There was a high probability—at least eighty percent—that Xue Qinghe was not who he appeared to be.
Otherwise, there would be no reason for the Crown Prince to maintain a concealed connection with Spirit Hall. He knew it from the informants of the Tang Sect.
Tang San's thoughts moved quickly. If direct observation was insufficient, then he would have to force a reaction.
A faint smile appeared on his face as he spoke, his tone polite yet deliberate.
"Prince Xue Qinghe, I have long heard of your noble reputation."
Xue Qinghe seemed to recognize him as well. His eyes showed a trace of recollection as he responded smoothly,
"You are a student of Shrek Academy… regarding that time at the academy—"
Tang San interrupted lightly, cutting off the topic before it could develop further.
"There is no need to dwell on the past."
His gaze shifted away from Xue Qinghe and toward Emperor Xue Ye, as if the Crown Prince were no longer the focus of his attention.
"Emperor Xue, as you can see, I am deeply interested in the study of mechanisms and soul tools. The Tang Sect has already developed various types of hidden weapons, yet I still wish to broaden my understanding and explore new possibilities."
His words were steady, but beneath them lay a carefully concealed intention.
"I have heard that the Heaven Dou Empire possesses a national treasure—an ancient soul tool of extraordinary origin."
A brief pause followed, allowing the weight of his request to settle in the room.
"Would Your Majesty be willing to part with it for my observation?"
Even as he spoke with Emperor Xue Ye, a part of his focus remained fixed on the Crown Prince, observing every minute reaction. When the request regarding the ancient soul tool was made, he finally noticed it—a fleeting change.
Xue Qinghe's expression turned slightly somber.
It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but to Tang San, who had been waiting for such a moment, it was enough.
Without hesitation, he made a concealed gesture.
At that very instant, a terrifying pressure descended upon the royal chamber.
The air itself seemed to solidify as an overwhelming aura pressed down on everyone present. All of them except Tang San were instantly suppressed, their bodies frozen in place as if bound by invisible chains. Even breathing became difficult under the immense weight.
Only Tang San remained standing, his posture steady.
A figure slowly emerged within the hall.
He wore a simple cloak, his appearance rough and unkempt. A sloppy beard covered his face, and in his hand rested a massive hammer that radiated an oppressive aura.
Emperor Xue Ye's pupils contracted slightly at the sight.
His knowledge and experience allowed him to immediately recognize the identity of the newcomer. Although displeasure surged within him at such an intrusion into the royal court, he did not let it show. Instead, he maintained his composure, his tone measured and diplomatic.
"So it is the renowned Clear Sky Douluo who has graced us with his presence," Xue Ye said calmly. "Allow me to extend—"
A rough voice cut him off before he could finish.
"There's no need for pleasantries. I didn't come here for that."
The man's gaze swept across the room before settling on Tang San and Xue Qinghe.
The atmosphere grew even heavier.
Tang San stepped forward at this moment, his eyes fixed on the kneeling Crown Prince. There was no hesitation in his voice as he spoke.
"Qian Renxue, your cover has already been exposed. There is no need to continue this act. Reveal your true form."
The words fell like a hammer in the silent hall.
For a brief moment, even the suffocating pressure seemed to pause.
Xue Qinghe, still forced to his knees, lifted his head with difficulty. Confusion was clearly visible in his expression, mixed with the humiliation of being suppressed in such a manner before others.
"Tang San… what are you saying?"
His voice was strained, yet steady.
"Why are you addressing me by the name of the Angel Goddess? That name is not something to be spoken lightly."
Tang San showed no trace of fear. Instead, his expression turned colder, his tone growing more domineering as he spoke again, his gaze fixed firmly on Xue Qinghe.
"Stop pretending. Your disguise has already been seen through, Qian Renxue."
At the same time, he gave another subtle signal. Tang Hao stepped forward without hesitation.
The pressure in the hall intensified as he moved, and before anyone could react, he reached out and seized Xue Qinghe's arm.
Crack—
A sharp, sickening sound echoed through the chamber.
"Arrrgh—!"
A cry of pain burst from Xue Qinghe's lips as his arm was forcefully broken. His body trembled under both the overwhelming pressure and the sudden agony, yet he remained forced to kneel, unable to even fall properly.
Emperor Xue Ye's composure finally cracked.
"Qinghe!"
His voice carried both anger and shock, the sight of his son being injured within his own palace striking directly at his restraint.
Tang San, however, remained unmoved. His expression did not change as he spoke calmly,
"Your Majesty, you will soon be thanking me for uncovering a hidden conspiracy."
Yet even as he said this, a flicker of doubt began to surface within his mind.
He had expected a reaction.
If Xue Qinghe were truly Qian Renxue in disguise, such an injury should have triggered some form of response. At the very least, Qian Renxue's hidden Titled Douluo guards the should have reacted.
But nothing happened, except the sound of Xue Qinghe's suppressed breathing as he endured the pain.