NOVEL WEB Chapter 140: Chapter 140
Seeing that the three education committee members were at a loss for words, Xue Qinghe strode directly into Xue Beng's dormitory. There, he found Xue Beng reclining in a chair along the corridor, legs crossed with his expression indifferent and nonchalant.
"Xue Beng, stand up right now. What on earth happened? Tell me clearly!" Xue Qinghe demanded angrily. He had always looked down on this nominal brother of his. If Xue Beng hadn't possessed even the slightest talent,unlike the late second and third princes, Xue Qinghe would have disposed of him long ago.
"Oh, my dear brother, no need to be so angry. It's just a small matter" Xue Beng replied, his tone unruly "These maids are making a fuss over nothing. Why did they even call you here? I just accidentally killed a commoner—it's no big deal."
"What did you say?" Xue Qinghe pushed open the door and was met with a chilling sight—a young girl lay lifeless on Xue Beng's bed, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. Her naked body was exposed and a coarse linen shirt lay crumpled on the floor—the clothing of an ordinary citizen.
This girl had clearly been kidnapped by Xue Beng. And judging by the timing, Xue Qinghe suspected that Xue Beng had done this on purpose and knowing he would be visiting the academy today.
Jun Tianlin, standing beside him, cast a cold gaze at Xue Beng. He had always known the Fourth Prince was far from the fool he pretended to be, but this was excessive. If Xue Beng had only been playing the role of a wastrel noble, why go to such extremes? The Xue Beng from the original novel had never been this depraved.
But from Xue Beng's perspective, this was a trivial matter. There would be no consequences for him. As a prince and a Spirit Master, his status far exceeded that of a mere commoner girl.
Tiandou Royal Academy was an institution filled with corrupt nobles. Even if this incident became public, the other young lords wouldn't condemn Xue Beng; they would praise him for his "heroism" and "unrestrained nature."
As for the opinions of commoners, Xue Beng didn't care. His reputation was already abysmal. In the world of Douluo Continent, where strength dictated everything, winning the people's hearts was meaningless.
The only ones who might be dissatisfied were the three education committee members. But they were already loyal to Xue Qinghe and had nothing but contempt for Xue Beng. Their opinion of him couldn't possibly sink any lower.
Noticing Jun Tianlin's cold glare, Xue Beng remained indifferent. He saw Tianlin as just another of Xue Qinghe's followers—powerful, yes but ultimately nothing to fear.
"Xue Beng, kneel!" Xue Qinghe commanded, stepping out of the room and glaring at him
"Your Highness, why such anger? She was just a commoner" a voice interrupted. Prince Xuexing approached leisurely "The Fourth Prince may have gone a little too far, but just compensate the girl's family and scold Xue Beng lightly. If this reaches His Majesty no one will escape unscathed. Don't forget his warning to you."
Xue Qinghe's expression darkened. The deaths of the second and third princes had been linked to him, something the higher-ups surely knew. Emperor Xue Ye had chosen to overlook it because of Xue Qinghe's exceptional abilities. However, he had once indirectly warned Xue Qinghe—his position as Crown Prince was now secure but Xue Beng was not to be touched.
Xue Qinghe had yet to fully consolidate his power within the empire. If not for the Emperor's words, he would never have tolerated Xue Beng's antics.
"Then I'll have to trouble my uncle to take Xue Beng back and discipline him properly. Such things must never happen again" Xue Qinghe said, his voice laced with barely suppressed fury.
"Oh, looks like I'll be put in solitary confinement for a few days over such a trivial matter" Xue Beng sighed dramatically and smirking as he strolled past Xue Qinghe and Jun Tianlin.
Suddenly, a hand shot out and gripped Xue Beng's throat and lifting him into the air.
"Jun Tianlin, what are you doing? Are you committing treason?" Prince Xuexing exclaimed in shock, unable to believe Tianlin's audacity.
Guards immediately raised their weapons, pointing them at Tianlin.
"Xiaotian, put Xue Beng down!" Xue Qinghe, startled by Tianlin's move and instinctively tried to stop him. If Xue Beng were to die at Tianlin's hands, it would create the perfect excuse for a rift between the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan and the Tiandou Royal Family—something that would greatly benefit Spirit Hall. However, she did not want Tianlin to be the trigger for such an event.
Tianlin ignored them all, his gaze locking onto Xue Beng "Xue Beng, Your Highness the Fourth Prince, I don't care what kind of person you are, but let this be the last time I see something like this happen. Otherwise, I can kill you with just one finger."
"You—you dare threaten me?" Xue Beng stammered, terror flashing in his eyes. The difference in their strength was overwhelming; he had no ability to resist.
"Threat? You're overthinking it. I'm simply stating a fact" Jun Tianlin said coolly "Since my debut, I've slain countless bandits, tyrants, and evil Spirit Masters. Don't forget how I earned the title of Sword Lord. I have no qualms about killing. Do you think I'm joking?" With a casual flick of his wrist, he hurled Xue Beng into the wall and knocking him unconscious for a few moments before turning and walking away without a second glance.
"This is treason! A true act of rebellion! The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan actually dares to provoke the Tiandou Royal Family?" Prince Xuexing fumed.
"With four Douluos in their clan, why wouldn't they dare?" Xue Qinghe countered sharply "Uncle, I advise you to let this go. As you yourself said, if our father hears of this, you won't escape blame."
Seeing that Tianlin hadn't actually killed Xue Beng, Xue Qinghe let out a breath of relief. As long as it remained at this level, she had the power to cover it up.
"Give orders to bury the girl with full honors and provide her family with ten thousand gold soul coins. Ensure their protection from those who might covet their wealth" Xue Qinghe instructed a maid before casting one final glance at Xue Beng "Xue Beng, you'd best behave yourself. If this happens again, I might not be able to stop Xiaotian next time."
"Damn it! Damn it!" After Xue Qinghe left, Xue Beng slammed his fists against the ground in fury.
"Xue Beng, what's wrong with you? You've been getting more and more violent lately" Xuexing observed warily "I know you orchestrated this to provoke your brother, but did you really have to go this far?"
"Uncle, don't worry. I know what I'm doing" Xue Beng replied, striding toward another room. No one noticed the ominous darkness flickering in his eyes.
Outside, Xue Qinghe caught up to Jun Tianlin "Xiaotian, thank you for what you did back there."
She now understood Tianlin's actions. He wasn't reckless—he was helping her. The situation had been a trap set for Xue Qinghe but Tianlin had shifted the blame onto himself. It was the only thing he could do for her.
He could fight against Spirit Hall but when it came to Qian Renxue—who is currently disguising as Xue Qinghe—he had long lost the resolve to stand against her.