After the coup, a new wave of slaughter began.
Using Prince Xue Ye's so-called betrayal as a pretext, Xue Xing initiated a frenzied purge across Heaven Dou City—ruthlessly eliminating and absorbing remnants of the Crown Prince's loyalists.
Panic gripped the city. The streets were in chaos.
Regiments of soldiers poured into the city, rampaging door to door, searching house by house.
Anyone remotely connected to Prince Xue Ye, or those who had ever spoken out against Xue Xing, were mercilessly executed without hesitation.
Cries of elderly citizens, the wails of women, and the terrified screams of children echoed through every corner of Heaven Dou City.
In this deadly struggle for imperial power, countless innocent lives were caught in the crossfire.
When news of the failed coup reached Xue Ye's consort, it struck her like a bolt of lightning. Despair and fear surged through her heart.
Yet when she looked down at the baby nestled in her arms—Xue Qinghe, only a few months old—maternal instinct swiftly overtook her panic. She forced herself to stay calm.
She knew all too well: Xue Xing would never spare her or Qinghe now. She had to escape, to preserve even the faintest trace of Xue Ye's bloodline.
Su Qingyi hastily dressed her infant in plain clothes fit for a commoner, disguising him as best she could.
Under cover of night, she cradled the swaddled child in her arms and slipped out of the Crown Prince's residence. Every step was cautious; she kept watch on all sides, skillfully avoiding the marauding troops patrolling the streets.
Though not a powerful Soul Master, she was strong enough to evade ordinary soldiers with ease.
But she knew this safety was only temporary. To truly survive, she had to leave the city and find a secure place to hide.
Suddenly, a powerful hand, as strong and cold as an eagle's talon, clamped down on her shoulder.
Her heart seized with dread. Just as she tried to fight back, a suffocating pressure of soul power surged through her body, freezing her in place. She couldn't move a muscle.
Straining to turn her head, she saw a tall, mysterious man standing behind her.
It was Azure Luan Douluo—having rushed over from Sunset Forest after receiving a secret message. By now, he had already broken through to Rank 98, and his aura was terrifyingly strong.
He wore a long robe of teal, embroidered with a phoenix-like Qingluan motif, exuding an air of nobility and mystery. His handsome face, piercing gaze, and frosty presence made him seem utterly unapproachable.
"W-Who are you?" Su Qingyi stammered, her delicate face pale with fright.
Azure Luan Douluo didn't answer. His gaze fell upon the infant in her arms—Xue Qinghe. A flicker of sympathy crossed his eyes as he silently lamented the ruthless cruelty of the royal family.
He raised a finger to his lips, signaling silence, and whispered, "Don't speak. I'm here to get you both out of the city."
Su Qingyi instinctively clutched her child tighter and struggled, but her resistance was futile—before this man, she was as powerless as an insect.
"You... who are you really?" she asked again, her voice trembling.
Azure Luan Douluo met her gaze, calm and firm. "I'm here to save you. That's all you need to know."
Without giving her a chance to react, a gentle stream of soul power flowed from his hand into her body. Her vision went dark, and she collapsed, unconscious.
Azure Luan Douluo caught her with practiced ease, slinging her over his shoulder in one swift, effortless motion.
With his other arm, he carefully lifted the sleeping Xue Qinghe. The child was fast asleep, blissfully unaware of the storm raging around him.
Then, Azure Luan Douluo became a blur of teal, flitting through the chaos of Heaven Dou City like a phantom.
His control over concealing his aura had reached a frightening level. Not a single soldier or Soul Master sensed his presence.
Avoiding all pursuers with uncanny precision, Azure Luan Douluo reached the outskirts of the city. With a powerful leap, he vanished into the night sky like a streak of light.
His mission was simple: extract Xue Ye's son, Xue Qinghe.
Xue Ye was dead, and Xue Xing's ascension to the throne was now inevitable. However, Spirit Hall couldn't risk future betrayal—especially if Xue Xing allied with the Clear Sky Clan or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Xue Qinghe, as Xue Ye's sole heir, was now a strategic bargaining chip. By taking the child, they retained leverage—should Xue Xing show signs of disloyalty, this hidden threat could keep him in check.
They had helped Xue Xing launch a coup once. They wouldn't hesitate to orchestrate another.
But if Xue Xing settled into indulgence and decadence, Spirit Hall would leave the child hidden.
Just a whisper of news—letting him know Xue Ye's son was still alive—would be enough to keep Xue Xing constantly on edge, preventing any treacherous ambitions from taking root.
As for the former emperor—he had actually died three days ago. It was only thanks to Guang Ling's ice technique that his body had been preserved, delaying decomposition.
After a night of bloodshed, a heavy gloom settled over Heaven Dou City.
Ironically, Xue Xing now appeared unusually anxious. Ever since last night, they had been unable to locate his brother's son.
That missing child was a thorn in his heart, leaving him deeply unsettled.
Xue Xing knew—so long as that child lived, he was a threat to his rule.
Just then, Gu Han, Ning Fengzhi, Lingyuan, Gu Rong, and others arrived to see him.
They all knew what was weighing on Xue Xing's mind, but none of them brought it up. Instead, they shifted the focus to his coronation.
"Your Highness," Gu Han began, "the most urgent matter now is your ascension. As for the child, he's just an infant, lost among the sea of people. He can't stir up any waves for now. Secure the throne first—search later."
Ning Fengzhi nodded and added, "Indeed. This is a pivotal moment. Once you take the throne, all under Heaven will be yours. What's one child in the face of an empire?"
Though Xue Xing still felt reluctant, he understood the priority. Taking a deep breath, he buried his unease and nodded.
"Very well."
Under their guidance, an imperial edict was swiftly forged and stamped with the imperial seal—marking the transition complete.
Soon, the decree was posted publicly throughout Heaven Dou City. Outside the royal palace, a eunuch unfurled the scroll before the kneeling officials and read aloud:
"By the Mandate of Heaven, His Majesty proclaims:
'Since my ascension, I have risen early and retired late, exhausting my heart and soul for the prosperity of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Yet Heaven grants no leniency to age. I have recently succumbed to a grave illness, untreatable despite long effort. With my end drawing near and the nation's fate uncertain, I had hoped my sons would unite and support our empire together.
Alas, the Crown Prince Xue Ye harbored wild ambitions. While I lay deathly ill, he attempted rebellion—secretly rallying forces, infiltrating the palace, and plotting regicide and usurpation. Such treachery defies both Heaven and humanity!
Fortunately, the Fourth Prince Xue Xing, loyal and righteous, quickly discerned the conspiracy and took decisive action. He allied with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Spirit Hall to defend the nation.
Clan Head Ning Fengzhi and Spirit Hall disciple Gu Han showed unmatched brilliance, while Bone Douluo, Lingyuan Douluo, Glowing Feather Douluo, and three Elder Advisors led the charge with unwavering courage.
Thanks to their efforts, the rebellion was crushed, and my empire was saved from disaster.
Prince Xue Xing showed poise in crisis and upheld the dignity of royalty. A pillar of the realm, he mirrors my virtues and bears the weight of responsibility.
Thus, I hereby depose Crown Prince Xue Ye, stripping him of all titles and privileges.
Effective immediately, the Fourth Prince Xue Xing shall act as Regent, governing in my stead. Upon my passing, he shall inherit the throne and become Emperor, bringing peace and stability to the land.
May he govern with wisdom, cherish loyal ministers, avoid treacherous ones, and lead our empire to new glory.
Let all officials obey this decree. Any who harbor rebellious thoughts shall be punished without mercy.
By royal edict!'"
The decree quickly spread throughout the city. Though the citizens were still shaken by the previous night's turmoil and skeptical of the proclamation, Xue Xing's crackdown—and the reputations of the three esteemed Elder Advisors—left no room for protest.
Two more days passed.
News of the emperor's death swept across the land.
Mourning began in Heaven Dou Empire, and preparations for Xue Xing's coronation commenced at full speed.
Yet despite all the splendor and fanfare, a complicated mix of emotions stirred within Xue Xing's heart.
The prospect of ascending the throne thrilled him, but the unresolved mystery surrounding Xue Ye's son gnawed at his mind.
Still, he had no time to dwell. His full focus was on claiming the throne and seizing control of the empire.
Meanwhile, Gu Han and Bibi Dong—led by a palace official—arrived at the royal treasury.
The Sea God Heart, with its unique aura, was placed on the highest pedestal. It was the empire's national treasure.
Gu Han stepped forward and picked up the triangular artifact, examining it alongside the curious-eyed Bibi Dong.
The Sea God Heart—also known as the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud—was a transparent treasure radiating soft blue light, imbued with powerful oceanic energy.
Intricate runes shimmered faintly on its surface.
"What is this, Junior Brother?" Bibi Dong asked, her dainty features filled with wonder as she stared at the glowing artifact.
Gu Han, though fully aware of its origins, knew he couldn't explain something even Spirit Hall's texts failed to mention.
After a brief pause, he fabricated a small lie. "I'm not sure either, Senior Sister. But judging by its appearance, it's clearly extraordinary. Let's take it back and study it in detail."
"All right," she nodded, her curious gaze still fixed on the Sea God Heart.
The two of them continued to browse the royal treasury. Aside from a few millennium-level soul bones, most items were useless trinkets and jewels.
True to their word, they took only the Sea God Heart and the four highest-quality millennium limb bones.
As for that fifty-thousand-year crystal-type skull bone—who knew where Xue Xing had gotten that from?
~~~
If You Wish To Support Me And Read 30 Chapters Ahead, Consider Joining Me On This Journey!
> [email protected]/HudaLin