Time flies, and six months later
In the Pope Palace, the eight provincial governors, the elders of the Spirit Hall, and the commanders of the Soul Grandmaster legions were all gathered. Today was the day they entered the palace to report on their political affairs.
Every month, Bibi Dong would summon powerful ministers to the Pope's Palace to collect their work progress. It was because of her strict requirements that the newly established Spirit Hall Empire was able to operate smoothly.
No one dared to exaggerate their achievements, because if the Spirit Hall found out, they would be severely punished!
Bibi Dong wore a gilded dragon robe and a crimson phoenix crown, her temperament becoming increasingly noble, and her figure becoming increasingly voluptuous, all thanks to Lin Chen's tutelage.
"Gentlemen, please report on your achievements this month. I hope this will not affect my plans."
Governor Yang Feng of the Central Province stepped forward to report, "Your Majesty, the bureaucratic system of the Central Province is now sound, and the various county lords and city lords are fulfilling their duties and fully cooperating with Ghost Elder to establish the Soul Master Legion."
"Very good." Bibi Dong said calmly, "Next."
"Your Majesty, our Seven Star Province has also basically established a sound system..."
After an incense stick had burned, all eight governors, except for Qian Renxue who was absent, reported on their work progress and achievements for the month. There were good and bad reports, but the differences did not affect the overall operation of the Spirit Hall Empire.
Bibi Dong said expressionlessly, "The overall situation regarding government affairs is acceptable, but the progress of Lord Huyan and Lord Zhu's two major provinces in the Southeast and Jiangnan is somewhat slow. I want to see your results next month."
As soon as the words were spoken, the former sect leader of the Elephant Armor Sect and Zhu Zhengxiong, sweating profusely, hurriedly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
It wasn't that they weren't hardworking, but rather that they lacked the ability. Before becoming governors, one was the head of a sect, and the other was a noble lord who only knew how to amass wealth; how could they possibly understand how to handle government affairs?
Ning Fengzhi and Shui Ningrou didn't quite understand either, but since they all had powerful connections, they didn't need to lift a finger; someone else managed the province perfectly for them.
What do Zhu Zhengxiong and Huyan Zhen have? They only became governors because they clung to the Spirit Hall's coattails. They have no backing, no ability—what use are they?
Therefore, the two of them suddenly felt pressured, and it is estimated that they will intensify their efforts to recruit retainers after returning from this trip, and use the power of the masses to handle the affairs of a province.
They've actually been doing these things, but they haven't allocated enough resources before, which has led to inefficiency. After all, deep down they're still power-hungry and greedy...
A strange light flashed in Bibi Dong's pale purple eyes. "Next is the report from the Soul Master Legion. Yue Guan and Ghost Leopard, you two will begin."
"Yes!"
Ghost Leopard stepped forward first. "Your Majesty, the Central Soul Master Legion has completed its training and now has 10,000 elite troops ready for combat. These Soul Master are all at least Soul Elder. There are also 3,000 new recruits currently undergoing training."
"Hmm, Yue Guan, what about the Hebei Legion?" Bibi Dong said calmly, "In the past six months, besides supporting the Central Legion, most of the Spirit Hall's remaining disciples have been supporting you. Has it reached full strength?"
"Your Majesty, we have reached full strength of 30,000, but..." Yue Guan hesitated for a moment before reporting, "However, the later 8,000 new recruits have not yet completed their training, and their combat effectiveness may be insufficient."
Bibi Dong's cool voice rang out. "That's enough. After all, our enemy isn't very strong."
The remaining Vast Sea Navy and Jiangnan Legion made even slower progress. Without the support of the Spirit Hall, their legions numbered just over 20,000, and some of them were new recruits.
Although there are many Martial Soul Master, it doesn't mean they all want to join the Soul Master Legion. After all, joining the Legion means having to abide by many military rules and regulations, and not to violate the ironclad laws of the Empire, especially the rule against bullying civilians!
Although there are many Soul Master in the Douluo Continent, there are even more ordinary people. These Soul Master who control power are supreme beings in the eyes of ordinary people. Who would be willing to give up their status to join the Soul Master Legion, even if the benefits are very good!
This is the human desire for enjoyment. They cultivate in order to enjoy wealth and glory, so how could they possibly risk their lives for others? Of course, some hope to join the Soul Master Legion because it is relatively safe and offers various benefits. At least for now, no one dares to provoke the Martial Spirit Hall Empire.
No war means no casualties, which means safety and security!
Bibi Dong's cold voice rang out again. "Very good. I am very satisfied with your work this month. In addition to reporting on your work, I have another matter to discuss with you all today."
"Mobilize the army and annihilate the Clear Sky Sect!"
"This..." Ghost Leopard hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Empress, isn't this too early? Our Soul Master Legion has only just been established and is not yet stable internally. Starting a war now might lead to unforeseen circumstances!"
Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly. Although he didn't command the legion, he understood the thoughts of most soldiers. "Empress, the Soul Master Legion has just been formed. Those Soul Master outside the Spirit Hall are not loyal; they are only here for their own interests. If we win the war, that's fine, but if we lose... our newly formed Soul Master Legion is likely to fall apart!"
Huyan Zhen frowned. "Yes, the overall strength of the Clear Sky Sect is quite good. In addition, with the two duchies and four single-attribute sects under their banner, their combined Soul Master army has nearly 20,000 men."
"Hmph!" Bibi Dong scoffed, coldly saying, "A mere 20,000 ragtag troops, do you think they can severely damage our Martial Soul Army?!"
"However, Lord Ning's concerns are not without merit. Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. Ling Yuan and Pufferfish, draw 10,000 elite troops from your two major naval legions, Jiangnan and Vast Sea Navy, and station them in the Central and Liaodong Province (formerly the Heaven Dou Empire )!"
"Plus my Central Soul Master Legion and the 30,000 Lion of Hebei, if we still cannot take down a mere Clear Sky Sect this time, then you may all die for your country!"
Everyone stiffened and quickly bowed, saying, "As you command!"
Meanwhile, the Pope's bedroom
In the master bedroom on the third floor, a handsome young man dressed only in a white bathrobe sat cross-legged on a soft couch, his body surging with terrifying Soul Power.
A moment later, a muffled sound came from his body, followed by an even more vast surge of Soul Power that involuntarily flowed outwards, and his Martial Soul and Soul Ring involuntarily manifested.
A crimson-gold longsword stood upright on his body, emitting bursts of resonance. The entire Spirit Hall, and even the Tool Martial Soul Master of Spirit City, felt an inexplicable fear.
This is the intimidation emanating from the Red Firmament Sword!
At the same time, the nine Soul Ring surrounding him were even more breathtaking. Apart from the first three Soul Ring Soul Ring being black, four of them were red Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, and most importantly, the last two were the legendary crimson gold.
Million-Year Soul Ring!