"Guardian Knights!" Bibi Dong's voice was cold and authoritative, carrying an unquestionable command.
"Take down Yu Xiaogang, the culprit who slandered the Pope, framed the champion, and disrupted the competition!"
"Yes!" The surrounding paladin knights did not hesitate any longer and immediately pounced on Yu Xiaogang like wolves.
"Teacher!" Tang San's expression changed drastically. Almost instinctively, he flashed in front of Yu Xiaogang to block him. With a flick of his wrist, countless gleaming Hidden Weapon shot towards the charging temple knights like a storm!
Jingle bells!
The paladins swung their weapons to parry, but Tang San's Hidden Weapon were too tricky and unpredictable, and several knights were still cut, causing their offensive to falter.
"How dare you!" Ghost Douluo flashed, about to take action himself.
At that tense moment—
Yu Xiaogang seemed to have received a tremendous shock; his body stiffened abruptly, and then a hysterical, almost manic light flashed in his eyes. With the last of his strength, he let out a heart-wrenching roar, his voice piercing the sky:
"You've all been deceived! You've all been deceived by the Spirit Hall! Xue Qinghe is long dead! The current Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is an imposter sent by the Spirit Hall to steal the throne of the Heaven Dou Empire! Qian Renxue! She's a member of the Spirit Hall! She's Qian Xunji's daughter!!"
This earth-shattering accusation, like another bombshell, exploded in the square, which had just been deathly silent after being intimidated by Demigod!
Everyone's mind went blank again!
Is Crown Prince Xue Qinghe an imposter? Is he an imposter from the Spirit Hall? Qian Renxue? Qian Xunji's daughter?!
This news is a hundred times more shocking than the previous accusation that Xuan Ming was Fallen Soul Master! It directly concerns the foundation of the Heaven Dou Empire and the right of succession!
The people from the Heaven Dou Empire, especially the Soul Master from the royal family, instantly turned pale with shock and horror as they looked at Xue Qinghe on the high platform, whose expression had suddenly turned extremely ugly!
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin were both shaken to their core, and they looked sharply at the " Xue Qinghe " in the distance, their eyes filled with disbelief and immense shock!
The crown prince that their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had always supported was actually... part of the Spirit Hall's conspiracy?!
The atmosphere in the entire square instantly became incredibly eerie and tense, with everyone's eyes focused on " Xue Qinghe "!
At this moment of immense chaos and shock caused by the revelation of a shocking secret—
" The Spirit Hall! This is outrageous!!!"
A furious roar, seemingly suppressed for countless years, resounded like a thunderclap from above the Pope's Palace!
A burly figure shrouded in a tattered black robe appeared in mid-air without warning. He held an enormous black hammer in his hand. Although the aura emanating from him was somewhat disordered and even showed signs of weakness due to the recurrence of old injuries, his resolute killing intent and domineering pressure instantly enveloped the high platform below!
It was none other than Tang Hao, the Haotian Douluo!
Without the slightest hesitation, and disregarding his severe injuries, he directly activated his Martial Soul Avatar!
" Clear Sky True Body!"
The enormous Clear Sky Hammer swelled in the wind, transforming into a giant hammer that seemed poised to shatter the sky. Carrying all of Tang Hao's anger, determination, and protective heart as a father, it was not aimed at Bibi Dong or Xuan Ming, but rather at the " Xue Qinghe " whose identity had been revealed!
This strike is a tactic to relieve the siege of Wei by attacking Zhao! He wants to take advantage of the chaos to rescue his son and Yu Xiaogang!
"Not good!" Xuan Ming and Bibi Dong's expressions changed simultaneously!
They never expected Tang Hao to appear at this moment and directly kill " Xue Qinghe "!
Almost instinctively, Xuan Ming suppressed his weakness, grabbed the Blood Spear again, and transformed it into a streak of blood light that shot into the sky, piercing straight at the massive Clear Sky Hammer!
Bibi Dong also moved at the same time, her Eight-Winged Purple Light Wings slashing towards the hammer shadow with a purplish-black evil light!
Chrysanthemum Demon, Snake Lance Pufferfish, and the other three quickly followed, joining Bibi Dong in resisting the Clear Sky Hammer.
At Bibi Dong's signal, Demon Bear Ghost Leopard were on guard against Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
At the same time, the two elders Qian Jun and Jiang Mo, on the high platform also changed their expressions drastically. However, their first choice was not to intercept Tang Hao, because they knew that no one could hurt Qian Renxue today. The two of them flashed and stood in front of the huge Golden Crocodile King ice sculpture at the same time, fearing that Tang Hao's crazy hammer blow would affect or even shatter the ice sculpture!
boom--!!!
The Clear Sky True Body launched a sneak attack. Although Bibi Dong's side had more people, they could only defend. Under Tang Hao's powerful Divine Slaughter's Domain, the Clear Sky True Body collided fiercely with the barrier formed by the combined efforts of the group!
A terrifying energy storm swept out once again!
Tang Hao was already severely injured, and the sudden exertion caused him to spit out a mouthful of blood, causing the huge phantom of the Clear Sky Hammer to instantly dissipate.
However, his intention was not to fight head-on. Taking advantage of the recoil from the explosion and the moment when he was Jiang Mo protecting the ice sculpture, he plummeted down like Qian Jun meteorite, grabbed the dumbfounded Tang San and the crazed Yu Xiaogang, pushed off with his feet, smashed the square ground, and escaped in an instant under the cover of the smoke and dust!
"Chase!" Yue Guan and Gui Mei's expressions turned cold. They sensed that Tang Hao's injuries were extremely severe. If they chased after him now, Tang Hao would surely die!
"No need!" Bibi Dong's cool voice rang out, carrying a hint of weariness and utmost solemnity.
She glanced at Xue Qinghe, who was being protected by Xuan Ming and whose face was pale but who was trying to remain calm. Then she scanned the entire square with the mixed feelings of surprise, fear, anger and confusion in the eyes of the people from the Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
She knew that things had completely spiraled out of control.
The shocking secret revealed by Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang is far more destructive than the Golden Crocodile's coup!
The most urgent task is not to hunt down Tang Hao, but to stabilize Spirit City, control information, and deal with the impending storm!
"Close all exits of Spirit City! No one is allowed to enter or leave without my order!"
Bibi Dong's voice, filled with unprecedented resolve and coldness, resounded throughout the entire Pope's Mountain.
"If even the slightest leak of what happened today is made, kill without mercy!"
Chapter 292 The Soul Hunting Plan
Bibi Dong's gaze was icy, like two sharp, cold swords, suddenly piercing through the chaotic and noisy air in the square, landing precisely on Ning Fengzhi.
She walked step by step to the edge of the platform, looking down at the two of them.
Behind them, the auras of six Titled Douluo — Yue Guan, Gui Mei, Snake Lance, Pufferfish, Demon Bear, and Ghost Leopard —were no longer concealed. Like six volcanoes poised to erupt, they roared up and locked onto Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
Further away, although the two guardians, Qian Jun and Jiang Mo, devoted most of their attention to protecting the Golden Crocodile Ice Sculpture, their seemingly casual glances still carried a heavy, pervasive pressure.
At this moment, the Spirit Hall's top combat forces displayed a high degree of unity and astonishing deterrence!
" Sect Master Ning."
Bibi Dong's voice rang out, no longer as cold and authoritative as when she announced the champion, but imbued with a chilling, unquestionable, and even slightly cruel interrogation tone, clearly resounding throughout the entire venue and silencing all whispers.
"You must have heard what Yu Xiaogang and Tang Hao said."
She didn't bother to explain the authenticity of " Xue Qinghe's " identity—after Tang Hao's earth-shattering blow, any explanation would be futile.
"I only have one question for you now."
Bibi Dong narrowed her phoenix eyes, her killing intent radiating like a tangible force, and slammed her Pope's Scepter heavily onto the ground.
"You, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect behind you, must give me a clear stance today, here and now!"
"Are you going to believe the ravings of those homeless dogs and fallen sect members, and become enemies of my Spirit Hall?"
"Still..."
She paused slightly, and the six Titled Douluo behind her simultaneously stepped forward, their terrifying pressure crushing down on Ning Fengzhi like a tsunami!
"... Choose to believe in the Spirit Hall, and believe in me?"
This is no longer an inquiry, but an ultimatum!
Ning Fengzhi's face turned deathly pale instantly, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
Beside him, Sword Douluo Chen Xin's expression was extremely solemn. The Seven Kill Sword hummed slightly, but he could also feel the terrifying auras locking onto him from all directions, enough to tear him apart in an instant!
He might be able to escape on his own, but there's absolutely no way he could protect Ning Fengzhi!
If Bone Douluo were here, perhaps there would still be a glimmer of hope...
Ning Fengzhi's heart pounded like a drum, his mind racing as he weighed the options.
Believe it or not?
Although Yu Xiaogang seemed mad, Tang Hao's appearance and that decisive hammer blow almost confirmed the news!
Is Crown Prince Xue Qinghe actually Qian Renxue of the Spirit Hall in disguise? If this is true, it would be an earth-shattering event!
But if one shows even the slightest doubt or hostility...
Ning Fengzhi had no doubt that Bibi Dong would immediately order them to remain in front of the Pope's Palace forever!
In fact, just as she hinted, the Spirit Hall's sword would be wielded against the unsuspecting Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in the next moment!
Look at the Ice Seal Golden Crocodile, the six elders eyeing it menacingly, the unfathomable Xuan Ming and Bibi Dong... The Spirit Hall has the strength, and even more so, the determination!
This is a choice that will stake the very survival of the sect!
Ning Fengzhi a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the shockwaves surging through him. He knew he had no time to hesitate. He raised his head, forcing out a calm smile that looked more like a grimace.
" Your His Holiness the Pope kind." Ning Fengzhi's voice trembled slightly, though he forced himself to speak clearly and firmly.
" Yu Xiaogang is a despicable person with absurd theories. He was expelled from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan long ago. Today, he is acting like a madman, and what he says is nothing but a desperate attempt to bluff his way out of a death throes. How can we believe him?"
"Tang Hao, the Haotian Douluo, who assassinated the Pope and was an enemy of the Spirit Hall for many years, has fallen so low that his words are utterly absurd!"
As he spoke, he bowed slightly to Bibi Dong, his posture extremely humble. "His Highness the Crown Prince is gentle and benevolent, and diligent in governing the country. He is the future hope of the Heaven Dou Empire. How can such petty people be allowed to slander him?"
"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect firmly believes in His Holiness the Pope's leadership and in the fairness and justice of the Spirit Hall. We wish to maintain eternal friendship with the Spirit Hall and jointly safeguard peace on the continent!"
His words, though seemingly high-sounding, effectively dragged Yu Xiaogang and Tang Hao into the mire, while also expressing his absolute support for " Xue Qinghe " and the Spirit Hall.
However, everyone present could hear the insincerity in his words and the extreme fear he was suppressing.
But that's enough.
Bibi Dong, she didn't need Ning Fengzhi to genuinely believe her; she only needed a public and clear stance, an excuse that would prevent the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect from launching an attack and allow her to stabilize the situation!
Bibi Dong looked at Ning Fengzhi, who was bowing respectfully, and a cold, unsmiling smile appeared on her lips.
"Very good."
The six Titled Douluo behind her slowly withdrew their imposing auras, but their gazes remained fixed on the two of them, conveying a strong warning.
" Sect Master Ning is a wise man; I hope you will always remember what I say today."
"In that case, we would like to ask Sect Master Ning and Sword Douluo to stay in Spirit City for a few days. With so many rumors circulating outside, staying in Spirit City is the safest option."
Ning Fengzhi's body stiffened slightly, and he finally bowed his head with difficulty. "... I will obey His Holiness the Pope's arrangements."
He knew that this was the best possible outcome for the time being.
The farce seemed to have come to an end, but an eerie and chilling atmosphere permeated the entire Spirit City.
All Soul Master who were in the city at the time of the incident, regardless of their affiliation, were placed under house arrest.
The city gates are tightly shut, and the city is guarded by a titled official—until the Spirit Hall agrees on the final course of action, entry into this city is permitted, but exit is not.
The Pope's Palace, the council chamber.
The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.
Before the enormous round table, all the Titled Douluo from the Elder Hall gathered.
"Speak." Bibi Dong's voice was icy cold, without any nonsense. Her gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on the Snake Lance and the Porcupinefish Douluo.
These two are Golden Crocodile's confidants and must know the inside story.
The Snake Lance and the Pufferfish felt the chilling killing intent, their bodies trembled, they exchanged a glance, and finally gritted their teeth, daring not to hide anything.
The Snake Lance Douluo spoke with difficulty, "Your His Holiness the Pope... Golden Crocodile's original plan was to take advantage of the tournament to overthrow you, and then, with Thunderclap force, join forces with the Angel Legion and part of the Elder Hall to launch a surprise attack on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, to execute the Soul Hunting Plan and eliminate these two major threats among the Upper Three Sects in one fell swoop, clearing the way for the Spirit Hall to unify the continent in the future."
Despite having anticipated it, Yue Guan, Gui Mei, and the others still gasped in shock upon hearing it with their own ears.
Attacking two major sects simultaneously without complete intelligence is far too risky. A slight misstep could put the Spirit Hall at a disadvantage. Is Golden Crocodile really that reckless?
Demon Bear Douluo couldn't help but say in a deep voice, " Your His Holiness the Pope, now that the Second Worship has been Ice Seal, the plan has been leaked. Should we postpone it...?"
"Postpone?" Bibi Dong interrupted him, suddenly stood up, and scanned the entire room.
"Now that the core members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are under house arrest in the city, the sect is leaderless! With the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan Yu Yuanzhen executed, the sect is in chaos! This is a golden opportunity!"
" The Soul Hunting Plan should not only not be postponed, but should be implemented immediately!"
Everyone was astonished!
With the turmoil in Spirit City still raging and the Golden Crocodile Ice Seal, why launch such a large-scale operation immediately?
Bibi Dong gave them no time to question, turning her gaze to the Snake Lance Pufferfish: "Where is the Angel Legion now? Who is commanding them?"
Snake Lance Douluo hesitated for a moment before replying, " The Angel Legion has already been transferred out of Spirit City by Golden Crocodile and secretly stationed at a border outpost. The plan is for... Young Master Qian Renxue to directly command them."
When Qian Renxue was mentioned, his tone was complicated, after all, her identity as " Xue Qinghe " had just been revealed.