"I didn't assassinate His Majesty! The crossbow in my hand was placed beside His Majesty's pillow by someone else—it has nothing to do with me!" Tang San desperately tried to defend himself.
However, no one present seemed to believe his story.
An elder from the royal family sneered instead of showing anger. "Heh, what a joke! His Majesty has been critically ill for some time, and only we have been attending to him—bathing and dressing him. Are you trying to say that someone intentionally placed a weapon on His Majesty's bed so you could assassinate him?!"
"Lord Dugu, I implore you to capture this assassin. The Tiandou Empire will treat you as an honored guest."
Tang Xiao instinctively chose to trust Tang San, but under the circumstances, there was no time to delve into the specifics. He swung his Hao Tian Hammer and coldly laughed, "Dugu Bo alone won't be enough to stop us."
The Hao Tian Hammer, weighing thousands of jin, slammed heavily into one of the supporting pillars, causing the entire bedchamber to shake and teeter.
Dugu Bo angrily retaliated, attempting to stop Tang Xiao's actions.
But Tang Xiao paid no heed. With another strike, he shattered the remaining pillar.
The roof beams of the bedchamber began to collapse, and tiles rained down like a storm.
For Dugu Bo, he naturally didn't want to engage in direct combat with Tang Xiao.
Seeing the palace collapsing, he immediately activated his Martial Soul True Body to protect the royal family members.
Witnessing this, Tang Xiao wasted no time. Grabbing Tang San, the two of them fled out of the palace.
Not long after, under Dugu Bo's protection, the royal family members safely evacuated, carrying out Xue Ye's body as well.
By the time Dugu Bo considered pursuing Tang Xiao and Tang San, they had already escaped far away, making pursuit impractical.
Xue Qinghe solemnly said, "Thank you, Lord Dugu, for your righteous intervention. Your kindness will not be forgotten by the empire. When Ning Tianchen returns, I will discuss rewarding you. Of course, if you wish, I can also speak directly with you."
Today, Dugu Bo had witnessed Xue Qinghe's tactics firsthand. He had no intention of associating with such a person, lest it bring trouble to his sect.
"Let the young man talk to you." With that, Dugu Bo turned and walked out of the palace.
Almost at the same time, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo arrived at the palace after sensing the commotion of battle inside.
Looking at the ruins in the distance, Ning Fengzhi fixed his gaze on Xue Qinghe. "What exactly happened here? Who committed this act of violence?"
As he spoke, Chen Xin reminded him that Xue Ye had already lost his life. Ning Fengzhi's frown relaxed slightly, and a faint smile emerged.
With Xue Ye gone, Xue Qinghe could ascend to the throne on a chosen day.
In the future, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would gain even greater advantages.
Xue Qinghe, however, appeared somber. Waving his hand, he said, "Teacher, I want to see my father off one last time. Let's talk later, alright?"
---
After escaping the palace.
Tang Xiao immediately took Tang San outside the city. Looking back at the martial law-enforced Tiandou City, Tang Xiao said, "Xiao San, we must leave the city first. The Tiandou Imperial Family will surely issue a warrant for our arrest soon. We need to leave the Tiandou Empire as quickly as possible."
Without hesitation, Tang San refused. "No, we can't leave. Teacher and Aunt are still in the city."
Most importantly, the Strength Clan was his foundation. If he fled, it would be equivalent to abandoning the clan again.
Even though Tai Tan was the most loyal servant, he wouldn't tolerate being abandoned twice.
Moreover, due to his close ties with the Strength Clan, the Tiandou Empire would surely investigate and settle scores with them after their inquiry. In the future, Tang San wouldn't just lose the ability to establish the Tang Sect—he might even fail to rally allies to take revenge on the Spirit Hall.
After all, who would cooperate with someone who abandons their servants!
Before the Tiandou Empire realized what was happening, Tang San had to evacuate all the members of the Strength Clan. Even at the risk of being captured, he had to accomplish this task.
Tang Xiao frowned.
Tang San's actions were extremely dangerous.
Behind Xue Qinghe stood the support of the Sword Douluo, and Poison Douluo was always ready to assist.
If it were before, Tang Xiao wouldn't fear three Title Douluo.
But after the destruction of the Hao Tian Sect, the only Title Douluo they could mobilize was him.
Tang Xiao was well aware that if Sword Dao Chen Xin had the chance, he would definitely confront him to reclaim the former glory of the Seven Kill Sword.
The trouble they caused in the palace earlier gave Chen Xin the perfect opportunity.
At this moment, fleeing the Tiandou Empire was the best strategy.
Based on Sword Douluo's strength, it wouldn't take long for him to locate their hiding place. At that point, conflict would be unavoidable.
Tang Xiao felt somewhat helpless. If Tang Hao hadn't crippled himself, with the twin stars of the Hao Tian Sect, they wouldn't fear the combined forces of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tiandou Empire.
"Uncle, please trust me. The Hao Tian Sect has already abandoned the Strength Clan once—it cannot happen again. The Strength Clan is our foundation for taking revenge on the Spirit Hall in the future. We cannot lose them."
"And don't forget about the three single-attribute families. This time, even at the risk of being captured, evacuating the Strength Clan will leave a positive impression on the other three families. In the future, it will be easier to recruit them."
Tang Xiao understood this reasoning.
It was the Hao Tian Sect that owed the four single-attribute families. If they abandoned the Strength Clan now, the four single-attribute families would sever all ties with them.
Sighing, he said, "Alright. But Xiao San, we must act quickly. You and I are now wanted fugitives in the Tiandou Empire. Every second we stay in the city increases the danger."
---
About half an hour later, Tang Xiao and Tang San successfully evaded the Tiandou Empire's pursuit and met Yu Xiaogang and others in the wooden cabin.
Seeing the two return in such a disheveled state, Yu Xiaogang immediately sensed something was wrong and hurriedly asked, "Lord Tang, Xiao San, what happened to you?"
Before he could finish, Tang San sighed and gestured for everyone to go inside first.
Tang Xiao stayed outside, keeping watch for any soldiers coming to investigate.
Inside, Tang San briefly explained the situation to everyone.
On the way, Tang Xiao had also asked him whether he really assassinated Xue Ye.
Tang San's answer was negative.
He had no idea how the Zhuge crossbow ended up on Xue Ye's bed, nor why it misfired.
Upon hearing his explanation, Yu Xiaogang and the others immediately felt the gravity of the situation.
Tang Yuehua exclaimed in frustration, "Damn it! I should've realized earlier—Xue Qinghe would do anything to seize power. We were set up by Count Suotuolo."
The appearance of the Zhuge crossbow in the palace was clearly a trap set for Tang San.
This hidden weapon belonged to Tang San—it couldn't withstand scrutiny. The accusation of regicide was now firmly pinned on him.
Tang San froze, asking, "Aunt, are you saying this was all orchestrated by Xue Qinghe?"
"Xiao San, you're too close to the situation to see this clearly—it's understandable," Yu Xiaogang interjected, analyzing the situation. "Emperor Xue Ye has been gravely ill for a long time, and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe has been acting as regent for an extended period. It's inevitable that he harbored ambitions of ascending the throne."
"Ah… I should've realized earlier. For Xue Qinghe to ascend, Xue Ye had to die. By entering the palace to treat Xue Ye, you fundamentally offended Xue Qinghe."
Tang San was puzzled. "But Xue Qinghe has never contacted me before. Even if he wanted to frame me, how could he obtain a Zhuge crossbow?"
This was the biggest mystery in his mind.
Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but ask, "Xiao San, think carefully. Have you ever given away or lost a Zhuge crossbow before?"
Tang San fell into deep thought.
Over the years, he had only given hidden weapons to the five members of Shrek's group: Xiao Wu, Yu Tianxin, Yu Tianheng, Dai Mubai, and Tai Long.
Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng retrieved their Zhuge crossbows from their spirit-guided devices. "Ours are here. As for the weapon in Mubai's possession, I saw it this morning—he hasn't lost it."
As for Xiao Wu's weapon, after her sacrifice, Tang San had retrieved her soul-guided device, and the weapon was recovered by him—it couldn't have leaked out.
As for Tai Long…
Tang San doubted it was him who lost it.
Whether it was or wasn't, they could verify it later. There was no need to dwell on it now.
Suddenly, Tang San furrowed his brow. "Teacher, do you remember during the Soul Master Tournament when I was attacked by Shi Nian? At that time, my spirit-guided device was tampered with."
Yu Xiaogang was confused. "Xiao San, didn't you recover everything? Are you saying a Zhuge crossbow went missing?"
Tang San shook his head.
He had indeed recovered everything, and none of the hidden weapons were missing. However, his spirit-guided device contained not just the weapons but also the critical blueprints for the hidden weapons.
He wasn't sure if anyone else had seen the blueprints when the Tiandou Empire soldiers arrived at the scene after Shi Nian was executed by Dugu Bo.
Similarly, he couldn't confirm whether the Tiandou Empire had sent someone to make a copy of his blueprints on the spot.
Yu Xiaogang thoughtfully stroked his chin. After a moment, he countered, "Xiao San, did you recover the hidden weapon found in the palace? Since you're the owner, shouldn't you be able to tell if that weapon was made by you?"
Tang San slapped his forehead. "Ah, how could I have forgotten about that?"
However, time was of the essence now—he still had to contact the Strength Clan and didn't have time to disassemble the hidden weapon.
"Alright, let Tianheng and Tianxin go to the Strength Clan to summon Lord Tai Tan. Xiao San, you focus on disassembling the weapon," Yu Xiaogang instructed.
He had witnessed the devastating power of these weapons firsthand. If the technology behind them had truly leaked, they needed to prepare for the consequences as soon as possible.
Everyone immediately sprang into action.
Tang Yuehua and Liu Erlong packed their belongings, while Tang San went to speak with Dai Mubai. After a brief discussion, Dai Mubai decided to trust Tang San and agreed to accompany them to the Star Luo Empire.
Once everything was settled, Tang San sat at the desk and completely disassembled the Zhuge repeating crossbow.
From its appearance, there was nothing unusual about it, and every component matched the blueprints perfectly.
For a moment, the investigation hit another dead end.
"Xiao San, did you find anything?" Yu Xiaogang asked anxiously.
Tang San shook his head. "Teacher, there's nothing wrong with the way this Zhuge crossbow was made—it seems like it was crafted by me."
Yu Xiaogang pressed further: "Could it be that you misremembered earlier? Perhaps you actually lost one of the Zhuge crossbows but forgot about it."
Tang San shook his head again.
His memory was impeccable, and he was certain no weapons had been lost.
"Teacher, unless we investigate the forging techniques of this weapon, there's nothing more I can do right now."
However, investigating the forging process required the expertise of a seasoned blacksmith. Only through detailed comparison could any irregularities be detected.
At his current level, Tang San simply wasn't capable of such an analysis.
At some point, Tai Tan appeared behind them. "Master, I know someone who might be able to help Young Master."
When the Blue Lightning Twins found him, he already knew something had gone wrong and hurriedly brought Tai Long along.
For now, investigating the origin of the weapon could wait—the priority was evacuating the Strength Clan.
After a brief discussion, Tai Tan readily agreed to Tang San's request without hesitation.
Tai Tan was deeply moved. This time, the Strength Clan hadn't been abandoned.
"I'll arrange for the clan's evacuation immediately, Young Master. Where should we regroup?"
"The Sunset Forest!" Yu Xiaogang interjected. "The imperial family will surely search the city thoroughly for Xiao San's whereabouts. In the short term, they won't expand their search to the surrounding areas, let alone the Sunset Forest."
Tai Tan nodded solemnly. "Understood. I'll get to work immediately."
"Wait—Tai Long, have you lost any of your hidden weapons?" Tang San suddenly asked.
Tai Long didn't dare delay. He retrieved the hidden weapon Tang San had given him from his spirit-guided device.
"Not a single one is missing!"
Tang San furrowed his brows tightly.
This meant that the Zhuge crossbow in question was likely created by someone who stole his technology and forged a replica.
Now, there was no way for him to trace its origins.
---
Inside the palace.
The investigation into Tang San quickly yielded results.
One of the imperial censors bowed and reported, "Your Highness, we have determined that Tang Yin and his companion were introduced by Count Suotuolo. They claimed to enter the palace to diagnose the late emperor but used this as a pretext to assassinate His Majesty."
Xue Qinghe angrily ordered, "Arrest Count Suotuolo!"
The censor continued, "Your Highness, Count Suotuolo left the city last night. The empire's cavalry has been dispatched to pursue him, but we've already lost his trail. Whether or not we can capture him remains uncertain."
"Additionally, our investigation revealed that Count Suotuolo pledged allegiance to Prince Xue Xing ten years ago. Today, when Tang Yin entered the palace, a palace maid witnessed Tang Yin and his companion meeting with Prince Xue Xing."
These words caused an uproar among the court officials.
Countless ministers angrily exclaimed, "Your Highness, Prince Xue Xing harbors malicious intent. It's very likely he held a grudge against the late emperor's punishment and orchestrated the assassination through Count Suotuolo."
Listening to the ministers' accusations, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but feel delighted.
He had to admit that following Ning Tianchen's advice, the palace coup had been completed far too easily—far easier than his original plan.
As for Count Suotuolo, the man had secretly pledged allegiance to the Spirit Hall long ago.
Under the Spirit Hall's arrangements, he infiltrated Prince Xue Xing's side as a sleeper agent—a ticking time bomb planted near him.
This explosion had effectively sealed Prince Xue Xing's fate, leaving him no chance of recovery.
With the final obstacle removed, Xue Qinghe realized it was time to return to the Spirit Hall.
Thinking this, he stood up and waved his sleeves decisively. "Arrest Prince Xue Xing and my younger brother, Xue Beng! Execute them at noon tomorrow!"
Ning Fengzhi, standing nearby, smoothly added, "A nation cannot go a single day without a ruler. I hope Crown Prince Xue Qinghe will take up the empire's banner."
The officials present were all part of Xue Qinghe's faction.
With Ning Fengzhi setting the tone, the others quickly voiced their agreement.
The Chief Astronomer even provided an auspicious date for the occasion.
In contrast, no one mentioned the funeral arrangements for Xue Ye.
---
On the same day, the Tiandou Empire issued a nationwide wanted poster.
Capture Tang Yin and the remnants of the Hao Tian Sect.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)