Wang Nan was not foolish. Although they had only discussed past events, he could already guess Princess Xu Jiujiu's intentions to some extent.
Without a doubt, in terms of family background, appearance, and every other aspect, Princess Xu Jiujiu was exceptionally outstanding. Moreover, for a princess like her to say such things, it was likely also the intention of Star Luo Emperor Xu Jiawei.
If Wang Nan had gone with the flow, he might have achieved a good outcome, with both power and beauty within his grasp.
It was just a pity that Wang Nan had no such thoughts.
On the other side, Princess Xu Jiujiu had already walked a considerable distance from Wang Nan's room, yet her heart still had not fully calmed down, and the temperature on her face was slightly higher than usual.
The Star Luo Empire had investigated Wang Nan's past and generally understood his character. He was never a person greedy for wealth or lustful. Yet she had still said more than necessary.
Even with Emperor Xu Jiawei's intentions behind her, she truly had such thoughts herself.
When one's cultivation reached the Titled Douluo stage, their mental force would merge with the world. Even if other Spirit Masters with insufficient cultivation wore Soul Guidance Devices capable of blocking mental force, a Titled Douluo with outstanding perception could still vaguely sense mental fluctuations.
Wang Nan possessed power capable of rivaling a Limit Douluo, and Princess Xu Jiujiu did not dare underestimate his perception by trying to deceive him with lies.
Ultimately, as a princess, she had little freedom in such matters. Her heart held gratitude for Wang Nan's life-saving grace, and to her, Wang Nan was also a good choice. No, rather, an extremely excellent choice.
Just as Princess Xu Jiujiu was about to return to her residence, a hidden aura quietly appeared beside her.
Sensing the fluctuation, her expression instantly changed. She quickly took a deep breath to calm herself.
"What is it?"
A figure slowly emerged from the darkness. The figure glanced at Princess Xu Jiujiu's expression, then lowered its head. Its lips moved slightly as a low voice sounded in her ear.
"Our informant reports that the Sun Moon Empire Emperor has passed away, and Crown Prince Xu Tianran is about to ascend the throne."
"What?" Princess Xu Jiujiu frowned.
Although Crown Prince Xu Tianran had already been handling state affairs due to the Sun Moon Emperor's prolonged illness, a Crown Prince and an Emperor were ultimately different.
The Royal Dragon Soul Master Corps, the guardian force of the Sun Moon Empire, was led by Prince Xu Tianyuan.
Because Xu Tianyuan had maintained a neutral stance regarding the throne, even while Xu Tianran acted as regent, the Royal Dragon Soul Master Corps had never officially entered the battlefield.
Once Xu Tianran ascended the throne, the entire power of the Sun Moon Empire, including Mingde Hall, would fall under his control.
Given Xu Tianran's aggressive nature, the Royal Dragon Soul Master Corps would inevitably be dispatched to the front lines, and the army's scale would also expand greatly.
This was terrible news for the Three Great Empires.
"Is the information reliable?"
"Sealing God."
The figure spoke only two words.
Princess Xu Jiujiu understood immediately. "Sealing God" referred to the Soul Engineer who had created the Sealing God Platform capable of suppressing a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast. As a ninth-rank Soul Engineer, his status in the Sun Moon Empire was extremely high, so the intelligence was undoubtedly reliable.
"You must immediately take this news to Star Luo City."
"Yes."
The presence beside her vanished. Princess Xu Jiujiu let out a deep sigh, then turned and walked toward the main hall.
Although it was already night, White Tiger Duke Dai Hao had not rested. The main hall was still illuminated by Soul Guidance Devices.
---
At the same time, in Mingdu, inside the mourning hall of the imperial palace, a massive coffin stood solemnly. Incense burners surrounded it, smoke slowly curling upward.
Xu Tianran knelt before the coffin. His mourning robes draped over his body, covering even his legs, which were made of Soul Guidance Devices.
Juzi stood to one side, her abdomen noticeably swollen.
"Your Highness, Hall Master Mirror Hongchen has arrived."
A guard stepped forward and spoke softly.
"Invite him in." Xu Tianran nodded, then turned to Juzi. "You should return to the palace and rest early. Father Emperor's spirit in heaven would not wish to see you, pregnant with 'our' child, still remaining here."
At these words, a flicker finally appeared in Juzi's calm eyes, but she quickly concealed it.
"The front-line war is not going smoothly. Juzi cannot go to the battlefield to share Your Highness's worries, so I can only remain here and accompany you."
"It's fine. The Holy Spirit Cult was never truly aligned with us, and I never intended to unify the Douluo Continent by relying on them. Once I ascend the throne, the Empire's army can launch a full-scale assault. When Shrek City falls, the Holy Spirit Cult will no longer matter."
Xu Tianran snorted coldly, then his expression softened again.
"Right now, protecting the child in your womb is the greatest help you can give me."
"Yes. Juzi understands."
Juzi lowered her head in acceptance, then slowly retreated, only turning around after several steps. She brushed past Mirror Hongchen, who had just entered the mourning hall.
Xu Tianran's eyes trembled slightly, and two lines of clear tears streamed down his face.
Seeing this, Mirror Hongchen bowed deeply. "Your Highness, please accept my condolences."
"Hall Master Mirror Hongchen must find this amusing." Xu Tianran raised a hand to wipe away the tears, then looked back at him. "How are the matters I asked you to investigate progressing?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, after news of His Majesty's passing spread, none of the princes have made any moves. It's just that…"
"Just what?" Xu Tianran's expression turned cold, the sorrow on his face vanishing completely.
Mirror Hongchen glanced up briefly, then quickly lowered his head.
Having interacted with Xu Tianran for a long time, he understood his temperament well.
Ever since losing his legs, Xu Tianran's already volatile personality had grown even more extreme. Although he had just been shedding tears for the late Emperor, it was doubtful he felt much affection for the imperial family.
Whether such a person ascending the throne would be a blessing for the Sun Moon Empire remained uncertain.
Suppressing his thoughts, Mirror Hongchen answered, "One of the princes appears to be in contact with the Three Great Empires."
"A traitor." Xu Tianran's voice was sinister. "Star Luo, Dou Ling, or the half-dead Heaven Soul?"
"It should be the Star Luo Empire."
After a long silence, Xu Tianran finally spoke again. "I understand. You may withdraw."
---
Several days later, at dawn, before the sun had fully risen, Tianling City was still shrouded in chill. The soldiers on duty atop the city walls stared toward the distant Sun Moon Empire.
The next moment, a dazzling light ignited, like a second sun rising rapidly from the horizon.
A piercing alarm rang out across Tianling City as a light barrier enveloped it.
Then, with a deafening explosion, a massive breach instantly appeared in Tianling City's walls.