The next day, all the ministers and Elders of the Star Luo Imperial Palace gathered, solemnly awaiting the arrival of the Star Luo Great Emperor, who would occupy the seat of honor.
Several minutes later, Dai Tianyu strode with a dragon-like gait to the imperial throne. He looked down at those below, and seeing that everyone who should be there was present, he nodded with satisfaction.
"Emperor Xue Ye passed away three days ago. Now, Heaven Dou's border defenses are weak, and its internal factions are clearly divided. This is an excellent opportunity for us to seize the city. What are your thoughts, my beloved ministers?"
Dai Tianyu immediately stated the opportune moment, indicating his intention to dispatch troops to take the city. Some ministers, skilled at reading the room, began to agree with the Emperor.
The Grand Elder of the Imperial Clan, who was also Dai Tianyu's imperial uncle, the Level 88 Soul Douluo Dai Qianming, frowned slightly. After the murmuring in the hall subsided, he slowly bowed and walked to the center of the hall.
"Your Majesty, Spirit Hall now dominates the continent, with numerous Titled Douluos. They have long coveted the two empires. Is it not ill-advised to act against Heaven Dou now?"
Under Bibi Dong's leadership, Spirit Hall had indeed developed well in recent years, filling both Xue Ye and Dai Tianyu with vigilance. The borders between their nations had also enjoyed a rare period of peace. Now, Dai Tianyu's proposal to send troops to attack Heaven Dou made these Elders somewhat uneasy.
"I understand the Grand Elder's concerns, but this is a heaven-sent opportunity. Scouts at the border have confirmed that several of their Soul Douluo generals have already rushed back to Heaven Dou to participate in the succession struggle. This is precisely when the Heaven Dou Empire's defenses are at their weakest."
"If we wait until Xue Qinghe or Xue Beng gain a firm foothold, it won't be so easy to encounter such an opportunity again."
"If we just take several cities on the Heaven Dou border with lightning speed, I imagine Spirit Hall won't react much. Are they really going to gather an army to attack our Star Luo?"
"Moreover, are we just going to let Star Luo's grudge go?"
"This..."
Dai Qianming pondered for a moment before returning to his seat, indicating neither approval nor opposition to the matter.
With the last obstacle removed, Dai Tianyu issued the order to prepare for the advance. They would make their move on the day Xue Qinghe ascended the throne, considering it a grand ascension gift from him, an elder.
The entire Star Luo Empire began to operate like a well-oiled machine.
Military supplies and food were rapidly transported to the border. Those with foresight understood that war was imminent.
At the Heaven Dou Empire's Crown Prince Residence, Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, also learned of the Star Luo Empire's movements from her spies at the first opportunity. She sneered and said to Ning Bei, who was beside her:
"I was wondering what excuse I'd use to send troops to Star Luo after ascending to the throne, but this Dai Tianyu has delivered the excuse right to my doorstep."
"Heh, that Dai Tianyu is also short-sighted. How dare he initiate a war between two great empires in the current continental climate? He truly sees small gains and forgets great righteousness, a gamble indeed."
Ning Bei remained noncommittal. In his eyes, Star Luo was nothing special anyway. Even if Dai Tianyu hadn't actively invaded Heaven Dou, once Little Angel had a firm footing, he didn't intend to let them jump around for too long.
At that point, he would simply unleash a Beast Tide from the Star Dou Great Forest's Star Luo border.
Three days later, Heaven Dou City gradually became lively. The populace quickly forgot the old emperor's passing, preparing to welcome the new emperor's arrival.
After dressing in ceremonial robes, Xue Qinghe appeared in the Royal Mausoleum. After leading the ministers in ancestral worship, he proceeded to the Golden Luan Hall.
As time passed, distinguished guests arrived one by one. Ning Fengzhi, accompanied by Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo, represented the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to observe the ceremony.
Chrysanthemum Douluo of Spirit Hall came to observe the ceremony by order of Pope Bibi Dong.
Subsequently, others such as the three Grand Elders of the Royal Academy and envoys from various kingdoms also entered the hall.
Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, maintained a standard fake smile from beginning to end, her face almost stiff. It seemed that after the ceremony, she would need Ning Bei's help to relax her facial muscles.
The smile on Little Angel's face slowly faded as the last few people entered the hall. Xue Xing, accompanied by Prince Xue Beng, and Yu Yuanzhen, the Sect Master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, along with the three Soul Douluo generals from the Heaven Dou Empire's border, entered the Golden Luan Hall together.
Little Angel's gaze instantly met Xue Beng's. Both their eyes were filled with killing intent and confidence.
Wearing the Imperial Crown robes, Little Angel walked with a forced smile towards the group and cupped his hands.
"Qing He greets Sect Master Yu and Imperial Uncle."
"Mm."
Yu Yuanzhen nodded, acknowledging Xue Qinghe, while Xue Xing's expression was one of sarcasm.
"Qing He, don't you understand the principle that you shouldn't reach for things that don't belong to you?"
"Is that so? Does Imperial Uncle mean that a virtuous and capable eldest son is less suitable to inherit the throne than a profligate second son?"
Xue Xing's face stiffened. He snorted coldly and did not wish to speak further with Xue Qinghe.
"Hmph, I won't engage in a war of words with you. The right and wrong of it will soon be clear."
"Heh, are the 'right and wrong' Imperial Uncle speaks of about privately mobilizing border generals?"
"Do you know that the Star Luo Empire has decided to send troops against Heaven Dou?"
Little Angel's gaze swept coldly over the three Soul Douluos behind Xue Xing. All three nervously avoided his gaze. Xue Xing quickly stepped in front of them and said nonchalantly, "To ensure the legitimacy of the Imperial Clan, a small sacrifice is entirely necessary."
Their gazes met, clashing in the air like invisible lightning. The scene instantly filled with tension.
It was an Imperial Clan member, who was managing the overall situation, who stepped forward to separate the two.
"Xue Xing, this is the new Emperor's Ascension Ceremony. Whatever matters you have, let's discuss them after everything is over. Please consider the bigger picture."
"Hmph."
After another cold snort at Xue Qinghe, Xue Xing led his group to converse with the other distinguished guests in the hall, no longer paying attention to the matter at hand.
Time flowed, and the chosen auspicious moment arrived. The Imperial Clan member quickly walked to the center of the hall and began to announce the start of the Ascension Ceremony.
After Xue Qinghe held incense and offered prayers to the heavens, the Imperial Clan member ordered a eunuch to bring forth the Imperial Crown, preparing to place it on him.
Just as the Imperial Clan member picked up the crown from the tray, an ill-timed voice resounded throughout the hall.
Everyone's expressions varied—some surprised, some prepared, some angry. All eyes converged on Prince Xue Xing.
The Imperial Clan member officiating the ceremony looked displeased and reprimanded, "Xue Xing, what is it you want? Why must you cause trouble at this moment? If you can't explain yourself, I won't let this go."
Xue Xing completely disregarded the Imperial Clan member's scolding and spoke with an air of composure.
"Hmph, what crime is it to poison an emperor and a prince?"
"This..."
A hint of surprise appeared on the Imperial Clan member's face, then their gaze swept over Xue Qinghe, who stood ready to receive the Imperial Crown.
"But I personally heard the late Emperor pass the throne to the Crown Prince before his death. If, as you claim, the late Emperor was poisoned by the Crown Prince, why would His Majesty Xue Ye issue such an order?"
"Hmph, at that time, His Majesty didn't know who committed the poisoning. If my imperial brother had known earlier that it was this ungrateful wretch's doing, why would he have appointed him emperor?"
Xue Xing's words made the Imperial Clan member hesitate. Xue Qinghe patted their shoulder reassuringly, then turned to face Xue Xing.
"Imperial Uncle, everything requires evidence. If you have no proof, then please forgive Qinghe's rudeness."
"Hmph, evidence? Of course I have it."
"Guards! Bring them in!"
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