The Moon Emperor's Jade Seal was the symbol of the royal bloodline of the Moon Branch within the Sun Moon Empire. Only emperors born of the Moon Lineage had the right to wield it.
To explain this properly, we must understand the structure of the Sun Moon Imperial Family. As mentioned before, the royal family had three inherited Martial Souls—Sun, Moon, and the Purple Radiant Heaven-Destroying Dragon. Based on these three Martial Souls, the royal family was divided into three main branches: the Sun Branch (with the Sun Martial Soul), the Moon Branch (with the Moon Martial Soul), and the Dragon Branch (with the Purple Radiant Heaven-Destroying Dragon Martial Soul).
The origin of these three branches was both simple and interesting.
The Purple Radiant Heaven-Destroying Dragon Martial Soul came from the founding emperor of the Sun Moon Empire, a legendary figure known as the Purple Radiant Emperor—Xu Zihuang. He rose from humble beginnings and swept across the Sun Moon Continent, conquering nearly a hundred nations and powers, and eventually unifying the land.
The Sun and Moon Martial Souls came from the two empresses of the Purple Radiant Emperor. Yes, this mighty emperor had two empresses, later revered as the Golden Sun Empress and the Silver Moon Empress. These two women were also powerful individuals who played crucial roles in the emperor's conquests. Each bore him a son—one inheriting the Sun Martial Soul and the other the Moon Martial Soul. Both sons eventually ascended the throne and became known in history as the Golden Sun Emperor and the Silver Moon Emperor. Due to their stable reigns and commendable governance, they became the forefathers of the Sun and Moon branches of the imperial family.
Neither of these two sons inherited the Purple Radiant Heaven-Destroying Dragon Martial Soul. So the Purple Radiant Emperor turned his attention to the next generation. Of the seven grandchildren born from these two sons, only one inherited the powerful dragon Martial Soul. She was chosen as the heir and became the empire's fourth monarch—its first empress and the founder of the Dragon Branch, later remembered as the Purple Radiant Empress.
From then on, the imperial family was divided into three branches. The Dragon Branch had the fewest members but produced the most emperors. The Sun and Moon Branches had similar numbers and alternated in power over the generations.
This inheritance system, known as "Purple Radiant First, Sun and Moon Second," kept the empire stable for nearly ten thousand years—until about five hundred years ago, when everything changed.
The Purple Radiant Heaven-Destroying Dragon Martial Soul had nearly vanished, and the Dragon Branch fell into decline. The Sun and Moon Branches no longer produced any members who awakened the dragon Martial Soul. So, the throne rotated between the Sun and Moon Branches. After four or five generations, a power-hungry sixth generation emerged.
Around 150 years ago, the great-grandfather of the current Sun Moon Emperor, then the head of the Sun Branch, launched a coup, assassinating his cousin—the then-reigning emperor and leader of the Moon Branch—and usurped the throne. What followed was a brutal purge, nearly exterminating the Moon Branch.
After ten thousand years, the blood ties between the Sun and Moon Branches had become so diluted that the idea of family no longer meant much. With the Purple Radiant Heaven-Destroying Dragon Martial Soul long gone, the Sun Branch felt no guilt in slaughtering the Moon Branch.
This event was later known as the "Palace Coup of Moon Devouring."
Following the coup, the Sun Branch seized control over all resources and influence of both the Moon and Dragon Branches. Nobles loyal to the Moon and Dragon branches were oppressed and persecuted. Many side branches of the Moon Line fled to other nations, changing their names to hide their identity. Zhang Lexuan's family was likely one of those exiled Moon Branch descendants.
The Moon Emperor's Jade Seal—symbol of the Moon Branch's prestige—vanished during that bloody coup. Zhu Ziyang never expected it to resurface at an auction in Shrek City. Was this coincidence, or a deliberate move by someone?
Zhu Ziyang was deeply suspicious, but that didn't stop him from decisively acquiring the seal. He didn't care how it appeared here. All that mattered was—it would be a key piece in the grand plan he was currently preparing, a plan that could change the entire continent!
The unification of the continent was an inevitable part of history, a trend that should have been fulfilled ten thousand years ago if not for unforeseen forces. Now, that trend had once again become clear.
And among all the forces on the continent, only the Sun Moon Empire was truly capable of completing that unification. The rulers of the three Douluo Kingdoms were nothing but bloated insects, with no ability to withstand the Sun Moon Empire's armies.
But if the Sun Moon Empire unified the continent, that would go against the interests of Zhu Ziyang and Shrek Academy. So how could they preserve their own benefits while eliminating the obstacles to reform?
Simple—turn the Sun Moon Emperor into one of their own. Wouldn't that solve everything?
Zhu Ziyang's grand idea was straightforward: place Zhang Lexuan, a possessor of the Moon Martial Soul, onto the imperial throne of the Sun Moon Empire!
With that, not only could he control the empire through Zhang Lexuan and unify the continent, he could also selectively eliminate the outdated and conservative forces during the process. Moreover, by publicizing Zhang Lexuan's status as Shrek Academy's senior sister, they could ease the common people's resistance to unification by the Sun Moon Empire.
In one move, he could achieve multiple goals.
And just like that, a world where Zhu Ziyang, Shrek Academy, the Sun Moon Empire, and the masses all celebrated—while only the old nobles suffered—would be born.
The more Zhu Ziyang thought about it, the more he saw a bright future ahead.
Of course, this plan was still in its early conceptual stage. To bring it to life, he would need time. He had to first obtain the support of Mu En, gain Zhang Lexuan's agreement, and secure the recognition of the scattered descendants of the Moon Branch across the continent.
There was no rush. Zhu Ziyang had plenty of time to shape and polish this plan. The Moon Emperor's Jade Seal would be a critical tool for its success.
Meanwhile, the auction continued. The seventh item following the Moon Emperor's Jade Seal was quickly taken, and now came the final event of the evening—the eighth and final auction item.
A glass dome slowly rose beside Luo Shuiyun, and the central screen displayed the detailed information of the final item. The guests in various private booths grew restless. Some even stepped forward to show themselves—a blatant threat to declare their intent.
There was no doubt. The final auction item was a 100,000-year soul bone!
"Ladies and gentlemen, the final item of tonight's auction is now on full display," Luo Shuiyun said with a radiant smile. "As you can see, this is a right arm soul bone from a soul beast that just crossed its 100,000-year tribulation—the Earthflame Dragon Lizard King. Hence, this soul bone is called the Right Arm Bone of the Earthflame King! There's no need for me to explain the value of a 100,000-year soul bone. I'm sure all of you are eager. So let's not waste time!"
"Starting bid: 50 million gold soul coins. Minimum bid increment: 1 million. Let the bidding begin!" Luo Shuiyun announced.
Instantly, the auction turned fiery. Bids flew in from all sides, and the price quickly soared past 80 million and was fast approaching 100 million.
"Sister Xiaotao, aren't you tempted by this soul bone?" Zhu Ziyang turned to Ma Xiaotao, surprised to see her looking utterly calm.
"Of course I'm tempted," Ma Xiaotao said in frustration. "Any 100,000-year soul bone is tempting. But I already have a right arm bone. Even if I buy this, I won't be able to absorb it!"
"Oh—!" Zhu Ziyang was momentarily stunned. It made sense. As Yan Shaozhe's disciple, Ma Xiaotao having a soul bone was not strange. What a pity—this Earthflame King's right arm bone would've suited her perfectly.
Since neither of them needed it, they didn't participate in the bidding and instead watched the drama unfold. Each price increment shook Zhu Ziyang's understanding of money. The soul bone's final price reached 150 million gold soul coins. Only a few guests could afford that amount, and so the auction concluded.
After the auction, Zhu Ziyang and Ma Xiaotao waited in their private room for the Moon Emperor's Jade Seal to be delivered. Zhu Ziyang took the square-shaped seal and casually stored it in his Starflame Ring. Until his grand plan began, the seal was just an ordinary stone.
He prepared to pay, only to be told by the attendant that someone had already paid for him. Both he and Ma Xiaotao were stunned. Then they saw Luo Shuiyun walk in with a wide smile.
"Junior Brother Ziyang, Junior Sister Xiaotao, thank you both so much for tonight! You've helped your senior sister a great deal!"
"Sister Luo?" The two were surprised, but also understood. After all, Zhu Ziyang's bid had saved the Moon Emperor's Seal from being unsold—preserving Luo Shuiyun's reputation and record. For a gold-ranked auctioneer, a failed auction was no small matter.
So it was completely reasonable for Luo Shuiyun to pay on his behalf.
Especially considering—Zhu Ziyang was no ordinary figure!
Zhu Ziyang couldn't help but sigh in his heart. As expected, once your status is high enough, you don't even need to bring money when you go out.
(End of Chapter)
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