LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 80: Xue Qinghe’s Imminent Succession, The Fate of Xue Xing and Xue Beng
Chapter 80: Xue Qinghe's Imminent Succession, The Fate of Xue Xing and Xue Beng
[Ding.]
[Mission: 'Thirty Years East of the River, Thirty Years West, Do Not Bully the Young and Poor (Part 1)' has been released.]
[Mission Description: Because your cultivation level is not high and your strength is not strong, you did not catch Flender's eye and were unable to join the team for the Continental Soul Master Competition.
However, do not give up, you still have a chance.
As long as you work hard enough, you will certainly make people take notice.
Mission Requirement: Increase your own strength to level 41 within one year.
Mission Reward: Choose any position, 100,000-year soul bone X1.]
This mission
The reward is indeed generous.
When the system's voice faded, Qin Xiao couldn't help but stroke his chin, turning his gaze towards Flender.
You, not seeing my potential?
Qin Xiao secretly scoffed in his heart.
"Emperor, if you have any instructions, just say the word, and I will make sure you are satisfied."
Flender, sensing Qin Xiao's gaze, immediately responded.
That manner Absolutely obedient.
"It's nothing."
Qin Xiao smiled slightly, "I'm just looking around."
In fact, Qin Xiao could understand this system.
If he hadn't traveled ahead by more than a decade, who knows what the situation would be now.
But looking at the missions often released by the system, if he had only traveled now, he might not have the Thunder Emperor's spirit, nor the hope of becoming a Title Douluo at the age of eighteen.
In terms of talent, he would have been just an average person.
A typical transmigrator, then turning the tables with the help of the system.
But
He arrived early and had already become one of the pinnacle powerhouses of the Douluo Continent.
In summary, Qin Xiao concluded that it was a fluke that worked out perfectly.
"Emperor, are you sure there's nothing you need?"
Flender's intuition told him that being scrutinized by Qin Xiao like this, definitely meant no good news.
He braved his courage and asked again.
Qin Xiao was about to answer Flender that there really was nothing when the system's voice once again rose in his mind.
[Ding.]
[After a lot of hard work, your cultivation level has finally reached level 41 as you wished.]
[Congratulations, mission completed.]
[Reward has been dispatched.]
That's it?
Hard work my foot, I've been standing here doing nothing, okay?
Qin Xiao was startled, thinking the system would check his strength a year later to complete the mission.
Unexpectedly, once the strength was reached, it was settled.
Opening the system space, Qin Xiao indeed found a box resembling a gift package.
No doubt, it was the 100,000-year soul bone selection gift box
"Not bad, not bad, no matter how nonsensical the mission. The reward is good enough, standing still and receiving a 100,000-year soul bone, awesome!"
Looking at the mission reward, Qin Xiao felt delighted.
A 100,000-year soul bone was definitely appealing to him.
However, he wasn't in a hurry to use it. He needed to carefully consider which position would be the most beneficial.
After all, whether above the vast sea or in the Star Dou Great Forest, there are still many 100,000-year soul beasts that can provide him with soul bones.
[Ding.]
[Mission: 'Thirty Years East of the River, Thirty Years West, Do Not Bully the Young and Poor (Part 2)' has been released.]
[Mission Description: Through your efforts, your strength has achieved a tremendous improvement in a very short period of time. Now you can confidently approach Flender, apply to join the team, and this time he will not refuse.
Mission Requirement: Join the Shrek team and win the championship of the Continental Soul Master Competition.
Mission Reward: Soul power level +1, incomplete Thunder Emperor's Armor X1, can specify two soul rings to +100,000 years.]
Hmm?
The reward is indeed generous!
Hearing the system's prompt, Qin Xiao was incredibly surprised.
A level increase in soul power and two 100,000-year soul rings, the straightforward and brutal improvement in strength goes without saying.
But the Thunder Emperor's Armor is something else.
That was the Thunder Emperor's battle armor, even if incomplete, its power is immeasurable.
Next to divine artifacts, it's nothing but dust.
"Done!"
"Even without the soul power level increase and two 100,000-year soul rings, just for the Thunder Emperor's Armor alone, it's worth a shot."
Qin Xiao was very eager to obtain the Thunder Emperor's Armor.
Then, his gaze once again fell on Flender, "What did you just say?"
"Uh"
"What does this mean?"
Flender was taken aback but repeated his earlier words anyway, "I was just asking if you really have nothing you need?"
"Yes."
Qin Xiao nodded, and before Flender could ask again, he took the lead, "I plan to join the Shrek team and participate in the Continental Soul Master Competition, what do you think?"
"What!"
Flender's face immediately showed a look of shock.
"Flender, Emperor Qin is asking you something."
Seeing Flender hesitate to answer, Liu Erlong reminded him by patting Flender's shoulder.
"Sorry, I got a bit... ah, distracted just now."
Flender first apologized to Qin Xiao with a smile, then said, "If Emperor Qin wishes to participate in the Continental Soul Master Competition, of course, I have no objections."
"Actually, for us, this is an enormous boon."
Flender grew more excited as he spoke.
Given Qin Xiao's strength, their Shrek team was surely destined to win the championship, wasn't it? It even seemed that from this moment on, the members of the Shrek team could slack off without worrying about their efforts.
Qin Xiao undoubtedly had the capability to carry the team.
"Alright, then it's settled," Qin Xiao nodded, then asked, "When does the Continental Soul Master Competition start?"
This time, Flender didn't hesitate, "In about two years."
Two years, that's quite a long time
Qin Xiao's expression drifted for a moment, "Right, besides me, reserve another spot. I have another candidate for the competition, her name is Meng Yiran."
Meng Yiran?
Flender was taken aback, remembering her as the young girl Qin Xiao kept in his golden house.
After Qin Xiao left.
Liu Erlong asked in a low voice, "Principal Flender, do we still need to arrange for substitute team members?"
Flender shook his head, "What need is there for substitutes? More people would just be a burden. If it weren't for the competition's minimum participant requirement, I think the Shrek team could just have the Emperor participate alone."
Liu Erlong also nodded in agreement. Indeed, a Title Douluo entering the fray would be an overwhelming advantage.
Not to mention teams formed by Soul Honors, Soul Kings, and even teams of Soul Douluos couldn't possibly be Qin Xiao's match.
Let alone, the two elders from the Haotian Sect were the best examples.
"Ah, Erlong, you don't think I'm dreaming, do you?"
"The Emperor actually agreed to participate in the Soul Master Competition."
Even now, Flender felt somewhat unreal.
Bang.
Suddenly, Liu Erlong punched Flender to the ground.
"Erlong, what was that for?"
Flender got up, still swaying.
He kept rubbing his head.
Somewhat annoyed.
Liu Erlong asked plainly, "Does it hurt?"
"It hurts," Flender answered without thinking.
"Then you're not dreaming."
Hearing Liu Erlong's words, Flender felt a wave of powerlessness, "Was I doubting it? I was just marveling, marveling, understand?"
"Ah, this."
Liu Erlong felt a bit embarrassed.
Meanwhile.
Qin Xiao had already returned to his residence.
Just as he pushed the door open, Meng Yiran immediately came to him.
She originally wanted to throw herself into Qin Xiao's arms, but she restrained the impulse.
"Emperor, you're finally back." Meng Yiran's face showed a relieved expression.
She heard from Liu Erlong about Qin Xiao's actions, and even though she knew Qin Xiao was the victor, she couldn't help but worry.
Now, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"It's alright now."
Qin Xiao took a few steps forward, gently embraced Meng Yiran, and patted the girl's back.
He didn't have any other intentions, merely comforting her.
Meng Yiran leaned gently into Qin Xiao's arms.
After a moment.
Qin Xiao let go, "You haven't fallen behind in your cultivation these past few days, have you?"
"Not for a moment."
Meng Yiran broke away from Qin Xiao's embrace and earnestly said.
Even showing off her strength like presenting a treasure.
"Not bad, keep it up."
Qin Xiao nodded.
Indeed, Meng Yiran's strength had improved.
But it was still too slow, and the method of secluded cultivation wasn't advisable.
Immediately, Qin Xiao made arrangements for Meng Yiran, "From today, you will train with the Shrek members during regular times, and after training, I will personally temper your body along with Zhu Zhuqing. Your strength should improve much faster."
"Meng Yiran, understood." Meng Yiran nodded lightly.
She had no objections to Qin Xiao's arrangements.
"Now go find Flender or Liu Erlong, they're in the academy's square."
"Understood." Meng Yiran responded and left the room.
Swoosh.
After Meng Yiran left, Qin Xiao's hand revealed a box.
It was the reward for completing the mission.
Opening the box would grant him a 100,000-year soul bone.
"I already have the left arm bone of the Titan Giant Ape, the Evil Orca King can provide the left leg bone, the Sky Blue Bull Python is the right arm bone, and the Deep Sea Demon Whale King offers the torso bone"
Qin Xiao was lost in thought, "There's still the skull, which position should I choose? If it conflicts with future positions, it would be a waste."
Elsewhere.
In the Tian Dou Imperial Palace.
Outside the sleeping chamber of Emperor Xue Ye.
"Father, your son requests an audience."
Xue Qinghe spoke solemnly from outside the hall.
Soon after.
The voice of Emperor Xue Ye came from inside, "Come in and speak."
As the voice fell, the door was opened by the servants.
Inside the hall.
Emperor Xue Ye was half-reclining on his bed.
Weakness was evident on his face.
"What has happened now?" he asked with a strained effort.
"Father, Qin Xiao has returned."
"He entered Tian Dou City openly and has not left the Blue Tyrant Academy since his return."
Xue Qinghe went straight to the point.
He knew Emperor Xue Ye disliked people who beat around the bush.
After all, every minute of Emperor Xue Ye's time was worth hundreds of thousands of gold soul coins.
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Emperor Xue Ye uttered a light, "So, the Haotian Sect really can do nothing about Qin Xiao."
He had been closely monitoring Qin Xiao's situation and knew about the Haotian Sect elders' attack.
He also knew that Qin Xiao had captured an elder from the Haotian Sect.
Originally, he and Xue Qinghe thought the Haotian Sect wouldn't let it go easily.
But now it seemed, the Haotian Sect was all bark and no bite.
"It seems the Haotian Sect has truly declined," Xue Qinghe also couldn't help but comment.
However.
Emperor Xue Ye shook his head, disagreeing with Xue Qinghe's view, "You're wrong there. The Haotian Sect hasn't declined, but rather, it has grown stronger."
Huh? Xue Qinghe was taken aback.
"After the death of the old sect master of the Haotian Sect, the Haotian Sect only had 'Double Douluo' Tang Xiao and Tang Hao as Title Douluo level powerhouses. But now, even the elders within the sect include two Title Douluos. Isn't that an increase in strength?"
"Yes," Xue Qinghe was stunned.
Thinking about it, he realized he had been shortsighted.
"If you look at it from Qin Xiao's perspective, you would think the Haotian Sect is weak, which would be a huge mistake. It's not that the Haotian Sect is weak, but that Qin Xiao is too strong."
Saying this, Emperor Xue Ye couldn't help but sigh, "So strong that even the Haotian Sect has to swallow its pride. If the Haotian Sect targeted us, it would be a completely different scenario."
Xue Qinghe instantly felt a chill down his spine.
Emperor Xueye's analysis was correct.
The Haotian Sect had actually become much stronger than ever before.
"It was my negligence!" Xue Qinghe quickly bowed his head, sincerely admitting his mistake.
At the same time, he was also secretly admiring Emperor Xueye for being the emperor of the empire. Even though he was gravely ill, his mind was still clear.
"Qinghe, as the Crown Prince and the future emperor of the empire, you must always be thoughtful and cautious," Emperor Xueye earnestly advised.
"Your son will remember the teachings of the Emperor Father," Xue Qinghe took Emperor Xueye's advice to heart.
"Father, you should rest well first. Your son will retire now," Xue Qinghe felt that there was no need to stay any longer.
However, Emperor Xueye stopped him, "Wait, now that Qin Xiao has returned, we can proceed to the next step."
The next step, could it be ascending the throne? Xue Qinghe thought of a possibility and was greatly shocked.
But he still pretended to be puzzled, "Please clarify, Father."
Emperor Xueye solemnly said, "Of course, I'm talking about your ascension. I plan to abdicate in your favor in a few days."
"Father, isn't this a bit too hasty?" Xue Qinghe was visibly shaken.
"Not at all. After all, I don't have much time left," Emperor Xueye's expression became distant for a moment, then continued, "Actually, after your last meeting with Qin Xiao, I have been quietly preparing for this. I've even called back Marshal Gelong to the imperial city, and he should be arriving soon."
"But, I was worried about your safety without a strong protector, so I didn't dare to reveal this matter earlier, fearing it might leak and put you in danger. But now that Qin Xiao has returned, your safety is assured. You can now summon him to the palace, and after everything settles, the favor he owes you will be considered repaid."
After hearing Emperor Xueye's words, Xue Qinghe fell silent for a moment, then asked, "What about Royal Uncle and Xue Beng?"
Sigh. Emperor Xueye exhaled, "Over the years, I have been weak and ill, and Xue Xing has managed many affairs for me. But now that you have grown up and can stand on your own, it's natural for you to take on more responsibilities. He has worked hard for the empire for many years, and it's time for him to enjoy some peace. As for Xue Beng, I think he should also go to his fief to gain some experience."
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe was shocked. Indeed, the imperial family is heartless. In simple terms, Xue Xing is to be stripped of all his powers and placed under house arrest in Tiantou City. Xue Beng is to be sent to a remote area, far from the center of power. But, there is nothing wrong with Emperor Xueye's handling of the situation.
At this moment, Emperor Xueye waved his hand, "That's all I have to say, go prepare now."
"Yes," Xue Qinghe bowed and left. But no one knew that at the moment he turned around, a smile appeared on his lips. Qin Xiao, oh Qin Xiao, you have really helped me a lot. Your arrival has accelerated the completion of my plan by many years. I really don't know how to thank you.
In the mansion of the Prince in the west of Jinwu.
"Royal Uncle, Royal Uncle, something terrible has happened!" Xue Beng hurriedly arrived in front of Xue Xing.
Immediately, Xue Xing's face darkened, "Xue Beng, your words are always about disaster and trouble. Can't you change your vocabulary? If you continue like this next time, I will have to kick you out." He was genuinely angry.
Xue Beng seemed like a harbinger of bad luck in his eyes, and now the mere sight of Xue Beng made him uncomfortable.
"Royal Uncle, cherish the last moments, you might not hear my words anymore," Xue Beng said with a dim expression.
"This talk is getting more and more depressing," Xue Xing felt as if they were about to be worlds apart.
"Speak quickly, if you have something to say, say it and then get out. Don't stay here and ruin my mood," he said impatiently, waving his hand. He had already decided to instruct the servants and attendants of the mansion to report Xue Beng's visits in advance.
Without further ado, Xue Beng said, "Father is going to act against us!"
"What!" Xue Xing stood up from his seat and approached Xue Beng in two or three steps, grabbing his arms tightly, "Is your information accurate?"
"Absolutely."
"I have my sources close to Father. They heard every word of the conversation between the Emperor and the Crown Prince without missing a single one," Xue Beng nodded gravely, "The Emperor plans to let Xue Qinghe ascend the throne in the next few days."
Hearing this, Xue Xing was stunned for a moment, incredulously saying, "How could it be so soon."
Xue Beng sighed, "Perhaps Father's health is really failing."
"Did the Emperor mention us?" Xue Xing asked again.
"He did," Xue Beng nodded, "The Emperor wants me to go to my fief for experience, which is essentially removing me from the power center of Tiandou, meaning I won't be able to achieve much in this lifetime."
Despite being personally unaffected, Xue Xing was more concerned about how Emperor Xueye planned to deal with him.
However, he had a bad premonition, knowing that Emperor Xueye, being weak, couldn't handle everything himself and had given him a lot of power. If Xue Qinghe were to ascend the throne, his own power might not be secure.
"Uncle, you better be prepared," Xue Beng kindly advised.
"It's okay, tell me, I can take it," Xue Xing gestured for Xue Beng to continue.
"According to Father's exact words: Over the years, I have been weak and ill, and Xue Xing has managed many affairs for me. But now that you have grown up and can stand on your own, it's natural for you to take on more responsibilities. He has worked hard for the empire for many years, and it's time for him to enjoy some peace."
Xue Beng repeated Emperor Xueye's exact words to Xue Xing without exaggeration.
In fact, there was no need to embellish them. Emperor Xueye's words already had a high level of hostility, enough to stir anger in Xue Xing's heart.
"Ha, what a 'peaceful enjoyment,'" Xue Xing laughed, but his face showed no smile, only endless coldness and anger. "The most heartless are the imperial families, indeed. When he was contending for the throne, wasn't I the one who supported him to ascend to the position of Crown Prince? Over the years, as his health worsened, wasn't I the one who helped him manage troublesome
matters? Did I ever ask for these powers? Weren't they all given to me by him? Now that Xue Qinghe is gaining strength, he wants to take back what he gave me to bestow upon Xue Qinghe? Wishful thinking, it's mine now. Asking for it back is robbery!"
Xue Xing grew increasingly agitated, "Nonsense about enjoying peace, this is nothing but betrayal and abandonment. The Emperor, despite being weak, has a strong and ambitious heart! Okay, very well. The more furious you are, the better it is for me. Whether I can obtain the throne depends on you!" Compared to Xue Beng, who was unwilling to be sent away for experience, he had his sights set on the throne above all.
"Uncle, the Emperor has already issued the order, and the situation is set. It seems we can only accept our fate," Xue Beng said with a bitter face, pretending to resign to fate while intending to further incite Xue Xing's anger.
"Accept our fate? How could we possibly accept our fate?" Xue Xing shook his head, "You might be okay, perhaps becoming a local emperor in your fief. But what about me? Staying in Tiandou Imperial City to age gracefully... without the protection of power, can I really live peacefully until old age? I'm just meat on the chopping block, at the mercy of others. I can already foresee my tragic end."
Biting his teeth, Xue Beng said with determination, "Uncle, rest assured, as long as I'm here, no one can touch you."
"You?" Xue Xing paused for a moment, then laughed bitterly, "You're already in a precarious position yourself, what can you do for me? Relying on you, I might not even know how I died."
Hearing this, Xue Beng's face fell. This wasn't an act; Xue Xing was clearly looking down on him. How heartbreaking.
"Cough." Xue Xing realized something and coughed lightly, awkwardly explaining, "Xue Beng, although Uncle's words are harsh, isn't this the truth? Over the years, in your efforts to play the role of a prodigal, aside from squandering, you haven't saved anything. You wanting to help me is a joke."
Sighing, Xue Beng admitted, "Xue Beng is incompetent." He acknowledged his failure but silently vowed to one day overpower Xue Xing. Despite his thoughts, Xue Beng asked, "So, Uncle, how do you plan to break the current situation?"
==================================================================
🌟 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!