Chapter 425: Xu Tianran's Delight
"I understand that many of you resent the evil Sun Moon Empire some may even want to kill the Sun Moon Emperor to make a statement. But for the sake of the bigger picture, we absolutely cannot do that. We can launch an attack with overwhelming momentum, but we must not assassinate the emperor."
"Of course, to conceal our identities, we must loudly declare that we fight in the name of Crown Prince Xu He! According to Shrek Academy's intelligence, the previous Sun Moon Emperor and most of his family died due to food poisoning there's definitely something suspicious about that.
And the former Crown Prince, Xu He, has disappeared without a trace. It's said that the Sun Moon Empire has yet to find his body.
But the current Sun Moon Emperor is nothing but a hypocrite. As Xu He's uncle, he publicly vowed in the Mingdu Ancestral Temple that he was merely acting as regent on behalf of his nephew. He claimed that if Xu He ever returned, he would willingly relinquish power, allowing Xu He to take the throne, and that he himself would step down contentedly, satisfied with a life of wealth.
What a joke! Does he take people for fools? If I were Xu He, there's no way I'd return to the Sun Moon Empire and expose myself. That would be a death sentence.
This only proves one thing the current Sun Moon Emperor desperately wants Xu He dead.
That's why I strongly suspect that the previous emperor's death is directly tied to him.
Thus, by invoking Xu He's name, we can further stir the waters. Once we launch our attack, we retreat immediately."
Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, their faces showing approval. They felt that Elder Song's plan was thorough and well thought out. As expected of a senior powerhouse from Shrek Academy her strategic wisdom was extraordinary.
After a bit more discussion, Elder Song led the group to hide near the Sun Moon Imperial Palace, quietly waiting for the Soul Engineer Corps' shift change.
The Sun Moon Imperial Palace covered a vast area, with numerous palaces situated within its grounds.
Tonight, Xu Tianran resided in the Eastern Palace.
Although he was now the Regent, the imperial traditions did not include a palace specifically for a regent, so he continued to reside in the Eastern Palace, traditionally reserved for the Crown Prince.
However, he firmly believed that it wouldn't be long before he officially became the Sun Moon Emperor and when that time came, he could finally move out of the Eastern Palace.
At this moment, Xu Tianran sat in his wheelchair, a book in front of him on the table.
Ju Zi stood beside him, accompanying him.
To Ju Zi, she was still officially Xu Tianran's subordinate, so she naturally had to obey his orders. However, if Huo Yuhao's orders ever conflicted with Xu Tianran's, she would undoubtedly prioritize Huo Yuhao.
"Ju Zi, the three major underground factions of Mingdu have organized a Soul Engineer Tournament, and tonight is the final match. Who do you think will win?" Xu Tianran asked with a smile.
"No matter what happens, the Xishui Alliance will win the championship." Ju Zi stated with absolute certainty.
Xu Tianran raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Can you give me a reason? The Holy Spirit Cult does have a few Rank 9 Soul Engineers, but someone like Ye Xishui wouldn't be interested in mentoring their younger generation of engineers.
And among the other Rank 9 Soul Engineers in the Holy Spirit Cult, their craftsmanship is nowhere near the level of our Sun Moon Empire's engineers. That's why I'm a bit concerned about whether the Xishui Alliance can secure the championship."
Ju Zi hesitated for a moment. "Your Highness, I'm not sure if I should say this."
Xu Tianran waved his hand. "Ju Zi, speak freely. You are the person I trust most. Don't bottle up your thoughts. Even though the Xishui Alliance has ties to the imperial family, I have never had a good impression of them.
I only allowed them to participate in this tournament for the sake of political interests nothing more."
Ju Zi said, "Your Highness, forgive me for being blunt, but the evil soul masters of the Holy Spirit Cult are completely unscrupulous.
If they see themselves losing the championship, they will undoubtedly resort to any means necessary to win.
After all, the rewards for winning are simply too great.
According to your tournament rules, the champion faction will receive exclusive rights to smuggle rare metals. And in exchange, all they have to give up is a portion of their territory.
Smuggling rare metals has always been a highly lucrative business.
Even the powerful Holy Spirit Cult needs a vast amount of Gold Soul Coins. After all, in this world, as long as you have enough money, you can buy almost anything."
Xu Tianran furrowed his brows slightly.
He had indeed been trying to curb the excessive smuggling of rare metals, since the lack of these materials was one reason why the Three Douluo Nations lagged behind in soul tool technology.
However, there were too many factions with vested interests in the smuggling trade, making it impossible to completely eliminate.
Thus, he allowed the three underground factions to hold this tournament, using it as a way to restructure the underground market.
Since it was impossible to stop the smuggling, he decided to consolidate it under a single faction, making it easier to manage.
As long as the outflow of rare metals could be controlled, it would delay the Three Douluo Nations' progress in soul tool development, allowing the Sun Moon Empire to maintain its dominance in this field.
Xu Tianran nodded and said, "Ju Zi, your analysis makes sense. However, for now, the imperial family has no choice but to cooperate with the Holy Spirit Cult.
Letting them have the profits from rare metal smuggling is a minor sacrifice.
After all, in the coming war against the Three Douluo Nations, we still need these powerful evil soul masters.
Once the war is won, and they have outlived their usefulness…
I will deal with them accordingly."
Just as he finished speaking, a thunderous explosion suddenly shook the palace.
Moments later, a Title Douluo tasked with monitoring external security burst through the Eastern Palace's doors, his expression tense.
"Your Highness, the imperial palace is under attack! For your safety, please evacuate with me at once!"
Xu Tianran paused for a moment, then frowned. "Where exactly are the attackers?"
The Title Douluo hesitated slightly but quickly replied, "They attacked the Emperor's residence. But rest assured, the **Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Legion is already moving in to contain them!"
"What?!"
Xu Tianran's face contorted in fury.
"These criminals dare to attack my father?! They must have a death wish!"
However, deep down, he was actually pleased.
If his father were to die in this attack, he could ascend to the throne even sooner.
"I will not retreat!"
"As my father's son, it is my duty to lead the defense of the palace. How could I abandon him at a time like this?!"
"Relay my command summon the other Soul Engineer Legions stationed in Mingdu! Have them enter the palace immediately to protect His Majesty!
These criminals must be eradicated!"
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