The End

Those Soul Masters with powerful spiritual power sensed even more. They noticed that the faint life force within Xue Ye was ebbing away.

For this old man to remain seated on that platform had already cost him immense effort.

Xue Ye the Great had reigned for forty-seven years.

Over those forty-seven years, the Heaven Dou Empire had endured two civil conflicts, three border wars, and countless clashes with the Star Luo Empire.

In his youth, he had studied the arts of rulership under Xie Ru. Yet the most important lesson he learned came in the third year after his ascension, when his own uncle joined forces with three Title Douluo to launch a rebellion aimed directly at Heaven Dou City.

In the end, a single imperial decree and one promise had bought the rebels' retreat.

From that year onward, he had never trusted anyone bearing the surname Xue again, including his own biological sons.

Yet he had expanded the Heaven Dou Empire's territory all the way to the Far North Icefield, successfully repelled the Star Luo Empire's offensives, and confined Spirit Hall's influence to a limited area within Heaven Dou City.

Though he had failed to unify the realm, he had guided the Heaven Dou Empire through forty-seven years amid the stalemate of the three powers.

For a mortal emperor, that was already the limit.

"Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is kindhearted and possesses the makings of a great emperor. In recent years, she has handled court affairs with steadiness and propriety, earning the support of the officials and the love of the common people. She truly has the qualities of a ruler." Xue Ye turned his gaze toward Xue Qinghe, who had just ascended the steps. After a brief pause, he raised his voice slightly. "Today, I announce my abdication.