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Seeing Dugu Bo's expression soften, Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue both breathed a sigh of relief, their tense shoulders relaxing slightly.
Feng Xiao smiled brightly, the moonlight casting a soft, silver glow on his gentle features: "It's still early, why don't the three seniors rest and recuperate?" He stepped aside, his sleeves fluttering in the night breeze, "Leave the vigilance to Xue'er and me for now."
Dugu Bo nodded slightly at his words, his gaunt figure slithering into the shadows of the pillars like a snake. He sat cross-legged, green poisonous mist faintly visible around him, clearly having begun to circulate his spirit power.
She Long and Ci Xue immediately bowed respectfully to Qian Renxue. Qian Renxue's golden eyes gleamed with determination as she softly said, "I'll leave the important task to you two uncles."
"The Young Master exaggerates," the two replied in unison, their voices filled with unquestioning loyalty. Ci Xue placed his broad hand on his chest and said in a deep voice, "Your subordinate will certainly do his best." She Long, on the other hand, gave Feng Xiao a meaningful look, a hint of approval flashing in his snake-like eyes.
Before their words had even faded, their figures had vanished into the moonlight like ghosts. Ci Xue transformed into a bloody mist and merged into the shadows of the pillars, while She Long slithered along the eaves like a nimble snake. The entire perimeter of the bedchamber was instantly transformed into an inescapable net, just waiting for the prey to fall into the trap.
Qian Renxue looked in the direction where the two had disappeared, unconsciously clutching Feng Xiao's sleeve. Feng Xiao patted her hand reassuringly, and the two stood silently in front of the bedchamber, like two unsheathed sharp swords, gleaming with a chilling light in the moonlight.
Qian Renxue tilted her head slightly, her golden hair falling onto Feng Xiao's shoulder, her voice as light as a feather: "Little Feng... do you think we can really win?"
Feng Xiao gazed at the flickering palace lanterns in the distance, his eyes gradually deepening: "It's hard to say. If the Clear Sky Sect truly intervenes, they won't just send one Elder."
The night wind suddenly picked up, rustling the fallen leaves on the ground. Various scenes from the original novel flashed through Feng Xiao's mind, and his brow unconsciously furrowed.
Feng Xiao carefully calculated in his mind: "The Five Great Elders of the Clear Sky Sect are all proficient in combined attack formations. While it's unlikely they'll all come, if they truly intend to make a big move, they'll send at least two Elders together." His gaze deepened slightly as he continued his deduction: "Including Tang Xiao, the Clear Sky Sect has six Titled Douluo. As Sect Master, Tang Xiao probably won't personally act due to Spirit Hall's deterrence, but to be safe, it's most likely they'll send three Elders."
The night wind rustled his robes, creating a faint swishing sound. This speculation made his heart sink—three Clear Sky Titled Douluo proficient in combined attacks. This battle tonight would likely be much more difficult than he imagined. Feng Xiao unconsciously looked at Qian Renxue beside him; in the moonlight, her profile appeared exceptionally resolute and beautiful.
Feng Xiao gazed at the palace walls under the moonlight, deeply concealing his worries. He smiled at Qian Renxue and said gently, "We'll adapt as the situation changes." His tone was as light as if he were discussing tomorrow's weather.
However, he knew very well that if the Clear Sky Sect truly sent Elders proficient in combined attacks, with the normal Titled Douluo strength of She Long and the others, they would likely be no match for the sharpness of the world's number one Tool Spirit. Even in the original trajectory, a powerful figure like Tang San only managed to overcome the combined attack of the Clear Sky Sect's Five Great Elders after obtaining the Sea God Trident and becoming a Titled Douluo.
The night wind brushed past, bringing a hint of coolness. Feng Xiao secretly hoped that the Clear Sky Sect would send fewer people due to underestimation, but reason told him that given the current situation of the Clear Sky Sect, they wouldn't be so careless.
Qian Renxue gazed at Feng Xiao's profile, which appeared exceptionally profound in the moonlight, and suddenly realized her powerlessness. Even with the aid of immortal herbs like the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and Feng Xiao's daily urging to cultivate, she had only barely managed to break through to the Spirit Douluo realm. The night wind brushed through her brilliant golden hair, bringing a refreshing coolness.
"Perhaps..." Her red lips parted slightly, her voice almost inaudible, "I've been too obsessed these past years, too lax with my cultivation." Her fingertips unconsciously caressed the jade pendant at her waist. For the first time, Qian Renxue realized so clearly that if it hadn't been for Feng Xiao's timely appearance, her cultivation would probably be even lower.
The hoot of a night owl echoed in the distance, and she suddenly felt that if tonight's plan failed, it might not be entirely a bad thing for her. It's just that—golden light suddenly flared in Qian Renxue's eyes—if they wanted her to admit defeat, the other party would have to show enough strength. At least, they would have to let her witness with her own eyes what true, absolute power, capable of crushing all schemes, truly was.
Feng Xiao raised his hand, his slender fingers gently threading through Qian Renxue's flowing golden hair, his voice soft yet firm: "Don't overthink it. No matter the outcome..." He looked into her brilliant golden eyes, "I will be by your side."
Qian Renxue looked up, the moonlight casting a silver glow on her exquisite face. She gazed at Feng Xiao's resolute features, and the hesitation in her eyes gradually settled into a determined gleam. Her red lips parted slightly, and she simply replied with one word: "Mm."
But this simple word contained endless trust. The night wind brushed past, and their robes intertwined, casting an intertwined silhouette on the palace wall.
Feng Xiao looked in the direction of the bedchamber and softly asked, "How is he doing now?"
A hint of complexity flashed in Qian Renxue's golden eyes, and she whispered, "I'm afraid he won't make it through tonight." Her fingertips unconsciously caressed the patterns on her sleeve. "If it weren't for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School interfering, I wouldn't have resorted to this measure. The old emperor has always been wary of Ning Fengzhi's reaction, which is why this matter has been dragged out until today."
The night wind ruffled her long hair, obscuring half of her face. In the moonlight, her voice carried a hint of sarcasm: "He's quite clever, knowing that without the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, this throne wouldn't be secure."
How could Qian Renxue not understand that within this deep palace, she had countless ways to make Xue Ye disappear silently? Over the years, hadn't those troublesome princes all met with such "accidental" deaths? But the death of an emperor was, after all, different from ordinary deaths.
"The demise of a monarch must conform to natural and human principles..." Qian Renxue looked towards the bedchamber, complex light flickering in her golden eyes. "What I want is a Heaven Dou Empire that belongs entirely to me." The night wind brushed her magnificent robes, carrying a subtle fragrance.
Feng Xiao nodded slightly, his gaze profound: "From an emperor's perspective, his concerns are indeed valid." His fingers lightly tapped the jade pendant at his waist. "Without the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, any monarch would find it difficult to secure this position. This is also why, even if we withdraw from Heaven Dou, our control over Heaven Dou will not decrease too much."
If a monarch were to suddenly die violently, a cunning person like Ning Fengzhi would surely be able to trace clues. But the deaths of the First Prince and Third Prince were, in his eyes, perfectly normal—the struggle between heirs had always been thus.
Qian Renxue and Feng Xiao stood side by side in the moonlight, pouring out all their schemes and concerns from over the years. The night wind gently brushed her golden hair. At this moment, she suddenly felt that no imperial ambition, no power struggle, was as precious as the person beside her.
The water clock on the palace wall ticked, but she wished time could linger a little longer at this moment. Feng Xiao's gentle voice echoed in her ears, just as it had during every difficult moment over the years, giving her the strength to continue forward.
As night deepened, Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue sat casually on the jade steps in front of the palace, like two innocent children. Moonlight spilled onto their shoulders, adding a rare tranquility to the otherwise grim night.
Suddenly, Feng Xiao's ears twitched, and his expression instantly turned serious: "As expected..." He lowered his voice, "Three of them have arrived."
"Three?!" Qian Renxue's pupils contracted sharply, her golden hair fluttering without wind. This number far exceeded her expectations, and her slender fingers unconsciously clutched the corner of her robe. In the distance, tree shadows swayed, as if every shadow concealed a deadly killing intent.
Feng Xiao gently pressed her trembling hand, his gaze like a torch as he looked beyond the palace walls. The night wind carried faint spirit power fluctuations; three powerful auras were surging towards the bedchamber like a tide. The worst-case scenario had, after all, arrived.
Feng Xiao nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. A determined flame ignited in Qian Renxue's golden eyes: "Even if today is destined to fail, I will fight with all I have!"
A fighting arc curved on Feng Xiao's lips. Indeed, shrinking from battle was never his style. How could one know the outcome without truly engaging? And surrendering and retreating directly certainly didn't align with his principles.
Qian Renxue said no more, and a dazzling golden light suddenly bloomed on her forehead. With the activation of her head Spirit Bone ability, her form gradually changed within the brilliant light; her golden hair turned snow-white, and her exquisite features reverted to those of the gentle and refined Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
When the light dissipated, the one standing beside Feng Xiao was the wise Crown Prince lauded by everyone in the Heaven Dou Empire. Only in the depths of those eyes did a hint of Qian Renxue's golden sharpness remain.
Not long after, the night wind suddenly picked up, and three figures, carrying Xue Beng, landed in front of the hall like ghosts. In the moonlight, the robes of the Clear Sky Sect's three Elders fluttered, their gazes at Feng Xiao filled with disdain and contempt.
Xue Qinghe—now disguised as Qian Renxue—stepped forward slowly, his gentle voice carrying a bone-chilling coldness: "Fourth Brother, trespassing into Father Emperor's bedchamber with three experts late at night..." His gaze, like a sword, pierced the disheveled Xue Beng, "Could it be that you intend to commit a heinous act?"
Xue Beng was thrown to the ground, stumbling as he regained his footing.
Then, Xue Beng's eyes flickered, and he forced himself to straighten his back, his voice trembling slightly: "Xue Qinghe! You... you think I don't know what's going on with Father Emperor's illness?" He pointed at the bedchamber, outwardly fierce but inwardly timid, "Tonight, with the Clear Sky Sect's three Elders here to uphold justice, I just need to take Father Emperor to Senior Dugu for treatment!"
He grew more agitated as he spoke, his voice suddenly rising: "If you have even an ounce of filial piety, step aside immediately! Otherwise..."
Xue Qinghe stood with his hands behind his back, his face as calm as water in the moonlight: "Fourth Brother, your words are mistaken." He slowly walked forward, each step making Xue Beng unconsciously retreat. "Father Emperor is seriously ill, and the imperial physicians are taking care of him. Your trespassing into the forbidden palace with outsiders late at night is the true act of great disrespect."
No sooner had Xue Beng finished speaking than the Clear Sky Sect's Seventh Elder strode forward, while the Fifth Elder and Sixth Elder remained motionless, holding their ground. The Seventh Elder looked down at Feng Xiao and sneered, "Boy, your talent is not bad, but unfortunately... how dare a mere Spirit Douluo act so presumptuously here?"
Feng Xiao calmly held the Fuxi Zither, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Since senior looks down on my cultivation..." His fingertips lightly brushed the strings, producing a clear, resonant vibration, "I wonder if you dare to have a private match with this junior? So that this junior may experience the Clear Sky Sect's unique skills."
The night wind brushed past, lifting his plain white robe: "If this junior loses, I will naturally retreat. But if this junior wins..." Before he could finish, the Fuxi Zither was already flowing with lustrous spirit power, appearing exceptionally cold in the moonlight.
The Seventh Elder's eyes immediately blazed with fighting intent. He was a straightforward person by nature and was about to accept the challenge. Unexpectedly, the Fifth Elder suddenly flashed forward, his gaunt hand pressing on his shoulder: "Seventh Brother, don't be childish!" His voice was soft, but it carried unquestionable authority, "This matter concerns the Sect's grand plan; how can you act recklessly?"
Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue exchanged a subtle glance, a hint of regret flashing in their eyes. If they could cripple one of the opponent's Titled Douluo first, their chances of winning this battle would increase by thirty percent. Unfortunately, this Fifth Elder was too cautious and did not fall into the trap.
The night wind rustled the fallen leaves on the ground. Although the Seventh Elder was full of indignation, he could only retreat resentfully. The Fifth Elder's cloudy old eyes swept over the two, and he sneered, "Little brats, save your crude taunts."
"Elders, don't waste any more words with them!" Xue Beng cried out anxiously, his eyes flickering with unease, "Father Emperor is in the bedchamber; if we delay any longer, I'm afraid things will get complicated!"
Upon hearing this, the Fifth Elder's cloudy eyes suddenly burst forth with sharp light: "Juniors, since you are so stubborn..." His gaunt arm slowly rose, "Then don't blame this old man for bullying the young!"
Before he finished speaking, three deafening roars sounded simultaneously. The spirit power around the Fifth Elder, Sixth Elder, and Seventh Elder surged, and nine dazzling spirit rings appeared one after another—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black! Three ancient-looking Clear Sky Hammers broke through the air, gleaming with a cold metallic luster in the moonlight.
A powerful spirit power pressure instantly enveloped the entire area, even making the air solidify. Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue both took half a step back, their faces showing solemnity.
Just at this critical moment, three immense auras suddenly erupted from the shadows. She Long, Ci Xue, and Dugu Bo appeared like ghosts, landing steadily in front of Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue, their nine spirit rings blooming simultaneously, matching the pressure of the Clear Sky Sect's three Elders.
The Clear Sky Sect's three Elders' expressions changed drastically, and they unconsciously tightened their grip on their Clear Sky Hammers. They had never imagined that the opposing side would also have three Titled Douluo-level powerhouses hidden!
The moment Xue Beng saw Dugu Bo, his pupils contracted violently, and his face turned deathly pale. He finally understood—why this arrogant Poison Douluo had refused his royal uncle's invitation. It turned out... he had already sided with Xue Qinghe!
The night wind suddenly stopped, and the spirit power of the six Titled Douluo violently collided in the void, shaking the surrounding palace walls and causing dust to fall.
Dugu Bo's sinister voice echoed in the night, green poisonous mist swirling around him: "Boy, this old man advises you to give up on that idea early..." His gaunt fingers lightly caressed the spirit tool at his waist, "Otherwise, this old man cannot guarantee that you will leave here alive."
Xue Beng trembled at his words, hastily hiding behind the three Elders, his face as pale as paper. The three Clear Sky Sect Elders immediately frowned, exchanging glances—their primary goal for this trip was to support Xue Beng's ascension, and if this Fourth Prince were to fall here, all their plans would be in vain.
The Fifth Elder snorted coldly, his Clear Sky Hammer striking the ground heavily: "Dugu Bo, do you truly intend to be an enemy of my Clear Sky Sect?" His voice carried a threat, but his hand gripping the hammer unconsciously tightened. The Sixth Elder and Seventh Elder moved in tacit understanding, protecting Xue Beng in the center. The night wind rustled the fallen leaves, and the atmosphere in the field became extremely tense.
"Fifth Brother, Sixth Brother! It seems we must get serious today!" The Seventh Elder's eyes were bloodshot, and lightning flashed wildly on his Clear Sky Hammer, "Let's start by taking care of these Spirit Hall scoundrels!"
Being able to mobilize three Titled Douluo at once, looking across the entire continent, only their Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall had such capability. This realization intensified the Seventh Elder's rage, and the spirit power fluctuations on his hammer became even more violent.
The Fifth Elder and Sixth Elder nodded heavily, and the three of them moved like lightning, instantly changing positions to form a triangular formation. Their Clear Sky Hammers echoed each other, drawing mysterious trajectories in the air, firmly protecting Xue Beng in the center. A blue spirit power barrier circulated between the three, forming an airtight protective barrier.
"Attack!"
She Long roared, exchanging a glance with Ci Xue, and the two of them burst forward like lightning. Dugu Bo let out a sinister laugh, and the Jade Phosphor Serpent's poisonous mist instantly spread. The three Titled Douluo simultaneously unleashed their spirit rings, and the dazzling yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black light illuminated the night sky.
"Good timing!"
The Fifth Elder's eyes widened in anger, and the three of them raised their Clear Sky Hammers simultaneously: "Clear Sky Formation!"
"Eighth Spirit Ability · Time Stasis!"
"Fifth Spirit Ability · Thunderous Shattering Kill!"
"Sixth Spirit Ability · Thorny Bone Spikes!"
The Spirit Abilities of the three great Titled Douluo simultaneously slammed into the Clear Sky Formation, but were repelled the moment they touched the blue light screen. The Seventh Elder laughed wildly: "Mere scoundrels, how dare you challenge my Clear Sky Sect's ultimate skill?!"