While Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan were still undergoing their trials on June Island, Zhu Ziyang and Qian Lingyi had already set foot on April Island.
"So this is April Island? Doesn't look that different from February Island," Qian Lingyi commented as they stepped off the dock, scanning the architecture of the island.
"They're all part of the Moon South Archipelago. How different can they be?" Zhu Ziyang chuckled. "Come on, let's go find Elder Song."
The "Empress Descends" plan had been underway for more than a year now. Although Zhang Lexuan hadn't been directly involved during this time, the plan had proceeded exceptionally smoothly. With Shrek Academy's assistance, the Yin Clan's strength had grown significantly. In the very first month, they had thoroughly eradicated the disobedient vassal families on February, June, and July Islands, regaining control over six of the seven islands in the archipelago—only January Island remained outside their grasp.
After that, Xu Jianwei began establishing contact with nobles within the Sun Moon Empire aligned with the Moon Lineage. These nobles had suffered nearly a century of suppression since the Sun Lineage monopolized the imperial throne. Upon learning that the princess of the Moon Lineage's last emperor was still alive, they did not hesitate to ally with the Yin Clan and began rallying support for the Moon Lineage's resurgence.
With that alliance formed, Xu Jianwei acted personally and sought out the commander of the Moon Soul Engineer Legion—Xu Qianxuan.
Xu Qianxuan, a branch descendant of the Moon Lineage and one of the three Titled Douluo of the royal family, was a Rank 97 assault-type Title Douluo with the title "Full Moon." He was currently the leader of the Moon Lineage within the Sun Moon Imperial Family, a façade the Sun Lineage used to preserve ancestral traditions—and a protector of the tens of thousands of Moon Lineage clansmen still living within the empire.
By seniority, Xu Jianwei should address Xu Qianxuan as uncle. If they could gain his support, it would be far easier to bring Zhang Lexuan into the spotlight and publicly restore her identity as the Moon Lineage Princess.
As it turned out, Elder Song and the others from Shrek Academy were not disappointed. After Xu Jianwei stepped in, Xu Qianxuan pledged his loyalty and, through the emperor's second son Xu Tianci, secured an official title of "Princess" for Zhang Lexuan.
Thus, Zhang Lexuan was now officially known as Princess Xu Tianxuan of the Moon Lineage.
Everything had gone surprisingly smoothly. Why?
Simple—interest. Public opinion within the Sun Moon Empire had grown hostile toward the current royal family. The reigning emperor, Xu Jiusong, wanted to reverse the narrative of fratricidal infighting that had plagued the dynasty. Pushing forward a princess of the Moon Lineage was the perfect move—what could be more convincing than reintegrating the direct line of the suppressed lineage? If they could accept the Moon Lineage, how could they be accused of internal division?
Of course, this move reeked of self-deception. Since the Moon Devouring Palace coup only 150 years ago, the empire had already seen four generations and nine emperors—proof enough of endless internal strife.
It all started with Xu Yitian, the first emperor after the coup. After his death, his sons fought over the throne, nearly splitting the empire. Eventually, his second son Xu Jianxuan killed his brothers to seize power, becoming the second emperor.
Xu Jianxuan passed the throne to his eldest son, Xu Bashan, who became the third emperor. But then the bloodshed resumed. Jianxuan's third son, Xu Bahai, launched a palace coup, killing his brother to become the fourth emperor. The youngest, Xu Batian, followed suit, murdering his brother to become the fifth emperor.
In his later years, Xu Jiushong—son of Xu Bashan—assassinated Xu Batian and reclaimed the throne, becoming the sixth emperor. Xu Jiushong's eldest son, Xu Tianxing, became the seventh emperor, only to be murdered by his uncle, Xu Jiulin, who seized the throne as the eighth emperor.
Then came the current emperor, Xu Jiusong, who launched his own coup and killed Xu Jiulin to become the ninth emperor.
So many coups in just four generations—it was no wonder public opinion within the empire was in such turmoil. Even if Xu Jiusong wanted to change that, it was no longer in his power. And it was foreseeable that after his death, another wave of bloodshed would follow.
Xu Jiusong's eldest son and crown prince, Xu Tianran, had played a key role in his father's coup. But he was later attacked by loyalists of the former emperor. Though he survived, he lost both legs—and, it was rumored, his manhood—making it impossible for him to produce an heir. This gave other princes an opening, especially the second prince, Xu Tianci.
Xu Tianci was skilled at building alliances and amassing power. So when Xu Qianxuan approached him, he agreed without hesitation. He saw the alliance as an opportunity to win favor with a royal powerhouse, curry favor with Moon Lineage nobles, and help his father stabilize the empire—all in one move. Why would he refuse?
"Elder Song!" Zhu Ziyang greeted as he arrived at the Marquis Manor on April Island.
"Ziyang? What brings you here?" Elder Song was surprised to see him, then even more shocked as she examined him. "Ziyang… you've reached the Soul Douluo level?"
"Mm! Just got lucky with a few decent opportunities," Zhu Ziyang replied with a grin. "Elder Song, where are Nannan and Sister Lexuan?"
"They went to June Island, but they should be back in a couple of days," Song answered. Her gaze then landed on Qian Lingyi, who stood quietly behind Zhu Ziyang, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Ziyang, and this is?"
"This is Qian Lingyi, a new disciple of the inner court," Zhu Ziyang introduced her with a smile. Then he turned to her. "Lingyi, this is Elder Song, an elder of Tianyuan Pavilion, Rank 97 Super Douluo with the title Divine Eagle."
"Nice to meet you, Elder Song!" Qian Lingyi greeted sweetly.
"Hmm! A good girl. Already a Soul Emperor at such a young age—not bad," Elder Song nodded approvingly. If only she weren't still clinging to Zhu Ziyang's sleeve, she might've been even more pleased.
Zhu Ziyang caught up with Elder Song about recent events. He learned that Elder Zhu was currently on January Island, accompanying Xu Jianwei on an inspection and preparing to subdue the Southern Sea Fleet of the Sun Moon Empire.
While they were chatting, Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan returned to April Island and walked into the Marquis Manor. The moment they stepped in and saw Zhu Ziyang standing in front of Elder Song, they shouted excitedly, "Brother (Ziyang)!"
Zhu Ziyang turned at the sound of their voices—and saw Jiang Nannan's blushing face as she ran into his arms, embracing him tightly in excitement.
"Nannan, it's been a long time," Zhu Ziyang said as he hugged her, his face filled with joy at their reunion.
"Mm! I missed you so much, Brother!" Jiang Nannan didn't hold back her feelings, speaking sweetly and softly.
"Ziyang, long time no see," Zhang Lexuan said as she walked over with a gentle, graceful smile.
"Long time no see, Sister Lexuan." Still holding Jiang Nannan in his arms, Zhu Ziyang smiled warmly. "Elder Song told me you've reached Rank 90. That's incredible!"
"It's all thanks to the Moonlight Trial," Zhang Lexuan replied modestly.
"Brother, Brother, I've reached Rank 70 too!" Jiang Nannan added proudly, eager to be acknowledged.
"Really?" Zhu Ziyang laughed and said, "That's my Nannan!"
He lifted her up and spun her in a circle. Jiang Nannan rested her head against his chest, laughing like silver bells, bringing joy to everyone who heard—except Qian Lingyi.
Standing to the side, she had felt uncomfortable ever since Jiang Nannan hugged Zhu Ziyang. That discomfort only grew with every peal of laughter, turning into jealousy and irritation. After all, Zhu Ziyang had never shown such intimacy toward her.
If she hadn't mentally prepared herself beforehand, she might've stormed off in anger by now.
"Brother, did you come just to see me and Sister Lexuan?" After the initial wave of joy faded, Jiang Nannan asked with a smile still on her face.
"That's right," Zhu Ziyang said. "I'm planning to head to Eastern Sea City in the Star Luo Empire. The Moon South Archipelago was on the way, so I came to see you both. I didn't expect you to have reached your breakthroughs already. That changes things—we'll return to the Academy first."
"Eastern Sea City?" Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan exchanged glances. Then Jiang Nannan quietly asked, "Brother, are you heading there… for the Death God's Seventh Trial?"
"Hm?" Zhu Ziyang nodded, then showed a surprised expression. "How did you know I'm on the Seventh Trial of the Death God?"
Seeing his astonished face, Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan looked at each other and smiled.
(End of Chapter)
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