In the morning, the sunlight was warm, no less comforting than Xue Nai's gentle presence. Outside the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, the square was filled with crowds on both sides. A long red carpet stretched from the street all the way up to the stone-paved platform before the palace gates.
At the top of the stairs stood a ceremonial altar table.
Wuuuu!
A heavy, resounding horn echoed. Dressed in magnificent robes, "Xue Qinghe" supported Xue Ye, who was clad in a red robe, as they walked through the crowd and onto the red carpet.
Step by step, they advanced toward the altar. Wherever they passed, the people on both sides bowed deeply.
Yang Yunhai, Dugu Yan, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Bo stood near the altar, smiling faintly and bowing slightly when the two approached. Then they straightened, watching as Xue Ye arrived at the altar. Xue Qinghe let go and moved aside, giving space to Xue Ye. The emperor stepped to the center, receiving a long stick of incense from an elderly servant.
After lighting it, Xue Ye turned toward the countless citizens gathered on the square and streets. Bowing deeply three times, he solemnly placed the incense upright. Then he straightened and spoke loudly.
"I, Xue Ye, hereby…"
He recited a long account of his own deeds and shortcomings, then summed up his reign. After praising "Xue Qinghe" at length, he finally announced, "Today, before all subjects, I pass the throne to my eldest son, Xue Qinghe."
After more words of hope and expectation, the coronation began. A group of nobles escorted an elderly man forward, who carried a finely crafted wooden tray. On it rested a golden crown studded with jewels.
Xue Ye carefully lifted the crown, turned, and placed it on "Xue Qinghe's" bowed head before stepping aside. Qian Renxue straightened and moved to the center, declaring herself "Emperor" and delivered another long speech.
When finished, she issued her first decree as ruler: appointing Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, as Imperial Advisor.
Since they were teacher and disciple, no one was surprised. All eyes turned to Ning Fengzhi, who stepped forward, offered his respects, and smiled.
"Yang Yunhai of Yunhai Academy." After Ning Fengzhi returned to his place, Qian Renxue continued.
She recounted his contributions: first, leading the team to win the Soul Master Tournament championship; second, developing new theories that benefited the empire and its people. "The empire shall not forget."
Finally, she announced his ennoblement as a Prince of the Empire.
The onlooking commoners erupted in astonishment. Never in Heaven Dou history had an outsider been granted the rank of Prince. Some cheered, believing Yang Yunhai deserved it for publishing the new meditation method.
The royal family and ministers, however, were calm—they had known this beforehand. The title came with no power or land, only the useless Devil's Triangle as nominal territory. It was nothing more than a gesture to rope in Dugu Bo, the Super Douluo.
And they thought it worthwhile!
After all, who in the Soul Master world didn't know Dugu Bo's name? He had wiped out the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and killed Tang Hao—an absolute powerhouse. Any force would show him respect.
Most importantly, no one's interests were harmed.
"Prince Yun, Please come forward to receive the seal." Qian Renxue turned solemnly.
An elder carried a fine wooden box over.
Yang Yunhai calmly stepped forward, bowed, and watched as Qian Renxue received the box, turned, and praised him again before presenting it. Inside was the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud.
Not far away, Xue Ye looked visibly pained.
If not for Dugu Bo's strength and Yang Yunhai's potential and reputation, he never would have parted with the empire's treasure, even if Yunhai's theories merited reward. In this world, strength, not contribution, was the foundation.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yang Yunhai bowed, accepted the box, and returned to his seat.
He handed the box to Dugu Yan and listened attentively to the rest of the ceremony.
A quarter-hour later, Qian Renxue concluded, inviting the guests into the palace for the full-month celebration of the children.
She supported Xue Ye at the front, with the royal family and ministers following.
"Greetings, Brother Yunhai." Ning Rongrong, accompanying Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, came forward to greet him.
"Greetings, Sister Rongrong." Yang Yunhai replied with a smile.
"Brother Dugu, long time no see. Your niece has clearly gained much." Ning Fengzhi's eyes turned to Dugu Yan with a smile.
Her dramatic transformation was proof enough.
"Just luck." Dugu Bo nodded slightly.
"Sect Master Ning, after the banquet, you are welcome to visit my residence." Yang Yunhai smiled.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes flickered, and he nodded. "Then I shall accept."
Soon, they entered the main hall.
As it was a family banquet, Xue Ye sat at the head. After a few words, the Empress and Crown Princess entered with the babies. Feeling the crowd's presence, both children burst into loud cries, making Yang Yunhai's heart ache.
'This isn't a full-month banquet. This is torture for my babies!'
Fortunately, it was just for show, and they were soon taken back.
With Xue Ye's signal, the feast began.
Yang Yunhai noticed Xue Beng drinking gloomily while Princess Xue Ke kept glancing his way.
'Do I really attract this much attention?' He ignored her, turned back, and ate, sharing dishes with his wife.
Ning Rongrong's eyes flickered, a touch of envy rising inside.
"Little Xue'er, looks like our Yunhai is quite popular with girls." Qian Muxue teased softly.
Qian Renxue's face remained calm. She trusted her man's character.
Half an hour later, Xue Ye clapped his hands. A group of maids entered, clearing the tables, then brought out desserts, and finally dancers who performed gracefully.
Yang Yunhai stayed unmoved, chatting quietly with his wife.
When the banquet ended, he and Dugu Bo were the first to excuse themselves. Ning Fengzhi also bid farewell and left with Sword Douluo and Ning Rongrong.
At the academy gates, the two groups met again and entered together, heading to the back mountain residence.
"Sect Master Ning, please." Dugu Bo nodded and led him inside.
"Here already?" Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo emerged from another room.
Ning Fengzhi froze. Even Sword Douluo's eyes narrowed—he hadn't sensed them.
"Greetings, Your Excellencies." Ning Fengzhi quickly composed himself and bowed.
"No need for courtesy. Let's get to the point." Dugu Bo gestured toward Yang Yunhai.
"To be frank, Sect Master Ning, I have long since joined Spirit Hall," Yang Yunhai said with a smile. "Chrysanthemum Douluo is my teacher."
"Ahem, indeed." Chrysanthemum Douluo puffed his chest.
"No wonder." Ning Fengzhi sighed, instantly piecing together the truth about Yu Yuanzhen and Tang Hao's deaths, and Yang Yunhai's true purpose today. "I suppose the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has no choice left."
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan destroyed, Tang Hao dead, Tang San branded a fallen soul master, and the Clear Sky Sect under fire—they had no strength to resist.
"Though I must ask, why today?"
"Because your disciple Xue Qinghe is in truth Qian Renxue, granddaughter of Qian Daoliu." Dugu Bo said flatly.
Ning Rongrong lowered her head in shock. 'So the coup succeeded?'
"I see." Ning Fengzhi nodded.
It made sense. Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo had truly broken with Bibi Dong. Yang Yunhai was dissatisfied with her as well, so they chose Qian Renxue instead. As her public teacher, he was a natural ally with no grudges or threat.
"And why choose Qian Renxue?" Ning Fengzhi pressed. "With your strength, you three could stand on your own."
All eyes turned to Yang Yunhai. Dugu Bo muttered, "Qian Renxue and Xiao Hai… you know. They already have children."
"Of course, that was entirely an accident and has nothing to do with me!" He quickly added when his granddaughter looked embarrassed.
'Good scheme, Brother Dugu.' Ning Fengzhi didn't believe him, but nodded. "So that's how it is."
'But my Rongrong… sigh.'
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened. 'So this banquet was really for Yang Yunhai's children?'
Yang Yunhai's face didn't change. "Sect Master Ning, the two empires have warred for years, leaving countless families broken. Supporting Qian Renxue offers a chance for true unification. For your sect, that's surely a blessing."
"After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's support abilities are second to none."
More importantly, they posed no threat. Ning Fengzhi knew. With unification, his sect wouldn't need to rely on playing both sides. Supporting the strongest empire was far simpler.
"Qinghe is my disciple. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will fully support her." He smiled faintly.
Still, he thought, 'If only I could secure a marriage tie with Yunhai. If not with Rongrong, perhaps with his children in the future…'
Yang Yunhai smiled. "Sect Master Ning, rest assured, your assistance will not be forgotten."
He glanced at Chrysanthemum Douluo, who produced the Beautiful Silk Tulip.
"This is…?" Ning Fengzhi's pupils shrank.
Suddenly, he realized investing in Yang Yunhai had been worth it. Unlike Tang San, who had brought them nothing but shame.
"This is the Beautiful Silk Tulip, king of immortal herbs," Yang Yunhai explained. "Its medicinal effects are unrivaled. Consuming it will strengthen the spirituality of all gemstone-type martial souls. With near certainty, Sister Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
"N-Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?" Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were stunned.
Even Ning Rongrong's eyes widened.
Yang Yunhai smiled. "She can take it now, to see the truth for herself."
Ning Fengzhi bowed deeply. "I cannot thank you enough."
Chrysanthemum Douluo floated the herb over with soul power.
"Take it, Rongrong." Ning Fengzhi urged.
Suppressing her excitement, Ning Rongrong accepted it. Yang Yunhai instructed her on how to consume it, then looked to Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhuqing, take her to the next room."
"Alright." Zhu Zhuqing nodded, leading her away.
"Sect Master Ning, with such a treasure offered, I assume you guess there is more." Yang Yunhai continued. He explained their plan to go to Sea God Island.
Ning Fengzhi focused immediately. If his daughter caught the eye of a God during the trials, their sect's future would be secured forever.
"Rest assured, I will support you wholeheartedly."
'Compared to Tang San, this boy is worth a thousandfold,' Sword Douluo thought.
Yang Yunhai nodded. "Thank you, Sect Master Ning."
"Come, have tea. Let's wait together." Dugu Bo invited.
They discussed matters: cleaning up the royal family, hunting Tang San, and destroying the Clear Sky Sect.
Hours later, Ning Rongrong emerged, cheeks glowing and aura brimming. Her father's eyes shone—she had clearly broken through.
"Rongrong, let me see your martial soul," Ning Fengzhi said eagerly.
She glanced at Yang Yunhai, then summoned her soul.
A crystal-blue pagoda appeared—nine floors high.
"Nine floors! It really evolved!" Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were shocked.
"My soul power also reached rank 40," Ning Rongrong whispered.
A jump of 4 ranks, when she had just broken through to rank 36 days ago.
Bowing deeply, Ning Fengzhi said, "This debt, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect shall never forget. Whatever aid you need, only say the word."
"Thank you, Senior. Thank you, Brother Yunhai," Ning Rongrong added.
"Think nothing of it." Dugu Bo beamed. "Since Rongrong has broken through rank 40, we won't keep you. After the New Year, we'll set the date for Sea God Island and notify you."
"Very well." Ning Fengzhi nodded and left with Sword Douluo and Ning Rongrong.
Only then did Yang Yunhai turn to Dugu Yan. "Yan Yan, take out the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
(End of Chapter)
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