Chapter 288: The Military Parade
The Tiandou royal family understood their lack of military strength.
They simply adopted a governance model uniting all forces under one world.
Through deep ties between royal power and various Soul Master factions, they maintained control together.
This approach allowed the Tiandou Empire to continue strengthening its power and unify the people.
Qian Renxue also understood this and had no intention to change it. She regarded these Soul Master families and sects as part of her domain.
Beneath the over twenty-meter-high swan statue lay three steps; atop the steps rested a large cauldron.
Qian Renxue stood before the cauldron. Behind her were powerful Soul Masters from many factions—Ning Fengzhi, Dugu Shuo, Feng Bailong, Ge Long, Ye Qingxin, Titan, Dream Divine Mechanism, and others.
Together, they performed a ceremonial worship!
This showed that under ancestors' witness, the new emperor would rule together with various factions, sharing fortune and hardship.
Behind Ning Fengzhi and others were many Soul Masters, the backbone of various factions; Dugu Feng was among them.
He followed the group's motions, worshipping continuously.
After the ceremony, Qian Renxue's status as Tiandou's emperor was accepted by all parties.
Her face showed excitement.
She turned and said, "Thank you all for supporting the Tiandou Empire. Please follow me to the city walls for the imperial army's inspection!"
With that, she marched proudly toward the palace walls.
Tiandou's palace was huge—the palace city was the inner city of Tiandou, occupying one-fifth of the total area.
Located at the city's northernmost part.
Their destination was the palace city's south gate.
Climbing the staircase step by step to the wall, under pavilions resembling towers, one could overlook the entire Tiandou City from above.
This was the city's highest point.
Dugu Feng stood at the wall's edge, clearly seeing the neatly arranged soldiers in the distance.
At the front were the opulently dressed royal knights, wearing swan uniforms symbolic of the royal family, wielding longswords, and wearing goose feathered hats—symbols of grandeur.
Behind them came heavy cavalry clad in armor covering both rider and horse, showing a chilling fierceness with only their eyes visible.
Further back were light cavalry with quivers, spears, and crossbows, followed by heavily armored infantry made up of broad-shouldered, tall, muscular soldiers.
Following these special troops was a vast infantry army.
Each squad contained ten thousand soldiers, arranged neatly and orderly.
The line of soldiers stretched for miles, awaiting the parade's start.
"All forces ready, present for inspection, Your Majesty!"
Below the wall, Ge Ying shouted orders atop a tall horse.
Ge Ying was the parade's commander.
With growing power and Ge Long's backing, he was rising into the empire's upper echelons. This parade was his chance to shine.
"Begin!"
Qian Renxue called out softly; mighty drum music erupted.
Ge Ying cracked his whip, turning his horse and riding toward the palace gate's left side.
"Parade begins!"
"Parade begins!"
"Parade begins!"
From Ge Ying's call, the commands streamed like a chain.
A thunder of hooves echoed!
Dugu Feng witnessed the full force of thousands of horses thundering.
"First to march toward us is the ten-thousand-strong Royal Knights Formation, symbols of the royal family and noble honor. Each knight is a guardian of the empire."
To Dugu Feng's astonishment, a commentary voice sounded nearby.
It was quiet, heard only at their viewing platform.
Though it didn't drown out drum and parade sounds below,
it helped attendees better understand Tiandou's army.
Dugu Feng thought, Qian Renxue is showing off!
The Royal Knights were the royal honor guard—indeed powerful but untested in battle.
Still, they were imposing.
Soon, the knights arrived neatly before the palace gate.
Swish, swish.
Amid the synchronized sword sounds, all knights raised longswords in salute toward the palace wall.
Qian Renxue waved below. "Thank you, soldiers!"
"Protect the empire, protect Her Majesty!" The Royal Knights roared their reply.
The entire wall shook thrice.
The knights included at least a hundred Soul Masters, their imposing momentum undeniable.
After the knights passed below, light cavalry, heavy cavalry, and armored infantry followed.
These were Tiandou Empire's core forces.
Only wealthy Tiandou and Star Luo could field such armies.
"Your Majesty, how are my Tiandou forces?"
Above the palace gate, Qian Renxue asked Saraos gently.
Saraos was conflicted.
He was Bibi Dong's confidant, tasked with watching Tiandou.
With his status, he knew Xue Qinghe was Qian Renxue's real name—the pope's daughter.
Normally, he should be thrilled the pope's daughter had usurped the throne.
But knowing the secrets, he dared not relax.
The pope and his daughter were estranged—a known fact in the high ranks.
Qian Renxue's achievements grew greater; even Spirit Hall's offering hall and elder hall had supporters backing her.
Saraos secretly doubted.
If he were in Spirit Hall City, he'd be loyal to Bibi Dong.
But here in Tiandou City, under Qian Renxue's watchful eye,
if he offended her and was killed, it would be meaningless.
Saraos awkwardly smiled, face turning iron-blue. He still had to play the part.
Spirit Hall and Tiandou's open and covert struggles were universally known; he had to act displeased.
"Your Majesty has excellent strategies!" Saraos said coldly.
Secretly, he transmitted, "Your Majesty's move will unite Tiandou's heart and secure full power!"
He resolved not to offend Qian Renxue.
Upon hearing Saraos, Qian Renxue smiled joyfully.
Did you think it was over? Far from it!
Below, the three special units exuded killing intent, causing all Soul Masters present to shudder.
Such a war machine meant even Soul Douluos charging into battle would be trapped in deadly fights.
These forces were battle-hardened, forged in real combat—the scent of slaughter hung heavy.
Even experienced leaders like Ning Fengzhi felt pressure.
After the special units passed, the infantry formations seemed less impressive—only their order and momentum stood out.
But Dugu Feng knew the main event followed.
That was the Soul Master formation.
And it numbered in the tens of thousands!
Recall that during Emperor Xue Ye's time, the royal soul corps had only four thousand.
How had Qian Renxue gathered so many?
(END CHAPTER)
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