Li Xi's words rang out among the crowd, each word seemingly containing power, warming the hearts of every disaster victim.
She then announced that the Red Lotus Sect would set up multiple soup kitchens to distribute food and water, ensuring that every affected person could have basic sustenance.
At the same time, the sect will also send disciples with high medical skills to treat the injured and sick, reducing the spread of disease.
“Not only that,” Li Xi’s eyes gleamed with determination, “we will unconditionally organize manpower to assist in the repair of damaged farmland and irrigation facilities, in order to have a good harvest next year and completely get rid of the current predicament.”
These words were met with thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd. Hope for life was rekindled in the eyes of the disaster victims; they believed that with the help of the Red Lotus Sect, they would surely overcome this difficult time.
In the days that followed, the members of the Red Lotus Sect raced against time to seize the opportunity and, before the imperial court could take any action, appease the disaster victims.
Li Xi and Situ Feng not only personally supervised the operation of the soup kitchens and medical points, but also traveled to every corner of the disaster area.
These acts of kindness quickly spread far and wide.
The villagers spontaneously organized themselves, some helping to build temporary shelters, others clearing the ruins and rebuilding their homes, creating a busy yet orderly scene.
After this battle, the Red Lotus Sect became famous.
However, the imperial court did not pay much attention to this phenomenon and only arranged for officers and soldiers to maintain order.
That evening, the Red Lotus Sect held an internal meeting.
Seeing how respectful everyone was to him, Situ Feng couldn't help but feel smug.
He believed that he and the Red Lotus Sect had reached a position that no one could match and that was irreplaceable.
So he turned to Li Xi beside him and said with a big smile, "Xiao Yue, what do you think of my move? Even my godfather praised me!"
Looking at Situ Feng's confident demeanor, Li Xiyue smiled slightly and replied softly, "Brother is indeed wise and resourceful. Such a strategy has truly benefited our Red Lotus Sect greatly."
Hearing Li Xi's words, Situ Feng's smile widened even more. He patted his chest proudly and laughed loudly, "Haha, Xiao Yue understands me best! With the support of capable assistants like you, our Red Lotus Sect will surely grow stronger and stronger, becoming the overlord of the martial world!"
His gaze swept over the surrounding crowd, his eyes filled with pride and self-satisfaction.
The members of the Red Lotus Cult present echoed this sentiment, expressing their admiration and respect for Situ Feng's leadership abilities.
Just then, a voice came from outside the door, "Welcome, Master."
The believers shouted in unison, their voices surging like a tidal wave, filled with boundless reverence and loyalty to their leader.
The leader of the Red Lotus Sect, dressed in a red robe embroidered with intricate patterns, strode steadily into the main hall.
It turned out that the cult leader himself had appeared.
Most believers had never seen the leader before, and they never expected to have the opportunity to see his holy countenance today.
The entire hall erupted in uproar, then quickly fell silent, leaving only the sounds of the worshippers' breathing and heartbeats echoing in the empty hall, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and holiness.
Upon taking the seat of honor, the cult leader spoke, "Situ Feng, you have done very well." His voice was deep and magnetic.
His gaze fell on Situ Feng, his eyes filled with both affirmation and expectation.
Upon hearing this, Situ Feng knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and respectfully replied, "Thank you for your praise, Master. I will certainly continue to work hard and live up to your expectations."
"And you, Xiaoyue, as expected of my training over the years, you two have done very well." The sect leader's gaze then fell on Li Xi.
Li Xi stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "It is all thanks to the sect leader's guidance that Xiaoyue is able to serve you."
Although he claimed to be his godfather, he did not show much concern for her.
He probably felt that whether it was an adopted son or an adopted daughter, they were just pawns in his game.
As a descendant of the previous dynasty's royal family, he must have many of those hierarchical concepts. Such a person is bound to be accustomed to being fawned over by the masses and enjoy it.
The cult leader nodded in satisfaction: "Good, good. Once my great cause is accomplished, you will all be meritorious officials, and I will certainly reward you according to your merits!"
His gaze swept across the entire hall. "I know that you have all devoted countless hours and efforts to the revival of our religion. Over the years, we have endured and bided our time, all for that glorious day."
The leader's voice grew increasingly firm, "Now, the time has come. I will lead everyone to uncover the dust of history and restore the glory of our church!"
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the hall.
The believers' eyes gleamed with excitement, as if they had reached the pinnacle of their lives.
Li Xi never expected that this cult leader was just like the head of a pyramid scheme, skilled at bewitching people and inciting their enthusiasm.
He stood on the high platform, dressed in a magnificent priest's robe, and spoke passionately.
Every word seemed to possess a magical power, striking directly into the depths of the believers' hearts.
"We are the masters of destiny, the children of light, leading the world toward unprecedented glory!" The cult leader's voice echoed in the hall.
Amidst bursts of applause and cheers, the worshippers' emotions reached a fever pitch.
It wasn't until the third watch of the night that everyone finally left.
"Xiaoyue, your godfather needs your help with something." The cult leader sat upright in his study.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating his slightly tired yet still dignified face.
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyue's heart stirred slightly. She quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Father, whatever your instructions are, Xiaoyue will do her best."
The cult leader gently raised his hand, gesturing for her to sit down. "You have been intelligent and quick-witted since childhood, and you have won my heart. This matter is of utmost importance; it concerns the future safety of our cult."
He paused slightly, carefully observing Li Xi's reaction.
I noticed her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were deep in thought.
He continued, "I need you to lead the vanguard in battle. With your martial arts skills, I believe there are few in the entire Jingyuan who can match you. If you are the vanguard, my great cause will surely proceed smoothly. What do you think?"
The cult leader's voice was gentle yet firm, and his eyes conveyed an unquestionable command.
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyue's eyes lit up instantly.
She straightened her back and said firmly, "I will always remember my godfather's high expectations. Although I am a woman, it is my duty to protect my sect. Please rest assured, godfather, I will live up to your trust and lead my brothers into battle to pave a bright path for my sect."
Upon hearing this, the cult leader smiled with satisfaction, his eyes shining with approval.
He nodded slowly and said, "Good, with your words, I am relieved. However, this journey is extremely dangerous, so please be careful. I will send several guardians to assist you and make sure everything goes smoothly."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com