It took Ian Song two months to wipe out the Liang Kingdom, but only twenty days to finish off the Yue Kingdom.
The reason it went so fast was that, toward the end of the Liang campaign, he had already begun splitting his forces. So by the time Liang fell, nearly half of Yue’s territory was already in his hands.
Just as Ian expected, after crushing both Liang and Yue, his Qi Luck surged by a full 43 million.
And in ten days, Prince Adrian Cao of Yan would officially ascend the throne as emperor.
Ian Song simply left the army behind and returned to the capital.
Ten days later.
Adrian Cao ascended the throne, proclaimed the Yan Empire, and adopted the reign title New Origin.
After the Heaven-worship ceremony was complete...
A long series of investitures began, with Ian Song honored first. His achievements were simply too great—if he’d wanted the throne, Adrian would never have gotten it.
Originally, Adrian had wanted to grant him the exalted 'equal-to-the-emperor' princely rank.
That rank would have placed Ian Song on par with the emperor himself, but Ian declined.
After some discussion, they settled on the title Carefree Prince—full imperial rank, but no territorial fief. However, his descendants could inherit the Carefree Prince title.
Next came the investiture of princesses and princes. Chloe Cao also received a princess title.
As for the generals who rose with Adrian, the highest rank granted was duke, but none received land.
After all, even Ian Song had no fief—so no one else could demand one. As a result, nobody expressed dissatisfaction.
Once the peerage investitures were complete, it was time for the civil appointments.
Zachary Cai was appointed Chief Elder of the Cabinet, taking charge of the top policymaking body.
Worth noting: Ian Song’s named disciple, Neil Ning, was made Commander of the Imperial Guard.
With both Yue and Liang subdued, the entire continent was now unified under Yan rule, and the empire entered a period of rest and recovery.
Royal Library.
Ian Song strolled in at his leisure.
After poring over countless ancient books, he learned that this land was called the Frontier Wastes Continent.
To the east of the Frontier Wastes Continent lay a vast forest. According to the ancient records, passing through that forest could lead to a much wider world.
But that forest was full of deadly threats—even Golden Core experts struggled to make it out alive. As a result, the forest had become a forbidden taboo.
Dusk.
Ian Song walked out of the library.
He found himself pondering when he would leave the Frontier Wastes Continent for that broader world. His reincarnation in this world wasn’t just for pleasure—he had far greater ambitions.
"Prince, you’re back!"
Just as he stepped into the inner courtyard of his residence, Lily hurried up to greet him.
"Mm."
Ian Song nodded and walked inside.
"Prince, you’re back!"
Seeing Ian Song, his three wives all rose to greet him.
After dinner...
Yoyo Chen and Chloe Cao both withdrew.
Only Sylvia "Xueji" Cai remained.
"Senior Sister, do you have happy news for me?"
Ian Song asked with a smile.
"Junior Brother, I’m pregnant!"
Sylvia whispered, her face shining with a gentle, maternal glow.
"Really? That’s wonderful!"
Ian Song exclaimed happily. Even though this wasn’t his first time becoming a father, hearing that Sylvia was pregnant still brought him great joy.
Sylvia’s pregnancy made Yoyo Chen and Chloe Cao quite anxious.
So, for a while, Ian Song truly enjoyed the blessings of a polygamous household.
Three months later.
Chloe Cao and Yoyo Chen both became pregnant in turn.
Seven months later, Sylvia "Xueji" Cai gave birth to a son, named Song Yuan.
When Ian Song’s son was born, Emperor Adrian Cao personally came to congratulate them and immediately enfeoffed Song Yuan as an earl.
No one could say a word against it.
But in truth, Ian Song saw through Adrian Cao’s intentions. By making Song Yuan an earl, he was paving the way for his own grandson.
Since Ian Song’s Carefree Prince title could only be inherited by one son, it should have gone to his eldest. But now, with Song Yuan made an earl, the princely title would pass to Chloe Cao’s child once he was born.
Just as Ian Song expected.
Three months later, Yoyo Chen and Chloe Cao each gave birth to a son.
Yoyo Chen’s son was born first, named Song Qi, while Chloe Cao’s son, the youngest, was named Song Yun.
Sure enough, another imperial edict soon arrived.
Song Qi was also made an earl, while Song Yun received no noble title.
As for Adrian Cao’s designs, Ian Song didn’t really care.
After his three sons were born, Ian Song sealed away the innate qi in their bodies. Once they reached a certain age, he would teach them martial arts.
One day...
Adrian Cao summoned Ian Song to the Imperial Palace.
“Take a look at this memorial!”
Adrian Cao handed a memorial to Ian Song.
It was a report from the Northwest Imperial Province, detailing the sudden emergence of a Ghost Domain within its borders.
After several major wars, the Northwest Province was nearly deserted. Even after a year of recovery, the population hadn’t reached a million.
“I’ll go handle it myself.”
Ian returned the memorial to Adrian Cao and spoke.
“Only you can resolve this matter.”
Adrian Cao replied.
To contain the Ghost Domain, many soldiers had already been lost. Even the Provincial Governor had hired mystics and strange experts, but nothing worked—the Ghost Domain kept expanding.
Ian nodded and left the Imperial Palace at once.
Adrian Cao wasn’t offended by Ian’s casual manner, but when Yvette Cao entered and saw it, she was uncomfortable. She couldn’t help but complain, “Father, you spoil him far too much!”
“Enough!”
Adrian Cao’s face turned cold. “He’s not someone you can judge!”
Without Ian Song, Adrian would never have become emperor. After destroying Liang and Yue, Ian voluntarily surrendered his military command and even refused a fief, remaining only a Carefree Prince.
Ian had gone so far, Adrian never doubted him for a moment.
Of course, Adrian didn’t think Ian was easy to control just because he lacked military power. With his terrifying cultivation, even a hundred thousand troops couldn’t stop him if he wanted an emperor dead.
Adrian had also learned that experts at Ian’s level could live for five hundred years. That’s why he worked so hard to win Ian over—so long as Ian was there, the Yan Empire’s rule was secure.
Yvette Cao felt deeply wronged by Adrian’s scolding, and her heart was full of resentment.
Adrian seemed to guess her thoughts and said coldly, “You’d best not provoke him. If he kills you, I won’t seek justice for you!”
“Father!”
Yvette Cao stared at Adrian in disbelief, tears streaming down her face.
“That’s enough.”
Adrian’s tone softened. “To tell you the truth, if Ian Song wanted the throne, I’d never have become emperor. Even if he tried to seize it now, I wouldn’t resist—I’d hand it over willingly.”
Yvette protested, “Father, he’s just an idle prince now!”
Adrian snorted. “Idle prince or not, his cultivation lets him soar through the skies and do the impossible. Otherwise, how do you think he conquered Liang and Yue in less than three months? In short, don’t provoke him. If you do, don’t blame me for putting duty before family and handling you myself!”
“Yes, Father. I understand!” Yvette was so startled by Adrian’s seriousness that she quickly nodded in agreement.