"If war breaks out, I'll need to hurry and cultivate. I have to improve my personal strength quickly," Huo Yuhao thought.
After continuing his tour of Mingde Hall's soul tool technological developments with Jing Hongchen, Huo Yuhao took his leave from his master.
Upon returning, the first thing Huo Yuhao did was refine a supreme-grade Jade Ice Pill for Meng Hongchen using the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Marrow. The effects were outstanding; after taking the pill, Meng Hongchen immediately entered a deep meditative state.
Huo Yuhao also decided to absorb the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Marrow himself. With nothing else urgent at the moment, it was the perfect opportunity to enhance his personal strength in preparation for the coming war. After leaving a message for his master that both he and Meng Hongchen would be entering closed-door cultivation, he began absorbing the remaining Ice Marrow together with the Skydream Iceworm and Ice Empress, quickly falling into deep meditation.
Just like that, nearly a year passed.
Over the course of that year, the situation in the world changed dramatically.
Sun Moon Empire, Mingdu, Taihe Palace.
Xu Tianran sat upon the dragon throne. Below him, all the ministers knelt solemnly in respectful silence. Ju Zi stood by his side, her gaze brimming with fervent devotion.
"All beloved subjects, you may rise."
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" The ministers stood up, heads bowed, awaiting the day's agenda.
Xu Tianran took a deep breath, his eyes shining with excitement. He had been waiting for this day for a long time.
"Today, I have gathered you all here. I trust you know why. Before speaking of the grand matter, allow me to summarize the achievements we have made since I ascended the throne one year ago."
"First and foremost, the most significant accomplishment is the widespread construction projects across our Sun Moon Empire. Now, the Sun-Moon Power Grid has extended outward from Mingdu, covering more than a dozen major cities, illuminating the lives of countless citizens with unprecedented convenience."
"The initial railway construction is nearing completion. Through soul trains, we can now transport strategic supplies to the eastern frontlines in less than five hours — quantities and speeds far surpassing those of the old horse-drawn methods."
"Furthermore, our highway networks, the modernization of the army's weaponry, the use of sealed milk bottles — all have dramatically expanded our military capabilities. Ordinary citizens can now be equipped with soul engineer gear and charge into battle for the glory of our nation."
"As for the other scientific and technological achievements, they are too numerous to list in detail here."
Xu Tianran paused, his gaze turning toward an elderly man among the ministers.
"And all of this, every last achievement, owes its success to the pillar of our nation, the foundation of our empire — Mingde Hall. Without the technological and engineering blueprints provided by Mingde Hall, our Sun Moon Empire would not stand at the forefront of this era."
"Thus, today, I will confer upon the Hall Master of Mingde Hall, Jing Hongchen, the Sun-Moon Medal of Honor! Without your contributions, there would be no Sun Moon Empire as we know it!"
Supported by Ju Zi, Xu Tianran stood up and began applauding. Thunderous applause filled Taihe Palace, all ministers clapping save for Jing Hongchen himself.
Jing Hongchen, appearing deeply humbled, hurried up the palace steps toward Xu Tianran and bowed low.
"Your Majesty! Your dragon body is still recovering. Please sit, there is no need for such formality. Besides, without Your Majesty's unwavering support for Mingde Hall, this humble subject could not have contributed so greatly to the nation."
Xu Tianran smiled and shook his head. A palace attendant approached with a dazzling medal composed of a golden sun and a silver moon.
Taking the medal, Xu Tianran said, "If I do not personally stand to award you this medal, it would be improper. Raise your head, Hall Master Jing."
Jing Hongchen lifted his head, his eyes filled with gratitude as Xu Tianran pinned the medal to his chest. Only with Ju Zi's support could Xu Tianran maintain his balance long enough to complete the ceremony. Afterward, he slowly sat back down on the dragon throne.
Jing Hongchen bowed once more.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. This humble subject shall continue to dedicate himself to the nation with tireless effort."
Xu Tianran smiled faintly.
"Hall Master Jing, you must prioritize your health. You may return to your seat."
Jing Hongchen stepped back down to the ministers' ranks, under the envious gazes of all. Even the venerable elders of the Worship Hall rarely received such treatment. To stand before the emperor's dragon throne without reprimand — it was an honor beyond honors.
"Now then, moving on to the next matter..."
Just as Xu Tianran prepared to continue, the great doors of Taihe Palace slowly creaked open.
The gathered ministers were shocked. Who would dare interrupt the emperor's audience?
But when they saw who it was, their shock turned into awe.
The newcomer wore a silver dragon robe — the counterpart to the emperor's golden dragon robe — the symbol of the Hall Master of the Worship Hall, the Grand Worshipper.
"The Grand Worshipper!"
"Elder Kong..."
Even Xu Tianran had initially frowned, but the moment he recognized Kong Deming, joy replaced displeasure. Kong Deming's arrival meant something monumental.
Under the watchful eyes of all, Kong Deming stopped beneath the nine steps leading to the throne and bowed slightly.
"Your Majesty, I have just concluded my seclusion and have come to congratulate you on your ascension to the throne."
Xu Tianran quickly responded.
"Elder Kong, please be seated. Seeing you return fills me with immense joy."
His hand gripped the dragon throne tightly, trembling with emotion.
Kong Deming had gone into seclusion to break through to the realm of Super Douluo and tenth-level Soul Engineer. His successful return signaled nothing less than divine favor for the Sun Moon Empire.
Kong Deming nodded and ascended the nine steps, taking his seat on the silver dragon throne beside Xu Tianran — slightly lower than the emperor's.
The ministers below held their breath.
The golden and silver dragon thrones, now both occupied, symbolized an unprecedented moment in the Sun Moon Empire's history.
Something great was about to happen.
"Elder Kong," Xu Tianran asked, struggling to suppress his excitement, "may I ask the outcome of your seclusion?"
Kong Deming responded calmly.
"Your Majesty need not worry. I have successfully advanced to become a Super Douluo and achieved the realm of the tenth-level Soul Engineer."
Gasps of astonishment rippled through the ministers below.
Tenth-level Soul Engineer! Kong Deming had truly stepped into the realm of legends, where no one before him had ever reached.
(End of Chapter)
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