Chapter 167: The Scheme Against Qian Renxue
At this moment, Yang Xiong looked at Xue Qinghe's serious expression and couldn't help but feel that the guy's smile seemed extremely hypocritical. He couldn't resist teasing him a bit.
"Brother Qinghe, didn't you just say there's no need to stand on ceremony? I'm treating you like a close friend, that's why I came to borrow from you. If I had to go to the Emperor of Snow Night, there would be no point."
Xue Qinghe's expression slightly changed. "What do you mean by that, Xiao Xiong?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "The position of Crown Prince is the hardest one to hold. Especially with you, Brother Qinghe, so loved by the people and holding immense power. I'm sure there are things that are not so easy to handle, right?"
Xue Qinghe's face darkened. "I thought you weren't interested in such things, and only focused on cultivation. I didn't expect you to understand power and politics. This is a little surprising; you've grown a lot these years."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but feel speechless at Xue Qinghe's words. This guy was clearly trying to take advantage of him with his words, making it sound as if he were really a senior figure.
Finally, Yang Xiong helplessly said, "The Heaven Dou Royal Family is complicated. Originally, there were four princes, and although you, Brother Qinghe, became the Crown Prince, the process wasn't smooth, and there were a lot of criticisms from the outside."
Xue Qinghe's face turned cold. He gave a half-smile and said, "Xiao Xiong, you didn't come here just to tell me these things, right? If you have something to say, just say it directly."
"Besides, it's normal for two of my brothers to have passed away. After all, the soul master world is unpredictable."
Yang Xiong looked at Xue Qinghe and commented, "Brother, you're truly like our Sect Leader, your personality is very similar to his."
"I've heard that the other two princes who died were very talented. According to some conspiracy theories, Brother, you becoming the Crown Prince might be seen as an act of taking advantage of the situation. It could easily lead to controversy."
Xue Qinghe replied, "A clean conscience needs no defense. My father was also very concerned about the death of my two brothers, and sent people to investigate for a long time, but found no trace. Any rumors outside are just groundless gossip. Such things are very common in the Empire."
"Xiao Xiong, you didn't come all the way here just to remind me, did you?"
Yang Xiong shook his head. "Of course not. The position of Crown Prince is extremely important. I have some news I'd like to share with you, and it might be worth your while to lend me the Hanhai Qiankun Dome."
Xue Qinghe silently drank his tea, clearly showing that the Hanhai Qiankun Dome was extremely important, and he wasn't willing to take any risks.
Yang Xiong continued to toy with his teacup, murmuring to himself, "Before a storm arrives, everything is usually calm. Things that are set in stone might not be as secure as they seem. It could all just be a fleeting dream."
Xue Qinghe's face slightly changed. "Xiao Xiong, you've really grown these past years. Your thoughts seem a lot more active now, and you're even concerned about my position as Crown Prince."
Yang Xiong smiled. "We're all part of the same group. You're the Sect Leader's disciple, so we're tied together. I don't want you to end up in trouble."
Xue Qinghe became serious. "Xiao Xiong, if you have something to say, just say it. There's no need for all this roundabout talk between us."
Yang Xiong smiled slightly. "Brother Qinghe, I have some news that concerns your position as Crown Prince. Perhaps it could convince you to lend me the Hanhai Qiankun Dome."
Xue Qinghe shook his head. "One piece of news is not enough. No matter what, the Hanhai Qiankun Dome is the national treasure of the Heaven Dou Empire. Without absolute benefits, my father would never hand it over."
"Moreover, the Hanhai Qiankun Dome is personally guarded by my father. No one else can obtain it, not even me."
Yang Xiong's heart revealed a sly smile. Maybe he could take advantage of this fake little angel.
He then took a jade box from his soul guide. Inside the box was a white, crystal-like flower that looked like a pure, untainted Qinglian lotus.
"This is the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone, a rare spirit herb I obtained in the Star Dou Forest. It is said to have the effects of nourishing the tendons, repairing bones, and unblocking the eight extraordinary meridians."
"Brother Qinghe, over the years, you've been busy with political affairs and neglected cultivation. If you take this Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone, it should help make up for some of the deficiencies in your cultivation. It could even significantly enhance your physical strength and soul power."
Yang Xiong specifically took out the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone because it was a pair with the Miracle Herb he had taken. He was curious whether it would have a special effect on this little angel.
Xue Qinghe was stunned when he saw the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone. It was clear that he could sense the strength and effects of the herb, and it could even make up for the time he had spent in the Heaven Dou Palace.
Xue Qinghe's expression turned serious. "Does the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone really have the effects you mentioned?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "The effects will be even better than you imagine. If the Emperor of Snow Night takes it, he might even break through his current limitations and reach the Title Douluo level."
"However, I obtained this herb by chance in the Star Dou Forest. Who uses it will be up to you."
Xue Qinghe's face changed. "Xiao Xiong, since the herb is so powerful, why not give it directly to the Emperor of Snow Night?"
Yang Xiong rolled his eyes. "I'm not familiar with the Emperor of Snow Night. Besides, we're close, and you're the future of the Heaven Dou Empire. If I'm going to take a gamble, it should be on the future."
Xue Qinghe was silent for a long time before speaking. "I can't confirm the value of this herb, and I can't explain it to the Emperor of Snow Night."
Yang Xiong smiled. "It's easy. Brother Qinghe, you can have a specialist analyze it. Surely someone must know about the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone. I found the information in some ancient scrolls from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. This herb will definitely exceed what I've described."
"Of course, if you're still worried, I can reveal to you the secret regarding whether your position as Crown Prince is stable."
Xue Qinghe remained silent for a long time before speaking. "If the news you have is useful, I can help you get the Hanhai Qiankun Dome."
Yang Xiong finally revealed a sly grin. "Of course, my news is absolutely valuable."
"I've heard that the Fourth Prince, Xue Bing, is a playboy who has gathered a group of rowdy nobles at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, causing chaos and damaging the reputation of the Heaven Dou Royal Family."
Xue Qinghe sighed. "Xiao Xiong, you're making fun of him. Xue Bing has always been a playboy. If he offended you, I'll apologize on his behalf."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "It's not that. I actually think the Fourth Prince is quite impressive. You may have underestimated him."
"Xue Bing is followed by a group of nobles with deep backgrounds and formidable strength. This may impact your position as Crown Prince."
"Moreover, Xue Bing has caused trouble, forcing many talents out of the Heaven Dou Royal Family. When our Shrek group tried to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, he almost drove us away. If Rongrong didn't have a special position, the outcome could have been quite different."
"More importantly, Xue Bing has the support of Prince Xue Xing, and behind Xue Xing is Dugu Bo. You should be aware of Dugu Bo's position in the Heaven Dou Empire."
After hearing Yang Xiong's words, Xue Qinghe's eyes widened, his expression changing unpredictably, even showing an incredulous look. Clearly, he had been shocked by what Yang Xiong said.
If what Yang Xiong said was true, then Xue Bing's influence was much greater than expected, and he might even have the secret support of the Emperor of Snow Night.
At this moment, Xue Qinghe's eyes showed a hint of viciousness, even a murderous aura. It was clear that his situation was much worse than it seemed on the surface.
After some time, Xue Qinghe calmed down. "Thank you, Xiao Xiong, for telling me this. Give me a few days. If I get the Hanhai Qiankun Dome, I'll notify you for the transaction."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Brother Qinghe, this matter is between us. I hope the Emperor of Snow Night doesn't find out about my involvement, or it could affect our two families' relationship."
Xue Qinghe smiled awkwardly. "Of course. This is our secret. I'm sure my father and the teacher will understand."
Yang Xiong didn't waste any more words. He took back the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone and left the Crown Prince's residence.
After returning to his hotel, Yang Xiong's face, which had been calm earlier, now looked somewhat vicious.
He had said too much to Xue Qinghe today and even revealed a lot of things. This might lead to Xue Qinghe's suspicion and wariness.
But for the Hanhai Qiankun Dome, all of this was worth it. It was one of the rarest artifacts in the Douluo Continent, and from a value perspective, it ranked in the top five of all items on the continent.
As for Yang Xiong bringing up Xue Bing, it was purely for future planning.
According to the original story, after the failure of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe's palace coup, Xue Bing succeeded in becoming the Crown Prince.
But clearly, Xue Bing was very focused on Tang San and his group, while neglecting Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He even made Yu Xiaogang the national teacher of the Heaven Dou Empire.
In fact, in terms of strength, soul power, and backing, Ning Fengzhi should have been the rightful candidate for the national teacher position. After all, Ning Fengzhi had two Title Douluos behind him and the remaining strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, which far surpassed what Yu Xiaogang could offer.
This clearly showed that Xue Bing was extremely wary of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Ning Fengzhi, especially since Ning Fengzhi had once been Xue Qinghe's teacher. If one day the situation reversed, Xue Bing might not even be able to secure his throne.
Moreover, Xue Bing had indeed been a playboy in the beginning, causing trouble for many. However, later on, after kneeling, he became one of the biggest beneficiaries in the Douluo Continent.
Whether it was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Body Sect, what they needed wasn't someone who could betray them at any moment. They didn't need a hidden wolf but a puppet they could control.
Xue Bing had been so patient in the early stages and even endured humiliation to worship Tang San as his teacher. People with such a personality were not easy to manipulate.
As for telling Xue Qinghe, it was a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it would help Xue Qinghe eliminate Xue Bing, removing a potential threat.
On the other hand, if Xue Qinghe did manage to eliminate Xue Bing, it might provoke the Emperor of Snow Night's jealousy, setting up the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Body Sect to benefit from the chaos.
If Xue Qinghe's identity was exposed, it would lead to a conflict between his power and the Emperor of Snow Night's, allowing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to reap the benefits, and the Body Sect could rise in the process.
Of course, the most important thing was whether the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone and the Miracle Herb could really work together to control Qian Renxue.
(END CHAPTER)
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