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Chapter 160: Xue Beng Falls into a Trap
🕑 Added 2025-01-10 17:50:51 +0000 UTCWhen everyone heard Yang Podi's words, they seemed to ponder deeply.
Recently, a rumor had been spreading: it was said that the fourth prince, Xue Beng, was ambitious and had been closely associating with the Spirit Hall, intending to conspire against his elder brother, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
When this rumor first came out, everyone found it strange. Wasn't Xue Beng always known for being a hedonistic playboy? How could he suddenly have such ambitions?
However, some curious individuals analyzed Xue Beng's past misdeeds and discovered that he had always been enduring humiliation and biding his time, with many remarkable actions hidden beneath the surface.
For instance, Xue Beng had gathered a group of scoundrels and caused trouble at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, driving away many talented youths who had wanted to pledge allegiance to Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. This led to a decline in the academy's strength, and even the elite Heaven Dou Team nearly left. His scheming was deep.
Moreover, Xue Beng had used pretexts to pursue Dugu Yan and Yang Tianyue, attempting to find titled Douluo-level backers to compete against his elder brother, the crown prince.
Even more astonishingly, many of the scoundrels around Xue Beng came from prominent families with important positions in the Heaven Dou Empire. On the surface, they appeared unremarkable, but once they revealed their true strength, they would form a formidable force.
After layers of analysis, it was concluded that Prince Xue Beng was an ambitious genius who had been hiding his capabilities. Recently, rumors emerged that Xue Beng had colluded with the Spirit Hall, seeking their support.
At this moment, Prince Xue Beng was indeed in trouble. He had merely had some contact with the Spirit Hall but was summoned into the palace by Emperor Xue Ye and severely reprimanded. Emperor Xue Ye seemed very angry.
In contrast, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe appeared to act as a conciliatory elder brother, constantly offering advice, which further highlighted Xue Beng's poor character.
At Prince Xue Xing's mansion, Prince Xue Xing looked at his nephew, Prince Xue Beng, with disappointment. "As a prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, how could you associate with the Spirit Hall? This is a direct violation of Emperor Xue Ye's greatest taboo."
Prince Xue Beng, however, remained indifferent. "Uncle, I merely had some dealings with the Spirit Hall. How serious could it be? Moreover, the Spirit Hall is indeed powerful and sincere. They have already expressed their willingness to send Soul Douluo-level experts to support me long-term, and if necessary, they can dispatch Titled Douluo to help me."
Prince Xue Xing was furious. "I told you to act like a hedonist, not to actually be one! And now, people are digging up your past actions. Worse still, you're colluding with the Spirit Hall. If the Spirit Hall takes over, will the Heaven Dou Empire even belong to the Xue family anymore?"
Prince Xue Beng still seemed unconcerned. "The Spirit Hall is strong, and I only want to use their strength to fight against my elder brother. Otherwise, I'll likely meet a tragic end. Just in the past year, the Soul Douluo sent by the Spirit Hall has helped me evade several assassination attempts."
Prince Xue Xing also appeared confused. "That's strange. Logically, your two elder brothers were eliminated without a trace. Why would someone dare to assassinate you now? This doesn't align with Xue Qinghe's usual style."
Both Prince Xue Xing and Prince Xue Beng fell into deep thought.
Meanwhile, in the Heaven Dou Empire's imperial palace, Emperor Xue Ye was also perplexed. According to his calculations, the one colluding with the Spirit Hall should have been Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. Why was it now Prince Xue Beng? Both sons seemed to be caught in a fog of mystery, leaving him completely puzzled by their actions.
However, at this time, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe wore a satisfied smile as he read a report in his hand. Since his last deal with Yang Podi, he had gained significantly. Not only had he managed to sow discord between Emperor Xue Ye and Prince Xue Beng, but he had also reaped other rewards, putting Xue Beng, a competitor for the throne, under intense scrutiny.
In the secret chamber of the Breaking Clan, only Yang Podi and Yang Wudi remained.
Yang Podi spoke seriously, "Grandfather, have you absorbed all the family's spirit bones?"
Yang Wudi shook his head. "These spirit bones are incredibly valuable, but my age limits my potential. Even if I absorb them all, the improvement won't be significant. I thought of letting your father absorb them instead. With his potential and strength, he still has a chance to reach higher levels."
Yang Podi thought for a moment before replying, "No matter what, the family's spirit bones must be absorbed quickly to enhance your strength. Whether it's for your upcoming duel or potential future enemies, sufficient power is crucial."
Yang Wudi looked at Yang Podi helplessly. "Podi, is there no spirit bone you find suitable? These are all top-tier spirit bones, especially the head spirit bone you brought back last time. Its age and value are extraordinary, even greater than the Clear Sky Sect's legacy spirit bones."
Yang Podi shook his head. "The spirit bones are excellent, but I have other goals. Since you think my father has potential, let him absorb them quickly. As a hidden trump card for the clan, he might reach Rank 96 or even 97 after absorbing these spirit bones. That would make our clan much stronger."
Yang Wudi thought carefully and finally nodded. "I'll discuss this with your second uncle and father soon. This matter can't be delayed any longer."
"By the way, Podi, are you sure about selling some layers of the Mysterious Heaven Skill? It's such a profound technique that I feel reluctant. Besides, the clan isn't short of money."
Yang Podi shook his head firmly. "This must be done. Over time, those with other techniques will eventually discover their flaws. If only we can cultivate it successfully, we'll become targets. Selling a few layers will at least give others hope and reduce hostility toward us."
"If someone finds out that we practice the Mysterious Heaven Skill, we can claim we bought it from the black market. After all, you can find all sorts of things there. We were just lucky to acquire more."
Yang Wudi thought deeply before nodding. "You're more thoughtful. Perhaps you're right. Only by muddying the waters can we develop better."
"Podi, what's your next plan? Will you train at home?"
Yang Podi shook his head. "In a while, I'll go to Mount Almo with my maternal grandfather to discuss future plans for the family. Once that's settled, I'll train there."
Yang Wudi nodded. "That's a good idea. Training there will be peaceful and undisturbed. The environment is ideal for spirit masters."
"Grandfather, the clan elders with potential should also receive increased resources. They're the backbone of the family. It would be best if we could produce one or two more Titled Douluo to ensure the clan's safety."
Yang Wudi agreed. "I understand. The six elders have dedicated their lives to the clan. Although we can't share the core secrets, nurturing them is necessary. Soul Douluo-level strength is slightly insufficient. I'll discuss this with your father."
After their detailed discussion, they finalized the family's future plans. Yang Wudi also resolved to allocate all resources to Yang Zhen Tian, believing he had the best chance of achieving rapid advancement.
In the following days, both the Breaking Clan and the Defense Clan remained calm. Even the sale of the technique was temporarily postponed. The focus was on the upcoming duel between Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and the Spirit Hall's Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo—both formidable Titled Douluo at Rank 95.
After leaving the secret chamber, Yang Podi went to Ye Lingling's room. Matters of the clan were significant, but Yang Podi enjoyed their time together, free from external distractions.
When Yang Podi entered Ye Lingling's room, she seemed upset. "Brother Yang, how's everything? Are you done with the clan's affairs?"
Yang Podi nodded. "The clan is mainly concerned about my grandfather and maternal grandfather's duel with the Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, as well as our move to Mount Almo. There's a lot to deal with."
Ye Lingling seemed slightly annoyed. "Does it also involve the spirit bones?"
Yang Podi couldn't help but pat her head, smiling gently. "Silly girl, what are you thinking? They're just spirit bones. None of them are particularly suitable for you; otherwise, I'd have given them to you without hesitation."
Ye Lingling pouted. "You always know what to say. I'm not jealous of the spirit bones. Why avoid me, then?"
Yang Podi shook his head. "It's not just about the spirit bones. There are other clan matters. After this duel, both clans will move to Mount Almo, and there are still details to finalize."
Ye Lingling looked reluctant. "Do we have to go to Mount Almo? If we go, I might not be able to see my grandfather anymore."
Yang Podi's decision was firm. "We must go. The current situation indicates that chaos is imminent. The entire world might face major upheavals. Leaving early helps us avoid trouble. It would be best if your grandfather could come to Mount Almo for safety."
Ye Lingling shook her head. "I know my grandfather's personality. To him, patients come first. No matter who they are, he'll do everything he can to help. He'd never leave Heaven Dou City, let alone move to a remote place like Mount Almo."
"Besides, with his reputation and status, no one would harm him. He also has several Soul Douluo protecting him, so he should be safe."
Yang Podi seemed to think of something. "Lingling, has your grandfather used that ten-thousand-year ginseng I gave him? If not, persuade him to consume it soon. It'll boost his spirit power and physical condition, helping him face any challenges better."
Ye Lingling nodded. "Grandfather loves that ten-thousand-year ginseng, but he can't bear to use it. I'll persuade him."
Yang Podi gently kissed Ye Lingling. "Tell him not to be too attached to it. I have more of such treasures."
