Tang San's Rise, Angel's Fall, Backup Plan"Welcome, King Lan Hao!"
All the soldiers knelt on one knee and offered their congratulations in unison.
Tang San looked at the soldiers bowing low all around him, and a strange feeling welled up inside him. With just a word, he could decide the life or death of these people.
"Is this what power tastes like?"
Tang San sighed inwardly.
Looking at the lifeless body of Emperor Xueye, the Second Elder felt a mixture of sorrow and excitement. A once-powerful emperor, because of the Spirit Hall's conspiracy, couldn't even find peace in death. Meanwhile, their Clear Sky Sect, thanks to the Spirit Hall's influence, had taken root in the Heaven Dou Empire and embarked on a path of resurgence.
The unanimous congratulations from the Heavenly Dou generals jolted the Second Elder out of his emotional state.
Looking around at the soldiers who were all bowing their heads and pledging allegiance to Tang San, he couldn't help but fix his gaze on Tang San with a complicated expression.
After this day, Tang San will become one of the key figures determining the fate of the continent. It could even be said that their Clear Sky Sect was merely a foil to Tang San.
"The sect leader told me before he came that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Since Tang San has been chosen as the future sect leader, we should hand over some of the sect's power to him now. Moreover, without Tang San's tremendous role in the Heaven Dou Palace Coup, our Haotian Sect would have been the one to lose."
He took a slight breath, his lips moved, and he whispered a reminder in Tang San's ear:
"Third Brother, the overall situation is settled, and the Haotian Sect will obey your orders. Now, it's time for you to give the order."
Tang San was slightly taken aback, somewhat unable to believe that the Second Elder had said this. Had the Second Elder so easily handed over the power of the Clear Sky Sect to him? However, he immediately understood the Second Elder's meaning.
Just then, the palace fell.
The Tang Clan disciples stormed into the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, filing in single file. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the Spirit Hall's Soul Masters scattered and fled. A colossal dragon of light soared in, carrying an incomparably sacred aura; even the elders of the Clear Sky Sect felt a slight pressure from it.
The true Light Dragon is the ultimate in light, the top-tier martial soul among beast-type martial souls. No wonder the Clear Sky Hammer martial soul also felt a slight threat.
The Holy Dragon of Light slowly came to a stop beside Tang San, forming the Golden Iron Triangle. The soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire immediately went on alert, watching the giant dragon of light descend from the sky with vigilance.
Tang San waved his hand slightly and said:
"It's alright, they're all our own people."
As soon as the words were spoken, the wariness on the faces of the Heavenly Dou Empire soldiers vanished, replaced by respect. Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang, Flander, and Liu Erlong were immediately astonished. Yu Xiaogang asked in confusion:
"What's this, mistress?"
Tang San sighed softly, turned to the side, revealing the body of Emperor Xue Ye lying on the ground behind him, and said heavily:
"Teacher, as you have seen, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is a member of the Spirit Hall. Everything today is a conspiracy by the Spirit Hall. Prince Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing were both murdered by the Spirit Hall. Therefore, before Emperor Xue Ye passed away, he appointed me as King Lan Hao, the regent of the current empire, and betrothed Xue Ke to me so that Xue Ke could inherit the throne."
Upon hearing this, the Golden Iron Triangle was shocked. They never expected that in just one day, their disciple would become the Regent of the Heavenly Dou Empire! And the future Empress's husband as well.
Yu Xiaogang gazed at the corpse of Emperor Xueye with complicated emotions. He thought about how Xue Qinghe had been hiding for so many years and had almost succeeded. Although he had thwarted the Spirit Hall's conspiracy, he still felt lingering fear.
"What a Spirit Hall! The Crown Prince of the Empire is actually a member of the Spirit Hall, and no one has noticed anything amiss. If it weren't for you, Xiao San, discovering it in time, the Heaven Dou Empire would have been taken over by the Spirit Hall."
Immediately, he looked at the Second Elder of the Haotian Sect, his gaze sharpening, and said:
"This must be an elder of the Haotian Sect."
The Second Elder nodded.
The Fifth Elder slowly descended from the sky. He had intended to help the Third and Fourth Elders, but the changes on the ground drew his attention more. Not only him, but the Seventh Elder also gathered around, his heavy injuries becoming increasingly difficult to suppress.
Tang San glanced at the Fifth and Seventh Elders who had gathered around, then turned his gaze back to the Third and Fourth Elders, who were still locked in battle with the Serpent Spear Douluo and the Porcupine Douluo. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he immediately gave the order:
"Teacher, Dean Flander, Aunt Erlong, you must immediately lead a portion of the Tang Clan to Princess Xue Ke's palace to protect her and prevent the Spirit Hall from assassinating her."
"Second Elder, Fifth Elder, you must immediately go to the Spirit Temple in Heaven Dou City and seal it off. After the Asura Emperor and Qian Renxue are injured, they will definitely try to escape. As long as they dare to enter the Spirit Temple, we can capture them in one fell swoop."
"Head of the guard, listen to my command!"
"Your subject is here!"
The head guard was also a Soul Douluo, and was the head of the palace guards. Upon hearing Tang San's order, he immediately replied respectfully.
Tang San glanced at the head guard, somewhat unsure if he was from the Spirit Hall, but he had witnessed the head guard's behavior earlier, and this one probably wasn't. He then said coldly:
"Immediately seal all gates of Heaven Dou City, and strictly prohibit anyone from entering or leaving. Since the Asura Emperor and Qian Renxue cannot reach the Martial Soul Temple, they will surely try to leave the city. If you encounter anyone suspicious, capture them immediately. Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free!"
The Asura Emperor and Qian Renxue were Tang San's greatest threats, even more so than the two Title Douluo, the Serpent Spear and the Porcupine Douluo, in the sky. Therefore, he didn't send the Second Elder and Fifth Elder to hunt down the Serpent Spear and the Porcupine Douluo.
The Fifth Elder and the Seventh Elder exchanged a glance, then cast questioning looks at the Second Elder, as if asking whether they should obey Tang San's orders.
The Second Elder expressed his meaning through actions, cupping his hands and saying:
"I will obey the young sect leader's command!"
The Fifth Elder and the Seventh Elder were both startled, but immediately understood and quickly replied, "We will obey the Young Sect Master's order!"
Immediately, the Second Elder and the Fifth Elder took to the air and flew towards the direction of the Spirit Temple; the Chief Guard led eight teams of men and rushed towards the eight city gates in eight directions, intending to close all eight city gates of Heaven Dou City; and Yu Xiaogang nodded to Tang San, then, with Flander and Liu Erlong, transformed into a Holy Dragon of Light, shining with golden light, and flew towards Princess Xue Ke's palace.
After everyone had left, Tang San gazed sorrowfully at the corpse of Emperor Xue Ye and gave the order:
"To bury the remains of Emperor Xueye."
The servants, who had been terrified and uneasy from the battle, appeared one after another. After respectfully bowing to Tang San, they collected the body of Emperor Xueye in accordance with royal protocol.
Immediately, Tang San looked at the Seventh Elder:
"Seventh Elder, please rest and recover from your injuries."
"Now is not the time to recuperate. We must take advantage of Qian Renxue's serious injuries and leave him in the Heavenly Dou Empire, otherwise there will be endless troubles in the future."
The Seventh Elder clutched his severed left arm and said in a deep voice.
Tang San gazed in the direction the Asura Emperor had disappeared into the distance, his eyes cold and gloomy, and said in a chilling voice:
"Don't worry, Seventh Elder. Once I've officially completed the procedures for bestowing the title of King Lan Hao, I will immediately go to oversee the operation to kill those two. I will definitely not let them escape!"
Upon hearing this, the Seventh Elder, recalling Tang San's courage and strategy in luring the enemy deep into their territory and exposing Xue Qinghe, felt somewhat reassured and smiled:
"If you go, then I can rest assured."
The prejudice and resentment that Tang San harbored towards Tang Hao and his son had vanished because of his performance today. The entire Clear Sky Sect had begun to wholeheartedly support Tang San.
······
Chaos reigned within Tiandou City.
The former prosperity and tranquility vanished in a single day, replaced by madness and chaos. Because of the battle at the Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace, many people hid in their homes in fear, leaving the streets deserted. Taking advantage of this opportunity, some villains looted various shops; the sounds of shattering glass, the arrogant laughter of thugs, and the painful screams of the people echoed through the streets...
Dai Yao and Qian Renxue were both shrouded in black robes, and Dai Yao had already taken off his mask.
He helped Qian Renxue, who still looked like Xue Qinghe, walk carefully down the street, wary of the soldiers suppressing the rebellion and those arrogant villains.
Sensing the chaotic soul power coursing through Qian Renxue's body and her severe injuries, Dai Yao glanced at Qian Renxue, who was still struggling to hold on, and said in a deep voice:
Are you alright?
Qian Renxue gritted her teeth and said, "It's alright. This time, it was my fault, and I have to apologize to you. I underestimated Tang San, cough cough..."
As she was speaking, Qian Renxue coughed again, covering her mouth, and blood seeped from between her fingers.
Dai Yao looked at the crimson blood, glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to them, and said in a deep voice:
"Try to speak as little as possible to avoid aggravating your injuries. I will take you to the Martial Soul Temple immediately. They will then treat your injuries and send you out of the city."
Qian Renxue forced herself to speak and said:
"This is troublesome."
"Oh, right, there's one last thing I want to ask you, and you have to answer me."
"you say."
Dai Yao slowly asked, "Where exactly is the Vast Ocean Universe Cover stored?"
Qian Renxue's gaze sharpened instantly as she stared into Dai Yao's eyes. Not long ago, Dai Yao had inquired about the Vast Ocean Universe Cover, and now, under these circumstances, he brought it up again. Clearly, the Vast Ocean Universe Cover was extremely important to Dai Yao.
She didn't understand what it meant to Dai Yao. Why did he have to get it? Moreover, through Dai Yao's eyes, Qian Renxue understood that Dai Yao would probably risk his life to steal the Vast Ocean Universe Cover the moment he learned of its whereabouts.
Now that the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace is in Tang San's hands, venturing in would only result in a near-certain death.
After a long pause, he coldly said:
Why are you asking this?
Dai Yao took a deep breath, unsure how to explain. The Heavenly Dou Palace coup had just ended, and in this chaotic time, it was the perfect opportunity for him to use his teleportation skill to steal the Vast Ocean Universe Cover!
However, he couldn't explain these things to Qian Renxue, or why he was so determined to obtain the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. Moreover, he clearly remembered Qian Renxue's attitude towards him not long ago. Therefore, he couldn't be bothered to explain to her.
Dai Yao said calmly:
"It's nothing, you just need to tell me where the Vast Ocean Universe Cover is."
Qian Renxue frowned. No one had ever dared to speak to her like this before. She even felt that Dai Yao was using her life-saving grace to threaten her. She gave Dai Yao a cold look and said:
Are you threatening me?
Dai Yao was already annoyed by Qian Renxue's attitude, and now that he had saved her, she still had the same attitude. He became even more impatient and, too lazy to explain, said:
You can think of it that way.
Qian Renxue snorted coldly, remained silent for a moment, and then said calmly:
"I'll make a deal with you. If I can leave the Heavenly Dou Empire safely, I'll tell you the location of the Vast Ocean Universe Cover."
"you!"
Dai Yao glared at Qian Renxue. By the time Qian Renxue left the Heaven Dou Empire, who knows how many days would have passed? Tang San might have already obtained the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. By then, it would be too late!
Qian Renxue sneered:
"You don't need to threaten me. I won't say anything until I'm safe."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao's heart sank. He had no doubt about Qian Renxue's words; in the original story, Qian Renxue was not a normal person. She would not do anything she didn't want to do, no matter who forced her.
Feeling somewhat helpless, he could only take it one step at a time. He would first send Qian Renxue to the Martial Soul Temple, and then venture into the Imperial Palace's treasury.
However, the risk of doing so is too great. If they fail to obtain the Vast Ocean Universe Cover, Tang San will definitely realize that the treasure vault contains what he wants. At that time, security will certainly be strengthened, and it won't be so easy to go there again.
"Alright, then I'll take you to the Spirit Temple first."
Dai Yao had no choice but to agree to Qian Renxue's conditions.
Qian Renxue smiled faintly, showing no smugness. In reality, she was also acting out of concern for Dai Yao; by leaving the Heaven Dou Empire, not only would she be safe, but Dai Yao would be safe too. During the movement, her injuries were aggravated, and she coughed painfully a few times.
Dai Yao glanced at her and quickened his pace toward the Spirit Temple.
While dodging the soldiers' patrols, the two hurried towards the Spirit Temple, passing through several streets before finally arriving near it.
The Spirit Hall remained majestic and solemn, but several layers of Tang Sect disciples surrounded it. Above, the Second and Fifth Elders of the Clear Sky Sect hovered, vigilantly surveying their surroundings. The Spirit Masters inside the Spirit Hall stared in terror at the two figures in the sky.
But under the pressure of the titled Douluo, they dared not resist.
Upon seeing the Second Elder and the Fifth Elder, Dai Yao immediately lowered his head and pulled Qian Renxue to hide in a building.
"Damn it! Such a quick reaction! They've surrounded the Spirit Temple right away. They don't want us to survive!"
Dai Yao cursed under his breath.
Qian Renxue was in excruciating pain, but she could only suppress it and remain silent to avoid attracting the attention of those around her. Her consciousness was becoming somewhat hazy; she bit her tongue, and the pain brought her back to her senses.
Reflecting on her experiences today, plummeting from the heights of success to the depths of despair, and now being hunted with no way forward, Qian Renxue couldn't help but say with a touch of anguish:
"One mistake can lead to total defeat."
"You're right. Tang San is a great enemy of our Spirit Hall. The fact that the Second Elder and Fifth Elder of the Clear Sky Sect are here without attacking Elder Snake Spear and Elder Porcupine shows Tang San's determination to eliminate us. If I'm not mistaken, Heaven Dou City has been sealed off, and no one can get out."
"Next, after Tang San takes control of the empire's government, he will definitely dig deep to find us."
"In other words, we are now doomed to die."
"Even for the Spirit Hall, crossing the vast borders of the Heaven Dou Empire to reach Heaven Dou City for rescue would be extremely difficult. By the time they arrive, we'll probably already be nothing but bones in a grave."
Looking at Qian Renxue's bitter smile resembling Xue Qinghe, Dai Yao fell silent for a moment. In the original story, although Qian Renxue was defeated by Tang San, Tang San's power was insufficient, preventing them from pursuing her and allowing Qian Renxue to return safely to the Spirit Hall.
But this time, perhaps due to her own actions, Qian Renxue is in dire straits, and even leaving the empire has become a problem.
"Since this all started because of me, then I'll send you out of the Heaven Dou Empire..."
Seeing Qian Renxue's miserable state, Dai Yao thought of Qian Renxue's fate in the original novel and felt a pang of pity.
Qian Renxue grew up without the love of her parents, only having her grandfather. But this grandfather, in the end, sacrificed his life for her. She became a god, but also lost everything.
Perhaps it was because she had never been loved that Qian Renxue stubbornly wanted to conquer Tang San. Only Tang San had truly defeated her, leaving an indelible mark on her heart. In the end, she failed; the angel's wings were broken, and only then did she understand the past and reconcile with Bibi Dong.
However, after a brief moment of warmth, Bibi Dong turned into a corpse.
Qian Renxue's life can be described as a tragedy.
Although Qian Renxue's current predicament wasn't Dai Yao's fault, out of sympathy and fear of the hidden spirit beast forces within the Spirit Hall, he decided to help her. The Clear Sky Sect's sudden emergence must be suspicious!
If he had left the Heaven Dou Empire alive, while Qian Renxue had been captured by the Haotian Sect, he would have felt resentful towards Qian Daoliu as well.
At that time, having offended the Pope and the Grand Elder, how could he possibly stay in the Spirit Hall?
Looking at Xue Qinghe's pained face, Dai Yao slowly said:
"Do you still remember the plan I devised back then, the plan to leave the Heaven Dou Empire in dire straits?"