The Glory of the Sun and Moon in the Peerless Tang Sect

"If the war can be put to rest, it will undoubtedly create the best situation for our Douling Empire. Of the three great empires of the Douluo Continent, only our Douling Empire has not been affected by the war. After this, we should seize this opportunity to do our best to develop soul tools."

Everyone present nodded in agreement.

There are advantages to living in a remote corner.

The repeated setbacks suffered by the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Star Luo Empire against the Sun Moon Empire also confirm the status of soul tools in this era. If they continue to stubbornly insist on their own way and reject soul tools, they may truly be eliminated by this era.

……

Imperial Palace of the Sun and Moon Empire.

After several days of intensive purges, Xu Zihuang had firmly taken control of the Sun Moon Empire's imperial palace.

The night sky is dotted with stars, and the silver moon casts a hazy silver glow.

Xu Zihuang sat on a stone chair in the courtyard of the palace's back garden, while Ye Guyi leaned on his shoulder, her red lips slightly parted as she softly asked.

"Elder Xuan and the others have arrived?"

"Hmm." Xu Zihuang responded calmly. With his current level of mental strength, monitoring the situation in the entire Mingdu was a piece of cake.

Elder Xuan and the people originally from the three great empires of Douluo Continent arrived in Mingdu this afternoon and received the highest level of reception from the Sun Moon Empire.

However, Xu Zihuang himself never showed his face, maintaining an air of mystery. Even after eliminating Xu Tianran and taking control of Mingdu, he did not meet with anyone, tightly controlling the information.

He did this not only to reveal his identity to the people who originally belonged to Douluo Continent in this situation, but also to lure Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao out, kill them, and thus establish his authority in public.

More than two years have passed, and from his current perspective, Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao's injuries should be almost healed. The two have remained silent for so long, not even showing up when he publicly announced the extermination of the Holy Spirit Cult's evil soul masters; they are most likely planning to disrupt his coronation ceremony tomorrow.

As Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi were talking, Ju Zi, dressed in an elegant white dress, walked towards them, her beautiful eyes filled with warmth and sweetness.

"Xi Yan has already fallen asleep."

With a gentle smile, Xu Zihuang gestured for Ju Zi to sit down on his other side, and the three of them enjoyed this brief moment of tranquility.

Ju Zi is twenty-six years old this year, while Ye Guyi is twenty-five. Both women are significantly older than Xu Zihuang. However, the three of them sitting together don't feel out of place at all.

Ye Guyi couldn't help but roll her eyes at Xu Zihuang.

"Now you're not pretending at all, are you?"

Xu Zihuang did not respond, but simply smiled and took the two women's hands.

"Are you really not going to show up tomorrow?"

Orange pursed her lips and said softly, "Zihuang, if I intervene, you will definitely face criticism. You know I don't care about that. All I want now is to watch Xiyan grow up safely and happily with you."

"Who dares to object?" Xu Zihuang smiled calmly, but his words carried an indescribable air of dominance.

Ju Zi remained silent, and Ye Guyi, knowing what Ju Zi was thinking, spoke up at the right time: "It's good that she stays in the palace to keep Xi Yan company. You have more important things to do tomorrow, and I will be there to protect them."

Ju Zi smiled gratefully at Ye Guyi; some things were indeed more appropriate for Ye Guyi to say.

After hearing this, Xu Zihuang hesitated for a moment and then stopped insisting. He stayed by the two women's side until the first rays of dawn broke through the sky.

The countdown to the enthronement ceremony has begun.

Chapter 525 The Ceremony of Offering Sacrifices to Heaven and the Revelation of Identity Begins

The golden dawn shone with a soft glow, as if bathed in the blessings of heaven.

The capital city, which had been in turmoil for several days, was unusually quiet today. The once bustling streets were deserted, with almost all shops closed except for a few that sold daily necessities.

Today is the day that Xu Zihuang, the only son of the Prince Zihuang, ascends the throne.

Xu Zihuang, the current ruler of the Sun Moon Empire, will hold a grand ceremony today in the southern suburbs of Mingdu to worship Heaven and ascend the throne. This ceremony will honor Heaven and Earth, commemorate the ancestors of the Sun Moon Empire, and allow him to appear before the people of the Sun Moon Empire to win their hearts and minds.

The Xu family's rise to power was illegitimate, stemming from their collusion with evil spirit masters. Now, Xu Zihuang, claiming to be seeking redress for his father, the Zihuang King, and the former emperor of the Sun Moon Empire, undoubtedly holds the moral high ground. The vast majority of Mingdu's citizens are in high spirits; before dawn, people have already joined the continuous, dense crowds heading to the southern suburbs of Mingdu, ready to welcome this grand national event.

Of course, there were also a few more rational people who simply wanted to witness this historic moment and see if this young ruler could lead the Sun and Moon Empire to greater heights.

As for negative news such as conspiracy theories, none of them spread among the public.

Xu Zihuang's order to return the territory of the Heavenly Soul Empire did directly harm the interests of some people. However, the five major Soul Master Corps of the Guardian Hand and the entire Mingde Hall had declared their allegiance to Xu Zihuang, so even if these people harbored resentment, they simply didn't dare to make such a move.

They will be immediately punished if they dare to incite the public.

In conclusion, public opinion within the Ming capital was generally very favorable to Xu Zihuang.

Along all the main roads of Mingdu, soldiers clad in uniform silver armor stood on both sides, their intense, menacing aura permeating the entire city. Under the army's imposing presence, the people marched in orderly fashion towards the southern suburbs.

This grand ceremony for worshipping Heaven and ascending the throne was so large that the Sun and Moon Empire even mobilized an army of over 100,000 people for it.

In the southern suburbs, a colossal altar stands silently. The altar itself is an oddly shaped platform, with a circle on the left and a crescent-shaped neighbor on the right. Symbolizing the sun and moon, it is the emblem of the Sun and Moon Empire.

This altar has existed for thousands of years. Emperors of the Sun and Moon Empire throughout history would offer sacrifices to Heaven here to demonstrate their achievements.

Xu Tianran had recently spent considerable manpower, resources, and money to renovate the altar, intending to perform a sacrifice to Heaven there after unifying the continent and become the first emperor of the Sun Moon Empire. Unfortunately, he didn't have time to do these things before he was killed by Xu Zihuang in the Sun Moon Empire's palace.

The renovated circular altar covers an area of ​​over 10,000 square meters and reaches a height of 100 zhang (approximately 33 meters), making it much taller than the tallest building in Mingdu. It will undoubtedly become one of the iconic buildings of the Sun and Moon Empire in the future.

Above the first platform, there are six more platforms in succession. Each platform has the same shape, decreasing in size with each subsequent platform. The top platform is only one thousand square meters in size.

The seven platforms, from bottom to top, are colored red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple respectively. Purple is the most prestigious color and is also the color of the top platform. There are nine steps leading to the top; nine is the ultimate number, symbolizing nobility and auspiciousness.

In the four cardinal directions of the altar, the Royal Dragon Soul Master Corps, the Terror Claw Soul Master Corps, the Fire Phoenix Soul Master Corps, and the Demon Whale Soul Master Corps formed a Soul Guidance Device array, ready for battle. Meanwhile, the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Master Corps guarded the first level of the altar.

However, to guard against unforeseen circumstances, Kong Deming did not appear in person but remained hidden in the shadows. This was also to avoid causing unnecessary conflict, since it was Kong Deming who led the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Corps to destroy the Heavenly Soul Empire's royal family.

Of the total 100,000 troops mobilized, another 50,000 were stationed around the altar. The remaining troops were assigned to various units to maintain order at the scene.

By this time, the sky was fully bright, and sunlight shone on the magnificent Sun and Moon Altar, scattering a dazzling halo of seven colors. From a distance, it was extremely spectacular.

The high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire began to ascend the altar, taking their places on the second to sixth levels according to their status and rank.

Leading the way was none other than Jing Hongchen, the head of Mingde Hall. Today, Jing Hongchen was dressed in a magnificent black and gold robe, looking exceptionally dignified. Although this attire looked somewhat comical on his short and stout frame, his face was flushed, and his small eyes sparkled with intense excitement and pride.

Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, the siblings, followed him. The three of them arrived at the sixth level of the altar, which was also the closest to the top.

Four years have passed, and both Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, the siblings, have reached a level of soul power cultivation close to that of a Soul Douluo, and have matured considerably. Xiao Hongchen, in particular, has completely lost his former arrogance. His long silver hair is neatly combed and draped behind him, and his deep blue and emerald green eyes gleam with a profound and calm light.

Even though he cared deeply about Xu Zihuang, the only son of the Prince of Zihuang, his expression revealed no emotional fluctuations.

Compared to her elder brother Xiao Hongchen, Meng Hongchen still retained some of the personality she had as a young girl, her beautiful ice-blue eyes filled with curiosity. Especially when she recalled the enigmatic words and looks her grandfather had given her during their late-night conversation.

Sunlight streamed down onto Meng Hongchen's long, wine-red hair, shimmering with a soft glow. Now twenty-three, her figure was even more voluptuous than Ma Xiaotao's at that age. Her hands were clasped behind her back, her fingertips twirling strands of hair.

Along with Jing Hongchen and his grandson, nearly twenty level-nine Soul Masters from the Sun Moon Empire ascended to the sixth level of the altar. Among them were Zheng Zhan, the Unbreakable Douluo who had once presided over the All-Continent Youth Soul Master Elite Tournament, and Ye Yulin, the Starry Sky Douluo who was originally stationed in the Mingdou Mountains, were also summoned back.

These two individuals are nearly equal in strength and background to Jing Hongchen, but Jing Hongchen is trusted by the new ruler of the Sun Moon Empire.

Unbreakable Douluo Zheng Zhan and Starry Sky Douluo Ye Yulin exchanged a glance, then looked together at the smug Jing Hongchen before them. Jing Hongchen already controlled the Mingde Hall, and now he had received this honor. It seemed that they would forever be overshadowed by Jing Hongchen.

Where there are people, there are conflicts. However, the competition between Zheng Zhan, Ye Yulin, and Jing Hongchen is the kind that is fair and square; they don't scheme against each other, and they certainly wouldn't do anything to harm the interests of the Sun Moon Empire.

As time passed, the people of the Sun and Moon Empire had completely surrounded the Sun and Moon Altar. Mingdu, home to over twenty million people, was the true core of the Sun and Moon Empire. At least ten million people had come to witness the ceremony today.

Jing Hongchen looked up at the sky, then stepped forward and said with a smile, "Welcome to all the distinguished guests from the three great empires of Tianhun, Douling, and Xingluo, as well as Shrek Academy, to attend this ceremony. On behalf of His Majesty, I would like to express my sincerest respect to you all."

The sound of Jing Hongchen merging with soul power resounded throughout the entire venue.

From the direction of Mingdu, a procession entirely made of gold and silver slowly approached the Sun and Moon Altar. An army cleared the way for them. The carriages they rode in were the highest-level ceremonial vehicles used by the Sun and Moon Empire to welcome foreign dignitaries.

The eyes of tens of millions of people in Mingdu were drawn to this scene, and the entire place fell silent instantly.

"Woo, woo, woo—" A long horn sounded like the low growl of a giant beast, and the chariot passed through the dense crowd and arrived at an open area directly in front of the Sun and Moon Altar.

This is an exclusive viewing area set up by the Sun Moon Empire for foreign guests originally from the Douluo Continent, and it's also closer to the Sun Moon Altar. Within this area, four distinct zones are clearly defined, each furnished with luxurious sofas and tables, and also equipped with sunshades.

The people who originally belonged to Douluo Continent stepped down from the carriage and took their seats one after another.

Representing the Heavenly Soul Empire at this ceremony were Empress Vina and the Body Sect powerhouses led by Poison Undying.

When extending the invitation, the Sun Moon Empire demonstrated sufficient sincerity and magnanimity, not limiting the number of attendees from the various factions originally belonging to the Douluo Continent. However, those originally from the Douluo Continent maintained a tacit understanding, with each side keeping their number between five and six people.

For example, the Heavenly Soul Empire's Body Sect only sent five Super Douluo, including Poison Undying.

On Shrek Academy's side, the attendees were Elder Xuan, Elder Song, Yan Shaozhe, Xian Lin'er, and Zhang Lexuan. Among these five, only Zhang Lexuan's soul power cultivation was below the Super Douluo realm.

On the Star Luo Empire's side, Xu Jiujiu was led by five Title Douluos who were protecting her. These were the royal guards led by Elder Yang, the chief retainer of the Star Luo Empire's royal family.

Old Yang was a tall, imposing man, at least two meters tall, but he looked much older than Old Xuan and Poison Undying. His dark golden eyes opened and closed with a menacing air. He gave off the impression of a ferocious, humanoid beast.

He is also the strongest in the Star Luo Empire, a level 98 Super Douluo. Among the other four royal retainers of the Star Luo Empire, there are two familiar faces: Shattered Star Douluo and Heavenly Fiend Douluo Huang Jinxu.

As for the Douling Empire's lineup, it was much weaker. They only had Tianyang Douluo and Xu Sanshi's great-uncle among the Super Douluo, while the remaining three were just ordinary Title Douluo.

It's no wonder Xue Lingxun was determined to persuade Xu Sanshi's father. Such a lineup was simply too shabby.

Xu Sanshi and Xue Lingxun sat down in the rest area belonging to the Douling Empire, and smiled and nodded to the other three parties.

Old Master Xuan glared at Xu Sanshi and laughed as he scolded him.

"You're doing a pretty good job as the crown prince."

"Elder Xuan, if I had a choice, I wouldn't want to be this so-called crown prince."

Xu Sanshi sighed helplessly.

Du Bu Si stared nonchalantly at Jing Hong Chen, who was on the sixth level of the altar, and snorted disdainfully.

"Today I'm going to see what the Sun Moon Empire is really up to. If they're really willing to stop the war, then so be it. But if they're still up to no good, then don't blame me for going crazy here."

"Poisonous Old Monster, don't act impulsively," Elder Xuan advised, his expression slightly changing.

"This is, after all, the territory of the Sun and Moon Empire."

"Xuanzi, what are you afraid of?" Du Busi raised an eyebrow.

"With so many of us joining forces, are we afraid of that damned Soul Master Corps of the Sun Moon Empire?!"

Xu Jiujiu sat back on the sofa with a smile, arms crossed, listening intently to the conversation between Elder Xuan and Poison Undying.

If possible, taking this opportunity to launch an attack on the Sun Moon Empire wouldn't be a bad idea. After all, Shrek Academy and the Body Sect would definitely be the first to be targeted, while the Star Luo Empire might be able to reap the benefits.

Everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts, and they conveniently overlooked Vina, who remained silent from beginning to end.

Vina, dressed in a magnificent crown, sat dignifiedly, gazing intently at the top of the Sun and Moon Altar.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

Just then, Jing Hongchen suddenly led a group of ninth-level soul masters from the Sun Moon Empire to kneel down on one knee and pay their respects towards the seventh level of the Sun Moon Sacrifice Platform, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" three times.

"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

As if echoing the actions of Jing Hongchen and the others, the high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire on the other levels of the Sun Moon Sacrifice Platform also knelt down in unison. Then, the 100,000 soldiers raised their weapons in perfect unison and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"