The information brought back had surprised him.
The Sect Master of Tang Sect was Tang San—the same individual who had once represented the Heaven Dou Empire in the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Competition three years prior.
Xue Ye was not particularly fond of Tang San, especially considering the various rumors surrounding him.
However, as Emperor, personal preferences could not outweigh political necessity. Maintaining stability in a time of change required calculated decisions.
Thus, he extended an invitation to Tang San to visit the royal palace.
That meeting, subtly altered the dynamics within the imperial court. It marked the beginning of a shift—between Xue Ye and the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.
When Xue Ye recalled that encounter, he could not ignore the fact that it was from that moment onward that a faint distance began to form between father and son.
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The meeting between Emperor Xue Ye and Tang San:
Emperor Xue Ye arranged for Tang San to be received within the the royal palace.
Tang San stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting.
"I thank the Emperor for receiving me."
At the side, Xue Xing's brows furrowed slightly. His voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction as he spoke,
"Tang San, Emperor Xue Ye is the monarch of the Heaven Dou Empire. Show proper respect."
Tang San's posture remained upright, his expression calm but unyielding. There was no intention in him to kneel. His pride, shaped by both his past life and present strength, did not allow him to bow so easily.
A trace of displeasure flickered in Xue Ye eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly. Years of ruling had taught him to conceal his thoughts behind a composed exterior. Instead, he smiled lightly, choosing diplomacy over confrontation.
"Well, it is said that heroes are born in every generation," Xue Ye said in a measured tone. "Sect Master Tang need not stand on ceremony before me."
Xue Xing gave a soft snort, clearly dissatisfied, while Tang San responded with a faint smile.
"Emperor Xue Ye is indeed a magnanimous ruler."
The exchange seemed cordial on the surface, yet an undercurrent of tension lingered in the room.
After a brief pause, Tang San continued, his tone shifting slightly as he introduced a new topic.
"Before we begin our negotiations, there is a matter I wish to bring to light—something that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe may be concealing."
The words caused a subtle change in the atmosphere.
Xue Ye's gaze sharpened almost imperceptibly. This was not something he had expected to hear at the outset of the meeting. However, he did not interrupt, choosing instead to listen.
Tang San continued calmly,
"Perhaps it would be best if His Highness were present as well."
Xue Ye considered this for a moment.
Although the request was sudden, it was not unreasonable on the surface. Allowing the Crown Prince to observe such discussions could indeed serve as valuable experience. Moreover, if Tang San intended to speak of something significant, it would be better to hear it directly rather than through secondhand reports.
With a slight nod, Xue Ye gestured to a guard.
"Summon the Crown Prince."
The guard at the door bowed and swiftly departed.
As the room returned to silence, Tang San lowered his gaze slightly, his thoughts moving beneath his calm exterior.
He did not believe the rumors that had spread across the continent—that Qian Renxue was some terrifying Angel Goddess. In his view, such claims were nothing more than exaggerated propaganda.
If Qian Renxue truly possessed that level of power, then by all logic, she would have already dealt with him. The fact that he remained unharmed only reinforced his doubts.
To Tang San, the situation was clear.
'Father is hidden nearby, observing everything from the shadows. This would be the perfect moment to expose Xue Qinghe. Revealing such a secret now would not only dismantle any hidden scheme but also place Emperor Xue Ye in my debt.'
Tang San's expression remained composed, but beneath that calm surface, calculation and confidence intertwined.
He was certain that this move would tip the balance in his favor.
While Tang San was still arranging his thoughts and anticipating the direction of the conversation, the sound of steady footsteps echoed from outside the chamber.
Xue Qinghe had arrived.
Dressed in refined yet understated royal attire, he entered with a calm and composed demeanor. His movements were neither hurried nor slow, carrying the natural elegance expected of the Crown Prince. He stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Father, you called for me."
Emperor Xue Ye nodded, his expression returning to its usual composed state.
"Qinghe, this is Sect Master Tang San of the Tang Sect."
Xue Qinghe turned his gaze toward Tang San and cupped his hands politely.
"Qinghe is delighted to make the acquaintance of Sect Master Tang."
His tone was gentle, his smile warm, and his bearing impeccable—leaving no obvious flaw for others to pick apart.
However, the moment Tang San laid eyes on him, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
The young prince before him appeared flawless.
Blonde hair that reflected the light, a calm and refined temperament, and a presence that seemed completely natural within the royal court. There was nothing overtly suspicious on the surface. Yet, this very lack of flaw made Tang San more vigilant.
Because he had not yet consumed the immortal herb Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, his Purple Demon Eye had not reached its third stage—Mustard Seed. Without that level of perception, he could not directly pierce through disguises or illusions at a deeper level.
Even so, his instincts as well as the information he had gathered pointed toward a conclusion.
There was a high probability—at least eighty percent—that Xue Qinghe was not who he appeared to be.