The Emperor Emeritus's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. His voice, though soft, was clear and distinct: "So you are the leader of the Red Lotus Sect? I never imagined that in our time of crisis, it would be a member of an evil cult who would arrive first. What are your intentions?"
The black-clad cult leader chuckled softly, slowly removing his hood to reveal a handsome yet slightly gloomy face.
His eyes were deep, as if they could see into people's hearts. "I only want to reclaim the world that belongs to our Jiang family."
These words shocked everyone, and the atmosphere instantly froze.
The retired emperor frowned, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized the cult leader before him. He said in a deep voice, "The Jiang family? Hmph, history is written by the victors and condemned by the vanquished. The Jiang family is long gone. Are you going against the will of Heaven and trying to plunge the people into misery?"
The black-clad cult leader's lips curled into a cold smile, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness and resolve: "Past events? Perhaps so for you and me. But for the surviving members of the Jiang family, they are memories of blood and tears, a vow passed down through generations."
The Emperor Emeritus gently shook his head. “You are mistaken. The world is bound to be united for a long time and divided for a long time. The misfortune of your Jiang clan is indeed regrettable, but to blame it on others is too narrow-minded. A true strongman should follow the times and put the people first in order to achieve great things. Although your Red Lotus Sect is powerful, if you do things against the will of Heaven, you will eventually be punished by Heaven.”
Upon hearing this, the cult leader's lips curled into a cold smile. He raised his hand and waved it, and the followers and Red Shirt soldiers behind him shouted in unison.
Black Wolf then walked up to the cult leader and bowed respectfully: "We swear to follow you to the death and restore the glory of the Jiang family!"
The leader of the Red Lotus Sect looked at the emperor on the stretcher, a hint of ruthlessness and disdain flashing in his eyes. "The Qi Dynasty is corrupt and rotten, and the people are suffering terribly. The root of all this is your incompetence! I am a descendant of the Jiang Dynasty, and now I am acting in accordance with the will of the people and on behalf of Heaven."
Just then, in a corner where no one was paying attention, Crown Prince Qi Xuan silently walked over.
His face was expressionless, but his eyes revealed a firmness and determination. "Xuan'er, what are you doing? Come back quickly. You are no match for them," the Empress Dowager cried anxiously, trying to stop Qi Xuan.
Qi Xuan ignored the Empress Dowager's calls and walked straight to the leader of the Red Lotus Sect, presenting a brocade box with both hands. "Father, inside are the Imperial Seal of the State and the Tiger Tally," he said calmly, as if he were doing something perfectly ordinary.
However, his words were like a bomb, causing a huge reaction within the palace.
"What?" Everyone was shocked and looked at Qi Xuan in disbelief.
He actually called the leader of the Red Lotus Sect "father"! This sudden news was like a bolt from the blue, instantly freezing the atmosphere in the entire palace.
Everyone stared in astonishment, their mouths agape, unable to believe their ears.
The leader of the Red Lotus Sect nodded in satisfaction, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. "Good, my son is indeed outstanding."
He took the brocade box, opened it, and after confirming the contents, he smiled with satisfaction.
Seeing this, everyone looked around, searching for Consort Shu.
It was only then that they realized Consort Shu was not there.
The cult leader walked straight up to the emperor, like a victor mocking a loser, "I have to thank you. My son is so outstanding that I must thank you. I will let you die peacefully."
The situation is under control.
The cult leader slowly ascended the steps, the dragon throne adorned with intricately carved dragon totems. Its golden lacquer gleamed in the sunlight, exuding unparalleled grandeur.
After he sat down, he gently placed his hands on the armrests of the chair and looked down at the people below. "If you kneel down and submit to me, I will grant you a lifetime of glory and honor, and I will forgive and forget past grievances."
Lin Xiang stepped forward: "Since its founding, our dynasty has weathered many storms and stood firm. How could you petty villains possibly shake it? As subjects, we eat the emperor's food and bear the emperor's worries. We would rather die than submit!"
These words were like a breath of fresh air, stirring the blood and spirits of everyone present.
Many people began to talk in hushed tones or nod at each other, expressing their silent resistance.
Upon seeing this, the cult leader frowned slightly.
A chilling smile curled at the corner of his lips as he said in an icy voice, "Hmph, truly stubborn. Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being ruthless."
Having said that, he waved his hand and coldly ordered, "Black Wolf, take them all away and kill them on the spot!"
At this moment, the cult leader was filled with pride and joy, as if he could already see himself sitting on the dragon throne he had always dreamed of.
However, just as he was basking in this illusory sense of satisfaction, the situation suddenly took an unexpected turn.
Suddenly, the Black Wolf and the Saintess made their move, their speed as fast as lightning, catching everyone off guard.
Their goals were clear: one headed towards the cult leader, while the other rushed towards Qi Xuan.
In the blink of an eye, the two had already taken the cult leader and Qi Xuan hostage.
The Red Shirt Army tied up all the Red Lotus Cult members at the same time, and Situ Feng was captured before he could react.
This sudden turn of events stunned everyone present; no one had expected such a situation to occur.
For a moment, the hall fell into a deathly silence. Everyone stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what they were seeing.
"You've gone too far! Do you also want the throne?" The cult leader's eyes widened in anger, his voice trembling with rage.
He struggled desperately, trying to break free from the black wolf's grasp, but found himself as if clamped in iron pincers, unable to move at all.
Black Wolf scoffed, a disdainful smile playing on his lips. "The throne? I want your life, Luo Yun!"
His tone carried a hint of mockery.
He ripped off his disguise, revealing his true face.
"It's... General Li, the Lieutenant General!" someone exclaimed in the hall, their voice filled with disbelief.
"It's you?!" The cult leader looked at her in disbelief.
"Today I will use you as a sacrifice to appease the 187 souls of my Xuanming Sect!" Li Xi's voice was as cold as ice, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, filled with endless hatred.
"That's right, today is your death day." People from various sects quickly surrounded them.
The cult leader slowly came to a stop, his gaze sharp as he surveyed his surroundings.
There was no fear in his eyes, but rather a detached indifference that transcended life and death. "Li Xi, I never expected you to be able to hide this for so long. Today, I've been tricked by you. But if you think you can take my life with just this, you're being far too naive."
"Hmph, do you think you can withstand our combined attack all by yourself?" Li Xi sneered, her longsword already drawn, its tip trembling slightly, pointing directly at his heart. "Today, you will not escape!"
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