As for the soul tool in question, no one seemed particularly concerned about it. So what if they didn't manage to snatch it? It wasn't a big deal.
Soon, someone brought it over. But the identity of that person caught everyone by surprise—it was a tall, slender man in his thirties, dressed in luxurious robes.
"Clan Head Ning, I didn't expect to see you here."
The man greeted them with a warm smile.
Both Gu Han and Bibi Dong recognized him. It was Xue Xing, the Fourth Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
He was the same person who had accompanied Crown Prince Xue Ye to Spirit Hall for the Pope's grand wedding.
"Your Highness, Prince Xue Xing,"
Ning Fengzhi responded with a gentle and polite smile as he extended a hand to take the jade pendant.
Xue Xing had sharp eyes. With just a glance, his gaze landed on Bibi Dong. Her beauty was simply unparalleled—so dazzling that he couldn't look away.
Gu Han immediately stepped forward to block his view, his smile thin and insincere. "Your Highness, Prince Xue Xing, do you still remember me from Spirit City?"
Xue Xing was momentarily stunned. He studied Gu Han more closely, and his eyes widened in recognition.
"You—why are you here?"
There was no helping it—Gu Han's performance in that match had been too extraordinary. Even Tang Hao had been overshadowed by him. Xue Xing had witnessed it firsthand and never forgot. It was impossible not to recognize him now.
"Hmph. Your Highness, if you're here to deliver something, you may go. But if you're trying to curry favor, don't bother."
Gu Rong didn't spare him any face. So what if he was royalty?
On this continent, strength reigned supreme. Every Titled Douluo held a status above worldly power. If they chose to honor the royal family, it was out of courtesy, not obligation. If they didn't feel like giving face, even the royals could only grit their teeth and swallow their pride.
Xue Xing's gaze had been fixed on Bibi Dong the moment he arrived, which immediately soured Gu Rong's impression of him. His words were blunt and merciless.
Although being stared at made Bibi Dong slightly uncomfortable, when she saw her junior step forward and shield her, her heart filled with warmth. So she chose not to act out—otherwise, she would have long since drawn her sword.
"Ah, Elder Bone Douluo jests. I merely wanted to invite Clan Head Ning to speak with me in private."
Xue Xing quickly added, for fear of rejection, "It concerns matters of the Empire. I beg Clan Head Ning not to refuse."
Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment, then turned to Gu Han and Bibi Dong.
"Brother Gu, Your Highness the Holy Maiden, may I invite you to join us?"
"Of course."
Gu Han nodded slightly. He could hear the rejection in Ning Fengzhi's tone—inviting them was just a polite way to dissuade Xue Xing.
"This…"
Xue Xing hesitated, but then, as if making a decision, he nodded.
"Very well. Then please follow me."
Gu Han and Ning Fengzhi exchanged glances and saw the same curiosity reflected in each other's eyes. Since he insisted, they were intrigued.
Ning Fengzhi gestured graciously. "Your Highness, please lead the way."
"This way, please."
Xue Xing nodded and led the group to a private lounge inside the auction house.
Inside the room, Ning Fengzhi and the others sat on the sofa, watching Xue Xing curiously. The prince peeked around the door like a thief, and only after confirming no one was around did he quietly shut it.
Gu Rong frowned. "Xue Xing, what are you up to?"
"Please, Elder Bone Douluo, wait a moment."
As he spoke, Xue Xing pulled a radiant, jewel-like spirit bone from his soul tool.
"A ten-thousand-year soul bone!?"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened in shock. And a Crystal Soul Bone at that! The aura it gave off was easily above fifty-thousand years. Even the wealthy Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan didn't possess spirit bones of this quality.
Xue Xing held the Crystal Soul Bone respectfully in both hands and suddenly knelt beside Ning Fengzhi, his tone sincere and urgent.
"Clan Head Ning, I beg you—save me!"
Ning Fengzhi had already sensed something was off. Pretending not to understand, he hurriedly stepped forward, feigning shock and trying to lift him up.
"Your Highness, what is the meaning of this? You are a prince of Heaven Dou—who would dare threaten your life?"
"Why speak of needing to be saved?"
But Xue Xing refused to rise. He kept his head down, face hidden, his voice catching with emotion.
"If you won't agree to help me, I… I won't get up."
"Junior brother," Bibi Dong leaned in and whispered in Gu Han's ear, tugging his sleeve. "Isn't this guy trying to seize power and lost to the Crown Prince? Now he's afraid of being killed once his brother takes the throne?"
Gu Han raised a finger to his lips.
"Let's just enjoy the show, Senior Sister."
No one here was a fool. It was clear that Xue Xing, in his desperation, was seeking the strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as a last resort.
His urgency today spoke volumes. And since it was Crown Prince Xue Ye attending the tournament and not the aging emperor, it likely meant that the emperor's condition had taken a sharp decline.
With the emperor at death's door, if Xue Ye wanted to ascend the throne smoothly, then this so-called "virtuous prince" who had refused to go to his fief and remained in the capital would be seen as a threat—one that had to be eliminated.
That Xue Xing had come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan today likely meant he lacked military support.
Either that, or he was vastly outnumbered and saw little chance of success, so he came seeking outside help.
"I see."
Bibi Dong nodded slightly and fell silent, quietly watching Xue Xing's act.
"Sigh… Your Highness, if you have something to say, just say it. If I can help, I will."
Ning Fengzhi sighed deeply. Letting this drag on was pointless. Better to just let him speak plainly.
Xue Xing seemed to sense his sincerity and allowed himself to be helped up. He sighed heavily, his expression tinged with sorrow.
"Sigh… Clan Head Ning, you may not know this, but my royal father's health has completely deteriorated. I've consulted the imperial physicians—they say he may not last through the month."
A glint flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes. With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned away solemnly.
"Your Highness, what is the meaning of this? My Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has no intention of involving itself in imperial affairs. I cannot accept this Crystal Soul Bone. Let's pretend none of this happened today."
"No, Clan Head Ning, you must help me!"
Xue Xing fell to his knees once more, clutching Ning Fengzhi's leg, sobbing.
"I have no interest in the throne! But my brother and I have always been at odds politically. If he ascends the throne, I fear he won't let me live! Please, you must save me, Clan Head Ning!!"
Ning Fengzhi believed the second part of his plea—but the part about having no interest in the throne? He only laughed coldly in his heart.
No interest in the throne? Then why not retreat to your fief?
No interest in the throne? Then why stay in Heaven Dou City and refuse to leave?
No interest in the throne? Yet you raised your own faction within court and directly opposed the Crown Prince?
No interest in the throne? And now you come begging for your life with a fifty-thousand-year Crystal Soul Bone?
~~~
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