As night fell, Jiang Haitian returned to Shenghe Pass with Xue Yu's body.

The death of a commander defending the city is a significant blow to the morale of the soldiers inside the pass.

To boost morale, Jiang Haitian summoned all the demon generals from within the pass to the hall and decided to hold a unique memorial service for Xue Yu.

"Ugh, General Xue, how could you just disappear like that?"

"General Xue, you still owe us three months' worth of military pay. How could you just leave like that?"

"Old Xue, what will happen to my wife if you leave? She talks about you every day."

For a time, in the makeshift mourning hall, a group of burly demon generals kept emitting dry howls without tears.

Outside, gongs and drums resounded, and firecrackers crackled. The song "Eighteen Farewell Scenes" was performed with perfect emotion and skill, creating a truly lively atmosphere.

After Jiang Haitian finished offering incense, he walked to Xue Yu's body, bowed down, and calmly called out, "Brother, you died so tragically, sob sob sob."

Then, he turned to the assembled generals, holding the magic bead, and said in a deep voice, "Alright, you've cried enough, you've made enough noise, I hereby declare the memorial service over."

Now, let's get down to business. From now on, I will temporarily assume command of the garrison at Shenghe Pass.

Who agrees, who disagrees? I advise you to think carefully and organize your thoughts before you speak.

This was my sworn brother's dying wish; no one dares to disobey it.

That means going against me, Jiang Haitian, and against the great Demon Empress!

Of course, if you disagree, I won't force you.

"When the Empress investigates, I won't take the blame for you. Now that things have come to this, you can tell me your thoughts."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately lost their temper.

If Leng Qingcheng were to investigate further, it would be found that there were basically no descendants among those present, and the family tree would end with her. The best outcome would be for the entire family to be sent to the Demon Palace to become eunuchs.

The mourning hall was completely silent for about three or four breaths.

Jiang Haitian waved his hand and said, "Alright, since everyone has no objections, then this matter is settled. Now, immediately gather 20,000 troops and come with me to attack Tianque Pass."

"ah???"

For a moment, none of the demon generals reacted, thinking they had misheard.

"What do you mean 'ah'? I'm your commander now, so do as I say immediately."

A demon general immediately stepped forward: "General Jiang... what do you mean by this?"

"Of course we want to avenge my sworn brother. Don't you want to?" Jiang Haitian retorted.

"No, what I mean is, isn't this too hasty? If Tianque Pass were so easy to take, how could General Xue have died in a single battle?"

"And what do you mean?"

"What I mean is, to first formulate a detailed plan."

"What detailed plan? Do you need a plan to fight a bunch of charlatans? It's not like I'm sending you to attack the City of Victory. Just get your troops together right now and I'll carry you to victory."

"this……"

"So you're doubting my abilities?"

"This humble general dares not!"

"Then hurry up and go!"

"yes!"

The demon generals went to prepare their troops, cursing and swearing.

Once they left, Jiang Haitian began to spin the magic bead in his hand even faster.

...

The following day, at Tiansheng Palace.

"Your Majesty, I received a battle report from the front yesterday that Tianque Pass has been successfully recaptured from the Demon Clan!"

Li Xuanxiu stood in the main hall with high spirits, his head held back like a victorious rooster, very flamboyant and very classy.

The fact that the Holy Dynasty was able to reclaim Tianque Pass without using a single soldier is enough to elevate the reputation of the God Worshiping Sect to a new level!

He was met with a chorus of compliments.

"I knew Leader Li was awesome! The God Worshiping Cult is indeed blessed by the gods. They've utterly humiliated those demonic troublemakers!"

"With the protection of the Supreme Ancestor, our Dao Domain will surely prosper forever."

"From now on, the reputation of the God-Worshipping Cult will spread beyond the Nine Realms and be praised by the world."

Hearing the compliments around him, Li Xuanxiu was so proud he almost took off on the spot.

Correspondingly, Luo Pianhong wore a puzzled expression.

"Strange, didn't you say that Jiang Haitian was incredibly powerful? How come Tianque Pass fell in just one day? Could it be that you misjudged him too?"

While she was still wondering, she heard a courtier below suggest: "Your Majesty, the God-Worshipping Sect has achieved such great military exploits, a glorious moment that our Holy Dynasty has rarely seen in thousands of years."

Your Majesty, I humbly request that Your Majesty designate the Believers' Sect as the state religion and appoint its leader, Li, as the national preceptor! This will ensure the perpetual prosperity of our holy dynasty!

"We second that proposal!"

The other half of the court officials also offered suggestions to Luo Pianhong.

Looking at the scene before him, Luo Pianhong found it utterly ridiculous.

Tianque Pass was lost by your worship of gods. Now that you've retrieved it, isn't that atonement for your sins?

So you're only mentioning the good deeds and not the bad ones, right?

At this moment, the urge to kill in her eyes was almost impossible to hide.

Li Xuanxiu was quite pleased with himself, fantasizing about becoming the Imperial Preceptor, receiving Luo Pianhong's homage, and patiently guiding her.

When the time is right, I might be able to become a disciple and a teacher again; that would be a wonderful experience.

After all, seducing the high and mighty Empress of the Holy Dynasty is the lifelong dream of every idealistic young gunner.

Just as Luo Pianhong was about to use an excuse to slow things down, a guard suddenly rushed into the palace in a hurry.

"Urgent...urgent...urgent report..."

Perhaps he ran too fast, and before he could finish speaking, he fell directly onto the main hall.

After he got up, he immediately knelt down and presented a frontline battle report, took a deep breath and shouted loudly, "Your Majesty! Urgent report from Tianque Pass!"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!