Lin Yao stood in the council hall of the Heavenly Dou Empire's palace, looking at the mountain of memorials and files in front of him, and let out a long sigh of relief.

The Heavenly Dou Empire has finally been pacified.

The process went much more smoothly than he had anticipated. The Heavenly Dou Empire's royal family was already on its last legs. Although Xue Ke was the empress, she had long been sidelined, and real power in the court had fallen into the hands of those corrupt nobles. When Lin Yao's allied forces arrived at the city gates, those nobles who were usually so arrogant were now like stray dogs. Some fled in panic, some knelt down and begged for mercy, and some even opened the city gates to welcome the allied forces into the city.

Xue Ke was found in her palace. She was sitting by the window, gazing blankly at the withered garden outside. There was no fear or anger on her face, only a deep weariness and relief. When she saw Lin Yao and Qian Renxue enter, she slowly stood up and performed a standard royal curtsy.

"You've come." Her voice was unusually calm. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

Qian Renxue looked at her, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She had infiltrated the Heavenly Dou Empire for many years, living in the palace as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. Back then, Xue Ke was still an innocent and carefree little girl who liked to follow her around calling her "Royal Brother." Now, things had changed. She had reverted to her female identity, while Xue Ke had transformed from a carefree princess into the last empress of a fallen kingdom.

"Xue Ke..." Qian Renxue opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found that she didn't know what to say.

Xue Ke smiled, a smile tinged with bitterness and relief: "No need to comfort me, Qian Renxue. I know the fate of the Tiandou Empire has run its course. Over the years, I've watched those nobles act with impunity, watched the people suffer, and watched the empire decline day by day, yet I've been powerless to stop it. Perhaps, having a different ruler would be a good thing for the people of this land."

Lin Yao stepped forward and solemnly said to her, "I will not mistreat you or your family. You will be treated well, and your life will not change in any way. However, you can no longer be the empress."

Xueke nodded, as if she had expected him to say that: "I know. Actually, not being the empress is a relief for me. I can finally put down this heavy burden and do some things I want to do."

She paused, looked at Qian Renxue, and a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes: "Royal brother—no, I should call you sister now. From now on, I'll be relying on you to protect me."

Qian Renxue was amused by her words, and the heaviness in her heart dissipated somewhat. She stepped forward, took Xue Ke's hand, and said softly, "Don't worry, with me here, no one will dare to bully you."

As for the nobles, Lin Yao showed no mercy. He ordered a thorough investigation into the crimes of all nobles, and those with blood on their hands who had oppressed the people were to be executed in public. For a time, the execution grounds of Tiandou City saw people end their lives daily amidst wails of agony. Those nobles who managed to escape lived in constant fear, dreading that their turn might come one day.

"Killing them all would inevitably result in some wrongful executions, but killing nine out of ten would certainly lead to some mistakes," Lin Yao said expressionlessly, standing on the city wall and watching the scenes unfolding on the execution ground below. Behind him, Ning Fengzhi and Dugu Bo stood side by side, both shivering upon hearing his words. They knew that although this young man usually appeared gentle and harmless, he was more ruthless than anyone else when it came to matters of principle.

Compared to the peaceful handover of power in the Heaven Dou Empire, the resistance in the Star Luo Empire was much fiercer.

Emperor Dai Tianfeng of the Star Luo Empire was a burly, resolute middle-aged man. He had thick black hair, piercing eyes, and exuded an aura of quiet authority. When Lin Yao's allied forces approached the border of the Star Luo Empire, he personally donned his armor and led the main force of the Star Luo Empire, deploying them along the border.

"Lin Yao, you little brat, if you want my Star Luo Empire, you'll have to step over my dead body first!" Dai Tianfeng rode on the back of the Netherworld White Tiger, holding a silver spear, his voice booming like a bell, echoing throughout the entire battlefield.

Standing before the allied forces, Lin Yao looked at the imposing man opposite him and couldn't help but feel a sense of respect. But he knew this was war, a fight to the death. He couldn't abandon his goals because of respect for the enemy.

"Dai Tianfeng, you are no match for me." Lin Yao's voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the entire battlefield. "Surrender, and I can guarantee the safety of you and your family."

"Dream on!" Dai Tianfeng roared, urging the Netherworld White Tiger to charge towards Lin Yao.

The Netherworld White Tiger moved with incredible speed, like a black lightning bolt, reaching Lin Yao in the blink of an eye. It opened its blood-red maw and let out a deafening roar, unleashing a terrifying aura.

Lin Yao stood still, motionless, without even blinking.

Just as the Netherworld White Tiger was about to pounce on him, a jade-green figure suddenly descended from the sky and blocked Lin Yao's path.

"Little one, don't be in such a hurry." Dugu Bo chuckled and stretched out his hand, a cloud of emerald green poisonous mist spreading from his palm, instantly enveloping the Netherworld White Tiger.

The Netherworld White Tiger let out a painful roar, its massive body beginning to sway. A strange green layer appeared on its skin, indicating that poison was corroding its body. Dai Tianfeng felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He hurriedly activated his soul power, trying to dispel the poison, but found it extremely stubborn and impossible to remove.

"Old Poison, well done." Sword Douluo's voice came from the sky, and then a sharp sword intent descended from the sky, slashing straight at Dai Tianfeng.

Although poisoned, Dai Tianfeng's reactions remained swift. He dodged the sword intent with a sidestep, only to find himself surrounded. Bone Douluo's bone dragon emerged from the ground, blocking his retreat; Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shone brightly, providing all-around enhancements to the allied soul masters; Ye Lingling's healing light shone from the rear, ensuring the allied forces' continued combat capability.

"Your Majesty, surrender." A general from the Star Luo Empire knelt before Dai Tianfeng, tears streaming down his face. "We have already lost. Let's not make any more pointless sacrifices."

Looking around at the fallen taxi drivers, the captured generals, and the terrified civilians, Dai Tianfeng felt a deep sense of powerlessness. He knew he had lost, utterly and completely.

He closed his eyes, let out a long sigh, then opened them and looked at Lin Yao: "I surrender. But I have one condition—you cannot harm my family and my people."

Lin Yao nodded: "I promise you."

Dai Tianfeng dismounted, threw the silver spear in his hand to the ground, then knelt on one knee and lowered his proud head.

The Star Luo Empire surrenders.

The victory in the war of unification brought Lin Yao's prestige to its peak on the Douluo Continent. He led Ning Fengzhi, Dugu Bo, and others to Wuhun City, preparing to announce the unification.

On the way, Ning Fengzhi watched Lin Yao's retreating figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He couldn't help but say, "Lin Yao, do you know? The first time I saw you, I felt you were extraordinary. But I never imagined you would achieve what you have today."

Lin Yao turned to look at him and smiled, "Sect Leader Ning, you flatter me. I just did what I should do."

"Something that should be done?" Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Unifying the continent and establishing a new order is not as simple as 'something that should be done.' It requires courage, wisdom, and strength, all three of which are indispensable. And you happen to possess all of them."

Lin Yao did not answer, but looked at the approaching Martial Soul City with a determined gaze.

During this war of unification, Lin Yao's Star Sword absorbed numerous powerful forces—the soldiers' convictions, the people's hopes, and the enemies' fears—and, combined with his own development of power, it slowly evolved into a supreme artifact. Mysterious patterns appeared on the Star Sword's blade, seemingly containing the secrets of the universe. Countless starlight flowed within the sword, like a condensed galaxy.

Lin Yao could feel the connection between himself and the Star Sword growing stronger. This sword was no longer just a weapon; it was more like a part of his body, connected to his mind.

Meanwhile, the power of the Star Body was slowly beginning to unlock. Lin Yao could feel a wondrous change taking place in his body—every cell seemed to be rejoicing, as if celebrating a new life. His power was surging, and his perception of strength was constantly improving.

Unbeknownst to him, deep within the distant Lake of Life, a pair of silver eyes were silently watching him.

That was the Silver Dragon King—the ruler of all soul beasts, an ancient being who once fought alongside the Dragon God. Looking at the increasingly powerful aura emanating from Lin Yao, her heart was filled with astonishment. She could sense that Lin Yao, though not yet a god, already possessed strength exceeding the god-level. How could this be? How could a human be so strong?

She even had a vague feeling that even if she took action herself—possessing the strength of a first-level god who could severely injure a god king—she might not be able to defeat Lin Yao.

"What is the origin of this human?" the Silver Dragon King muttered to himself, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes.

Wuhun City, Angel Temple.

Qian Renxue completed the ninth trial of the angels. In the illusion, she slew Bibi Dong, who was possessed by evil—the woman who had once been her mother but had betrayed and hurt her. When she awoke from the illusion, tear tracks remained on her face. She knew that although it was just an illusion, it was a hurdle she had to overcome. Only by severing ties with the past could she truly embrace the future.

Qian Daoliu stood before her, a relieved smile on his aged face. He said, "Xue'er, you have completed all the trials. Now, only one final step remains before you can inherit the Angelic Godhood."

"The final step?" Qian Renxue raised her head and looked at Qian Daoliu.

Qian Daoliu nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Yes. The final step is my sacrifice. Only through my sacrifice can you obtain the complete angelic divine position."

Qian Renxue was stunned. Looking at Qian Daoliu's aged face and the resolute look in his eyes, an indescribable sorrow welled up in her heart. She knew that Qian Daoliu had waited far too long for this day. She also knew that Qian Daoliu was truly willing to sacrifice himself for her. But she didn't want to lose him.

"No, Grandpa, I don't want you to be sacrificed." Qian Renxue shook her head, her voice trembling slightly. "There must be other ways."

Qian Daoliu sighed and reached out to stroke Qian Renxue's hair: "Silly child, this is the rule passed down by the Angel God, and there is no way to change it."

"I have a way." A voice suddenly came from outside the hall.

Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu turned their heads at the same time, only to see Lin Yao stride in. He walked to Qian Renxue's side, took her hand, and then looked at Qian Daoliu: "I have a way to make her a god without sacrifice."

Qian Daoliu was taken aback: "What method?"

Lin Yao didn't answer. Instead, he stretched out his hand, and a dazzling starlight appeared in his palm. The starlight was pure and bright, as if it contained the primordial power of the universe. He looked at Qian Daoliu and said, "I will use my stellar power to replicate your power and then transfer it into Qian Renxue's body. In this way, you won't need to make a sacrifice, and she can obtain a complete divine position."

Qian Daoliu stared wide-eyed at Lin Yao in disbelief: "This... how is this possible? Replicating my power? I've never heard of such a thing before."

"Just because you haven't heard of something doesn't mean it doesn't exist." Lin Yao smiled and then channeled the starlight in his hand into the Thousand Streams of Fluid.

Qian Daoliu's body began to glow. He could feel a strange power flowing within him, replicating the angelic power within him bit by bit. That replicated power, through Lin Yao's star power, was guided into Qian Renxue's body.

Qian Renxue's body also began to glow. She could feel a vast power gathering within her, filling the void in her divine position. Behind her, a pair of golden wings slowly unfurled, radiating a divine light.

When the light faded, Qian Daoliu remained standing, unharmed. Qian Renxue, however, had successfully inherited the Angelic Godhood. Her aura had surpassed human limits, stepping into the realm of gods.

Qian Daoliu looked at Qian Renxue, his eyes filled with relief and gratitude. He turned to Lin Yao and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Lin Yao. You saved Xue'er, and you saved me too."

Lin Yao helped him up and said with a smile, "We're all family, no need to be so polite."

The next day, in the central square of Wuhun City.

A sea of ​​people. Representatives from the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, leaders of various sects, and elites from all walks of life gathered together. They looked at the young man on the high platform, their hearts filled with awe and anticipation.

Lin Yao stood on the high platform, dressed in a white tuxedo with a star-shaped badge on his chest. His gaze swept over the crowd below, his voice steady and powerful: "From today onwards, the Douluo Continent will usher in a new era. We will abandon the conflicts and hatred of the past and join hands to build a peaceful, prosperous, and just new world. This is the core value of the Douluo Federation—punishing evil and promoting good, equality for all."

His voice echoed throughout the entire square and across the entire continent. Those commoners who had once suffered oppression, those weaklings who had been bullied by nobles, and those people at the bottom of society who had once seen no hope, all felt an unprecedented power at this moment.

Rewards were bestowed upon those who had rendered meritorious service. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was designated as the Guardian Divine School, and Ning Fengzhi became the first Prime Minister of the Federation. Lin Yao also bestowed titles upon Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and Qian Renxue, granting them corresponding ranks—they were not only his confidantes but also his most important comrades-in-arms and partners.

Ning Rongrong was crowned the Federation's Chief Support Soul Master. Standing on the stage, looking at the adoring gazes below, she felt a surge of pride. She recalled her childhood dream of becoming a great support Soul Master, and now, her dream had come true.

Dugu Yan was appointed the Federation's Chief Poison Master. She maintained her aloof expression, but a barely perceptible smile flickered in her eyes. She knew that from this day forward, she no longer needed to hide her poison skills.

Ye Lingling was appointed the Federation's Chief Healer. She remained as gentle as ever, smiling as she accepted the blessings from everyone. She knew that from this day forward, she could use her abilities to heal even more people.

Qian Renxue was appointed as the Guardian Deity of the Federation. She stood beside Lin Yao, her golden wings gleaming in the sunlight. Looking at the crowd below, she felt a deep sense of responsibility. She knew that from this day forward, she was the guardian of this continent.

After the investiture ceremony, Qian Renxue found Lin Yao and showed him the Acacia Heartbreak Red flower she had treasured for so long. The red flower shone brightly in the sunlight, emitting a faint fragrance.

"Lin Yao, do you still remember this flower?" Qian Renxue asked softly.

Lin Yao nodded, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes: "Of course I remember. This is the first gift I've ever given you."

Qian Renxue smiled and then handed the flower to Lin Yao: "Now, I want to return it to you."

Lin Yao was taken aback: "Why?"

Qian Renxue shook her head: "I'm not returning it to you, but asking you to keep it for me. I'll take it back after I complete the inheritance of my divine position."

Lin Yao took the acacia blossom, his heart breaking with longing. Looking into Qian Renxue's bright eyes, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He said softly, "Don't worry, I'll keep it safe for you."

Qian Renxue nodded, then turned and looked into the distance. Her gaze pierced through the clouds and landed on the azure sky. She knew that from this day forward, her fate would be inextricably linked to this continent.

And she did it willingly.

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