"I understand." Xue Qinghe sighed softly, as if he had already anticipated this situation.
Tang San frowned, looking at the Sha Bo envoy before him, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The Star Luo Empire's decision undoubtedly dealt a huge blow to their Alliance. However, he could also understand the Star Luo Emperor's decision. In this chaotic world, maintaining the stability of strength and the peace of the country was undoubtedly a wise choice.
After the envoy from Sha Bo took his leave, Xue Qinghe and Tang San sat facing each other again. Warm sunlight streamed through the palace windows, falling on them, but it could not warm their cold hearts.
"We need to communicate with the Star Luo Empire," Tang San said with a firm and composed gaze. "Regardless of whether they withdraw from the Alliance, we need to ensure that we can unite and fight together against the threat of the Spirit Hall."
Xue Qinghe nodded silently, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. He then sighed, "In this chaotic world, any suspicion or wavering will lead us to destruction. And now, the Star Luo Empire no longer has Titled Douluo. Their choice to surrender at this time is a helpless move."
Tang San gave Xue Qinghe a deep look, his eyes flashing with determination. He took a deep breath to calm himself, then said, "Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. However, we cannot abandon our Alliance because of the Star Luo Empire's decision. Moreover, we need to plan ahead and prepare for the Spirit Hall's attack."
Xue Qinghe was silent for a moment, then shook his head. " Tang San, let it go. In the past few days, I have received hundreds of memorials urging me to make peace with the Spirit Hall. The wars of the past few years have only brought misery, famine, and countless refugees. Xiao San, some things are not as simple as you think. The people need peace. Even if I am unwilling, all I can do is make peace with the Spirit Hall."
"Your Majesty..." Tang San looked at Xue Qinghe, a sense of powerlessness welling up inside him. He understood that Xue Qinghe's worries stemmed from his love for the people and his weariness of war. However, he also knew that if they gave up resistance, the Spirit Hall's power would become even stronger, and the future of the Douluo Continent would become even more bleak.
Just as Tang San was about to continue persuading Xue Qinghe, suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from afar.
The two turned to look and saw a guard galloping towards them. Reaching the palace gate, he dismounted, knelt, and loudly announced, "Your Majesty, His Majesty Dugu Bo requests an audience." Xue Qinghe and Tang San exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes. At this sensitive moment, what could Dugu Bo possibly want?
"Please come in." Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, gesturing for the guards to invite Dugu Bo in. A moment later, a young man in a green robe walked in, strolled to Xue Qinghe, and gave a slight bow, "Your Majesty, your subject Dugu Bo pays his respects."
When Tang San and Xue Qinghe heard the young man identify himself as Dugu Bo, their faces were filled with shock. How could Dugu Bo suddenly become so young?
Tang San and Xue Qinghe were shocked not without reason. The Dugu Bo in front of them looked to be in his early twenties, with a handsome face and a tall posture. He was completely unlike the old Dugu Bo they remembered. "Your Majesty, why are you suddenly so young?"
"I see, Your Majesty. What brings you here today?" Xue Qinghe inquired.
"Your Majesty, I have been entrusted by Xiao Yi to come to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace to protect Your Majesty's safety," Dugu Bo stated his purpose.
"Ah, Brother Yi, he's still so considerate of me." Xue Qinghe sighed softly, then bowed slightly to Dugu Bo, "Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty."
"No trouble at all. I've been eating and drinking for free at the Xuejun Pavilion for so long, it's time for me to do something." Dugu Bo smiled slightly. "Your Majesty, you have guests here, so I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave now."
As he spoke, Dugu Bo glanced at Tang San.
"Farewell, Your Majesty." Xue Qinghe bowed slightly, watching Dugu Bo leave the main hall.
Then, he turned to Tang San, gently patted his shoulder, and said, " Xiao San, I know the loss of your loved ones has been a great blow to you, and so have I. The war took away my family as well. The former palace was shattered by the Spirit Hall. Of my true blood relatives, only Xue Ke remains. If I were a free and happy Soul Master like you, I would definitely join you in seeking revenge."
"But I am now an emperor. I cannot only consider my own feelings; I need to be responsible for my people and my country."
Xue Qinghe gave Tang San a deep look, his eyes filled with helplessness and regret. He patted Tang San's shoulder gently again, turned around, walked back to the dragon throne, and sat down. Tang San stood there, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He understood Xue Qinghe's predicament and his decision. However, this did not alleviate the pain in his heart. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, then turned around and left the palace.
" My Xiao San, if one day you break through to godhood and gain sufficient power, I will also help you."
Tang San heard Xue Qinghe's voice behind him. He stopped in his tracks, but didn't turn around. He just stood there silently, lost in thought.
Xue Qinghe's voice came again, " Xiao San, this world is complicated, and there are many things that neither of us can control. But no matter how difficult the road ahead may be, I hope you can persevere. You are Xue Qinghe's friend, and also Xue Qinghe's brother."
Tang San took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He nodded vigorously but did not turn around. "Your Majesty, I understand."
He walked out of the main hall and the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace alone, disappearing into the bustling crowd.
After Tang San left, Dugu Bo entered the main hall, his tone somewhat mocking, and said, "This Tang San actually still thinks about revenge, how naive! Miss Qian, why do you still give him hope?"
" Senior Dugu, sometimes, hope is the most tormenting thing in the world. As an emperor, I naturally need to make him understand this simple truth."
Qian Renxue has now fully reverted to her original appearance. The Heaven Dou Imperial Palace is now entirely populated by people from the Spirit Hall, so she has no more taboos. As long as no outsiders come, she will no longer hide herself. After all, she has been wearing the mask for so long that she has almost forgotten who she is.
(End of this chapter)