Zu An coughed lightly: "King Qi, matters of the heart require mutual affection; if other things are mixed in, they become impure."
He and Zhao Xiaodie had no connection whatsoever, so it was impossible for them to discuss marriage. However, since the Prince of Qi had publicly betrothed his daughter, it would be too embarrassing for him to refuse outright. Therefore, he came up with a reason to politely decline.
Who knew that the women nearby would suddenly perk up their ears, realizing that they were actually mutually attracted to each other?
From the women's anger points: +111 +111 +111...
Seeing the surge in anger in the background, even the people from Zu'an were stunned: "..."
Fortunately, Zhao Hao spoke up at this moment to ease his embarrassment: "Zu An, you also know that because of you, Zhao Jing has suffered heavy losses in recent years, and his reputation has plummeted. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so desperate now. You've driven him to such a miserable state. Do you really think he can tolerate you?"
"Even if we take a step back and assume he barely tolerates you, how can his ministers possibly put up with you? You saw it for yourself the other day; those people wanted nothing more than to kill you."
Zu An nodded slightly: "What the Emperor said makes some sense."
Hearing his tone, King Qi immediately became anxious: "Have you forgotten that many of those who wanted to kill you before were his trusted ministers? My side has suffered heavy losses in recent years and is in dire need of manpower. On the contrary, his side is now well-staffed. How could they possibly allow a newcomer like you to climb over them?"
Zu'an couldn't help but nod: "What King Qi said makes some sense."
Zhao Hao: "..."
Zhao Jing: "..."
The two realized that the young man was holding out for a higher price and was unwilling to make a clear statement easily.
At this moment, Zhao Hao looked to the side, deep in thought.
Yan Xuehen said, "Master Yan, it seems that Li Changsheng's involvement in this matter is just his personal behavior. You have always been of high moral character and there is no need for you to collude with him. As long as you help me, I can forgive Bai Yujing for what he did."
Yan Xuehen's eyes flickered slightly; she was indeed afraid that this matter would implicate Bai Yujing.
At this moment, King Qi exclaimed, "Fairy Yan, Li Changsheng and many disciples of Baiyujing were involved in this matter. With Zhao Hao's magnanimity, how could he pretend that nothing happened? He will surely settle accounts with them when he has the time. As the saying goes, 'If you're going to do something, do it all at once.' You might as well choose to join forces with Li Changsheng and achieve unparalleled merit. Hasn't Baiyujing been suppressed enough by him over the years? If I come to power, I will definitely lift those restrictions and instead give strong support to your nine sects of Taoism."
Yan Xuehen frowned slightly. She had no interest in making any contributions, but she knew he was telling the truth. Li Changsheng had participated in the rebellion, so how could Zhao Hao easily let Bai Yujing go in the future?
Seeing that she remained silent, King Qi looked at Yun Jianyue again: "Leader Yun, your sect's Commander Lu was also involved in this matter. In a sense, we are natural allies. After this matter is resolved, I will announce to the world that your reputation has been restored, the arrest warrants against you have been lifted, and your Holy Sect will stand openly before the world."
Zu An listened with secret admiration, and couldn't help but admire his ability to navigate complex situations. No wonder he had such a high reputation in previous years and was recognized as a wise king.
Yun Jianyue frowned secretly. As the leader of a sect, she was unaware that Lu Sanyuan was involved in this matter.
Over the years, Lu Sanyuan led his rebel army in numerous battles, gaining increasing fame and prestige within the sect.
It seems there's a growing problem that it's becoming too big to handle.
It should be noted that the Demonic Sect is not a monolithic entity. Just as the Daoist Sect is divided into nine factions, the Demonic Sect also has many different schools and sects.
Yun Jianyue and Lu Sanyuan are leaders of different factions. In the past, when the imperial court was powerful and they had a common enemy, they could put aside their differences and fight together. But in recent years, the rift between them has grown wider and wider.
Now they've kept such a big thing from her, causing the entire Holy Church to unknowingly take such a huge risk!
The thought of this made her feel a surge of anger.
At this moment, Zhao Hao couldn't help but curse, "Zhao Jing, you really don't care about selling your ancestors' land! It's taken generations of our efforts to get to this point, and you've sold it all off!"
No wonder he was angry. A hundred years ago, the Buddhist and Taoist sects were incredibly powerful. People only knew about those sects and not the imperial court. It was only through the opportunity of the great war against the demon race and the efforts of several emperors that the Zhou Dynasty finally suppressed the forces of Buddhism, Taoism, and even the demonic sects. But Zhao Jing betrayed all the efforts of those years as soon as he came in!
Zhao Jing retorted without backing down: "Hmph, that's just you suppressing different schools of thought for your own selfish desires. Only when all schools of thought flourish can we make progress together."
Seeing the two sides arguing heatedly, Ru Hua coughed lightly and said, "Have you forgotten about this humble monk?"
The arena fell silent immediately. Indeed, he was the one with the highest cultivation level in the arena, and if anyone was to be won over, it should be him.
Zu An said with a heavy expression, "Your Majesty, Prince Qi, it's not that I don't want to help, but I can't deal with Earth Immortals. I really can't help you."
Zhao Hao then said, "Although he ambushed me, he also..."
He was injured by me and is no longer at his peak strength. If the few of you join forces, you can deal with him.
Zuan and the girls exchanged glances, but ultimately did not move.
Ru Hua smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, please don't make things difficult for them. Benefactor Zu is a smart man and obviously doesn't want to get involved in this mess. This is a matter between us, so there's no need to trouble others."
After speaking, he walked slowly and cautiously toward the other party. Clearly, Zhao Hao's reputation was well-known, and even though he was seriously injured, he had to act with caution.
Zhao Hao remained calm: "Ru Hua, aren't you curious why I'm still so unhurried?"
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