121: Fourth Generation: Overlord (Seventeen)

Jiulong City had changed masters, Xia Hong had been executed, and the rule of the Great Xia Dynasty had effectively come to an end.

However, for the billions of living beings on this land, especially for the Cultivators and various forces that relied on the Laws of the Dynasty, the complete end of an old Dynasty and the formal establishment of a new one could not be accomplished solely through military conquest and a single proclamation.

A crucial part of this process was the "Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony."

While the Wang Family quickly took over the royal capital and stabilized order, the core leadership, headed by Wang Qingshan and the Grand Elder, began intensive preparations for this key ritual concerning the nation's foundation and the new Dynasty's legitimacy.

Inside the newly renovated main hall of the former Great Xia royal palace, the lights blazed brightly.

Wang Qingshan sat in the main seat, while the core members of the Wang Family, including the Grand Elder and the Third Elder, along with a few heads of vassal families who had performed great feats during the subversion of the Xia Dynasty and were allowed into the inner circle, were gathered together.

"The old Dynasty is dead; a new Dynasty must rise."

Wang Qingshan's gaze swept over the crowd, his voice steady. "The Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony is imminent. This is the cornerstone for communicating with Heaven, reporting to Yin and Yang, and establishing our Dynasty's legal tradition. It is also the beginning of gathering the world's Luck to lay the foundation for an eternal legacy."

"Only by completing this ceremony can Yuan'er rightfully inherit the Mandate of Heaven and condense Imperial Fortune. Only then can the new Dynasty receive the recognition of Heaven and Earth, and its Luck flourish."

The Grand Elder, Wang Zheng Yuan, stroked his beard and added, "Indeed. According to ancient records and secret reports from various parties, this Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony is not a mere formality. The succession of dynasties and Imperial Dynasties in the Eastern Region and even broader regions all require this ritual."

"Rumor has it that only through the sacrifice to Heaven can the new Dynasty's Luck reach the ears of Heaven and receive the 'gaze' or 'recording' of a certain existence in the unseen. Only then can the National Fortune flow in an orderly fashion and the Laws become clear. Otherwise, it will be like duckweed without roots, and the Dynasty's reign will not last long."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of awe. "It is said that if a new Dynasty is established without holding a Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony, it is considered a false Dynasty, which will attract some kind of great horror."

Everyone looked solemn, clearly aware of the crucial nature of the matter.

"In that case, the dynastic name must also be decided as soon as possible so that it can be inscribed on the Sacrificial Documents and proclaimed to Heaven and Earth," the head of a vassal Family spoke up. "The dynastic name carries the Luck and vision of a nation and is of vital importance. I wonder if the Family Head and the Elders have come to a conclusion?"

Wang Qingshan looked at everyone. "Previously, I tentatively suggested 'Zichen,' taking the meaning of purple Qi coming from the east and the Emperor dwelling at the celestial pole. It also subtly aligns with the Cultivation Technique Yuan'er obtained. Do you have any other suggestions? Please feel free to speak your minds."

The hall was filled with discussion for a moment.

Some suggested continuing to use the word 'Xia' to show the inheritance of legitimacy and to appease the former subjects. Others suggested using 'Wu' to highlight the Wang Family's merit in establishing the country through martial force and pacifying the chaotic world. There were also suggestions for 'Yan,' 'Hua,' and other words symbolizing light and prosperity.

Opinions were divided, and each had its own logic.

Wang Qingshan and the Grand Elder listened silently, not immediately expressing their stance.

Just then, Xu Yuan, who had been sitting quietly at the lower end—his face still somewhat pale but his eyes having regained their clarity—slowly spoke up.

His voice was not loud, but it instantly attracted everyone's attention.

"Father, Elders." Xu Yuan's gaze was calm as he looked over the crowd. "While resting, I had a sudden realization. I humbly believe that the dynastic name 'Shang' might be more appropriate."

"Shang?"

Everyone was stunned, their faces showing confusion. This word was not common among the dynastic names of the Eastern Region throughout history.

Wang Qingshan looked at his son, his eyes questioning. "Yuan'er, why do you say that?"

Xu Yuan straightened up slightly and said composedly, "The word 'Shang' can have several interpretations."

"First, 'Shang' means 'Zhang,' signifying that things have matured and can be measured and regulated. It implies that our new Dynasty will establish Laws and systems to bring order to all things and govern the world. This is the foundation of the state."

"Second, 'Shang' also relates to exchange and commerce. Our new Dynasty will encourage trade and industry, allowing goods to circulate, the people to prosper, and the nation's power to grow strong. This is the path to a powerful nation."

"Third, it is also a bit of my own personal insight. 'Shang' sounds like 'Shang' for 'injury' or 'sorrow.' The sorrow of the old Dynasty and the injuries of the people all arose from the chaotic times. As we establish a new Dynasty, we should take this as a lesson, remain constantly vigilant, and never forget our original intention, so that the world will never again suffer the pain of displacement and disorder. This is the meaning of vigilance."

"Fourth..." Xu Yuan's gaze focused slightly, a hint of reminiscence appearing in his eyes. "I vaguely feel that this word seems to align with a certain principle of circulation and change, subtly echoing the rise and fall of Luck and the succession of dynasties."

"Using this as our name may make our Dynasty's Luck more enduring and resilient."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Everyone was savoring Xu Yuan's words.

It had to be said that compared to other suggestions, the word "Shang" indeed appeared more restrained and profound, with rich meanings. It included the establishment of Laws and regulations, the prosperity of the country through trade, and a sense of vigilance, even touching upon the mysterious theory of Luck.

Wang Qingshan and the Grand Elder exchanged a glance, both seeing the interest in each other's eyes.

The Grand Elder slowly nodded. "What Yuan'er said indeed makes sense. The word 'Shang' has deep connotations; it is not overbearing but has a profound foundation, combining practicality with the profound, and it even carries a heart of vigilance. Using this as our name might truly allow our Dynasty's Luck to open a new chapter."

Wang Qingshan pondered for a moment and finally made the decision. "Good! In that case, our Dynasty's name shall be 'Shang'!"

"The Great Shang Dynasty!"

His gaze was sharp as he looked at the officials responsible for etiquette. "Convey this decision immediately. All preparations for the Heavenly Sacrifice shall use 'Great Shang' as the dynastic name! The Sacrificial Documents must also be rewritten!"

"As you command!"

With the dynastic name decided, it was as if the restless Dragon Qi had found a home. In the unseen, the Luck hovering over the royal capital—which had been somewhat chaotic and cluttered due to the dynastic change—began to slowly converge and settle around the core of "Shang."

The two words "Great Shang," accompanied by the powerful executive force of the Wang Family—no, perhaps they should be called the Royal Family now—quickly spread in all directions. They were carved into official seals and documents, fluttered on flags, and were branded into the hearts of countless onlookers.

The old Xia royal palace was completely cleared and renovated, renamed the "Shang Royal Palace."

Although everything was waiting to be rebuilt, the solemnity and majesty of the core area had already reappeared.

The preparations for the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony were carried out with the highest standards and efficiency under the personal supervision of Wang Qingshan and the Grand Elder.

Divining an auspicious day, building the altar, preparing ritual vessels, drafting the sacrificial text, and rehearsing the procedures... every item concerned the National Fortune and could not afford any mistakes.

Wang Yuan, who had been designated as the founding Emperor of the new Dynasty, remained in seclusion deep within the Shang Royal Palace to recover from his injuries and adjust his state.

A steady stream of rare Medicinal Pills and natural treasures for nourishing the Divine Soul were sent into his quiet room.

Furthermore, the slight but steadily growing Luck gathered from the newly established Dynasty and the expectations of the people nourished his Purple Star Emperor Body and his Purple Zenith Imperial Fate Art like a stream.

Time passed amidst the intense and orderly preparations.

In the blink of an eye, half a month had quietly passed.

And on this day, the auspicious date for the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony finally arrived.