Chapter 3) Currents in the world

Elder Snow began our lengthy conversation, "The empires in the world have begun their movements."

I maintained an icy expression on my face, though internally, I was surprised. Since the last war between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Lou Empire, they had remained relatively quiet, pretending as though the other empire did not exist. The Spirit Hall had played a part in maintaining this delicate balance in the world.

"The first prince has been accepted as a disciple by the Patriarch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. It is still unclear who, but someone has learned about our method of spiritual evolution. They wish to arrange a meeting for negotiations."

Before I could fully process their words and consider our plans, Elder Ice continued.

"We have also learned that the Star Lou Empire is gathering troops and preparing provisions. It is unknown whether they intend to start another war or not. They also wish to arrange a meeting, presumably because the emperor is dissatisfied with his younger son and daughter-in-law, and he wants to sell them to us in exchange for our resources."

My wife furrowed her brows slightly and spoke, "What a pitiful father and ruler, selling his blood for personal gain."

The elder nodded in agreement. "They have such traditions. For thousands of years, they have killed their siblings for the throne. It is a barbaric practice, but it ensures that the next ruler is always strong and unscrupulous."

Elder Snow interjected once again, "I do not approve of such practices either, but from an outsider's perspective, our practices are no better. Our children, from the ages of 6 to 10, develop independently without their parents, and they continue to grow even after returning to the family. At the age of 16, they must leave again to explore the world, only returning at 18 as fully-fledged adults and members of the clan."

"It was you who proposed this in the sixth meeting. I was not invited to the discussions on the upbringing of the younger generation and did not take part in the decision," Ruiling spoke, her voice tinged with resentment. She had been excluded from those discussions due to her softer nature, despite her return and increased level of power. This had caused some turmoil within the clan for a couple of years, and she still harbored some resentment. However, it was a decision made for the future of the clan, and I couldn't afford to be lenient, even if it meant my child had to endure it.

Elder Ice added, "That is correct. Look at the results. Our young ones are strong, independent, intelligent, and well-mannered. Moreover, through their adventures, our clan not only thrives and prospers but also stays informed about the world, even though we are mostly secluded in the far north."

Yes, the clan encourages its children to embark on journeys to explore the world and to accept children and wandering cultivators with the ice attribute into our clan. However, it is not as simple as it sounds. Those who are invited must sign a special spiritual contract to ensure their loyalty to the clan and to prevent the dissemination of our techniques to the outside world.

I decided to contribute, "We will deal with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan later. Although they are extremely wealthy and well-connected in the world, it will not impact our clan. As for the Star Lou Empire, I hope the elders can attend the meeting and make it clear that we do not involve ourselves in external affairs and have no need for their children."

Elder Snow stated firmly, "We have nothing to negotiate with them. I will attend the meeting and make it clear that we do not interfere in external affairs and have no interest in their children."

The three weaker elders exchanged glances, and one of them spoke up, "Patriarch, you should return to the clan as soon as possible to initiate the children after their spiritual awakening. You should also visit those who have turned 16 and set off on their journeys."

Another elder continued, "You should also inspect the ice fields to ensure proper growth of the iced rice, not to mention the production of ice spirit crystals. Additionally, the Snow Empress has expressed a desire to meet with you. She mentioned that we have passed her trust test and are ready to deepen our trade relations. Furthermore, she wishes to offer a hundred thousand spiritual beasts that have chosen to take human form to be accepted into our clan."

I pondered the information for a moment. "Inform her that I will be pleased to meet with her once the clan affairs are settled. We are also open to accepting all spirit beasts who wish to join us. However, they must still abide by the rules of the clan, which includes undergoing the four-year and two-year training."

The elder nodded in acknowledgment. The last elder then spoke, "The investigations have been completed, and as I was informed, the entire clan territory can now begin construction. According to our calculations, the spiritual energy in the air will increase at least twofold. This will accelerate the growth of all plants and spiritual herbs used for alchemy. It will also enhance the growth of the crystal lotuses, which will purify the spiritual energy. The lotuses are expected to grow at least four times faster, and it is predicted that they may awaken as spiritual plants. In a few hundred years, our territory will be able to cultivate at least ten times faster and more easily."

"If we cannot become gods, then we shall create our own Holy Land. In doing so, it may not be impossible to create a god from the youngest and most talented member of our clan."

This news brought delight to all the elders and my wife, as it meant that even if the Spirit Hall couldn't build the Spirit Elevation Platform, our clan could not only survive but also thrive for the next 10,000 years. Of course, this was assuming that the gods did not intervene. The thought of their interference quickly dampened my spirits.

"Prepare a self-destruct mechanism as well. If the gods cannot tolerate our prosperity and view us as a threat, then we shall take them down with us. It would be preferable if we could also involve the Divine Kingdom in this."

My words caused everyone's brows to furrow, but they couldn't argue with the order. They knew that excessive prosperity breeds hatred and greed, especially when it comes to the gods and their pawns.

Elder Snow spoke, "Such a self-destructive attack would damage the foundation of the Douluo Continent. Our demise would postpone or even permanently prevent the elevation of the entire world."

"I am aware, but I want our clan to be a part of this world. If they don't want that, then they can perish along with us."

My words sent shivers down the spines of my followers, for my spiritual power was being unleashed. At my level, I not only possessed a domain, but my domain could interact with the rules of the entire world, allowing me to exert influence. Such a statement was akin to a threat against the world itself.

It seemed as though the world itself tried to impose restrictions on me due to my intentions. However, it was too late, as even if I couldn't rely on the world's support, my powers were sufficient to make an impact. Realizing this, the restrictions dissipated. But I knew that if the time came for our clan to be nearly destroyed and we had to resort to the self-destruct plan, the world would do everything in its power to prevent it.

"Also, studies of stars and other worlds have brought rather controversial results. If we want to find a new world, we will have to send satellites into space. Not to mention that we may not be able to open the portal due to the influence of the gods or the world itself. There is also a problem with resources and building a portal so that it is stable on the other side. According to our calculations, this is a black hole that will only devour our resources with minimal benefits."

"I'm still sticking to the plan to explore other worlds. Although we won't destroy them to build our divine kingdom, but we can bargain and explore new resources. Which will not only enrich our research potential. But it will also enrich our horizons, thanks to which we will be able to create new cultivation techniques."

"This is true, but for all these benefits, huge investments are needed, which our clan can pull with a stretch, thereby stalling other research."

"Then we can sign an alliance with the Spirit Hall with their resources, research should continue without greatly affecting other research."

The elders talked it over among themselves and came to a consensus. "We need help, but we can get it from the Spirit Beasts. They will be glad of the opportunity to move away from the lands of people and another world sounds like a great alternative. "

"We'll discuss it after I get back."

After talking about a few more small things, I disconnected the connection and continued my way home.