Sun Moon Emperor

Mingdu, the heart of the Sun Moon Empire, was home to more than ten million people. Thanks to the development of Soul Tools, it was completely different from the imperial capitals of the Heaven Dou and Star Luo empires. The entire city was built from all kinds of rare metals and materials.

Xu De and his companions had now arrived outside Mingdu. Looking into the city, they saw countless buildings standing at varying heights, towering into the clouds. If the Douluo Continent was still in the Middle Ages, Mingdu could already be said to have surpassed its age.

Inside Mingdu, the streets were broad and clean. Soul Tool cars and flying vehicles could be seen everywhere, and commoners and nobles alike carried several Soul Tools for everyday use. Civilian Soul Tools such as Soul Tool streetlights and communication devices were also a common sight along the streets.

The arrival of Xu De and his companions caused little stir. After all, both he and Xu Tianxing had rather special identities, so it would not have been appropriate to make a fuss either when they left or when they returned.

As crown prince, he naturally could not make a grand show of going to the Heaven Dou Empire. And as the commander at the front, Xu Tianxing naturally could not let the people of the Heaven Dou Empire know he had left. After all, control of information was extremely important, and the rapid transmission of information was one of the reasons the Sun Moon Empire could keep the other two great empires under pressure.

Mingdu was indeed vast. Even traveling by Soul Tool, the group took more than ten minutes to reach the imperial palace. Since the Sun Moon Emperor did not yet know about Dugu Bo and Dragon Duke, Xu De arranged for them to stay in a courtyard he had bought.

He and Xu Tianxing went to the imperial palace to see the Sun Moon Emperor, bringing the spoils of their trip with them. He had certainly kept the Immortal Herbs hidden, but he had to hand over two of the Soul Bones. After all, news as momentous as Tang Hao's death would naturally not escape the Sun Moon Emperor, and it was common knowledge that Tang Hao had possessed at least two Soul Bones.

Xu De and Xu Tianxing passed through the palace gates and found themselves facing a Soul Tool-paved avenue that stretched beyond sight, glinting with a cold blue-gray light in the sun. It was also part of the palace's combined defensive Soul Tool, capable of guarding against all kinds of sudden attacks and preventing unforeseen incidents.

"Spirit Hall also has ambitions to unify the world. As long as we move fast enough, so what if Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu find out? Once we have it in our hands, our Soul Engineer legions can hold it. Not even a Limit Douluo could withstand an attack from three Level 9 Soul Cannons!"

"Enough. We'll discuss this when the crown prince and the others return. Your idea is too radical!"

"Second brother!"

"Enough! When I say no, I mean no! Go back to Dongyang City. You're not to come to Mingdu again without my orders!"

When Xu De and Xu Tianxing reached the entrance to the Sun Moon Emperor's chambers, a fierce argument was coming from inside. The maids and guards nearby, however, looked as though they were used to it.

A young man who looked less than thirty emerged from the Sun Moon Emperor's chambers, his face full of displeasure. He had prominent brow bones and slightly deep-set eyes, while his straight nose and sharp gaze gave him an even keener look.

He was Xu Tianzhan, the Prince of Dongyang and the second-strongest person in the Sun Moon Empire. A rank 95 Titled Douluo, he was equipped with two Level 9 Soul Tools and was also the supreme military commander of the Sun Moon Empire. Even Xu Tianxing ranked beneath him.

When the Sun Moon Emperor had launched the Moon Devouring Plan to seize the throne, Xu Tianzhan had led his legions in capturing Dongyang City, Haiyue City, Skysea City, and several other important cities in succession. Because of his enormous contributions and his status as one of the imperial family's few Titled Douluo, he had been made Prince of Dongyang, with Dongyang City as his fief.

To be honest, Xu De greatly admired this uncle of his. His strategic vision, strength, temperament, and personal charisma were all outstanding. Unfortunately, their positions meant they could not coexist peacefully.

"Impudent! Third brother, how can you speak to His Majesty like that? Have you no sense of propriety?"

Furious, Xu Tianxing scolded Xu Tianzhan as he came out. The three of them were brothers: the Sun Moon Emperor, Xu Tianlin, was the eldest; he was the second; and Xu Tianzhan was the youngest. He was also one of only three people in the Sun Moon Empire who dared speak to Xu Tianzhan this way.

"Second brother, what have I done now? What's wrong with simply discussing tactics? Could you stop making a mountain out of a molehill?" Xu Tianzhan was also at a loss with this brother of his. He was rather free-spirited and did as he pleased, and having made a name for himself in his youth, he naturally paid little attention to propriety.

Xu Tianxing was just the opposite. He had held military posts since childhood and placed great importance on rules. He also greatly revered Xu Tianlin, which was one reason he obeyed Xu De's orders so readily.

"You-" Xu Tianxing was about to say more when a voice laden with authority suddenly rang out from inside the chambers.

"Have Tianxing and De'er arrived? Come in quickly."

Hearing the Sun Moon Emperor summon them, Xu Tianxing could hardly say more. He shot Xu Tianzhan a glare before heading into the chambers, while Xu De nodded to Xu Tianzhan by way of greeting before following.

"Your subject Xu Tianxing pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

"Your son pays his respects to Father Emperor."

The Sun Moon Emperor's chambers were extremely luxurious. Numerous statues made of rare ores stood on either side, and more than ten portraits by renowned artists of the Sun Moon Empire hung on the walls. Unlike Mingdu's urban style, the chambers resembled a medieval palace.

"Rise. We're all family here; there's no need for such formality."

Only after hearing the Sun Moon Emperor speak did the two acknowledge his words and raise their heads. Although the Sun Moon Emperor was already over fifty, he still looked remarkably vigorous, though a few white hairs had appeared at his temples. His features were not particularly striking, but he carried the natural authority of someone long accustomed to a high position.

Seeing the faint traces of white in the Sun Moon Emperor's hair, Xu De could not help feeling a little sorrowful.

The Sun Moon Emperor's cultivation talent was ordinary. Even with an unlimited supply of secret medicines and Soul Power potions from the imperial family, he had barely reached rank 86. With the hidden injuries he had suffered before, he probably would not be able to hold on much longer. Of course, he was certainly not about to die, but in less than twenty years, the Sun Moon Emperor would likely have to begin handing over royal authority and recuperating.

"Tianxing, how did things go this time...?" The Sun Moon Emperor and Xu Tianxing began chatting back and forth. Here, Xu Tianxing enjoyed one of his few moments of relaxation.

When Tang Hao's death came up, the Sun Moon Emperor could not help but sigh. He too had heard of Clear Sky Douluo, yet he had never expected the man to be led to his death by a little brat. Without Tang San holding him back, Tang Hao had been strong enough to escape on his own.

When he heard that Xu Tianxing had brought back two Soul Bones, the Sun Moon Emperor's face lit up. The entire imperial family possessed only eight Soul Bones of ten thousand years or older, four of which were with their ancestor. Those were also the Sun Moon Empire's source of confidence in opposing Qian Daoliu.

Three had been awarded to Xu Tianzhan, and the remaining one had gone to Xu Tianxing. The scarcity of Soul Bones in the Sun Moon Empire was also tied to conditions within the country.

The empire had an enormous population, and the development of Soul Tools had freed up a large amount of labor. This had led to a sharp increase in the number of Soul Masters, but had also brought about a steep decline in the Soul Beast population. The Sun Moon Empire had now begun to regulate the hunting of Soul Beasts.

"Tianxing, since you brought these two Soul Bones back, I'll award them to you!" the Sun Moon Emperor said slowly, leaving both Xu De and Xu Tianxing stunned.

"Eldest brother, wouldn't that be inappropriate? The clan elders will use this to attack you again, and then-" Xu Tianxing began, intending to refuse. Although there were no Titled Douluo among the clan elders, they had more than ten Soul Douluo and wielded considerable power within the empire.

The Sun Moon Emperor waved his hand, signaling Xu Tianxing to say no more. "I can still make a decision on a small matter like this. Anyone who objects can come to me!"

After saying that, he did not dwell on the matter. Instead, he turned to Xu De. "De'er, what Martial Soul did you awaken this time?"

The Sun Moon Emperor cared even more about Xu De's Martial Soul than those other matters. After all, Xu De was not only clever, but also had the backing of his maternal grandfather's family. Moreover, Xu De was his favorite son, whom he had kept at his side since childhood. Xu Tianxing's allegiance itself represented the Sun Moon Emperor's position.

Xu De held nothing back, telling him about both the Sun Moon Divine Eyes and the Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon, though not about Tian Meng's existence or Ah Yin. As for the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone and the Immortal Herbs, Xu De had never intended to hide them from the Sun Moon Emperor; he simply did not want anyone else to know.

"Good! In that case, that plan can be put into action too." The Sun Moon Emperor stood up, his eyes fixed intently on the map on the table.

"Tianxing, since you're back, I'll leave the establishment of Illustrious Virtue Hall to you."

"De'er, go to Moon Valley in a couple of days. I've arranged a marriage for you."