Unexplained Intelligence, Sister, We Meet Again

Early the next morning, Xue Qinghe and Marshal Ge Long led a team of elites, departing the Heaven Dou Imperial City in a grand procession as they galloped toward the border city.

At the same time, Qian Lingche received a piece of intelligence sent by Spirit Hall.

He unfolded the scroll, his brows knitting slightly. "The Sect Master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect is heading to the Star Luo border to provide reinforcements? What does that have to do with me?"

He had no remaining ties to Spirit Hall; why were they sending him such intelligence?

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck his mind, and he seemed to realize something. "Sister seems to be in the Heaven Dou Empire."

Was Spirit Hall worried about exposure, so they were asking him to save her?

At this thought, Qian Lingche's expression turned grave. He immediately ordered one of his subordinates, Mo Han: "Go and investigate the recent movements of the Heaven Dou Empire."

This was a Platinum Bishop he had recently promoted, possessing both talent and capability.

Not long after, Mo Han returned to report: "Hall Master, the First Prince, Xue Qinghe, left for the border city with Marshal Ge Long this morning. It seems they intend to stabilize the situation at the border and organize a counterattack."

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flickered in Qian Lingche's eyes. "So that's how it is... Sister, you really are in the Heaven Dou Empire, and your identity is actually the First Prince, Xue Qinghe."

The members of the Consecration Palace had never left Spirit City, so it could only be someone from the Elder Palace protecting her.

But with both Ghost Douluo and the Chrysanthemum Douluo by Bibi Dong's side, how could the others possibly stand against Yu Yuanzhen?

He turned to Mo Han and commanded: "Summon Ling Yuan and Ji Lin. I am heading to the border city."

Hearing this, Mo Han hesitated. "Hall Master, the situation at the border is chaotic. If you go yourself, I fear..."

Qian Lingche waved his hand. "Say no more. My mind is made up. Go."

Mo Han dared not speak further and immediately went to make arrangements.

By now, the border city was engulfed in the flames of war, smoke billowing everywhere as the city walls teetered on the brink of collapse under fierce bombardment.

On the ground, the Star Luo Empire's army, coordinating with the powerful soul masters of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, had forced the Heaven Dou Empire's massive army into a steady retreat, leaving their defensive lines in a precarious state.

Marshal Ge Long stood atop the city wall, his face dark as he cursed in a low voice: "To think the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect would personally enter the fray to support the Star Luo Empire—this is truly bullying us too far!"

Xue Qinghe stood beside him, his gaze carrying a hint of coldness. "We must find a way to stabilize the situation; otherwise, if the border city falls, the gateway to the Heaven Dou Empire will be thrown wide open."

Marshal Ge Long nodded. "I have already requested reinforcements from His Majesty, but the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect has a Titled Douluo among them. If he strikes..."

Xue Qinghe took a deep breath, a flash of resolve crossing his eyes. "Regardless, we cannot give up. Pass the order: the entire army is to hold the line to the death and wait for reinforcements!"

However, at that very moment, a massive bolt of lightning descended from the heavens, striking the city wall directly and shattering a large section into dust.

The Heaven Dou Empire's soldiers were sent flying, their screams echoing one after another.

Seeing this, Marshal Ge Long's expression shifted violently. He immediately released his martial soul, and eight soul rings appeared.

He turned to Xue Qinghe and shouted urgently: "Your Highness, retreat! Quickly! Cover His Highness's retreat!"

Xue Qinghe's brows were locked tight, a flicker of unwillingness in his eyes. He nodded. "Take care of yourself. Retreat!"

Marshal Ge Long roared: "All troops, hear my command! Cover His Highness's retreat! At all costs, hold back Yu Yuanzhen!"

Though the Heaven Dou Empire's soldiers were filled with terror, they gritted their teeth and executed the order, forming ranks.

They charged toward Yu Yuanzhen, attempting to buy time for Xue Qinghe's retreat.

But as Yu Yuanzhen's fourth soul ring lit up, a massive bolt of lightning descended from the sky, instantly reducing dozens of soldiers to ash.

The residual energy of the lightning even shattered the surrounding city walls, leaving the scene in utter chaos.

Seeing this, Marshal Ge Long was gripped by anxiety, but he gritted his teeth and charged toward Yu Yuanzhen regardless: "Yu Yuanzhen!"

Just as Marshal Ge Long was defeated and forced back, Yu Yuanzhen's gaze locked onto the retreating Xue Qinghe, and he sneered: "Trying to escape? It won't be that easy!"

His figure flickered, transforming into a bolt of thunder as he surged toward Xue Qinghe.

However, the moment he was about to catch up, a melody suddenly rang out in the sky, and five-lined musical notes struck toward Yu Yuanzhen.

Yu Yuanzhen's brows furrowed. He stopped abruptly, raised his hand, and waved it, manifesting a lightning barrier before him.

The musical notes collided with the lightning barrier, erupting in a piercing, thunderous roar.

"Who goes there?!" Yu Yuanzhen shouted coldly, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.

A figure descended slowly from the sky—it was none other than Qian Lingche, followed by Ling Yuan and Ji Lin. "Sect Master Yu, isn't it a bit beneath your status to bully the young?"

Yu Yuanzhen looked at Qian Lingche, a hint of surprise in his eyes, before he sneered: "I wondered who it was. So it is Hall Master Qian. Do you wish to interfere in the affairs of the Heaven Dou Empire?"

Qian Lingche's tone carried a hint of mockery: "Whether I interfere or not seems to have nothing to do with you."

"However, Sect Master Yu's actions today do surprise me somewhat. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, which claimed neutrality just a few days ago, has suddenly struck against the Heaven Dou Empire."

Xue Qinghe looked at the suddenly appearing Qian Lingche. That familiar yet long-absent face left him stunned, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

But he quickly regained his composure, suppressing his inner turmoil as he said in a low voice: "My thanks to Hall Master Qian for your assistance."

Qian Lingche smiled faintly and reached out to take Xue Qinghe's hand. "Your Highness, follow me to a safe place first."

Xue Qinghe felt the warmth of Qian Lingche's palm and trembled slightly, but with the situation so dire, he had no time to overthink it. He nodded. "Very well."

Qian Lingche turned around and said to Ling Yuan, "Sister Ling Yuan, I leave this to you. Finish him."

Daring to hurt his sister... there was no way he would let him off today.

Ignoring Yu Yuanzhen's face, which was as dark as the bottom of a pot, Ling Yuan's soul power erupted, and her nine soul rings appeared one by one.

A flash of anger crossed Yu Yuanzhen's eyes. Did they really think they could squeeze him like a soft persimmon?

He let out a cold snort, and lightning surged violently around his body: "Seventh Soul Skill—Avatar of the Martial Soul!"

At the same time, Qian Lingche brought Xue Qinghe back into the city.

Xue Qinghe looked at Qian Lingche with a complex expression and whispered, "Why... why did you help me?"

His younger brother had always resisted Emperor Xue Ye's invitations before, so why... Qian Lingche had no reason to help Xue Qinghe.

Qian Lingche turned around and looked at Xue Qinghe with gentle eyes: "Sister."

Xue Qinghe looked at Qian Lingche, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. He glanced around, and only after confirming there was no one else did he finally heave a sigh of relief.

Then, he stepped forward and hugged Qian Lingche without hesitation, his voice filled with a hint of joy: "Little brother, long time no see."

Qian Lingche was stunned for a moment by his sister's sudden embrace, then he gently patted Xue Qinghe's back: "Yes, sister, long time no see."

Xue Qinghe released Qian Lingche and gripped his shoulders with both hands: "How have you been all these years? I heard you left Spirit Hall, and I've been worried about you."