After the coronation ceremony, the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire fell into an eerie silence.
On this day, while reviewing memorials, Xue Qinghe received a letter delivered by a branch of the Spirit Hall.
After reading its contents, Xue Qinghe set down his brush and frowned deeply.
"That woman claims she knew nothing about this matter and even offered an apology." After a moment, Xue Qinghe casually handed the letter to Ci Xue behind him. "She also told me to watch my reputation and not regret my choices in the future."
"Reputation? This woman is actually concerned about my reputation? How laughable." Xue Qinghe shook his head.
"Perhaps Her Holiness the Pope truly didn't know that Young Master obtained the Heartbroken Acacia while Yu Xiaogang and the others were present," Ci Xue offered, trying to salvage the situation. "If that's the case, her actions are somewhat understandable."
"That may be so," She Long expressed doubt about Ci Xue's conclusion. "Young Master, when you mentioned the Heartbroken Acacia to Her Holiness the Pope, you didn't bring up Yu Xiaogang's involvement, did you?"
"This…" Xue Qinghe fell silent for a moment before letting out a sigh of relief. "I didn't tell Bibi Dong. I never expected her to give the Heartbroken Acacia to Yu Xiaogang. That was my oversight."
When presenting the Heartbroken Acacia to Bibi Dong to verify the situation, he had only mentioned obtaining it by chance.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo was particularly knowledgeable about flowers, so he likely had some understanding of the Heartbroken Acacia's nature. That was precisely why Qian Renxue had wanted to test the waters.
Even if Bibi Dong didn't trust her, she would trust the Chrysanthemum Douluo.
The main goal had been to verify whether Bibi Dong's feelings for Yu Xiaogang were genuine. But who could have predicted so many unexpected twists, ending up with her shooting herself in the foot?
Now, she had to drag the name "Qian Renxue" into the open to pair it with Xue Qinghe.
How absurd…
Xue Qinghe clasped his hands behind his head, his tone resigned. "Whether it's true or not, what's the point of discussing it now?"
My cover as Qian Renxue is already blown. Now, it all depends on what Ning Fengzhi thinks.
Who would've thought that a single test would cost me everything, principal and interest alike?
"She Long, Uncle, draft a proclamation denouncing the traitors for me. I must uphold justice for Marshal Ge Long."
"Inform the managers of the territories from Xue Ye's reign to pressure the Balak Kingdom into handing over Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing, as well as returning Princess Xue Ke unharmed."
"If any refuse, I won't hesitate to mobilize the entire nation's forces to conduct thorough investigations into those disobedient territories."
"Young Master, if we do this, I fear…" She Long was somewhat worried. Unlike the Star Luo Empire, the Heaven Dou Empire's decrees carried far less weight outside the capital.
"This time, we hold the moral high ground. During my coronation ceremony, news arrived of the Grand Marshal's assassination."
"If they refuse, it means they disregard the late Emperor Xue Ye's final edict."
"Don't worry—they'll comply. The only question is to what extent."
"Yes." She Long nodded.
"Ci Xue, Uncle, seek out the Chrysanthemum Douluo. Tell him I demand that woman's sincerity regarding the previous incident."
"And let her know she needn't concern herself with my reputation. She should remember her place."
"I can spare Yu Xiaogang, but she must deliver some tangible results for me."
"Otherwise, don't blame me for disowning her as my mother. Tell Bibi Dong I've tolerated her for far too long."
"This…"
Ci Xue's heart skipped a beat.
Good heavens, was he being sent on a suicide mission?
Delivering such words to Her Holiness the Pope—wasn't that like lighting a lamp in a latrine?
Would he even make it back alive?
"Don't worry. Since she claims it was an accident—and the last one—I'll take her at her word."
"But if anything happens to you, Ci Xue, Uncle, I'll have that woman join you in the afterlife."
Ci Xue: "…"
Should I be touched… or terrified?
Young Master is even prepared to sacrifice Bibi Dong. If I refuse now, wouldn't I be failing her trust?
"Yes, this subordinate will carry out the task shortly."
Shrek Academy
"Have you all decided? You're all going to the City of Slaughter?" Flender looked worriedly at the young men and women before him.
Not long ago, Tang Xiao had relayed Ning Fengzhi's message to the Shrek group.
Tang Xiao's stance was clear: "Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing must leave Shrek Academy and the Heaven Dou Empire as soon as possible."
There was no other choice. The assassination of the Heaven Dou Empire's Grand Marshal was, on the surface, orchestrated by Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing, who had fled to the Balak Kingdom.
But anyone with half a brain knew that Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing couldn't possibly hire two Soul Douluos for a suicide mission.
So… the only ones capable of such a deed were the Spirit Hall or the Star Luo Empire.
The Spirit Hall could be ruled out for now. Given Xue Qinghe's ambiguous ties to them, they had no reason to stir up trouble.
That left only the Star Luo Empire—and they had a precedent.
If memory served, the previous Heaven Dou Grand Marshal had also been assassinated by the Star Luo Empire, which then launched an invasion.
Had it not been for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's intervention and the Spirit Hall's mediation, parts of the Heaven Dou Empire might now bear the surname "Dai."
Xue Qinghe couldn't possibly be unaware of Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's identities.
Though no arrests had been made yet, who knew what the future held?
If Xue Qinghe decided to act, even Tang Xiao wouldn't be able to stop it. With righteousness on their side, Ning Fengzhi would undoubtedly stand with Xue Qinghe.
Tang Xiao reported the situation to the Clear Sky Sect, including his grandfather Tang Chen's input.
Tang Chen's advice was straightforward: come to the Clear Sky Sect first, then consider whether to enter the City of Slaughter.
Thus, the current scenario unfolded.
The Shrek Six Devils, aiming to strengthen themselves for the Spirit Master Tournament two and a half years later, saw the City of Slaughter as their best option.
Without sufficient immortal herbs, perhaps only the City of Slaughter could provide the necessary tempering. Moreover, with Tang Chen's influence there, having connections would make things easier.
"The City of Slaughter is no simple place. You must think carefully, little monsters." Zhao Wuji spoke gravely.
"Teacher, don't worry. We'll return safely," Tang San said earnestly.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing could no longer stay in the Heaven Dou Empire. As for Tang San—
Not long ago, Tang Hao, en route to the Clear Sky Sect, sent word that the Blue Silver Forest, which could trigger his Blue Silver Grass's second awakening, had lost its effect. To fully awaken his Blue Silver Grass, he would have to seek another method.
And the place Tang Hao suggested was the City of Slaughter.
Thus, Tang San and the others would accompany Tang Xiao to the Clear Sky Sect for its grand re-emergence ceremony before deciding whether to train in the City of Slaughter.
"Oh? Tang San and his group are heading to the City of Slaughter?" The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's intelligence network was vast, and Shrek Academy was a focal point for Ning Rongrong, who had long since planted informants there.
Coupled with the lack of secrecy on their part, news of Tang Xiao's general plans reached her within a day or two of their departure.
"The City of Slaughter…" Ning Rongrong murmured. "Seems like an interesting place."
"Rongrong, don't do anything reckless."
Seeing Ning Rongrong's intrigued expression, Ning Fengzhi's heart skipped a beat.
From her, he had heard descriptions of the City of Slaughter and later investigated Tang Chen's ties to it. The conclusion?
Ordinary people should steer clear.
"Relax, I'm not bored enough to train in a place like that. It's the Asura God's territory—I'd rather not attract his attention."
"Compared to that, I'm far more interested in the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Ning Rongrong thought of the treasure she had been forced to relinquish.
Now that she had reached the Grandmaster realm and gained insight into godly power, even if she took it, the Sea God might not notice.