Chapter Forty-Six: The Blue Dragon's Assault

Outside Tian Dou City, within the Tian Dou Royal Academy, in the Committee Office.

Gathered here today were Chief Dream God Ji, Deputy Bai Baoshan, Third Seat Zhi Lin, and the Prince Xue Xing, who, in name, oversaw all affairs of the Tian Dou Royal Academy but in practice rarely set foot there more than once every few months. Standing before them was none other than Thunder Douluo Yu Yuanzhen, Patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, who had recently departed from True Dragon Mountain.

Behind Yu Yuanzhen stood three other imposing men: the clan’s Grand Elder Yu Yuanqing, an eighty-sixth rank Spirit Douluo; Second Elder Yu Yuanhao, an eighty-fourth rank Spirit Douluo; and Yu Xiaoxin, Yu Yuanzhen’s eldest son and Yu Tianheng’s father, an eighty-first rank Spirit Douluo.

After listening to Yu Yuanzhen’s request, Prince Xue Xing and the three Committee members exchanged uneasy glances, silent for a long while. The reason for their hesitation was simple—Yu Yuanzhen’s proposal was utterly astonishing. He was asking the Tian Dou Imperial Family to dispatch several Spirit Douluo-level experts to accompany him to the Sunset Forest to eliminate Poison Douluo Dugu Bo and his companions.

Yu Yuanzhen had come to the Tian Dou Royal Academy out of necessity. Only after arriving in Tian Dou City did Yu Tianheng learn the full details about Xiao Yu: not only was Xiao Yu on good terms with Dugu Bo, but he also shared close ties with the Nine-Hearted Begonia Clan. Moreover, it was said that Yang Wudi, Patriarch of the Breaking Clan, had also come to the Sunset Forest at Xiao Yu’s invitation.

Ye Renxin was still manageable; though he was a Spirit Douluo, in Yu Yuanzhen’s estimation he was a non-combative healing-type spirit master and posed little threat. Yang Wudi, however, was a different matter. Yu Yuanzhen, now over eighty, had long heard of Yang Wudi since his days in the Clear Sky Sect—the Breaking Spear martial spirit ranked among the top weapon spirits and at full strength could even contend with a Title Douluo.

In addition, according to information previously received, Xiao Yu had another Spirit Douluo-level expert by his side, and it was this man who had killed his cousin Yu Xiaokun in the Star Dou Forest.

Counting all this, the opposing side also possessed one Title Douluo and three Spirit Douluo-level experts. Though their overall strength was still inferior, and Yu Yuanzhen believed they could win a direct confrontation, it would be difficult to wipe out the enemy completely. If Dugu Bo, in particular, managed to escape, he would become a lingering threat to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

To root out this menace once and for all, Yu Yuanzhen needed to bolster his forces. Apart from himself, the clan had five Spirit Douluo-level experts. Three had followed him to Tian Dou City; only his second brother, Yu Luomian (eighty-third rank), and Elder Yu Yuanhui (eighty-first rank) remained to guard True Dragon Mountain.

Much like how the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect always kept one of its Sword or Bone Douluo to guard the sect when the other accompanied the sect master, bringing three Spirit Douluo with him was the utmost his clan could afford. If he summoned any more, True Dragon Mountain would be left vulnerable to attack.

Thus, Yu Yuanzhen could only seek allies in Tian Dou City. Only three factions here could field Spirit Douluo-level combatants: Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Tian Dou Imperial Family.

Spirit Hall was out of the question. Ambitious and often in conflict with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, they would never lend assistance. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, though friendly, was powerful in its own right, especially with Sword Douluo Chen Xin, whose strength surpassed Yu Yuanzhen’s. Even if they succeeded in eliminating Dugu Bo and seizing secret treasures from Xiao Yu, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would surely claim the lion’s share of the spoils—an outcome Yu Yuanzhen could not accept.

Therefore, his only option was the Tian Dou Imperial Family. They could provide Spirit Douluo-level aid without risking the presence of a Title Douluo, allowing Yu Yuanzhen to maintain control. In the end, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would receive most of the benefits.

“Patriarch Yu, are you aware that Mister Dugu Bo is an honored guest of our Tian Dou Empire? Is it not somewhat...?” Prince Xue Xing paused, refraining from voicing the words “fantastical notion,” then shifted the topic. “Patriarch Yu, may I ask what conflict exists between you and Mister Dugu? I am willing to mediate and help resolve the matter peacefully. Would that not be best?”

“There is absolutely no possibility of reconciliation between Dugu Bo and myself,” Yu Yuanzhen declared resolutely. Xiao Yu had helped Dugu Yan’s spirit evolve—a favor Dugu Bo would never repay with betrayal. Besides, a Title Douluo would never bow to threats.

“If the Tian Dou Imperial Family aids me in eliminating Dugu Bo, I can promise that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will give its full support to the Tian Dou Empire!” Yu Yuanzhen was well aware that Dugu Bo, though not particularly obedient, was the Empire’s only directly affiliated Title Douluo. To persuade the Empire to turn its back on Dugu Bo, he needed to offer terms more enticing than anything Dugu Bo could provide.

In truth, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was already inclined to draw closer to the Empire—otherwise, his own grandson Yu Tianheng would not be attending the Royal Academy. This was a promise Yu Yuanzhen could fulfill.

“I have heard that Your Highness supports the Fourth Prince Xue Beng, while Crown Prince Xue Qinghe has secured the backing of most court officials and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If Your Highness assists me in this matter, I pledge that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will fully support Xue Beng’s succession.” This vow, delivered via a soul-powered transmission to avoid the ears of the Committee members, was directed at Prince Xue Xing alone. To Yu Yuanzhen, strength was paramount; he cared not whether Xue Qinghe or Xue Beng ascended the throne.

At these words, Prince Xue Xing’s eyes brightened. Although he was on good terms with Dugu Bo, this was largely due to valuing his status as a Title Douluo. With Yu Yuanzhen offering even greater benefits, his royal blood and self-interest took precedence over any personal friendship.

Prince Xue Xing quickly made his decision, stood, and bowed. “This is a matter of great importance. I must report to my royal brother and let him decide. Patriarch Yu, I ask for your patience for a few days.”

“Very well,” Yu Yuanzhen nodded. He needed time anyway to gather intelligence on Xiao Yu, Dugu Bo, and the others—especially Dugu Bo, who was elusive as a shadow. He had to ensure Dugu Bo was in the Sunset Forest before making a move, so giving Prince Xue Xing and Emperor Xue Ye a few days to deliberate was not a problem at all.