I became the King of Ryukyu

The two walked along the gravel path towards the mountainside, and after a few steps they passed the vegetable garden that had been cleared at the foot of the mountain.

The half-acre plot of land was meticulously prepared, with the earthen mounds perfectly straight, as if drawn with ink lines.

Tender green shoots emerge from the brownish-yellow soil; these are the sprouts of the sown vegetable seeds. The leaves, still glistening with morning dew, tremble gently in the sea breeze.

The field ridges were surrounded by low stone walls, about half a person's height, which blocked the salty and strong winds blowing from the riverbank. At the base of the walls, there were also cut bamboo tubes that led the mountain streams to trickle through each vegetable patch. Even the weeds and pebbles between the patches were picked clean, and there was no trace of the sparseness of the deserted island.

In the corner was a half-basket of colorful empty seashells. It was obvious that Tetsuya had collected them during low tide, and before leaving, he had piled them up into a small stack by the edge of the field, showing off in a childish way.

After walking a short distance through the vegetable garden, you reach a flat platform halfway up the mountain. A wooden and stone altar stands steadily in the center of the platform, with three layers of stone steps that gradually narrow. The sides of the altar are carved with delicate cloud patterns, and the edges are polished to be rounded, giving it a somewhat ancient and dignified appearance.

The various offerings that Little White Dragon had salvaged from the sunken ship were neatly arranged on the offering table in the center.

Large quantities of red copper and white tin ingots, exquisitely crafted mother-of-pearl inlaid black lacquer plates, dozens of well-preserved Ryukyu-style waist knives with simple and ancient patterns, boxes of Southeast Asian sappanwood, exquisite gilded folding fans, and agate trinkets—all were meticulously arranged and categorized.

Although they all bear some signs of seawater immersion and the passage of time, they are still much better than what I could have bought myself.

Master Bai Ling looked up at the sky, his expression suddenly becoming solemn: "My lord, the auspicious time is approaching, please bathe and purify yourself first."

Zheng Yi was led to the natural pool on the island. The water was clear and cool, filled with the scent of grass, trees, and rocks. Several small, silvery-gray fish swam among the rocks, unafraid of anyone approaching, slowly brushing past his ankles. After a quick wash, he returned to the former General's Mansion and changed into the formal attire that Master Bai Ling had bought along the way.

After changing his clothes, Zheng Yi had a sudden urge and secretly slipped into the thatched hut that the old monk next door had built himself.

There was an old-fashioned wardrobe inside.

He quietly opened the wardrobe door, glanced at it, and then quickly slammed it shut.

It's so spicy it hurts my eyes.

This is too much to bear.

This old monk... he's lived most of his life, doesn't he care about anyone in the world?

Zheng Yi paused for two seconds and concluded: It seems there really isn't one.

No wonder people say that the most dangerous people are those who have no weaknesses.

After he changed into a plain dark robe and ascended the altar, Master Bai Ling was already waiting to the side. The old monk had also changed into a faded ancient-style robe, and even his little finger, which he used to unconsciously stick out, was now tucked in tightly, exuding only solemnity.

"The auspicious time has arrived, let us present treasures to the Heavenly Dynasty." His voice was a few decibels deeper than usual as he held three sticks of incense in his hands and handed them to Zheng Yi.

Zheng Yi stepped forward and took the incense stick as instructed. The incense stick burned with pale blue smoke in the wind, drifting towards the sky with the sea breeze. Following the etiquette that Master Bai Ling had taught him beforehand, he bowed three times to the western sky and placed the incense stick steadily in the bronze incense burner in the center of the altar.

As the smoke from the incense rose, the first offering began. Master Bai Ling brought over a bronze goblet filled with Kinmen Kaoliang liquor he had purchased. Zheng Yi held the goblet with his left hand and the body with his right, gently pouring the liquor westward. The clear liquid seeped into the soil before the jar, instantly spreading dark stains. After three rounds of pouring, he placed the empty goblet back on the altar and retreated to his worship seat.

Master Bailing stepped forward, unfurled the yellowed silk scroll in his hand, and began to recite the prayer in a clear voice. His tone was archaic and difficult to pronounce, mostly derived from ancient texts. Zheng Yi only half understood what he was saying, making out phrases like "respectfully informing the superior nation," "blessing my fiefdom," and "peace and tranquility of the seas." The old monk stood ramrod straight, his voice booming, the sea breeze whipping his robes, completely obscuring his usual amiable demeanor.

After the prayer was recited, the second and final offerings were performed. Zheng Yi served wine twice more according to the procedure, bowing to the west each time. As the entire ceremony was completed and he was about to straighten up, he saw the offerings on the altar suddenly emit a faint, shimmering light.

At first, it was just scattered specks of white light, like stars falling on the objects, but soon it merged into a soft glow, enveloping all the offerings. The wind swirled above the altar, and the next second, the entire stream of light rose into the air, transforming into a straight, pale golden ribbon that pierced through the clouds and sped towards the distant western horizon, disappearing into the azure sky in the blink of an eye, leaving not a trace behind.

The altar was empty, with only the incense sticks in the bronze censer still burning, their smoke drifting in the wind. It was as if the streak of light that had just shot through the air was merely an illusion created by the dazzling sunlight.

As the glittering tribute disappeared into the sky, Zheng Yi held his breath for a full three seconds.

Nothing happened.

He couldn't help but frown. Such a grand ceremony, with three bows and nine kowtows, couldn't just end with a "tribute received" receipt, could it? There should at least be some special effects like a golden light shower or a great achievement of divine power.

As if hearing his thoughts, a ripple suddenly spread through the air before him, and a semi-transparent system panel appeared out of thin air, with lines of golden text emerging:

[The tribute is complete. The superior nation is graciously loyal; therefore, you are granted the authority to "proclaim divine decrees" and forever guard the coastal borders.]

[A divine decree: To all those on overseas islands and uncivilized peoples, your words are as if they were imperial edicts. Your persuasive power with these uncivilized peoples has greatly increased. Your words are the will of Heaven; use them with caution.]

[Tip: The success rate of [Imperial Decree] depends on the recipient's mindset and your reputation. Your reputation includes, but is not limited to, your own reputation, the organizations you control, and your alternate accounts.]

The tribute was probably nothing new and of average quality, so the Celestial Empire didn't give any substantial return gift this time. However, Zheng Yi thought the skill "Declaring the Emperor's Will" was quite useful, and a look of joy appeared on his face.

"Congratulations, my lord." Master Bai Ling approached at the opportune moment, her hands clasped together, her orchid-like fingers slightly raised. "The grace of Heaven is boundless, my lord is deeply blessed!"

"Alright, alright," Zheng Yi quickly waved his hand, afraid that if he continued talking, he would pull out women's clothing.

He was now most wary of this old bald monk, who was the most loyal to him. "Pack your things, we're getting ready to go back."

The afternoon classes were two electives: "Marine Ecological Resources" and "An Introduction to Okinawan Folk Culture." Zheng Yi sat in the last row of the lecture hall by the window, his textbook open on the table, pen in hand, looking no different from the other students listening attentively.

But his consciousness had long since sunk into the endless yellow sands of the Gaoliang River.

"kill!"

The shouts of Liao soldiers came from behind, arrows whizzing past his ears. Zheng Yi drove the donkey cart at a brisk and stylish pace.

Unless you're a complete noob, you'll eventually become proficient at playing a Souls-like game after a few hundred tries.

Ahead lies Baigouyi, a pass that cannot be bypassed.