Dark Moon City/Story

## History

Chen Rui felt that the name "Glorfin Beelzebub" sounded a little familiar, as if he heard it somewhere before. He suddenly remembered the big event that shook Dark Moon four hundred years ago.

Beelzebub was one of the seven royal family names of the Demon Realm, also known as "Gluttony" Royal Family.

Dark Moon estate was originally one of the most prosperous estates in the Fallen Angel Empire. It was completely different from its dejected state now. The root of its decline lay in the turmoil that happened 400 years ago.

Four hundred years ago, the Beelzebub Royal Family who had disappeared suddenly appeared in Dark Moon City. The head was a strong man named Glorfin Beelzebub, who had one of the seven artifacts of Demon Realm, the "God-Eating Mask". He was very powerful. The Lord of Dark Moon at that time had reached Demon Emperor level, but even he was killed by Glorfin. Dark Moon estate quickly fell into the control of the Beelzebub Royal Family, and even the neighboring Red Spirit Estate and Blue Lava Estate began to be invaded. The invasion continued straight to the Capital City.

In order to eliminate the disaster, the Demon Realm's first powerhouse, Baiye Lucifer, led his army on an expedition to Dark Moon. All the way to Dark Moon City, Midnight Sun held the artifact "Sword of the Fallen Angel" and waged a war against Glorfin, who wore the "God-Eating Mask". The battle continued from the bottom of the city to the ancient coliseum, and ended with Glorfin's defeat. Glorfin, holding the damaged artifact, was forced to use the secret skill to escape. Then, he disappeared.

After the rebellion in Dark Moon subsided, due to various reasons, the decline caused by the war was unable to recover until today.

It now appeared that Glorfin, who escaped from the hands of Lord of Midnight Sun, never left Dark Moon Estate. He came to the main pit in Mount Xilang, broke the seal and entered the lower layer. He made it all the way to the underworld, then later, he met the Earth Elemental King and was eliminated. Only this artifact that brought incessant calamities, the "God-Eating Mask", was left.

This was why, for four hundred years, demonic beasts from Mountain Xilang kept coming out of the broken seal to cause trouble.

## Strategist's plan

Chen Rui finally had a plan. "The situation of the Dark Moon can be described as having internal and external troubles simultaneously. Generally, we must first solve the internal problems to defend external troubles. The Dark Moon itself being strong is the fundamental condition to resist the capital. However, Regent Obsidian is gradually losing his patience now. He starts to use various means to deal with the Dark Moon. If war is truly happening, the Dark Moon can't even withstand a single blow with the current situation. Therefore, we must proceed with two paths at once. First, distract Obsidian's attention to buy time for development. Second, solve the issues within the estate as soon as possible and quickly improve strength."

Chen proposed to distract Obsidian by inciting him to fight with the Bloody Empire and Dark Shadow Empire.

Shea frowned, "The confrontation between me and Obsidian is an internal affair of the Lucifer Royal Family and the Fallen Angel Empire. Regardless of how dire the Dark Moon's situation is in, we will never fall to collude with foreign enemies. Even if the power of Raizen can destroy Obsidian, it is equal to that of the Fallen Angel and Bloody Empire. My Lucifer Family will definitely die out for that, and I, Shea will be the biggest sinner of the empire."

Chen Rui smiled slightly. "I meant, when necessary, we can make use of General George to create some illusion of Bloody Empire's invasion and divert the attention of the Regent. Of course, that is not enough. Except for external troubles, we will also have to create some troubles within the empire to further divert Obsidian's attention. We'll let the Regent have a taste of having internal and external troubles simultaneously to buy valuable time for the Dark Moon."

Shea nodded slightly and praised, "This idea is quite novel. There's no problem with General George. It's just that domestically, almost all of the lords who support me on the surface have changed turned their support to Obsidian. Also, Dark Moon is restricted by the Red Spirit Estate in many ways. I'm afraid this is hard to execute."

"What I meant by domestically isn't about using the lords to pressure the capital, but it is another way. I have a plan, but this plan has a high requirement for its candidate. This candidate must be brave, have good eloquence, clear-minded, adaptable and also excel in commerce. It's better if we can create a background that makes him trustworthy."

Chen then whispers a secret plot in Shea's ears, and she is impressed.

Chen Rui pointed out that military and economic issues were the biggest internal problems of the Dark Moon Estate currently. Both aspects must be fully controlled by Shea. In terms of military, Shea had the Imperial Guards, so she could still rival with the garrison. However, in terms of economy, the lifeline of the Dark Moon was completely dominated by the Red Spirit Estate, and that was the most critical. Compared to the military issues that Obsidian was more sensitive to, solving the economic issue should be Shea's top priority.

For that analysis, Shea agreed, "Chen Rui, your thoughts are the same as mine. However, more than half of the Dark Moon Estate's food supply comes from the support of Alvin Family; the Dark Moon City's Chamber of Commerce and half of the stores are also in Joseph's hands. So, our situation is quite passive. Two years ago, I tried to use caravans to open up a path to the west to trade and buy food. Yet, it was robbed by thieves several times, and the losses were heavy. If the problem of bandits isn't solved, the business path will never be smooth."

"I've sent Alan several times to lead the team and eliminate them, but every operation failed. I suspect that the bandits are a trap set by the Red Spirit Estate. The purpose is to further control the Dark Moon, and Alan is probably an accomplice."

Chen suspects Alan and Joseph of collusion.

A white-eyed wolf and a nice-nasty tiger cooperating both internally and externally. As the dark moon was about to develop for a little bit, the development was immediately eliminated. Shea has no chance of turning over without eliminating these two people.

Wolf? Tiger? Oh right, is it possible to drive a tiger to swallow a wolf? However, the two are currently in a collusion. There seems to be no possibility of them killing each other.

## Red Spirit

For history see Chapter 41 and Chapter 51
Chen read through the info on the power struggle between Kanita and Joseph and said, "This is indeed a good opportunity. Kanita should be someone that we can make use of."

"An enemy's enemy might not be an ally." Shea said, "Even if it's Kanita who is coming to the Dark Moon, his purpose is still to complete the mission of controlling the Dark Moon by the capital."

"That's not how the computation goes, Princess Royal," Chen Rui shook his head. "Joseph's economic control on the Dark Moon is almost perfect. Unless the old family forces that support Princess Royal, like the Saiful family defects to the Red Spirit, otherwise, our situation will not get worse. On the contrary, Joseph's strength in Dark Moon's is one of the important assets he uses to compete with Kanita. So, Joseph will never let Kanita take over the forces that he worked hard for. Even if Kanita truly comes to the Dark Moon, he is bound to suffer tremendous resistance or even trigger more counterattacks by Joseph. We can take advantage of this opportunity to secretly undermine and get rid of the Red Spirit's economic control."

Shea and Gauss nodded in admiration at Chen's strategic brilliance. Shea says one of the first steps is to become self-sufficient and grow their own food rather than rely on Red Spirit for food imports. However, the crop yield was small, so they had to import from Red Spirit, but the caravans carrying their food would always be raided.

### Food self sufficiency

Main article: Food sanctions
Dark Moon also trades with Shadow Empire and uses the magic dust to improve self sufficiency and economic independence from Red Spirit State.

## Red Spirit Arc

During Kia and Chen's steamy vacation, the Dark Moon had also undergone some changes. Princess Royal Shea, who was initially restricted because of the food sanctions, actually planned to carry out a series of renovations such as road renovation and shop building at the Dark Moon at this time. Although the Dark Moon's night market and the emerging ball market were also very popular, the original shops had a lot of idle space because the overall economy was still not good. If new stores were built, it would easily be abandoned after a long time, wasting precious money in vain.

For this reason, Old Ford and several family chiefs had advised the Princess Royal several times. Shea's reason was that since the Dark Moon had temporarily solved the food problem, the business was good, and the battle ball made the morale of the people high now, so she intended to use this momentum to re-plan the entire urban landscape.

However, after hearing so many objections, Shea herself began to hesitate. At this time, Joseph, the treasurer who returned to the Dark Moon, unexpectedly expressed his willingness to strongly support her and offered to bear half of the expenses, but he would have a certain "share" after those shops were built.

Half of the expenses was not a small amount. Although Shea, Old Ford and others doubted Joseph's motives, she would not refuse the good thing of having someone offering help. Shea finally made up her mind and overridden all the objections to start the Dark Moon's transformation and upgrading.

Joseph's move was within Chen Rui's expectation because it was originally one of his suggestions for his "ally". During this time, not only this action, perhaps Joseph's more important action had also begun to take effect.

## Prosperity

They initially heard that the Dark Moon Estate was just a dilapidated estate, but those who came here found that the Dark Moon's situation was much better than expected—wide and flat streets, neatly organized shops, orderly law and order... That kind of thriving vitality seemed to be a sign of the revival of the prosperity 400 years ago.

Especially the exciting battle ball, the high-end and luxurious Princess Retail Store, the bustling night market, and the unique hot pot food... In several high-end hotels, there were some unexpected facilities such as magic showers for bathing and tap waters that could be used at any time. There were actually so many good things that one wouldn't see outside.

Didn't they say that the Dark Moon Estate residents would face a terrible famine after being sanctioned by the capital? How could it be such a prosperous scene?

People who came to the Dark Moon couldn't help but to fall in love with the battle ball, the night market and the food. Perhaps it was also a good harvest to be able to bring back a souvenir from the Princess Retail Store.

There were also some sharp-eyed businessmen. The battle ball, gourmet food, Princess Retail Store, and even the densely populated Dark Moon Estate itself represented huge business opportunities with huge profits. Even the Custer Family, the top business family of the Dark Shadow Empire, opened a store in the Dark Moon long ago and signed a long-term cooperation agreement with the Princess Retail Store.

Suddenly, the originally vacant shops were short of supply. The size of the night market, in particular, doubled the size of the original. The difficulty in terms of management and public security naturally increased a lot. Chaos and conflicts occurred from time to time which gave Shea a little headache. However, compared with the rapid development of the Dark Moon and the recent huge gains, these were just trivial and minor annoyances.

As the mastermind of everything, Chen Rui felt a sense of accomplishment with pride in his heart when he saw that the Dark Moon City was not what it used to be.

## War of lords

See Dark Moon war.

The Dark Moon's result in the war of lords shocked the entire Fallen Angel Empire. In the people's minds, the Dark Moon was just a dilapidated estate under the control of Regent Obsidian, and it was barely sustained by Princess Shea who was the daughter of Crown Prince Grimm. It was only a matter of time before the remnant glory of Lord of Midnight Sun was lost.

This battle completely subverted many people's perception – The Red Spirit Estate and Blue Lava Estate of the 4 major estates joined forces to attack the Dark Moon. In the end, The Red Spirit Estate failed miserably, and the Blue Lava Estate was wiped out.

Although the Dark Moon won, the people were still not optimistic about it. Obviously, the war of lords this time is due to Regent Obsidian instigating the 2 major estates' lords. The Dark Moon showed such a dazzling light, which is equivalent to exposing its own strength. Obsidian will never allow this hidden major threat to continue to grow stronger. He will definitely act on it.

Contrary to the capital which was in an unfavorable situation, the Dark Moon Estate was immersed in a celebration atmosphere at this time. The predicament that had originally enveloped this estate was swept away by an unexpected victory. Princess Royal personally led the army, and she took the initiative to attack. Everyone cheered her heroic deed of defeating the Red Spirit Army with an inferior number of army in the wilderness of Town Leith.

In contrast, the incredible war result of silently destroying the Blue Lava Army was strange and mysterious. It was said to be the work of the mysterious powerhouse invited by Athena who was the sheriff and garrison guard commander. Some people said that it was General George's secret power in the Dark Moon. The opinions varied for a while.

As the winning heroes, the mysterious powerhouse who defeated Josh and beheaded Rus; the West Road Army commander, Tim, who attacked the Red Spirit Army; Old Ford and his son who subsided Mellon Family rebellion; the brothers and sisters – Cavalry Commander Kaguli, and wyvern legion commander and imperial guards commander Kaguron; the brave human financial officer who was the first to raise his weapon and charge to the enemy in the face of the temptation from the Red Spirit; and the Dark Moon's mysterious wyvern legion which rivaled the capital, had become favorite topics of the Dark Moon's militaries and civilians.

This victory not only boosted everyone in the Dark Moon, but it also revealed to all the estates of the Fallen Angel Empire that the Dark Moon, whether in terms of military or economic, was already the largest estate of the Fallen Angel Empire!

### Six good news

In addition to the public announcement of the award of meritorious officials and the punishment of removing the names of traitors such as the Mellon Family, Princess Royal Highness also announced 6 major initiatives. It could be considered to be 6 unexpected good news.

The first news, Dark Moon could farm magic land in Blue Lava Estate.

The second news – Dark Moon would set up its own Dark Moon alchemy branch.

Third, the Dark Moon Military is expanded with its legions renamed.

Fourth, water system is renovated.

Fifth, the Dark Moon would hold 2 large-scale events next month. 1 was the auction house trade fair, and the other was the first trade fair of the Dark Moon in 400 years. There would be many precious goods there. For example, at the auction, there would be 3 devil fruits commissioned by a mysterious guest!

The sixth news – The transformation of abandoned houses in the city had basically been completed. Before the huge business opportunity next month, these shops would be sold through bidding.

This series of radical and positive measures caused strong feedback among the people. Suddenly, there were thunderous cheers, shouting ‘Long live Princess Royal'.

### Aftermath

Azgalor nodded, "Sir Chen Rui is a smart man. You should know that although the Dark Moon has defeated the Red Spirit Estate and Blue Lava Estate, and the economy and military are developing rapidly, it does not mean that they are far away from the crisis. On the contrary, the Dark Moon's hidden power has been exposed to the Fallen Angel Capital's spies. It's just a brief silence before the storm. The Fallen Angel Capital's strength is by no means comparable by the two mere estates. The Regent Obsidian alone is at the peak stage of Demon Overlord. The situation of the Dark Moon at that time..."

## Twin town agreement

Dark Moon signs a deal to be a sister city to Bloody Vine Estate, signifying their cooperation with Shadow Empire.

The concept of "twin town" was unprecedented in the Demon Realm, especially among estates of different empires. Those cooperation terms with great practical significance also fully demonstrated to the outside world that Crawford's visit and the so-called "twin town" were not just a formality, but a real cooperation with the approval of Dark Shadow Empire's empress.

To put it bluntly, the Dark Moon Estate was now supported by the Dark Shadow Empire!

This news quickly spread to the Fallen Angel Capital, and the entire capital and empire were shocked.

Regent Obsidian, who was badly battered and trapped in the "swindling of money-gathering fraud," was in a frenzy of rage. He immediately protested against the Dark Shadow Empire through diplomats.

The Dark Shadow Empire's answer was very simple— The Dark Shadow Empire and the Fallen Angel Empire were friendly allies. The subordinates of the 2 empires communicate and cooperate with each other. This was a positive sign for the further development of friendship between the 2 empires and should be encouraged and commended. Under the premise of mutual benefit, similar twin towns could be further added.

This high-sounding reason made Obsidian's strong protest like a punch into the cotton. The Dark Moon's move was wonderful because they used the estate as the "unit" to "make a friendly cooperation" with the foreign estate. The Dark Shadow Empire happened to be allies with the Fallen Angel Empire now, and their strength was above the Fallen Angel Empire. Obsidian had no choice but to swallow a bitter pill in silence this time.

Many interested people have guessed that the reason why the Dark Moon easily defeated the supporting army of the 2 major estates, Red Spirit Estate and Blue Lava Estate, was not because of individual forces or powerhouses, but because the giant Dark Shadow Empire was secretly supporting the Dark Moon!

Although Obsidian was extremely furious, soon after the Dark Moon's deliberate instigation, the Royal Highness Regent fell back into the dunning storm that was finally suppressed, which made it worse.

The conclusion of the twin town with the Bloody Vine Flower Estate had boosted the Dark Moon's confidence. Presently, the Dark Moon Estate had a booming economy and a strong army internally, and there were strong aids like the Dark Shadow Empire externally. Even if the empire wanted to suppress the Dark Moon Estate, they would have scruples and fear!

It was no longer a fantasy to recreate the most famous Prosperity Land in the Demon Realm 400 years ago.

## Auction

The news of the success of the Dark Moon Estate’s two events and the conclusion of the twin town with the Dark Shadow Empire’s Bloody Vine Flower Estate caused shock throughout the Fallen Angel Empire.

Princess Royal Shea of ​​the Dark Moon has just taken over as the lord for 8 years, and she manages a decadent estate into such a field. This is still under the condition of constant oppression and control by the capital!

During this period, some nearby small and medium estates were forced to increase taxes due to the failure of the capital’s fundraising money repayment. This caused turmoil in the estate. In desperation, the estates had no choice but to shamelessly ask the Dark Moon for help.

Shea was now considered rich and powerful. She did not refuse, but she did not give money or food without reservation. Instead, she strategically sent special personnel to publicly provide help in the name of the Dark Moon. She even sent troops to help these estates maintain order and eliminate bandits. This made them feel strongly dependent on the Dark Moon. Many people in those estates were very impressed with Princess Royal. Some even migrated to the Dark Moon secretly.

Compared with Regent Obsidian’s notorious record of delaying the fundraising funds owed to the major estates and major families, Shea, who had helped the estate by “righteousness”, looked more glorious. There was already a voice in the Fallen Angel Empire, including the capital, that was gradually expanding- Shea. Lucifer, the granddaughter of the Lord of Midnight Sun, is the true king of the Fallen Angel Empire. The glory of Midnight Sun will soon reappear in the Lucifer family.

Obsidian was extremely furious at this, but he was helpless at the moment. His most urgent matter now was to solve the big problem of fundraising. Otherwise, people’s morale would become even lower. At present, several elder families had expressed strong dissatisfaction and doubts against him. If this dissatisfaction expanded, he would lose the right to dispatch the entire elder families. Once these families fall to Shea’s side, even the position of the regent would be at stake.

## Bloody Vine

As planned, Shea who visited the Dark Shadow Empire returned to the Dark Moon earlier. The cooperation between Bloody Vine Flower Estate and the Dark Moon had reached a stable stage now. The thousand-person magician legion promised by General Crawford should be in place already. This was a huge gain.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chapter 156 (Steambun)
2. ↑ Chapter 41 (Steambun)
3. ↑ Chapter 51 (Steambun)
4. ↑ Chapter 327 (Steambun)
5. ↑ Chapter 349 (Steambun)
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Chapter 394 (Steambun)
7. ↑ Chapter 397 (Steambun)
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Chapter 408 (Steambun)
9. ↑ Chapter 411 (Steambun)
10. ↑ Chapter 452 (Steambun)