Early the next morning, Xue Qinghe and Marshal Ge Long led a troop of elite soldiers out of Heaven Dou Imperial City in a grand procession, racing toward the border city.
At the same time, Qian Lingche received a report delivered by Spirit Hall.
He unrolled the scroll, his brow furrowing slightly. "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's sect master is heading to the Star Luo border to lend support? What does that have to do with me?"
What connection did he even have with Spirit Hall now? Why were they sending him intelligence?
A sudden flash of inspiration crossed his mind, and he seemed to realize something. "Sister seems to be in the Heaven Dou Empire."
Was Spirit Hall worried about being exposed, so they wanted him to rescue his sister?
At the thought, Qian Lingche's expression turned grave. He immediately instructed a man named Mo Han, "Go investigate the Heaven Dou Empire's recent movements."
Mo Han was a Platinum Bishop he had only recently promoted. He had good talent and ability.
Before long, Mo Han returned to report. "Your Highness, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe went to the border city with Marshal Ge Long this morning. It seems they're trying to stabilize the situation there and organize a counterattack."
After hearing this, a complicated look flashed through Qian Lingche's eyes. "Just as I thought... Sister, you really are in the Heaven Dou Empire, and your identity is none other than Crown Prince Xue Qinghe."
The few people in the Worship Hall had never left Spirit City, so it could only be people from the Elders' Hall protecting his sister.
But Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo were both with Bibi Dong. How could the others possibly stand a chance against Yu Yuanzhen?
He turned and instructed Mo Han, "Call Ling Yuan and Ji Lin over. I'm going to the border city."
Mo Han hesitated. "Your Highness, the situation at the border city is chaotic. If you go there in person, I'm afraid..."
Qian Lingche waved a hand. "No need to say more. I've made up my mind. Go."
Mo Han dared not say anything else and immediately went to make arrangements.
By now, the border city was engulfed in flames and smoke. The city walls swayed under the relentless assault, ready to collapse at any moment.
On the ground, the Star Luo Empire's troops fought alongside powerful soul masters from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The Heaven Dou Empire's forces were driven back again and again, their defenses on the verge of collapse.
Marshal Ge Long stood atop the city wall, his face dark as he cursed under his breath. "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has actually joined the battle in person to support the Star Luo Empire. This is outrageous!"
Xue Qinghe stood beside him, a trace of coldness in his eyes. "We have to find a way to stabilize the situation. If the border city falls, the gates to the Heaven Dou Empire will be thrown wide open."
Marshal Ge Long nodded. "I've already requested reinforcements from His Majesty, but the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has a Titled Douluo. If he makes a move..."
Xue Qinghe took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes. "No matter what, we can't give up. Pass down the order: the whole army is to hold the line and await reinforcements!"
But just then, a massive bolt of lightning crashed down from the sky and struck the city wall, blasting a huge section of it to pieces.
Heaven Dou Empire's soldiers were thrown into the air, their cries of agony rising one after another.
Marshal Ge Long's expression changed drastically. He immediately released his Martial Soul, and eight Soul Rings appeared.
He turned to Xue Qinghe and shouted urgently, "Your Highness, retreat first! Quickly! Cover His Highness's retreat!"
Xue Qinghe knitted his brows, unwillingness flashing in his eyes. He nodded. "Be careful. Retreat!"
Marshal Ge Long roared, "All troops, heed my command! Cover His Highness's retreat! Stop Yu Yuanzhen at all costs!"
Though fear gripped the Heaven Dou Empire's soldiers, they gritted their teeth and obeyed, quickly forming ranks.
They charged toward Yu Yuanzhen, trying to buy Xue Qinghe time to escape.
But Yu Yuanzhen's fourth Soul Ring lit up. A massive bolt of lightning crashed down from above, turning dozens of soldiers to ash in an instant.
The lightning's shockwave even shattered the nearby city walls, plunging the battlefield into chaos.
Seeing this, Marshal Ge Long grew frantic, but still gritted his teeth and charged toward Yu Yuanzhen. "Yu Yuanzhen!"
Just as Marshal Ge Long was defeated, Yu Yuanzhen fixed his gaze on the retreating Xue Qinghe and sneered. "Trying to run? Not so fast!"
He blurred into a streak of lightning and shot toward Xue Qinghe.
But just as he was about to catch up, a melody suddenly rang out in the sky, and a stream of musical notes on a five-line staff shot toward Yu Yuanzhen.
Yu Yuanzhen furrowed his brow and stopped abruptly, raising a hand to summon a lightning barrier in front of him.
The musical notes slammed into the barrier, unleashing a deafening roar.
"Who?!" Yu Yuanzhen barked, sweeping his gaze across the area.
A figure slowly descended from the sky. It was Qian Lingche, with Ling Yuan and Ji Lin behind him. "Sect Master Yu, picking on the weak is beneath you, isn't it?"
Yu Yuanzhen looked at Qian Lingche, surprise flashing in his eyes before he sneered. "So it's Palace Master Qian. You're planning to interfere in the affairs of the Heaven Dou Empire?"
Qian Lingche's voice carried a trace of mockery. "Whether I interfere or not has nothing to do with you."
"Still, I'm surprised by your actions today. Just a few days ago, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan claimed to be neutral, and now you've suddenly attacked the Heaven Dou Empire."
Xue Qinghe stared at Qian Lingche, who had appeared out of nowhere. That familiar yet long-unseen face left him momentarily stunned, complicated emotions flashing through his eyes.
But he quickly recovered, suppressing his feelings as he said solemnly, "Thank you, Palace Master Qian, for coming to my aid."
Qian Lingche smiled faintly and took Xue Qinghe's hand. "Your Highness, come with me somewhere safe first."
Feeling the warmth of Qian Lingche's palm, Xue Qinghe's heart gave a small tremor. But the situation was dire, and he had no time to dwell on it. He nodded. "All right."
Qian Lingche turned to Ling Yuan. "Sister Ling Yuan, I'll leave this place to you. Deal with him."
He had dared to hurt his sister... There was no way he'd let him off today.
Ignoring Yu Yuanzhen's face, dark as the bottom of a pot, Ling Yuan unleashed her Soul Power, and nine Soul Rings appeared one after another.
A flash of fury crossed Yu Yuanzhen's eyes. Did they really think he was an easy target?
He snorted, lightning surging around him. "Seventh Soul Skill—Martial Soul Avatar!"
Meanwhile, Qian Lingche brought Xue Qinghe back inside the city.
Xue Qinghe looked at Qian Lingche with a complicated expression and asked quietly, "Why... why did you help me?"
His younger brother had always resisted Emperor Xue Ye's invitations. So why...? Qian Lingche had no reason to help Xue Qinghe.
Qian Lingche turned around and looked at Xue Qinghe warmly. "Sister."
Xue Qinghe looked at Qian Lingche, a flash of panic crossing his eyes. He glanced around, and only after confirming they were alone did he finally let out a breath of relief.
Then he stepped forward and hugged Qian Lingche without hesitation, his voice tinged with delight. "Little brother, it's been so long."
Qian Lingche was stunned by his sister's sudden embrace. He gently patted Xue Qinghe's back. "Yes, Sister. It's been so long."
Xue Qinghe let go of Qian Lingche and held him by the shoulders. "Have you been well all these years? I heard you left Spirit Hall, and I've been worried about you."