Chapter 246: Xingluo and the Holy Soul (Part 3)
Though Yu Yuanzhen and Gelong exchanged only a few words, Emperor Xue Ye's thoughts were in turmoil.
"So the Gelong family isn't simply defecting but merging into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family? How ironic that the foremost marshal of my Heaven Dou Empire should end up a vassal. Such a disgrace… But what choice do I have now? I can only play along and pray their leader is a merciful one. Ning Fengzhi always the fox, keeping his lips sealed. Hmph!"
Now a mere pawn in this game, Emperor Xue Ye knew that he dared not resist and could only comply, hoping their mysterious overlord was fair and benevolent.
As for Ye Wen, the downfall of Heaven Dou City was a settled matter, leaving him with little more to oversee. Due to years of internal divisions, five of the original ten provinces of the Heaven Dou Empire had splintered off to form four kingdoms and a duchy. Though they formally acknowledged Heaven Dou's rule, these territories would likely have long since fallen to Xingluo without it, as the Xingluo Empire was a fierce martial state renowned for its military strength.
Thanks to Ye Wen's innovations, the Spirit Hall had achieved instantaneous long range communication through soul devices, including the one Ye Wen used to activate the Liuhe Sealing Array remotely. Even in a mystic world like Douluo, technological breakthroughs often stemmed from understanding natural principles, or as they called them, the "Dao."
With the establishment of the Truth Pavilion, a host of independent minded scientists found recognition and support from Ye Wen's domain. Individuals once excluded by the soul master society, now transformed by Ye Wen's arrival, contributed to this era of innovation.
The five lesser states naturally followed suit, submitting to Ye Wen without delay after witnessing Heaven Dou's swift defeat. As economic power determines political authority, these small territories simply lacked the strength to resist, with only limited resources to draw upon.
Ye Wen's Liuhe Sealing Array was scaled to subdue an entire city, deployed here by his four God level subordinates. The final conquest of the Heaven Dou Empire represented a tectonic shift, bringing half of the Douluo Continent under unified rule.
With this new empire, Ye Wen felt it necessary to make a powerful statement. Unlike a mere bandit claiming dominion, a true sovereign needed to demonstrate legitimate authority, ensuring order among the common folk and curbing unrest. The former kings of the five lesser states formally declared their loyalty to Heaven Dou, which, in turn, allowed Emperor Xue Ye to make his reluctant abdication at noon.
"Seeing our Heaven Dou Empire's lack of virtue, I hereby cede my throne to Spirit Hall's Supreme Pontiff, Bibi Dong."
Unlike some might expect, Bibi Dong's ascension as ruler was widely accepted among the commoners, given the Spirit Hall's longstanding contributions to society and the tradition of female rulers on the Douluo Continent. Wearing the regal robes of her papal office, Bibi Dong accepted the mantle with poised composure, quickly issuing orders to quell any minor unrest within the empire.
Thus, the Heaven Dou Empire was reborn as the Holy Spirit Empire. Although the title "Spirit Empire" had been considered, it was thought inauspicious. "Holy Spirit" sounded more dignified, with "holy" even carrying a sense of blessed superiority.
Most people on the Douluo Continent, after two thousand years of peace, were unaccustomed to the upheaval of dynastic change. However, their daily lives remained largely undisturbed under the new regime. The Spirit Hall's public image had always been positive compared to the aristocrats and minor soul masters who often abused their power, lending hope that the new Holy Spirit Empire might be a fairer rule.
In the halls of what was once the Heaven Dou Palace, now the Holy Spirit Palace, Bibi Dong meticulously handled state matters. Ye Wen approached from behind, wrapping his arms around her with a soft voice.
"How does it feel to be the first empress poised to unify the continent?"
Bibi Dong rolled her eyes, continuing to work without missing a beat. "How do you think it feels? Mostly, I'm wishing you'd help me sort through these documents."
Ye Wen chuckled, understanding the veiled jab at his hands off management style.
Taking in her scent, he murmured, "About those documents I've brought some capable hands just for that."
With a snap of his fingers, the air beside him rippled like water, and from the shifting space stepped a group of women. At their head was a dignified and elegant woman, while the rest bore more modest but composed appearances.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," they intoned respectfully, bowing to Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong glanced at Ye Wen, waiting for him to introduce them. He turned to the elegant woman at the front, saying, "This is my disciple Lan Lan, a Spirit Douluo with the Blue Silver King spirit. She managed affairs at Tianxing Academy as head steward, so she's well equipped to assist you. The young ladies with her are her apprentices, equally skilled in administration, and I'm assigning them to support you."
Bibi Dong's eyes brightened with recognition. Aware of Tianxing Academy's well organized development over the years, she realized Lan Lan and her team had been integral to Ye Wen's efficient operations.
As his wife, Bibi Dong's first instinct was to inquire, "If you're sending them to assist me, what about Tianxing's needs?"
"Don't worry; staffing there is no longer an issue. These experts will now be exclusively at your service, my empress, to help you govern the entire continent."
Lan Lan took a step forward, giving a small bow. "Just as Master has said, we will do everything we can to assist in managing the empire, Your Majesty."
Warmly touched, Bibi Dong nodded, smiling. Her husband truly understood her needs, and she gratefully accepted Lan Lan's team into her service.
Professionalism worked wonders. Within half a day, the new staff efficiently organized the former Heaven Dou Empire's records, saving Bibi Dong countless hours of work. Observing the results, she couldn't help but wonder how much easier her time at the Spirit Hall might have been if she'd had such a capable team earlier.
By now, word of the Heaven Dou Empire's capitulation had reached the Xingluo Empire. Though Ye Wen's forces could have seized both empires in a day, there was a reason they chose not to rush.
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