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At this moment, Yang Xiong looked at Xue Qinghe's serious expression and couldn't help but feel that his smile was extremely hypocritical. He felt the urge to tease him a bit.
"Brother Qinghe, didn't you just say there was no need to be so formal? I came to you because I see you as one of my own. If I went to Emperor Xue Ye, it wouldn't be nearly as meaningful."
Xue Qinghe's expression shifted slightly: "Little Xiong, what do you mean by that?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Since ancient times, being a crown prince has always been the hardest role to play. Especially for you, Brother Qinghe, who is deeply loved by the people and wields immense power—there must be many things that aren't easy to handle."
Xue Qinghe's face darkened: "I thought you had no interest in such matters and were solely focused on cultivation. I never expected you to understand power and politics—it's rather impressive. You've grown a lot these past few years."
Hearing this, Yang Xiong felt speechless. This guy was clearly trying to gain the upper hand in their conversation, acting as if he were Yang Xiong's elder.
In the end, Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "The relationships within the Tian Dou Imperial Family are complicated. Originally, there were four princes. Though you became the crown prince, Brother Qinghe, the process wasn't smooth, and there have been plenty of outside criticisms."
Xue Qinghe's face turned cold, and he spoke with a faint, ambiguous smile: "Little Xiong, you didn't come here just to tell me these things, did you? Speak your mind directly."
"Besides, our father had four sons, and it's normal for two to have died prematurely. After all, the world of soul masters is unpredictable."
Yang Xiong studied Xue Qinghe for a moment: "Brother Qinghe truly lives up to being our sect leader's direct disciple. Your personality is remarkably similar to our sect leader's."
"However, I heard that the two princes who died suddenly were exceptionally talented. According to some conspiracy theories, you, Brother Qinghe, benefited the most from their deaths, which might invite criticism."
Xue Qinghe replied: "The innocent will clear themselves. Our father deeply mourned the deaths of my two brothers and sent investigators to look into it for a long time, but they found no leads. Any rumors outside are likely baseless. Such things are common in an empire."
"Little Xiong, coming here to tell me these things today—surely you're not just giving me a simple reminder, are you?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Of course not. The position of crown prince in the Tian Dou Empire is of great importance. I have a small piece of information to share with you, Brother Qinghe. It concerns your position as crown prince and might just be worth lending me the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Xue Qinghe remained silent, sipping his tea. Clearly, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was far too important for him to risk lending it out.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiong toyed with his teacup, muttering to himself: "Before a storm, there's always calm. What seems certain might not be guaranteed—it could all just be a dream."
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's expression changed slightly: "Little Xiong, it seems you've really grown these past few years. Your thoughts have become much sharper—you're even paying attention to my position as crown prince."
Yang Xiong smiled: "We're all on the same side. You're our sect leader's disciple, and we're already bound together. I don't want to see you fall."
Xue Qinghe's expression turned serious: "Little Xiong, just say what you have to say. There's no need to beat around the bush among family."
A faint smile appeared on Yang Xiong's lips: "Brother Qinghe, I have a piece of information. This information concerns your position as crown prince and might just be worth trading for the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Xue Qinghe shook his head: "One piece of information isn't enough. No matter what, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is the imperial treasure of the Tian Dou Empire. Without absolute benefit, my father won't hand it over."
"Besides, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is personally guarded by my father. No one else can obtain it—not even me."
A playful smile flickered across Yang Xiong's face. Perhaps he could take advantage of this fake little angel.
Yang Xiong then took a jade box from his spirit-guiding tool. Inside was a white, crystal-like herb that looked as pure and flawless as a lotus flower.
"This is the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, a legendary immortal herb I obtained in the Star Dou Great Forest. It's said to nourish tendons, strengthen bones, and open the eight extraordinary meridians."
"Brother Qinghe, over the years, you've been busy with political affairs and have neglected cultivation. If you consume this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, it should compensate for some of the shortcomings in your cultivation and even significantly enhance your physical strength and soul power."
Yang Xiong deliberately brought out the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone because it was a pair to the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum he himself had consumed. He wondered what special effects it might have on this little angel.
Upon seeing the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, Xue Qinghe was momentarily stunned. Clearly, he could sense the herb's potency and its ability to make up for the time he had wasted in the Tian Dou Imperial Palace.
Xue Qinghe's expression turned serious: "Does this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone really have the effects you described?"
Yang Xiong smiled: "Its effects will only exceed your expectations. If Emperor Xue Ye were to consume it, it might even break through his limitations and allow him to reach the level of a Title Douluo."
"However, I stumbled upon this immortal herb by chance in the Star Dou Great Forest. Who consumes it is entirely up to you to decide."
Xue Qinghe's expression shifted: "Little Xiong, if this medicinal herb is so effective, why not give it directly to Emperor Xue Ye?"
Yang Xiong rolled his eyes at Xue Qinghe: "I'm not close to Emperor Xue Ye. Besides, who else do I have a good relationship with besides you? You're the future of the Tian Dou Imperial Family. If I'm going to gamble, I'd rather bet on the future."
Xue Qinghe remained silent for a long time before speaking: "I can't confirm the value of this immortal herb, nor can I explain it to Emperor Xue Ye."
Yang Xiong smiled: "That's simple, Brother Qinghe. Just find a specialist to analyze it. There must be someone in this world who recognizes the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. I learned about it from some ancient scrolls of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Its effects will definitely surpass what I've described."
"Of course, if you're still uneasy, Brother Qinghe, I can address your doubts first—the secret concerning whether your position as crown prince is secure."
Xue Qinghe remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "If the information you provide is useful, I'll help you obtain the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Yang Xiong revealed a sly smile, his plan seemingly succeeding: "Of course. My information is absolutely valuable."
"I heard that the fourth prince, Xue Beng, is a spoiled brat. In the Tian Dou Imperial Academy, he gathered a bunch of troublemakers who caused chaos everywhere, severely tarnishing the reputation of the Tian Dou Imperial Family."
Xue Qinghe sighed helplessly: "Little Xiong, you're mocking me. Xue Beng has always been reckless. If he offended you in any way, I apologize on his behalf."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "It's not like that. I think Prince Xue Beng is quite formidable. Perhaps even you, Brother Qinghe, have underestimated him."
"Prince Xue Beng has gathered a group of spoiled children from influential backgrounds, each with considerable strength. They might affect the stability of your position as crown prince."
"Not to mention, Prince Xue Beng has always been a troublemaker. Many talented individuals in the Tian Dou Imperial Family have been driven away by him. Even when our Shrek group wanted to join the Tian Dou Imperial Academy, we were nearly driven away by him. If it weren't for Rongrong's special status, the outcome back then would have been hard to predict."
"More importantly, Prince Xue Beng has the support of Prince Xue Xing, who is backed by Dugu Bo. You should understand Dugu Bo's position in the Tian Dou Empire better than anyone."
After hearing Yang Xiong's words, Xue Qinghe's eyes widened, his expression shifting unpredictably. He looked astonished, clearly shaken by Yang Xiong's revelations.
If what Yang Xiong said was true, then Xue Beng's influence was indeed vast, possibly even secretly supported by Emperor Xue Ye.
At this moment, a hint of ruthlessness and killing intent flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. His situation was far worse than it appeared on the surface.
After a long silence, Xue Qinghe finally calmed down somewhat: "Thank you, Little Xiong, for informing me. Give me a few days. If I manage to obtain the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, I'll notify you to proceed with the trade."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Brother Qinghe, this matter is known only to the heavens, the earth, you, and me. I hope Emperor Xue Ye won't learn of my involvement, or it might affect the relationship between our two families."
Xue Qinghe forced a strained smile: "Of course. This is our little secret. I believe my father and teacher would understand."
Yang Xiong didn't waste any more words. He retrieved the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone and left the Crown Prince's residence.
When Yang Xiong returned to the hotel where he was staying, his previously calm face now turned fierce.
He had revealed too much to Xue Qinghe today, potentially inviting suspicion and wariness.
But for the sake of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, it was all worth it. This was an extremely rare divine artifact on the continent of Douluo. In terms of value, it ranked among the top five items in all of Douluo.
As for revealing information about Prince Xue Beng, it was purely for future planning.
According to the original storyline, after Crown Prince Xue Qinghe's failed coup, Prince Xue Beng inherited the position of crown prince.
However, it was clear that Prince Xue Beng highly valued Tang San and his group while neglecting Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. He even appointed Yu Xiaogang as the imperial tutor of the Tian Dou Empire.
In reality, from the perspective of strength, soul power level, and backing, Ning Fengzhi should have been the undisputed choice for the position of imperial tutor. After all, Ning Fengzhi had two Title Douluos and the remaining strength of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect behind him—far beyond what Yu Xiaogang could offer.
This showed that Prince Xue Beng harbored significant distrust toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and Ning Fengzhi, especially since Ning Fengzhi had once been Xue Qinghe's teacher. If Ning Fengzhi ever turned against him, Prince Xue Beng might not even be able to hold onto the throne.
Moreover, in the early stages, Prince Xue Beng was indeed a spoiled brat who caused trouble for many people. But later, due to a single act of kneeling, he became the biggest free-rider in the entire continent of Douluo.
Whether it was the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect or the Body Sect, what they needed in the future wasn't someone who might betray them, nor a hidden wolf, but a puppet that could be easily manipulated.
Prince Xue Beng's early patience and later willingness to endure humiliation by becoming Tang San's disciple showed that he was not an easy person to control.
As for this deliberate revelation to Xue Qinghe, it served a dual purpose.
On one hand, it aimed to use Xue Qinghe to eliminate Prince Xue Beng, removing a potential threat in advance.
On the other hand, if Xue Qinghe truly eliminated Prince Xue Beng, it might provoke Emperor Xue Ye's suspicions, preparing the ground for the Tian Dou Palace coup.
If Xue Qinghe accidentally exposed himself, then the ensuing conflict between Xue Qinghe's faction and Emperor Xue Ye's forces would allow the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to reap benefits while giving the Body Sect an opportunity to rise.
Most importantly, the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone and the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum might have a fated connection. Perhaps they could be used to manipulate Qian Renxue.
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