The next day...

When Li Daoxuan's head was delivered to the Tiansheng Palace by members of the God Worshiping Cult, the entire court was in an uproar.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Demon Breath City is intentionally launching an attack on my Dao Domain. The death of Li Tianzun..."

"This is clearly a long-planned scheme by the Demon Realm, intended to disrupt the morale of our Dao Realm's people. Such scoundrels should be immediately wiped out."

"Your Majesty, the God-Worshipping Cult is absolutely not to be desecrated. Such behavior is tantamount to slapping the face of our Dao Domain, and we must retaliate in kind!"

"Your Majesty, please issue an order immediately to send troops and exterminate these heretics who disrespect the gods!"

In the main hall, the civil and military officials were in a state of high spirits, constantly pressuring Luo Pianhong to send troops to besiege the "Entering Science Cult" inside Tianque Pass.

In response, Luo Pianhong remained silent, his expression cold and aloof as he watched the court.

All the officials in the court just now said that the God Worshipping Society had been humiliated, but no one mentioned the terrible consequences that would result from the fall of Tianque Pass.

"snort……"

After a soft snort, she simply ignored it and began to write imperial edicts.

"Master Li requests an audience."

Just then, a stirring echo rang out from outside the hall.

The next moment, Li Xuanxiu strode into the hall, surrounded by a group of believers.

Upon reaching the center of the hall, Li Xuanxiu gave Luo Pianhong a casual bow and then said directly, "Your Majesty, I have come today regarding the death of my beloved disciple, Li Daoxuan."

Li Daoxuan was the chief disciple whom the Shangqing Patriarch appeared to me in a dream, instructing me to accept him as my disciple. He is the important medium through which I communicate with the Shangqing Patriarch.

Now that he has died for His Majesty at Tianque Pass, His Majesty must give this humble Taoist priest and the millions of followers of the God-Worshipping Cult a satisfactory explanation!

He spoke arrogantly, showing no regard for Luo Pianhong whatsoever.

Luo Pianhong merely glanced at him coldly, then spoke indifferently: "Then, Leader Li, what kind of explanation do you hope I will give you and the followers?"

"Immediately send troops to Tianque Pass, cut off the head of the culprit Jiang Haitian, and offer it as a sacrifice to the spirit of my beloved disciple Li Daoxuan in heaven."

Li Xuanxiu spoke directly, completely disregarding Luo Pianhong's increasingly cold expression.

As soon as he finished speaking, the court once again erupted in voices condemning Jiang Haitian and demanding revenge for Li Daoxuan.

The scene gradually quieted down only when Luo Pianhong unleashed his divine power.

"Have you all argued enough?"

Luo Pianhong swept her gaze across the crowd, and everyone lowered their heads, not daring to look her in the eye.

Only Li Xuanxiu kept his head held high, showing no sign of being intimidated by this oppressive aura.

Once the hall was completely quiet, Luo Pianhong looked at Li Xuanxiu and said, "I understand why Master Li is grieving the loss of his beloved disciple. I also feel heartbroken and regretful for the loss of a pillar of the Holy Dynasty."

However, Master Li, do not forget who it was who confidently told me that as long as your beloved disciple guarded Tianque Pass, there would be no chance of failure.

Now that Tianque Pass has fallen, the Holy Dynasty's external defenses have shrunk. Shouldn't Leader Li explain this to me?

Li Xuanxiu frowned: "Your Majesty, this is because the enemy is too cunning, impersonating my followers of the God-Worshipping Cult to enter the pass and listen to their teachings. It is not my beloved disciple's responsibility."

In my humble opinion…

"Does Master Li think he can completely shirk his responsibility with such a flimsy excuse?"

Luo Pianhong's eyes turned cold instantly.

"Tianque Pass is a crucial strategic location and the gateway to the Holy Dynasty. Now it has fallen into enemy hands."

Not only did Leader Li fail to offer me any advice or suggestions on how to retake it, but he also failed to do so.

Yet you dare to challenge and accuse me! What are your true intentions?

When the emperor was enraged, a bead of sweat involuntarily appeared on Li Xuanxiu's forehead.

Officials in the court who were not members of the Protestant Church felt a great sense of relief upon hearing this.

After all, in this Heavenly Palace Holy Dynasty, it is ultimately the Empress herself who calls the shots!

Li Xuanxiu, suppressing his discomfort, flicked his whisk and said, "This humble Taoist has already informed His Majesty of the decision to send troops to Tianque Pass..."

"The garrison at Tianque Pass is entirely composed of members of your sect. Now that the pass has fallen, I have yet to hold you accountable."

You want me to take responsibility for your lost cities and territories? Leader Li, do you think that makes sense?

"This humble Taoist priest...this humble Taoist priest..."

For a moment, Li Xuanxiu didn't know how to refute Luo Pianhong. The aura she exuded at this moment was not at all like someone who could be easily controlled.

Luo Pianhong continued, "You ask me to send troops, and I will naturally send troops, but do you think that I can send troops just by saying a word?"

Do we need to recruit soldiers? Do we need to procure provisions? Do we need to ensure that military equipment and logistics are properly prepared? Do we need to record the casualties and compensation?

Leader Li, you're oversimplifying things. Even after I've completed all the preparations, it will take at least half a month. But in that half-month...

Can you guarantee that the enemy won't use Tianque Pass to launch an attack on the Holy Dynasty's interior?

"Heh, Master Li, I'd like to ask you a question: as the Shangqing Ancestor's representative in the Nine Realms, do you actually know anything about military strategy?"

Li Xuanxiu was almost breathless from Luo Pianhong's barrage of questions.

Seeing that the situation was not good, he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Then Your Majesty, what do you think I should do?"

A barely perceptible smile appeared at the corner of Luo Pianhong's lips.

"I will immediately gather troops, but before I prepare to send them out, I request that Leader Li mobilize his followers to launch a preemptive attack on Tianque Pass."

We must not allow the enemy to step even a single step out of Tianque Pass, lest the flames of war spread to the Holy Dynasty's territory, bringing undeserved disaster upon the entire Dao Domain's people!

Li Xuanxiu: "Your Majesty, my followers are all ordinary people from the mortal world, and have not undergone any training. How can they possibly contend with the ferocious demon army?"

Luo Pianhong closed her beautiful eyes: "If that's the case, then why did Leader Li strongly recommend his beloved disciple and propose that the followers of the God Worship Sect take over the Holy Dynasty's garrison to guard Tianque Pass?"

Li Xuanxiu found himself in an awkward situation once again.

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