The idea of promoting compulsory education wasn't something Li Chang'an came up with on a whim—it was a plan he had considered for a long time. Of course, he didn't yet have the ability to roll it out across the entire continent, but starting a pilot program in Suotuo City? That was definitely within reach.
He had no grand ambitions or lofty rhetoric—he simply wanted to give those children a basic education.
Besides, Spirit Masters were still a minority profession on the Douluo Continent. The common people were the vast majority—they were the true foundation of this world.
And the developments that followed proved that once technology reached a certain level, even powerful ordinary people could use it to kill Spirit Masters.
So before ascending to godhood, Li Chang'an wanted to leave something behind for the continent—not just unifying Douluo and creating a new, free and democratic nation, not just liberating the Spirit Beasts, but giving everyone on the continent a vision of hope.
Compulsory education was the best method he could think of. It might not show results immediately, but over time, generation after generation of educated youths would grow up, and the Douluo Continent would be filled with limitless potential.
Li Chang'an often thought about what truly set him apart from Tang San. After much reflection, he realized that aside from being infinitely more handsome, vastly more knowledgeable, more perceptive, and blessed with a system… his greatest advantage was that he came from the 21st century.
He cared about himself and those around him, of course. But once he had enough for himself, he started thinking about others—about the hundreds of millions of ordinary people living on this continent.
He couldn't do everything for them, but he could give them hope for a future full of possibilities.
Li Chang'an's word was absolute. Even if the two Chamber of Commerce leaders didn't understand why this young master suddenly decided to fund academies out of his own pocket, they still obeyed without question.
——
Zhu Zhuqing's home was in the capital of the Star Luo Empire—Star Luo City. It was a metropolis no less impressive than Heaven Dou City, one of the largest and most prominent cities on the continent.
Although the Star Luo Empire and the Heaven Dou Empire had always experienced friction, open conflict was rare due to the balancing influence of Spirit Hall. Spirit Hall's presence had long prevented countless medium- and small-scale wars.
To Li Chang'an, Star Luo City's layout and defenses seemed more meticulous and serious than those of Heaven Dou. That made sense, given the Star Luo Empire's rigid succession system—it said a lot about the kind of nation it was.
From years of observation and analysis, Li Chang'an also concluded that the Heaven Dou Empire was indeed a bit weaker than the Star Luo Empire. The difference wasn't unbridgeable, but it was noticeable.
Zhu Zhuqing's current strength wasn't high enough for Li Chang'an to use the Donghuang Bell to tear open space and travel instantly with her. But he also didn't opt for a carriage. Instead, much to Zhu Zhuqing's surprise, he released seven soul rings and took to the sky with her, flying directly toward the Star Luo Empire.
Even as a Spirit Sage, though Li Chang'an had robust soul power and a soul core for support, it still wasn't enough to carry Zhu Zhuqing across two entire empires in one go.
Nevertheless, under his control, they reached the outskirts of Star Luo City within a day. Zhu Zhuqing, still clinging tightly to his arm, finally descended with him.
She had no choice—she couldn't fly, and Li Chang'an didn't use sword flight. So for the entire journey, she was "forced" to hold onto him. Even though she normally had the temperament of an ice queen, she still rolled her eyes at him countless times along the way.
This guy really didn't miss a single chance to take advantage of her. Still, during lunch, when she ate the meal Li Chang'an personally cooked, her mood evened out a bit.
Lunch had been quite a feast—Li Chang'an had roasted a chicken and cooked a bowl of chicken noodle soup, both of which were absolutely delicious.
Zhu Zhuqing had to admit to herself: both the chicken he made and the noodles he cooked tasted amazing. He was really good at this. Not that she'd ever say it out loud.
She had an image to maintain. The cold-goddess persona couldn't collapse.
This was Li Chang'an's first time in Star Luo City. After verifying his identity at the gate, he and Zhu Zhuqing entered the city, looking for all the world like a perfect couple.
But Li Chang'an didn't head straight to the Zhu residence. After all, he was visiting as her official fiancé this time… even if he was here to stir up some trouble.
"You know Star Luo City well. Can you take me to the Spirit Hall's main temple first?" he asked, reaching out to take Zhu Zhuqing's hand again, hoping to recapture that in-flight intimacy.
She immediately pulled her hand away.
"The Spirit Hall temple? What do you want there?" she asked coldly.
In the capitals of both empires, Spirit Hall was usually targeted and suppressed. But despite that, the leaders of Spirit Hall in both cities were powerful and politically savvy—they'd never truly suffered a loss.
"Heh… you'll see when we get there." Li Chang'an replied mysteriously. Though Zhu Zhuqing had no deep hatred for Spirit Hall, he didn't want to expose his identity just yet—especially since the situation with Xiao Wu was still… complicated.
But then again, if one day he had the chance to resurrect Xiao Wu's mother… wouldn't that mean he could—
"Whatever. Let's go," Zhu Zhuqing interrupted, rolling her eyes. She didn't press further when she saw he wasn't going to answer.
Although she was a bit annoyed, she still pointed out landmarks as they passed by famous buildings and scenic spots—though she kept it brief.
"That's the Grand Plaza. It's always busy."
"That's Star Luo City's most iconic structure."
——
Star Luo City's Spirit Hall was located in the northwestern district—the furthest point from the imperial palace. It was also the area least under the royal family's control.
This made sense, considering the current Star Luo imperial lineage had a long-standing hostility toward Spirit Hall. The fact that Spirit Hall had even managed to hold out in this part of the city was impressive in and of itself.
However, once Spirit Hall began selling soul tools, the dynamic shifted. Though the early-stage soul tools—levels one and two—weren't powerful, they were still groundbreaking weapons. Even the Star Luo Emperor had to rethink his stance.
A solemn palace, tight security—everything about this place spoke of its importance. The temple master here was a Platinum Bishop, a Spirit Douluo.
The moment Li Chang'an and Zhu Zhuqing stepped into Spirit Hall's perimeter, two long-spear-wielding guards approached them. Their expressions didn't change one bit—they didn't react at all to the couple's appearance. This was the discipline of Spirit Hall.
"Do you have business here? You're approaching the Spirit Hall of Star Luo City."
Thanks to Li Chang'an's "from the people, to the people" policy, Spirit Hall no longer turned anyone away. That was why these soldiers hadn't driven them off immediately.
Swish!
A streak of dark light flashed from Li Chang'an's hand. One of the guards caught it steadily, examined it closely, and then both men dropped to one knee in perfect unison.
"Greetings, Elder!"
Zhu Zhuqing blinked in surprise. She had just watched Li Chang'an casually toss a token and suddenly be treated with such respect—even being addressed as "Elder." She couldn't help asking:
"You're a Spirit Hall Elder?"
Li Chang'an didn't answer.
He just gave her a wide, mischievous grin.
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