647: The submission of the cultivation world

Just a few short days later, a thunderous piece of news capable of shaking the very Foundation of the Cultivation World swept through every city, every Secret Realm, and every remaining corner of power like a hurricane.

All the Undergoing Tribulation Old Ancestors of the Lingxiao Immortal Sect, along with the Sect's remaining Elders and direct Disciples, officially surrendered as a whole, incorporating themselves entirely into the territory of the Xili Empire.

The moment the news spread, the entire Cultivation World fell into an unprecedented state of shock.

In every street and alley, at market strongholds, and within the discussion halls of the remaining Sects, there were uproars of discussion everywhere. Cultivators gathered in small groups, whispering to one another with expressions of astonishment, their voices filled with disbelief.

"Did I hear that right? The Lingxiao Immortal Sect... those Undergoing Tribulation Old Ancestors who have lived for thousands of years actually lowered themselves to join the Xili Empire as an entire Sect?"

"I originally thought those old monsters would fight to the death and ignite a war that would sweep across the entire Cultivation World. Who could have imagined that the Lingxiao Immortal Sect would be the first to bow their heads..."

"What do you mean 'bowing their heads'? Don't speak nonsense! This is called recognizing the circumstances; it's the correct choice to follow the general trend! Now that the Lingxiao Immortal Sect has made its decision, I'm not going to wait and see either. I'm going to register right now!"

The Lingxiao Immortal Sect, acting as the stabilizing weight of the world, had completely sided with the Empire, instantly shattering the last shred of hesitation in the hearts of all Cultivators.

Previously, a large number of Cultivators were still cautiously observing. They were wary of the Xili Empire's overwhelming power, yet they also feared a joint counterattack from the top Sects. With the outcome of the war undecided, rashly picking a side could have meant inviting disaster.

But now, even the Lingxiao Immortal Sect—the one with the deepest heritage, the most Undergoing Tribulation Old Ancestors, and the most revered status—had fully submitted. This was equivalent to a public declaration through action.

Stubborn resistance was now utterly meaningless; submission was the only path to survival and a future.

A wave of registration, even more turbulent and frenzied than before, swept through the Cultivation World once again.

Loose Cultivators, remnants of small and medium Sects, wavering Elders, and powerful Loose Cultivators hidden in the mountains and wilds all cast aside their worries. Bringing their families and friends, they flocked to the Xili Empire's reception points to register and swear their loyalty. The lines stretched for thousands of miles, with no end in sight.

And the development of the situation perfectly confirmed the judgment of all the Cultivators.

With the Lingxiao Immortal Sect setting the precedent, the Undergoing Tribulation Old Ancestors of the other top powers made the exact same choice after only half a day of emergency discussions.

There were no arguments, no battles to the death, and no unnecessary maneuvering. The major Sects released their announcements almost one after another.

The entire Sect would submit to the Xili Empire and accept reorganization and jurisdiction.

He Dong's original half-month buffer period hadn't even reached its midpoint before the entire Cultivation World was completely brought under the rule of the Xili Empire in a nearly peaceful manner.

There was no gunpowder smoke, no bloodshed, no collapsing cities, and no large-scale falling of Cultivators.

Throughout this war of territorial unification that swept across the entire plane, He Dong had not sacrificed a single Imperial Soldier, nor had a single true frontal decisive battle broken out.

What He Dong had paid was merely the energy consumption to maintain the troops and the cost of purchasing and deploying large quantities of subconscious conditioning devices.

Without tragic slaughter or mutual destruction, relying only on the temptation of Potions, the deterrence of technological power, and the final blow dealt by the Lingxiao Immortal Sect, he had captured the entire Cultivation World without shedding a drop of blood.

The Cultivation World, once filled with numerous Sects and ten thousand competing paths, no longer had any fractured powers, independent Sects, or forces that dared to contend with the Empire.

The entire world now belonged to the Xili Empire... "Report, Commander, the entire Cultivation World has fully submitted to the Empire!"

An Officer in a crisp Imperial military uniform stepped quickly into the command center. His voice was powerful and resonant, breaking the brief silence.

He Dong sat in his large command chair. Upon hearing the report, he nodded slightly, and his long-tensed face finally showed a hint of relaxation as he immediately gave a deep-voiced command.

"Good, notify the people from the Imperial Bureau of Territory immediately and have them come to take over."

He knew very well that this vast Cultivation World, which had nurtured countless Cultivators, had an immense territory and a complex system. The subsequent work—reorganizing powers, establishing order, controlling resources, and aligning civilizations—was incredibly multifaceted. Their pioneer team, with its limited numbers, simply couldn't handle it all.

Only by waiting for the Empire's mainland to dispatch professional garrison and administrative teams could this new territory be thoroughly integrated into the Empire's jurisdictional system.

The moment He Dong finished speaking, a violent ripple of spatial energy suddenly surged across the sky above the Forbidden Ground. Pale blue energy waves spread out like ripples on water, accompanied by the low hum of spatial engines.

Grand and heavily armored starships suddenly manifested, slowly sailing out from the Void Realm.

In an instant, the dense formation of starships covered the entire sky. Their hulls blotted out the sun, and their cold metallic texture and majestic pressure enveloped the entire Forbidden Ground. Even the surging space around them seemed to stagnate slightly under this powerful aura.

He Dong suddenly looked up at the sky. Seeing this massive fleet that had appeared out of nowhere, his brow furrowed, and his face was filled with doubt and surprise as he immediately asked,

"Which unit is this? I didn't receive any notification."

He stared intently at the fleet in the sky, his sharp gaze sweeping over the bow markings. If he hadn't clearly seen the Xili Empire's exclusive military insignia engraved on the hull of every starship, he would have almost mistaken them for an unknown extraterrestrial civilization launching a surprise attack, and he couldn't help but feel on guard.

Before He Dong could think further, an Officer responsible for communications ran over and reported with a respectful bow.

"Commander, they say they were sent by the Military Department. They've been following us from the very beginning, waiting just outside the spatial wall."