Douluo Continent: The Ice Dragon King Martial Soul, Ma Xiaotao is Addicted

Sun and Moon Empire, Royal Palace.

Inside the magnificent council hall, the air was so heavy it seemed as if you could wring water out of it.

Sunlight streamed through the towering glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light onto the mirror-like gold-brick floor.

Xu Tianran sat upright on the throne. Although there was nothing beneath him, his sharp, hawk-like eyes swept across the area below with a powerful aura.

"Convey my will..."

Xu Tianran's voice was not loud, but it clearly carried to every corner of the hall.

"Effective immediately, conscription will be reinstated throughout the empire."

"All males who are sixteen years of age or older and are physically strong must register at the local conscription office and be selected."

"The original border corps will be doubled in size. In the heart of the empire, all disbanded units must be rebuilt within one month, with new recruits filling the gaps..."

Below the main hall, a group of ministers dressed in magnificent official robes stood with their heads bowed in silence.

This order means that the Empire's massive war machine will operate at an unprecedented speed.

The peaceful days had lasted too long, and the regular legions in many places had long been disbanded, leaving only the necessary border defense forces and the royal guards to protect the royal family.

Now that Xu Tianran is about to bare his fangs to the entire continent, a massive human wave tactic is also an indispensable part of the strategy.

Upon hearing this, the ministers who advocated for war were all filled with excitement, envisioning the wonderful prospect of achieving great deeds and establishing a glorious future.

Some of the peacemakers, on the other hand, had a gloomy look in their eyes, clearly worried about the future of the empire.

After all, war kills people.

If the Sun and Moon Empire wanted to wage war against the three great empires, the price it would have to pay would be extremely heavy.

……

Xu Tianran ignored what the others were thinking.

His gaze slowly moved, finally settling on Jing Hongchen, the head of Mingde Hall.

"Master Jing."

Xu Tianran spoke slowly.

Xu Tianran felt somewhat gratified about Jing Hongchen.

Surprisingly, the other party was able to see the error of his ways and surrender voluntarily, and even provided him with great assistance when he ascended the throne.

Therefore, he still showed considerable respect for Jing Hongchen and the Mingde Hall behind him.

Upon hearing this, Jing Hongchen's heart skipped a beat. He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Your subject is here."

He adopted an extremely humble posture and displayed utmost loyalty.

After all, he was Ye Chen's man, a key pawn lurking beside Xu Tianran. Before Ye Chen gave any new instructions, he had to play the role of Xu Tianran's most loyal and capable henchman.

Xu Tianran was quite satisfied with Jing Hongchen's attitude, so he slowly said, "Soul guides are the lifeblood of the empire and the sharpest weapon on the battlefield. From today onwards, Mingde Hall will put aside all unnecessary research and development and production, concentrate all resources and go all out to manufacture fixed-mount soul guide cannons, preferably level nine fixed-mount soul guide cannons."

"I will provide you with all the resources you need; just go ahead and do it."

Upon hearing this, even those present who were all staunch supporters of Xu Tianran couldn't help but gasp in shock.

Each of the level-nine fixed-position soul-guided shells is a national treasure, with enough power to move mountains and fill seas.

Its manufacturing difficulty and resource consumption far exceed those of ordinary soul tools.

For every level nine fixed-mount soul-guided cannon manufactured, all the nobles and residents of the imperial city have to tighten their belts for a period of time...

If they were to manufacture these at full capacity, their lives would probably be quite difficult.

However, their confidence stems from their level-nine fixed-mount soul-guided cannon.

In any case, as long as we win the war, all the sacrifices will be worthwhile.

Furthermore, Xu Tianran had already made up his mind, and no one could possibly stand up to oppose him.

"Sir, obey the order!"

Jing Hongchen remained very respectful and obedient.

However, he felt a sense of unease. Xu Tianran seemed to be going all in with this move.

If they win, all will be well, but if they lose, the Sun Moon Empire's situation will likely be worse than it was thousands of years ago, and it might even face complete annihilation...

Although he was passionate in his youth, dreaming of creating a super soul tool capable of conquering cities and territories in the future.

Unfortunately, during a continent-wide advanced soul master competition, his dream was shattered by a disciple of Shrek Academy...

Although he is now a level nine Soul Master, he is well aware of the terror of Soul Masters.

For example, Ye Chen...

……

Xu Tianran looked at Jing Hongchen's unwavering loyalty and a deep sense of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

He surveyed the hall, and no one dared to meet his gaze.

Those who can stand here are all the pro-war faction who survived the purge and follow his lead.

Although there were other factions, those guys were relatively honest, and the royal family needed these ministers to do their bidding, so he didn't exterminate them all, but just killed off some of the most stubborn and obstinate ones.

Regardless of the circumstances, the imperial court has now become entirely his personal domain.

"very good."

Xu Tianran nodded slightly. "All departments shall act in accordance with the decree without error. Court adjourned."

"Long live your Majesty!"

The ministers shouted in unison, their voices echoing in the empty hall, then bowed in turn and carefully withdrew from the council hall.

The heavy palace doors slowly closed, shutting out light and sound from the outside world.

……

After the court session, Xu Tianran returned to his study deep within the palace.

There is no resplendent golden palace here, only dark wooden bookshelves, a large desk, a few hardwood chairs, and a huge map of the Sun and Moon Empire hanging on the wall.

The air was filled with a faint scent of ink and a sense of aloof solitude.

The attendant pushing Xu Tianran in his wheelchair moved him to the window and then slowly backed away.

Immediately afterwards, a woman dressed in bright colors walked in silently and stood quietly not far behind him.

It is an orange.

Today, Orange is wearing a light yellow palace dress made of the finest brocade, which is smooth and has a warm luster in the sunlight streaming through the window.

The dress was perfectly tailored, outlining her increasingly mature curves just right.

The waistline is cinched very high, making her figure appear even more slender.

The cuffs and hem of the skirt are embroidered with delicate lotus scroll patterns in the same color silk thread, with fine stitches that exude an understated elegance.

Her long, black hair was not styled into an elaborate bun, but simply tied back and secured with a jade hairpin inlaid with tiny pearls. A few strands of hair fell naturally down her smooth neck, adding a touch of femininity.

Her face was lightly powdered, her lips were a natural rosy red, and she exuded a mature charm, like a fruit that had already been picked.

Xu Tianran turned his wheelchair around and his gaze fell on Ju Zi.

He clearly sensed a change in her demeanor, but didn't think much of it, assuming it was due to her recent studies.

For the past month, he had arranged for oranges to be given to him for intensive military theory indoctrination and training.

In his eyes, during this month of special training, Ju Zi had shed her naivety and immaturity, gained a touch of maturity and composure, and at the same time, she carried an air of authority.

He wanted to forge the orange into the sharpest knife at his side.

At this moment, the orange is only a rough shape; it still has a long way to go before it is fully formed.

However, he will make arrangements for Orange so that Orange, the knife, can be formed as quickly as possible.

(End of this chapter)