Outside the Heaven Dou Imperial City, Fang Chang stood quietly, accompanied by a large group of fervent followers of the Spider God Church.
Given his current status, gaining an audience with the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire was no difficult task. In about ten minutes, guards escorted him into the imperial palace.
Emperor Xue Ye was quite intrigued by the renowned Spider God Emissary and quickly summoned him.
In the grand hall, Emperor Xue Ye sat high upon the dragon throne. His face appeared somewhat pale, and he seemed weary, yet his demeanor still exuded the aura of a ruler.
Around him stood over a dozen high-level soul masters for protection, and even the guards outside the hall were all soul masters—evidently, security was tight.
Fang Chang gave a slight bow, clasped his fists, and performed a customary greeting. "I am Fang Chang. Greetings, Emperor Xue Ye."
Unfamiliar with the etiquette and titles of this world, Fang Chang simply mimicked what he had seen in TV dramas from his past life. Kneeling, however, was out of the question.
This…
His unconventional behavior left even Emperor Xue Ye momentarily stunned. A nearby minister was about to reprimand him when the emperor raised a hand to stop him. "No matter."
"The Spider God Emissary must be new to our Heaven Dou Empire and unaware of our customs. Let us not dwell on trivial formalities." With that, he gestured to a maid. "Prepare a seat."
The maid hurriedly brought a chair and placed it in the hall, inviting Fang Chang to sit.
"Spider God Emissary, what brings you here so suddenly?" Emperor Xue Ye cut straight to the point, inquiring about Fang Chang's purpose.
Given the Spider God Church's current prestige and reputation—though still not on par with the Spirit Hall or the two great empires—it had already surpassed major clans like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in influence.
Especially after the Spider God Church's decisive victory over the Spirit Hall at Sea God Island, no faction dared to underestimate them anymore.
"I have come to rid Emperor Xue Ye of a great threat lurking by your side and expose a major conspiracy," Fang Chang declared without hesitation. He scanned the hall and asked, "Is Crown Prince Xue Qinghe present in the palace?"
At these words, Emperor Xue Ye's expression darkened, his eyes turning cold.
Rumors had been circulating in the Heaven Dou City that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was an imposter from the Spirit Hall. As the ruler of the empire, how could he not know?
For the Spider God Emissary to visit at this critical moment, explicitly asking to see Xue Qinghe and making such a statement—his intentions were clear.
Did he truly think the emperor was so foolish as to not recognize his own son? Emperor Xue Ye inwardly scoffed at Fang Chang's words.
Yet, given the Spider God Emissary's high status and his own formidable strength—capable of slaying Title Douluo—Emperor Xue Ye could not outright refuse.
Forcing a smile, he replied, "I sent someone to inform him before your arrival. He should be on his way now."
"Good." Having said that, Fang Chang closed his eyes and began meditating.
The atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Emperor Xue Ye, Fang Chang, and the ministers all waited for Xue Qinghe's arrival.
If the Spider God Emissary could prove today that Xue Qinghe was an imposter, the Heaven Dou Empire would be thrown into chaos. If not, the Spider God Church would lose all face.
About ten minutes later, Xue Qinghe finally arrived, accompanied by two elderly men cloaked in black robes.
Fang Chang glanced at "him," then at the two Title Douluo behind "him," who had concealed their auras. Fortunately, their soul power was only at the 92nd rank—not too troublesome to deal with.
Meanwhile, Xue Qinghe remained outwardly composed. After paying respects to Emperor Xue Ye, "he" turned to Fang Chang, who was still meditating, and gave a slight bow.
Only Fang Chang noticed the subtle tremble in "his" posture. Though "he" appeared calm, fear was undoubtedly gnawing at "him."
"Spider God Emissary, this is my son, Xue Qinghe," Emperor Xue Ye introduced, his tone carrying an unspoken warning.
"Mm." Fang Chang nodded and stood up, staring directly at "Xue Qinghe."
Behind "him," the two Title Douluo tensed, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Fang Chang circled Xue Qinghe with interest, then reached out and lightly tapped "his" chest with the back of his hand. "The Crown Prince is young and accomplished. To possess such strength at this age is truly remarkable."
Xue Qinghe wanted to dodge but held back, knowing the situation demanded composure.
Gritting "his" teeth, "he" forced a calm tone. "I have long heard of the Spider God Emissary's fame. May I ask why you sought me out today?"
"No need for formalities," Fang Chang said, sitting back down. "It's just that I've heard the Crown Prince has ties to the Spirit Hall. I came to verify whether the rumors hold any truth."
Xue Qinghe's pupils contracted sharply, a flicker of killing intent flashing through "his" eyes. The recent rumors had put immense pressure on "him."
After years of infiltration, success was within reach—yet now, everything teetered on the brink of collapse.
"May I ask how the Spider God Emissary plans to verify this? I will cooperate to the best of my ability," Xue Qinghe replied, maintaining a humble facade.
Fang Chang smirked. "It's simple. The rumors claim you're actually a woman. Men and women have distinct physical differences. All you need to do is prove your identity here in front of everyone."
"How?" Xue Qinghe's face had turned deathly pale, "his" tone now devoid of respect.
"Remove your clothes before the court. Let Emperor Xue Ye and everyone bear witness," Fang Chang pressed, leaving no room for retreat.
"You—!" Xue Qinghe's eyes reddened with fury.
A minister aligned with "him" immediately protested, "Your Majesty, you must not listen to this slander! The Crown Prince's dignity cannot be subjected to such humiliation!"
But another faction, supporting the Fourth Prince, countered, "The Spider God Emissary speaks reason. With rumors spreading unchecked, if the Crown Prince cannot prove his innocence, how can the people accept an alleged imposter as their future ruler?"
"Let him clear his name now, Your Majesty!"
The two factions erupted into heated arguments, the hall devolving into chaos.
"Enough!" Emperor Xue Ye's voice cut through the noise, silencing the ministers.
"Do you wish to make fools of the Heaven Dou Empire before the Spider God Emissary?" he rebuked. Then, turning to Xue Qinghe, his eyes held a trace of apology.
"Qinghe, do as the Spider God Emissary says. Prove your identity here. This will put an end to the rumors and protect the royal family's honor."
With those words, Xue Qinghe's last hope vanished. "His" delicate hands trembled as "he" slowly raised them.