Chapter 203 The Grand Finale

The third quarter of the Hour of the Dragon—the auspicious time has arrived!

In the central plaza of Spirit City, beneath the Nine Dragon High Platform, tens of thousands of people stood in solemn silence, their cheers shaking the heavens. Black and gold banners fluttered in the wind, flanked by fifteen-colored phoenix flags. These combined with the emerald carpet of Blue Silver Grass, the seven-colored glazed light, and the holy angelic radiance to create a brilliant spectacle. The entire plaza was enveloped in an atmosphere of solemn majesty and jubilant celebration. Representatives of every race and power on the Douluo Continent stood with bowed heads, their eyes burning with anticipation as they looked toward the summit of the high platform, waiting for that historic moment.

The ceremonial music suddenly began to play, clear and powerful, echoing endlessly. Nine bell chimes resounded through heaven and earth, each one shaking the soul, announcing that the coronation ceremony of the Reverse Lord Emperor had officially begun!

Su Chen was dressed in a black and gold dragon robe, his ink-jade hair crown adorned with a Dragon Soul Pearl. The nine-clawed black dragon pattern shimmered with dark gold light under the morning sun. His God-Defying Power was restrained yet exerted pressure in all directions, his posture as upright as a pine tree reaching for the sky. He held the hands of fifteen beauties dressed in phoenix coronets and embroidered robes as they slowly ascended the white jade steps of the Nine Dragon High Platform. With every step he took, it felt as if he were treading on the pulse of heaven and earth. The Blue Silver Grass beside the steps trembled slightly, holy light overflowed, and seven-colored flowing light followed them, plating the figures of the sixteen people in an eternal halo.

The fifteen beauties each displayed their unique elegance, their phoenix coronets and embroidered robes making them look like celestial maidens from the nine heavens descending to the mortal realm. Xiao Wu wore a charming pink dress, her white jade rabbit-patterned phoenix coronet adorned with tassels, her eyes full of joy as her rabbit ears twitched slightly. Zhu Zhuqing was cold and elegant in an ink-colored dress, her ink-jade Spirit cat phoenix coronet exuding nobility, her cool eyes filled with tenderness. Ning Rongrong was spirited in a seven-colored dress, her Glazed Pagoda phoenix coronet shimmering with light, her charming smile full of attachment. Qian Renxue was holy in a gold dress, her holy light crystal phoenix coronet shining between heaven and earth, her eyes filled with relief and deep affection. Ah Yin was gentle in a jade-green dress, her Blue Silver Grass-patterned phoenix coronet wound with pearls, her Life Power merging with heaven and earth. Karin was shy in a red dress, her coral phoenix coronet adorned with pink pearls, her cheeks flushing as she looked down with a shallow smile. Hinata was gentle in a plain dress, her white jade phoenix coronet embedded with crystals, her gaze always following Su Chen as she stood quietly. Kushina was bright in a fiery red dress, her red gold agate phoenix coronet bold, her flower-like smile full of worldly warmth. Zi Yan was cute in a purple dress, her purple jade Dragon Phoenix phoenix coronet small and exquisite, her eyes serious even as her fingers lightly toyed with a candy. Hanabi was energetic in a light yellow dress, her beeswax sword-patterned phoenix coronet sharp, her eyes bright as stars and full of the desire to protect. Medusa was enchanting in a crimson dress, her red gold ruby phoenix coronet full of Charm, her eyes like silk as her snake tail hung down slightly, showing tenderness only to Su Chen. Xiao Xun Er was serene in a plain dress, her Hetian jade pearl phoenix coronet simple, her gentle eyes handling everything perfectly. Medical Immortal was elegant in a plain dress, her suet jade medicinal herb phoenix coronet gentle, her fingers lightly tapping her medicine pouch, her heart always concerned for Su Chen's well-being. Yun Yun was ethereal in a pale cyan dress, her green jade sword-patterned phoenix coronet elegant, her posture as upright as a sword, showing her status as an equal companion. Qing Lin was obedient in a light green dress, her emerald Spirit Snakes phoenix coronet lively, her small hand lightly leading a Spirit snake, her eyes full of obedience and determination.

The sixteen people stood side by side in the center of the high platform. The Nine Dragon Throne stood majestically to the side, yet not one of them ascended it first. Su Chen released their hands and turned to face the fifteen beauties, his gaze slowly sweeping over every face. The majesty in his eyes completely transformed into an inseparable tenderness. This gaze reflected their days and nights spent together, their following him through life and death, and their journey together from the chaotic world to the summit of the world.

The master of ceremonies held a jade scroll and stood on the eastern side of the high platform, his clear voice resounding through heaven and earth: "Let heaven and earth bear witness, and the four seas pay homage! Today, Su Chen, who defied the heavens, crushed powerful enemies, pacified the continent, sealed the God Realm, protected the people, maintained the coexistence of races, and created an era of peace! Today, in accordance with the will of heaven and earth and the wishes of the people, he ascends the throne as the Lord of the Douluo Continent, titled—the Reverse Lord Emperor!"

As the words fell, the ceremonial music grew louder. Beneath the high platform, tens of thousands of people knelt and shouted, "Long live the Reverse Lord Emperor! Long live! Long live!" The cheers shook the heavens, echoing around Spirit City and the Douluo Continent, lingering for a long time.

The master of ceremonies held up another jade scroll and announced loudly: "The investiture of the Empresses! Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Qian Renxue, Ah Yin, Karin, Hinata, Kushina, Zi Yan, Hanabi, Medusa, Xiao Xun Er, Medical Immortal, Yun Yun, and Qing Lin—these fifteen beauties have given their hearts in companionship, followed through life and death, assisted the Emperor in stabilizing the world, and protected the peace of the continent! Today, they are invested as the God-Defying Empresses, to share in his honor and glory, to accompany the Lord eternally, and to receive the worship of the people!"

Fifteen crisp yet firm responses intertwined and resounded across the platform: "We obey the decree!"

This single voice was a promise, a commitment to stay together, and a sentiment that would never change in this lifetime.

The master of ceremonies held the imperial crown and the fifteen phoenix coronets, stepping forward slowly. Su Chen raised his hand and first took his own ink-jade imperial crown. His fingertips brushed over the dragon pattern, but he did not put it on immediately. Instead, he turned and picked up the first phoenix coronet—the white jade rabbit-patterned one belonging to Xiao Wu. He gently raised his hand to place it on Xiao Wu, his fingertips tenderly brushing her temples. His voice was low and doting, audible only to the two of them: "My Xiao Wu, for the rest of our years, you shall always be by my side." Xiao Wu's eyes reddened as she stood on her tiptoes and lightly kissed his cheek: "Brother Su Chen, for a whole lifetime, we shall never be apart."

Next was Zhu Zhuqing's ink-jade Spirit cat phoenix coronet. Su Chen placed it on her, his fingers grasping her slightly cool hand as he said softly: "My Shadow Knight, may the rest of your life be free of worries; I only wish for your peace." Zhu Zhuqing leaned against his shoulder and replied softly: "In this life, I shall only follow you."

For Ning Rongrong's Glazed Pagoda phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and pinched her tender cheek, smiling: "My little princess, you will always be pampered and always be carefree." Ning Rongrong hopped up and hugged his neck, saying coquettishly: "Brother Su Chen, my power is forever yours!"

For Qian Renxue's holy light crystal phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her, his palm brushing the top of her head as he said warmly: "To let go of the God Position and encounter this life is my great fortune." Qian Renxue closed her eyes, feeling his warmth, and said softly: "Meeting you is the greatest luck of this life."

For Ah Yin's Blue Silver Grass-patterned phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her, his fingertips touching hers as Life Power and God-Defying Power merged. He said softly: "Blue Silver Binding the heart, together in life and death." Ah Yin's eyes were full of smiles as Blue Silver Grass lightly entwined their wrists: "Together forever."

For Karin's coral phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and lightly pinched her reddened cheek, saying warmly: "No need to be timid; you have me in this life." Karin lowered her head and smiled, the tips of her ears turning red, but she nodded firmly: "Mhm, as long as Brother Su Chen is here."

For Hinata's white jade crystal phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and held her hand, saying softly: "I know of all your protection; for the rest of our lives, it is my turn to protect you." Tears welled up in Hinata's eyes, but she smiled happily: "Su Chen-kun, I am willing to protect you forever."

For Kushina's red gold agate phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and rubbed the top of her head, smiling: "In the years to come, there will always be the warmth of a home." Kushina laughed heartily and took his arm: "Don't worry, I'll cook your favorite dishes every day!"

For Zi Yan's purple jade Dragon Phoenix phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and handed her a Spirit fruit candy, dotingly saying: "Little glutton, you'll have endless candy for the rest of your life." Zi Yan took the candy, popped it into her mouth, and smiled until her eyes curved: "Thank you, Brother Su Chen!"

For Hanabi's beeswax sword-patterned phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and patted her shoulder, praising: "Our Hanabi is already a protector who can stand on her own." Hanabi clenched her fist and said: "I will always protect Brother Su Chen and all the sisters!"

For Medusa's red gold ruby phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and pulled her by the waist, saying softly: "My Queen, for the rest of your life, just be my tender beauty." Medusa leaned into his embrace, her eyes like silk: "In this life, I am only enchanting for you."

For Xiao Xun Er's Hetian jade pearl phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her, his fingertips brushing her eyes as he said warmly: "With you here, peace of mind is where I belong." Xiao Xun Er gave a shallow smile, her eyes gentle: "I am willing to warm your bed and accompany you year after year."

For Medical Immortal's suet jade medicinal herb phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and held her hand, saying softly: "From now on, it's my turn to protect you; don't overwork yourself anymore." Medical Immortal's eyes were gentle as she said softly: "Your health and peace are my greatest wishes."

For Yun Yun's green jade sword-patterned phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and shared a smile of perfect understanding: "For the rest of our lives, one sword and one heart, walking side by side." Yun Yun nodded, her eyes full of determination: "Following with one sword, unswerving until death."

Finally, for Qing Lin's emerald Spirit Snakes phoenix coronet, Su Chen placed it on her and rubbed the top of her head, saying warmly: "Our little Qing Lin is already the most powerful snake controller; the rest of your life will be stable and worry-free." Qing Lin said in a small voice: "I will guard the palace well, and guard Brother Su Chen and all the sisters."

The fifteen phoenix coronets were placed one by one. The fifteen Empresses possessed peerless beauty and burning affection. Only then did Su Chen turn and allow the master of ceremonies to place the ink-jade imperial crown on him. The moment the crown touched his head, his God-Defying Power suddenly released slightly. A black and gold halo spread from the high platform across the entire Douluo Continent. Wherever it went, all things flourished with life, the people felt at peace, Spirit Beasts bowed their heads, and it was as if heaven and earth were responding to the birth of this supreme being.

Su Chen raised his hand in a gesture to the people. His low and gentle voice, carried by his God-Defying Power, reached every corner of the Douluo Continent: "You may all rise."

The people rose but remained standing with bowed heads, their eyes filled with respect and love.

Su Chen walked to the Nine Dragon Throne but did not sit down alone. Instead, he turned and took the hands of the fifteen Empresses, leading them to the throne. The throne was wide, and the sixteen of them stood side by side, without distinction of rank, only mutual support. He looked at the people below the platform, at this continent he had protected with his blood, and his voice was low and solemn. Every word was etched into heaven and earth: "I, Su Chen, today ascend the throne as the Reverse Lord Emperor and establish these fifteen beauties as my Empresses, unchanging in this life. I hereby swear that I shall protect the peace of the Douluo Continent for ten thousand years, maintain the coexistence of races, and create an era of peace; I shall protect my Empresses, ensuring they are free of worries and by my side for eternity; I shall protect the people, so they may live and work in peace, far from the fires of war. My world is not the world of one person, but the world of the people, and the world jointly protected by me and my fifteen Empresses!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live! Long live the Empresses! Long live! Long live!"

The people knelt once more, their cheers shaking heaven and earth. This time, the cheers were more passionate and firm than ever before. This was the people's recognition of their new lord, their hope for an era of peace, and their blessing for this perfect love.

Holy light, seven-colored flowing light, Life Power, and God-Defying Power intertwined in brilliance atop the platform. The fifteen Empresses leaned close to Su Chen, some smiling and some weeping, but all full of happiness. They had come from a chaotic world, experienced life and death, and walked together through it all. Now, they finally stood at the summit of the world, together with their beloved, receiving the worship of the people and protecting their shared continent.

The coronation ceremony proceeded in an orderly fashion amidst the ceremonial music and the cheers of the people. Praying for blessings, sacrificing to heaven, receiving gifts—Su Chen participated in every segment together with the fifteen Empresses. From beginning to end, his world always included them.

The ceremony concluded as the sun set in the west, and the evening glow dyed the horizon, painting the Nine Dragon High Platform in a warm red. Su Chen held the hands of the fifteen Empresses and walked to the edge of the platform. Together, they looked down at the myriad lights of Spirit City and the vibrant continent. The evening breeze blew gently, fluttering their robes and long hair. The years were quiet and good, and the present was stable and peaceful.

"Brother Su Chen, this is truly wonderful," Xiao Wu said softly, leaning into Su Chen's embrace.

"Mhm, truly wonderful," Zhu Zhuqing echoed softly, her eyes full of tenderness.

"From now on, we will be like this, year after year, never to be separated," Ning Rongrong said coquettishly, hugging Su Chen's arm.

The fifteen Empresses each had their own whispers, but they all shared the same sentiment—to stay together in this life and never part for eternity.

Su Chen tightened his arms, pulling all fifteen Empresses into his embrace. He lowered his head to kiss the forehead of Xiao Wu, who was at the very front. His voice was gentle and firm, carrying his hopes for the rest of their lives and his vision for the future: "Good. Year after year, we shall never be separated."

At that moment, deep in the horizon, a faint but clear black and gold stream of light quietly flashed by and entered Su Chen's brow. That was the God-Defying Summon from the Myriad Realms—it was a broader world that belonged to him.

Su Chen's brow twitched slightly as he felt the aura of that stream of light. A flash of sharpness crossed his eyes, but it quickly turned into tenderness. He looked down at the fifteen Empresses in his arms, a doting smile playing on his lips. His voice carried a hint of dominance and tenderness, audible only to them: "The Douluo Continent is our starting point, not the end. Once this place has ten thousand years of peace, we shall join hands to crush the Myriad Realms and conquer the heavens. My Empresses, are you willing to see the sights of the Myriad Realms with me and become the Lords of the Myriad Realms?"

Hearing this, the fifteen Empresses all looked up, a flash of amazement in their eyes that then turned into firm smiles. They looked at each other and said in unison, their voices crisp and firm, resounding across the platform: "We are willing to follow you, crush the Myriad Realms, and be your companions for eternity!"

As the words fell, the black and gold god-defying wings quietly unfolded behind Su Chen, blotting out the sun. Dark gold light flowed over the wings, intertwining with the light of the fifteen Empresses' Spirits, like a most magnificent painting. He held the fifteen Empresses, and with a gentle flap of the god-defying wings, he led them as they slowly rose, standing above Spirit City and looking down at the myriad lights of the continent.

The sunset faded, the stars rose, and the moonlight spilled down gently, enveloping the sixteen people in their embrace. The black and gold wings and the fifteen-colored Spirit lights reflected each other in the night sky, becoming the most dazzling radiance in the night sky of the Douluo Continent.

From then on, the Reverse Lord Emperor Su Chen, with his fifteen God-Defying Empresses, protected the peace of the Douluo Continent for ten thousand years, creating an era of peace where the people lived and worked in contentment and the races coexisted in prosperity.

From then on, a legendary tale was passed down through the ages on the Douluo Continent, about a heaven-defying Emperor and fifteen peerless Empresses, about a love that spanned life and death, and about a perfect world.

From then on, the Douluo Continent became the starting point. After ten thousand years, the god-defying wings would flap once more, carrying the fifteen Empresses to crush the Myriad Realms, conquer the heavens, and write their own broader legend.

Together in this life, never to part for eternity;

Ruling over the world, with the Myriad Realms as our domain!

(The End)