Chapter 169: Hanhai Qiankun Cover

After Yang Xiong left the Crown Prince's residence, the usually unusually placid Xue Qinghe's face showed a hint of rage, even a feral scowl.

Having schemed so much, if we go by what Yang Xiong said, I'm afraid there is still a massive unseen enemy, and perhaps all this is the Xue Ye Emperor's way of keeping me in check.

Xue Qinghe said to the darkness, "Come out!"

At that moment, two towering figures appeared in the room, exuding extraordinary presence.

The two bowed slightly to Xue Qinghe: "Your Highness, may we have the honor of seeing you; what commands do you have?"

Serpent Lance Elder, go gather recent information on the Xue Beng Prince, including who he is associating with, what he has done lately, and also the forces behind those dandy youths he mingles with; also investigate whether there is any plot between the Xue Beng Prince and Prince Xue Xing.

Pufferfish Elder, I heard Elder Ju is currently in the Tiandou Region; go immediately confirm the effects of the Water Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone with him; I need to know whether it truly aids my cultivation.

Snake Spear Douluo and Pufferfish Douluo bowed and then turned into two black shadows, departing the Crown Prince's residence.

After finishing his cultivation in a hotel these past few days, Yang Xiong planned to stroll around Heaven Dou City; he felt he had been constantly busy with cultivation, his nerves were taut, and it had been a long time since he could wander the streets freely.

Soon, Yang Xiong arrived at a seemingly upscale building, the Yue Xuan.

Whether regarding the Yue Xuan or Tang Yuehua, Yang Xiong had little interest, yet he still wanted to see this highly praised elegant place.

Originally the Yue Xuan only received nobles; the gatekeeper seemed to look down on Yang Xiong, an ordinary Soul Grandmaster.

When Yang Xiong goes out, he usually dresses casually, typically in black clothes and a black robe, and standing nearly 1.95 meters tall, he looks less like a noble and more like a brute.

Nevertheless, Yang Xiong said nothing and directly produced the Crown Prince's token.

The guard instantly changed his expression, showing extreme respect, even like a sycophant, and invited him into the Yue Xuan.

Yang Xiong felt helpless; the world is full of opportunists, especially since the Yue Xuan, located in the bustling Core Zone of Heaven Dou City, was built thanks to nobles throwing money.

After entering the Yue Xuan, Yang Xiong casually found a spot to sit, had a pot of tea prepared, then drank it alone, ignoring the people around him.

The Yue Xuan's environment was indeed excellent, exuding great elegance.

The entire second floor wasn't overly gilded; in the center were countless harps, each appearing extremely valuable.

The tables, chairs, and benches were all crafted from expensive wood, and even the potted plants and decorations were elaborate; clearly everything was costly, yet it still radiated great elegance.

Yang Xiong sipped the finest tea, eyes closed, leaning back in his chair, appearing to rest his spirit.

Around him, pleasant and light harp sounds floated, making one feel even more ethereal inside.

In the bustling Heaven Dou City, such a tranquil and elegant spot is truly rare, no wonder the nobles love to come.

Later, Yang Xiong spent a few days in the Yue Xuan, undisturbed by others, and encountered Princess Xue Ke.

Princess Xue Ke is the Xue Ye Emperor's only daughter, beloved by the Xue Ye Emperor and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe; when Yang Xiong met Xue Qinghe, they had also encountered Princess Xue Ke twice. Though not familiar, both parties knew each other's backgrounds.

Yang Xiong had also seen Tang Yuehua several times; she appeared exceptionally noble and amiable, no wonder her martial soul naturally possessed a Noble Domain.

In the Crown Prince's residence, at this moment, besides the original Pufferfish Douluo and Snake Spear Douluo, there was also Ju Douluo Yue Guan.

Pufferfish Douluo reported first: "Your Highness, after investigation, the dandy youths around the Xue Beng Prince each have remarkable backgrounds, essentially high officials and great nobles of the empire, and they are covertly linked. Our estimate is that Prince Xue Xing is secretly orchestrating this."

"Furthermore, the Xue Beng Prince and Prince Xue Xing are closely connected; the Xue Beng Prince is masquerading as a dandy under Prince Xue Xing's guidance to rally forces within the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, though it's unclear whether the Xue Ye Emperor secretly supports this."

Xue Qinghe's face turned exceedingly cold upon hearing this: "What a Xue Ye Emperor, hiding so deeply; it seems I have indeed underestimated him a bit."

"I think this Xue Beng Prince and Prince Xue Xing have lived too long; if they continue this, it will truly threaten my position, so they must be eliminated in advance."

"Elder Ju, could you come personally; are you familiar with the Water Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone?"

Ju Douluo, hearing this, swallowed saliva: "Your Highness, the Water Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone is a rare Immortal Herb, with effects of lubricating tendons, strengthening bones, and opening the eight channels of Qi."

Xue Qinghe, a bit puzzled, asked: "Elder Ju, what is an Immortal Herb?"

Ju Douluo quickly replied: "An Immortal Herb is a rare treasure in the world, cultivated from the essence of heaven and earth's spiritual qi and the sun and moon's essence. Each requires tens of thousands, even up to a hundred thousand years of gestation to form, and can grant Soul Grandmasters effects such as refining marrow or even rebirthing the body."

"My Qirong Tongtian Ju martial soul is one of the Immortal Herbs, but unfortunately despite countless efforts, I have never found any trace of an Immortal Herb."

The others glanced sideways at Ju Douluo, surprised that the Qirong Tongtian Ju was indeed an Immortal Herb; no wonder this androgynous fellow could cultivate to the Title Douluo level.

Xue Qinghe thought carefully before speaking: "Yang Xiong said this Water Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone was found in the Star Dou Great Forest; could that be possible?"

Ju Douluo thought it over, as if discovering new insight: "No wonder, I always wondered how the Water Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone could appear; it turns out it comes from the Star Dou Great Forest."

"The Star Dou Great Forest is scarcely trodden by humans, especially the Core Zone; its spiritual qi is extremely dense, truly suitable for Immortal Herb growth, so finding such a herb is indeed possible."

"Moreover, regarding the effects of the Water Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, if Your Highness could ingest it, cultivation would be highly effective, even greatly boosting soul power and improving one's aptitude."

Xue Qinghe glared at Ju Douluo: "Do I still need to improve my aptitude? Though boosting soul power is indeed decent."

"By the way, you have been researching the Hanhai Qiankun Cover all night; have you discovered anything?"

Ju Douluo quickly presented a deep‑blue triangular object: "Your Highness, this Hanhai Qiankun Cover looks extraordinary, but my comprehension is limited; aside from recognizing it as a fine Soul Guidance Device, I have found nothing else."

Although the Hanhai Qiankun Cover rested in Ju Douluo's hands, its deep‑blue radiance filled the entire room, making everyone feel exceedingly comfortable, as if immersed in an ocean of life.

If anyone claimed the Hanhai Qiankun Cover was merely an ordinary Storage Soul Guide Device, probably no one would believe it.

Xue Qinghe's face showed a hint of doubt: "That shouldn't be; Yang Xiong is always extremely cautious, and this time not only revealed such a huge secret but also produced the Immortal Herb you mentioned. The Hanhai Qiankun Cover is definitely not simple."

The others merely exchanged glances; the three had indeed researched all night without finding any anomaly. The Hanhai Qiankun Cover appeared to be a truly extraordinary treasure, but aside from its appearance, no other effect could be found.

Snake Spear Douluo said: "Your Highness, although this is Heaven Dou City, I am very confident in our strength. We could hand over the Hanhai Qiankun Cover, then ambush Yang Xiong in secret, retrieve the Hanhai Qiankun Cover, and perhaps gain other unexpected gains."

Xue Qinghe rolled his eyes at Snake Spear Douluo: "These past days Yang Xiong has been making a high‑profile entrance and exit from our Crown Prince's residence. Given Yang Xiong's standing in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, someone must be protecting him behind the scenes. If we stir up trouble and attract the Sect's attention, will you bear that responsibility?"

"Fine, if the Hanhai Qiankun Cover is useless to us, perhaps we could trade it for the Water Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone that benefits me; maybe it will truly make me stronger."

Snake Spear Douluo's face paled upon hearing this; evidently these Title Douluo are somewhat brutish and simple‑minded, preferring to resolve matters directly with force.

Xue Qinghe continued: "How has Yang Xiong been in Heaven Dou City these past days? What has he been doing?"

Snake Spear Douluo quickly replied: "Your Highness, Yang Xiong returns to the hotel to rest at night, and spends the day drinking tea at the Yue Xuan; he hasn't done anything else."

Xue Qinghe's expression hardened: "This kid usually puts on a pretentious righteous front, yet he goes to the Yue Xuan to flirt with young girls."

……

That day, Yang Xiong was meditating with eyes closed on Mount Yue, when Crown Prince Xue Qinghe suddenly came to visit.

"Xiao Xiong, you have such refined tastes; aren't you afraid your sister Rong Rong will get jealous?"

Yang Xiong replied helplessly: "I was just drinking tea and listening to music at the Yue Xuan; what does that have to do with Rong Rong's jealousy?"

Xue Qinghe wore a forced smile: "Then I have no idea what you're thinking. I heard you've been lingering in the Yue Xuan lately; I even thought you had taken a liking to some young lady."

Yang Xiong couldn't help but give a cold stare: "Qinghe big brother, just say what you want, don't disturb me while I'm listening to music."

Xue Qinghe's face showed a hint of irritation: "Fine, the top floor of Yue Xuan has a reception room; it's relatively quiet and elegant. Let's discuss our matters there."

Yang Xiong nodded and followed Xue Qinghe to the top floor of Yue Xuan.

After they sat down, Xue Qinghe took out a deep‑blue triangular object; once removed, it emitted a blue radiance that made one feel as if immersed in a blue ocean, and the body felt unusually gentle.

Even though Yang Xiong is well‑versed, he was a bit stunned at that moment; this is the Heaven Dou Empire's national treasure, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shield, and also the Sea God's Inheritance Divine Artifact, the Sea God's Heart.

After a burst of amazement, Yang Xiong took out a Jade Box, and inside was the Narcissus Jade Skin Bone.

Yang Xiong handed the Narcissus Jade Skin Bone to Xue Qinghe, then, suppressing his inner excitement, took the Vast Sea Cosmic Shield.

Only this Vast Sea Cosmic Shield is the true foundation of rise; it signifies the Sea God's Inheritance and also the assessment of Sea God Island.

Looking over the whole original work, the Sea God Island assessment is the Shrek seven people's greatest opportunity; in the brief four‑year assessment, each person's soul power increased by at least twenty levels, not to mention everyone obtained the Soul Ring most suitable for them.

Especially Tang San, who in four years on Sea God Island obtained two Hundred‑Thousand‑Year Soul Rings and one Ten‑Thousand Year Soul Bone; his rate of advancement is faster than riding a rocket.

And the key to going to Sea God Island is the Vast Sea Cosmic Shield; this is the foundation that decides everything.

After Yang Xiong received the Vast Sea Cosmic Shield, he made a few casual small talks with Xue Qinghe and then left.

After Yang Xiong left, three figures swiftly appeared from the shadows: Chrysanthemum Douluo, Snake Spear Douluo, and Ci Hun Douluo.

Chrysanthemum Douluo looked at the Narcissus Jade Skin Bone with extraordinary delight, as if gazing at a peerless beauty; his eyes were full of affection and reverence, his whole mind fixated on the bone, a frenzy that seemed on the brink of losing control.

Xue Qinghe hummed from the corner of his mouth: "Elder Ju, is this Narcissus Jade Skin Bone truly what you say, does it have the effect you described?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo's previously intense excitement gradually calmed: "Your Highness, this Narcissus Jade Skin Bone is absolutely a rare, unparalleled treasure; if you ingest it, not only will your soul power increase dramatically, but your future cultivation will also accelerate."

Only then was Xue Qinghe satisfied as he took the Narcissus Jade Skin Bone; although he lost the Vast Sea Cosmic Shield, acquiring such a celestial item is undoubtedly his greatest gain in recent years.

Chrysanthemum Douluo's face showed a hint of hesitation: "Your Highness, I would like to meet Yang Xiong alone; perhaps it will clear my doubts."

Xue Qinghe opened, a bit puzzled: "Why are you going to see Yang Xiong? Do you intend to strike him now? You should know this is a critical moment for the Spirit Hall, and you must not reveal your strength casually."

Chrysanthemum Douluo clenched his teeth: "Your Highness, judging from his aura, I think Yang Xiong may have taken the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum."

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will certainly not alarm the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; I only wish to meet him alone."

(End of chapter)