Chapter 167: Ruthless Qian Renxue

It was a dark and windy night. Thick clouds obscured the moonlight, shrouding the heavens in a suffocating gloom. And yet, the lights in the

It was a dark and windy night. Thick clouds obscured the moonlight, shrouding the heavens in a suffocating gloom. And yet, the lights in the Prince's Manor blazed brightly—eerily so. Not a single sound could be heard.

Two black-clad figures—Jiang Mo and Qian Jun—moved silently through the shadows, each wielding a short sword. As Title Douluo, their movements were undetectable by all but their peers. And tonight, there were no Title Douluo in the manor—only a few guest elders at the Soul Douluo level.

Dugu Bo, having received Ning Fengzhi's invitation long ago, was currently staying in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, mentoring Dugu Yan. Though he'd heard hints of Ning Fengzhi's plans, he had chosen not to take sides—out of old gratitude toward Prince Xue Xing. These days, he was either in the clan training Yan or studying poisonous herbs at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Spring. He had no idea what was about to unfold in Heaven Dou City.

Even Ning Fengzhi hadn't anticipated what would happen tonight—only Xu Yang, because he had read the original story and knew what kind of person Qian Renxue truly was. That was the only reason he had been mentally prepared, if only slightly.

The assassins struck swiftly and silently. One moment, a figure would spot a dark blur—and the next, their throat was slit. Corpses were dragged into the shadows without a sound.

"Xue Beng, I don't know who leaked the news that Xue Qinghe is actually Qian Renxue from Spirit Hall—but I'd wager it's true. Otherwise, your second and third brothers wouldn't have died so mysteriously without a trace of the killers. In this world, only Title Douluo are capable of such things.

"The three upper sects—like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—have always supported our Heaven Dou Empire. The Clear Sky Clan remains hidden, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is too proud to act like this. That leaves only Spirit Hall.

"I always suspected a connection between Xue Qinghe and Spirit Hall. I just didn't expect he'd been replaced from the very beginning! Qian Renxue—member of the Qian Family, possessor of the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul... add in soul bone disguises, and she really could pull off a perfect impersonation."

Prince Xue Xing's face was grim as he spoke to Xue Beng. An old, thick tome lay open before him—its leather-bound cover alone hinted at its age. According to the original novel, even the Grandmaster had managed to dig up scraps of information about the Angelic God's six soul bones. As a millennium-old imperial family, the Heaven Dou Empire naturally possessed ancient records not open to the public.

Within one such tome was a sparse but critical mention of the six angelic soul bones—barely a few lines about the Celestial Illusion, yet enough to confirm the truth.

"Uncle, then what do we do now?" Xue Beng asked urgently. Ever since Qian Renxue's coronation, he had stayed in the manor for fear of being assassinated. But now, powerless and without military backing, facing Spirit Hall's might… he was terrified.

After all, this wasn't some street thug they were up against. It was Title Douluo—beings who could kill without resistance.

"Our top priority is to win over the upper three sects—especially the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Marshal Ge Long. After Ning Fengzhi's last conversation with Qian Renxue, he hasn't left the clan—not even for the coronation. I suspect he already knows her true identity. There's a good chance we can bring him to our side.

"If that happens, we'll have the strength to challenge Spirit Hall. Once her identity is exposed, we'll be able to dethrone her and restore the imperial line—with you as the next Emperor of Heaven Dou."

Xue Xing's voice was calm, measured—but it ignited something in Xue Beng. The plan was sound. And if successful, he could truly ascend the throne. The entire Heaven Dou Empire would be his.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

"Too bad… you won't live to see it."

Just as Xue Beng was caught up in his fantasy, a deep voice echoed in the room.

Xue Beng and Xue Xing turned deathly pale. Especially Xue Beng—his eyes were full of despair. Neither of them screamed. They simply turned toward the sound… and saw a man leaning against the doorframe.

He wore black, his features sharp and handsome.

"Qian Jun, Worshipper of Spirit Hall…" Xue Xing gritted his teeth.

After the incident in Spirit City, the identities of Spirit Hall's six worshipper-class Super Douluo were no longer a secret. Every major power had detailed profiles on their appearance, martial souls, spirit ranks, and ring configurations.

Xue Xing recognized him at a glance.

Qian Jun didn't seem surprised to be recognized. He simply stared at the two men like they were already dead. Standing straight, he raised his short sword—its blade glinting coldly.

"You can't kill me, I still—"

Before Xue Xing could finish pleading, Qian Jun's figure vanished. Blood sprayed from both his and Xue Beng's necks.

Their eyes filled with agony as they collapsed backward—lifeless.

Qian Jun's blade had been precise. Not only had he severed their windpipes, he had also cleanly cut through their spines. Even if they were Title Douluo, death was inevitable.

Without a word, Qian Jun disappeared from the room in a flash.

And just like that—within a single night—Prince Xue Xing, Marshal Ge Long, Fourth Prince Xue Beng, Princess Xue Ke, and every duke who had openly opposed Qian Renxue… were all wiped out.

By noon the next day, the deaths were finally discovered. The massacre had been so thorough that even the servants had not been spared.

It was a message—one that shook the entire empire.

Every noble and official left in Heaven Dou fell into silent terror. No one dared oppose Qian Renxue now.

And in doing so, she had indirectly confirmed her true identity to the world:

A member of the Qian Family.

Heir to the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul.

Spirit Hall's chosen successor.

The news spread like wildfire across the continent's major factions.

Ning Fengzhi and Xu Yang were among the first to hear it. Xu Yang took it in stride—he'd expected it. But Ning Fengzhi… was shaken.

He had never imagined Qian Renxue would be so ruthless. Thousands had died in one night. The entire Heaven Dou royal bloodline—and all its allies—had been erased. His political strategies were now meaningless.

Inside the war room, an eerie silence reigned.

Dugu Bo sat alone in the corner, his face dark. No matter what, Prince Xue Xing had once saved his life. There was some sentiment there.

But what truly pained him was this:

The Heaven Dou imperial line… was no more.

No matter the era, loyalty to crown and country had always been part of the education system—and Dugu Bo was no exception.

The same was true for Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and the others. While they had no love for the royal family, they had genuine affection for the Heaven Dou Empire.

That was why the meeting room was now so unbearably quiet.

None of them had expected the empire… to end like this.