NOVEL WEB Chapter 41: Chapter 41: The Gathering of Powers
As Xue Qinghe stepped out of the imperial palace, his gaze lingered in the direction of the Dugu residence, a flicker of intrigue passing through his eyes.
That pillar of light... Dugu Bo... Brother Wu Tong, was this your doing?
It was hard not to connect the dots. Wu Tong had left Heaven Dou City with Dugu Bo days ago and hadn't returned. Now, the moment Dugu Bo came back, such a spectacle occurred.
Xue Qinghe withdrew his gaze. Whether it was related or not, he would find out soon enough. If Wu Tong was involved, Dugu Bo wouldn't hide it from him.
"Elder Snake Spear, Elder Poison Needle, accompany me on this visit."
Two faint voices echoed in response. "As you command, Your Highness."
——
Nearly every major faction had reached the same conclusion upon learning of the light's connection to Dugu Bo: send envoys to uncover its secrets.
Meanwhile, at the Dugu residence...
"Grandfather! Father! How can you two just sit there drinking tea like nothing happened?!"
Dugu Yan was on the verge of tearing her hair out. Even she, a mere junior, understood the gravity of the situation. Yet the two men responsible—Dugu Bo and the newly resurrected Dugu Xin—remained utterly unperturbed.
"That pillar of light last night was visible across the entire continent! Even if most don't know its origin, the major factions will find out. Once they trace it back to you, how do you plan to handle them?!"
Dugu Bo chuckled. "If we can't handle them, we'll just tell them the truth. No need to resist."
Dugu Yan's eyes widened. "Grandfather... are you planning to abandon Wu Tong?" Her voice trembled with disbelief.
Dugu Xin sighed and intervened before misunderstandings deepened. "Yan'er, listen. The factions will come—that's inevitable. But explaining the situation is also part of Wu Tong's plan..."
As Dugu Xin elaborated, the full picture emerged.
Dugu Yan's tension eased, replaced by indignation. "So that's how it is! Then why didn't you explain earlier? Were you just enjoying my panic?!"
Dugu Bo raised his hands in surrender. "You didn't give me a chance to speak! How could I possibly be mocking you?"
Before he could continue, his expression sharpened. He turned toward the door, sensing the approach of powerful auras.
"It seems our guests have arrived." He stood, straightening his robes. "Yan'er, Xin'er, let's go greet them."
——
Outside the Dugu estate, a luxurious carriage bearing the Heaven Dou imperial crest came to a halt.
Xue Qinghe stepped out and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Teacher. Greetings, Sword Douluo."
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly. "No need for formalities, Qinghe."
As master and disciple exchanged pleasantries, two streaks of light—one gold, one black—streaked across the sky.
Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Xue Qinghe turned in unison.
The Spirit Hall's envoys...
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo materialized before them.
Ning Fengzhi's smile remained polite. "Elder Chrysanthemum, it's been a while."
"Spare the pleasantries," Chrysanthemum Douluo said coolly. "We're all here for the same reason—to uncover how that old poisoner pulled off last night's spectacle."
Ning Fengzhi gestured graciously. "After you, Elder."
——
Inside the reception hall, tensions flared the moment Chrysanthemum Douluo entered.
Dugu Bo's face darkened. "You. What are you doing here?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo sneered. "Did you think your little light show would go unnoticed? If I hadn't come, Her Holiness might have paid you a visit herself—though you're hardly worth her time." He paused, eyeing Dugu Bo. "I see you've cured your poison. How... fortunate."
"Fortunate indeed. Unlike some, I had help."
The verbal sparring escalated until Ning Fengzhi smoothly intervened. "Gentlemen, let's not allow tempers to ruin our purpose."
Dugu Bo scoffed but relented. "Take your seats."
Once everyone was settled, Dugu Bo cut straight to the point.
"You're all here about last night's light. You want to know what it was, correct?"
Nods all around.
Dugu Bo smirked.
"Then let me enlighten you."