Chapter 165: Meeting Qian Renxue Again
"Second Uncle, there's no need to be anxious. Based on the poisoner's current rhythm, it will take at least seven more years before Emperor Xue Ye's life is truly endangered—before it reaches a point beyond remedy.
For someone to take so long, allowing the emperor's health to decline gradually until he dies seemingly of natural causes, their goal must be enormous.
And clearly, the culprit must come from within the imperial family itself.
Until the crisis truly erupts, it's best for our Dugu Clan to play deaf and blind."
Dugu Shuo spoke calmly, explaining each point with measured precision.
Dugu Bo's expression shifted, then relaxed with visible relief.
If Xue Ye's life wasn't immediately in danger, there was no need for him to interfere.
His nephew clearly also believed that the source of the poisoning lay within the royal family—meaning his suspicions were correct.
He recalled his private conversation with Prince Xue Xing.
Ever since the second and third princes had died from poison, Xue Xing had suspected Xue Qinghe. Later, when he instructed Xue Beng to act as an idle, foolish nobleman, the young prince's survival had all but confirmed that theory.
And now, as Emperor Xue Ye's health deteriorated, Xue Xing's suspicions had only grown stronger.
After all, both the late princes and the emperor himself had one thing in common—Xue Qinghe stood to benefit the most from their deaths.
What puzzled both Xue Xing and Dugu Bo, however, was the involvement of Yang Wushuang, who had been exposed as a member of Spirit Hall.
Could that mean Xue Qinghe was colluding with the Spirit Hall?
Or, even stranger—why had the Spirit Hall supported Xue Qinghe so early on?
And why was Xue Qinghe in such a hurry to claim the throne? As crown prince, the seat was already his by right—why poison at all?
Neither man could make sense of it.
Dugu Shuo, meanwhile, also suspected an inside job, firmly believing a royal hand was behind the hidden poison.
Dugu Bo, watching his nephew and grandnephew's calm faces, felt his anger bubble.
Cunning lot, the both of them—always hiding emotions, every thought buried deep.
Pretending to be all-knowing sages... he silently cursed them both.
With a soft creak, the carriage came to a stop.
In front of Emperor Xue Ye's sleeping palace, Dugu Bo, Dugu Shuo, and Dugu Feng stepped out.
"Greetings, Your Excellency the Jade Phosphor Duke, Clan Head Dugu, Brother Feng!"
Standing in the palace avenue was Qian Renxue—still disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe—greeting them warmly.
Dugu Feng immediately noticed how much more mature she seemed.
By her true age, she was now twenty-four. Fifteen long years had passed since the day she first infiltrated the court at age nine.
Fifteen years...
Fifteen years living under another face, voice, and name—surrounded by false friendships, false loyalties.
At this point, Dugu Feng suspected she might not even be able to adapt if she returned to her true identity as a woman.
"Your Highness is too courteous."
Dugu Shuo gave a polite smile, gesturing lightly as the group followed "Xue Qinghe" into the grand hall.
Inside, Emperor Xue Ye sat upright on his throne, though his complexion looked faintly pale and weary.
Below him sat Prince Xue Xing, Xue Beng, and Xue Ke.
"Thank you, Your Excellency the Jade Phosphor Duke, and Clan Head Dugu," Emperor Xue Ye said with a soft smile.
After bowing respectfully, Dugu Shuo began his examination for poison—starting with the princes and princesses, then "Xue Qinghe," and finally the emperor himself.
His results, as expected, found nothing.
Dugu Feng quietly observed. He noticed a subtle exchange of glances between Prince Xue Xing and Dugu Bo, followed by faint joy on the prince's face.
With Dugu Bo's approval of Dugu Shuo's findings, Prince Xue Xing's lingering worry faded.
Unfortunately, Dugu Bo, too, had been convinced by Dugu Shuo's reasoning.
"With the clan's examination complete, I can now focus on presiding over the upcoming Soul Master Tournament. This event is vital for the future of the empire.
Each tournament brings forth countless new talents—our true hope," Emperor Xue Ye said, regaining some energy.
But before he could continue, Xue Beng interjected quickly.
"Father, you should rest. Eldest Brother has always respected talent and overseen the academies. Why not let him host the tournament this time?"
Emperor Xue Ye sighed. "The tournament is co-hosted by both empires with Spirit Hall's involvement—it represents the balance of soul master power.
Lately, Spirit Hall has been openly recruiting through their awakening ceremonies.
I must ensure every gifted youth feels the empire's care and confidence!"
Xue Beng pursed his lips but fell silent.
Xue Ye then turned to Dugu Shuo. "Your Gem Academy will be competing as well. With Feng'er's strength, victory seems likely.
Qinghe has been overseeing the higher academies recently. Should your academy require any assistance, speak to him directly. Bring that championship home for the Heaven Dou Empire."
At those words, Qian Renxue—still in her guise as Xue Qinghe—looked toward Dugu Feng.
He was indeed one of the Golden Generation's main opponents, but while Spirit Hall had three such prodigies, Heaven Dou had only one.
She doubted he could triumph over them.
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. I hold Prince Xue's command sigil—if I require anything, I will certainly consult him," Dugu Feng replied smoothly.
Emperor Xue Ye seemed obsessively determined to see the empire win the tournament. Even in his weakened state, he continued giving instructions until Prince Xue Xing urged him to rest.
It was clear the pressure from Spirit Hall weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Though Pope Bibi Dong herself had receded from the spotlight, the effects of her earlier expansion were now fully visible.
Spirit Hall's power had grown far beyond both empires, and countless sects and clans throughout the continent now swore allegiance to it.
For young soul masters, joining Spirit Hall had become the highest honor.
It was no wonder the Heaven Dou Empire was so eager to capture a victory—to restore national pride.
After the emperor withdrew, Qian Renxue approached the Dugu men again, her tone warm.
"Brother Feng, how about joining me at the Crown Prince's palace? Years ago I gave you an imperial sigil, yet you've never once used it to visit me," she said with playful reproach, though her tone conveyed genuine interest.
"How could I refuse, Brother Xue?" Dugu Feng answered with a courteous smile.
He bid farewell to his father and Dugu Bo, then followed her through the gilded halls of the palace.
"Brother Feng," she began as they walked, "you once advised me to pay attention to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
I'd placed great hopes in their team—but unfortunately, Yu Tianheng was slain by Tang San. Heaven Dou Academy has lost its potential this year."
She finished with a sigh.
Dugu Feng's thoughts turned immediately, and he probed gently.
"Why be discouraged, Brother Xue? Tang San possesses even greater talent than Yu Tianheng.
And with the Clear Sky Sect residing within our empire—and being an enemy of Spirit Hall—would it not be wise for Your Highness to recruit Tang San instead?
The Shrek Team will also be competing, as I'm sure you already know."
(END CHAPTER)
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