I wield power with my innate talents, and forge the Heavenly Court.

Faced with Li Shu's unreasonable demands, Zhang Xianzhong was naturally furious and wished he could take action and suppress Li Shu on the spot.

However, when he thought about what he had seen and heard before, he immediately lost heart.

Let alone the infinitely powerful imperial edict, even with just Li Shu's strength, he wasn't confident of victory.

Therefore, no matter how much dissatisfaction he had, he could only suppress it and keep it to himself.

He didn't care about the lives or deaths of other people.

But he cared deeply about his own life.

His angry resistance now will only hasten his own demise.

"Hehe, Your Excellency is joking. I have no grudges with Your Excellency or the Celestial Dynasty. Why must Your Excellency take my life?"

"Take your life?"

Li Shu looked at Zhang Xianzhong thoughtfully.

So, after the collapse of the golden dragon of national destiny, will the ruler of a country also die?

Indeed, the ruler of a country bears the weight of the nation's destiny and is blessed by it, so naturally he also needs to bear and pay the corresponding price.

Suddenly, Li Shu thought of the Dragon Ball that appeared when Japan's national fortune collapsed, and couldn't help but smile and say:

"Well, it's not that I'm insensitive."

"Since that's the case, why don't you leave the core Dragon Ball behind and give me the rest of the body?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xianzhong paused slightly.

While he wouldn't die if he had the core Dragon Balls, his power would have been greatly reduced and his life force depleted.

At that time, regardless of how much life he has left, just the loss of his power and deterrence might cause his subordinates to rebel against him.

"My lord, if that's the case, my life essence will be severely depleted, and I won't have much time left. It would be no different from simply killing me."

"Oh, then what do you say?"

Seeing Li Shu's gradually cooling expression, Zhang Xianzhong couldn't help but secretly lament his predicament.

However, he had no choice but to agree.

Didn't Li Shu just say that he still has an imperial edict in his hand?

It doesn't need to be as powerful as before; just 30-50% of its former strength would be enough to easily destroy the Great Western Kingdom.

"How about this, I, Wang, will share a portion of the dragon's energy with you, Lord Marquis, to congratulate you on your journey."

"Okay, how much are you going to give me?"

After hearing Zhang Xianzhong's suggestion, Li Shu pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"Three to five percent, no, eighty percent."

Any more, and it will damage Xiao Wang's foundation.
Furthermore, to compensate the Marquis for his losses, I, the young prince, am willing to offer 30% of the dragon's energy annually thereafter to support the Marquis's patrols of the Celestial Empire's coastal defenses.”

Seeing that Li Shu agreed, Zhang Xianzhong hurriedly spoke up and offered the highest price possible.

At this moment, Zhang Xianzhong was extremely frustrated.

Even though it was he who offered up the dragon's energy, he still claimed it was Li Shu's loss because it was too little.

Upon hearing this, Li Shu was overjoyed and couldn't help but laugh as he patted Zhang Xianzhong on the shoulder, almost shattering him.

"Haha, Chief Zhang is indeed sensible."

"Yes, only those from the Celestial Empire can be called emperors."

Finally, Li Shu spoke up again to remind him.

"Ah~? Yes, yes, yes, I understand. I am the King of the Great Western Kingdom."

Zhang Xianzhong was taken aback at first, then nodded repeatedly.

While feeling bitter, there was also a hint of excitement and anticipation in my heart.

He has gained Li Shu's approval.

On this East Sea, his Great Western Kingdom was finally established.

If anything happens, he can always seek help from Li Shu.

Given the dragon's energy as payment, Li Shu would likely not refuse to do some simple favors.

From now on, as long as it doesn't involve the Celestial Empire, his Great Western Kingdom is secure.

"Ok!"

Seeing how shrewd Zhang Xianzhong was, Li Shu couldn't help but nod slightly.

On the other side, as Zhang Xianzhong accepted the title of King of the Great Western Kingdom, his national destiny golden dragon, which was originally a five-clawed golden dragon, instantly lost a toe and let out a low roar.

Although on the surface, its aura of power has not changed.

However, when it comes to the fate of the Celestial Empire, it is naturally at a disadvantage.

In the past, the strength of the Celestial Empire was simply due to the power of the dynasty.

However, at this moment, the two sides naturally have a superior and inferior status in this world.

As the king of the Great Western Kingdom, Zhang Xianzhong was naturally able to sense the changing fortunes of the nation.

However, he had no other choice but to endure it alone.

They even had to console themselves that although they had lost some substance and face, they had at least gained recognition and a legitimate name, so no neighboring country would dare to attack them casually.

However, what he didn't expect, or perhaps deliberately avoided, was that he only received recognition for his manners.

The Celestial Empire, or even any dynasty, never publicly recognized the Great Western Kingdom.

When the time comes, if there is any need, Li Shu's admission will be nothing but empty words.

"Yes, now."

Looking at the incarnation of Zhang Xianzhong, Li Shu reached out and summoned a bright yellow scroll that shone with golden light, which appeared in his hand.

Sensing the immense and irresistible national destiny dragon energy emanating from the scroll, Zhang Xianzhong's lips twitched.

He naturally understood what Li Shu meant.

However, although a decision has already been made.

However, he still found it difficult to let go of the division of the nation's destiny and the dragon's aura.

But now, it's no longer a question of whether he wants to or not; it's a matter of necessity.

In the end, Zhang Xianzhong gritted his teeth and forced a smile as he nodded.

"Xiao Wang understands, Xiao Wang understands."

With a mere thought, Zhang Xianzhong had already withdrawn his avatar.

Above the Great Western Kingdom, the golden dragon of national destiny roared, and with a sudden tremor, it exhaled a cloud of dragon energy containing a dragon pearl. Immediately afterward, the dragon energy circulated and instantly transformed into a smaller version of the golden dragon of national destiny.

The enormous golden dragon symbolizing the nation's destiny let out a mournful roar and slowly swam towards the border where Li Shu was located.

Seeing this scene, Li Shu couldn't help but feel excited and instantly activated and mobilized the dragon energy of the imperial edict.

"Ang~!"

In an instant, a high-pitched and passionate dragon roar resounded, and the golden dragon of national destiny suddenly rushed out. After circling once, it quickly pounced on the golden dragon of national destiny of the Great Western Kingdom and swallowed it whole without any resistance.

In an instant, the imperial edict manifested a golden dragon representing the nation's destiny, which then grew and expanded several times over.

After all, it was merely the dragon energy carried by an imperial edict; though its essence was high, its quantity was not large.

The golden dragon of national fortune that he is now devouring is 80% of the dragon energy accumulated by the Great Western Kingdom over several years, which is naturally far greater than the dragon energy carried by the imperial edict.

Similarly, after devouring the golden dragon of the Great Western Kingdom's national fortune, the golden dragon also showered countless golden rays and bestowed blessings from the divine dragon.

After all, the rules of heaven and earth contained in the golden dragon of national destiny will not dissipate with the division; it's just a matter of how much is contained.

Immediately afterwards, the golden dragon roared excitedly again, circled once, and returned to the imperial edict.

Li Shu could clearly sense that the power contained within the imperial edict had become even stronger.

Without thinking, Li Shu suddenly gave a strange smile.

It should be noted that the dragon energy within the imperial edict is not limitless.

It will gradually weaken with repeated activation and use.

The losses would be even greater, especially after leaving the territory of the Celestial Empire.

But now, he has discovered a bug and an opportunity.

Not only can it replenish and strengthen the dragon energy contained in the imperial edict, but it can also obtain blessings from the divine dragon.

Furthermore, if he activates and uses the imperial edict, consuming the dragon energy contained within it, he can seek out other countries to replenish it.

On the other side, Zhang Xianzhong was in a much worse mood, in fact, extremely so.

The golden dragon representing the nation's destiny above was listless and its size had shrunk several times over.

As a result, Zhang Xianzhong himself also felt physically empty and lacked energy.

However, he still mustered his spirits and looked in Li Shu's direction.

"My lord, I am not feeling well, so I will take my leave now."

"it is good!"

Li Shu nodded, smiling with concern, and said, "Then you should go back and get some rest. You must focus on developing the country."

Only when the country develops and prospers can he reap more national fortune and auspicious energy in the coming year.

"Yes, yes, I've got it."

Although he felt extremely aggrieved, Zhang Xianzhong still nodded repeatedly in assurance.

After regaining his composure, he looked down at the generals below, whose expressions varied yet all seemed filled with worry and concern. Zhang Xianzhong, pale-faced and with greatly diminished strength, sneered inwardly.

Then, Zhang Xianzhong took a deep breath, regulated his breathing slightly, and then smiled and said:
"We have already gained the recognition of the Marquis of Jinghai of the Celestial Dynasty. He has acknowledged our Great Western Kingdom and my identity as the King of Great Western."

As soon as he finished speaking, the generals below all showed slight changes in their expressions, and then joy appeared on their faces.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

"In that case, we won't have to worry about a possible attack from the Great Shun Kingdom."

Originally, there was also Japan, although they were constantly being beaten down by them.

However, their numbers were too small, while Japan was fighting on its own soil and had a population of ten to twenty million.

They may seem to be living a glamorous life, but in reality, they are in great danger.

However, now that Japan itself is on the verge of collapse, they don't need to worry about that anymore.

Therefore, the only country they need to deal with now is the neighboring State of Da Shun.

Of course, what made them happiest was because...

They gained the recognition of Marquis Jinghai, Li Shu. The Celestial Empire, so powerful that it inspired no thought of resistance, should not attack them casually, right?
At the same time, some of their little ideas also vanished in an instant.

Zhang Xianzhong, who had taken in the changes in the expressions of his generals and civil and military officials below, finally felt a sense of relief.

Sure enough, as long as he said those things, the crisis would naturally be resolved.

After all, Li Shu admitted it was him.

If anyone else dares to usurp the throne, they will be slapping Li Shu in the face.

No one can afford this price.

On the other side, looking at the dejected Golden Dragon of the Great Western Kingdom, which seemed to have turned into a tiny bean sprout compared to before, Li Shu couldn't help but twitch his lips slightly.

Except at the very beginning, Zhang Xianzhong had been very cooperative. Wasn't he being too ruthless in reaping the benefits?
However, thinking about what he had gained this time, Li Shu, touching his brow, instantly extinguished and crushed the slight reluctance in his heart.

Having fought so many battles in the north and south, how could he not understand the principle of weakening the enemy and strengthening himself?
As for the present-day Atlantis, it is not an enemy.

Haha, between countries, there are no eternal enemies or friends, only different interests.

Therefore, all countries that are not part of the Celestial Empire are potential enemies.

Grow well.
Li Shu couldn't help but take another deep look at the golden dragon symbolizing the fate of the Great Western Kingdom.

That one glance was enough to make the golden dragon of the Great Western Kingdom let out a low growl of fear and grievance.

"Ouch!"

Sensing all this, Li Shu fell silent for a moment.

Zhang Xianzhong cursed inwardly.

You are the golden dragon of the nation's destiny, not a sick cat.

He completely forgot that the golden dragon symbolizing the nation's destiny is a direct reflection of his character and the national spirit.

If the golden dragon of the nation's destiny shows fear, it indicates the fear of the people and officials of the Great Western Kingdom, as well as the king himself.

"Um"

After withdrawing his gaze and pondering for a moment, Li Shu immediately gave a loud command.

"Everyone, turn right and proceed at full speed towards the northwest."

That place was the location of the Great Shun Kingdom.

With the new Celestial Empire established, all neighboring countries need to be given a warning to keep them in line.

He, Li Shu, as the General Who Guards the Seas of the Celestial Dynasty and a Second-Class Marquis of Pacifying the Seas, has a full obligation to inspect the surrounding maritime nations and make them absorb the dragon's aura to show their submission. (End of Chapter)