Chapter 14: Enhancing the Empire
In the great hall of the Jiang Dynasty, Jiang HuanYu sat regally atop the throne. Below him stood the entire court of civil and military officials.
Behind him stood the Four God-Slaying Guards, while General Feipeng stood at the forefront alongside Prime Minister Zuo Xiang.
After the conquest of the Grand Dream Dynasty, the victorious forces had returned to the capital, bringing with them the severed head of Xiao Tianding, now displayed before Jiang HuanYu on the table.
"The fall of Xiao Tianding marks the first step in avenging my father, but the likes of Blood Shadow Tower and Evil Moon Hall will not escape my wrath," Jiang HuanYu declared, his tone cold and resolute.
"Jiang King, carry out my decree: Hang Xiao Tianding's head atop the imperial city walls for all to see. Let it serve as a warning to those who dare challenge the Jiang Dynasty!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Jiang King responded, taking the head and departing to fulfill the command.
Jiang HuanYu continued, addressing the court:
"The defeat of the Grand Dream Dynasty has demonstrated the strength of the Jiang Dynasty, but our current power is insufficient to crush Blood Shadow Tower or to dominate the entire Northern Domain."
"To that end, I have decided to enhance the overall strength of the dynasty. A strong foundation is the key to everlasting glory. Only with invincible might can we spread the name of Jiang Dynasty across the Five Continents!"
Prime Minister Zuo Xiang stepped forward. "Your Majesty, what measures do you propose to achieve this?"
Jiang HuanYu waved his hand, and three transparent jade bottles appeared midair, each containing Five-Grade Enlightenment Pills, Four-Grade Enlightenment Pills, and Heaven Law Pills.
The aromatic fragrance wafting from the bottles invigorated the entire court.
"Behold these pills, the fruits of my efforts."
Thirty Heaven Law Pills: To produce thirty Earth Realm cultivators.
Ten Four-Grade Enlightenment Pills: To elevate ten cultivators to the Earth Realm Peak.
Three Five-Grade Enlightenment Pills: Reserved for Zuo Xiang, Grand Marshal Tie Poyun, and JiangKing, enabling them to break into the Heavenly Realm, though with a 20% chance of failure.
Jiang HuanYu addressed the trio:
"The success of these pills rests with you. Do not disappoint me."
The three officials, overwhelmed by excitement, bowed deeply. "We will not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
"Good. As for the remaining pills, Zuo Xiang, you are tasked with distributing them as needed to bolster our forces. Ensure that all arrangements are carried out swiftly."
"Understood!"
"We are grateful for Your Majesty's boundless grace!" the officials chorused, kneeling in gratitude.
After dismissing the court, JiangKing returned with a personal matter to discuss. In the side chamber, accompanied by General Feipeng, Jiang HuanYu listened patiently.
"What concerns you, Jiang King?"
"Your Majesty, while the Jiang Dynasty's strength has grown immensely after the Grand Dream Dynasty's fall, I must offer a word of caution."
"Speak freely."
"The Northern Domain's hegemonic factions have yet to acknowledge us as a threat. However, if we move against Blood Shadow Tower and Evil Moon Hall, it is inevitable that we will draw their attention."
"These factions will not allow another rising power to challenge their dominance. If we provoke them too soon, the consequences could be dire. It may be wiser to consolidate our strength further before confronting them directly."
Jiang HuanYu nodded, acknowledging Jiang King's prudence.
"Your concern is valid, and I understand your reasoning. However, let me assure you of one thing: The Jiang Dynasty's path to unifying the Northern Domain is unstoppable."
"Whether it is the hegemons or their allies, they will either submit or be annihilated. There is no alternative."
"As for the Tempest Sect, they are already bound to retaliate once news of their disciple Jiang Chen's demise reaches their elders. That conflict is inevitable."
"Rest assured, the Jiang Dynasty will not fall. Instead, we will rise to unparalleled heights. Do you understand?"
Jiang King, moved by Jiang HuanYu's unwavering confidence, knelt in reverence. "I understand, Your Majesty. Your wisdom shall guide us to victory!"
News of the Grand Dream Dynasty's annihilation, the destruction of its imperial palace, and Xiao Tianding's severed head hanging atop Jiang's city walls quickly spread across the Northern Domain.
The shocking developments caused waves of unrest among the various factions.