Douluo : People are writing diaries in Douluo

Prince Xue Xing was shocked upon arriving at the palace and hearing Emperor Xue Ye's decree to have Xue Beng beaten to death. If Xue Beng were killed, all their years of efforts would be for nothing.

As for Dugu Bo's declaration of leaving the Heaven Dou Empire, it was beyond his control. Dugu Bo was a Titled Douluo; there was nothing the empire could do against him. Even attempting to reprimand him could risk a fatal backlash. Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Snake Venom was a threat none could withstand, save perhaps the two Titled Douluos of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

Seeing that Dugu Yan and the others hadn't returned likely meant they'd made a secret agreement with the Spirit Hall, but would anyone believe that?

"Xue Xing! I haven't even addressed your actions, and now you're questioning me?" Emperor Xue Ye said with fury. "If not for your constant indulgence, would Xue Beng be so lost to decadence? And would his cultivation be so lacking?"

Emperor Xue Ye looked sternly at Prince Xue Xing, harboring the suspicion that Xue Beng might as well have been the prince's own son rather than his nephew.

Sensing the Emperor's fury and suspicion, Xue Xing realized the situation was dire. If he didn't say something immediately, Xue Beng's fate might be sealed.

"Brother!" Xue Xing called out, dropping all formalities and addressing Emperor Xue Ye directly.

"Let me speak the truth. All of this—Xue Beng's behavior, it's all an act! If he hadn't pretended to be a wastrel, he would have been silenced long ago!"

Xue Xing threw a glance at Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue in disguise).

Emperor Xue Ye observed this and replied calmly, "Xue Xing, are you suggesting Xue Beng feared the Crown Prince would kill him?"

"Yes, Brother," Xue Xing replied. "Think about it: why did the Second and Third Princes die under mysterious circumstances? Xue Beng grew wary, so he came to me, and I advised him to act like a playboy."

The emperor's gaze shifted to Xue Qinghe. "Crown Prince, do you have anything to say?"

Qian Renxue maintained a composed expression. "Father, I find Prince Xue Xing's words absurd. You know the Empire's rules: the eldest legitimate son is the heir, and I had no reason to harm my younger brothers."

She continued, "Over the years, I've diligently completed every task you've given me, excelling both in governance and martial ability. With the support of the law and tradition, I had no need to resort to violence against my brothers."

Xue Xing snapped, "Impossible! Xue Qinghe, I suspect you killed the Second and Third Princes! Who else would benefit from their deaths?"

Xue Qinghe replied coolly, "Prince Xue Xing, such baseless accusations are unbecoming. If I truly killed my brothers, you'd have evidence by now. But you have none after all these years, correct?"

"An imperial family member should always rely on facts."

"Furthermore," she continued, "Xue Beng's behavior was hardly an act. Just look at him now: pale, unsteady on his feet—does that seem like a pretense?"

Xue Xing faltered, unable to counter this.

Desperate, he tried one last defense, "That's because…"

"Enough!" Emperor Xue Ye interjected.

As a ruler, he knew imperial succession was never simple or kind. Regardless of whether Xue Qinghe had actually harmed the princes, no evidence had ever surfaced. Most importantly, whether or not Xue Qinghe was acting, his achievements and strength were far above Xue Beng's, whose actions were a disgrace.

"What are you waiting for? Take Xue Beng away!" Emperor Xue Ye ordered the guards, glancing at Xue Xing. "Xue Xing, if you interfere again, you'll lose your title as prince. And all nobles who supported Xue Beng will forfeit a year's stipend!"

With that, the Emperor ignored Xue Beng's anguished cries from the hall's entrance and walked away.

Xue Xing looked bitterly at Xue Qinghe. "Crown Prince, you've won!"

Xue Qinghe merely smiled. "Uncle, I have no idea what you mean."

With a huff, Xue Xing stormed off, ignoring Xue Beng's pleas for help. He could do nothing.

Qian Renxue watched as Xue Beng's life ebbed away, finally free from her concerns about him.

After several days of travel, Su Ming's group reached the Po Clan's territory.

Su Ming approached the gate, greeted a clansman in their uniform, and politely said, "Hello, please inform the clan leader that the Spirit Hall's Holy Son and Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo are here on business."

The guard's indifferent demeanor changed upon hearing the mention of the Titled Douluos. He hurriedly responded, "Wait here," and quickly went to report.

Soon, an elderly man emerged with several clansmen, wary and on guard.

The elderly man was tall and thin, with black hair and a ruddy face, yet his expression was dark and sinister. His sharp gaze was chilling, fitting Su Ming's suspicion that this was indeed Yang Wudi, the Po Clan's leader.

Su Ming mused that those skilled with poisons often had a similarly eerie appearance.

Dugu Bo: "Who are you calling creepy?"

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