Chapter 218: Mutual Honesty

"Back then, it wasn't just Shrek Academy that targeted your sister, but also the Spirit Hall."

Chen Xuan narrowed his eyes, pondering whether Qian Renxue's latter words were deliberate. He always felt that this woman was too scheming, intentionally trying to redirect his hatred toward the Spirit Hall.

His thoughts drifted, eyes filled with suspicion as he stared at Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, trying to see through her intentions. Unfortunately, he failed. Qian Renxue's disguise was flawless, and her mind meticulous—otherwise, how could she have lived undetected in the palace for over a decade?

"Indeed, this woman is quite dissatisfied with Bibi Dong. Does she want to control the Spirit Hall herself?" Chen Xuan mused. It seemed unlikely. Although Qian Renxue had a strained relationship with Bibi Dong and harbored great ambitions, her ambitions were no less than anyone else's. Moreover, she had the strength to back it up. Her spirit power was likely at the Spirit Douluo level by now, supported by Qian Daoliu and the worship elders, all formidable Title Douluo.

Earlier, Xue Qinghe had invited Chen Xuan to join her faction. He couldn't help but suspect that rebelling against Emperor Xue Ye might just be a facade—the true goal could be reclaiming the Spirit Hall together.

Initially, Chen Xuan had no intention of getting involved. But now, knowing that she had repelled assassins from the Spirit Hall and Shrek Academy multiple times to protect Chen Yiyi, that was a significant favor.

He wasn't worried about being deceived. Such matters couldn't be faked—a little investigation would reveal the truth. Besides, considering Bibi Dong's insane nature, if she couldn't kill him, she'd definitely target those around him.

"Alright, Your Highness, I understand. Tell me, what do you want me to do?" Chen Xuan agreed with a sigh. It seemed he'd have to risk his life for someone else this time.

He didn't like owing too many favors, and repaying kindness was the right thing to do.

Xue Qinghe's lips curled into a satisfied smile. Chen Xuan's answer pleased her greatly—it was worth the effort she'd put into nurturing Chen Yiyi.

"You're excellent. I believe, in the near future, you'll be grateful for the decision you've made today." She stood up, extending her hand to Chen Xuan.

Chen Xuan shook her hand, sealing their partnership.

"These years, Emperor Xue Ye has been plagued by illness. Now old and frail, he doesn't have much time left. That will be our moment to act." Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with ruthlessness.

Chen Xuan clicked his tongue. Xue Ye was a strong individual—how could he be so sick? It must've been years of slow poisoning by Qian Renxue.

He felt somewhat displeased. Even after establishing an alliance, this woman remained deceitful, hiding things that would only erode trust.

Moreover, Chen Xuan could sense that she wanted to steer his hatred toward the Spirit Hall, targeting Bibi Dong. With his current strength, causing chaos in the Supreme Pontiff's Palace wouldn't be an issue.

Since they were now allies, at the very least, they should be honest with each other—less scheming, fewer plots.

"Xue Qinghe, you're really lacking sincerity," Chen Xuan remarked, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

Xue Qinghe frowned slightly. "Speak. What kind of sincerity do you want? A spirit bone? A spirit ring? Or the throne?"

"Those things might tempt a soul master, but to me, they're meaningless. Even if I wanted them, I could get them myself," Chen Xuan replied.

Her frown deepened, her voice turning colder. "What exactly do you want?"

"I told you, you're not sincere. Wanting someone to risk their life while plotting against them—that's not the mark of a good ruler." Chen Xuan waved his hand dismissively.

Xue Qinghe's eyes gleamed coldly. After years of scheming, it was second nature for her to manipulate others.

Forcing a smile, she adjusted her attitude, speaking warmly. "Then tell me, what would count as sincerity?"

"It's not up to me to say. You have to be willing to be honest. For example, talking to me with your real identity," Chen Xuan said flatly.

Though his tone was calm, it hit Xue Qinghe like a thunderclap, sending chills down her spine.

"Chen Xuan, tell me—how did you know?" Her face darkened, eyes turning icy, all elegance gone.

From the shadows, a figure emerged, spirit power surging. Nine soul rings appeared—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—a genuine Title Douluo.

"Speak, Chen Xuan! How did you find out?" Xue Qinghe stood, her expression frigid, devoid of any emotion.

Years of careful planning had led to this perfect moment to usurp the throne. Her real identity couldn't be exposed. Without a satisfactory answer, she wouldn't hesitate to kill him.

"Qian Renxue, you can't trap me. I've already placed coordinates kilometers away. I can use space spirit abilities to leave at any time. Try and see who's faster!" Chen Xuan's face turned cold as well. Was this an attempt to silence him?

He was no longer the naive young man he once was. Entering the heavily guarded palace, he'd naturally prepared backup plans.

"What exactly do you want?" Xue Qinghe's voice was icy, brimming with murderous intent.

Chen Xuan frowned. "You're overreacting. All I asked for was honesty."

His words eased her expression slightly, and the killing intent faded. However, the Title Douluo in the corner didn't retract his spirit, still glaring at Chen Xuan with hostility.

"If you have no other motives, you'll see my real identity on the day of the rebellion," Xue Qinghe said, her tone calm again.

She sat down, gently swirling her teacup. "Now, can you tell me how you saw through my disguise?"

She cared deeply about this. If Chen Xuan could see through her, could someone in the royal court have done the same?

"It's the ability of my eyes. No illusion or disguise can fool them," Chen Xuan said, pointing to his Mangekyō Sharingan.

He fabricated a plausible explanation—couldn't exactly say it was due to memories from a past life.

Xue Qinghe lifted her gaze, staring into Chen Xuan's scarlet eyes. Even from a distance, she could feel the cold, sinister spirit power emanating from them.

"Truly a young prodigy. Chen Xuan, you're remarkable. Even Tang San pales in comparison," she remarked.

In the past, she'd held high hopes for Tang San, attempting to recruit him, but ultimately chose Chen Xuan.

"I just had some opportunities and worked hard—nothing special," Chen Xuan replied. "As for Tang San, he relies too much on external things. His spirit is half-crippled, even with the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline awakened, he's no different from before."

"Seems you don't think highly of him," Xue Qinghe said, setting down her cup and walking toward the door. "Go see your sister. She's missed you these years. I never told her you'd 'died.'"

Since Yiyi was safe, Chen Xuan wasn't in a rush. There were things to do first.

"Keep looking after her a bit longer. I'm heading to Shrek Academy. Some people need to bleed, and Shrek Academy no longer needs to exist."

Without another word, Chen Xuan activated his space-time ability, vanishing from the Eastern Palace without a trace. No one could stop him.

Xue Qinghe's eyes sparkled with surprise. She'd underestimated Chen Xuan—he had more tricks than expected. Clearly, he hadn't lied earlier. Indeed, no one could stop him from leaving.

READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD OF EVERYONE FOR ONLY $7!

LINK: patr eon.com/SenatusPopulus