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With Tang Xiao's assistance and Tang San's own formidable strength, they swiftly carved a path through the chaos and stormed into Dai Tianfeng's chambers.
Dai Tianfeng was already on the brink of death, and Dai Weisi had long been established as the crown prince.
Even if Tang San and his group managed to produce an edict transferring the throne to Dai Mubai, no one in the empire would believe it.
This was precisely why Dai Weisi could act so brazenly.
Inside the chambers, only a few elderly imperial physicians and several palace maids were tending to the dying Dai Tianfeng.
Upon seeing Dai Tianfeng lying on the bed, Dai Mubai rushed to his side, tears streaming down his face. "Father, it is my unfilialness that has brought this upon you. If I hadn't been framed by villains, you wouldn't have fallen victim to their schemes."
The imperial physicians present were fully aware of the situation.
However, the confused palace maids whispered amongst themselves after hearing Dai Mubai's words.
"Could it be that His Majesty was truly harmed by the crown prince?"
"No, it's clearly Prince Dai Mubai who broke into the palace illegally. What he says cannot be trusted."
Tang San shot the palace maids a glare, silencing their idle chatter.
"Xiao San, can Father still be saved?" Dai Mubai asked anxiously.
In truth, Tang San had already examined Dai Tianfeng's condition the moment they entered the chambers.
Faced with such poison, Tang San's medical skills weren't much better than those of the imperial physicians. He knew Dai Tianfeng had been poisoned but couldn't identify the specific toxin or how to detoxify it.
Moreover, the poison had already invaded Dai Tianfeng's internal organs. Unless someone possessed the power to resurrect the dead, even divine intervention couldn't save him.
Storming the palace was already a desperate move. If Dai Tianfeng couldn't vindicate them, they would truly become nothing more than clowns.
But Tang San wouldn't have dared to invade the palace without a backup plan.
Most of what the Rakshasa Goddess had told him was misleading, but one thing she said was true.
By harnessing the power of the Rakshasa Goddess, Tang San had the ability to temporarily revive the dead.
For now, all they needed to do was wait for Dai Tianfeng to die, then use the Rakshasa Goddess's power to control him. With this, Dai Weisi's coup was sure to fail!
Outside the chambers.
Tang Xiao was locked in fierce combat with the powerful fighters within the palace.
As a level ninety-seven Super Douluo, Tang Xiao didn't take these opponents seriously.
However, not knowing the situation inside the chambers, he could only fiercely guard the entrance, forbidding anyone from entering!
"Lord Tang is truly worthy of being the current leader of the Hao Tian Sect. With such strength, given time, he will undoubtedly restore the glory of the sect during Elder Tang Chen's era. It's just a pity that the Hao Tian Sect no longer exists," Tuoba Xi taunted, knowing he couldn't defeat Tang Xiao.
Huyan Zhen seemed to understand his intent and quickly added with a laugh, "Tang Xiao, you probably don't know this. Back when we served the Spirit Hall, we overheard some rumors!"
"Originally, the Spirit Hall didn't plan to target the Hao Tian Sect but instead aimed for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Unfortunately, after the Pope issued the order, an unknown powerful individual intervened and changed the target to the Hao Tian Sect."
"Guess what? Do you think the attitude of this unknown powerhouse shifted because of someone?"
Huyan Zhen's words were half-truths.
Bibi Dong had indeed planned to target the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect back then, even sending Huyan Zhen and others to scout the terrain around the sect.
As for why Bibi Dong changed her mind and the identity of the mysterious powerhouse—those were fabrications.
Huyan Zhen knew that with their current strength, they couldn't possibly subdue Tang Xiao. To avoid retaliation from Tang Xiao later, shifting the blame elsewhere wasn't a bad idea!
"What do you mean! You'd better not beat around the bush, or don't blame me for being ruthless."
Tang Xiao took the bait!
Huyan Zhen inwardly smirked and continued, "Back then, Ning Tianchen belonged to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Many high-ranking members of the Spirit Hall wanted to recruit him. Don't you think a person who couldn't afford to offend in the future was enough reason for the Spirit Hall to change its plans?"
"To put it bluntly, your Hao Tian Sect became the scapegoat for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. It's just a pity for Elder Tang Chen. If he were still alive, would the Hao Tian Sect have met this fate?"
Huyan Zhen and Tuoba Xi felt a surge of satisfaction.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Sky Sword Sect had stolen the positions of the upper three sects that rightfully belonged to them.
Now that they had been abandoned by the Spirit Hall, they naturally wanted revenge on those sects!
"You!" Tang Xiao's expression darkened.
He didn't doubt Huyan Zhen's words, as the unknown powerhouse he mentioned could very well be Qian Daoliu.
Although Ning Tianchen had disappeared from the continent, Tang Xiao knew that Ning Tianchen was bound to grow into a powerhouse rivaling Qian Daoliu.
And Tang Chen had vanished from the continent years ago. Offending a deceased powerhouse versus a rising star, Qian Daoliu would undoubtedly choose the former!
How could Tang Xiao accept that the Hao Tian Sect had become a sacrificial pawn for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!
At the same time, seeds of vengeance against the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Sky Sword Sect began to take root in his heart!
…
An incense stick's time later, Dai Tianfeng finally breathed his last.
Dai Mubai collapsed onto the ground, utterly despondent. Tang San stepped forward and gently patted his shoulder.
"Mubai, step aside. I have a way to briefly bring His Majesty back to life!"
Dai Mubai's eyes widened in disbelief but found no reason to doubt Tang San. He quickly ushered the imperial physicians and palace maids into another room.
What followed shocked Dai Mubai to his core. Tang San's left hand transformed into a claw-like form, and a sinister ghostly flame appeared in his palm.
Watching this scene, Dai Mubai's heart raced.
He had no doubt that if Tang San turned that ghostly flame on him, it could easily end his life.
Under Tang San's control, the ghostly flame precisely entered Dai Tianfeng's body.
In an instant, an evil aura emanated from Dai Tianfeng's body. The stone-like spots on his skin faded, and he abruptly sat up.
"Father, Father, you've finally awakened!" Dai Mubai hurriedly rushed forward.
Using the power of the Rakshasa Goddess to revive someone who had just died preserved some of their consciousness. Tang San couldn't guarantee that Dai Tianfeng would follow his commands.
After a pause, he quickly recounted Dai Weisi's recent actions and revealed that Dai Weisi was the real culprit behind the poisoning.
Dai Tianfeng didn't doubt this explanation, as only Dai Weisi could easily approach him in the palace and was the most likely person to poison him.
Seeing that Dai Tianfeng had fallen into his rhythm, Tang San quickly urged, "Mubai, help His Majesty outside. It's time to end this farce."
Outside the chambers, Dai Weisi had arrived.
Facing Tang Xiao's fierce resistance, Huyan Zhen and Tuoba Xi alone couldn't subdue him. They could only try to persuade Tang Xiao to retreat, offering to overlook the Tang Sect's rebellion if they handed over Dai Mubai.
By resolving today's crisis, Dai Weisi could always deal with the Tang Sect later. For now, his primary concern was Dai Mubai.
After all, Dai Mubai hadn't been expelled from the royal family and, as the legitimate son, remained the biggest obstacle on his path to the throne!
The standoff didn't last long. Supported by Dai Mubai, Dai Tianfeng emerged from the chambers, looking weak but alive.
Seeing Dai Tianfeng's figure, Dai Weisi's eyes widened in shock, as if he had seen a ghost.
Hadn't Zhu Zhuyun assured him that the poison purchased from Yang Wudi was potent enough to kill Dai Tianfeng? Moreover, Dai Tianfeng's earlier condition clearly indicated he wouldn't last long. Why did he still have the strength to walk out?
Dai Weisi stood frozen, overwhelmed by frustration.
Why did Dai Tianfeng have to come back to life at the final stage of the plan?
What kind of power did Tang San and his group possess!
With Dai Tianfeng's appearance, this farce had to come to an end.
Under Tang San's "persuasion" and fueled by his own indignation, Dai Tianfeng immediately ordered Dai Weisi to be arrested for treason.
Both the White Tiger Camp and the Tiger Roar Camp were filled with Dai Tianfeng's loyalists.
Previously, with Dai Tianfeng on the verge of death, both camps naturally followed the orders of Dai Weisi, the heir apparent. But now that Dai Tianfeng had reappeared, they knew who their true master was.
Seeing the tide had turned, Tuoba Xi and Huyan Zhen also ceased their resistance.
Out of fear of the Elephant Armor Sect and Sacred Dragon Sect's power, Dai Tianfeng merely allowed them to leave unharmed and decided not to pursue the matter further today.
…
Tang San's control over divine power was limited, and the time he could revive Dai Tianfeng was short-lived.
Moreover, Dai Tianfeng was essentially still a corpse. Even if divine power sustained his life, his body would inevitably begin to rot soon.
Therefore, in the time remaining, they had to ensure that Dai Tianfeng personally announced Dai Mubai as the sole legitimate heir.
Though Dai Tianfeng retained some autonomy, seeing the Tang Sect's current actions, he naturally resisted handing over the throne to Dai Mubai.
How could Dai Tianfeng, as a father, not know whether Dai Mubai was competent or not?
Once Dai Mubai ascended the throne, it was uncertain whether the Star Luo Empire would remain under the Dai family or fall into the hands of the Tang Sect!
The Hao Tian Sect had once been a supporter of the Star Luo royal family. Tang Xiao understood Dai Tianfeng's concerns and quickly reassured him, "Your Majesty, our Tang Sect will do everything in our power to assist Mubai in stabilizing the situation. You can rest assured."
Tang San sensed Dai Tianfeng's resistance and immediately used the power of the Rakshasa Goddess to suppress his consciousness.
Dai Tianfeng was filled with terror!
He clearly knew that he had already died, but at the very last moment when his soul was about to leave his body, a mysterious force pulled him back.
As he felt his consciousness gradually being overridden, Dai Tianfeng grew frantic, wanting to resist—but it was futile.
Once his body was under control, the words that followed would undoubtedly benefit Dai Mubai and the Tang Sect.
He seemed to foresee that if the throne fell into Dai Mubai's hands, significant changes would occur in the empire's future.
For a moment, he even felt regretful. If he had carefully considered the consequences earlier, he certainly wouldn't have ordered Dai Weisi's arrest but instead would have supported Dai Weisi in becoming the new emperor.
A powerful ruler who had devoted his life to the empire, the interests of the empire and the royal family had long surpassed his own life.
Unfortunately, it was too late to regret now. The Tang Sect had stormed the palace tonight fully prepared for either success or sacrifice.
The future of the empire was already set in stone.
As his consciousness faded, Dai Tianfeng's body was completely under Tang San's control.
For Tang San, most of his divine power had been expended, but considering the outcome, it was worth it.
His seventh trial was also completed.
…
Since the jailbreak incident at the Heavenly Prison, under Dai Weisi's arrangements, the prison had been rebuilt and reinforced.
A criminal of Dai Weisi's caliber could only be imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison.
Under the escort of the White Tiger Camp soldiers, Dai Weisi's face was ashen, and he had completely given up resistance.
As for the Elephant Armor Sect and the Sacred Dragon Sect, it was fortunate enough that the Star Luo Empire didn't hold them accountable—how could they dare attempt to rescue Dai Weisi?
Just as they were about to enter the entrance of the Heavenly Prison, a bone spike suddenly descended from the sky, landing in front of the escort team.
"Who's there!" The White Tiger Camp soldiers tightened their grip on their spears, closing ranks and cautiously surveying their surroundings.
From mid-air, a sound suddenly echoed, followed by a pair of withered hands reaching out from the void and grabbing Dai Weisi's arm.
"Heh heh, brat Dai Weisi, hold on tight!"
The White Tiger Camp soldiers noticed the anomaly and tried to reclaim Dai Weisi, but a powerful surge of soul power knocked them off their feet.
A door opened in the air, and Dai Weisi's body was yanked into it, disappearing without a trace.
The White Tiger Camp soldiers were shocked. "Quick, report this to His Majesty!"
At this time, Tang San and the others were busy gathering the ministers to announce Dai Mubai's status as the legitimate heir—they had no time to worry about anything else.
Moreover, they didn't expect anyone to intervene and rescue Dai Weisi, so they hadn't paid much attention to the matter of escorting him.
Not long after, on a hill outside Star Luo City.
After passing through the spatial gateway, Dai Weisi found himself here.
Having escaped danger, Dai Weisi gradually calmed down and curiously surveyed his surroundings.
"Who saved me?"
One second, two seconds, several minutes passed—there was no response.
Just as he was about to consider his next move, the spatial gateway opened again, and Gu Rong and Zhu Zhuyun stepped out simultaneously.
"Elder Bone Douluo?" Dai Weisi was both surprised and delighted.
Who didn't know that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Sky Sword Sect worked hand in glove?
With the covert support of the Sky Sword Sect, it made perfect sense for a powerful figure from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to appear and help him.
But why was Gu Rong the only one here?
And why hadn't the Sky Sword Sect helped him storm the palace and seize the throne if they wanted to assist him?
"Wei, are you alright?" Zhu Zhuyun hurried forward anxiously to inquire about his condition.
Upon learning of the coup's failure, she had immediately thought of fleeing the palace, but the palace grounds were already tightly sealed off.
Just as she was preparing to surrender, Gu Rong appeared and took her away.
As for why Gu Rong was here, it was naturally Ning Tianchen's arrangement.
Gu Rong possessed spatial abilities, allowing him to easily traverse the void.
Moreover, with nearly level ninety-seven strength, even if he encountered an attack from Tang Xiao and Tang San, escape wasn't impossible.
Compared to the other Title Douluos within the two sects, Gu Rong was the best candidate to rescue Dai Weisi and his wife.
After conversing with Zhu Zhuyun, Dai Weisi quickly bowed deeply to Gu Rong. "Elder Bone Douluo, please help me fight my way back to the palace and reclaim the throne."
"Father has already passed away, and I don't know what kind of methods Dai Mubai and the others used…"
Gu Rong interrupted, "Even now, do you still not understand where the problem lies?"
He had already been lurking above the Star Luo Palace, watching everything unfold below.
Dai Tianfeng had publicly declared Dai Weisi's act of treason, and the soldiers of both the White Tiger Camp and the Tiger Roar Camp had heard it.
Dai Weisi's foundation within the Star Luo royal family was now destroyed. Even if he managed to fight his way back to the palace, he would no longer be the legitimate heir to the throne!
Furthermore, Tang San and his group acted swiftly. It was likely they had manipulated Dai Tianfeng to pass the throne to Dai Mubai.
Returning now would only result in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect becoming irreconcilably hostile toward the Star Luo Empire—it offered no benefits!
Gu Rong sneered and turned away. "Go to the Sky Sword Sect. In the future, someone will tell you what to do. If you want the throne, you'll need to listen!"
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