Chapter 1008: One Hand Covers the Sky

Lei En's words were earth‑shattering.

The Holy Soul Wizards reacted fiercely; their first reaction was refusal, especially the few Dukes who already possessed territories, thinking they would never give up their lands.

Territory is the foundation of power!

Building a Floating City, towers and academies, training students, conducting magical experiments and research, weapons and gear, buying alchemical materials, forming a supernal legion under one's command, paying personnel and procuring equipment, maintenance, and so on—all require money, and a lot of it.

Where does this money come from? Of course, from the territory!

If one lacks territory, must a respectable Holy Soul Wizard resort to hunting demon souls for profit like a soul hunter? Hunting demon souls is time‑consuming and laborious, not as people imagine that slaying a few Saint Rank demon souls will make one rich.

Saint Rank demon souls are valuable, but they have no market and few buyers.

Moreover, they are dangerous; even Holy Soul Wizards cannot guarantee they won't capsize in the gutter—there are too many unknowns in this world.

The only truly profitable ones are legendary demon souls—high price, high demand—but they consume too much time and effort. Hunting demon souls might cover expenses, but it's too arduous and would tarnish a Holy Soul Wizard's noble status.

How can one collect taxes from a territory with ease?

Not to mention, owning territory lets one legitimately assemble a private force; if managed well, the territory becomes a platform for greater influence.

Territory can also confer a dukedom, buy loyalty, and cultivate a band of devoted vassals.

In short, the benefits of territory are countless!

For Holy Soul Wizards, territory is as important as a divine realm is to a deity.

Only those born indifferent to fame and profit, uninterested in building power, believing they cannot manage a territory and unwilling to waste effort, would relinquish a dukedom and land—such as Ouroin Master, Prophet Medif, and Howai Master.

However, upon hearing Lei En's follow‑up, their expressions changed.

When they first gave up their territories, it was partly due to their personalities and other reasons, but there was also some helplessness—abandoning territory meant abandoning the construction of a Floating City.

One can forgo territory, but who doesn't want a Floating City?

A Floating City requires little maintenance; a single person suffices, and it can appear or disappear at will, hidden in any plane. It not only doesn't hinder but places one in an invincible position, allowing one to advance farther on the magical path!

If one need not labor over a territory, one could have a Floating City…

Thirty million Gold Shields!

The Holy Soul Wizards without territory or a Floating City lit up, showing no concealment of their excitement over the proposal.

Prophet Medif was the first to break the silence, "Thirty million Gold Shields is too little."

He dearly wants a Floating City, but lacks talent in administration and is weary of such minutiae, so he had to relinquish his dukedom and territory.

The prophet's remark received agreement.

Sabbath Dean said softly, "Lei En, you know a single Iola Core costs fifty million Gold Shields; add the Floating City's hull construction, at least eighty million Gold Shields, reaching a hundred million is normal. Thirty million Gold Shields is simply insufficient."

The other Holy Soul Wizards were slightly startled, not because the statement was obvious, but because of who said it.

Sabbath Dean!

He holds a dukedom and territory; from his words, does raising the subsidy mean he would abandon his land?

"Sabbath, you must think this through," the Silver Star Duke kindly warned, "The money a territory can earn you far exceeds a hundred million Gold Shields."

"But how many years would it take?" Sabbath smiled calmly, seriously replying, "I only wish to focus on managing Bruvots Academy, being a good dean; I truly lack the energy to run a dukedom, and might even incur losses."

If not for the Floating City, he simply doesn't want territory.

Ouroin Master and Prophet Medif share the same view; Lei En has been observing the Holy Soul Wizards and found two more holding the same stance.

One is Howai Master, unsurprising, as he has been reclusive for years.

The other person, surprisingly, is Ma Youfu!

That is indeed rare.

Add the teachers who already held similar thoughts and Ao Xiliya, plus PurpleFlameDuke Magna, who once owned territory but abandoned it after completing a Floating City; among the fifteen members of the Supreme Council, eight show little interest in territory.

Eight Holy Soul Wizards and Grand Mages sharing this view constitute a majority.

Lei En instantly grasped the situation.

He assessed the situation and immediately asked, "Sabbath Dean, what amount of subsidy increase would be appropriate?"

His suggestion of thirty million Gold Shields was a probe; there was ample room for negotiation.

"I can't say."

Sabbath Dean glanced at the others, about to speak but held back.

Ouroin and Howai were too embarrassed to speak, Ao Xiliya didn't wish to speak, and Ma Youfu wanted to but, being newly entered into the Supreme Council with insufficient seniority and hindered by Duke GreyEagle's clear opposition, ultimately dared not voice anything.

Anxiwodasi had an idea, but after discussing with Lei En, this time he handed the lead to Lei En.

Lei En looked at Medif, "Prophet, your thoughts?"

"One hundred million Gold Shields!"

Medif hardened his resolve and said briskly, "Since compensation is required, let's settle it in one go, so we don't have to scramble for funds."

Everyone's eyelids twitched.

Including Tim*Kenan and Kellstone, the Holy Soul Wizards were all stirred by this massive wealth. The Silver Star Duke and Storm Queen, the sister pair, breathed heavily, their eyes reddening; although they were reluctant to give up territory, the prospect of instantly obtaining a hundred million Gold Shields was not beyond consideration.

"No!" Lei En rejected without hesitation, shaking his head, "The Empire's treasury cannot support such a huge expenditure."

For some reason, the Holy Soul Wizards all exhaled in relief.

Of course there was also a hint of disappointment.

Medif frowned, somewhat unwilling, and said, "I recall the Empire's revenue last year exceeded seven billion Gold Shields; how can it not afford this? Moreover, it's not a lump‑sum payment—spread over the next twenty years, it shouldn't be difficult, right?"

Lei En smiled helplessly.

This prophet truly knows nothing about a nation's economic workings.

The Consul must deliver an annual report each year at both the Empire Council and the Supreme Council; the Empire's fiscal condition is of utmost importance—did Medif not listen attentively?

"Prophet," he could only patiently explain, "The Empire's revenue is large because industrial development rises yearly, but expenditures are larger. Last year revenue was seven billion Gold Shields, while spending reached eight point two billion Gold Shields, leaving an annual deficit of 1.2 billion."

Medif clicked his tongue, "How did it spend so much?"

"Mainly it's my push for industrialization and universal education in the Empire, requiring over two billion Gold Shields annually, with increasing yearly investment. It's all to develop the Empire's strength, and results will appear in the future," Lei En said, not elaborating further, noting it wasn't the time for an annual report, "I'll send you a fiscal report later for your review, Prophet."

"Alright." Prophet Medif's old face flushed red, hearing Lei En's hint that he hadn't listened to the report, "This time I'll look at it seriously."

Lei En did not mention financial difficulties again.

Even if the treasury could provide it, he was unwilling to give.

Since the entire Empire will be mine in the future, the treasury is my own vault; my money—why should I share so much with you?

"One hundred million Gold Shields is indeed too high," Ouroin Master finally spoke, "Holding that much money is also scorching, and behind the scenes countless Empire citizens will curse it."

"Master, what amount would be appropriate?" Lei En asked.

"Too much won't do, too little is far off, so let's compromise," Ouroin, clearly having thought it over, said, "Fifty million Gold Shields then."

This would be just enough to create an Iola Core.

Once the core of Fu Kong Cheng is solved, the outer shell and rune array are no longer that difficult; we can slowly gather materials, and even if the Holy Soul Wizards run out of money, they're not completely destitute—there's always some capital.

"Fine."

Lei En agreed without much thought, adding, "However, the fifty million Gold Shields should be divided into five installments, paying ten million Gold Shields every ten years."

This spreads the expenditure over the next forty years, which the treasury can bear.

In fact, with a little maneuvering—such as issuing government bonds—we could settle the sum within a few years, and it wouldn't place much strain on the Empire's fiscal outlay.

However, Lei En didn't want to hand over the money so quickly.

The variables over the next forty years are huge; by delaying, perhaps the payment could be avoided altogether.

Prophet Medif, Howai Master, and Sabbath Dean all gave slight nods, especially Sabbath Dean, whose excitement was hard to conceal.

Bruworz Academy itself had some accumulation; when it previously took part in the Fu Kong Cheng auction, it could contribute forty million Gold Shields and ten million alchemical materials, with the treasury subsidizing fifty million Gold Shields—already enough to construct a Fu Kong Cheng!

Constructing a Fu Kong Cheng originally takes over thirty years; splitting the payment into multiple installments doesn't affect it at all.

"Then let's set it at fifty million Gold Shields," Lei En organized his thoughts and shouted, "I will have the Finance Department establish a 'Supreme Council Special Fund Group' to handle the allocations for everyone. Members of the Supreme Council will no longer receive fiefs in the future, only nominal Duke titles..."

"Hold on."

This time, Lei En was the one interrupted.

Kaisitong watched coldly for a long while; seeing that he had spearheaded a major Supreme Council reform, which didn't affect him much, yet through this, Lei En gained tremendous prestige and recruited several Holy Soul Wizards.

The crucial point is that Lei En himself need not pay any price.

Lei En already possesses a fief; the so-called 'Supreme Council Special Fund' comes from the Empire, and he doesn't have to give a single copper coin.

Even though the tide has turned, it's unlikely to block the resolution's passage, and Kaisitong does not wish to see Lei En so smug.

He said in a deep voice, "Consul, I fundamentally support your proposal. However, you, as the initiator, are the last Holy Soul Wizard to receive a Duke fief; isn't that hard to persuade the masses? It inevitably raises questions about your motives."

That guy finally spoke up.

Lei En squinted, "Do you think I launched this proposal to suppress rivals?"

"That's what you said yourself," Kaisitong shrugged, "If the Empire's citizens want to think that, there's nothing I can do."

"Hehe…"

Lei En let out a cold laugh, stared at Kaisitong for a few seconds, and remained silent.

The Holy Soul Wizards couldn't help but doubt whether Kaisitong had hit the mark; before that thought faded, Lei En suddenly said, "If you raise no objection, I will also announce something."

"This Supreme Council fief reform, I am the initiator, so I must set an example."

"Everyone."

Lei En looked at the crowd, solemnly stating, "I am willing to relinquish the Osi'an Duke fief, return the land to the Empire, reestablish the Osi'an Province, retain only the Gold Emblem Duke title, and forgo receiving the fifty million Gold Shield special fund."

"Furthermore, I plan to formally annex the Seain Plateau into the Empire before my term ends, split it into three to four provinces, appoint provincial governors, and then submit it to the Supreme Council for a vote."

Upon hearing this, the Holy Soul Wizards were moved.

They not only gave up the fief, but also refused the money.

The Seain Plateau is currently only nominally part of the Empire, but in reality it's Lei En's personal territory; although sparsely populated, the plateau harbors numerous mines whose value is incalculable.

Lei En's light, breezy statements amounted to a loss measured in hundreds of millions.

"Are you crazy?"

The Silver Star Duke screamed out, unable to comprehend at all.

The Storm Queen stared at Lei En, subconsciously biting her lip, feeling that at this moment Lei En was the world's most foolish yet most decisive man.

Ouroin, Howai, Prophet Medif, and the GrandSage all expressed great admiration.

PurpleFlameDuke also cast an incredulous glance at Lei En; Black Robe Duke remained expressionless, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

Ma Youfu's eyes were full of reverence.

Originally, several Holy Soul Wizards had trusted Kaisitong's words, doubting Lei En's selfish motives, but now they are fully convinced.

If this isn't for the Empire's grand development plan, then what purpose could Lei En possibly have?

Lei En is the greatest Consul in history!

Kaisitong was also stunned; this was entirely beyond his expectations.

Putting himself in the same position would mean relinquishing 'Urge City' and the entire Northern Great Prairie, which is absolutely impossible. He seemed to be meeting Lei En for the first time, scrutinized him carefully for a long while, then gave Lei En a heavy nod of respect and had nothing more to say.

Tim*Kenan let out a sigh.

The Holy Soul Wizards and Grand Mages were profoundly shocked; regardless of their stance, they felt respect for Lei En.

Only Anxiwodasi's face remained calm.

Inside, he could only give a wry smile; the benefits Lei En is now abandoning will eventually return to his hands, and even more!

Between Lei En and the teacher were five people, preventing them from seeing each other's expressions, but he could guess the teacher's thoughts at that moment; to avoid prolonged uncertainty, he hurriedly said, "Now we begin the vote, everyone, please raise your hand if you agree with my proposal."

Having said that, he raised his right hand himself.

Also raising a hand was Aoxiliya.

She is the big winner of this Supreme Council reform; not only can she obtain fifty million Gold Shields, Lei En also promised a Star Destroyer.

Sabbath Dean was the third to raise his hand, hardly hesitating, and immediately declared, "I am willing to relinquish the Duke fief, retain only the Blue Oak Duke title, and apply to the Empire for special funding."

Ouroin Master, Prophet Medif, and Howai Master all promptly raised their hands.

"I agree."

PurpleFlameDuke Magna raised her hand to state, her voice coming from beneath the hood: "Consul, I now possess Fu Kong Cheng, but Isrek is no longer my domain; may I apply for this special funding?"

"Of course you may," Lei En replied.

Magna nodded, said nothing further, yet everyone could sense her pleasure.

To receive fifty million Gold Shields outright, who wouldn't be glad?

The next person to raise a hand, seated beside PurpleFlameDuke, was Black Robe Duke Tuzlei, who said calmly: "I relinquish my claim over the Death Forest Sea domain, exchanging it with the Empire for this money."

The expressions of the others were all somewhat strange.

Almost everyone had forgotten that Black Robe Duke also possessed a domain, but his was Death Forest Sea, which did not belong to the Empire and could not be administered. Abandoning a domain that was essentially worthless for fifty million Gold Shields was a pure profit.

Lei En immediately agreed as well.

Black Robe Duke is Augulevi Master's avatar; not to mention fifty million, even if he asked for a hundred million Gold Shields, he would still give them.

Augulevi Master certainly would not lack money, but his statement already clarified his stance.

The allure of fifty million Gold Shields is indeed great!

Tim*Kenan watched Howai Master raise his hand, feeling somewhat conflicted; he hadn't expected the reclusive old Wizard to disregard the Balance faction's stance and also raise his hand. Fortunately, Ma Youfu had also entered the Supreme Council, so the Balance faction wouldn't be left with only the lone Light Rod Commander, sparing him embarrassment...

Then, he saw a slender hand at the far end of the bronze long table rise.

"Ma Youfu!"

Tim*Kenan couldn't help but let out a light shout.

Ma Youfu's gaze flickered briefly; instinctively he wanted to lower his hand, but he immediately steadied it, intending to exercise his rights as Grand Mage.

At first, he also opposed Lei En's proposal.

But after deliberation he found it extremely beneficial to himself.

The original plan was to select the western province of "Sulanye" under Duke Longpis as a domain, then merge it into Flaniss Floating City's influence, handing its administration to the teacher's subordinates; he couldn't get involved and had no desire to invest time and effort.

The domain's revenues would naturally go to Flaniss, leaving him with little profit, and the construction of Fu Kong Cheng remained far off.

Now, exchanging for special funding, those fifty million Gold Shields would belong entirely to him!

Lei En smiled, instantly seeing Ma Youfu's thoughts. The other Holy Soul Wizards also caught on, preparing to watch GreyEagle's joke.

Tim*Kenan's face turned dark, and he remained silent.

After Ma Youfu raised his hand, the affirmative votes reached nine, and the resolution had passed, though the voting procedure was not yet complete.

KangJieladeGreatSage glanced at Anxiwodasi opposite, finding it odd that the old friend had not yet raised his hand, but he still raised his own and said:

"I agree."

The Grand Sage seemed to make a momentous decision, announcing: "I will also relinquish Sunset City, and follow Lei En's approach; I don't need the fifty million Gold Shields—after all, the money isn't lacking, and saving some expenses for the Empire is fine."

KangJieladeGreatSage is a Founding Member of the Supreme Council, senior only to Augulevi Master.

He also holds a ducal title and a domain.

However, people usually address him as "Grand Sage", never using the title "Duke Huangyan"; his domain is Sunset City.

Everyone was astonished, and Kerlston couldn't help but say: "Grand Sage, please reconsider."

If the Grand Sage relinquishes his domain, and Black Robe Duke has already done so, then the Naiser faction would have only him left possessing a domain.

That would be extremely detrimental to the Naiser faction.

KangJieladeGreatSage shook his head decisively, with no intention of changing his mind. He lacks no money; even without a ducal domain, he still controls the "Empire Alchemy Association", one of the Empire's wealthiest forces, and has no concern for alchemists' earning ability.

Lei En was very surprised by the Grand Sage's action, having not anticipated it at all.

He felt both admiration and a bit of shame.

His proposal this time was selfish, truly aimed at "pruning vassals", and he hadn't expected the Grand Sage to truly believe it and make such a great sacrifice.

In the future, when the Grand Sage learns of his ambition, what will he think?

Will he regret?

Or, in a fury, will he fight to the death against him?

Lei En felt guilty, but the arrow was already on the string and had to be released; at this moment he could not let the Grand Sage detect any clue, so he proclaimed with magnanimity: "Thank you, Grand Sage, for setting an example for the Empire's development; the entire Empire will never forget your contribution."

"I am merely learning from you," KangJieladeGreatSage said with a calm smile, showing no concealment of his admiration for Lei En.

"Hehe…"

Anxiwodasi suddenly laughed, and only Lei En could discern the schadenfreude in his laughter.

He said, "I agree. However, I'm not as wealthy as you, KangJieladeGreatSage; Weizelan needs these fifty million Gold Shields."

The debt crisis of Weizelan was well understood by everyone present.

Thus, support for Anxiwodasi was unsurprising; he is Lei En's teacher and the leader of the Mo Du faction, so it would be odd if he opposed the proposal. Anxiwodasi's delayed hand-raising was already odd, and it also put pressure on the remaining two Mo Du members.

Silver Star Duke and Storm Queen have not yet raised their hands.

Although it does not affect the final outcome of the resolution, voting is not merely personal; factional positions must also be considered.

Silver Star Duke showed a reluctant expression.

If it were a few years ago, before she had Fu Kong Cheng, she would certainly have leaned toward approval; but now she already possesses Fu Kong Cheng, and although she owes a huge debt to Aeraslan, her domain is now on the right track, the debt will be repaid eventually, and it will continue to provide steady revenue.

Moreover, the Longshande ducal domain is the foundation of the Silvirie family; besides herself being a duke, the vassals beneath are her offspring.

If she abandons the domain, how will these vassals be dealt with?

Some vassals, relying on noble titles and domains, have entered the Empire Council; without a domain, can they continue as Empire legislators?

"Lei En," Silver Star Duke hesitated, asking, "If I relinquish the Longshande ducal domain, what will happen to Viola's Dong Ting Hu Earl?"

The other Holy Soul Wizards also paid close attention to this issue.

Lei En had already prepared a contingency and replied immediately: "A real noble's domain returned to the Empire can remain as mayor on site, or be reassigned to an equivalent administrative chief, while retaining eligibility for two terms as an Empire legislator. After those two terms expire, you still retain the right to be preferentially nominated for a legislative seat, preserved for a hundred years."

Empire legislative seats are crucial, serving as the main bargaining chip for factions to win hearts, and also the best means to exert influence over the Empire Council.

Lei En promised the nomination right for a hundred years; in general, it would not alter the council's factional structure.

This answer satisfied the Holy Soul wizards.

The Silver Star Duke nodded slightly, pondered for a long time, finally slowly raised his hand and said: "I agree. But I will not relinquish Longshande's duchy. Sorry, Lei En, I must consider those several hundred descendants; the Silverwile family cannot lose its territory."

"I understand, my lady."

Lei En had already guessed her choice.

Seeing that Lei En did not become angry, the Silver Star Duke secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The Storm Queen immediately continued: "The Duchy of Huohawen is a vassal state of the Empire, not a duchy. I am the Queen of Huohawen, not an Imperial Duke. This proposal has nothing to do with me, but I will cast a yes vote for you."

Having said that, she raised her hand.

Lei En nodded: "Thank you, Your Majesty the Queen, for your support."

His gaze swept over both sides of the bronze long table; among the fifteen members of the Supreme Council, only Tim*Kenan and Kailiesitong had not raised their hands.

Not raising a hand means opposition.

Although these two opposing votes were useless and had no effect on the outcome, not raising a hand was their final stubbornness. The two looked at the thirteen raised hands before them, exchanged a glance, both feeling immense pressure; this scene seemed to foreshadow the future layout of the Supreme Council.

Aside from the two faction leaders, the rest of the three major factions in the Supreme Council had now joined the Mo Du camp.

The so-called "Three Titans" now seemed somewhat ridiculous.

The Supreme Council simply had no Three Titans; only Lei En alone could cover the sky with one hand!

Lei En stood up, and under the gaze of all the Holy Soul wizards and Grand Mages, with a solemn expression he loudly declared: "I announce that the resolution has passed!"

(End of chapter)