Chapter 482
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 482
Chapter Title: Feed Them All Until They're Stuffed!
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Jiangdong, Dao Court’s Tianwu City.
Lu Yang had just stepped out of Tianwu Hall, a holy decree in hand appointing him to establish the [Imperial Capital Division] via the incense fire god path.
“It’s done. Grand fortune secured.”
Lu Yang looked up at the sky. His clone had successfully claimed the grand fortune, storing it in the Ten Thousand Spirits Banner before delivering it to his main body via [Gantian Total Control of Myriad Phenomena].
‘That went even smoother than expected.’
Lu Yang sighed inwardly. From the start of this life, everything had gone terrifyingly well, but he wasn’t worried. Falsely holding a golden position was his greatest confidence.
‘If anything, this smoothness is only natural. Without my immortal spirit identity drawing the Heavenly Duke’s schemes, as a perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator who can assume a golden position at any time, armed with all that intelligence and plotting with intent against the clueless—failure would be the real injustice!’
Lu Yang quickly reined in his thoughts.
With the decree in hand, recruiting personnel was straightforward. Emperor Jia You had placed no limits here, and Lu Yang was happy to make a big show of it.
One month later.
At Lu Yang’s summons, the entire True Dragon branch lineage sent into Jiangdong by the Dragon Lord, along with the many yao cultivators gathered under the [One Heart Society], had all assembled.
Lu Yang received everyone in the newly built [Imperial Capital Division] yamen.
Beyond the [One Heart Society] yao cultivators, there were many human cultivators too—ones Lu Yang had selected from the lower ranks of various departments and transferred over.
But the moment these human cultivators stood alongside the yao cultivators, Lu Yang immediately sensed the deep divide between them. The humans looked down on the yao, while the yao, though harboring resentment, looked down on themselves in turn. Naturally, the two groups clustered separately, forming two distinct factions throughout the yamen.
Lu Yang frowned at the sight.
Truth be told, he was an advocate of equality—treating everyone the same. Human or yao made no difference; what mattered was whether they could serve him.
Those who could were his people.
Those who couldn’t were enemies.
He stepped up to the dais.
Lu Yang cleared his throat, then said flatly,
“Fellow Daoists, we gather here today to pledge loyalty to His Majesty and serve the Dao Court.”
“First, let us pay respects to His Majesty.”
His words fell, and he led by turning toward the imperial palace to bow.
“Pay respects to His Majesty!”
The Dao Court officials below followed suit. Applause thundered, and deafening cries of “Long live His Majesty!” echoed loud enough for half of Tianwu City to hear.
Most of the fervor came from the yao cultivators, though. Lu Yang, as a True Dragon clansman, was their banner in the Dao Court. All yao hoped he’d improve their status, so they played along enthusiastically. By contrast, the humans seemed perfunctory.
Lu Yang wasn’t fazed. He chuckled lightly.
“No need for more preamble. Let’s discuss what everyone cares about most: compensation in the [Imperial Capital Division]. Your salaries and stipends.”
The crowd’s eyes sharpened instantly.
Talk of this, and no one’s sleepy anymore.
The next moment, Lu Yang said calmly, “Dao Court officials currently receive stipends once every century: one choice from cultivation methods, spirit materials, or aptitude enhancement.”
“Our [Imperial Capital Division] offerings match those of Dao Court officials.”
No surprise rippled through the crowd. So stipends unchanged, then.
But then Lu Yang continued,
“Issued once a year.”
“...”
Silence blanketed the hall.
Yao and human alike wore the same stunned expression: incredulity, disbelief, wondering if they’d misheard.
Dao Court’s century-long stipend, paid yearly???
Do you even have the funds?
The answer: He did.
The old Dragon Lord had just sponsored Lu Yang a hefty sum—meant for bribes, but perfect for stipends.
These were just spirit materials, of course.
As for cultivation methods, Lu Yang had tallied so many people, amassing a sea of divine abilities and techniques—plenty to go around.
The only issue was aptitude enhancement via [Immortal Kingdom Dao Laws], which Lu Yang couldn’t provide. But these were Dao Court officials, soon switching to incense fire god path in the [Imperial Capital Division]. Positions and realms all via incense—why would they need aptitude?
With a wave of his hand,
Spirit materials from the True Dragon clan carpeted the yamen. Surging spiritual energy formed a visible tide, engulfing everyone.
All were dumbfounded!
He’s actually giving them out?
Under their dazed stares, Lu Yang remained composed. “You are all loyal servants of the Dao Court.”
“These spirit materials are your stipend for this year—a personal token from me. Consider it paid in advance.”
At that moment, a human cultivator timidly raised a hand.
“Milord... could I forgo the spirit materials and choose a cultivation method instead?”
“Of course.”
Lu Yang smiled faintly. “But I’ve laid them out already and can’t be bothered to collect them. Anyone wanting a method, see me afterward—I’ll subsidize you.”
The crowd erupted in excitement.
Full spirit materials, plus extra cultivation methods?
What’s that if not double pay!
And they weren’t even officially onboard yet. Day one in the [Imperial Capital Division], and they’d claimed two centuries’ worth of Dao Court stipends!
In that instant, everyone’s gaze toward Lu Yang shifted.
As the mood below heated up, Lu Yang poured oil on the fire. “Additionally, given the arduous and vital missions of the [Imperial Capital Division],”
“Each mission completion brings extra allowances—to reward your hard work. Better results, bigger bonuses.”
Lu Yang’s approach to the [Imperial Capital Division] boiled down to one line:
I’ll give you soup and meat both. Don’t fear your greed; I’ll stuff you till you’re bursting at the seams!
“Thud!”
No prompting needed—all [Imperial Capital Division] cultivators rose as one, bowing deeply to Lu Yang.
None more thrilled than Xiao Shan, the earliest yao to pledge to him.
He stood, meaning to swear loyalty, but meeting Lu Yang’s eyes onstage, inspiration struck:
“Loyal to His Majesty, devoted to the Dao Court.”
He turned first, saluting Tianwu Hall.
“Loyal! Sincere!”
With a leader, and Lu Yang not stopping them, everyone followed: claim stipend, then salute Tianwu Hall.
The secretly watching Emperor Jia You nodded in satisfaction.
“Boom!”
Vast incense fire poured down, instantly empowering every [Imperial Capital Division] cultivator, elevating their positions.
The true boon!
Emperor Jia You had watched from start to finish without concern. Why? He controlled the ultimate prize.
Cultivation.
With incense gods’ foundations in his grasp, Lu Yang’s favors were just doing his work—pointless, but welcome.
Lu Yang knew the emperor’s mind well, sneering inwardly.
The emperor saw him as a tool, unaware Lu Yang viewed him the same.
‘With the complete [Seven Luminaries Heaven] in my hands, no matter how many incense gods we make, who they ultimately heed... we’ll see.’
(End of chapter)