Chapter 220: Yu Xiaogang and Emperor Xue Ye
"Emperor Xue Ye hasn't been seen in a long time?"
Luo Ling's eyes flickered slightly as he continued, "Has anything unusual happened within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?"
"Why are you asking that?" Qian Renxue asked suspiciously.
"Has the clan had contact with the royal family recently?" Luo Ling replied calmly, ignoring her question.
Qian Renxue frowned. "You really were in the City of Slaughter these past two years, weren't you?"
She was truly baffled. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan secretly entering the palace was something she had discovered by chance—so how could Luo Ling, who'd supposedly been gone for two years, know such things?
"Of course, I was in the City of Slaughter," Luo Ling said with a smile. "But that doesn't mean I was blind to what's been happening here in Heaven Dou City."
"On the way here, I ran into Yu Tianheng and two others from the Shrek team. Their spirit power has increased at an unnatural rate—just like Tang San's before."
Qian Renxue's expression turned serious. She wasn't foolish; she understood the implication at once. "You're saying Yu Tianheng, and maybe the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, have been using that forbidden technique?"
"Yu Xiaogang is the clan leader's son," Luo Ling said quietly, his meaning clear without further explanation.
Qian Renxue was stunned by his deduction. If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had really joined the heretical sect, then Spirit Hall would have every justification to wipe them out under the banner of divine justice.
"You've been in the city for two years. Didn't you notice the disappearances? The ordinary citizens, the soul masters that went missing one after another—doesn't it all seem connected?" Luo Ling pressed.
Finally, realization dawned on Qian Renxue.
Years ago, Yu Xiaogang had plundered the prisons for sacrifices. Now the Blue Lightning Clan was likely hunting spirit beasts and lone soul masters instead.
"I have to send word to Spirit City immediately," she declared. "This could be our chance to destroy the Blue Lightning Clan once and for all."
Luo Ling lifted a hand to stop her. "Calm down. The disappearances in Heaven Dou City aren't just the clan's doing."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone soft but ominous. "Think. Emperor Xue Ye hasn't been seen publicly in months. The royal knight order is losing its men in droves. Do you really think that's coincidence?"
Qian Renxue froze, her expression shifting as the realization hit her. She had never connected the emperor to the disappearances before.
After all, when the incidents began, Emperor Xue Ye had appeared furious, ordering a citywide investigation.
"I told you before," Luo Ling said, eyes darkening. "If Xue Beng could be accused of heresy, why not Emperor Xue Ye?"
He stepped closer, his voice low and calculated. "Inform Spirit City, but move quietly. Don't startle them. It isn't time to strike against the imperial family—or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan—just yet."
"Heaven Dou City still isn't chaotic enough."
Qian Renxue looked at him, visibly unnerved, as his calm smile curved into something almost sinister.
…
Inside the Heaven Dou Palace, Emperor Xue Ye sat solemnly within a blood-red array. His eyes shimmered faintly with crimson light.
The floor was littered with corpses. Under the eerie glow of the ritual, they dissolved into clouds of blood mist that flowed into his body.
Power surged within him, filling every vein. A twisted look of exhilaration crossed his face.
He had reached the peak of Spirit Douluo. Just one more step—and he would ascend to Titled Douluo.
Two years of sacrifice, countless lives offered up to this forbidden art, had brought him to this point.
If he didn't fear public suspicion, he would have sacrificed the entire Royal Knight Corps already.
Just as he savored the rush of newfound energy, a knock echoed at the door.
"Enter," he said calmly.
The heavy door opened—Yu Xiaogang and Yu Tianheng stepped inside.
Seeing them, Xue Ye raised an eyebrow. "Master Yu, what brings you here?"
"Our activities may have been exposed."
Yu Xiaogang's first words made the emperor's expression darken instantly.
"What do you mean?" Xue Ye asked sharply.
Yu Xiaogang cast a grim look at Yu Tianheng. Ever since learning that his disciple had encountered Luo Ling on the street, and hearing what was said, he'd been deeply unsettled.
Since the end of the Spirit Master Tournament, Yu Xiaogang and Flender had been operating in secret under the Heaven Dou Empire's protection, quietly expanding the Primordial Church's influence.
Later, Yu Tianheng had approached him, revealing that he had passed the Blood Demon Ritual to his clan elders. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had then invited Yu Xiaogang back into their fold.
From that moment, Yu Xiaogang had remained within the clan, spreading the forbidden method further.
Within a year, the entire Blue Lightning Clan had learned the ritual. They began hunting spirit beasts in Sunset Forest—and eventually even lone spirit masters beyond it.
When news of the Heaven Dou disappearances broke, Yu Xiaogang immediately sensed trouble.
It wasn't long before the Blue Lightning Clan discovered that Emperor Xue Ye was also practicing the same rite.
Thus, Yu Xiaogang proposed cooperation—and the emperor, sharing his hunger for power, agreed.
Together, the royal family and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan orchestrated the widespread disappearances that now haunted the capital.
Yu Xiaogang took a deep breath and gestured for Yu Tianheng to recount his encounter with Luo Ling.
When the young man finished, Emperor Xue Ye's tension faded, replaced by calm disdain.
"Master Yu, perhaps you worry too much. Luo Ling only remarked that Yu Tianheng's progress was rapid. He mentioned nothing about the Blood Demon Ritual."
"Don't underestimate him," Yu Xiaogang said grimly. "He spent time at Lanba Academy—he noticed our frequent 'training trips' and the speed of our growth. He's sharp. He exposed me and Tang San before—he could easily do so again."
Hatred flickered in Yu Xiaogang's eyes at the memory.
The tournament should have been his moment of triumph—but Luo Ling had turned it into his downfall. He and Tang San were branded as evil spirit masters, scorned by the world.
"I know you bear resentment," Emperor Xue Ye said, his tone restrained. "But Luo Ling himself is only a Spirit Master. Even if he suspects you, he has no proof."
"He's not as simple as he looks!" Yu Xiaogang snapped. "He already knows the city's population is missing. If he uncovers the truth—do you really think you can keep your throne?"
Emperor Xue Ye frowned. "…Then what do you suggest?"
"We must cease the sacrifices—at least for now."
"Impossible!" the emperor barked instantly, furious. His eyes gleamed red with greed.
He was so close to breakthrough—too close to stop now.
"It's the only safe course," Yu Xiaogang argued. "If you don't slow down, you'll draw Spirit Hall's attention."
But Emperor Xue Ye shook his head coldly. "Your request, I cannot grant. And I doubt your clan's patriarch would agree either."
(END CHAPTER)
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