After Yang Xiong left the Crown Prince's residence, the previously calm and composed Xue Qinghe now appeared furious, his face contorted with rage.
All of his meticulous planning—if what Yang Xiong said was true—meant that he had unknowingly gained a formidable enemy. Perhaps all of this was part of Emperor Xue Ye's scheme to keep him in check.
Xue Qinghe called out to the shadows: "Come out!"
At that moment, two towering figures emerged in the room, exuding an imposing presence.
The two bowed slightly to Xue Qinghe: "We greet you, Your Highness. What are your orders?"
Xue Qinghe commanded: "Elder Snake Spear, go gather information on Prince Xue Beng's recent activities. Find out who he's associating with, what he's been doing lately, and investigate the backgrounds of those spoiled brats surrounding him. Also, check if there's any collusion between Prince Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing."
"Elder Porcupinefish, I heard Elder Chrysanthemum (Ju) is currently in the Tian Dou region. Go confirm the effects of the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. I need to know if it will truly help my cultivation."
Snake Spear Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo bowed deeply, then vanished into the shadows, leaving the Crown Prince's residence.
After finishing his cultivation at the hotel, Yang Xiong decided to take a stroll around Tian Dou City. He had been so focused on training for so long that his nerves were constantly on edge. It had been ages since he last enjoyed a carefree walk.
Before long, Yang Xiong arrived at an opulent-looking building—it was Yue Xuan.
Yang Xiong had no particular interest in Yue Xuan or Tang Yuehua, but he wanted to see this place that everyone praised as an epitome of elegance.
Yue Xuan typically only catered to nobles, and the gatekeepers seemed to look down on ordinary soul masters like Yang Xiong.
When traveling, Yang Xiong usually dressed casually, often in plain black robes. Standing nearly 1.95 meters tall, he didn't look like a noble but rather like a rough brute.
However, Yang Xiong said nothing, simply producing the Crown Prince's token.
The gatekeeper immediately changed his demeanor, showing utmost respect and practically fawning over Yang Xiong as he ushered him inside.
Yang Xiong felt a sense of resignation. The world was full of opportunists, and Yue Xuan, located in the bustling heart of Tian Dou City, relied entirely on the lavish spending of nobles to sustain itself.
Once inside Yue Xuan, Yang Xiong casually found a seat and ordered a pot of tea. He sipped it leisurely, paying no attention to those around him.
The environment at Yue Xuan was indeed exquisite, exuding an air of refined elegance.
The second floor wasn't overly gaudy. In the center stood countless harps, each one appearing extremely valuable.
The furniture was crafted from expensive wood, and even the potted plants and decorations were far from ordinary. Clearly, everything here was costly yet radiated an aura of sophistication.
Yang Xiong savored the finest tea, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, appearing to rest and meditate.
The melodious and ethereal sounds of the harp drifted through the air, soothing the soul and making one feel more tranquil.
In the bustling Tian Dou City, finding such a serene and elegant place was truly rare. No wonder the nobles loved to frequent it.
For the next few days, Yang Xiong stayed at Yue Xuan undisturbed, except for an unexpected encounter with Princess Xue Ke.
Princess Xue Ke was Emperor Xue Ye's only daughter, beloved by both the emperor and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. Though Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe weren't close, they had met Princess Xue Ke twice during their encounters.
Yang Xiong had also seen Tang Yuehua several times; she exuded an air of noble grace, which explained why her martial soul naturally possessed the Noble Domain.
Back at the Crown Prince's residence, in addition to the original Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Spear Douluo, Ju Douluo Yue Guan was also present.
Porcupinefish Douluo was the first to report: "Your Highness, after investigation, we've found that the spoiled brats surrounding Prince Xue Beng come from influential backgrounds—they're mostly high-ranking officials and powerful nobles within the empire. Moreover, they're secretly connected. Based on our estimates, it's likely orchestrated by Prince Xue Xing."
"Additionally, Prince Xue Beng has a close relationship with Prince Xue Xing. Following Prince Xue Xing's guidance, Prince Xue Beng has been pretending to be a spoiled brat to gather support at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy. Whether this is supported by Emperor Xue Ye remains unclear."
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's expression turned icy: "So this is how deep Emperor Xue Ye has hidden his schemes. It seems I've underestimated him."
"It appears both Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing have lived too long. If we let them continue unchecked, they'll eventually threaten my position. They must be dealt with in advance."
"Elder Ju, I need you to personally look into something. Do you recognize the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone?"
Ju Douluo swallowed nervously: "Your Highness, the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone is an exceedingly rare immortal herb. It nourishes tendons, strengthens bones, and clears the eight extraordinary meridians."
Xue Qinghe frowned: "Elder Ju, what exactly is an immortal herb?"
Ju Douluo quickly explained: "Immortal herbs are rare treasures born from the essence of heaven and earth, nurtured over tens of thousands of years. Each immortal herb undergoes immense spiritual energy to grow. For soul masters, these herbs can transform their bodies, cleanse their meridians, and even grant them a rebirth-like transformation."
"My martial soul, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, is one such immortal herb. Despite my efforts, I've never been able to locate another immortal herb."
The others exchanged glances. They hadn't realized the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum was an immortal herb—no wonder this androgynous figure had reached the level of a Title Douluo.
Xue Qinghe pondered before speaking: "Yang Xiong claimed this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone was found in the Star Dou Great Forest. Is that plausible?"
Ju Douluo thought carefully, as if discovering a new revelation: "No wonder! I wondered how a Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone could appear—it must have come from the Star Dou Great Forest."
"The Star Dou Great Forest is rarely visited, especially its core area, where spiritual energy is incredibly dense. It's an ideal place for immortal herbs to grow. Finding one there is entirely possible."
"As for the effects of the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, if Your Highness consumes it, your cultivation will undoubtedly improve significantly. It might even enhance your soul power and improve your innate talent."
Xue Qinghe glared at Ju Douluo: "Do I really need to improve my talent? Still, boosting soul power isn't bad."
"By the way, you've been studying the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud all night. Did you find anything?"
Ju Douluo hastily presented a deep blue triangular object: "Your Highness, though the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud looks extraordinary, my comprehension is limited. Aside from identifying it as a fine soul-guiding tool, I haven't uncovered anything else."
Though the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud rested in Ju Douluo's hands, its azure glow filled the room, creating an atmosphere of immense comfort, as if one were submerged in an ocean of life.
If someone claimed the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was merely an ordinary storage-type soul-guiding tool, no one would believe it.
Xue Qinghe's expression turned puzzled: "This doesn't make sense. Yang Xiong is always cautious in his actions. This time, not only did he reveal such a significant secret, but he also produced what you call an immortal herb. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud must be extraordinary."
The others exchanged glances. After a night of study, they hadn't discovered anything unusual. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud appeared to be an extraordinary treasure, but aside from its beauty, they couldn't discern any other effects.
Snake Spear Douluo suggested: "Your Highness, though we're in Tian Dou City, I'm confident in our strength. We could hand over the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, ambush Yang Xiong in secret, and then reclaim it. There might even be unexpected gains."
Xue Qinghe shot a glare at Snake Spear Douluo: "Yang Xiong has been openly visiting our Crown Prince's residence. Given his status in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he's surely under covert protection. If we provoke them and draw the sect's attention, are you willing to take responsibility?"
"Enough. If the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is useless to us, we might as well exchange it for the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. It might actually make me stronger."
Snake Spear Douluo's expression froze. Clearly, this Title Douluos were simple-minded, preferring direct force as the most straightforward solution.
Xue Qinghe continued: "What has Yang Xiong been up to in Tian Dou City recently?"
Snake Spear Douluo quickly replied: "Your Highness, Yang Xiong returns to his hotel at night and spends his days drinking tea and listening to music at Yue Xuan. He hasn't done anything else."
Xue Qinghe's expression darkened: "That hypocrite, pretending to be so virtuous, goes to Yue Xuan to flirt with young ladies."
…
One day, while Yang Xiong was resting his eyes at Yue Xuan, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe suddenly paid him a visit.
"Little Xiong, you certainly have refined tastes. Aren't you afraid Rongrong will get jealous?"
Yang Xiong sighed: "I'm just drinking tea and listening to music at Yue Xuan. What does that have to do with Rongrong being jealous?"
Xue Qinghe's smile didn't reach his eyes: "Who knows what you're thinking? I heard you've been frequenting Yue Xuan lately. I thought you might have taken a fancy to some young lady."
Yang Xiong rolled his eyes: "Brother Qinghe, just say what you want to say. Don't disturb my music."
Xue Qinghe's expression stiffened: "Fine. There's a private room on the top floor of Yue Xuan. It's quiet and elegant—we can discuss our matters there."
Yang Xiong nodded and followed Xue Qinghe to the top floor of Yue Xuan.
Once seated, Xue Qinghe took out a deep blue triangular object. As soon as it was revealed, it emitted a blue glow, immersing the room in an oceanic ambiance that made one feel extraordinarily relaxed.
Even Yang Xiong, who had seen much in his life, was momentarily stunned. This was the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the imperial treasure of the Tian Dou Empire, and also the inheritance artifact of the Sea God—the Heart of the Sea God.
After marveling at it, Yang Xiong retrieved a jade box containing the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone.
Yang Xiong handed the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone to Xue Qinghe, then, suppressing his excitement, took the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud.
The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was the key to his rise. It represented the Sea God's inheritance and symbolized the trials of Sea God Island.
Throughout the original storyline, the trials of Sea God Island were the greatest opportunity for the seven members of Shrek. During their four years there, each of their soul powers increased by at least twenty levels, not to mention that everyone obtained the most suitable soul rings for themselves.
Especially Tang San, who gained two hundred-thousand-year soul rings and a hundred-thousand-year spirit bone during those four years on Sea God Island. His advancement was faster than a rocket.
And the key to reaching Sea God Island was the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud—the foundation of everything.
After receiving the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, Yang Xiong exchanged a few casual words with Xue Qinghe before leaving.
Once Yang Xiong departed, three figures swiftly emerged from the shadows—Ju Douluo, Snake Spear Douluo, and Porcupinefish Douluo.
Ju Douluo gazed at the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone with an expression of awe, as if admiring a peerless beauty. His eyes were filled with admiration and reverence, his mind completely consumed by the immortal herb. His excitement bordered on losing control.
Xue Qinghe sneered: "Elder Ju, is this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone genuine? Does it have the effects you described?"
Ju Douluo gradually calmed his excitement: "Your Highness, this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone is an exceedingly rare treasure. If you consume it, not only will your soul power increase significantly, but your future cultivation will also accelerate."
Satisfied, Xue Qinghe accepted the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. Though he had lost the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, acquiring such a divine herb was undoubtedly his greatest gain in recent years.
Ju Douluo hesitated: "Your Highness, I'd like to meet Yang Xiong privately. Perhaps I can resolve my doubts."
Xue Qinghe frowned: "Why do you want to meet Yang Xiong? Are you planning to act against him now? You should know this is a critical time for the Spirit Hall—we can't afford to expose our strength recklessly."
Ju Douluo clenched his teeth: "Your Highness, based on the aura I sensed earlier, I believe Yang Xiong may have consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum."
"Your Highness, rest assured—I won't alert the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I only wish to meet him privately."
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