Investiture of the Gods: Childhood Sweetheart Daji, Starting with Quasi-Saint Cultivation

Three days later.

Outside Chaoge City, at the Northern Camp.

On the drill ground, banners fluttered in the wind.

One hundred thousand imperial guards stood in formation, their military bearing impeccable, their chilling aura reaching the heavens.

On the command platform, Su Yunbai, dressed in black armor with a long sword at his waist, swept his gaze across the army formation below.

Huang Feihu and Wen Zhong stood to his left and right, respectively.

Further away, Fei Zhong, You Hun, and a group of officials from the Tian Ce Mansion stood solemnly.

Today marks the first day of military reforms.

Su Yunbai intends to implement a completely new military system here.

"Soldiers."

He spoke, his voice not loud, but it carried clearly throughout the training ground.

"I have summoned you all today to announce three things."

"First, military system reform."

He took out a scroll of military orders and unfolded it.

"From this day forward, the Imperial Guards of Chaoge will be reorganized into three guards: the 'Dragon Soaring,' the 'Tiger Warriors,' and the 'Eagle Soaring,' each with 30,000 men, stationed in the east, south, and north of the city."

"Each garrison is headed by a commander-in-chief and two deputy commanders-in-chief, and each garrison is composed of ten battalions, each with three thousand men."

"A battalion is divided into a squad, a squad is divided into a platoon, and a platoon is divided into a unit."

"Layered control and unified command."

The soldiers listened quietly from below the stage.

They had already heard about these changes.

But when it was actually announced, I was still shocked.

This means that the original organization was disrupted, generals had to be reappointed, and soldiers had to be reorganized.

This will inevitably affect the interests of many people.

"Secondly, the military merit system."

Su Yunbai continued.

"Abolish hereditary military positions; all promotions must be based on military merit."

"Establish a twenty-rank military merit nobility, from 'Gongshi' to 'Chehou,' based on military achievements such as beheading, breaking through enemy lines, being the first to scale enemy lines, and capturing enemy generals."

"For each promotion, one is granted land, houses, slaves, gold, and silver."

"Those who die in battle will receive double the compensation, and their descendants may inherit the title."

These words caused a slight commotion in the audience.

Especially the lower-ranking soldiers, their eyes blazed with fire.

Hereditary military positions mean that no matter how hard they try, it's difficult for them to get ahead.

But the military merit system gave them hope.

As long as you dare to fight, you can be ennobled and change your destiny.

Thirdly, reform of regulations.

Su Yunbai pointed to one side of the training ground.

There, dozens of new pieces of equipment were displayed.

"From today onwards, all guards and battalions shall train according to the newly compiled 'Dragon Martial Arts Manual'."

"The new crossbow has a range of 300 paces and can penetrate heavy armor."

"The new armor is lightweight and durable, making it difficult for swords and arrows to penetrate."

"The new chariots are highly mobile and can be used in formation to charge into enemy lines."

"New siege ladders, battering rams, and catapults tripled the efficiency of siege warfare."

He paused.

"The Three Guards Competition will be held in January."

"The winner will be rewarded with a thousand gold pieces and promoted three ranks."

"Those at the bottom will be disbanded and reorganized, and their generals will be dismissed."

After he finished speaking, the training ground fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone is processing this information.

The changes are too great.

But it's too tempting.

Huang Feihu stepped forward and announced loudly, "I am the Commander of the Dragon Guard!"

Behind him, two generals stepped forward: "This humble general is the Deputy Commander of the Dragon Guard!"

Su Yunbai nodded.

"The Tiger Guard Commander will be Zhang Kui, the former Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards!"

"The Commander-in-Chief of the Eagle Guard will be Zheng Lun, formerly the General of the Cavalry!"

The two men stepped forward, clasped their hands in greeting, and accepted the order.

They were all generals promoted by Wen Zhong, loyal, reliable, and outstanding in ability.

"The deputy commanders, battalion commanders, and squad leaders of each guard shall be nominated by the commanders of each guard within three days and approved by the Tian Ce Prefecture."

Su Yunbai scanned the entire room.

"Any objections?"

No one answered.

"it is good."

He turned around and looked at Wen Zhong.

"Grand Tutor, have you given any instructions?"

Wen Zhong stepped forward, his beard and hair bristling, his voice booming like a bell.

"His Majesty has decreed! Military reform is a matter of national destiny! Anyone who dares to obstruct, feign compliance, or shirk responsibility will be executed!"

"Those who strive to be the best, train diligently, and achieve meritorious service will be richly rewarded!"

"All soldiers, take heed!"

"Yes, sir!" The 100,000 soldiers responded in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.

---

Tiance Mansion.

After the reform order was issued, Su Yunbai returned to his residence.

No sooner had I sat down than Bixiao arrived.

"I heard you were quite impressive at the drill ground today?" she said with a smile.

Su Yunbai pulled her to sit down.

"The news spread so fast?"

"In Chaoge City, who doesn't know that General Su is decisive and efficient, issuing three orders a day to reform the military system?" Bixiao poured him a cup of tea. "When I came over, the people on the street were all talking about it."

"What are you talking about?"

"Some say you are young and promising, others say you are too radical." Bixiao paused, "and some people are secretly spreading rumors that you are undermining Grand Tutor Wen and plotting to seize military power."

Su Yunbai sneered.

"really."

Aren't you worried?

"A mere clown, not worth mentioning," Su Yunbai said. "With military power in hand, the rumors will dissipate on their own."

Bixiao looked at him, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes.

"Yun Bai, you've made too many enemies."

"I know," Su Yunbai said, taking her hand, "but this is the only way."

"The court needs to be cleaned up, the army needs to be reformed, and technology needs to be promoted. Every step will offend a group of people."

"If you hesitate and look back, you will accomplish nothing."

Bixiao sighed softly.

"I'm just worried about you."

"Don't worry," Su Yunbai said with a smile, "I know what I'm doing."

He changed the subject.

"Have the disciples of the Jie Sect arrived yet?"

"We've arrived," Bixiao said. "There are twelve of them, all outer disciples, with cultivation levels between the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages."

"Where is he?"

"They're in my house. Do you want to see them?"

"I want to see him." Su Yunbai stood up. "Let's go."

---

Inside the courtyard.

The twelve disciples of the Jie Sect stood solemnly.

Upon seeing Su Yunbai and Bixiao enter, they all bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, General Su and Senior Sister Bixiao."

Su Yunbai sized them up.

There were both men and women, all quite young, but they had a calm demeanor and clear eyes.

As expected of a disciple of the Jie Sect, although he is an outer disciple, his foundation is solid.

"There's no need for such formalities, everyone."

He walked to the head seat and sat down.

"Bixiao should have told you that I invited you here to help me handle the affairs of Tiance Mansion."

A young man stepped forward.

"May I ask, General, what exactly is this matter?"

"There are three main aspects," Su Yunbai said. "First, assisting the Craftsmen's Bureau—now called the Institute of Manufacturing—in developing new machinery."

"Secondly, to oversee military reforms and prevent any sabotage."

"Thirdly, inspect various regions to ensure the smooth promotion of new agricultural tools and technologies."

He paused.

"Of course, I won't let you work for nothing."

"The Tian Ce Mansion offers salaries and rewards for merit. If there are any resources needed for cultivation, I can provide them, as long as they are reasonable."

The disciples' eyes lit up.

They came to Chaoge for two reasons: first, on the orders of their master, and second, hoping to find some opportunities.

Su Yunbai's words were exactly what they wanted to hear.

"I am ready to obey your orders, General!"

Su Yunbai nodded.

"it is good."

He looked at Bixiao.

"Bixiao, you are in charge of making arrangements for them. First, familiarize them with the situation in Chaoge, and they will officially take office in three days."

"Yes."

Bixiao led her disciples to withdraw.

Su Yunbai sat alone in the hall, his eyes closed in deep thought.

With the arrival of the disciples of the Jie Sect, the problem of insufficient manpower in the Tian Ce Mansion has been initially resolved.

Next, we will fully push forward with the reforms.

---

Seven days later.

Longxiang Health School Ground.

Huang Feihu personally supervised the training.

Three thousand soldiers are practicing a new battle formation.

"Shieldbearers, advance!"

"Archers, prepare!"

"Flanking maneuver of the tanks from both flanks!"

As the command flags waved, the military formations changed rapidly.

Shields like walls, arrows like rain, chariots like dragons.

Their offensive was fierce, and their teamwork was excellent.

Huang Feihu nodded repeatedly as he read.

"This new manual is indeed impressive."

Lieutenant Zhang Kui laughed, "Commander, it's only been seven days, and our combat strength has increased by at least 30%. In the grand competition a month from now, our Dragon Guard will surely win the championship."

Huang Feihu shook his head.

"We must not underestimate our opponents. Zhang Kui of the Tiger Guard and Zheng Lun of the Eagle Guard are no ordinary men."

He looked into the distance.

There, the Tiger Guards were also training.

The shouts of battle were deafening.

"Every guard has put in their best effort for this reform," Huang Feihu said. "If we want to win, we have to be even more ruthless."

"yes!"

---

Tiance Mansion.

Su Yunbai looked at the reports sent from various places.

Jizhou: The adoption rate of curved plows has reached 80%, and the progress of spring plowing has increased fourfold.

Chentang Pass: Waterwheels are in full operation, solving the problem of irrigation in high-altitude areas, and the output of military settlements is expected to quadruple.

Youhun Pass: New textile machines have been put into production, resulting in a surge in cloth production, which has already begun to be exported.

all the best.

But he knew this was just the beginning.

The real test is yet to come.

"General."

Fei Zhong walked in, his expression solemn.

"Dongbo Hou Jiang Huanchu submitted a memorial to plead guilty."

Su Yunbai raised an eyebrow.

"To apologize?"

"Yes." Fei Zhong handed over the memorial, "He said that he had not managed his subordinates strictly, which led to Zhou Ji and others embezzling. He is willing to forfeit his salary for one year and reflect on his mistakes in seclusion for three months."

Su Yunbai took the memorial and glanced at it.

Every word was earnest, and every sentence was filled with self-reproach.

But he understood the deeper meaning behind it.

This is a strategic retreat.

With the fall of Zhou Ji, the lineage of the Marquis of Dongbo suffered heavy losses.

Jiang Huanchu is making a statement, showing weakness, and buying time.

"What did His Majesty say?"

"His Majesty has granted permission," Fei Zhong said. "He also issued an edict to appease him, saying that the Marquis of Dongbo's loyalty is commendable and that a six-month salary deduction would suffice."

Su Yunbai sneered.

King Zhou was trying to maintain a balance.

Suppress some, win over others.

"General, should we..." Fei Zhong gestured.

"No need," Su Yunbai said. "Dongbo Hou cannot be moved now."

Why?

"He is, after all, Queen Jiang's father and the maternal grandfather of His Majesty's two sons," Su Yunbai said calmly. "Pushing him too far will only make things worse."

"That……"

"Let him reflect on his actions behind closed doors," Su Yunbai said. "These three months are enough for us to do a lot of things."

Fei Zhong understood.

"Yes."

After he left, Su Yunbai got up and walked to the window.

Looking eastward.

That's the direction of the Marquis of Dongbo's fiefdom.

"Jiang Huanchu..."

He murmured to himself.

"Reflect on your actions."

"By the time you've thought it through, this Chaoge is no longer the Chaoge it used to be."

---

late at night.

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

King Zhou is practicing the Human Emperor's Technique.

The golden light of merit flowed within his body, the golden elixir spun, and his magical power gradually increased.

Suddenly, a system notification sounded:

[Ding! Military system reform is progressing smoothly, army combat power has increased, and human race's fortune has increased by 500.]

[Current Luck Points: 5500.]

Human Prestige: 85 → 86.

[Recommendation: Accelerating the promotion of technology can further unite the people and enhance the overall fortune.]

King Zhou opened his eyes.

A flash of golden light appeared in his eyes and disappeared.

"My luck has improved again..."

He was in a good mood.

This past month has been the most comfortable period of his life since he transmigrated.

The imperial court is being cleaned up, the military is being reformed, and technology is being promoted.

Everything is getting better.

"System, exchange for the second level of 'Human Emperor's Majesty'."

[Ding! 2000 Luck Points consumed to exchange for 'Human Emperor's Aura (Intermediate)'!]

[Current Luck Points: 3500.]

Increased pressure.

Now, he can suppress Nascent Soul cultivators with just his aura.

If they were in Chaoge, with the help of the nation's fortune, they might even be able to briefly contend with the Great Luo.

"Not enough..."

King Zhou clenched his fist.

"At least be able to protect yourself."

He looked in the direction of Tian Ce Mansion.

"Su Yunbai, you'd better step up your game."

"Once the court is cleaned up and the army is strong, we should..."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"They took the initiative."