On this particular day, surprisingly, the judge and Armad remained within the confines of the chamber. Rather than attending to their usual duties, they devoted the entire day to intense calculations and meticulous preparations. Their focus was unwavering and centered on two pivotal aspects: cultivation and commerce, and exploring how they could significantly enhance these areas for the betterment of their town.
As the day progressed, Armad gained a profound understanding of why the path to becoming a judge was fraught with challenges in the tribe of Wilberforce. The tribe boasted an esteemed academy dedicated to the rigorous training of judges. However, despite its prestige, the academy graduated no more than 30 individuals each year. The judges who emerged from this institution were not only well-versed in the law but also possessed an extensive and intricate knowledge of business practices. Armad realized that his understanding of business was rudimentary in comparison to the depth of knowledge held by these judges.
Considering the complexity and the high stakes involved, Armad made a strategic decision. He resolved to allow the judge to continue spearheading the preparations for establishing the companies. This decision was based on the judge’s superior expertise and the intricate nature of the task at hand. Meanwhile, Armad planned to step back and assess the progress and impact of these preparations after a month, ensuring that they aligned with their overarching goals.
During this period, it wasn’t just Armad and the judge who were engrossed in their endeavors. Nusi, too, found herself deeply immersed in a formidable task. She was meticulously working through an extensive list, which included nine lengthy documents and one smaller paper. These papers contained detailed profiles of individuals proposed by the old man, Kalidu, as potential leaders for the towns that Armad had successfully conquered.
The sheer volume and detail of these documents were daunting, and Nusi often felt overwhelmed. She couldn’t help but think that the time she was dedicated to this administrative work could otherwise be spent on consuming substances that would enhance her cultivation. However, she knew that the task at hand was of equal importance. She understood that establishing strong and capable leadership in the conquered towns was crucial for maintaining control and ensuring stability. This, in turn, would solidify her leader’s position and authority.
Nusi recognized that neglecting this task would be akin to disregarding a divine opportunity to assert dominance over the newly acquired territories. This realization fueled her determination, and she continued her work with renewed focus. She meticulously reviewed the profiles and, without much delay, selected the names of 10 individuals whom she deemed most suitable. Nine of these individuals were chosen to govern the nine towns, while the tenth was designated to lead a village.
After finalizing her selections, Nusi took a piece of paper and carefully summarized all the critical details regarding the chosen candidates. This summary was prepared with the intent to present it to King Armad for his evaluation and approval. She wanted to ensure that her recommendations were well-founded and aligned with the broader strategic objectives.
Ever since Kalidu submitted the list of candidates, Armad has been aware of his lack of time to thoroughly evaluate the details of these people due to his numerous other commitments. This realization led to Nusi being tasked with the responsibility of summarizing the essential information and selecting 10 individuals whom she deemed suitable for appointment to represent them in the towns they had conquered.
The decision had already been made to appoint a judge to oversee the impending activities of the three companies set to be launched. While the judge initially focused on the development of a skin-whitening medicine, Armad intervened and advised him to simultaneously launch all the companies. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of hiring workers from the underprivileged segment of society to stimulate the local economy. Armad also stressed the significance of prioritizing individuals who had not fled during times of town-wide peril.
The residents who remained in the town despite the dangers could be categorized into two distinct groups: those who lacked the means to escape and thus should be considered for employment within the company, and those who exhibited unwavering trust in Armad’s leadership and protective capabilities, indicating their suitability for employment as well.
Following the departure of the judge, Armad attempted to engage in a moment of meditation, only to be interrupted by a knock on the chamber door from Nusi. Acknowledging the challenges faced by his father in finding time for reflection amidst the demanding responsibilities of leadership, Armad set aside his plans for meditation and welcomed Nusi into the chamber.
After she greeted him, she carefully handed over the paper she had brought to him. He was visibly pleased upon seeing that she had summarized everything, as we were currently overwhelmed and simply did not have the luxury of time to deal with such an extensive list. The thoroughness of her summary was a relief.
When he began to review the names that Nusi had diligently submitted, he took a moment to consider each one. Finally, with a satisfied nod, he said, "All of these candidates deserve to be selected. This is excellent work. Now, proceed to meet the judge and inform him that I have given a direct order: he is to select twenty individuals from the new devas we have recently acquired. These twenty will be assigned the responsibility of leading the towns.
"I want to emphasize the importance of efficiency. I do not want all of you to linger longer than necessary. Therefore, you mustn't take too many people with you. The twenty devas selected for this task will remain stationed in the towns to manage and lead them. Meanwhile, you will return here with the five devas who were previously assigned to those towns.
"I am confident that this is a mission you can accomplish within seven days. Your swift and efficient handling of this task will be greatly appreciated. Ensure that everything is done methodically and without delay."
Armad spoke quickly. From his hurried words, it was evident that he was anxious for Nusi to leave. However, it became clear that she had no intention of doing so. After a moment of tense silence, Nusi clenched her teeth and finally spoke.
“My Lord, I believe we are approaching the coronation in the wrong manner. The individuals we are about to appoint as kings of those towns are to be recognized as kings under your dominion. They shall hold the highest positions beneath you. Presently, their towns are more populous and prosperous than our towns in Tiriba, especially the town of Fida. My Lord, from my perspective, you must conduct they must understand them to understand that it is you, and not I or Kalidu, who appoints them to their positions. They need to recognize your authority and follow your directives because you are their sovereign.
During the coronation, all the inhabitants of these towns will gather to witness the event. This presents a unique opportunity for each of them to see you in person. My Lord, if your presence is absent on such a significant occasion, the newly appointed kings and the townspeople whose loyalty we seek may become difficult to manage.”
Armad understood her argument, but he frowned deeply. In truth, he had been eager to begin his meditation. Currently, Nusi’s cultivation had surpassed 14,000 years, which meant she had advanced far into the first stage of Deva, reaching the third rank. On the other hand, he had only recently increased his cultivation from 11,000 to 12,000 years. Although he was still more powerful than Nusi, particularly due to his mastery of Pol string, he was not content. It baffled him how a woman who had only 30 years of cultivation not long ago, and who had not even been a full cultivator, could now surpass his years of cultivation. If this trend continued, all his followers would eventually surpass him.
“My Lord,” Nusi continued, sensing his hesitation, “how do you view my suggestion? As you mentioned earlier, time is of the essence. You should rise, and let us make our way to the towns. I am confident that Kalidu will have already made all necessary arrangements for the coronation by the time we arrive. If you agree, I will send him a message to begin preparations immediately. As you have observed, he is efficient in executing tasks. My Lord, they must see your face and understand that you are the one who appoints them. I do not want them to mistakenly believe that I am the one behind their appointments.”
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After delivering her remarks, she let out a small chuckle. She had strategically woven some light-hearted jokes into her speech to help alleviate the tension in the room. However, upon noticing that his expression remained stern, she let out a deep sigh and shook her head in mild exasperation. “Very well, my lord, I shall proceed as you wish, but I intend to carry large portraits of you so that all may recognize the face of their leader.”
He paused, on the verge of granting her permission to proceed as she proposed. Yet, as he mulled over her suggestion, he found merit in her words. This marked a significant moment for him, as it would be the first time he appointed someone to a position of authority. Unlike his current role, which had been bestowed upon him by his father, this decision would be a reflection of his leadership and power. Contemplating further, he realized the importance of taking this step towards establishing his dominance. Perhaps, a newfound desire for leadership was beginning to blossom within his heart. Without much hesitation, he rose to his feet and nodded in agreement.
Her heart brimmed with joy upon seeing his approval. In truth, she harbored no wish for his cultivation to surpass hers, almost as if they were engaged in a silent competition.
“What level of skin toughness have you reached now?” Armad inquired of Nusi.
“I stand at 79%, nearly matching your 100%,” she responded confidently.
Armad gritted his teeth, a realization dawning on him as if the system had begun to exhibit favoritism. How had Nusi managed to avoid being stuck at the 60% threshold where he had faltered before? After her return from the mission he had entrusted her with, she reported a skin toughness of 60%. In response, he presented her with approximately 3,000 pills to enhance the resilience of her skin. Subsequently, she embarked on a period of meditation. While Armad dedicated nine days to his meditative practices, she mirrored his efforts. Yet, to his astonishment, she managed to elevate her skin toughness by an additional 19% in just a few days, leaving Armad perplexed by her rapid progress.
With a smile, he came to realize that he had paved the way for her advancement. By fulfilling certain conditions himself, the system had exempted her from facing the same obstacles. It seemed that his prior stagnation at 60% had been due to a perceived lack of valor. However, following their triumph over Prince Sufa, the system granted him unhindered access to achieving 100% skin toughness. Consequently, Nusi encountered no impediments on her journey to surpass the 60% threshold, as he had cleared the path for her success. She traversed it effortlessly, much to his delight.
He estimated that within less than a month, she would achieve 100% of her skin toughness, matching his progress, or at least reach 99% as indicated by the system. Once she reached this significant milestone, he planned to begin administering the pills that were designed to enhance the toughness of her muscles. Although he was not overly exhausted from the task of giving her the pills, he had only been providing her with 70% of the total pills produced. He reserved the remaining 30% for various purposes. Among these retained pills, he provided a portion to the judge to aid in the construction of their empire and the operation of their companies. Nevertheless, Armad ensured that he still had an ample supply of the remaining pills that she produced.
At present, she was unaware of the exact quantity of pills her body was producing. To match Armad’s consumption, she attempted to eat as much food as he did, which resulted in their pill production rates being quite similar due to the system’s workings.
Armad recognized that he was the one who required the pills the most. However, despite his need, his cultivation did not progress as swiftly as Nusi’s did. This disparity in cultivation speed led him to clench his teeth unconsciously in frustration. Nonetheless, he was resigned to this situation, understanding that it was a consequence of the system’s design. He speculated that even if another person were introduced into the system, their cultivation might increase rapidly since the groundwork had already been laid.
Upon exiting the chamber, Armad and Nusi did not encounter the judge, who had already wandered off into the town. Armad, not wanting to waste valuable time searching for him, opted to send a message to the judge and also dispatched messages to the 20 devas he had selected. The devas promptly arrived at the palace without any delay.
Observing the assembled devas, Nusi frowned, contemplating the potential threat they posed to her status. She realized that if she did not maintain her determination to advance her cultivation, there was a significant chance these newcomers could eventually surpass her. However, she noted that none of the devas had exceeded 13,000 years of cultivation, whereas she had already surpassed 14,000 years.
Armad was indifferent to the disdainful glances the devas exchanged. Deep down, he might have been somewhat pleased by their competitive attitudes. Each deva was striving to impress him and become his closest confidant. Despite their efforts, Armad was fully aware that none of them could replace Nusi, as the system uniquely recognized her.
Without wasting any time, they gracefully ascended into the sky, propelled by their extraordinary deva abilities. Soaring high above the clouds, they journeyed towards the town of King Konfot, their destination veiled from the eyes of the people on the ground.
Their flight lasted two and a half days before they finally descended upon the town, where some of them paused to rest and partake of nourishment. Armad, however, remained seated, eyes closed, silently chewing pills, seemingly unfazed by the passage of time.
This delay, although seemingly insignificant, proved to be pivotal as it afforded Kalidu, the elderly man, ample time to meticulously complete his preparations.
In the heart of the town, a multitude of commoners had congregated, gathered around a collection of grand chairs beneath elegantly draped tents. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the townsfolk eagerly awaited the momentous occasion – the coronation of their new king. Over the years, King Konfot and his predecessors had committed numerous injustices against certain segments of the town’s populace, fostering a simmering undercurrent of discontent.
The notion of finding a benevolent monarch who doesn’t cling to power and ensures justice, especially for the less privileged, seemed like an elusive dream. The impoverished residents, lacking the means to challenge the status quo, often endured the injustices silently, adhering to the age-old adage that one should turn a battle into a mere game if victory seems unattainable.
However, on this particular day, the collective ire towards King Konfot and his kin reached a boiling point. Flags of the Wilberforce tribe fluttered defiantly in the hands of disgruntled townsfolk, chanting Prince Armad’s name as a beacon of hope. Generations of prosperity had been squandered due to defiance of King Konfot’s dictates, igniting a fervor for retribution among the masses. Armad recognized this resentment as a potent force to secure the loyalty of the town’s inhabitants.
Upon their arrival in the town, Armad and his companions were ushered to the palace, where a sumptuous spread of fruits, cool water, and refreshing juices awaited them. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the town, Armad and his entourage proceeded to the hallowed grounds of the coronation field.
Before their arrival, the individual chosen by Nusi to be anointed as the new ruler of the town by Armad had already taken his place amidst a throng of supporters, detractors, and those disillusioned by the reign of the previous king. Tension hung thick in the air as the stage was set for a transformative moment in the town’s history.
Armad, Nusi, and the devas accompanying them descended onto the coronation field from the sky. As they landed, each of them unleashed the full extent of their deva cultivation powers. The atmosphere in the field shifted almost immediately. The air became so icy that the townspeople found themselves struggling to breathe.
This dramatic display was no accident; Armad had meticulously planned it. He needed to demonstrate his formidable power to instill a deep sense of fear in the townspeople, a necessary foundation for their loyalty. Having killed their previous king, Armad knew that expecting immediate love and loyalty was unrealistic. Fear, however, could serve as a stepping stone. Over time, he believed, the people would begin to love him, especially as they realized his intentions were not to bring sorrow but to drive progress and prosperity in the town.
Armad made his way directly to the grandest throne in sight, a resplendent seat crafted out of gold. Adjacent to this throne was a smaller one meant for Nusi. Curiously, the smaller throne bore the name “Nusi,” while the larger throne had no name inscribed. This suggested that Kalidu understood Nusi’s significance to Armad and aimed to ensure her comfort and happiness, likely to secure Armad’s continued support.
Upon seeing her name on the throne, Nusi smiled and took her seat. The twenty devas who had accompanied them also had chairs prepared for them. However, they chose not to sit. Instead, they stood at attention behind Armad, acting as sentinels and underscoring the gravity of the moment.
In front of Armad and Nusi was another throne, significantly less ornate than Nusi’s and far inferior to Armad’s. An elderly man sat upon it; he was the one Armad had chosen to be the new king of the town. His advanced age was evident, with a beard completely turned white. While he was a cultivator, his power was limited, being only at the second stage of core formation.
As Armad and his entourage arrived, everyone in the field stood up. The elderly man was flanked by his wife and children, though Kalidu had not reserved chairs for them, likely to avoid elevating their status too much.
Kalidu himself remained standing when Armad arrived, a gesture of respect and recognition of Armad’s authority. Armad took a moment to look at each person present, his gaze lingering on the new king for about three seconds. Initially, Armad had no intention of attending the coronation. However, witnessing the townspeople’s reactions and evaluating the individuals Nusi had chosen made him realize the importance of his presence. Seeing the respect and fear in their eyes, and understanding the careful selection of the new king, Armad felt reassured. He was now more comfortable appointing this elderly man as the town’s new king, especially after reviewing detailed reports about his background and character.