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**
These two individuals possessed illustrious reputations within the Soul Master world; for them to be hidden within the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace conspiring with Xue Qinghe was suspicious in the extreme.
Could it be that Xue Qinghe was so remarkably capable that he had reached a cooperation agreement with Spirit Hall and obtained their full support? This was his initial thought upon learning the identities of those two.
However, he quickly dismissed it.
This could not be the way Spirit Hall operated. Spirit Hall would never support an entire empire merely by backing an Imperial Prince—obtaining some interests after his succession was far too petty and small-minded for an organization like Spirit Hall.
However, he soon connected this to a strange phenomenon mentioned by Zhu Xuanfeng: those two Titled Douluo addressed Xue Qinghe as "Young Master," while Xue Qinghe addressed them as "Elders."
This realization caused his heart to skip a beat.
Even if Spirit Hall truly collaborated with Xue Qinghe, the people they sent could not possibly address him as "Young Master," especially not powerhouses of the Titled Douluo rank.
Could it be... that the current Eldest Prince of Heaven Dou is a fake?
Perhaps the real Xue Qinghe died long ago!
In this string of successive deaths of the Heaven Dou Princes, the first to die wasn't the Second Prince at all. It was possible that the Eldest Prince, Xue Qinghe, had been murdered several years ago.
Even for someone of his standing, deducing this result caused a secret chill to run down his spine. Spirit Hall had sent someone to impersonate the Eldest Prince of Heaven Dou and systematically murdered the other princes.
They wanted to ensure this fake Xue Qinghe could smoothly ascend the throne, thereby allowing Spirit Hall to seize control of the Heaven Dou Empire without losing a single soldier.
Spirit Hall's appetite is truly enormous!
He did not believe for a second that Spirit Hall, having acted with such ruthlessness, would stop at just Heaven Dou. If things developed according to Spirit Hall's plan and they successfully took control of the Heaven Dou Empire, the next target would undoubtedly be his Star Luo Empire.
By then, with the combined power of Spirit Hall and the entire Heaven Dou Empire, even the mighty Star Luo would be unable to withstand such force.
Spirit Hall actually wants to unify the world.
They don't just want to rule the Soul Master world; they want to be the sovereigns of the secular world and dominate the entire continent. The opportunity Chancellor Wei spoke of has truly arrived.
The moment Spirit Hall's ambition is revealed is precisely the moment Star Luo has the chance to unify the world. As for the final outcome, it would depend on their respective methods. At this thought, a surge of confidence appeared in Dai Mingzong's eyes.
He looked toward the direction of Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire, chuckling softly, "Spirit Hall, oh Spirit Hall. You've certainly made a fine calculation, wishing to dominate the continent so smoothly. Unfortunately, Heaven does not favor you."
"Though you were clever enough not to forcibly slaughter the Heaven Dou Imperial Family—avoiding chaos in the imperial order and preventing the great nobles from fighting over interests, which would have ignited the fires of war—"
"Though you acted to prevent the various sects of the Soul Master world and the two Empires from uniting against you by choosing to impersonate a prince of the weaker Heaven Dou, even going as far as sending two Titled Douluo to act in secret..."
"In the end, you were still one move short. You were discovered by my Star Luo. In the future, when the throne of Heaven Dou changes hands, I fear my Star Luo shall have to take part as well."
As he spoke, a hint of regret inevitably surfaced in Dai Mingzong's eyes.
"This great game of world unification has begun. Since Spirit Hall has made its move, it is time for me to place my piece. It is a pity that Chancellor Wei passed away from illness three years ago. Otherwise, with his assistance, my confidence would be even greater."
Suddenly, a voice came from outside.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Eldest Prince has arrived as summoned."
Hearing this, Dai Mingzong temporarily set the matter aside and said in a deep voice, "Let him in."
Soon, following the sound of footsteps, the study door opened.
A tall young man with broad shoulders walked in. His features were handsome and resolute, with long golden hair draped over his back reaching down to his waist. His entire being radiated an aura of nobility and dominance.
This was the 16-year-old Eldest Prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Weisi.
Upon entering, he bowed and said, "This son greets Imperial Father."
"No need for such formality."
Dai Mingzong shook his head slightly and spoke flatly.
His tone was somewhat cold; the relationship between this father and son was worlds apart from that of an ordinary family.
"May I ask why Imperial Father has summoned this son?"
After a moment of deliberation, Dai Mingzong folded his hands behind his back and spoke slowly, "Two days ago, someone outside the Imperial City tore down the Recruitment Scroll."
"Are you aware of this?"
Dai Weisi's eyes flickered with thought, but his response was swift and respectful.
"In reply to Imperial Father, this matter has been the talk of the town for the past two days; the whole city knows of it. I am also aware. The person who tore down the scroll is named Qin Yi, the eldest son of old General Qin."
"When he awakened his Martial Soul back then, his aptitude was extremely low, and he was called a 'trash.' Consequently, he left home thirty years ago, declaring he would never return unless he found a way to solve the problem of his poor cultivation talent."
"Then do you know what happened afterward?" Dai Mingzong asked again.
"Imperial Father, I have heard some rumors regarding the aftermath, though I cannot say if they are true. It is said that you issued an imperial decree to summon him the following day, but he refused."
"Qin Yi did not attend the court and instead stated that he hoped You, Imperial Father, would personally go to see him."
Dai Mingzong turned around and asked, "Then what do you think of this man? Is he someone with true talent and learning, or merely a grandstanding clown? And... should I go?"
Dai Weisi did not answer immediately, instead weighing the matter carefully.
A moment later, he asked, "Imperial Father, may I ask what old General Qin's reaction was after this occurred?"
Dai Mingzong glanced at him and answered flatly.
"After Qin Yi defied the decree, General Qin pleaded for his son's crime in court, hoping I would pardon the boy. A very normal reaction."
Dai Weisi smiled, a light of confidence shining in his eyes.
"If that is the case, then I believe this Qin Yi is no mediocre person. He is a genius of the era, someone who can help our Star Luo reach the next level."
A hint of gratification rose in Dai Mingzong's heart, though he kept his face expressionless. He asked with interest, "On what basis do you believe this?"
"Imperial Father, old General Qin not only maintains a strict household but also possesses a temper as fierce as fire. Since Qin Yi is his son, if he had returned after thirty years of absence with nothing to show for it."
"General Qin would never have waited for you to summon him before pleading for mercy. Even if Qin Yi had torn down the scroll, if he couldn't even convince his own father, then to protect his son and avoid shaming the Qin family, the General would have acted differently."
"He would have entered the court earlier to meet you and beg for a pardon first. This 'most normal' reaction is, in fact, an abnormal one."
Dai Weisi's eyes gleamed as he took a step forward.
"I suspect that old General Qin knows something, but whatever Qin Yi intends to discuss is something that cannot be spoken openly in the imperial court. Requesting a private audience in court would only attract more attention. Thus, he created this current situation."
"That is my thought. I ask for Imperial Father's guidance on any shortcomings."
**
Enjoying the story? Support the translation and get early access to future chapters here: www.patr eon.com/c/FanficTranslator
Thanks for reading!
I have 70 advanced chapter now on Patreon. I will post 5 advanced chapter on Patreon everyday except Sunday