Zhongli, who was sitting not far away, was sipping tea when his hand holding the teacup trembled slightly.
He instinctively glanced at "Xue Qinghe," his eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.
Was it a coincidence?
Or perhaps...
The title "Geo Archon" had never been mentioned in the Douluo Continent.
Not even by Xianyun, Diluc, or Paimon. Everyone had always referred to him by his human name, Zhongli.
Yet, Xue Qinghe had uttered this title and even provided a "reasonable" explanation, leaving Zhongli utterly baffled.
Xianyun, being the one who knew Zhongli best among those present, glanced at "Xue Qinghe" and then at Zhongli, her eyes equally filled with confusion.
From Zhongli's expression, it was clear that he was both embarrassed and puzzled.
This indicated that Zhongli had no idea about this matter.
But how did this human know the true identity of the Geo Archon?
The reasons she gave were far-fetched, yet somewhat logical, making it seem like there was nothing wrong with her explanation.
However, precisely because of this, it felt too coincidental, leaving Xianyun deeply perplexed.
Could it be Paimon?
Suspecting Paimon was reasonable, as the little creature truly couldn't keep secrets. She would answer whatever anyone asked.
Lying wasn't her strong suit.
Well, as someone who once said, "This immortal is not the Cloud Retainer," Xianyun wasn't exactly a fan of lying either.
It wasn't her forte either.
"Huh?"
Paimon let out a surprised exclamation, her eyes wide as if she had no idea what was happening.
To be honest, she really didn't know what was going on.
"Geo Archon?"
Paimon looked at Zhongli, then at "Xue Qinghe."
"Zhongli, are you and Qinghe that close?"
"Did you tell her about this?"
Weren't you supposed to keep your identity hidden?
Besides, this isn't Liyue. Even if he mentioned the title "Geo Archon," no one here would understand its significance.
Her words were soft, only heard by those near Zhongli.
This also cleared Paimon of suspicion, as she genuinely had no clue what was happening.
"Xue Qinghe," not far away, couldn't help but glance in Zhongli's direction.
Seeing the bewildered expressions on Zhongli and the others, she couldn't help but smirk.
The name "Geo Archon" was something she had learned from her "previous life."
No matter how intelligent Zhongli was, he could never have guessed this.
She had thought that he was given the title "Geo Archon" after ascending to godhood, but it turned out he had always been one...
From the reactions of Xianyun and Diluc, it seemed Zhongli had always been the Geo Archon!
He had suddenly appeared in this world, just like Xianyun and Diluc, out of thin air. Would he also disappear just as suddenly?
Thinking of this, "Xue Qinghe" couldn't help but feel a bit melancholic.
Fortunately, she had already decided to prioritize the greater good of the world, putting personal feelings aside for now.
Hearing Paimon's words, Zhongli shook his head. Whether from a universal rational perspective or not, he would never go around broadcasting such things.
"Xue Qinghe" pulling this stunt had absolutely nothing to do with him.
The entire court, upon hearing this conferment, was stunned as they looked at "Xue Qinghe."
Although it seemed reasonable, wasn't this a bit too exaggerated?
Treating Zhongli as if he were an emperor?
They wanted to question it but didn't dare speak up. Offending the Martial God Douluo would be a death sentence.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
No one opposed; in fact, they had to praise "Xue Qinghe" for being wise!
Despite the potential harm to the empire, no one dared to stand up and say that "Xue Qinghe" was wrong.
Given Zhongli's personality, even if they did question him, he wouldn't hold it against them.
But the neatly lined-up Millelith soldiers nearby weren't so forgiving!
Anyone who thought Zhongli wasn't worthy of the title "Geo Archon" would first have to face Millelith!
These soldiers were ruthless, completely loyal to Zhongli. Anyone who dared to speak ill of him would be met with their collective wrath.
"Xue Qinghe" conferred a few more titles, and the first wave of changes was over.
As for when the second wave would begin, she was already prepared.
The second wave would involve stepping on many people's interests. It couldn't be done hastily, even though she was now the emperor.
"Uncle, I can understand the title of king. If I were in power, I would also try to win over the Martial God Douluo, even going so far as to make him my nominal imperial tutor."
Xue Beng and Xue Xing sat in a corner, a spot that didn't match their status, but they had chosen it anyway.
With "Xue Qinghe" ascending the throne, Xue Beng was no longer the fourth prince but the Prince of Xue Beng.
What puzzled Xue Beng wasn't the title of "Geo King" given to a non-royal, but the title of "Archon"!
It was as if "Xue Qinghe" was sharing the empire with Zhongli. Wasn't this throwing away their ancestors' legacy?
Xue Xing, after some thought, said, "This must have your father's support."
He knew Xue Ye too well and understood that Xue Ye would have given "Xue Qinghe" advice to help "him" stabilize the throne immediately.
But he never expected Xue Ye to use this move, conferring the title of "Archon" to Zhongli, granting him imperial authority.
Rebelling against "Xue Qinghe" would now mean rebelling against the Martial God Douluo!
This was something they had to consider carefully.
"How ruthless, completely crushing any lingering thoughts of rebellion."
Not just the kings, but even he, the empire's prince, wouldn't dare entertain any rebellious ideas now!
Hearing Xue Xing's words, Xue Beng's last bit of ambition vanished.
"Sigh..."
"Xue Beng, being a carefree prince isn't so bad."
Xue Xing patted Xue Beng's shoulder, comforting him.
"Xue Qinghe" had just ascended the throne and naturally wouldn't hand over any military power to Xue Beng.
In everyone's eyes, Xue Beng was a spoiled brat. Giving him military power would only cause discontent.
Thus, "Xue Qinghe" had every reason to let Xue Beng remain a carefree prince, and no one would accuse "him" of targeting Xue Beng. Instead, they would think "Xue Qinghe" was doing the right thing.
"What is destined to be yours will come to you; what isn't, don't force it."
"Letting go is easier said than done, but there's no other choice."
Xue Beng knew this all too well. It wasn't that he could easily let go, but that he had no other option.
The coronation ceremony lasted a long time, only ending as the sun set.
The representatives from the kingdoms and duchies, who had initially harbored some thoughts of causing trouble for "Xue Qinghe" while "he" was still new to the throne, were completely taken aback.
They never expected "Xue Qinghe" to make such a move!
Their plans were shattered before they could even form.
Rumors had painted "Xue Qinghe" as weak and easily bullied, but the reality was the complete opposite. "He" seemed even more formidable than Snow Night.
At the very least, Xue Ye would never have done something like this, even if it was indirectly related to him.
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