Chapter 661: A Line of Succession

Chapter 661: A Line of Succession

Thinking of Emperor Xuanming's importance to his son Tuoba Xiao, Su Youyue was unsure how he would react upon finding out.

However, considering that the Shen family was now like a grasshopper in autumn, unable to jump anymore, she wasn’t worried.

When the Shen family's empire collapses, Master Shen is dismissed, and the Shen family's business crumbles, she wouldn't need to lift a finger. Those who crave benefits would naturally pounce like jackals.

"Regardless, compared to this, the most important task now is the antidote for the holy medicine."

Whether it's the Holy Sect or Tuoba Xiao, it's ultimately an internal matter of Dongrong. Her only concern is Xie Yuan.

Zhe Jing nodded, his expression equally serious.

The situation in the Sacred Capital is changing rapidly, and the entire city seems to be shrouded in a dark cloud. The high-ranking nobles are terrified by the poison of the holy medicine, the common people are uneasy because of Tuoba Xiao, and everyone in the palace is in panic because the emperor has fallen.

In the palace, Prince Bei knelt by the emperor's bedside: "Brother, public opinion is widespread. If the court does not issue an order to capture Tuoba Xiao, not only the people but also the officials and soldiers of the entire Sacred Capital will be dissatisfied. I know you value him, but the people are furious!"

Prince Bei couldn't understand why, even at this point, his brother still shielded Tuoba Xiao!

Emperor Xuanming lay weakly on the dragon bed, his face showing severe illness, but upon hearing Prince Bei's words, he still showed anger: "What, are they trying to force me with public opinion? Do they think I’m too old to make my own decisions?"

"Brother... you can't blame others for saying that. Tuoba Xiao himself went mad, killing people indiscriminately before, and now he's publicly slaughtering civilians in the Sacred Capital. Not even the heavens can save him!" Prince Bei had once liked Tuoba Xiao because his brother valued him, but now he couldn’t help but feel resentful.

His brother’s indulgence of Tuoba Xiao was excessive, even better than his treatment of his own younger brother!

As soon as he finished speaking, Emperor Xuanming fiercely knocked over a medicine cup beside him: "Xiao'er is my son, and in the future, I will hand over all of Dongrong to him. I dare anyone to speak ill of him! Whoever wants to capture Xiao'er, let them come to me, and I'll kill them one by one, or in groups! They've been too comfortable, forgetting my methods!"

The medicine cup shattered on the ground, and Prince Bei widened his eyes in shock: "Brother, what are you saying, Tuoba Xiao is your son..."

Although shocked, he instantly felt that this was true, otherwise it would be inexplicable how his brother could treat an outsider so well.

But Tuoba Xiao is half a foreigner, how could he possibly become the emperor of Dongrong!

And he’s a complete madman who cares for nothing!

However, looking at Emperor Xuanming's bloodshot eyes, Prince Bei finally remembered his elder brother's past when he led the army in conquests, mercilessly slaughtering cities time and time again.

The image of Tuoba Xiao in his mind began to merge with that of the young Emperor Xuanming, revealing their striking similarity.

Both were born with superhuman strength, unmatched in martial arts, and even their temperaments were remarkably similar.

Tuoba Xiao's madness has its roots, entirely inherited from his father, but he surpassed his father, raised by beasts from a young age, his madness even more uncontrollable, filled with untamable savagery.

Emperor Xuanming’s chest rose and fell violently: "Xiao'er did not kill his mother, whoever dares to say it again, I'll have them killed! It's Ciyun who wronged Xiao'er, it's me who wronged Xiao'er, not him who wronged others! He is the future ruler of Dongrong, whoever he wants dead, no one dares to defy him!"

"Who... who wants to compete with Xiao'er for the throne? The eldest prince? The third prince? Or the fifth? Whoever dares to compete with Xiao'er for the throne, I'll kill them! The Pope dares to intimidate me with Xiao'er's affairs, saying if I don't obey, he'll prevent Xiao'er from ascending the throne, how bold! I’ll have the entire Holy Sect killed!"

"The Wolf Hunters dared to treat Xiao'er like this, they've taken my words as a joke, I've been too good to them these years, I’ll have them wiped out!"

Only then did Prince Bei realize why his brother suddenly decided to act against the Holy Sect in advance.

It was also for Tuoba Xiao!

This son is indeed the most like his younger self, but why go to such lengths for him?

Prince Bei couldn't understand, but looking at Emperor Xuanming's bloodshot eyes, he could only quickly support him: "Alright, alright, brother, don't be anxious, let's arrange this slowly, let him have it, let him have it, alright..."

Of course, he didn't really think that way. If Tuoba Xiao were to become the emperor of Dongrong, it’s likely that within half a year, rebellion would erupt, and the entire Dongrong empire would fall.

Not to mention that Dasheng has now forged miraculous weapons and is lurking nearby.

However, he knows the properties of the sacred medicine. If his brother continues to be so agitated, the toxicity will quickly deepen, and by the time it reaches the internal organs, it might be too late, even if the doctors concoct an antidote.

Now, it is crucial that no one knows Tuoba Xiao has fallen into the hands of the Holy Church.

Prince Bei had just regained his composure when a eunuch rushed in hastily: "Your Majesty, a letter from the Pope..."

Prince Bei sensed trouble and quickly tried to intercept the letter, but the Holy Church had always been a malignant tumor in Dongrong, a thorn in Emperor Xuanming's side. Seeing that the Pope dared to send him a letter at this time, Emperor Xuanming would surely read it.

Thus, after a furious shout, he took the letter into his hands.

Prince Bei, standing beside him, could also clearly see the contents of the letter.

His expression changed dramatically, and he immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, this cannot be allowed! We have finally obtained the evidence and are just one step away from completely eradicating the Holy Church. If we agree to cede military power to the Holy Church for Tuoba Xiao's sake, not only will all our efforts be in vain, but the entire royal family will be reduced to puppets of the Holy Church in the future!"

Emperor Xuanming, however, tightly gripped the paper and suddenly grabbed Prince Bei's collar: "Did you already know that Xiao has fallen into their hands?"

Prince Bei was speechless. He had indeed found out, but he didn't say anything to avoid agitating his brother too much. Who knew the Pope would be so eager to deliver the letter? He hadn't had time to make any arrangements yet.

Seeing his silence, Emperor Xuanming's anger surged. He coughed violently, furrowed his brow deeply, clutched his chest, and his eyes became unfocused: "Go save Xiao, I will personally lead the men! Bring me my Baoguang Sword!"

Knowing that Emperor Xuanming hadn't lost his mind to the point of handing over military power to the Holy Church, Prince Bei still couldn't rest easy. In his brother's current state, how could he possibly lead a campaign himself!

"Your Majesty, I will go, I will go, is that not enough?"

"I will go personally! Bring my Tiger Talisman as well!" Emperor Xuanming, leaning on the bed, suddenly gathered a breath in his chest, stood up directly, not even bothering to put on his clothes, drew the sword from the rack, and rushed out, his eyes bloodshot, as if they might bleed.