Fang Xuan stood in the empty palace, still processing the recent events, when a sudden commotion broke the silence. The walls of the Main Palace shifted, revealing a hidden chamber. A group of over a dozen Red-robed spirit masters emerged, surrounding him.
Fang Xuan's gaze narrowed.
'Red robes? Spirit Hall?'
His eyes scanned the group. Thirteen powerful spirit masters stood before him, led by a white-haired elder radiating the immense pressure of a Titled Douluo.
The rest, twelve Spirit Douluo, formed one of the strongest teams Fang Xuan had ever encountered. His heart tightened with caution. After exhausting himself in the battle against Qian Renxue, he hadn't anticipated any hidden threats.
Before Fang Xuan could react, the Red-robed spirit masters knelt simultaneously.
"The Heaven Dou Imperial Judgement Guard pays our respects to His Majesty!" they declared in unison.
Fang Xuan's eyes widened. Judgement Guard? He was stunned by their words, unable to comprehend the situation. His Majesty? His eyes drifted to the lifeless form of the Emperor on the bed.
"I'm sorry," he said, trying to suppress his confusion, "but you've bowed to the wrong person. Your Majesty is over there."
The Red-robed elder lifted his gaze, filled with solemn determination.
"Your Majesty, we have not made a mistake. This is the late Emperor's order."
Fang Xuan was taken aback.
"The late Emperor's order? What order?"
"The late Emperor Xue Ye commanded us to recognize you as the new Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire upon his passing," the elder explained.
Fang Xuan's disbelief deepened. He shook his head, chuckling bitterly.
"You've got it wrong. There's no way the Emperor Xue Ye would pass the throne to me. I'm an illegitimate son, and we were never on good terms. Why would he choose me?"
Fang Xuan's mind raced. Xue Ye must have known about Qian Renxue's true identity. The throne should logically go to someone else... perhaps Xue Beng, the favored prince.
His eyes narrowed again, focusing on the Judgement Guard.
"This is the first time I've heard of the Judgement Guard. Why have I never seen you if you serve the Empire?"
The Red-robed elder remained calm, unphased by Fang Xuan's suspicion.
"The Judgement Guard is the highest echelon of special forces in the Heaven Dou Empire, personally led by the Emperor. Our primary duty is to protect the Emperor and act in secrecy. Even many nobles, Dukes, and military leaders don't know our existence. We serve in the shadows, appearing only when necessary," he explained with unwavering conviction.
Fang Xuan remained silent, his mind working through the implications. He had always believed himself to be a mere pawn, destined to live in the shadows of the Empire. Yet here he was, facing a revelation that could change the course of his life—and the future of the Heaven Dou Empire.
But could he trust these spirit masters? And more importantly, could he accept the throne, even if it was offered?
"Alright, even if what you say is true and the Judgement Guard is the highest-ranking force in the Heaven Dou Empire, why have you been hiding in the secret chamber all this time? You're supposed to be the Emperor's guards. Why weren't you here to protect him?" Fang Xuan asked.
"Because the Emperor has been tormented by his illness for a long time and knows that he is nearing the end of his life. Three months ago, he wanted to write an edict to pass down the throne and sent us to protect and welcome the new Emperor."
At this point, the Red-robed elder took out a Golden Edict and slowly handed it to Fang Xuan.
After hesitating momentarily, Fang Xuan reached out and took the imperial edict. His gaze swept over it, and his expression gradually became complicated. The contents of the proclamation were straightforward. Only five large words were written on it:
Pass the throne to Fang Xuan!
At the bottom right corner was the Dragon Seal of the Empire. It couldn't be fake!
"He—he passed the throne to me. Why?" Fang Xuan gripped the edict tightly, confusion evident on his face.
"This is what the Emperor said himself. It's his compensation to you!" the Red-robed elder explained.
"The Emperor knew you would return to the Heaven Dou Empire and seek him out. But now, the Heaven Dou Empire is under the control of Spirit Hall. Meeting the Emperor again will be difficult. First, you must defeat the enemies in the palace. You will have passed his test if you overcome the Spirit Hall's forces and meet the Emperor. The throne will be yours!"
"Compensation..."
Fang Xuan was dazed. After pondering for a moment, he waved his hand and tossed the edict back to the elder.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in the throne of the Heaven Dou Empire. Whoever wants it can have it!"
With that, he turned on his heel and strode toward the palace entrance, his expression cold and indifferent. It was clear that the throne didn't concern him.
Seeing this, the Judgement Guards became frantic, their eyes wide with shock. They hurried after Fang Xuan, desperately trying to persuade him.
"Your Majesty, won't you reconsider? That's the throne of the Heaven Dou Empire!"
The Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire was among the most powerful people on the Douluo Continent. Fang Xuan was walking away from the throne as if it meant nothing. The scene was shocking.
"Stop calling me 'Your Majesty.' I'm not your Emperor," Fang Xuan replied impatiently, quickening his pace and ignoring the Judgement Guards around him.
"Your Majesty, won't you reconsider? The benefits of being Emperor are endless. You'll have the worship of hundreds of millions and supreme authority!" the Red-robed elder continued.
"No," Fang Xuan's voice was as cold as ice.
"There are countless beauties in the Empire for you to choose from!"
"Not interested."
"All the territory of the Empire will be yours!"
"Haha."
"You'll command an army of a hundred thousand!"
"Boring."
The Red-robed elder listed countless benefits of being Emperor—power, beauty, territory, an army—but none interested Fang Xuan. This left the elder feeling deflated.
"No, no, no, I'm not interested!" Fang Xuan couldn't stand their constant chatter. He suddenly stopped and said with a serious expression, "I'm not going to be Emperor!"
Hearing his firm reply, the Judgement Guards looked dejected, losing hope.
"Your Majesty, if you become Emperor, all the gold spirit coins in the world could be yours!" someone muttered softly.
"Bastard! How dare you insult His Majesty's character! His Majesty is a peerless expert, intelligent and brave, who doesn't lust after women or care about money!" the red-robed elder scolded furiously.
But at that moment, Fang Xuan's expressionless face showed a flicker of emotion for the first time.
All the gold spirit coins in the world... will be mine?!
Fang Xuan's eyes gradually lit up. He stared intently at the red-robed elder and said seriously,
"I'll be the Emperor!"