Half a month later, Situ Feng received another letter from his godfather, and after reading it, he was speechless.
Unexpectedly, the business here was so successful, but his godfather wanted him to take the saintess away from here.
Over the years, he hasn't been involved in the true core of the church.
He has always been the mascot of the Red Lotus Cult, enjoying the respect and love of the people, but he knows very little about the true power structure and secrets of the cult.
In the letter, the godfather's handwriting was strong and powerful, revealing an unquestionable authority between the lines.
“Feng’er, although you are not my biological child, in my heart you are already more than my own son. The Red Lotus Sect may seem prosperous now, but in reality, undercurrents are surging, and various forces are eager to make their move and plot against us. The Holy Maiden is the key to our sect’s victory. I know you are kind-hearted, but the Holy Maiden’s martial arts are unparalleled, and she can eliminate dissidents for our sect.”
Situ Feng felt a mix of emotions; he was well aware of Li Xi's strength.
These days, her martial arts skills have improved by leaps and bounds. She thought of how he had once saved her life, yet he had so blatantly deceived her.
Fireworks and firecrackers burst brilliantly in the night sky on New Year's Eve, like countless shooting stars piercing the silent heavens, illuminating the earth as if it were daytime.
Ren Shan Tang was also bustling with activity, with people sitting around the stove, either drinking tea and chatting or sharing the bits and pieces of the past year, their faces beaming with satisfaction.
"Everyone, we are grateful for your strong support of our Red Lotus Sect these days. We have overcome many difficulties together and witnessed each other's growth and transformation."
What a night this is! It's New Year's Eve. Let us raise our glasses in celebration, not only for past achievements, but also for the long future ahead.
Situ Feng stood up, his voice steady.
His gaze swept across the crowd, finally settling gently on Li Xi.
Li Xi sat in the corner, the firelight reflecting on her delicate face, adding a touch of gentleness and resilience to her appearance.
Upon receiving his signal, she also stood up, holding her wine bowl, and said, "To everyone!" Then she drank it all in one gulp.
Seeing this, everyone responded enthusiastically, clinking their bowls and cups together.
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Situ Feng, along with Li Xi and a large number of followers, went to Qing'an City.
Prince An was among them.
After Meng Zhelan left alone, Prince An dealt with some corrupt officials in a very short time and then rushed to Yunshu City to find her.
At first, Meng Zhelan really didn't want to say much to him, but she couldn't resist his persistent pestering and his promise that he would never hide anything from her again.
What surprised him even more was that Li Xi was actually a woman!
In that case, all the things he did out of jealousy in the past are simply a joke.
In the end, Meng Zhelan softened and found an opportunity to let him infiltrate the Red Lotus Cult as well.
Thanks to Li Xi, their people were able to evacuate and head to Qing'an City.
Now, Meng Zhelan has successfully replaced Cui Liu and become the maidservant by the Holy Maiden's side.
Cui Liu, however, was sent back to headquarters because her abdominal pain persisted.
The city of Qing'an they visited was located at the southernmost tip of Jingyuan.
Winter in Qing'an City carries a touch of the warmth and vitality unique to the south.
The streets and alleys are lush with greenery, a stark contrast to the snow-covered landscape of the north.
Meng Zhelan dressed as a servant girl of the Red Lotus Cult and followed the Holy Maiden around every day.
Three days later, a martial arts tournament will be held at Tiger Roar Manor outside the city, and the winner will become the leader of the martial arts alliance.
As the martial arts tournament draws near, martial arts practitioners from all directions gather in and around Qing'an City.
The three-day deadline passed in the blink of an eye.
Outside Tiger Roar Manor, the place was already bustling with noise and colorful flags were fluttering.
Inside the manor, heroes from all walks of life gathered, eager to show their skills in the upcoming martial arts competition.
Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting its glow on the bluestone pavement of Tiger Roar Manor. The golden light mingled with the glint of swords, adding to the atmosphere of both solemnity and anticipation.
Yinglong, the master of Tiger Roar Manor, stood on the high platform.
He was dressed in a black robe with dark gold accents, looking majestic and imposing, his eyes piercing as he surveyed the dense crowd below.
His voice was deep and powerful, penetrating the noise and resounding through the sky: "Heroes, we have gathered here today at Tiger Roar Manor to discuss the grand plan of the martial arts world, to elect a new leader of the martial arts alliance, to maintain peace in the martial arts world, and to annihilate the Red Lotus Sect. During the competition, I hope that you will stop when you have made your point, so as not to hurt the harmony, and even more so not to harm the innocent."
After he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted, and everyone echoed his words, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.
In the center of the arena was a circular arena paved with bluestone, with spectator stands around it for people from all walks of life to watch.
In the end, Yun Feiyang, the leader of the Guiyuan Sword Sect, emerged victorious.
He stood tall and straight, holding a long sword that gleamed coldly.
The tip of the sword lightly touched the ground, and an extraordinary aura surrounded him.
Yun Feiyang used a set of exquisite Guiyuan Sword Technique to defeat several powerful enemies in succession. The speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness of his swordsmanship amazed everyone present.
Upon seeing this, the Lord of Yinglong Manor showed an approving expression.
He slowly walked down the platform, through the crowd, and came to Yun Feiyang.
He personally handed him a token of the Alliance Leader engraved with a dragon and tiger pattern, and said loudly, "Sect Leader Yun's swordsmanship is superb, and he is virtuous and talented. He is truly a blessing to the martial arts world. From now on, Yun Feiyang will be the new Alliance Leader of the martial arts world. I hope that you can lead the heroes to eliminate evil and protect the peace of this martial arts world."
Just as Yun Feiyang was about to take the token, a sudden commotion broke out all around them, interrupting them.
"Hey, wait a minute, we haven't even taken the stage yet! How can we decide who the martial arts alliance leader is already?" a voice rang out from the crowd.
Everyone turned around and saw a young man dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, holding a folding fan, and wearing an unruly smile slowly walking out of the crowd.
Behind him stood a group of Red Lotus Sect followers, all dressed in red and wearing lotus crowns, exuding a menacing aura.
"Situ Feng, how dare your cult show up?" Yun Feiyang's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
Situ Feng's gaze was sharp as he looked directly at Murong Yan: "Young Master Murong, you are mistaken. The selection of the leader of the martial arts alliance has always been based on martial arts and respect for strength. My Red Lotus Sect is certainly a member of this martial arts world."
These words caused an uproar and sparked much discussion.
The Dragon Manor Lord frowned slightly, but quickly regained his composure.
He looked around and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Young Master Situ is right. The Martial Arts Tournament is indeed a stage for all schools and sects to show their strength."
However, the selection of a martial arts alliance leader requires not only exceptional martial arts skills but also moral integrity and competence, enabling them to guide the martial arts world towards righteousness and maintain peace. While the Red Lotus Sect is part of the martial arts world, its past actions have indeed been highly controversial.
Situ Feng chuckled lightly and tapped his palm with his folding fan.
He appeared confident: "Master Yinglong is right. However, we are here today to see if the new leader of the martial arts alliance is capable of leading the entire martial arts world."
After speaking, Luo Yue, the Holy Maiden of the Red Lotus Sect, descended from the sky. Red lotus petals slowly swirled around her, adding to her otherworldly aura.
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