The golden morning light bloomed with a soft radiance, as if bathed in the grace of the heavens.
The Ming Capital, which had been turbulent for several days, appeared exceptionally quiet today. The originally bustling and lively streets were now empty. Apart from a few shops selling daily necessities, almost all other stores had chosen to close for the day.
Because today was the day when Xu Zihuang, the only son of the Purple Emperor King, would ascend to the throne.
Xu Zihuang, the current ruler of the Sun Moon Empire, would hold the Heaven Worshipping Ascension Grand Ceremony at the southern suburbs of the Ming Capital today. He would pay homage to heaven and earth, as well as to the ancestors of the Sun Moon Empire, while also appearing before the people of the Sun Moon Empire to win their hearts and minds.
Back then, Xu Tianran's family had colluded with evil soul masters to seize power through usurpation, which was inherently unjust. Now, Xu Zihuang was using the banner of vindicating his father, the Purple Emperor King, and the former emperor of the Sun Moon Empire, undoubtedly occupying the moral high ground. The vast majority of the people in the Ming Capital were in extremely high spirits. Even before dawn, people had already followed the continuous, dense flow of crowds to the southern suburbs of the Ming Capital, preparing to welcome the arrival of this grand national ceremony.
Of course, there were also a few more rational individuals who simply wanted to witness this historic moment with their own eyes and see whether this young ruler could lead the Sun Moon Empire further forward.
As for negative rumors such as conspiracy theories, none were spreading among the populace.
Xu Zihuang's order to return the territories of the Heavenly Soul Empire had indeed directly harmed the immediate interests of some people. However, the five great soul mentor regiments of the Protectorate and the entire Mingde Hall had announced their allegiance to Xu Zihuang. Even if these people felt dissatisfied, they simply did not have the courage to make any small moves.
As long as they dared to incite the populace, they would immediately face liquidation.
In short, the public opinion within the Ming Capital was overall very favorable to Xu Zihuang.
On all the main roads of the Ming Capital, soldiers clad in uniform silver armor stood on both sides. A strong aura of killing intent almost permeated the entire city. Under the military's oppressive presence, the civilians moved in orderly fashion, continuously heading toward the southern suburbs.
This Heaven Worshipping Ascension Ceremony was on a grand scale. The Sun Moon Empire had even mobilized an army of over one hundred thousand for it.
In the southern suburbs, a massive altar stood silently. The altar itself was a strangely shaped platform, circular on the left and crescent-shaped on the right, adjacent to each other. It symbolized the sun and moon, serving as the emblem of the Sun Moon Empire.
This altar had existed for several thousand years. Throughout history, if any emperor of the Sun Moon Empire achieved great accomplishments, they would come here to worship heaven and demonstrate their merits.
Not long ago, Xu Tianran had specially expended a massive amount of manpower, resources, and wealth to renovate the altar in preparation for worshipping heaven here after unifying the continent and becoming an eternal emperor of the Sun Moon Empire. Unfortunately, before he could do so, he was killed by Xu Zihuang inside the imperial palace of the Sun Moon Empire.
The renovated circular altar covered an area of more than ten thousand square meters, with a height that even reached a hundred zhang, far taller than the tallest building in the Ming Capital. In the future, it would surely become one of the iconic structures of the Sun Moon Empire.
Above the first level of the platform, there were six additional connected platforms. Each level was of the same shape, gradually shrinking in size. By the time it reached the topmost platform, it was only one thousand square meters in area.
All seven levels of platforms, from bottom to top, were colored red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple, respectively. Purple was the most noble, and it was also the color of the top-level platform. Nine staircases led to the top, with nine being the ultimate number, symbolizing supreme nobility and auspiciousness.
In the southeast, southwest, northwest, and northeast directions of the altar, the Imperial Dragon Soul Mentor Regiment, the Terrorclaw Soul Mentor Regiment, the Fire Phoenix Soul Mentor Regiment, and the Devil Whale Soul Mentor Regiment had established soul tool positions, standing ready in strict formation. Meanwhile, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Mentor Regiment was stationed on the first level of the altar.
However, to guard against any sudden incidents, Kong Deming did not appear publicly but remained hidden in the shadows. This was also to avoid causing unnecessary disputes, as it was Kong Deming who had led the Sun Moon Royal Soul Mentor Regiment in annihilating the imperial family of the Heavenly Soul Empire back then.
Of the total one hundred thousand troops mobilized this time, another fifty thousand were stationed around the altar. The remaining forces were assigned various duties to maintain order at the scene.
By now, the sky had fully brightened. Sunlight shone upon the majestic Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform, scattering brilliant seven-colored halos. From a distance, it looked extremely spectacular.
The high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire began to ascend the altar. According to their status and position, they took their places on the second to sixth levels of the altar.
Leading at the very front was none other than the Hall Master of Mingde Hall, Jing Hongchen. Today, Jing Hongchen had donned a set of luxurious black-and-gold robes, appearing exceptionally grand. Although his short and stout figure made the attire look somewhat comical, his face was flushed with excitement, and his small eyes sparkled with intense delight and pride.
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, the brother and sister, followed beside him. The grandfather and grandchildren trio arrived at the sixth level of the altar, the position closest to the top level.
Four years had passed, and both Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen had reached soul power cultivations approaching the Soul Douluo level. They had also matured considerably. Especially Xiao Hongchen, who no longer displayed his former arrogance. His silver hair was neatly combed and draped behind him, while his heterochromatic eyes, one deep blue and one emerald green, shone with profound and calm light.
Even though he felt immense concern regarding Xu Zihuang, the only son of the Purple Emperor King, no emotional fluctuations could be seen from his expression.
Compared to her elder brother Xiao Hongchen, Meng Hongchen still retained some of her former girlish temperament. Her beautiful ice-blue eyes were filled with curiosity. In particular, she recalled the meaningful words and glances her grandfather had given during their late-night conversation the previous evening.
Sunlight poured down upon Meng Hongchen's wine-red hair, sparkling with a faint luster. Now twenty-three years old, her figure was even more voluptuous than Ma Xiaotao's had been back then. She kept her hands behind her back, her fingertips twirling strands of her own hair.
Ascending to the sixth level of the altar alongside Jing Hongchen and his grandchildren were nearly twenty ninth-level soul mentors from the Sun Moon Empire side. The Unbreakable Douluo Zheng Zhan, who had once presided over the All-Continent Young Soul Master Elite Competition, was among them. The Starry Sky Douluo Ye Yulin, who had originally been stationed at the Mingdou Mountain Range, had also been recalled.
The strength and foundation of these two were not much different from Jing Hongchen's, but unfortunately, Jing Hongchen had gained the trust of the Sun Moon Empire's new ruler.
The Unbreakable Douluo Zheng Zhan and the Starry Sky Douluo Ye Yulin exchanged a glance, then both looked toward the smug Jing Hongchen ahead of them. Jing Hongchen already controlled Mingde Hall, and now he had received such an honor. It seemed that in the future, the two of them would forever be firmly suppressed by him.
Where there are people, there is competition. However, the rivalry between Zheng Zhan, Ye Yulin, and Jing Hongchen was open and aboveboard. They would not scheme against each other, nor would they do anything that harmed the interests of the Sun Moon Empire.
As time passed, the people of the Sun Moon Empire had already surrounded the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform so densely that not even a drop of water could trickle through. Over twenty million people lived in the Ming Capital, which was the true core of the Sun Moon Empire. At least ten million had come to observe the ceremony today.
Jing Hongchen looked up at the sky, then stepped forward a few paces and announced with a smiling face in a loud voice infused with soul power: "Next, we welcome the distinguished guests from the Heavenly Soul Empire, Dou Ling Empire, Star Luo Empire, and Shrek Academy to attend this ceremony. On behalf of His Majesty, I express the most sincere respect to all of you."
Jing Hongchen's voice, amplified by soul power, spread throughout the entire venue.
From the direction of the Ming Capital in the distance, a team composed entirely of gold and silver colors slowly approached the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform. Wherever this procession passed, soldiers cleared the way. The carriages they rode were of the highest standard used by the Sun Moon Empire to receive foreign guests.
The gazes of over ten million civilians in the Ming Capital all converged upon them, and the entire venue instantly fell silent.
"Wuu— wuu— wuu—" Long horns resembling the low roars of giant beasts sounded. The carriages passed through the dense crowd and arrived at an open area directly in front of the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform.
This was the exclusive viewing area that the Sun Moon Empire had prepared for the foreign guests from the original Douluo Continent. It was also closer to the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform. Here, the space was clearly divided into four distinct zones. Each zone contained luxurious sofas and tables, along with sunshades.
The people from the original Douluo Continent alighted from the carriages and took their seats one after another.
Representing the Heavenly Soul Empire at this ceremony was Empress Weina, along with the powerful experts from the Body Sect led by Du Busi.
When the invitation was issued, the Sun Moon Empire had shown sufficient sincerity and generosity, without restricting the number of attendees from the various factions of the original Douluo Continent. However, the original Douluo Continent side had maintained a tacit understanding, with each faction keeping its numbers between five and six people.
For the Heavenly Soul Empire, the Body Sect had only sent five Super Douluo, including Du Busi.
Attending from Shrek Academy were Elder Xuan, Elder Song, Yan Shaozhe, Xian Lin'er, and Zhang Lexuan. Among these five, only Zhang Lexuan's soul power cultivation had not yet reached the Super Douluo level.
The Star Luo Empire side was led by Xu Jiujiu, with five Title Douluo serving as her guards. They were the imperial family's chief consecrate, Elder Yang, leading the imperial family's consecrates.
Elder Yang was a tall and burly old man, at least over two meters in height. However, his appearance looked much older than Elder Xuan's or Du Busi's. His dark-golden eyes opened and closed with extreme sharpness. The entire person gave off the feeling of a ferocious humanoid beast.
He was also the strongest expert of the Star Luo Empire, a rank 98 Super Douluo. Among the other four imperial family members of the Star Luo Empire, there were also two familiar faces: the Star Breaker Douluo and the Heavenly Fiend Douluo Huang Jinxu.
As for the Dou Ling Empire's lineup, it was much weaker. There were only two Super Douluo: the Heavenly Sun Douluo and Xu Sanshi's granduncle. The remaining three were merely ordinary Title Douluo.
This was why Xue Lingxun had insisted on persuading Xu Sanshi's father. Their lineup was simply too shabby.
Xu Sanshi and Xue Lingxun sat down in the Dou Ling Empire's rest area and nodded slightly with smiles toward the other three sides.
Elder Xuan glared at Xu Sanshi and laughed scoldingly.
"You brat, you're playing the role of crown prince quite convincingly."
"Elder Xuan, if I had a choice, I really wouldn't want to be this so-called crown prince."
Xu Sanshi sighed helplessly.
Du Busi stared boldly at Jing Hongchen on the sixth level of the altar and snorted disdainfully.
"Today, this old man is going to see what medicine the Sun Moon Empire is selling in its gourd. If they are truly willing to stop the war here and now, then so be it. If they still harbor evil intentions, don't blame this old man for going crazy here."
"Old Poison Monster, don't be impulsive," Elder Xuan's expression changed slightly as he tried to dissuade him.
"After all, this is the territory of the Sun Moon Empire."
"Xuanzi, what are you afraid of?" Du Busi immediately raised an eyebrow.
"With so many of us joining hands, are we still afraid of the Sun Moon Empire's bullshit soul mentor regiments?!"
Xu Jiujiu leaned back on the sofa with a smile, arms crossed over her chest, merely listening to the conversation between Elder Xuan and Du Busi with flickering eyes.
If possible, taking the opportunity to strike at the Sun Moon Empire would not be a bad idea either. After all, Shrek Academy and the Body Sect would definitely bear the brunt of it, and their Star Luo Empire might even be able to reap the benefits as a third party.
Everyone present had their own thoughts, conveniently overlooking Weina, who had remained silent from beginning to end.
Weina was dressed in luxurious imperial robes, sitting with a dignified posture, her gaze fixed intently on the topmost level of the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform.
"Respectfully welcoming His Majesty!"
At this moment, Jing Hongchen suddenly led the ninth-level soul mentors of the Sun Moon Empire in kneeling on one knee toward the seventh level of the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform, even shouting "Long live" three times in succession.
"Long live! Long live! Long live!"
As if in response to Jing Hongchen and the others' actions, the high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire on the other levels of the altar all knelt together. Following that, the one hundred thousand soldiers raised their weapons in unison and shouted "Long live" in perfect coordination.
"Long live! Long live! Long live!" Finally, the ten million civilians of the Sun Moon Empire, influenced by the fervent and passionate atmosphere on site, prostrated themselves toward the top of the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform. Looking out, it was a vast expanse of black.
The cheers of the civilians rose like waves, this was a true tidal wave of sound. The roar formed by over ten million people was like mountains and tsunamis, spreading far into the distance.
The golden sun rose from the east, and by the time it had climbed to three poles high, on the seventh level of the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform, numerous magnificent patterns were engraved. A huge six-pointed star emitted a faint golden glow under the sunlight. In the center of the six-pointed star, the sun and moon patterns were even more dazzling. The sun was golden, the moon was silver, golden sun and silver moon reflecting each other brilliantly.
As a mystical gold-and-silver halo rose, a tall and straight figure stepped out from the void.
The youth wore a nine-dragon-holding-pearl purple-gold crown and was dressed in magnificent Dragon Reflecting Sun Moon Imperial Robes. A head of long black hair fluttered in the wind, while the golden sun and silver moon earrings swayed on both sides. His deep purple eyes contained only arrogance and majesty.
Xu Zihuang floated in the air the highest level of the Sun Moon Heaven Worshipping Platform, like the ruler of the entire world, receiving the kowtows and worship of the masses. It seemed as if countless fortunes and beliefs were gathering toward him.
Countless people present felt as if they had been struck by lightning.
The reactions from the original Douluo Continent side were particularly intense. Except for a few imperial family members from the Star Luo Empire and Dou Ling Empire who had not seen Xu Zihuang before, everyone else stood up abruptly without exception.
Seeing this familiar figure, Elder Xuan felt as if his inner faith had completely collapsed. Amid the shock, a sense of despair also arose.
The impact of Xu Zihuang's appearance here was indescribable to him.
The color instantly drained from his eyes as he muttered in a daze.
"Yu Tianhuang… Xu Zihuang…"
"So that's how it is. You deceived all of us."
Elder Xuan gave a miserable smile.
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master the novel is already finished on Patreon."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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