Chapter 575 Imperial Conferment
"Father-in-law (Uncle Ning)," Ning Fengzhi said to Xuanmo and Tang San as they walked a short distance away, "Xiao San, Xiao Mo, I've summoned you this time to have you pay your respects to His Majesty before you leave."
"Oh?"
Xuanmo's expression remained unchanged upon hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, though he didn't understand why Emperor Xueye would summon him. Tang San, however, looked surprised and asked doubtfully, "His Majesty wants us to pay our respects? Is it because we're all leaving the continent?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded and explained the situation to the two.
"You don't know how long you'll be gone. Given His Majesty's current health, he probably won't live to see you return. Because of the Spirit Hall, His Majesty, upon learning this news, wishes to meet with both of you."
"We understand."
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward and patted Tang San's shoulder.
"Xiao San, Xiao Mo wasn't with Rongrong on this trip to Seagod Island, so I can only ask you to take good care of her. When you return, you will truly become the backbone of our fight against the Spirit Hall and the Holy Spirit Cult. But you must remember: life is more important than strength. If you find that things are hopeless, it's better to abandon your goal than to return alive."
After saying this, he looked at Xuan Mo, "Especially you, Xiao Mo. Your danger is greater than Xiao San's and Rongrong's. I don't want anything to happen to you, leaving Rongrong heartbroken and widowed for you."
"Uncle Ning, don't worry." Xuan Mo's eyes were firm, "I promised Rongrong that I would definitely come back and give her a wedding of the century."
Ning Fengzhi didn't say much more, because this was enough.
After the Heaven Dou Palace Coup, the defenses of the Heaven Dou Empire's palace were even more stringent than before. All two thousand Soul Masters recalled to the royal family were deployed within the palace, and at least two hundred Soul Masters patrolled the vicinity of Emperor Xue Ye's palace alone.
An hour later, Ning Fengzhi led the two to the palace of Emperor Xueye, requesting an audience. Soon, a guard announced their arrival.
Inside the palace, besides Emperor Xueye, were two familiar faces recognized by Xuanmo and Tang San: Prince Xuexing and the former Dandy boy, now Crown Prince Xue Beng.
However, compared to then, Prince Xuexing's arrogant and domineering air had vanished, replaced by a smug and self-satisfied demeanor. Even Xue Beng, once a Dandy boy, now possessed the dignified bearing of a true prince.
Xuanmo knew this was Xue Beng's true nature; his previous act was merely a disguise to deceive Qian Renxue.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Ning Fengzhi, Xuanmo, and Tang San bowed slightly, simultaneously greeting Emperor Xueye.
Emperor Xueye smiled and said, "No need for such formalities. Have someone offer you seats."
"Gentlemen, I heard from Sect Leader Ning that you are both going on a long journey, is that right?" Emperor Xueye asked Tang San and Xuanmo with a smile.
Xuanmo and Tang San nodded upon hearing this.
"The Seven Great Sects Tournament has just ended, and the Spirit Hall hasn't made any further moves. The Holy Spirit Sect is also being investigated by various forces, and there's been no news of them for the time being. Therefore, we want to take this opportunity to travel and improve our strength, just in case."
Emperor Xueye smiled and said, "That's a good thing. But I wonder how long your trip will take, Sect Leader Tang and Young Friend Mo?"
Xuanmo and Tang San exchanged a glance, secretly smiling bitterly. After all, whether it was the test of the three Dragon Kings at Dragon Valley or the trials on Seagod Island, they were both uncertain.
However, despite their inner thoughts, their expressions remained unchanged. "At least three years, at most five years. We can't say for sure the exact time."
Emperor Xueye nodded. "Is that so…"
And so, Tang San was inexplicably made a disciple of Xue Beng, and Emperor Xueye bestowed upon him the titles of "Crown Prince Grand Tutor" and "Blue Hao King," a truly generous honor.
At the same time, he ordered his attendants to bring over a brocade platter.
Xuan Mo's eyes lit up upon seeing this. What lay beneath was the "Vast Ocean Universe Cover," originally named the "Heart of the Sea God."
As the red cloth was lifted, its true form was revealed.
"Your Majesty, this is…"
A fleeting look of pain crossed Emperor Xue Ye's face. "This is called the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. In a sense, it can be considered a soul tool. From now on, it will be the symbol of King Lan Hao. It has many uses. King Lan Hao will understand once he infuses his soul power into it. It should provide some assistance for King Lan Hao's upcoming training."
Tang San, seeing this, accepted the offer without hesitation.
However, just as everyone was preparing to leave, Emperor Xue Ye kept Xuan Mo behind. This startled Xuan Mo.
He had originally thought that this wasn't his business.
"Your Majesty, why did you keep me here?"
"Young friend Mo, I must thank you."
Emperor Xueye's expression finally changed noticeably, then he sighed, "I know in my heart that apart from Tang Sect Master's medicine saving my life, if it weren't for Young Friend Mo and the two Title Douluos from Shrek Academy turning the tide, I'm afraid Heaven Dou Empire would be doomed."
"Your Majesty is too kind."
Faced with Xuan Mo's humble words, Emperor Xueye simply shook his head. "Whether what I said is too kind or not, Young Friend Mo knows in his heart."
Then, Emperor Xueye's expression became solemn.
"Xuan Mo, upon receiving the title, will not bow before the Emperor!"
Upon hearing this, Xuan Mo looked directly at Emperor Xueye.
But Emperor Xueye said, "I bestow upon Xuan Mo the title of 'King of the Mountain' and 'King of One Word Shoulder to Shoulder,' this title will be as enduring as the nation itself, as if I were personally present!"
At this moment, Xuan Mo was shocked.
Because this pile of honors was even greater than Tang San's. It could be said that it was equal to the status of the next generation of Heaven Dou Empire emperors, and even future Heaven Dou emperors!
Before Xuan Mo could even finish his surprise, Emperor Xue Ye pulled out a metal sphere he always carried with him. Judging from his expression, the contents of this sphere seemed even more important than the national treasure, the "Vast Ocean Universe Cover."
Just as Xuan Mo was filled with doubt…
"Crack, crack…"
With the sphere's crackling sound, the contents gradually revealed themselves. At that moment, the voice of the Ice and Fire Dragon King suddenly rang in his mind.
"Boy, you must get your hands on this!"
At this moment, Xuan Mo was shocked.
Because when the core of the super artifact "Trigger Trident"—the "Heart of the Sea God"—appeared, the Ice and Fire Dragon King hadn't reacted at all. But when faced with the contents of this sphere, they showed such eagerness.
However, when Xuan Mo asked, the Ice and Fire Dragon King remained silent, instead smiling. He simply told him that when the time was right, he would know…
This made Xuan Mo unable to help but complain, "Are all dragon kings crazy these days? They like riddles…"
(End of Chapter)