LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 3: Divine Plot
Spiritual Vein No. 03 of the Main Spiritual Mine.
It had been about ten years since Emperor Jin's salvation, and during this time, the lives of both mortals and cultivators had significantly improved. Han Mu, a 30-year-old man who had always been a mortal, had recently managed to become a cultivator thanks to the extremely rich spiritual energy environment. Previously, he never would have thought that this could be possible, even in his wildest dreams.
In the past, Han Mu had no aptitude for sensing spiritual energy in the environment, nor did he have access to the necessary resources. He lived in a land where spiritual energy was extremely scarce, but since becoming a citizen of the Empire, everything had changed. The city he lived in before was cold and desolate, with simple stone and wooden houses. The streets were narrow and poorly paved, and commerce was nearly nonexistent. But now, he inhabited a city full of life, with buildings becoming increasingly elegant and robust.
Although he had never seen the capital of the Divine Wang Dynasty, he felt that in terms of architecture and luxury, Yang City wasn't far behind.
Han Mu stopped for a moment to admire the surroundings. The mines where he worked were now more organized and well-lit, with spiritual energy stones embedded in the walls, emitting a soft light that made the environment almost magical. Even the air seemed to vibrate with this atmosphere, a drastic change compared to his old life.
"Phew, I'm almost done mining this cave. Only three days left until the imperial exam, I need to prepare," Han Mu murmured to himself as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the cave, followed by the excited voice of a young man. "Come on, Han Mu! Today is the Emperor's announcement day! If you don't hurry, we won't get a good spot to see him."
The young man, with an average height and a sturdy body that seemed made of iron, waved to Han Mu from the end of the mine. His sun-kissed skin, marked with scars from hard labor, contrasted with the vibrant shine of his eyes, filled with anticipation.
"I'm coming! I was just analyzing and studying some ores. They're going to come up in the Imperial Trial, after all," Han Mu replied quickly, dropping his pickaxe. His voice carried a tone of excitement, but also a hint of exhaustion.
As the two walked toward the exit of the mine, the young man began speaking with an air of superiority. "You've been studying for over ten years, Han Mu. Sometimes you need to rest, you know? And if you don't make it to the position of blacksmith, who else will be qualified? I taught you some really important things."
Han Mu smiled, not bothered by the young man's presumptuous tone. "Ah, Xiao Zhi, you may be right. But I can't stop pushing myself to the limit. After all, what else has changed in these ten years, other than the wealth of spiritual energy around us? Opportunities like this are rare."
The young man, Xiao Zhi, looked around as they walked through the mine. "Yes, the changes are huge. Remember what the city used to be like? A shadow of what it is now. The Emperor really transformed this place. The market is full of exotic goods, and the people... Everyone seems stronger, more confident."
Han Mu nodded, reflecting on Xiao Zhi's words. "That's true. Before, only the nobles and cultivators from powerful clans had access to cultivation techniques. Now, even we, who came from poor places, can sense spiritual energy and even aspire to something greater. I, for example, entered the Qi Refinement realm not long ago."
The young man laughed. "Han Mu, don't brag about that achievement. Compared to some of the geniuses in the city, we are nothing. Even now, I haven't reached the second stage of Qi Refinement. If it had been ten years ago, I wouldn't have even known what spiritual energy was, let alone become a cultivator. That's why now, I'm preparing for the Imperial Exam, to see if I have at least a chance to ascend to the heavens and fight alongside Emperor Jin."
"Don't underestimate yourself, Xiao Zhi. You have a bright future ahead," Han Mu said with a hesitant look. Xiao Zhi was about eight years older than him, and yet he hadn't reached the third stage of Qi Refinement, which showed his poor talent.
The two of them finally exited the mine, and the scenery that awaited them was breathtaking. Fields of purple plants stretched as far as the eye could see, interspersed with hundreds of people wearing the same uniforms as Han Mu and Xiao Zhi. On the horizon, the majestic silhouette of Yang City rose, with its jade towers that seemed to touch the sky.
"Ten years," Han Mu murmured to himself, admiring the scene. "Ten years of hard work and sacrifice, and now we're here. I will definitely reach the threshold of something great."
"Come on, Han Mu! We can't miss the Emperor's announcement!" Xiao Zhi urged, already running toward the city.
Han Mu took a deep breath and followed the young man.
....
Center of Yang City.
The bustling streets were full of traffic, and people came and went one after another. The shops on both sides of the road were filled with people and a dazzling variety of goods. Shouts and bargaining echoed back and forth. The streets and alleys were filled with the aroma of various delicacies, attracting passersby to salivate. Children played in the crowd, and laughter echoed through the streets. Young people gathered in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing; the elderly took leisurely strolls, enjoying the good moments. Such a large flow of people added even more vitality and energy to the already lively street.
In restaurants, many civilians were eating and drinking on the first floor. The chefs worked swiftly, preparing dishes skillfully, and the establishment's staff waved cheerfully, inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the meal.
Up above, in the clear blue sky over Yang City, Jin observed this scene with a contemplative gaze. The city's transformation over the past ten years was impressive. The population had practically tripled, and the number of cultivators had increased exponentially. Jin had ordered the city's expansion in two phases, and the infrastructure plans he had distributed to General Xu had been perfectly implemented. The trade and certain industries had developed well with the arrival of people from abroad. Over these ten years, the news of the formation of a divine empire on the Dead Plateau had circulated somewhat, reaching the ears of various wandering cultivators.
Every part of the city showed the positive impact of the changes. The old buildings, once simple and modest, were now magnificent, robust structures made of jade found in the Spiritual Veins. The environment thrummed with renewed energy, a reflection of the growth and prosperity the Empire enjoyed.
Jin, seated on an ethereal cloud floating above the city, couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and satisfaction. After completing the construction of the Systems, he dedicated his time to refining them to the fullest. Everything had to unfold according to plan.
Thinking of the Talisman, Jin couldn't resist activating it once more. A golden light enveloped his body as he murmured the invocation words.
"Heavenly Talisman."
A golden holographic screen appeared before him.
[Name: Jin]
[Fortune (Divine Empire Jin): 1000]
[Linked Territory: Divine Empire Jin]
[Gacha: 0]
When Jin had only fifty points of Fortune, he received incredible rewards. What could he receive now with one thousand points?
There was one month left until the end of the ten-year period and the beginning of the Imperial Trial, but what truly interested him at the moment was the pre-launch phase of the "Divine Plot." He had decided to name his system "Divine Plot," as everything with the word "Divine" could invoke admiration from both cultivators and mortals.
Jin's voice, amplified by his spiritual energy, echoed throughout the city. "My dear citizens of my Divine Empire Jin, today will be a day that will be marked by the glory and ascension of the Empire. Not even Heaven and Earth will shake our foundation. I declare the inauguration of the 'Divine Plot.'"
His voice held such power that it silenced all sounds in Yang City, as if a magical spell or technique had enveloped the entire city. Even if someone wanted to speak, it was impossible. Only those with power equal to or greater than Jin's could break the spell.
Emperor Jin had become a divine figure in the minds of nearly all the citizens. He had begun his own "religion," and both children and adults were taught to revere his figure. This was also part of his grand plan.
Phrases such as: Glory to Jin! May Jin bless you! May Emperor Jin punish you! were now common everywhere.
"Accept the Divine Mark of Jin," Jin's voice trembled through the space. "This mark will officially make you true citizens of the Divine Empire Jin. It will be a symbol of glory and fear that will haunt the dreams of our enemies."
Suddenly, a golden sun appeared on the center of the forehead of every living being within the Empire's influence, which extended for more than fifteen thousand miles. The mark shone brightly, radiating a sense of majesty and grandeur.
"Just say, Divine Plot."
....
Han Mu was one of the many citizens who were awestruck by the resplendent glory emanating from the Emperor. His gaze turned to the golden sun on his forehead, which reflected in the shop's mirror.
The mark exuded an air of majesty, splendor, and grandeur. Han Mu was certain this would be seen as a symbol of status and power in the future.
"Divine Plot," Han Mu murmured, and a slightly golden, translucent screen appeared in his mind.
[Name: Han Mu]
[Cultivation: Qi Refinement (First Stage)]
[Merit Points: 150]
[Mission Hall [100 Available Missions] Universal Store [] Spiritual Communication [] Merit Table [] Heavenly Library [] Xuan Mirror []]
A slightly golden and translucent screen appeared in Han Mu's mind. He was a bit shocked by the strange functions; things like a store should be physical, right? A virtual concept was completely new to Han Mu.
Han Mu decided to check the Heavenly Library and the Mission Hall.
[Heavenly Library]
[Upon accessing the Heavenly Library, an endless array of scrolls, books, and techniques will be available to you. To purchase techniques, Merit Points are required. You can also earn Merit Points by selling your own techniques.]
[All skill techniques are for single use; there will always be a limit of people per technique. If you own a technique bought from the Heavenly Library, it will be for your exclusive use. If you share techniques from the Heavenly Library, you will be marked as a [Traitor] of the Empire and hunted to death.]
[Dragon Claw of the Xuan Earth [Earth Grade]: 400 Merit Points, A technique that allows...]
[Golden Carp Camouflage [Heaven Grade]: 2000 Merit Points, A technique that allows...]
"These techniques are expensive, and this single-use rule seems like a good idea. Having multiple people using the same technique would be harmful, I think," Han Mu murmured, looking at the notices appearing on the slightly golden and translucent screen. His gaze was soon drawn to his Merit Points.
"Wow, incredible! Even after nearly ten years in the Spiritual Vein, I still only have 150 Merit Points." Han Mu was astonished. Earning Merit Points seemed to be a much more difficult process than he had imagined.
Han Mu then decided to explore the Mission Hall, hoping he might find a way to quickly increase his Merit Points.
[Mission Hall]
[The user can complete missions posted by the Empire or other users to earn Merit Points. Users can form Legions/Groups to complete missions, depending on the Difficulty Grade.]
[Grades: Earth, Heaven, and Dao]
[Imperial Mission: (Merit Points: Variable) The Empire needs to expand rapidly. Explore territories, gather information, and build. Contribute to the Empire and achieve Glory. DEADLINE: UNDEFINED]
[Weapon Mission (Earth Grade): (300 Merit Points) The Empire values those who can Forge Weapons. Forge 5 Qi Refinement level weapons and earn 300 Merit Points. DEADLINE: 1 YEAR.]
[..]
"Yes, yes, this is perfect!" Han Mu exclaimed. "Even if I don't pass the Imperial Trial, I'm sure I can forge five Qi Refinement level weapons to earn the necessary Merit Points."
Han Mu was ecstatic and quickly ran to his residence. He had already accepted the Weapon Mission; it was just a matter of a single thought. The sooner he completed it, the more time he would have to finish other missions.