UndercurrentsThe Snow Night Emperor has fallen into a coma!
As Xue Beng looked at the secret letter in his hand, his hands trembled and his eyes gradually lost focus.
Prince Xuexing hurried over and, seeing Xue Beng's desperate expression, said urgently:
"What's wrong?"
"Father...he's dying..."
The avalanche silenced him.
Prince Xuexing stood frozen in place, a flash of lightning striking his mind, shattering all his remaining hope. Prince Xuexing looked at the avalanche; no matter how restrained the avalanche was, he was still just a child. He sighed softly and said:
"Avalanche, we can't wait any longer, we must find Tang San. Only he has a chance to turn the tide!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Beng slowly snapped out of his daze, and like a drowning person grasping at a straw, he urgently said:
"Yes, yes, we can also ask Tang San!"
"The palace is now almost entirely filled with Xue Qinghe's men. Our meeting with Tang San must be kept secret. If word gets out, we'll be doomed!"
Prince Xuexing earnestly gave his instructions.
Avalanche nodded heavily.
······
In another side hall of the Crown Prince's palace, Tang San sat upright on the bed, his palms facing upwards. Outside the hall, the Blue Silver Grass swayed with a strange rhythm. The energy in the surrounding air, like a vortex, converged into Tang San's body.
He was holding a wooden comb in his hand.
That was the wooden comb he used to comb Xiao Wu's hair. Now, the beauty was gone, her remains gone, and all he had in his hand was the wooden comb to remember her. He cherished every minute and second of his time, using it all for cultivation without any rest.
Only by torturing himself to the point of madness could he have a chance to defeat Dai Yao and find out Xiao Wu's whereabouts from Dai Yao.
However, amidst the tranquility, some discordant elements suddenly arose.
Tang San frowned, suddenly opened his icy eyes, his killing intent surging, and coldly shouted:
"who?!"
The newcomer quickly revealed himself and stated his identity: "Please do not be surprised, Your Excellency Tang San, I am the Fourth Prince Xue Beng."
The visitors were none other than Avalanche and Prince Snowstar.
Upon seeing that it was Prince Xue Beng, who had humiliated him and Shrek Academy and expelled them from the Heavenly Capital Royal Academy, Tang San's expression immediately turned cold.
Although he didn't know how Avalanche and Prince Snowstar had entered his room without alerting the guards outside, he had no interest in knowing. He said coldly:
"Get out, you are not welcome here."
Avalanche suddenly felt a sense of urgency, because they had arrived here thanks to a favor—the miraculous power of a Soul Douluo who had teleported them. The favor had been done, and once they returned, the Soul Douluo would no longer owe them a favor and would not help them again.
Immediately, he realized this was Xue Qinghe's territory, and he absolutely could not be exposed. He took a slight breath, quickly calmed himself, and said:
"Tang San, aren't you curious why I came to find you?"
"Not curious."
Tang San closed his eyes and re-entered a state of cultivation, ignoring the avalanche and Prince Xue Xing.
The avalanche nearly choked on its breath, and after a moment, it sighed softly and said:
"Tang San, the empire is at a critical juncture. Only you can save it from this dire situation. If you don't act, the entire empire will fall into Xue Qinghe's clutches!"
Tang San kept his eyes closed and said calmly:
"His Highness the Crown Prince's ascension to the throne is what everyone has been hoping for. For a spoiled brat like you to want to inherit the throne is simply wishful thinking."
Avalanche and Prince Snowstar exchanged a glance, and Prince Snowstar retorted:
"Tang San, you don't know this. Xue Beng's playboy appearance is all a facade. He did this out of necessity. If Xue Beng had shown any talent, he would probably be dead long ago, just like his two older brothers."
Upon hearing this, Tang San abruptly opened his eyes and stared intently at Xue Beng. Prince Xue Xing's words had stirred up a storm in his heart, causing him to tremble.
If Prince Xuexing's words were true, then there must be a hidden secret in this matter that terrifies everyone. Tang San felt as if he were facing a bottomless abyss, pitch black as ink, as if it would swallow him up at any moment.
"Explain yourself more clearly."
Prince Xuexing sighed, his gaze lost in reminiscence, and slowly said:
"Back then, the most promising candidate to inherit the position of Crown Prince was not Xue Qinghe, but the Second Prince. Although the Second Prince's talent for cultivation was not exceptional, he was intelligent. However, just as many ministers were discussing the position of Crown Prince, the Second Prince, who was the most likely to inherit the position, suddenly died."
"It wasn't just the Second Prince; the following year, the Third Prince, who had the most outstanding talent in cultivation, also died suddenly. Back then, Emperor Xueye sent me to investigate, and from those clues, I discovered that the two princes died from the same cause: they were both poisoned."
"The Poison of Martial Soul".
Tang San frowned slightly: "You mean, Xue Qinghe was responsible for these two things?"
"Although we have no evidence, the biggest beneficiary is undoubtedly Xue Qinghe. We are certain that his years of forbearance were the work of Xue Qinghe."
Prince Xuexing said decisively.
What evidence do you have?
"I've heard you're skilled with poisons. You can go and see for yourself the poison that Emperor Xue Ye was poisoned with. According to Poison Douluo, it's a mixed poison, the base being in the food, triggered by spices. And that kind of spice, in the entire palace, only Xue Qinghe uses it!"
Tang San's heart sank. The unusual things he had noticed in the palace these past few days were enough to confirm what Prince Xue Xing had said. Suddenly, he was startled. Xue Qinghe's cold attitude towards him these past few days made him sense that a storm was brewing.
However, he had already pledged allegiance to Xue Qinghe, and to betray Xue Qinghe based solely on this would be unacceptable not only to Xue Qinghe but also to himself.
All decisions must be made after he verifies Prince Xuexing's words.
After a moment's thought, he said in a deep voice:
"Once I verify the truth of your words, I will naturally give you an answer."
Upon hearing this, Xue Beng was overjoyed. Seeing that Tang San's attitude had softened, he wanted to say something more. Prince Xue Xing stopped him, looked at Tang San, and sincerely said:
"Since that's the case, we won't bother you any longer, Tang San. However, please act quickly and inform the Clear Sky Sect. Emperor Xue Ye is in imminent danger, and Xue Qinghe will take action within a few days. If you haven't acted by then, it will be too late."
Tang San's heart sank slightly, and he said:
"I see."
Prince Xuexing nodded and pressed something down in his hand. The next moment, the two disappeared from the side hall where Tang San was staying.
After the avalanche and the other person left, Tang San's palace returned to its deathly silence.
Gazing at the worn-out wooden comb, Tang San felt an emptiness in his heart. His previously lifeless eyes suddenly blazed with murderous intent.
"If what Prince Xue Xing said is true, then Xue Qinghe must have a close relationship with the Spirit Hall. On the entire continent, there is only one force that could allow Xue Qinghe to infiltrate under the nose of the royal family and grow up successfully, and that is the Spirit Hall."
Tang San didn't need any evidence to prove Xue Qinghe's relationship with the Spirit Hall. He only needed to know which force would benefit after the Heaven Dou Palace upheaval to conclude that the Spirit Hall was behind Xue Qinghe.
However, Tang San's guess was not wrong, even though he stumbled upon it by chance.
"Xiao Wu, don't worry, I will definitely not let the Spirit Hall and those who harmed you get away with it. You wait for me, my revenge will begin right here at Xue Qing River..."
······
Over the next few days, everything proceeded according to plan.
Emperor Xueye's periods of unconsciousness are growing longer and his periods of lucidity are growing shorter. As a result, Xue Qinghe is gradually taking over the administration of the empire, and everyone is waiting for Emperor Xueye to pass away so that Xue Qinghe can ascend the throne.
Tang San, through repeated attempts to protect Xue Qinghe, and with the cover of avalanches and Prince Xue Xing, finally gained a chance to approach Emperor Xue Ye alone. Just as Prince Xue Xing had said, Emperor Xue Ye had been poisoned by a mixed poison, which was then induced by the spices used by Xue Qinghe, causing him to fall into a coma.
After he applied acupuncture, Emperor Xueye slowly awoke.
"Young friend Tang San, I've always heard that you're skilled in using poison, but I never imagined that you could suppress my illness."
Emperor Xueye looked at Tang San with a smile and said in a weak voice.
Although Emperor Xueye had regained his senses, Tang San had already verified the truth of Prince Xuexing's words. The crisis was extremely urgent, and how to launch a counterattack was a question he had to figure out. One wrong step, and he would be doomed.
He originally intended to tell the truth to Emperor Xue Ye, whose prestige would be enough to intimidate some people. However, nearly half of the palace was now under Xue Qinghe's control. If Emperor Xue Ye showed any unusual behavior or made any abnormal moves, Xue Qinghe would definitely be alert.
At that time, trapped in a tight encirclement, given Xue Qinghe's current prestige, they would likely suffer a crushing defeat with no chance of turning the tide.
Therefore, if he wants to turn the tables, he must first expose Xue Qinghe's undercover identity. Only when Xue Qinghe reveals his identity as a member of the Spirit Hall will the various forces of the Heaven Dou Empire wake up and launch a counterattack against Xue Qinghe.
"Your Majesty, I hope you will keep today's events a secret. I was not here, and Your Majesty has not woken up."
Tang San said slowly.
Emperor Xueye's expression suddenly turned cold. Even though his body was extremely weak, the majesty he exuded was in no way inferior to the awe-inspiring presence of Tang San's Killing God Domain.
"Is there something you're hiding from me?"
Although Emperor Xueye was seriously ill, he was still a great emperor, no ordinary person. From Tang San's few words, one could tell that something unusual was going on.
Tang San took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, under normal circumstances, your body can only last for a few days. Now, with my treatment, although you cannot be fully cured, you can at least last for a month. Please forgive me for not being able to tell you the truth. If I were to tell you the truth, not only would your life be in danger, but the entire Heaven Dou Empire would also be destroyed."
"You will know the truth in a month."
Emperor Xueye gave Tang San a deep look. He wanted to press him for more information, but his years of political acumen made him shut his mouth.
"Okay, I'll give you a month."
Tang San nodded respectfully and slowly left.
Back in his palace, Tang San quickly sent the message for help to the Haotian Sect.
He knew that the Clear Sky Sect's gates were blocked by Golden Crocodile Douluo, but he still had to try. If the Heaven Dou Empire sided with the Spirit Hall, then no one on the continent would be able to stop the Spirit Hall's conspiracy.
Rather than let the sect slowly die, it's better to take a chance in the world.
Even if the Haotian Sect doesn't emerge, he has a backup plan. That is the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, which is his second choice.
Although the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is far weaker than the Clear Sky Clan, it is enough to prevent Xue Qinghe's conspiracy from fully succeeding. The simultaneous ascension of Xue Beng and Xue Qinghe to the throne would plunge the Heaven Dou Empire into division. This would significantly weaken Xue Qinghe's power, making it a viable plan.
With the addition of the golden trio, Tang Hao, the father, still has the leverage to compete with Xue Qinghe.
······
As the days passed, Xue Qinghe was surprised to find that Emperor Xue Ye's complexion had improved somewhat. However, Emperor Xue Ye was poisoned and there was no cure. Xue Qinghe assumed that Emperor Xue Ye's condition was merely a final burst of energy before his death and did not take it seriously.
The entire political arena of the Heavenly Dou Empire seemed to fall silent. The usual squabbles ceased, and everyone awaited news of Emperor Xue Ye's passing. However, Emperor Xue Ye, like an unkillable cockroach, clung to life. And so, the wheels of time slowly turned forward in this eerie stillness.
Glancing at Tang San standing to the side, Dai Yao snapped out of his reverie, a sudden unease rising within him.
This unease was not without reason.
During this period, it wasn't just Tang San who was taking action; Dai Yao was also involved. He had always been highly vigilant towards Tang San and Xue Beng, and after observing them for some time, Dai Yao discovered that Tang San and Xue Beng would exchange subtle glances every time they were at Emperor Xue Ye's bedside.
This communication was so rapid that Dai Yao sometimes even thought it was an illusion.
But the sudden emergence of life from Emperor Xueye only intensified Dai Yao's unease.
Not long ago, he reminded Xue Qinghe again of the importance of Tang San and Xue Beng, emphasizing the need to nip them in the bud. However, the arrogant Qian Renxue still disregarded them, even believing that Dai Yao was overthinking things.
Although Dai Yao also believed that Tang San and Xue Beng wouldn't cause much trouble, he still made some arrangements out of caution.
Beneath the mask, a cold smile appeared on Dai Yao's lips:
"Tang San, you would never have imagined that not only Emperor Xue Ye was poisoned, but also Prince Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing were poisoned, would you?"
If Tang San and Xue Beng manage to turn the tide and thwart Qian Renxue's plan, Dai Yao will immediately trigger the deadly poison within their bodies, killing them in mere moments. Without these royal bloodlines, who in Tang San's camp will gain the support of the court officials?
At that time, although Qian Renxue will be defeated, the Heaven Dou Empire will be leaderless and in constant infighting. Even if Qian Renxue fails, a chaotic Heaven Dou Empire will pose the least threat to the Spirit Hall.
Inside the palace.
Dai Yao, Tang San, Xue Qinghe, Emperor Xue Ye, Xue Beng, and Prince Xue Xing—each of them had a different expression, their own thoughts, and their own hidden agendas.
Everyone believes they are the ultimate victor, but who will truly be the ultimate victor? (End of Chapter)