Chapter 273: Fire! Attack the Mansion!
All the generals, soldiers, and even Tai Tan turned to look at Qian Renxue, waiting for her response.
Qian Renxue remained perfectly calm, her tone steady. "Uncle, I know you never believed His Majesty's illness was beyond cure.
Even after Patriarch Dugu's diagnosis, after Sect Leader Ning's attempts at treatment, you refused to accept it.
The Emperor is my father. Do you think my heart doesn't ache for him?
But I also know the empire must remain stable. If we let emotions cloud our judgment, opportunists will seize the chance to tear the empire apart!"
Qian Renxue's voice was gentle and earnest.
She painted the image of a filial, self-sacrificing prince who put the nation above self.
Her reddened eyes and weary face made many present believe her sincerity.
"Qinghe, enough words! Are you—or are you not—standing in my way?"
Prince Xue Xing cut straight to the point.
Qian Renxue cursed inwardly. She should've eliminated this old fool earlier.
Now, in this critical moment, he dared stir chaos.
At the scene, Prince Xue Xing commanded overwhelming power: on his left, ranks of armored infantry; on his right, Dugu Bo.
His strength was formidable.
Meanwhile, she couldn't use Serpent Spear Douluo or Thorn Porcupine Douluo, nor deploy the royal soul master corps. Using force would arouse suspicion.
Qian Renxue thought rapidly and decided to trust Dugu Feng.
Since he had gone to see Ge Long, results would come soon.
As for Dugu Bo, he could be handled by Dugu Feng later.
"Since Uncle insists on treating Father again, why would I oppose you? I, too, hope my father recovers." Qian Renxue turned to look at Tai Tan and the others.
Her eyes calm, yet her presence pressed heavily.
Tai Tan immediately felt the tension—this had turned into a royal power struggle.
"Three!" Prince Xue Xing began counting, not waiting for pleasantries.
"Two!"
"Crossbows—draw!"
The grinding sound of bowstrings tightened the air into dreadful silence.
Tai Tan couldn't sit still any longer; he sent urgent voice transmissions throughout the mansion.
The prince was serious—no more bluffing!
Inwardly, he cursed. Old Goat, why aren't you coming out yet?
You're supposed to pretend to be poisoned, not really collapse!
Meanwhile, inside.
Yang Wudi, dressed in a gray robe, leaned weakly against a window. Sweat poured down his pale face.
He was panicking.
Once he and Tai Tan, Bai He, and Niu Gao sensed the prince's army approach, they knew there was no escape.
They had to offer a plausible explanation!
So Yang Wudi took several herbs, mild poisons in essence—meant only to weaken him slightly—to make his act more convincing.
They decided Tai Tan would negotiate, and if necessary, Yang Wudi would appear.
He could hear everything outside now.
But suddenly, his body convulsed in pain.
"Damn, could these herbs have reacted with my stored alchemical toxins?"
Without realizing it, he had long accumulated medicinal toxins through years of refining potions without a compatible plant or poison-related martial soul.
He always knew the toxins would burst out someday—just not now.
The pain was still manageable, but the medicinal backlash damaged his meridians, devouring his soul power.
If not treated immediately, his future cultivation would suffer terribly.
Yang Wudi groaned inwardly in agony. Just his luck!
"Elder, what's wrong?" Beside him was Tai Nuo.
He, knowing the ruse, was astonished. Why was Yang Wudi acting so convincingly?
"Help me—quickly! The prince is serious!" Yang Wudi gritted his teeth, forcing himself toward the door.
But the more he moved, the faster the poison surged through him.
"Our Po Clan masters poison—must I truly fall to it today?"
Helplessly, he downed another antidote.
That only made things worse.
A violent surge of medicinal backlash struck his mind, making his vision blur and his spirit waver.
"Elder! Elder—!"
Tai Nuo watched in horror as Yang Wudi collapsed to the floor, realizing the act had turned real.
He bit his lip and hoisted Yang Wudi onto his back, rushing outside.
But the delay was enough.
Outside, Tai Tan panicked. The crossbows were fully drawn, and Yang Wudi still hadn't appeared.
"Prince, don't worry! I'll bring Old Goat out right now!" He pleaded hastily.
Prince Xue Xing eyed Tai Tan and the others suspiciously—the Strength, Defense, and Agility clans.
In his mind, Tai Tan was no liar.
If he promised to bring Yang Wudi, he would.
Yet the silence dragged on too long.
Doubt now festered.
Beside him, Qian Renxue also frowned slightly. The Four Elemental Clans had not sworn loyalty to her; they wouldn't deceive the prince for her sake.
Suddenly, a spark flashed in her eyes—a cunning idea.
She allowed herself a faint, subtle smile.
Exactly as Prince Xue Xing's gaze met hers.
His fury ignited instantly—he took it as mockery.
Mockery that even with heavy infantry and Dugu Bo by his side, he still couldn't make Tai Tan yield.
Was Tai Tan secretly siding with Xue Qinghe?
That must be it!
Unable to control himself, Prince Xue Xing roared, "Fire! Take them—capture Yang Wudi alive!"
The thrum of bowstrings filled the air.
Massive bolts pierced forward with thunderous force.
"No!"
"Retreat!"
Tai Tan, Niu Gao, and Bai He roared, eyes wide with shock.
They never imagined the prince would actually order an assault—especially after they agreed to send Yang Wudi to treat the Emperor.
The three immediately activated Martial Soul Possession.
Eight soul rings gleamed around each, their aura exploding outward.
They were prepared.
Their hands flew up, machines clicking in unison—the legendary Zhuge Divine Crossbows whirred, unleashing volleys of black bolts that struck the flanking siege engines.
The prince's ambush would not break them so easily.
But their clansmen were not as fortunate.
(END CHAPTER)
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