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'Perhaps Father wants me to return to Star Luo quickly and is deliberately deceiving me?'
'Or, there are unforeseen circumstances behind this entire matter… Could it be related to my fight with Yu Xiaogang?'
Dai Chengfeng considered two possibilities, leaning more toward the second.
After all, Bibi Dong, driven by her love for Yu Xiaogang, had betrayed the Spirit Hall that raised her for years—so what would stop her from seeking him out for revenge?
"Chengfeng, what should we do?"
At this moment, Zhu Fan looked at Dai Chengfeng, his expression grave as he spoke again. "Right now, everyone in the Star Luo Empire is likely suspecting you."
"After all, unless Elder Dugu Bo personally acted, no one could have silently poisoned Xu Guotao."
"And the assassination of a first-rank border general will surely incite outrage in the imperial court…"
"His Majesty's sudden urgency to have you return—could it be to punish you?"
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's face darkened. "Though I excel in poisons, I'm not skilled in stealth."
"Silent assassination? What a huge frame-up! If I find out who did this, they'll regret it!"
Dai Chengfeng smiled faintly at Dugu Bo's explanation and shook his head. "Senior, don't worry. Though Xu Guotao's death was unexpected, it's not necessarily a bad thing."
Though he didn't know whether it was Qian Renxue or Bibi Dong who acted in secret…
Nonetheless, Dai Chengfeng felt no concern.
After all, Xu Guotao's death wasn't unjust. At worst, the Xu family and the Overseer faction might use this as an excuse to target him.
But could Soul Douluos like Dai An and Grand Priest Zhu Hongye really produce evidence of Xu Guotao's crimes?
What about Title Douluos?
With immortal herbs in hand, Dai Chengfeng only needed to ensure Dai An and Zhu Hongye smoothly ascended to Title Douluo status. Who dared to make trouble under the watchful eyes of two Title Douluos?
The Xu family and the Overseer faction lacked both the courage and the capability. Otherwise, the Star Luo royal family would have already changed hands long ago.
Thinking this, Dai Chengfeng shook his head and turned back to Zhu Fan, whose face was filled with worry.
"Don't panic, Uncle."
"Xu Guotao died today, and Father's message also arrived today, meaning the Pope sent her letter to Star Luo City several days ago."
"Father's urgency to have me return likely means the Pope truly wishes to meet with me."
"What truly puzzles and concerns me now is—what does the Pope want with me?"
"She's not someone insignificant like Xu Guotao!"
Saying this, Dai Chengfeng sighed deeply. "Uncle, go prepare the carriage. We'll leave for Star Luo tonight."
"Understood!"
Zhu Fan nodded solemnly and hurried away.
...
After Zhu Fan left, Dai Chengfeng turned to Yang Wudi once more. "Elder Yang, let's retrieve the spear technique."
"If Your Highness is busy, please attend to your matters first. I'm not in a rush…"
However, before Yang Wudi could finish, Dai Chengfeng smiled and shook his head. "It's fine. Let's settle this matter first so I can return to Star Luo with peace of mind."
With that, Dai Chengfeng entered the room.
Yang Wudi stared at his retreating figure. Though he didn't fully understand the situation in the Star Luo Empire, he knew the events that had just transpired were significant—otherwise, Zhu Fan wouldn't have been so urgent and grave.
Even so, Dai Chengfeng still prioritized handling his affairs, clearly showing how much he valued him.
In contrast to the Hao Tian Sect, which had abandoned them as pawns, Yang Wudi felt deeply moved.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
With that thought, he hurried after Dai Chengfeng.
The room was relatively simple, with paper, pens, medicinal herbs, and bottles scattered on a table—a perfect reflection of Dai Chengfeng's impression of the Breaking Clan as alchemical maniacs.
Without delay, he picked up the pen and began writing.
About fifteen minutes later, Dai Chengfeng stopped.
"Your Highness, are you finished?"
Yang Wudi gazed at the few sheets of paper in Dai Chengfeng's hands, his eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.
Dai Chengfeng nodded and slid the White Tiger Overlord Spear techniques toward Yang Wudi.
However, his gaze lingered on a brocade box within his spirit ring, containing the Aromatic Silk Beauty. Originally, this was meant to be a key bargaining chip to secure Yang Wudi's loyalty.
But for now, it seemed unnecessary. Perhaps it could serve as a reward for Yang Wudi in the future.
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng thought of Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan.
'Given my relationship with Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan…'
'And how Elder Ye and Senior Dugu Bo gave up everything in Tiandou City to follow me on this long journey to the unfamiliar Star Luo Empire…'
Dai Chengfeng felt giving each of them a immortal herb—Ye Renxin, Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling—was entirely reasonable.
After all, he had already given one to Yang Wudi.
Moreover, the stronger their power, the more beneficial it would be for him!
'However, it's not yet time to reveal that I possess many immortal herbs, all sourced from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.'
Dai Chengfeng gently stroked his chin.
'I'll need to find a time to pretend I obtained these herbs elsewhere…'
Meanwhile, Yang Wudi stared at the spear techniques in his hands, his eyes wide with shock.
"Striking like a tiger emerging from the mountains, swallowing rivers and devouring horizons; seizing like an eagle hunting a rabbit, swift and unparalleled…"
These unique spear techniques and concepts were completely beyond his previous understanding…
Could spear techniques truly be wielded like this?
A wave of indescribable awe surged within him, and his admiration for Dai Chengfeng deepened further.
The next moment, Yang Wudi knelt on one knee, his voice trembling with excitement and gratitude. "Such exquisite spear techniques—thank you, Your Highness, for bestowing them upon me!"
Looking at the kneeling Yang Wudi, Dai Chengfeng's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Rise. Serve me well in the future, and these techniques will be nothing extraordinary."
"When we return, I'll inform Zhu Yan to prepare arrangements for your clansmen…"
"However, your people cannot eat and live for free—they must contribute accordingly."
"I have a thousand-man elite guard. Their soul power ranges from Soul Master to Soul Ancestor level, and they require medicinal pills for cultivation. Your clan will provide them."
Yang Wudi patted his chest confidently. "Your Highness, rest assured. Alchemy is our clan's greatest strength—we won't disappoint you!"
Dai Chengfeng nodded, paused briefly, then added, "One more thing."
"Under normal circumstances, Zhu Yan won't disturb you. But if something arises that he can't handle, he'll come to you."
"Will you assist him?"
Yang Wudi showed no hesitation. "I understand."
Seeing Yang Wudi's straightforward response, Dai Chengfeng's smile widened slightly. "Good. With your word, I'm reassured. I hope the Breaking Clan doesn't disappoint me."
Afterward, Dai Chengfeng briefly reiterated the need for the Breaking Clan to remain discreet and maintain appearances with the Spirit Hall.
Yang Wudi agreed to every point.
About an hour later, all instructions were complete.
Amidst Yang Wudi and Yang Wushuang's profuse thanks, Dai Chengfeng left satisfied, carrying several gourds of top-tier medicinal pills they had prepared in advance.
Walking back to the governor's mansion, Dai Chengfeng's mind was filled with thoughts.
Though Xu Guotao's death eliminated one threat, it brought new complications.
And the purpose behind Bibi Dong's summons… He had to tread carefully.
Lost in thought, Dai Chengfeng soon returned to the governor's mansion with Dugu Bo.
Outside the mansion, two carriages awaited, fully prepared.
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