The First Command

The First Command . . .

The reunification of Grand Xia bore witness to the resurgence of Qin Wentian's name, which surged like a towering tidal wave through the hearts of people worldwide. This time, Qin Wentian held the exalted title of Grand Xia's overlord, the one who had put an end to the millennia-old disputes that had plagued the land. His remarkable achievement elicited admiration from all quarters, for the name 'Qin Wentian' now symbolized greatness and achievement on a grand scale.

Recalling the days when his name first shook the world, it was not too long ago that he had topped the Heavenly Fate Ranking, wielding the demon sword to challenge the Pill Emperor Hall. Little did anyone anticipate that in such a short span of time, he would rise to become a supreme, unparalleled figure in Grand Xia. Such a feat was unprecedented, unlikely to be replicated in the annals of history.

The people of Grand Xia affectionately dubbed Qin Wentian 'Emperor Qin.' Some even affectionately referred to him as the 'Demon Lord.' 'Demon' because, during battle, his demonic aura would surge skyward, transforming him into an otherworldly, fiendishly handsome figure reminiscent of an ancient primordial demon king. His talents were deemed 'demon-level,' earning him the moniker.

Yet, no matter what labels the outside world bestowed upon him, Qin Wentian remained indifferent. Entrusting the affairs of Grand Xia to Fairy Qingmei, she promptly issued orders for the reconstruction and rejuvenation of the realm. Grand Xia was still segmented into nine continents, but gone were the days when transcendent powers governed these regions. Now, strict talent selection processes were established, and cultivation academies were inaugurated across the nine continents. Transcendent powers were tasked with leading these academies, guiding the younger generations and promoting healthy competition among the continents.

Additionally, a rewards and penalties system was introduced to eliminate complacency among the transcendent powers.

Grand Xia had long been considered a backwater in the Royal Sacred Region, and any power from the region was already formidable enough to dominate within Grand Xia. Qin Wentian, however, desired more for his homeland. Though the elder generation had little hope left, their talents depleted, the hopes of Grand Xia rested on the shoulders of the younger generation. Strengthening the youth was the key to a brighter future for Grand Xia. Even if they chose to explore the world beyond its borders, they should always carry the gratitude of Grand Xia with them. In time, Grand Xia would surely reclaim its former glory, standing on equal footing with Grand Shang and Grand Zhou.

Furthermore, Qin Wentian established the nine ultimate arts of Grand Xia as the foundational treasures of the nine continents. Any talented youth would be granted the opportunity to cultivate these top-tier innate techniques and arts.

Now, seated within the grand hall of the ancient kingdom's main palace, Qin Wentian perused the various reports he had requested. With each page he turned, he grew increasingly astounded.

After some time, Qin Wentian set the information reports aside and took a deep breath. The voluminous scrolls were filled with details about one entity—the Star River Association.

It was astonishing to learn that this association, which Qin Wentian had encountered years ago in the Sky Harmony City, was far more extensive than he had ever imagined. The Star River Association boasted branches in every city throughout Grand Xia, with its main headquarters located in Ginkou.

Qin Wentian had previously declined their invitation when he encountered their branch in Moon Continent, harboring a negative impression of them. The reports he perused only reinforced this perception. Despite their outward low-profile demeanor, they were exceedingly tyrannical and domineering.

One report recounted the fate of Xu Ze, one of the top three rankers on the Heavenly Fate Rankings three years prior. Xu Ze, who possessed exceptional expertise in divine inscriptions, had met a mysterious end just three days after rejecting the Star River Association's invitation. His disappearance from Grand Xia was shrouded in mystery.

The reports contained many similar incidents, where suspicions pointed to the Star River Association's involvement in various assassinations. The Azure Emperor's past demise, in particular, seemed to have the association's fingerprints all over it.

Indeed, several ascendants had paid the Star River Association to dispatch an expert assassin, specifically the enigmatic Darkshadow Sovereign, master of the Shadow Pavilion. He held the reputation of being Grand Xia's most potent and secretive assassin.

"Malignant tumor." These words echoed in Qin Wentian's mind as he contemplated the Star River Association. In his eyes, this organization was nothing less than a deadly cancer afflicting Grand Xia. Though they appeared disinterested in seizing authority, their unseen machinations were gathering power in the shadows. Moreover, the individuals he had encountered from the Star River Association had displayed despicable characters. For instance, there was the traitorous Murin who had directly betrayed the Qin Clan to support the Ye Clan, nearly leading to their annihilation.

His feud with the Star River Association dated back to his youth, a twist of fate that had intertwined their destinies. Whether it was for personal vendetta or the greater good of Grand Xia, he had to excise this tumor.

Qin Wentian's perception expanded rapidly, enveloping the entire ancient kingdom. Before long, Fairy Qingmei, Old Xing, and several others appeared before him in the grand hall.

"Your Majesty," they greeted.

"In private, you can call me Wentian. There's no need for such formality," Qin Wentian replied with a warm smile. Fairy Qingmei chuckled and said, "Are you still going through those information reports?"

"Yes, I plan to complete this final task before leaving Grand Xia. What are your thoughts?" Qin Wentian inquired, his gaze fixed on his trusted advisers.

Old Xing furrowed his brows. "Wentian, based on the information in these reports, the Star River Association's scope is much larger than we imagined. They likely have branches not only across Grand Xia but also throughout the Royal Sacred Region."

"They're like a viper hiding in the tall grass, easily overlooked until you stumble upon them, at which point you become their prey," Fairy Qingmei added, her expression grave. Having read the reports, they understood the true extent of the Star River Association's power, realizing that their previous knowledge had been shallow. Despite appearing unambitious, they were, in fact, an exceptionally dangerous force.

Qin Wentian pondered Old Xing's words and reached the same conclusion. The Star River Association's influence extended beyond Grand Xia; their presence lingered throughout the entire Royal Sacred Region. Their low profile prevented them from being classified among the transcendent powers, but their clandestine activities made them one of the most perilous factions.

"According to what the Shi Ancestor and others said, the Star River Association has an incredibly effective information network. They likely have extensive knowledge about me, which is why they demanded such a high price when the transcendent powers hired the Darkshadow Sovereign. If we assume they already know about me, they may also be aware of the events in Chu, including the deaths of the Royal Sacred Sect's experts," Qin Wentian analyzed. "But that doesn't matter. By eliminating the Star River Association branches in Grand Xia, we force the upper echelons to target me if they seek retribution."

Fairy Qingmei and the others wore solemn expressions. Qin Wentian's reasoning made sense. His resolve to dismantle the Star River Association was clear.

"What if we initiate the extermination across the nine continents? I'll handle Ginkou, but to prevent the Star River Association from taking drastic measures, we won't kill their members. Instead, we'll announce my decree to the world: 'I, Qin Wentian, do not permit any branches of the Star River Association to remain in Grand Xia. All their branches shall be dismantled,'" Qin Wentian proposed, his eyes gleaming with determination. This way, the Star River Association would understand his intentions. If they sought revenge, they would come after him alone.

Fairy Qingmei gazed at the determination in Qin Wentian's eyes, feeling a shiver down her spine. Once he set his mind to something, he acted swiftly and decisively.

"Agreed," Fairy Qingmei, Old Xing, and the others nodded as they left the grand hall, embarking on the final mission to reunify Grand Xia.

A day passed like a whispering breeze, and the nine continents of Grand Xia united in a synchronized assault on the Star River Association's branches. Their objective was clear: dismantle the association's infrastructure while sparing the lives of its members. The Emperor had decreed the expulsion of the Star River Association from Grand Xia, marking Qin Wentian's first command after the successful reunification.

In Ginkou, outside the imposing edifice of the Star River Association Branch, an aura of awe-inspiring might enshrouded the entire building. Atop the main palace, a figure stood, clad in white robes, an ancient sword strapped to his back. Arms crossed in a display of supreme confidence, he radiated an air of singular authority, as if he were the sole sovereign of the world.

"Swish, swish, swish!"

Silhouettes darted through the air, materializing above the palace. Among them was the lord of the Grand Xia Star River Association and his loyal adherents. Their gazes bore the icy venom of hatred as they locked onto Qin Wentian.

"Qin Wentian, what is the meaning of this?" The lord of the Star River Association, a seasoned inscription expert in flame-colored robes, glared fiercely at Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian's gaze shifted to a figure cloaked in gray. To his astonishment, it was none other than the Darkshadow Sovereign.

"Qin Wentian, I have abandoned my attempt on your life. From this moment on, let us go our separate ways." The Darkshadow Sovereign's narrowed eyes focused on Qin Wentian.

"You failed to assassinate me and now you suggest we part ways?" Qin Wentian's eyes blazed, his formidable sword energy surging forth, forming a tempest that threatened to engulf their surroundings.

"Crack!" A single step from Qin Wentian caused the ancient palace beneath him to shatter, fissures spreading like spiderwebs.

"Do you comprehend the gravity of your actions, Qin Wentian?" The Darkshadow Sovereign's voice grew icy.

"From today onward, Grand Xia shall not tolerate the presence of the Star River Association," Qin Wentian declared, raising his foot once more. He brought it down with force, releasing a cataclysmic wave of destructive energy that rent the ancient palace asunder.

"Qin Wentian, I understand that the Medicine Sovereign backs you, but I'll offer you some advice. We can forget the past and even overlook today's confrontation. We'll keep our matters separate. Otherwise, regardless of your formidable background, you'll find no sanctuary in the entire Royal Sacred Region," the Darkshadow Sovereign threatened, his voice frigid.

"If you persist, there'll be no sanctuary for you, whether you soar to the heavens or burrow into the earth," chimed in the lord of the Star River Association. It was the first time they had faced such a direct challenge in their history.