Rakshasa God Trial, Second Test Complete!
"Beng'er, think about it," he put down his teacup, his fingertip tapping lightly on the table, "Why would Tang Yuehua help Xue Ke? Is it merely because of the bond between master and disciple? Moreover, given the current situation, if she were to take action, she would inevitably have to use the power behind her— the Clear Sky Sect."
He paused, watching Xue Beng's eyes widen, and continued his analysis, "Once the Clear Sky Sect decides to intervene in the struggle for the Heaven Dou Empire throne, they will need a proxy, a prince they can control, or at least with whom they can establish a good cooperative relationship."
"Then, let's take a look at the other two." Prince Xue Xing's lips curled into a sneer.
The second prince is assertive and ambitious, and has been engaged in a long-standing power struggle with the deceased Xue Qinghe, which has also led to his suppression of Xue Ke, who is close to Xue Qinghe. Why would the Clear Sky Sect choose a prince with a poor relationship with Xue Ke, and who might be difficult to control?
The Third Prince was the one who first proposed and pushed for Xue Ke's marriage! He can be considered one of the main culprits who pushed Xue Ke into a pit of fire. If Tang Yuehua came to save Xue Ke, why would she turn around and support the forces that persecuted Xue Ke? That would be a complete contradiction to her own words.
Prince Xue Xing leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed intently on Xue Beng: "And what about you, Beng'er? You've always acted... well, 'unambitious,' had no direct conflict with Xue Qinghe, and your relationship with Xue Ke was relatively peaceful, at least not hostile. In Tang Yuehua and Clear Sky Sect's eyes, you have neither strong personal opinions nor old grudges with Xue Ke, and you also have the legitimate bloodline from your elder brother."
"More importantly," Prince Xue Xing lowered his voice, "You are currently in a weak position. If you can gain the support of the Clear Sky Sect, it would be a timely help in your time of need. This friendship and reliance are far more valuable than simply adding to your existing wealth. For the Clear Sky Sect, supporting a weak but obedient prince is far more beneficial and less risky than cooperating with controlling a powerful prince."
Xue Beng was deeply moved. He had previously only felt inferior to others in every way, but had never considered the issue from this perspective. After his uncle's guidance, he suddenly realized that his "weakness" and "marginality" had become a unique advantage!
"Uncle, do you mean... we should take the initiative to go find Tang Yuehua?" Xue Beng's voice trembled slightly with excitement.
Prince Xue Xing nodded in satisfaction. "That's right. Xue Ke's request for help has given us an excellent reason and entry point to make contact. We should not only observe the situation but also take the initiative to demonstrate our 'value' and 'sincerity' to Tang Yuehua. As long as we can establish a connection with the Clear Sky Sect and gain their support, this seemingly hopeless situation will be completely resolved!"
An unprecedented hope and ambition ignited in Xue Beng's heart. He had thought he was a discarded pawn, but unexpectedly, the situation took a turn for the better, and he saw another path to the throne! He clenched his fists tightly, and his eyes became firm.
"I understand, Imperial Uncle! I know what to do!"
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The carriage wheels rolled over the bluestone-paved streets of Heaven Dou City, making a regular and dull sound, just like Tang Yuehua's mood at this moment.
Inside the carriage, she sat alone, the composure and calmness she had put on in front of Xue Ke completely gone, replaced by deep weariness and a hint of... regret.
She leaned gently against the soft car wall, closed her eyes, and unconsciously rubbed her aching temples with her fingertips.
"I must have... lost my mind..."
She sighed silently to herself. The impulse and affection she felt when comforting Xue Ke were quickly replaced by the cold reality after she calmed down alone.
Tang Yuehua was able to navigate the noble circles of the Heaven Dou Empire for many years, managing Moonlight Pavilion with great success, to the point that even the royal family had to show her respect. This was not only due to the support of the Clear Sky Sect and Xue Ye, but also to her own high emotional intelligence, keen insight, and ability to assess situations.
That's why she knows better than anyone how bad her current situation is.
With her father's death and her two elder brothers' successive misfortunes, her status within the sect had plummeted. The elders who used to treat her with courtesy out of respect for her brothers now probably wouldn't even give her a second glance. Her role as an "external liaison" was only maintained thanks to the support of Xue Ye, but now that Xue Ye had died suddenly, this connection was about to be severed.
They can't even save themselves!
These four words felt like a mountain weighing on her heart.
What could she possibly offer to save Xue Ke? What right did she have to make the Clear Sky Sect break its long-standing silence to confront the powerful Spirit Hall and get involved in the murky waters of the Heaven Dou Royal Family for the sake of a princess from a different clan?
"A promise... the promise I made was almost impossible to keep..."
She could almost see how the elders would scoff at her when she returned to the sect that was now somewhat unfamiliar to her and made this request, and they might even use this opportunity to completely strip her of her last bit of power and freedom.
The carriage jolted slightly, startling her from her chaotic thoughts. She lifted a corner of the curtain and looked out at the receding street scene; the prosperity and hustle and bustle of Heaven Dou City were gradually fading into the distance.
This road leads to the Clear Sky Sect, but it's also a... lost path where even she sees no hope.
The promise had already been made, and the child's desperate yet hopeful eyes were still vivid in my mind.
She lowered the carriage curtain, sat up straight again, and took a deep breath.
"Fine... I have to give it a try, no matter what."
"Even if it's just for... the fact that the child called me 'Aunt Yuehua'."
Moreover, given the current situation, regardless of whether Xue Ke comes to her for help or not, Tang Yuehua has to return to the Clear Sky Sect...
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Tang Yuehua followed the guiding disciple and embarked on the secluded mountain path. As the Clear Sky Sect's liaison outside the sect, she had returned to the sect very few times over the years in order to avoid revealing her whereabouts.
Although this road was not as steep as the perilous path that tested one's abilities, it was still winding and extremely hidden. Even so, for Tang Yuehua, whose Soul Power was weak and who had been pampered for many years, this journey was still a considerable burden.
When she finally arrived at the sect atop the misty mountain, she was drenched in sweat and breathless. She had to lean against the cold stone wall to catch her breath before she could calm her surging blood and qi.
Almost all communication between the Clear Sky Sect and the outside world relied on her as the sole point of contact. Previously, the intelligence regarding the Spirit Hall's brazen establishment of a nation and its launching of a war was urgently sent back to the sect by her. At this moment, she felt uneasy, wondering what kind of turmoil that intelligence had stirred within the sect.
The disciple guiding the way silently gestured for her to enter, pointing to the majestic and solemn main hall. Tang Yuehua straightened her slightly disheveled clothes and hair from climbing the mountain, took a deep breath, and tried to make her steps more steady before stepping into the hall.
The atmosphere inside the hall was even more somber and cold than the mountain mist.
Several elders, all with white hair and beards and exuding powerful auras, were arguing incessantly with the sect leader, who sat upright in the main seat.
Clearly, the intelligence sent by Tang Yuehua was like a boulder thrown into stagnant water, completely shattering the superficial peace that had been maintained within the sect for many years.
"... If we don't act now, when will we?" The Second Elder's voice boomed, his face filled with excitement. "The Spirit Hall has acted against all reason, openly establishing a kingdom and annexing all sides. Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan have suffered at its hands! The continent is in turmoil, and this is precisely the time for our Clear Sky Sect to step forward, regroup, and once again uphold the prestige of Clear Sky! Are we to forever cower on this snowy mountain and watch the Spirit Hall wreak havoc?"
"Foolish!" the Fifth Elder immediately retorted sharply. He was more conservative and cautious by nature. "The Spirit Hall is powerful, and its ambitions are obvious. If we go out now, it's like throwing an egg against a rock, or walking into a trap! We should continue to keep the mountain closed, observe the situation, and preserve the sect's strength. That's the best strategy!"
"Preserve our strength? If we continue to seal off the sect, who on the continent will remember the might of our Clear Sky Sect? Where will the sect's disciples get the resources they need for cultivation? Are we just going to sit around and do nothing? The outside world has changed!" another elder who supported leaving the sect said angrily.
The argument raged in the hall until they noticed Tang Yuehua standing at the door, her breathing still not fully calm.
All sound fell silent.
A barrage of gazes instantly focused on her, some scrutinizing, some probing, some indifferent, and some fleetingly dismissive of her meager strength. In this sect where strength reigned supreme, her position as the former sect leader's sister, unable to break through to the Soul Scholar Master level, was already awkward. Moreover, her greatest support—Sect Leader Tang Xiao— was missing, her second Tang Hao had perished, and Xue Ye was dead.
The Seventh Elder, seated in the main seat, had a gaunt face and sharp, eagle-like eyes. He frowned slightly and spoke in a deep voice, breaking the silence. "Yuehua? What brings you back to the sect in such a hurry? Could it be that... something has happened outside?"
His tone was calm and even, carrying the authority befitting a acting sect leader, but it revealed little affection for his niece; it sounded more like he was questioning an ordinary subordinate.
Tang Yuehua's heart tightened; she knew the most difficult hurdle had arrived. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, and stepped forward to respectfully bow to the head of the table and the elders.
"Yuehua greets the Acting Sect Master and all the elders." Her voice remained as gentle and steady as ever, but upon closer listening, a barely perceptible tremor could be detected. "I have indeed returned to the sect this time to request something, concerning Princess Xue Ke of the Heaven Dou Empire, and also concerning... the future of our sect."
She presented Princess Xue Ke's predicament and her own promises as concisely and clearly as possible. She did not dwell on emotions, but simply stated the facts, pointing out that establishing a good relationship with the new heir of the Heaven Dou Royal Family through this opportunity might be beneficial to the sect's future development.
However, no sooner had she finished speaking than the conservative elder snorted coldly:
"Nonsense! For the sake of an insignificant princess, you expect my Clear Sky Sect disciples to risk their lives? To confront the Spirit Hall head-on? Yuehua, have you been out there too long? Have you forgotten the sect's rules and our situation?"
Another elder chimed in coldly, "Our sect is barely able to protect itself right now, how can we possibly have the resources to concern ourselves with the marriage of a princess from another country? Your actions are far too emotional!"
The voices of doubt and opposition were like ice water poured over her head. Tang Yuehua's heart sank little by little. The situation she feared most had come to pass.
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Even though she had been mentally prepared from the beginning, when faced with the elders' merciless rejections and questions, Tang Yuehua's slender body still swayed almost imperceptibly, and a chill mixed with humiliation and powerlessness spread from the bottom of her heart. The second elder, who had been the first to reject her request, no longer even looked at her, and turned to the acting sect leader, preparing to continue the previous debate about the sect's future.
It was as if she, and the request she brought, were nothing more than a piece of insignificant dust that had been casually brushed away.
Her fingernails dug deep into her palm, bringing a sharp, stinging pain, but also allowing her almost collapsing will to regroup.
She couldn't give up like this! Not only for her promise to Xue Ke, but also for... the last bit of value and dignity she had left in the sect.
Chapter 246 The Second Trial of the Rakshasa God's Trial is Completed!
Clear Sky Sect, Main Hall.
Contrary to the outside world's expectations of dilapidation, the Clear Sky Sect, which had been closed for many years, still possessed a magnificent interior, though it was permeated with a somber atmosphere of isolation from the world. At this moment, the atmosphere inside the main hall was somewhat heavy.
Tang Yuehua stood in the center of the main hall, her posture still upright and elegant, like an orchid quietly blooming in a secluded valley.
She faced several sect elders seated above her, some of whom were her uncles or peers who wielded considerable power. She knew that persuading these elders, who had become increasingly conservative and stubborn due to the sect's closure, would be no easy task.
She took a deep breath, perfectly concealing all her personal emotions beneath an elegant and composed mask, and began her statement clearly and gently with her voice, honed through countless trials at the Moonlight Pavilion and possessing great affability and persuasiveness.
"Elders," she bowed slightly, her manners impeccable, "Yuehua knows that the sect's seclusion is intended for recuperation and to avoid the world. However, the continent is now undergoing dramatic changes, and the Spirit Hall's wolfish ambitions have been revealed to the world. They have openly established a nation and are annexing all sides. Although our Clear Sky Sect has hidden itself from the world, it may not be able to remain unscathed."
She first pointed out the drastic changes in the external environment, which alerted the elders. Then, she shifted her focus to specific strategies:
"The sudden death of Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire has plunged the royal family into internal strife, leaving the nation weak. This presents an excellent opportunity for our sect to re-enter continental affairs and seek our own interests."
She looked at the elders, her eyes sincere and wise. "And the key lies in Princess Xue Ke, who is overlooked but has a special identity."
"Princess Xue Ke is Xue Ye's most beloved youngest daughter. Although her Soul Power is not high, she is a legitimate member of the royal family. Now, she is being used by her brother as a tool for a political marriage, and her situation is precarious."
"If my Clear Sky Sect were to intervene now, under the guise of 'protecting the Imperial Princess,' and bring Princess Xue Ke under our protection..."
She paused deliberately, allowing the elders to digest the meaning, before slowly revealing the core message:
"Then we will hold a highly influential 'banner.' Whether supporting a prince or rallying the remaining forces of the Heaven Dou Empire in the name of a princess, our Clear Sky Sect will have a righteous cause and can move forward or retreat at will. At that time, the wealth, resources, and even military support accumulated by the Heaven Dou Empire will all belong to our sect. This is far better than us being trapped in the mountains and living off our resources."
Her blueprint was very realistic: to use Xue Ke to intervene in the power struggle within the Heaven Dou Empire Sect and seize tangible benefits for the sect—money, resources, and influence.
However, beneath her calm exterior, a true purpose burned within her: this was only the first step! Once the sect stepped into this murky water and its interests became intertwined with the Heaven Dou Empire Sect, then confronting the Spirit Hall would become an inevitable choice! At that time, gathering the sect's strength to avenge her father, her eldest brother, and her second brother would no longer be an unattainable dream!
But this flame of revenge must not be revealed in the slightest at this moment.
Thinking about this, Tang Yuehua felt somewhat excited.
However, she quickly composed herself, her face still bearing the calm demeanor of someone who was devoted to the sect, and continued to analyze in detail how to proceed, how to avoid risks, and how to maximize profits, packaging the rescue of Xue Ke as a perfect investment with controllable risks and high returns.
She intends to use rational analysis and immense benefits to pry open the long-dormant Clear Sky Sect, allowing it to sail once more towards the ocean where she yearns to unleash a storm of revenge.
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Standing in the center of the hall, Tang Yuehua meticulously explained her carefully conceived plan, her analysis of the situation, and the enormous opportunities it contained.
She spoke for a long time, from the overall situation on the mainland to the internal struggles between the Heaven Dou Empire, from Xue Ke's value to how the Clear Sky Sect planned step by step. She spoke until her throat was dry, almost pouring out all the knowledge she had learned in her life and the strategies she had been racking her brains over these days.
After she finished speaking, she looked up.
She looked forward to seeing the glint in the elders' eyes, their pensive expressions, or even their heated debates.
However...
Silence.
The sect leader at the head of the table and the elders on either side sat as still as rocks in the mountains, their faces stern and their eyes filled with... bewilderment.
They looked at each other, then their gazes all fell back on Tang Yuehua, but there was no approval or understanding in their eyes, only a kind of simple confusion.
I don't understand!
The Clear Sky Sect's creed, passed down through generations, is to subdue others with martial prowess and let the fists do the talking.
If you want something, just go for it if you have the strength; if you have an enemy, smash them with your Clear Sky Hammer; if you encounter trouble, brute force will overcome all obstacles! Why bother with so many roundabout methods?
What "flag"? What "legitimacy"? What "intervening in the struggle for the throne to gain benefits"?
To them, this was even more incomprehensible than the most complex and difficult-to-learn Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer the Clear Sky Hammer.
Isn't the goal simply to help that little princess? Why not just send people to Heaven Dou City, attack whoever they don't like, and snatch her back? Why drag in all this troublesome stuff?
One of the most impatient elders couldn't help but pick at his ear, breaking the awkward silence with a deep, muffled voice. "Yuehua, you've been going around in circles, making my head spin! When has our Clear Sky Sect ever done things in such a complicated way?"
Another elder beside him nodded in agreement, his gaze towards Tang Yuehua even carrying a hint of disdain. "Exactly, making it sound so complicated. You've been out in the world for too long, and you're not efficient at all. You're nothing like a member of the Tang family!"