Chapter 830: Summoning Her Back

Chapter 830: Summoning Her Back

With treacherous ministers in power, the dynasty is in decline. The current Puhan Dynasty is nothing more than a puppet controlled by the Dong Wei organization. Even if it had its own opinions, they were mere whispers that never came to fruition.

Every move in the court is under scrutiny, and with the main military force concentrated in Dong Wei’s hands, all that can be done is to obey their commands.

However, Dong Wei hasn’t yet turned against the royal family; they still maintain their façade, refraining from outright rebellion.

In this chaotic world, where various forces are rising, the royal family can only manage ordinary citizens and dare not interfere with sects like the “Gate of Immortality.”

The current instability means that any attempt by Dong Wei to overtly seize power would garner bad press, and public opinion would swiftly turn against them.

The foolish actions of these cunning individuals are things they’re too smart to undertake.

Yet, without doubt, Dong Wei harbors ambitions for a coup; it’s just a matter of waiting for the right moment.

For now, the royal family is mostly under Dong Wei’s control, but there’s a slippery fish that escaped their net.

That is Princess Luo Xiaoxue.

This mere girl wields astonishing protective skills and possesses cunning strategies, showing remarkable talent in military logistics.

While Dong Wei was preoccupied with combating the Helong Hall and the Refining Demon Sect, she gradually repositioned the Imperial Guard and secretly built up her own influence. Whenever Dong Wei attempted to suppress various meritocrats, she quietly gathered allies.

Moreover, several retired experts were drawn to her cause.

Not so much recruited as they were rallied, she moved them emotionally, arguing that as long as the malignant Dong Wei remains, they would never find peace.

Her devious tactics are akin to underhanded guerrilla warfare; making a quick attack before vanishing, she thrives in the shadows, sowing chaos.

Currently, Dong Wei has expanded its influence far too wide, overwhelmed by pressing pressures, especially with the fall of the Demon Star and the surge in demon practitioners.

The Qin family is now split into two factions: one led by Qin Shili’s father, Qin Zhu, and the other by Qin Dao.

Though Qin Dao appears to cooperate with Dong Wei on the surface, he harbors ulterior motives—those in the know are aware.

Luo Xiaoxue stands as the final hope for the royal family. Unable to do much, they must rely on this girl to break free from Dong Wei’s control. Dong Wei once thought her meager military presence would keep her safe under their protection, believing she would perish if she attempted to stand on her own.

But that wasn’t the case; she has survived and even become a significant threat.

Under the guise of the royal family, they must make Luo Xiaoxue disappear from this world. If they cannot vanish her, they at least want her to suffer.

Now the ministers have voiced their opinions, and the emperor understands their intent.

What betrayal? Dong Wei is the greatest treasonous organization, not to mention, saying the princess is treasonous!

His own daughter—how could she possibly be treasonous? She only seeks to bolster the royal family’s standing.

But he cannot openly declare this; he must comply with their sentiments.

“Well, it’s true that Xiaoxue hasn’t returned to court in quite some time, and the military has indeed been repositioned. However, we cannot jump to conclusions. What strategies does my loyal subject propose?”

“Your Majesty, Dong Wei is incredibly resourceful and has already discovered the whereabouts of Her Highness. I believe that your Majesty could issue an edict, with me sending it to the princess, saying that your Majesty is unwell and needs her to return to the royal city. If she has no treasonous intent, she will surely return. If she does not, she is heartless and has ulterior motives. Your Majesty would then have legitimate grounds to take action against her.”

“Such deception would damage my credibility.”

“Your Majesty, this is called tactical deception. The hearts of the people are not what they once were; if you do not do this, it will be difficult to bring her back. Furthermore, I suggest that your Majesty add that the Empress is also gravely ill, urging her to return quickly.”

The minister added, which was ridiculous. In the past, the emperor would have snapped at him, asking if he was teaching him how to govern and had him dragged away.

But now, what else could he do but listen?

The powerless emperor, after much deliberation, can only acquiesce to the ministers’ words.

Most of the ministers in court have aligned themselves with Dong Wei; now, even the royal family’s every move is known to them.

If Luo Xiaoxue returns, it would undoubtedly serve to imprison her, allowing her name to be utilized to absorb and commandeer her forces, thereby expanding Dong Wei’s influence.

Of course, this isn’t an easy feat, as Luo Xiaoxue is no fool.

It matters not whether she comes or goes; it all works against her.

With no other option, the emperor complied, drafted an edict, and stamped it with the royal seal, which was then sent by Dong Wei to Luo Xiaoxue.

…

Ling Meng and Liu Shuqin parted ways. Liu Shuqin took along a group of violent demon beasts, as well as some demon practitioners and regular demons, seeking to establish her own place.

Honestly, these demon practitioners and beasts were not keen on following Liu Shuqin, feeling she lacked Ling Meng’s reliability.

It’s only natural; after all, Liu Shuqin was an amateur, not a true demon practitioner, while Ling Meng had spent a long time in the Refining Demon Sect, gaining a solid reputation.

Furthermore, Liu Shuqin had brought along those beasts with violent powers for management.

Is she out of her mind? Bringing a bunch of madmen together is like setting a time bomb! They might just go berserk and take everyone down with them.

And there’s that dragon named Walker, constantly plotting rebellion—who knows what kind of chaos he might unleash next?

After the split, some demon practitioners pleaded to stay with Ling Meng, while others even fled like deserters.

But it wasn’t a choice they had; Lin Nuo rejected their pleas outright and captured the deserters. Those who could turn back were spared; but if they tried to run again, he executed them on the spot.

Everyone struggled to understand Liu Shuqin’s mindset, though a portion of the violent beasts felt grateful to her, as she had saved them from execution.

Yet, they couldn’t control their violent urges; the Refining Demon Sect’s potions had already corrupted them, and their futures were dictated by others.

Liu Shuqin seemed overly confident, believing she could manage them well.

Just as she tamed that demon spirit.

“Your Majesty.”

The head demon beast, intended to follow Liu Shuqin, approached Lin Nuo to whisper, trying to dissuade him from the notion of sending them to their doom alongside Liu Shuqin.

“Your Majesty, you and the two ladies are truly a match made in heaven. Being together is harmonious; separating would be quite unwise.”

“How is it unwise? Are you teaching me how to do my job?” Lin Nuo said coldly.

“No, Your Majesty! Allow me to explain. You see, the reason you can be together is that it is a blessed union predestined by heaven. You’re meant to be together; it’s only fitting that you remain so. After all, the first letters of your surnames all start with ‘L.'”

“You know pinyin?”

“Of course! Even we demon beasts have our pursuits; we do read sometimes. Look, isn’t it true?”

Lin Nuo was taken aback; indeed, it was true.

Lin, Ling, Liu—all start with L.

By this reasoning, Li Ruo’er as well.

What’s more daunting than a beast with strength? A beast with brains—now, that’s something to worry about!