Master Acknowledgment Ceremony Thirteen

Xue Ye, the true ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, the Heaven Dou Emperor who possessed no Titled Douluo-level strength yet was revered by all Heaven Dou nobles, slowly approached with Xue Ke supporting him. A gentle smile graced his face, making everyone present feel as though they were bathed in a spring breeze.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Only when everyone realized that Xue Ye had reached them did they come to their senses and hurriedly bow.

Xue Ye waved his hand. "There is no need for such formality, my lords. We are outside the palace at the moment, so there is no need to fuss over these customs. Besides, I am not the host of today's gathering. Do not get that wrong."

The nobles hurriedly complied. Only Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen did not make such a grand display, merely inclining their heads slightly in greeting.

Xue Ye had long grown accustomed to the lack of reverence shown by these two members of the Three Upper Sects. Still, a dark thought rose in his heart. This is my Heaven Dou Empire, and my empire should not be like this.

Casting an inconspicuous glance at Xue Ke beside him, Xue Ye became even more determined to use marriage ties to win over Ye Wen's faction.

The three still-unmatured youths—Ye Wen and the others—could be set aside for now. Dugu Bo alone, along with Huo Rui, who could contend with Dugu Bo head-on, made Xue Ye's eyes burn with desire. If he could directly establish ties with those two, how wonderful that would be. Then he would not need to resort to such an undignified method as a marriage alliance.

Though Xue Ye's strength did not reach the T1 level, his bearing allowed him to rival any Titled Douluo. He naturally approached