Four calm and peaceful months passed. During this time, whether it was the Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, or the Two Great Empires, there were no further conflicts—everyone was simply focused on strengthening their own power.
Tian Lin had also started refining the Immortal Spirit Pill, but although this pill had a high success rate, it required a long time to produce. After four months, it still wasn't ready, but in Tian Lin's opinion, it would be done in at most another month.
However, during this period, a strange event occurred in the Star Dou Great Forest. The forest, which had been peaceful for more than a decade, suddenly experienced a beast tide for unknown reasons. Both the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires were impacted, with countless casualties. It took the intervention of the Spirit Hall and the titled Douluos from major clans to finally repel the beasts.
But this was just a minor incident. Beast tides weren't new in the past century, and the major forces were already accustomed to it. The only difference this time was how abrupt it was, catching everyone off guard.
Another recent event was a happy one for the Heaven Dou Empire: they finally reached a cooperation agreement with the Clear Sky Sect. Because of Tang San's exceptional talent and high standing in the Heaven Dou Empire, he was able to return and be recognized by his ancestral clan.
Although many elders still disliked him, they couldn't resist the unconditional support of the sect leader, Tang Xiao. The Clear Sky Sect wanted to re-emerge, and they needed the power of the Heaven Dou Empire. Whether the elders liked it or not, they had to accept Tang San as a clan member.
Now, the Clear Sky Sect had moved out from their original small mountain and, with the help of the Yu Clan, established their new base on another mountain near Heaven Dou City.
They were now neighbors with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, separated only by a mountain. The intentions of the Heaven Dou royal family were clear: to have the two great sects balance each other.
One day, Ning Fengzhi suddenly received a message from the Heaven Dou imperial palace, inviting him to the palace.
Upon receiving the message, Ning Fengzhi took Tian Lin and Chen Xin to the palace. These three could now be considered the most powerful figures within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Uncle Ning, do you know why Emperor Xue Ye suddenly summoned us? What's he planning?" Tian Lin asked curiously.
"I don't know. I'm not all-knowing," Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "But I guess it probably has to do with the future development of the empire. I'm not really interested in that. Actually, I wanted to ask you about something else. When Dragon Duke came back and said you agreed with ninety-nine percent of my plan, can you tell me what that remaining one percent is?"
Ning Fengzhi looked at Tian Lin with suspicion. Tian Lin hadn't mentioned this in the months since he returned. Sometimes, it's best not to say too much, especially before a big plan is set in motion, to avoid leaks. From the number of blacksmiths Tian Lin brought back, Ning Fengzhi already understood that he had agreed to what was written in the letter.
But today, taking advantage of the chance for the three of them to be alone, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but ask. After all, he was an extremely curious person, and Chen Xin was already in on the plan, since his strength was crucial to it.
"Hehe, Uncle Ning, that's a secret. Anyway, it doesn't affect the execution of the plan. Don't worry." Tian Lin smiled mysteriously. He was quite proud that even Ning Fengzhi couldn't guess it.
"Sigh, fine. As long as you know what you're doing." Ning Fengzhi said helplessly. "By the way, when we get to the palace, remember to show some respect. Before an all-out war starts, our sect must appear to support the Heaven Dou Empire. Even if you can't help but cause trouble, just remember—absolutely no killing, okay?"
Tian Lin nodded. He understood what Ning Fengzhi meant. Although war was inevitable, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect couldn't be the first to start it. Otherwise, they'd become the target of all, and both empires would brand them as evil, making them the enemy of the world, just like the Spirit Empire in the original story.
Therefore, even if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect joined the struggle for supremacy, it must appear to be forced.
"I understand. Isn't it just like playing the whore and also wanting a memorial for chastity? I'm used to that!" In front of his closest family, Tian Lin spoke without restraint.
Chen Xin smacked him on the back of the head, "You brat! Is that how you talk about your own sect?"
Amid laughter and banter, the carriage entered the city. The citizens on the streets all stepped aside, heads lowered, not daring to look up, afraid of offending powerful people.
Given how luxurious the carriage was, it was obviously from a noble house.
"Mama, why do we have to hide and keep our heads down?" a little girl asked, feeling wronged as her mother pushed her head down.
Before, even if they saw a carriage, they just made way for it; there was no need to act like this.
"Shh!" The mother hurriedly covered her daughter's mouth. "Don't talk nonsense. The crown prince is gone now. If you offend a noble, no one will stand up for us anymore."
All three in the carriage were titled Douluos, with extremely keen senses. The murmurs outside were all heard clearly.
"Seems like after Xue Beng took power, all of Xue Qinghe's years of effort were wasted. And I'm the one to blame; if not for me, Xue Qinghe wouldn't have been forced out." Ning Fengzhi sighed.
Although he didn't truly have a teacher-student bond with Xue Qinghe, he greatly admired her—her wisdom and character were the perfect inheritance of his teachings, even more so than Tian Lin.
If Ning Fengzhi weren't the sect leader, he would have wholeheartedly supported her. Unfortunately, like Tian Lin, he put family interests above all.
Letting Xue Qinghe keep her position didn't benefit the sect, so Ning Fengzhi had to make her step down, at least for now.
"Sorry. But I promise, Xue Beng won't be rampant for long. I'll help Tian Lin bring back the peaceful days you once had!" Ning Fengzhi thought to himself, looking at the people outside the carriage.
Soon, the carriage entered the palace. The three got off at the palace gate and walked toward the main hall. At this moment, a palace maid approached.
"Greetings, Your Excellency Nine Treasures Douluo, Your Excellency Sword Douluo, Lord Sword Prince."
"By the order of His Highness the Crown Prince, Your Excellency Nine Treasures Douluo and Your Excellency Sword Douluo are invited to the hall to meet His Majesty, and Lord Sword Prince is invited to the Eastern Palace for a meeting."
After Emperor Xue Ye woke up, he quickly passed the position of crown prince to Xue Beng. As his only remaining son, Xue Beng's position was even more secure than Xue Qinghe's before.
After all, there was no one left to compete with him, and he had the support of Prince Xue Xing, who controlled the empire's soul masters—a considerable force.