Chapter 289: Douluo Developments – Part One
The next morning, Ye Wen left the room with a slight limp. Whoever said dealing with one person was easier than two hadn't met the combined strength of Qian Xue. After fusing, her fighting power wasn't as simple as one plus one equals two no, it was more like one plus one equals three.
And who would have thought? Those two ladies, usually so refined and graceful, turned out to be incredibly imaginative when it came to... well, physicality. By dawn, they had tested out nearly every stance and move, leaving Ye Wen feeling utterly spent. The contrast between their saintly demeanor and their private intensity was far too alluring.
"Thank goodness for divine power an ordinary mortal's body wouldn't have survived such exertion," Ye Wen muttered to himself, half in awe, half exhausted.
Considering his long term plans, Ye Wen sighed. Adding more wives to the household was in his future, though he worried it would only increase his challenges. He had three already, each with extraordinary beauty and considerable strength; how was he supposed to keep up with them?
Reflecting on his journey, Ye Wen laughed ruefully. While other leaders expanded their realms through force or political cunning, he seemed to be winning loyalty through love. But he consoled himself: "If my sacrifices can save countless lives from the brutality of power struggles, then perhaps it's worth it."
In the days that followed, the Douluo Continent remained remarkably peaceful. Under the watchful eye of the Holy Spirit Empire, no spirit master faction dared provoke conflict. Ye Wen, however, knew that large empires often crumbled from within, so he was determined to strengthen internal order and root out corruption.
The former territory of the Star Luo Empire was gradually transformed in line with the Holy Spirit Empire's standards. In truth, with complete control over the Douluo Continent, Ye Wen could have introduced a currency less society, where essentials were rationed instead of bought. But he refrained, wary of how easily corrupt individuals could exploit even the best systems.
He did, however, implement measures to combat corruption, training an elite force reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty's secret service. Most members were orphaned spirit masters with no family ties, and Ye Wen rewarded their dedication handsomely. While other spirit masters might envy their benefits, Ye Wen accepted only those with no personal entanglements, ensuring their loyalty and ruthlessness in rooting out corruption.
On top of that, Ye Wen introduced an incentive program: if lower ranking officials reported misconduct or corruption by their superiors and the claims were verified, the informant would replace the disgraced superior's position. The entire continent's bureaucratic ranks were soon on high alert, with officials treading carefully under this new regime.
With these reforms, the Douluo Continent flourished. The continent's people enjoyed an unprecedented era of stability and prosperity, resembling an ideal, harmonious society. But for Ye Wen, progress in his cultivation slowed considerably.
With his divinely gathered faith nearly spent, Ye Wen's advancement beyond level 125 became even more challenging. Unlike the climb to level 110 and third tier godhood, reaching the second tier required an understanding of one's domain and the laws governing it.
His breakthrough to a second tier god had been due to an epiphany about the nature of the sea, granting him greater insight into his role as Sea God. But pushing further meant deepening his connection to this 'Way of the Sea,' which required meditation and honing of divine comprehension alongside faith.
According to Poseidon's records, gods in the 130 level first tier needed to embody the essence of their domain. As for the peak 140 level gods, or "God Kings," they not only embodied but transcended their laws. Poseidon himself had never fully grasped this, although he had come close. Nevertheless, his incomplete mastery left him unable to challenge the true God Kings.
Ye Wen, now at level 125, was not looking to climb too quickly. Poseidon had taken thousands of years to build his following from scratch, yet Ye Wen, with Poseidon's legacy and resources, had a significant head start. Still, like any god, Ye Wen found himself yearning for more faith.
And so, Ye Wen set about reforming the Spirit Hall. Previously dedicated solely to the Angel God, the Hall now honored the Holy Spirit Empire's pantheon. As the Sea God and ruler of the vast seas surrounding the Douluo Continent, Ye Wen assumed the preeminent position, with the people embracing this new hierarchy. After all, with the continent encircled by water, who could argue against the Sea God's supremacy?
Below him, statues and shrines were erected for the Rakshasa, the Angel, and the Asura.
(End of Chapter)
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