Chapter 173 - 65

Chapter 65: Xue Qinghe!Fu Shiyan's gaze pierced through the window, looking towards the distance of the street.Although his Spirit had evolved into the Azure Creation Tree, his control over the Blue Silver Grass species had increased rather than decreased.In the entire Heaven Dou City, wherever Blue Silver Grass grew, it served as his eyes.After his Spirit evolved, he could even control most of the plants in Heaven Dou City to serve as his field of vision!At this moment, through the Blue Silver Grass spread across the city, he perceived a "farce" unfolding deep within the imperial palace.The protagonist of this farce was none other than Qian Renxue, who was lurking under the identity of the Heaven Dou Empire's First Prince, "Xue Qinghe," but was actually the Young Lord of Spirit Hall!Fu Shiyan naturally knew of Qian Renxue's true identity.This Young Lord of Spirit Hall had successfully murdered the Heaven Dou Empire's Second Prince last year and was now making a move against the Third Prince.The current Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye, originally had four sons.Xue Qinghe was the eldest, while Xue Beng was the youngest.Back then, the most outstanding descendant of the imperial Family wasn't Xue Qinghe, but Emperor Xue Ye's second son.He was a brilliant and talented young man.But in the year he turned twelve—which was last year—he died an untimely death for no apparent reason.At that time, Xue Qinghe, the eldest brother, was fourteen.And this year, Emperor Xue Ye's third son, the prince who was extremely gifted in Spirit Master cultivation, was also about to die at the age of eleven.Through the "eyes" of the vegetation in the palace courtyard, Fu Shiyan clearly "saw" an attendant—disguised by Porcupinefish Douluo—quietly mixing the lethal poison produced by his own Spirit into the Third Prince's meal.The palace servants waiting on him were completely unaware; they simply performed a cursory check according to the rules before respectfully serving the poisoned dishes.The entire process was covert and swift.Had it not been for Fu Shiyan's Azure Creation Tree's incredible perception of plants, even he might have found it difficult to detect."After today, of Emperor Xue Ye's four sons, only two will remain."Fu Shiyan withdrew his gaze, his expression calm and rippleless.There wasn't much turbulence in his heart.After all, although his current strength had reached the level of a Spirit Saint, he knew clearly that he was not of the same kind as these high-and-mighty nobles.He was born a commoner, grew up among commoners, and had once received kindness from commoners.During those ten years of wandering, if not for the help of those kind-hearted villagers and ordinary people struggling to make a living everywhere, with his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul and its innate half-level spirit power, he would have likely starved to death on the streets long ago.He naturally would not betray his own class.Spirit Hall itself originally had many positive roles for commoners—Awakening Spirits, registering Spirit Masters, and distributing subsidies.But in today's Spirit Hall, corruption had long since become inevitable.The middle and lower management classes were utterly corrupt; instances of oppressing commoners and withholding subsidies were common occurrences.And the current leader, Bibi Dong, was an even more unreasonable madwoman.As for these nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire?They sat high above, wantonly oppressing and exploiting the commoner class, regarding human life as mere grass.These sons of Emperor Xue Ye weren't worth pitying; they were merely sacrifices in the game of power."Soon."Fu Shiyan murmured to himself.Once he truly became the strongest in this world and manifested a force capable of overturning everything, this oppression and injustice would be completely destroyed by him.He did not alert those in the imperial palace.But in his heart, the seed of a plan had already been quietly planted... In the following days, Fu Shiyan often took Tang San to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to Cultivate.Its extreme environment was the best mimetic cultivation site for him and Tang San, both being plant-system Spirit Master Spirit Masters.Dugu Bo also frequently brought his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, along.On the surface, it was to let Dugu Yan Cultivate in that precious land, but in reality, he wanted more contact with Fu Shiyan to close the distance between them.On this day, the group was resting in the valley.Dugu Bo leaned in towards Fu Shiyan and whispered:"Young Lord, have you heard? Heaven Dou City hasn't been peaceful lately."Fu Shiyan raised an eyebrow. "What is it?""The Third Prince died suddenly a few days ago!"Dugu Bo's expression was grave. "The state of his death was almost identical to the Second Prince's last year. Emperor Xue Ye is grief-stricken and has ordered Prince Xue Xing to thoroughly investigate the matter."He paused and continued:"Prince Xue Xing is an old friend of mine; he came specifically to discuss this with me yesterday. His investigation revealed that the poison used when both princes died was exactly the same, and it doesn't seem like ordinary poison; rather, it's like... being harmed by some kind of Spirit poison."Fu Shiyan feigned surprise. "Spirit poison? The imperial palace is heavily guarded; how could an outsider sneak in to administer poison?""That is precisely what's strange."Dugu Bo shook his head. "All food and drink undergo strict inspection; only personal attendants would have the opportunity to act.""But those attendants are His Majesty's most trusted confidants with clean backgrounds; no issues can be found.""The person Prince Xue Xing suspects most right now..."He looked around and lowered his voice even further:"...is the First Prince, Xue Qinghe."Fu Shiyan cooperatively showed a thoughtful expression. "Is there any evidence?""None at all."Dugu Bo smiled bitterly. "It's just that, two days before the Second Prince died, Emperor Xue Ye had just discussed the appointment of the Crown Prince with several high-ranking officials.""At that time, almost all the high-ranking officials favored the Second Prince.""And before the Third Prince died this year, His Majesty also seemed to have the intention of evaluating several princes.""The Third Prince had the best talent in Cultivation and was much loved by His Majesty.""If both princes are dead, who is the biggest beneficiary? Naturally, it is the eldest son, Xue Qinghe."He sighed."But this is ultimately just speculation. Without evidence, no one dares to speak recklessly.""This matter... will likely become another unsolved case."Fu Shiyan listened quietly, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.Qian Renxue's methods were indeed clever, using Porcupinefish Douluo's Spirit poison to kill without leaving a trace.Even if someone suspected her, they couldn't produce any physical evidence.The two chatted for a few more moments.Fu Shiyan suddenly spoke:"Senior Dugu, I need to head out soon to obtain my seventh spirit ring."Dugu Bo immediately said:"What Spirit Beast does the Young Lord need? This old man is quite familiar with the Sunset Forest and can help!"Fu Ze, who was nearby, also stepped forward and said in a heavy voice:"This subordinate is willing to accompany the Young Lord as a guard."Fu Shiyan shook his head."No need. The Family has already made arrangements; someone will come to meet me when the time comes."He looked at Dugu Bo and spoke seriously:"While I am away, Senior shall remain here or go to the small courtyard in Heaven Dou City to look after Tang San and Xiao Wu. Their safety is entrusted to you, Senior."Hearing this, Dugu Bo felt a bit of disappointment, but also a surge of warmth from being trusted.He solemnly cupped his fists:"Rest assured, Young Lord! This old man will certainly protect the two young friends well!"Fu Ze wanted to say more, but Fu Shiyan had already raised a hand to stop him."I know what I'm doing. You just assist Senior Dugu here.""Yes..." Fu Ze eventually bowed his head in agreement.At this moment, Tang San walked over from the side.His face bore obvious worry, and he hesitated to speak:"Master..."Fu Shiyan turned to look at him. "What is it?"Tang San opened his mouth but ultimately just gave a deep bow:"On this trip... you must be careful. Your disciple will wait for your return."The worry in his heart could not be voiced.He was afraid that because he had become a disciple ahead of time and changed his Master's fate, it would lead to his Master being unable to obtain that hundred thousand year spirit ring from the simulation.