Chapter 263: The Inspection Squad
As the founder of Tianxing Academy, wasn't Ye Wen supposed to only give instructions and delegate tasks? Why was he the one personally implementing a work plan? Looking at the document in his hands with a sigh, he glanced at Bibi Dong with a hint of pleading.
"Dong dong~"
But without even lifting her head, Bibi Dong replied, "There's a shortage of personnel right now, so you can't sit idle. Besides, there are some concerning signs from the lower ranks. Since the Saint Soul Empire is your brainchild, there's no reason for you to slack off."
Ye Wen tried to explain that he wasn't slacking but rather conducting important research and training for everyone's future safety. Bibi Dong finally looked up and gave him a captivating smile, casting her gaze downward.
"I know I can't make you do anything, but if you refuse, then perhaps you'll have to make up for it in other ways."
Her gaze sent a chill down Ye Wen's spine. Though part of him was intrigued, he thought of Bibi Dong's intense training and nearly collapsed from exhaustion at the mere idea. Recently, her twin cultivation techniques had been pushing him to his limits.
"Understood. Leave it to me!" With those words, Ye Wen left the palace in a flash.
From her throne, Bibi Dong rolled her eyes, then returned to her work. Outside, Ye Wen looked down at the work plan and scratched his head in frustration.
As a mastermind, he was used to giving broad directions and then waiting for others to act. It had been ages since he last handled anything himself. However, Bibi Dong's warning that some subordinates had been acting inappropriately made his expression turn cold. Nothing irritated Ye Wen more than corruption within his own ranks.
In his previous life, he despised these types of leeches almost as much as he despised human traffickers. If he had the power, he'd exile them without hesitation. Now, as a leader himself, it seemed that only part of his goals had been achieved, and already some dared to be corrupt. His mood soured.
Flipping through his memories of the original story, he recalled how chaotic the hierarchy beneath Bibi Dong had been. Even scum like Nu Lé had been allowed to rise in rank. So much time wasted under the rule of a Bibi Dong who was both misled and misunderstood. But that's all in the past, he thought, focusing back on his task.
With a grin, Ye Wen decided to solve his problem. Though he had yet to complete his lie detection soul device, this world had its own version of a lie detector test: the humanoid races gifted with psychic abilities. After reviewing his plan once more and making a few final adjustments, he began to reach out.
Sitting cross legged, Ye Wen shut his eyes, sensing the faint but powerful thread of faith connecting him to his believers. He seized one strand, slightly thicker than the rest, and sent his message.
"Haite, gather 300 of your people skilled in mind reading and come to the Saint Soul Capital."
Far from the capital, the merman chief Haite knelt upon hearing Ye Wen's voice. "As you command!" he replied instantly.
As his most devout followers, the mermen enjoyed Ye Wen's favor. He had even blessed them to live on land like humans without having to return to the water. This alone had deepened their faith in him. Within a single day, three hundred mermen arrived before Ye Wen.
They were all strikingly beautiful, to the point that Ye Wen himself nearly grew numb to their allure. But beyond their appearances, it was their abilities that set them apart. Among the many races, the mermen possessed unmatched potential. Had it not been for their lower birth rate, they might well have ruled the world of Douluo.
Chief Haite stepped forward and respectfully saluted. "What would you have us do, my Lord?"
Ye Wen helped him up gently. "Douluo is about to enter a new era. But with every new civilization comes challenges, and I'll need your people's unique abilities to help root out corruption within the Saint Soul Empire. Can you do it?"
Haite's heartbeat quickened as he dropped into a deeper bow. "We will not fail you, Sea God."
Knowing this was a critical moment for his people to prove themselves, Haite felt both eager and anxious. He saw this as their opportunity to elevate themselves further, to win Ye Wen's favor, and to solidify their role within this world.
Pleased with their response, Ye Wen began explaining the mission in detail. Haite listened carefully as Ye Wen laid out the plan. Their task was straightforward: travel throughout the empire, rooting out corruption and reporting any rot within the ranks. If any problems arose, they were authorized to request backup from higher level forces.
Given their rarity, Ye Wen was keen to protect the mermen. They were not only formidable allies but also substantial sources of faith energy. Naturally, he didn't treat them as disposable; their loyalty would be rewarded.
The mermen, who had long lived a simple life in their aquatic homeland, were overwhelmed by the support Ye Wen offered. He even prepared soul tools specifically for their task, issuing each merman a cloaking device that could hide their presence from even Titled Douluo and a communication device for immediate reporting. Armed with these tools, the mermen were fully prepared to carry out their mission.
However, Ye Wen soon realized that, having lived in isolation, the mermen were somewhat naive about the darker sides of human society. After a short training session on identifying corruption, they were finally ready to embark on their inspection tour.
The results were remarkable. Each of the 300 mermen was at least a Soul King in power equivalent to a ten thousand year soul beast. This level of strength allowed them to move and inspect quickly, swiftly sweeping through the empire to expose hidden crimes.
As word spread, corrupt officials grew anxious, but Ye Wen's resolve was unshakeable. There was no mercy for those who betrayed his vision.
"Let them pay for the sins of the old world," Ye Wen declared coldly as he gazed upon the empire he was determined to rebuild.
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