Xu Tianran

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xu Tianran (徐天然)
Alias(es)	Crown Prince; Imperial Brother; His Majesty
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family
Occupation/Role	Crown Prince; later Emperor and Regent of the Sun Moon Empire
Status	Alive
First Appearance	1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Level 95 Titled Douluo	152	His cultivation is stated to be Level 95 when Xu Yanli returns after obtaining his eighth soul ring.

Background / History

Xu Tianran took in and raised his younger half-brother Xu Yanli before Yanli's martial soul awakening. Yanli initially suspected that this kindness was partly political—using a non-threatening prince to display benevolence—but also recognized that Tianran may have genuinely pitied him. 1

At Yanli's awakening, Tianran was shocked to see him inherit the same Purple Imperial Heaven-Extinguishing Dragon martial soul. Yanli's second martial soul then restored feeling to Tianran's legs, giving him hope that his paralysis could eventually be cured. 1 2 The prospect of recovery and Yanli's stated ambition to become a god led Tianran to support Yanli's cultivation rather than regard him as a rival for the throne. 2

After Yanli publicly supported him and his legs showed a prospect of recovery, Tianran was named Crown Prince. He provided Yanli with cultivation resources, including Whale Rubber, and established a firm under Yanli's title, transferring it to him as the foundation of Xiaoyao Pavilion. 6 7 Although Yanli's power gradually improved Tianran's mobility enough for him to walk short distances, Tianran continued to use a wheelchair. 8 77

Tianran maintained covert dealings with Ye Xishui and the Holy Spirit Cult, but hesitated to continue relying on Evil Soul Masters once Yanli's Angel martial soul gave him an alternative source of support and a possible means to heal his legs. 6 7 He also warned the Holy Spirit Cult not to approach Yanli before Yanli reached fifteen, insisting that his brother should be allowed to make his own choices. 7

Appearance

Xu Tianran is a handsome man usually depicted in dark brocade robes. His gentle outward expression is offset by cold, feminine-looking eyes that make him appear difficult to trust. 77

• Frequently uses a finely made wheelchair due to his damaged lower limbs. 2 77 148
• Wears black or dark brocade clothing in private and political settings. 77 87
• Appears in a black dragon robe and imperial crown during the tournament opening ceremony. 163
• Maintains a refined smile even while covered in blood during interrogations. 87

Personality

Xu Tianran presents himself as patient, gentle, and protective toward Xu Yanli. He sees Yanli as his only true brother, while openly dismissing the other princes as enemies. 9 His concern for Yanli's safety is sincere enough that he repeatedly urges him to retreat from Shrek Academy if necessary and later warns him about political threats from the other princes. 9 96 103

Behind this restraint, Tianran is calculating, ruthless, and intensely ambitious. He admits that his refined public image and his bloodstained private self are both genuine aspects of him. 87 He is willing to torture prisoners, cooperate with Evil Soul Masters in secret, and eliminate rival princes when they become threats. 87 117

His political strength lies in patience and long-term planning. The God of Destruction describes Tianran as someone who treats people as chess pieces and carefully forces events toward his desired result—an assessment Xu Yanli does not dispute. 206 Yet Tianran also supports reforms that weaken aristocratic privilege, particularly when they advance Xu Yanli's plans for the empire. 142 148

Abilities & Skills

Purple Imperial Heaven-Extinguishing Dragon

Xu Tianran possesses the Purple Imperial Heaven-Extinguishing Dragon martial soul, the same martial soul awakened by Xu Yanli. 1

• Its shared inheritance establishes a direct martial connection between the brothers. 1
• Tianran uses purple soul power to kill the Third and Fourth Princes. 117

Titled Douluo Cultivation

Tianran is a Level 95 Titled Douluo by the time Xu Yanli becomes a Level 85 Soul Douluo. 152

• He is expected to reach Level 99 before undertaking a divine character trial. 206 214
• He is recommended to the God of Ruin as a potential successor, contingent on passing that trial. 206

Political Strategy

Tianran excels in court maneuvering, manipulation, and governance. 141 206

• Transfers Xiaoyao Pavilion to Xu Yanli while securing Yanli's continued political dependence on him. 7
• Plans for Xu Yanli to clear hostile court factions before Tianran's own orderly ascension. 141
• Works with Xu Yanli on compulsory education, imperial examinations, and the establishment of a new academy. 142
• Uses the continental tournament to expose sects’ strength, loyalty, and hidden agendas. 160

Interrogation and Covert Operations

Tianran personally interrogates captured soul masters in a hidden basement and conceals this brutality behind his public persona. 87

• Uses torture to extract information from prisoners. 87
• Maintains covert ties with Evil Soul Masters despite recognizing their political danger. 6 87
• Captures and executes the Third and Fourth Princes after their forces are weakened. 117

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Wheelchair — Tianran's usual means of mobility after suffering severe lower-limb damage; Yanli's life power restores some sensation and allows limited walking. 2 8
• Short blade — used during his basement interrogations and in the execution of rival princes. 87 117

Relationships

• Xu Yanli — Younger brother, political partner, and emotional anchor. Tianran protects and supports Yanli, but both remain aware that the other's growing power could threaten their balance. 2 9 79 87 203
• Sun Moon Emperor — Father. The Emperor names Tianran Crown Prince after his condition shows signs of recovery, but later uses Yanli's regency authority to stir discord among the princes. 6 79
• Third Prince and Fourth Prince — Rival brothers executed by Tianran after they question whether he can control Xu Yanli's influence. 117
• Ye Xishui — Covert associate through Tianran's dealings with the Holy Spirit Cult; their covenant becomes strained as Yanli's Angel martial soul changes Tianran's options. 6 7
• Xu Cheng'an — Nephew and eventual young emperor. Tianran takes a strict but kind role in teaching him governance. 220
• God of Ruin — Potential divine patron; Tianran is recommended as a successor but must first reach Level 99 and pass a character test. 206 214

Story Role / Major Arcs

Supporter of Prince Xiaoyao

• Raises Xu Yanli and supports his cultivation after recognizing that Yanli's goal of godhood does not immediately threaten the throne. 1 2
• Supplies Yanli with resources, gives him Xiaoyao Pavilion, and protects him from premature contact with the Holy Spirit Cult. 6 7
• Sees Yanli off for Shrek Academy and prioritizes his safety over the mission. 9

Crown Prince and Hidden Schemer

• Remains outwardly gentle while privately interrogating prisoners and negotiating the empire's relationship with Evil Soul Masters. 87 88
• Approves Yanli's Angel Legion proposal and entrusts its formation to him. 88
• Executes the Third and Fourth Princes, removing two rivals while declaring faith in Yanli's divine destiny. 117
• Cooperates with Yanli's education and examination reforms while suppressing aristocratic resistance. 142 148

Imperial Consolidation

• Issues the decree allowing sects to enter the continental tournament under their own names, creating an opportunity to expose and later contain hostile sect forces. 160
• Oversees the military parade and opens the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament. 164
• Accepts Yanli's proposal that Yanli become a figurehead emperor while Tianran governs state affairs and commands the military as Regent. 203
• Acknowledges that he can no longer compete with Yanli after Yanli's rise to godhood and the continent's unification. 204

Divine Succession

• Is recommended to inherit the God of Ruin's godhood, with Level 99 cultivation and a divine character test as prerequisites. 206
• Commits himself to reaching the required level and securing the inheritance. 214

Notable Quotes

“I am his only brother, and he is my only brother; how could he not come to see me off?” 9

“Oh, the others are enemies, not brothers.” 9

“I can be that refined and courteous Crown Prince, or I can be... exactly as I am now.” 87