Xue Ye passed away, Qian Renxue ascended the throne

"Teacher, Tower Master Ye, since my father is beyond saving, could you two help him regain his senses for a moment?"

After hearing the Crown Prince's words, Ye Renxin and Ning Fengzhi made their move together.

The radiance of the Nine-Hearted Begonia and the glow of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda shone brightly in the palace, finally causing the emperor, whose life force was nearly exhausted, to open his eyes again.

Xue Ye slowly surveyed the people in his bedchamber.

Ning Fengzhi stood by the bed, his brows furrowed. The light of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda had already faded. Ye Renxin stood with his hands behind his back, the petals of the Nine-Hearted Begonia swaying gently behind him, his face bearing a heavy expression of helplessness.

Dugu Bo and Gu Rong leaned against the door, one on each side.

His "son," Xue Qinghe, was kneeling before the dragon bed, his eyes red and his face streaked with tears.

Having reigned for over twenty years, Xue Ye was quite adept at understanding people's hearts. He understood everything at a single glance.

Ning Fengzhi and Ye Renxin are the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Pill Tower Master, respectively. These two can be said to be the top support-type Soul Master in the Heaven Dou Empire.

If even they show this kind of expression, it means that their time is truly up.

"Guards!" Xue Ye's voice was weak and hoarse, yet still carried the majesty of an emperor. "Issue my decree: summon all imperial relatives and ministers here."

He paused, then added, "Be quick."

"Yes!" A deep voice rang out from the corner of the palace.

The next instant, a dark figure darted out of the palace like Gui Mei, moving at an incredible speed.

Ning Fengzhi only felt a blur before his eyes, and the figure had already disappeared outside the door. He couldn't even see the other person's appearance clearly.

Ning Fengzhi was secretly startled. Someone who could make him unable to even see a figure clearly must be at least Soul Douluo- level agility-type powerhouse.

The Heaven Dou Imperial Family is indeed deeply powerful; they've kept such a powerful figure hidden in the shadows all along.

Of course, just because Ning Fengzhi n't see it clearly doesn't mean that everyone present couldn't see it clearly.

A playful smile curved Dugu Bo's lips. His emerald green eyes glanced in the direction where the figure had disappeared before he resumed his lazy demeanor.

Ye Renxin, on the other hand, kept his eyes down, seemingly oblivious to everything.

"Gentlemen," Xue Ye turned his gaze to Ning Fengzhi and Ye Renxin, his voice carrying a hint of pleading, "Could you please leave first? I have something I wish to discuss with Qinghe alone."

The group exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

"Your Majesty, please take care." Ning Fengzhi cupped his hands in greeting to Xue Ye, then turned and left the palace.

Bone Douluo Gu Rong, followed silently behind him, like a silent shadow.

Ye Renxin and Dugu Bo also left.

Before leaving, Dugu Bo gave Qian Renxue a meaningful look, and the smile on his lips deepened.

The palace doors slowly closed, leaving only Xue Ye and Qian Renxue in the vast palace.

Xue Ye looked at his son kneeling before the bed, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He paused for a moment, then took a storage Soul Tool Ring off his finger and took out a palm-sized disc from it.

The disc was dark gold in color, and its surface was covered with dense patterns. These patterns shimmered faintly under the light, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

"Qinghe, infuse it with Soul Power." Xue Ye handed the disc to Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue took the disc and poured her Soul Power into it as instructed. The next instant, the patterns on the disc suddenly lit up, and an oval-shaped Soul Power barrier spread out from the disc, enveloping the two of them.

The barrier was a translucent pale gold color, with a radius of about two meters. The air inside the barrier seemed to be frozen, completely isolating all sounds and smells from the outside world.

"This is one of the Soul Tool inherited by the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, called the Heaven-Isolating Disk," Xue Ye said slowly. "It can release Soul Power barrier, isolating all prying eyes. Those below the Super Douluo cannot sense what is happening inside the barrier. Now, I entrust it to you."

Qian Renxue held the Heaven-Isolating Disk, raised her head, looked at Xue Ye, and her lips moved. "Father..."

"Stop talking, let your father finish." Xue Ye waved his hand, interrupting her. His voice was weak, but his tone was unusually solemn. "Your father's days are numbered. The Heaven Dou Empire can only be entrusted to you."

He took a deep breath, stared intently at Qian Renxue, and said, word by word, "Qinghe, remember this: the greatest enemy of the Heaven Dou Empire will always be the Star Luo Empire."

The Star Luo Empire was founded on military might and is a powerful nation. Its emperors throughout history have been ambitious and capable, and they have always plotted to annex our Heaven Dou Empire.

Our Heaven Dou Empire has been able to contend with them for many years, partly due to the mediation of the Spirit Hall and partly due to the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Even so, the Star Luo Empire remains our greatest threat, and you absolutely cannot let your guard down.

Qian Renxue nodded, her expression solemn.

"Secondly, there is the Spirit Hall," Xue Ye continued, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes. "On the surface, the Spirit Hall is a holy land for Soul Master, but in reality, it is ambitious and has always wanted to rise above the two great empires."

Over the years, the Spirit Hall's power has continued to expand, infiltrating every corner of the continent. Although our Heaven Dou Empire maintains a superficial peace with the Spirit Hall, the covert struggle has never stopped.

After you ascend the throne, you must be careful of the Spirit Hall and not allow them to grow too powerful within the Heaven Dou Empire.

"Your subject understands," Qian Renxue replied again.

Xue Ye nodded and continued, "You must maintain a good relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. You are Ning Fengzhi's disciple, so you can use this opportunity to grant the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect the position of a national guardian sect."

There's also the Pill Tower Pill Tower. Although it's only been established for a short time, it has immense potential. Ye Renxin's medical skills are divine, Dugu Bo's poison skills are unparalleled. More importantly, the Pill Tower is backed by the Angel Lineage and the Worship Hall. Oh, and there's also Zhao Ming, the child you adopted. He's also very close to the Pill Tower.

With his talent, he's destined to become Titled Douluo. He's the bridge between the Empire and the Pill Tower; you must win him over.

When Qian Renxue heard Xue Ye mention Zhao Ming, her heart stirred slightly, but she maintained a respectful expression on her face.

"When necessary, you can bestow Xue Ke upon him in marriage," Xue Ye said slowly, his tone carrying a hint of planning. "Xue Ke is a legitimate daughter of the royal family, of noble status. Marrying a future Titled Douluo would not be an insult to her."

Moreover, with this marriage alliance, Zhao Ming will be even more firmly bound to the Heaven Dou Empire's war machine.

Upon hearing that Xue Ye intended to bestow Xue Ke upon Zhao Ming in marriage, a flash of murderous intent crossed Qian Renxue's eyes. However, she quickly suppressed this unusual emotion and said calmly, "Your subject has remembered."

Xue Ye did not notice her momentary abnormality and continued, "There is one more thing. My Heaven Dou Empire's national treasure, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, is said to have been bestowed by the Sea God and possesses incredible power."

After you ascend the throne, you can investigate this. However, don't have too high hopes. All the previous kings have tried it, and whether it was infusing Soul Power or blood oath, there was no reaction. It might just be a legend."

Qian Renxue nodded, keeping the matter of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud in mind.

Xue Ye paused here. He remained silent for a long time, his gaze falling on Qian Renxue, a deep weariness and pleading gradually appearing in his eyes.

"Qinghe." His voice became low and hoarse, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, "I have one last request of you."

Qian Renxue raised her head and met the gaze of Xue Ye.

"Spare your brother Xue Beng's life," Xue Ye said slowly, his eyes full of pleading. "Xue Xing is wicked; if you really can't stand it, then kill him."

But Xue Beng is your younger brother. He's never been as smart or talented as you. He poses no threat to you, Qinghe. For your father's sake, spare his life."

Qian Renxue remained silent for a moment.

Looking at Xue Ye's aged and weary face, and at the pleading and expectation in his bloodshot eyes, a complex emotion welled up in her heart.

She lived in the Heaven Dou Empire for nearly twenty years under the identity of Xue Qinghe. During those twenty years, Xue Ye was indeed impeccable in his treatment of her "son".

He meticulously taught her the ways of an emperor, allowed her to participate in court affairs, and even at the last moment of his life, he was still planning for her future.

Although this fatherly love was built on a lie, even Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel some complicated emotions after twenty years of living together day and night.

"Father," Qian Renxue finally spoke, her voice calm and solemn, "As long as Xue Beng does not rebel or commit any treasonous acts in the future, your son will absolutely not lay a hand on him."

Upon hearing this, Xue Ye smiled with satisfaction.

"You're a good boy," he said softly, his eyes full of affection. "It's just a pity that the imperial court is heartless. I know how your two brothers died. I'm content that you spared Xue Beng's life."

Qian Renxue lowered her head and remained silent.

Xue Ye didn't say anything more. He leaned against the dragon bed, slowly closed his eyes, and his breathing became steady and slow, as if his words had exhausted his last bit of strength.

"Remove the barrier," Xue Ye said softly after a moment. "Let them in."

Qian Renxue withdrew her Soul Power as instructed, and the light on the Heaven-Isolating Disk, and the pale golden barrier also dissipated.

The door to the imperial bedchamber was pushed open, and imperial relatives and civil and military officials filed in.

They had been waiting outside the hall for a long time, their faces filled with solemnity and unease.

Ning Fengzhi and Ye Renxin also returned to their palace and stood at the front of the crowd.

Xue Ye's gaze swept over everyone, then he slowly spoke. Although his voice was weak, it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"I hereby abdicate the throne to Crown Prince Xue Qinghe."

The hall fell silent upon hearing this. Although everyone knew this was the inevitable outcome, hearing the emperor say it still sent a shock through many.

"My lords," Xue Ye's gaze fell upon the civil and military officials, "Serve the new ruler well and ensure the eternal reign of our Heaven Dou Dynasty."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xue Ye slowly closed his eyes. His face was peaceful and serene, with even a faint smile on his lips, as if he were simply asleep.

"Father!" Xue Beng suddenly rushed to the dragon bed and burst into tears.

"Your Majesty!" All the civil and military officials knelt down in unison, their cries shaking the heavens.

Ning Fengzhi stood in the crowd, looking at Xue Ye, who had stopped breathing on the dragon bed, and felt an indescribable sorrow welling up in his heart.

But as the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School, he was accustomed to life and death, and after a moment, Ning Fengzhi turned to face the crowd and said loudly, "A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Since the late emperor has abdicated the throne to His Highness the Crown Prince, I request that His Highness ascend the throne immediately and take charge of the overall situation!"

"Please, Your Highness, ascend the throne!" the civil and military officials echoed in unison.

Qian Renxue slowly stood up, wiped away her tears, and turned to face the crowd.

Her eyes were still red, but her gaze had regained its calm and determination.

"Issue my decree." Her voice was clear and powerful, carrying the unique majesty of a new emperor. "Hold a state funeral for the late emperor, and the entire nation shall mourn for three months. All funeral rites shall be conducted according to ancestral traditions, without the slightest deviation."

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

In the days that followed, Heaven Dou City was immersed in a solemn white atmosphere.

The funeral of Xue Ye was extremely grand.

After seven days of mourning, the coffin was carried out from the main gate of the palace and slowly proceeded along the main road of Heaven Dou City, with people spontaneously coming to see him off standing on both sides of the road.

White banners fluttered in the wind, paper money danced in the air like snowflakes, and mournful music, low and sorrowful, echoed throughout the city.

"Xue Qinghe" was dressed in mourning clothes and wore a white crown, and personally carried the coffin.

Behind her followed civil and military officials, imperial relatives, and other dignitaries; the grand procession stretched for miles.

Xue Beng and Xue Xing were also in the group. Xue Beng was sobbing uncontrollably, while Xue Xing had a gloomy expression and seemed to be thinking about something.

Ning Fengzhi and Ye Renxin attended the funeral as VIPs. The two stood on the viewing platform, watching the coffin slowly pass through, their expressions different.

Ning Fengzhi was silent for a moment, then sighed, "With His Majesty gone, the fate of the Heaven Dou Empire is likely to change."

Ye Renxin did not respond, but simply gazed at the departing coffin with a deep look in his eyes.

The coffin of Xue Ye was sent to the imperial mausoleum and buried with the previous emperors.

On the third day after the funeral, Qian Renxue officially held her coronation ceremony.

The enthronement ceremony was held in the Taiji Hall of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.

The main hall was lined with civil and military officials, and representatives from various factions, including Ning Fengzhi, Ye Renxin, and Dugu Bo, were also invited to attend the ceremony.

Qian Renxue, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat down on the dragon throne.

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!

All the civil and military officials knelt down in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" The sound echoed through the hall like waves, causing dust to fall from the beams.

Qian Renxue sat on the dragon throne, looking down at the ministers kneeling before her, a complex and indescribable emotion welling up in her heart.

Nearly twenty years of lying low, nearly twenty years of disguise, nearly twenty years of enduring humiliation and hardship.

From the day she stepped into the Heaven Dou Empire as Xue Qinghe, she had been waiting for this moment.

Now, that moment has finally arrived.

She, Qian Renxue, daughter of the Pope of the Spirit Hall, inheritor of the Angel God, has now become the Empress of the Heaven Dou Empire.

From this day forward, one of the two most powerful empires on this continent has fallen under her control.

"All of you, rise." Qian Renxue's voice was calm and dignified, slowly echoing in the Taiji Hall.

The courtiers rose, stood with their hands at their sides, and awaited the new emperor's first court address.

Qian Renxue's gaze swept across the main hall, lingering for a moment on Ning Fengzhi, then on Ye Renxin, before finally landing on the vast sky outside the hall.

That's the direction of the Spirit Hall.

"Father, did you see that?" she said silently in her heart, "Your daughter did it."

Then, she turned her gaze to the assembled officials and began her first court assembly as the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire.