Chapter 184: 184.Chapter 182: Fragments of Time Broadcast by Modern Livestream!

184. Chapter 182: Fragments of Time Broadcast by Modern Livestream!

Qin Shi Huang paid no attention to the attitude of his personal guards; he gazed at the mysterious building deep in the jungle, his eyes inscrutable, finally letting out a long, faint sigh.

"Go back."

I thought Qin Shi Huang would give some order, but unexpectedly he just turned back to the palace.

Meng Tian asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, are we not going to bring the immortal back to Xianyang?"

After all, previously Qin Shi Huang sought immortals; whenever there were talented sages, they would be welcomed into the Qin palace with great honor, let alone this immortal now.

Qin Shi Huang glanced at him; the pressure in his gaze came like a towering mountain, and he spoke neither lightly nor heavily: "When did it become your place to interfere with what I do?"

His light words felt like a thousand‑ton boulder crushing down; Meng Tian's face turned pale, fine sweat beading on his forehead, "I have overstepped, Your Majesty."

Meng Tian was merely curious, with no other thoughts.

Fortunately Qin Shi Huang's mood was still decent and he didn't hold a grudge: "No harm; the immortal has his own destination, he does not belong to Xianyang, nor to Qin—"

The last words, Qin Shi Huang spoke in an extremely low voice, drifting away on the wind; no one heard them clearly.

His gaze fell upon the void, carrying a hint of regret and distance.

Meng Tian and the others had never seen Qin Shi Huang display such an expression; besides his imposing aura, there seemed to be a touch of nonchalance and carefree wanderer, making them feel extremely odd.

Clearly he was still the same sovereign, yet they felt as if something had changed in the unseen.

"Issue the order: in one month, hold the Mountain Closure ceremony on Mount Tai!"

"Furthermore, today's affair is to be kept strictly secret by everyone; anyone who leaks it will be executed."

As the last word fell, Meng Tian and the others shuddered all over; the mountain wind blew straight at them, inexplicably chilling, and though the sovereign before them appeared calm, the pressure he exerted was actually greater.

"Yes."

Qin Shi Huang and his retinue gradually drifted away; no one could notice that the building once standing firm in the mountains grew hazy, fading into midair, as if an invisible pair of hands were erasing its existence.

The breath of time surged again, filled with endless mystery and profundity; a thousand years of time once more stirred up waves.

The news that Qin Shi Huang would perform Mountain Closure on Mount Tai quickly spread throughout the dynasty.

The tiny Tai County instantly buzzed with activity; people from surrounding commanderies and counties rushed over, eager to witness the First Emperor's procession.

"Feng" means "offering to Heaven," "Chan" means "offering to Earth," referring to the grand ceremony whereby ancient Chinese emperors, in times of peace or auspicious omens, sacrificed to Heaven and Earth; legends of Mountain Closure already existed from antiquity through the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.

Mountain Closure is a magnificent rite of the ages and the dynasty's highest ritual; it is the emperor's proclamation to the world, the singular mandate of Heaven, so it is no wonder it attracts so much attention.

"Your Majesty's Mountain Closure on Mount Tai seems rather sudden; we hadn't heard any whisper of it beforehand."

"Wasn't one held just a few years ago?"

"I heard that Your Majesty encountered something supernatural on Mount Tai, which is why he chose to perform Mountain Closure there."

"Such talk is not to be spoken lightly; the First Emperor loathes the mystic claims of fangshi, and previously he ordered Qin troops to massively arrest and kill fangshi across the realm—our county alone had a dozen seized and executed on the spot."

"Our county also lost many people, but have you noticed that lately we rarely see those Qin troops who apprehend fangshi?"

"That's because the Mountain Closure ceremony is about to be held, so all manpower has been recalled."

Originally Tai County had fewer than a thousand inhabitants; due to the Mountain Closure ceremony, the population suddenly swelled, and the roads became packed shoulder to shoulder.

The vicinity of Mount Tai became extraordinarily lively; countless Qin iron cavalry surrounded it in an impenetrable wall, having arrived early to set up defenses and guard Qin Shi Huang's safety.

Even the strict guards could not hold back the crowds eager to watch the spectacle; behind the human wall formed by the cavalry were countless excited, thrilled faces.

Soldiers clad in black robes and armor looked formidable, gazing straight ahead without glancing sideways; not far off came a rumbling sound—the noise of carriage axles rolling on the ground.

Even the ground trembled slightly; one can imagine how many carriages there were.

As Qin Shi Huang's entourage drew nearer, nobody dared to raise their voice any further; all that could be heard were the neighing of warhorses and the turning of carriage axles.

The imposing entourage halted at the Mountain Foot, and that majestic figure slowly stepped down from the carriage.

Qin Shi Huang walked up, reached the summit, yet his expression remained unchanged and his breath steady.

The altar on the summit had long been prepared, carved from white jade, inlaid with priceless gems, and engraved with intricate, mysterious patterns—a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Around it, mist and clouds swirled; strange peaks stood tall, mountain ranges linked, verdant and sheer, veiled in fog.

The continuous, undulating mountain ridges inlaid in the horizon reflected glints of gold in the sunlight, appearing extraordinarily splendid, like a grand, magnificent painting.

Standing here, overlooking the lesser peaks, it seemed as if all things in the world were under his control; if it were before, Qin Shi Huang's heart would surely have given rise to boundless imperial vigor and ambition, desiring the Qin empire to endure for myriad generations.

But now his black eyes are unfathomable; it seems his former desires and ambitions have dissipated with the wind of Mount Tai into heaven and earth.

"I wish to go to the mortal realm!"

……

"Your Majesty, it's time to recite the memorial text."

The officiant beside him shouted several times in succession, but Qin Shi Huang gave no response; for a moment his forehead beaded with sweat, not knowing what to do.

Fortunately Qin Shi Huang finally came to his senses, nodded toward the side, and Zhao Gao respectfully presented a tray with both hands.

"I first unified the realm, the four seas submitted. Since my accession I have never ceased in governance, rising early and retiring late, personally touring the distant commoners, ascending this Mount Tai to survey the eastern extremes. Today the world enjoys peace and prosperity, the state is tranquil and the people secure; men and women observe propriety, and duties are carefully fulfilled."

As the memorial text finished, Qin Shi Huang cast it into the brazier; the blazing flames quickly devoured the bamboo slips, and thin white smoke rose slowly, drifting between heaven and earth, conveying it to the hands of the Upper Azure.

Qin Shi Huang gazed at the distant, vast sea of clouds, as if speaking to the air or muttering to himself: "As you said, perhaps we shall meet again someday; I look forward to that day to discuss longevity anew."

Zhao Gao, who happened to be passing by with a candle, heard these words; his expression shifted and his heart was overturned by a tremendous wave.

What kind of person could make Qin Shi Huang address them with the honorific "you"!

Throughout the realm, could there be anyone whose status surpasses that of Qin Shi Huang?!

Zhao Gao had served beside Qin Shi Huang for so long; though he does not claim to fully understand this emperor, he at least knows that his character is arrogant, his aura unyielding, and after ruling the world he looks down on all directions—few are worthy of his notice.

Yet now, for the first time, he sees in Qin Shi Huang's eyes a piety, even a hint of reverent gleam.

Zhao Gao furtively glanced at Qin Shi Huang beside him, his mind filling with doubts—perhaps his stare was too obvious.

A glance swept down from above, carrying supreme pressure; he looked up and found himself locked in those deep black eyes, as if his very soul were being sucked in.

Qin Shi Huang regarded him, his face showing neither joy nor anger, and asked calmly: "Zhao Gao, what did you just hear?"

Zhao Gao fell to his knees with a thud, his face deathly pale, "Your servant heard nothing."

I don't know how long it had been, but that chilling gaze finally shifted away, Zhao Gao finally let out a breath, as if he had walked around the gates of hell and come back, his back already soaked in cold sweat.

Gazing at the back of Qin Shi Huang, Zhao Gao dared not think further, hastily stepping aside.

Mountain winds gusted, causing Qin Shi Huang's robe to snap; the black dark robe embroidered with a five‑clawed golden dragon fluttered wildly, as if it had come alive, ready to howl and shoot straight to the horizon.

Although Qin Shi Huang was not far away, the crowd looking at his majestic back felt dazed, as if in the next second he would ascend to immortality and fly off!

The grandeur of Mount Tai merged slowly with the back of this emperor of all ages, and a mysterious awe rose in everyone's heart.

At the same time, they inexplicably sensed something strange—Qin Shi Huang seemed to have changed……

……

Time like fleeting light, a thousand years later on Mount Tai, seas turned to fields, sun and moon passed, a thousand years' scenery like a long river flowing by, gone in a single whistle.

This towering green mountain seems hardly changed, yet the person who once performed the Mountain Closure sacrifice here has long been swallowed by the river of history.

Seas turning to fields, fleeting in an instant, a thousand years of time seem not so long, merely a moment, relying on the surge of the river of history, one leaps from a thousand years past to a thousand years future.

Ye Qin slowly opened his eyes; a jade‑green light flashed past. Looking at the scenery not far away, his expression grew complex—the emperor hailed as the one of all ages now had a concrete image in his heart.

……

"This is the Five Dukes Pine; according to the Records of the Grand Historian, when Qin Shi Huang performed the Mountain Closure sacrifice on Mount Tai, he encountered rain midway and took shelter under a large tree. Because the tree protected his carriage, he ennobled it with the title of Five Dukes."

Just then, hearing voices not far away, Ye Qin immediately darted into the nearby thicket.

A group came this way; the leader wore a bright red hat and held a small flag—likely a guide—who was introducing the scenery to those behind him.

"However, that tree was later destroyed by a thunderstorm. During the Yongzheng reign of the Qing dynasty, the imperial envoy Ding Zao, ordered to rebuild Mount Tai, replanted five saplings, of which two remain today."

Looking at the ancient pine before them, many in the group pulled out their phones to snap photos nonstop, but a rather distinctive young man instead held a notebook, constantly scribbling and drawing, recording everything with great seriousness.

A middle‑aged man nearby noticed, glanced curiously, and exclaimed, "Wow, Xiao Qi, what have you been writing all along the way?"

The young man called Xiao Qi was none other than Qi Xueqing, the creator of the Historical Mist series.

Having come to Mount Tai for research, with finals approaching, he had chosen a topic related to Mount Tai, so he signed up for the tour—one to enjoy the scenery and relax, two to learn about local customs and culture.

"Uncle Li, I'm just scribbling casually."

Uncle Li looked Qi Xueqing up and down, saying, "Little Li, you must still be in school; with that diligent attitude, you're surely a top student at school."

Qi Xueqing gave an embarrassed smile, "Uncle Li, please don't praise me."

The guide was a local who had worked in this line for decades; a few words sufficed to explain the origin of the Five Dukes Pine, his speech lively and interesting, not boring at all, and everyone listened attentively.

"There's also a rumor known only to us locals: it is said that Qin Shi Huang performed the Mountain Closure sacrifice on Mount Tai twice, but only one of them was recorded, while the second had a special reason."

"Two Mountain Closure sacrifices? What reason?"

"According to legend, Qin Shi Huang once met a strange sage in the mountains and decided to hold a second Mountain Closure on Mount Tai; the story goes……"

The guide's tale was exciting, but most of it was mere folk legend, made up nonsense.

Though the speaker meant nothing by it, the listener took it to heart; beside him, Qi Xueqing showed a thoughtful expression and couldn't help muttering to himself.

"If it's true, what kind of person could it be, able to influence Qin Shi Huang's decision?"

Later generations have both praised and criticized Qin Shi Huang, but they share a common view of his character: they see him as an autocratic despot, naturally aloof, emotionally cold, and rarely swayed by external factors.

Hearing Qi Xueqing's words, the guide laughed and said, "Just take it as a story, after all there's no historical record—it's all folk fabrication."

"Alright, we've finished viewing the Five Dukes Pine here; the next stop is Tianzhu Peak—please keep up with the group."

As their footsteps faded into the distance, Ye Qin finally revealed his form—a dark‑green serpentine body that almost blended with the lush mountainside, his gaze somewhat wistful.

Just a moment ago, Ye Qin had been with Qin Shi Huang in the river of time, witnessing historical change, watching dynasties rise and fall, drifting amid the waves of time.

Now hearing that name again, from others' mouths, he felt as if separated by an age, and the three words 'Qin Shi Huang' had become a tumultuous page in the histories, merits and faults left for later generations to judge.

The emperor who once longed for immortality has now vanished like smoke.

History is yesterday's affair and a teacher for posterity; everyone experiences it and creates it. What is recorded is orthodox history, what is passed by word of mouth is wild history, and what is lost in the river of time is our history.

Were it not for those mottled fragments of time, he might never be able to turn the pages of history to witness the vanished past.

Ye Qin arrived at the summit of Mount Tai, all the mountain vistas laid before his eyes; perhaps a thousand years ago Qin Shi Huang had also stood here to perform the Mountain Closure sacrifice.

When the mountain wind blew, pine waves surged, the cloud sea hazy; this wind crossed the distance of time and space, blowing from the blood‑kin tribes of over five thousand years ago, through the Xia, through the Zhou, through the Qin, and finally to the present age.

This wind was vigorous and powerful, tumultuous and surging; the people and things, scenes and objects that the long wind had blown over were like scars on weathered rock—truly existent.

The Springs and Autumns merely brushed by in the histories, yet in that age they were tumultuous, so that even a thousand years later they still stand there, silently flowing in the river of heaven and earth, with only Ye Qin continually bearing witness.

"Hum——"

A hazy mist drifted from Ye Qin's body, nearly merging with the surrounding cloud sea; his green scales opened slightly, inhaling and exhaling the ambient spiritual qi, as if coated with a layer of divine radiance.

Sensing the change within his body, Ye Qin felt a little surprised, "Is this a breakthrough?"

He hadn't expected that emerging from those mottled fragments of time would actually allow a breakthrough, but upon reflection it was quite normal—Ye Qin's body was not lacking in spiritual power, his primordial spirit was solidly cultivated, lacking only the opportune moment for things to come to fruition.

Those earlier reflections, together with the time‑fragment experience of witnessing historical change alongside Qin Shi Huang, finally made up for that deficiency; one could say everything was ready, only lacking the east wind.

All the spiritual qi around gathered here, becoming so dense it almost took substance, even the air grew slightly distorted.

Fortunately the terrain is relatively high, and besides, there are cliffs nearby; a careless fall would mean shattered bones, and since no paths have been built here, no tourists will wander in by mistake.

Ye Qin relaxed completely; the spiritual qi, like mist and sea, condensed into countless tiny droplets that fell upon his green scales, imparting an exceptionally watery luster.

Even the surrounding vegetation hung with not a few droplets, dripping from the treetops to moisten this tract of land.

In an instant the wind and clouds shifted; the trees nearby swayed nonstop, all leaning to one side.

Spiritual qi poured into Ye Qin's body until it reached saturation, unable to absorb more, so it diffused outward, forming tiny vortices that carried mist and cloud, drifting over the surrounding peaks.

The commotion here quickly caught the attention of the tourists down below,

The mountain wind swept in, making people feel refreshed; they sensed a mysterious aura drifting in the air, and the visitors who had been panting from the climb regained much of their strength.

At this moment, drawing a deep breath, their minds felt unprecedentedly clear.

"Funny enough, just a moment ago my waist was sore and legs weak, but now my legs aren't sore either—I feel I could climb many more steps."

"I thought it was just my imagination, but I feel the whole person has become energized."

"What's going on? I clearly couldn't climb any further."

Wait, you guys quickly look over there——

Only hearing a gasp, everyone raised their heads to look at the sky, unable to help but widen their eyes; the clouds in the sky all gathered toward one place.

That place seems to be the highest point of Mount Tai, right?

The towering peak, with seas of clouds coming from all directions, nearly submerged the summit; from afar it looked like a white river floating around, occasionally kicking up huge waves.

If that were all, it wouldn't be enough to shock everyone; that white river quickly poured back into the blue sky, connecting the azure heavens and the green mountains, sky and water merging into one, with no boundary left at this moment.

The mist in the mountains grew ever thicker, the outlines of the distant mountains becoming blurry, a faint indigo hue beginning to turn white, a barely-there gauze descending from the sky, enveloping everyone.

The originally magnificent view of Mount Tai now gained a touch of mystery; such a spectacular sight was truly rare, drawing tourists to stop in their tracks, including Qi Xueqing and others.

The fog is too thick; nothing can be seen.

If we look from another angle, these sea-of-clouds views are not bad either.

What's there to see in all this whiteness?

Suddenly someone seemed to have discovered something, their pupils constricting sharply, their voice trembling, 'What, what is that?!'

A blurry silhouette appeared in the sky, like a signal spreading from the horizon; the silhouette in the sea of clouds grew clearer and clearer, and other colors instantly appeared on the white scroll.

Only several troops were seen marching side by side, dressed in antiquated attire, bright flags fluttering in midair, leisurely coming this way; moreover, the fog filled the mountain path, and soon many people appeared on the winding, rugged road.

These troops were lifelike, even the patterns on their clothing clearly visible; looking out, they were densely packed, endless, yet the whole formation was orderly, not chaotic.

Everyone opened their mouths wide, thinking they were hallucinating, unable to help rubbing their eyes, 'I didn't see wrong, how could so many troops appear on the mountain path?'

Most importantly, with so many people, not a sound was made; it was utterly silent, and their clothing did not belong to this era.

Qi Xueqing instantly recognized it as Qin state attire, and even the characters on the flag were written in small seal script as 'Qin'!

Are we having hallucinations?

How could so many people have the same hallucination?

It's a bit like the legendary mirage, right?

A mirage, short for 'scenic illusion,' is a natural phenomenon caused by the refraction and total reflection of light, forming a virtual image of light reflected from objects on Earth via atmospheric refraction.

Its occurrence is closely tied to geographic location, Earth's physical conditions, and the meteorological characteristics of those places at specific times; its feature is the repeated appearance at the same location with consistent timing.

How could Mount Tai possibly produce a mirage? I've climbed Mount Tai so many times and never seen such a phenomenon.

Although that's the reasoning, there is still a small chance it could happen.

Their outfits are so strange—what dynasty are they from?

It's the Qin dynasty!

Could they be filming a movie?

Qi Xueqing stared at the distant scene, his eyes full of excitement and thrill; such a grand procession, plus the location being Mount Tai, saw the appearance of a figure like Qin Shi Huang.

All these factors combined, for someone familiar with history like him, he immediately guessed an extremely unimaginable possibility.

This, this couldn't be the mirage of Qin Shi Huang's Mountain Closure ceremony on Mount Tai? (End of chapter)