Under the restoration of the Defense Clan, the Star Luo Imperial Palace regained its magnificent splendor.
The palace was not only grand and majestic in appearance but also hidden many mechanisms internally. The craftsmen of the Defense Clan even dug a hidden underground passage connecting the main palaces.
If an attack happened again, the Emperor could transfer immediately to ensure absolute safety.
The succession ceremony proceeded methodically.
Lu Feng, dressed in gorgeous imperial robes and wearing a dazzling crown, stood in the center of the hall, letting a group of palace maids adjust his attire.
He felt like a marionette.
Although Lu Feng had tried his best to simplify the process, at the insistence of those stubborn old ministers, the entire ceremony cycle was still stretched to three days.
Every day had different rituals and celebrations, and Lu Feng had to patiently deal with them.
During this time, Lu Feng gained a deeper understanding of the strength of the Star Luo Imperial Family.
On the surface, the White Tiger Sect was the core force of the Dai family. Besides the Great Consecrated Priest and Second Consecrated Priest, the strongest combat power included two other Soul Douluo-level experts responsible for the specific affairs of the sect.
These four White Tiger Martial Soul Soul Douluo each had a wife with the Netherworld Civet Martial Soul.
When these Soul Douluo-level experts used the Netherworld White Tiger fusion skill with their partners, their combat power was comparable to an ordinary Titled Douluo.
These eight elders from the Dai and Zhu families formed the Council of Elders, responsible for supervising the Emperor's policies and behavior.
If the Emperor was fatuous and ignored state affairs, the Council of Elders even had the power to impeach the Emperor.
Secretly, Lu Feng learned from the Great Consecrated Priest that the previous White Tiger Sect Master and his partner were still alive. They had been in secluded cultivation, trying to break through the level 95 bottleneck.
This pair of Titled Douluo-level Netherworld White Tigers was the true trump card of the Star Luo Empire.
Outside the side hall, Ning Fengzhi walked out of the gate with a smile.
His steps were leisurely, his face wearing his usual gentle smile.
Investing in Dai Mubai, Ning Fengzhi felt this was the most correct decision he had made in his life.
If everything was handled properly, in ten years, just ten years, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would surely surpass the former Clear Sky Clan and become the number one sect on the continent.
Zhu Zhuqing watched Ning Fengzhi leave, her brows furrowing slightly, and couldn't help but snort coldly. "Lu Feng, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan really has a lion's appetite, actually demanding shares in the Star Luo City Great Spirit Arena."
Hearing this, Lu Feng smiled calmly, a bit of mockery in his eyes. "Zhuqing, look further ahead. It's just a few Gold Soul Coins. Besides, aren't you and Rongrong good friends?"
"Hmph, one thing is one thing." Zhu Zhuqing snorted lightly, her frown deepening.
"Unless the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan moves to the Star Luo Empire, this agreement is no different from giving them money for free."
Since returning to the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Zhuqing had taken over almost all social affairs of the Prince's residence. Although not yet fully mature, she was already moving in the direction of a helmsman.
In her view, Lu Feng's agreement with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was simply the act of a "traitor."
"Alright, future Empress, everything you said is right." Lu Feng spread his hands, pretending to be helpless.
Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes at him, a trace of complaint in her tone. "You leave everything to me; you sure are carefree."
"Especially the matter you discussed with Ning Fengzhi before, returning 30% of the commercial tax after ten years. Just wait to be impeached by the Council of Elders then."
Hearing this, the corner of Lu Feng's mouth turned up slightly. "Who knows what will happen in ten years? Maybe by then, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will be gone."
He suddenly reached out and grabbed Zhu Zhuqing's wrist, pulling her gently into his arms.
"Zhuqing, so you better work hard and earn more money. You don't want to see your husband whipped in public, right?" Lu Feng's voice was low, carrying a bit of teasing.
Zhu Zhuqing struggled symbolically, then gave up resistance.
Her cheeks blushed slightly, her tone carrying a trace of coquettish anger. "You bastard, hmph, I understand now. The throne is just a toy to you. In the end, I have to clean up your mess."
"Audacious! Daring to slander Us, see how I punish you!" Lu Feng pretended to be serious, but his eyes were full of smiles.
Just as the two were playing around, a palace maid hurried in, a look of fear on her face. "Your Majesty, Heaven Dou Crown Prince Xue Qinghe requests an audience."
Lu Feng waved his hand impatiently. "Not seeing him. Can't you see I'm discussing state affairs with the Empress?"
Zhu Zhuqing pushed Lu Feng away, straightened her messy clothes, and said snappily, "Only half a day after succession, and you start acting recklessly. Is this how you act as an Emperor?"
Lu Feng chuckled, a bit of doting in his tone. "Alright then, for your sake, I'll be merciful and see him."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, her expression returning to calm. "Xue Qinghe's identity is different from Ning Fengzhi's. It's inconvenient for me to be present at your meeting."
Lu Feng curled his lips upon hearing this. "So many rules."
Zhu Zhuqing smiled helplessly, a trace of emotion in her tone. "This is the helplessness of the Imperial Family; you'll get used to it sooner or later."
With that, she ignored Lu Feng and turned to leave the hall.
Before long, Xue Qinghe strode in.
Lu Feng sat on the throne, his expression calm, and got straight to the point. "Does Your Highness the Crown Prince have important business?"
Xue Qinghe was stunned, obviously not expecting Lu Feng to be so direct.
She coughed lightly, her tone carrying a bit of probing. "Brother Dai, it's been half a year since we parted in Spirit City."
Xue Qinghe was older than "Dai Mubai," but for many years, he was used to presenting an approachable appearance.
"Crown Prince Qinghe, on formal occasions, please address me as the Star Luo Emperor," Lu Feng said indifferently.
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe paused.
It wasn't her first time in the Star Luo Empire. In the past, although the Star Luo Emperor was overbearing, diplomatic relations between great powers should be magnanimous.
Why was this 'Dai Mubai' so unruly?
"Star Luo Emperor." Xue Qinghe cupped his hands, his tone carrying a bit of respect, but his gaze stared tightly at Lu Feng.
Xue Qinghe sized up "Dai Mubai" in front of him and suddenly found that his appearance seemed somewhat different from when they met in Spirit City.
His face seemed a bit thinner, and his shoulders not so broad.
Looking closely, his features were not so rugged, but rather had a hint of softness. This change was inconspicuous; if she hadn't observed deliberately, she might not have noticed.
"Crown Prince Qinghe, why do you keep staring at me?" Lu Feng asked doubtfully.
Xue Qinghe came back to his senses and smiled faintly. "Star Luo Emperor, I wonder if you still remember a person named Lu Feng?"
"Hm?" Hearing this, Lu Feng subconsciously touched his chin, a strange look flashing in his eyes. "Your Highness, why are you looking for him?"
Xue Qinghe stared tightly into Lu Feng's eyes, a faint soul power quietly surging. In an instant, a flash of gold passed through her eyes.
"He and I had a great conversation in Heaven Dou City. I didn't expect him to disappear after the Soul Master competition," Xue Qinghe's voice carried an ethereal quality, as if striking directly at the soul.
Lu Feng subconsciously said, "I don't know. Brother Lu is my sworn brother. It's also strange to me that he went and never returned."
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe stared straight at him, a teasing smile curling the corner of his mouth. "Oh, isn't your sworn brother Tang San?"