Though a trace of nervousness flickered across Xue Xing's face, it was quickly drowned out by the smug satisfaction of a plan falling into place and the imperial throne nearly within reach.
"As expected, Xue Ye acted just as we predicted. He thinks himself clever, but he has no idea… everything is unfolding exactly as we intended."
Greed and ambition gleamed in his eyes.
Gu Han nodded slightly. "Indeed. From the moment he sensed something was wrong, to rallying his forces, and then seeking help from the three Education Committee members of the Royal Academy—every move has played right into our hands. We even deliberately allowed his spies to move freely, just to give him a false sense of control and draw him in completely."
"Good," Xue Xing clenched his fists, as if the throne were already his. "From here on, everything depends on you, Honored Ones. Once I ascend the throne, I'll fulfill every promise I made—down to the last word."
---
Outside Heaven Dou City, the night sky was shrouded in an unsettling stillness.
Clutching the imperial command token, Ge Hu galloped urgently toward the main military camp.
He knew how critical this mission was. With chaos threatening the capital, only swift reinforcements from the army outside the city could tilt the balance in Prince Xue Ye's favor.
But as he entered a narrow mountain pass, a sudden surge of chilling sword intent swept toward him.
Alarmed, Ge Hu yanked hard on the reins and raised his head—
A tall, imposing figure slowly emerged from the shadows ahead: it was Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
Moonlight glinted off Chen Xin's cold, chiseled features, revealing the killing intent in his eyes.
On both sides of the valley, more than a dozen silhouettes dropped down, swiftly surrounding Ge Hu.
Buzz!!
Soul rings lit up beneath their feet—every one of them was a Soul King.
But it was the nine soul rings glowing under Chen Xin's feet—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—that sent Ge Hu's heart plummeting.
He stared in disbelief.
Never in his wildest imagination had he expected to encounter the Sword Douluo here.
And what chilled him even more was what this implied: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—ranked second among the Upper Three Sects—was likely backing Xue Xing's coup.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had always been renowned across the continent for its honor and virtue. For them to…
But at this point, Ge Hu had no choice but to bite down and press forward. Gritting his teeth, he demanded:
"Your Honor Sword Douluo… why do you block my path here?"
"Is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan really aiding a traitor in usurping the throne?"
Chen Xin's face remained expressionless. His Seven Kill Sword trembled faintly, releasing a sharp hum.
His voice was ice cold.
"Ge Hu… some matters are beyond your understanding. The promises Xue Xing made to the clan are… impossible for us to refuse."
"Despicable…! You side with a tyrant—do you think that'll end well for you? Then come! I'll die before I surrender!"
Knowing death was certain, grief and rage welled up in Ge Hu's heart. Yet determination quickly took over. Four soul rings rose beneath his feet, and the phantom of his martial soul—the ferocious Yazi Beast—roared into existence behind him.
Roaring, he charged at Chen Xin with all his might.
Chen Xin looked at the charging Ge Hu, eyes wide with fury and resolve, and a rare twinge of emotion stirred in his heart.
As an upright and honorable man, he had always despised power grabs and political schemes.
But as a protector of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the interests of the clan came before all else.
Xue Xing's promised rewards concerned the clan's future survival and dominance—he had no choice but to be drawn into this unjust palace struggle.
With a soft sigh, Chen Xin slowly raised the Seven Kill Sword in his hand.
In an instant, an overwhelming aura exploded from his body.
Beneath him, nine soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—hovered in perfect rhythm, their glow exuding an unbearable pressure.
"Sever!"
With a low murmur, Chen Xin gently swept his sword.
A blade of razor-sharp Seven Kill Sword Qi screamed forward, tearing through the night like a thunderclap.
A crushing force surged toward Ge Hu, so sharp and intense it made his skin sting and nearly stole his breath away.
Ge Hu unleashed every ounce of strength he had, trying to hold back the inevitable like an ant trying to stop a mountain.
But against a powerhouse like Sword Douluo… it was futile.
In a flash, both Ge Hu and his steed were cleaved clean in two.
Blood sprayed across the earth, staining the cold moonlight with its vivid red.
Even in death, Ge Hu's eyes remained wide open—burning with bitterness and rage.
Chen Xin slowly lowered his sword. His nine soul rings dimmed and vanished as he looked down at the body, a storm of emotions roiling in his heart.
"This man was loyal and brave. Let him be buried with honor."
It was the only kindness he could offer.
"Yes, Master."
Several disciples nodded and respectfully buried Ge Hu's body.
Chen Xin retrieved the fallen command token, then vanished into the night once more.
Only the bloodstains remained—gradually swallowed by the wind and dust beneath the moonlight, silent witnesses to the cruelty and ruthlessness of this power struggle.
---
Back within the spiraling conflict surrounding the Heaven Dou throne, Xue Ye and his allies remained unaware that an invisible net was slowly tightening around them.
Still, they moved forward according to their plan—splitting into two forces.
Bai Baoshan led three thousand elite troops in a feigned frontal assault on the palace gates. Amid thunderous battle cries, morale surged, and the soldiers' weapons gleamed as they pushed forward with overwhelming momentum, intending to break through all resistance.
This show of force was meant to draw attention—giving Xue Ye, General Ge Long, and the two Committee Members Meng Shenji and Zhi Lin, who led five thousand elite palace guards, a chance to slip in from the other side and head straight for the emperor's chambers.
Their goal: expose Xue Xing's plot and rescue the emperor from his captors.
Their steps were urgent and cautious, caught between hope and dread—longing for victory while dreading the unknown dangers ahead.
But just as they reached a spacious palace hall…
A flood of figures suddenly surged forward from the shadows—all with soul rings glowing at their feet.
A soul master army—a thousand strong—blocked the path.
Behind them, standing high atop the platform outside the emperor's sleeping quarters, were Gu Han, Ning Fengzhi, Bibi Dong, and Xue Xing.
Gu Han's gaze was ice-cold as he stared down at Xue Ye and the others, the corners of his lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Crown Prince Xue Ye… how dare you!"
"Bringing troops to storm the palace and attempting rebellion? What is the meaning of this?!"
His voice rang out with righteous authority, echoing across the palace grounds.
Before anyone could respond, Gu Han snapped his arm forward and barked:
"Seize them! Arrest these traitors!"
As he spoke the words, even he felt a bit disgusted at how shameless it all sounded.
But what could he do? He was the villain now.
And truth be told—it felt kind of great.
Three figures soared into the sky.
Guang Ling, Lingyuan, and Gu Rong the Bone Douluo now hovered in the air, their terrifying pressure sweeping over the palace grounds.
Nine soul rings each lit up beneath their feet—
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black.
Dazzling and terrifying, the light from their soul rings illuminated the entire path.
A crushing wave of soul power surged like a tidal wave toward Xue Ye and his companions.
~~~
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