Chapter 131: The Son ‘Knows’ He Was Wrong
A group of people charging towards Qin Bei all looked up.
Especially He Hong, leading the charge, recognized the thunderclouds in the sky at first glance because he had experienced it several times before.
Thunder tribulation!
Why was there a thunder tribulation in the palace? Looking at the center of the gathering storm clouds, it was Qin Bei standing there.
How could a cultivator at the foundation building stage like Qin Bei actually attract a thunder tribulation?
Or had Qin Bei broken through to the tribulation crossing stage in such a short time?
Clearly, both possibilities were utterly ridiculous, and He Hong didn’t even dare to think about it.
But now the facts were laid bare before him, leaving no room for excuses.
“Prince! Let’s go!”
Since Qin Bei was already the target of the thunderclouds, they couldn’t attack him at this moment.
It wasn’t about his morals preventing him from sneak-attacking during someone else’s tribulation.
It was because anyone standing with Qin Bei would be deemed an accomplice by the thunder tribulation—regardless of their cultivation level—they would be struck by equivalent thunder.
He Hong had no desire to help Qin Bei face his tribulation.
By the time he realized it was a thunder tribulation, Ying had already made his move. The power suppressing Qin Bei vanished in the blink of an eye, and Qin Bei regained his freedom.
“Leave? Where to?” Qin Bei looked at the fleeing crowd with a grin on his face.
Qin Xiu, who was at the front and angrier than anyone else, for reasons he couldn’t fathom, felt his anger dissipating after seeing Qin Bei’s expression. Perhaps it could be endured…
But how could Qin Bei let them escape at this moment?
If there were blessings, he’d enjoy them; if there were troubles, they should bear them!
Since they came to pester him, isn’t it only fair he took some interest in return?
“Hahaha!!! Stay!”
The moment Qin Bei’s words finished, those around realized something was off.
Ying quickly waved his hand, taking his men far away for several kilometers.
The strongest members of the Law Enforcement Hall also recognized the eerie situation and took the Ninth Prince and others away for several kilometers.
He Hong, caught in the center, sensed something was wrong, but it was too late to flee with Qin Xiu and the others.
Because in an instant, Qin Bei triggered the thunder tribulation, and the thundercloud that had been slowly gathering completed with a flash.
This was because Qin Bei had provoked the thunder tribulation. Such behavior not only intensified the thunder but also left no time for preparation.
Only fools and madmen would do something like this.
Clearly, Qin Bei was the latter! A real lunatic!
Seeing that the strongest He Hong wanted to run, how could Qin Bei endure it? He dashed towards He Hong with all his might, shouting while running, “Hey! Don’t leave, stay and play a while!”
He Hong: …
For crying out loud!
What am I supposed to do at this time? Protect you from disaster? Stay and play? Do you think you’re a courtesan? Is this how things work?
Watching He Hong disappear in an instant, Qin Bei sighed and shook his head.
Sigh~ This old man really is strong; I can’t hold him back!
But after his disappointment, Qin Bei turned to look at everyone else nearby.
These were all members of Qin Xiu’s royal palace, most of whom had also reached the realm of cross-tribulation, yet they were still unable to escape from here.
Of course, there was also the most important character, Qin Xiu!
He couldn’t escape either.
The two exchanged glances, and Qin Bei saw anger reflected in Qin Xiu’s eyes, along with fear.
He wasn’t afraid of Qin Bei, but of that thunder tribulation in the sky.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!!!
At that moment, as the two locked eyes, several peals of thunder roared, and the thunder tribulation descended instantly.
Yet this time, the escaping crowd witnessed something new.
Previously, they’d seen thunder tribulations that gathered slowly, culminating in a single strike.
But this time was different; the thunder tribulation gathered instantly, unleashing dozens of thunders simultaneously, all aimed at the group in the field.
“Ah~~!!”
“Ah~~!!”
Cries of agony erupted as those were all deemed guilty by the thunder tribulation, with each attack calibrated according to their cultivation levels.
As the first strike fell, over thirty people dwindled to just a handful.
The power of the thunder tribulation matched the upper limit of people’s cultivation levels; only the best in their realm could withstand it, those who were capable of battling across borders.
“Ah~” Qin Bei yelped as well.
However, unlike everyone else, Qin Bei’s cry was one of delight.
The sensation of electricity coursing through his body was… invigorating!
Boom!
Boom!
The thunder tribulation didn’t let up, coming down relentlessly.
The number of people in the field continued to dwindle, eventually leaving only Qin Bei and Qin Xiu standing.
But there was a notable difference between them.
Qin Xiu’s clothes were tattered, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
He had evidently never endured a thunder tribulation before; perhaps he wouldn’t make it out this time.
His gaze was fixed on the distant Qin Bei, filled with reluctance, while also realizing the gap between himself and Qin Bei.
This deepened the unease in his already trembling heart.
On the other side, Qin Bei shrugged off several lightning strikes without a scratch, even moving closer to welcome the thunder tribulation.
This behavior left those watching outside baffled.
Is there a way to undergo the thunder tribulation like this?
And they still couldn’t figure out why a foundation-building cultivator could attract such a thunder tribulation.
No! He wasn’t a foundation-building cultivator any longer; he was now at the golden core stage.
Yet even at the golden core stage, people hadn’t heard of anyone being able to call forth a thunder tribulation.
“Qin Bei! You’re too much!” Qin Xiu was utterly furious, witnessing Qin Bei’s enjoyment of the tribulation!
Why are you the one having the time of your life while the thunder tribulation is aimed at you?
My men are dead! I’m gravely injured.
And yet you’re just over there enjoying yourself?
Fine, enjoy away, but why must you vocalize it?
This isn’t right!
Thus, Qin Xiu craved revenge!
If you get to enjoy the thunder tribulation, why not both of us enjoy it? Who’s afraid of whom?
So…
“Oh no!”
Ying and the others outside saw Qin Xiu charging towards Qin Bei and realized that things were about to get out of hand.
And sure enough, once Qin Xiu drew near, the thunder tribulation initially aimed at him also locked onto Qin Bei because he was too close!
But what was Qin Xiu’s cultivation level?
Fifth level of the Nascent Soul Realm!
How could Qin Bei, who had just crossed into the Golden Core Realm, withstand the thunder tribulation directed at him?
“Enough!”
Finally, Ying could no longer sit back and watch. With an angry shout, he appeared beside Qin Bei and Qin Xiu in an instant.
The menacing thunder tribulation vanished in an instant.
This display left onlookers dumbfounded.
Interfering with the thunder tribulation? And making it retreat back?
What kind of cultivation could achieve that?
“Lord Ying truly is a hidden talent!” The Ninth Prince remarked, astonished.
Ying glanced at the fallen Qin Xiu, then at the unaffected Qin Bei glaring at him, taking a deep breath before addressing them, “Now that both of you have caused a ruckus, these matters shall be regarded as if they never occurred. Next, it’s time to deal with the issue of relegating Concubine Shu.”
Qin Xiu, who lay there gravely injured, couldn’t hold back another mouthful of blood at those words.
Just how infuriating!
What do you mean by ‘caused a ruckus’?
It was clearly Qin Bei making trouble, while he was simply a victim! A victim seeking justice!
How did he end up being labeled a troublemaker by Ying?
Is this blatant favoritism not any more obvious?
But fortunately, I finally caught Qin Bei! Soon, I’ll see him judged! Hurting the second-rank concubine? That charge should at least get Qin Bei out of the capital!
Even if Qin Xiu knew it was his mother who first instigated the issue, it didn’t change the fact that Qin Bei had crossed the line.
As long as he faced judgment, the charges would undoubtedly be serious.
Being kicked out of the capital was the best result he could hope for.
Once Qin Bei left the capital, the figure threatening his path to succession would no longer exist.
With that thought, Qin Xiu felt somewhat relieved.
But at that moment, the voice of the weapon spirit boomed.
“Qin Bei, the 108th son of the emperor, passed the seventh level, breaking the clearance record. Awarded: a Gold Medal of Immunity!”
“This gold medal was left by the first emperor of the Great Xia. The holder of this medal is exempt from guilt for treason and insurrection three times!”
As the weapon spirit’s booming voice echoed, those surrounding stood in shock.
A Gold Medal of Immunity? Such a thing exists?
And it just so happened to be awarded to Qin Bei?
This… even the weapon spirit was partial?
Pfft~
Finally, the fallen Qin Xiu was crushed by this last straw.
Before losing consciousness, a flurry of thoughts raced through his mind.
Confess and yield?
Get kicked out of the capital?
Remove the threat?
All of this suddenly felt hopeless.
Because a Medal of Immunity, a term he had never even heard of, had appeared!
The shadow guards were against him!
The royal family’s Law Enforcement Hall was against him!
And now, even the weapon spirit seemed to target him!
He was Prince Xiu! The Third Rank Prince!
He wielded way more power than Qin Bei.
But now…
Ying glanced at the Demon Suppression Tower, seemingly coming to some realization.
“Ninth Prince, how about you take the people away?”
Ying asked the approaching Ninth Prince.
“No, no, no! Since His Majesty has fully entrusted power to Lord Ying, then we royal family members are just here to follow protocol. I trust in Lord Ying’s fairness!” The Ninth Prince hastily replied.
“Alright, I’ve been here long enough; it’s time for me to go enjoy myself. I’m exhausted.” The Ninth Prince yawned, stretching before leading his entourage away.
Ying shook his head in laughter.
Every day, it was either beautiful women massaging him or feeding him, and he claimed to be tired?
Truly, he was the Ninth Prince whose heart was set solely on enjoyment.
Ying looked at Qin Bei and waved, instructing, “Take him away and leave it to His Majesty to decide!”
“Yes!”
A day later.
Qin Xiu, having recovered greatly, was able to move about on his own.
“Prince, His Majesty summons you to the palace.”
“Understood, I’m on my way.”
In the imperial palace…
“My queen, His Majesty requests you in Xuanzheng Hall.”
…
Soon, the princes and concubines involved in this matter arrived at Xuanzheng Hall.
Upon seeing Qin Bei, Noble Consort Shu immediately lost composure and tried to rush forward to confront him, but she was blocked.
Before long, she caught sight of her severely injured son and felt even more aggrieved. She dropped to her knees before Emperor Xia to lament.
“Your Majesty, you must take charge for me! This Qin Bei is utterly arrogant! Does he not value Your Majesty? So presumptuous!”
Emperor Xia watched Noble Consort Shu coldly and replied, “Enough! I’m completely aware of the ins and outs of this matter. Noble Consort Shu, save your act of virtue for someone else! It disgusts me!”
“I can overlook competition for favor in the harem, but your actions this time are far too audacious! The methods employed are exceedingly malicious!”
“This position of Noble Consort Shu is intended for virtuous and kind concubines. You are unworthy of this title; you’ll be demoted to the first rank and sent to the cold palace for three years to reflect on your mistakes!”
Just a moment ago, Noble Consort Shu had been brimming with energy, but in an instant, she looked as though her soul had been drained.
Now, her cultivation was abolished, her foundation shattered, she was aging and unattractive, and now she had to enter the cold palace for three years? Furthermore, she was demoted to a third-rank concubine?
She could already envision her future life in the palace.
“Your Majesty, I am wronged~!” Noble Consort Shu desperately tried to argue, wanting to claim that her actions to retrieve the spirit fetus from Ling Fei’s body were at her family’s behest, but she hesitated to say it.
Because what would that signify?
As a concubine, she was taking orders from her family?
The edict of the harem forbidding interference in state affairs held firm; if she admitted that, it wouldn’t just be her in trouble—it would involve her entire family too.
“Concubine Chen, step forward.”
Emperor Xia ignored Noble Consort Shu’s sobs and called out to Ling Fei.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Ling Fei took slow steps forward, arriving at Emperor Xia’s side.
“Hmm~ You’ve recovered quite well. You suffered this time.”
Emperor Xia first checked up on Ling Fei’s condition before speaking sincerely. Initially, it had been a power struggle among the princes, but it ended up affecting Ling Fei.
“I am fine,” Ling Fei replied, choosing not to mention her injuries. Instead, her sole concern lay with how Emperor Xia would handle Qin Bei.
Emperor Xia gazed at Ling Fei and said, “From now on, the position of Noble Consort Shu will be yours.”
Ling Fei was stunned at first, then immediately knelt in gratitude.
“Thank you for the grace, Your Majesty.”
“Alright, given your physical condition, there’s no need for such formality.”
Emperor Xia assisted Ling Fei to her feet.
With that, Emperor Xia had concluded the matters regarding the harem.
Qin Bei, watching the sobbing Noble Consort Shu, couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.
As expected, without his intervention, Noble Consort Shu would have merely been relegated to the cold palace and had her title lowered, and that would have been that.
Thank goodness he anticipated this outcome and made her lose her cultivation; otherwise, this malicious woman would’ve gotten off scot-free.
Without her powers and being cast into the cold palace, and even with a son like Qin Xiu, her life in the harem was likely going to be tough.
After all, during her time as a consort, this nefarious woman had made enemies among many of the palace’s ladies.
Kicking a drowning dog was quite common in the harem.
The crowd present had expected how the consort would be dealt with.
But they didn’t expect Emperor Xia to promote Ling Fei directly to the status of consort.
In just over a month, Ling Fei had advanced from a fourth-rank to a second-rank consort.
Such rapid advancement had no precedent in history.
Yet everyone knew this was clearly Emperor Xia compensating Ling Fei.
“Alright! Now it’s your turn!”
Emperor Xia looked at the kneeling Qin Bei and continued, “Qin Bei, you invaded the Hundred Birds Palace at midnight, killed a palace maid, and even crippled Ling Yu’s cultivation and spirit fetus. Do you have anything to say in your defense for such heinous actions?”
Once Emperor Xia finished, he noticed Qin Bei winking at Qin Xiu, teasing him.
That obstinate expression stirred a desire in him to strike out, and he could only imagine how the aggrieved Qin Xiu felt.
Had he not been curious to see Qin Bei’s ultimate fate, he might have blacked out…
Cough!
Ying lightly cleared his throat, redirecting Qin Bei’s attention.
Once he realized, Qin Bei hastily bowed and earnestly proclaimed, “I have nothing further to say; I acknowledge my mistakes!”
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