Chapter 171: Sudden Upheaval

"This year, I have indeed encountered many strange events," Tie Li said, recounting what he had seen and heard over the past year.

The two strolled along the park's small bluestone path, with no physical contact, the atmosphere tinged with a hint of ambiguity and the joy of reunion.

Zhu Zhuqing would occasionally speak of some of her experiences; at Shilake Academy, the companions she made were all quite good.

Whether Tang San and Xiao Wu, or Oscar and Ning Rongrong, they could all be regarded as companions.

Sometimes the two sat together on a bench in silence for a long while; the atmosphere held no hint of awkwardness, but rather a natural ease.

It was not until evening that Tie Li escorted her back to the academy's gate.

Watching her silhouette gradually fade from his sight, Tie Li prepared to return to the academy.

"Kid, some matters are beyond your meddling," a rough voice sounded from nearby.

Zhao Wuji's figure stepped out from the corner, his voice carrying a warning.

"The Fenglei Sect has already been annihilated; you are now merely an ordinary Soul Master."

Tie Li merely flashed a cold smile, his eyes showing no trace of fear.

Zhao Wuji intended to use the Xingluo Empire's royal family to threaten Tie Li, hoping to make him retreat; regarding the destruction of the Fenglei Sect, you are not an ordinary Soul Master— even second‑tier forces would avoid your edge, let alone the imperial royalty.

But what Zhao Wuji did not anticipate was that Tie Li, faced with his threat, made no concession at all.

"If one day I ascend to Title Douluo, who would dare say my sect has been destroyed?

Where I stand, that place is where my sect resides!"

"You are merely a Soul King, yet you dare speak of future ascension to Title Douluo? You are taking yourself far too seriously, aren't you?

Even for me, killing you now would only cost a few extra measures."

Facing Zhao Wuji's threat, Tie Li was not surprised, but he would not be afraid.

Constant yielding would only make people think you are a true bereaved dog.

He is a Soul Saint, but merely a Soul Saint; if even when faced with a Soul Saint's threat one must compromise, then what future can be spoken of?

Possessing a top‑tier weapon martial soul, surpassing ordinary Soul Ring configurations, mastering the six tones of the Thunder Dragon, bearing two ten‑thousand‑year soul bones and an External Attached Soul Bone, even if not an opponent, he is confident he can depart safely under his hand.

Two yellows, two purples, one black— the Thunder Dragon Hammer appeared in Tie Li's hand, his resolute gaze showing no intention of retreat.

"Since that's the case, let me test your tactics."

Two yellows, two purples, three blacks— entering martial soul embodiment, a pair of massive bear claws lunged at Tie Li; this huge soul‑power gap gave Zhao Wuji confidence to teach Tie Li a lesson.

As a successor disciple of the Fenglei Sect, many forces wish to take Tie Li's life; likewise, some Soul Master forces honor the original promise made to the Fenglei Sect.

Zhao Wuji dared not kill Tie Li, because he knew that if the sole Fenglei Sect successor were to die by his hand, the consequences would exceed his capacity to bear.

The First and Third Soul Rings lit up; under two Amplification Soul Techniques, he swung the Thunder Dragon Hammer against Zhao Wuji's bear claws.

"Clang"

Earth‑yellow soul power formed a shield to repel Black Thunder's erosion; the clash of the great hammer and bear claws was a collision of forces.

"Boom"

Possessing the Da Li Golden Vajra Bear martial soul, Zhao Wuji's strength and defense were both outstanding.

Zhao Wuji stepped back three paces, but Tie Li was thrown backward; the moment he hit the ground, he instantly halted his retreat, his legs storing power before springing up again.

The Thunder Dragon Hammer struck again; Zhao Wuji's bear claws moved slightly unnaturally, and the First and Second Soul Rings lit up.

First Soul Technique, Immovable Wisdom King!

Second Soul Technique, Da Li Golden Vajra Palm!

"I didn't expect the illustrious Immovable Wisdom King also enjoys bullying the weak; since that's so, let me entertain you."

Du Gu Bo's figure appeared before Zhao Wuji like a phantom; the pressure of a Title Douluo cloaked him, the captivating aura freezing his movements.

"Huh"

Pale‑green poison gas coiled around Du Gu Bo's left palm, lightly landing on Zhao Wuji; the seemingly powerless strike made Zhao Wuji's complexion change.

A turquoise hue already surfaced on his chest; the toxin had begun to corrode his heart meridian.

"You..."

Zhao Wuji's angry eyes widened, his massive body falling straight backward.

"Senior, is he dead?"

"Not quite dead, just giving him a bit more suffering."

Du Gu Bo's gaze toward Tie Li had changed.

"I thought you would keep yielding, waiting until your cultivation was sufficient to protect yourself before gradually revealing your talent."

"Constant yielding would cause me to lose more; some things cannot be abandoned, I will seize them back.

I boldly ask you, senior: if my sect still exists, would Zhao Wuji dare to intrude and provoke my sect?"

"Oh?"

Du Gu Bo gave Tie Li a meaning‑laden glance, suddenly realizing he somewhat suited his taste.

…

Du Gu Bo led Tie Li along an empty street in Tiandou City.

He had just emerged from the palace, having uncovered a major secret within the imperial family.

"Xue Qinghe might be a fake," Du Gu Bo suddenly announced a bombshell.

This surprised Tie Li, not because Xue Qinghe was a fraud— from the start he knew Xue Qinghe was Qian Renxue.

But how did Du Gu Bo discover this?

"I need to go to the Broken One clan this time, and ask Clan Leader Yang for a helping hand."

With Yang Wudi's assistance, Du Gu Bo's poisonous strike surged forward; combined with his frequent comings and goings from the palace, he indirectly uncovered irregularities and reported the matter to the Snow Star Prince.

Under the Snow Star Prince's covert investigation, new findings emerged quickly.

The outcome of this matter could cause a rift within the imperial family; to avoid mishaps, he needs to seek Yang Wudi's help.

And on the Tian Dou Emperor's side, the Snow Star Prince needed to explain.

Quite unexpected, right?

"What kind of force dares to attack the imperial family?" Tie Li asked, pretending not to know.

But Du Gu Bo and the Snow Star Prince both guessed wrong on this point.

Ning Fengzhi was Xue Qinghe's teacher, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect had just experienced such an incident recently, which led the two of them to subconsciously suspect the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect.

But to learn the truth of the matter, a probe was necessary; however, this probe was extremely important and could threaten the safety of the Tian Dou Emperor.

Therefore, Du Gu Bo dared not be careless; he had to go to the Broken One Clan and call Yang Wudi over.

"I can't say for sure right now, but the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect is the most suspicious."

Tie Li originally wanted to remind the Spirit Hall, but speaking up in his own position would raise suspicion of deliberately framing them.

Du Gu Bo brought Tie Li to the Broken One Clan's mansion in Tiandou City; this place is large, and it was specially selected for them by Du Gu Bo.

"Senior Du Gu."

Outside the mansion, Broken One Clan members were on night watch; they all knew Du Gu Bo, and their tone was full of respect.

Du Gu Bo had helped them evade the Spirit Hall's encirclement and suppression, and had helped them settle in Tiandou City, providing the imperial family's protection.

Every clansman felt gratitude toward Du Gu Bo.

(End of chapter)