DD Spiritual Sword [587-589] (Patreon)

Chapter 587: First-Rank Gods and the Continent's Emperor

On the eve of the grand ceremony, in front of the Pope's Hall, the members of the Emperor Battle Team lay on the lawn gazing at the night sky. Yu Tianheng sighed, "It's finally all over. Our Emperor Battle Team… it's been a long time since we gathered like this to watch the stars, and in a place like Spirit City at that. I remember the last time was during the Academy Tournament."

"Yeah. It's a pity the boss isn't here, otherwise we'd really be complete." Gu Ran sounded a bit down. After all the dust had finally settled, Tianlin—the greatest contributor—was the one absent.

Although he hadn't participated in the final battle to unify the continent, his shadow was everywhere. Without his talismans and various arrangements, they couldn't have won so smoothly.

"Who said I'm not here? On a day this reunion-like, I'd come no matter what." Just then, Tianlin's voice sounded from behind them.

Everyone hurriedly sat up to see Tianlin walking over together with Qian Renxue.

After arriving in Spirit City, Tianlin had first gone to see Qian Renxue and Ning Fengzhi, learning that Qian Renxue had completed her ninth trial and that the continent had been unified.

"Boss, that's great, you're finally back! We've finished all the tasks you assigned us." Gu Ran said excitedly and joyfully.

Tianlin nodded. "I've heard everything from my father-in-law. It's just a pity that the casualties in this continental unification war were still not small. Xue Beng, that bastard, did something in the end that tripled my original casualty estimate. Although this won't shake the continent's foundation, it'll still take time to lick our wounds. Our failure to anticipate Xue Beng's rabid last-ditch move was our mistake—and it cost Senior Yu his life."

"This isn't your fault, Xiao Tian. I was the commander-in-chief. If my marching speed had been faster, Xue Beng wouldn't have succeeded. As for my grandfather, he fulfilled his lifelong wish and had no regrets. From now on, I'll inherit the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family and carry it forward." After so many days, Yu Tianheng had come to terms with it. One cannot cling to the past forever.

"Tianheng, actually, you and the senior may still have a chance to meet again," Tianlin suddenly said.

"What?" Yu Tianheng jolted. "Xiao Tian, you mean Grandfather has a chance to be brought back?"

Tianlin nodded. "Yes. Before he fell in battle, Senior had reached the level of a god. That should ensure his true spirit won't disperse for a long time. As long as you, Tianheng, can achieve first-rank godhood, you can use a first-rank god's authority to bring him to the God Realm and resurrect him."

In the original story, Tang San and Dai Mubai even found Huo Yun'er's soul after death and used Huo Yuhao's authority to resurrect her and take her to the God Realm. Of course Yu Tianheng can do the same. Given Yu Yuanzhen's strength, his remnant soul would only be more conspicuous than Huo Yun'er's and easier to find.

"That's great. Then I have a new goal. I will definitely become a first-rank god." The oppression that had weighed on Yu Tianheng instantly vanished. As long as a person has a goal they must achieve, they quickly rally.

"Right, Xiao Tian, this is for you. It's the Fire Dragon King soul bone. I checked—it's a torso bone. Aren't you just missing that slot?" Dugu Yan took out the Fire Dragon King's dragon bone from her soul tool and, as promised earlier, handed it to Tianlin.

But Tianlin pushed it back. "Give it to Tianheng. Recently, I've already gathered all six major soul bones, and my torso bone is even stronger than this Fire Dragon King bone."

"Tianheng needs it more right now. To become a first-rank god, resolve is needed, but strength and foundation are even more important. If Tianheng takes all of Senior Yu's soul bones, plus the Snow Jade Crown and this dragon bone, he can reach a full set of six soul bones. By my estimate, with so many soul bones and a ninth ring later, his soul power level should be able to reach 95. After all, both the Snow Jade Crown and the Fire Dragon Bone far surpass a hundred-thousand-year quality. These are the foundation for him to become a first-rank god."

"Mm. Thanks, Xiao Tian!" Dugu Yan smiled slightly and didn't insist. Since Tianlin already had a full set, the dragon bone should naturally go to Yu Tianheng, the second candidate—and indeed Tianheng needed it more, as it concerned whether their loved one could return.

"Thunder God, one of the elemental main gods of the God Realm, in addition to the thunder domain, has another duty: judgment—counted as a main god in the Asura lineage. Xiao Tian, you've really considered things for your brother. You intend to wait until you achieve Asura God, then seek an opportunity for Yu Tianheng to be tested by Thunder God, right?" Qian Renxue secretly transmitted.

Tianlin covertly nodded and replied, "As expected of my Sister Xue—the one who knows me best. When I ascend to the God Realm, I'll ask Thunder God to give Tianheng a chance. If he's looking for an inheritor, let the first trial go to Tianheng. But that's all I can do. Whether he passes depends on his own fortune."

In truth, given Tianlin's strength, whether Yu Tianheng passes doesn't matter much. After Tianlin becomes a god, the gods of the God Realm won't be his match. Even if he used force, the God Realm couldn't do anything to him. But that doesn't fit Tianlin's character. He would use another method: as long as he helps the God Realm expand, bringing a few more people along won't be a problem.

In the old God Realm, even second-rank gods could bring people. But as gods, divine envoys, and divine attendants increased, the rules changed: only those who inherit first-rank and above can bring two family members along when ascending.

Tianlin was confident that his Holy Emperor power could expand the God Realm ten or even a hundredfold without issue. The black hole of the Douluo universe would be helpless before it. Then he could bring more people along—neither abusing authority nor using violence—entirely reasonable.

However, Tianlin didn't plan to tell Tianheng this; otherwise he'd lose his motivation. Some people only find greater drive under pressure. With the goal of first-rank godhood, Yu Tianheng will grow stronger.

"By the way, members of the Emperor Battle Team—Xiao Tian and I came to discuss tomorrow's imperial matter. We've decided that since you were the main force in unifying the continent, the emperor should also be chosen from among you." Qian Renxue looked at everyone.

"According to Xiao Tian, in terms of merit, Tianheng and Gu Ran come first, so…"

Qian Renxue looked at the two of them. Since the continent was unified, she had fully let go. Even if she ascended before Tianlin, she wouldn't disturb the now-unified continent, so she wouldn't vie for the throne.

"I'll pass. I need to become a first-rank god—where would I find the time to be emperor?" Yu Tianheng voluntarily withdrew, leaving only one candidate.

This was exactly what Tianlin had planned. For years, he had been grooming Gu Ran for the path of a ruler, and Ning Fengzhi, who saw Tianlin's intention, had also taught him command and governance.

In fact, Gu Ran, like his master Gu Rong, was ambitious—a trait not at all bad. If the continental emperor were without desire, that would be the worst outcome. Since he wants it, let him have it.

"Heh, boss, I won't refuse if you give me such a good seat." Gu Ran stood up. In front of Tianlin, who knew him best, there was nothing to hide—he coveted the throne.

If Tianlin wanted it, he wouldn't fight him. But since Tianlin didn't care, he would naturally step up.

"But boss, I also have a suggestion—no, something we of the Emperor Battle Team suggest together." Gu Ran looked at Tianlin with a sly grin, and the others wore equally mischievous smiles.

Tianlin subconsciously swallowed. He had a feeling this group wanted to set him up.

Chapter 588: Founding Ceremony, Founding Emperor

The next day, the enthronement ceremony.

Before the Pope's Hall—now the palace of the Douluo Empire—amid a sea of people, representatives of the Spirit Empire, Hu Liena and Qian Renxue; the Star Luo Empire's White Tiger Emperor Dai Tianjue; the Heaven Dou Empire's last remaining royal, Princess Xue Ke; and the new heads of the top four sects—Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Tang Xiao of the Clear Sky Sect, Yu Tianheng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan, and Tuoba Xi of the Saint Dragon Sect—

These leaders of the continent's greatest powers stood in a line, quietly waiting for the palace gates to open.

Only one person could make such figures wait like this: the supreme emperor who unified the continent.

"His Majesty arrives!" With a shout, the guards sounded the horn and the gates slowly opened.

A figure in golden robes walked out. Handsome features, a severe expression—yet he still looked too kind, lacking in majesty. This, of course, was Tianlin.

Yes, in the end, he still became the founding emperor of the Douluo Empire—at Gu Ran and the others' strong insistence.

Gu Ran was indeed ambitious and desired the throne; like Gu Rong, he had a strong appetite for power, which he had never hidden from Tianlin. That's why he'd studied governance so earnestly when Tianlin and Ning Fengzhi had taught him.

Yet while he craved power, he also valued loyalty and brotherhood. To Gu Ran, Tianlin was like Chen Xin was to Gu Rong—his most important brother and the leader he sincerely acknowledged.

It was obvious that Tianlin was the true greatest contributor to the unification of the continent. If he hid in the shadows, a hundred years from now, aside from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect being remembered for a prodigy, who would remember him?

Gu Ran would never allow Tianlin to be forgotten by history. So he firmly rejected the identity of founding emperor. Even if Tianlin held the throne for a year, a month, or a day, the title of First Emperor must be his. Only then would Tianlin's name be etched into memory.

As for Gu Ran himself, he'd wait for Tianlin to lay down the burden and become the second emperor.

Watching Tianlin's feigned severity, Qian Renxue stifled a laugh. This guy's easygoing temperament had already set; now that he was emperor, even his assumed dignity had no oppressive feel. Only in battle would his pressure fully reveal itself to the enemy. In daily life, he was the boy next door.

Hu Liena grumbled inwardly, "No wonder Tianlin didn't want to be emperor. Despite being dressed so formally, I only feel like walking up to say hi. This isn't the temperament an emperor should have—he doesn't have a third of Master's domineering air."

"This kind of emperor, it's my first time seeing one. Hehe, who knew Big Brother Tianlin had such a cute side—completely different from Father. But perhaps this type of ruler can really bring a different life to the people," Xue Ke thought with a smile. She had no attachment to being a Heaven Dou princess; her father and brother had abandoned her long ago.

Now, she was completely free, no longer bound by endless rules. Qian Renxue had even given her a Worship Hall token, allowing her to freely enter and receive protection.

The war was over, and Qian Renxue hadn't forgotten this little sister. Even if she'd felt nothing at first, she had raised Xue Ke with her own hands. She wasn't cold-blooded. Henceforth, Xue Ke's life and safety would be guaranteed by her.

As Tianlin walked to the front of the Pope's Hall, the residents of Spirit City recognized him at once—wasn't he the hero who had saved hundreds of thousands in the city not long ago?

For their savior, they acknowledged him from the bottom of their hearts. And yesterday, the Douluo Empire had already promulgated new laws—an enormous boon for commoners.

Though soul masters still enjoyed many privileges, they also faced many restrictions. At least under these laws, ordinary people were also human in the eyes of the lofty soul masters, not stray dogs to be trampled at will.

"Paying respects to Your Majesty!" A roar like a mountain and a tsunami rose below, expressing their recognition of Tianlin.

"Paying respects to Your Majesty."

Qian Renxue, Hu Liena, Dai Tianjue, Xue Ke, Ning Fengzhi, Tang Xiao, Yu Tianheng, and Tuoba Xi all bowed.

Representing the continent's strongest—one hall, two former nations, seven great sects—now all under Tianlin's banner. His title as the continent's emperor was well-deserved.

Tianlin raised his hand and pressed down slightly. The scene fell silent. He spoke slowly, "Everyone, I…"

"Ahem." Xue Ke lightly coughed a reminder. "Brother Tianlin, at this moment you should say 'We'."

"All right, so troublesome." Tianlin relented and began again, "We are very pleased today. The Douluo Continent, divided for millennia, has finally been unified. From now on, there will be no distinction between Heaven Dou and Star Luo among the people of the Douluo Continent. You are all citizens of the Douluo Empire—one nationality, one people. We hope everyone will let go of past grudges and work for the prosperity of the continent."

"The war is over, but battle never truly ends. There is still a hidden evil on the continent. I will lead you to eradicate it and return peace to our land. Beyond the Douluo Continent, there are other continents as well. One day, they will meet ours; when that day comes, we will need everyone's strength to defend our home. Therefore, never abandon the mindset of vigilance in peace—especially those who would be kings."

Tianlin's gaze fell on Gu Ran, his tone admonishing. "If one basks in worship on high and does nothing, clutching so-called 'royal power,' then an emperor is nothing but a rotten thing."

"A spear's tip cuts all things; a steadfast heart founds a nation and home!"

"As a king, one lives by the people's fat and blood. One must exhaust one's mind and strive for good governance to be worthy of the word 'sovereign.' A nation cannot stand without its people, nor flourish without a king. A king is the sacrifice the people offer to the nation. To receive the people's fat and blood is to exchange the king's sacrifice for the nation's prosperity. Otherwise, if the ruler does not serve the people, why should the people serve the ruler?"

"Let these words today be the ancestral precept of the Douluo Empire. Hereafter, anyone lacking this awareness is unqualified to inherit the imperial throne. Let future emperors remember."

"As you command! Long live Your Majesty!" The masses bowed sincerely; Tianlin's words reached into their hearts.

"Boss, don't worry. I'll firmly remember every word you said today. A steadfast heart founds a nation and home!" Gu Ran nodded to Tianlin. He knew each sentence was a reminder to him.

Watching Tianlin in his prime, Meng Shenji felt both gratified and wistful. "Ah, Old Bai, Old Lin… perhaps we should have come to Tianlin's side long ago. Then you two would not have suffered such calamity."

Chapter 589: The Empress, The Bloom of Yearning Heartbroken Red

The enthronement ceremony proceeded smoothly. Besides Tianlin, the others were also rewarded according to merit.

Starting tomorrow, free martial soul awakening for all children across the continent and the issuance of soul master stipends would be directly handled by the Empire. From now on, Spirit Hall had only one duty: oversight.

They would oversee all soul masters. Anyone committing crimes, once evidence was verified, would be punished per imperial law. No more arbitrary "execute first, report later." Command of the soul master legions and the army would no longer rest with Spirit Hall but be directly under the Empire.

All sects under heaven—Clear Sky, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—would be subject to Spirit Hall's oversight.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was somewhat special, granted the title of Guardian Divine Sect, with much richer resources than others. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan also received many rewards for their great service in the unification.

Tianlin didn't hide this bit of private inclination. The root reason he had conceived of unifying the continent back then was for his family—to give them better lives. Of course, per imperial law, the more gratuitous resources one received, the greater the restrictions.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could have everything while doing nothing. Under such circumstances, if anyone still grew insatiable and committed crimes, or relied on Tianlin's name to violate the law, their punishment would far exceed that of ordinary soul masters.

Ning Fengzhi agreed. No matter how fast a sect developed, it needed checks; otherwise, things reverse at the extreme—decay follows the peak.

The Clear Sky Sect had it worse. After Xue Beng's massacre, they still chose to help him and should have been sentenced to extermination. Fortunately, at the last moment, Tang Xiao turned back and aided Yu Yuanzhen in defeating the Bat King, helping to bring about unification. Also, none of the actual butchers were directly from the Clear Sky Sect, so Tianlin could spare them.

However, while Tianlin was willing to spare their lives, Liu Erlong was not so forgiving. In her heart, it was Tang Xiao who killed Yu Xiaogang with his own hands. She kept clamoring to kill Tang Xiao in retribution.

Tianlin couldn't be bothered with that. With her strength, she couldn't do anything to the Clear Sky Sect, and for Yu Tianheng's sake, the Clear Sky Sect wouldn't kill her either. Most likely, they'd just be pestered for years to come.

Also, all the privileges the Clear Sky Sect had enjoyed in the Heaven Dou Empire were gone. For decades, they would even lag behind the Saint Dragon Sect in development. The small sects that once relied on them scattered like birds and beasts. As expected, those forces weren't truly loyal to the Clear Sky Sect; they'd only been seeking shelter under a big tree.

Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua had little to say and didn't dare voice objections. Their choices had led to this outcome—karma. Keeping their lives and avoiding clan extermination was already very good.

Soon, rewards and punishments were all announced. Then Gu Ran suddenly said, "Your Majesty, a nation cannot go a day without an empress. Shouldn't you decide on your empress?"

Tianlin froze. He wasn't going to be emperor for long; he'd only taken the role because Spirit Hall and the other great powers recognized only him. With such a short tenure, was an empress necessary?

Moreover, Qian Renxue was right here—wasn't this picking a fight?

As Tianlin expected, Qian Renxue—who had ceased to care about most things—had her eyes light up at the word "empress." She knew the position likely wouldn't be hers, but what if? Maybe, compared to Ning Rongrong, Tianlin felt she was more suitable as empress.

In truth, that was exactly what Tianlin thought. Compared to the little demoness Ning Rongrong, Qian Renxue was more suited to be mother of the nation in every aspect. But he didn't plan to be emperor for long—what use was an empress suited to rule? At this moment, private feelings took priority.

Gu Ran could not be unaware of this. When Tianlin saw the smile at the corner of Gu Ran's eyes, he instantly understood—Gu Ran was doing this on purpose. This little brother was trouble.

His aim was obvious: for Ning Rongrong. Gu Ran was loyal to Tianlin, but also to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Ning Rongrong had always been his big sis. Lately, she hadn't been by Tianlin's side, while Qian Renxue had. He feared Tianlin would gradually lean toward Qian Renxue, so he wanted to help cement Ning Rongrong's position.

Tianlin smiled helplessly and announced on the spot that the first empress of the Douluo Empire would be Ning Rongrong. Qian Renxue's gaze dimmed instantly. Seeing this, Tianlin shot Gu Ran a look that said, I'll settle accounts with you later.

Gu Ran was already channeling his inner coward, ready to bolt as soon as the ceremony ended and return after the boss cooled down. He had no choice—before becoming the next emperor, he was first a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. In that capacity, securing benefits for the sect's heir was reasonable.

He was never afraid that Tianlin would bestow the empress title on Qian Renxue at such a moment. He knew his boss too well.

At dusk, after the ceremony, Tianlin went to Qian Renxue to apologize.

Unexpectedly, Qian Renxue said with some dissatisfaction, "Xiao Tian, you came to apologize to me for this? Do I look that petty?"

"I was disappointed, yes, but that was just feminine envy. Honestly, I don't care about the empress position. Compared to me, who has always kept a clear line, your bond with Ning Rongrong—who has stayed by your side—is much deeper. I understand that very well."

Tianlin smiled. "Sister Xue, your state of mind seems much calmer."

"Yes. Since the dust has settled and Spirit Hall lost, then we lost. I can finally let go." Qian Renxue showed a more beautiful smile born of relief, leaned into Tianlin's arms, and said, "From now on, I won't care about anything else—only you, Grandpa, and Mother. I have only one goal: to rescue Mother from evil."

"I'll do everything I can to help," Tianlin promised.

"Mm! Right, Xiao Tian, let me show you something." Qian Renxue remembered and took out a radiant crimson blossom from her bosom: the Yearning Heartbroken Red.

"It bloomed! Sister Xue, you finally succeeded in picking it!" Tianlin was overjoyed. This peerless divine flower would no longer gather dust.

"Sister Xue, aren't you going to consume it? This flower greatly aids your godhood inheritance too. The deeper your foundation before the inheritance, the stronger you'll be after ascension. Don't tell me you can't bear to eat it and want to keep it?"

Tianlin didn't want Qian Renxue to be like the original Xiao Wu, keeping the flower as a keepsake. As the king of flowers, its effect surpassed all other immortal herbs—wasting it would be a shame. Be practical. Besides, Qian Renxue still had many battles ahead; the stronger, the better.

Qian Renxue smiled. "Relax, Xiao Tian. I'm not that unrealistic. I'm keeping it just to show you. Before the inheritance, I'll definitely take it, then use Angelic divine power to fully refine its medicinal effects."

Hearing this, Tianlin was relieved. With the Yearning Heartbroken Red's aid, Qian Renxue's godhood inheritance would go even more smoothly.