"Are you people sent by Count Suotuolo?" Prince Xue Xing glanced around cautiously as he asked, ensuring no one noticed their presence.
Tang San corrected him. "It's an invitation!"
Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, Prince Xue Xing didn't dwell on Tang San's correction and gestured, "Come in."
Tang Xiao subtly blocked Tang San's path. He couldn't shake the feeling that interacting with Prince Xue Xing was a dangerous move, likely to cause unnecessary trouble.
However, Tang San lightly tapped his elbow and gave him a reassuring look.
During his studies at Moon Pavilion, Tang San had heard about the misdeeds of Prince Xue Xing. Given his current predicament, it was clear he was still under house arrest. Tang San wanted to see what kind of schemes the man might attempt.
Prince Xue Xing led the two into the inner chamber. Upon hearing the news, Xue Beng arrived. "Uncle, are your men here?"
Prince Xue Xing nodded and gestured for Tang San and Tang Xiao to sit. "What did that old fool Suotuolo tell you to do?"
Tang San disliked his tone and coldly replied, "We're here to treat His Majesty. Count Suotuolo gave us no other instructions."
Prince Xue Xing wasn't surprised.
He and his nephew had been confined to this remote part of the palace by Xue Qinghe, with almost no contact with the outside world.
Count Suotuolo was loyal to him, but without clear information, it would be difficult for the count to make any hasty arrangements to rescue him.
Today, the maid bribed by Prince Xue Xing had accidentally encountered Tang San and Tang Xiao. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known how long it would take for outsiders to learn of his situation.
"It doesn't matter. Since you're Suotuolo's people, I can share some things with you. Xue Qinghe is secretly colluding with a powerful force, planning to kill his father and seize the throne. I need to leave this wretched palace as soon as possible—delay could bring unforeseen changes."
Tang San inwardly sneered.
He saw through it all—Prince Xue Xing was pulling out all the stops to end his house arrest early.
During Xue Qinghe's regency, the Tiandou Empire had remained relatively stable. Based on Xue Qinghe's consistent behavior, Tang San simply didn't believe he was capable of patricide.
"Your Highness, it's not my duty to relay your message. If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave."
With that, Tang San stood up and headed toward the door.
Xue Beng immediately grew anxious and hurriedly blocked his way.
For this uncle-nephew pair, this might be their only chance to escape. If they didn't seize it, once Xue Qinghe ascended the throne, their deaths would be inevitable.
No matter what, they had to take this desperate gamble.
"Young man, I swear on the dignity of the imperial family that if you deliver this message to Suotuolo, and if Beng ascends the throne one day, you will become heroes of the empire—at the very least, you'll be granted the title of imperial marquis. What do you say?"
Tang San found it laughable.
The once-mighty Prince Xue Xing had fallen so low—it was truly a case of reaping what he sowed.
Of course, Tang San wasn't interested in their empty promises.
Moreover, judging by Xue Beng's demeanor, he didn't look like someone destined to be emperor!
At this moment, curing Emperor Xue Ye and securing the support of the Tiandou Empire was the top priority. There was no room for complications.
Ignoring them, Tang San and Tang Xiao left the courtyard and headed toward the imperial bedchamber.
Xue Beng watched their retreating figures, feeling uneasy. "Uncle, do you think they'll really deliver the message?"
Prince Xue Xing sneered. "Not everyone can resist the temptation of promotion and titles."
Xue Beng pressed further. "Uncle, after I ascend the throne, do I really have to grant these arrogant men titles?"
Prince Xue Xing shot him a sharp glance. "Whether they live to see your coronation is another matter entirely."
---
After leaving the courtyard, Tang Xiao carefully analyzed the situation and said, "Xiao San, I don't think Prince Xue Xing was lying."
"Based on my observations, ever since that night, the Tiandou Empire's attitude has become strangely subtle."
"The Spirit Hall made such a big move near Tiandou City, yet the empire only issued mild condemnations. This clearly defies logic."
Tiandou City was the capital. With the Spirit Hall causing such a commotion under the emperor's nose, the empire should have reacted strongly.
Tang San dismissed it. "The powerful faction behind Xue Qinghe is the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Why would he need to collude with the Spirit Hall? Besides, the imperial throne will eventually be his anyway—he has no reason to overcomplicate things."
The Hao Tian Sect had been isolated for over a decade. Tang Xiao felt his thinking was outdated and didn't insist on his opinion, instead agreeing with Tang San's reasoning.
---
Inside the imperial bedchamber.
Xue Ye had grown alarmingly thin, almost skeletal, a stark contrast to his robust appearance during the Soul Master Tournament.
Not long ago, Xue Qinghe invited Dugu Bo to diagnose Xue Ye.
Having been tipped off by Ning Tianchen, Dugu Bo feigned ignorance about the poison in Xue Ye's body and publicly declared his impending death.
Normally, with Dugu Bo's medical expertise, he could have extended Xue Ye's life by at least a month.
He didn't know why Ning Tianchen and Xue Qinghe had conspired to send Xue Ye to his demise, but he didn't care whether the Tiandou Empire changed hands—it mattered little to him or the Heaven Sword Sect.
"Lord Dugu, is there truly no hope at all?" Princess Xue Ke knelt before him, her face filled with pleading.
Dugu Bo had seen it all and felt no pity for her actions. "Almost all of His Majesty's vitality has drained away. Accept it."
The imperial family members present lowered their heads silently, their gazes fixed on Xue Ye's bed.
Xue Qinghe approached the bedside, picked up a damp cloth to wipe Xue Ye's body, and discreetly set a trap, waiting for Tang San's arrival.
Dugu Bo retreated to the doorway, closing his eyes slightly, showing no interest in what was happening.
Soon, the guards entered the bedchamber and reported, "Your Highness, Count Suotuolo has arranged for two physicians, claiming they can treat His Majesty."
Princess Xue Ke and the other royal family members turned their gazes toward Xue Qinghe.
After all, following Dugu Bo's earlier announcement, Xue Qinghe's ascension to the throne seemed inevitable. By not saving Xue Ye now, Xue Qinghe could ascend in just a few days.
But no one wanted to give up the last sliver of hope, however slim it might be.
Xue Qinghe adjusted his expression and urgently said, "Quickly, bring them in."
Given the persona he had cultivated, refusing to save Xue Ye now would invite criticism from the royal family.
Besides, the ones outside weren't just anyone—they were Tang San and Tang Xiao, who had willingly walked into the trap. He had no reason to refuse.
Upon receiving the response, the guards dared not delay and rushed out to escort the two inside.
Dugu Bo became intrigued, opening his eyes to glance at the newcomers.
He didn't recognize Tang Xiao, but as a fellow Title Douluo, his current strength of level 95 allowed him to sense Tang Xiao's true abilities.
As for Tang San, he didn't even bother to look at him.
"This is getting more interesting," he thought with a smile, once again adopting an indifferent stance.
When Tang San and Tang Xiao entered the bedchamber, they noticed Dugu Bo standing by the doorway.
Tang San couldn't help but feel tense.
The first Title Douluo he had met was Dugu Bo, who had left a deep psychological scar on him at the time.
Moreover, Tang San knew well that anyone skilled in poisons was also a master physician.
Xue Ye lay on the bed, yet Dugu Bo hadn't treated him, proving that even someone as renowned in poisons as Dugu Bo was helpless against the poison afflicting Xue Ye.
This realization dealt a blow to Tang San's confidence.
Could he really cure Xue Ye?
On the other hand, Tang Xiao, though not looking directly at Dugu Bo, was fully alert to his presence.
"Tang Yin?" Princess Xue Ke wiped away her tears and suddenly rushed forward, grabbing Tang San's arm. "Tang Yin, which of you is the physician? Please save my father!"
Tang San gently patted her hand and solemnly reassured her, "Princess Xue Ke, rest assured. We were entrusted by Count Suotuolo and will do everything in our power to save His Majesty."
Xue Qinghe stepped forward, his voice tinged with fatigue. "Brother Tang Yin, please, I beg of you."
Tang San nodded, set down his medical box, and observed Xue Ye's condition from a distance.
Xue Ye's breathing was extremely faint, with the last remnants of his vitality clinging to his final breath.
Moreover, the patient's complexion strongly suggested poisoning.
With this in mind, Tang San asked, "Your Highness Crown Prince, did the previous physicians determine what poison His Majesty was afflicted with?"
"If we knew the specific poison, anyone could treat it. The poison afflicting His Majesty seems to be of an unknown variety," Dugu Bo replied.
He continued, "Years ago, while hunting, His Majesty was attacked by a soul beast. It's possible that the venom from the soul beast has lain dormant within him since then. Over time, the poison may have mutated inside his body, making it impossible to cure."
If not for poisoning, Xue Ye's health wouldn't have deteriorated so rapidly.
The strongest poison of the Breaking Clan—the Five-Color Poison—when triggered, indeed resembled the sudden outbreak of an old toxin.
Tang San bowed slightly to Dugu Bo.
The diagnosis matched what he was currently observing.
Next, he needed to use silver needles to investigate the exact nature of the poison affecting Xue Ye and devise a corresponding treatment plan.
However, just as he was about to step forward, Xue Qinghe blocked him. "Brother Tang Yin, before you can examine His Majesty, we need to conduct a security check on you."
Tang San nodded.
As he prepared to undergo the guards' inspection, one of the royal family members shouted angrily, "Brother! This is no time for delays! His Majesty's condition cannot wait—if the inspection causes us to miss the optimal treatment window, who will take responsibility for it?"
"Indeed, Qinghe, let him examine His Majesty. With so many of us watching, I doubt he'd dare try anything," an elderly man of considerable influence within the royal family added.
Xue Qinghe sighed and stepped aside.
Tang San retrieved a set of silver needles from his medical kit and displayed them to the royal family to allay their concerns.
After completing these preparations, Tang San slowly approached the bedside.
To take Xue Ye's pulse, he needed to lift the blanket. He turned to the royal family members, silently seeking permission.
Upon receiving their approval, he lifted a corner of the blanket, revealing Xue Ye's arm.
Suddenly, he noticed a Zhuge repeating crossbow beneath Xue Ye's arm and froze in shock.
In his memory, Tang Sect had never sold such weapons externally—they simply shouldn't exist on the market!
Unaware of its origins, Tang San reached out to pick up the crossbow for closer inspection.
However, he failed to notice the trigger mechanism left on the device. The moment his hand touched the Zhuge crossbow, the mechanism activated, firing multiple bolts in quick succession. The arrows pierced Xue Ye's body and embedded themselves in the nearby wall.
Tang San was horrified. Instinctively, he grabbed the Zhuge crossbow with his right hand, leapt to his feet, and raised both hands.
The incident happened so suddenly that neither the royal family members nor the guards had time to react.
But to the royal family, Tang San's actions looked like those of a successful assassin flaunting the weapon used to commit the crime.
"Your Majesty (Father)!"
Xue Qinghe erupted in rage. "Guards! Seize him!"
Both Tang San and Tang Xiao were stunned.
Tang Xiao had been focused on Dugu Bo and hadn't noticed what was happening at the bedside. He assumed Tang San had gone mad and shot Xue Ye.
On the other hand, Tang San felt deeply wronged.
He had no idea where this Zhuge crossbow came from. As soon as he touched it, the bolts fired—it was clearly a misfire!
Yet, he couldn't understand how the Zhuge crossbow, a crystallization of Tang Sect's hidden weapon technology, could possibly misfire.
Before he could think further, the palace guards were already closing in on him.
Tang San quickly defended himself. "I didn't assassinate His Majesty! This crossbow was already placed beside His Majesty—I only picked it up."
Princess Xue Ke wiped away her tears and angrily exclaimed, "Tang Yin, I never expected you to be this kind of person! You've assassinated my father—you'll pay for this!"
An elder from the royal family roared, "Brazen scoundrel, how dare you assassinate His Majesty! Capture them! If they resist, kill them on the spot!"
Tang Xiao wasn't sure whether Tang San had truly assassinated Xue Ye, but if they couldn't escape now, the blame would fall squarely on them.
"Hmph!"
Tang Xiao slammed his foot down, instantly unleashing the overwhelming presence of a 96th-rank Title Douluo. The guards surrounding them were sent flying.
Without hesitation, he rushed forward, grabbed Tang San's hand, and swiftly charged toward the exit of the bedchamber.
Just as they were about to burst through the doorway, the fearsome Jade Phosphorous Snake Emperor martial soul appeared, opening its massive jaws to swallow them whole.
Tang Xiao was startled and hastily stopped in his tracks.
"Dugu Bo, are you really going to oppose us?!" Tang Xiao barked.
Dugu Bo initially didn't want to get involved, but with the incident unfolding right before his eyes, it would be hard to justify doing nothing.
Xue Qinghe pleaded, "Lord Dugu, I beg you to help capture the assassin and bring justice for Father."
Dugu Bo casually replied, "I can't guarantee anything!"
With that, the tail of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor martial soul lashed out at Tang Xiao.
A 96th-rank Douluo was only marginally stronger than a 95th-rank Douluo. If Tang Xiao didn't defend himself fully, this strike alone could severely injure them.
Realizing this, Tang Xiao had no choice but to reveal his true strength. A Hao Tian Hammer martial soul materialized in his hand, meeting the tail of the Jade Phosphorous Snake Emperor head-on.
As the top-tier weapon spirit on the continent, the Hao Tian Hammer was highly distinctive and immediately recognized by some present.
"It's the Hao Tian Hammer! They're remnants of the Hao Tian Sect!" The elder's bloodshot eyes filled with rage as he clenched his fists tightly.
The Hao Tian Sect had caused trouble for the Tiandou Empire countless times in the past.
And now, they dared to brazenly assassinate Emperor Xue Ye!
Old scores and new grievances combined—if they didn't capture Tang Xiao and Tang San, the Tiandou Empire's dignity would be utterly shattered!
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