Chapter 23: Xue Qinghe’s Dilemma, Releasing Xu Yan!

Chapter 23: Xue Qinghe's Dilemma, Releasing Xu Yan!

Upon hearing Xu Yan’s words, Xue Qinghe’s expression remained calm.

"Do you know what you are saying?"

There was no trace of anxiety or anger in the tone, which remained remarkably serene. Furthermore, a gentle smile graced his face. They were currently alone. Xu Yan looked around and saw that the area was deserted; clearly, Xue Qinghe had dismissed everyone.

"Since it is just the two of us, Your Highness need not be so cautious," Xu Yan said, slowly sitting up.

Xue Qinghe shook his head. "I truly do not understand what you mean, Brother Xu. Xue Beng is a prince, and I am currently the regent of the Heaven Dou Empire. With the Emperor gravely ill, how could I allow anything to happen to Xue Beng?" He looked at Xu Yan and added, "I have heard that you are a member of the Spirit Hall. Are you aware of the reputation that the Spirit Hall holds on this continent?"

Facing Xue Qinghe’s interrogation, Xu Yan wore a faint smile. "Of course I know. However, I believe there are many things you understand even better. Your very existence may bring variables to the entire Heaven Dou Empire. Perhaps, in the near future, the move you are making will shift the landscape of the entire continent. However, I can state clearly that I am not your enemy. In fact, I may even become a great asset to you."

Xu Yan was well aware of Xue Qinghe’s true identity: she was Qian Renxue, currently disguised as a man. It was truly impressive; her disguise was seamless, showing no flaws. Qian Renxue was able to masquerade as Xue Qinghe thanks to a spirit bone from the Angelic Divine Set. After fusing with this bone, she gained the skill of "Dual Disguise," which allowed her to conceal not only her appearance but also her spirit. This was how the Spirit Saint-level Qian Renxue could pass herself off as a Spirit King, with even her spirit appearing as a swan. This skill was so potent that even Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, had not detected it. As it happened, this "Xue Qinghe" had ties to that sect, being a disciple of Ning Fengzhi.

Xue Qinghe observed Xu Yan for a long moment, noting that Xu Yan’s demeanor and behavior showed no fear, nor the panic and tension typical of someone who had committed a crime.

"Why go to such trouble? Kill Xue Beng, and once Emperor Xue Ye dies, won’t the entire Heaven Dou Empire be in your hands?"

For the sake of the Spirit Hall’s grand plan of unification, Qian Renxue had been lurking in the Heaven Dou Empire for nearly twenty years—a truly painstaking effort. Xue Qinghe was inwardly shocked that Xu Yan knew so much, and a flicker of killing intent stirred within her. Very few people knew of this plan.

Having been away from the Spirit Hall for so long, she did not know what status Xu Yan held there or why he had been dispatched to the Heaven Dou Empire. Today’s attempt on Xue Beng’s life had been witnessed by many. Her own subordinates had even reported that the Ghost Douluo had arrived. Could it be that this was an attempt to force her hand, exposing her years of effort ahead of schedule?

"Xu Yan, although I think highly of you, if you continue to spout such nonsense, I will kill you," Xue Qinghe said. "Even if Princess Xue Ke blames me for it."

Xu Yan grinned. "If you kill me, Her Holiness the Pope will certainly seek justice for me."

Xue Qinghe’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him.

"Even if the Pope does not intervene, I believe my master, Hu Liena, would do so," Xu Yan added. "She is very fond of me."

Xue Qinghe was stunned; she had not expected Xu Yan to have a connection to Hu Liena. "Stay here and behave yourself," she commanded before turning to leave.

Watching her retreat, Xu Yan smiled to himself, thinking that Qian Renxue was still keeping up the act. It wouldn’t be long before he exposed her completely. For now, it seemed he would have to spend a few days in this prison. He sat down and began to cultivate, focusing on the Sacred Heart Art. He needed to improve his mastery of this technique. In truth, just being proficient in this art was enough to move through the world with ease; as long as he didn't face a Titled Douluo, he could handle himself—even if he couldn't guarantee a victory, he could certainly retreat unscathed.

Back in his palace, Xue Qinghe stood by the window, her expression grave. She was replaying Xu Yan’s words in her mind, feeling a growing sense of unease. Although no one could suspect her identity as long as she refused to admit it—and even if some knew of her actions, they dared not act against her—it still threatened her plans. She was torn: should she eliminate Xu Yan or not?

Just then, a voice came from the door: "Your Highness, the Master of Yuexuan requests an audience."

Xue Qinghe was startled, realizing she had forgotten about Tang Yuehua. "Understood," she replied, composing her thoughts.

In one of the palace halls, Tang Yuehua stood looking anxious and tense, with Xue Ke beside her, her face full of worry. Steward Aode stood behind them with a stern expression. As Xue Qinghe arrived, Tang Yuehua hurried forward to bow. "Greetings, Your Royal Highness."

Xue Qinghe stepped forward to assist her. "Aunt Yuehua, please, no need for formalities."

Tang Yuehua rose and asked, "Your Highness, about little Yan..."

"Aunt Yuehua, please rest assured, Xu Yan will be fine. He is only being detained for now," Xue Qinghe replied.

"Can you let him go? I am willing to pay any price," Tang Yuehua pleaded. "Even if he is exiled from the Heaven Dou Empire, that is fine, as long as he stays alive."

Xue Qinghe smiled reassuringly. "Aunt Yuehua, you are overthinking it. I will certainly ensure he stays alive. Please go back and wait for my news."

Tang Yuehua hesitated; she had even considered begging Emperor Xue Ye for mercy.

"Aunt Yuehua, I will let you see Xu Yan tomorrow," Xue Qinghe promised. Only then did Tang Yuehua feel slightly relieved.

After seeing Tang Yuehua off, Xue Ke asked, "Brother, is Xu Yan really alright?"

"Don't worry, I wouldn't lie to you," Xue Qinghe said with a sigh. It seemed killing Xu Yan would cause unnecessary trouble. However, while he could be spared from death, a lesson was certainly in order.

"Please, Brother, don't kill him," Xue Ke said, her voice soft and fragile.

Xue Qinghe felt helpless; it seemed this girl had truly taken a liking to Xu Yan.

Meanwhile, in his cell, Xu Yan continued his diligent cultivation. He knew he had to grow stronger. The next morning, while Xu Yan was still meditating, the cell door opened.

"Xu Yan, you can leave."

The speaker was a guard in armor, his tone cold and devoid of warmth. Xu Yan opened his eyes and looked at him. "I can just leave like this?"

"What? Do you want to stay here?" the guard snapped, glaring at him.