Chapter 262: Why is Your Prince So Powerful?
As Xue Xing's words fell, several guards dragged a blood-soaked black-clad man into the hall.
"This is the killer I captured. He has confessed that many years ago, the Second Prince, the Third Prince, and even the late Emperor were all poisoned by the command of the current Crown Prince."
Upon hearing this, a loud commotion erupted in the hall. Some ministers began to fan the flames, accusing Xue Qinghe of harboring wolfish ambition, others were suspicious of the truth, and some who supported the Crown Prince's ascension were now increasingly anxious.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Xue Xing's gaze was sharp as he looked at Xue Qinghe in the center of the hall, a sinister smile spreading across his face.
The little angel casually glanced around the hall at the guests and said in a loud voice, "This is just the word of Prince Xue Xing. If this prince were to randomly find a trusted confidant to impersonate the killer, could I also accuse the Emperor of being harmed by my uncle?"
"Yes, exactly, this is just Prince Xue Xing's one-sided word, it cannot be taken seriously."
"That's right, I see that Prince Xue Xing has ulterior motives. He wants to steal the rightful throne from His Highness."
Supporters of the Crown Prince immediately voiced their support, denouncing Xue Xing, while Xue Xing's faction started countering the Crown Prince's party.
"Uncle, as you can see, we should hand this killer over to the royal family for interrogation. This way, we can clear our names. This may even be a conspiracy from the Star Luo Empire."
The little angel winked at the royal family. The elder understood immediately and waved to summon a group of guards to drag the killer away.
However, just as the guards approached, the dying assassin took his last breath and died on the spot.
The royal family froze for a moment, unsure of how to proceed.
"This..."
"Hmph, there's no need for further trouble. We also found the prince's token on the killer. Surely, this prince won't be unfamiliar with it?"
Xue Xing didn't care about the assassin's death, clearly having anticipated this. He pulled a prince's token from his sleeve and raised it high for everyone to see. The words "Qing He" were clearly visible.
Now, even the neutral faction began to change their gaze toward Xue Qinghe.
"Uncle, I reported the loss of this token to my father over ten years ago. I didn't expect you would take it, clearly preparing for today's spectacle, huh?"
"Hmph, this is just your one-sided word. With all the evidence in front of us, you expect to frame me with just your mouth? What logic is this?"
Xue Xing angrily puffed up his beard, then looked at the royal family.
"Regardless of whether this is true or not, today, Xue Qinghe is not fit to inherit the throne. Until everything is clear, I ask that the Crown Prince stay in the palace and not go anywhere."
"Three generals, take the person with the most suspicion of the Emperor's murder."
"Yes."
The three Soul Douluos immediately released their martial souls, and the royal family, who had been pushed aside, stood there, bewildered, not understanding how things had escalated so quickly.
The little angel had already anticipated that Xue Xing would try to quickly take control and imprison him, but of course, his plans wouldn't go as he wished.
Just as the three Soul Douluos moved to take action, a Seven Killing Sword appeared in front of them, causing the three generals to stumble backward.
"Your Majesty, please do not interfere in royal matters. This is an internal issue of the Xue family."
The thing Xue Xing feared most had happened— the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had chosen to stand behind Xue Qinghe, and Yu Yuanzhen, not knowing what Xue Xing had promised, rushed forward to shield Xue Xing.
Chen Xin didn't respond but looked at Ning Fengzhi beside him.
While the two factions were at odds, Ning Bei whispered to A Zhu, and she immediately disappeared from the scene.
Ning Fengzhi walked forward, cupping his hands toward Xue Xing.
"With just a few words, you intend to lay hands on the crown prince? Do you think this is too tyrannical, Prince Xue Xing?"
"Hmph, the evidence is conclusive. Arresting him for questioning is already showing this Prince mercy. Does Sect Master Ning plan to protect a regicide?"
Ning Fengzhi furrowed his brow at the sharp words. Just as he was about to respond, Ning Bei noticed A Zhu returning and immediately spoke, drawing everyone's attention.
"Prince Xue Xing, your statement seems rather one-sided. Since when did a token alone decide life and death in the Tiandou Empire?"
"Hmph, and who are you? A mere child, how dare you meddle in royal matters?"
"It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is whether you, Prince Xue Xing, can prove that a token alone can decide the life or death of the Crown Prince?"
"The token is just evidence of the Crown Prince's crime. What does that have to do with life and death?"
Ning Bei's face revealed a strange smile. Under the gaze of everyone, he slowly approached the dead assassin, rummaging through his body, and pulled out a token. The inscription on it made the little angel's eyes light up, and she silently gave a thumbs-up to her man.
Ning Bei slowly raised the token, and the word "Star" clearly appeared for all to see.
"Prince Xue Xing, anything else to say?"
Seeing the token, Xue Xing's expression changed drastically. He instinctively reached into his own robe, but his token was gone. With a face full of rage, he pointed at Ning Bei.
"Did you frame me?"
"Oh? So when you find the token, it's evidence, but when I find it, it's a frame-up? What a great logic!"
Ning Bei's face was full of sarcasm, and he looked at Xue Xing like he was looking at a dead man.
"You...!"
Xue Xing stammered, unsure of what to say. Realizing the situation was lost, he decided to retreat and plan for the next move.
Just as Yu Yuanzhen was protecting Xue Xing and his group to leave the hall, Ning Bei stopped them.
"Wait, you think you can leave just because things have been exposed? What do you think this place is?"
Xue Xing and Yu Yuanzhen turned around, their eyes cold, glaring at Ning Bei.
"What do you want, kid? I am a Prince of Tiandou Empire."
Ning Bei raised an eyebrow, walking toward them, and spoke disdainfully.
"First, even if a Prince frames the current Emperor of Tiandou, we can't just let it slide."
"Second, you're not qualified to call me a 'kid.'"
As he approached, Ning Bei's nine soul rings rose one by one, displayed for all to see. The ministers and nobles in the hall gasped, their faces filled with shock, and they drew in a sharp breath.
Xue Xing and Xue Beng were trembling, their faces full of suspicion as they looked at Ning Bei.
At the same time, Yu Yuanzhen began to regret his decision, thinking that he shouldn't have gotten involved in this mess. The benefits Xue Xing had promised were too tempting for him to refuse.
After the deed was done, Xue Xing had promised Yu Yuanzhen that he could choose three soul bones from the Tiandou treasure vault. As the leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect, how could he refuse?
Now, not only was the plan foiled, but he had also offended a terrifying existence. It was a double loss.
Having realized this, Yu Yuanzhen quickly made a wise decision.
"Your Majesty, I am Yu Yuanzhen. I was deceived by Xue Xing to participate in this plot to frame the Crown Prince. I beg for your forgiveness and permission to leave."
(END CHAPTER)
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