The Heaven Dou Empire was one of the two Super Empires on the Douluo Continent. It originally had ten provinces, a vast territory, and hundreds of millions of citizens, making it extremely powerful. However, over time, its dominance declined.
The Empire now controlled only five provinces, losing half of its territory.
The remaining five provinces were under the direct control of four kingdoms and one duchy, still nominally loyal to the Heaven Dou Empire.
However, they had become autonomous "kingdoms within kingdoms" and no longer obeyed the Empire's orders.
The previous Emperor, Xue Ye, was one of the most brilliant rulers in history. He trained hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers and young spirit masters, aiming to defeat the Five Provinces and reclaim the lost provinces. Unfortunately, he failed.
Each of the Five Kingdoms controlled a large province. While no single Kingdom could rival the Heaven Dou Empire, their combined strength made them formidable enough to challenge it. This was the real reason the Empire's rulers failed to reclaim their lost territories.
Now, the Persian Kingdom couldn't contain its greed and ambition. Seizing the opportunity of Fang Xuan's recent ascension, they launched a surprise attack on Norton Province in the north. The Northwestern Army lost thirty to fifty thousand soldiers and was nearly wiped out.
This news spread like wildfire through Heaven Dou City, shaking the entire Empire.
"Did you hear? The Northwestern Army was completely wiped out, and Norton Province has fallen!"
"That despicable Persian Kingdom! How dare they launch a sneak attack? Shameless!"
"Kill them! Destroy the Persian Kingdom!"
The people of the Heaven Dou Empire were outraged. A small kingdom attacking a large Empire was a deep humiliation, and many were furious.
A military conference was held in the imperial palace.
"Your Majesty, an urgent report arrived this morning. The Persian Kingdom has completely occupied Norton Province. Worse, they are advancing into the central region, heading straight for Heaven Dou City!"
Long Dongqiang, one of Fang Xuan's most trusted advisors, reported.
Fang Xuan's eyes narrowed, anger burning in his chest. The Persian Kingdom was just a small nation. If the Empire had left them alone, they should have been grateful. But they dared to launch a sneak attack. Unforgivable!
"Elder Long, how many soldiers does the Persian Kingdom have?" Fang Xuan asked the old man in the red robe.
Since his ascension, Long Dongqiang, the Titled captain of the Judgement Guard, had become one of Fang Xuan's closest advisors and chief steward of the Imperium.
"Your Majesty," Long Dongqiang began, "the Persian Kingdom has gathered an army of one hundred thousand soldiers and three thousand spirit masters. Many of these spirit masters are very powerful. It seems they've been planning this for quite some time."
Fang Xuan drummed his fingers on the armrest of his throne.
"One hundred thousand soldiers and three thousand spirit masters," he muttered.
"How many soldiers do we have?" He directed the question to the nobles assembled below.
The room fell silent. The ministers exchanged uneasy glances.
"What about our spirit master troops?" Fang Xuan pressed.
No one responded to me. Fang Xuan's frustration grew. He slammed his hand down on the Dragon Throne.
"800"
"We have less than a third of their spirit masters! Are you joking? Where are they? Did they run away because of you bastards?!" Fang Xuan shouted.
Long Dongqiang remained stoic, saying nothing. The rest of the Enforcers pretended not to hear. The nobles and ministers shifted uncomfortably, their expressions uneasy.
Finally, someone muttered, "Your Majesty, the Empire had many spirit master troops. But on the day you stormed the palace, they were... all killed by you."
Fang Xuan froze, the reality sinking in.
"Oh, so this is my fault."
Fang Xuan coughed to cover his embarrassment.
He recalled that when he stormed the palace alone, he killed ten people with every step, slaughtering countless enemies. He had killed to his heart's content. But now that he was Emperor, those he had slain were his people!
In the end, Fang Xuan wiped out the Empire's most elite Spirit Master troops, leading to the awkward situation of the Heaven Dou Empire now having only 800 Spirit Masters.
As he realized this, his expression became somewhat comical.
"Pfft … haha!"
At that moment, a golden-haired maid beside him couldn't suppress her laughter, looking at him with amusement.
"What are you laughing at? Go fetch me some water!" Fang Xuan raised his eyebrows and glared at her.
"I! No! Go!" the maid shot back defiantly, glaring at him with wide eyes. Though she was dressed as a maid, her noble aura was unmistakable.
It was Qian Renxue.
Forced to serve as a maid under Fang Xuan's rule, she was furious, and now he wanted her to fetch water. Who did he think he was ordering around?!
She rolled her eyes at him arrogantly, showing her disdain.
His temper is getting worse, Fang Xuan thought, gritting his teeth. He planned to deal with her later.
But for now, he focused on assembling a strong Spirit Master force to fend off the Persian Kingdom.
This wasn't just an ordinary battle it was a war between Spirit Masters. The Persian Kingdom had three thousand spirit Masters, a formidable force. To stand a chance, the Heaven Dou Empire needed a comparable number of Spirit Masters. But right now, they only have 800...
Fang Xuan was concerned. If things got dire, he might have to join the battle himself.
Suddenly, loud laughter echoed from outside the palace.
"Sect Leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, Ning Fengzhi, brings 1,500 Spirit Masters to pledge loyalty to His Majesty!"
Ning Fengzhi entered with a warm smile, his tone light and carefree.
"Junior Sect Leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Tianheng, brings 1,500 Spirit Masters to pledge loyalty to His Majesty!"
Yu Tianheng strode into the palace, grinning. He hadn't seen Fang Xuan in years, and now, with thicker hair and a stronger build, he looked even more powerful than before.
"King Ilya of the Balak Kingdom brings 500 Spirit Masters to pledge loyalty to His Majesty!" Ilya rushed in, her forehead covered in sweat.
"Senior Teacher of Heaven Dou Academy, Dugu Yan, brings 500 Spirit Masters to pledge loyalty to His Majesty!"
Dugu Yan, with her purple hair flowing, swayed gracefully as she entered the hall, throwing a teasing glance at Fang Xuan.
"Good! Thank you, everyone," Fang Xuan said, moving as he looked at the familiar faces below. He smiled brightly, stood from his throne, and declared, "Together, we'll defeat the Persian Kingdom and dominate the Douluo Continent!"