Chapter 469: Xu Tianran's Rewards
After finishing the interview, Huo Yuhao and his teammates proceeded to the high platform to receive their rewards from Xu Tianran.
After all, leading the team to win the championship was a great honor for the Sun Moon Empire, and as the Regent, Xu Tianran had to show his appreciation.
Soon, the seven members of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy team stood in a straight line on the high platform.
As the team captain and the key player in securing victory, Huo Yuhao naturally stood at the center.
Everyone's attention was focused on the seven players, with Huo Yuhao receiving the most attention.
His performance throughout the tournament was simply too astonishing.
Many Sun Moon officials even felt fortunate that Huo Yuhao was now part of their empire, rather than a citizen of Star Luo.
If he had remained in Star Luo, given enough time, he would undoubtedly become a terrifying opponent for the Sun Moon Empire.
Even though soul tools were rapidly developing, powerful soul masters could never be eliminated from history.
Luckily, due to the Duchess's incompetence and Dai Hao's lack of wisdom, such a peerless genius had ended up in the Sun Moon Empire.
There was no doubt Huo Yuhao was destined to become a pillar of strength for the empire.
Xu Tianran's Speech
Sitting in his wheelchair, Xu Tianran rested his hands on the armrests and looked at the seven players with a gentle smile.
Then, he spoke in a calm yet commanding voice,
"The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy has defended its championship title!
This is not only an honor for your academy but also an honor for the entire Sun Moon Empire!
From this day forward, every Sun Moon citizen will take pride in your achievements.
Your names will be recorded in history, and generations from now, when our descendants read the records, they will still see your glorious names shining brightly."
"As the Regent, it is only right that I reward you for your accomplishments.
If someone makes great contributions to the empire but receives no reward, then I am unworthy of my position!"
"Three days from now, the imperial treasury will be opened for you.
Each of you may claim a Level 9 defensive soul tool of your choice without any restrictions.
I'm sure you are all familiar with such tools, with the Red Dust Barrier being a prime example."
Then, Xu Tianran turned his gaze to Huo Yuhao and continued,
"Huo Yuhao, you contributed the most it was no easy feat!
Thus, I am granting you additional rewards.
Previously, I titled you as an Earl, but now, I am promoting you to the rank of Duke Lingmu Duke!
Your title will be hereditary, passed down to your descendants without downgrading.
Furthermore, you will receive an annual salary of twenty million gold soul coins.
And, I will personally allow you to select a one hundred thousand year soul bone from the imperial treasury!"
After saying this, Xu Tianran smiled, satisfied with his generosity.
Of course, he was doing this not just out of gratitude but also to secure Huo Yuhao's loyalty.
Through multiple battles, Xu Tianran was now certain Huo Yuhao's talent was truly unparalleled.
Without a doubt, this young man would one day become an Ultimate Douluo.
It was also highly possible that he would become a Rank 9 Soul Engineer or even a legendary Rank 10 Soul Engineer.
Naturally, he wanted Huo Yuhao to serve him.
But he also understood that a genius like Huo Yuhao would only pledge allegiance if he was given enough benefits.
Of course, if Huo Yuhao ever became a bigger threat than an asset, Xu Tianran wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.
Gratitude and Celebration
The Sun Moon team exchanged glances, then collectively bowed and said,
"Thank you, Your Highness, the Regent!"
Xu Tianran's smile widened.
He chatted with the team for a while, praising their achievements and encouraging them to contribute even more to the empire in the future.
Then, suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind a spiritual transmission from Zhongli Wu.
"Your Highness, I have an important matter to discuss with you.
I will be waiting for you at the Holy Spirit Sect's residence in Mingyue Hotel."
Hearing this, Xu Tianran maintained his composed smile and turned to the Sun Moon team,
"You all must be eager to celebrate your victory.
Defending the championship is an achievement worth celebrating, so I won't keep you any longer.
Hall Master Jing, please escort them to their celebration."
Jing Hongchen bowed respectfully.
"As you command, Your Highness."
He then led the team away to begin their victory banquet.
Meeting Zhongli Wu
📍 Mingyue Hotel – Holy Spirit Sect's Residence
Inside a luxurious room, Xu Tianran entered, pushed by Ju Zi.
Although Ju Zi's personal strength wasn't remarkable, she was Xu Tianran's most trusted confidant.
Even in such important meetings, he always brought her along.
Seated inside, Zhongli Wu's expression was dark and stormy.
Upon entering, Xu Tianran spoke directly,
"Master Zhongli, what matter did you wish to discuss?"
Zhongli Wu's eyes gleamed coldly.
"Your Highness, with your intelligence, even if I don't spell it out, you must already know why I'm here.
Let's be frank there's no need for pretense."
Xu Tianran chuckled, feigning admiration,
"Master Zhongli, you are truly straightforward.
If I had to guess, this must be about the position of National Teacher and the Holy Spirit Sect's recognition as the Empire's State Religion."
These may have seemed like two separate issues, but in reality, they were one and the same a request for imperial recognition and full political backing for the Holy Spirit Sect.
Zhongli Wu nodded.
"That's right."
Xu Tianran's face darkened slightly, as if troubled.
"But according to our prior agreement…"
Before he could finish, Zhongli Wu interrupted,
"Your Highness no, I should now call you 'Your Majesty.'
Is there truly no room for negotiation?"
According to their original deal, if the Holy Spirit Sect won the championship, Xu Tianran would eliminate all opposition and make the sect the official religion of the empire, with Zhongli Wu as the National Teacher.
But the Holy Spirit Sect had lost.
Xu Tianran paused, his expression deliberately uncertain.
He wasn't answering right away he was letting Zhongli Wu sweat.
Although he needed the Holy Spirit Sect to help conquer the Three Douluo Empires, the balance of power was in his favor now.
This was a perfect opportunity to squeeze more benefits out of Zhongli Wu.
Zhongli Wu's voice turned cold.
"Your Majesty, an alliance with the Holy Spirit Sect would be in your best interest.
Our sect is filled with powerful individuals who can aid the Sun Moon Empire in its conquest of the Douluo Continent.
Surely, you wish to be remembered as the Emperor who united the world?"
For Zhongli Wu, securing his position as National Teacher and making the Holy Spirit Sect the State Religion was half the battle toward his ultimate goal becoming a god.
So, as long as Xu Tianran's demands were within reason, he was willing to comply.
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