Seeing Xue Qinghe's serious expression at this moment, Yang Xiong felt that the smile on his face seemed extremely fake and couldn't help but tease him.
"Brother Qinghe, didn't you just say there's no need to be so formal? It's precisely because I consider you one of us that I'm asking to borrow it from you. If I were to ask the Emperor Xue Ye, it wouldn't mean anything."
Xue Qinghe's expression changed slightly: "Little Xiong, what do you mean by that?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Since ancient times, being a Crown Prince has been the most difficult role, especially since Brother Qinghe, you are deeply loved by the people and wield immense power. I'm afraid some matters aren't so easy to handle."
Xue Qinghe's face darkened: "I thought you weren't interested in such matters and only cared about cultivation. I didn't expect you to understand power and politics. It's quite surprising. You've grown up a lot these past few years."
Yang Xiong felt speechless upon hearing Xue Qinghe say this. This guy definitely wanted to take advantage of him verbally, acting as if he were truly his elder.
Finally, Yang Xiong said helplessly: "The Heaven Dou Imperial Family has complex relationships. Originally, there were four princes. Although Brother Qinghe, you became the Crown Prince, there were still many twists and turns in the process, and even a lot of criticism from the outside."
Xue Qinghe's face immediately turned cold, and he spoke with a half-smile: "Little Xiong, you wouldn't have come specifically to tell me these things, would you? Just say what you want to say directly."
"Besides, it's normal for two of the four brothers my father had to die young. After all, the Soul Master world is unpredictable."
Yang Xiong stared at Xue Qinghe for a moment: "Big Brother is indeed a direct disciple of our Sect Leader. Your personality is too similar to our Sect Leader's."
"However, I heard that the other two princes who died suddenly had excellent talent. According to some conspiracy theories, Big Brother, you are the beneficiary of becoming the Crown Prince in the end, which might easily attract criticism."
Xue Qinghe said: "The clear will remain clear. My father also deeply misses the deaths of my two brothers and specifically sent people to investigate for a long time, but there have been no clues. Even if there are some rumors outside, they are probably just groundless speculation. This kind of thing is very common in the empire."
"Little Xiong, you came specifically to tell me these words today. It shouldn't be just a simple reminder, right?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Of course. The position of Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire is of great importance. I have a small piece of information I'd like to share with you, Big Brother. It concerns the position of Crown Prince, and perhaps it should be worth you lending me the Vast Sea Universe Cover."
Xue Qinghe just drank his tea in silence. Clearly, the Vast Sea Universe Cover was extremely important and not worth risking for him.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiong played with the teacup in his hand and muttered to himself: "Before a storm comes, it is often calm. What seems certain may not necessarily be obtained. Perhaps it's just a fleeting dream."
Xue Qinghe's expression changed slightly upon hearing this: "Little Xiong, you've really grown up these past few years. It seems your mind has also become much more active, actually caring about my position as Crown Prince."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "We're all on the same side. You're our Sect Leader's disciple, and we've been tied together for a long time. I don't want to see you capsize."
Xue Qinghe said seriously: "Little Xiong, just say what you want to say directly. There's no need for us to beat around the bush."
A smile appeared at the corner of Yang Xiong's mouth: "Brother Qinghe, I have a piece of information. This information is related to your position as Crown Prince and might be able to exchange for the Vast Sea Universe Cover."
Xue Qinghe shook his head: "One piece of information is not enough. No matter what, the Vast Sea Universe Cover is the treasure of our Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Without absolute benefit, my father will not hand over the Vast Sea Universe Cover."
"Furthermore, the Vast Sea Universe Cover is personally kept by my father. Others cannot obtain it at all, not even me."
A playful smile suddenly appeared in Yang Xiong's heart. Perhaps he could trick this fake little angel.
Yang Xiong took out a jade box from his Soul Tool. Inside the jade box was a white, crystal-clear flower and plant, looking as pure and spotless as a green lotus and white root.
"This is the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. It's a peerless spiritual herb I obtained in the Star Dou Great Forest. It is said to have the effect of moisturizing tendons, strengthening bones, and clearing the Eight Extraordinary Meridians."
"Brother Qinghe, you've been busy with political affairs these past few years and have neglected cultivation. If you consume this Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, it should be able to make up for some of your cultivation deficiencies and even greatly improve your physical fitness and soul power."
Yang Xiong specifically took out the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone because it and the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum that Yang Xiong himself consumed were a pair of mandarin duck immortal herbs. He wondered if it would have any special effect on this little angel.
Xue Qinghe was also stunned when he saw the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. It was clear that he could feel the power and effect of this immortal herb, and it could even make up for the time spent in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace over the years.
Xue Qinghe said seriously: "Does this Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone really have the effect you mentioned?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "The effect will only be better than you imagine. If the Emperor Xue Ye takes it, he might even break through the shackles and possibly reach the Titled Douluo realm."
"However, I obtained this spirit herb by chance in the Star Dou Great Forest. As for who takes it, that will be up to you to decide."
Xue Qinghe's expression changed: "Little Xiong, since this herb is so effective, why not give it directly to the Emperor Xue Ye?"
Yang Xiong rolled his eyes at Xue Qinghe: "I'm not close to the Emperor Xue Ye. Besides, who told us we have such a good relationship? You are the future of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Even if I were to gamble, I would bet on the future."
Xue Qinghe was silent for a long time before speaking: "I cannot confirm the value of this spirit herb, nor can I explain it to the Emperor Xue Ye."
Yang Xiong smiled: "That's simple, Brother Qinghe. You just need to find a specialist to analyze it. There should be someone in this world who recognizes the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. I also found the information in some fragmented scrolls from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone will definitely have even better effects than what I described."
"Of course, if Brother Qinghe is still worried, I can first tell you the doubts in your heart, which relate to the secret of whether your position as Crown Prince is stable."
Xue Qinghe was silent for a long time before speaking: "If the information you provide is useful, I can help you obtain the Vast Sea Universe Cover."
Only then did Yang Xiong reveal a hint of a successful scheme: "Of course, my information is definitely valuable enough."
"I heard that the Fourth Prince Xue Beng is a dissolute person. He has gathered a large group of dissolute youths at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy who cause trouble everywhere, seriously affecting the image of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family."
Xue Qinghe said helplessly: "Little Xiong, you're making fun of me. Xue Beng has always been dissolute. If he has offended you in any way, I apologize on his behalf."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "That's not necessary. I think Prince Xue Beng is very capable, perhaps even more so than you, Brother Qinghe, give him credit for."
"Prince Xue Beng is followed by a large group of dissolute youths. These youths all have deep backgrounds and extraordinary strength, which might affect the stability of your position as Crown Prince."
"Not to mention that Prince Xue Beng has always caused trouble and driven away many geniuses from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Even when we from Shrek wanted to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, we were almost driven away by him. If it weren't for Rong Rong's special status, the outcome back then would have been hard to predict."
"There's also a more important point: Prince Xue Beng has the support of Prince Xue Xing, and behind Prince Xue Xing is Dugu Bo. You should be even clearer about Dugu Bo's status in the Heaven Dou Empire."
After hearing Yang Xiong's words, Xue Qinghe's eyes widened, his expression changed unpredictably, and he even showed an expression of disbelief in his eyes. It was clear that he was somewhat startled by Yang Xiong's words.
If what Yang Xiong said was true, then Xue Beng's influence would truly be significant, perhaps even secretly supported by the Emperor Xue Ye.
At this moment, a hint of ruthlessness, even a trace of killing intent, appeared in Xue Qinghe's eyes. Clearly, his situation was much worse than it appeared on the surface.
After some time passed, Xue Qinghe finally calmed down a bit: "Thank you, Little Xiong, for informing me. Wait a few days for me. If I obtain the Vast Sea Universe Cover, I will notify you for the transaction."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Brother Qinghe, this matter is known only to heaven, earth, you, and me. I hope the Emperor Xue Ye will not know of my existence, otherwise it could easily affect the relationship between our two families."
A somewhat awkward smile appeared on Xue Qinghe's face: "Of course, this is a secret between the two of us. I believe my father and teacher should be able to understand."
Yang Xiong didn't waste any more words, retrieved the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, and left the Crown Prince Residence.
When Yang Xiong returned to the hotel where he was staying, his previously calm face became a little fierce.
He had said too much to Xue Qinghe today, even revealing quite a bit, which might lead to Xue Qinghe's suspicion and apprehension.
But for the Vast Sea Universe Cover, it was all worth it. This was an extremely rare divine tool on the Douluo Continent, and in terms of value alone, it was definitely among the top five items on the entire continent.
As for Yang Xiong mentioning Prince Xue Beng, it was purely for future planning.
According to the original work, after Crown Prince Xue Qinghe's palace coup failed, Prince Xue Beng inherited the position of Crown Prince.
But it was clear that Prince Xue Beng placed great importance on Tang San and his group, while neglecting Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, even allowing Yu Xiaogang to become the National Teacher of the Heaven Dou Empire.
In reality, whether in terms of strength, soul power level, or backing, Ning Fengzhi should have been the rightful candidate for the position of National Teacher. After all, Ning Fengzhi had two Titled Douluo behind him, as well as the remaining strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, which was far beyond what a single Yu Xiaogang could compare to.
From this, it could be seen that Prince Xue Beng was definitely very wary of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Ning Fengzhi, especially since Ning Fengzhi was once Xue Qinghe's teacher. If he were to turn against him one day, Prince Xue Beng might not even be able to sit securely on the throne.
Moreover, Prince Xue Beng was indeed a dissolute youth in the early stages, harming many people, but later, due to a single kneel, he became the biggest winner by default on the entire Douluo Continent.
Whether it's the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Body Sect, what they need in the future is not someone who might betray them at any time, not a hidden wolf, but a puppet to be manipulated.
Prince Xue Beng was so patient in the early stages, and later endured humiliation to become Tang San's disciple. Someone with this kind of personality is not that easy to control.
As for specifically telling Xue Qinghe this time, it can be considered killing two birds with one stone.
On one hand, using Xue Qinghe to eliminate Prince Xue Beng is like removing a hidden danger in advance.
On the other hand, if Xue Qinghe really eliminates Prince Xue Beng, it might arouse the Emperor Xue Ye's suspicion, which can also be considered preparation for the Heaven Dou palace coup.
If Xue Qinghe accidentally exposes himself, then the forces of Xue Qinghe and the forces of the Emperor Xue Ye will fight each other, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect can profit from it, while the Body Sect can also take the opportunity to rise.
Of course, there is also the most important point: whether the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone and the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum are truly destined as if by fate. Perhaps they can be used to control Qian Renxue.
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