At Kong Yan's words, a trace of worry appeared on her face as well. She walked over to the father and son and said softly:
"Brother Yu is right.
The mansion's prestige has been growing day by day, and now Zhao'er has such an extraordinary gift.
Although His Majesty doesn't show it, he's already begun secretly cutting back on the mansion's military authority.
He's even started putting restrictions on funding for Soul Tool research."
"If things continue like this, I'm afraid..."
Kong Yan left the rest unsaid, but her meaning was clear.
Those who achieved too much success were bound to alarm their ruler. It had always been so.
Xu Zhao looked at his parents' worried expressions, but his heart remained calm.
He knew perfectly well how wary the uncle seated on the throne was of his family.
A younger brother who was a Level 98 prince, and an extraordinarily gifted nephew who had reached Level 94 at only twenty.
On top of that, the mansion had several Titled Douluo serving as retainers, while his mother's Kong Clan supported them in the field of Soul Tools.
This was already enough power to overthrow the imperial throne.
But Xu Zhao had no intention of staging a coup like Xu Tianran and his father in Douluo II.
"Father, Mother, there's no need to worry."
Xu Zhao spoke calmly, his voice carrying the composure of someone in complete control.
He walked to the center of the hall and looked at his parents, his gaze bright as he said slowly:
"If Imperial Uncle wants the Sun Moon Empire to endure and wants to sit securely on the throne, then we'll let him have it."
Xu Yu and Kong Yan both froze.
"Let him have it?
Zhao'er, you mean..."
Xu Yu furrowed his brow.
"You want us to hand over our military authority and cripple ourselves?
Absolutely not!
I, Xu Yu, would rather die in battle than live on my knees!"
"Of course not."
Xu Zhao shook his head, a glint flashing in his eyes. He raised a hand and pointed east, toward the sea.
"Father, the Sun Moon Continent may be vast, but in my eyes, it's still too small."
"Too small to hold two suns."
Xu Zhao's voice grew more impassioned, carrying a compelling force:
"If Imperial Uncle can't tolerate us, why must we fight our own family to the death over this tiny patch of land?"
"I've already ordered the construction of an ocean-going Soul Tool fleet and stockpiled enough resources."
"We're going to the other side of the sea."
"There lies a land far broader and richer than the Sun Moon Continent, one that has yet to be conquered by Soul Guidance Technology: Douluo Continent!"
At the words "Douluo Continent," Xu Yu and Kong Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.
The Sun Moon Empire had always kept records of legends about a continent overseas.
But no one had ever crossed the Sea of Death, teeming with Sea Soul Beasts, on a large scale.
"Zhao'er, are you serious?"
Xu Yu asked gravely. "Moving our entire clan across the sea... the risks..."
"Father, risk and opportunity go hand in hand."
Xu Zhao stood with his hands behind his back. The fluctuations of his Level 94 Soul Power seemed to resonate with the might of heaven and earth, as if a young emperor were already directing the course of the world.
"As far as I know, that continent has many Soul Masters, but its Soul Tool technology is still in a primitive age."
"If we bring our most advanced Soul Guidance Technology and the mansion's strongest fighters, we'll be like gods descending from the heavens!"
"Rather than stay here as a prince under suspicion, we should go there and build a truly unified empire of our own!"
He paused, the corner of his mouth curling into a meaningful smile, and said softly:
"Besides, I have a feeling."
"On that continent, a great opportunity awaits me.
An opportunity that could let me break through Level 100 and even... touch the Divine Realm!"
At the words "Divine Realm," Xu Yu's breathing suddenly grew heavy.
He had been stuck at Level 98 for many years.
In his lifetime, he had only dared to hope for Level 99.
He knew all too well how difficult that step would be.
If his son could truly become a god...
Xu Yu abruptly raised his head. The hesitation in his eyes vanished, replaced by unprecedented resolve and imposing confidence.
"Good!"
"If my son has such lofty ambitions, then I'll go mad right along with you!"
"To hell with the Sun Moon Imperial Family! To hell with all their schemes!"
"Carry out my orders!"
Xu Yu swept his hand through the air, his voice rumbling like thunder.
"Everyone in the Great Sun Prince Mansion, enter Level One Combat Readiness immediately!
Summon all retainers and honored guests!
We're going to... conquer a new world!"
Several days later.
The Great Sun Prince Mansion's order to relocate detonated like a depth charge among the Sun Moon Empire's upper ranks, causing an uproar.
The tense situation, which had been on the verge of erupting into civil war, suddenly eased in a way no one had expected.
The mansion was a hive of orderly activity.
Vast quantities of rare metals, high-grade Soul Beast meat, and the wealth the Great Sun Prince Mansion had accumulated over the years.
All of it was steadily loaded onto the enormous Soul Tool fleet already waiting in the harbor.
At the same time, Kong Yan's Kong Family made a startling decision.
As one of the Sun Moon Empire's foremost Soul Engineer families, the head of the Kong Family understood the wisdom of keeping a backup plan.
Seeing that his grandson Xu Zhao possessed extraordinary talent and such grand ambitions, the head of the Kong Family held an all-night discussion with several senior clan members before making a resolute decision—
To split the family!
The Kong Family would send its youngest and most innovative branch, along with several Level 7 and Level 8 Core Soul Engineers.
They would also hand over ten entire ships' worth of Soul Tool blueprints and Core Array materials to Kong Yan, to accompany the Great Sun Prince Mansion on its expedition.
This was not just support for his daughter; it was a gamble.
If they won, the Kong Family would put down roots on another continent and become a top family on both continents.
The Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.
"You're saying Second Brother really is moving?
He even handed over the mansion's land deeds?"
Emperor Xu Huang of the Sun Moon Empire looked at the secret report in his hands. His face, usually unreadable, was now filled with shock and... disbelief at his good fortune.
The head of the secret guards knelt on the floor and replied solemnly:
"Your Majesty, it's true.
The Great Sun Prince's fleet is ready to set sail, and some members of the Kong Family are accompanying them.
It appears they're determined to cross the ocean in search of the legendary continent."
"Ha ha ha!
Good!
Wonderful!"
Xu Huang sprang to his feet and burst into laughter, so hard that tears nearly came to his eyes.
He had been a miserable emperor all these years!
His younger brother Xu Yu was stronger than him, his nephew Xu Zhao was more gifted than his son, and the Great Sun Prince Mansion's prestige was rising like the sun.
He had been on edge day and night, afraid he might wake up one morning to find someone else sitting on the throne.
But now, this thorn in his side was leaving of its own accord?
They were even heading into that vast ocean, where nine out of ten would perish, to conquer some unknown continent?
"My good nephew truly is a blessing to me!"
In high spirits, Xu Huang waved his hand grandly and declared:
"Convey my decree!
Prince Great Sun Xu Yu and Heir Prince Xu Zhao are devoted to the empire, with ambitions that reach far and wide!
To spread our nation's prestige, they have resolved to cross the seas and expand the empire's territory!
This is an act of great loyalty and righteousness, worthy of being a model for all generations!"
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