Douluo : People are writing diaries in Douluo

Ning Fengzhi smiled and replied, "Crown Prince, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's support for the Heaven Dou Empire was merely a matter of mutual benefit; it was never about loyalty, wouldn't you agree?"

Earlier, Qian Renxue had mentioned that the two empires would stop providing subsidies, a statement that didn't surprise the attendees. However, by making it so explicit, she risked casting Heaven Dou Empire in a negative light. This, however, was part of her plan, knowing that Emperor Xue Ye would not hold her accountable.

In truth, Emperor Xue Ye had long resented the demands Spirit Hall placed on him, feeling the constant financial burden of soul master subsidies unjustified. Now, things were set to change.

The investiture and founding ceremonies wrapped up smoothly, officially marking the rise of the Spirit Empire. Bibi Dong had her attendants record the names of all the forces who pledged allegiance.

Although the empire had now formed, Bibi Dong had no intention of establishing a royal family structure like the other empires. Positions within the Spirit Empire would remain merit-based, with the talented rising through the ranks unimpeded.

Inside the Pope's Palace, Su Ming turned to Bibi Dong and said, "Teacher, I'm preparing to set off for Sea God Island in the next few days. With the new Spirit Empire, I'll have to rely on you to oversee its development."

Su Ming's strength had long since surpassed that of a typical Soul Sage, reaching level seventy-seven. It was time for him to embark on the journey to Sea God Island.

Bibi Dong nodded, "Do you know who will accompany you?"

Su Ming smiled, "Yes, I'll be taking Xiao Wu, Rongrong, Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, Shui Bing'er and her sisters, Huo Wu, Hu Liena, Bai Chenxiang, and lastly, Elder Ju and Elder Gui."

Su Ming planned to bring along all those with diary records. They'd eaten Immortal Herbs, so they were likely to receive at least Black-Level Trials, and Xiao Wu and Rongrong would undoubtedly qualify for Red-Level Trials.

As for Elder Ju and Elder Gui, though they'd benefited from Immortal Herbs and seen their spirits evolve, their age would likely limit them to standard Black-Level Trials, making Red-Level Trials unrealistic.

Liu Erlong, who was not present, would have been crushed. Su Ming hadn't planned to bring her to Sea God Island; they were still not particularly close. Besides, with the Spirit Empire established and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Thunderclap Academy pledging allegiance, Liu Erlong's Blue Tyrant Academy needed restructuring, and she would have little time to spare.

Hearing Su Ming's extensive entourage, Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure the Sea God won't intervene? Bringing so many could strain his reserves of faith."

Su Ming reassured her, "Don't worry. The Goddess of Life promised to keep an eye on him from the Divine Realm. Most of the trials are automatically triggered at the Sea God's Pillars, except in rare cases…"

Su Ming was referring to instances like Tang San and Xiao Wu in the original story. Tang San's Sea God's Nine Trials and Xiao Wu's Red-Level Trial had clearly been bestowed by the Sea God himself. But otherwise, most trials were issued autonomously by the pillars. He doubted the Sea God would exhaust himself intervening.

Bibi Dong considered this and nodded. "Very well. When will you depart?"

Su Ming thought for a moment, "Three days from now. I'll spend these days preparing and checking with Elder Lou Gao on the ship's progress."

With that, Su Ming vanished.

Watching him disappear, Bibi Dong felt a hint of exasperation. This boy, her student, had no sense of proper respect for his teacher!

In the Medicine Hall, Su Ming found Niu Gao, Lou Gao, and several others hard at work.

"Elder Lou Gao!" he called.

Lou Gao, looking up from his work, immediately smiled. "Su Ming, here to check on the ship?"

He had guessed Su Ming's intention immediately. The ship had been crafted from top-tier materials, capable of withstanding attacks from ten-thousand-year sea soul beasts, a feature Su Ming found impressive. At that strength, it would allow them to mount a counterattack if needed.

Of course, Su Ming considered briefly that he could use his Wood Release technique to fashion his own ship, but while his Wood Release was durable enough to withstand even hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, it lacked the detailed amenities they'd need for the month-long journey. If worse came to worst, he could reinforce the ship's exterior with Wood Release.

A short walk brought them to an open area where Lou Gao unveiled the ship from his soul tool. It was a massive vessel, comfortably accommodating thirty people with thirty separate rooms and fully equipped amenities.

"Impressive work, Elder Lou Gao," Su Ming said with satisfaction. "Aside from inspecting the ship, there's something else I came to discuss."

Lou Gao's eyes sparkled. "Are you bringing me more blueprints for soul tools?"

Excited, Lou Gao guessed that Su Ming, knowing he'd be gone for years on Sea God Island, might leave some valuable plans behind.

Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished uploading the whole series in patreon, thanks for supporting me and special thanks to all the patrons for joining