"Enough already, Your Highness. Drop the act. If you want our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to help you seize power, just say it plainly. Why dance around the subject?"
Gu Rong couldn't bear to listen any longer and bluntly exposed Xue Xing's intentions without a shred of mercy.
Xue Xing froze. Seeing the look of amusement on everyone's faces, he realized his true aim had already been laid bare. But since he'd chosen to seek out the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, he had already steeled his resolve—succeed, or die trying.
"In that case, I won't hide it any longer. If your esteemed clan can help me ascend the throne, I will declare the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan the National Sect of the Heaven Dou Empire. Clan Head Ning will be appointed as the Imperial Advisor. From that point forward, your clan may develop the Empire's resources however you see fit!"
"If this succeeds, I will share the Empire with Clan Head Ning!"
Xue Xing was throwing out promises like candy. To him, a few concessions were a small price to pay for the throne.
If he succeeded, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would be permanently bound to the Empire's interests. Even if the Star Luo Empire wanted to declare war again, they'd have to think twice about facing off against an empire backed by two Title Douluo from the Seven Treasure Clan.
After all, Heaven Dou couldn't handle the Seven Treasure Clan even as things stood—if the clan grew stronger, it would make little difference. Either way, they'd remain an unshakable force.
But his real threat… was his elder brother.
While the Crown Prince was busy presiding over the tournament, the Imperial Guards across Heaven Dou City had already been quietly repositioned. Once the Emperor died, anyone who had opposed the Crown Prince in the past would be accused of treason and eliminated in one sweep.
Xue Xing knew he wouldn't escape. Even if he survived, he'd likely be reduced to a powerless figurehead, used to portray his brother's supposed magnanimity.
"Brother Fengzhi, may I have a word?"
Gu Han tugged lightly at Ning Fengzhi's sleeve.
Ning Fengzhi nodded and looked to Xue Xing. "Your Highness, I need to discuss something with Brother Gu. Would you kindly step out for a moment?"
"Ah… very well."
Xue Xing hesitated, but when he caught sight of the dangerous glint in Gu Rong's eyes, he quickly backed down and stepped outside.
He didn't go far, though. He crouched by the door, butt sticking out, trying to eavesdrop.
Gu Rong sneered, releasing his soul power to form a soundproof barrier around the room.
"Brother Gu, do you actually want to help him?"
Ning Fengzhi spoke first. After all, if Gu Han weren't interested in helping, he wouldn't have stepped in at all. The fact that he did meant he clearly had something in mind.
Gu Han smiled and nodded. "Clan Head Ning, don't you think Xue Xing would be much easier to control than Xue Ye?"
"If Xue Ye takes the throne, the Heaven Dou Empire won't necessarily grow stronger, but it will certainly become an obstacle to the growth of both Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. But if we help Xue Xing ascend, there's much more we can maneuver behind the scenes."
"True enough," Ning Fengzhi agreed with a nod. "But we don't have enough people inside the city. If any slip through the net and fall into the hands of the Clear Sky Clan or Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, we might have a problem on our hands."
"There's no need to worry, Brother Fengzhi," Gu Han said calmly. "Spirit Hall has secretly stationed a thousand-strong soul master battalion in the forests outside the city. With the tournament going on, it's easy to bring them in gradually without raising suspicion."
"Plus, there's the strength from the Spirit Hall branch here in Heaven Dou City, Uncle Bone, our Master, and Senior Guang Ling, who came with us. With three Titled Douluo and a solid team backing us, taking control of the Heaven Dou political center will be a breeze."
Ning Fengzhi nodded slowly, adding, "Just to be safe, I'll write to Uncle Sword and have him guard the perimeter outside the city. That should prevent anyone from escaping."
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's main sect was nestled in the nearby mountain range. If they decided to act, they could reach the city within moments.
"Fengzhi, Xiao Han—have you made your decision?"
Gu Rong asked again, his tone serious. A matter like this required absolute caution.
"And another thing—Xiao Han, Dong'er, are you both certain you can mobilize one of the Worship Elders?"
"Mmm. My Senior Sister and I will speak with Master and Senior Guang Ling about it personally. There's no need to agree to Xue Xing's offer right away. We'll coordinate everything first."
Gu Han paused thoughtfully. From Spirit Hall's perspective, the benefits were considerable. As long as Xue Xing's ascension bore Spirit Hall's influence, there were countless ways they could completely infiltrate the Empire.
At that point, Heaven Dou would be theirs for the taking.
"In that case, let's proceed accordingly."
Ning Fengzhi nodded and opened the door to let Xue Xing back in.
"Your Highness, we understand your situation, and both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Spirit Hall sympathize deeply. However, this is no small matter. We must consider it carefully. The day after tomorrow, please come to the Seven Treasure Pavilion in Heaven Dou City. You'll have our answer then."
Upon hearing this, Xue Xing was elated. They hadn't rejected him—that meant they were on board!
He figured they hadn't agreed outright because Spirit Hall probably wanted a piece of the pie too. But to him, that didn't matter. In fact, having Spirit Hall's help would greatly increase his chances of success.
"Excellent! Clan Head Ning, please consider that Crystal Soul Bone a gift from me. And as for Brother Gu and Her Highness the Holy Maiden—should all go well, you may each choose five treasures from Heaven Dou's royal treasury."
"Your Highness, let's save the Crystal Soul Bone for after the matter is settled. It's still too early."
Ning Fengzhi waved him off. Though the soul bone was immensely tempting, its implications were too weighty. He couldn't accept it just yet.
"Ah, alright then. I'll await good news from Clan Head Ning, Brother Gu, and Her Highness."
With both nerves and excitement fluttering in his chest, Xue Xing took his leave.
"Brother Fengzhi, my Senior Sister and I will take our leave as well. We'll meet again in two days."
Gu Han stood up, ready to depart. There were more urgent things to handle now.
"Very well."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. He had his own preparations to make too.
"Fengzhi, I think we should forgo the letter. Even though we have secret communication channels, it's safer if I escort you back to the clan personally."
Ning Fengzhi considered it. It wouldn't take long, and it was the safer move.
"You're right. Then let's return to the clan for now, Uncle Bone."
"Let's go."
With that, Gu Rong took Ning Fengzhi and vanished in a flicker of shadow.
"Junior Brother, I'm so excited!"
Once they left the auction house, Bibi Dong finally gave in to her rising excitement. A coup! An actual coup! Whether in the history books or her junior brother's stories, coups were always the most thrilling parts.
This was a major event—one that could change the fate of an entire empire. And now she was part of it. How could she not be excited?
"Don't get your hopes up, Senior Sister. We're not likely to do anything ourselves. We'll just be there to watch from Brother Fengzhi's side."
Gu Han chuckled and gently ruffled Bibi Dong's hair. She was getting too worked up. With so many Titled Douluo in play—plus a Soul Douluo, two Soul Sages, and a thousand-strong soul master army—this would be a clean sweep. There wouldn't be any need for the two of them to act.
"Okay… fine…"
Bibi Dong nodded, her eyes still sparkling. Even if they didn't get to fight, witnessing a full-blown coup with her own eyes? Totally worth it.
~~~
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