Chapter 384 Everything Is a New Beginning

The noise grew louder, and by this time everyone had forgotten they were Ninth-order beings; their behavior now differed little from common civilians. Shaoke sat quietly, watching what was happening before him. The Blue-robed Mage occasionally whispered with a few allied organizations, and after more than a magic hour passed, the female Ruler of the Hebrews called for a vote.

Perhaps because everyone had already received the news, most people did not hesitate much during the vote and quickly made their decisions. Only a few rulers hesitated for a long time, and under the gaze of the crowd, some finally expressed approval, while others voiced opposition.

Most organizations supported the establishment of an empire, so the next matter was to discuss the rules after the empire's founding. These rules should differ from those of other empires; otherwise, they might as well not have established an empire at all. Of course, the most important thing now was not to confirm the ruler of the empire, but to establish various broad rules that would remain in effect until the empire's demise.

"Any Eighth-order being of any profession can freely, anytime, and anywhere fly in the sky," a knight stood up, performed a salute to the crowd, and then loudly stated his idea. "No person or organization shall restrict this behavior." After saying this, he sat down. At that moment, no Ninth-order professional opposed it, so this rule was set. A Word Mage chanted in modern magical language, and some golden characters were branded onto a huge stone tablet.

"No nobility shall be allowed here, and merchants shall have no right to cultivate their own family professionals," another mage stood up and continued. "No form of plundering merchants' wealth shall be permitted within the empire; the prices of goods transported by merchants shall not be higher than those in other empires." No one refuted this either, and it was recorded in detail by the Word Mage. Then more people proposed rules.

"When war breaks out, any family or alliance must dispatch professionals to join the war without any reason for delay." … "If there are deserters during the war, the family of the deserter shall be completely destroyed." … "If another empire invades us by force, we shall go to war immediately without any negotiation." One rule after another was established. As time passed, the huge stone tablet became covered with characters, and more stone tablets were brought in as the Word Mages continued their records. Of course, many rules also faced opposition, so the crowd discussed them in detail or created new supplementary clauses. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.

A day and a night passed, and nine stone tablets, each two zhang high and three zhang wide, were used. At this point, the simple rules were mostly set, and for a long time, no one added anything further. During this time, Shaoke kept his eyes closed, sitting there, while the Blue-robed Mage also proposed some rules, but they are not detailed here.

These were more like simple laws than rules. The rulers discussed economics, agriculture, war, literature, and arts, and after another day and night of supplements and revisions, the rule-making temporarily concluded. Now they began to discuss who would control the empire.

Although the empire did not even have a name yet, and the empire's ruler had no authority to control the territories of other organizations and alliances, as development continued, large populations would emerge. By then, the empire's ruler could draw talented children from this vast population base.

"I believe the Hebrews are fully capable of controlling this empire," a seemingly very young person performed a salute and broke the silence. But his suggestion was drowned out by the voices of opposition. Some proposed the Maple Leaf Empire, while others suggested rulers of major nations. For a time, heated discussions erupted in the hall. The rulers of the superpower alliances sat calmly in their chairs, seemingly not hearing the discussions. The Blue-robed Mage frowned deeply, then suddenly stood up and loudly voiced her suggestion. At this moment, everyone's attention fell on her.

"We don't need any ruler. Each of our empire alliances dispatches one representative to station at a location. If there is a matter, all representatives will discuss it, and the majority will follow the minority." After saying this, she looked calmly at the crowd and added, "This discussion cannot be delayed too long, or it will affect the lives of ordinary people." Then she performed a salute and sat down. However, some people still scrutinized the Blue-robed Mage closely. Shaoke suddenly stood up and fixed his gaze on them.

"If you are unsatisfied with this suggestion, you can bring it up now," Shaoke said, touching the black crown on his forehead, and added, "Staring at our ruler like this easily makes me think you want to fight us. Be quiet, mind your own business, and don't interfere with others." After saying this, he glared fiercely at those who had been scrutinizing the Blue-robed Mage, then sat down.

The hall fell into silence. No one expected such blunt words in this setting. A warrior who had been stared at by Shaoke for a long time suddenly stood up, silently looking at Shaoke, but eventually sat down again, closing his eyes and saying nothing.

After a brief silence, it seemed the previous incident had no effect on the crowd, and the discussion resumed. The process was very difficult, and finally, it was decided that the empire would only establish an Empress. This Empress was not hereditary; instead, the alliances would find a female infant with a special constitution and entrust her to the alliance for cultivation. The Empress would be a special representative for interactions between the empire and other empires. Of course, the Empress had other rights, but they are not detailed here.

Although many rulers were dissatisfied with this final decision, none dared to leave. Leaving meant that they and their alliances had given up the right to live in this barren land. At that point, anyone or any alliance could hunt them in this area and gain something—most importantly, the hidden books of a family's secrets.

These trivial matters were discussed for a few more days, while Shaoke remained very calm, having immersed himself in the space of Meditation. The external matters were handled by the Blue-robed Mage.

A month passed, and the empire's founding charter was fully established. Finally, the empire was named the Barbarian Empire because no one could come up with a better name, so this suggestion was adopted.

Of course, after the empire was established, the important task was to build the capital, which had already begun. A stone tablet detailed the situation of the capital. Finally, each ruler summoned almost all Eighth-order and above professionals from their alliances to build it. Others began to search for large numbers of scholars and those skilled in handling government affairs. Of course, urgent training was also an important source.

Nearly a thousand mages floated in the sky. Huge magic arrays were carved on the ground, and large quantities of precious magic materials were piled on them. When everything was ready, the construction of the capital's main body began.

The thousand mages were divided proportionally, and twelve huge magic arrays floated with mages. Shaoke was on one array with Mage Roman. At the magical signal, the mages chanted the same Spell together. At this moment, the earth underwent tremendous changes: twelve mountains rose simultaneously. As the mountains rose, countless magic scripts and arrays appeared from the void and merged into the mountains. The mountains reached thousands of meters high and then stopped. The twelve mountains connected to form a huge plain in the center, and the capital was located within the plain.

After completing this work, the rest was simpler. A large amount of construction materials was transported by mages using space arrays and rings. First, a huge academy was built, capable of accommodating nearly a million people. Then, mages constructed a mage tower filled with books. Large numbers of young people and children were brought here to begin their studies. All study here was free, but after completing their courses, they were obligated to contribute to the empire's construction. These matters no longer concerned Shaoke, and he temporarily returned to his own mage tower.

Ten years passed in a flash. The entire Barbarian Empire underwent tremendous changes. Not only did the population increase significantly, but roads between various settlements were also built. Merchants from other empires began to trade here, making the empire seem normal.

In the year the largest mage tower in the capital was completed, Shaoke received two pieces of good news. One was that Mage Roman was finally pregnant. The other was that the White-robed Cleric had been promoted to an Eighth-order Practitioner. After this promotion, the White-robed Cleric looked much different than before. Some pale golden runes appeared on her body, and her figure was more alluring. Of course, to get the White-robed Cleric pregnant, Shaoke also spent a lot of time working hard on her for the sake of his family.

One day after intimacy, Mage Roman and the Cleric lay in Shaoke's arms, talking. They rarely had such long conversations now because they were all very busy. Shaoke had often participated in the construction of the giant mage tower. Now everything was different; the mage tower was completed, and other matters no longer attracted his attention. He had stayed at home for a long time. But the Blue-robed Mage became busier after the mage tower was completed.

"Xueye, what should we name our child?" Mage Roman stretched her somewhat deformed body comfortably. She had been pregnant for a while, so her figure looked a bit out of shape. The White-robed Cleric lay beside the Female Mage, looking intently at Shaoke, also wanting to hear what name their man would give the child. She was very envious of Mage Roman because the other had gotten pregnant first.

"Mo Yu'er Man," Shaoke thought for a moment and said to Mage Roman. "Just this name. What do you think?" He then patted the White-robed Cleric's cheek, letting her climb onto him, worried she might press on Mage Roman. The White-robed Cleric obediently changed positions, curling silently in Shaoke's arms.

"Hmm," Mage Roman nodded. She had no requirements for the name; it was just a simple symbol. The continuation of her bloodline was the most important thing.

"Xueye, you should go see Lan Wei'er. She hasn't seen you for a long time," the White-robed Cleric moaned again under the mage's teasing. To reduce the physical desire and the Male Mage's actions, she quickly changed the subject. "Lan Wei'er has been in a bad mood lately. She is about to become an Eighth-order Practitioner. I think you should comfort her a bit." After saying this, she straightened her body.

Shaoke nodded, then turned the Cleric over and began his campaign from behind. The Cleric only lowered her head and let out soft cries. Mage Roman, lying beside, touched her belly, her face full of happiness that couldn't be hidden. She seemed not to see Shaoke and the Cleric's actions.

After another round of intimacy, they rested for a while and then went their separate ways. Everyone had their own tasks and couldn't spend too much time in bed. After the two Female Spellcasters left the room, Shaoke sat on the bed, performed his regular meditation, then dressed and went to the place where Lan Wei'er was in seclusion. Here, two Seventh-order mages were permanently stationed outside for protection. Both Seventh-order beings were female.

After opening the stone door, Shaoke entered the room alone, while the two female mages continued guarding outside. The stone door, carved with countless magic scripts and Defensive Magic Arrays, completely blocked the sound from inside. However, through special devices, sound could still be transmitted from inside to outside.

Lan Wei'er, dressed in a blue robe, sat quietly on the bed covered with velvet, reading a book. She didn't notice Shaoke's arrival at all. She kept trying to pronounce words until Shaoke stood silently in front of her, and only then did she notice. Then she threw away the book in her hand and jumped onto Shaoke.

"Father, I thought you weren't coming to see me," she said, then felt something wrong. She jumped off the mage and, seeing that her mother and the White-robed Cleric hadn't come in, she jumped back onto Shaoke, pressing her small mouth against his and beginning to kiss.

"You shouldn't do this," Shaoke gently patted Lan Wei'er's lower back and let her down. "How do you feel now? If you have any questions, you can ask me." He sat down on a chair in front of the writing desk, quietly looking at Lan Wei'er, whose face was flushed.

Lan Wei'er frowned, then took a magic book and came in front of Shaoke, beginning to ask him questions. She knew the man wouldn't stay here long, and she needed to clarify any doubts immediately, or it would affect her future progress.

Explaining spells to Lan Wei'er took more than ten days of Shaoke's time, but he was not annoyed. He explained to her again and again until she had no more questions. Only then did he plan to leave.

"Father, can you stay with me for a few more days?" Lan Wei'er held Shaoke's arm, looking at him like a little girl. She felt very lonely staying alone here. If it weren't for Mage Roman and the White-robed Cleric often visiting her, she wouldn't know if she could stay here long.

Shaoke ruffled Lan Wei'er's hair. "Do you plan to become an ordinary mage like your father?" After saying this, he sat down on the chair, and Lan Wei'er knelt on the ground, placing her head on the mage's knees. She liked this feeling; it had been a long time since she had such close contact with Shaoke.

"No, I plan to change professions and become a special mage," Lan Wei'er said, looking up at Shaoke. Then she buried her head back on the Male Mage's knees, pulling Shaoke's hand to her face. "I'll tell you then." She couldn't help but laugh.

Shaoke touched Lan Wei'er's head and then began to explain some things she should pay attention to in battle. After all, when Lan Wei'er became an Eighth-order Practitioner, she would face some necessary tasks, and battles were inevitable. More importantly, although Lan Wei'er had spent a long time in the Bloody Fortress, she had rarely fought life-and-death battles with mages of the same level, let alone challenging higher levels. Now Shaoke had to instill some combat techniques in her. These techniques were earned by mages with their lives.

At night, Shaoke did not leave as he used to. Under Lan Wei'er's strong request, he rested here. In his feeling, Lan Wei'er curled up obediently in his arms and fell asleep, while Shaoke meditated all night. Although he felt impulses due to Lan Wei'er's body, he did not want to have an overly intimate relationship with her because he and this female mage were father and daughter.

After that, the Blue-robed Mage often sought Shaoke and other Ninth-order beings for discussions about settlement construction. Most importantly, the situation in the capital. They had to arrange for a Ninth-order being to station in the capital for a long time. Only then could the interests of their Blue Feather Empire not be destroyed by other empires and the Wanderer Alliance. After several discussions, the Space Mage who had a good relationship with Mage Meigan stationed in the capital for a long time. Of course, this long-term stationing only lasted a hundred years, and then someone would replace him.

One day, while Shaoke was busy preparing materials for a new spellbook, the Blue-robed Mage came to him alone. After discussing some issues about family construction, she changed the subject. "Mage Xueye, you should go out for a walk instead of staying here for a long time." Then she ignored her image and sat on the ground, casually breaking a twig and drawing strange lines on the ground. "Now that we wanderers have settled here, in a few years, I believe we can travel freely on the territories of other empires without scruples. By then, I won't stay here anymore. I will travel to other empires." After saying this, she closed her eyes, lying lazily on the grass. The dense grass covered her figure, and her tired face now looked much more comfortable.

"Mage Xueye, your wife is pregnant, right? Is it a boy or a girl?" She patted the spot beside her, signaling Shaoke to lie down, but the mage refused. He stood straight, his cloak tightly wrapped around his body. At this moment, the Blue-robed Mage noticed that the strange aura on the mage's body before her had increased even more. This puzzled her, but she didn't ask.

"Girl," Shaoke replied calmly. "We'll talk about everything after the child grows up." He closed his eyes and began to release his powerful mental power to sense the fragments of those Ancient Spellcasters in the world. The Blue-robed Mage shook her head helplessly, then lay on the ground and fell asleep.

Shaoke stood there silently, as if guarding the Blue-robed Mage's safety, or as if continuing his own practice. He did not move from this spot until nightfall, when the Blue-robed Mage woke up. Only then did the male mage end his practice. The Blue-robed Mage let out a low laugh, then suddenly embraced Shaoke and kissed him before quickly leaving and returning to her own mountain.

Shaoke stood there a bit dazed, touching his lips. Then he slowly floated up and hovered in the air. Soon after, Mage Roman, holding the White-robed Cleric, flew out of the mage tower and hovered beside Shaoke. The three of them stayed silently in the air. Finally, Mage Roman broke the silence.

"Your relationship with that Blue-robed Mage is quite good, isn't it?" As she said this, Mage Roman pursed her lips, looking at Shaoke with some dissatisfaction. The White-robed Cleric suddenly jumped from the female mage's arms to Shaoke's side, and after he helped her steady herself, she stuck out her tongue at Mage Roman before burying her head in the male mage's chest.