As for whether Zhao Ling was truly the one behind the attempted assassination of Crown Prince Qinghe, Emperor Xue Ye and Prince Xue Xing refused to believe it, even if they were beaten to death.
This was Demon Suppressing Doulou, a powerhouse who could send one of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's guardian Doulou, Bone Doulou, flying with a single punch. If he truly wanted to kill the young Qinghe, it would be as easy as crushing an ant—why would he need to resort to such despicable means? It was utterly absurd...
"Your Majesty, the Demon Suppressing Doulou has blatantly ignored our Heaven Dou royal laws and dared to secretly order an assassination on our royal heir. If this matter is not handled properly, it will surely plunge the entire nation into panic.
The Crown Prince is the foundation of the kingdom. No matter how powerful the Demon Suppressing Doulou may be, if he even harbors the thought of harming our Heaven Dou successor, we cannot allow such a wolf into our midst."
An elderly man, looking to be in his seventies with graying hair, spoke with deep sorrow as he pleaded with Emperor Xue Ye. Judging by his ornate robes, it was clear he held a high position within the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Your Majesty, the Left Chancellor speaks reason. As they say, 'Those who are not of our race must have different hearts.' That Demon Suppressing Doulou may be immensely powerful, but at the end of the day, he is still half-affiliated with the Spirit Hall.
It is said that, relying on his considerable strength, he is often arrogant and lawless—bullying men, harassing women, and killing those who dare oppose him. His arrogance knows no bounds."
Another man, clad in scale armor and appearing around sixty to seventy years old, stepped forward indignantly and began listing Zhao Ling's so-called "crimes."
"It is said that the second young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan encountered him in Suotou City and was repeatedly humiliated, beaten, and berated. The Suoto City Grand Spirit Arena had to dispatch medics multiple times to save the second young master's life.
Compared to him, the fate of their eldest young master was even more tragic. Supposedly, he was ruthlessly beaten by the Demon Suppressing Doulou under the pretense of strength bullying the weak, and was left mentally impaired—reduced to a fool. Alas…"
The armored man sighed heavily, continuing to poison Emperor Xue Ye's mind with exaggerated tales.
"Your Majesty, such a cruel and ruthless man, devoid of any morality, and yet you wish to bring him in as a royal protector? Do you really believe that he would step forward in times of crisis for the Heaven Dou Empire? Please, Your Majesty, reconsider!"
Prince Xue Xing's brows furrowed deeply. He had indeed heard of the conflict between the Demon Suppressing Doulou and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. In fact, he had even sent people to investigate the matter at the Suotou City Grand Spirit Arena.
What they found did not match the accounts of this military officer at all. After a brief silence, he shouted at the man in fury.
"General Zhang, are you sure you're not twisting the truth? Why is the version I know completely different from yours? I heard that, despite the Demon Suppressing Doulou's overwhelming strength, he never once bullied the second young master of the Yu Clan.
What I did hear was that this so-called second young master was often assaulted by members of Spirit Hall. And yet, every time he was injured—be it tripping over his own feet or falling on his face—he conveniently blamed the Demon Suppressing Doulou!"
Prince Xue Xing let out a cold laugh, staring mockingly at General Zhang before adding,
"Plenty of people know what truly happened. If you're willing to actually ask around the Suotou City Grand Spirit Arena, you'll find I'm not shielding the Demon Suppressing Doulou.
Instead, it's you, General Zhang, who dares speak blatant lies and blindly trust biased tales. And you still think you're fit to lead the Royal Guard of our Heaven Dou Empire?"
"Your Highness, when have I blindly trusted others? Everything I said is backed by evidence. Right now, the eldest young master of the Yu Clan is mentally impaired!
Just two days ago, I personally visited Patriarch Yu and saw that fool with my own eyes. If Your Highness doesn't believe me, I am willing to escort you to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and see for yourself."
General Zhang's face was full of anger. In his view, the fact that the eldest young master of the Yu Clan had been beaten into idiocy was the clearest proof that the Demon Suppressing Doulou abused his strength to bully the weak.
"Hehehe... Every word out of your mouth is about the eldest and second young masters of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Tell me, General Zhang—are you a subject of the Heaven Dou Empire or a lackey of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?
Their eldest young master was beaten into idiocy—what has that got to do with me? Why should I pay them a visit? General Zhang, do remember your identity. The Heaven Dou Empire is not the private domain of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
Prince Xue Xing's expression grew even colder, and his tone intensified.
Emperor Xue Ye narrowed his eyes slightly. He had already felt that something about this whole situation seemed off. Now, with General Zhang constantly dragging in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's two young masters, it became even more suspicious.
Sensing the Emperor's increasing displeasure and the oppressive aura he emitted, General Zhang grew visibly tense.
"Your Highness, I merely meant to say that the Demon Suppressing Doulou is arrogant and lawless. I never implied that the Heaven Dou Empire belongs to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Nor did I say I wish to be a vassal of theirs. Please, Your Highness, do not distort my words."
General Zhang was acutely aware that Emperor Xue Ye was now displeased. As the commander of the palace Royal Guards, anything he said now might displease the Emperor.
After all, no emperor would tolerate the idea that the commander of his personal guards could be a vassal of a noble clan. If such a thing came to pass, the emperor himself might soon be forced to abdicate—or worse, become a puppet ruler.
Just as Emperor Xue Ye was about to explode with fury, Zhao Ling suddenly strode into the hall, laughing heartily.
"Well, well. I just returned from a trip, and before I've even caught my breath, I'm told I'm under suspicion of plotting an assassination against Crown Prince Qinghe? So this is tied to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, is it?
I didn't expect that giving their eldest young master a good beating would turn him into a fool! Hahaha! That's rich!"
As Zhao Ling strode into the hall, several guards immediately unsheathed their weapons, while many of the civil and military officials turned to glare at him angrily.
General Zhang sprang to his feet and released his Spirit—a blade. His spirit ring configuration was two yellow, two purple, and three black, revealing his level as a Spirit Saint. He shouted furiously:
"Insolence! This is the royal palace! How dare you barge in! Do you have a death wish?!"