Seems I am the minority here, that enjoyed the first arc more than the second arc.
There are many many memorable moments in the first arc like Shin and Ei Sei hiding underground only to see blood from corpses dripping from above, the journey to seek Yotanwa's help and being captured in land of savages in the night, Yotanwa's throne with wolves below her feet, Shoubunkun (1 of best character) waiting patiently for the King near waterfall and then the raid to the palace. Iirc author also showed the GOAT Chancellor from his back during first arc.
While I don't really remember much from the second arc anymore, except the Founder Five of Hi Shin Unit, and iirc Duke Hyou vs the Painted Face General?