Chapter 160: Xue Beng Falls into the Trap
Everyone seemed contemplative after hearing Yang Potian's words. Recently, rumors had begun circulating: Fourth Prince Xue Beng, known for his ambitions, was supposedly building close ties with Spirit Hall in an effort to challenge his brother, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. When the gossip first emerged, people found it strange. Xue Beng was infamous for his debauched lifestyle—why would he suddenly harbor such grand ambitions?
Yet some curious parties examined Xue Beng's history of so-called frivolities and discovered that he seemed to have endured disgrace and even shown some remarkable cunning.
For example, he had gathered a crew of wastrel friends at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and used them to chase away talented youths who might have otherwise supported Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. As a result, the academy's strength waned, and Heaven Dou's primary team nearly quit, showing the depths of his scheming mind.
Additionally, he had reportedly pursued Dugu Yan and Yang Tianyue, seeking Titled Douluo-level support to counter his older brother. More shockingly, those wastrel friends of his were actually highly connected and held influential positions within the Heaven Dou Empire. If he activated this network, he could summon a considerable force.
With layers of analysis from various factions, a picture emerged: Prince Xue Beng was no mere wastrel but a shrewd and ambitious genius who had been hiding his true nature all along. Now, whispers suggested that he'd sought an alliance with Spirit Hall, hoping to gain their support.
But currently, Prince Xue Beng was having a tough time. After only a short interaction with Spirit Hall, Emperor Xue Ye had summoned him to the palace and given him a harsh scolding—apparently, the emperor was deeply upset.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, playing the role of the responsible elder brother, attempted to reconcile things, further casting Xue Beng as the one with questionable character.
At Prince Xue Xing's estate, Prince Xue Xing was lecturing his nephew, seemingly frustrated by his actions. "You're a Heaven Dou prince, and you went and entangled yourself with Spirit Hall. That's the very thing your father despises most!"
Xue Beng, however, remained nonchalant. "Uncle, I just had some contact with Spirit Hall. Is it that serious? Besides, Spirit Hall is powerful, and they're sincere in their support. They've promised to station a Contra-level expert by my side and, if necessary, will even dispatch a Titled Douluo to help."
Prince Xue Xing's frustration boiled over. "I told you to feign being a wastrel, not to actually become one! Now, they've unearthed all your past actions, and on top of that, you dared to ally with Spirit Hall. If you continue down this path, will Heaven Dou's throne bear our family name or Spirit Hall's?"
Xue Beng looked somewhat baffled. "Spirit Hall has great power. I only want to leverage their influence to counter my elder brother. If not, I'll likely face a grim end. Just this past year, the Spirit Douluo they stationed with me has saved me from multiple assassination attempts."
Prince Xue Xing grew pensive. "It's strange. Your two brothers died without a trace, and now someone dares to attempt your life? That doesn't fit Xue Qinghe's usual style." Both he and Xue Beng fell silent in thought.
Meanwhile, in the Heaven Dou Palace, Emperor Xue Ye was similarly perplexed. By his calculations, it was Crown Prince Xue Qinghe who should have allied with Spirit Hall. So how had things shifted to Xue Beng? Both his sons' motives seemed to be hidden behind a veil of mystery, leaving him unable to understand their actions.
At this moment, however, Xue Qinghe was smiling as he read through a report. Since his last arrangement with Yang Potian, the outcome had been favorable. Not only had he managed to drive a wedge between Emperor Xue Ye and Xue Beng, but he'd also profited considerably himself, with Xue Beng—the competitor for the throne—now thrust into the spotlight.
Back in the Breaking Clan's chamber, Yang Potian and Yang Wudi were the only ones left. Potian adopted a serious tone. "Grandfather, have you absorbed all the spirit bones our clan possesses?"
Yang Wudi shook his head. "These spirit bones are valuable, but I'm too old. My potential is limited, so even if I absorbed them, I wouldn't advance much. I'd rather have your father take them. With his talent and strength, he still has a chance to reach greater heights."
Yang Potian considered this and said, "In any case, we need to absorb these spirit bones quickly to boost our strength. Whether for your upcoming duel or the enemies we might face later, we need the strength to hold our own."
Yang Wudi looked curiously at Yang Potian. "Are none of these spirit bones of interest to you? They're all top-tier. Especially that head spirit bone you brought back; its age and value are staggering, even beyond the Haotian Clan's heritage bones."
Yang Potian shook his head. "It's impressive, yes, but I have other goals in mind. Since you believe my father has potential, let him absorb all of them. With these spirit bones, he could have a shot at reaching level 96 or even 97, giving our clan a strong presence."
After pondering for a while, Yang Wudi agreed. "I'll discuss this with your Second Grandfather and your father; we can't afford to delay it any longer."
"Oh, and about the Mysterious Heaven Skill—are we really selling the first few levels? The skill is so exquisite that it feels a shame to part with it. Besides, the clan isn't exactly strapped for money, so we don't have to do this."
Yang Potian shook his head. "Selling it is necessary. Eventually, others with access to our techniques will notice their limitations. If we're the only ones who can reach the highest levels, we'll become an obvious target. By selling a few levels, we give others some hope, reducing the risk of becoming a target."
"We can always say we got the skill from the black market," he added. "If anyone finds out we cultivate the Mysterious Heaven Skill, we can simply claim we stumbled upon it on the market—one of those lucky black-market buys."
Yang Wudi pondered this and eventually nodded in agreement. "You're thinking long-term. Perhaps you're right; muddying the waters is the best way for us to grow in peace."
"Potian, what are your next steps? Will you focus on training here?"
Potian shook his head. "I'll travel with Grandfather Niu Gao to the Almo Mountains soon. After finalizing plans for our new territory, I'll train there. It's more secluded and suited for cultivating undisturbed."
"That's wise. The area is remote, making it perfect for training, so you won't be bothered," Yang Wudi nodded approvingly.
He continued, "As for the clan elders, we should invest in those with potential. They're the backbone of the clan. If we can cultivate another one or two Titled Douluo, our family will be safer."
"I understand. We have six elders who've dedicated their lives to the clan," said Yang Wudi. "They may not know our core secrets, but supporting them is necessary. Soul Douluo power is respectable, but it's not enough. I'll work with your father on this."
With their conversation concluded, Yang Wudi resolved to use the clan's resources to fully support Yang Zhentian, his son, who seemed the most likely to make significant strides in the short term.
In the days that followed, both the Breaking Clan and Imperial Clan entered a period of calm, postponing the manual sales plan. They needed to prepare for Yang Wudi and Niu Gao's duel. The opponents—Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo—were seasoned Titled Douluo with spirit powers at level 95, making this a formidable match.
After leaving the chamber, Yang Potian visited Ye Lingling's room. Matters related to the two clans were too sensitive for her to join, but he always appreciated spending time with her.
Seeing him, Ye Lingling seemed slightly pouty. "Big Brother Yang, is everything resolved? Are you finally done?"
Potian smiled and patted her head. "The family is focused on the upcoming duel and our move to the Almo Mountains. It's a lot to handle."
Ye Lingling seemed mildly annoyed. "And about the spirit bones, too, right?"
Potian chuckled as he ruffled her hair. "You silly girl, don't worry about those spirit bones. None of them were suited for you anyway, or I'd have given them all to you."
She pouted playfully. "You always know just what to say. I wasn't after the spirit bones; I was just upset you excluded me."
Shaking his head, Potian explained, "It's not about spirit bones, but other family matters. After the duel, our clans will relocate to the Almo Mountains. There are details to iron out."
A trace of sadness crept into her gaze. "Do you have to go to the Almo Mountains? If you do, it'll be so hard to see my grandfather."
Potian's tone turned serious. "It's necessary. The world is on the brink of change, and something big is brewing. Leaving now allows us to avoid certain dangers. Ideally, your grandfather would come too; it's safer there."
Ye Lingling shook her head. "I know my grandfather's character well. To him, nothing is more important than healing the sick. He'd never leave Heaven Dou City, let alone relocate to such a remote place as the Almo Mountains."
"Given his fame and stature, no one would harm him. Besides, he has several Soul Douluo protectors, so he's well-guarded."
A thought struck Potian, and he asked, "By the way, has he used the millennium-old ginseng king I gave him? If not, urge him to use it soon. It'll enhance his spirit power and resilience, better equipping him for any unexpected situations."
Ye Lingling nodded thoughtfully. "He cherishes that ginseng king but has been reluctant to use it. I'll go and try to convince him."
With that, Potian gently kissed her on the forehead.