Chapter 281: Now Let's Watch Qian Renxue's Performance!
Time passed swiftly as Dugu Feng cultivated leisurely between Tiandou City and the Sunset Forest.
He first returned to Tiandou City with Ye Lingling to visit Ye Qingxin.
As expected, Ye Qingxin's Martial Soul had also evolved into the Sacred Heart Twin Begonia. Witnessing this miracle, grandfather and granddaughter tearfully embraced.
The Ye family's Martial Soul restriction was finally partially lifted.
Once Ye Qingxin had stabilized his spirit power, he was entirely satisfied with Dugu Feng—entrusting Ye Lingling to him without hesitation.
After leaving the Ye family, Dugu Feng returned to his clan and gave his father the spirit bone bestowed by the Slaughter King.
A ten-thousand-year spirit bone could solve a Soul Master's poison problem within the Dugu family.
Once absorbed, the spirit master could maintain stable cultivation even without Dugu Feng's detoxification for some time—potentially shaping another powerhouse.
After settling this matter, Dugu Feng returned with Ye Lingling to the Ice and Fire Two Phenomena Eye for cultivation.
Meanwhile, the two Jade Dragon Snakes were dispatched on patrol.
They traveled between Tiandou City and the Sunset Forest, monitoring all unusual movements—Qian Renxue, the Spirit Hall, the four single-attribute clans, and every activity in Tiandou City.
Thus, even while staying at the Ice and Fire Two Phenomena Eye, Dugu Feng could know events across the world.
Of course, he didn't forget Ning Rongrong.
From time to time, he visited Tiandou City to meet her.
This peaceful rhythm continued for an entire year—perhaps the most relaxing year of Dugu Feng's life.
His strength surged rapidly, his spirit power advancing two more levels to reach level sixty-seven.
With beauty in his arms and power ever-rising, his days were more than pleasant.
Until one piece of news shattered the calm—
Emperor Xue Ye had passed away.
Three days later, Qian Renxue would hold the coronation ceremony.
Over the past year, Qian Renxue had wiped out all of Prince Xue Xing's forces, taking total control of the Tiandou Empire.
In doing so, she acted decisively yet prudently.
She was not rash—every day she brought ministers to visit Emperor Xue Ye, bedridden and speechless.
Through her apparent filial piety and competence in governance, she dispelled all previous rumors.
She did not kill Prince Xue Xing or Xue Beng, clearly showing the magnanimity of a victor. Who could resist submitting to such a sovereign image?
The entire Tiandou Empire was now loyal to Qian Renxue.
She waited patiently until Emperor Xue Ye's life faded completely before, under the persuasion of her ministers, accepting the throne.
That entire year, Qian Renxue made no missteps—playing the role of a wise ruler flawlessly.
"Lingling, Emperor Xue Ye has died. We're returning to Tiandou City—His Highness will ascend the throne. This will be a grand event in Tiandou!"
Dugu Feng turned to Ye Lingling beside him.
During this time, she had followed him closely enough to know everything about the city's politics.
Hearing of Emperor Xue Ye's death, she felt unsurprised.
"You seem rather eager," Ye Lingling remarked curiously.
She sensed Dugu Feng had been anticipating this day.
"Oh? Do I? Maybe it's because I had a good relationship with the new emperor," Dugu Feng said calmly.
Qian Renxue's coronation meant he had completely altered the course of Douluo's story.
What he truly anticipated was seeing what Qian Renxue would do next.
After all, Qian Renxue was ambitious—she desired continental unification, the fall of the Star Luo Empire, and eventually, the overthrow of Bibi Dong.
In many ways, she was as mad as Bibi Dong herself—
possessing supreme talent and resources, yet obsessing not over cultivation, but domination.
Dugu Feng found it incomprehensible—he thought both women were somewhat unhinged.
Still, he could understand. A woman who grew up without a father, without maternal warmth, spending years living as an undercover agent—such a life would shape a deeply unstable heart.
"Now let's watch Qian Renxue's performance," Dugu Feng murmured to himself.
Three hundred li east of Tiandou City, mountains stood tall and enveloped in mist, seemingly deserted.
In the midst of these peaks was a steep mountain whose cliffs nearly dropped vertically to the ground.
From its summit, shrouded clouds revealed faint glimpses of a hidden fortress below.
Most of the mountains were covered by dense greenery, with buildings faintly visible through the foliage.
This was the hidden domain of the world's number one sect—the Clear Sky Sect.
Between every mountain peak hung massive iron chains.
Amid the swirling mist, a faint blue-purple glow moved swiftly along them.
Looking closer, it was clusters of Blue Silver Grass brimming with fine azure thorns—resilient and flexible.
The grass extended from the valley, coiling around the iron chain, tightening instantly.
A figure below the chain used the grass's tension to leap upward, landing steadily upon it.
Tang San, wearing a blue robe, stood on the chain, gazing across at the opposite peak with confident poise.
His body flickered slightly, activating the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track—his speed like a phantom even atop the narrow chain.
The gap between the two mountains spanned nearly a kilometer, yet in a few breaths, Tang San crossed it.
"Father, Teacher, Uncle…"
Tang San called out. Standing before him were Tang Hao, towering and strong; Tang Xiao, stoic; and Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, serious as ever.
"Xiao San, you've improved quickly. Once you absorb your sixth spirit ring, you'll become a Soul Emperor!"
Tang Xiao praised without restraint.
Tang San had already stepped into level sixty—his progress surpassed all other Clear Sky Sect peers.
Even Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, in their youth, hadn't achieved such speed.
Tang Hao looked pleased, though he kept a stern face. "Big brother, don't praise him—he'll become conceited.
The Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul has grown well, but the Clear Sky Hammer still lags far behind. Xiao San, do you believe your Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique, Clear Sky Nine Absolutes, and Sky Breaking Strike are perfected?"
Tang San's excitement faded instantly at his father's words.
He quickly bowed his head. "My hammer techniques can't compare to Tang Long and Tang Hu, who've trained with the Clear Sky Hammer since childhood."
In truth, he had long dismissed Tang Long and Tang Hu as beneath him.
He had trained under a waterfall for two years and continued within the sect far longer.
Although his practice time differed, his foundation in Xuantian Skill gave him agility in mastering the hammer. He believed himself second to none.
Only before his father did he never dare show pride.
Yu Xiaogang looked on with satisfaction.
This disciple's progress was remarkable!
"Your Majesty," he said to Tang Hao, "this journey to Tiandou City to celebrate the prince's coronation is the perfect chance for Xiao San to absorb his sixth spirit ring.
The Forest of Tiandou is guarded by elite imperials. Combined with your power, there will be no danger."
Yu Xiaogang was cautious—Tang San had already faced two near-fatal mishaps while absorbing spirit rings.
The sixth one must not fail.
Nearby, Tang San's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Becoming a Soul Emperor was the true beginning of power.
He could hardly wait.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Bankai10