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Poseidon had already finished his explanation and departed, leaving the five God Kings to face each other in silence.
Destruction said in a cold voice.
"That bastard Poseidon really has some nerve, daring to play us for fools!"
Life shook her head at her irate husband. With the three major God Kings preparing to step down, the God Realm was already in a state of turmoil; it was not the right time to fall out with a top-tier main god like the Sea God, who was capable of fighting a God King.
Destruction naturally understood this, but his personality was such that he had to vent his frustrations. Seeing his wife's reminder, he ceased his tirade.
Life glanced at the other three, who were lost in thought, and changed the subject.
"Do you think he really knows nothing at all?"
Poseidon had insisted just moments ago that he only knew Yun Ming had created his own godhood, and as for why that boy was so strong, he was completely ignorant. They had no way to deal with Poseidon's act of playing dumb, and it was difficult to use force to coerce him.
"Who knows. Asura, you have always been on good terms with him, what do you think?" Evil looked at Asura with a smile on his face.
Asura pondered for a moment before shaking his head.
"I don't know. Poseidon has been acting mysterious lately, I don't know what he's up to, and besides..."
Thinking of the series of unreasonable things regarding Yun Ming, Asura added.
"That boy is a bit monstrous."
Hearing Asura's evaluation of Yun Ming, the others were somewhat surprised. It was truly rare for the de facto strongest in the God Realm, Asura, to give such an assessment.
Destruction did not want to continue babbling with these riddle-mongers and dragged the topic back to reality.
"Then what should we do? We can't just act like nothing happened!"
Goodness replied gently.
"That is naturally out of the question. The safety of the God Realm is above all else; any potential uncontrollable factors must be thoroughly investigated."
Finally, there was some direction. The purple robes on the God of Destruction fluttered without wind, and a flash of red light flickered in his eyes. However, the words Evil added immediately afterward caused him to return to a state of calm.
Evil: "But as for the specifics, we still need to study it. So, everything is left to you!"
He and his wife had already chosen their successors; as soon as the timing was right, they would pass on their positions and go to reincarnate. This burden should be left for others to carry. As for the secrets behind Yun Ming, they had some interest, but not enough to warrant great effort, otherwise, they wouldn't have chosen to reincarnate and play in the human world later.
Destruction: "."
He must have been cursed to believe that these two slackers would actually take charge.
"After all, he hasn't really done anything yet, let's wait and see."
"It wouldn't be right if we wrongly accused a good person."
The more benevolent Life expressed her thoughts.
With Goodness and Evil abstaining, and Life and Destruction holding opposing views, the final decision-making power fell to Asura.
"I think..."
Asura finally stated his position, and the matter was settled.
Douluo Continent, Heavenly Star City, Imperial Palace Hall
Huliena lowered her head and eyes, reporting to the beautiful woman on the throne.
"The remnants of the Star Luo Empire have now been cleared out. The thirteen core members of the remnants, led by Star Luo Prince Dai Mubai and the elder of the Zhu Family, Zhu Zhishang, have all been executed."
"The purge of the Heaven Dou aristocratic faction is also nearing its end. We have seized a massive amount of jewelry, antiques, land deeds, and more, which has greatly replenished the national treasury. Furthermore, a large number of unjust, false, and wrong cases have been redressed, which has had a significant soothing effect on the common people. The Heaven Dou side has now initially established trust in the Empire."
Ya Li sat upright on the throne, listening to Huliena's detailed report on affairs while looking over the summary files.
'The total estimated value of the confiscated wealth is no less than five billion Gold Soul Coins, and one hundred and thirty-two unjust, false, and wrong cases have been redressed.'
She had known before that the noble lords of Heaven Dou were rich, but she hadn't expected them to be this rich! What was the concept of five billion? It was equivalent to the estimated value of the legacy assets of the long-standing Heaven Dou Imperial Family. When Xue Ye was on the throne, the annual tax revenue of the Heaven Dou Empire was less than one hundred million. And to have so much money while still committing such crimes and acting so recklessly—they truly deserved to die.
"Saintess, the above is the latest situation regarding the remaining issues of the two countries."
After the report, Huliena waited for instructions.
One year ago, under the leadership of the first emperor of the Martial Soul Empire, Bibi Dong, Heaven Dou surrendered and Star Luo was destroyed, leading to the complete unification of the Douluo Continent. Now that a year had passed, some of the major legacy issues had finally been resolved, and the Empire could move forward with a lighter burden.
Ya Li closed the file and replied directly.
"Hmm, well done, but still be careful with the finishing touches; don't leave any hidden dangers behind."
"As for the matters hereafter, let us temporarily proceed according to the general development strategy set by the Former Emperor!"
Upon hearing the words 'Former Emperor', Huliena was stunned. Didn't her teacher say she was in seclusion, which was why power was temporarily transferred to Ya Li?!! Her tone turned icy as she retorted.
"Saintess, please don't joke around; this joke isn't funny at all. My teacher has already attained godhood and achieved eternal life, how could she be dead!"
Ya Li could understand the change in Huliena's tone, but the facts had to be faced.
"I know it's hard for you to accept, but Your Majesty Bibi Dong did indeed pass away a few months ago. The reason it wasn't made public at the time was an expedient measure because the Empire was not yet stable; now, it is time to inform the world."
Huliena said with disdain.
"Impossible, impossible."
"You must be lying to me. My teacher is so strong, how could she possibly die."
Ya Li did not offer further explanation, simply watching Huliena in silence. Yet, the calmer she remained, the more panicked Huliena felt inside.
"This matter is of great importance; I would not joke with you about such things. When Bibi Dong departed, many witnessed it, including her own daughter, Qian Renxue."
Ya Li continued.
"Martial Soul Hall will soon issue an official announcement to inform the world."
"I am telling you in advance only because I hope you can prepare yourself mentally."
"Furthermore, Bibi Dong truly cared for you. In her final moments, she left last words only for you and her daughter, hoping you would live a good life."
The series of inexplicable events left Huliena feeling dizzy and overwhelmed.
Having finished speaking, Angel Wings appeared behind Ya Li, and she soared into the air, flying toward Martial Soul City. She still had important matters to attend to today!
"Can you make yourself clear?"
Sensing the fluctuation of Soul Power, Huliena snapped back to reality and shouted. But she received no reply; Ya Li had already turned into a blur, vanishing into the Skyline.
Deep down, Huliena did not want to believe Ya Li's words, but considering Qian Renxue and Ya Li's character, she knew the other woman was not one to spout nonsense.
Once the seed of doubt was planted, it took root and sprouted; the more she thought, the more panicked she became. To her, Bibi Dong was more of a mother than a Master, and she was one of the three most important people in her life.
No, Master must be fine. I have to go find her!
With that, she also began to head toward Martial Soul City.
Martial Soul City, behind Pope Mountain, Saintess's residence.
Yun Ming was sitting in the courtyard, sipping tea and reading, when he suddenly sensed a familiar fluctuation of power in the sky. He looked up and said.
"Welcome home."
Seeing Yun Ming so relaxed while she had to rush back and forth for work, Ya Li said with a hint of imbalance.
"If I had known, I should have brought the files back, let you do the work, and watched me play instead."
Yun Ming smiled but did not reply. That wouldn't do; even if she brought them back, he wouldn't do the work. Besides, how else would he see the gentle and dignified Ya Li act so petulant in front of others? He was quite obsessed with this contrast.
Setting down his book, Yun Ming walked over to Ya Li to soothe her.
"Alright, it's my fault. Afterward, I shall let you do as you please with me, how about that?"
Hearing Yun Ming's flirtatious words, images that made her heart race flashed through Ya Li's mind, and she spat lightly.
"Pah, you old lecher."
Between their past and present lives, the two had known each other for a hundred years. Yun Ming understood Ya Li, and Ya Li understood Yun Ming; she knew exactly what he was really thinking. She continued to act this way simply because she enjoyed it as well.
Yun Ming stepped forward, took Ya Li's hand, and said.
"Alright, let's attend to the important business first, or else Qian Renxue really will start swinging her blade later."
A flash of silver light surrounded the two, and the courtyard was empty once more.
Bibi Dong's Bedroom.
The suppression dissipated, and the Atlas Spear returned.
Sensing the fluctuations of god power in the surroundings, Qian Renxue opened her eyes and said.
"You've let me out today."
Yun Ming stepped out of the Void with Ya Li.
"I only intended for you to recover first; I couldn't really let you force your way through the barrier. Since you have recovered, it is naturally time to end this."
Qian Renxue rose slowly, Holy Light surging over her entire body. Piece by piece, her divine armor equipped itself, and the Angel Holy Sword fell into her hand once again.
"So, can you tell me now?"
"Of course."
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: DaoistReader