Chapter 269: Xue Ke's Discontent, Ning Rongrong's Helplessness, Tang San Rescues Yu Xiaogang
"However, Your Majesty, Princess Xue Ke is of noble birth, and I already have a wife at home. How can I..." Tang San was clearly trying to refuse.
"Tang San, I understand your concern. You already have a main wife, and I wouldn't want to separate a loving couple. Moreover, with your talent, it's an honor for Xue Ke to marry you, even if she can't be your main wife."
"I suggest she be your equal wife, like Ning Rongrong from Sect Master Ning's family. What do you think?"
Gasp—
The surrounding people were shocked. Emperor Xue Ye was willing to make his daughter, Princess Xue Ke, an equal wife to Tang San, not a main wife. This kind of decision from an emperor was truly astonishing.
A princess of the empire marrying a newly titled king as an equal wife, not a main wife—this was unthinkable for most. However, considering Tang San's talent and future godhood, being the wife of a god, even as an equal wife, meant eternal life and youth.
Many family heads present congratulated Ning Fengzhi. "Sect Master Ning, your foresight is admirable. You secured an excellent son-in-law ahead of time."
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
Although Tang San was his son-in-law, their relationship wasn't as close as with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
He had heard that Tang San had already consummated his marriage with his main wife, Yu Qingrou from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and he was very anxious about it.
To make matters worse, his daughter Ning Rongrong had refused to consummate her marriage with Tang San, which nearly made him faint from anger.
This stubborn girl! I spoiled her too much!
If she could give Tang San a son first, while Yu Qingrou only had daughters, even though Yu Qingrou was the main wife, the family's power would eventually fall into Ning Rongrong's hands.
In noble and royal families, the status of the mother often depended on the son.
Ning Fengzhi, lost in thought, heard Tang San agreeing with Emperor Xue Ye. He realized the emperor was determined to marry his daughter to Tang San.
At that moment, Tang San received a mental message from his uncle, Tang Xiao.
Since it was the emperor's decree, he had no choice but to accept.
Tang San bowed to Emperor Xue Ye and said, "As Your Majesty wishes. I thank Your Majesty for this honor."
"Hahaha, excellent, excellent! The Heaven Dou royal family has gained another excellent son-in-law. Tonight, I shall host a banquet in the palace. Everyone is invited!"
The crowd responded in unison, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
…
"What?! Father wants me to marry that ugly monster?!" Xue Ke screamed in disbelief upon hearing the news from her close friend, Ning Rongrong.
Xue Ke had seen Tang San before and knew his strength and talent. Among the younger generation, only Su Yun from the Spirit Empire could rival him.
By all accounts, marrying him would be an honor for any young girl in the Heaven Dou Empire.
Tang San's talent and status as the Young Sect Master of the Haotian Sect made him a significant figure.
Despite appreciating Tang San's contributions to protecting the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Ke couldn't accept marrying someone she considered ugly.
Moreover, she had no feelings for Tang San.
Would they end up leading separate lives?
Xue Ke knew many noble couples lived apart, with unspoken agreements between them.
"Rongrong, tell me honestly, are you seeing someone outside..." Xue Ke hinted, nudging Ning Rongrong.
The mature Ning Rongrong understood immediately and pinched Xue Ke's waist, making her friend beg for mercy.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I may not like him, but I wouldn't tarnish my reputation that way." Ning Rongrong made it clear she had no interest in Tang San, but she had her principles.
Remembering her father's words, Ning Rongrong felt annoyed.
The thought of consummating her marriage with Tang San made her feel sick.
She couldn't understand how Yu Qingrou could stand it.
Thinking of Yu Qingrou, Ning Rongrong's eyes narrowed.
She had gradually seen through Yu Qingrou's scheming nature, realizing how much trouble she had caused at the academy, largely due to Yu Qingrou.
"Sigh, if Tang San looked as handsome as Su Yun from the Spirit Empire, I'd marry him just for his looks."
"But he's ugly and expects me to be an equal wife. No way."
Xue Ke pouted in displeasure.
She had often stood up for Ning Rongrong, knowing her friend's position as the main wife was taken by Yu Qingrou.
Yu Qingrou, though less influential in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan compared to Ning Rongrong in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, had managed to usurp Ning Rongrong's place.
How could she, as a friend, tolerate this?
She had even mocked Yu Qingrou recently.
Now, if she married Tang San as an equal wife, she'd be inferior to Yu Qingrou.
"Rongrong, help me think of a way. I don't want to marry that ugly monster." Xue Ke pleaded, clinging to Ning Rongrong's arm.
Ning Rongrong sighed. "If I had a way, I wouldn't be forced by my family to marry Tang San."
"I've realized that being born into a big family means enjoying its benefits but also making sacrifices."
"Unless you and I have the same strength as Tang San to defy everything, we have no choice but to obey our families."
Xue Ke's face fell in disappointment.
Suddenly, she had an idea and brightened up. "Rongrong, if Tang San dies, won't I be free from marrying him?"
Ning Rongrong's mouth twitched.
"Xue Ke, only people from the Spirit Empire can kill Tang San now."
"If Tang San dies, the Spirit Empire will surely conquer the Heaven Dou Empire."
"As a royal, do you think you'd survive?"
"Don't forget, the Star Luo Empire's royal family was almost entirely wiped out."
Ning Rongrong's words made Xue Ke feel dejected again.
She realized she had no choice but to marry Tang San.
That Night, the Emperor Xue Ye's Palace
The palace was abuzz with a grand banquet, hosting numerous noble families and sects. The guests drank and feasted joyously.
Many came to congratulate Tang San on reaching the Title Douluo level, bringing him closer to godhood.
Several family elders hoped to marry their daughters to Tang San, even as concubines, but Tang San declined their offers.
Yu Qingrou, attending as Tang San's main wife, stood by his side. The guests praised them as a perfect match, making her overjoyed.
In the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Qingrou's status wasn't high. Now, having secured Tang San's favor, her position in the clan had risen significantly, almost equal to the elders.
Ning Fengzhi watched Yu Qingrou receive compliments, sighing inwardly.
This should have been his daughter Ning Rongrong's position, if only...
If only he hadn't made the mistake of pushing away the marriage agreement...
While Ning Fengzhi sighed, Tang San met with Xue Ke.
They followed the formalities, marking their engagement. Their wedding was scheduled for after the war with the Spirit Empire.
Xue Ke was relieved to delay living with Tang San at the Haotian Sect.
After the engagement and banquet, Tang San gathered the Upper Three Sects to plan his teacher Yu Xiaogang's rescue.
"I'll handle the rescue alone."
"You only need to distract the Spirit Empire's forces."
"The defenses in Spirit City are likely lax as their army prepares for war. I'm confident I can rescue my teacher."
With the plan set, Tang San headed for Spirit City.
Meanwhile, the Spirit Empire's army reached the Heaven Dou Empire's border.
War seemed imminent.
Though not a full-scale battle, the conflict was brutal.
Soldiers clashed on the battlefield, and soul masters fought fiercely.
The Heaven Dou Empire, though lacking Title Douluo, had many powerful Soul Saints and Soul Douluo from hidden families.
To protect their status, they emerged to help the empire resist the Spirit Hall's soul master army.
During the ongoing war, shocking news reached the Spirit Empire's headquarters.
The dungeon had been breached!
All prisoners were freed!
Many were killed by Spirit City soul masters, but some powerful soul masters escaped!
These soul masters vowed revenge on the Spirit Empire!
Upon hearing this, Su Yun immediately suspected Tang San's return.
Indeed, Spirit City reported Yu Xiaogang's disappearance.
A thirty-level soul master without a third ring wouldn't survive without protection, likely killed by soldiers or criminals!
"How daring! To strike when our forces are stretched thin!" Bibi Dong's voice was cold, fury evident as she struck the table.
"Your Majesty, intelligence reports a single powerful Title Douluo was responsible. Our Title Douluo are with the army, leaving Spirit City defenseless."
"The Grand Priest is in seclusion, aiding Miss Qian Renxue's divine trial and cannot assist."
"Twelve evil soul masters escaped, and Yu Xiaogang's body was not found."
Bibi Dong's eyes grew colder. "Just as I suspected, Tang San of the Haotian Sect has returned."
"To break through Spirit City alone just after becoming a Title Douluo shows his strength. He is indeed a dual-god inheritor."
Title Douluo were formidable but not invincible. Spirit City had many Soul Douluo and Soul Saints, making such a breach almost impossible.
Except for certain powerful Title Douluo.
Like Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, who could incapacitate many with his poison.
"To rescue his teacher, he released evil soul masters, showing his recklessness!" Bibi Dong's anger was palpable, wanting Tang San dead.
"From now on, increase our offensive against the Heaven Dou Empire. Issue a bounty on Tang San and publicize his crimes!" Bibi Dong ordered, and her subordinates quickly carried out her commands.
…
Meanwhile, in the Heaven Dou Empire, at the Haotian Sect.
"Teacher, I'm sorry for your suffering." Tang San knelt before Yu Xiaogang, who quickly lifted him up.
"Xiao San, there's no need."
Tang San shook his head. "No, Teacher. My father is dead. As my teacher, you are like a father to me."
He introduced Yu Qingrou. "This is my main wife, Yu Qingrou. She is from your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
"Greetings, Father." Yu Qingrou respectfully bowed.
Recognizing Yu Qingrou, Yu Xiaogang smiled. "So, it's you!"
"Excellent! Xiao San, marrying someone from my clan makes us family."
Yu Xiaogang continued, "Xiao San, I have good news."
Yu Xiaogang revealed his breakthrough to level thirty soul power, surprising Tang San.
Tang San confirmed it, congratulating Yu Xiaogang and giving him precious herbs to boost his strength.
"Teacher, I will reunite you with Teacher Liu Erlong and Dean Flender."
"With your martial fusion ability, you'll be a great asset against the Spirit Empire."
"Now that you can continue training, the Golden Iron Triangle's power will soar." (End of the chapter)