Dugu Feng sighed, recalling memories from his previous life—how he had been subjected to tiger parenting by Dugu Shuo since childhood, living in endless darkness.
From learning to read, he was forced to study various poisons, family heritage, and knowledge about Spirit Beasts.
His upbringing was comparable to Qian Renxue's.
But at least after turning four, he had Little Snake as a playmate and Old Snake, the chatterbox, which brought some change to his life.
After six, he went to the Heaven Dou Imperial Royal Academy, where he had more peers. Although Dugu Feng didn't interact much with his classmates, the atmosphere was incomparable, allowing him to relax.
Qian Renxue, however, was different. Her life as an undercover agent meant bearing immense pressure alone most of the time, constantly playing the role of Xue Qinghe—a truly tragic and oppressive existence.
Perhaps it was these twisted experiences that gave rise to Qian Renxue's somewhat insane ideals.
In his mind, Dugu Feng silently pitied Qian Renxue for a brief moment.
Then he stood up and walked downward.
As a good brother, how could he not go comfort her at a time like this?
Inside the military tent.
After the initial fury, Qian Renxue felt stifled and disheartened, as if the sky had collapsed.
"Grandfather, where are you? I've disappointed you. Uncle She Long and Uncle Ci Xue died because of me!"
She stared blankly upward, and after a moment, a trickle of blood flowed from the corner of her mouth.
"Cough... Ugh..."
Despite being a Soul Saint-level expert, she couldn't control her body and vomited a mouthful of blood.
This showed just how terrifying her inner suppression and pent-up emotions were.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."
The Soul Saint who had delivered the news was stunned—the young mistress, a powerful expert, had actually vomited blood.
"Withdraw them, withdraw the troops, quickly..." Qian Renxue clutched her chest and issued the order.
The Soul Saint gave her a pained glance, then turned and left the tent.
Just outside, he saw Dugu Feng approaching from not far away.
"What happened to His Majesty? The army just set out—did they encounter an ambush from the Star Luo Empire?" Dugu Feng asked with concern.
The Soul Saint didn't dare answer directly. Thinking quickly, he said, "Please go in and check on His Majesty. His Majesty, she...Sigh..."
He sighed and hurried away.
Dugu Feng lifted the tent flap and walked straight in, immediately spotting the blood at the corner of Qian Renxue's mouth and on her chest.
He was greatly shocked. "Brother Xue, what's wrong? Even if we've suffered a defeat, we can start over. Once I become a Titled Douluo, I'll help you kill all our enemies. Here, this is Dragon Lichen Leaf—it can heal injuries and calm the mind. Take it quickly!"
Dugu Feng supported Qian Renxue's arm and helped her sit down.
Qian Renxue's eyes were vacant, with boundless gloom deep within.
She allowed Dugu Feng to guide her to sit, and he placed the Dragon Lichen Leaf into her mouth.
The leaf dissolved instantly upon contact, a warm sensation flowing down her throat. The surge of heat revived her spirits slightly.
She stiffly turned her head to look at Dugu Feng, seeing his concerned and anxious expression.
It offered Qian Renxue some comfort.
Brother Feng truly treats me as a brother!
Even though he was interacting with the identity of Xue Qinghe, at this moment, it seemed only Dugu Feng could provide her solace.
At her most vulnerable moment, he gave her unreserved support.
Qian Renxue felt an impulse to reveal her identity to Dugu Feng and see how he would react.
Would he still treat her this way?
Would he immediately take action against her?
Fortunately, the rationality she had cultivated over the years overcame her impulse.
She looked at Dugu Feng with sorrow: "Thank you, Brother Feng. I'm fine!"
Dugu Feng asked with concern: "Brother Xue, what exactly happened that made you so disbelieving?
Why not tell me? Our Dugu Family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will support you!"
Qian Renxue straightened her back slightly and forced a smile, "Brother Feng, actually I deceived you all, deceived my teacher, and deceived the Clear Sky Sect!"
After her emotions stabilized, her first thought was how to end this matter.
The two hidden Titled Douluos and nearly two thousand Soul Masters would definitely be exposed by the Star Luo Emperor.
By then, she would first become a laughingstock - possessing two Titled Douluos yet achieving such results.
Secondly, how would she face the Soul Master factions on the Heaven Dou side?
Qian Renxue decided to strike first by confessing herself.
The most crucial person to win over was Dugu Feng before her, as he was a key figure in Heaven Dou.
"Oh? Why would you say that, Brother Xue!" Dugu Feng asked in confusion.
Covering her face with her hand, Qian Renxue said painfully: "Actually, our Xue Family has hidden strength.
Brother Feng must know that the Star Luo Emperor is a Titled Douluo, while our Xue Family can only rely on my teacher.
Every generation of emperors has been unwilling to accept this and has been secretly training loyal Soul Masters!"
Dugu Feng cooperatively widened his eyes, "Brother Xue, I thought it was something serious.
As imperial royalty, how could you not employ some political tactics.
And not to look down on you, but strong experts aren't that easy to cultivate.
Brother Xue, quickly tell me, what level of experts have you cultivated!"
Seeing that Dugu Feng didn't take it seriously, Qian Renxue's expression grew more bitter, tears welling in her eyes: "I've failed my father!
Before his death, he told me that these hidden forces should not be used unless the nation faces destruction.
But I was overly ambitious. Besides our expeditionary force, these hidden forces followed behind.
This was also my key to confidently defeating the Star Luo Empire.
The attacks from both flanks were meant to lure out the enemy's Soul Master Legion, then strike with the imperial family's hidden forces to eliminate three thousand enemy Soul Masters.
However, the hidden forces were somehow discovered by the Star Luo Emperor.
The enemy used a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with the Zhu Family and killed my two top experts!"
Thud!
Dugu Feng sat down heavily, his eyes bulging wide, "Brother Xue, don't tell me these two experts were Titled Douluos!"
Qian Renxue was now showing genuine emotion, tears streaming uncontrollably: "If they weren't Titled Douluos, why would I be so furious?
How could I face my father when returning to Heaven Dou?
I've squandered the imperial family's foundation!"
While speaking, Qian Renxue carefully sensed Dugu Feng's reaction.
Hiding two Titled Douluos fully demonstrated that the imperial family distrusted the Dugu Family, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and all Soul Master factions in Heaven Dou City.
Who were these hidden forces meant to deal with?
This time they were used against the Star Luo Empire, but next time might they be used against Heaven Dou's Soul Master factions?
Moreover, if the Heaven Dou imperial family followed the Star Luo imperial family's example, would they also implement oppressive policies domestically like the Star Luo Empire?
This would violate the interests of every Soul Master family and sect, shaking the very foundation of trust.
If handled poorly, even the Heaven Dou Empire could collapse.
Qian Renxue was also tense.
This would be her most dangerous moment.
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