In the outside world, Wang Hui, having returned to his true form, opened his eyes. Subduing a legendary dragon significantly bolstered the Divine Realm's foundation, accelerating its development and contributing to Wang Hui's grand plan to unify the bay world! Moreover, the "Dragon Control Ring" only consumed 5% of his B-grade source energy, a far cry from the at least 30% needed to create a fusion beast, making it highly cost-effective!
"The lifespan of one Dragon Control Ring should last about a dozen micro-years. I'll decide the dragon's fate based on the availability of source energy then..."
As Wang Hui pondered, he harvested all the source energy from the clouds above the bay world.
[Current Available Source Energy] reached B-81%.
Another step closer to his next life advancement!
"Unless some unforeseen circumstance arises, I'll refrain from using my internal power. Tonight, I'll leave you to develop on your own. Tomorrow, after I get the third blind box, I'll plan the next moves..."
Seeing it was late, Wang Hui closed the glass cover of the miniature world, setting it to accelerate.
"After conquering the Kingdom of Storms, the Divine Realm's influence will expand further. And Priest Saliman must gradually take control of the Thunder Kingdom to serve me...
For the furtherance of your god's power, strive harder!"
He stretched, checked that the doors, windows, and the roof of his yard were securely closed, then turned to go back to his bedroom for sleep. Sleeping in his true form was far more satisfying than in his projected form, and it was a good opportunity for the Divine Realm to digest the newly annexed territories, laying the groundwork for future strategies.
...
[Year 13 of the Divine Descent], August 30th.
The defenders of the royal palace of the Kingdom of Storms, fighting to their last, did not receive the good news from the Northwest Sea. Nalan Huaz broke through the palace gates, leading to some being killed and others captured. With King Chardon IX bowing his head in defeat, the entire Kingdom of Storms officially fell under the Divine Realm's dominion!
However, when Nalan Jie and other high-ranking officials of the Divine Realm arrived in the capital, they decided not to completely annihilate this defeated nation. In keeping with the Divine Realm's philosophy of benevolence and peace, despite the Kingdom of Storms' past transgressions, the magnanimous Celestial God would nominally preserve its name, making it a vassal state.
Death could be forgiven, but not the living sins.
King Chardon IX abdicated in disgrace, passing the throne to the seventh prince, more suited for the role, and publicly documenting his numerous decision-making errors, which were disseminated throughout the kingdom. With Justin and others working behind the scenes, detailed accounts of the royal family's arrogance, cruelty, and folly that led to divine retribution spread across towns within days.
At first, the people of the Kingdom of Storms were confused and bewildered, but upon learning these revelations, they quickly understood, feeling immense anger towards the royal family's ignorance and the nobility's inaction.
Fortunately! The Divine Realm acted with fairness and justice, not indulging in widespread plunder or massacre, maintaining strict military discipline. They even supported the reputedly wise and valiant seventh prince to the throne, promising a brighter future for the Kingdom of Storms!
Although these rumors seemed to have emerged only recently, the common folk, unaware of the intricacies, only knew that the once beloved third prince had foolishly opposed the Divine Realm alongside the king, proving himself unworthy. Look at how adept the seventh prince was!
Upon ascending, he expressed goodwill towards the Divine Realm, announcing the adoption of the [Divine Descent Calendar] over the old calendar. September 6th, the day of the old king's abdication, was declared the most significant holiday in the Kingdom of Storms - "Redemption Day"!
On this day, grand banquets were held in every town, free for all to attend, regardless of status, and everyone received "redemption subsidies."
A middle-aged commoner, once a stable hand, sat at a long table, one hand stuffing a fat roasted chicken leg into his mouth while the other clutched a bag of newly received subsidies and Divine Realm plastic currency, his face beaming with joy.
"Praise the Celestial God! Praise the new king! This must be the most memorable redemption in history!"
...
With the implementation of policies agreed upon by Nalan Jie, Zuoqiu Yue, Justin, and others, the atmosphere of war and panic in the Kingdom of Storms was swiftly replaced by jubilant celebrations. The populace unanimously praised the new regime, showing little interest in the disappearance of the old king, Chardon IX, and his lineage.
Occasionally, those well-informed would hear of their fate and merely spit in disdain, muttering that they deserved it!
Those who nearly brought ruin to the entire Kingdom of Storms, now confined or exiled to labor, was a just punishment, wasn't it?
[Year 13 of the Divine Descent], October 25th.
After over a month of hard work by the "Divine Realm Protector" Guluomi and her construction team, all areas damaged by the war in the Kingdom of Storms were restored. The capital, once engulfed in flames, regained its majestic hustle, though King Chardon IX's bloodstains on the walls were deliberately preserved upon the new king's orders.
He wished for all upper and middle echelons to remember this bloody lesson, to avoid repeating the follies of past rulers!
Moreover, with the old nobility purged and their assets seized, the treasury of... no, the Kingdom of Storms was now richer than ever, with numerous key positions left vacant. Through amicable negotiations, it was decided that the Kingdom of Storms required a more thorough redemption from within, thus many mid-level officials from the three tribes were brought in to gradually take over administrative duties.
With the new Court's Second Seat Wizard, Lanon, whom the new king relied on heavily, coordinating the transition, there was no fear that these new administrators would struggle to adapt. After all, he was one of the architects of the "Divine Right of Kings" plan, well-versed in both the Divine Realm's intentions and the situation in the Kingdom of Storms.
Above Lanon, unexpectedly, the title of "Chief Wizard" was bestowed upon Thales-Merlin!
Previously, many hadn't even heard of this name. Merlin, from humble origins, despite his struggles to become a court wizard, was but a minor figure, respected only by young apprentices. Who could have imagined that one day, this worm would turn into a dragon?
On the morning of his investiture, Merlin donned a brand-new tailored wizard robe, heading to the central square of the capital in a carriage, watched with surprise and envy by his neighbors. The herald loudly proclaimed his great deeds, even embellishing his otherwise unremarkable past with a touch of grandeur!
Looking out at the thousands gathered below the podium, Merlin felt as if his body had lost its weight, needing the support of his staff to stand. His gaze swept over the crowd, spotting his family at the forefront.
His wife, son, daughter-in-law, all beaming with pride, even his grandson, cooing and crying in his daughter-in-law's arms, seemed touched by the atmosphere, shedding tears of excitement.
As the new king personally pinned the Chief Wizard's badge on him, Merlin bowed in respect, then waved to the crowd with a smile, their cheers growing louder!
The redemption by the Divine Realm had transformed the fate of this commoner wizard.
He was destined to write new legends.