The Rise of History’s Most Powerful Empire

Zhong Yu had summarized his actions and future plans, so now was the time to check the statistics.

‘I have enough populace to upgrade my domain. I'm curious about what system function I'll open and what will be my reward. Will it be a special item or character? In any case, it'll most definitely boost my rule.'

"System, upgrade my domain."

"Ding! Stand by, upgrading will last for one hour." System made its voice known after a long period of silence.

Zhong Yu chilled in his chair while sipping tea as he contemplated.

‘Once the upgrade finishes, my power will spike.'

‘I'm just too weak, my base and the Chinese people are too few.'

‘It's not enough to be the supreme ruler. Just 2000 Chinese can hold back 3000 savages, 10,000 even.'

‘But no way so few would control hundreds of thousands.'

Just like the last dynasty, the Manchurian Qing, having in control of just a few dozen millions.

This is because of the civil war and unrest which sapped the country's power and adding to that, their thirst for glory with the sword, which made  the cowardly ruling class flee in droves.

Even so, after the Manchurian Qing, uprisings still followed. 

While after Manchurian Qing occupied the north, the Southern Ming, with its few provinces, drove them back even after it had more than half of China. 

Manchurian Qing crossed the Shanhai Pass, returning to his native origin. If not for the unrest in the Southern Ming, it would be unclear if the people would change from Han to Man.

This success couldn't be duplicated. The savages were stubborn folk. The only reason he could win so fast was by using the alliance to hoodwink them. Or he'd have had to fight his way through each of them with devastating losses.

It would lead to his ultimate defeat when the alliance took notice and sent its army to crush his already puny foce.

Luoyang's west was taking shape as did the new town and three villages.

The north was his next target, where he'd focus for the next month.

It wouldn't be like his last campaign, but would send a thousand soldiers and establish three new villages and towns in its center. 

But for that he needed lots and lots of people. With the current Chinese he had, he'd get 200 soldiers at most, while also not fit for a long campaign.

As his mind worked with deductions and planning, taking in all aspects and abandoning many attempts, he reached a perfect design to cover his mistakes and minimize the losses.

The flat voice of the system woke Zhong Yu from his deep thoughts with a smile on his face. ‘Let's see what the new upgrade brought.'

Browsing the blue screen, he took in the new advantages and integrated them in his plans.

In regard to his personal info, just a few titles changed. He was still the same loser that got dumped in this place.

While the domain stats looked impressive. He had 5,100 people, of which 100 imperial guards, 300 recruits and 1,000 service army composed of savages. 

It was quite strong for these plains. But taking into account superpowers he was lacking. Other than that, he had the equipment and tactics to fight even a ten thousand large tribe. 

He first looked over the stats of his base and then of his district. Zhong Yu reckoned this upgrade increased his authority, able to exchange for more neat stuff.

And sure enough, on the exchange tab, he could exchange for powered individuals, unlike before when he only had common soldiers. While now he could get some seasoned soldiers in battle aura or other powers.

There was even something Zhong Yu had fantasized since a kid – inner qi.

The system also had descriptions for inner qi, that it didn't compare to battle aura.

In the aspect of elemental battle aura, inner qi lacked as well, being neutral. Of course, there were some special arts training inner qi into different aspects. Like in The Smilling, Proud Wanderer  Zuo Lengshan used icy true qi. 

But one thing that inner qi trumped battle aura with was stamina. Battle aura suppressed one's potential, unleashing great power in the short term at the cost of the user's potential, lifespan and future. 

This power wasn't useful in the long run. If a user didn't advance in time, their life would come to an end around 40. They'd age practically overnight and catch illnesses. Even the common cold could lead to death.

So although most powered humans were trained in battle aura on this land, the number living over 50 was tiny, around 2 for every 100. The rest would either fall ill and die or in battle. 

While the exceptions manage to advance their power, and are able to take in the power of the world around them and maintain their life.

Unlike inner qi, which lacked in terms of power but made up for in stamina.

And since the more one trained the stronger it became, besides those in Gu Long or other novels filled with odd arts. 

Just like Sweeper Monk from Demi Gods and Semi Devils, capable of making a meter high qi wall around him. Or Di Shitian from Feng Yun, who trained for 2,000 years and used his inner qi to crush everyone. 

Though facing a godlike genius was not happening, that ocean-like inner qi let Di Shitian reach the top in Feng Yun, becoming one of its rulers. 

These were proof inner qi ruled supreme in the long run. Plus, its requirements were low, with anyone able to train it, the only difference was the amount of resources wasted. That was why the masters looked for top disciples to pass on their trade.