Tianlin and Xue Qinghe talked for a long time, and Tianlin told everything from the past two years that he could.
It was nine truths and one lie—making it all the more believable.
After listening, Xue Qinghe didn't care much about the rest, but frowned, "You went through the gates alongside Hu Liena? Didn't she try any tricks on you?"
Tianlin shook his head. "No, actually, she's not bad. Besides, if we didn't cooperate, we both would've died."
"That woman is no good. You'd better stay away from her in the future," Xue Qinghe suddenly said loudly, looking rather upset.
"Brother Xue, do you know Hu Liena well? How do you know she's no good?"
"Well, I've just heard things—a woman whose main combat style is seduction can't be a decent person, right?" Xue Qinghe realized her reaction was over the top.
In truth, she didn't dislike Hu Liena—she was just extremely jealous. All of Bibi Dong's love had gone to Hu Liena, while she, her real daughter, got none of it.
Plus, that vixen's charm was too strong. She was genuinely afraid Tianlin would be seduced away.
"Don't worry, Brother Xue. Hu Liena and I are just using each other. We won't become close," Tianlin promised earnestly, but he thought to himself, "I just control her, nothing more. That's not lying, is it?"
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe finally relaxed.
Seeing her mood improve, Tianlin asked about the strange things he'd seen in Heaven Dou City, "Brother Xue, I noticed something odd. The relationship between nobles and commoners is different. Nobles still look down on commoners, but they're not oppressing them. It's like two parallel lines, not interfering with each other."
"Also, why did Prince Xue Xing suddenly show such hostility to me just now?"
"You've got a sharp eye. Oslo didn't tell you about this, right? His family's just a minor noble; he wouldn't dare talk about royal matters openly." Xue Qinghe sighed. "These years, Father fell suddenly ill, worsening every day. Most imperial affairs have gradually shifted to me in the Eastern Palace."
"I've tightened control over soul masters and the nobility, which is why you saw such clear boundaries between nobles and commoners. Everything was going well, but one day, Uncle Xue Xing suddenly impeached me at morning court, saying I ignored noble interests and acted against convention. He openly supported Xue Beng. And as if coordinated, more than half the nobles all turned to Xue Beng. If I hadn't built up influence over the years, I'd have been toppled. Now, the court is split between my Eastern Palace faction and Xue Beng's."
"What?" Tianlin was shocked. Emperor Xue Ye's sudden illness was no mystery—he could guess Qian Renxue was behind it. He'd already heard from Hu Liena that the soul-hunting operation had started early.
But what about Xue Beng? Wasn't he supposed to keep playing the wastrel? Xue Qinghe's cover hadn't even been blown, and Xue Beng was already jumping out—was he in that much of a hurry to die?
"Brother Xue, why didn't you just root them out?" Tianlin asked directly. Ever since the last incident, he'd wanted to get rid of Xue Beng; if Xue Qinghe did it, he'd only applaud.
Xue Qinghe shook her head. "Easier said than done. My brother is deeply hidden. Xiao Tian, do you know what level Xue Beng is now?"
"What level?"
"Almost level sixty. Among the Emperor Battle Team, except for you, he's about the same as the others."
"Nearly Soul Emperor level? How is that possible?" Now Tianlin was truly incredulous. In the original, Xue Beng didn't train hard, and his talent wasn't great.
Back then, Tianlin could easily beat him with one hand, and he was under level forty. In just four years, how did he rise to nearly twenty levels?
But, impressive as it was, a Soul Emperor was hardly enough to trouble Qian Renxue, who had two Titled Douluo at her side.
At this point, Xue Qinghe continued: "Not only that, but he now has a Titled Douluo at his side, fully hidden under a black robe. I don't know who he is, but he's very strong—my people can't match him."
Xue Qinghe's strongest known subordinates were the three deans of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and a royal guard general. The deans were Soul Douluo, the general a Soul Sage, none a match for a Titled Douluo.
No wonder Xue Beng could reveal himself so boldly.
But Tianlin knew things weren't that simple. Xue Qinghe had surely already sent Snake Spear and Porcupinefish Douluo to test him, yet Xue Beng was still fine. That could only mean this mysterious Titled Douluo's strength was far above those two.
"Oh, and your good friend Tang is now with Xue Beng as well."
"Tang? You mean Tang San." Hearing this, Tianlin was a bit surprised, but not shocked. Tang San didn't have enough talent now and hadn't gone to Slaughter City, so he couldn't win the elders' favor. Tang Hao naturally had to find other ways to return to the clan.
A person's worth was not just in talent but in connections.
Tang Hao now wanted Tang San to gain the Heaven Dou Empire's backing. Star Luo might have been a better choice, but Dai Mubai had already been abolished by Dai Weisi, so Star Luo's royal line was stable and left no room for outsiders.
Just as it happened, Xue Beng emerged. If Tang San helped him ascend the throne, they'd get big benefits.
Why not support Xue Qinghe? Because helping someone in need is always worth more than just adding to someone's glory. Plus, with Tianlin already at Xue Qinghe's side, Tang San's position would be limited.
And Xue Beng valued Tang San's Clear Sky heritage and his father's status. They made a perfect match.
"If that's so, Brother Xue, do you think that black-robed man could be Tang Hao?" Tianlin speculated.
"Absolutely not." Xue Qinghe shook her head firmly. "I've seen Tang Hao's earth-shattering hammer at Spirit Hall. This black-robed Titled Douluo is strong, but far from Tang Hao's level."
"Then who could it be? There are only so many known Titled Douluo on the continent, but no one fits." Tianlin searched his memory. "Looks like I'll have to investigate myself."
For things that deviated from the original story, Tianlin had to find out the truth. Maybe it was related to his butterfly effect.
"No, Xiao Tian, I'm already investigating him. Don't act recklessly. That Titled Douluo is extremely strong. If he finds you, even you could be in danger." Xue Qinghe thought Tianlin's worry was unnecessary and hurried to dissuade him.
"Don't worry, Brother Xue. I won't act rashly. If I do anything, I'll bring my master."
The more unknown something was, the more careful you had to be—a simple truth Tianlin understood.
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe felt reassured. With Sword Douluo there, nothing should go wrong.
The two Titled Douluo she'd sent last time were only level ninety-two. They said that although they couldn't beat the mysterious one, they could retreat safely.
If that Titled Douluo wasn't hiding his strength, he'd be at most level ninety-five. Still strong, but no match for Sword Douluo.
After explaining everything, Tianlin took his leave. At that very moment, an uninvited guest arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.