Chapter 190: Xingluo Changes Leadership, Empress Zhu Qing_2
"Ah, this..."
Youming, Grand Duke, wore a stunned expression on his face.
He had not anticipated that he had casually killed another prominent figure.
"It's okay, don't be too nervous, now we are all on the same side."
Qin Xiao patted the shoulder of Youming, Grand Duke, consolingly, "It's just the Xiangjia Sect, isn't it? If we wipe them out, that'll be that."
"Right, also right." Youming, Grand Duke, nodded again and again.
Since they had provoked such a powerful enemy, the only peace of mind would come from eliminating them.
Qin Xiao smiled, "Great minds think alike. I'll leave this matter to you to handle. I await your good news."
"Okay."
"Wait, that's not right."
Youming, Grand Duke, initially nodded subconsciously, but quickly he realized something was amiss.
"Are you saying you want me to exterminate the Xiangjia Sect?"
"Yes, but not entirely."
Qin Xiao's gaze shifted, saying, "The Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan will cooperate with you."
"In addition, sects and clans like the Wind Sword Sect, the Fire Leopard Sect, and other Soul Master sects also deserve to be punished. What do you think, Master Yu?"
Yu Luomian was momentarily startled.
Then a bit of joy emerged in his heart.
He understood the meaning behind Qin Xiao's words; this was an opportunity being given to their Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan.
Moreover, whether it was the Xiangjia Sect or the Wind Sword Sect and the Fire Leopard Sect, most of the strong within the sects were already dead, and what remained were not worth concerning about.
To call it a cleansing was actually not much of an effort.
"Cough cough." Liu Erlong coughed lightly, reminding Yu Luomian that Qin Xiao was waiting for a response.
Immediately, Yu Luomian no longer hesitated, "The Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan will certainly not disappoint you."
At the side, seeing Yu Luomian take a stand, Youming, Grand Duke, also hurriedly said, "My Youming Clan will also brave fire and water, we will not shirk even from a thousand deaths."
Qin Xiao nodded in satisfaction.
"Your Highness, may I ask what plans you have next?"
From within the crowd, Zhu Zhuqing approached Qin Xiao and asked.
Looking at the mess before him, Qin Xiao's brow furrowed slightly, "This certainly is a problem."
"Qin Xiao, do you intend to become the emperor yourself?" Liu Erlong also asked.
"I have no interest in becoming the emperor; the throne to me is nothing but a shackle."
"Besides, becoming the emperor is not such an easy matter."
Qin Xiao raised his eyebrow, indicating his intentions.
He had no plans whatsoever of becoming the emperor.
Moreover, no matter where, a change of dynasty was never an easy affair.
Then, Qin Xiao turned his gaze towards Youming, Grand Duke with shining eyes, "The Youming Clan is well-established in the Xingguo Empire, controlling considerable power and territory, I believe many people must be convinced by you."
"Of course." Youming, Grand Duke, nodded strongly, "Our clan's titles have been inherited generation after generation, so the territory of our clan has remained unchanged for thousands of years.
The people on that land have an unwavering belief in us, their loyalty even surpassing that for the Star Luo Royal Family."
The Grand Duke of Youming spoke with an unconscious puff of his chest, pride apparent.
After hearing Youming, Grand Duke's words, Qin Xiao nodded slightly, "Very good, excellent indeed."
"Your Highness, what do you mean?" Youming, Grand Duke, ventured to ask.
"The concept of the emperor is deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of the Xingluo Empire. If a stranger were to become the emperor of the Xingluo Empire, it would certainly provoke a significant backlash. There would be issues with legitimacy," Qin Xiao said, then looked deep into the eyes of Youming, Grand Duke, "If someone from the Youming Clan were to become the emperor, the opposition might not be so great, and it might even be possible to use those who are loyal to sway more people to be convinced."
As Qin Xiao's voice fell, the room instantly became quiet.
Everyone's eyes filled with complex emotions.
Qin Xiao's intention was clear; wasn't he suggesting that the Youming Clan take control of the immense power of the Xingluo Empire?
"This, this..."
Youming, Grand Duke, trembled with excitement.
He was not a foolish man and of course, he understood Qin Xiao's intentions.
Thump!
He knew that at this moment, he had to take a stand.
He knelt on one knee, his hands clasped in a fist, respectfully declaring, "Your Highness, on behalf of the Youming Clan, I pledge allegiance to you. You are the true power behind the throne of the Xingluo Empire.
I will also do my utmost to help you govern the Xingluo Empire."
Yu Luomian was painfully envious.
Being both human, why was there such a big difference?
Their Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan had paid a heavy price and had only managed to secure Qin Xiao's forgiveness. Yet, the Youming Clan hadn't done much but had earned such significant trust.
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That's the resources of an entire empire.
Even for a puppet emperor, the benefits are obvious.
"I believe in you..."
After hearing Qin Xiao's words, the warmth filled the heart of the Grand Duke of Youming.
Just as he was about to say some words of thanks, he suddenly noticed a meaningful smile at the corner of Qin Xiao's mouth.
Immediately after, he heard Qin Xiao continue, "I believe that under your tutelage, Zhu Qing will make a fine emperor."
Who?
Zhu Qing?
As Qin Xiao's voice spread throughout the room, the faces of everyone present became quite animated.
People like Flander, Zhao Wuji, and Liu Erlong all turned their gazes to Zhu Zhuqing.
Shock, disbelief, envy...
Zhu Zhuyun's body shook, her eyes full of incredulity, "How can he do this."
She had not expected her own sister to suddenly become the Empress of the Xingluo Empire!
Of course, the person with the biggest reaction was the Grand Duke of Youming.
He incredulously slapped himself twice.
As his cheeks started to sting, he realized he was not hallucinating.
Qin Xiao had indeed said to let himself mentor Zhu Zhuqing to be the emperor...
As the person concerned, Zhu Zhuqing also snapped out of her shocked state.
"Your Highness, please think this over, I... how could I possibly be the emperor?" Zhu Zhuqing kept shaking her head in dismissal.
Qin Xiao frowned, "Why can't you be the emperor?"
"But, I really can't."
"If I say you can, you can—even if you can't."
Saying this, Qin Xiao gestured with his hand, indicating that Zhu Zhuqing should stop talking.
"Hehe, Duke, what do you think of my arrangement?"
"Reasonable, very reasonable."
The Grand Duke of Youming eagerly nodded, "Zhu Qing, you must trust His Highness's judgment, and with your father's help, you will surely become a great emperor of the Xingluo Empire."
Though he said this, bitterness filled the Grand Duke of Youming's heart.
He hadn't become emperor and went straight to being the Supreme Emperor instead.
However, the one thing that gave him a bit of comfort was that the Supreme Emperor counts as an emperor, too...
"Your Highness, does this mean I can't stay by your side anymore..." Zhu Zhuqing said, lowering her head and continually twiddling the hem of her garment.
"Of course not."
Qin Xiao shook his head slightly and said, "Once the affairs here are sorted, we still have to travel overseas. For the time being, the Xingluo Empire still needs Duke to work hard."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded earnestly, "I understand."
The Grand Duke of Youming also responded solemnly, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will not disappoint you."
"Good, everyone go about your business."
"I'll just take a stroll around Xingluo City, no need to mind me."
After finishing his words, Qin Xiao stepped away.
Zhu Zhuqing followed without a second thought.
Then came Liu Erlong, Zhao Wuji, Flander, and the others.
"Zhuyun, you should take a look, too."
The Grand Duke of Youming gave Zhu Zhuyun a knowing look.
After Zhu Zhuyun left, Yu Luomian approached and said meaningfully, "Duke, you have raised a fine daughter."
The Grand Duke of Youming replied indifferently, "Master Yu's daughter is not bad either, otherwise the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan wouldn't know what crisis they might have faced."
...
Meanwhile.
Slaughter City.
Revisiting the past, Tang San was filled with endless emotion, "I never thought I'd return here."
"Yes, we're back again."
Tang Chen's voice was also laden with complexity, "When I left here initially, I was headed down a dead end, and now when I return, I am faced with another dead end. Life is indeed full of uncertainties."
In the meantime, he too had harbored hope, which quickly turned to despair.
"Ancestor, how should I take my first step this time?" Tang San asked, puzzled.
He was eager to know Tang Chen's plan.
Tang Chen lowered his head and said solemnly, "The first step begins with Hell Road; only after reaching the end of Hell Road and obtaining the Killing God Field are you qualified to officially undergo the divine challenge."
Hell Road, Killing God Field, initiating the divine challenge!
Tang San's thoughts immediately became clear, "Good, I am willing to accept the challenge!"
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