The Ember Dragon Chapter 470: The State of the Empire - Novel Cool

Chapter 470: The State of the Empire

On the Isdalia Grand Altar, over a hundred Palace Mages of the Empire stood in perfect formation, raising their staves in unison.

With a violent surge of energy, a spatial rift—hundreds of meters long—ripped open from the altar’s peak. From within, a colossal, dignified crimson head emerged, followed by a thick neck, broad wings, and powerful forelimbs.

Today, Kai Xiusu Claudew Noirikexius—Emperor of the Empire of Ashen, Supreme Leader of the Anzeta Great Wasteland, and the Red Dragon—had returned to his faithful Isdalia.

"Roar—!"

Kai Xiusu slowly closed his eyes, savoring the long-lost sensation of commanding absolute dominion within the Empire’s domain, releasing a deep, satisfying rumble.

"Master, welcome home."

Lanpu stood on the second tier of the altar, bowing with utmost reverence as he greeted the return of the Red Dragon. As the Empire’s Prime Minister, only he held the unique privilege of being the first to receive the Emperor. Behind him stood Meizhuolashi and Dolo, the Dukes who led the Empire’s Elite Guard and the Tiefling Guard, respectively.

"Long live the Emperor—welcome home!"

The hundred Court Mages behind them echoed in unison.

The soldiers atop the altar knelt in perfect unison, rifles planted firmly on the ground with a crisp, metallic clack.

"Master—"

The White Dragon dashed toward him from afar, half-running, half-flying. This time, she didn’t dare approach too closely—instead, she flopped down on the ground in ecstatic anticipation, her massive tail wagging wildly. The sheer size of her nearly twenty-meter frame caused the earth beneath her to tremble slightly.

Kai Xiusu swept his gaze across the gathering, finally settling on Lanpu.

"Lanpu, you’ve received the news, haven’t you? About the Empire’s colony in the Elemental Plane of Fire."

"Yes, Master. Congratulations on another glorious victory. I’ve already dispatched scribes to record your deeds in the Chronicles of the Empire of Ashen."

The Ogre bowed low, his voice trembling with euphoria. "You’ve subdued the Fire Dwarves, defeated the Pasha of the Fire Titan Realm, and compelled the Sultan to sign a pact with us. The benefits brought to the Empire are immense. Every citizen must remember your merit and honor your gratitude. I shall craft a new monument at once!"

"I’m not talking about that."

Kai Xiusu’s lips twitched. He gave a subtle glance, and Meizhuolashi exchanged a few words with Dolo. Under their orders, the soldiers, guards, and Court Mages withdrew in perfect order—leaving only a handful of high-ranking officials... and the utterly bewildered Tinia.

"Have you dispatched manpower and supplies to the colony? The survival conditions there are brutal. Ordinary clothing and food burn to ash within days."

"Of course, Master." Lanpu hurriedly replied. "We’ve already sent a delegation of Mechanical Divinity players to the Bronze Fortress, along with supplies enchanted with high-heat resistance."

"Additionally, the Technology Department is developing specialized weapons, clothing, and food tailored for the Fire Plane’s extreme environment. We expect preliminary results within a month—enough to drastically reduce spellcasting costs. You have no need to worry."

"Good."

Kai Xiusu gave a slight nod. "The War of Burning is also a rare opportunity. I’ve appointed Selkan as Governor of the Fire Plane colony. He must secure a foothold and turn chaos into advantage."

"Furthermore, we must prioritize the development of weapons specifically designed for elemental beings. This war will last for a long time."

Lanpu grinned, revealing a grotesque, toothy smile.

"You needn’t worry, Your Majesty. The Homeboys in the Military Industrial Group are the most greedy of all. Once they tasted the profits from weapon sales, they’ve been raking in gold. Many have grown rich beyond measure. There’s already a culture forming—one where they’ll risk anything for profit."

He chuckled. "In such an atmosphere, any chance to profit will send them rushing like starving wolves, devouring every coin."

But then his expression darkened. "Though… some have begun cutting corners. They’ve started secretly reducing worker numbers, exploiting loopholes in the law, even evading taxes."

Kai Xiusu’s expression turned serious. These were monsters he’d personally forged—bloodied, relentless, and loyal. Now, they were showing signs of growth, beginning to reveal their true, monstrous nature across the Feiansuo Continent.

Though their strength was undeniable, Kai Xiusu didn’t see them as a flood of raging beasts. Instead, he viewed them as vicious guard dogs—useful for expanding the Empire’s reach. But even guard dogs must be trained. They needed to feel both the meat and the lash, so they’d never forget who was master.

"Seems it’s more than just a sprout now," Kai Xiusu murmured, eyes narrowing.

"Lanpu, summon the Legal Affairs Department. Have them work overtime to close the loopholes. Increase penalties, and bring a few key offenders before the Judgment Tribunal. Punish one to warn a hundred. No room for leniency."

"Yes, Master."

Seeing the Emperor’s clear disapproval, Lanpu bowed deeply.

Kai Xiusu continued, "Do you remember the story I told you?"

"Of course, Master. Even a thousand-mile dike can collapse from a single ant hole."

Kai Xiusu nodded in approval. Then he turned to Meizhuolashi.

"It seems the domestic peace has grown too comfortable. Some have begun to lose control of their greed."

"Let ‘Nocturne’ taste blood. It’s been far too long since they’ve had a fresh kill."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Meizhuolashi gave no visible change in expression—only a crisp, efficient half-kneel, and a sharp, decisive reply.

"Alright. I’ve just returned from the Elemental Plane of Fire. I need to rest in the Royal Palace for a while."

"Understood. No one is to disturb me during this time."

Yawning, Kai Xiusu casually tore open the space before him with one claw, creating a massive flame portal. With a single motion, he stepped through and vanished into the Royal Palace—his long-awaited sanctuary.

After several battles, he truly needed rest. And he had new strength to absorb.

But beneath the surface, the Empire was about to erupt.

One month later, the Imperial Corporation Law was solemnly enacted—retroactively applying to past actions—sending shockwaves through the realm.

Soon, the dragon-blooded nobles who’d broken the rules were beheaded in public. Others who’d danced on the edge of legality received a “friendly visit” from Nocturne.

Some “clever” players had all their assets seized, thrown into prison, and forced into long-term labor reformation.

For a time, the Empire fell utterly silent—like a mouse in the dark. The reckless pursuit of gold, once rampant, was now curbed. But a new tide had risen: one where gold was sought not just at the cost of law, but at the cost of humanity.

To the Empire’s officials, the first was unforgivable. The second? Just business.

Soon, some began to realize: in Anzeta, laws were strict—no slavery, no tax evasion, no exploitation to death. But in the South? Not so much.

Though they still paid taxes to the Empire, they enjoyed far greater freedom in the shadows.

So they began reaching out to the priests of the Wogin Church—those who sold spiritual souls for gold.

And thus, a fierce, booming campaign of expansion began—focused outward, relentless, and merciless.

(End of Chapter)

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