From this day forth, the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire shall be Xu Tianran!
As the Emperor's words echoed through the great hall, countless officials' faces changed—everyone except the ninth-tier soul engineers, who sat secure in their untouchable status.
Yet, despite their inner turmoil, none dared voice dissent.
As Emperor of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Jing commanded the Five National Guardian Soul Engineer Regiments as well as the Court Worship Hall. He held over half the empire's power in his hands.
Other than Kong Deming—who was currently in seclusion, fully focused on researching humanoid soul tools—who else would dare oppose him? And Kong Deming, without question, cared nothing about something as trivial as who became Crown Prince.
Hearing the proclamation, ministers who had supported Xu Tianran rejoiced. Their gamble had paid off—now that he was Crown Prince, and in a few years would ascend the throne, their rewards would be boundless wealth and influence.
But those who had sided with the Second Prince, Xu Tianyu, or the Third Prince, Xu Tianshi, wore grim expressions, some even turning pale as paper.
At the front of the hall, Wang Yan stood expressionless. Yet deep within his eyes brewed a chilling indifference, a murderous intent surging beneath the surface.
As for those who had not taken part in the princes' struggle, some lowered their eyes, adopting a detached air as though none of this concerned them. Others, however, began scheming—planning to align themselves with Xu Tianran quickly, before too many others did, in hopes of securing future advancement.
At the very front, Xu Tianran himself could barely suppress the curve of his lips. If not for the solemn setting, he would have laughed aloud, venting the wild joy boiling in his chest.
After so many years of struggle, he had finally seized the Crown Prince's seat. Soon, he would be Emperor. Soon, he would be master of the Sun Moon Empire's future.
Overflowing with pride, he had already begun to imagine how he would reshape the empire once enthroned.
Taking a steadying breath, he forced down his excitement, bowed respectfully, and declared:
"Your son, by the grace of Father and the trust of the court, is honored to be named Crown Prince. From this day forward, I shall devote myself fully to learning the art of governance. I will not fail Father's expectations. I shall toil with all my heart for the empire's prosperity."
Though he tried to restrain himself, the tremor in his voice betrayed his inner exhilaration.
The Second Prince, Xu Tianyu, felt his heart sink.
He had schemed tirelessly against Xu Tianran for years, laying countless traps. Xu Tianran surely hated him deeply.
What worried him more was their father's failing health—he might not last many more years. Once Xu Tianran became Emperor, Xu Tianyu's fate would be precarious.
But at this moment, Xu Tianyu forced himself to calm down.
With a strained smile, he stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Congratulations to Eldest Brother for being named Crown Prince. With your talent and ability, you will surely lead our Sun Moon Empire to greater glory. Your younger brother is willing to serve with full devotion."
Though his words were smooth, his heart seethed with unwillingness. Hidden beneath his sleeves, his fists clenched tight. Over and over, he reminded himself: Endure. Endure. Endure.
Hadn't history seen Crown Princes toppled before? If he kept his head low and bided his time, Xu Tianran might grow careless. As long as he had not yet ascended the throne, opportunities remained.
Inwardly, he vowed:
Xu Tianran, don't be so smug. Don't think becoming Crown Prince means safety. The final victor is far from decided.
The Third Prince, Xu Tianshi, also looked sour.
He had once allied with Xu Tianran to suppress Xu Tianyu, never imagining Xu Tianran had concealed his true strength. During their father's test, they had first worked together to eliminate Xu Tianyu—only for Xu Tianshi to be eliminated next, by Xu Tianran's full power.
Hatred festered in his heart, but outwardly he bowed and offered congratulations.
Watching his once-hostile brothers flatter him, Xu Tianran knew their words weren't sincere. But still, he couldn't help savoring the moment.
Maintaining a magnanimous facade, he smiled warmly.
"Second Brother, Third Brother—you are both my brothers. I will need your support in the future."
With the Second and Third Princes speaking up, the other princes also followed, offering their congratulations. They had never been contenders for the throne; the best they could hope for was some fiefdom to waste away in.
On the dragon throne, Emperor Xu Jing spoke solemnly:
"Tianran, now that you are Crown Prince, I hope you will be diligent, humble, and open to wise counsel. Place the empire's stability above all."
Xu Tianran bowed deeply.
"Your son shall remember Father's teachings always."
The court erupted:
"Long live the Emperor! Long live, long live, ten thousand years! Long live the Crown Prince, long live, a thousand years!"
The deafening shouts reverberated within the hall.
Xu Tianran's heart soared. To stand above the assembled civil and military officials, basking in their reverence—this intoxicating feeling nearly overwhelmed him.
Once the Crown Prince's seat was settled, the assembly moved on to routine affairs.
Officials presented memorials one after another—requests for funds, reports of natural disasters, impeachment of rivals…
Time slipped by amidst debates and arguments. Finally, as the resonant sound of great bronze bells rang out, the court session concluded.
Returning to his palace, Xu Tianran could no longer restrain himself. He burst into laughter, pacing back and forth, eyes burning with ambition.
He believed himself the most gifted ruler the Sun Moon royal line had produced in millennia—outshining all in cunning, talent, and foresight.
He swore to make the Sun Moon Empire stronger than ever, to wash away the humiliation of four thousand years past, to conquer the three Douluo kingdoms, and to rename the Douluo Continent as the Sun Moon Continent.
Just as he reveled in his triumph, a maid's voice sounded from outside:
"Your Highness, the ministers request an audience."
Xu Tianran replied,
"Have them wait in the study. I'll be there shortly."
A moment later, in the study—
Several ministers who had supported him bowed deeply.
"Congratulations, Your Highness, on seizing the Crown Prince's seat."
Xu Tianran waved for them to rise, promising with fervor:
"When I ascend the throne, wealth and power shall be yours in abundance."
Hearing this, the ministers exhaled in relief. Their earlier promises had not been forgotten.
Thank you, Your Highness. We shall serve you with all our strength.