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With the soul skill Shadow-Form Replication, Tang Yuehua's strength had increased geometrically. From now on, Davis no longer needed to worry about her safety.
Once everything settled back into order, Davis resumed cultivation at the Ice–Fire Yin Yang Well, absorbing the dual energies within the spring to complete the evolution of his spine into a true dragon bone.
In the vicinity of the Ice–Fire Yin Yang Well, only Davis, Zhu Zhuyun, and the others were usually present. Occasionally, Dugu Bo would drop by to gather herbs or cultivate quietly.
However, Davis had noticed something unusual these past few days—whenever Dugu Bo returned, he always looked troubled. Each time, he went straight to the herb garden, searching anxiously among the medicinal plants, letting out heavy sighs from time to time.
Finally, Davis couldn't ignore it any longer and walked over.
"Senior Dugu, what's going on? You've looked worried for days now."
Dugu Bo sighed deeply and explained the situation.
"I'm troubled over Prince Xue Xing and Prince Xue Beng… Recently, Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire has fallen gravely ill. From my observation, death's shadow has already settled on him. It won't be long before he passes away…"
"Oh?"
Davis' heart trembled.
Emperor Xue Ye's dying? That means Xue Qinghe has begun to act!
Thinking back to the destruction of the Seven Treasure–Blue Lightning Alliance, everything suddenly became clear.
So that was it. Xue Qinghe had been quiet all this time not just because he needed political and military support—but because Ning Fengzhi was still alive. As long as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan stood, Ning Fengzhi's influence remained a massive obstacle.
Davis' thoughts aligned quickly:
Ning Fengzhi was the national advisor of Heaven Dou, intelligent and deeply trusted by Emperor Xue Ye. He also possessed the private military strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. With him present, Xue Qinghe could never fully seize control of the empire.
Thus, Xue Qinghe originally chose to become Ning Fengzhi's disciple, aiming to win over him and the clan.
But once the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan joined forces with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, their power soared—so much so that Ning Fengzhi had the potential to hold the emperor hostage and rule through him.
If that happened, Xue Qinghe would become nothing more than a puppet king.
So Qian Daoliu cooperated with Bibi Dong to crush the Seven Treasure–Blue Lightning Alliance, forcing Ning Fengzhi to acknowledge reality. They gave him only two choices:
Either continue supporting Xue Qinghe's ascension…
Or leave the Heaven Dou Empire entirely.
Ning Fengzhi chose the latter, resigning from his position and moving to the Star Luo Empire.
Without Ning Fengzhi, Emperor Xue Ye lost a crucial pillar. Xue Qinghe was now free to act however he pleased.
Davis instantly realized:
A Heaven Dou palace coup could erupt within months.
And if he wanted to obtain the Hanhai Qian Kun Hood, this chaos would be the perfect opportunity.
If Heaven Dou City fell into turmoil, he could slip in unnoticed. And to ensure chaos, Prince Xue Beng was the perfect pawn.
With this in mind, Davis asked calmly,
"I see. But what does all this have to do with you, Senior Dugu?"
"Of course it concerns me!" Dugu Bo sat on a clean rock and casually popped a toxic plant into his mouth, chewing with the satisfaction of someone enjoying fine delicacies.
"If Emperor Xue Ye dies, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe will inherit the throne!"
"What's wrong with that? From what I know, Emperor Xue Ye had four sons—two died young, leaving the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and the fourth prince, Xue Beng. The Crown Prince is reputedly kind, educated, gentle, while Xue Beng is a notorious troublemaker. Logically speaking, Xue Qinghe inheriting the throne is good for the empire."
"Ah, you don't know the truth. Xue Beng's playboy behavior is an act. He does it to avoid assassination attempts. He has no choice!"
"Oh?" Davis raised an eyebrow, pretending surprise. "So there's more to the story?"
"Exactly. You know the emperor had four sons, yet the second and third died mysteriously. Prince Xue Xing sensed foul play and asked me to investigate. He also instructed Xue Beng to act like a frivolous wastrel so others would think he posed no threat to the throne."
Dugu Bo paused before adding another recent development.
"And surely you've heard about the streak of assassinations of Heaven Dou officials?"
Davis nodded. "I've heard a bit."
"All those officials opposed Xue Qinghe's succession—openly or subtly. Even those who remained neutral had their families threatened or disappeared. At this point, more than half the court, including Grand Marshal Ge Long, belongs to Xue Qinghe."
"Xue Qinghe has complete control of the court now. Without concrete proof that he murdered his brothers, Heaven Dou will fall entirely into his hands."
Dugu Bo sighed heavily.
But Davis' eyes flickered with deep thought.
After a moment, he said,
"If we can't find evidence, then make him expose himself."
"Oh?" Dugu Bo's eyes brightened. "You have a plan?"
"It's simple—we use Xue Beng as bait."
Davis then explained:
"If Xue Qinghe indeed killed the other princes, then it was for one reason—the throne. If someone suddenly threatens his position at this critical moment… Xue Qinghe will strike first to eliminate them.
We just need to set the stage and he'll reveal his own guilt. And the ideal 'threat' to his throne… is Prince Xue Beng."
Dugu Bo scratched his head, confused.
"But everyone thinks Xue Beng is just a spoiled brat. And most court officials support Xue Qinghe…"
"Hehe. If the court has no allies, then we look outside the court." Davis smiled faintly. "Senior Dugu, can you arrange for me to meet Xue Beng? I can help him survive this, and perhaps… seize the throne."
"That's no problem!" Dugu Bo nodded confidently. "But young friend, what I don't understand is—why help him? You're the Star Luo Crown Prince."
"It's simple. When the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman profits."
(End of Chapter)