A Challenge at Court, Xue Qinghe Returns

Marshal Ge Long, with a solemn expression, spoke first:

"Sect Master Ning, shouldn't you give an explanation to your colleagues regarding Lin Hai's true identity and your daughter's Martial Soul Evolution?"

"That's right!" Xue Beng immediately jumped out and echoed with a sneer:

"Has your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect secretly sided with the Spirit Hall, or is there some other unspeakable secret? We must get to the bottom of this today!"

"Ahem!" Prince Xue Xing, sitting to the side, coughed lightly, seemingly trying to smooth things over, but in reality, his words carried a hidden meaning:

"Your Highness, please calm down. Let's hear what Sect Master Ning has to say first."

After the death of Xue Ye, Xue Xing and Xue Beng, uncle and nephew, lived in constant fear and anxiety.

Although their bodies were crippled and their enjoyment of life was greatly diminished, as long as Xue Ye was around, the two of them could at least keep their lives and maintain a life of luxury.

But Xue Ye died one night, they lost their strongest protector.

Once Xue Qinghe successfully ascends the throne, the two dare not even imagine what kind of fate awaits them.

After all, after their accident, Xue Qinghe immediately sent many people to guard their respective residences, ostensibly for protection, but in reality for surveillance.

Originally, they had secretly dispatched trusted confidants to make contacts and run around the city, preparing to escape before Xue Qinghe returned to Heaven Dou City.

Unexpectedly, before they could even prepare, news of Lin Hai's identity arrived.

This gave them a glimmer of hope amidst their despair.

Even if they leave the city, they might not actually escape alive.

Since that's the case, why not take a gamble?

If we can make Marshal Ge Long doubt Xue Qinghe and win the support of this powerful Grand Marshal, we might have a chance to contend with Xue Qinghe and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

However, Xue Beng is clearly still too young and impetuous.

Before Ning Fengzhi could even open his mouth to explain, he was already impatiently trying to pin the blame for "colluding with the Spirit Hall" on Xue Qinghe!

Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi showed no sign of worry. He simply smiled faintly, turned his gaze to Ge Long, and threw the question back at him:

"What does the Grand Marshal think of what the Fourth Imperial Prince just said?"

He knew very well that Ge Long had always looked down upon Xue Beng, a playboy prince who only liked to eat, drink, have fun and cause trouble.

His attack today is mainly aimed at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Firstly, it was indeed out of doubt and concern about the relationship between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall.

Secondly, he probably wanted to take this opportunity to make Xue Qinghe, who was about to ascend the throne, harbor resentment towards the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School, thereby consolidating his own position in the new dynasty.

That's all!

Xue Xing and Xue Beng are delusional, thinking they can use Ge Long to bring down Xue Qinghe. They're completely delusional!

As expected, Ge Long didn't even bother to glance at Xue Beng after hearing his words, and simply said in a deep voice:

"His Highness the Fourth Prince has always enjoyed joking; Sect Master Ning, just take it with a grain of salt."

Upon hearing Xue Beng, Xue Beng felt a surge of pent-up frustration almost explode! What did she mean by "liking to joke around"?!

His smile was merely a protective facade, a talisman for his survival!

These people, each one of them claiming to be shrewd, can't even see through this?

They're all blind; they can't see the vicious heart beneath Xue Qinghe's hypocritical facade!

He gritted his teeth, about to retort, when he heard a voice that sent chills down his spine.

"Fourth brother has indeed become more lively these years. Teacher, please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart."

Xue Qinghe's figure had quietly appeared at the entrance of the main hall at some unknown time.

Accompanying him was none other than Bone Douluo Gu Rong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!

"Greetings, Your Crown Prince!" Everyone in the hall, regardless of their thoughts, bowed in unison.

"No need for such formalities, everyone." Xue Qinghe nodded slightly and stepped into the hall with unhurried steps.

Marshal Ge Long stepped forward, his brows slightly furrowed, showing a mixture of concern and doubt:

"Your Highness, how did you return so quickly? The army's journey..."

"The army wasn't far from Heaven Dou City to begin with," Xue Qinghe interrupted him gently, gesturing to Gu Rong behind her. "It was Senior Bone Douluo who personally brought me back."

Ning Fengzhi was naturally far more informed than the officials of the Heaven Dou Dynasty. Upon learning that the Soul Master team was about to return, he immediately dispatched Gu Rong to meet Xue Qinghe.

Lin Hai's spatial abilities played a crucial role in his rapid return, but he clearly wouldn't show himself in front of the stage, since Gu Rong also possessed Space-Type Spirit Skill.

Xue Qinghe slowly walked past the group of court officials. When he passed by Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng, the two of them lowered their heads and looked very submissive.

But their clenched fists and slightly trembling bodies clearly revealed their inner resentment and anger.

There was no hope left; escape was the only option.

Xue Qinghe first stopped in front of the dragon throne, solemnly bowed deeply to the empty throne, then turned to face the crowd, his voice firm:

"Gentlemen, my father's body is barely cold. I do not wish for the Heaven Dou Empire to be embroiled in internal strife. I will emphasize two points today!"

"First, I do indeed have a good relationship with Lin Hai; it is a personal friendship."

"According to Junior Sister Rong Rong, she had a brief encounter with Lin Hai when he traveled to Heaven Dou City many years ago, and the guards of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect can also testify to this."

"Rong Rong and I only learned about Lin Hai's Saint Son Identity recently."

"Secondly, regarding Lin Hai, there is no need for you to worry excessively or overanalyze his situation."

"In fact, there is no major grudge between my Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall."

"On the contrary, if it weren't for the Spirit Hall's mediation between the two empires over the years, the losses and casualties we suffered in the various border conflicts with the Star Luo Empire would probably be far more severe than they are today!"

These words had been discussed with Lin Hai beforehand, which both cleared him of any suspicion of being associated with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and highlighted the potential benefits of befriending the Spirit Hall.

The only part that can be investigated is the fact that Lin Hai and Ning Rongrong knew each other many years ago, and this matter can withstand scrutiny.

Although the empire was a collection of noble interests, it was perfectly normal for a soon-to-be emperor to assess the situation and adjust his attitude toward different forces.

The noble ministers below were all astute individuals, and they instantly understood the Crown Prince's unspoken meaning—

The Heaven Dou Empire is moving closer to the Spirit Hall!

Faced with this, the ministers looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

Everyone knows that the Spirit Hall is ambitious, and cooperating with it is tantamount to seeking help from a tiger.

But so what? They have no leverage!

At this moment, everyone's eyes turned to Ge Long.

Of all those present, perhaps only the Grand Marshal, who held the reins of the Empire's military power, was qualified and capable of saying "no" to Xue Qinghe's decision.