Chapter 271: Qian Renxue, Addicted to Acting
Under the escort of guards, Dugu Feng was led straight to Qian Renxue's study.
The study was at the center of the Crown Prince's mansion, surrounded by dense trees and flowers like a small forest.
The atmosphere was serene.
"Please enter. His Highness awaits you," the guard said, then turned and left.
Dugu Feng stepped into the room alone.
As soon as he entered, he was startled.
He saw Qian Renxue sitting behind a desk, her eyes bloodshot, looking haggard and weary.
"Brother Xue, what happened!" Dugu Feng quickly asked.
He walked closer, carefully observing her.
"Brother Feng, please, sit. Forgive me for this sight—state affairs piling up, family matters unresolved, I'm ashamed." Qian Renxue gave a bitter, self-deprecating smile.
Dugu Feng didn't sit, instead showing concern. "Brother Xue, is it because of the rumors in the city? Don't take them to heart; they come from jealousy."
He sighed inwardly—she even went as far as faking bloodshot eyes.
Hearing Dugu Feng's comforting words, Qian Renxue stood up emotionally. "Brother Feng, do you think I'm someone who'd ignore my father's life?
Father's been gravely ill for years! Every month, Patriarch Dugu comes to visit, and Sect Leader Ning has tried to treat him. Yet even he says there's no cure.
And still, my uncle says I don't care enough!
In these turbulent times, I handle both the nation's affairs and my father's illness.
Who has considered how I feel!"
The more Qian Renxue spoke, the more emotional she became, fully immersed in her act.
"Brother Xue, you've suffered enough. I believe in you. Take care of your health—if you collapse, it's exactly what they want."
Dugu Feng patted her shoulder reassuringly.
After a while, Qian Renxue calmed down.
She sat quietly. "Brother Feng, what do you think I should do in this situation?"
Dugu Feng said calmly, "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. I support Brother Xue taking the throne directly.
Since the Emperor cannot rule, you should inherit the crown. The Martial Soul Hall and Star Luo Empire have long coveted this land—an empire cannot stand without a ruler. The longer it's delayed, the more risk there is."
A faint spark of excitement flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes as she replied with feigned sorrow: "This... this doesn't feel right. My father still suffers in pain."
Dugu Feng leaned back comfortably in his chair, speaking leisurely, "This is what all powers in the city want. You taking the throne is both the will of the people and the salvation of the empire. Brother Xue, don't hesitate!
On the court, the ministers and generals will support you.
In the soul master world, my Dugu family still has influence—we'll support you fully."
Dugu Feng's decisive stance made Qian Renxue regard him with newfound respect—and even gratitude.
Her efforts in winning over Dugu Feng weren't in vain; he stood firm at the critical moment.
"After leaving here, I'll visit Marshal Ge Long, the first commander of the army.
I'll convince him to support you!" Dugu Feng promised.
Qian Renxue was genuinely moved. "Brother Feng, seeing you today dispelled my fears.
Once I ascend the throne, I'll strengthen our military buildup and expand soul master academies. When the time comes to unify the continent, I will never forget your support!"
Dugu Feng smiled wordlessly.
This was exactly what he wanted—to let Qian Renxue sink deeper into imperial authority, where she posed less of a threat.
They then discussed additional details before Dugu Feng left the study.
After he departed, Qian Renxue quickly composed herself, returning to her icy demeanor.
"Uncle Thornblood, didn't I say it? The Dugu family would never side with Prince Xue Xing.
Dugu Bo is just a brute; Dugu Shuo and Dugu Feng decide their family's fate. I won over Dugu Feng early—now, the soul master forces won't hinder my ascension." Qian Renxue said with pride.
The Tiandou soul masters were about to become her faction—an immense power indeed.
The Sting Porcupine Douluo stepped out from behind a bookshelf and congratulated her, "Congratulations, Young Master. After ten years of patience, you're finally reaping the fruits of ruling Tiandou Empire."
Qian Renxue was excited. Pacing twice across the room, she ordered decisively, "Move quickly—have the court ministers proclaim me regent tomorrow. Once I remove Xue Xing's faction, I'll ascend the throne!"
She had hesitated all this time only out of concern for the soul master world's stance.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Haotian Sect, Dugu Clan, Ge Clan, and Wind Sword Sect—all their positions would decide the throne's fate.
Now, their attitudes were gradually clear.
Ning Fengzhi's neutrality showed he wouldn't intervene—already her greatest support as his student.
The Four Elemental Clans, close to Haotian Sect, had made no moves toward Prince Xue Xing; Yang Wudi wasn't entering the palace.
If Dugu Feng convinced Marshal Ge Long, Tiandou City's fate would be settled.
The throne would transfer smoothly into her hands.
"Yes, Young Master!"
The Sting Porcupine Douluo bowed in acknowledgment.
With Qian Renxue's orders, dark forces in Tiandou City stirred once again.
Meanwhile, after leaving the Crown Prince's mansion, Dugu Feng went to the Ge family.
He first met his mentor, Ge Ying, then General Ge Long.
When Ge Long saw him, he was astonished.
"Nephew Feng, you've already reached the Soul Emperor realm!"
Beside him, Ge Ying's tone was sour. "Father, his strength is about to surpass mine!"
When Dugu Feng was six, Ge Ying was a Soul King.
Now, with Dugu Feng at nineteen, Ge Ying was merely a newly advanced Soul Sage.
And Dugu Feng was already a Soul Emperor—and not a lower one. Ge Ying could sense the danger in his presence.
He realized he wasn't even Dugu Feng's match anymore.
"Just fortunate progress," Dugu Feng said humbly, clasping his hands.
At the Ge residence, he calmly displayed his strength.
Only this way could he ensure Ge Long's respect.
"You're no mere talent, Nephew Feng. You'll surpass Ge Ying and even me one day," Ge Long sighed.
After the Soul King realm, progress slowed greatly.
His son Ge Ying was proof.
But such logic didn't seem to apply to Dugu Feng.
During his Soul King years, his progress was explosive.
Tiandou City's future would inevitably revolve around the Dugu family.
With such a prodigy, another Titled Douluo among them was certain.
Wasn't that becoming the next Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?
Perhaps even stronger.
The Dugu family was in its rise—and rising fast.
Ge Long couldn't help but silently marvel.
(END CHAPTER)
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