Beneath the great banner, Huo Yuhao passed down orders for the army to march south, commanding them to reach Star Luo City within half a month.
Storming cities and taking strongholds was no longer difficult for the Heaven Dou army.
The real challenge lay in swiftly absorbing the occupied lands and turning them into a solid part of the empire.
Whether it was Huo Yuhao or the Heaven Dou forces led by Du Busi and Di Tian, they usually camped outside a city for only one night. After leaving behind the necessary personnel to maintain stability and communication spirit tools, they set out again the next day.
The Heaven Dou civil officials following close behind took over the treasuries and storehouses and posted proclamations reassuring the populace, announcing pardons for the defending troops, maintaining order, opening granaries to stabilize prices, and so on.
"All who submit will be pardoned for past offenses."
"All taxes will be reduced or waived for three years under Heaven Dou's new system."
"Open the government granaries and stabilize grain prices. Any unscrupulous merchants hoarding goods to drive up prices will be punished without mercy!"
"Spread the martial way throughout the world and bestow its blessings upon all people. The Basic Qi Refinement Method is hereby released. Regardless of birth, regardless of whether you possess soul power, all may practice it on their own!"
Wherever the central and eastern armies passed, fortified cities either surrendered at the mere approach of their forces or were instantly broken by thunderous measures, unable to mount any effective resistance.
Whenever he encountered defenders stubbornly resisting from their last strongholds, Huo Yuhao would often press down from the heavens with a gigantic hand a full thousand zhang across.
The massive hand hung overhead, blotting out the sky and sun, its shadow