Master of Strange Dao

The survivors from this batch formed the core team who allowed the new monarch to quickly gain control over Dadui, initiating profound changes.

In fact, Emperor Dui had already made all the necessary preparations.

No matter how devastating or incompetent the successor might be, Dadui would certainly be much stronger than it was in the Dingmao Era.

Although it was still a mess, at least it was not destined to become increasingly worse.

Yu Ziqing allowed some of the lands, governed by officials who were of limited ability but were loyal to the ruler and loved the people, to maintain their positions as they had a good reputation.

Able to remain unexploited and safeguard their areas during the previous chaotic era, there was no reason to eliminate them now.

They would continue to serve as guardians of their territories, well-suited for aiding with tasks like spring planting or adjusting water channels, making these Small Earth Deities immensely useful.

Now, Dadui was almost like a blank sheet with most of its content erased, ready to be filled in by future generations.

Yu Ziqing, acknowledging his lack of prowess to manage such a massive Divine Dynasty, decided to proceed cautiously.

First, plant crops to ensure that those who had been polluted and turned into ordinary Incense-eating People would not starve before considering anything else.

Just this task alone was already extremely challenging.

He was not planning for Dadui to return to its former state so quickly.

He intended for it to endure silently and develop internally for at least a century.

If anyone tried to push him, he would drag out the Earth Devil Venerate as a scapegoat, leaving it up to whoever could handle the Venerate to take on the responsibility.

Setting the tone, he temporarily assembled a cabinet by finding some stable elder ministers and decided to focus on farming and development rather than seeking quick gains.

Seeing that the recovery was almost complete, Yu Ziqing touched the Earth Deity Origin and muttered to himself.

"You were established by ancient sages, and if you possess a spirit, come to me. Without your help, I can't go anywhere now.

Moreover, if I don't leave here, there might be outside influences."

"I need to find an excuse to return and use the hungry ghosts from my home to help suppress it.

Those people worked hard for so many years, sacrificing the deaths of many Ninth Tier Strong as a price.

After all, they should not have any improper thoughts."

The Stele of the Earth Deity Origin automatically rose and transformed into a stream of light, entering Yu Ziqing's forehead.

The stele suspended in front of his Yin God, the holy sound and the power of the stele suppressed the Earth Devil Venerate, helping Yu Ziqing slowly digest it.

After several days, he finally could leave.

As he walked to a hall where nine people, including Jia Shisi, were seated, he found himself in the temporarily assembled cabinet, tasked with addressing the many chaotic issues currently plaguing Dadui.

Upon Yu Ziqing's arrival, the leading elder, whose beard reached his abdomen, immediately stood up, with a solemn demeanor, and salutations precise.

"Minister Zhang Quli, pays respect to Your Majesty."

Seeing these people greet him, Yu Ziqing found it unsurprising. They spoke as they wished; addressing him in their chosen manner.

"How are things?"

"Your Majesty, among the remaining lands, Mountain Gods, and River Gods, there were two hundred and twenty. We executed one hundred and forty-six of them.

The remaining seventy-four passed the review; however, twelve among them had minor errors and will be closely monitored.

Among the Twelve Prefectures and Sixty Cities, Lord Jia Shisi has already cleared forty-five cities.

Everything is proceeding smoothly, though manpower remains insufficient."

"If any suitable candidates exist, give them a trial. In these special times, there's no need to be overly formal."

After Yu Ziqing spoke, he glanced at everyone.

"I must return. If I don't, I might not be able to maintain stability outside.

Internally, our direction is set, and the details are entirely in your hands."

Having entrusted everyone with their responsibilities, Yu Ziqing did not intervene further since, in terms of managing Dadui, these individuals were more professional and informed than he was.

Yu Ziqing had many ideas, but he had to temporarily suppress them.

Being too aggressive wouldn't lead to a good outcome. Stabilizing first was most important.

After Yu Ziqing left, Zhang Quli stroked his beard and sighed, looking at Jia Shisi.

"Our new monarch is indeed benevolent.

His Majesty's main concern and the only detail he inquires about is agriculture.

Ensuring not a single person starves, truly takes great vision.

Lord Jia Shisi, if one isn't utterly treacherous or a criminal with blood on their hands, causing havoc to one side, then perhaps show some leniency.

This old servant never imagined, that among the Earth Deities, there were still dozens genuinely protecting their regions.

Though their ability and insight are lacking, they should manage a village or town just fine.

If their wrongdoings are minor and non-harmful, give them a chance.

People, let us unite and strive to achieve this small goal set by His Majesty as soon as possible."

Dadui's first five-year plan, where none shall starve, officially commenced.

Days later, Yu Ziqing departed Dadui with Jia Shisi.

The only person who could leave with Yu Ziqing was Jia Shisi.

This was because Jia Shisi was not sealed within it but separately sealed.

This decision, passed unanimously within the cabinet, required Jia Shisi to escort.

Yu Ziqing assigned a bunch of projects, primarily his expertise, to be completed by them and stepped back, having no capability to manage better than them.

Upon stepping out of the archway, Yu Ziqing staggered.

At that instant, the Power of Calamity amplified considerably; even though most of the Earth Devil Venerate was nearly digested, it remained stubborn, resisting till the end.

But Yu Ziqing had to leave. Without stepping out, he couldn't buy time or quell the restless hearts outside.

However, the Power of Calamity slowly began to be intercepted by Yu Ziqing.

Big Ghost supported Yu Ziqing, who appeared listless, with a troubled expression.

Upon exiting, he saw Wen Lingyou waiting with Wang Xiaohu.

With Big Ghost supporting Yu Ziqing, Wen Lingyou glanced around and sighed softly.

"Brother Qing, are you alright?"

"Troubled, if I don't return soon, I might burst. Senior waits here to see Dadui's return? Please wait, and let the junior attempt..."

"No, no..." Wen Lingyou was taken aback, quickly stopping him: "Brother Qing, quickly return to heal first. This thing is not urgent, definitely not."

"Pardon, Senior, this junior is too weary to salute."

Wen Lingyou, with the Flying Boat, spent over a day personally escorting Yu Ziqing near Jinlan Mountain, watching as Yu Ziqing soared toward Jinlan Mountain, then turned back.

He was naturally waiting for Yu Ziqing.

His purpose was to personally escort Yu Ziqing back, fearing any reckless and mad individual might target Yu Ziqing at this moment.

Midway through the Flying Boat's journey, Wen Lingyou received the latest intel.

Upon opening, he saw the report stating that a day ago, natural disasters across various regions showed a tendency to rekindle, though now they were suppressed again.

As time passed, not only did the signs of natural calamities increase, but human crises also appeared to be surging.

Given this situation, would he dare to allow Dadui's return?

The Three Divine Dynasties could surely withstand the massive impact, but who would willingly endure such unnecessary losses?

Wasn't Dadui's previous example sufficiently tragic?

Before heading back to Dali, Wen Lingyou began writing a memorial, outlining the advantages and disadvantages.

Even though he understood that Dadui did not want to return so soon; having undergone drastic change, its return now was certainly not favorable.

Nonetheless, in the memorial, Wen Lingyou clearly stipulated that, in the short term, Dadui must absolutely not return.

Particularly, Qing Ziyu on Jinlan Mountain should under no circumstances be targeted.

This individual practiced the Hungry Ghost Dao and was enveloped by its Secret Technique, forcefully swallowing the Earth Devil Venerate. Now, akin to a filth bucket of calamities waiting to burst, if pierced, everyone in the world would have to collectively bear the consequences.

Now that things had settled, everyone should wait; a few hundred years is not a significant issue.

It not only offers some time but also allows sufficient accumulation in preparation for impacting the Tenth Tier in the future.