Chapter 166: Qian Renxue's Schemes
Qian Renxue suddenly asked, "From your tone, Brother Feng, you seem to think very highly of Tang San?"
As they spoke, the two gradually approached the Crown Prince's residence.
When they reached the broad plaza before its gates, Dugu Feng replied, "He is the son of His Majesty Haotian, possessing his father's talent and charisma.
If you saw the match between the Shrek Team and the Heaven Dou Imperial Team, you'd see for yourself—he's the core of the Shrek Team, and displays the qualities of a true powerhouse."
Dugu Feng praised Tang San without holding back.
"Oh? With your endorsement, I'll pay close attention to Shrek's matches at the tournament. But speaking of this, I must complain about my younger brother—last time, he drove the Shrek Team away from Heaven Dou Academy, when they were just about to join!"
They entered the Crown Prince's residence, and Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue) put on a look of frustration tinged with familial affection.
Dugu Feng could tell Qian Renxue's act had become second nature—by now, she likely viewed herself as Xue Qinghe entirely.
Inside, she didn't take Dugu Feng to the main hall but instead walked with him through the elegant gardens, fitting for two young people in private conversation.
The grounds were extensive and beautifully kept, filled with flowers and trees.
"Brother Xue, I sincerely hope you'll work to bring Tang San over to our side—he represents the future of the Haotian Sect.
You may also know, within the Shrek Team are Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, whose backgrounds are obvious. For them to appear around Tang San is surely not mere coincidence.
The Haotian Sect has long supported the Star Luo Empire—this puts Heaven Dou at a disadvantage. For our empire's future, convincing Tang San to stand with us is vital."
Dugu Feng's tone was genuine—putting Heaven Dou's interests first.
Qian Renxue's expression grew thoughtful and serious. "Since you think so highly of him, after the preliminary round's opening ceremony, I'll ask my teacher to introduce me to Tang San."
She wanted to see for herself what was so special about him.
"Enough about Tang San—tell me, how goes your own cultivation? Last time we met, I could sense your level, but now your depth is unfathomable, almost like encountering a senior expert."
She said it lightly, but she was testing him; in fact, it was her genuine feeling.
Though she concealed her power, she was already a Soul Emperor. Yet even so, Dugu Feng gave her a sense of real threat.
"Brother Xue, surely you know about our Dugu Clan's martial spirit flaw? In fact, the faster I cultivate and the stronger my skills become, the greater my risk of dying young.
My own uncle died of uncontrolled poison. You could say I'm in a race against death itself."
Qian Renxue looked at Dugu Feng with pity, gently patting his shoulder and encouraging him: "To have survived the Slaughter City at your age, I believe you can reach Title Douluo just like your uncle, the Jade Phosphor Duke.
My teacher, Sect Master Ning, possesses the world's strongest support-type martial spirit. If you need help, I can have him aid you one day."
"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Xue. When that day comes, I'll certainly ask for your help!"
Dugu Feng quietly pondered Qian Renxue's real attitude toward the Dugu Clan.
Years ago, when she first poisoned Emperor Xue Ye, she must have been worried the Dugu Clan would interfere, which was why she orchestrated the attacks with the Elephant Armored Sect, Yang Wudi, and Ghost Douluo against them en route to Soto City.
Her plot had been foiled by Dugu Shuo's planning. Later, Dugu Bo was targeted by Chrysanthemum Douluo, and only survived thanks to Ning Fengzhi's intervention.
Since Dugu Bo's movements became more guarded, Spirit Hall hadn't attacked again.
To this day, no one in the Dugu Clan had exposed the emperor's poisoning.
Qian Renxue had likely put aside her guard against the clan by now.
Thinking from her perspective, Dugu Feng reasoned: her real plan was for Emperor Xue Ye to die "naturally," allowing her succession to go smoothly and her usurpation to be seamless.
Only if someone else, like Tang San, interfered at the last moment would things go awry.
But under her normal scheme—after ascending the throne, she'd need to win over Heaven Dou's powerful clans.
And since she considered herself a future top powerhouse, she would tend to recruit talented people, not destroy them lightly.
Dugu Feng judged that, for now, she didn't view the Dugu Clan as a necessary target for elimination.
This realization made his smile even more sincere.
Yes, this was the correct approach for the clan—keep a low profile, project the image of a family devoted totally to research and cultivation, unconcerned with politics or seizing power.
Qian Renxue felt the conversation was warm and harmonious, and Dugu Feng's respect for her "Brother Xue" identity deepened her understanding—this was simply a struggling martial clan, not a threat.
With this knowledge, she saw the Dugu Clan as a far less dangerous force, perhaps even a sharp blade she could draw to her side.
After a while, Dugu Feng took his leave.
As he departed, a shadowy figure appeared behind Qian Renxue—a stocky man with a stern, unpleasant face.
"Scarlet Blood, what do you think of Dugu Feng?" she asked without turning around.
Scarlet Blood Douluo replied solemnly, "His natural talent is remarkable.
A spiritual toxin surrounds him, able to block my attempts at spiritual detection.
Only Dugu Shuo possessed this before—but Dugu Feng has it already, even as a Soul Ancestor.
And perhaps it's just my imagination, but the toxins of both father and son feel even more dangerous than Dugu Bo's."
Qian Renxue laughed softly. "No wonder I sensed a threat as well. Marvelous.
What a fascinating family! Let's see what surprises he brings me at the tournament.
And as for Tang San—Tang Hao must be hiding nearby. Be sure not to startle them.
Let me and my teacher try to win him over first."
Scarlet Blood's face changed. "Young Mistress, the Haotian Sect's power is greater than anyone imagined. Tang San cannot be allowed to grow unchecked!"
Qian Renxue shot him a look of exasperation.
"Of course I understand that! Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated. My position as Crown Prince is the perfect cover for approaching Tang San and the Haotian Sect."
She knew the truth:
Tang Hao had killed her father, and Spirit Hall was responsible for Tang San's mother's death—their hatred was unbridgeable.
But as she saw it, for the sake of uniting the continent, she could set ancient feuds aside.
Yet the Haotian Sect's strength was something she could never ignore.
It was her single greatest obstacle to continental domination.
If she couldn't get past it, she would never fulfill her ultimate ambition.
(END CHAPTER)
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