However, the atmosphere was completely different in the Douluo Hall, which was not far from the Papal Palace.
In the center of the gleaming golden hall stood a colossal statue of a Six-Winged Angel.
Holy light poured down from the dome, illuminating the entire hall with solemnity and grandeur, making even the air seem cleansed and spotless.
Qian Daoliu, dressed in a simple white-gold robe, stood quietly beneath the statue, his hands clasped reverently, his back ramrod straight.
Qian Renxue wore a long golden dress, exuding a noble and otherworldly aura. However, a trace of resentment and stubbornness still lingered on her exquisitely beautiful face.
" Xiao Xue," Qian Daoliu gently, his voice echoing in the hall, "This defeat may not necessarily be a bad thing for you."
Qian Renxue bit her lip, her fingertips tightening slightly. "Grandpa..."
Qian Daoliu slowly turned around, his eyes showing no trace of reproach.
"This defeat will make you realize one thing: this continent has never lacked geniuses. Talent can only determine your starting point, but it cannot determine your destination."
He paused, his tone becoming more serious. "You spent those years in hiding in the Heaven Dou, neglecting your cultivation and lacking rigorous training; otherwise, you wouldn't only have your current strength. From now on, you must take him as your goal to continue becoming stronger."
Qian Renxue fell silent.
She lowered her head, the image of Dai Mubai flashing uncontrollably through her mind.
Is it humiliating? Of course it is.
But Grandpa was right.
Over the years, I have been immersed in my past arrogance and never thought that any peer could surpass me.
Moreover, Dai Mubai is several years younger than him.
After a long while, Qian Renxue slowly clenched her fists.
"Grandpa, I understand."
She raised her head, her golden eyes rekindling with fighting spirit:
"Next time, I definitely won't lose again!"
Qian Renxue secretly vowed in her heart. " Dai Mubai, you wait... I will definitely defeat you and conquer you with my own hands!"
Qian Daoliu looked at the rekindled fire in his granddaughter's eyes, nodded with satisfaction, and turned around to face the Angel God Statue again.
Becoming a strong person requires more than just talent; it also requires the determination to get back up after setbacks.
Qian Renxue bowed to her grandfather, then turned and walked out of the Douluo Hall.
The golden figure gradually disappeared into the distance, embarking once again on the road back to the Heaven Dou Empire.
Ten days later, on the morning of the same day, Dai Mubai and the others returned to Star Luo City safely.
Along the way, Dai Mubai naturally broke through to level fifty-nine, just one step away from becoming Soul Emperor.
Zhu Zhuqing also broke through the level 50 bottleneck during her journey, and is just waiting to hunt for her fifth Soul Ring so that she can officially become a Soul King.
The news that Star Luo Royal Team Two had won the championship of the All-Continent Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academy had already reached Star Luo City three days after the finals ended.
This is a crucial opportunity to unite people's hearts and minds; the atmosphere in Star Luo City has already been stirred up by the royal family.
Although the Star Luo Royal Academy had won the championship before, it was still able to surpass the Spirit Hall when it was at its peak, so the prestige of that championship was naturally incomparable.
On this day, the entire Star Luo City was in an uproar, with the crowds flocking to the east gate and splitting into two sides.
"Waaah..."
As the procession appeared on the horizon, the honor guards on the city wall sounded their horns.
"They're here! His Highness's entourage has arrived!"
The crowd surged forth instantly.
Immediately afterwards, gongs and drums resounded, firecrackers crackled, red flags waved, and crowds of people thronged the streets.
The carriage carrying Dai Mubai and his entourage arrived at the East Gate, slowed down, and slowly drove in.
The imposing Star Luo Empire Iron Cavalry stood guard on both sides.
The streets were packed with people who came to welcome him.
"Champion! Champion! Champion!"
The cheers grew louder and louder.
Dai Mubai and the others stood at the front of the carriage, waving continuously to the people on both sides of the street.
At this moment, his prestige in the Star Luo Empire had reached its peak.
That's the significance of being a champion.
The carriage slowly made its way through the bustling streets, entering the Star Luo Imperial Palace from the east gate.
The main hall of the imperial palace.
Emperor Dai Tianxing and Empress Zhu Wanting were already seated in the main seats.
All the high-ranking civil and military officials of the empire were present, arranged on both sides according to their rank.
This includes commanders of various legions, high-ranking officials of various administrative bodies, and representatives of various kingdoms and duchies.
As Dai Mubai set off for Spirit City, Dai Tianxing issued an imperial edict ordering these high-ranking officials to return to Star Luo City.
After all, it is common knowledge that a new crown Crown Prince will be appointed after the competition ends.
In addition, elders of the Heavenly Strategy Sect, including Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Bai He, Lou Gao, and Zhao Wuji, were also invited to attend.
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin had arrived earlier and were also invited to sit in the VIP seats.
Outside the hall, following a high-pitched announcement by a palace attendant,
" His Third Prince has arrived!"
Dai Mubai strode into the main hall. Behind him, the members of the Star Luo Royal Academy Second Team, as well as Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er, also entered one after another.
The officials bowed in respect.
Dai Tianxing sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes filled with pride and satisfaction.
Dai Mubai stopped, bowed, and said, "Your subject has successfully fulfilled his mission, winning the Soul Master Tournament for the Star Luo Empire. I have come to report back!"
Dai Tianxing stood up and slowly began to speak:
"The Third Prince, Dai Mubai, is exceptionally talented, excelling in both literary and martial arts. This time, he led the Star Luo Royal Team Two to compete in the Continental Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academy, defeating formidable opponents and winning the championship, thus bringing glory to our nation!"
"I hereby announce the formal appointment of Dai Mubai as the Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire!"
"Effective immediately, you shall move to the Eastern Palace and participate in court affairs!"
All the ministers immediately shouted, "Your Majesty is wise! His Crown Prince the Crown Prince is valiant!"
A thunderous roar echoed throughout the main hall.
Dai Mubai stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the decree. "Your subject thanks Your Majesty!"
Dai Tianxing nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject, his gaze falling on the four beautiful figures beneath the prince, a smile playing on his lips:
"Furthermore, the four young ladies— Zhu Zhuqing, the legitimate daughter of the Nether Duke's Estate; Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School; and Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er of Skywater City —are all beautiful and talented, and deeply in love with the Crown Prince. I hereby bestow upon them all the title of Crown Prince’s Consort!"
These words caused a stir throughout the hall, followed by a chorus of congratulations.
Zhu Zhuqing and the other three stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Finally, Dai Tianxing continued, "The other participating team members will have their titles promoted by one level and will be rewarded with 100,000 Gold Soul Coin."
Ma Hongjun, Yang Pojun, Niu Zhen, Bai Chenxiang, Chen Feng, Zhao Tiezhu also stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Chen Feng and Zhao Tiezhu, in particular, couldn't hide their joy.
The two were originally just minor characters, but this time they not only won the championship, but also won the title of Earl, a status higher than their fathers' titles, which is truly a great honor for their ancestors.
After the Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire is appointed, he will begin to take over the administration of the country.
Moreover, the Star Luo Empire's tradition of Crown Prince succession is different from that of the Heaven Dou Empire.
The successor does not necessarily have to wait until the old emperor dies before ascending the throne. Rather, the old emperor will choose to abdicate at an appropriate time, once the Crown Prince has fully taken control of the government.
For example, Dai Mubai's grandfather, the Retired Emperor Dai Zhenguo, abdicated and retired after Dai Tianxing had fully taken over the administration of the country.
Dai Tianxing was made crown Crown Prince at the age of twenty-five. When he ascended the throne, he was only in his thirties and his strength had just broken through to the Soul Emperor.
Now, it's Dai Mubai's turn. However, Dai Mubai is only seventeen years old.