Chapter 305: Preventing Discrimination

Overlooking the City of Azure Waves, Qian Ye’s vision gradually expanded as if he could see the entire Yong Continent.

In the distant frontlines, small mercenary groups banded together, forming large-scale armies. Under the command of their respective commanders, they advanced deep into the continent. Each army had different commanders, some human, others demonic, and a few were bloodkin. Although the demonic were few in number, each one was an elite, contributing no less than other races.

Meanwhile, countless exploration teams were heading to the edge of the continent to survey and mine ore veins. The edge of the land had always been a dangerous area, not just due to the harsh environment, but also because of hostile factions.

Yet, William kept preaching that as long as Qian Ye was present, no one would dare touch the Yong Continent. He even brought in the Wolf Lord to bolster confidence, and before long, most people believed him, starting to establish settlements in the perilous frontier.

These settlements, surprisingly, flourished without harassment from the Evernight Empire. As a result, all races within the territory erupted with enthusiasm, establishing new settlements like bamboo shoots after rain.

Whether in construction, planning, or workshops, humans displayed exceptional prowess. Though they might not be the fiercest warriors, they were undoubtedly the most skilled architects and engineers. Thus, in this burgeoning nation, the economic power and status of humans steadily rose. Even the native werewolf tribes, who naturally had their own lands, gradually found themselves second to the humans.

Qian Ye withdrew his gaze and said, “William?”

“What is it?”

Qian Ye pondered for a moment and then said, “I think we need to make some preparations and plans for certain matters.”

“For what aspects?” William asked.

“Racial equality.”

“Do we need to prepare for that? What do we need to prepare?”

“We need to clarify in the legal framework that, regardless of whether it’s Evernight or Dawn, all races are equal. We must also suppress any signs of racial discrimination from the start to prevent future injustices by humans against other races in the Evernight.”

William was a bit confused, “What do you mean? Prevent humans from, uh, discriminating against other races?”

“Yes,” Qian Ye said seriously.

William almost choked but, following the custom of respecting the strong, he didn’t say anything outright and simply nodded in agreement.

Qian Ye didn’t explain further. This was the first time a nation of both Dawn and Evernight had emerged on the Yong Continent. Such a nation, without external wars, would develop differently from traditional Dawn and Evernight territories. Here, the relatively short lifespan of humans might become an advantage.

However, there was no need to tell William these things now. In the future, he would see and understand.

Qian Ye didn’t know how long he would live, but for the sake of those already living in this nation and the countless dreamers who came, he wanted to eliminate potential issues from the start and leave behind a prosperous, powerful, and peaceful nation.

This journey to the Holy Mountain was fraught with uncertainty.

“Then, I’ll be off.”

William was taken aback, “You’re leaving? Where to? You just returned, shouldn’t you stay?”

“No, this place doesn’t need me. You can handle it. I have some matters to settle.”

“Alright, when you return, let’s have a drink!”

“Sure… hmm?” Just as Qian Ye agreed, he sensed something. A fleet of airships landed nearby, carrying only a few packages. One of them even bore marks of gunfire.

“Something seems to have happened over there. Let’s go check it out.”

William also noticed the anomaly and immediately flew over. The newly formed nation was still fragile, relying heavily on the only legal and open free market in the Evernight world, serving as a hub for trade between Dawn and Evernight. Therefore, the security of transport was crucial.

Since the Summit of Peaks took over the City of Azure Waves, their first task was to combat piracy. Despite the Summit being more moderate, the wolf-kin’s ferocity meant that pirates, or temporary pirate mercenaries, were usually executed en masse.

As various races and powers saw their interests in the Yong Continent grow, they began to maintain the safety of the shipping routes. Gradually, the routes around the Yong Continent became the safest.

The appearance of a plundered fleet was no small matter, so William rushed to handle it immediately.

Qian Ye stood in the air, waiting quietly.

Moments later, William returned, his face somewhat grave.

“Is the situation complicated?” Qian Ye asked.

“A bit.”

“Speak up. When did the pride of the Summit of Peaks become hesitant?”

William looked at Qian Ye and said, “This merchant fleet wasn’t attacked by pirates, but by the Empire’s patrol fleet. They were accused of smuggling, and most of their cargo and two of their ships were confiscated. If not for their backing, they might not have even kept the ships.”

“The Empire’s patrol fleet?”

Qian Ye was surprised.

“More specifically, the 5th Legion’s fleet.”

“I remember, they’re part of the Empire’s regular forces. But why are they intercepting our merchant fleet and collecting taxes?” In Qian Ye’s memory, the tariff issue with the Empire should have been resolved long ago.

“I don’t know, and the merchants couldn’t provide a clear answer. However, they confirmed that Marshal Chen Rongzhi of the 5th Legion was on the fleet. That’s why I think it’s trouble.”

“I don’t think you’d be afraid of a marshal.”

William spoke slowly, “First, this incident is suspicious, and it involves regular forces. I can’t determine the Empire’s intentions. If it means a full-scale war, the Summit of Peaks alone won’t be enough. We need to unite with other races. But, we’re on the Yong Continent, which means we aren’t entirely part of the Evernight faction.”

“Second, it’s about you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, I’m not sure how you’ll react.”

Qian Ye understood and laughed, “I get it. Some people, like you, want to see my reaction. I just returned, and someone tried to collect taxes from me. They must be ready for a slap, just wondering how hard it will be.”

William said, “Humans always like to play these games.”

“Because they have countless factions, much like the four major races in the Evernight. Alright, I should be going. I’ll deal with this matter before heading to the next place.”

With that, Qian Ye turned and stepped into the void.

In the void, a fleet sailed along the route between the Empire and the Yong Continent. Though small, the fleet consisted of the Empire’s newest warships, clearly of significant importance.

At the head of the fleet, the Hall of Heroes suddenly appeared from the void. Qian Ye stood at the dragon’s head, his gaze sweeping over the fleet, and said calmly, “Let Chen Rongzhi come and see me.”

On the central flagship, an old marshal with white hair and beard appeared, roaring, “I am one of the Ten Marshals of the Empire! How dare you show disrespect to me?”

Before he finished speaking, Qian Ye had already passed by him.

Chen Rongzhi’s head floated lightly, drifting into the void.

Qian Ye returned to the dragon ship and sailed away, leaving only his voice echoing above the fleet.

“I’ve been in a bad mood lately. I didn’t like this guy, so I killed him. Go back and tell the military that the bigger picture is more important. This small matter isn’t worth counting.”