Heavenly Star was thriving.
The battles among the mighty had nothing to do with the common folk of Heavenly Star. This was a frantic era of infrastructure, a mad age of expanding education, and a turbulent period where the new supplanted the old.
Everyone was striving for the future.
Opportunities abounded in this era.
With the four continents unified and the four nations nearly obliterated, the Silver Moon world welcomed its first grand unification in one hundred thousand years. Aside from Dali, which still struggled on, even the Divine Kingdom had now fallen.
The Governors-General of the four regions led troops to suppress agitators in all quarters.
The Administration Department was selecting officials.
The Martial Arts Academies opened their doors wide. Rich or poor, anyone could enroll as long as they had talent. In this era, everything was being reborn, and everything was changing.
The established social strata were shattering, yet new classes were emerging in their place.
This was inevitable.
The Silver Moon martial masters formed the largest interest group in this world, followed by the Neo-Martial faction spearheaded by Battle Heaven City.
Next came the peripheral core group formed by Lin Hongyu, Redwood, and Qian Wuliang, who held key positions. Even old relics and opportunists like Chen Zhongtian gravitated toward this circle.
Outsiders banded together as well.
Though powerful enemies still loomed and everyone continued to work together toward a common cause, vying for factional interests, securing advantages for their descendants, producing more experts, and acquiring more resources and opportunities were things all these powerhouses fought for.
To Li Hao, this was insignificant.
To these people, however, it was of paramount importance. Why campaign across heaven and earth if not for a glorious future?
While there was no open conflict on the surface, fierce rivalries churned in private.
The interest group formed by the Silver Moon martial masters was nearly unbreakable.
Li Hao hailed from Silver Moon and was himself a Silver Moon martial master, their foremost representative. Even with Lin Hongyu standing as the head of the five regional Governors-General and Redwood leading the monster plant army, none of this could be altered.
***
Heavenly Star City.
Following Li Hao's self-imposed demotion, a flood of seventh-level Sun-Moons emerged. Several experts who had once lagged behind caught up, and their pursuit of personal interests intensified.
Although major rifts had yet to appear, minor frictions had begun to flare.
The allocation of resources was needed by Battle Heaven City, by the experts of the Martial Forest Alliance who had pledged allegiance, by the students of Yuanping Martial Arts University, by the Silver Moon martial masters, by the Governor-General's Office, by the monster plants...
Everyone lacked resources!
With the world reviving, energy dispersed, but for the myriad cultivators, it was far too scarce.
Currently, mineral veins had not recovered, energy was deficient, some experts remained in the revival phase, and the Heavenly Star Grand Mine had been completely depleted. The resource issue alone was an immense headache.
A shortage of resources!
Not just resources, but weapons and armor as well. Routing several great cities had yielded considerable spoils, yet it was not enough. The Heavenly Star military, combined with the Great Desolation forces, had swollen to 1.5 million. The four regional Governors-General's Offices and the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office all required armor.
The Water Cloud Army was fully equipped, but now that the Great Desolation had surrendered, retaining two hundred thousand cavalry, they also needed war armor.
On top of that, even the Inspectorate intervened, hoping for a share.
The Inspectorate had too many personnel!
The army could shrink, but the inspectors could not.
Capturing a million suits of armor from the four great cities had barely met the army's needs, making it virtually impossible to satisfy the Inspectorate.
This left Chen Zhongtian rather disgruntled.
He had only requested authorization for a hundred thousand suits. The Inspectorate had vast personnel and faced real danger; while they did not fight on the front lines, it was primarily up to them to maintain order against rogue supernaturals.
Now that the army had no wars to fight, he felt armor ought to be prioritized for the Inspectorate.
He was somewhat unhappy that the Silver Moon martial masters had claimed the lion's share of the spoils of victory.
If Yuan Shuo, Hou Xiaochen, and the like were still around, he wouldn't have the standing to compete, but now that those figures were gone, Chen Zhongtian truly didn't fear the remaining Silver Moon martial masters.
As a former director of one of the Nine Departments, he possessed immense seniority. He was also among the first wave of experts to align with Li Hao and had fought alongside him in multiple campaigns, including the first battle against the ruins' monster plant.
Strictly speaking, many Silver Moon martial masters had less seniority than him.
Consequently, these petty grievances stirred a slight disorder in Heavenly Star, exacerbated by Li Hao's recent hands-off stance and the lack of mutual checks and balances between the military arm of the Governor-General's Office and the civilian Administration Department.
***
Li Hao had watched all of this over the past two days without intervening or getting involved.
Competing was actually a good thing.
If everyone had no desires or ambitions... there would be no room for progress.
If no one fought for anything, what future was there to speak of?
Yet competition had to be kept within bounds, maintained in a virtuous cycle. A vicious cycle could easily lead to disaster.
Still, as the main force standing against rival powers, he truly could not afford to waste time on these administrative matters.
His time was exceedingly tight and in short supply.
"Qian Wuliang, Zhao Shuguang, Lin Hongyu, Zhou Chuan, Chen Zhongtian..."
Names surfaced in Li Hao's mind. Soon, he eliminated Chen Zhongtian and Qian Wuliang. Both were capable, but their conduct lacked breadth and grandeur, carrying an air of petty narrow-mindedness.
The others did not command enough respect either.
Director Zhou had never switched to the new Dao and lacked sufficient authority to govern the world of the new Dao, so Li Hao crossed him off as well.
Weighing them all, Zhao Shuguang and Lin Hongyu remained the most suitable.
Li Hao had actually been pondering Lin Hongyu's proposal.
It felt slightly awkward emotionally, but... that was only momentary. To Li Hao, in this era and across all these years, taking a wife and having children seemed like mere duties.
A thing like love... was far too extravagant for him.
He lacked the time, the energy, and the inclination to indulge in romance.
Those who attained the Dao and accomplished great undertakings... never had time to think about women. Of course, his teacher was an exception. Actually, not much of an exception—his teacher had never married or had children, only getting involved with the Jade Light Sword in the later stages.
"A title?"
Li Hao pondered. Was Lin Hongyu more suitable, or Zhao Shuguang?
He was not contemplating marrying Director Zhao, but rather considering who was better suited to take charge of everything.
Both had their strengths.
Both had their weaknesses.
Lin Hongyu possessed ambition; Director Zhao had less ambition, though he was not without it.
One had governed the City of Supernaturals with its million supernaturals, while the other had presided over the chaotic lands of Silver Moon.
Both were at the seventh level of Sun-Moon, with comparable strength.
One was backed by the Silver Moon martial master faction, the other by the external martial masters and supernaturals.
However, the Silver Moon martial master faction was already mighty. Everyone in the world knew Li Hao hailed from Silver Moon. Furthermore, Silver Moon was located on the Northern Continent, whereas Lin Hongyu came from the Central Region.
"Northern barbarians"... that label had never truly been forgotten.
The other continents, including the Central Region, were considerably less receptive to the north.
Thinking it over, perhaps Lin Hongyu was indeed the more suitable choice.
As for her being a woman... in an era of extraordinary power, who still cared about such things?
Weighing the pros and cons, Li Hao felt Lin Hongyu fit best. She lacked neither merit nor capability, and the Silver Moon martial masters held her in reasonably high regard.
"Give her the title, then?"
Li Hao weighed it in his mind. He considered many angles, none of which involved personal feelings. Did someone like him, a solitary star cursed by fate, have any need for sentiment?
Those he cared for... had all perished!
Without exception!
It was only a question of suitability, without superfluous thoughts. His earlier conversation with Lin Hongyu had merely left him momentarily dazed, suddenly struck by a sense of emptiness.
"From the broader perspective, what she said makes sense!"
It could balance the various factions, and through Redwood, it could also balance the Neo-Martial camp.
Redwood, after all, was now the leader of the monster plant army and a new Saint. The monster plant army was connected to General Locust and even the guardian monster plant that had recently defected with the Martial Forest Alliance...
"Moreover, she will have sufficient reason and motivation to help me comb through the Great Dao!"
At this moment, Li Hao made up his mind.
Perhaps the only hurdle he could not easily cross was the internal grievance... that he was a jinx cursed by fate.
With only a title, would she die?
*I do not believe in fate!*
Yet he had been struggling all along, struggling against fate. He did not believe it, yet he knew... he was a thorn in the side of every faction. Did Lin Hongyu understand that this title might grant her greater power... but could also hasten her death?
Li Hao's wife...
Everyone under heaven might be spared, but Li Hao's wife would have to die!
The wife of the reigning sovereign... the weight of that title was immense!
Even when Li Hao seized Heavenly Star, he had killed the King of Heavenly Star, slain numerous experts of the imperial household, and wiped out nearly all royal kin... and no one objected. New monarchs brought new ministers; throughout history, how many imperial families of fallen dynasties had ever met a peaceful end?
"She is a clever woman. How could she not understand?"
Li Hao let out a soft laugh. Lin Hongyu surely understood this truth, yet she had proposed it anyway. Women truly lacked no ambition.
Presently, half-step Sovereigns and true Sovereigns roamed.
Li Hao was merely at the seventh level of Sun-Moon. At this juncture, there was no guarantee he would emerge victorious.
"Director Qi!"
Li Hao called out. Not far away, Director Qi, who had been on standby, drifted over.
Li Hao asked, "The core sky screen that governs all the sky screens under heaven—is it with you?"
"It is." Director Qi nodded. He currently operated independently and was quite at ease. Having helped Li Hao complete the construction of the sky screens, he was now researching medicinal herbs in preparation for opening an elixir research institute.
Cultivators across the land were all practicing, but energy was in short supply.
Medicinal herbs, however, were not lacking.
In the Neo-Martial era, during times of energy scarcity, herbs were also used to replace some energy consumption. Nourished by heaven and earth, herbs could produce superior results while consuming less energy.
Recently, the institute had produced a batch of elixirs and was currently testing them.
Once successful, they would soon be popularized.
It would also recoup some wealth for Heavenly Star's depleted treasury.
"Are the elixir trials going smoothly?" Li Hao inquired.
Director Qi nodded. "Everything is proceeding smoothly. We aren't starting from scratch; making a few modifications based on Neo-Martial foundations isn't particularly difficult!"
Li Hao nodded slightly and continued, "The Lü Zhen Research Institute previously had eight major projects. I recall one of them involved spiritual resonance, frequencies, and the like, correct?"
"Yes." Director Qi nodded.
Li Hao pondered for a moment. "Every person's spiritual frequency is different, but the Dao of the People's Will, the Dao of the Multitude, will ultimately unify these frequencies into a resonance... Have you conducted research in this area?"
"We have!" Director Qi affirmed. "Studies began many years ago. In the past, both the Human King and the Supreme received the empowerment of the multitude, so this is hardly blank territory. Later, military formations actually utilized these findings to unify vital qi and blood!
"Even some of the current suits of armor contain small formations to facilitate frequency resonance... Otherwise, how could soldiers practicing diverse techniques act with one heart and even fight as a unified whole?"
Li Hao's heart stirred. That made sense.
Formations, in essence, were also a form of resonance.
A spark of comprehension dawned in his mind. "So whether it is the multitude or even greater numbers of people, they can ultimately be adjusted to vibrate at a single frequency, correct?"
"Extrapolating indefinitely... it is possible. It's just that the more people there are, the harder that frequency is to locate!"
Director Qi's words were sometimes difficult for others to comprehend.
Li Hao, however, could grasp the underlying meaning.
After some consideration, he asked again, "Then if they share the same attribute and the same Dao meridian, regardless of how many people there are, would it be easier to adjust the vibrational frequency?"
"Certainly. Those sharing the same origin and lineage will invariably find it simpler! But coordination is required, depending on numbers. A hundred, a thousand, ten thousand... all are easy to coordinate. A million is difficult! In the past, the main city armies were generally kept under a million precisely because once numbers exceeded a million, even with strict discipline, unifying the frequency became extraordinarily difficult."
He added, "Even in the Neo-Martial primary world, the largest corps were capped at a million members, never more! With too many people, control slips away, disorder sets in, and combat effectiveness actually drops!"
A million at most?
Li Hao's heart stirred. "What if I wish to bring one hundred million, one billion, or two billion people into such resonance?"
"..."
Director Qi fell silent for a long moment before answering, "Difficult beyond measure! It is not merely an issue of issuing commands; another hurdle lies with the wielder. Much like a grand marshal of an army, can you seize the opportune moment? Can you maintain that level of control? It is exceedingly difficult!
"Of course, the Sovereign Human Dao can achieve it... Back then, in Neo-Martial, billions of people achieved resonance, which gave birth to the Sovereign Human Dao!"
Li Hao nodded. After some thought, he said, "Director Qi, could some devices be mounted directly onto the sky screens to make it easier for everyone to resonate?"
"This..." Director Qi glanced at Li Hao and sank into thought. After a long pause, he said, "The difficulty isn't great."
"Not great?"
Li Hao was somewhat surprised. Director Qi chuckled. "Not great at all. Didn't I just say? Military armor already possesses this function. The stronger the expert wearing the armor, the stronger this resonance power, or else how could vital qi and blood be gathered? If gold-tier war armor were used, achieving this function would be quite simple! However, does the Marquis wish to cover the entire world?"
"Yes."
"Then that would require quite a few gold-tier armors... Of course, we don't need the whole armor, only certain components within them. Silver-tier could work too, strictly speaking. It would just take a bit of time to modify them..."
"How long?"
"A month..."
"Too long!" Li Hao shook his head.
Director Qi's thoughts stirred. After some calculation, he said, "Working alone would take a long time. If... experts assist me, the pace will quicken. While Saints cannot currently emerge, if several Immortals assist me, we should be able to finish quickly!"
"At the fastest?"
"Seven days will suffice."
Li Hao pondered for a moment and nodded. "Then I will assign people to assist you. Look for Martial Uncle Hong and the Demon Hunting Guard Army."
"Very well." Director Qi pressed no further.
He had faint guesses, naturally thinking of the Dao of the Multitude without probing deeper.
Was it to enhance the effects of the Dao of the Multitude?
Likely so.
"Give me the core of the sky screen."
Hearing this, Director Qi handed over a small mirror without hesitation. The sky screen was merely an imitation of the ancient Heaven-Peeking Mirror, and this mirror was modified from a replica of the Fengyun Mirror.
Li Hao had seized it from the Fengyun Pavilion earlier, but because its effects were suboptimal, he had shelved it.
After brief consideration, Li Hao suddenly imprinted a character onto the mirror—*Hao*!
Sending his mental power into it, he sensed countless tiny points of light, representing sky screens scattered across the world.
"I need to announce a piece of news... I won't be seeing the others. Director Qi, when you step outside, tell everyone that I am going into seclusion for a time. Take this mirror with you shortly; this Fengyun sub-mirror shall henceforth be my Haoxing Token! He who holds this token commands my presence!"
Director Qi was puzzled, but asked no questions, nodding. "Understood."
What news did Li Hao wish to announce?
Li Hao seemed to have contemplated this deeply before coming today. Director Qi couldn't quite fathom what matter required a public broadcast and such deep reflection; Li Hao hadn't even been like this when facing half-step Sovereigns.
Li Hao remained silent for a moment, then activated the Fengyun sub-mirror.
***
At that moment, across all corners of the world, mirrors hovered aloft, blotting out the sky.
Apart from the newly relocated Great Desolation people, the inhabitants of Heavenly Star were accustomed to the sight. Typically, whenever major events occurred in the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office, messages were broadcast to all regions via the sky screens.
Now, with the mirrors appearing, someone remarked excitedly, "Are they relocating cities again?"
Last time, Li Hao lifting the colossal cities had been broadcast live.
It was then that everyone had witnessed Li Hao's mighty power firsthand.
Some had even appeared on the sky screens.
Presently, entertaining spectacles were rare, so people quickly turned their attention toward the screens. Sky screens were distributed across nearly all major gathering spots, and even some high-ranking figures had smaller screens installed in their estates.
At this moment, great and small alike looked toward the sky screens, waiting for the announcement.
The next instant, Li Hao's visage appeared upon the screens.
The moment they saw Li Hao, everyone grew thrilled.
The Marquis of Silver Moon!
By now, the reverence and faith that hundreds of millions of living beings held for Li Hao had surpassed ordinary bounds. Had Li Hao not refrained from erecting temples, people might have already begun worshiping and offering sacrifices to him.
A new deity would have been born.
In truth, people did worship Li Hao in private. In their eyes, he was no different from a god—even mightier, and more resembling a true deity!
"I am Li Hao!"
His opening words were as familiar as ever.
At this moment, Li Hao remained scholarly, refined, and serene.
"People of Heavenly Star, I ought not take up your time at this moment, for what I am about to say may not concern you greatly..."
At these words, everyone grew even more curious. What could it be?
***
Heavenly Star City.
At this moment, everyone was also watching the sky screen, wondering whether any major event had transpired over the past two days.
Why had Li Hao activated the sky screens?
As they wondered, Li Hao continued, "It is a personal matter... yet it can also be considered public business."
Li Hao showed a faint smile. "On the Haoxing Continent, heaven and earth are reviving. Of the four nations, only Dali still stands apart, yet powerful enemies remain! Not only within this world, but beyond it as well... Two days ago, I slaughtered dozens of Dao Integration experts... who were invading foes!
"However, I sustained non-negligible injuries and will likely need to enter seclusion for a time."
Across the realm, many people immediately showed expressions of worry.
Injured?
Slain dozens of Dao Integration experts?
Heavens!
Where had so many Dao Integration experts come from?
"Martial arts have been passed down for countless ages. These powerful enemies were traitors who rebelled against the Neo-Martial era—the previous glorious age—one hundred thousand years ago! Having cultivated for a hundred thousand years, they are naturally formidable... But that does not matter. I will deal with them myself!
"Two days ago, energy erupted across the world precisely because I slew dozens of Dao Integration experts, unleashing their energy. Sooner or later, they will all be eradicated. They are also resources for our cultivation—the more, the better. My only worry is that there are too few to kill and too few to fuel our cultivation!"
The worried populace felt reassured upon hearing Li Hao's words.
That was true enough.
The Marquis was invincible under heaven. Sweeping all before him along his path, he had shattered the Nine Departments and the Three Great Organizations alike. No matter how formidable the foe, it seemed to amount to nothing before him.
Li Hao continued, "Yet this time, I must enter seclusion for a period... I do not know how long it will take, for I must grow stronger! Only then can I better protect the lands of Haoxing!
"Before that, however, there is one thing I must do..."
Li Hao paused, then smiled faintly. "The people of this world should know Governor-General Lin Hongyu, yes? The lady who has frequently appeared on the sky screens before..."
Everyone froze. Murmurs broke out in various regions. Of course they knew her.
Lin Hongyu had appeared on the sky screens even more often than Li Hao.
At this moment, people wondered why the Marquis of Silver Moon was bringing up Lin Hongyu.
"Lin Hongyu is now the newly appointed Governor-General of the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office. Formerly the master of the City of Supernaturals, she took the initiative to bring a million supernaturals into our Haoxing Continent, making an immense contribution to the peaceful unification of our Heavenly Star people!"
***
Discussions arose on all sides.
At this moment, Director Zhao and the others, including Qian Wuliang and his circle, slightly furrowed their brows.
Highlighting Lin Hongyu's achievements so abruptly at this juncture.
Was this... to grant her greater authority?
Of course, that wouldn't be out of the ordinary.
To Director Zhao and his peers, Lin Hongyu's authority was already immense. As the second Heavenly Star Governor-General following Li Hao, she presided over the Governor-General's Office, and most of the world's armed forces fell under its command.
Strictly speaking, her power surpassed Director Zhao's, making her effectively the preeminent figure in the military.
Some felt envious, such as Qian Wuliang and Chen Zhongtian.
Was she... about to be promoted again?
How could she be promoted any further?
There was nowhere higher to go, was there?
Some covertly glanced at Lin Hongyu. A phase-summary meeting had been underway, only to be interrupted midway when Li Hao activated the sky screens. At the head of the hall, Lin Hongyu sat clad in cyan robes, silent, quietly gazing at the screen.
On the screen, Li Hao smiled softly. "My parents passed away early in my life. My master in martial arts and scholarship... unfortunately departed recently. Perhaps he is in slumber, or perhaps... he has truly perished! To protect heaven and earth and forge peace, many have fallen... My master, my captain and director from my time in Silver Moon, the older brother who sheltered me, and several elders and seniors who cared for me have all died in battle..."
The world fell silent.
Many people had been unaware of all this.
Li Hao spoke softly, "Sacrifice is inevitable... Yet when those who fall are our family, our friends, and our elders, it remains hard to bear.
"Of the Li family, only I remain today!
"The war continues!
"I do not know if I can lead everyone to a brighter dawn! But for the rest of my days, I will keep fighting, striving for Heavenly Star, for this world, for everyone, for all under heaven, and for all living beings, to carve out a future! So that our descendants may cultivate in peace, enjoy prosperity, eat their fill, stay warm, rise above the ordinary, receive an education, broaden their horizons, satisfy their material needs, and attain spiritual fulfillment!
"Perhaps... this is merely a dream... But in this one life, one must have a dream after all! We face many enemies... traitors of Neo-Martial, experts from external realms, and even Sovereigns and World Masters rumored to shatter entire universes with a single fist!
"Heavenly Star is merely a speck in the vast cosmos... Perhaps today you do not understand, but I believe that in the future, everyone will!"
Li Hao said softly, "I say all this to tell you that the war... is far from over! Be mindful of danger in times of peace, and I hope everyone will not forget those who have sacrificed today, including the mighty warriors who died in battle! In life, they might not have cared for such things, but I believe... we ought to remember them!
"And today, I also announce to everyone... that I... am about to wed the Heavenly Star Governor-General, Lin Hongyu..."
*Boom!*
Heaven and earth seemed to shift color!
At that moment, countless auras erupted, instantly shaking heaven and earth.
In Heavenly Star City, surging waves of formidable auras lost control.
Everyone was stunned!
The populace across the world was dazed as well, though their reaction was less extreme.
Li Hao remained serene, smiling softly. "There is no need for shock or surprise... I hope my descendants will live upon this earth alongside all of you, and I hope they too will take up the mantle, generation after generation, safeguarding this world!
"During my seclusion, I worry that disruptions may arise... Therefore, all affairs are temporarily entrusted to Lin Hongyu's charge!
"I believe she has the ability to manage everything well until I emerge!
"In the future, I suppose I may hold a grand wedding for her... Though that remains uncertain for now, and perhaps it will take a long time... From this day forth, Lin Hongyu is my betrothed..."
***
In the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office.
Everyone stared at Lin Hongyu with shock, trembling, bewilderment, fury, knit brows, and disbelief...
Too many emotions collided.
Director Zhao slightly furrowed his brows as well, staring at her, staring at this woman with a hint of disbelief.
*How did you manage this?*
Seeing everyone turn to look at her, Lin Hongyu nodded slightly and offered a faint smile, appearing somewhat shy... Yet no one bought it. All were shaken. How had she accomplished this?
Why would Li Hao publicly announce to the entire world that he was wedding Lin Hongyu?
The two had crossed paths often, but... there had never been the slightest hint of romance.
Granted, there were very few women by Li Hao's side.
The crucial point was... Li Hao was still very young, his great ambition unfulfilled, and he seemed never to have entertained thoughts of romance. This had come far too abruptly!
It wasn't impossible, merely startlingly sudden!
A political marriage?
Did Li Hao need such a thing?
Questions swirled in their minds, leaving them utterly bewildered.
Li Hao's voice continued to resound: "Lin Hongyu shall hold the Haoxing Token! Where the token arrives, it is as though I am present in person! I hope the people of the world can offer understanding and blessings. The sky screens were opened today precisely for this matter..."
With those words, the sky screens vanished.
The world fell quiet.
The next moment, cheers erupted in various quarters, echoing from all directions.
To the common folk... this was genuinely a joyous occasion, leaving little to overthink.
A talented man and a beautiful woman; the Marquis was invincible under heaven, and Governor-General Lin seemed quite capable as well, having once commanded the City of Supernaturals with its million supernaturals. Her presence would be of great benefit in stabilizing the realm for the Marquis. If so... what cause was there to worry?
It was only that the Marquis had repeatedly mentioned entering seclusion, which stirred mild concern.
Furthermore, many women felt a mix of envy, jealousy, and anticipation... In this era, a sovereign like Li Hao was hardly bound to take just one wife. Now that Li Hao was taking a wife and the Marquis had a lady... did that not mean unmarried women across the land all had a chance?
In an instant, countless young maidens felt their hearts flutter.
***
Inside the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office, however, the silence was terrifying.
After a long while, Qian Wuliang's mouth twitched before he finally managed, "Congratulations... Governor-General!"
For a moment, he didn't know how to address her.
Right then, Director Qi drifted in, presenting a token to Lin Hongyu. He said softly, "The Marquis instructed me to deliver this token to the Madam. In addition, the Marquis has entered seclusion and will receive no visitors, preparing to restore his strength for the emergence of the Saints in one month's time!"
He surveyed the room and continued, "Before entering seclusion, the Marquis asked me to convey to everyone that each department should perform its duties. Ordinary powers and responsibilities remain unchanged. However... in critical moments, the Governor-General's Office commands the realm! The Madam has the authority to issue orders and take control of all matters... I hope all of you... will assist the Madam well!"
With that, he drifted away.
The hall remained silent for a breath.
Only then did a chorus of somewhat ragged voices ring out: "We obey the Marquis's command! Felicitations to the Marquis, congratulations to the Governor-General!"
At this moment, more than one person felt deeply conflicted.
Deep in Lin Hongyu's own eyes, the emotion was equally tangled.
He had agreed...
He had announced it to the world!
Yet... even at this moment, Li Hao himself had not come here. It was as though he were saying: *If all you need is a title, then take it!*
Wasn't this precisely what she had wanted?
Yet... why did she feel a pang of reluctance at this moment?
*Li Hao... in your eyes, can even a wife be given away so casually?*
*Have you truly turned demonic and devoid of sentiment?*
*Apart from your parents, your brothers, and your teacher... it seems you have room for no one else, do you?*
*Were my... expectations too high?*
Thoughts raced through her mind. At this moment, those congratulations, those half-hearted well-wishes, sounded slightly grating.
Lin Hongyu showed a faint smile, curtsied slightly, and said softly, "I will still require the utmost assistance of you seniors and colleagues to welcome the light to the Haoxing Continent alongside me!
"The Marquis... the Marquis is in seclusion with powerful enemies lurking on all sides. We must all unite our efforts to combat these formidable foes together!"
As always, Lin Hongyu maintained the address of "Marquis," a faint smile playing across her face. "Without all of you, there would be no Haoxing! I hope that once the Marquis emerges, he will see Haoxing flourish even further! Starting today, I will travel across the Haoxing Continent in the Marquis's name to pacify the realm! I will reassure the relocated peoples of the Great Desolation and Water Cloud, inspect the provinces, and reward those who have rendered meritorious service!
"I invite Director Zhao, Director Wang, Director Chen, and the rest of you to accompany me. The realm now comprises over a hundred provinces; within twenty days, we must accomplish the vital mission of inspecting the realm! Let the people under heaven all know the Marquis's name and the Marquis's merits!"
Everyone's expression shifted slightly.
Was this... asserting dominance?
You're only a betrothed!
Yet... there was no ground to refute her.
Director Zhao slightly furrowed his brow. "Will it not be too rushed to complete the inspection of the entire realm within twenty days..."
Lin Hongyu replied gently, "It will not be too rushed. We are familiar with the central provinces; inspecting three to five provinces a day will pose no problem! The main objective is to extol the Marquis's might and proclaim his name, rewarding meritorious deeds on his behalf!"
She then added, "Furthermore, there is another pressing matter to attend to: erecting temples for the fallen Silver Moon heroes!"
Everyone froze. The Silver Moon martial masters, who had harbored some discontent, were momentarily taken aback.
Lin Hongyu spoke softly, "Southern Fist, Director Hou, Chiliarch Liu Long, Professor Yuan Shuo, Director Yao Si, Secretary-General Yu, Senior Thunderbolt Leg, Senior Golden Spear... These seniors died in battle far away; they should be remembered by all under heaven!"
Sky Sword muttered, "But... earlier... earlier the Marquis said they were merely in slumber. Would erecting temples... be..."
"It will not. Senior Sky Sword need not worry. This is my idea as well, meant to inspire the people's faith and generate the power of belief, making it easier for the Marquis to locate the natal stars of the fallen, slumbering seniors' heroic spirits!"
At these words, many pairs of eyes flickered.
That was true!
Deities could be revived precisely because of their natal stars.
"But... isn't... isn't erecting temples creating gods? The Marquis does not want any more gods..."
"This is not creating gods!" Lin Hongyu shook her head slightly. "These are Merit Temples! Not divine shrines! They are temples to commemorate fallen heroes. Not only those mighty experts, but also the fallen soldiers will be enshrined within!
"Receiving the incense of all living beings does not make them gods; it honors them as meritorious subjects, protectors of the realm!
"Currently, with millions in our supernatural infrastructure corps, I want them to complete the construction of ten thousand temples within twenty days. I want the people under heaven to remember the names of these martyrs and remember their contributions, etching them into memory..."
Everyone pondered this. It was a noble deed!
Originally, before the war had even ended, erecting Merit Temples would have been premature, and no one dared mention it before Li Hao.
Yet now... it sounded wonderful.
Those who had felt slighted suddenly thought... this was truly commendable!
The fallen were their companions; for them to die nameless and unknown was a source of great sorrow.
Yet... erecting temples in their honor and having the realm remember them meant they had truly died a worthy death!
At this point, Sky Sword asked again, "Then... if we die in battle, can we enter the temples as well?"
Many eyes widened at that question.
Did Silver Moon martial masters not seek a lasting reputation in life and after death?
To enjoy ten thousand generations of incense and be remembered by the world after death... this life would not be in vain!
Suddenly, they felt this woman understood them all too well.
Though Li Hao had spoken of leaving their names for eternity, he had never acted on it. Everyone had felt a lingering regret, yet none dared speak openly for fear of angering Li Hao, who remained convinced Yuan Shuo and the others still lived.
Now, with this newly minted Marquis's lady taking the initiative... it was hard not to support her.
Even if Li Hao was displeased... let him settle the score with his wife!
In an instant, the tense atmosphere eased considerably. Even Director Zhao spoke up: "This can be done! I fully support it! Twenty days... is plenty! With supernaturals handling the work, building temples won't take much time! Nor do they need to be extravagant; that doesn't fit our style. Simple and solemn will do. This is a good thing. If we pass away one day and can enter the Merit Temples, it will be... a lasting legacy!"
Everyone nodded in agreement. In that single stroke, Lin Hongyu won their collective approval.
For this alone... her becoming the Marquis's lady was acceptable!
After all, if Li Hao had to marry sooner or later, finding someone entirely unfamiliar or incompetent who only knew how to meddle blindly... would be far more troublesome.
Lin Hongyu might harbor no small ambition, but at least she was genuinely capable.
Lin Hongyu smiled and nodded. "Good, then we shall set to work immediately! With peace reigning across the land and no one causing trouble, we must complete the temples swiftly! Furthermore, twenty days from now, I hope to hold a prayer ceremony for the martyrs... and I hope the people of the world will join us in praying for them!"
She refrained from mentioning anything about resurrection.
A prayer ceremony!
Nor did she speak of inviting people to a wedding or surprising anyone; that would be far too petty. It would do neither her nor Li Hao any favors, merely making her appear self-serving.
She had only brought that up to Li Hao in private.
Now, rallying the realm in the name of praying for the martyrs... carried far greater solemnity and dignity, making it vastly easier to win the world's approval.
Sure enough, not a single person objected to these words; all nodded.
Huang Yu, the commander of the army, nodded repeatedly. "Twenty days from now, with the realm in peace, praying for the fallen martyrs will stoke greater fervor and morale among the soldiers! The military will lend full support... However, will this cause too great a stir? Perhaps having only the military pray would suffice..."
Lin Hongyu shook her head. "No, it would not! The common folk know little of suffering and know not how much we have paid. If they are not involved, how could they comprehend... just how worthy of respect and love these fallen martyrs are? I too hope that if we fall in battle one day, we may enter the temples and have the world pray for us. Perhaps then the Marquis can find us and resurrect us, so we may stand shoulder to shoulder once more to battle across heaven and earth!"
Hearing this, everyone grew solemn and nodded in succession. For the moment, they truly cast aside any petty misgivings about whether she was the Madam.
For Lin Hongyu to value the fallen martyrs so deeply... she was worthy!
To the side, Qian Wuliang glanced at Lin Hongyu. Though he didn't know the exact details... he couldn't help but marvel inwardly at her deft methods!
Truly formidable!
Too many Silver Moon martial masters were straightforward. With just a few words and a simple sequence of maneuvers, she had dispelled all their wariness. As expected of the former master of the City of Supernaturals—her methods were as masterful as ever!
Others secretly marveled as well.
Director Zhao and a few others could vaguely discern that the Merit Temples might not be the primary motive, but even without knowing the specifics, Lin Hongyu was undeniably a woman of great capability.
At this moment, harmony settled over the gathering, and even minor frictions were cast aside.
Lin Hongyu smiled. "Then everyone will have to work hard in the coming days to reassure the populace, stabilize the realm, and oversee the construction of the Merit Temples—not a single martyr must be overlooked! Once all preparations are complete... we shall begin the prayer ceremony. This matter must also be publicized in advance, even printed into booklets to widely circulate the deeds of the fallen martyrs! Their towering merits must not be forgotten! Regarding literacy classes and the Martial Arts Academies, we will trouble Martial Uncle Hong to focus on promoting the martyrs' deeds in the coming days..."
Hong Yitang nodded.
This was an important undertaking. He too hoped Yuan Shuo and the others could be revived. If prayers could stir ripples, produce the power of faith, and help locate their natal stars... that would be wonderful. He had no reason not to support it!
For a time, an air of complete harmony filled the hall.
Soldiers, martial masters, and civil officials alike felt a stirring sense of anticipation.
Lin Hongyu let out a quiet sigh of relief.
This was good!
Looking back at the crowd, she smiled, then turned to gaze toward a distant point. Had Li Hao... truly entered seclusion?
Or was he quietly watching?
Even if that fellow wanted to regret his decision now, it was too late!
***
At that very moment, Li Hao was indeed observing, watching quietly...
After a long time, he patted the Black Panther and said softly, "What a formidable woman! I knew she had other ways; she was just eyeing my body. Look, it wasn't even that complicated—a single Merit Temple practically settled it, and yet..."
"*Woof, woof, woof!*"
The Black Panther barked, as if to say: *Save it! If you weren't willing, who could have forced you? Clearly, you didn't have much objection yourself! Shameless!*
Li Hao laughed and patted the hound once more, sighing with emotion. "Let it be. This is actually quite good. This woman... is sharp! I knew that before, and now that she has the title... I reckon Old Zhao and the others will find it very hard to outmaneuver her."
Shaking his head, Li Hao chuckled again. The next moment, he tore through the void and vanished between heaven and earth, his voice drifting back: "Black Panther, time for us to get to work. Twenty days to lay the groundwork, and twenty days from now... we make our real move!"
"*Woof, woof!*"
"Useless creature who can't even speak... Watch out, or once I take a wife, I'll forget all about my dog..."
"*Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof!*"
The Black Panther's barks turned noticeably frantic. A moment later, man and hound vanished between heaven and earth.
***
Meanwhile, the ripples of this announcement reverberated across the world.
Inside Hurricane City, Zheng Yu was utterly stunned.
Getting married at a time like this?
Li Hao... truly played by no conventional rules.
What was he plotting?
Or... was it genuinely just to get married?
What an eccentric fellow!
Still, it was a good thing. He wanted nothing more than for Li Hao to marry and have children. Ever since Yuan Shuo's death, this man had acted without restraint, like a madman. Getting married now was a blessing for all his enemies!
Lin Hongyu... had better not die. Best if she bore Li Hao a child; otherwise, everyone was going to be driven to their graves by him.
Chapter 375