Yang Xiong strolled leisurely through Tian Dou City with Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong seemed to have returned to her youthful self, shopping enthusiastically at every sight of something interesting.
Over the past five years, Ning Rongrong had devoted herself to rigorous cultivation and assisting Ning Fengzhi in handling sect affairs, leaving little time for relaxation.
However, Ning Rongrong appeared somewhat worried: "Little Bear, do you think Xiao Wu is safe now? Rumors about her hiding in Shrek Academy are spreading everywhere, and the entire Tian Dou City is in chaos. I'm afraid Xiao Wu might be in danger."
Yang Xiong gently pinched Ning Rongrong's cheek: "You're so worried about Xiao Wu, why don't you go see her? Besides, Flender and the others are there, and Teacher Zhao Wuji has already returned to Shrek Academy. No one would dare provoke them easily."
Ning Rongrong nodded: "Principal Flender and Teacher Zhao are reliable. With them around, Xiao Wu should be safe."
"By the way, Little Bear, how long do you think this chaos in Tian Dou City will last? It feels strange to me. Why does the Tian Dou Imperial Family seem inactive? They either should capture Xiao Wu or take other actions. Why are they completely silent now?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "It's hard to say. The internal affairs of the Tian Dou Imperial Family are far more complicated than we imagine—perhaps even crueler than expected."
"You're also an heir of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. You should understand the difficulties of succession. A storm may soon sweep through the Tian Dou Imperial Family."
Ning Rongrong sighed helplessly: "Only you, Little Bear, overthink things. I don't care about all that. Father has already paved my path for me."
"Let's visit Yue Xuan. The environment there is nice. I've only been there a few times with Father before."
Yang Xiong, full of affection, held Ning Rongrong's hand and led her to Yue Xuan.
The ambiance of Yue Xuan remained as elegant as ever, seemingly unaffected by the outside world. Noble princesses played their instruments and music, creating an atmosphere akin to a secluded paradise.
After Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong entered the second floor without hindrance, they quickly encountered Tang Yuehua, the manager of Yue Xuan.
It seemed Ning Rongrong and Tang Yuehua were quite familiar with each other. Both displayed immense respect, and Ning Rongrong, who usually acted like a spoiled princess, now exuded the demeanor of a decision-maker. She appeared more decisive and spirited, captivating Yang Xiong with her newfound confidence.
Tang Yuehua, too, carried herself with grace and poise, embodying the qualities of a true leader.
At this moment, the entire Tian Dou City seemed to stir with activity as armies began imposing martial law throughout the city.
Ning Rongrong was puzzled: "Little Bear, what's going on? Tian Dou City is usually strict. Why are there suddenly so many soldiers on the streets? It feels like something big is about to happen."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Perhaps something major really is about to happen in Tian Dou City."
Tang Yuehua remained calm: "You two can rest assured. As long as you're here in Yue Xuan, you're absolutely safe. No one will disturb you."
Yang Xiong spoke with a knowing smile: "Lady Tang, let's not beat around the bush. I have a small favor to ask of you."
Tang Yuehua's face softened into a gentle smile: "Mr. Yang, there's no trouble at all. Please speak freely; you are esteemed guests of Yue Xuan."
Yang Xiong's expression turned serious: "Could you kindly relay a message for me? I'd like to meet Elder Xiao Tian Douluo."
Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua's expression shifted slightly, but she maintained her composure: "Mr. Yang flatters me. I'm merely a humble merchant in Tian Dou City and fear I cannot fulfill your request."
Yang Xiong's lips curled into a faint smile: "Then please convey a verbal message to Xiao Tian Douluo for me. Tell him I know where the ancestor of the Hao Tian Sect is, though the specifics must be discussed in person. I originally intended to visit the Hao Tian Sect, but since it seems troublesome to you, perhaps Xiao Tian Douluo could come to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect instead."
Tang Yuehua, who had previously appeared composed, was visibly shocked: "What do you mean? What exactly do you know?"
Yang Xiong remained silent. Someone of Tang Yuehua's status wasn't worth revealing such a significant secret to, especially since he had much to gain.
Yang Xiong had always been wary of both the Hao Tian Sect and the Spirit Hall, particularly Qian Daoliu. He was truly the strongest in the world, and no one dared predict the extent of his power. By now, he might have reached a godlike existence.
Tang Yuehua's expression shifted, and she quickly excused herself.
Ning Rongrong, confused, asked: "Little Bear, who exactly is this elder of the Hao Tian Sect you mentioned? Why does it seem like Tang Yuehua is deeply concerned?"
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying: "I'm referring to Tang Chen, the founder of the Hao Tian Sect—the key figure behind its rise and dominance in the past."
Ning Rongrong was startled: "Little Bear, do you really know where Tang Chen is?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "This is one of the greatest secrets in the soul master world, which I learned by chance. I specifically told Tang Yuehua to pass this along to Tang Xiao. Let's see if this secret can bring the Hao Tian Sect out of hiding."
Ning Rongrong, still puzzled, said: "Little Bear, this secret is incredibly crucial. I need to return to the sect and discuss it with Father. You know how influential the two great pillars of the soul master world were in shaping the Douluo Continent."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "My true concern lies with Qian Daoliu, not Tang Chen. If they can find Tang Chen, it might give us an opportunity."
Though filled with questions, Ning Rongrong didn't know what to say in response to Yang Xiong's confident demeanor.
However, she quickly added: "Little Bear, now that Tian Dou City is in chaos, should we go help Xiao Wu at Shrek Academy? I'm afraid she might be in danger."
Yang Xiong reassured her: "With Teacher Zhao there, Shrek Academy should remain temporarily safe. Tian Dou City might undergo drastic changes. Perhaps you should return to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect first."
Ning Rongrong retorted: "No way! I've seen you sneaking around Tian Dou City for days now. You must be up to something. I want to see what you're up to. I'm an auxiliary system Soul Emperor—I can definitely help you."
"And don't forget, I'm both offensive and defensive. Ordinary Soul Emperors can't match me."
Yang Xiong wore a look of resignation, but Ning Rongrong was right. Not only had she mastered the Rasengan, but she also possessed speed-type spirit bones from Ghost Douluo, an Eight Spider Spirit Bone, and even a Thousand-Jun Ant Emperor Torso Spirit Bone. Ordinary Soul Emperors indeed couldn't harm her.
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong stayed in Yue Xuan, quietly awaiting the upheaval in Tian Dou City.
At this moment, the entire Tian Dou City was under strict martial law. Armies and soul master legions were everywhere, and a massive battle was about to erupt.
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe arrived at the palace, which was also under heavy guard. Countless troops surrounded the palace, creating an impenetrable barrier.
Deep within the Tian Dou Palace, Emperor Xue Ye's condition seemed dire. His soul power was chaotic, and his vitality was severely diminished.
In the past, despite his advanced age and white hair and beard, Xue Ye still exuded the commanding presence of a ruler, full of vigor.
But now, he resembled a frail old man, radiating an aura of death. His vitality had completely faded, and he appeared to be on the brink of death at any moment.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had taken control of the entire palace, though his expression was grim.
"Gui Bao Douluo, didn't you say this forbidden poison was foolproof? Didn't you claim that once Emperor Xue Ye was poisoned, he would lose consciousness, fall into a coma, and die within days? Why isn't he as severely affected as you described?"
Gui Bao Douluo hastily replied: "Your Highness, this forbidden poison originated from the Breaking Clan. We tested it thoroughly at the Spirit Hall. Any Soul Douluo who committed grave crimes and was poisoned inevitably died, and their deaths were agonizing."
"I personally witnessed Emperor Xue Ye ingest the poison. There shouldn't be any mishaps."
Xue Qinghe showed no hesitation: "Proceed with the plan. Eliminate all threats in Tian Dou City in one fell swoop. Leave no room for error. I don't want any lingering troubles after my ascension to the throne."
The group dispersed quickly, each with their respective tasks.
Countless troops moved swiftly, led by top-tier soul masters and supported by large armies. Their ferocity was palpable.
Xue Qinghe's plan was meticulously crafted, targeting all opposition in the Tian Dou region. Key targets included Prince Xue Xing, ministers who opposed him, and the previously planned strikes against Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect.
Initially, Xue Qinghe planned to steal the blueprints and manufacturing methods of the Tang Sect's hidden weapons.
Unfortunately, time was too tight. Bibi Dong's plans were moving too quickly, leaving him insufficient time.
Furthermore, after studying the matter with Bibi Dong, they realized the Tang Sect's hidden weapons posed a significant threat to armies. Leaving the Tang Sect intact might create future problems for the Spirit Hall.
Thus, Xue Qinghe decided to completely eradicate the newly formed Tang Sect. Without it, no one would be able to produce those hidden weapons.
In Xue Qinghe's eyes, the true mastermind behind the Tang Sect's hidden weapons was Titan, a legendary blacksmith. Titan held a prestigious position in the Blacksmiths' Association and was highly skilled in forging. Promoting Tang San as the leader was likely a deliberate gesture to curry favor with the Hao Tian Sect.
The so-called Tang Sect was merely a front for the Hao Tian Sect—a tool to oppose the Spirit Hall.
Therefore, Xue Qinghe resolved to eliminate the Tang Sect entirely. This way, he could remove the threat without directly clashing with the Hao Tian Sect, as the latter wouldn't admit to supporting the Tang Sect covertly.
Xue Qinghe held a high status in the Tian Dou Empire. To ensure the success of this plan, he not only controlled part of the imperial family's soul master legions but also mobilized vast armies. Under the circumstances of Emperor Xue Ye's poisoning, no one dared resist him.
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