Wei Houran and Zeng Meirong had traveled the ocean for several days before encountering a small island that fit their purpose. The island was only about the same size as the city of Market Square, and its aura was not something of relevance either, but the pair went ahead and surrounded it with formations anyways.
"Are you going to bring the beings from the inner world out now?", Meirong inquired.
"No", he answered, "The inner world is not ready for this world yet. Do you remember how you felt when I brought you out?"
Meirong wrinkled her nose at the memory causing Huoran to laugh.
"If I merge the inner world with this world hastily, many troubles with occur", Huoran stated, "The residents of the inner world will have to adjust to the change like we did, but will also have to deal with curious neighbors coming to see the commotion as well. Also, I would not be surprised if many experience their realm dropping or breaking through at such delicate times."
"Then what is your plan?", Meirong asked.
"The first thing will be the two of us finishing our own adaptation to this world first", Huoran replied, "We might be more comfortable now, but we can polish our cultivation more for better efficiency. Next, I will start introducing the Qi of this world into the inner world, and have my avatar guide everyone in their own cultivation. Finally, when the inner world is ready, I will bring the land and the people out. I do want to minimize the conflict though, so anything not needed will be converted into Qi and refined by me."
Meirong smiled, "This does sound like the best way to handle things."
Huoran smiled back and started to construct a comfortable shelter for the two of them. He was not sure how long it would take, but he wanted to have comfortable surroundings while he accomplished it.
Some time later, Huoran opened his eyes signaling the completion of his latest meditation session. He extended his senses, and quickly found Meirong moving about, most likely training.
"Are you awake?", Huoran heard his wife ask.
"Yes, I have completed the last step", he answered, "If our estimates are correct, it's been five years from when we started."
"Do you need to time to prepare for the final step?", Meirong asked.
"Maybe a few moments, but not too long", Huoran responded, "It will not be as difficult as I originally imagined it would be thanks to your suggestion."
"I just made an observation", Meirong blushed, "The idea was still yours."
"We can both take credit then", Huoran relented, "When I did my first calculations, I had not thought about the residents of the oceans and seas. By infusing the water with the Qi of this world so they naturally adapted, and releasing them into this world in batches easily solved my error."
Although the results of this could not be seen by the people and beasts living on the land, the situation under the water was very different. Multiple wars and conflicts had occurred as the kingdoms, clans, and tribes of the inner world went out to claim their own territories. Huoran did not feel guilty over this because it was bound to happen in the future someday. If he had stayed inside the secret realm for all his life, one day the realm would have burst and the cavern the inner realm was located would become chaotic as new lands and oceans tried to merge with the higher plane. By taking the steps he did, the transition was happening earlier, but relatively more peaceful.
Huoran expanded his divine senses to the same size as the continents of the inner world, and after applying new pressure, every living creature with in range began to excavate with extreme haste. He had no plans to bring the new continents here in their original configuration, instead he arranged everything to resemble what the old super continent most likely looked like.
"I am about to do the transfer", he warned Meirong, "Our protection will hold, but stay here anyways. Once I set everything into place, I need to make sure that the new land properly fuses with this world. Also, all the Late Void Refinement realm seniors who have been held back by the inner world restrictions will mostly likely start their breakthroughs when they appear."
Meirong nodded in understanding, So Huoran floated higher into the sky until he could see the surrounding area. His avatar in the inner world was communicating with everyone inside as he started the countdown.
[10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
Instantly, the tiny island that they had stayed on was surrounded by land. Tens or hundreds of billions of liters of water was displaced, and large waves expanded from epicenter towards the other lands. Huoran could feel the richness of the lands that just appeared, he had personally shifted every spiritual vein or resource from the oceans to the land as the ocean residents were transferred out.
Huoran went to base of the land, and started inspecting the fusion between the land of the inner world and the seabed of the higher realm. As predicted, he could feel multiple sources of heavenly power form as clouds formed over various locations of different regions.
"I hope everyone is able to have a successful breakthrough", he said.
'You did everything you could to prepare them for it', Quanliyuan tried to assure him, 'Ultimately in the end, breakthroughs can only be faced by oneself.'
Huoran continued his current task as it took almost a week to confirm that the inner world had successfully merged with the new world. The clouds had longer disappeared, but Huoran had a rough estimate of who was successful, and who did not make it. As far as he could tell, everyone from Sun & Moon island, the Nanying continent, and the Shuo continent had passed the tribulation successfully. The Wu continent had most of their seniors succeed, but a handful failed as their bodies, minds, and inner worlds became part of the new world. The two other continents had even higher failure rates since their contact with Sun & Moon island was the lowest. Huoran figured seventy percent of the ancient beasts that tried to breakthrough did not succeed, while the southern continent had it the worse at eighty percent.
Huoran had already communicated with the ministry, and they sent guardians to what was now the western coast of the new super continent. Once everything seemed like it was fine, Huoran returned to Meirong.
"Everything went as calculated", He said when he saw her, "What would you like to do now?"
"Let us return to our home", she replied, "Once things settle down, I want to explore the world."
Huoran laughed, "I'm sure many will want to do the same, but let's go home for now."
He brought out their flying ship, and the two got in heading towards Sun & Moon island. It was not very far away from their current position, but when they arrived it was easy to feel the tension as they observed all of the flying navy ships deployed around the island. Huoran had already announced his arrival beforehand, so there were no troubles when they parked their ship above their home before exiting and storing it away.
"I know that the ministry is not panicking, but I should still go see how they are doing", Huoran remarked.
"I will stay and take a break", Meirong told him, "Enjoy your meeting."
Huoran could not help laughing when he heard her teasing him, but he rose into the air and flew through the sky landing near the ministry building.
"The ministers have been expecting you", the receptionist at the front counter said as she saw him enter the building.
"Thank you", Huoran slightly bowed, "I will go meet them now then.
Going through the hallways, he entered the meeting room that he had came to many times in the last few decades feeling nostalgic. As he entered, he recognized all the ministers already seated. When they saw him, they rose and bowed deeply, which he returned.
"I want to congratulate everyone on their breakthroughs", Huoran spoke first.
"Thank you Daoist Wei", three voices answered in return, and Huoran could feel that they had reached the same level as himself.
"Shall we start?", Minister Ye suggested, and everyone began to focus, "As everyone should know by now, we have come to the higher realm successfully. I am not sure how long it will be, but I expect that the more powerful residents will soon arrive to investigate the incident of our appearance. As a result, we have our law enforcement out in full force, though we are doing our best not to overwork them. Three of our ministers, Minister Zel of administration, Minister Yu of Law enforcement, and Minister Alan of commerce were able to succeed in their breakthroughs, and have announced their retirement. So for first order of business, I will introduce our three new ministers who will step up to replace them. First is Minister Tu, who will be our new merfolk representative for the ministry of administration. Next is Minister Zhu who will become the new minister of law enforcement, and finally I introduce Minister Hai who will take over the ministry of commerce."
Everyone started clapping as a quick ceremony took place, the three retiring merfolk ceremonially handed over their authority to their replacements before taking seats on the outside. The three ministers bowed to everyone, and then sat on their new seats at the main table as everyone congratulated them.
"What will you do now that your retired?", Huoran asked the three merfolk.
"We will take turns helping to protect the island", Zel Kaelis replied, "But when it is not my turn, I plan to explore the world."
"Looks like we had the same thought", Huoran laughed, "Are you going to claim some land, and start your own clan?"
"Too be honest, I did think about it", Yu Xiaoyue admitted, "But after running things here for a few decades, and my position in the merfolk kingdom before that, I have decided that I just want to relax for now. I still have time, so maybe it is time to just start a family in a few years. Have you thought about doing the same, Daoist Wei?"
Huoran did not expect this question, but he still answered, "Like you said, maybe in a few years, but exploring this world also sounds good for now."
"What about your wife?", Lan Qinghe asked still trying to tease him.
"I have spoke to her, and she still wants to work on her talisman making", Huoran replied, "Of course, we will still take holidays, but she does enjoy her job and coworkers."
By now it was obvious that the four Celestial Dao realm cultivators were enjoying their own conversation as the ministers continued their meeting.
That was until Minister Ye asked Huoran a question, "How long do you expect before the residents of this world arrive to investigate us?"
"A week at minimum, but I feel a month is more realistic", Huoran answered.
"Why do you feel that way?", Minister Tu asked in surprise.
"Does everyone here remember the state of the inner world before I started introducing the new products?", Huoran asks the room.
Everyone nodded, and Huoran continued, "As you can imagine, the people of this world operate in that same manner. I for see it will take time for all the forces to make their explanation teams, compete with others for claims on looting, and set off. Now that I think about it, even a month feel quick."
As Huoran explained, everyone in the room quickly understood.
"I should clarify that I will no longer try to interfere in the management of the island anymore just like the retired ministers", Huoran stated, "I will also participate in providing security, but I do want to give a suggestion. I do not know if anyone has noticed it yet, but when I brought everyone here, I create a supercontinent. I can tell you that they did not have good luck as many of their leaders failed breaking through. Also, our contact with them has been somewhat limited. While we wait for the eventual exploration teams to show up, we need to strengthen our ties with our new neighbors."
"Daoist Wei gives good advice", Minister Song complimented him, "We already had plans to relaunch our new and improved satellites. Can we ask you to protect one of the regions there?"
"Of course, I will volunteer for the northern region", Huoran replied, "And on that note, I will return home to spend time with my wife before I leave."
Huoran bowed to the ministers followed by the other three retired merfolk who decided to leave with him.
"We should go out and celebrate sometime soon", Yu Xiaoyue suggested as they left the building.
Everyone agreed, and Huoran returned home. Huoran suddenly remembered something so he type a message to his two personal assistants.
(I have returned, sorry for the absence. How about the both of you come here tomorrow. Things will be different soon, and I should discuss how the future will change with it.)
To his surprise, both answered quickly.
(Understood Boss Wei)
Later that evening, he told Meirong about his day.
"What will you do about your assistants?", Meirong inquired.
"I am not sure", he responded, "They have helped me for a long time, but honestly I do not have much for them to do now. I think it best if I give them a respectable retirement bonus so they can pursue their dreams."
"I think they always had the wish to become your concubines", Meirong started teasing him again.
"Perhaps, but I will have to disappoint them", Huoran replied, "Unlike some cultivators, I am satisfied having only one wife."
This caused Meirong to blush, "Why are you talking nonsense?"
"You were having your fun", Huoran countered, "So I decided to have mine. Anyways things will be busy soon, and I will have to guard the west coast for awhile. Maybe two seasons."
"Then perhaps you should leave something with me to think about you while your gone", Meirong said.
"Oh, did you have something in mind?", Huoran asked.
Meirong leaned over and whispered into his ear, "A child."