Chapter 292 - 287: Phoenix Man
A year later, the influence of Demon Sect and Chongjian Manor in the Central Plains Martial World was completely eradicated. Lin Shuanghua, Yin Shaochen, and Leng Zhaoyue, who had vanished during that battle, became wanted criminals by both the court and the entire martial arts community. Wherever there were Martial Artists, there were curses and death-orders against them.
Three more years passed, and after dealing with his ambitious brothers, Ji Heng abdicated to become the Supreme Emperor, with Imperial Concubine Wuyang becoming the Empress Dowager, and their only son, Ji Nan, ascended the throne.
Upon his ascension, Ji Nan vigorously reformed the martial arts factions; the court would not interfere in the development of the sects, but the sects were required to report the number of disciples recruited to the court. Any underreporting would lead to dissolution and other penalties against the sect.
Furthermore, all Jianghu people were forbidden from killing innocents, the Martial Arts Arena was abolished, and official arbitration offices were established. Those with disputes could seek the court’s judgment, and everyone was expected to abide by the court’s laws while traversing the world.
At the same time, the court began to avidly recruit talented individuals, rewarding those who attracted court’s recognition with a Hero certificate and national provisions.
After ten years under Ji Nan’s governance, the entire nation flourished. Murders among the martial world became rare, gone were the days of recklessly seeking revenge in the name of brotherhood; the once chaotic martial world became orderly.
Someone once asked a well-skill Martial Hero why they no longer roamed the world upholding justice.
The Hero explained, "Previously, we roamed the world out of necessity; even with martial arts, we had to struggle for a living. Now things are different; with no worries about food or safety, who would want to risk their life? Besides, if there’s trouble or grievances, one can report to the officials, and the court is quite fair."
Moreover, those proficient in martial arts can easily be put to good use by the court, achieving both fame and safety. As a result, few wish to join the sects anymore, and gradually, the sects have declined.
Only Medicine Valley, a sect heavily utilized by the court, has become even more prosperous.
"Sister, why wouldn’t you want to become a Princess?" Ji Nan asked discontentedly, "As my senior sister, you should be the most respected Princess in the world."
"Enough already, I’m just a person of the world, not suited to be a pampered Princess," Ye Qiu responded with a smile, "My dream is to roam the world, seeking out the legendary Divine Medicines and Poisons."