"What happened?"
"Why don't you speak?"
Prince Xue Xing asked in a deep voice.
He was also somewhat anxious, having guessed that something was wrong when he saw Avalanche return.
It was just that the matter still needed verification.
"Uncle Wang, something terrible has happened." Avalanche organized his words before finally speaking up.
"Gulp."
Xue Xing's heart immediately sank.
"Is it related to Qin Xiao?"
He had already vaguely guessed what it might be.
Apart from Qin Xiao, what else could cause such a drastic change in Avalanche?
Without further hesitation, Avalanche revealed the news he had just received, "I just got the news that an elder of the Hao Tian Clan has fled, and another elder is suspected of being coerced by Qin Xiao."
"What! How could something like this happen?"
"Two Titled Douluo-level powerhouses were dispatched by the Hao Tian Clan, yet they couldn't subdue Qin Xiao alone?"
Xue Xing uttered incredulously.
For him, it was completely inconceivable.
He had considered the possibility of contingencies, but had not expected such a severe turn of events.
"Indeed, even in my dreams, I did not expect such a turn of events," said Avalanche, his voice bitter with shock.
In reality, it was more a sense of despair in his heart.
If even the elders of the Hao Tian Clan had failed, what could they possibly do?
"Is there really no one who can handle this Qin Xiao?"
Ultimately, he looked helplessly towards Xue Xing.
But Xue Xing's eyes had already lost all their luster, immersed in deep shock.
"Who would have thought, I really didn't expect Qin Xiao to be so capable. We have truly misjudged him," Xue Xing shook his head after a long while, filled with sighs of admiration.
Even though they stood opposed to Qin Xiao, he could not help but express his admiration.
"He's like a puzzle; just when we think we understand him, he always brings us new surprises."
After hearing what Avalanche had said, Avalanche lamented with a gloomy face, "Surprises? It feels more like scares to me. With such a formidable enemy at large, I can't have peace of mind."
"Uncle Wang, do you have any suggestions on what to do?"
Upon hearing this, Prince Xue Xing gave a four-word answer, "Wait and watch quietly."
"Wait and watch quietly? Does that mean we just wait and do nothing?" asked Avalanche, unwilling to accept this.
In response, Xue Xing laughed, "Then what do you think you can do? I'm all ears."
Ah, this...
Avalanche opened his mouth but was completely at a loss for words.
He was clear about his own capabilities.
Without the full support of Xue Xing, he was nothing.
At this moment, Xue Xing added, "Let someone closely monitor the developments of the situation. I believe that the Hao Tian Clan, being the Number One Sect in the world, or at least once considered so, will not let this issue rest easily for the sake of their own reputation."
"When the time comes, we'll look for an opportunity to take action."
Avalanche nodded, "Understood."
...
Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
Inside the Crown Prince's Sleeping Palace.
"Young Master, may I know why you have summoned me?"
A red-haired elder respectfully asked Xue Qinghe.
His way of addressing Xue Qinghe was quite peculiar, not as Crown Prince or Your Highness, indicating his very special status...
"Porcupine Elder, I've called you here because there is something I need your help with," Xue Qinghe turned around and spoke indifferently to the elder.
At this moment, Xue Qinghe was no longer the refined and courteous figure, but displayed a chilling aloofness that seemed to keep others at a distance.
Beyond that, he exuded an air of superiority, as if he were looking down from a great height upon all others.
"Young Master, please command me."
Conversely, the Titled Douluo-level elder from the Martial Soul Hall, Porcupine Douluo, didn't find anything problematic with Xue Qinghe's attitude and responded with utmost respect.
"In recent days, a young Titled Douluo has arrived in the Tiandou Empire; you should know of this," Xue Qinghe said.
"Subordinate is aware of it," the Porcupine Douluo replied.
"It's about this person. Some days ago, he annihilated the Clan of Strength. Just now, I received news that Haotian Sect Elders have come to Tiandou City to thoroughly investigate this matter, and they have now reached the Blue Tyrant Academy.
Go to the Blue Tyrant Academy and watch over things. If any conflict arises between the two sides, don't worry about the risk of exposing yourself, but ensure Qin Xiao's safety," Xue Qinghe instructed quietly. "Such a powerful individual, if we could win him over to the Martial Soul Hall, would be an unimaginable asset in the future."
"Your Highness, if I should be exposed, who will protect your safety? With only the Snake Lance Elder, I fear..."
Porcupine Douluo frowned slightly, voicing his concern.
"Not to worry, there are not many within the Tiandou Empire who could pose a threat to me nowadays. Snake Lance Elder is more than capable of handling it," Xue Qinghe waved dismissively.
"Yes, then your subordinate will go now," replied the Porcupine Douluo in a low voice.
"Go ahead," Xue Qinghe motioned with his hand.
But before Porcupine Douluo could depart, Xue Qinghe's expression suddenly changed, "Someone's coming? Hide in the inner hall for now."
Upon hearing this, Porcupine Douluo did not hesitate and swiftly retreated into the inner hall, concealing his aura completely.
"Your Highness, President Meng requests an audience," at that moment, President Meng's voice came from outside the hall.
Xue Qinghe took a deep breath and then said, "Please, enter, President Meng."
Squeak.
As his voice fell, Dream Divine Machine walked in.
However, Xue Qinghe noticed the flushed face and excited demeanor of Dream Divine Machine, signalling an unsettled mind.
"President Meng, what has happened?" Xue Qinghe asked, frowning.
In reality, he could guess that Dream Divine Machine was likely there concerning the matter of Qin Xiao.