Swallowing the Stars: Starting with Panlong

Chapter 139: The Founding of the Baruch Empire and Linley's Wedding

In the spring of the year 10010 in the Yulan calendar.

Chaos Realm, Yellowstone City.

This once insignificant little town has now become the most prosperous center of the entire Chaotic Realm. The city walls have been raised and thickened several times over, entirely constructed of black megaliths, and are covered with defensive magical runes, emanating a faint magical aura. Long queues form at the city gates, filled with merchants, people visiting relatives, and immigrants attracted by Yellowstone City's welfare benefits. The streets are wide and clean, lined with shops, and bustling with pedestrians.

It's been ten years.

Ten years have passed since that day of destruction.

Over the past decade, the continent of Yulan has undergone tremendous changes. The Kingdom of Fenlai was destroyed in the monster tide, the Holy Alliance disintegrated, and the Dark Alliance was also severely damaged. Although the Church of Light and the Church of Darkness preserved their foundations, they were greatly weakened and unable to expand in the short term.

Huangshi City has quietly risen to prominence over the past decade.

Under Hogger's leadership, Yellowstone City's sphere of influence expanded continuously. From its initial small town, it grew to a dozen, then dozens, and eventually hundreds. Now, over two-thirds of the entire Chaos Realm falls under Yellowstone City's control. The power of the Light and Dark Churches in the Chaos Realm has been completely compressed to the periphery, barely clinging to life.

"Father, Huangshi City is developing much faster than I imagined."

In the study of the city lord's mansion, Lin Yun sat opposite Hogg, flipping through the territory report in his hands. A faint smile was on his face, and his eyes were full of satisfaction.

Ten years have passed, and Hogger appears even more dignified. His hair is completely white, but he is still vigorous and has sharp eyes. Ten years as a lord have given him the air of someone who has long held a high position. Nourished by the rules of life, his physical abilities far surpass those of ordinary people, and he has long since stepped into the realm of sainthood.

"Thanks to you." Hogg looked at his son, his eyes full of pride. "Without the resources you provided, Yellowstone City could not have developed so quickly."

"I only provided the resources; it was you, Father, who did the actual work." Lin Yun shook his head. "I'm not good at governing the territory. You're the one who's good at these things, Father."

Hogg smiled and did not deny it.

Over the past decade, Lin Yun hunted countless Saint-level magical beasts in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, obtaining countless magic crystal cores and materials. Simultaneously, the Wood Crystals he acquired in the Swallowed Star World were transferred to the Panlong World via the small cauldron. These resources enabled Huangshi City to cultivate a large number of powerful individuals in a short period.

Although the small cauldron cannot transport living things, it can transport inanimate objects without any hindrance. Those wooden crystals, crystal cores, and potions were all transported from the Swallowed Star World through the small cauldron.

Currently, Huangshi City commands no fewer than a hundred Saint-level experts. Some of these Saint-level experts were created through the catalysis of the Wood Crystal, while others achieved breakthroughs through their own cultivation. Although the control over power is not as good as that of Saint-level experts who have advanced through normal means, their advantage lies in their large number and rapid progress.

"With our current resources, if we give it our all, we could build a Saint-level army of ten thousand," Lin Yun once told Hogg. "But I don't recommend doing that. The Saint-level is not the end goal; the understanding of the laws is fundamental. Forcing growth will only ruin their future."

Hogg agreed with his assessment. Therefore, these hundred Saint-level experts were all carefully selected, and were basically those who had no potential to further break through. As for those with good potential, Lin Yun would rather provide them with other cultivation resources than forcibly enhance them with Wood Crystals.

As for the two major papal courts, they were forced to withdraw from the Chaotic Territory under pressure from the forces of Yellowstone City.

Both the Holy See of Light and the Holy See of Darkness had sent experts to probe the area multiple times, but the result was always the same—no matter how many came, they all died. Although Lin Yun did not personally take action, the Saint-level experts he had trained were enough to send both holy houses utterly defeated.

Moreover, Lin Yun himself is a god-level powerhouse.

Although the popes of the two major papal courts are top-tier experts at the peak of the Saint Realm, they are utterly insignificant in the face of a god-level expert. They are not fools; they will not gamble with their lives.

Therefore, they chose to back down.

The Land of Chaos has become entirely the domain of the Baruch family.

"Father, when will my elder brother and the others arrive?" Lin Yun asked.

"Today," Hogg said with a smile, "Linley and Wharton both agreed to come back together today."

Lin Yun nodded, a sense of anticipation welling up inside him.

The family is finally going to be reunited.

The sun was shining brightly in the afternoon.

Several streaks of light flew from the horizon above Huangshi City at great speed, landing in the courtyard of the city lord's mansion in the blink of an eye.

The man at the front was burly and had a resolute face. He bore a resemblance to Lin Yun in his features, but with a more composed and weathered air. He wore a dark blue robe and carried a heavy sword on his back. He resembled a towering mountain, radiating an aura of power that made people afraid to look directly at him.

Linley Baruch. Twenty-eight years old, a peak Saint-level expert.

Behind him followed a similarly burly young man, half a head shorter than Linley, but even more robust. He wore a simple, honest smile, but his eyes gleamed with shrewdness. Beside him stood a beautiful woman, blonde and blue-eyed, with a noble air—Nina, the princess of the O'Brien Empire.

Walton Baruch. Twenty-five years old, a peak Saint-level expert.

"Big brother, Walton!" Lin Yun greeted them, smiling and patting them on the shoulders. "You've finally arrived!"

"Second brother!" Lin Lei hugged Lin Yun tightly and patted him on the back. "Long time no see!"

"Second Brother!" Walton joined in, grinning憨厚ly. "You're getting more and more amazing. Now your legend is known throughout the entire continent."

"Really?" Lin Yun smiled.

His gaze fell on Nina, and he bowed slightly: "Hello, sister-in-law."

Nina blushed slightly and quickly returned the greeting, "Greetings, Second Brother."

The marriage between Walton and Nina was arranged three years ago. When the Emperor of the O'Brien Empire learned that Walton was Lin Yun's younger brother, he agreed to the marriage without hesitation. With Lin Yun, a god-level powerhouse, as his backer, he couldn't be more eager to marry his princess to him.

"Let's go, Father is waiting for you in the study." Lin Yun led the group toward the study.

In the study, Hogg was sitting behind his desk, a book in his hand, but his gaze kept drifting towards the door. Hearing footsteps, he put down the book, stood up, and quickly went to meet them.

"Father!" Linley and Walton called out at the same time, quickly stepping forward and embracing Hogg on either side.

Hogg's eyes reddened, and his voice choked with emotion: "Good, good, it's good that you're back."

The family sat together and chatted for a long time. Lin Lei talked about his experiences in the O'Brien Empire over the years, Walton told his story with Nina, and Lin Yun shared some insights on cultivation.

As Hogg listened to his three sons' stories, the wrinkles on his face smoothed out.

"Father, I have something I'd like to discuss with you since I'm back this time." Lin Lei put down his teacup, his expression turning serious.

"What is it?"

"I want to marry Delia." Linley's voice was calm, but his eyes were full of tenderness.

Hogg paused for a moment, then laughed: "Good, good! This is good news! I've met Delia, she's quite good. When are you going to do it?"

"The sooner the better," Linley said. "I want to do it all on the day the Empire is founded."

"The Empire?" Hogg paused slightly.

"Father, Huangshi City's power now far surpasses that of any other kingdom," Linley said earnestly. "We control two-thirds of the Chaotic Territory, command over a hundred Saint-level experts, and have millions of soldiers. With such strength, we can establish an empire."

"The Baruch Empire," Lin Yun continued, "My elder brother and I have discussed it, and we want to officially upgrade the Yellowstone City territory to an empire."

Hogg looked at his two sons, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly asked, "Who will be emperor?"

Lin Lei and Lin Yun exchanged a glance and shook their heads simultaneously.

"Father, my second brother and I are both focused on cultivation and have no interest in the throne," Lin Lei said. "Governing an empire requires a great deal of time and energy, which we cannot do."

"I can't either," Lin Yun said. "I spend most of my time in seclusion cultivating, so it's impossible for me to handle government affairs."

Hogg frowned. "Then who will be the emperor?"

"Walton," Lin Lei and Lin Yun said in unison.

Walton paused for a moment, then quickly waved his hand: "No, no, I don't have that ability!"

"You do." Lin Yun looked at him seriously. "Walton, although you are young, your years of study at O'Brien Imperial Academy have given you a good understanding of politics. Moreover, you are calm and kind, making you the best candidate to be emperor."

"But..." Walton wanted to decline.

"No buts." Lin Lei patted his shoulder. "Second brother is right. Neither my second brother nor I are suitable to be emperor, and Father is getting old. This burden can only be shouldered by you."

Walton looked at Hogg with a pleading look in his eyes.

Hogg remained silent for a long time, then slowly nodded.

"Walton, your two brothers are right," he said. "You shall sit on the throne of the Baruch Empire."

Wharton opened his mouth, but ultimately did not refuse. He knew that this was a sign of the family's trust in him, and also a responsibility he had to the family.

"I will do my best," he said solemnly.

The founding date of the empire was set for the third day of the third month.

That day, spring was in full bloom, and all things were coming back to life.

The square in Yellowstone City was brightly lit and bustling with people. Guests from all directions gathered together, including envoys from the O'Brien Empire, envoys from the Magnolia Empire, representatives from various kingdoms and duchies, and countless adventurers and merchants who had come from afar.

In the center of the square, a high platform was erected. The platform was covered with a red carpet, and on both sides were planted the banners of the Baruch family—a huge turquoise dragon, fluttering in the wind.

Walton stood on the high platform, dressed in a golden royal robe and wearing a crown, holding a scepter symbolizing imperial power. Beside him stood Nina, wearing a magnificent golden dress, a happy smile on her face. Hogg sat in a chair beside him, looking at his son with eyes full of pride. Linley and Lin Yun stood below the platform, also smiling.

"From this day forward, the Yellowstone City territory is officially elevated to the Baruch Empire!" Walton's voice echoed across the square. "I, Walton Baruch, am the first Emperor of the Baruch Empire!"

"Long live the Baruch Empire!"

"Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"

The cheers were deafening and resounded through the sky.

Following the celebrations for the founding of the Empire, Linley and Delia's wedding took place.

The wedding was held in the back garden of the city lord's mansion. The garden was not large, but it was exquisitely decorated. Flowers, ribbons, and a red carpet adorned the entire garden, making it look like a fairyland. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and wine, and the guests gathered in twos and threes, chatting quietly, all with smiles on their faces.

Delia wore a white wedding dress, her long hair flowing over her shoulders. Her face was beautiful, and her brows held a hint of shyness and happiness. She took Linley's arm and slowly walked down the red carpet to Hogg.

Hogg stood in front of the platform, holding a red certificate in his hand, his face full of smiles.

"Linley Baruch, do you take Delia to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"

"I do," Lin Lei's voice was firm and powerful.

"Delia, do you take Linley Baruch to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"

"I do," Delia said softly but firmly.

"I hereby declare you husband and wife."

Thunderous applause and deafening cheers filled the air.

Linley lowered his head and gently kissed Delia's forehead. Delia blushed, but the happiness in her eyes was impossible to hide.

Lin Yun stood in the crowd, looking at his elder brother and Delia, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

"Brother, you've finally found your happiness," he said softly.

The wedding lasted until late at night.

The guests had departed, and the back garden fell silent. Moonlight streamed through the flowers, bathing everything in a silvery glow. In the distance, the clock tower tolled its midnight chimes, their melodious sound echoing through the night sky.

Linley and Delia sat side by side on a stone bench in the garden, looking at the starry sky above, neither of them speaking.

"Delia," Linley suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

"Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for agreeing to marry me." Lin Lei turned his head, looked into her eyes, and said, "Thank you for being by my side."

Delia's eyes reddened slightly, but she didn't cry. She held Linley's hand and whispered, "I do."

Lin Yun stood on the second-floor balcony, overlooking the scene in the back garden, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Big brother, you've finally grown up," he said softly.

Late at night.

Inside the city lord's mansion, the lights gradually went out. The entire city of Yellowstone was immersed in the tranquil night, with only the occasional chirping of insects echoing gently in the night breeze.

Lin Yun stood on the balcony, looking at the starry sky above, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

The Baruch Empire was established. The eldest brother got married. The family was finally reunited.

All of this was something he couldn't have imagined ten years ago.

"Mother, can you see it?" he whispered. "The Baruch family is rising."

The night breeze rustled the leaves, as if in response to him.

Lin Yun turned and walked back to his room, sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and immersed his consciousness in the ocean of laws.

Tomorrow will be another new day.