Xue Ke Seeks Help / Prince Xue Xing's Support

That girl embodied both strength and beauty perfectly.

Chapter 244 Xue Ke Seeks Help

"No..." Xue Ke shook her head sharply, shaking off this unrealistic fantasy.

This assumption is simply impossible.

Xiao Qiao is not only powerful, but also a genius with a benign Mutated Martial Soul, a rare find among the Heaven Dou Royal Family bloodline.

Her very existence represents a breakthrough and a glimmer of hope for the weak Martial Soul of the Heaven Dou Royal Family. If she weren't trapped in Spirit City, her fate uncertain, and if she were currently in Heaven Dou City, with her talent, strength, and potential support, she might be the most formidable contender for the throne.

The Xue Ye, who easily denied Xiao Qiao's right to succession on the grounds that she was female, is now dead. In the current chaotic Heaven Dou Empire, which desperately needs a powerful figure to stabilize the situation, a princess with top-tier Martial Soul and strength is probably far more competitive than her brothers who only know how to fight among themselves.

Thinking of this, Xue Ke felt even more sorrowful. She couldn't help but think of her father, Xue Ye, who had once treated her like a precious jewel and showered her with endless love.

My eyes felt slightly hot, and tears welled up uncontrollably.

As the most beloved princess of the Heaven Dou Empire, she grew up in an ivory tower, well protected. She never imagined that one day she would fall from grace, becoming a bargaining chip in the power struggle, even to be married off to old dukes who were old enough to be her grandfathers and had many wives and concubines, just to gain their wavering support.

When my father was alive, he would never have allowed such a thing to happen.

But now, her father is gone. Her world has crumbled.

What I once thought was an unbreakable support turned out to be so fragile.

The harsh reality, like a cold tide, completely overwhelmed her. She was no longer the little princess who only needed to enjoy pampering and honor, but a pitiful creature struggling in a chaotic world, unable to even control her own destiny.

The pain and disappointment brought about by this realization were far more heartbreaking for her than a simple arranged marriage.

Xue Ke frantically searched her mind for anyone who might be able to help her out of this predicament. However, the more she thought about it, the deeper her sense of powerlessness became, eventually turning into a chilling despair.

She sadly discovered that all the friends she had made and the circles she had become familiar with at the Moonlight Pavilion were young noblemen like herself.

These people may come from distinguished families, have impeccable manners, and speak with elegance, but at this moment, these qualities seem so pale and powerless.

Like her, their youth meant they lacked real power; the family's decision-making authority was firmly in the hands of their parents. They weren't exceptionally talented Soul Master and couldn't change the situation through individual force. Their noble status became the greatest irony at this moment, because they themselves were tools used by their families for political marriages or to consolidate alliances. They were too busy taking care of themselves to help her.

At that moment, she suddenly remembered the earnest advice her elder brother Xue Qinghe, had given her many times.

"Xiao Ke, don't always stay in that little world of the Moonlight Pavilion. Go and have a look at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. It's where the future pillars of the empire gather. Make some truly promising and capable friends there; it's just as worthwhile to befriend them..."

The students at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy are either nobles or exceptionally talented geniuses who were admitted through special admissions programs.

But how did she respond at the time?

She frowned in disdain, feeling that her elder brother didn't understand her. In her eyes, most of the Battle Soul Master in the Heaven Dou Royal Academy were vulgar and rude, covered in sweat, and their words and actions lacked the elegance and demeanor that nobles should have, making them completely out of place with her.

However, the deeper reason why Xue Ke rejected Xue Qinghe's suggestion was buried deep in her heart, a reason she herself was unwilling to easily touch—a complex emotion mixed with pride, frustration, shame, and inferiority.

Her Martial Soul is the Swan Martial Soul, inherited from the Heaven Dou Royal Family. This should be a symbol of nobility and elegance, allowing her to attract attention like a real Swan at court banquets.

However, in the world of Soul Master, which reveres power, especially in the Heaven Dou Royal Academy where geniuses abound, this "nobility" seems so pale and powerless.

What she found even more difficult to talk about was that her Innate Soul Power was not high. Even though she was a princess and had cultivation resources far exceeding those of ordinary people, and even though she had gritted her teeth and worked hard to cultivate, trying to prove that she was not just a pretty vase, the results were always unsatisfactory.

Her cultivation progress was desperately slow compared to the true geniuses in the academy, leaving her far behind.

In the Moonlight Pavilion, she was the center of attention, a princess of impeccable grace and poise, her elegance and beauty the absolute focus of everyone's attention.

However, at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, she became the worst student, surpassed and trampled underfoot by those talented commoner Soul Master and even some noble children.

Xue Ke always felt that although they might appear respectful on the surface, their eyes concealed an unconscious contempt for the weak, like tiny needles constantly pricking her sensitive yet proud heart.

She didn't want to go back to that place that caused her pain and self-doubt. Every stagnation in her practice, every embarrassing moment in practical training, constantly reminded her of her "incompetence."

Therefore, she decisively rejected her elder brother Xue Qinghe's suggestion and remained immersed in her dream world, which was built by poetry, music, gorgeous clothes and exquisite etiquette.

Now, the dream is shattered.

She then realized that in the face of a real storm, poetry could not become a sword, music could not form a barrier, and fine clothes and etiquette were too fragile to withstand a single blow. The "vulgar" power that she despised was the very foundation upon which this world depended for survival and competition.

Her only friend who wasn't part of the "aristocratic circle" and whom she genuinely respected and even admired— Li Bai, that transcendent immortal with divine swordsmanship—was now trapped in Spirit City, just like her brothers, his fate unknown.

Looking around, she couldn't find a single arm she could lean on or ask for help with.

Isolated and helpless!

These four words were like heavy shackles, binding her tightly.

Her past willfulness and shortsightedness have now become sharp blades piercing her. For the first time, she clearly tasted what it meant to regret her past actions.

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"Wrong..."

A glimmer of light suddenly flashed in Xue Ke's dull eyes, like catching a glimpse of a distant star in endless darkness. She thought of someone, someone who, besides her father, perhaps loved her the most and was most likely to help her—

Her teacher, Tang Yuehua!

Although Xue Ke was unaware of Teacher Tang's specific background and true strength, she had keenly sensed since childhood that Tang Yuehua's status in Heaven Dou City was extremely special.

This special status does not stem solely from the fact that Moonlight Pavilion is the highest ceremonial hall of the empire.

Rather, it was a transcendence that even royalty had to show deference to. Her father, Xue Ye, had specifically issued a strict order requiring all princes and princesses to enter Moonlight Pavilion to study, with Tang Yuehua personally instructing them in aristocratic etiquette. This was not merely for learning etiquette, but more like a recognition of their status and a kind of invisible protection.

In private, Xue Ke even affectionately called Tang Yuehua "Aunt Yuehua." This closeness was something no other teacher had ever shown.

For her father, an emperor, to treat her with such solemnity, and for the Heaven Dou Royal Family to show such respect, Tang Yuehua's background must be extraordinary!

Behind this likely lies a powerful force that even the royal family fears or relies on.

Thinking of this, Xue Ke's heart, which had almost sunk to the bottom, suddenly started to beat, and a faint glimmer of hope arose.

If it were Aunt Yuehua... she might really be able to save me!

She recalled Tang Yuehua's usual composure and effortless maneuvering among the various noble families. For a woman to establish such a transcendent position in the power center of the Heaven Dou Empire through her own abilities was itself a symbol of strength!

In the past, Xue Ke only admired her teacher's ability and demeanor, but now, in this desperate situation, she seemed to see a single straw to cling to.

She had to see Aunt Yuehua immediately! This was her last chance to escape being used as a tool in a political marriage!

This thought gave her strength. She abruptly stood up from the chair, not even bothering to tidy her appearance, and strode towards the door, urgently instructing the maidservant guarding outside:

"Prepare the car! We're going to the Moonlight Pavilion immediately! I need to see the teacher!"

His voice trembled with a hint of desperation and a resolute determination to burn his bridges.

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The news that Princess Xue Ke was rushing to the Moonlight Pavilion spread like wildfire, quickly reaching the ears of her brothers who were fiercely vying for the throne.

However, to everyone's surprise, the three princes not only did not object, but were actually happy to see it happen, especially the second prince.

Inside his residence, the Second Prince smiled knowingly as he tapped his fingertips lightly on the table.

"My dear sister has done me a great favor," he muttered to himself, a calculating glint in his eyes.

He was worried about not finding a suitable opportunity and channel to contact the Clear Sky Sect, which had closed its gates and whose attitude was unclear. Xue Ke's commotion brought Tang Yuehua's connection to the forefront.

Tang Yuehua's identity might seem mysterious and prestigious to ordinary nobles, but to the princes who controlled the empire's intelligence network, it was no secret. The large quantities of supplies and cultivation resources she transported to the north every year through various channels were not insignificant, and could not be concealed by anyone who wanted to investigate. A woman with such a vast capacity to mobilize resources, and who commanded respect even from the royal family, could not possibly be without the backing of a powerful force.

The Second Prince himself had already sent people to track the transport convoys, but unfortunately, the convoys disappeared after entering a remote village. There were powerful, unidentified individuals guarding the village, and anyone who dared to approach would be attacked, so the trail went cold.

Combined with the surname "Tang," and the fact that she appeared in Heaven Dou City shortly after the Clear Sky Sect announced its closure and quickly established Moonlight Pavilion... the answer is almost obvious—backed by the Clear Sky Sect, the head of the Upper Three Sects!

With the dramatic changes in the continent's situation and the growing power of the Spirit Hall Empire, any strong force is crucial. The Clear Sky Sect, once the continent's premier sect, still possesses considerable strength and resources despite years of seclusion. Bringing it into one's camp would undoubtedly be a powerful trump card, significantly increasing one's chances of seizing the throne.

"If Tang Yuehua is truly willing to persuade the Clear Sky Sect to come out of seclusion and help me for Xue Ke's sake..." A glint flashed in the Second Prince's eyes, "Then, giving up on sending Xue Ke to the marriage alliance is not something we can't consider."

After all, the support of a powerful sect is far more valuable than a fragile alliance with a duke or marquis.

However, he immediately gave a cold laugh and shook his head.

"However, my naive younger sister probably doesn't have enough influence to make the Clear Sky Sect break its long-standing silence and get involved in the vortex of conflict on this continent."

In his eyes, Xue Ke's trip was mostly futile. But that didn't stop him from using this contact to try and establish a connection with Tang Yuehua, and even with the Clear Sky Sect behind her. Xue Ke was just a "pebble" he was using to test the waters.

He immediately summoned his trusted aide and whispered, "Keep an eye on the Moonlight Pavilion and see how Tang Yuehua reacts. If possible, try to convey my respect for the Clear Sky Sect, and... my intention to cooperate."

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Moonlight Pavilion, that room filled with a faint scent of sandalwood and a sense of melancholy.

Tang Yuehua looked at the girl she had watched grow up, the once proud and elegant little princess who was like a white Swan, now with tears in her eyes, her face full of fear and helplessness, like a fledgling bird with its feathers wet by the rain, pitiful to the point of breaking her heart. A huge wave of pity welled up in her heart, but what followed was an even deeper sense of helplessness.

She herself is now in dire straits, barely able to save herself.

Her father died of anger, her eldest brother Tang Xiao's fate was unknown (she was unaware that he had been imprisoned), and her second Tang Hao was publicly executed. Her status within the Clear Sky Sect had already plummeted.

Previously, her role as the "external liaison for the Clear Sky Sect" could be maintained thanks to the strong support of Xue Ye and the tacit understanding between them. Now that Xue Ye has died suddenly, her voice within the sect is even more negligible. Those elders who already had reservations about her lineage probably already wanted to sever this last connection with the outside world and retreat completely.

What could she possibly offer to save Xue Ke? And what made her think that the Clear Sky Sect would break its long-standing silence and fight against the Spirit Hall for the sake of a princess of the Heaven Dou Empire?

However, when her icy fingers touched Xue Ke's delicate, snow-white skin and met those tear-filled eyes, as pure as the purest amethyst, Tang Yuehua's heart felt as if it had been struck hard by something.

She stared blankly for a moment, as if seeing many past events through Xue Ke. Finally, she took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, her voice soft yet carrying a calm of resignation:

"Okay, Auntie will go help you..."

Chapter 245 Prince Xue Xing's Support

Xue Beng's fist slammed heavily onto the sandalwood table, making the teacups clang. The handsome face of the fourth prince of the Heaven Dou Empire was filled with gloom, his eyes filled with resentment and anger.

Of the three remaining heirs of the Heaven Dou Empire, he is the weakest.

He is the youngest in terms of age, but in terms of Soul Power Level and talent, he is the true Soul Grandmaster. At this age, he might be considered a little genius in an ordinary family, but as the prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, the resources he uses are unimaginable to ordinary people. At his current level, he is already considered to have poor talent.

In terms of family background, although Xue Beng was a prince, the other competitors were also princes, and among the three princes, his maternal family was the weakest.

If it weren't for Prince Xue Xing's support and backing, Xue Beng would have struck out long ago; how could they have survived until now?

"My second brother has already won over three military generals, and my third brother has even gained the support of the remnants of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. As for me..." He looked down at his pale palms, his voice tinged with self-mockery, "I'm still just a mere Soul Grandmaster."

Indeed, among the three princes, Xue Beng was in the most awkward position. He was the youngest, had the lowest Soul Power Level, and his maternal clan was the weakest. If it weren't for Prince Xue Xing's all-out efforts to mediate behind the scenes, he would have been squeezed out of the vortex of the struggle for the throne long ago.

"Beng'er, calm down."

Prince Xue Xing leisurely sipped his tea, his gaze sweeping over the secret report he had just received—the news that Princess Xue Ke had gone to the Moonlight Pavilion for help. A meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

"Our chance has come."

Xue Beng looked up in confusion. "Uncle, what do you mean? What does it have to do with us if Sister Xue Ke goes to see Mr. Tang Yuehua?"

Prince Xue Xing looked at his nephew's bewildered yet anxious expression, slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his eyes gleamed with shrewd calculation.