. He knew that the pursuit of immortality was not easy, but he was willing to pay any price for it.

At this moment, there was the sound of light footsteps. Zhao Gao cautiously walked into the room and whispered, "Your Majesty, everything has been arranged."

The First Emperor nodded slightly to show that he understood, and then said softly: "Very good. Tomorrow I will have a good rest and send Xu Fu out to sea in the best condition."

Zhao Gao nodded respectfully in agreement, then quietly left the room, leaving the First Emperor standing alone at the window, gazing at the distant sea, lost in his persistent pursuit of immortality...

As night fell and the lights came on, Meng Yi summoned Zhao Da. Li Ziwei was currently in Xianyang, overseeing the expansion of the Imperial Guard, and was unable to spare time, so he sent Zhao Da to accompany him on his eastern tour, ready to be deployed at any time.

Zhao Da came before Meng Yi and bowed respectfully: "My Lord, what do you need me to do?" His eyes were full of awe and loyalty as he waited for Meng Yi's instructions.

Meng Yi looked serious and said in a low voice: "Zhao Da, I hope you can arrange a group of people to try to infiltrate Xu Fu's fleet." There was a hint of firmness and determination in his voice.

Zhao Da's heart trembled, and he immediately understood Meng Yi's intention. This was a dangerous and important mission, but he replied without hesitation, "I understand. I will select a group of smart and capable guards and wait for an opportunity to infiltrate the fleet." He was well aware of the huge responsibility he shouldered.

Meng Yi nodded slightly in approval. He knew Zhao Da was trustworthy and would do his best to complete the task. He then continued, "However, Xu Fu is quite alert. You must proceed with caution and not alert him. If you detect any abnormality, it's crucial to save your own life." His eyes gleamed with concern.

Zhao Da replied solemnly: "Yes, I obey your command!" He understood the danger of this operation, but he was also determined not to let Meng Yi down.

Meng Yi gazed deeply into the distance, silently praying for the success of this operation. He knew time was running out and he needed to quickly uncover Xu Fu's true intentions. He hoped Zhao Da would bring back useful intelligence.

Early in the morning of the third day, the sun had just risen, and the sunlight shone on the streets and alleys of Jieshi City, bringing a touch of warmth and vitality to the city.

However, the Jieshi City today is different from the past. The air is filled with a tense and exciting atmosphere. People flocked to the streets and to the port, looking forward to an upcoming event - Xu Fu's seagoing ceremony.

At noon, Xu Fu led everyone to kneel down and pay homage to the First Emperor. Xu Fu said with a firm look in his eyes: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

The First Emperor nodded slightly, revealing a pleased smile. "I trust you, Master Xu. This time, I leave everything to you."

Xu Fu stood up and turned to walk towards the fleet. His huge fleet slowly sailed out of the harbor, huge sails hoisted. Every ship in the fleet had a flag flying, and the crews were dressed in neat clothes and holding various tools and weapons.

The First Emperor stood on the shore, gazing at the fleet as it gradually receded into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation and hope. He believed Xu Fu would be able to find the secret of immortality and prolong his rule.

The ministers around the First Emperor began to discuss.

Hu Hai said excitedly, "My father has such trust in Master Xu. This time we go out to sea, we will definitely be able to find the method of immortality."

Zhao Gao echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty's hopes are placed on Master Xu. Master Xu will certainly not disappoint Your Majesty. The mission is accomplished."

The First Emperor listened quietly to the ministers' discussions and silently prayed for Xu Fu's success. He knew the importance of this voyage, not only to find the secret of immortality, but also for the prosperity of the country and the continuation of his rule.

As the fleet sailed away, the First Emperor turned and left, but his eyes remained on the sea, as if he could still see the silhouette of the ship. He knew that this was a risk, but also an opportunity, a chance to realize his dream of immortality.

Xu Fu, carrying the expectations and blessings of the First Emperor, embarked on a journey to find the elixir of immortality.