Chapter 6: Determining the Strategy

The Prime Minister’s proposal for a nationwide mandatory health examination immediately sparked fierce opposition within the hall.

“Absolutely not!”

The Minister of Finance abruptly rose from his seat. “Your Majesty, with the empire’s current population of 8.1 billion, completing such an extensive examination within a mere month would require astronomical financial resources.”

No sooner had he spoken than the Minister of the Interior also stood, his expression grave. “Sire, even if it were barely achievable, there is no guarantee that lower-ranking officials wouldn’t alter or falsify the examination data due to favoritism, bribery, negligence, or even infiltration by external demons. In that case, not only would we fail to apprehend the demon-human hybrids, but we might also be misled by false information, with dire consequences!”

In the imperial council, ministers enjoyed the right to speak candidly without fear of the Prime Minister’s displeasure—a rule decreed by the Sovereign himself. Of course, opposition had to be grounded in facts, not idle words.

At this moment, the two senior ministers’ speeches also carried an undertone of showcasing their abilities before His Majesty, perhaps laying the groundwork for future bids for the premiership. After all, the appointment of the Empire’s Prime Minister was firmly controlled by Bai Yujing, the Sovereign, who typically served five-year terms. Whether one could be reappointed depended entirely on the Sovereign’s favor.

The longest-serving Prime Minister in the empire’s history was the founding Prime Minister, who held office for 350 years until death ended his tenure. Since then, the average term length was about ten years.

The current Prime Minister was already in his second term and naturally eager to prove his competence by tackling a challenging matter.

Faced with fierce opposition from his colleagues, the Prime Minister responded swiftly, immediately offering a counterplan: “These difficulties are not insurmountable. Regarding manpower and finances, we can suspend some non-urgent space projects to reallocate resources. As for data falsification, we can organize intense, multi-phase cross-checks immediately after the initial examinations, employing stringent protocols to eliminate any chance of fraud.”

The left side remained silent.

Such debates involving massive administrative operations and internal governance were usually matters for the cabinet ministers to deliberate.

While the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Finance and Interior were locked in a tense exchange, the Director of the Network, who had been deep in thought, rose to speak.

Pushing up his glasses, he said, “Your Majesty, we can utilize existing data to prioritize screening for superpowered individuals who have never undergone health examinations. Then, through the empire’s vast surveillance network and citizen databases, we can analyze the behavioral patterns of these superpowered individuals, focusing especially on whether there are any abnormal disappearances near their social or work circles. Once suspects are identified, we can dispatch elite forces for targeted verification. This approach will greatly narrow the scope of the investigation, saving immense resources, while precisely identifying high-risk targets.”

A gleam flashed in Bai Yujing’s eyes as he smiled. “Excellent. This matter is entrusted to you.”

“I shall not fail in my duty!” The Network Director bowed deeply, a faint but unmistakable spark of excitement crossing his face.

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The Prime Minister cast a long, complex look at the Network Director but, since the Sovereign’s will was clear, he refrained from further comment.

Bai Yujing then shifted to the next topic. “Regarding the promotion of the cultivation path of Xianxiu from Shenzhou, I have decided to establish the Kunlun Academy. The inaugural enrollment will tentatively admit 10,000 students, restricted to those aged between sixteen and twenty.”

This decision was reached after consultation with Nangong Lin during their helicopter flight.

Those over twenty were somewhat late to begin cultivation, while those too young had undeveloped meridians, making this age range optimal.

He emphasized, “Of these, fifty percent of the spots must be allocated to children of workers and peasants. The remaining seats will be open to fair competition across society.”

Bai Yujing was keenly aware that without such restrictions, the aristocratic class—who held absolute advantages in resources, connections, and education—would inevitably crowd out opportunities for ordinary people.

Even though he had significantly increased wages to ensure a worker could afford a home, own a car, and support their family with only eight hours of work a day, the gap between workers and nobles remained.

He swept his gaze over the cabinet and spoke solemnly, “There must be no instances of imposters or fraud in this enrollment.”

The Prime Minister stiffened, then solemnly guaranteed, “Your Majesty, rest assured. I will personally oversee the process, implementing multiple layers of safeguards to ensure the selection is as transparent as the sun and moon, allowing no trace of corruption.”

At this moment, the commander of the Fourth Legion, Serena, rose again.

She lifted her head and asked, “Sire, if we superpowered individuals also cultivate the Xianxiu techniques from Shenzhou, will the two sources of power conflict?”

Bai Yujing replied candidly, “We will first conduct trial cultivation with superpowered individuals of lower ranks, observe their reactions, and assess compatibility and risks. Once sufficient experience is accumulated and safety confirmed, we will consider extending it to higher ranks.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.” Serena nodded gracefully and resumed her seat.

The Minister of Education then rose respectfully and proposed a location: “Your Majesty, for the academy’s site, I believe the imperial capital is the most prudent choice. With the threat of external demons still unclear, your presence in the capital will deter malefactors and stabilize the people. Regarding the specific location…” He paused, then pointed southward, “The Shanglin Garden south of the imperial palace offers exquisite scenery and vast grounds—an ideal place for teaching and learning.”

“Shanglin Garden?”

The Minister of Finance frowned instinctively. “That is Your Majesty’s private garden. It has been carefully cultivated over generations at great expense. How can it be repurposed so lightly?”

“I think this suggestion is excellent!” Bai Yujing’s face lit with approval. “The Shanglin Garden has been idle for a long time. Rather than letting it go to waste, it would be better to make full use of it to nurture talents for the empire.”

The Minister of Finance showed no embarrassment and smoothly switched to sincere admiration. “Your Majesty’s dedication to the public and far-sightedness surpass mine. I am ashamed of my shortsightedness!”

Bai Yujing smiled inwardly. This Minister of Finance was capable but too eager for advancement.

He turned to the Commander of the Imperial Guard. “The specific construction will be entrusted to the Imperial Guard’s engineering corps. I give you three days to build a sturdy, functional Kunlun Academy!”

The Imperial Guard Commander rose promptly. “Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will personally oversee the construction. Within three days, we will deliver an impeccable academy!”

The atmosphere in the hall eased somewhat.

At that moment, the commander of the Fifth Legion, Lan Hao, slowly stood.

His long chestnut hair was meticulously groomed, and behind his black-rimmed glasses, his gaze was gentle and scholarly. His sea-blue military uniform made him appear more a scholar than a fierce warrior.

“Lan Hao, do you have any suggestions?” Bai Yujing asked the legion commander known for his kindness.

Lan Hao bowed slightly, his voice calm, yet his words fell like stones into a still lake: “I have no objections. I only wish to ask the Sovereign one question: Are you still the Sovereign to whom we owe our loyalty?”

At this, the hall fell utterly silent.

All eyes fixed on Bai Yujing and Nangong Lin. The air thickened once more.

Nangong Lin, standing on the dais, her exquisite features as cold as ice, spoke before Bai Yujing could respond. Her soft voice echoed through the hall.

“I defeated you all with ease, yet your Sovereign to me…”

She paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over the legion commanders who faced her as if confronting a mortal enemy.

“Will be even easier. His strength far exceeds your imagination.”

Lan Hao’s eyes glinted behind his glasses, about to speak again.

“What arrogance!” Edmund, commander of the Eleventh Legion, suddenly leapt from his seat, his face contorted with rage. “Sovereign, allow me to single combat this woman!”