Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 282 Plans To Expand The Empire's Territory

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Wang Jian's aspirations extended far beyond the confines of the Everlasting Mystical Empire's territory.

While the empire's expanse was considerable, it wasn't enough to satisfy his grand ambitions. His hunger for more power and territory drove him forward.

However, he was well aware that achieving this goal required more than just sheer force. Wang Jian needed a substantial army of warriors who would be willing to fight alongside him against rival Empires.

Equally crucial was having a justifiable cause to wage war on neighboring Empires and expand his own realm's boundaries.

Wars held a deep impact on every facet of an Empire — its economy, politics, military strength, management, and legal structure.

Engaging in conflicts without legitimate reasons or solely for territorial expansion could lead to loss of respect from the citizens and harm the ruler's reputation.

For Wang Jian, finding the right balance between his ambitions and maintaining the trust of his people was a delicate and complex challenge.

In the face of these challenges, Wang Jian formulated a shrewd strategy.

When it came to amassing an army, he recognized that relying solely on his faction members wouldn't cut it for the grand goal of expanding the Everlasting Mystical Empire's borders.

Their numbers were insufficient to conquer and maintain control over new territories.

But an idea sparked: what if he could incorporate the might of Devil Clans like the Blue Moon Eclipse Devil Clan and the Nether Curseweaver Devil Clan, along with their subjugated demons? This alliance, he realized, could significantly enhance his chances of success.

However, this plan came with a significant hurdle. The prospect of partnering with Devil Clans was bound to infuriate the citizens of the Everlasting Mystical Empire.

Their deep-seated animosity towards demons ran strong, and they'd be prepared to rise against Wang Jian himself.

To tackle this obstacle, Wang Jian recognized the necessity of engineering a colossal threat to the Empire.

A threat that would render his pact with the devils as a reluctant necessity, a pragmatic choice in dire times to ensure the Empire's survival.

And lo and behold, the wars initiated by the Golden Sun Empire, the Jade Sea Empire, and the Ebon Star Ascendancy served as his golden ticket.

These external conflicts offered Wang Jian the perfect pretext he needed—a way to align with the devils without inciting public fury.

This was because the citizens' love for their own nation exceeded their hatred of the demons.

It was because they thought that since these demons deserve to die, at the least, they should die fighting against the humans from other Empires and whittle their forces by a bit.

By positioning his alliance as a response to aggressive external forces, Wang Jian knew he could sidestep the citizens' wrath while also garnering a legitimate cause for war, thanks to the unprovoked attacks launched against the Everlasting Mystical Empire.

Indeed, Wang Jian had foreseen the eruption of conflict initiated by the Golden Sun Empire, the Jade Sea Empire, and the Ebon Star Ascendancy.

The Everlasting Mystical Empire, in its present state, seemed almost incapable of effectively holding onto its vast expanse. To the other empires, it appeared as if they were being handed the chance to expand their domains on a silver platter. The opportunity was too tempting for any ruler with a shred of ambition to ignore.

Wang Jian understood the upcoming trials he would face. Dealing with three Empires simultaneously would be no walk in the park.

Yet, he wasn't without a countermeasure. His trump card lay in the form of the Soul Board skill.

Through the Soul Board, Wang Jian could tap into the remaining points within each of his subordinates' Soul Boards, facilitating substantial upgrades to their skills and abilities.

Armed with this newfound strength, his loyal warriors would undoubtedly outmatch the forces of the enemy empires.

However, announcing an alliance with the devil clans without tangible results seemed unwise. Wang Jian recognized the importance of substantiating his claims. Therefore, he employed the power of the Soul Board to enhance the capabilities of influential demons within both the Blue Moon Eclipse Devil Clan and the Nether Curseweaver Devil Clan, Zyrithia.

With newfound strength coursing through their veins, Wang Jian ordered Zyrithia to lead a formidable force against the troops of the Jade Sea Empire.

The Nether Curseweaver Devil Clan, originating from the Jade Sea Empire, possessed the knowledge and experience to counter their forces effectively.

Meanwhile, Wang Jian marshaled his own troops to clash with the Golden Sun Empire's armies. They were led by Lady Zhuoran.

And for the confrontation against the experts from the Ebon Star Ascendancy, Wang Jian ventured onto the battlefield accompanied by his wives.

The scenes that unfolded across these three battlefields were nothing short of catastrophic.

The enemy faced utter devastation, their ranks shattered, and their strength nullified.

This was particularly evident in the confrontation where Wang Jian and his formidable wives confronted the Ebon Star Ascendancy.

In the other two engagements where the Everlasting Mystical Empire squared off against the Golden Sun Empire and the Jade Sea Empire, both sides suffered losses.

However, Wang Jian's forces showcased a remarkable resilience and strength that compelled the enemy to retreat, beaten and battered, to their own territories.

As the smoke cleared and the echoes of battle faded, it became unmistakably evident that Wang Jian's calculated moves were driving the tide of war in his favor.

With the immediate threat quelled, Wang Jian's resolute voice echoed through the heart of the Everlasting Mystical Empire's capital. His declaration was clear: to safeguard their territory and vanquish the encroaching enemy Empires, he had turned to an unconventional ally—the enigmatic Devil Clans.

And indeed, the Devil Clans had heeded Wang Jian's call, aligning with his purpose. In the wake of this triumph, Wang Jian stood before his subjects, his voice unwavering as he made a monumental proclamation—a pact of peace with the Devil Clans.

In the tapestry of this accord, intricate threads were woven, binding both parties to a code of conduct.

The Devil Clans were bound by a solemn edict—never to harm an innocent citizen of the Everlasting Mystical Empire without just cause.

In return, they shouldered the mantle of protectors, ready to stand resolute at the Empire's forefront, a bulwark against impending peril.

The echoes of Wang Jian's command resounded—these newfound allies pledged allegiance, promising to heed his directives unswervingly.

Amid the fervor of this announcement, Wang Jian extended an unprecedented overture. Emissaries were summoned from each of the two enigmatic Devil Clans to the court, their presence an embodiment of the newfound coalition.

Within the Empire's bustling streets and shadowed alleys, murmurs arose—a cocktail of initial disillusionment and the faint ember of anger at this unexpected alliance.

The prospect of Devil Clan representatives being given a position in the hallowed halls of the Empire's court sent ripples of unease.

Yet, as the hours unfolded and understanding took root, sentiments shifted.

These very Devil Clans had bared fangs against the encroaching tide, spilling their own blood in defense of the Empire's dominion.

Slowly, the begrudging recognition of their valor thawed the frost of doubt, emboldening the populace to embrace this bold step into uncharted territory.

Wang Jian now ordered the two Devil Clans to ensure that no demon in the Everlasting Mystical Empire was causing chaos.

It would be their duty to capture rebellious demons and deal with them.

As the currents of fate continued to swirl, Wang Jian's heart beat with a resolute rhythm. The time had come to unite his path with Stella's, to intertwine their destinies in a bond of eternal matrimony.

With a focused resolve, he invoked the ethereal power of the Butterfly Spirit Queen's Mark, the very emblem of their connection, and in an instant, he was transported to the hallowed grounds of the Sacred Dominion—the lush forest realm Stella and her loyal beast comrades called home.

Meanwhile, Stella, the illustrious Butterfly Spirit Queen, had already disseminated the news among her devoted comrades.

The proclamation that Wang Jian sought her hand in marriage resonated through the verdant forest, stirring a whirlwind of emotions among the diverse array of creatures that shared her sacred abode.

A symphony of astonishment and jubilation echoed through the lush expanse as Stella's beastly companions absorbed the news.

Yet, beneath the surprise lay a bedrock of trust—a belief in Wang Jian's character, a conviction that he would honor and cherish their sovereign Butterfly Spirit Queen.

Moreover, as the Emperor of the Everlasting Mystical Empire, his stature was unquestionably worthy of uniting with the resplendent Butterfly Spirit Queen.

The forest, alive with palpable anticipation, heralded Wang Jian's arrival with jubilant calls and harmonious roars.

The tableau that unfolded before him was a panorama of enchanting beauty—an assemblage of nature's wonders expressing their collective joy.

Confusion flickered in Wang Jian's eyes momentarily before it yielded to understanding.

A bevy of ethereal and enchanting women, hailing from the revered Butterfly Spirit Race, graced his presence.

With graceful gestures, they beckoned him forth, leading him to the very site where the luminous threads of their union would be woven.

Here, under the open sky and amidst the symphony of nature's melodies, Wang Jian and Stella were poised to embark on their journey as one.

The ceremony unfolded like an enchanting tapestry, each step meticulously enacting the traditions and rituals cherished by Stella's people. Wang Jian, with a spirit of genuine embrace, embraced the customs, his determination to become a part of Stella's world evident in every gesture.

The presence of the forest's denizens bore witness, their jubilation echoing like a harmonious chorus.

As vows were exchanged, the forest seemed to hold its breath, a hushed reverence blanketing the scene.

Wang Jian's voice rang true, carrying his promises with a sincerity that resonated deeply.