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Boom!

Bibi Dong's declaration resounded through Spirit City. Everyone present, aside from those who already knew, was stunned. They'd only come to show support, but now they'd heard something unbelievable. Did Bibi Dong just announce the founding of an empire?

Some of the weaker representatives broke into a sweat, questioning if they'd heard correctly or if it was simply the heat and exhaustion playing tricks.

"Today, Spirit Hall officially announces the founding of the Spirit Empire, with Spirit City as its primary capital. I, Bibi Dong, will assume the position of Empress. Who stands with us, and who stands against us?"

She looked around at the assembly of powers. "All factions here are welcome to join the Spirit Empire if you wish. For those who do not, I won't force you."

The weight of Bibi Dong's announcement crushed those who had come expecting a mere ceremony.

Many were merely emissaries sent to witness the event; if they opposed, they doubted they'd make it out of Spirit City alive. If they agreed, they would effectively brand themselves as allies of the Spirit Empire and likely face backlash back home in the Heaven Dou or Star Luo Empires.

Suddenly:

"The Yuzhi Clan will join the Spirit Empire!"

"The Pozhi Clan will join the Spirit Empire!"

"The Minzhi Clan will join the Spirit Empire!"

"The Liku Clan will join the Spirit Empire!"

"The Blacksmiths' Association will join the Spirit Empire!"

Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, Bai He, Tai Nuo, and Lou Gao each stepped forward, expressing their loyalty to the Spirit Empire.

This shook the crowd. Some had guessed that the presence of the Four Great Single-Attribute Clans hinted at something, but this exceeded expectations. In just a month, Spirit Hall had evidently worked to bring the Four Great Clans and the Blacksmiths' Association to their side.

The surprises, however, were far from over.

"Thunderclap Academy will join the Spirit Empire!"

"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will join the Spirit Empire!"

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will join the Spirit Empire!"

As Yu Luomian and Ning Fengzhi nodded to one another and voiced their allegiance, the crowd was shocked, including even Spirit Hall's longstanding supporters.

Huyan Zhen, a loyal follower of Spirit Hall, suddenly realized he'd been outmaneuvered. He should've been the first to pledge loyalty, but he'd been caught off guard by these unexpected alliances.

Hurriedly, he stepped forward and declared, "The Elephant Armored Clan and Elephant Armored Academy will join the Spirit Empire!"

With so many prominent forces pledging loyalty to the Spirit Empire, many others had little choice but to follow. Others, however, were hesitant to make a decision, glancing nervously at representatives from the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires.

Among them, Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, knew the time had come to speak up. She turned to Bibi Dong and asked, "Empress, does your decision mean you intend to oppose the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires?"

Davis from Star Luo looked wide-eyed at "Xue Qinghe." He thought, Qinghe, usually so cautious, why be so reckless today? Even if you oppose them, don't drag me along with you!

He'd planned to stay neutral and return to consult with his father. Now, Xue Qinghe's words put him in an awkward position.

Bibi Dong responded to "Xue Qinghe" with a calm, piercing gaze. "That depends on your sincerity. Spirit Hall's power now exceeds both empires. If you submit to the Spirit Empire, I'll allow your royal families to remain. What do you say?"

Xue Qinghe's face darkened, and she replied forcefully, "Impossible! The Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires will never submit to you."

Davis felt a surge of panic. Are you trying to get us both killed? He could only bite the bullet and speak up, "Your Holiness, Spirit Hall's rise to empire status does not concern us. Perhaps we can coexist peacefully. Star Luo Empire is willing to establish a non-aggression pact."

Davis's words were, in essence, a concession. Star Luo would keep its distance and refrain from challenging Spirit Hall's authority.

Bibi Dong arched a brow. "And if I refuse? Do you truly believe the Spirit Empire fears a joint attack from your two empires?"

At this, Qian Renxue, still posing as Xue Qinghe, reminded her, "Your Holiness, have you forgotten our previous agreement? Our empires have provided significant annual funding to Spirit Hall. Should you proceed with this course, we'll have no choice but to halt those subsidies."

Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, smiling as he addressed "Xue Qinghe," "Crown Prince, you may have forgotten that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan lacks for wealth. As we've pledged ourselves to Spirit Hall, we're more than able to cover a portion of those subsidies."

Su Ming had discussed this arrangement with Ning Fengzhi beforehand. In return for financial support, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would have the right to recruit promising soul masters or convert these funds into points, which could later be exchanged for valuable items such as soul tools, talismans, and spirit bones.

To Ning Fengzhi, this was an ideal arrangement. Their clan had ample funds, while such rarities as soul bones and talented recruits were usually priceless. Delighted with the agreement, he felt Spirit Hall was moving in a positive direction for the first time.

Qian Renxue, still as Xue Qinghe, shot a fierce glare at him and asked, "Master Ning, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has always been an ally to the Heaven Dou Empire. Doesn't this betray your loyalty?"