Chapter 83: Offering Strategies to Qian Renxue  

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The two empires and their nobility are truly disgusting. Although the Spirit Hall has its share of corruption, it seems the empires have far more. And they constantly fight each other—were it not for the Spirit Hall stepping in to stop the conflicts, they would never cease. 

"Oh? Is that so?" Qian Renxue hadn't expected Li Luochen to view the Spirit Hall this way, but it only strengthened her resolve to unify the continent.

"However, Young Master, there are also some corrupt elements within the Spirit Hall. You should thoroughly investigate them. Some people use the Spirit Hall as a shield to oppress others—it's damaging the foundation of the Spirit Hall."

Li Luochen decided to lend a hand to the Spirit Hall. After all, he had already chosen his side, and besides, the help from his masters Jiang Mo and Qian Jun had been immense—it was only right to repay them.

"What! Such a thing exists? Very well! Leave it to me to handle. These people are asking for death!"

It wasn't surprising that Qian Renxue was furious. The Angel Clan founded the Spirit Hall as an organization to protect the common people of the continent. Though time had passed and some individuals had changed, Qian Renxue, as a descendant of the Angel God, always adhered to the ancestral teachings of the Angel God. 

She despised those who exploited the common people the most. Even while undercover in the Tian Dou Empire, she avoided oppressing the populace and instead did her best to improve their lives. 

"It's good that you think this way. By the way, Young Master, there are some flaws in your undercover identity that might arouse suspicion. Would you like to address them?"

Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned by Li Luochen's words. She prided herself on being meticulous, and no one in the Tiantou royal family knew her true identity. She had studied Xue Qinghe extensively, and her behavior was flawless. How could there be any flaws? 

"Tell me more!" 

"The issue is that you've done everything too perfectly. You're extremely diligent in handling state affairs, and you've excelled at everything a crown prince should do—but that perfection itself is suspicious. 

For instance, you haven't married or even been involved in any scandals. As the crown prince, this is significant. The imperial family values succession and wouldn't accept a crown prince without children. 

Simply put, having children solidifies the crown prince's position. Without any scandals, rumors might spread that you prefer male companionship. Would the emperor pass the throne to you then? As for children, I believe someone of your capability can easily arrange that. 

Secondly, both princes you eliminated were poisoned, and the timing was close. The deaths of two exceptionally talented princes inevitably point to you as the beneficiary. However, this isn't a major issue—after all, in the neighboring Star Luo Empire, they've resorted to even more ruthless methods in their power struggles. 

Thirdly, you've underestimated Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng. Xue Beng has been pretending to be a wastrel just to deliver a fatal blow to you. They've been secretly amassing strength. Young Master, you should first secure the position of Grandson-Heir to stabilize your status as crown prince, then gradually erode the military power of the Tiantou Empire. 

The appearance of a Grandson-Heir will reassure the emperor that you have an heir, allowing him to transfer power to you with peace of mind. This will give you enough time to infiltrate the Tian Dou military, and ideally, even take control of the Royal Soul Knight Corps. Once the emperor is rendered powerless, he'll be completely sidelined. 

Even if you seize the throne, what of it? An emperor without power is easy to depose. Simply name him Retired Emperor—it's a simple matter. The competition for the throne has always been fierce, and no one will fault you for it.

As for dissenting ministers, eliminate them. There's no need for disobedient servants. Making an example of one will serve as a warning to others. Those in high positions are all intelligent—if they aren't afraid for themselves, they'll fear for their families. 

Also, I suggest you tie the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to your cause. Ning Fengzhi is nothing more than a merchant—he wants benefits but doesn't want to offend anyone. Such indecisive individuals are best dealt with swiftly—either eliminate them or drag them onto your ship."

Li Luochen's series of suggestions sent chills down Qian Renxue's spine. She had thought herself flawless, but it seemed she had been too naive. Now, she needed to rethink her plans.

"Thank you. Tell me, what reward do you seek? Wealth? Resources? Soul bones? I can provide them all."

Qian Renxue immediately offered compensation because these suggestions were invaluable to her.

"Heh, Young Master, no need to rush. Save it for next time—I don't need anything now. Also, I'll be returning to Suotuo City soon, and it'll likely be several years before I return. 

I hope that by the next time we meet, Young Master will have achieved remarkable results. Perhaps then I'll come to ask for something. I hope you won't be stingy. Well then, I take my leave."

Li Luochen rose, bowed to Qian Renxue, and left. Qian Renxue then transformed back into Xue Qinghe and began contemplating her next moves.

At the entrance, Dai Tianxing was leaning against a tree, resting with his eyes closed. Sensing Li Luochen's exit, he stood up and followed him back. 

Meanwhile, Snake Spear Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo heard Qian Renxue's summons and entered the room. Not long after, Snake Spear Douluo swiftly departed from the Crown Prince's residence, concealing his presence as he headed toward the Spirit Hall. 

Li Luochen, accompanied by Dai Tianxing, returned to the Dugu residence. He planned to rest for a while, as his killing intent hadn't been fully suppressed yet. He intended to spend a week bringing his killing intent under control and then several months mastering its use. 

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Sunset Forest, Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well

Dugu Bo sat quietly by the pool. The Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well had regained some vitality, though it still looked somewhat barren due to the large number of rare medicinal herbs and heavenly treasures that had been harvested last time. Over the past two years, Dugu Bo had been diligently tending to this place. 

The rare medicinal herbs were beginning to regrow, though it would take many years for them to mature. 

Currently, the remaining rare medicinal herbs at the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well included the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, Snow Swan Kiss, Ghost Shadow Flower, and ninth rank Immortal Lotus. 

Dugu Bo now understood the effects of various rare medicinal herbs and had relocated them to the most suitable growing environments to accelerate their growth. Since detoxifying himself, he had developed a fondness for tending to the medicinal garden. 

Before, he hadn't recognized these heavenly treasures and dared not touch them. Now that he knew them all, cultivating them brought a unique sense of satisfaction. 

However, Dugu Bo wasn't here to tend to the herbs this time—he had already taken care of them earlier. This time, he planned to use the environment of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well to consume the inner core of the Ten-Headed Fiery Sun Snake given to him by Li Luochen. 

Upon contact with the inner core, he felt uneasy, yet there was also an inexplicable urge to devour it. His Jade Phosphorous Snake Emperor was already a ruler among snakes. 

After consuming the Earth Dragon Melon, his dragon blood had been further enhanced, elevating him to another level. Yet, this inner core made him uncomfortable—it was perplexing. 

However, Li Luochen had explained that the Ten-Headed Fiery Sun Snake was a primordial beast and the supreme ruler among snakes, known for its potent fire poison. While Dugu Bo didn't fully understand what "primordial beast" meant, he understood the concept of a supreme ruler among snakes. 

According to legend, even the dragon race had a supreme ruler known as the Dragon King. A true dragon encountering a Dragon King would be utterly dominated. It wasn't hard to imagine the changes that might occur after consuming this inner core. 

With that in mind, Dugu Bo retrieved the inner core of the Ten-Headed Fiery Sun Snake from his storage-type soul tool. The golden-red orb, about the size of a fist, bore the intricate patterns of the Ten-Headed Fiery Sun Snake. Steeling his resolve, Dugu Bo swallowed it whole. 

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