"MAGNIFICENT"
"It was truly a Magnificent display of power and control, Hanrui you did well." Emperor Xue Ye who was also shocked by the display commented as he looked at his grand-niece with a look of hope in his eyes.
He waved his hand and the attendants quickly took away Yu Tianheng to heal, making the tense hearts of Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Loumian settle.
He approached Hanrui and reached out for his hand, Hanrui helplessly let him hold his hand and the emperor nodded to his sister Xue Li.
Xue Li came forward and followed after him with the rest of the family in tow,as they entered the Throne Hall.
Entering the opulent Throne Hall Hanrui broke out in a grin,as he liked the decorations and started talking with the Emperor.
Ning Fengzhi and others looked at each other and followed after him.
Yu Loumian took this chance to follow the attendants to check in his niece while Yu Yuanzhen gave a deep look at the direction his grandson is disappearing to before he followed after the emperor.
Emperor Xue Ye, truly impressed by his Grand-niece's display of power, as he saw the hope of the Douluo Continent uniting under the banner of Heaven Dou Empire.
But he also couldn't help worrying about his lineage's ability to hold the throne with a factor like him around, and started making small talk with Hanrui who was asking about the decorations to understand him better.
"So, little Hanrui, what was that move you just used? You don't have to say it, if it's a secret." Xue Ye asked.
"I don't mind uncle, after all it's not a secret but i didnt name the move, because i just came up with it." Hanrui said as he smiled innocently.
Emperor Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi who was trying his best to overhear the conversation and about to take notes for sword douluo and bone douluo who is also curious, got stunned in place.
'Just came up with it, a move powerful enough to erase 2 soul skills and injure a soul grandmaster, until bones are showing.
And all that under the noses of high level Soul Sage, Soul Douluo and even Titled-Douluo, not understanding what happened.
Is this boy even human.' They thought simultaneously.
'I thought,my sister came up with that move, and taught him later. After all she is famous for her exploits on the battlefield with her sword.
It's precisely because of that I was sure she would fall for that guy, and she did. Sigh, I truly regret it.' Xue Ye thought inwardly as he sighed.
"But if I have to name it, I guess I will call it 'Return to Nature'. Although it's not complete, The move is designed to disperse energy attacks completely while also sending a sword qi strike to the opponent.
The best part is, if there is an 'element' involved like the Lightning element just now, the sword qi will absorb part of it and upgrade itself, making it more lethal." Hanrui continued.
A deafening silence followed right after as everyone who heard it looked at him like looking at a monster.
But Xue Qinghe who was listening caught a key point so he asked Hanrui, making everyone pay attention.
"Cousin Hanrui, you said it's not complete?"
Hanrui looked at Xue Qinghe and replied "That's right, it's not complete. Because my body can't handle the complete version I have in my mind. After all, I'm just 6 years old, my body still needs to grow.
The full version doesn't need to rely on sword qi at all, with the sword swing alone the attack disappears while cutting the opponent in two.
Using the sword qi before was an instinctive reaction of my body because I know I'm not ready for what I had in my mind."
Hearing that Xue Qinghe while terrified at the concept of such a move looked thoughtful, after all she is Qian Renxue, getting insights on Sword arts help her wield her angel holy sword with more power.
She couldn't help but like this guy more and more, even though a part of her is warning her to stay wary of him.
The crowd and especially Ning Fengzhi, Bone Douluo Gu Rong and Emperor Xue Ye furrowed their brows deep in thought, but strangely not a single one doubted his claim, everyone subconsciously believed he was right.
They reached the Throne Hall and Xue Ye nodded to Hanrui and stood before his throne and addressed the hall.
"I have a few announcements to make," Emperor Xue Ye said, his calm yet commanding voice instantly drawing the hall's attention.
"But before that, allow me to express my gratitude. I thank you all for accepting my invitation on such short notice and gracing this banquet with your presence."
His gaze swept across the hall, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips.
"As many of you may have already guessed, tonight's banquet is held to welcome back my sister — the Warrior Princess, Xue Li."
A wave of applause and cheers rippled through the nobles as Xue Li rose and approached the dais, her presence radiant beneath the chandeliers. Emperor Xue Ye extended a hand toward her with unmistakable pride.
"However," he continued, his tone deepening with significance, "this night is not merely one of reunion — but of celebration."
He paused deliberately, letting anticipation settle over the crowd before speaking once more.
"It fills me with great pride to announce that my sister, Xue Li, has ascended to the ranks of the Titled Douluo."
A hush fell over the hall. Then, with measured reverence, he declared:
"From henceforth, she shall be known across the continent as the Radiant Swan Douluo."
As his words fell, Xue Li's Martial Soul — the Radiant Swan — unfolded in shimmering brilliance. Her soul rings emerged in turn: two Yellow, two Purple, four Black, and one Red, illuminating the hall in awe.
For a heartbeat, silence reigned — then the hall erupted into thunderous applause, a tribute not only to the newly titled Douluo, but to the enduring glory of the Heaven Dou Empire itself.
Ning Fengzhi furrowed his brow in deep thought. 'That is not a white swan, like his Majesty and Qinghe but a Radiant Swan.
Her martial soul evolved from white swan to Radiant Swan and that Red —100,000 year soul ring, does it have something to do with it?
If only i had such an opportunity for my seventh soul ring i would've become a soul douluo by now? Sigh'
Bone Douluo Gu Rong on the other hand felt palpitations as he looked at the Radiant Swan Martial Soul. As if mere contact with the martial soul will burn his Martial soul.
'I have never fought this Princess but I was confident I could deal with her before but why do I feel like while she is still 2 entire ranks behind me, she can beat me?
Even the coward didn't make me feel like this when he is clearly a rank above me' He thought as he stared at her.
Off to the side the Thunder Douluo Yu Yuanzhen started at the Martial Soul and the glaring Red soul ring stunned in disbelief.
'What is this feeling? It's like I could barely defeat her if I go all out? It's absurd, she is only newly ascended Titled-Douluo at level 93, while in a super douluo at rank 95.
Sigh, it's truly fortunate I didn't blow up earlier when that useless, trouble-making grandson got injured.
That boy and the silver haired woman aside, if I made a move earlier,that brat Ning Fengzhi would definitely take the chance to support the boy.
With this woman being a Titled-Douluo and Sword Douluo Chenxin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong around i would be at a massive disadvantage.
Not to mention the Bloodline Pressure that boy and the Silver haired girl put on me earlier.
While the boy seems to have done it unintentionally, the girl didn't, she is definitely a Title-Douluo with a dragon martial soul that is superior to my Blue lightning tyrant dragon.
What a mess, a superior dragon bloodline to appear outside the clan is already a bad thing, but to think there are 2 of them and one then if already fully developed. While the other is still a child, is related to that woman.
I can't take him away to the clan even if I want to.' he thought internally.
Xue Ye raised his hand and the crowd went silent and Xue Li put away her Martial Soul.
In the puzzled eyes of everyone present Xue Ye summoned Wu Tian and Hanrui forward and took out a ceremonial sword.
"In recognition of steadfast loyalty, wisdom in governance, and service that has brought prosperity to the southern provinces, I, Xue Ye, Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, hereby decree the following:
Let it be known that the lands surrounding Liangjing City, from the fertile plains of Anhe to the serene waters of Qingshui, together with the counties of Pingyun and their adjoining territories, shall henceforth be elevated and united under the banner of the Tianlong Duchy.
By imperial grace, [Wu Tian], Marquis of Liangjing, is hereby raised to the rank of Duke of Tianlong.
To him and his line are granted stewardship over these lands, with authority to govern, protect, and prosper them in the name of the Heaven Dou Empire.
May his wisdom continue to guide the people as the river nourishes the fields, and may his loyalty remain as constant as the heavens themselves."
The Emperor took a single step from his throne and extended a hand bearing the ceremonial medallion of gold and blue enamel — the symbol of ducal authority.
The Emperor pointed the Imperial Sword of Appointment (a ceremonial blade) toward Wu Tian and touched both shoulders — symbolizing duty and burden.
The Golden Medallion of the Swan, with Duke's Insignia is bestowed, signifying noble authority.
"Rise, Duke of Tianlong," Xue Ye said, his voice carrying to every corner of the hall. "May your house stand as a pillar of virtue, and may the Empire flourish under Heaven's gaze."
"This humble servant, Wu Tian, is unworthy of such grace."
His voice carried through the hall, steady yet reverent.
"To be granted the title of Duke of Tianlong and entrusted with the stewardship of its lands is a kindness far beyond my merits.
I, Wu Tian, vow before Heaven and before Your Majesty's throne that I shall govern the people with fairness, guard the realm with loyalty, and dedicate all that I am to the continued glory of the Heaven Dou Empire."
He raised his head slightly, eyes gleaming with conviction.
"As the rivers flow ever faithful to the sea, so too shall my devotion flow unceasingly toward Your Majesty. Should the Empire face storm or strife, this Duke shall stand as its shield until his final breath."
Lowering his head once more, he concluded solemnly:
"May the Heaven Dou Empire prosper eternally under Your Majesty's divine mandate. Long live the Emperor."
The court attendants struck their staves thrice again, and the hall echoed with the cry:
"All hail the Duke of Tianlong!"
Wu Tian stepped back amidst the space of the crowd as he smiled and whispered to his son, 'it's your turn my son'.
Hanrui looked at his father who's stepping aside and his grandmother who was smiling at him confused. 'What does he mean, it's my turn?'
"There is more.Originally this announcement would've been delayed for a few years but seeing little Hanrui's strength I'm convinced to make haste so as to provide more resources to this genius Grand-niece." Xue Ye said getting everyone's attention.
Hanrui's eyes widened as he looked at Emperor Xue Ye as he thought. 'I feel like something troublesome going to attach to me.'