"This matter of seizing control of the Emperor's bedchamber must be completed within the next few days. It has to be fast."
Ning Fengzhi was the first to speak. As the saying goes, the longer the night, the more likely the dream turns dark. When it came to Gu Han's plan, the combat side of things was manageable. The true linchpin was taking over the Emperor's private quarters.
"And we must station a powerhouse there. Especially for the defense of the bedchamber, we need our own men in place. Prince Xue Xing, I trust you understand the stakes involved."
"Don't worry. I'll cover for a portion of the army and secure the bedchamber. But I'll need at least one Soul Douluo to back me up."
Xue Xing nodded solemnly. A coup was a delicate matter. Even if they had the upper hand in high-level combatants, if anything went awry, the entire plan would unravel.
To control the Emperor's quarters, the guards surrounding it would have to be either replaced or bought out.
But the imperial guards stationed there were the Emperor's most loyal men. Not even the Crown Prince had authority over them, so bribing them would be a challenge.
That was exactly why Xue Xing insisted on having a powerhouse in reserve—to keep things from spiraling out of control if the guards decided to resist.
"Leave it to me."
Lingyuan volunteered to handle it personally. After all, this was the most critical step. There was no room for error.
The group then spent the entire afternoon meticulously reviewing every possible scenario and drafting countermeasures.
"That settles it. The Soul Master army will begin entering the capital in batches. All we need now is for the Crown Prince to walk into the trap."
Lingyuan stood, concluding the discussion.
With the plan finalized, they wasted no time. The operation began immediately.
By the following night, a detachment of one hundred Soul Masters had already infiltrated the palace under Xue Xing's guidance.
Xue Xing and Lingyuan ordered the troops to stay hidden while the two of them advanced alone toward the Emperor's bedchamber.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
The Captain of the Imperial Guard blocked their path. He was the one directly responsible for the safety of the Emperor's quarters. Though he commanded only a hundred men, his position was of utmost importance.
Among his force were over ten Soul Elders, thirty Soul Grandmasters, and he himself was a five-ring Soul King—an elite among elites.
"It's me, the Fourth Prince, Xue Xing. I've come to visit my father."
Xue Xing remained humble, not flaunting the fact that a Titled Douluo followed at his side.
"So it's Your Highness. My apologies."
The captain raised his hand, signaling the guards to stand down.
"And may I ask who this is behind you?"
His gaze was suspicious. The woman wore a mask—too suspicious to ignore.
"She's a new retainer of mine, here to ensure my safety."
"I see. Since Your Highness is here to visit His Majesty, you may enter. But she must remain outside."
The captain didn't press further. Xue Xing was known as a capable prince—but also a notorious playboy. Judging by the masked woman's figure, she was clearly a stunner. Probably not just a bodyguard. But that wasn't his concern.
Even if she were a concubine, the rules were clear—no outsiders allowed inside. Especially during this tense period, he had to remain absolutely vigilant.
Xue Xing exchanged a glance with Lingyuan. At once, Lingyuan deployed a soundproof barrier around the group.
"Haha, Captain Ye, no need to beat around the bush. It's just us here. I'll be direct."
"Do you want to live, or die?"
Xue Xing dropped the act and spoke bluntly.
"What are you saying, Your Highness?"
Captain Ye's eyes narrowed. Behind him, six guards immediately shifted into a defensive stance.
Boom!!
A terrifying spiritual pressure erupted, instantly forcing all six guards to their knees.
Lingyuan's Soul Power had been perfectly measured—enough to incapacitate the others while deliberately sparing Captain Ye.
"Your Highness... are you committing treason?!"
Ye's expression changed dramatically as realization dawned. The masked woman was clearly a powerhouse. He raised his voice, hoping to alert the other patrol units nearby.
"Heh, come now, Captain Ye." Xue Xing sneered coldly. "I won't lie—your wife and children are already in my custody. If you're willing to serve me, I'll grant you the title of Earl when this is over. You'll have power and wealth beyond anything you've known. Isn't that a fair trade?"
"Hmph! So you are rebelling. His Majesty was right—your so-called virtue was just a mask. This is your true nature."
Just as Ye prepared to release his Martial Soul, another wave of spiritual pressure crashed down upon him, forcing him to one knee. His face twisted in shock.
His eyes locked onto the nine soul rings rising beneath Lingyuan's feet, his heart in total turmoil.
"A... A Titled Douluo!!"
Hands clasped behind his back, Xue Xing stepped forward.
"Gentlemen, if you're willing to help me, I'll reward you handsomely. With your current positions and strength, even earning a barony is near impossible—so why not aim higher?"
"Support me, and you'll be honored as founding heroes. Nobility will be yours. As long as the Heaven Dou Empire stands, your descendants will inherit your titles and enjoy endless prosperity."
"But if you refuse—you've already seen too much. I'll have to kill you. And your families won't be spared either."
"You have two choices. Choose wisely."
"Captain... let's just submit."
"Yeah, the Fourth Prince is royalty too. He has a legitimate claim to the throne. If we join him, it's not really treason."
The six guards had already crumbled under the threat and temptation. They couldn't resist the allure of nobility, nor did they want to die—or worse, see their families punished for their defiance.
Captain Ye's expression twitched. His gaze turned complicated.
He was loyal to the Emperor—not the imperial clan.
But…
Why had he joined Heaven Dou in the first place?
Wasn't it for rank and wealth?
Now, that opportunity was right in front of him. The Fourth Prince had somehow secured a Titled Douluo's allegiance. A coup was clearly in motion—and with such a powerhouse on their side, their chances of success were high.
If he refused… he'd die without a grave.
That thought clenched his heart. Gritting his teeth, he made his decision.
"I... I pledge my loyalty to the Fourth Prince."
The moment he spoke, the crushing pressure vanished. Captain Ye finally exhaled and, without rising, cupped his hands in salute.
"Your Highness, give the order—I'll carry it out."
Seeing that he understood the situation, Xue Xing offered him a polite smile and helped him to his feet.
"Captain Ye, please rise."
"What I need you to do is simple—without my command, no one is to enter His Majesty's bedchamber. Especially not the Crown Prince's men."
"Can you do that?"
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. Without your permission, not a soul will enter."
Captain Ye's attitude shifted quickly. Now that he had cast his lot with Xue Xing, he could only go all in—there was no turning back.
Following the Fourth Prince would either bring him glory and riches… or a swift death.
Refusing him meant certain doom.
So why not gamble everything?
~~~
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