This novel has been finished on Patreon! Over 1000 Chapters 👀available! Thank you to all my Patrons for the support over this and the other novels <3
I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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The true master of the Tian Dou Empire, Xue Ye —the emperor who, despite lacking Title Douluo-level strength, was revered by all the nobles of Tian Dou—now walked in slowly, supported by Xue Ke. His face bore a warm smile, making everyone present feel as though they were basking in a gentle spring breeze.
"Your Majesty."
Only when everyone realized that Xue Ye had approached did they hurriedly come to their senses and bow respectfully.
Xue Ye waved his hand dismissively. "My dear subjects, there's no need for such formalities. We're outside the palace now, so let's set aside these trivial courtesies. Besides, I'm not the host of today's gathering—don't get it confused."
The nobles quickly complied. Only Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen from the top three sects refrained from making a grand show of respect, opting instead for a simple nod and greeting.
Emperor Xue Ye was long accustomed to the lack of reverence from these two top sects, but deep down, he harbored a dark thought: 'This is my Tian Dou Empire—it shouldn't be this way.'
With a subtle glance at Xue Ke beside him, the idea of forging an alliance with Ye Wen through marriage grew stronger in Xue Ye's mind.
Setting aside the still-growing Ye Wen and his companions for now, even just Dugu Bo and Huo Rui—who could go toe-to-toe with Dugu Bo—were enviable assets. How wonderful it would be if he could directly align himself with these two powerhouses, rather than resorting to underhanded tactics like arranged marriages.
Though Xue Ye didn't rank among the T1 powerhouses, his presence commanded respect akin to that of a Title Douluo. Naturally, he approached Ye Wen with praise:
"So, you must be disciple of Elder Dugu. Indeed, you are a man of remarkable talent. The future of Tian Dou rests on your shoulders."
Ye Wen was momentarily bewildered. He had been patiently waiting for the formal start of the apprentice ceremony, so why had Emperor Xue Ye approached him personally?
And what was this talk about Tian Dou's future resting on his shoulders? This was clearly an attempt to flatter him into failure!
Ye Wen forced a strained smile, which Emperor Xue Ye interpreted as nervousness.
"Your Majesty honors me too greatly. This junior will do his best," Ye Wen replied formally.
He then quickly scanned the venue and, upon noticing Qian Renxue's absence, secretly sighed in relief. Thank goodness she hadn't heard that—otherwise, he'd likely end up on the Spirit Hall's Soul Hunt list.
But soon, Ye Wen grew curious. Wasn't this the stage where Qian Renxue should be vying for power and building her reputation? Why wasn't she here at such an important occasion? Curious, he asked:
"Your Majesty, where is Prince Xue Qinghe today?"
Though slightly displeased, Emperor Xue Ye knew the ties between Ye Wen and Xue Qinghe couldn't be severed. He feigned nonchalance and said:
"Ho ho, I've been feeling unwell lately, so I've entrusted state affairs to Qinghe. It seems I've disrupted the chance for you young people to bond. My apologies, Ye Wen."
"Not at all, Your Highness. As the Crown Prince of Tian Dou, Prince Xue Qinghe should naturally focus on such matters. There's no need to discuss our relationship here. Your Majesty exaggerates," Ye Wen replied politely.
Emperor Xue Ye suddenly realized how distant their exchange felt, which wouldn't help achieve his ultimate goal. He subtly nudged Xue Ke forward.
"Ye Wen, allow me to introduce you to my youngest daughter, Xue Ke. At my age, I won't waste any more of your time. You young people should get to know each other better."
With a hearty yet suggestive laugh, Emperor Xue Ye excused himself and went to mingle with Ning Fengzhi and the others.
Emperor Xue Ye had five children in total, with Xue Beng being the youngest.
Yes, in the original storyline, Xue Ke—the seemingly young girl who became Tang San's fangirl at Moon Pavilion—is actually older than Xue Beng in Xue Ye's line of succession. She is his fourth child, three years older than Tang San and also three years older than Ye Wen.
However, due to the unique nature of the soul master system, Ye Wen, having absorbed a thousand-year spirit ring, didn't look much younger than Xue Ke in terms of height or appearance. In fact, the two appeared to be around the same age.
Perhaps because this was her first time approaching a man with a clear purpose rather than being surrounded by flatterers, Xue Ke seemed somewhat timid.
But this suited Ye Wen just fine. He smiled calmly and said:
"Hello, Princess Xue Ke. I am Ye Wen, and I'll be residing in Tian Dou Imperial City from now on. Please take care of me."
"Hello, I'm Xue Ke."
Perhaps Ye Wen's composed demeanor influenced Xue Ke, reminding her of what she had learned at Moon Pavilion. She responded elegantly.
After exchanging greetings, Ye Wen couldn't simply leave—that would offend Emperor Xue Ye. Reluctantly, he tried to think of some topics to keep the conversation going.
Seeing the princess step forward, the other noble ladies tactfully realized they had no chance and gradually moved away, giving this golden couple some space.
Though Ye Wen noticed this, he didn't say anything. Being alone with Princess Xue Ke was far better than being surrounded by a group of girls.
However, as Ye Wen spoke, he gradually noticed something odd. Despite discussing mundane and even somewhat boring topics, Princess Xue Ke listened with rapt attention.
Perplexed, Ye Wen paused mid-sentence and gave Princess Xue Ke a strange look.
Interrupted while engrossed in the story, Princess Xue Ke's brows furrowed, showing her displeasure. She glared at Ye Wen and demanded:
"Why did you stop?"
Ye Wen scratched his cheek and asked, "Princess Xue Ke, are you really interested in stories about commoners? I thought this topic was rather dull—I didn't expect you to find it interesting."
Xue Ke then remembered this was their first meeting. A noblewoman's reserve made her cheeks flush slightly, but she was also surprised to realize that her initial nervousness had vanished while listening to the stories. She found herself looking at Ye Wen more favorably—he was handsome, and his stories were quite engaging, not unpleasant at all.
However, as a princess, Xue Ke couldn't respond too casually. She lightly cleared her throat, straightened her posture, and said:
"Mr. Ye Wen, though these may be ordinary matters to you, they are novel experiences for someone like me, who has always lived in Tian Dou Imperial City. I became so absorbed without realizing it. Please forgive my rudeness."
From afar, Xue Ye, who had been discreetly observing, felt an urge to cover his face. 'I should have taught my precious daughter more about charming men! Look at what she's saying now—how is she supposed to win over Ye Wen?'
Still, after a moment of contemplation, Xue Ye brightened slightly. Their interaction wasn't strained anymore—this could be considered a good start.
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