The first time someone knelt before him, shouting "Long live the Emperor!", even with Xu Tianran's pragmatic nature, he felt a certain lightness, and began to consider whether Xu Guozhong was worth his intervention.
Seeing this, Xu Guozhong quickly struck while the iron was hot, his voice agitated as he said:
"Your Majesty, do not hesitate. Although Jing Hongchen is powerful and holds a noble position, he is ultimately just an external minister. We are family, after all."
"He is currently at the height of his power, and he no longer sees us, the imperial princes, in his eyes. Even when Xu Tianyuan brought so many princes to speak on my behalf, he was unyielding, insisting on my life."
Xu Tianran shook his head and smiled, "That's also because you, Imperial Uncle, were too reckless. Stealing from his home—no one would tolerate that."
"Some matters, when not weighed, seem insignificant, but once on the scales, they weigh more than a thousand catties. Jing Hongchen has already made this public. There's no way you, Imperial Uncle, can easily get off the hook, and Father Emperor must also give an explanation to Jing Hongchen and those behind him."
"After all, that was the first championship our nation has seen in countless years. They also eliminated a large number of Shrek's experts and achieved immense merit. Father Emperor cannot possibly disappoint them at this time."
Xu Guozhong gritted his teeth, forcing back his heartache, and said, "This minister is willing to go to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy and Mingde Hall to personally apologize to him."
Xu Tianxi turned his face slightly. "Not enough. You must compensate him for the gold soul coins he spent to retrieve your Ninth Level Soul Guided Device, and add some more."
"That was over a hundred million gold soul coins!" Xu Guozhong's face immediately fell.
Seeing this, Xu Tianran secretly cursed the greedy fool for being brainless, but on the surface, he kindly advised:
"Imperial Uncle, the most tragic thing in this world is to die without having spent all your money. As long as you preserve your life, will you still worry about not having gold soul coins in the future?"
"Moreover, besides all this, I'm afraid you'll also need to prepare for losing a limb or two—"
Xu Guozhong suddenly looked up. "Lose a limb too?!"
Xu Tianran's expression turned grim, and he said in a low voice, "Imperial Uncle, Imperial Uncle, what you smuggled this time was a Ninth Level Soul Guided Device. Do you know how many people throughout the court were shaken, and how much damage it did to our imperial family's image?"
"During the day, countless civil officials submitted memorials to Father Emperor, asking him to grant Jing Hongchen's request and get rid of you, this great menace! Even many in the military are secretly dissatisfied, including high-ranking officials from the other four protectors of the nation. I don't need to tell you about their status, do I?"
"They don't know when you'll smuggle another top-tier Soul Guided Device to the Original Three Kingdoms. If that were to be used against them, who wouldn't be afraid?"
Xu Guozhong's expression changed, then his eyes brightened. "Could this be Imperial Brother's intention?"
Xu Tianran nodded slightly and hummed in affirmation.
The offense Xu Guozhong committed was too great, and Jing Hongchen's influence was soaring. Everyone had to make some concessions.
This Sun Moon Empire belonged to the Xu family, and also to countless Soul Engineers. The academy-faction Soul Engineers represented by Jing Hongchen, relying on their great achievements against Shrek, had suddenly surpassed other forces. Their banner was righteous and open, so it was impossible for Xu Guozhong to escape unscathed.
"In the court two days from now, you will sever one leg and enter the palace, apologize and offer compensation in front of all the civil and military officials, and act miserably. This prince will speak for you."
Xu Tianran, expressionless, calmly laid out his arrangements for Xu Guozhong.
"This matter has already affected the imperial family's prestige. No matter how dissatisfied you are, you must perform this act brilliantly. Other matters can be discussed later."
"Understood, this minister obeys Your Majesty's command." Xu Guozhong bowed his head dejectedly.
Xu Tianran's expression immediately brightened, and he waved his hand, saying, "Imperial Uncle, these titles are still a bit taboo. You must never say them in front of others from now on."
Xu Guozhong mumbled a reply, then added, "This minister heard that those Evil Soul Masters have shown signs of leaving the Sun Moon Empire recently. Even the Xi Shui Alliance, the leader of Mingdu's three major underground forces, has begun secretly withdrawing resources."
Xu Tianran clasped his hands on the table and nodded, saying, "Indeed. I also didn't expect these fellows to retreat so decisively. It seems their losses in the Star Luo City battle exceeded imagination."
"Moreover, they are now very worried that we will abandon them; otherwise, they wouldn't have retreated directly. It's truly a pity, as they are a very formidable force."
The Linked Soul Guided Array, which could temporarily counter the world's top powerhouses, had not yet been fully developed, and the Sun Moon Empire's military strength was far from its peak. The significance of a large number of Soul Master experts was immense.
The Holy Spirit Church's unannounced departure left Xu Tianran feeling quite regretful, but there was nothing he could do to salvage it, as he was not yet the emperor.
Xu Guozhong seized the opportunity to say, "This minister heard that they were besieged by three top forces in Star Luo City, and Jing Hongchen and his group were also there. If they had intervened, they might have wiped out the three major forces of the Original Three Kingdoms. These people are truly greedy for life and afraid of death."
Hearing this, Xu Tianran recalled a certain disobedient and annoying fellow. His knuckles tapped *"da-da"* on the table, and he raised an eyebrow, saying:
"Evil Soul Masters are reviled throughout the Original Three Kingdoms, and even here, they are not accepted. Our country is not yet ready to launch a war, so it's normal that they didn't dare to act."
"A young man who went against my orders once said that helping Evil Soul Masters would put the Sun Moon Empire at odds with all the hidden sects of the Original Three Kingdoms. Upon careful thought, I realized it's true. If we force all those fellows out, our nation's unification efforts will be difficult."
"Which ignorant brat dared to go against Your Majesty? This minister will absolutely not allow it!" Xu Guozhong, being old and cunning, seized the emphasis in Xu Tianran's words to express his loyalty.
"Heh heh, he's a genius, a genius with someone backing him. Such people always have arrogance, and I am also broad-minded."
Xu Tianran spoke with a faint smile, as if he didn't care at all about Xu Tianxi's public humiliation in Star Luo City. But Xu Guozhong clearly saw a piercing cold glint flash in the Crown Prince's eyes.
What "broad-minded"? It seems he's just forcing himself to endure it, but he's already extremely displeased. A genius who can displease you so much, could it be that Kong Tianxi? Xu Guozhong secretly chuckled to himself.
Learning that Xu Tianran had also been publicly rebuffed, Xu Guozhong, who was about to lose a leg, felt inexplicably much better.
He himself was about to lose a leg, but his good nephew had already lost both legs. He wondered if he was still agile when doing that thing.
"Speaking of him, when I was still in Star Luo City, I sent someone to deliver a letter inviting him to my Crown Prince's residence for a gathering. He returned yesterday, but has not yet called upon me. He only sent someone with a reply, refusing my invitation on the pretext of cultivating. I'm also a bit curious about what he's doing now."
As he spoke of Xu Tianxi, Xu Tianran's not-so-generous heart was quickly filled with dissatisfaction and anger. The warmth in his eyes completely receded in an instant, leaving only a chilling glint.
Giving him face, but he doesn't want it. Does he really think I, Xu Tianran, have a good temper? If I get the chance in the future, Kong Tianxi, you'll regret it!
Xu Guozhong felt Xu Tianran's sinister gaze sweep over him. His cold sweat instantly dried, his fingertips trembled slightly, and a chilling sensation ran through his body. This Crown Prince truly lives up to his reputation. He's a beast in human skin, ruthless and cruel. When he fought with the Second Prince, although his legs were crippled by the Second Prince, he in turn annihilated the Second Prince's entire family.
If someone with such a personality ascends to the throne and decides to target Kong Tianxi, Kong Tianxi will certainly not have an easy time, and even Jing Hongchen, who is behind him, might be affected.
That's good. There's still a chance for revenge. Jing Hongchen, Jing Hongchen, just you wait.
"Second Brother Sanshi, remember this: a dark and windy night like this is the perfect opportunity for you to express your true feelings. Many people let their guard down at night, making it a good time for you to make an effort."
In front of the Shrek captive ward, a special apartment area at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, Xu Tianxi patted Xu Sanshi's shoulder, looking like someone who had been through it all.
Xu Tianran was curious about what Xu Tianxi was doing. Xu Tianxi could proudly tell him that he was doing something important: poaching Shrek's talent.
Xiao Hongchen followed alongside, taking pictures, skillfully capturing the two with their arms around each other's shoulders, looking like a seasoned paparazzi.
This was at Xu Tianxi's instruction. After some editing, it could be turned into a news story about the Xuanming Sect's Young Sect Master candidate traveling a thousand miles to pursue his wife, willingly joining the Sun Moon Empire, and receiving strong support from Kong Tianxi. This news could then be released at an opportune moment.
The Xuanming Sect's arrival in the Sun Moon Empire needed a process. Although this reason might sound a bit far-fetched, in a place like the Douluo Continent, where love triumphs all, it perfectly aligned with the aesthetic preferences of the continental populace! It was enough to move heaven and earth!
Soon, the two strode into the apartment, which was decorated in a fresh yet grand style. The sound of the door opening loudly woke most of the Shrek Academy students who had been individually assigned to rooms.
Ling Luochen, Xiao Xiao, Ning Tian, He Caitou, and others gradually got up, their gazes passing through the transparent glass doors and windows towards the entrance, their eyes revealing surprise.
How could Xu Sanshi be here, and with that guy Kong Tianxi, no less?
Xu Tianxi smiled gently at the Shrek group and waved, signaling,
"Good evening, everyone. I've brought an old friend of yours to see you. I'm honored to cooperate with this candidate for Young Sect Master of the Xuanming Sect to escort one of you out of here."
Xu Sanshi forced a smile and greeted these students, with whom he wasn't very familiar but still shared a small sense of camaraderie.
Among this group of Shrek students, the only ones he was close to were Bei Bei and Jiang Nannan. As for the others, even if they hadn't just met, they were practically strangers.
Jiang Nannan leaned against the railing, her eyes red, and said incredulously, "Xu Sanshi, how are you here? You, how are your injuries?"
Xu Sanshi's lips moved as if he was about to explain something.
Xu Tianxi patted Xu Sanshi's shoulder and said with a smile, "Brother Sanshi is, of course, here for you. I'm happy to inform everyone that Brother Sanshi has just become an excellent student in our Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's Soul Guided Device Control Department. I've already applied to the Dean on his behalf to restore your personal freedom, Sister-in-law.
As long as you don't return to the Original Three Kingdoms or Shrek, you won't have any trouble in the Sun Moon Empire. We will arrange for your mother to be brought over as soon as possible so your family can be reunited.
As for his injuries, they haven't healed yet. However, since he's now one of us, I assure you, Sister-in-law, we will provide him with the best medical resources.
Your love is truly moving. I'll wish you both a happy and long life together right here, hehehehe—"
Xu Sanshi secretly gave a thumbs-up behind his back. Third Brother, you really came through at the critical moment. Nannan is practically in tears from being so touched.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nannan's expression froze, and then large tears streamed from her eyes, rolling down her cheeks like pearls falling onto a jade plate.
She sobbed uncontrollably, "You, why would you come here? I'm not worth it, I'm not worth it—"
For her sake, he, the Young Master of the Xuanming Sect, would go so far as to throw himself into this evil and terrifying Sun Moon Empire, and his injuries haven't even healed yet. This…
Xu Sanshi immediately rushed forward, grasping Jiang Nannan's hands tightly through the door and window, and said with deep affection, "Nannan, you're wrong. You are worth it, you are worth more than anything—"
The two cried in each other's arms. Xu Tianxi quietly shifted his gaze, clasped his hands behind his back, and spoke loudly to the Shrek students who were still confined:
"Let me tell you all, Shrek Academy has not yet re-established an effective dialogue mechanism with us to discuss your return. From the current situation, if you don't have powerful families or backgrounds, your return is a long way off."
"Therefore, I propose something to you all: become a member of our academy, just like Brother Sanshi. Our academy is willing to accept most of you.
I guarantee, in my personal name and on behalf of the imperial family, that you will be treated equally; we can even help transfer your families to reunite with you. Our academy offers much better living conditions for students than Shrek."
"As long as you lay down your arms and surrender with proper decorum, you will still retain your Titled Douluo status."
After speaking, Xu Tianxi waved to everyone and said, "Good night," then turned to leave.
To his surprise, a female voice quickly came from behind him.
"Um, I think my family is pretty rich. Can you contact them for me?"
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Translation by: randomtranslator.com
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