LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 70: Qin Xiao’s Attitude, Xue Xing’s Plan
Chapter 70: Qin Xiao's Attitude, Xue Xing's Plan
This infuriating Qin Xiao!
Ah, he's making me so angry!
Not to mention Meng Shenji, even Xue Qinghe felt like he was being deceived.
He lowered his head slightly, trying his best not to show his eyes that were about to burst into flames.
"Your Highness, can't you say something?" Xue Qinghe was silent, and his expression didn't reveal anything, which made Meng Shenji even more anxious.
"Chancellor Meng, I believe that His Highness must have a good reason for doing this," Xue Qinghe finally tried to keep his voice calm after weighing the situation.
After some consideration, he decided not to confront Qin Xiao directly. Although Qin Xiao was capricious, unreliable, and lacked integrity, he was still a Title Douluo. Offending such a person would not benefit them.
Furthermore, Qin Xiao owed him a favor, so it wasn't all that bad.
Xue Qinghe's top priority was Qin Xiao's assurance that he wouldn't support Xue Qinghe.
However, Qin Xiao's next words left Xue Qinghe stunned.
"Indeed, there are some reasons that made me change my initial plan, but it's also for your own good," Qin Xiao calmly explained.
This left Xue Qinghe puzzled. He asked in a low voice, "I don't understand, please explain."
Qin Xiao countered, "I suppose Your Highness is aware of the situation regarding the Force Tribe, right?"
Xue Qinghe subconsciously nodded, "Yes, even the whole Heavenly Dou City is buzzing with this news."
"Wait a moment," Qin Xiao continued, "Your Highness, what I mean is that the Force Tribe was originally affiliated with the Haotian Sect. Although the Haotian Sect has closed its doors, it was their former master."
"Have you heard the saying 'A dog reflects its owner'? If this matter reaches the ears of the Haotian Sect, I believe they won't let it go easily."
"As for the Haotian Sect's seclusion for so many years, nobody knows their current strength for sure. But I estimate that they might have four or five Title Douluos by now. I'm not afraid, but is the prince not afraid?"
Qin Xiao paused and then smiled at Meng Shenji and Xue Qinghe.
Indeed, could Xue Qinghe not be worried about the Haotian Sect? After all, they had many Title Douluo-level powerhouses. If he chose to support Xue Qinghe and Xue Bing, it would be extremely detrimental to his control over the Heavenly Dou Empire.
In this sense, it might be better not to get too involved with Qin Xiao for the time being.
"It seems I misunderstood Qin Xiao," Xue Qinghe said, touched by Qin Xiao's consideration.
Without realizing it, he even felt a warmth in his heart.
"Oh, this..."
Meng Shenji opened his mouth, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Your Highness, you've been so thoughtful for the prince. It was my mistake earlier."
With that, he bowed respectfully to Qin Xiao, a gesture of admitting his wrongdoing.
Qin Xiao chuckled inwardly, thinking, "This is going well, isn't it?" However, his expression remained calm as he said, "Ignorance is forgivable."
Then, he turned to Xue Qinghe and added, "Your Highness, my previous words still stand. You've brought me the Hanhai Qiankun Cover, and I owe you a favor. How about I help you eliminate Xue Bing now?"
Meng Shenji's breath suddenly halted as he witnessed Qin Xiao's audacity. It was clear that this Thunder Emperor was willing to say anything.
Of course, I want to.
But if killing him could solve the problem, I would have done it long ago.
Xue Qinghe hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "Mr. Qin, your favor is too precious. Xue Qinghe dares not use it lightly."
He quickly added, "The matter here is resolved. Xue Qinghe won't trouble you any longer."
"Your Highness, please go ahead," Qin Xiao nodded, watching Xue Qinghe and Meng Shenji depart.
Qin Xiao extended his hand and retrieved the Hanhai Qiankun Cover once again. Instantly, a blue radiance filled the hall, rippling like water waves.
"The Hanhai Qiankun Cover is also known as the Heart of the Sea God. Without it, the Sea God's inheritance cannot be activated. But now that I have this thing in my hands, can I make some use of it?" Qin Xiao pondered, a hint of fierceness flashing in his eyes.
Then, he pressed his index finger forcefully against the tip of the Hanhai Qiankun Cover, and after exerting considerable effort, a drop of blood finally fell.
Swoosh! The Hanhai Qiankun Cover emitted a brilliant light and then swiftly entered Qin Xiao's body. A golden trident mark appeared briefly on his forehead.
Simultaneously, information about how to use the Hanhai Qiankun Cover and its four skills—Hanhai Protective Barrier, Qiankun Mind Lock, Hanhai Surging Waves, and Qiankun Demon Breaker—flooded into Qin Xiao's mind.
"It's a pity I didn't find the remnant soul of the Sea God," Qin Xiao lamented.
Suddenly, there was a knocking sound from outside the hall.
"What is it?" Qin Xiao asked casually.
"It's a girl named Meng Yiran who has come from outside the academy and wishes to see you," came the voice of Liu Erlong from outside the door.
Meng Yiran? What does she want with me? Qin Xiao wondered as he walked out to meet her.
"Boss Dai, this girl is the one we encountered in the Star Dou Great Forest, right?" Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Dai Mubai whispered at the entrance of the Blue Tyrant Academy.
"This girl is quite something. She has a good figure, a pretty face, and that slender waist that can be easily held. She's a real beauty!" Ma Hongjun's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Mmm," Dai Mubai nodded. "I appreciate her aloof and proud demeanor; it makes me desire to conquer her."
In Meng Yiran, he saw shades of Zhu Zhuqing.
"Pah! Shameless!" Ning Rongrong couldn't help but sneer.
Zhu Zhuqing frowned, clearly uncomfortable with their comments.
"Enough, this girl may have some connection to me, so be careful with your words," Zhao Wuji interjected with a cold tone.
"Hey, you're all here," a voice suddenly sounded.
Turning around, they saw Qin Xiao standing behind them, seemingly having arrived unnoticed.
"Your Highness, here's what happened: we were in the middle of training when Meng Yiran came looking for members of Shrek Academy. After we arrived here, she mentioned that the person she was looking for wasn't among us, and she wanted to see you," Zhao Wuji explained briefly.
I see. Qin Xiao nodded subtly. "You can all go about your business."
With that, he walked past them and approached the entrance of the academy.
"Why are you looking for me?" Qin Xiao asked, furrowing his brows.
Plop! As soon as Meng Yiran saw Qin Xiao, she knelt down.
"I beg Your Highness to help me!" Tears welled up in Meng Yiran's eyes, indicating that something significant had occurred.
What happened? Qin Xiao's eyes flashed with curiosity. "Come with me."
He turned and walked towards his residence, with Meng Yiran hastily following him.
"I'm curious, how did you find your way here?" Qin Xiao inquired once they were in his room.
Meng Yiran replied, "I initially went to Soto City, but when I arrived at Shrek Academy, it had been reduced to ruins. With the guidance of two villagers who used to work in the Shrek Academy cafeteria, I learned that Shrek Academy had merged with the Royal Academy of Douluo in Heavenly Dou City. So, I came here."
I see. Qin Xiao nodded subtly. "Why have you come to find me?"
Actually, that was the most crucial thing Qin Xiao wanted to know.
Upon hearing Qin Xiao's question, Meng Yiran's expression suddenly changed, becoming pale as paper. "The Ten Thousand Beast Sect is no more. My grandparents have also perished. Everything was destroyed by Tang Hao."
"What? You're saying that Tang Hao destroyed the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect?" Qin Xiao's face also revealed a hint of astonishment.
This was something he had never expected. Even in the original story, Dragon King and Serpent Douluo had helped Tang San before.
Meng Yiran said bitterly, "It was my carelessness that led to the exposure of an external Spirit Bone at the academy. Although my grandparents tried to suppress the news, it still leaked out among the students. That's what brought disaster to the Beast God Institute."
"The incident has already happened, and there's no point in regretting it," Qin Xiao said. "People must learn to move forward."
There was no need for eloquent words in front of harsh realities.
"Your Highness, you don't need to comfort me. I'm not seeking solace; I'm here to ask you for the power to seek revenge."
"I want to kill Tang Hao and annihilate the Haotian Sect!" Meng Yiran declared with determination, her voice quivering.
"Why have you come to me?" Qin Xiao didn't immediately agree, as he had no intention of letting sympathy cloud his judgment.
Meng Yiran wiped away her tears and said, "You are the only strong person I know. Besides you, I don't know who else to turn to. Moreover, you once helped me."
"Do you know who your enemies are and how powerful their backing is?" Qin Xiao asked.
"I do!" Meng Yiran nodded firmly, her eyes turning resolute. "I won't be able to rest in peace until I exact revenge on Tang Hao and destroy the Haotian Sect. I'm willing to pay any price for it!"
With that, she pulled the ribbon around her waist, revealing a breathtaking scene of snowy peaks and valleys below. Underneath, there were rolling hills and lush meadows.
Her legs were long and straight. Qin Xiao couldn't help but look at her. After all, he was a young man, even though he was a Title Douluo.
It was undeniable that Meng Yiran's figure might not be as curvaceous as Zhu Zhuqing's, but it was exquisitely proportioned. Qin Xiao couldn't say who was better; they each had their charm.
And when he had witnessed this scene before, even as a Title Douluo, he couldn't help but take a few extra glances.
After all, a Title Douluo was still a man, and he was a young one at that.
"Your Highness, if you like Yiran, you can have her," Meng Yiran said softly, with a hint of vulnerability in her tone.
Even though Meng Yiran had mentally prepared herself before meeting Qin Xiao, when they reached this point, she still felt incredibly nervous. However, Qin Xiao turned away from her and said, "While I may not be a saint, I don't engage in opportunistic actions."
"Of course, if it were my enemy, that would be a different story."
"Everyone has a desire for beauty, and I do appreciate beautiful women. However, I don't want to obtain you in this manner. Please put your clothes back on."
Upon hearing his words, Meng Yiran was taken aback. She felt a mix of relief and regret.
She was relieved that Qin Xiao didn't take advantage of her vulnerability, but she also regretted that he didn't seize the opportunity.
However, she knew that since Qin Xiao had spoken, she couldn't go against his decision.
So, she silently picked up the fallen ribbon from the ground and tied it around her waist again.
As the rustling sound subsided, Qin Xiao turned back to her and stared at her intently. "Do you really want Tang Hao dead?"
"I wish to see him torn to pieces," Meng Yiran's voice was icy and filled with boundless hatred.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Moreover, Meng Yiran possessed an external Spirit Bone and had her own talents, so Qin Xiao couldn't find any reason to refuse her request.
"Very well, I can help you," Qin Xiao agreed.
"However, to become stronger, you will endure unimaginable pain. If one day you can't bear it, don't blame me for abandoning you," he added with a cold tone, not hiding his sternness.
"Your Highness, I understand," Meng Yiran replied. "Please don't show me any mercy."
She bowed deeply to Qin Xiao.
Qin Xiao: ┓(' -`)┏
Oh well, let's just take his words at face value.
"For now, stay here and relax. I'll go talk to Director Liu," Qin Xiao said as he headed towards the room's exit.
However, just as he reached the door, he suddenly stopped.
"Your Highness, do you have something else to tell me?" Meng Yiran asked with a worried expression.
"Yes, there is one more thing," Qin Xiao said with his back still turned to her. "You should put on some warmer clothing. It's getting cold."
Ah! Meng Yiran was instantly dumbfounded. Blushing furiously, she remembered the previous scene, and her heart was in turmoil. She couldn't calm down for a long time.
On the other side, in the Royal Palace.
Xue Beng barged into Xue Xing's room looking extremely anxious.
"What has happened now? Look at you, so flustered and dishevelled. Have you no sense of propriety?" Xue Xing was sitting in the main seat, seemingly indifferent.
"Royal Uncle, I'll pay more attention next time. But this matter is extremely urgent," Xue Beng said, taking a deep breath to calm himself.
"Speak, what is it?" Xue Xing said nonchalantly, reaching for a teacup on the nearby table.
"Royal Uncle, I have two bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?" Xue Beng asked.
"Oh, two bad news, huh?" Xue Xing unintentionally muttered, but quickly realized his mistake. "What kind of nonsense is that? Two bad news?!"
Crash!
He immediately smashed the valuable tea set on the ground, startling Xue Beng.
At that moment, Xue Xing spoke with seriousness, "Tell me, what's the difference between the two news?"
"Well, there is a difference," Xue Beng replied without hesitation. "One piece of news is bad, but the other one is even worse."
Xue Xing: (╯°□°)╯
He made his choice, "Tell me the worse one first."
"I received information that Father has bestowed the national treasure, the Hanhai Qiankun Cover, to Xue Qinghe."
"Indeed, it's bad news that Xue Qinghe has gained the Hanhai Qiankun Cover, which strengthens his power a bit. However, the Hanhai Qiankun Cover has been in the royal family's possession for so long, and nobody has discovered its hidden secrets. Even Xue Qinghe may not be able to unlock its full potential," Xue Xing, the Prince, nodded.
"This bad news isn't too terrible," he added.
Xue Beng continued, "The second piece of news is also from the palace. The Hanhai Qiankun Cover is what Qin Xiao wants, and Xue Qinghe immediately delivered it to him."
Xue Xing was alarmed, "What are you saying? Qin Xiao wanted it, and Xue Qinghe gave it to him?"
"This favor is significant. Qin Xiao might align himself with Xue Qinghe now!" Xue Beng exclaimed. "This news is even worse!"
Xue Xing couldn't sit still anymore and began pacing back and forth.
"Royal Uncle, there's no need to worry," Xue Beng reassured him.
"Why shouldn't I be worried?" Xue Xing retorted.
"You sent out the Poison Douluo to deal with this. Qin Xiao won't last long, and even if he sides with the Crown Prince, I don't believe he can help him take the throne in just a few days," Xue Beng explained, looking wise.
Xue Xing couldn't help but feel annoyed with Xue Beng's naivety.
"Xue Beng, forget about Dugu Bo's involvement; he's too afraid to act against Qin Xiao now. If it weren't for this situation, I had no intention of provoking Qin Xiao further. I was prepared to let the Tian Dou Royal Academy go to Xue Qinghe," Xue Xing said, sounding bitter and resigned.
If he could, he really wouldn't want to provoke Qin Xiao again.
On the other hand, after hearing Xue Xing's words, Xue Beng was dumbfounded. "Royal Uncle, what should we do now?"
"Let me analyze the situation," Xue Xing said, looking troubled. He was genuinely concerned that Xue Beng's continuous shocks might cause him to develop a mental illness.
"Prince, there's an urgent message."
Suddenly, a voice came from outside the room.
"What could be more urgent than this?" Xue Xing thought the palace guards were exaggerating.
"Speak directly. What's the matter?" Xue Xing asked.
"As per your instructions, we have found the suspect in Tai Tan's murder."
"What? You found them?" Xue Xing was overjoyed, feeling like there was finally a way out of this predicament.
"Come in and tell me!" Xue Xing ordered.
"Yes."
A thin man dressed in coarse clothing walked in and immediately knelt down. "My lord, I have obtained the latest information. On the same night Tai Tan was killed, his grandson, Tai Long, had a conflict with someone."
"With whom?" Xue Xing asked.
"It was with someone from Shrek Academy, a person named Qin Xiao."
"Qin Xiao? It's him!" Xue Xing's eyes lit up.
The thin man continued, "My lord, it's just a speculation for now. There isn't solid evidence."
"We don't need evidence; this vague lead is enough!" Xue Xing laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, it seems like there's a way out after all. This is fate favoring you, Xue Beng!"
"Royal Uncle, what do you mean?" Xue Beng asked, feeling confused. He was genuinely worried that the continuous shocks might affect Xue Xing's mental state.
"It's simple," Xue Xing replied. "Since Qin Xiao has a motive for murder, whether or not he killed Tai Tan doesn't matter anymore. We will spread the news, create public opinion, and make his involvement in this incident as big as possible. When the time comes, someone will take care of him for us."
Xue Xing's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he no longer looked flustered.
"How is that possible? Qin Xiao is a Title Douluo-level powerhouse. Who would dare to cross him?" Xue Beng couldn't believe it.
"Furthermore, Titan's family has a bad reputation, and they don't have any friends who can help them." Xue Beng was skeptical.
"Hehe, you're wrong about that," Xue Xing shook his head. "Tai Tan's family may not have friends, but they still have a former master."
"You mean, the Haotian Sect?" Xue Beng's eyes widened.
"Not bad. You may be a bit slow, but you still remember some of the relationships in the world of soul masters," Xue Xing nodded. "Yes, the Haotian Sect. If they don't want to stagnate and intend to reopen their sect, they'll want to settle scores with the person who killed their watchdog."
"So, as long as we firmly attach this incident to Qin Xiao, let's watch as he and the Haotian Sect clash," Xue Xing chuckled. "We'll enjoy the show!"
"Hehehe, Uncle King, your plan is brilliant. I'm impressed," Xue Beng praised, with a sycophantic look on his face.
"Enough with the compliments. This task is yours," Xue Xing said. "Xue Beng, you know many idlers and wastrels who laze around just like you. Make good use of them; within half a day, I want everyone in Heaven Dou City to know that Qin Xiao murdered Tai Tan!"
"Hehe, Royal Uncle, you can count on me. I'll make sure the entire Heaven Dou City hears about Qin Xiao's alleged crime within half a day," Xue Beng boasted. "Heh, when the time comes, he'll be in deep trouble!"
"Good, get going," Xue Xing said, with a confident smile. "I'll leave this matter to you."
==================================================================
🌟 Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! 🌟
Hello, beloved readers and supporters!
I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you'll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including:
📚 Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn't have to wait!
💬 Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do.
👏 Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey!