The entire venue was in an uproar, with everyone looking at the new emperor in confusion.
The officials of Heaven Dou City dared not speak, while the various factions "outside the empire" looked on with keen interest.
"I, by the blessing of Heaven and the protection of my ancestors, have ascended the throne today. I know very well that this is a heavy responsibility that the people have entrusted to me, and I will not neglect my duty."
At this point, Xue Qinghe spoke, his tone formal, but completely at odds with his earlier actions.
Just moments ago, he had stomped on the ceremonial altar, but now he was talking about being "blessed by Heaven"?
Those unaware would think the new emperor greatly revered "Heaven."
Thus, the people's expressions were strange, with even the angry officials of Heaven Dou exchanging puzzled glances. They were unsure of what this new emperor was trying to do.
"However..." Xue Qinghe continued, shifting the tone of his speech, "Since the founding of Heaven Dou, year after year, we have performed ceremonies to Heaven, but we have not seen Heaven's blessings."
"The common people suffer, and Heaven has not helped—only the scorching sun in the summer, and the bitter cold in winter."
"Heaven Dou has come this far because of the hard work of the past kings, and the country's prosperity and the people's peace are their achievements."
"Since that is the case, why... why must we continue these ceremonies to Heaven?"
Silence filled the room.
Even Emperor Xue Ye, who had expected Xue Qinghe to follow the traditional rituals, wore a complex expression.
The ritual to Heaven was merely a formality. It was meant to invoke Heaven's blessing, but in this age where strength ruled over order, and where a single person could destroy mountains and entire countries, who didn't know that "worshiping Heaven" was futile?
He knew this. All the officials did as well.
But this ritual was mostly for the common people. It was about establishing faith or giving the people a source of solace in times of hardship.
Now, however, Xue Qinghe had openly rejected the ceremony and destroyed the altar, leaving Emperor Xue Ye curious about what Xue Qinghe really intended.
"You are all silent," Xue Qinghe said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before settling on Li Yu. "Today, I have gained a good wife, and this is a great fortune for Heaven Dou."
"Heaven does not protect, but my wife can."
At this, Xue Qinghe paused and looked over the crowd again.
A quiet murmur ran through the crowd, and their gazes turned heated.
Most had heard of Li Yu achievements, though few had witnessed them firsthand. But everyone knew of his immense power.
With such a figure protecting Heaven Dou, could there be anything more reliable than the illusory "Heaven"?
Various sects, academies, and factions had complex expressions.
Compared to others, those who had taken seats here knew even more about Li Yu importance, especially since many of them hadn't witnessed the events of the fifth round of the Soul Master Competition but were still keenly aware of what the name "Li Yu" represented.
"Perhaps you've all heard of Li Yu strength, but you've never seen it," Xue Qinghe said affectionately, looking at Li Yu.
The crowd's gaze shifted to Li Yu.
Li Yu smiled and took a step forward, releasing a terrifying aura. Sweat beaded on everyone's foreheads as they looked at him in fear, but more so at the figure behind him.
A phantom, over a hundred meters tall, appeared behind Li Yu. A pair of glowing wings spread behind it, stretching for several hundred meters.
Its face was unclear, making it hard to determine its gender, but its figure resembled Li Yu.
At the same time, the elements in the air suddenly became active. The previously clear sky now had multicolored clouds, and spiritual rain began to fall.
"Wow, this feels so good!" someone exclaimed, catching the light rain in their hands, their face filled with joy.
"Look, those old trees that were almost dead now seem to be coming back to life!" another person noticed the trees along the street, now rejuvenated.
"Is this a miracle?" someone whispered, their voice trembling.
Xue Qinghe gaze never left Li Yu, her eyes full of affection.
After a moment, she saw Li Yu turn toward her, and their eyes met with the same warmth. Li Yu extended his hand to her.
Xue Qinghe stepped forward, took his hand, and scanned the crowd, who were mesmerized by the spectacle before them.
In a solemn tone, she spoke, "From now on, Heaven Dou will no longer worship Heaven or the Earth, but will place faith in the people themselves!"
"Heaven Dou will still be Heaven Dou, but from this day forward, the era will be renamed: Xueyu Year!"
"I am now the Xueyu Emperor."
At her words, the entire room fell silent. Everyone looked at Xue Qinghe in shock.
The Heaven Dou Empire had not fallen, but its era and calendar were being changed—an unprecedented event.
Yet no one opposed her.
First, because Li Yu was present.
Second, because the policy of "no worshiping Heaven or Earth" was akin to "changing the world," and this was no small change.
Such a Xue Qinghe, such a Xueyu Emperor, had the right and the qualifications to make such a change.
After a moment of silence, everyone rose to their feet and bowed to the Xueyu Emperor.
"Long live the Emperor!" the voices of congratulations echoed throughout Heaven Dou City.
"Long live the Emperor," Li Yu whispered, his face full of smiles as he spoke into Xue Qinghe ear.
Xue Qinghe neck flushed red, and she glared at him, not amused.
Then, in a serious tone, she said, "I, the Emperor, should not disturb the people, but this grand event should be recorded."
She paused for a moment, then continued, "By my decree, from the first year of Xueyu, all kingdoms and principalities within Heaven Dou will be exempt from taxes for three years, until the end of Xueyu Year."
"At the same time, merchants and farmers will also be exempt from taxes for three years."
"But..."
"All criminals, those who commit crimes or violate the law, will be punished as usual."
At her words, everyone cheered.
"Today, with the Emperor's coronation and the auspicious light shining upon the heavens, this is a celebration for the people and a blessing for the country."
Then, at the Emperor's signal, the officiant spoke again, "And today is also the joyous occasion of the Emperor's wedding. The dragon and phoenix are in harmony, and a perfect union is destined by Heaven!"
The cheering gradually subsided, and all eyes turned to Li Yu and Xue Qinghe, who still stood in the sky, seemingly protected by the divine.
The transition had been so fast—was the marriage ceremony about to begin?
"Wait!" Suddenly, a cold shout rang out.
Everyone froze, and then their expressions drastically changed.
Two figures appeared, walking through the air with a terrifying aura.
Even more shocking was that both had two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings around them!
They were both Title Douluo!
One of them, emanating an incredible pressure, was a Super Douluo at level 95! The other, just as strong, had a soul power level of 94!