"Earth Spirit, Nine-Colored Earth..."

Zhang Jian gazed at the small pile of Nine-Colored Soil in his hand, radiating nine-colored light, his expression becoming exceptionally grave.

Xi Rang, this is a mythical treasure.

In mythology, Lady Nvwa used it to create the Human Race.

But in reality, it is the supreme treasure of the Earth Attribute.

Note it is the Earth, not merely the Wu Earth Attribute.

In the Tongshan Dao Lineage, there is also a record of its inheritance, with legends stating Ancestor Master Xia Yu once obtained the Nine-Colored Earth, successfully controlling floods with it, achieving supreme creation, and thus accomplishing the works of an Ancient Saint King.

This treasure, a single grain can fill vast seas and lakes.

It can transform vast waters into land, the earth into towering mountains.

Ancient rumors say the Divine Mountain of the Tongshan Dao Lineage was formed from a single grain of Nine-Colored Earth by Ancestor Master Xia Yu.

That Divine Mountain has always been the root of the Earth's Qi!

Its empowerment is evident.

"Marvelous, with this, the Sheji Sovereignty can be perfected much more easily!"

Zhang Jian's eyes sparkled with joy.

At this moment, the message from the Ancestral Hall ancestors was more detailed.

Nine-Colored Earth: Earth Spirit, Creation's Treasure, mastering the Nine-Colored Earth allows one to grasp part of the Earth's authority. Comprehending the mysteries of Xi Rang will undoubtedly form one of the series of Innate Dao Bodies (Innate Xi Rang Dao Body, Innate Creation Body, Innate Houtu Body, Innate Earth Mother Dao Body, Innate Earth Soul Body, Innate Wu Earth Dao Body...).

This series of Dao Bodies dazzled Zhang Jian, but there's no doubt that they all possess formidable innate Dao Bodies related to the Earth Attribute or Earth Creation.

Besides, the Nine-Colored Earth has many wonders, such as aiding Earth Attribute cultivators in gathering Earth Spiritual Qi. This is considered its most inconspicuous small ability; in addition, it can heal wounds, accelerate the cultivation of Spirit Medicine, assist in cultivating under the Great Dao of Earth, Earth Element, Creation, and other attribute Immortal Techniques, but that would still be a trivial use.

Its function is the creation of heaven and earth!

This is its most precious role!

"Truly an incredible treasure!"

At this time, Zhang Jian felt his hands burning while holding this treasure.

If this becomes known, nothing could be done.

It would likely attract those Daoist Monarchs and Ancient Immortals rushing to seize it.

Zhang Jian's eyes sparkled with joy; this treasure also had great use for him.

The path he chose was that of the Sheji Emperor, where Sheji comes first, and Emperor second.

The Sheji Great Dao has the Earth as its core.

He must take authority over the earth's mountains, rivers, and peaks, perfect the Earth's authority.

Mastering this Nine-Colored Earth can greatly enhance his control over the Earth.

In an instant, Zhang Jian's figure descended into the depths of the Yellow Court Blessed Land.

He planned to initially refine this item to grasp its terrestrial power, then decide how to dispose of it.

And before seclusion, Zhang Jian issued an imperial edict, appointing Zhang Zhao as the Crown Prince to oversee affairs during his seclusion, with the Great Xia affairs handled by the Cabinet and deliberated by the Crown Prince.

This imperial edict immediately created significant waves in both the outer court and the Palace of the Imperial Harem.

This was the first time Zhang Jian expressed his true stance.

The fourth year of Saintly Virtue, finally, the Crown Prince selection was determined!

Confirming Zhang Zhao as the Crown Prince of the Great Xia Dynasty.

Although this 'Crown Prince' might always only be 'Crown Prince', it also showed that Zhang Zhao's status in the eyes of the Great Xia Emperor was far from ordinary.

...

Among the concubines in the Imperial Court, reactions varied but were generally calm.

Because the Great Xia Emperor on many occasions, either openly or implicitly, had indicated, and had always brought Zhang Zhao beside him for guidance.

He had long regarded him as a Crown Prince candidate!

In Fengzhi Palace, Empress Qi was in the courtyard admiring flowers, supported by two young and beautiful palace maidens, her belly slightly plump, her waist more voluptuous, seemingly pregnant.

At this moment, a female official beside her softly congratulated. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Congratulations, Empress, the Second Prince has gained His Majesty's favor, finally assuming the Crown Prince seat of the Eastern Palace, able to establish a government and court!"

She was a young and beautiful Kun Dao, possessing some Dao Practice within her, with a flowing Spiritual Light, though her Dao Practice wasn't high.

Empress Qi remained indifferent, appearing not surprised, though there was some smile on her face.

"Yes, this is indeed a joyous occasion, but being the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace has always been a sensitive position in all dynasties, with little authority, numerous trivial matters, and subject to countless open and secret attacks. It's hard to know whether it's a blessing or a curse!"

Upon hearing this, He Qing softly replied, "His Majesty is a wise ruler, aspiring to achieve the Saint King legacy, he will surely protect the Crown Prince!"

She was selected from the Dong Shen Temple and involves a Kun Dao skilled in medical arts and alchemy, assigned to serve the Empress.

The other two beautiful young maidens were the best picks from many beauties personally cultivated by Empress Qi, now serving as female officials in Fengzhi Palace, filling the gap left by Qu Lian and Yu Yao's departure.

Empress Qi sighed slightly at the words.

She knew it wasn't easy for Zhang Zhao to be the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace.

After all, his father was the Great Xia Emperor, a ruler who achieved longevity through Dao, who knows how long he would occupy the Crown Prince's position.

He might end up assuming the role until the Great Xia Emperor leads everyone in a grand ascension.

Empress Qi had also read some records from the ancient texts of the previous court, where even in ancient times, there were Crown Princes holding the position for thousands of years in one Saint King's rule.

"I must remind Zhao'Er not to become slack because of this and to diligently cultivate for this is the proper way!"

Empress Qi thought to herself.

Empress Qi also didn't wish for Zhang Zhao to relax his cultivation due to sudden authority.

After many experiences, Empress Qi clearly understood that only formidable Dao Practice was something others could not take away.