"Second Uncle, there's no need to rush. According to the poisoner's pattern, it would take at least seven more years before Xue Ye the Great's life is truly threatened to the point of being beyond cure.
Whoever is poisoning him is taking such a long time to gradually deteriorate his health until natural death occurs—this indicates their ambitions must be enormous. Moreover, the perpetrator must undoubtedly come from within the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.
Unless it becomes a crisis, it would be wiser for our Dugu Family to feign ignorance!"
Dugu Shuo spoke unhurriedly.
Dugu Bo's expression had already shifted slightly, though he also sighed in relief. Since the emperor's life wasn't immediately endangered, there was no need for him to intervene now. That his nephew also believed the culprit came from within the imperial family almost certainly confirmed his suspicions!
Dugu Bo recalled his secret discussions with Prince Xue Xing. The prince had suspected Xue Qinghe ever since the second and third princes were poisoned to death. Later, when he had Xue Beng pretend to be a dissolute noble, the act had indeed preserved Xue Beng's life—further validating Prince Xue Xing's suspicions.
Recently, as Xue Ye the Great's health declined, Prince Xue Xing's suspicions of Xue Qinghe had grown even stronger. After all, whether it was the second prince, the third prince, or the emperor himself, Xue Qinghe stood to benefit the most from their deaths.
The only puzzle that remained for Dugu Bo and Prince Xue Xing was the earlier exposure of Yang Wushuang—a known agent of Spirit Hall. From this angle, could Xue Qinghe be colluding with Spirit Hall? Or why would Spirit Hall have supported Xue Qinghe so early on?
Moreover, why was Xue Qinghe in such a hurry to ascend the throne? Even without poisoning anyone, as the crown prince, that position would eventually be his anyway. Neither of them could make sense of it.
Dugu Shuo also speculated the poisoner came from within the imperial family. Dugu Bo knew his nephew must have some inside information—after all, it was his grandnephew Dugu Feng who had initiated the previous operation against Yang Wushuang.
But seeing the calm, unreadable expressions on Dugu Shuo and Dugu Feng's faces, Dugu Bo couldn't help but feel irritated.
Always so calculating, never revealing their true thoughts. Always pretending to be profound! Dugu Bo cursed inwardly.
With a creak, the carriage came to a stop.
Before the emperor's bedchambers, Dugu Bo, Dugu Shuo, and Dugu Feng stepped out of the carriage.
"Greetings, Jade Phosphor Crown, Clan Leader Dugu, Brother Feng!"
Qian Renxue stood on the main path before the palace, welcoming them warmly.
Dugu Feng noticed Qian Renxue seemed even more composed now.
By age, she was now twenty-four. She had been undercover here since she was nine—fifteen years in total.
Fifteen whole years!
Fifteen years living as another person—with their face, their voice, their relationships. At this point, if Qian Renxue were to revert to her original identity as a woman, she would likely feel uncomfortable.
"You honor us, Crown Prince," Dugu Shuo replied mildly, offering a slight bow before following Xue Qinghe into the grand hall.
Inside the hall, Xue Ye the Great still sat upon the dragon throne, though his face betrayed signs of exhaustion. Below him stood Prince Xue Xing, Xue Beng, and Xue Ke.
"We appreciate your efforts, Jade Phosphor Crown, Clan Leader Dugu," the emperor said with a faint smile, nodding to them.
Dugu Shuo bowed before beginning the poison inspection. First Prince Xue Xing, then Xue Beng, Xue Ke, and Xue Qinghe. Finally, he examined Xue Ye the Great once more.
As expected, no traces of poison were found in anyone.
Dugu Feng noticed Prince Xue Xing exchanging glances with Dugu Bo.
Then, a look of joy appeared on Prince Xue Xing's face.
Dugu Bo's endorsement of Dugu Shuo's examination results put Prince Xue Xing even more at ease.
Unfortunately, Dugu Bo had also been persuaded by Dugu Shuo.
"With Patriarch Dugu's examination, I can now confidently preside over the Soul Master Competition. This is a major event concerning the empire's future."
"Every competition sees countless geniuses emerge—they are the empire's hope!"
Xue Ye the Great, having received confirmation from Dugu Shuo and Dugu Bo that he was not poisoned, immediately regained some vigor.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Xue Beng began his performance, swiftly retorting, "Father Emperor, you should rest and not overexert yourself."
"Elder Brother has always been courteous to talents and values genius Soul Masters. Why not let him preside over the Soul Master Competition instead?"
Xue Ye the Great sighed helplessly, "The Soul Master Competition is jointly hosted by the two great empires, with the Spirit Hall assisting. Its purpose is to select the future of the Spirit Master World."
"In recent years, the Spirit Hall has openly used the opportunity of Martial Soul awakenings to recruit Soul Masters."
"Through this competition, I must ensure these talented students feel the empire's regard for them!"
Xue Beng still wore an indifferent expression but refrained from further rebuttal.
Xue Ye the Great then turned to Dugu Shuo, "Your family's Gem Academy will also participate. With Feng'er's abilities, he has a strong chance of winning the championship."
"Qinghe has been overseeing the affairs of the advanced academies recently."
"If Gem Academy has any needs, you may seek Qinghe's assistance. We must bring the championship back to the Heaven Dou Empire!"
At his words, Qian Renxue was the first to glance over.
Dugu Feng was indeed a rival to the Golden Generation.
But the Golden Generation had three members, while a genius like Dugu Feng was one of a kind.
Qian Renxue didn't believe Dugu Feng could win either.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. With Elder Brother Xue's Crown Prince Token, I will certainly seek his help if needed!"
Dugu Feng responded.
Xue Ye the Great seemed fixated on securing the championship. Despite his exhaustion, he continued discussing competition matters until Prince Xue Xing persuaded him to retire and rest.
It appeared Xue Ye the Great was under immense pressure from the Spirit Hall's relentless advances.
Pope Bibi Dong of the Spirit Hall had grown quiet.
Yet the effects of her expansion since ascending to the papacy were gradually becoming evident.
The Spirit Hall's Soul Masters far surpassed those of the two empires in strength.
Moreover, more and more factions across the continent were aligning with the Spirit Hall, turning it into a holy land for Soul Masters.
Young Soul Masters took pride in joining the Spirit Hall.
Under these circumstances, the Heaven Dou Empire was desperate to win the championship to boost morale.
After Xue Ye the Great left, Qian Renxue also showed enthusiasm.
"Brother Feng, how about visiting my Crown Prince's residence? I gave you the Crown Prince Token years ago, yet you've never once come!"
Qian Renxue's tone carried a hint of reproach, but such an attitude only emphasized her regard for Dugu Feng.
"Since Elder Brother Xue invites me, I would be honored to accept!"
Dugu Feng smiled.
After bidding farewell to Dugu Shuo and Dugu Bo, he strolled through the palace with Qian Renxue.
"Brother Feng, last time you advised me to pay more attention to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
"I had high hopes for the Heaven Dou Royal Team, but with Yu Tianheng killed by Tang San, the academy is unlikely to achieve much this time."
Qian Renxue sighed helplessly.
Dugu Feng's heart stirred as he probed, "Brother Xue, why be discouraged? Tang San is a more talented genius than Yu Tianheng.
Moreover, the Clear Sky Sect is within the empire's borders and opposes the Spirit Hall. Your Highness should be trying to win Tang San over.
The Shrek Academy Team will also participate this time—I presume Brother Xue already knows this!"
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