Eight Carriages, Dai Yao's Game of Wits with Tang San"A plan to escape Tiandou?"
Qian Renxue was taken aback, her surprise mixed with complicated feelings. She had learned that Dai Yao, through the power of the Spirit Hall, had devised a plan to safely leave the Heaven Dou Empire without needing any powerful individuals.
At that time, she looked down on Dai Yao's plan. Little did she know that Dai Yao's plan would now become her only hope in her desperate situation.
She lowered her head, clutching her aching lungs, and whispered:
"Now that the Spirit Temple is surrounded, is this plan still feasible?"
Dai Yao glanced at the two elders of the Clear Sky Sect above the Martial Soul Temple, sneered slightly, and said, "Naturally, since it is a plan made in a desperate situation, the most extreme circumstances have been considered. However, if we wait any longer, this plan will be useless."
Qian Renxue struggled to her feet and said:
"Let's not delay, let's get going..."
Dai Yao nodded, helped the increasingly dazed Qian Renxue, and pretended to be nonchalant as they left the streets near the Spirit Temple. Some time later, Dai Yao led Qian Renxue to an ordinary residence near Shrek Academy.
Dai Yao knew very well that if the coup in the Heaven Dou Empire failed, the forces of Shrek Academy would definitely be drawn away by Tang San, leaving the area much weaker. Moreover, Shrek Academy was the stronghold of Tang San's forces; as the saying goes, the most dangerous place is the safest place.
During this chaotic time, Shrek Academy is the safest place.
As expected, the level of inspection around Shrek Academy was much lower compared to other places.
"As we've come this far, the number of patrolling soldiers has increased dramatically. In such a short time, there are already signs of order being restored. This must be because someone has seized power in the empire! But I've already dealt with Avalanche and Prince Snowstar; who can inherit the throne now?"
Dai Yao frowned, thinking with some surprise.
Suppressing the churning pain within her body, Qian Renxue said calmly:
"If nothing unexpected happens, Xue Ke will inherit the throne. If I were Emperor Xue Ye, the best course of action would be to hand over the throne to Tang San, make Xue Ke the empress, and have Tang San and Xue Ke be engaged."
"In this way, with the help of the Clear Sky Sect, we can quell the internal strife in the empire as quickly as possible. Moreover, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Clear Sky Sect complement each other, giving the Heaven Dou Empire the resources to confront the Spirit Hall."
Dai Yao looked at Qian Renxue with some surprise, not expecting her to have such a keen understanding of the situation in the Heaven Dou Empire. If it weren't for her overly arrogant personality, Qian Renxue would never have fallen into Tang San's hands.
However, by killing Xue Beng, he inadvertently caused the Heaven Dou Empire to fall completely into Tang San's hands. He had foreseen everything, except for Emperor Xue Ye. Emperor Xue Ye's final move, this sole variable, caused his entire plan to fail.
He truly deserves to be called an emperor who has reigned for so many years.
His expression darkened slightly, and he said:
"Things are more complicated than I thought. There's no time to lose; I have to leave."
Now that Tang San has taken power, he won't let them leave easily. Taking advantage of the chaos in Heaven Dou City is the best time to leave.
Inside the residence, a very simple-looking carriage was parked. The coachman, sitting inside, was somewhat surprised to see Dai Yao arrive and said:
"My lord, I've been waiting for you for a long time."
His gaze fell on the man beside Dai Yao, and he asked with some confusion:
Who is this?
"You don't need to worry about that. Just drive the carriage properly. Wait for my orders, and when the time comes, don't hesitate for a moment, set off immediately."
Seeing the coachman nod, Dai Yao helped Qian Renxue into the carriage and closed the curtain.
Qian Renxue sat cross-legged inside the carriage, tending to her injuries. She opened her eyes, glanced at Dai Yao, and said softly:
Is this groom trustworthy?
Dai Yao glanced at the coachman outside the carriage and said, "This is someone from the Spirit Hall."
Qian Renxue understood and nodded.
Dai Yao took out an item from his soul tool, which looked like a button. Qian Renxue asked, somewhat puzzled:
"This is?"
Dai Yao explained, "This is a signal communicator. When I press it, people within three kilometers can receive the signal I transmit. Then the people I've arranged will take action."
After Lou Gao joined the Azure Lotus Sect, Dai Yao used the resources of the Blacksmiths' Association to create a Technology Department. At that time, Dai Yao proposed the concept of a telephone from his previous life, and with the department's meticulous research, it is now taking shape. The button in Dai Yao's hand is his latest masterpiece.
However, this button can only transmit unidirectional signals, and its range is limited to three kilometers. Its function is extremely limited and would normally be useless, but at this moment it has proven surprisingly effective.
Dai Yao slowly pressed the button.
A strange fluctuation of soul power instantly spread outwards.
Within a three-kilometer radius, the people in seven houses received the signal. All the Soul Masters who had remained silent boarded carriages one after another and sped towards the various city gates. At the same time, explosions and fires broke out throughout Tian Dou City, forcing patrolling soldiers to fight the blazes and quell the chaos.
"Walk!"
Upon hearing the explosion, after a moment's wait, Dai Yao gave the order. The coachman cracked the whip, and with the neighing of the two horses, the carriage started moving and galloped towards the northern city gate!
Because of the sudden explosions and resulting fires, many patrolling soldiers went to fight the flames, leaving only a small number on patrol. They dared not obstruct the fleeing carriages in the slightest. Even those few who dared to stand in their way were eliminated by the coachman using his soul-binding abilities.
In an instant, eight carriages sped toward the eight city gates at the same time.
The clatter of hooves echoed wildly through the streets of Tiandou City.
Dai Yao slightly lifted the curtain, gazing at the fleeting street scenes of Tian Dou City and the panicked faces, a sense of unprecedented tranquility washing over him. The flickering firelight illuminated his expressionless face.
Today's level of danger is much safer than that time in the Star Luo Empire.
Qian Renxue, who was healing her injuries, had to stop cultivating due to the bumpy journey, letting out a muffled groan. The injuries in her body were becoming increasingly serious as the carriage sped along.
Dai Yao reached into his Ruyi Treasure Pouch; he had gathered quite a few medicinal herbs at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. He took out a Ganoderma lucidum and handed it to Qian Renxue, saying:
"This medicine is mild and has the effect of suppressing injuries. You are currently seriously injured and your internal organs have shifted. After taking it, you will feel better."
Qian Renxue had withstood the Fifth Elder's ninth soul skill head-on, and it was already extremely difficult for her to hold on until now. Her injuries require a long period of rest and recuperation; taking Ganoderma lucidum can only temporarily alleviate her injuries.
Knowing the extent of her injuries, Qian Renxue did not refuse and immediately took the medicine. A moment later, as the medicine took effect, her pale face finally regained some color.
During their escape, explosions continued to occur throughout Heaven Dou City. It must be said that the soul tools manufactured by the Blacksmiths' Guild proved extremely useful.
A moment later, almost at the same time, eight carriages arrived at the gates of the eight city gates.
Upon seeing the carriage approach, the city gate guards stood ready. Moreover, the imperial city gates were already closed; trying to force through with just a carriage was utterly delusional. But while they stood at attention, some soldiers quietly retreated, secretly waiting for their chance.
The soldiers at the city gate were not afraid of the approaching carriage. After all, the city gate was one of the most important defensive measures of a city, and there were countless strong warriors inside.
Although the turmoil in the palace caused many powerful figures to go back to defend the city, the defenses left at the city gates should not be underestimated.
"Stop the car! If you don't stop, you will be killed without mercy!"
As the carriage approached, the city gate guards roared sternly.
But the carriage did not slow down at all, and continued to rush straight toward the city gate.
The city gate soldiers stood ready, several of them even unleashing their martial spirits. But just then, a huge explosion suddenly erupted from the previously closed city gate, blasting a massive hole through the heavy gate! The shockwave sent the unprepared soldiers flying.
Although the horses in the carriage whimpered in fear, they endured their terror and forced their way forward under the coachman's whip.
Thump thump thump—
The carriage passed smoothly through the city gate and entered the wide official road.
"You're not getting away!"
The city gate guards knew that whoever had escaped must be of extremely high importance. Just as they were about to give chase, sharp blades were plunged into their backs.
Who exactly are you?
The wounded guard looked at the familiar faces—all his comrades-in-arms—and said in disbelief.
But those people just gave a slight sneer and said:
"Long live the Spirit Hall!"
Immediately, they leaped down from the high city wall, followed the carriage, and disappeared onto the official road.
Because of this delay, the city gate guards completely lost their chance to pursue, and could only helplessly watch the carriage disappear.
The same scene played out simultaneously at eight city gates. However, the attempt failed at three of the eight gates, and the carriages were detained at the gates.
······
Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace.
Tang San's hands trembled as he looked at the intelligence report in his hand, because he had inherited the time of Lan Hao Wang, and five carriages had escaped from Tian Dou City!
"Damn it, the Asura Emperor and Qian Renxue must be in one of those five carriages! Why, why did such a heavily guarded gate of Tiandou City let a small carriage get through? Are these guards all incompetent?!"
Five carriages, in five directions—how was he supposed to chase them?
For a moment, several high-ranking officials of the empire looked at Tang San, exchanging bewildered glances. One of them advised:
"King Lanhao, inheriting the throne is of utmost importance. No matter how important the matter is, it must be put on hold."
Upon hearing this person's advice, Tang San's icy expression vanished instantly, replaced by a warm and gentle smile.
"Duke, compared to this matter, the matter of inheriting the throne must be put aside."
Seeing that the Duke still wanted to persuade him, Tang San said in a deep voice:
"This is not a suggestion, but an order."
In an instant, the air in the palace seemed to chill. Several dukes felt a stinging sensation on their skin, as if pricked by needles, and quickly shut their mouths.
Just then, several people suddenly burst in.
It was the Second Elder and the patriarch of the Power Clan, who is also the current head of the Power Hall of the Tang Clan, Titan.
Tang San nodded first, gestured to the Second Elder, and then immediately asked:
"Senior Titan, how is the situation?"
He immediately dispatched Tang Clan disciples to gather intelligence. The Tang Clan disciples did not disappoint him, and quickly gathered the intelligence he needed.
Titan's face was ashen. He glanced at the imperial dukes, and only after Tang San nodded did he speak:
"We just received news that a total of eight carriages attempted to break through the checkpoint, and three of them were stopped. However, the drivers of these three carriages did not know what they were doing, and they were not even Soul Masters."
"But at the other five city gates, not only were the grooms who were trying to pass through Soul Masters, but there were also spies inside the gates. Among them, the spies at some of the city gates were even Soul Emperor level experts."
A thought flashed through Tang San's mind: the city gate with a Soul Emperor-level Soul Master was likely the direction the Asura Emperor had truly left in, because only in this way could he ensure his escape from Heaven Dou City. He quickly pressed for an answer:
"Which city gates led to the appearance of Soul Emperors?"
Niu Gao replied, "The city gates facing south and the city gate facing west were where Soul Emperor-level Soul Masters appeared. As for the city gates facing north and east, one of each has fallen."
To the south of the Heaven Dou Empire lie the various duchies, followed by the Spirit Hall, and finally the land bordering the Star Luo Empire.
In other words, heading south is the closest road to the Spirit Hall. The location where the Soul Emperor-level Soul Master appeared also confirms this. However, Tang San felt something was amiss. Wasn't this too simplistic? Since they had deliberately created a diversion by showing eight carriages, it clearly couldn't be this easiest-to-guess route.
But we can't be sure. Maybe Shura Emperor and Qian Renxue are planning a ruse.
For a moment, Tang San was somewhat confused. He looked at the Second Elder and asked:
"Second Elder, do you have any news?"
The Second Elder said in a heavy tone, "The Serpent Spear and the Porcupine have already escaped. Although they were injured by the Third and Fourth Elders, we still couldn't stop a Title Douluo from leaving."
Tang San's expression was somewhat gloomy. Although he had anticipated this, he was still surprised that the Serpent Spear and the Porcupine had so decisively abandoned Qian Renxue and the Asura Emperor. However, compared to these two Title Douluo, the Asura Emperor and Qian Renxue were the greatest threat.
He immediately said:
"Second Elder, you will go south from the South Gate and be in charge of the southern region. Third Elder, you will go out from the West Gate and be in charge of the western region. Fourth Elder, you will go out from the East Gate and be in charge of the eastern region. Fifth Elder and I will go to the northern city together. You must stop the Asura Emperor and Qian Renxue at all costs. If you discover any trace of them, do not alert them. Immediately notify everyone!"
Soul Emperor-level Soul Masters appeared in the south and west, meaning these were highly likely the escape routes taken by the Asura Emperor and Qian Renxue. Therefore, Tang San dispatched his most powerful elders, the Second and Third Elders, to oversee these two directions.
However, he always felt that the Asura Emperor would not go to the west or the south.
Therefore, he dispatched two Title Douluos to the East and the North, and he even personally went to the North.
Just as the Second Elder nodded and was about to leave, Tang San instructed him:
"However, everyone be careful. The Asura Emperor's methods have the power to threaten Title Douluos. Although knowing his methods makes him less of a threat, we still need to be cautious."
The Second Elder should be.
"As for the Seventh Elder, you should stay in the palace with your teacher and the others to protect it and recuperate."
Tang San turned his head and looked at the Seventh Elder.
The Seventh Elder nodded.
Immediately, Tang San gave the order:
"Immediately notify all surrounding cities to declare martial law. Capture any suspicious persons on sight!"
The carrier pigeons took flight, scattering in all directions. Several cities surrounding Tiandou City immediately declared martial law, and the peaceful atmosphere vanished abruptly. The entire Tiandou Empire became incredibly tense overnight.
Just then, a maid suddenly rushed in, glanced at the figures in the palace, found Tang San, and excitedly said:
"Your Highness, Princess Lanhao, would like to invite you to come over."
Tang San was taken aback:
"Princess Xueke?"
The maid nodded.
Tang San's face stiffened, slowly turning cold, and a chilling aura gradually spread as he said in a cold voice, "Tell the princess that I have important matters to attend to and cannot see her."
Although he had made a marriage agreement with Xue Ke, it was merely a temporary measure; his heart belonged only to Xiao Wu. How could he betray Xiao Wu and marry Xue Ke?
Sensing that icy aura, the maid's face fell, and she dared not continue, slowly retreating... (End of Chapter)