Chapter 168: Plot Against Thousand‑Ridge Snow

Yang Xiong now watches Qinghe's solemn demeanor, feeling the guy's smile is utterly false, and can't help but want to tease him.

"Brother Qinghe, didn't you just say there's no need to be so formal? I came to you as an equal to ask for a favor; if I went to see Emperor Xue Ye it would be pointless."

Qinghe's face slightly changes: "Xiao Xiong, what do you mean?"

Yang Xiong laughs: "Since ancient times, the Crown Prince has always been the hardest to deal with, especially you, Brother Qinghe, beloved by the people, wielding immense power; surely some matters aren't that easy to handle, right?"

Qinghe's face darkens: "I thought you weren't interested in such matters, only focused on cultivation; didn't expect you to understand power and politics—makes me see you in a new light. You've grown a lot these years."

Yang Xiong hears this and feels speechless; this guy definitely wants to take advantage verbally, acting as if he's an elder.

Finally Yang Xiong helplessly says: "The Heaven Dou Imperial Family's relationships are complex; originally there were four princes, though you, Brother Qinghe, became Crown Prince, the process involved many twists, even external criticism."

Qinghe's face instantly turns cold, speaking with a half‑smile: "Xiao Xiong, you probably didn't come just to tell me this, so say whatever you have."

"Moreover, Father gave birth to our four brothers; two dying young is normal, after all the Soul Master World is unpredictable."

Yang Xiong looks at Qinghe: "Brother, you truly are the Sect Leader's direct disciple; your personality is just like our Sect Leader's."

"But I heard the other two deceased princes had outstanding talent; according to some conspiracy theories, you, as the eventual Crown Prince, are a vested beneficiary, likely to attract criticism."

Qinghe says: "The pure are pure; Father also worries deeply about the deaths of my two brothers, sending people to investigate for a long time, yet found no trace. Even if rumors exist outside, they're probably just wind‑chasing shadows. Such matters are very common in the Heaven Dou Empire."

"Xiao Xiong, you came today specifically to tell me this, it can't be just a simple reminder."

Yang Xiong shakes his head: "Of course not. The Crown Prince position of the Heaven Dou Empire is of great importance; I have a small piece of information to share with you, concerning the Crown Prince seat, perhaps worth you lending me the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover."

Qinghe remains silent, sipping tea; clearly the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover is extremely important, not worth risking.

Yang Xiong twirls the teacup in his hand, muttering: "Before a storm comes, it's usually calm; what's nailed down may not be obtained, it could just be a fleeting dream."

Qinghe hears this, his expression slightly changes: "Xiao Xiong, you've truly grown these years; your mind has become more active, even caring about my Crown Prince position."

Yang Xiong laughs: "We're all kin; you're our Sect Leader's disciple, we're already bound together; I don't want you to capsize."

Qinghe solemnly says: "Xiao Xiong, say whatever you have; family needn't beat around the bush."

Yang Xiong's mouth curls a smile: "Brother Qinghe, I have a piece of information that concerns your Crown Prince seat, perhaps can be exchanged for the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover."

Qinghe shakes his head: "One piece of information isn't enough; regardless, the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover is the national treasure of our Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Without absolute benefit, Father won't hand it over."

"Moreover, the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover is personally guarded by my Father; no one else can obtain it, not even I."

Yang Xiong's mind suddenly shows a playful smile; perhaps he can trap this counterfeit little angel.

Yang Xiong takes a Jade Box from the Soul Guidance Device; inside is a white, crystal‑clear herb, resembling a pristine green‑lotus twin, untouched by dust.

"This is Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, a peerless spirit herb I obtained in the Star Dou Great Forest; it's said to lubricate tendons, strengthen bones, and open the Eight Extraordinary Meridians."

"Brother Qinghe, you've been busy with state affairs these years, neglecting cultivation; if you take this Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, it should compensate some of your cultivation deficiencies, even greatly boost your physical condition and soul power."

Yang Xiong deliberately presents the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, because it and his own Odd‑Fungus Sky‑Piercing Chrysanthemum form a pair of immortal herbs; he wonders what special effect it might have on this little angel.

Qinghe looks at the herb, his face also freezes; clearly he can feel its potency and effect, even able to make up for the years spent in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.

Qinghe solemn: "Does this Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone truly have the effects you claim?"

Yang Xiong smiles: "The effect will exceed your expectations; if Emperor Xue Ye were to take it, perhaps he could break his shackles, even reach Title Douluo."

"But this spirit herb I found by chance in the Star Dou Great Forest; who uses it is up to you."

Qinghe's face changes: "Xiao Xiong, since this herb works so well, why not give it directly to Emperor Xue Ye?"

Yang Xiong gives Qinghe a look: "I'm not close with Emperor Xue Ye, and besides, we're close, you're the future of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family; even if I were to gamble, I'd gamble on the future."

Qinghe remains silent for a long time before speaking: "I can't verify the herb's value, nor can I explain it to Emperor Xue Ye."

Yang Xiong smiles: "It's simple—Brother Qinghe, just find a specialist to analyze it; someone in this world must know Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. I also found the information in some leftover scrolls of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; the herb definitely surpasses the effects I described."

"Of course, if Brother Qinghe is uneasy, I can first voice your doubts, namely the secret concerning whether your Crown Prince position is secure."

Qinghe silent long then: "If your information is useful, I can get you the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover."

Yang Xiong shows a triumphant grin: "Naturally, my information is certainly valuable."

"I heard Fourth Prince Xue Beng is a playboy, gathering a bunch of decadent youths at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, causing trouble and tarnishing the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's image."

Qinghe helplessly: "Xiao Xiong, you flatter me; Xue Beng has always been a playboy; if any offense occurred, I apologize on his behalf."

Yang Xiong shakes his head: "That's not quite right; I see Prince Xue Beng as formidable, perhaps even you, Brother Qinghe, underestimate him a bit."

"Prince Xue Beng is followed by a large group of decadent youths; each has a deep background and formidable strength, which may threaten the stability of your Crown Prince position."

"Moreover, Prince Xue Beng has always caused trouble; many geniuses of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family have been driven away by them. Even when we Shrek group wanted to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, we were almost driven away; had it not been for Rong Rong's special status, the outcome back then would have been hard to predict."

"Another crucial point: Prince Xue Beng has the support of Prince Xue Xing, and behind Prince Xue Xing is Dugu Bo; you should know Dugu Bo's standing in the Heaven Dou Empire."

After hearing Yang Xiong's words, Qinghe's eyes widen, his expression becomes unpredictable, even showing an incredulous look, clearly surprised by Yang Xiong's remarks.

If Yang Xiong's claim is true, Xue Beng's influence is indeed huge, possibly even secretly backed by Emperor Xue Ye.

At this moment, Qinghe's eyes show a hint of ruthlessness, even a trace of murderous intent, clearly his situation is far worse than it appears.

Perhaps after some time, Qinghe calms down: "Thank you, Xiao Xiong, for the information. Give me a few days; if I obtain the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover, I'll notify you for the trade."

Yang Xiong nods: "Brother Qinghe, this matter is known to heaven, earth, you, and me; I hope Emperor Xue Ye won't know of my existence, otherwise it could affect the relationship between our families."

Qinghe's face shows an awkward smile: "Of course, this is a secret between us; I think Father and the teachers will understand."

Yang Xiong says no more, puts away the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone and leaves the Crown Prince Residence.

When Yang Xiong returns to his hotel, his previously calm face now looks somewhat fierce.

He thinks he said too much to Qinghe today, even exposed many things, which may arouse Qinghe's suspicion and resentment.

But for the Vast Sea Heaven‑Earth Cover, it's all worth it; this is an extremely rare Divine Artifact on Douluo Continent, ranking among the top five in value.

As for Yang Xiong mentioning Prince Xue Beng, it was purely to plan for the future.

According to the original story, after Crown Prince Qinghe's palace failed, Prince Xue Beng inherited the Crown Prince position.

But clearly, Prince Xue Beng highly values Tang San's party, while neglecting Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, even making Yu Xiaogang the national Grandmaster of the Heaven Dou Empire.

In fact, whether by strength, Soul Power Level, or backing, Ning Fengzhi should unquestionably claim that Grandmaster position, since behind Ning Fengzhi are two Title Douluos and the remaining strength of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, far beyond what Yu Xiaogang can match.

Thus, Prince Xue Beng is absolutely wary of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and Ning Fengzhi, especially since Ning Fengzhi was once Qinghe's teacher; if one day he turns against them, Prince Xue Beng might not even hold the throne securely.

Moreover, Prince Xue Beng was indeed a decadent youth early on, harming many, but later, because of a single kneel, he became the continent's greatest accidental victor.

Whether it's the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect or the Body Sect, what they'll need in the future isn't someone who might betray them at any moment, not a hidden wolf, but a puppet that can be manipulated by others.

The Xue Beng Prince was so restrained in the early stage, and later bore humiliation and heavy burdens to become a disciple of Tang San; a person with this temperament is not so easy to control.

As for deliberately telling Xue Qinghe this time, it also counts as killing two birds with one stone.

On one hand, using Xue Qinghe to eliminate the Xue Beng Prince is considered removing a hidden threat in advance.

On the other hand, if Xue Qinghe truly eliminates the Xue Beng Prince, it might provoke the jealousy of the Xue Ye Great Emperor, which also serves as early preparation for the Heaven Dou Palace Coup.

If Xue Qinghe is inadvertently exposed, then at that time Xue Qinghe's forces and the Xue Ye Great Emperor's forces will clash with each other, allowing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to profit from it, and the Body Sect to seize the opportunity to rise.

Of course, there is an even more crucial point: whether the Water Fairy Jade Skin Bones and the Strange Fungus Heaven‑Piercing Chrysanthemum are truly fated as the unseen forces suggest, they might be able to manipulate Qian Renxue.

(End of chapter)