Zong Fengming swallowed the food in his mouth and smiled calmly.
"Our Kongtong Sect has been serving the imperial court in recent years. Since Your Highness belongs to the imperial court, why bother recruiting members of the Kongtong Sect? Wouldn't that be redundant?"
Wu Sangui looked somewhat embarrassed after hearing this.
Zong Fengming's words not only rejected Wu Sangui, but also publicly exposed Wu Sangui's ambition to rebel.
Wu Yingqi hurriedly said, "Sect Leader Zong, you are mistaken. Although my father is an official appointed by the imperial court, in order to better govern the local area and benefit the people, he must recruit a group of outstanding talents!"
Zong Fengming clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I am but a man of limited knowledge and learning, and I am not able to help Your Highness with your troubles."
Clearly, he was unwilling to submit to Wu Sangui.
Li Huan knew that what Zong Fengming said was true; the Kongtong Sect did indeed serve the imperial court.
Hai Dafu was a top master of the Kongtong Sect. He was ordered by the sect leader to go to the palace to serve as a personal bodyguard of Emperor Shunzhi, the father of Emperor Kangxi.
Even after Emperor Shunzhi became a monk, Hai Dafu remained loyal to his orders and devoted himself to investigating the cause of death of Emperor Shunzhi's beloved concubine.
Of course, the imperial court also gave the Kongtong Sect a considerable amount of silver every year.
Zong Fengming should not be short of money, and would not be bribed by Wu Sangui for the reward.
The reason he came to Kunming to participate in the "Martial Arts Culinary Competition" is definitely because he likes food and just wanted to join in the fun.
Seeing that Zong Fengming's attitude was quite firm, Wu Sangui's face darkened and he stopped talking.
After tasting Li Huan's "Eight Treasure Osmanthus Fish", Zong Fengming began to eat the other leftovers.
Wu Yingxiong announced: "Next, let's continue the lucky draw!"
Princess Jianning reached into the box and pulled out another slip of paper.
Wu Yingxiong took the note and handed it to Wu Sangui.
"The second winner is Zhang Rushan, the leader of the Wudang Sect!"
Wu Sangui announced loudly, looking down at the audience.
Immediately afterward, a tall, handsome middle-aged man stepped forward.
He was Zhang Rushan, the leader of the Wudang Sect.
Li Huan was secretly surprised.
Damn, Wu Sangui is really making a big fuss this time, inviting the leaders of all the major sects in the martial arts world.
Zhang Rushan quickly ascended the high platform and clasped his hands in a salute.
Wu Sangui said with a smile, "Sect Leader Zhang, please enjoy the dishes."
Zhang Rushan took his seat, picked up his chopsticks, and began to taste Li Huan's "Eight Treasure Osmanthus Fish".
Wu Sangui asked, "Sect Leader Zhang, are you willing to serve me?"
Zhang Rushan said, "Our Wudang Sect has never served the government throughout history, please forgive us, Your Highness."
Wu Sangui said, "The Wudang Sect is a renowned family in the martial arts world, full of talented people. Wouldn't it be a pity if they didn't serve me?"
Zhang Rushan said, "I have heard that the famous Divine Dragon Sect is loyal to Your Highness. The Divine Dragon Sect has more talented people than the Wudang Sect. With the Divine Dragon Sect's assistance, Your Highness will be even more powerful. Why would Your Highness need to recruit from the Wudang Sect?"
Instantly, Wu Sangui's brows furrowed.
He dispatched Feng Xifan to attack the Divine Dragon Cult while its leader, Long'er, was away, killing many loyal followers.
Most people in the martial arts world were unaware of Wu Sangui's despicable act of "discarding the millstone after it has served its purpose."
Zhang Rushan mentioned the Divine Dragon Sect and used this as an excuse to refuse to join Wu Sangui, which made Wu Sangui feel very uncomfortable.
Li Huan feigned surprise: "Sect Leader Zhang, your information is so outdated!"
Zhang Rushan hurriedly asked, "Why is it not working?"
Li Huan said, "Don't you know that the Divine Dragon Sect has been wiped out by the Prince?"
Zhang Rushan was stunned.
There was a buzz of discussion in the audience.
"No way, why would the Prince wipe out the Divine Dragon Cult?"
"The Divine Dragon Sect has been passed down through three generations, assisting Wu Sangui and making countless contributions!"
"His Highness has always valued talent and would never send anyone to wipe out the Divine Dragon Sect. Don't listen to Li Huan's nonsense!"
"If the Divine Dragon Sect is wiped out by the Prince, I will definitely drink myself into a stupor, hahaha..."
...
Wu Yingxiong shouted sternly, "Lord Li, don't slander my father! How could he order the destruction of the Divine Dragon Sect?"
Li Huan said, "Young Prince, at a time like this, you shouldn't be acting!"
Wu Yingxiong said, "What kind of play do I act in?"
Li Huan said, "You personally went to the Divine Dragon Sect with Feng Xifan, subdued many of its followers, and even tricked the sect leader, Long'er, into drinking poisoned wine!"
Wu Yingxiong's expression changed drastically.
Wu Sangui and Feng Xifan exchanged a glance instinctively.
Wu Yingxiong said, "Lord Li, words are not enough. Where is the evidence?"
Li Huan said, "Evidence? I am the evidence. I was hiding behind the pillar at the time and saw everything clearly!"
"After Long'er was poisoned, I rode over and rescued her! Otherwise, Long'er would have surely fallen victim to your cruelty!"
Wu Yingxiong's facial muscles twitched, and he suddenly raised his head and burst into laughter.
"Lord Li is too witty, making up such a boring story! I reiterate, my father never ordered the extermination of the Divine Dragon Cult!"
Li Huan said, "If I were to summon Long'er, how would you face him?"
Wu Yingxiong said, "Long'er is the leader of the Divine Dragon Sect and a meritorious official whom Father King values highly. If Long'er comes here, Father King will definitely treat him with the utmost respect!"
This statement is cunning, directing the blame towards Wu Sangui.
Wu Sangui said, "That's right. When I see the Dragon Cult Leader, I will definitely treat him with courtesy and regard him as an honored guest!"
Li Huan chuckled, then shouted!
"Long'er! Come out!"
Whoosh!
A person flew out from the crowd and landed on the stage.
It is indeed Long'er!
Upon seeing her, Wu Sangui, Wu Yingxiong, and Feng Xifan all looked terrified.
"Master Dragon!" Wu Sangui tried his best to remain calm.
Long'er angrily questioned, "Wu Sangui, three generations of my Divine Dragon Sect have been loyal to you and have made countless contributions. Why did you give me poisoned wine and destroy my Divine Dragon Sect?"
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