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Dugu Bo was stunned upon hearing Davis' final sentence. In an instant, he fully understood Davis' intention:
A struggle between Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and Prince Xue Beng would inevitably weaken the Heaven Dou Empire—regardless of who ultimately seized the throne.
If things escalated further, they might even end up severely injuring each other, leaving the empire in shambles.
Heaven Dou was already inferior to Star Luo. If its national strength were further crippled, Star Luo could conquer it at an incredibly low cost.
And as for a reason to go to war, Dugu Bo suddenly recalled—Star Luo's Third Prince, Davis' younger brother Dai Mubai, had died within Heaven Dou territory…
Even if Heaven Dou eventually perished, Dugu Bo would still relay Davis' words faithfully to Xue Beng.
He owed Prince Xue Xing his life. As long as he could help Xue Beng survive, he had fulfilled his duty.
The fate of the empire… no longer concerned him.
"Young friend, I can take you to meet Prince Xue Beng. As for whether he wishes to see you… that, I cannot guarantee."
Davis chuckled. "That's no trouble at all, Senior. Just take him the message. I can guarantee that once he hears what I have to say, he will beg to meet me."
After speaking, Dugu Bo lifted himself into the air with soul power and sped toward Heaven Dou City, delivering Davis' words word-for-word to Xue Beng.
Upon learning that Davis was willing to help him, Xue Beng's heart nearly leapt from his chest. He immediately expressed his willingness to meet Davis.
He dared not dream of seizing the throne—all he wanted was to stay alive.
These past months had been hell. He constantly felt eyes monitoring him—eyes belonging to Xue Qinghe's faction.
He couldn't eat or sleep peacefully, living each day in terror.
Now he had finally found a lifeline. How could he possibly let go?
Once Xue Beng agreed, Dugu Bo didn't waste a single second. He grabbed the prince and flew directly out of Heaven Dou City toward the Ice–Fire Yin Yang Well.
The plainclothes agents posing as commoners who had been monitoring Xue Beng saw him being taken by Dugu Bo. They didn't dare to intervene—they immediately rushed to report it to Xue Qinghe.
At the Crown Prince's Residence
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, refined in demeanor and radiating authority, was handling government affairs. With Emperor Xue Ye gravely ill and unconscious, all political matters were now handled by him.
A guard hurried into the hall carrying a letter and bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness, this is intelligence sent by our men monitoring Prince Xue Beng!"
"Oh?"
Xue Qinghe lifted his eyes slightly, voice calm and elegant.
"Leave it here."
"As you command!"
After placing the letter on Xue Qinghe's desk, the guard withdrew.
Only then did Xue Qinghe open the envelope and read its contents. When he finished, the corner of his lips curled upward slightly.
"Dugu Bo…?"
Xue Qinghe chuckled.
"Fourth Grandfather, Fifth Grandfather—what do you think Dugu Bo intends to do with my useless little brother?"
A loud, rough voice suddenly sounded from behind the screen.
"Hmph! No matter what he's planning… this empire already belongs to the Young Master!"
A burly figure stepped out from behind the screen—massive and imposing, even sturdier than Titan Douluo. Short crimson hair, a full fierce beard—he resembled a raging lion.
Right after him, a white-haired youth in white robes walked out, a gentle smile on his lips. A faint frost covered his left eye, and as he stepped forward, a chill spread through the entire hall, lowering the temperature by several degrees.
Despite his youthful appearance, the boy was already ninety years old.
He was Lightfeather Douluo, the fifth worship of the Elder Hall—Rank 96 Super Douluo.
His martial soul, the Lightfeather Longbow, possessed dual Ice and Light attributes.
The burly man beside him was the Fourth Worship — Flame Lion Douluo, a Rank 97 Super Douluo wielding the Blazing Lion martial soul. His offensive power was overwhelming.
If the two of them fought together, they could easily overpower even Qianjun Douluo and Jiangmo Douluo.
To ensure Heaven Dou fell without incident, Qian Daoliu had personally sent the Flame Lion Douluo to assist Xue Qinghe.
"Prince Xue Beng is nothing more than a stray dog," Lightfeather Douluo said calmly, smiling faintly. "If anyone dares obstruct the Young Master's ascension, I'll turn them into a pincushion."
"Indeed."
Flame Lion Douluo laughed heartily, cracking his knuckles. "It's been too long since I've stretched my muscles. Poison Douluo, huh? I'll enjoy this."
"Hehe… Very well," Xue Qinghe said, crumpling the letter in his hands.
A cold, disdainful smile appeared on his handsome face.
"My foolish little brother… Let's see what you can possibly do now."
At the Ice–Fire Yin Yang Well
Dugu Bo's speed was astonishing. In mere moments, he brought Xue Beng before Davis.
Gulp—
Seeing Davis again, Xue Beng couldn't help recalling the scene from three years ago when Davis nearly killed him. Fear surged through him.
And now, Davis was even more terrifying than before.
Seeing him speechless, Davis took the initiative.
"Prince Xue Beng, long time no see."
"G-Greetings, Crown Prince Davis…"
Xue Beng trembled as he bowed deeply. He was a prince, yes—but Davis was a crown prince. And right now, he needed Davis, not the other way around.
"Enough. No need for formalities. Time is short, so I'll be straightforward. I have one question—do you want to live?"
"Yes!"
Xue Beng blurted out instantly. "Your Highness, of course I want to live!"
"Senior Dugu told me you have a way to save my life. Please, I beg you—help me. As long as I survive, I swear I will follow Your Highness without question!"
The desperation in his voice nearly made him kneel outright.
Even Dugu Bo frowned upon hearing this, silently lamenting Xue Beng's uselessness.
Compared to Xue Qinghe, he truly was worlds apart.
"Good," Davis said. "Since you understand your position, then do exactly as I say."
"No problem, Your Highness! Whatever you say, I will do!"
"Then listen carefully."
Davis leaned in slightly.
"What you need to do is simple. First, you must spread a rumor throughout Heaven Dou City:
That Prince Xue Beng, through Senior Dugu's connections, has met with me.
Then announce that, in order to show filial piety to your gravely ill father, you knelt before me and begged me to send Nine-Heart Begonia soul masters to treat Emperor Xue Ye—and also asked me to dispatch the Alchemist Association's President Yang Wudi to attempt a cure.
Make this matter loud.
Make it widespread.
Ensure everyone hears of it."
(End of Chapter)