20demayo Chapter 243 Dugu Bo
Chapter 243 Dugu Bo
Chapter 243 Dugu Bo
Time flows like water, passing by silently.
Half an hour later, the last ray of dawn disappeared from the distant western mountains, and night fell.
The entire Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace was immediately illuminated by countless invaluable soul-guided lamps.
The palace of the fourth prince.
With a bloodcurdling scream, the entire palace descended into chaos, filled with cries of people trying to capture the assassin.
Before long, the unrest spread from the prince's palace and then affected the entire Tian Dou Imperial Palace.
Upon hearing the commotion, the royal guards mobilized in full force, patrolling all parts of the palace.
A massive manhunt to capture the assassin was thus launched.
at this time.
On a snowy night, the emperor was enjoying his dinner in his palace, watching songs and dances, and drinking alone, feeling quite at ease.
The dancers performing in the audience were all slender, beautiful, and hot, with graceful dance moves and melodious singing voices.
These dancers all came from the Yuexuan Academy of Court Etiquette of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Gazing at the dancers singing and dancing below the stage, on this snowy night in a wonderful mood, my thoughts drifted, and I couldn't help but think of Tang Yuehua, the elegant and graceful master of Yuexuan Pavilion, and a surge of passion welled up in my heart.
Tang Yuehua was an extraordinary woman, the likes of which he had never seen before in his life.
She wasn't a Soul Master, just an ordinary person, but she possessed a temperament that rivaled any woman's. Dignified, noble, elegant, natural, serene, gentle—no words could be too much to describe her.
Most importantly, she was stunningly beautiful, had a perfect figure, was incredibly flexible, and was well-versed in court etiquette.
Such a woman was the perfect candidate for a concubine in Xueye's heart.
but.
pity!
The snowy night suddenly felt somewhat dejected, and I sighed inwardly.
He once set aside his status to express his love for her, even promising her the position of his most favored concubine, wanting to take her as his consort, but she resolutely refused.
Being rejected in his declaration of love, Xue Ye, as the emperor of a nation, was naturally extremely annoyed and felt very embarrassed.
He did consider using force.
However, Tang Yuehua's identity is special and not simple.
She is from the Haotian Sect, the number one sect in the world and the head of the three upper sects. She is the younger sister of Tang Xiao, the current sect leader of the Haotian Sect.
More than seven years ago, the Clear Sky Sect was crippled by the Spirit Hall, suffering heavy casualties. Now, it can only hide deep in the snow-capped mountains, barely surviving.
Even so, the Haotian Sect was not one that Xue Ye could afford to offend.
He couldn't afford to mess with those muscle-bound, brainless bastards from the Haotian Sect.
Moreover, he is gradually getting older and less attractive, and his sexual performance is no longer up to par.
He couldn't have Tang Yuehua, so he could only watch the court dancers she had personally trained sing and dance to satisfy his craving.
Thinking of all this, Xueye felt extremely depressed and drank the fragrant wine in her hand in one gulp.
Just then.
Suddenly, a chaotic commotion arose outside the palace, catching Xueye's attention.
"What's the situation outside?"
His brows furrowed on the snowy night, and he roared in question.
The interruption of the song and dance performance made me, who was already somewhat annoyed, even more displeased.
"It's terrible, Your Majesty!"
Before long, the commander of the royal guards responsible for guarding the outside walked quickly into the palace; his voice preceded his arrival.
They even forgot to observe etiquette; it seems the situation is urgent and quite serious.
"His Majesty!"
The commander of the royal guards realized what was happening and immediately knelt on one knee in a knightly salute.
"What happened? Tell me!"
Xue Ye stared sharply at the commander of the Imperial Guards.
"Your Majesty, the disturbance originated from the palace of the Fourth Prince. News has arrived that the Fourth Prince was attacked by assassins and is seriously injured."
The commander of the Imperial Guards felt a chill run down his spine and quickly and respectfully informed Xue Ye of the news he had just received.
"What?!"
Upon hearing this, Xueye slammed down her wine glass. Overwhelmed with emotion, she used too much force, and the glass shattered instantly, spilling fragrant wine everywhere.
"Where's Goron? Have they caught the assassin?!"
Xue Ye suddenly stood up straight, ignoring the splashed and spilled wine, her face showing anger as she coldly questioned him.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
As soon as Xueye finished speaking, a figure suddenly flashed in from outside the palace gate, landed in front of Xueye, and knelt on one knee to pay his respects.
The newcomer was tall and imposing, clad in golden armor, with a square face, broad eyebrows, and a rugged, serious, and cold demeanor.
He was none other than Xueye Emperor's confidant, the Imperial Marshal, the commander of the Imperial Guard, a Soul Douluo, and the strongest under the Heavenly Dou Imperial Family, Ge Long.
He had just arrived from the palace where the fourth prince had suffered an avalanche.
"Goron, how's the situation?"
Facing his trusted general, Xueye suppressed his anger and his expression softened slightly.
"Your Majesty, the unrest was caused by the assassination attempt on the Fourth Prince. The assassin's whereabouts are currently unknown. Upon receiving the news, I ordered the Imperial Guards to seal off all entrances and exits to the palace and to patrol and search the area to apprehend the assassin. However..."
Goron carefully considered his words before replying.
"Just what?"
Upon hearing Goron's report, Xueye suddenly had a bad feeling.
"However, the Fourth Prince was seriously injured and was crippled."
Goron took a breath before speaking.
To be honest, he didn't like the Fourth Prince Xue Beng. Xue Beng always acted recklessly because of his status as a prince. He was just an insignificant playboy prince.
He valued Crown Prince Xue Qinghe more, who was self-disciplined, kind-hearted, and possessed sharp political skills. If he were to inherit the throne, he would surely be a qualified monarch.
Now that the Fourth Prince has been deposed, it might actually be a good thing.
Moreover, Goron had always disapproved of the Fourth Prince Xue Beng's actions.
However, due to his status as a confidant of Emperor Xueye, he had sworn to be loyal to the Tiandou royal family for life, so he couldn't say much about it.
"Disabled? What does that mean?"
Upon hearing Golong's reply, Xueye was momentarily stunned and didn't react.
"Has his soul power cultivation been destroyed?"
Before Golong could reply, Xueye seemed to realize something and immediately asked another question.
If only one's soul power cultivation is destroyed, it won't have much of an impact.
In any case, the inherited martial soul of their Heaven Dou royal family is just an ordinary martial soul called Swan, which is not very useful.
For the Swan Martial Soul, there's not much difference between having soul power and not having soul power.
If Xue Beng's soul power cultivation is destroyed, then he can live as an ordinary person without soul power and be a carefree prince.
He is very satisfied with the current Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and has no intention of changing the heir apparent.
"Your Majesty, what was crippled in His Highness the Fourth Prince was not his soul power cultivation, but rather... rather, his lower three limbs!"
Goron replied.
"What did you say? The avalanche destroyed only the lower three roads?"
Xue Yehu's eyes widened instantly, and he was stunned and frozen in shock.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Goron replied again, followed by a detailed description:
"I have just seen the Fourth Prince's injuries. They are a terrible sight. His two testicles are completely shattered and flattened into a meat patty, as thin as a cicada's wing."
"Even the best healing-type Soul Masters in the palace can't cure this kind of injury. It's probably beyond the reach of medicine and he won't recover."
Recalling the horrific scene of the Fourth Prince's avalanche, Golong couldn't help but tremble and even subconsciously clenched his buttocks.
That's really tragic.
Upon hearing this, Xue Ye gasped for breath, heartbroken. He had originally had four sons, but the eldest and second princes died unexpectedly several years ago, leaving only the third prince, Xue Qinghe, and the fourth prince, Xue Beng.
They originally planned to rely on these two princes to continue the family line and maintain the ruling position of their Okula family.
After all, he was old and faded, no longer able to have children.
Now, the Fourth Prince Xue Beng has actually been deposed?
Wouldn't that mean he only has his third son, Xue Qinghe, left to carry on the family line?
Although he still had his beloved princess Xueke, Xueke was a woman and would eventually marry out of the family. In the future, she would not be considered a member of the main family, but only a relative.
"You bastard!"
Thinking of this, Xueye suddenly flew into a rage and cursed, though it was unclear who he was cursing at.
"Guards, prepare the carriage for the Fourth Prince's palace."
Even after her outburst, Xueye was still furious, but she still decided to go and take a look.
After all, Avalanche was one of his only two surviving sons. Although he was a bit unruly and disliked him, he had to go see him now that he was seriously injured and crippled.
Furthermore, as the wise and mighty Emperor Xueye, he must at least show the appropriate caring attitude in front of everyone, and not let people think that he is cold-hearted and indifferent.
At a command.
In just a short while.
The imperial carriage was already prepared.
Then, on a snowy night, they boarded the carriage and headed in a grand procession towards the Fourth Prince's palace.
Just then.
South Gate of Tiandou Imperial Palace.
A magnificent carriage adorned with gold and silver appeared.
The carriage only paused for a moment before being allowed to pass, and then sped towards the palace, its destination being the Fourth Prince's palace.
Those who can travel by carriage within the Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace must be of extraordinary status.
No one but the Heavenly Dou royal family enjoys such treatment.
Inside the carriage at this moment.
Two figures were sitting there.
One of them was an elderly man dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.
This man was of medium height, slightly overweight, with a dignified appearance, and his gray hair was neatly combed back.
He wore a bright yellow robe embroidered with clusters of flowers, which looked perfectly neat and gave him an air of superiority. While he didn't appear arrogant, he certainly didn't seem humble or polite.
The other person was also an elderly man.
However, this old man was somewhat strange and didn't look like a normal person.
Because the old man, at first glance, was covered in lush green.
He was tall and thin, with dark green hair and beard.
He was expressionless, his cheeks were stiff, his jaw was sunken, his green hair was disheveled, and he wore a long robe of the same dark green color.
The person gives off an illusory feeling, like a phantom, unreal.
The old man in the green robe sat upright in the carriage, his back straight like a javelin, his eyes closed, not uttering a word.
If you look closely, you'll notice that the old man's brow is slightly furrowed, as if he is enduring some kind of pain.
However, the richly dressed old man opposite the green-robed old man was not in the mood to examine him closely at the moment, and naturally did not notice the green-robed old man's abnormality.
The elderly man in fine clothes looked serious and anxious.
Today, at the Tiandou Auction House, he won a bid for a beautiful leopard woman and brought her back to the Prince's Mansion, ready to play with her and enjoy her life.
News came from the palace that the emperor's nephew, Xue Beng, had been assassinated and seriously injured, which terrified him and made him extremely anxious. He no longer cared about the leopard woman.
That's right.
This elderly man in fine clothes is none other than the fourth prince Xue Beng's uncle, and also the younger brother of Emperor Xue Ye, Prince Xue Xing.
In a great hurry
Xue Xing immediately went to the residence of Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, who was the guest elder of Tian Dou and the green-robed old man opposite him, and invited him over as well.
Xue Xing knew that although Poison Douluo Dugu Bo was a poison expert, he was knowledgeable about pharmacology and might have a way to restore his nephew Xue Beng to normal.
"Your Majesty, Poison Douluo, my nephew, the Fourth Prince Xue Beng, has just been assassinated and is currently seriously injured. I will need your help to see if he can recover from his injuries."
Xue Xing lowered the carriage curtain, looked at Dugu Bo across from her, and spoke earnestly.
His voice was slightly loud and confident, displaying the tone of a superior, but when facing Dugu Bo, his tone was full of respect.
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a pair of emerald-like eyes that shone brightly.
The gaze emanating from his eyes was sharp, cold, and like that of a venomous snake.
"I will do my best to fulfill His Highness's request."
Dugu Bo pondered for a moment, then spoke softly:
"However, let me make this clear first: I am skilled in poisons, not in healing, so I cannot guarantee that I can cure the Fourth Prince's injuries."
"Your Highness, it's best to be mentally prepared."
"To treat injuries, it's actually safer to seek help from a healing-type Soul Master."
Dugu Bo's voice was old, hoarse, cold, and somewhat unpleasant, making it impossible to discern the emotions it contained.
"How could I not know this? Unfortunately, the healing-type soul masters employed in the palace are helpless against injuries. Even healing-type soul masters at the Soul Saint level cannot use their healing soul skills."
"The culprit seems to have used some strange ability, which is why my injuries cannot be fully healed. I had no other choice but to trouble Your Majesty, Poison Douluo."
Xuexing sighed, her words humble.
At the same time, he thought helplessly that if the avalanche was ruined, all his previous investments and arrangements would be wasted.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Dugu Bo was slightly surprised upon hearing this, and a hint of interest appeared on his face.
"If Your Majesty the Poison Douluo can heal my nephew Xue Beng's injuries, I will surely reward you handsomely."
Xue Xing spoke with conviction and made a sincere, bowing request.
"Your Highness, there's no need for that. You have done me a great favor, and I will naturally do my best to help you. Besides, I have already agreed to become a guest minister of the Heavenly Dou Royal Family, so this is simply my duty."
Upon seeing this, Dugu Bo quickly stopped him, using his emerald green soul power to lift him up.
"In that case, I'll leave it to Your Majesty, Poison Douluo."
Upon hearing this, Xuexing once again spoke humbly.
However, a barely perceptible glint flashed in the depths of his lowered eyes, containing satisfaction and a hint of smugness.
"Um."
Dugu Bo nodded slightly, then fell silent and continued to close his eyes.
In fact, he also disliked that spoiled prince, Xue Beng.
Although Prince Xuexing once stated that due to certain secret royal reasons, Xue Beng's playboy image was a necessary disguise and a way to protect himself.
But Dugu Bo is a wise and experienced man. He can see through Xue Beng's true nature and character at a glance.
Avalanche wasn't a pretentious playboy at all; he was a playboy in essence. He just used the guise of a pretense to act recklessly in front of Prince Xuexing.
I heard that scoundrel even tried to make a move on his granddaughter, Dugu Yan.
If it weren't for the connection with Prince Xuexing, he would have already skinned him alive and dismembered him. He wouldn't have bothered to treat his injuries; he'd be lucky if he hadn't poisoned him.
However, since Prince Xuexing had saved his life, he would do his best to help since the prince had entrusted him with this task.
As for the outcome, we can only leave it to fate.
Dugu Bo sat upright in the carriage, his brow slightly furrowed, saying nothing, but his mind was far from at ease:
"Speaking of fate, well, the weather has been a bit gloomy lately, and it looks like it's going to rain in the next few days."
"I feel a slight stinging pain in my body. The venom of the Azure Phosphorus Snake inside me is starting to flare up again. Hmm, I can suppress it for now."
"After dealing with this matter, we should hurry back to the herb garden in Sunset Forest to suppress the impending backlash from the toxins."
"This trip will take at least seven days and I won't be able to return. Before I leave, I need to make arrangements for Yan Yan. She is currently studying at the Tian Dou Royal Academy and can stay there for now. I will inform the three academic committee members of the academy and ask them to take care of her."
"Also, I must warn Yanyan not to get too close to that Yu Tianheng; that kid has ulterior motives!"
"."
"Yan Yan is now at the Soul Venerable realm. As her cultivation level increases, the erosion of the Azure Phosphorus Serpent's venom will also penetrate deeper and deeper. Yan Yan has also begun to show signs of venom backlash."
"However, we cannot tell her about this, lest she worry and be frightened."
"We must find a way to stop the backlash from the venom of the blue-phosphorus snake as soon as possible."
"My son and daughter-in-law have already died from the backlash of the venom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake; we absolutely cannot let Yan Yan follow in their footsteps."
(End of this chapter)