Chapter 325: Is death more meaningful than life?
Dugu Bo quickly finished reading the letter, then his gaze fell directly on Yang Wudi and Niu Gao. He said in a deep voice: "Clan Chiefs, I have finished reading the letter from that kid Tang Chuan. The situation is urgent and brooks no delay. I ask that you both accompany me to the imperial palace immediately!"
Although Yang Wudi and Niu Gao had just recovered from their injuries, they nodded without hesitation upon hearing this.
Having already chosen to follow Tang Chuan, now was the time to fulfill their duties.
Just as the three were about to set off, Dugu Bo suddenly remembered something. While moving quickly, he said in a low, rapid voice: "Right, there is something I need to inform you both about. Not long ago, at the request of School Master Ning, I entered the palace to diagnose Emperor Xue Ye. I discovered that His Majesty is not simply ill, but... has been poisoned."
"Poisoned?" Niu Gao furrowed his thick brows and said in disbelief.
"And it is an extremely complex mixed poison," Dugu Bo said, his tone slightly grave.
"It is composed of at least seven types of exotic poisons with different properties that are interconnected. The toxicity has penetrated deep into his lungs and bone marrow, intertwined and extremely difficult to eradicate."
Hearing this, Yang Wudi frowned slightly and instinctively asked:
"Even you, Poison Douluo... have no solution?"
Hearing this, Dugu Bo shook his head and said frankly: "I am ashamed. The method of preparing this mixed poison is treacherous, with each part linked to the next, affecting the whole. Although I hold the title of Poison Douluo, I am helpless against this poison. I can only judge its danger, but I cannot neutralize it. Without an antidote or more advanced methods, Emperor Xue Ye... is afraid he does not have much time left."
Upon hearing the words'seven types of mixed poison,' a flash of brilliance suddenly appeared in Yang Wudi's eyes. It was the sharpness and confidence belonging to the Clan Chief of the Breaking Clan, who had been immersed in the way of medicine and poison for decades.
Immediately after, without stopping his pace, he mused:
"Seven types of mixed poison... interconnected. Perhaps some of the ancient methods inherited by our Breaking Clan can attempt to unravel and decompose it. I dare not say I have a ten-percent certainty, but... at least there is a glimmer of hope."
Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Dugu Bo's eyes.
He knew well the uniqueness of the Breaking Clan in terms of medicine, using poison, and detoxifying. Since Yang Wudi dared to say there might be a glimmer of hope, it was likely that he really had some expertise.
"Clan Chief Yang, can you really neutralize this poison?" Dugu Bo confirmed.
If they could save Emperor Xue Ye, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit to stabilizing the Empire and opposing Spirit Hall.
However, just as Yang Wudi was about to explain his train of thought in detail, and Niu Gao also revealed an excited expression, Dugu Bo suddenly raised his hand, making a decisive gesture to stop them.
His expression became exceptionally calm in this instant, even carrying a hint of coldness.
"No, we cannot detoxify Emperor Xue Ye for now." Dugu Bo's voice was very low, yet every word was clear, carrying a chill that saw through the whole situation. He said: "Even if you, Clan Chief Yang, really have a way to neutralize this poison, do not do it for Emperor Xue Ye for the time being."
Hearing this, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao were both stunned and looked at him in confusion.
Slowly raising his head, Dugu Bo's gaze seemed to penetrate the street in front of him and cast towards the depths of the imperial palace. He said: "I have thought carefully about the meaning in Tang Chuan's letter, especially that phrase 'holding the Emperor hostage to command the vassals.' A living Emperor Xue Ye, who has his own thoughts, even if we save him, is still the ruler of a country, with his own schemes and royal dignity."
"If we save him, he might be grateful, but it is more likely that after the crisis passes, he will re-evaluate the pros and cons, and perhaps even turn to fear us, who hold too much power."
"But for a dead Emperor Xue Ye, the situation is completely different."
Saying this, a flash of shrewd, ruthless light suddenly crossed Dugu Bo's eyes.
"If Emperor Xue Ye dies from the poison, we will frame Crown Prince Xue Qinghe for regicide and usurpation! By then, the Empire will be without a ruler, and the people will be in panic. This is the moment of a power vacuum, where a decision is urgently needed."
"If we can secretly support another Bloodline of the royal family while defeating the coup by Spirit Hall, and then stand up with the righteous cause of correcting chaos and eliminating traitors for the country... then, the New Emperor we support will truly have the possibility of being controlled by us."
Finally, he even paused, his tone carrying a hint of admiration for Tang Chuan's strategy.
"I think this is the true deep meaning of Tang Chuan's phrase 'holding the Emperor hostage to command the vassals.'"
"He does not want an old master who is grateful; he wants a brand New Emperor who completely obeys us. Only in this way can the vast resources of the Heaven Dou Empire truly be used by us, and then become a solid Foundation for opposing Spirit Hall."
"Therefore, Emperor Xue Ye's poison cannot be neutralized now. In fact... when necessary, perhaps we must ensure it... takes effect smoothly." Dugu Bo said decisively.
Yang Wudi and Niu Gao were both shocked upon hearing this.
They were experienced in the ways of the world and naturally understood the calculation behind this.
Saving the monarch or killing the monarch lies only in a single thought.
And what Tang Chuan chose was undoubtedly the more thorough and more dangerous path.
Yang Wudi was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. The last trace of hesitation in his eyes dissipated, replaced by a sense of agreement. He cupped his hands and said:
"I understand. The Breaking Clan... awaits your orders."
Niu Gao also let out a heavy breath and said in a muffled voice:
"Then we will follow that kid Tang Chuan's plan! To hell with it!"
Immediately, the three said no more. Their figures flashed, speeding up, and they galloped towards the imperial palace in the setting sun.
...
Meanwhile, in the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest, beside the Lake of Life.
The rippling lake water reflected the stars and moonlight, and the surrounding ancient forest was asleep, peaceful and serene. However, Xiao Rui'er by the lake suddenly stood up from a bluestone. Her golden eyes were full of unbelievable astonishment, and her voice was slightly raised due to shock as she said:
"You... what did you say? That Crown Prince Xue Qinghe of the Heaven Dou Empire is an impostor from Spirit Hall?! And is called... Qian Renxue?!"
Just a moment ago, Tang Chuan had used the fastest speed to briefly inform Xiao Rui'er of the core intelligence regarding Qian Renxue lurking in the Heaven Dou Empire, plotting to usurp the throne, and her true identity.
Quickly digesting this earth-shattering secret, Xiao Rui'er then looked at Tang Chuan beside her, whose aura had already stabilized and was even more powerful and profound than before, and asked urgently:
"Then... are you going to rush back to Heaven Dou City immediately?"
"That's right." Hearing this, Tang Chuan nodded and said with a grave expression: "Counting the time, the coup in Heaven Dou has likely already started, and might even be nearing its end. I must rush back immediately, otherwise, once the situation is completely controlled by Spirit Hall, everything will become extremely passive."
"Ruier, this trip is fraught with danger. You should stay at the Lake of Life; it is safest here."
"With Senior Di Tian and the others here, Spirit Hall's hands cannot reach here. After I finish handling the matters in Heaven Dou City, I will come back to pick you up."
"No!" Hearing this, Xiao Rui'er shook her head and refused without thinking. She stepped forward, took Tang Chuan's hand, and with worry and persistence in her eyes, said:
"Heaven Dou City is now a dragon's den and a tiger's lair. It is too dangerous for you to go back alone! I will go with you! At least with me there, our Martial Soul Fusion Skill can come in handy at certain times."
"Besides, according to what you just said, that Qian Renxue... didn't she have contact with you, and even... your relationship wasn't too bad? Even if Spirit Hall succeeds in seizing power from the Heaven Dou Empire this time, given the... relationship between you and her, can't the Academy still have a place in Heaven Dou City? Spirit Hall doesn't need to wipe us out, right?"
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