Qian Renxue had never expected Xue Ye, the ruler of an entire country, to be so shameless.
You were the one who helped Kundera depose his first wife and drive out his legitimate son back then, all to show goodwill to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Xue Qinghe had told me that to my face.
Had your son lied?
Nothing but lies, and a face turned faster than lightning...
Filthy. Xue Ye, you really are a filthy politician!
Qian Renxue despised him in her heart, but hurriedly put on a contrite expression. Lowering her head, she said, "Father is right to reprimand me. Your son spoke carelessly."
"Mm." Seeing how quickly Qian Renxue admitted her mistake, Emperor Xue Ye nodded and did not scold her further. He merely reminded her, "Remember, from now on, say this to everyone. I never agreed to that matter; I was opposed to it from the start. The blame lies entirely with Kundera. Understood?"
"Your son understands."
"Good. Also, Hen'er still has some resentment in his heart. When he met with me, he even refused to acknowledge his own name, saying he was called Jian Hen, just like on the Sky Screen. That's because he's been away from the family for too long. Now that you're back, as his elder brother, you should go visit him and take the opportunity to grow closer. You're the crown prince. Getting along well with Hen'er will benefit you in the future," Xue Ye said.
"Your son understands. Father, may I ask where Prince Xue Hen is staying now?" Hearing Xue Ye's words, a glint flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes. She raised her head and asked with an expression full of excitement and anticipation.
"He's at the Four Seasons Inn in the south of the city."
"Then your son will go visit him right away," Qian Renxue said immediately.
"Remember, don't go empty-handed. Bring a gift. It doesn't need to be precious; what matters is that it shows you care," Emperor Xue Ye advised.
"Yes, your son understands."
Meanwhile, at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, in the infirmary.
Dugu Yan lay on a sickbed, her entire body wrapped in bandages. Her eyes were open, but there was no light in them anymore.
More than a dozen people stood beside her bed. Six were students, five were attendants, and two were healing-type Soul Kings, using their Soul Skills to treat her.
One other person wore a plain gray robe. His eyes, hair, and beard were all dark green, his cheeks hollow, and his expression stiff, giving him an illusory, unreal air.
He was Dugu Yan's grandfather, Poison Douluo—Dugu Bo.
Seeing his granddaughter in such a miserable state, Dugu Bo's heart twisted like a knife. He wished he could take her injuries and pain upon himself. Unfortunately, wishing to take her place would not make it possible.
"Xue Hen! You hurt my Yan Yan. Even if it costs me my life, I'll have my revenge!" Dugu Bo clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, thinking viciously to himself.
"Young Sect Master." Just then, another student from Heaven Dou Academy ran in. When he saw Dugu Bo, he froze, hurriedly saluted him, then turned to the young man sitting beside the bed, watching Dugu Yan with a worried expression. "This is bad, Young Sect Master. Word is, His Majesty has already met with Xue Hen. He's also issued an edict to appoint him heir to the Balak Kingdom, and—and..."
"And what?" Yu Tianheng asked with a frown, his tone thoroughly displeased.
"He also invited him to stay in Heaven Dou City and assist him."
"Hmph!" Before Yu Tianheng could even speak, Dugu Bo could no longer hold back. He snorted, furious, and summoned his Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Martial Soul. Nine Soul Rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, and black—rose from beneath his feet, and a powerful pressure instantly engulfed everyone in the room.
"Ugh..." Already gravely injured, Dugu Yan let out a pained groan under the pressure.
At once, Dugu Bo realized what he had done. He dismissed his Martial Soul and withdrew the pressure.
With the pressure gone, everyone let out a deep breath of relief.
"Emperor Xue Ye—what a fine Emperor Xue Ye you are! I've served your imperial family as a guest elder for all these years, making up for your lack of Titled Douluo combat strength. Now my granddaughter stood up for your son and was left in this state by that Xue Hen. You could at least have helped me get revenge, but instead you're trying to win over my enemy. Hahaha! How ungrateful and heartless—you're a pack of wolves with no conscience!" As he spat out those last words, fury reddened the corners of Dugu Bo's eyes, and he shouted at the top of his lungs.
The two healing-type Soul Kings treating Dugu Yan couldn't help frowning when they heard him.
They weren't Soul Masters Dugu Bo and Yu Tianheng had hired from outside; they were teachers at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, serving the imperial family. With Poison Douluo cursing His Majesty in front of them, they were in an awkward position.
Should they keep treating Dugu Yan or not?
After hesitating, and considering how formidable Dugu Bo was, the two teachers decided that staying alive came first and continued treating her. They simply reduced the Soul Power they were channeling, weakening the effects of their Soul Skills as well.
"Senior Dugu, please don't get too worked up. His Majesty's decision to win Xue Hen over is perfectly understandable." Among the students gathered around Dugu Yan's bed, a young woman in a light purple dress, with lovely features and a composed air, took a few breaths before speaking to Dugu Bo.
"What did you say? Yan Yan is your classmate!" Dugu Bo turned to glare at the young woman and barked.
"I know. That's why I'm here taking turns with the two teachers to treat her. But, Senior, His Majesty Xue Hen is of royal blood and His Majesty's cousin's son. He also has Level 98 Soul Power and Twin Martial Souls. His Majesty couldn't possibly let such a clansman remain out in the world. We should have known that from the beginning, shouldn't we?" Ye Lingling said calmly.
"Hmph!" Dugu Bo snorted and said nothing.
In truth, he understood that Emperor Xue Ye's choice was perfectly normal. If he were in Xue Ye's position, he would have done the same.
Compared with him, Xue Hen had royal blood and was one of their own by birth.
On top of that, whether it was Martial Soul, Soul Power, Soul Bone... or even a domain, he was inferior to Xue Hen in every way. The only things he could rely on to beat him were poison and, perhaps, age.
And poison—could his poison affect Xue Hen, who possessed the Emerald Swan Martial Soul?
He had absolutely no confidence.
To the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, someone like him naturally had far less value than Xue Hen.
"Alas!" Dugu Bo sighed inwardly, suddenly feeling utterly helpless.
He had been thinking that even if he had to give his life, he would avenge his granddaughter. But reality was too cruel. Against that Xue Hen, even if he gave his life ten times over, he probably couldn't so much as hurt him, let alone kill him.
Look for outside help?
He had a grudge with Spirit Hall, so that was out of the question.
The Heaven Dou Empire was clearly impossible. Would the Star Luo Empire help him?
Unless their emperor had lost his mind, they definitely wouldn't. That left only one force in the entire Soul Master World capable of helping him...
Dugu Bo glanced toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, then slowly shifted his gaze to Yu Tianheng, sitting beside Dugu Yan's bed.
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