Chapter 18: Juzi and Xu Tianran
"Those houses may have been purchased with my own money, but I have not the slightest attachment to them. I spend over a hundred days each year living outside the Sun Moon Empire, but only to critically experience life in the narrow confines of the Douluo Three Nations. This way, I can truly appreciate the vast gap between them and the Sun Moon Empire!
"Rest assured, no matter where I reside, my nationality remains singular I am, and always will be, a proud citizen of the Sun Moon Empire!
"In fact, I can swear a solemn oath if the empire ever requires it, I am willing to sell all my properties to contribute to our holy war! If I break this vow, may my martial soul shatter and my soul power never advance again!
"Moreover, because I have complete faith in our great Sun Moon Empire, I am willing to make a precise prediction the moment His Majesty launches the holy war, our unstoppable tide of soul tool technology will utterly crush the Douluo Three Nations! Victory is ours!"
Chen Wei's voice was impassioned and forceful.
The Sun Moon citizens in the crowd were deeply moved.
They clapped enthusiastically.
"Well said! Brilliant words! As expected of Teacher Chen Wei, achieving what we could never hope to do!"
"I'm selling my family's heirloom soul tools right now! I must contribute to the holy war!"
Huo Yuhao looked at these fanatic looking people.
He silently sidestepped them and continued deeper into the street.
He had to admit Sun Moon Empire's propaganda was absurdly over the top.
Even an "expert" who owned fifty properties in the Douluo Three Nations could twist reality and make himself seem righteous.
Where did Sun Moon Empire even find these delusional geniuses?
Of course, based on his recent observations, Sun Moon's internal atmosphere was entirely pro war.
The message was clear:
"Launch the holy war, unify Douluo Continent!"
Voices advocating peace?
They had long disappeared without a trace.
However, despite the warlike rhetoric, Sun Moon wasn't ready to launch a full scale war just yet.
For example, creating a single Rank 9 Fixed Soul Guided Artillery Shell required not only a massive amount of rare metals but also demanded a Rank 9 Soul Engineer spend three to six months crafting it.
That was why Rank 9 shells were considered highly valuable strategic assets.
Even in the original timeline, the Beast King level Soul Engineer Regiment had only a few in their possession.
Huo Yuhao still remembered how, in the original story, he had won a Rank 9 shell in the Soul Engineer Tournament, collected his reward, and immediately bailed.
He never joined the Holy Spirit Cult as their Saint Son, leaving the cult's elders furious.
"Brother Tianmeng, have you spotted anything worth picking up?"
Huo Yuhao asked in his mental sea as he strolled.
Tianmeng Iceworm's lazy voice replied:
"Brother hasn't found anything yet.
"But keep walking if I spot something, I'll tell you immediately.
"Of course… if you don't have enough money, I can't help you there.
"After all, Brother can't just possess you and steal things.
"I can sense a few Titled Douluo nearby if I make a move, we're dead for sure.
"You know Brother sucks at fighting, I just live a long time."
Inside a Loft Overlooking the Market
A man in a wheelchair sat near the window, gazing down at the bustling market.
Behind him stood a young woman with jet black hair.
She was stunningly beautiful, with a lazily elegant air about her.
This relaxed demeanor, paired with her exquisite looks, was enough to captivate any man.
"Juzi."
The man in the wheelchair, Xu Tianran , spoke calmly.
"For years, my father has worked to reshape Sun Moon's national rhetoric.
"This man is one of my father's chosen agents.
"What do you think of him?"
Juzi's expression shifted slightly.
She knew Crown Prince Xu Tianran was testing her judgment.
After a moment of thought, she responded:
"His words may be biased, but they are effective in cultivating public support for the holy war.
"Sun Moon and the Douluo Three Nations will inevitably clash.
"His Majesty is playing a grand game of chess, preparing the people for war.
"Compared to the late emperor, His Majesty is truly a visionary ruler.
"A wise and capable sovereign."
Xu Tianran 's lips curled into a cold smile.
"You're right."
"As for the late emperor… that foolish uncle of mine only pursued peace, promoting the ridiculous idea that 'peace is the right path.'
"He even hindered military soul tool development.
"He offended too many factions, so in the end, his entire family was wiped out.
"That incompetent fool could never compare to my father."
He turned his gaze toward Juzi.
"What do you think… if I were emperor, would I do better than my father?"
Juzi's voice was soft yet firm.
"Your Highness will surpass His Majesty.
"You are destined to be a legendary emperor."
Xu Tianran 's expression softened.
He gently grasped Juzi's delicate hand, caressing it.
"You're right."
"I will conquer every nation on this continent.
"I will wipe away the shame of our defeat 4,000 years ago.
"Soon, this continent will no longer be called Douluo Continent it will be Sun Moon Continent.
"And I will be its eternal ruler."
Juzi's smile was radiant.
She leaned in slightly, her red lips curving elegantly.
"I believe in you, Your Highness.
"I will always stand behind you."
Xu Tianran felt her warm breath against his ear.
As he inhaled her fragrant scent, he felt his desires stir.
But then…
Reality struck.
He couldn't.
He was incapable.
If not for this damned condition, he would have long ago made Juzi his woman, ensuring she carried his royal bloodline.
To Xu Tianran , Juzi was the only person he fully trusted.
When he had been ambushed years ago, Juzi had risked her life to protect him.
Anyone could betray him.
Except Juzi.
His eyes darkened.
His greatest regret was having her so close… yet unable to claim her.
And this secret could never be exposed.
The fight for the throne was ruthless.
Though he held the upper hand, if word spread that he was incapable, his claim to the throne would be stripped away.
His allies would abandon him without hesitation.
Because an empire needed an heir.
No children?
That meant the emperor's rule was unstable and the loyalty of his subordinates would waver.
"By the way, Your Highness, I recently discovered a student at the Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
"He passed the Rank 1 Soul Engineer exam in just twenty days.
"I intend to recruit him."
Xu Tianran 's grip tightened.
Juzi felt the strength in his hand increase and swiftly changed the topic.
"Oh? Twenty days?"
Xu Tianran 's eyes lit up.
"Impressive. That breaks our empire's historical record.
"He's definitely a rare genius.
"Juzi, what's his name?"
"His name is Huo Yuhao.
"He's studying under Teacher Xuan, just like me.
"And… he's at the Treasure Appreciation Fair right now."
Juzi smiled, withdrawing her reddened hand.
She gestured toward the street.
"That's him Huo Yuhao."
Xu Tianran 's eyes sharpened.
He scanned the crowd and locked onto Huo Yuhao's figure.
"So that's Huo Yuhao?"
"He looks young…"
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