Chapter 357: Xue Beng's Fate

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"Senior Yang Wudi."

Xue Qinghe visited a manor in Tiandou City, which was the new residence arranged for the Breaking Clan.

After Yang Wudi chose to support Xue Qinghe, Titan once sought him out, feeling deeply disappointed. However, he eventually left in frustration, unable to change the situation.

The Speed Clan had joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Titan also confronted them, boasting arrogantly, only to be rebuked.

This time, he learned his lesson.

After all, in terms of combat strength, he couldn't defeat Yang Wudi. If he continued to escalate things, their relationship would be irreparably damaged.

Moreover, aligning with Xue Qinghe openly meant supporting the Tiandou Empire. Since the Strength Clan also resided within the empire's borders, there was nothing particularly wrong with this alliance.

Seeing Titan and Yang Wudi emerge together from the manor's gates, Xue Qinghe immediately approached them without the airs of an emperor, smiling, "Master Yang Wudi and Master Titan are as impressive as ever."

"Greetings, Emperor Qinghe!" Titan cupped his fists and then quickly excused himself, clearly unwilling to engage too much with Xue Qinghe.

"Please forgive Titan's stubborn nature," Yang Wudi said, watching Titan's receding figure with a sigh. He then explained, "Unlike my Breaking Clan, the members of the Strength Clan are skilled blacksmiths and live relatively well in Tiandou City. Being a Soul Douluo, Titan commands respect from various factions."

"Furthermore, he has been harboring resentment for years. The Speed Clan joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and his friend Lou Gao from Gengxin City went to Spirit City to join the Spirit Hall..."

Xue Qinghe sighed, "Everyone has their own ambitions. It's better not to force things. Master Titan is not as broad-minded as you, Master Yang Wudi."

"I had no choice," Yang Wudi smiled bitterly. "If the local city lord hadn't been causing trouble, I wouldn't have accepted your offer. But now that I've chosen to follow you, I must serve faithfully and diligently."

As a subordinate, loyalty is paramount.

"Your Majesty, what brings you here today?" After inviting Xue Qinghe into the manor and seating her in the main position with a cup of tea, Yang Wudi got straight to the point, "You know I'm not good with pleasantries."

"Not at all. Master Yang Wudi, your straightforward nature is something many envy," Xue Qinghe replied, genuinely admiring him. Although the Breaking Clan had not been well off before aligning with her, Yang Wudi's free-spirited nature was enviable compared to her own life of pretense.

"Let's get to the point then." Seeing Yang Wudi wave his hand casually, Xue Qinghe's expression turned slightly serious. "I've heard that Master Yang Wudi is skilled in medicinal arts?"

"It's just a hobby," Yang Wudi responded calmly, puzzled by the question. Was someone in the royal family gravely ill? Or did this young emperor have some unknown purpose for the medicines?

Yang Wudi suspected it was the latter.

Although Xue Qinghe had a stellar reputation before ascending to the throne, even being known for abstaining from romantic affairs, the lack of any negative rumors seemed odd. Usually, even respected masters of Spirit cultivation had their share of scandals.

Rumor had it that this emperor planned to implement a merit-based exam, but the hereditary nobles opposed it, and they even resisted the research and development of soul tools. Could it be that she wanted to poison these nobles?

That would indeed be a one-time solution, but such a method would be excessively cruel.

Even though Yang Wudi didn't know much about governing an empire, he understood that if these people suddenly died, chaos would ensue.

Surely, Emperor Qinghe wouldn't be so reckless?

"Master Yang Wudi, can you create a drug that induces hallucinations?" Xue Qinghe asked.

"Yes, I can," Yang Wudi nodded, feeling a sense of relief. It seems it's the latter; she wants to deal with the hereditary nobles slowly. This way, she can cultivate her loyal followers while making the nobles make mistakes under the influence of hallucinations. It's a sound plan.

From this moment, he and the Brreaking Clan were firmly aligned with Xue Qinghe. In the future, even if the other four clans opposed Xue Qinghe, he would show no mercy.

Why?

It's not about right or wrong.

Each serves their master.

"Thank you, Master Yang Wudi."

Xue Qinghe smiled, exchanged a few more words with Yang Wudi, and then left. Three days later, she appointed Yang Wudi as the Grand Knight of the Royal Knights, a position equivalent to the Empire's Marshal.

Yang Wudi and the members of the Breaking Clan couldn't help but smile...

...

"Damn it!"

Xue Beng stormed into his palace, grabbed the teacup handed to him by a maid, and downed the tea in one gulp, cursing, "That damn Xue Qinghe makes me learn so much, and Father keeps checking in. It's so frustrating!"

"Your Highness, don't be upset. Your father is blind. Don't be angry. How about I dance for you?" The maid, with a seductive look, lifted Xue Beng's chin with her delicate fingers, whispering sweetly as she led him towards the back courtyard, where many beautiful maids awaited.

Seeing Xue Beng, they immediately smiled, shedding their clothes until only thin veils remained, seducing him to join their dance.

"You're the best," Xue Beng muttered, his breathing growing more rapid and uncontrollable as he lunged forward. Coincidentally, the retired Xue Ye arrived at Xue Beng's palace...

...

"Father, it was an accident. Do you believe me?" Faced with Xue Ye, Xue Beng, like a deflated candle, hung his head low, speaking timidly.

"Do you think I believe you?" Xue Ye snorted, scolding, "Your brother wants you to study, but you only half-heartedly do it, and when you return to the palace, you hold these indecent gatherings. Is this what you do every day?"

"It was truly an accident." Xue Beng wanted to explain, but Xue Ye's glare silenced him, deepening his resentment towards his father, who always favored Xue Qinghe.

Besides, as a prince, what's wrong with being with a woman, especially his maid?

He just wanted to continue the royal lineage!

"Humph!" Xue Ye, seeing Xue Beng's head bowed and fists clenched, could easily guess his resentment. "I won't bother with you anymore, but remember your identity. Don't disgrace our royal family or tarnish your brother's reputation!"

With that, Emperor Xue Ye left, not wanting to stay any longer, missing the fiery resentment in Xue Beng's eyes: "Everything's always about Xue Qinghe, isn't it?"

From then on, the conflict between Xue Ye and Xue Beng only grew...

(End of chapter)