Emperor Xue Ye spoke with a faint smile.
"Hanrui, my boy — my sister has told me of your keen interest in Martial Soul research. It pleases me to see such passion in one so young.
Thus, I have prepared a way for you to pursue your studies freely, without neglecting your cultivation or your duties to the Empire. Step forward and receive my decree."
Hanrui sighed softly, stepping forward as the Prime Minister unfolded a scroll of golden silk and began to read in a solemn voice:
> "By the will of Heaven and under the mandate of the Throne:
In acknowledgment of the unparalleled talent and promise shown by Wu Hanrui, son of His Grace Duke Wu Tian,
As compensation to my sister, whose trust I once betrayed, and as a gesture of atonement before Heaven and Empire—while also to bind the unprecedented genius our continent has been graced with—
I, Emperor Xue Ye, hereby grant Wu Hanrui, son of Duke Wu Tian, the title of Prince Tianlong.
He shall enjoy the privileges and standing of a Royal Prince within the Empire, save only the right of succession to the Imperial Throne.
Let it be known that this decree binds him as kin to the House of Heaven Dou, a protector of its people, and a symbol of its rising generation.
So is it decreed, under Heaven's gaze and the Empire's seal."
The court fell silent — stunned not by the grandeur of the title, but by what it meant: the Emperor had made the boy a Prince not by blood, but by destiny.
Off to the side Yu Yuanzhen looked at this in disbelief while Ning Fengzhi smiled, understanding the emperor's move.
The nobles of the empire who are familiar with princess Xue Li and the current Duke of Tianlong looked happy.
While the rest fell silent in dissatisfaction but felt helpless to change anything after seeing the coronation of the princess Xue Li as a Titled-Douluo and the power shown by the boy.
The princess minister took a pause as he started reading the list of rewards granted by the emperor.
"I grant the following rewards for the newly appointed Prince TianLong.
• The Golden Diadem of the Tianlong Prince.
A circlet bearing the imperial crest and a dragon motif — worn only by the honorary prince.
Representing the imperial recognition and divine mandate.
> To be worn only in official ceremonies or imperial summons, marking the bearer as kin to the throne.
• The Seal of Tianlong
A personal jade seal carved with the new title and dragon motif.
Used to authorize commands or decrees within his domain or research institute.
> It shows that he acts "by the Emperor's mandate."
• Exclusive Palace
An Exclusive Palace and a Research Institute will be built in the name of Prince TianLong in the Imperial City.
• A Yearly Stipend
Equivalent to a royal prince — drawn from the Empire's treasury.
> "Ten thousand gold soul coins annually from the Imperial Treasury, for the maintenance of his household, research, and cultivation."
• Cultivation Treasure
Since you like research, this Emperor grants you access to every soul guide in the treasury, now they are at your disposal.
• Right Of Audience — He may request an audience with the Emperor directly and he doesn't have to follow any and all formalities and speak freely.
• Seat in the Imperial Council — Advisory position without vote on succession matters.
• Immunity from local taxation or arrest — Only the Emperor or Crown Prince can summon him.
• Command Authority (Limited) — He may command Imperial Guards or research detachments for investigations related to Martial Souls."
The Prime Minister's voice lowered, his words solemn and final:
> "So it is decreed under Heaven's gaze and sealed by the hand of His Majesty, Emperor Xue Ye.
May the name of Prince Tianlong stand as a symbol of loyalty, wisdom, and boundless potential for all generations to come.
May his light illuminate the path of every spirit master who follows."
The attendants struck their staves thrice, their echo filling the hall.
"All hail Prince Tianlong!" the court roared, the sound rolling like thunder through the marble columns.
Emperor Xue Ye smiled faintly — pride, calculation, and something softer flickering behind his eyes.
Beside him, Princess Xue Li gave a faint smile to Hanrui who was hesitating.
Hanrui, seeing her smile, bowed deeply.
> "This subject thanks Your Majesty for the boundless grace bestowed upon him.
I shall devote all I am — body, soul, and sword — to the Heaven Dou Empire."
'I feel like I'll throw up the next second, can we end this farce already?, ugh, Nainai you have some explaining to do when we get back.' Hanrui complained in his heart.
As he rose, light from the crystal chandeliers glinted off the new diadem resting in the attendants' hands —awaiting its rightful bearer.
Emperor Xue Ye stepped forward as he took the Golden Diadem of the Tianlong Prince, and put it on Hanrui.
"The Ceremony ends here, let the banquet begin." Xue Ye announced as Xue Li approached Hanrui and stood behind him protectively.
The nobles started dispersing to give some breathing room to the boy to digest the bomb Emperor Xue Ye dropped on him.
While Ning Fengzhi approached Hanrui with Bone Douluo right behind him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince TianLong," Ning Fengzhi said as he stood before Hanrui's group.
Hanrui who is talking to the Emperor turned to look at him but didn't speak, just stared at him with an eyebrow raised.
"Sorry for the late introductions, I'm Ning Fengzhi, sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
My sincerest Congratulations to the Prince and I also thank you on behalf of my companion Sword Douluo." Ning Fengzhi, not getting a reply, awkwardly continued.
"Thank you for your well wishes, but I don't think I had any contact with senior sword douluo before, so why is Mr Ning thanking me on his behalf." Hanrui asked, puzzled.
"Your highness, your earlier display of sword play has enlightened uncle Sword. He left to make the breakthrough, so I'm thanking your highness on his behalf." Ning Fengzhi explained.
Hanrui's eyes widened in surprise as he thought. 'Is that foolish man going to level up early? Well it doesn't matter, it is not like he is my enemy so I shouldn't care too much about it.'
"I see, please congratulate Senior Sword for me." He replied to Ning Fengzhi, keeping some distance from him, which neither bone douluo, nor Ning Fengzhi himself realized.
Yu Yuanzhen turned gloomy hearing Ning Fengzhi. 'That old sword is leveling up? Knowing him he will definitely support this child.Sigh, do I really need to swallow my pride and make peace with a child?
"Please send my regards to sword douluo as well" Emperor Xue Ye said to Ning Fengzhi.
Just then a commotion happened and Yu Luomian came back with Yu Tianheng and quickly made his way to his brother and seeing his majesty nearby he bowed in respect before speaking in distress.
"Your majesty you must give us justice, this boy injured my Grand nephew and the wound isn't closing."
Only then did the others notice a pale looking Yu Tianheng to the side, whose hand still showing a bone deep gash.
While the blood stopped leaking with the treatment, the wound stubbornly refuses to close up no matter how many times the healing soul skill is used.
Even the use of 9 heart begonia didn't help, Yu Luomian explained.
Yu Yuanzhen clenched his fist and just about to speak when Hanrui summoned Xiao Long who was eating a cake at the side.
"Treat him" Hanrui commanded xiao long.
The little creature looked at the guy who offended his master and then looked at his Master, as if asking, are we really healing this punk? But seeing Hanrui nod, it sighed and went over to him.
Xiao Long looked at the wound and opened its mouth and sucked the sword qi that is interfering with the healing process and in one single gulp swallowed it and got back to eating the cake.
Making everyone look at it in speechless disbelief as the wound started healing on its own as the accumulated healing took effect.
Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian sighed in relief while Yu Tianheng looked at the boy scared to even speak.
"Prince TianLong, my utmost apologies for the inconvenience my grandson had caused and thank you for your magnanimous gesture." Yu Yuanzhen said as he stared at Hanrui.
The crowd nodded in approval of the boy's magnanimity while keeping a distance from the blue lightning tyrant dragon clan.
"No worries senior Thunder Douluo,I don't mind. He merely acted out of jealousy, he will grow out of this phase in the future." Hanrui replied with a curt nod.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes brightened at the display of generosity and power of Hanrui and offered the friendship and support of the entire sect.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect shall ever extend its friendship and support to one who values knowledge and cultivates the future.
Should Your Highness ever seek counsel in matters of spirit theory or martial soul study, our doors will remain open." he said.
His words were calm, yet the court could feel the layered meaning beneath them —
a subtle acknowledgment that the Empire's new prince had just earned the attention and goodwill of one of the Three Great Sects.
Hanrui, hearing Ning Fengzhi, looked at him and nodded.
'I don't know what this old schemer is thinking but I'll just leave him face for now.
After all if that old fellow really breaks through we will meet again pretty soon.' Hanrui thought.
They chatted for a while and ate as the banquet was about to conclude Hanrui looked at Xue Qinghe and said. "Brother Qinghe, come to me if you have time to chat alone."
Qian Renxue, wanting to clarify her own doubts, nodded her head.