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Evidence?
When Dean Hongchen's voice rang out, everyone stopped arguing and turned their gaze to what he held in his hands.
"Dean, is this true?"
Prince Xu Tianran, if not for his disability, would have already stood up in agitation.
"Of course,"
Dean Hongchen answered without hesitation, "Whether it is true or false, the Crown Prince can verify it with a debate."
As he spoke, he approached Xu Tianran, placing the letter and seal in front of him.
Hisss?
Could it be true?
Everyone wore complicated expressions.
They also watched Xu Tianran tensely.
Waiting for Xu Tianran to give a reply.
Xu Tianran still displayed the composure of a Regent Crown Prince.
Though shocked, he did not show it.
First, he glanced at the seal...
Duke Bai Hu...
These four words made him freeze for quite a while.
Whew...
He took a deep breath before regaining his calm and then proceeded to open the other letters, reading each word carefully.
Gradually, a serious expression appeared on his face.
"Your Highness, Your Highness?"
After who knows how long, Xu Tianran snapped out of it amidst the calling.
"Hmm?"
"Your Highness, is what Dean Hongchen said true?"
The ministers stared eagerly at Xu Tianran, hoping for a positive answer.
Xu Tianran nodded, "I believe... it is true. However, given the gravity of the matter, I would still like to seek further confirmation..."
Ah, this...
Upon hearing his words, everyone was momentarily startled.
They all realized that essentially, this was a confirmation.
"Your Highness!"
"Urgent report from the border!"
Suddenly,
A rushed voice came from outside the great hall.
Following that, everyone saw a dusty, exhausted-looking soldier burst into the hall.
He held a letter high in his hand.
Even
Before he could finish a sentence, he collapsed on the floor and passed out.
"Someone, quick, bring the letter here."
Xu Tianran gripped the armrests of his wheelchair tensely.
An agile minister immediately acted, taking the letter from the soldier's hand and respectfully presented it to Xu Tianran.
At the same time, he gestured, and people carried the soldier away, "Have the best Healing Soul Master treat him."
Meanwhile,
Xu Tianran had finished reading the contents of the letter.
"Hahaha, good, this is truly excellent,"
He laughed heartily.
Very satisfied.
What has happened, do tell.
The others were looking on anxiously.
"Everyone, what Dean Hongchen said is true. Just a few days ago, a battle erupted in the Ming Dou Mountain Range, and a terrible explosion went off right in the center of the Xingluo Empire's army, claiming the lives of tens of thousands in its wake.
Among them, Duke Bai Hu and many of his direct subordinates were killed.
Moreover, according to the spies we have planted within the Xingluo Empire's border forces, the person who acted is none other than Duke Bai Hu's rebellious son, Huo Yuhao!"
Prince Xu Tianran became more and more invigorated as he spoke.
This was indeed great news.
Firstly, the death of Duke Bai Hu could be said to have eliminated a major threat to them.
Without his obstruction, the Sun-Moon Empire's armies could advance unhindered and take control of the Ming Dou Mountain Range.
They could even use the Ming Dou Mountain Range as a breakthrough to invade the Xingluo Empire.
Secondly,
It proves that Qin Xiao is a genius worthy of significant cultivation.
```
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In the future, Sun-Moon Empire will have another major pillar.
"Your Highness, Huo Yuhao...no, Qin Xiao really did it?"
"Yes."
"Incredible. He alone accomplished what we haven't been able to achieve for so many years, despite numerous attempts."
The ministers were all dumbfounded.
Utterly shocked.
"Hmph, a bunch of low-lifes who underestimate others," Jing Hongchen snorted coldly to himself.
"Now, what do you all have to say? The feat that Qin Xiao had accomplished, after all the plans you've laid for so long, you never fulfilled.
That was Duke Bai Hu—one below ten thousand above in the Xingluo Empire. To slay him, can be said to be a tremendous victory!"
Jing Hongchen's gaze swept coldly across the crowd.
The ministers had learned their lesson and shut their mouths.
"Dean, stay calm," Xu Tianran pressed his hand gently, "I think Qin Xiao has proven himself with his actions. He deserves our Sun-Moon Empire's full support and cultivation."
"I agree."
Finally reaching this point, Jing Hongchen did not hesitate to stand up and support Xu Tianran's decision.
This time, the numerous ministers also kept their mouths shut.
Silence represented acquiescence.
They consented to the proposal.
Xu Tianran smiled faintly, "Dean Hongchen, you may now return to arrange the relevant affairs."
Jing Hongchen left promptly, without any hesitation.
Once Jing Hongchen had left, Xu Tianran's expression immediately turned serious.
"My lords, I believe the opportunity is at hand. The Xingluo Empire's army is now in disarray, the perfect time to strike."
His voice was uplifing.
"Your Highness, I am willing to lead our troops myself and march across the Ming Dou Mountain Range!"
"Your Highness, I am willing to serve as the vanguard."
"Your Highness, though I am old, I am still capable of fighting!"
One by one, the ministers volunteered.
Shortly after, a decision was reached.
Regent Crown Prince Xu Tianran had made his decision, appointing several ministers to mount an expedition across the Ming Dou Mountain Range.
Elsewhere.
Xingluo Empire.
Within the imperial palace.
"Your Majesty, urgent news from the border."
In a situation reminiscent of the Sun-Moon Empire, a disheveled messenger entered the great hall.
"What has happened?"
Xu Jiawei's heart jumped fiercely, and he stood up abruptly from the throne.
At the same time, the ministers within the hall held their breath.
None standing here were fools; they all realized that something out of the ordinary was about to occur.
"Your Majesty, the white tiger, Duke Bai Hu, he-he-he-he..."
The messenger was gasping for breath, his nervousness and agitation making him unable to speak clearly.
God damn it, this is killing me... Xu Jiawei walked up from in front of the throne to the messenger, "Is there a letter? Give it to me directly."
He held out his hand.
Upon hearing this, the messenger immediately took out a letter from the Spatial Soul Guidance Device.
Xu Jiawei snatched it from him, opened it, and his face darkened.
[My husband isn't home tonight, come quickly...]
What the hell is this?
"Look, is this the message you were supposed to deliver?"
He threw the letter in front of the messenger.
The messenger panicked, hastily picking it up.
His face turned ashen in an instant.
"Your Majesty, I took the wrong one, this...this is the correct one,"
The messenger quickly switched the letters.
Xu Jiawei shouted furiously, "Make another mistake, and I'll chop off your head."
Opening the letter again.
The lines of text that met his eyes caused his face to turn from dark to white, as if struck by lightning.
He began to tremble unconsciously.
"Ming Dou Mountain Range under attack, Duke Bai Hu has fallen, our forces have suffered heavy losses, leaderless!"
"How is this possible!"
"How could such a situation arise!"
```
"Duke Bai Hu, has he really fallen?"
"The military encampment at Ming Dou Mountain Range was attacked!"
"Those wolves of the Sun-Moon Empire with their wild ambitions..."
"Your Majesty, what should we do?"
Atop the imperial court, when the ministers learned of this news, their hearts nearly collapsed.
The blow was indeed too great.
Duke Bai Hu had defended the border for many years and battled the Sun-Moon Empire countless times.
In their hearts, they regarded Duke Bai Hu as a shield; as long as Duke Bai Hu was there, they could rest easy.
But now...
Now that this indestructible shield had been shattered, they felt as if the sky had fallen.
Who could protect them in the future?
"Why so panicky!?"
Xu Jiawei, in a fit of anger, flung his sleeves, "Look at yourselves. If you are truly the pillars and the arms of our Xingluo Empire, what you should do now is not wallow in self-pity but take a stance. Provide me with suggestions."
"Hiss..."
Upon these words, the entire hall fell silent.
Many people shamefully lowered their heads.
The words of Xu Jiawei cut into their hearts like a knife.
It made them unbearably ashamed.
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."
"Your Majesty, we will brainstorm immediately, think of a solution, think of a solution."
The ministers hastily spoke up.
Xu Jiawei's expression softened considerably upon hearing this.
"Then think carefully," he said.
Xu Jiawei pointed to a minister, "You, go to Duke Bai Hu's Duchy Residence and inform his family about the duke's demise.
Duke Bai Hu devoted his life to the military service, earning great honors for the Empire, we cannot let it chill people's hearts. Reward them with ten million golden soul coins..."
Xu Jiawei offered a hefty reward.
"Yes, I will see to it immediately," the minister agreed at once.
...
At the Duke White Tiger's Mansion.
Dai Yueheng, as usual, paid his respects to the Duchess.
Today, he noticed that his elderly mother seemed... to be radiating vitality?
"Madam, you look well today."
"Yue Heng, you've come. I've thought it over; while I'm still young, perhaps I can give your father another son," said the Duchess with a flush on her face.
After some time, she had indeed opened her heart.
In her forties, she looked no different from a woman in her thirties.
She indeed had the capability to give birth.
Dai Yueheng: "..."
His heart was extremely conflicted.
He had no idea what to say.
However,
he could understand the Duchess's feelings.
In the Xingluo Empire, the lineage of Duke Bai Hu held high authority, was glamorous, and respected by thousands.
They enjoyed endless wealth and luxury.
But to maintain power and status, one also needed corresponding strength.
Ever since their ancestor Dai Mubai became a god a thousand years ago, the family's bloodline had greatly improved, all possessing the potential to become Titled Douluo.
But he had been crippled.
Without a miracle, there was no possibility for him to break through his cultivation level.
To not even mention Titled Douluo, even advancing to Soul Douluo Level seemed hopeless.
His cultivation level had regressed drastically, already reaching the Soul Emperor realm.
The future was utter darkness.
Originally, Dai Huabin had hope to assume the position of the duke.
Yet, his fate was even worse.
He no longer had his life.
A person with just the Soul Emperor realm inheriting the title of the duke could hardly command respect.
Moreover, in the side courtyard, there was a mother and daughter who had been severely repressed and excluded.
As far as he knew, that younger brother of his was a bona fide owner of the White Tiger Martial Soul.
A pure-blood of their White Tiger Clan.
'Let alone others, it's very possible this good brother might do something rash.'
Dai Yue Heng was also very worried.
So, he could understand his mother's concerns.
"Yue Heng, there's one more thing I need to tell you."
"Your father has already spread the news, the Sun-Moon Empire probably no longer has a place for that bastard Huo Yuhao."
"Believe that before long, we'll receive the message, we just wait for the good news then."
The Duchess revealed another piece of news.
Dai Yue Heng's eyes lit up.
"Is that really true?"
"Of course, last time your father sent a letter saying, wait for the good news. I believe it won't be long before we receive the reply."
The Duchess's face was all smiles.
Just thinking about Huo Yuhao meeting an untimely death, she couldn't help but let a smile spread across her face uncontrollably.
There was a sense of elation as if a great vengeance was about to be satisfied.
Hearing this, Dai Yue Heng also showed a smile.
If they could wipe out that rebellious younger brother, it would be like removing a thorn in their side.
Purging the shame of their White Tiger Clan.
"Madam, Minister Zhang has arrived."
Just at this moment, a servant hurriedly approached the two of them.
"Minister Zhang? Which Minister Zhang?"
The Duchess frowned.
"It's the minister from His Majesty's side, the one who often conveys the rewards bestowed upon the Duke."
The servant hurriedly explained.
"Oh, that minister." The Duchess relaxed her brow and even showed a hint of joy on her face, "It looks like the Duke has won another victory at the border, and His Majesty has conferred more rewards?"
The servant nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, that's what I think too. I also saw many carriages behind His Lordship, carrying large red chests that seem to contain golden soul coins."
"Hehe, then there's no mistake." The Duchess smiled from ear to ear.
Dai Yue Heng said, "I really hope I can become a great hero like my father, pushing back the Sun-Moon Empire at every turn."
"Yue Heng, let's go. Let's see what kind of merits your father has earned and what rewards he has received this time."
Twisting her graceful figure, the Duchess headed toward the entrance of the Duchy Residence.
...
"Duchess."
Minister Zhang bowed with a cupped fist salute.
"Minister Zhang has worked hard."
After returning the courtesy, the Duchess glanced at the long line of carriages and asked with a beaming smile, "May I know what merits my husband has achieved this time?"
Merits?
Minister Zhang was startled, his forehead creased with question marks.
He hurriedly shook his head, "Duchess, please accept my condolences."
"Con... condolences?"
The Duchess was taken aback.
Dai Yue Heng disbelievingly asked, "Minister, what are you saying? Could you have misspoken?"
A sense of foreboding filled his heart.
"Duchess, I have not misspoken."
Minister Zhang said somberly, "The Duke was assassinated in the Ming Dou Mountain Range and has fallen. His body is currently en route back from the Ming Dou Mountain Range. These rewards are His Majesty's way of mourning the late Duke."
Boom!
As those words were spoken, Dai Yue Heng and the Duchess were struck as if by lightning.
Their minds went blank.
Dai Hao died?
The pillar of the Duke White Tiger's Mansion had collapsed!
What were they to do now?
The Duchess's knees buckled and she collapsed backward.
With quick reflexes, Dai Yue Heng hurriedly caught the Duchess.
"Madam, Madam..."
He called out urgently.
He truly feared for his mother's wellbeing.
"Minister Zhang, could you please tell me what exactly happened? The Duke has been invincible on the border for decades; how could he have suddenly met with disaster!"
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