With Tang San's death, the war finally came to an end.
Ning Tianchen looked up at the sky, closing his eyes slightly, savoring the "long-lost" sunlight.
It had been twenty years since he first crossed into the world of Douluo Continent. At first, he tirelessly worked to ensure the survival of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Later, he poured all his strength into the Soul Master Tournament.
And now, with Tang San dead, everything had unfolded precisely as Ning Tianchen had envisioned.
Never before had he felt such ease and relief.
Seeing this, Qian Renxue did not disturb him but quietly stepped aside. She gestured for the officials to approach and await Ning Tianchen's instructions.
About an incense stick's time later, Ning Tianchen snapped out of his reverie and began issuing orders. "The war is over. Among the captured soldiers, those who were forcibly conscripted will be given travel expenses and released. Those who remain stubbornly resistant will be temporarily detained."
"The army must not disrupt the order of Star Luo City. Once the city is repaired, they are to withdraw immediately."
The officials behind him diligently recorded every word he spoke in their notebooks.
The war had come swiftly and ended just as fast.
Most of the buildings in Star Luo City remained undamaged, so reconstruction wouldn't take long.
…
The Continental Federation Committee was in the process of being established. Meanwhile, in the southern cities of the former Star Luo Empire, some groups continued to resist.
These groups rallied under the slogan, "Though the nation has fallen, its spirit remains unbroken."
These rebels blended in among the common people, causing heavy losses to the Douluo Federation's army.
Upon learning this, Ning Tianchen laughed bitterly. "The leaders of these groups are local landlords and officials. They know that the Douluo Federation will redistribute land, so they're resisting to protect their own interests!"
For ordinary people, the emperor was too distant—local gentry and county magistrates were the ones they relied on for survival.
For these officials and gentry, forcing commoners to fight for them was all too easy.
The common folk didn't care about right or wrong—they simply wanted to survive.
Under Ning Tianchen's arrangements, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun accompanied the federation's army to the southern provinces of the former Star Luo Empire.
Their identities represented the Star Luo royal family.
Their speeches would undoubtedly shake the confidence of the rebel forces.
…
About half a year later, as the voices of rebellion gradually faded, the Douluo Federation Committee was officially established.
During this time, under Ning Tianchen's guidance, newspapers were established in the name of the Douluo Federation.
From then on, the sharp sword of public opinion was firmly held in the hands of the Federation Committee.
Today, the Douluo Federation Committee held its first grand meeting.
Xue Qinghe, the emperor of the Tian Dou Empire, delivered the opening remarks.
"As you can see, the establishment of the Douluo Federation Committee marks the continent stepping into a brand-new era."
"At the outset, there may be shortcomings, but I believe that with time, it will gradually improve. The prosperity of the entire continent is within reach."
"As an emperor of the old era, I deeply feel responsible. In support of the establishment of the Douluo Federation Committee, I voluntarily step down as the Emperor of the Tian Dou Empire and will no longer participate in political affairs."
With that, Xue Qinghe removed the crown symbolizing imperial authority from his head and placed it atop the emblem of the Douluo Federation Committee.
He then smiled faintly and gracefully stepped off the stage of history.
After all, he was merely a stand-in. With endless wealth and luxury awaiting him, why bother meddling in politics?
The reporters present were confused and had received no prior notice.
They knew this was major news and tried to chase after Xue Qinghe to ask for clarification, but they were stopped by security personnel.
In the subsequent sessions of the Douluo Federation Committee, many departments were established, and the original political system was completely reformed.
Among these changes, the Pope of the Spirit Hall became the supreme representative of all soul masters, handling any issues related to the soul master community.
Bibi Dong resigned in disgrace, and Qian Renxue could not assume the position of Pope. Ultimately, the role fell to Hu Liena.
At this moment, she appeared somewhat inexperienced, but her gaze was resolute as she faced the weighty responsibilities ahead.
During her inauguration ceremony, she delivered a passionate speech, clearly stating her stance.
In the audience, Ning Tianchen's gaze inadvertently shifted to Qian Renxue. "You're just handing over the position of Pope to her like this?"
Qian Renxue smiled faintly. "Grandfather stepped down from the position of Pope decades ago. We can't have him return, can we? As for my situation, Lord Asura already knows it well."
The Qian family only had the two of them—grandfather and granddaughter. One couldn't take the position, and the other didn't want to return. But the position of Pope couldn't remain vacant—it had to be filled by someone.
Hu Liena had been born at the right time. Based on her performance in governance, she ultimately assumed the position of Pope.
…
Ning Fengzhi of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect became the president of the Federation Chamber of Commerce, overseeing all commercial activities across the continent.
Tian Ruyang, the sect leader of the Snow Mountain Sect, became the representative of the Continental Development Committee, responsible for planning future construction and development across the continent.
Ning Tianchen had ascended to godhood and chose not to interfere in continental affairs. The burden of leading the sect fell entirely on Dugu Bo.
Going forward, the Sky Sword Sect would be responsible for the research, production, and promotion of soul-guided weapons.
The former armies of the Tian Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, along with their military generals, were all placed under the jurisdiction of the Military Department. Ge Long was appointed as the Grand Marshal.
In times of peace, the army would inevitably undergo large-scale reductions. The remaining soldiers would focus on training during peacetime, and if major disasters occurred, they would be the first to respond.
The chairperson of the Douluo Federation Committee would be nominated by the heads of each department and elected through a vote, serving a term of ten years.
Qian Daoliu, the strongest soul master in the current era (excluding gods), commanded great respect, and everyone unanimously agreed to elect him as the chairperson.
From then on, all matters, big and small, across the continent would be divided among the various departments. An annual conference would be held at the end of each year to plan for the continent's development in the coming year.
In the event of serious emergencies, a six-member panel would draft response decisions.
These six members were: the Pope of the Spirit Hall, the sect leaders of the upper three sects, the Grand Marshal of the Military Department, and the chairperson of the committee.
All departments of the committee now had their leaders, and shortly afterward, the main priorities for the next year were announced to the public.
Abolishing privileged nobility, redistributing land, and post-war reconstruction efforts.
…
The Douluo Federation Committee concluded its session. In the closing remarks, Dai Mubai announced that he would also step down as the emperor of the Star Luo Empire.
Though unwilling, he had no choice but to publicly declare his abdication in order to survive.
However, once he announced his resignation, he had lost his usefulness.
For a short while, he could still appear in the spotlight to stay alive.
But as time passed and attention waned, his fate would inevitably be a death without even a burial place!
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