Hua Fuguang and Hua Lueying were increasingly admiring their own foresight.
If they had chosen to be enemies with Ling Xiao back then, they would have ended up like the One-eyed Pirate Group, the Black Python Clan, or Blue Wave Island!
"Then let us depart together."
The group tidied up briefly and left the blood-soaked Cri City behind.
At this mont, Cri City had already transford into a lifeless ghost town.
Heavenly Dynasty Empire, Divine Capital.
A city as mighty as its na, radiating divine majesty, it gave off an overwhelmingly domineering sense.
Across the Heavenly Dragon Continent, Divine Capital occupied the largest area and was the most prosperous city, boasting not only economic advancent but also the affluent lives of its people.
The people of Divine Capital all practiced martial arts, making it a prevailing trend.
At this ti, several miles outside Divine Capital at Shendu Port, countless citizens were gathered, observing the construction of a stone statue. Hundreds of craftsn were laboring intensively.
Massive construction puppets had also beco incredibly useful tools.
Unlike other nations where people were forcibly conscripted for labor, any project initiated by the Heavenly Dynasty Empire ca with generous compensation for workers.
As such, these undertakings were not considered burdenso to the people but rather stimulated economic developnt.
Take, for instance, the ten-plus-ter-high statue—its construction had provided livelihoods for many sculptors and masons.
The statue depicted a handso face, dressed in military attire—a white robe and cloak—holding a three-foot-long sword while gazing into the distant horizon.
Within those deep-set eyes lay wisdom and unyielding pride.
The figure represented in the statue was none other than the Heavenly Emperor Ling Xiao of the Heavenly Dynasty Empire.
Heavenly Emperor Ling Xiao, commanding the winds and clouds, dominating the Heavenly Dragon Continent—not only had he defeated the True Demon Empire, but he had also repeatedly crushed the Sea Race’s ambitions of restoration.
Throughout the Heavenly Dynasty Empire, though not every location was as prosperous and peaceful as Divine Capital, conditions were undeniably far better than the days when they were oppressed by the True Demon Empire.
Outsiders mocked the people of the Heavenly Dynasty Empire for worshiping such a "naive, young brat."
Yet, the people of the Heavenly Dynasty Empire were proud of this young man.
They cared not about his age; as long as he brought them a better life, he was the best ruler in their hearts.
Thus, anyone who dared insult Ling Xiao within the Heavenly Dynasty Empire rarely t a good end.
Now, the Heavenly Dynasty Empire was united as one, embodying the vitality and drive of a rising nation. Though it still lagged behind both the Phoenix God Empire and Black Crow Empire in various respects, it already rivaled them in sheer land area and population.
Next ca the improvent in both the quality and quantity of martial artists.
Martial strength was the key in the Mysterious World; everything else was supplental.
Otherwise, no matter how wealthy a nation might be, to others, it would simply appear as a tempting piece of at.
Currently, many eyes were fixed upon the Heavenly Dynasty Empire.
Prior to heading to Cri City, Ling Xiao had implented and decreed nurous policies and laws concerning martial artists.
Wu Xiang, as Emperor, had carried them out exceptionally well.
At present, the Heavenly Dynasty Empire boasted three major holy lands for martial arts: the Chosen Academy, the Sky Dynasty Academy, and the Sky Martial Hall, forming a triad of institutions.
Chosen Academy cultivated martial artists;
Sky Dynasty Academy nurtured strategists;
Sky Martial Hall focused on training military leaders.
The division of responsibilities was quite clear.
Martial artists graduating from Chosen Academy usually chose to travel freely rather than entering governnt service, enjoying a greater degree of freedom.
Graduates of Sky Dynasty Academy excelled in intelligence and strategy, becoming brilliant civil officials.
Sky Martial Hall, on the other hand, was dedicated to producing military talent for the Empire’s army.
Of course, after graduating, martial artists weren’t bound to a fixed path; through certain assessnts, they could change their trajectory.
Additionally, Ling Xiao’s twelve-year free martial arts education program enabled many young boys and girls who had previously been unable to access martial arts training to step into the field.
Among them were many with exceptional talent, who lacked only the wealth and influence to learn martial arts.
Such policies benefited not only humans but also so mbers of the Sea Race and even individuals from the Phoenix God Empire, many of whom had settled here.
Although there might still be so discrimination in society, the Heavenly Dynasty Empire imposed severe penalties against discriminatory behavior.
A burgeoning empire, inclusive and upwardly mobile, was steadily moving forward during its formative stage.
It seed that everyone was driven to emulate their Heavenly Emperor—to rise from obscurity as nobody and grow into mighty individuals who stood tall.
Shendu Port served as the primary trade hub between Divine Capital and the Phoenix God Empire. Martial artists and tourists were constantly arriving here.
This made the area particularly lively.
As the towering statue rose slowly under the morning sun, many found themselves overwheld with excitent.
People murmured about their recent progress in martial arts; discussions about flourishing businesses, increased agricultural yields, and the like abounded.
Ultimately, all topics inevitably circled back to Ling Xiao.
"Rumor has it that the legendary King of People was equally brilliant and knowledgeable. Could it be that our Heavenly Emperor shares the sa origins as the King of People, coming from a higher plane of existence? Otherwise, how would he know things that others can’t comprehend?"
"Certainly! With His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor leading us, the Heavenly Dynasty Empire will undoubtedly grow to be as rich and strong as the Phoenix God Empire."
"You’re being too modest! At the very least, we should aim to reach the level of the White Tiger Empire."
Voices of discussion rose and fell, accompanied by constant laughter.
But just then.
The blaring sound of a steam whistle shattered the serene atmosphere.
The sound ca from a magnificent steel vessel, powered entirely by spirit stone energy. It exuded both strength and grandeur.
At the bow of the ship was a striking emblem—a rmaid holding a massive droplet of water—crafted with extraordinary detail, earning admiration from all who saw it.
"Who dares to make such a racket here? Don’t they know this is a restricted sound zone?"
The crowds on the shore erupted in chatter.
"Exactly! By decree of the Heavenly Emperor, this area was designated as a silent zone to prevent disturbance to nearby residents’ daily lives. This blatantly disregards the Emperor’s orders!"
A nearby onlooker responded angrily.
Perhaps it was due to the whistle’s sharpness and extended duration; its sound felt like a funeral knell.
In an instant, all eyes at Shendu Port were drawn to the massive ship.
Standing on the luxurious vessel’s bow were several young n and won, each dressed uniquely, undeniably different from the style of the Heavenly Dynasty Empire.
These young n and won were strikingly attractive—wherever they went, the n were considered handso, and the won stunning.
Even so, one man and one woman stood out conspicuously above the rest.
The man was elegant and refined, with a sharp and handso appearance, yet his eyes carried a venomous glint akin to that of a poisonous snake.
The woman was dignified and glamorous, radiating regal opulence.
Nearby disciples were submissively tending to her—so offering tea, others pouring water—creating an unmistakable atmosphere of queenly authority.
"Senior Brother, Senior Sister, why did we bother coming to this backward place of the Heavenly Dragon Continent? Not only is it outdated, but the martial artist standards are pitifully low—completely pointless,"
remarked a young man, his voice dripping with contempt.
"Exactly! Look at those martial artists on the docks—they’re utterly hopeless. How could Master send us here?"
Another young man voiced his confusion, showing no interest in glancing at the crowd of martial artists again.
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