Chapter 238: Yu Yuanzhen's Guarantee
The next day, guards from the Spirit Hall arrived at the palace gates.
Many of the guests who had attended the coronation the day before had purposely remained in Heaven Dou City, eager to witness how Emperor Xue Ye would handle the crisis.
If he allowed the Spirit Hall to enter, the royal family's prestige would be utterly crushed. But if he refused, the Hall would have every reason to act against the Empire.
The palace doors slowly opened. Emperor Xue Ye stepped out, his expression dark and tense. Around him, the gathered nobles exchanged knowing looks.
At the forefront of the Spirit Hall delegation stood Platinum Bishop Salas. When he saw the Emperor himself open the door, a glint of smug satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
What would it matter if he was an emperor—or even a Titled Douluo? In the end, he still had to obey the Spirit Hall.
"Your Majesty, thank you for your cooperation," Salas said smoothly, nodding before moving to lead his men inside.
Just then, a voice rang out from the distance. "Wait!"
All eyes turned toward the sound. Yu Yuanzhen, patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, walked forward with measured steps.
His gaze swept across the crowd before settling on Salas. "Bishop Salas," he said evenly, "don't you think storming into the imperial palace like this is… somewhat improper?"
"Patriarch Yu," Salas replied coldly, "surely you understand—the royal family stands accused of practicing an evil art. The Spirit Hall has a duty to investigate to the end."
Yu Yuanzhen waved a dismissive hand. "An accusation based solely on Prince Xue Xing's dying words? How can such hearsay be treated as truth?"
"Moreover," he continued, "your men have already searched the late prince's residence and uncovered clear evidence of his involvement with the cult. That alone proves he was the real culprit. Why continue troubling His Majesty?"
His words carried weight, and Emperor Xue Ye, standing to the side, allowed himself a slow, quiet breath of relief. Everything was proceeding as planned. The Blue Lightning Clan was keeping its promise.
But Salas only chuckled darkly. "Patriarch Yu, I thought the leader of an Upper Three Sect would possess more wisdom. It seems I overestimated you."
"Yes, incriminating evidence was found in the prince's manor," Salas said with mock patience. "But if someone wished to frame him, would it not be easy to plant such evidence there? Tell me, Patriarch Yu—if tomorrow I 'happened' to find the same proof of cult practice within your clan's estate, should I then declare you a heretic?"
Yu Yuanzhen froze, momentarily speechless under Salas's relentless logic.
He had assumed his presence would be enough to smooth things over for Xue Ye—a mere formality. But Salas clearly had no intention of backing down.
Glancing briefly at the anxious emperor behind him, Yu Yuanzhen's jaw tightened. Finally, he spoke.
"I can personally testify that His Majesty has never practiced any evil art. His breakthrough to Titled Douluo was made possible through our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's assistance!"
"I guarantee this with the honor of our entire clan!"
A heavy murmur spread through the nobles.
Such a declaration was no trivial promise. With this, Yu Yuanzhen had openly announced that the Blue Lightning Clan and the Heaven Dou royal family were now allied—a revelation that sparked even more speculation.
What were these two mighty powers plotting together?
Yu Yuanzhen's expression remained stern, expecting that Salas would take the hint and step back.
But instead, the bishop merely smirked, his voice dripping with disdain. "Patriarch Yu, under normal circumstances, I would indeed grant your clan this courtesy. But... I'm afraid that privilege no longer exists."
Yu Yuanzhen's frown deepened. He had invoked his clan's reputation, yet Salas remained unmoved—an open insult to the clan's status.
"Bishop Salas," Yu Yuanzhen said coldly, "are you certain—?"
Before he could finish, Salas interrupted, voice sharp as a blade. "It isn't that I refuse to grant you face, Patriarch Yu. The truth is, your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has already been designated a hazardous faction by the Pope herself."
The color drained from Yu Yuanzhen's face. Salas continued ruthlessly.
"Two years ago, during the Soul Master Tournament, your son, Yu Xiaogang, was exposed as a practitioner of forbidden arts—an evil soul master. Out of respect for your clan's heritage, the Pope did not pursue the matter or demand an explanation."
"But if you insist on defending Emperor Xue Ye today, I will withdraw for now. However, next time… it may be the Pope herself who comes knocking at your gates, demanding that explanation."
The crowd erupted in shocked whispers.
Yu Xiaogang's disgrace had long been public knowledge. The fact that the Spirit Hall hadn't punished the Blue Lightning Clan back then had puzzled many; now, it seemed that grace had reached its limit.
Everyone also knew Yu Xiaogang was Yu Yuanzhen's own son.
Now, combined with the controversy surrounding Emperor Xue Ye—and the Blue Lightning Clan's sudden attempt at interference—the connection appeared deeply suspicious.
Realizing this, Yu Yuanzhen felt the weight of countless stares. His expression darkened further.
He had come only to lend brief support—but now Salas had turned that favor into a trap, forcing him to risk his entire clan's credibility.
If he withdrew, he'd incur Emperor Xue Ye's wrath and seem like a coward. But if he persisted, and the Spirit Hall retaliated using Yu Xiaogang's scandal as pretext, even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's name could be tainted beyond recovery.
Frustration rose in his chest—bitterness toward his son, who had brought this curse upon them. That idiot and his damn ritual!
The crowd waited expectantly for his decision. After a long pause, Yu Yuanzhen forced a smile.
"In that case, Bishop Salas, for the sake of both sides' dignity, I shall accompany you personally. We will enter the palace together," he said solemnly. "His Majesty has our clan's full support. I can assure everyone here—the Emperor has nothing to do with any cult."
His righteous tone carried conviction.
Cleverly, Yu Yuanzhen had chosen the safest path.
To retreat now would raise more suspicion. He had already declared that his clan aided Xue Ye's advancement. If he refused further involvement, any discovery by the Spirit Hall would implicate them both.
By joining the search instead, he could control what Salas and his men found—or didn't find—inside the palace.
After all, the Blue Lightning patriarch was no stranger to these halls; he knew precisely where the traces lay hidden. Properly managed, the Spirit Hall would uncover nothing—proving both his clan's and the Emperor's innocence.
At least… that was the plan.
(END CHAPTER)
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