Dugu Bo thought for a moment and said,
"That only proves that the ones who killed the two princes were that missing maid. According to the royal announcement, the maid poisoned the two princes."
"But how can we prove that the maid was impersonating Xue Qinghe?"
Ignaz couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation either. Qian Renxue's 'cat switch' scheme had been too flawless.
"I can't prove it, but I do know this: in an empire, if the first and second princes are capable and present, does the third prince really have a chance to vie for the throne?"
"If he really wanted to seize the throne, wouldn't it be better for the eldest and second prince to wear each other down in a mutual defeat? Poisoning them directly is far too conspicuous."
Hearing this, everyone fell silent, though they were more inclined to believe that Xue Qinghe was the fake crown prince.
"No wonder you wanted me to serve as Snowy Night Emperor's personal physician. I see now."
"Rest assured. With me and Brother Yang around, nothing will happen to the Snowy Night Emperor, and the fake crown prince, Xue Qinghe, won't have a chance to harm him."
Dugu Bo understood Ignaz's thoughts. If Xue Qinghe truly was a Spirit Hall spy, one day the Tiandou Empire would inevitably fall under their control, allowing the Spirit Hall to dominate the continent. Their goal, as the elders staying behind in Tiandou, was to prevent the Spirit Hall's coup. Serving as the imperial physician was the safest and most effective way to achieve this without drawing the Spirit Hall's direct wrath on the other three clans.
"But do you really not need my help with your 100,000-year spirit ring?"
"No need. The Tiandou Empire can't function without your protection. As for my sixth spirit ring, once we reach Sea God Island, my master can handle it. Then that Evil Demon Orca King will become my spirit ring."
Whether the Sea Spear Douluo could help was still uncertain, but Dugu Bo truly couldn't leave the Tiandou Plains right now—not even Tiandou City itself. Who knew when Qian Renxue might try to poison the emperor or use some other method to kill him?
The next day, everyone packed up. Under Ignaz's guidance, the seven of them rode in two carriages toward Hanhai City in the western continent. Fortunately, there were no wolf or bandit attacks along the way. In every city they passed, Xing'er and the others insisted on taking their time to shop, which proved exhausting for Ignaz and Yang Yong. Especially Ignaz—his two storage Spirit Conductor devices were nearly overflowing with clothes and jewelry.
Still, traveling while exploring was quite enjoyable. Since Xing'er and the others didn't want Ignaz's spirit power to stagnate, the journey of a month and a half finally brought them to Hanhai City. The girls, hand in hand, led the seven to the Wardfark Grand Hotel. Everywhere they passed, envious eyes followed them.
"Which noble family do these girls belong to? They're all gorgeous."
"If even one of these girls went home with me as my wife, I'd die with no regrets."
Despite usually being chased by female students, Ignaz, under the influence of Xing'er and the other four, wasn't approached by a single ordinary person.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Shui Xing'er generously announced,
"This is our family's largest estate in Hanhai City. For the next three days, I'll host—feel free to explore the city."
She glanced at Ignaz, recalling many past moments near Hanhai City with him.
"Thanks a lot, Lady Xing'er. Let's go."
"After a month on a carriage, I'm exhausted. I need a proper sleep."
At this, the four girls instinctively glanced at Ignaz, cheeks flushed, and the room grew tense. Niu Nan ignored them entirely, heading straight to her room.
"Nan Nan, wait for me!"
Yang Yong hurried after her, his intentions clear.
Ignaz, facing the four girls frozen in place and silent, felt deeply awkward.
"You all go rest first. Tomorrow we'll be heading to the Hanhai City Grand Dou Arena to get used to the Sea Spirit Masters' combat style. Don't overexert yourselves."
At his words, the girls' expressions changed drastically.
"What are you thinking, Ignaz? Give me my things!"
"Same here."
Within two minutes, Ignaz's previously packed storage Spirit Conductors were nearly emptied, the four girls storming off to their rooms in annoyance.
Ignaz returned to his own room, needing to carefully consider future developments. As his thoughts wandered, he pulled out the sheepskin map he had obtained in Slaughter City.
"Once the Sea God Island matter is over, it's time to explore the Sun and Moon Continent."
...
Meanwhile,
Tang San, after over two months, finally completed the 99-and-11 hammer training at the waterfall. He then received a message from the Blue Silver King, prompting him to return to the Silver-Blue Forest.
"King, you've come again."
"This time, your arrival signals the moment for me and your people to awaken your Blue Silver Emperor bloodline."
"Blue Silver King, I'm only Level 48, not yet at the Level 50 cap. I can't support the spirit ring that comes with awakening the Emperor bloodline."
When Tang San first came to the Silver-Blue Forest for mimicry training, the Blue Silver King had already told his mother and the Blue Silver clan the secrets involved. He knew that awakening the Emperor bloodline would grant him an additional innate spirit ring.
"Don't worry. The Blue Silver clan is resilient and numerous. I'll have your people accelerate your spirit power growth. Within a month, you'll reach Level 50."
"Just have mercy on your people and avenge us. Eliminate those humans who violated our lands and killed our companions."
The Blue Silver King hated those humans who had once seized the Feng Bird family. With their emperor returned, the Blue Silver clan finally had the power to fight back.
"Very well, Blue Silver Emperor, then come. I am ready."
Tang San approached a tall Blue Silver giant tree on the forest's left side. As he neared, the surrounding vines enveloped him, and a blue light gradually radiated from the massive Blue Silver sphere.
Tang San sat cross-legged inside, absorbing the strange energy released by the numerous Blue Silver plants. His training pace accelerated considerably.
(End of Chapter)