Chapter 24 — From Ruins to the Dharma Lord's Throne

One year after the collapse of the Dark Alliance, the Thương Nguyên continent entered a period of unprecedented reconstruction in history. Lands once under the influence of dark forces were gradually restored, old prisoner camps were converted into centers to support the once oppressed, and the largest alliance conference in centuries was convened, bringing together representatives of every power, house, and academy from across the continent.

During that year, Dịch Phàm not only successfully completed his studies at the Main District, but also spent most of his free time supporting reconstruction efforts, often traveling with Tuyết Nhi and his team throughout the devastated border areas to help the people and resolve remaining conflicts between the once opposing forces.

His fame spread across the continent, not only because of the power of the Chaos Elemental Root or his glorious victory at the Blood Moon Tower, but also because of the heart and fairness he showed in every decision he made - from resolutely demanding justice for the victims of the Black Tortoise, to openly speaking out in defense of former low-ranking Black Tray soldiers forced to join the war, who deserved to be given a chance to rebuild their lives instead of being unfairly punished.

"You are doing something that no generation of leaders on this continent has ever dared to do." Vũ Khanh commented during a group meeting, when news about Dịch Phàm standing up to protect the rights of hundreds of low-level Hắc Toái soldiers spread everywhere. "You're trying to heal instead of simply punishing."

"I'm just trying to make sure that what Black Flame said isn't completely wrong," Dịch Phàm replied, recalling the last conversation with his old enemy on the balcony of Blood Moon Tower. "If we want to prevent another Dark Flame from appearing in the future, we need to ensure truly fair justice for everyone, not just those lucky enough to be born into luxury."

During a reconstruction mission in a village near Biên Cương Tàn Dạ, Dịch Phàm and Bạt Sơn accidentally met the young guard from years ago, who risked his life to help Liễu Thanh Hà send a warning letter. After the Dark Alliance collapsed, he gave up his military career and returned to his hometown to become a farmer and live a simple life.

"I only did what my conscience told me to do," he said, when Dịch Phàm offered to repay the favor of saving his family's life. "Seeing you and your family happily reunited is, for me, the greatest reward."

That meeting further strengthened Dịch Phàm's belief that, amidst the darkness of war and oppression, there are always small bright spots of kindness and courage, and it is those bright spots that are the true foundation for the sustainable peace he is trying to build.

When the grand alliance conference was held at the Starlight Magic Academy itself — chosen as the most neutral and symbolic location on the continent — hundreds of representatives from all powers gathered at the Starlight Square, the place that had witnessed Dịch Phàm's entire extraordinary journey from the first days.

During many days of meetings, an unprecedented proposal gradually took shape and received overwhelming support from most of the participating powers - the establishment of a new supreme leadership position for the entire continent, a Dharma Throne, standing above and beyond all disputes between individual noble houses and alliances, to ensure a long-term sustainable peaceful order, preventing any single force from once again starting a devastating war like what Black Diem caused it.

"We need a leader who has not only strength, but also wisdom, fairness, and above all, has demonstrated a real commitment to the peace of the entire continent." The general commanding the Bạch Dực Alliance spoke to the entire conference, his eyes directed towards Dịch Phàm who was standing quietly observing from the back row. "We found that person."

The entire square simultaneously turned their eyes towards Dịch Phàm, and amid endless resounding applause, the proposal to elevate him to the position of the first Dharma Lord of the Thương Nguyên continent was approved with almost absolute consensus from all representatives present.

Dịch Phàm stood up and walked out into the middle of the square, feeling overwhelmed by the great responsibility suddenly placed on his shoulders. He looked towards his parents sitting in the row of honor. Their eyes were filled with pride but also a little worried about the burden their son was about to shoulder. He looked at Tuyết Nhi, who had been by his side since the first difficult days, her eyes shone with absolute trust.

"I accept this responsibility," Dịch Phàm said, his voice echoing throughout the square, "not because I crave power, but because I believe that, after all the pain this continent has gone through, we deserve a truly lasting peace. I promise to use all the strength and wisdom I have to protect it, for everyone, regardless of background or blood."

The coronation ceremony took place immediately afterward, witnessed by representatives of all powers on the continent. Abbot Hầu Đạt Sơn, with the special honor bestowed by the conference, personally placed on Dịch Phàm's head a crown crafted from five-colored crystal, symbolizing the legendary Primordial Spirit Root, which is also the new symbol of the Dharma Lord's Throne.

"From today," Hầu Đạt Sơn announced, his voice ringing with emotion, "Dịch Phàm officially becomes the first Dharma Lord of the entire Thương Nguyên continent, who will lead us into a new era of peace."

The cheers echoed throughout the square, reaching as far as the mountains surrounding the Tinh Quang Plateau. Dịch Phàm stood there, a five-colored crystal crown sparkling on his head, looking down at the sea of people cheering his name — not just the students and professors of the academy, but the representatives of the entire continent he had used his life and will to protect.

After the ceremony, when night fell and the academy's crystal lights began to light up, Dịch Phàm found Tuyết Nhi at the East training ground, where they both trained together in those fateful first days.

"Do you regret," he asked, "having chosen to accompany an unknown orphan, and now have to stand beside a Dharma Lord with such heavy responsibility?"

Tuyết Nhi smiled, walked closer, and held his hand. "I have never regretted a single moment, Dịch Phàm. From the first day I saw the small but steadfast flame in the palm of your hand, I knew you would become something extraordinary. I am just proud to have been a part of that journey, and will continue to be a part of every journey ahead of you."

"Then," Dịch Phàm said, kneeling down on one knee in front of her, his eyes filled with sincerity under the gentle moonlight of the Tinh Quang plateau, "officially walk with me on the road ahead, not only as a teammate, but as the partner I vow to stick with for the rest of my life."

Tuyết Nhi, even though she had predicted this moment for a long time, still couldn't hold back her tears of happiness, nodding speechlessly. The two embraced each other in the middle of the training ground, where all their extraordinary journeys began, now witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in both their lives.

News of the engagement between the new Dharma Lord of the continent and Miss Chiêu quickly spread throughout Thương Nguyên, and was received with widespread joy, as a beautiful symbol of harmony between people of different backgrounds, joining hands to build a common future.

In the following years, under Dịch Phàm's guidance, the Thương Nguyên continent entered a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace. The noble houses and alliances, while retaining their own identities and autonomy, learned to cooperate under a more equitable general order. The war-torn lands gradually revived, and children everywhere, whether from famous families or from humble workhouses, were given fair opportunities to pursue their dreams at the Starlight Magic Academy and many other academies across the continent.

And at the highest point of Star Light Academy, the story of the orphan boy who awakened the legendary Chaos Origin Spiritual Root, and the steadfast companion who believed in him from the most difficult early days, is forever engraved as a beacon to guide future generations of young magicians - that background never determines a person's fate, only will and heart can truly do so.

From an orphan despised by the whole world, Tần Dịch Phàm rose to become the Dharma Master of the entire Thương Nguyên continent, carrying with him not only the power of the legendary Chaos Spirit Root, but also a kind heart and an unyielding will that had been forged through every ruin, every battle, every loss and hope along the way. And by his side, forever, is Chiêu Tuyết Nhi - the person who believed in him when no one else did, and joined him in writing a new era of peace for the entire Thương Nguyên continent.