Chapter 586: Chapter 586: The Change of Imperial Power – Final
As the saying goes, "When strong, one does as they please; when weak, one fears being trampled."
For decades, the Sun Moon Empire had suppressed the Douluo Continent. But now, it was more vulnerable than ever. Coupled with educated individuals spreading rumors, panic quickly spread among the empire's grassroots population.
Many commoners in the Sun Moon Empire began to worry: would the Douluo Continent launch a counterattack?
While the common people could do nothing but fret, the high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire were embroiled in heated arguments in the imperial court. Without exception, all sought guidance from Empress Dowager Ju Zi on how to prevent a counterattack from the Douluo Continent.
Behind a thin veil of gauze, Ju Zi sat, her dignified figure faintly outlined by the hazy light.
The reason these officials placed such importance on Ju Zi was her close relationship with Huo Yu'er and the others. They hoped she could mediate and maintain balance, avoiding war at all costs—after all, the Sun Moon Empire was truly incapable of waging another war.
But as Ju Zi remained silent for an extended period, the once-noisy officials gradually fell silent, their eyes anxiously fixed on the curtain.
Xu Yunhan was no ordinary child. From birth, he displayed extraordinary intelligence. At just over three years old, though still lively, he lacked the unruly mischief typical of children his age.
"Mother, allow me to speak about this matter," came a crisp, childish voice that stood out in the grand hall, leaving the ministers baffled as they stared at their young emperor.
Ju Zi looked at Xu Yunhan with affection, then slowly rose from her seat and stepped out from behind the curtain, gently patting her son's head.
Ju Zi had long noticed Xu Yunhan's remarkable intellect. By the age of one, he could already run, jump, and recognize characters. By three, he possessed the maturity and problem-solving abilities of a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old.
Though Xu Tianran was pleased with this "son," his brilliance also caused some frustration, leading Xu Tianran to largely leave Ju Zi and her son alone.
Recognizing her child's exceptional nature, Ju Zi felt grateful to Ye Wen for his blessings while treating Xu Yunhan as an adult. She revealed Ye Wen's plan to him.
Ju Zi vividly remembered the thoughtful expression on her adorable son's face that day. After a moment of realization, he joyfully shared his thoughts on the plan with her.
Some say human nature is inherently evil, that children are greedy and selfish. Ju Zi had seen many such children, but her son was different.
From the moment Ju Zi realized Xu Yunhan understood the world, he displayed extraordinary empathy, comprehending human suffering and recognizing the flaws of the imperial system. He readily accepted Ye Wen's plan.
Though having such a mature child brought her immense pride as a mother, Ju Zi was reluctant to burden Xu Yunhan with too much responsibility, fearing it would weigh him down.
Ignoring formalities, Ju Zi stepped forward in front of the assembled ministers and spoke calmly.
"Gentlemen, we all know the current state of the continent. The Sun Moon Empire can no longer endure another large-scale war."
Her calm delivery of this undeniable truth caused the proud heads of the ministers to bow. She continued after a brief pause.
"Moreover, our soul-guided technology is no longer the strongest in the world. We have lost the means to counterbalance the Douluo Continent."
Another painful truth silenced the ministers, forcing them to listen intently to Ju Zi's next words.
"Tian Xing possesses unparalleled talent. No one in this era can match him. He has unhesitatingly bestowed his Douluo disciples with soul-guided armors capable of granting Limit Douluo-level strength, while we in the Sun Moon Continent possess none."
This was a lie, but to maintain appearances, Ju Zi pressed on.
"Though Tian Xing remains neutral, and his disciples follow his example, people will inevitably grow old. Even Limit Douluos will one day perish. We cannot gamble on the future or assume his disciples will always uphold their current stance."
At this point, Ju Zi feigned gravity, lowering her voice.
"Therefore, I intend to visit Tian Xing Academy to pay respects to my teacher.
While this invincible figure still lives, I will ask him to unify the entire Douluo Continent.
From this day forward, there will be no distinction between empires. We will all become one family.
This will not only end four thousand years of continuous warfare but also allow the people of the Sun Moon Empire to benefit from Tian Xing Academy's education."
Ju Zi's proposal was so shocking that the ministers momentarily froze before erupting in protest.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider! How can our ten-thousand-year legacy—"
Before the leading minister could finish, four terrifying waves of soul power swept through the hall.
These powers ranged from icy frost to mountainous might, and even included vibrant life force and mesmerizing allure.
Four figures clad in resplendent armor emerged from the corners of the room—the four Valkyries of the now-renowned Tian Xing Knights.
Ju Zi's cool voice rang out.
"This decision has been made. Whether for the Sun Moon Empire or the Douluo Continent, this unification is inevitable."
A high-ranking noble, his face contorted, stepped forward, intending to protest. Wasn't Huo Yu'er's original plan to install Ju Zi as Empress Dowager and secretly control the Sun Moon Empire? Why this sudden upheaval?
But before he could speak, a single glance from Huo Yu'er froze him solid.
Huo Yu'er coldly added, "You may either agree—or die. Choose wisely."
Faced with such decisive ruthlessness, the assembled ministers swallowed hard and reluctantly voiced their support for the proposal.
As for the truth behind Ju Zi's rise to power, who cared anymore? The priority now was to secure their families' futures before the storm hit!
Subsequently, Ju Zi took Xu Yunhan to ostensibly pay respects to Ye Wen.
Not long after, news spread that Ye Wen had summoned Emperor Wei Na and Emperor Xu Jiujjiu.
On the same day, newspapers flooded the streets despite the usual distribution time having passed.
"Is this a joke? How is this possible?"
"Waaah, finally! No more wars!"
"No wonder he's the strongest in the Douluo Continent. To command three emperors to form a federation without national distinctions—what incredible resolve!"
"Yeah, such audacity! Speaking of which, why didn't that supposedly number-one Limit Douluo from Shrek back in the day have such vision? Our three nations fought for so many years—it makes me sick to think about it. What was the point of all that fighting?"
Such discussions echoed across the Douluo Continent.
But what most intrigued the people of Douluo was the name of this new nation:
Tian Xing Federation
From this day forward, the Douluo Continent no longer had three empires. Instead, it was divided into regions: the Star Luo District, the Sun Moon District, and the Tian Hun District.
Finally, true peace came to the Douluo Continent.
Border armies were withdrawn, and regional barriers gradually dissolved. Over time, hatred faded, though rivalries remained as Districts vied for the title of the "Number One District." Still, compared to the past, life had improved significantly.
The only ones dissatisfied were the ambitious schemers.
------------------------------------------------------
400+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)