Under the guard's guidance, Dugu Feng went directly to Qian Renxue's study.
The study was located in the center of the Prince's Mansion, surrounded densely by various trees and flowers like a forest.
The environment was very tranquil.
"Please enter, His Highness the Crown Prince is waiting!"
The guard turned and left, leaving Dugu Feng to enter the room alone.
As soon as he stepped inside, Dugu Feng was startled.
He saw Qian Renxue sitting behind the desk with bloodshot eyes, looking much more haggard.
"Brother Xue, what's wrong with you?" Dugu Feng quickly asked.
He walked up to the desk and carefully observed Qian Renxue.
"Brother Feng, please have a seat. I'm embarrassed to have you see me like this. Recently, state affairs have been overwhelming, and family matters haven't been handled well. It's shameful!" Qian Renxue smiled self-deprecatingly.
Instead of sitting down, Dugu Feng continued to show concern: "Is Brother Xue troubled by the rumors in Heaven Dou City? Actually, Brother Xue doesn't need to pay attention to them—there will always be people who envy you!"
In his heart, however, he was speechless. Qian Renxue had even faked bloodshot eyes.
Hearing Dugu Feng's comforting words, Qian Renxue stood up excitedly: "Brother Feng, do you think I'm the kind of person who disregards my father's life or death?
My father has been seriously ill for many years. Every month, the Dugu Family head comes to check on him, and Ning Zongzhu provides treatment. Now, even Ning Zongzhu believes my father's illness is incurable.
But my uncle still thinks I'm not doing enough!
With such a vast empire in turbulent times, I must devote myself to caring for my father's illness while also handling the empire's political affairs.
Has anyone ever considered my feelings?"
Qian Renxue grew more and more agitated as she spoke, seemingly addicted to acting and fully immersed in her role.
"Brother Xue, you've worked hard. I believe in you. You must take care of your health. If you collapse from exhaustion, it would only please certain people!"
Dugu Feng patted Qian Renxue's shoulder.
It took a long time for Qian Renxue to calm down.
She slowly sat back down. "Brother Feng, given the current situation, what do you think I should do?"
Dugu Feng said calmly, "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. I support you, Brother Xue, in directly ascending to the Imperial Throne.
Since the Emperor is unable to govern, you should inherit the Imperial Throne. The Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire have been coveting our empire for a long time. A nation cannot be without a ruler for even a day—the longer we delay, the more likely complications will arise!"
A faint, almost imperceptible excitement flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes. She said sorrowfully, "This... this isn't appropriate, is it? My father is still suffering from his illness..."
Dugu Feng leaned back in his chair, adjusting to a more comfortable position before persuading, "This is what the major forces in Heaven Dou City hope for. Your ascension to the Imperial Throne is both the people's expectation and a matter of great importance to the Heaven Dou Empire. Brother Xue, you must not hesitate!
In the court, I believe the ministers and generals will support your enthronement.
In the Spirit Master World, my Dugu Family still holds some influence and will definitely support you, Brother Xue!"
Dugu Feng's resolute attitude made Qian Renxue view him in a new light.
She felt somewhat moved inside.
Her repeated efforts to win over Dugu Feng had not been in vain—at this critical moment, Dugu Feng truly stepped up.
"After I leave the Prince's Mansion, I will visit Ge Long Marshal. He is the top marshal in the military.
I will definitely persuade Ge Long Marshal to support you, Brother Xue!" Dugu Feng added encouragingly.
Qian Renxue was deeply moved, her voice trembling with emotion, "Brother Feng, meeting you today has completely dispelled all my worries."
"Once I ascend the throne, I will vigorously develop military equipment, expand Spirit Master Academies, and unify the continent."
"I will never betray your support, Brother Feng!"
Dugu Feng smiled faintly but remained silent.
This was exactly what he wanted Qian Renxue to do. Only when she became deeply entangled in the empire's power struggles would her threat be minimized.
They then delved into specific details, discussing everything thoroughly.
Only after that did Dugu Feng leave the study.
After Dugu Feng departed, Qian Renxue quickly regained her composure.
"Uncle Cixue, I told you the Dugu Family would never side with Xue Xing."
"Dugu Bo is merely a reckless brute. Dugu Shuo and Dugu Feng determine the Dugu Family's future, and I've already won over Dugu Feng in advance. The power of the Spirit Master World will not hinder my ascension to the throne!" Qian Renxue declared with pride.
The Soul Masters of Heaven Dou were about to become part of her domain—a formidable force indeed.
Pufferfish Douluo emerged from behind a bookshelf and congratulated her, "Congratulations, Young Master! After over ten years of lurking, you're finally about to reap the rich fruits of the Heaven Dou Empire!"
Qian Renxue was equally excited. She paced back and forth before issuing orders, "We must act quickly. Tomorrow, have the court officials proclaim me as the Crown Prince Regent. Once we've purged Xue Xing's faction, I will ascend the throne immediately!"
Her prolonged hesitation had been due to concerns about the Spirit Master World's stance.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Clear Sky Sect, Dugu Family, Ge Family, and Wind Sword Sect—these Spirit Master factions ultimately decided the imperial succession.
Recently, their positions had gradually become clear.
Ning Fengzhi maintained a low profile, indicating his reluctance to interfere—already the greatest support he could offer his student.
The Four Element Clans aligned with the Clear Sky Sect hadn't dared follow Prince Xue Xing's wishes by sending Yang Wudi to the palace.
If Dugu Feng could persuade Ge Long, the situation in Heaven Dou City would be essentially settled.
The throne would smoothly transition into her hands.
"Yes, Young Master!" Pufferfish Douluo immediately acknowledged.
With Qian Renxue's command, the undercurrents in Heaven Dou City intensified once more.
Meanwhile, after leaving the Prince's Mansion, Dugu Feng went straight to the Ge Family residence.
He first met his teacher Ge Ying, then had an audience with Ge Long.
Ge Long was astonished upon seeing Dugu Feng.
"Nephew Feng, you've advanced to Soul Emperor!"
Beside him, Ge Ying looked somewhat sour, "Father, he's almost caught up to me in strength!"
When Dugu Feng was six, Ge Ying was already a Soul King.
Now Dugu Feng was nineteen, and Ge Ying had only recently become a Soul Saint.
Yet Dugu Feng had already reached Soul Emperor.
Moreover, from what he could sense, Dugu Feng wasn't just a novice Soul Emperor—Ge Ying could even feel a threatening aura from him.
Ge Ying realized he was definitely no match for Dugu Feng anymore.
"I've just been fortunate to make some progress," Dugu Feng said modestly, cupping his hands.
He had deliberately displayed his strength openly upon arriving at the Ge residence.
Only this way would Ge Long take him seriously.
"This is no mere fortune, Nephew. I can see you're not only catching up to Ge Ying—you're destined to surpass me someday too!" Ge Long sighed.
Progress beyond Soul King level was typically slow.
His son Ge Ying was a perfect example.
But this principle seemed inapplicable to Dugu Feng.
Even during his Soul King phase, he had advanced by leaps and bounds.
It appeared Heaven Dou City's future would indeed belong to the Dugu Family.
The Dugu Family has produced such a genius, destined to gain another Titled Douluo.
Isn't this just the next Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family?
Perhaps even more formidable than the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.
After all, the Dugu Family is in its ascendant phase, with unstoppable momentum.
Ge Long sighed inwardly.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "LegendaryTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!