Chapter 1729

Zu An lightly coughed. "King Qi, matters of affection require mutual consent. When other factors are involved, it ceases to be pure."

He and Zhao Xiaodie had no prior connection, so marriage talks were naturally out of the question. However, for King Qi to publicly offer his daughter's hand, an outright refusal would cause him too much embarrassment. Therefore, Zu An found a reason to politely decline.

To his surprise, the women nearby suddenly pricked up their ears. "Mutual consent, you say?"

A notification of "Rage points from the women: 111111111..." appeared.

Seeing the sudden surge in rage points in the system backend, Zu An was dumbfounded. He was speechless.

Fortunately, Zhao Hao spoke up at that moment, alleviating his awkwardness. "Zu An, you know that because of you, Zhao Jing has suffered heavy losses and a significant decline in prestige over the years. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so desperate now. You've cornered him so badly; do you really think he can tolerate you?"

"Even if, for argument's sake, he grudgingly tolerated you, how could his ministers tolerate you? You saw it yourself a few days ago; those people wished nothing more than to see you dead."

Zu An nodded slightly. "Your Majesty makes a good point."

Hearing his tone, King Qi immediately grew anxious. "Have you forgotten that many of those who wanted you dead before were his trusted ministers? My side has suffered heavy losses over the years and is in dire need of talent. In contrast, his side is fully staffed. How could he possibly allow a newcomer like you to rise above them?"

Zu An couldn't help but nod. "King Qi also makes a good point."

Zhao Hao: "..."

Zhao Jing: "..."

Both realized that this young man was playing hard to get, unwilling to commit easily.

At this moment, Zhao Hao looked at the thoughtful Yan Xuehen, who was standing nearby. "Sect Master Yan, it seems Li Changsheng's involvement in this matter was purely his personal act. Your character has always been noble; there's no need for you to be complicit with him. As long as you help Us, We can forgive White Jade Capital for past grievances."

Yan Xuehen's eyes flickered slightly. She was indeed afraid that this matter would implicate White Jade Capital.

At this moment, King Qi called out, "Immortal Yan, Li Changsheng and many White Jade Capital disciples were involved in this. Given Zhao Hao's nature, how could he act as if nothing happened? Once he is free, he will surely settle accounts. As the saying goes, 'in for a penny, in for a pound.' It would be better to side with Li Changsheng and achieve extraordinary merit. Has White Jade Capital not been suppressed enough by him over the years? If I ascend to power, I will certainly lift those restrictions and instead vigorously support your Nine Daoist Sects."

Yan Xuehen furrowed her delicate brows. She had no interest in achieving any merit, but she also knew he was speaking the truth. Li Changsheng was involved in treason; how could Zhao Hao easily spare White Jade Capital later?

Seeing that she still didn't respond, King Qi looked at Yun Jianyue again. "Sect Master Yun, Marshal Lu from your esteemed sect was also involved in this affair. Frankly, we are natural allies. After this matter is resolved, I will proclaim to the world, restore your reputation, lift the bounties on your heads, and allow your Holy Sect to stand openly before all."

Zu An listened, secretly admiring him. He had to commend his ability to maneuver and manipulate. No wonder his reputation was so high in previous years, recognized as a wise king.

Yun Jianyue, however, secretly frowned. As a sect leader, she was astonished that she hadn't known Lu Sanyuan was involved in this matter.

Over the years, Lu Sanyuan had led the rebel army in various campaigns, growing increasingly renowned. His prestige within the sect also grew, subtly becoming too powerful to control.

It was important to remember that the Demonic Sect was not a monolithic entity. Just as the Daoist sects were divided into Nine Sects, the Demonic Sect also comprised many different factions.

Yun Jianyue and Lu Sanyuan were leaders of different factions. In the past, when the imperial court was powerful, they put aside their differences and fought together against this common strong enemy. However, over the years, the rifts between them had grown.

Now, even such a significant matter had been kept from her, putting the entire Holy Sect unwittingly at such great risk!

As soon as she thought of this, a surge of sinister fury flared in her heart.

At this point, Zhao Hao couldn't help but curse, "Zhao Jing, you truly squander your inheritance without a care! It took generations of our efforts to reach this point, yet you've sold it all away!"

It was no wonder he was angry. A hundred years ago, the Buddhist and Daoist sects wielded astonishing influence; people only knew those sects and not the imperial court. The Zhou Dynasty, seizing the opportunity of the war against the demon race and with the efforts of several emperors, finally suppressed the power of the Buddhist, Daoist, and even the Demonic sects. Yet, Zhao Jing, this fellow, had sold off all those years of effort as soon as he came to power!

Zhao Jing did not back down in the slightest. "Hmph, that was merely you suppressing various schools of thought for your own selfish desires. Only through a hundred flowers blooming can there be collective progress."

As the two sides argued, their faces flushed and necks strained, Ru Hua lightly coughed. "Have you perhaps forgotten this humble monk's presence?"

The scene immediately fell silent. Indeed, he was currently the most powerful person present; if anyone was to be won over, it should be him.

Zu An said with a solemn expression, "Your Majesty, King Qi, it's not that I don't want to help, but a Terrestrial Immortal is beyond my ability to contend with. I truly am helpless."

Zhao Hao then said, "Although he just ambushed me, he was also injured by me. He is far from his peak strength now. If you few combine forces, you can deal with him."

Zu An and the women exchanged glances but ultimately remained still.

A faint smile appeared on Ru Hua's face. "Your Majesty, don't trouble them. Benefactor Zu is a wise man and clearly unwilling to get involved in this mess. This is a matter between us; there's no need to bother others."

With that, he slowly and cautiously walked towards his opponent. Zhao Hao's formidable reputation was well-known, and even though he was gravely injured now, Ru Hua had to proceed with caution.

Zhao Hao, however, remained calm. "Ru Hua, are you not curious why I've remained unhurried until now?"

Ru Hua paused. "I am indeed somewhat puzzled."

Just now, the other party said it was because of Zu An and his companions. But now it seemed they clearly intended to stay neutral, so it made no sense for them to be his trump card.

Zhao Hao looked at King Qi, a hint of mockery in his smile. "Zhao Jing, are you very proud that you were able to injure me this time?"

"I am indeed a bit proud," King Qi scoffed. "You boast of being invincible, but you're nothing more than this."

Zhao Hao said indifferently, "I simply didn't anticipate Ru Hua's century-long scheme. However, all your stratagems are merely a joke in my eyes."

King Qi burst out laughing. "Look around you. Your old friends, your confidantes, and all your loyal Embroidered Envoy guards and Imperial Bodyguards are dead. And now you've fallen to such a state. Don't you find it laughable to say such things?"

"Ignorant," Zhao Hao scoffed. "When you obtained the 'Phoenix Nirvana Sutra' previously, did you think it was your destiny? I regret to inform you that what you cultivated was a forgery created by me. Speaking of which, I should thank Zu An."

Zu An's eyes narrowed slightly. Zhao Hao was deliberately calling him out at this moment, clearly trying to sow discord between him and King Qi, making it impossible for them to join forces again.

To his surprise, King Qi remained very calm. He glanced at Zu An and said indifferently, "Imperial Brother, I know you too well. How could you possibly allow me to get my hands on such a cultivation method? So, from beginning to end, I never believed that technique was real. My desperate attempts to obtain it were merely to lull you into a false sense of security. Didn't expect that, did you? Are you perhaps disappointed?"

As he spoke, his lips curved slightly upward, showing a sense of satisfaction from seeing through his opponent's scheme and turning it against him.

"Zhao Hao, that fellow, thinks so highly of himself. But all his lifelong schemes are nothing but a clown show in my eyes, aren't they?"

Zu An was a bit surprised, thinking that these two brothers were indeed formidable. King Qi's ability to contend with the Emperor for so many years truly showed his capabilities.

To his surprise, Zhao Hao showed no surprise at all. "Oh, it seems you're not as foolish as I imagined, but also not as clever as you think. Do you believe that over all these years, I only provided you with one forged 'Phoenix Nirvana Sutra'?"

"Aren't you curious why you, who lingered at the Grandmaster level of the Soul Realm for so long, suddenly managed to break through to the Terrestrial Immortal realm? Did you truly believe it was your own destiny?"

King Qi's face immediately changed drastically, as if he had just realized something.

At this moment, Zhao Hao reached out and made a grasping motion towards him from a distance. An ethereal spirit-soul image, no longer able to resist, was sucked out from King Qi's body and directly drawn into Zhao Hao's palm.