Chapter 312: The Era of the Douluo God Realm – Part II: The Purge
For a month after Ye Wen's return to Douluo Star, an uneasy calm settled over the land. The lack of activity from Ye Wen only heightened the anxiety of Douluo Star's powerful figures. Family heads imposed unprecedented discipline on their households, warning that any unruly behavior during this period would lead to immediate expulsion from the family.
But Ye Wen hadn't been idle. During this quiet month, he was secretly investigating Douluo Star's power structures. His expectations were not for absolute honesty or meritocracy, but at the very least, he demanded efficient governance, even if some appointees were selected through connections.
However, the Holy Soul Empire a 3,500 year old empire was plagued with corruption, with its god level elites mostly immersed in cultivation and neglecting their duties.
To address this, Ye Wen convened the highest level of the Holy Soul Council.
As they looked upon Ye Wen's icy gaze, even the most hardened god level warriors felt a chill of fear.
Ye Wen remained silent, giving a signal to his assistant, who placed a series of reports in front of each god level leader.
"Read through these," he said. "I hope you won't have any objections to what I'm about to say."
As they read the reports, some of the leaders turned pale, while others' expressions grew grim.
"What do you think?" Ye Wen asked coldly.
His words cut through them like the chilling breath of death.
Everyone present realized that this would not just result in a few dismissals there would be mass purges, with thousands, possibly tens of thousands, losing their lives.
Leaning forward, hands braced against the table, Ye Wen's gaze swept over the assembled leaders with cold authority.
"I have no issue with your families enjoying the benefits of your strength," he began, "but "
A wave of killing intent filled the room, suffocating everyone present.
"The way some of you have been exploiting your power is utterly disgraceful."
Unable to bear the pressure, some of the god level leaders fell to their knees, pleading desperately.
"Please, God King! I had no idea they were so out of control. I swear I've been focused on my cultivation!"
"Spare me, God King! Just one more chance!"
"I truly didn't know, God King. I never realized they were acting so despicably…"
The pleas for mercy echoed through the hall as those whose subordinates had committed the worst offenses realized they had crossed Ye Wen's line and scrambled to beg for their lives. Attempting to flee was laughable; despite many of them possessing divine roles, most were stuck at the level of third class gods. Ye Wen, in contrast, was a God King of unparalleled strength, capable of traversing the void itself. Where could they possibly hide? The universe?
Ye Wen's gaze grew even colder as he let out a disdainful huff. "Silence! Return to your seats."
The once defiant god level warriors shrank back like scolded children, trembling as they returned to their seats, afraid to even meet his gaze.
Taking a deep breath to calm his rage, Ye Wen continued.
"These reports are only the tip of the iceberg, the result of just a single month's investigation. I have no doubt that there is far more hidden darkness beneath the surface. I share a great deal of responsibility for the current state of the Holy Soul Empire, so I will not place the blame entirely on you. But I ask each of you to take responsibility as well.
"If you wish to follow me into a brighter future, to reach heights no one has yet dreamed of, then remember: Douluo Star does not belong solely to me. It is the home of everyone here.
"Return to your families and begin serious reform. This meeting is adjourned. In one month, I expect to see a transformed Holy Soul Empire. Don't disappoint me. Remember, in the myths, I am said to be a Creator God. Just as I can create this era, I can also end it."
Each word struck the assembled gods with the weight of a divine hammer.
Although Ye Wen was known for his lenience and fairness, every god in the room understood that to provoke his wrath would bring about a terrible end.
Only after Ye Wen turned and vanished from sight did the leaders snap out of their stunned silence and bow in unison.
"Farewell, God King of Hanhai."
A new storm was brewing.
An unprecedented purge swept through the ranks of power, as god level elders typically detached from worldly matters began ruthlessly rooting out corruption within their families. They showed no mercy, even toward spoiled and idle family members, whom they now saw as parasites.
Soon, ordinary citizens began to notice the changes.
Corrupt bullies and arrogant officials vanished, while law enforcement officers, once notorious for their tyranny, now wore warm smiles as they maintained justice. Familiar cities took on an almost unfamiliar, newfound peace.
Rumors began to spread, connecting the golden light that had appeared last month to Ye Wen's title as the Eternal King.
"Sacred Light, Eternal King, Compassionate Savior, Protector of Souls."
When he heard this rhyme, Ye Wen was taken aback. I didn't spread that! he thought. I'm not that shameless; if I were going to promote my image, I'd do it with some subtlety.
He suspected that some god level leaders, hoping to placate him and avoid an apocalypse, had started the rumor.
In truth, Ye Wen had only meant to spur them into cleaning up their mess, not threaten them with annihilation. In any case, he had no real intention of destroying the world.
Since his return to Douluo Star, Ye Wen had noticed subtle changes in his Hanhai divine role. Originally the Sea God, the Hanhai role had now expanded to include the domains of Truth, Redemption, Space, Creation, and Destruction.
The first three domains Truth, Redemption, and Space had already stabilized, with powers comparable to those of a third class god.
The Creation and Destruction domains, however, were still nascent, not yet fully formed. If his progress continued at this rate, Ye Wen estimated it would take about a hundred years to fully realize both Creation and Destruction.
Though Ye Wen had long embraced the idea of integrating diverse powers, he hadn't expected his path to advance so quickly.
Already, he could feel his cultivation had risen to the mid point of the God King level, at 145.
Ye Wen couldn't help but wonder, If I continue gaining divine domains, will that allow me to break through the peak of the God King realm?
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