Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1678 - 388: Chen Jie: Han Dharma King, I’ve Come to Take You!

The plan was finalized. Immediately, Chen Jie initiated the proceedings.

The crux of their operation rested on how to incapacitate Du Zundao. With Du Zundao neutralized, Han Miaozhen alone posed little threat.

Under Chen Jie's strategic direction, two teams were dispatched. One contingent, accompanied by Du Xiong, was tasked with locating Du Zundao amidst the Ruins, while the other headed for the Liu Residence with the objective of rescuing Liu Futong.

Meanwhile, at the Liu Residence!

Within the confines of a pitch-black chamber, devoid of even a single oil lamp, the windows were hermetically sealed with wooden planks, precluding any ingress of light.

Four robust iron chains extended from the corners of the room, with two secured firmly to Liu Futong’s ankles.

The remaining two chains were fitted with large iron hooks that pierced Liu Futong’s scapula, effectively neutralizing his internal Qi and rendering him incapable of breaking free from his restraints.

The room itself was starkly unfurnished. All cabinets and the bed had been removed, leaving only a scattering of dry straw upon the floor. Liu Futong sat cross-legged, his eyes shut, attune to every sound from beyond his prison. Despite his outward impassivity, a furrow in his brow betrayed his inner turmoil.

His attire was in tatters, marred by dried bloodstains, stripping him of the former Heavenly List figure's dignified bearing.

Witnessing him now, one would struggle to reconcile this disheveled man with the once-revered Yushan Monk, Liu Futong, who held the seventh position on the Heavenly List.

It was a tragic fall, akin to a majestic tiger stranded in a desolate plain.

With his eyes closed, Liu Futong was surrounded by Du Zundao’s personal guards outside, and not a single insect stirred within the chamber. Du Zundao's intention was clear: to employ this absolute darkness as a tool to shatter Liu Futong's sanity.

After all, such confinement within a miniature, lightless space was a potent method of psychological torture, capable of breaking even the most resolute individuals.

Liu Futong, reduced to a squirming insect in the oppressive dark, had descended from his former status as one of the Zoroastrian Three Venerables to that of a captive. Yet, not a single cry of anguish had escaped his lips.

Having faced profound darkness before, he harbored no fear of its embrace.

At that moment, two guards stationed outside announced, "Dharma King."

"Open the door."

"Yes, sir."

Creak...

The door swung inward, revealing Han Miaozhen, who entered carrying an oil lamp, closely followed by a servant bearing a food chest.

Tap tap tap...

Han Miaozhen approached Liu Futong, her gaze falling upon the man she once held in high esteem. A complex tapestry of emotions – regret, triumph, and a subtle hint of smugness – flickered in her eyes.

The rustle of movement alerted Liu Futong, and he slowly opened his eyes. A single glance at Han Miaozhen was all he offered before murmuring, "You have arrived."

Han Miaozhen responded, "I have come to see the Venerable One. I wonder if you have reconsidered. As long as you agree to abdicate your position, I guarantee your safety."

Han Miaozhen and Du Zundao’s objective in imprisoning Liu Futong, and subjecting him to the torment of this 'small dark room,' was solely to compel his surrender.

What was Du Zundao's ultimate ambition? Precisely, to ascend as the Sect Hierarch.

The path to becoming Sect Hierarch presented three main avenues: Firstly, a brutal usurpation, involving the elimination of Liu Futong, Han Ling’er, and all associated figures, culminating in Du Zundao's self-appointment. However, this path carried dire consequences.

Throughout history, leaders who seized power through illicit means were invariably destined for ruin. The members of the Zoroastrian Sect would vehemently oppose anyone ascending through bloodshed, thus rendering any resultant sect a far cry from Du Zundao's ideal.

Alternatively, the second method, currently being pursued by Du Zundao, involved exploiting the Little Ming King's inability to perform the Qiankun Great Method. Leveraging the stipulation that only a practitioner of this method could claim leadership, Du Zundao aimed to forcibly supplant the Little Ming King. This approach lacked the overt aggression of the first, appearing less rebellious.

Yet, its drawbacks were equally apparent. While it might satisfy formal requirements, underlying dissent would fester, with many viewing the Qiankun Great Method merely as a pretext.

Beyond these two, a third method existed: securing the personal deposition of the Little Ming King by one of the remaining, highly respected Three Venerables, Yushan Monk, who would then legitimize Du Zundao's succession.

This would solidify Du Zundao's standing. It was common knowledge that upon Han Shantong's demise, the Zoroastrian Sect teetered on the brink of collapse, its continued existence solely attributed to the Yushan Monk's unwavering support.

In essence, following Han Shantong's death, the Yushan Monk had become the spiritual anchor of the sect, and in the hearts of most members, he was regarded as their true leader.

Had Liu Futong, at that juncture, voiced his own claim to the position of sect leader, the Zoroastrian Sect would likely have been spared its present predicaments.

Du Zundao would never have dared to harbor any second thoughts, yet Liu Futong's insistence on backing a mere teenager for sect leader status was something that failed to quell the insubordinate and hardened warriors beneath him.

Inevitably, over the passage of time, discontented factions would begin to emerge.

However, despite all these factors, Liu Futong's standing only grew more influential. Ever since he put forth the Little Ming King, the authority to remove him naturally resided with Liu Futong; he unquestionably held this power.

Consequently, Liu Futong was in a position to declare, "I believe the Little Ming King can no longer serve as the sect leader. I propose Du Zundao for this role."

This would position Du Zundao as the legitimate successor, eventually enabling him to obtain the Qiankun Great Method.

From then on, his claim to the position of Sect Hierarch would be solidified, possessing the requisite strength, adherence to doctrine, and rightful legitimacy for succession.

Therefore, Du Zundao and Han Miaozhen harbored a fervent desire to compel Liu Futong's compliance, seeking for Liu Futong himself to personally orchestrate the forced succession, thereby ousting the Little Ming King from his position as sect leader.