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"The morale you're worried about is nothing more than the core violence of the Spirit Empire," Xuan Ming said.
"Violence, if you need it, I can help you."
Bibi Dong paused slightly, "You are now a Titled Douluo, and even a super Douluo. The Spirit Master's world has an unwritten rule that high-level Spirit Masters should not casually attack low-level Spirit Masters, especially Titled Douluo. Even on the battlefield, targets are mostly of the same rank or Spirit Douluo, and at the very least, no lower than Spirit Saint. This is the bottom line everyone tacitly adheres to. If we break it first, and you, as a super Douluo, slaughter low-level Spirit Masters or even ordinary soldiers, the Spirit Empire's image will only worsen, and it might even trigger panic and resistance among all Spirit Masters."
This was precisely what she was worried about. While establishing authority through absolute force was effective, if the scale wasn't properly managed, it could easily turn from "cleansing" into "massacre," thereby losing the support of everyone.
Xuan Ming, hearing this, merely shook his head faintly.
"The violence I'm referring to isn't meant to be inflicted on specific individuals."
"True deterrence comes from irresistible heavenly might, from making them understand that the price of resistance is something they, and everything behind them, cannot bear."
As he spoke, his gaze passed through the window of the Supreme Pontiff Palace and landed on the majestic mountain in the distance outside Spirit City. That was the "Soul Severing Peak," which he had split in half with the aftershocks of a heavenly lightning strike a year ago when he came to Spirit City to help Bibi Dong stabilize the situation.
The scorched 断面 of the mountain was still clearly visible, like a hideous scar on the earth, silently narrating the World-destroying power of that day.
"If anyone thinks that the Empire's laws can be challenged, or the Supreme Pontiff's authority can be ignored…" Xuan Ming slowly raised his hand, and a faint dark purple electric light seemed to flash at his fingertips, the temperature of the entire council hall seemingly dropping sharply by several degrees.
"I don't mind finding a few more similar mountains, or some seemingly impregnable cities, Sects… and making them completely disappear from the map."
His ice-blue eyes swept over Ning Fengzhi, finally resting on Bibi Dong, his tone still calm but containing a soul-freezing chill:
"I believe there aren't many people in this World who would dare to gamble their lives, their family fortunes, or even their inherited legacies, on whether my next attack… will precisely land on their heads."
"…"
The council hall fell into a deathly silence.
Ning Fengzhi felt a chill shoot from the soles of his feet straight to his head, and fine cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead.
He completely understood Xuan Ming's meaning. This didn't require chasing down specific individuals; it only required demonstrating an unrivaled destructive power to the entire World once, which would be enough to make all ill-intentioned individuals lose sleep!
That split Soul Severing Peak was the most terrifying warning!
Just imagine, if such a strike didn't land on an uninhabited barren mountain, but on the governor's mansion of a certain province, or the core heartland of a great Sect… what a sight that would be? Probably not even dust would remain!
"If they like violence, I'll give them violence," Xuan Ming said faintly.
"If they can bear it."
This understated tone was more chilling than any bloodthirsty declaration. This was not a threat, but a statement based on an absolute disparity in strength, almost verging on pity.
Just as humans don't threaten ants, but merely consider whether to step on them… Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City, deep within the Imperial Palace.
Unlike the 肅殺 and undercurrents of reform in the Spirit City's Supreme Pontiff Palace, the atmosphere in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace was even more solemn, carrying a sense of oppressive foreboding.
Since the Spirit Empire's powerful rise, sweeping across nearly half of the continent with lightning speed, all Spirit Master forces and families unwilling to submit to Spirit Hall's iron-fisted rule, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, converged under the Two Great Empires of Star Luo and Heaven Dou, attempting to build the final line of resistance.
Among them, the anti-Spirit Hall forces gathered in the Heaven Dou Empire were particularly vast and complex.
Inside the magnificent council hall, the atmosphere was solemn.
At the head of the table, Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire sat, his complexion a sickly pale, but his eyes were still sharp, revealing a sense of unwillingness and determination. At the critical juncture of the Empire's survival, this aging monarch, despite his illness, was holding the reins of the overall situation.
Below him, the core forces currently supporting the Heaven Dou Empire were gathered.
Sitting at the first seat on the left was Yu Xiaogang, dressed in a simple black robe, with a rigid face but eyes full of wisdom and stubbornness. As the son of the former Sect Master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and a Grandmaster of theory, after the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was nearly annihilated, he, relying on his theoretical knowledge and connections with various forces, was appointed Imperial Advisor by Emperor Xue Ye, becoming the visible link and strategist for uniting all forces.
At least, that was the case on the surface.
Beside Yu Xiaogang sat a tall, resolute young man. He was very handsome, with steady eyes and a reserved demeanor, much more mature than he was a few years ago.
Because Tang Hao believed he was not strong enough at the time, he did not allow him to go to Slaughter City, a decision that, by a strange twist of fate, allowed him to escape the disaster that completely wiped Slaughter City off the map not long ago.
And beside Tang San sat an old man whose aura was as profound as a mountain, none other than Tang Xiao, the current Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect.
The Clear Sky Sect had been forced to seal its Sect for many years, but now, under the immense threat of the Spirit Empire, it had no choice but to re-emerge. They knew very well that once the Heaven Dou Empire's barrier was breached, their Clear Sky Sect would be the next to be annihilated.
Rather than waiting for death, it was better to unite and fight.
In addition, there were representatives from various Spirit Master families, led by the Speed Clan and the Defense Clan, as well as the remaining forces of the Seven Great Families who had completely fallen out with Spirit Hall after attacking the Supreme Pontiff's motorcade. All were now gathered under the banner of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Emperor Xue Ye's gaze slowly swept over the people below, finally resting on Tang San. A gentle smile appeared on his pale face, and his voice, though somewhat weak, was still majestic:
"My dear Tang, the exquisitely crafted Hidden Weapons blueprints you provided have been fully manufactured by the Empire's artisans and are now being equipped to elite legions. Recent battle reports from the front lines show that these Hidden Weapons have had miraculous effects in battles against the Spirit Empire, greatly enhancing the survival ability and lethality of our soldiers. This is a great service to the nation!"
Tang San bowed slightly, his tone humble yet neither servile nor overbearing: "Your Majesty overpraises me. It is Tang San's honor to contribute to the Empire. Everyone is responsible for resisting the Spirit Hall's tyranny."
Emperor Xue Ye nodded with satisfaction, a flicker of resolve in his eyes. He raised his voice and announced to the assembled officials:
"My dear Tang San, you are young and promising, exceptionally talented, and you care for the World. By offering these powerful tools, you have rendered great service to the nation! I have decided to specially confer upon Tang San the title of — King Lanhao!"
As the words "Lanhao" were uttered, a low gasp immediately echoed through the hall.
This title had profound meaning! "Lan" symbolized his first Spirit, Blue Silver Grass, and "Hao" represented his second Spirit, and the emblem of his originating Sect — the Clear Sky Hammer! This was not only an extremely high princely award but also a great recognition and reliance by the Heaven Dou Imperial Family on Tang San himself and the Clear Sky Sect behind him!
"I bestow upon him a royal mansion, princely emoluments, the right to see me without bowing, and the authority to participate in military and state affairs!" Emperor Xue Ye continued to add, elevating Tang San's status to an unprecedented height.
Yu Xiaogang looked at his disciple receiving such an honor, and a trace of relief appeared on his rigid face.
He knew deeply that Tang San was the true core and future hope of this alliance against the Spirit Empire. His Hidden Weapons, his twin spirits, his potential… all were crucial to whether the Heaven Dou Empire could endure.
Tang San took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and bowed solemnly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness! Tang San will surely do his utmost to protect the Empire and eliminate evil!"
He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the expectant, scrutinizing, or subtly jealous looks in the hall, his heart cold.
Spirit Hall… Bibi Dong… Xuan Ming!
He clenched his fists tightly. Now, he was no longer the youth who needed to hide under the wings of his father and Grandmaster. He had power, status, and the capital and stage for revenge!
The Heaven Dou Empire was his best foundation. And the identity of King Lanhao would allow him to mobilize more resources, improve his strength faster, and more effectively deal with his enemies!