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Ning Tianchen's plan shocked Feng Xiaotian and the others.
After carefully considering it, they understood its feasibility and all expressed their agreement.
After all, the source of conflict on the continent largely stemmed from the two empires.
Once the two empires merged and a new world was established, while the status of commoners might not change drastically, at least a large number of them would be able to live carefree and peaceful lives.
Soul masters were the foundation of the Douluo Continent, and their innate talents could not be altered, so Ning Tianchen could not shake the deeply ingrained belief in the supremacy of soul masters.
However, according to his plan, once implemented, ordinary people would have opportunities to rise that were not limited to becoming soul masters.
In preparation for the upcoming war, Ning Tianchen stationed Feng Xiaotian and the others in the Heavenly Fighting Empire's military camp, allowing them to familiarize themselves with leading troops. Once the war began, they would immediately join the battlefield.
…
Within Star Luo City.
During his time in hiding, Tang San had been absorbing the divine soul ring bestowed by the Rakshasa Goddess.
By now, his Hao Tian Hammer soul ring configuration had reached purple-black-black-black-red-red-red, and his strength had climbed to level ninety-six, nearly reaching ninety-seven.
Seeing the fifth red soul ring on his Hao Tian Hammer, Tang San couldn't help but think of Xiao Wu.
If not for the Rakshasa Goddess's promise that she could easily resurrect Xiao Wu once he ascended to godhood, Tang San would have already attempted to bring her back to life.
It was worth noting that the Rakshasa Goddess hadn't increased the age of his soul rings.
After breaking through to level one hundred, the duration of soul rings became less significant, only affecting combat power before ascending to godhood.
The plan the Rakshasa Goddess had laid out for Tang San wasn't for him to clash head-on with Ning Tianchen before inheriting her godhood.
Instead, she aimed to push Tang San with all her power to level 99 and directly inherit her divine position.
The more renowned Ning Tianchen became in the godly realm, the more anxious the Rakshasa Goddess grew.
She had urged Tang San several times, but given Dai Mubai's current situation, ascending to the throne depended on waiting for Dai Weisi to make a mistake—it simply couldn't be rushed.
However, under the Rakshasa Goddess's pressure, Tang San couldn't sit idly by. He continuously pressured the Dragon Halberd Sect to obtain the most accurate intelligence about the imperial palace.
Two months after Dai Weisi began his poisoning plan, Tang San finally received some good news from the Dragon Halberd Sect.
At once, the Tang Sect's upper echelon reconvened.
Tang San informed everyone, "Uncle, Teacher, the opportunity has arrived. Last night, the Star Luo Emperor suddenly fell ill. Though this matter has been kept secret, the frantic search for renowned doctors by the nobles in the imperial court has exposed the truth."
Yu Xiaogang was visibly excited but feigned profundity as he said, "It seems Dai Weisi can no longer contain his impatience."
"The Star Luo Emperor possesses the strength of a Title Douluo—how could he suddenly fall ill? Eighty percent of the time, Dai Weisi poisoned him."
Both Tang Xiao and Tang San were Title Douluos and thus well aware of a Title Douluo's physical condition.
For a Title Douluo to suddenly fall ill, it must be due to the effects of a highly potent poison. From this, they could deduce that Dai Mubai's imprisonment for poisoning had been a ploy by Dai Weisi to divert suspicion.
Originally, Dai Mubai had been imprisoned and distanced from the Star Luo court because of the poisoning incident. Now, with Dai Tianfeng poisoned again, it indirectly proved that Dai Mubai had been wrongfully accused, and the real culprit was Dai Weisi.
With this, storming the palace to seize the throne would give Dai Mubai the legal justification needed.
"Opportunities like this don't come often. , we must keep a close watch on the Star Luo Imperial Palace from now on."
As he spoke, Tang Xiao suddenly furrowed his brows. "We mustn't be careless. It's also possible that this is a performance orchestrated by both Dai Tianfeng and Dai Weisi."
"If we rush into the palace without understanding the situation, wouldn't we be playing right into their hands?"
Yu Xiaogang added, "Don't forget Tianxin. Once Mubai secures the throne, we must immediately locate Tianxin to prevent the enemy from using him as leverage against us."
Tang San solemnly agreed and began making preparations.
…
The Star Luo Imperial Palace.
After waiting anxiously for a month, Dai Weisi had finally managed to poison Dai Tianfeng into submission!
Yang Wudi's poison had no antidote except for the one in his possession. Once the poison took effect, it was nearly impossible to treat—even Soul Douluo-level healing system soul masters would struggle to keep Dai Tianfeng alive.
Dai Weisi sent people across the continent to search for healing system soul masters, but since he already knew the outcome, these actions were merely for show.
Dai Tianfeng could only rely on his own strength to prolong his life.
The onset of the poison had been too sudden, leaving him unprepared. In his current state, he clearly couldn't issue any edicts.
Dai Weisi hurried to the emperor's chambers. There, Dai Tianfeng's face was purple, his lips cyanotic, and his breathing alternated between rapid and shallow—he was nearly unconscious.
"What happened to Father!" Dai Weisi kicked the imperial physician to the ground and harshly interrogated him.
The imperial physician had never seen such a poison and stammered for half a day without giving an answer.
The regent ministers in the chamber were fully aware that the person who stood to gain the most from Dai Tianfeng's death was Dai Weisi.
But now, with Dai Tianfeng's life hanging by a thread, Dai Weisi's ascension to the throne was inevitable. To oppose Dai Weisi at this moment would mean being the first to be purged later.
One minister stepped forward and lamented, "Your Highness, His Majesty has been afflicted with a deadly poison. This poison is fierce—His Majesty may not survive this ordeal."
"This lowly official dares not meddle in royal affairs, but the nation cannot go a single day without a ruler. I humbly request Your Highness to assume regency and handle state affairs."
With someone taking the lead, others quickly chimed in.
"We implore Your Highness to prioritize the greater good!"
Dai Weisi repeatedly refused. "Father is merely gravely ill. As his son, how could I possibly overstep my bounds?"
At this point, there was no need for him to pretend.
Rejecting the ministers' requests was merely a formality.
After refusing three times, Dai Weisi reluctantly accepted the regency duties under the pretext of "unbearable insistence" and "the nation cannot go a single day without a ruler."
Next, the ministers began preparing for Dai Tianfeng's impending death and laying the groundwork for Dai Weisi's coronation.
Dai Weisi remained calm, fully aware that he couldn't afford to act rashly at this critical juncture.
While handling state affairs, he quietly sealed off Star Luo City and summoned powerful members of the Elephant Armor Sect and Holy Dragon Sect into the palace to prevent any unforeseen incidents.
Everything proceeded methodically, but he seemed unaware that Tang San and the others had been hiding within Star Luo City all along.
At this point, sealing off the city held no significance.
…
Five days later.
Tang San rushed back to their hideout. "Uncle, Teacher, the news has been confirmed—the Star Luo Emperor is on his last legs. He won't last another day."
"Let's act tonight! Once Dai Weisi ascends the throne, all our efforts will be in vain!"
Having learned from his past experience in the Heavenly Fighting Palace, Tang San didn't foolishly attempt to infiltrate the palace under the guise of treating the emperor.
All the information he obtained came from the disciples of the Dragon Halberd Sect and had been personally verified by him.
Upon hearing this, Dai Mubai felt deeply conflicted.
For the sake of the throne, he naturally hoped Dai Tianfeng would die. But as a son, how could he stand idly by and watch his father be poisoned?
Did he even have a choice?
The answer was no. The Tang Sect had invested so much in him—they demanded a return.
If he dared to refuse, his death would be imminent. At that point, the Tang Sect could simply arrange a substitute to seize power instead.
Moreover, with poison potent enough to kill a Title Douluo, did he even have the ability to detoxify it?
Tang San paid no heed to Dai Mubai's feelings and continued. "Uncle, tonight we'll infiltrate the palace first, secure Emperor Dai Tianfeng's chambers, and then issue an edict for Mubai to ascend to the throne."
Given Dai Tianfeng's current condition, his chambers were undoubtedly under heavy guard, with powerful members of the Holy Dragon Sect and Elephant Armor Sect stationed nearby. A direct assault would be difficult.
Furthermore, after Dai Tianfeng fell ill, Empress Zhu Caiyun had not made any moves whatsoever.
After all, Zhu Caiyun was a Soul Douluo-level expert who had assisted Dai Tianfeng for many years. She couldn't possibly be as clueless about palace affairs as Dai Mubai.
Her failure to step forward and take control of the situation, instead allowing Dai Weisi to act freely, was highly suspicious.
"If Zhu Caiyun supports Dai Weisi's rise to power and blames the emperor's death on Mubai, we'll be in serious trouble," Yu Xiaogang analyzed gravely.
As the former empress, Zhu Caiyun's stance could sway public perception of this palace coup.
The label of "illegitimate ruler" would be disastrous. Even if Dai Mubai ascended the throne, royal descendants across the empire might rise up to "cleanse" his rule.
Tang San countered, "Is it possible that Zhu Caiyun is being controlled by Dai Weisi? If we rescue her, it would certainly benefit both us and Mubai in the future."
Tang Xiao pondered for a moment and said, "Though it's all speculation, regardless of which scenario is true, we must act tonight."
"Zhu Caiyun is merely a Soul Douluo—I'm confident I can eliminate her!"
Tang Xiao had made his stance clear: if Zhu Caiyun cooperated with them, there would be no issues. But if she didn't, she couldn't be allowed to live!
With that, they sprang into action. As night fell, Tang San, Tang Xiao, and Dai Mubai approached the outer perimeter of the palace.
That night, the palace's defenses were extraordinarily tight. Disciples of the Elephant Armor Sect and Holy Dragon Sect patrolled the outer areas, while soldiers from the White Tiger Camp and Tiger Roar Camp filled nearly every corner of the palace grounds.
Tang San and Tang Xiao simultaneously employed techniques to conceal their presence, ensuring Dai Mubai wasn't exposed.
Tang San frowned. "The palace's defenses are even tighter than they were a few days ago. It seems Emperor Dai Tianfeng won't make it through tonight."
Dai Mubai's eyes burned with rage, his fists clenched tightly, his chest heaving violently. "That bastard Dai Weisi—first he caused Tai Long's death, and now he dares to harm Father. I will tear him apart limb from limb!"
Tang Xiao remained relatively calm. "Let's wait until it's darker before we infiltrate, get ready."
…
Before the day Dai Tianfeng collapsed from poisoning, Zhu Caiyun had returned to the Zhu family under the pretext of paying respects to her ancestors.
Upon learning of Dai Tianfeng's condition, she had intended to rush back to the palace to take charge of the situation. However, on her way back, she was intercepted by Zhang Erhe and Zhao Wuji.
Initially, Zhu Caiyun naturally assumed they were enemies, and a fierce battle ensued.
But Zhu Caiyun, who had spent most of her life secluded in the palace, was no match for the two of them.
Unsurprisingly, she was subdued.
As the empress of the empire, she wouldn't allow herself to be humiliated by bandits and attempted to take her own life. At that moment, Zhang Erhe revealed the truth to her.
Zhu Caiyun refused to believe Dai Weisi was behind this and wanted to return to the palace to investigate further, but Zhang Erhe stopped her.
Afterward, Zhu Caiyun remained at the Zhu family estate, while the head of the Zhu family, Zhu Huizu, actively investigated intelligence from within the palace in an attempt to refute Zhang Erhe's claims.
However, based on the evidence, it seemed that Dai Weisi was indeed the one who poisoned Dai Tianfeng.
"Sister, the imperial city has been sealed off. The palace is surrounded by guards, and without Wei's token, we can't get in," Zhu Huizu said helplessly.
The Zhu family's power depended on the Dai family. With Dai Weisi's ascension to the throne, Zhu Zhuyun would become the empress.
As long as the Zhu family retained its influence, they had no desire to meddle in the palace coup.
"What if Mubai returns?" Zhu Caiyun asked wearily.
Zhu Zhuqing had long abandoned Dai Mubai. If he ascended the throne, he would be the only emperor in Star Luo Empire history not to marry a woman from the Zhu family.
Once this precedent was set, the Zhu family would inevitably become an obstacle to the Dai family's power, and their downfall would soon follow.
Zhu Huizu hesitated.
After a long silence, he sighed. "What Weisi has done is indeed wrong, but it's already done. For the sake of the Zhu family, Sister, you'll have to endure this."
"I'll head to the palace immediately. If the Tang Sect brings Mubai to cause trouble, I'll have no choice but to clean house."
Zhu Caiyun closed her eyes painfully, tacitly accepting Zhu Huizu's decision.
Whoever took the throne was none of the Zhu family's concern. But if the emperor didn't form a marriage alliance with the Zhu family, they wouldn't let him sit on the throne.
…
Late at night, Tang San and the others descended from above, avoiding detection by the soldiers as they approached the outer perimeter of Dai Tianfeng's chambers.
Tang Xiao knew that breaking into the chambers would inevitably alert the guards.
"Uncle, take Mubai and charge into the palace. I'll buy you some time."
Tang Xiao's strength had already broken through to level ninety-seven. Neither Huyan Zhen nor Tuoba Xi could stop him.
"Uncle, I'm counting on you!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the patrol soldiers nearby spotted their presence.
"Who's there!"
In an instant, alarms blared throughout the palace.
Dai Weisi, who had been reviewing reports in the study, suddenly looked toward the window.
At this hour, the only ones daring to infiltrate the palace were likely Dai Mubai and the Tang Sect.
Title Douluos were indeed formidable, but if Tang San and Tang Xiao dared cause significant casualties within the palace, there would be consequences waiting for them!
The Heavenly Fighting Empire's royal family was weak, yet no Title Douluo dared to meddle with them—the reason was obvious.
Causing trouble in the palace meant making enemies of the entire empire. Once it provoked universal outrage, even Ultimate Douluos would think twice.
"Honorable Sect Masters, I leave this to you. After this matter is settled, the Star Luo Empire will give you a satisfactory explanation."
Huyan Zhen and Tuoba Xi exchanged glances and laughed loudly. "Your Majesty, rest assured—we will do our utmost."
After the two left, Dai Weisi's gaze shifted to another direction—the Zhu family.
He believed the Zhu family would make the right choice.
Dai Tianfeng's death was inevitable, and the Zhu family had no choice but to support him and Zhu Zhuyun's rise to power!
If the throne fell into Dai Mubai's hands, the Zhu family knew what the consequences would be.
With this thought, Dai Weisi raised his head, letting the evening breeze caress his face. "The throne will be mine alone! Dai Mubai, tonight you shall remain here."
At the same time, he had already devised a plan.
After eliminating Dai Mubai on the spot, he could easily pin Dai Tianfeng's death on both Dai Mubai and the Tang Sect.
To the victor went the spoils, and the Tang Sect would ultimately pay the price for their actions!
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