Journey to the West: I have Nine Golden Crows Inside Me-Chapter 1577: One Thousand Thirty-six Neijuan_2

Though the Ancestral Land could provide, if all the generated Chaos vital energy was given to the Innate Dao Sovereign, what about the remaining powerhouses?

Therefore, the Human Emperor would find ways to relocate a portion of the strong from the Ancestral Land every once in a while to alleviate the pressure on it.

But to relocate people, there needed to be a reason; it couldn’t be done without any cause. Expanding territories for the Human Race became the perfect pretext.

As for the reason behind enfeoffment in later days, it became even simpler: the land was conquered by them, so naturally, it should belong to them.

The Human Emperor’s conferment of nobility titles on the lords was simply taking advantage of the situation, providing each lord with what was due to them.

Whoever conquered the land, it belonged to them! This is the origin of the earliest nobility.

After countless years of evolution, many nations of the nobility disappeared into history, but the territories they conquered remain, which is now the expanse of the Human Race.

During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, the territory of the Human Race was constantly expanding, so there was no shortage of nobles generation after generation.

However, under the influence of individuals like the Martial Sovereign, the Human Race stopped expanding outwards. The existing nobles, unable to extend their territories outward, naturally turned to infighting.

But now, the situation has changed again. Not only does the Human Race have new external enemies, but they also have territories that can be further expanded, so the enfeoffment system has naturally been revived.

A simple reason: cultivators and ordinary people are different, individuals possess great power.

Thus, if you tell them the land they fought hard to conquer isn’t theirs but belongs to Jiang Chen. See, how many would be willing to give their lives for Jiang Chen?

Their lives are their own, but the land belongs to Jiang Chen. Unless they’re crazy, they wouldn’t risk their lives to seize territories for Jiang Chen.

On the other hand, if you tell them that no matter how much land they conquer, it belongs to them, and they will even be rewarded by Jiang Chen.

Then, instantly, you can stir up their emotions, ready to risk their lives fighting against the cultivators from Dongsheng Divine Continent. The effort put forth when fighting for oneself versus fighting for someone else is naturally entirely different.

...

"Ah, if others seize our fief first, they could take away our nobility titles?"

Startled by Jiang Chen’s words, everyone hastily asked for clarification.

Seeing their panic, Jiang Chen spoke unhurriedly: "Initially, that’s not how it was. Dongsheng Divine Continent is vast, far more enormous than Nanbuzhan Continent by many times. But your Ancient Clans, even if all your fiefs were combined, would not even make up one ten-thousandth of Dongsheng Divine Continent."

"These fiefs are granted to you in advance in recognition of your ancestors’ merits. As for the rest of the territories, naturally, whoever conquers them, those territories belong to them."

Hearing Jiang Chen’s words, everyone subconsciously sighed in relief, but then they heard Jiang Chen’s tone shift as he continued:

"However, while Dongsheng Divine Continent may be large, there are even more formidable individuals in the Human Race. With the passage of time, there will surely be more and more who distinguish themselves, and then there may not be enough land to go around."

"At that time, if you still haven’t managed to seize your fiefs, then you can’t blame others for rushing over to compete with you."

"After all, the opportunity has already been given to you. It’s just that you have failed to seize it."

Jiang Chen’s tone was casual, deliberately stating things gravely. They talk about fairness, but where in this world does true fairness exist?

Take this conferment of nobility titles for instance: cultivators without any background who desire nobility must go to Dongsheng Divine Continent themselves and do battle with the local cultivators, seizing territories from their hands in order to obtain titles.

Whereas these individuals before Jiang Chen, born from Ancient Clans, have been granted nobility titles in advance without any merits.

And do not underestimate these titles. This is the Dao Fruit. Though there’s no support from the power of Heaven and Earth, it comes with the blessing of the Human Race’s fate. Those who are ennobled as barons can gain the strength of Golden Immortals.

The titles go on accordingly: viscounts are Taiyi Golden Immortals, earls are Great Luo Golden Immortals, marquesses are Innate Dao Monarchs, dukes are Innate Dao Sovereigns, and princes are Quasi-Saints.

Even an ordinary person, as long as being awarded a noble title, can immediately gain power commensurate with the title.

In fact, for those who establish countries, nobility titles are not of much use. Anyone capable of founding a nation must possess extremely strong power, and the augmentation from a title is optional for them.

The function of nobility titles lies more in blessing the progeny. Even an Innate Dao Sovereign cannot ensure their son will reach the Dao Venerable Realm. But if they leave a duke’s title to their son, then he can acquire power on par with a Dao Sovereign.

Nobility titles are meant for descendants, ensuring their lasting prosperity and unceasing glory. This is precisely why Jiang Chen granted titles to the people before him in advance.

Although they have no personal achievements, their ancestors have meritorious deeds, providing enough shelter for their descendants, thus they could obtain their titles one step ahead of others.

Absolute fairness exists only in imagination. To achieve relative fairness is already commendable.

Currently, there are many opportunities for the Human Race, but priority must be given to the descendants of the Ancient Times clans, because their ancestors have contributed to the Human Race, granting them preferential rights.

Just like in the feudal era, if there were opportunities to accrue merit, the nobility would be considered first, followed by the common people.

It would inevitably cause others to overthink if you don’t utilize the descendants of those whose ancestors have meritoriously served, and instead rely on the common people.

If ancestors sold their lives for you, and you do not extend a helping hand when the opportunity arises, instead turning to outsiders,

Who then would dare sell their lives for you in the future? Even the common people who have benefited from your kindness would probably think this way.

This is a thorn, initially inconsequential, but over time the effects become significant. How many beings in this world do not live for their offspring?

Living for their sakes and toiling for them, even in death, an effort is made to leave behind some wealth for them.

...

"We will certainly not disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations and bring shame upon our ancestors."

With Jiang Chen’s words said to this point, what else could they do but to immediately clarify their stance?

If the titles Jiang Chen conferred upon them were taken by outsiders, without needing Jiang Chen’s words, the ancient ancestors of each family would likely manifest to personally clear out the unfilial descendants.

"Your Majesty, just say when to take action. As soon as you give the command, we’ll organize forces and march towards Dongsheng Divine Continent."

Thereupon, someone took the lead in expressing their stance.

Jiang Chen has already granted them Dongsheng Divine Continent, reflecting his unyielding attitude— not to rest until Dongsheng Divine Continent is captured.

War with the Mystic Sect is inevitably unavoidable.

"This matter is not urgent; let’s wait until the Nine States fully recover, and the strength of our clansmen increases by a level before we strike at Dongsheng Divine Continent—it won’t be too late then."

Jiang Chen shook his head, signaling them not to rush. The situation was not yet clear; it was not the best time for warfare.

"Your Majesty, we cannot wait for this. Right now, King Wu’s rise is still recent, and his foundation is likely unsteady—it is the prime time to strike."

"If we delay and give King Wu time to consolidate his internal power, then trying to take action against them later will be too late."

The crowd, not understanding, began to advise. Since they are going to war, it’s best to act when the enemy is most vulnerable and not wait until they are well-established.

"Consolidate power?"

"Heh, you are thinking too simply. It’s not so easy for King Wu to consolidate power."

"Issue my command—release all of the Human Race’s resources for our people’s use."

With a cold laugh, Jiang Chen gave his order.

"This..."

At first, the crowd didn’t understand what Jiang Chen was implying. But soon enough, their expressions turned peculiar, obviously grasping Jiang Chen’s intent.

Jiang Chen can afford to open up resources for the Human Race, but King Wu cannot because King Wu’s resources come from the Mystic Sect.

But the Mystic Sect has more than just the Human Race under its control. If all resources are given to the Human Race, the other factions would certainly be dissatisfied. Then, when trouble ensues, it would be another headache. But if they don’t provide for the Human Race, what could King Wu use to compete with Jiang Chen?

The longer this drags on, the greater the gap between them grows. It’s internal strife, crazy internal strife, and Jiang Chen is intent on grinding King Wu down!