Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1679 - 388: Chen Jie: Han Dharma King, I’ve Come to Collect Your Life! (2)

But is such a feat possible? Absolutely not. Who is Liu Futong? He stands as one of the Three Venerables of the Zoroastrian Sect, a figure whose very existence was forged through relentless battles that established the sect's current formidable power. Before their ascendance, the Zoroastrian Sect was merely a first-rate force, comparable to the Six Great Sects. However, with the arrival of the Three Venerables, it transformed into a super major sect, possessing the might to challenge the entire alliance of the Six Great Sects, provided, of course, that Wudang's Zhang Sanfeng remained uninvolved.

Each of the Three Venerables possessed an unyielding pride; they could neither be coerced by force nor tempted by destitution. The notion that confining Liu Futong to a darkened chamber could compel his submission was nothing more than a fanciful delusion.

Yet, is there not a time and place for indulging in such fantasies? Han Miaozhen certainly believed so and allowed herself to ponder the potential outcome if her wishful thinking were to materialize. With this thought, she directed her gaze toward Liu Futong. "Venerable, how many days have passed now? Why do you still fail to grasp the situation? Han Lin'er is a fine young individual, but he is merely a child, incapable of commanding the people's loyalty. Our Holy Sect requires a Sect Hierarch with an ironclad will, and Du Zundao, Dharma King Du, is undoubtedly the most fitting candidate. Will you not consider the well-being of the Holy Sect?"

"Are you considering the Holy Sect, or are you considering yourself?" Liu Futong queried, his eyes fixed on Han Miaozhen. Han Miaozhen responded, "Very well, even if it is for our own benefit, are we not intrinsically a part of the Holy Sect?"

"Traitors to the sect presume to call themselves disciples of my Holy Sect. If my memory serves me correctly, the very first tenets I imparted upon your initiation were loyalty and righteousness, were they not?" Liu Futong’s voice was laced with coldness.

"Venerable, your words carry excessive weight. Who are the traitors here? We are all genuinely devoted to the prosperity of the Holy Sect. Furthermore, even if we were not present, others would inevitably emerge. This is a reality you must confront; Han Lin’er is far too young and has achieved too little for you to wish for him to ascend as Sect Hierarch. Go and ascertain for yourself how many are truly willing to accept such an outcome."

"While people may not voice it openly, the fault ultimately lies with you. Had you directly assumed the position of Sect Hierarch back then, none of these present complications would have arisen."

"Now, the Holy Sect is fracturing, its members scattered and divided. Venerable, have you never paused to reflect upon your own missteps?"

Liu Futong remained silent upon hearing these words. He then looked at Han Miaozhen and stated, "These are merely sophistical arguments. If you harbored no selfish intentions, how could the elevation of the young master ignite thoughts of rebellion within you? What purpose does it serve to utter such words now?"

Han Miaozhen countered, "Venerable, if one does not look out for themselves, the heavens themselves will mete out punishment. Who in this world is entirely free from a few wayward thoughts? I harbor them, Dharma King Du harbors them, and in truth, so do you."

"And your failing lies in providing us with the very opportunity to entertain such notions."

"Had you assumed the mantle of Sect Hierarch back then, I, Dharma King Du, and Guan Dharma King would undoubtedly have served as exemplary subordinates. Han Lin’er and his sister would have flourished under your protection, and we would have gladly fulfilled the roles of devoted uncles and aunts."

"Yet, you granted us the chance to entertain these ambitions, so do not place the blame upon us. You yourself are the architect of the current predicament."

As Han Miaozhen concluded her statement, she deliberately took a seat before Liu Futong. "As an elder, having inadvertently ignited the competitive spirit within the younger generation, it is incumbent upon you to assist us in resolving this matter."

"You must have already heard that the imperial court has commenced its assault at the base of the mountain. I have just received a battle report from the front lines; the court has deployed sixty thousand troops, and among them are many individuals you know well, such as the Treasure Elephant Army Commander Boluo Timur, King Qi Li Siqi, and Ruyang King Chaghan Timur."

"Three Heavenly List Experts are among their ranks, and at present, only Mr. Guan stands in resistance on the front lines; defeat appears to be an inevitability."

A low hum escaped Liu Futong, his expression darkening considerably. He inquired, "Where is Du Zundao? What occupies his time? Has he abandoned the battlefield?"

Han Miaozhen replied, "No, no, Dharma King Du is currently at the Ruins, and it is highly probable that he has already obtained the Qiankun Great Method. In fact, with the Qiankun Great Method in his possession, he could assume the position of Sect Hierarch even without your explicit consent."

Liu Futong remained silent, while Han Miaozhen continued, "However, our Dharma King Du still holds the Holy Sect dear to his heart. Should he ascend to the position of Sect Hierarch through the Qiankun Great Method, some of your loyalist followers might voice their discontent, leading to sleepless nights for him and potentially compelling him to purge these dissenters. Such an action would significantly deplete the sect's internal strength, a situation that would only serve to harm allies and gladden our enemies."

"To avert self-destruction within the Zoroastrian Sect, I thus advised the Dharma King to have you, the Venerable, depose the Little Ming King." Han Miaozhen explained, her voice calm. "The child is far too young for such a weighty position; thrusting him into it only leads to suffering. Would it not be better to alleviate him of this immense burden, allowing the child to develop more favorably in other avenues?"

Han Miaozhen gently guided Liu Futong's understanding.

Liu Futong fixed his gaze upon Han Miaozhen, retorting, "All of you harbor improper intentions and are ill-suited for responsibility."

Han Miaozhen responded, "Venerable, at this juncture, why persist with such staunch prejudices? Time is not on your side. Should you agree, the Dharma King has given his solemn assurance that upon our withdrawal from Bright Peak, the Little Ming King shall remain unharmed."

"But what if you do not agree, Venerable?"

"What are your intentions then?"

Han Miaozhen's statement turned chillingly direct: "The court’s forces are exceptionally brutal; the Little Ming King will inevitably perish at Bright Peak, becoming a sacrifice for the Holy Sect."

"Good, good, haha... you are truly ruthless and vicious!"

Liu Futong erupted in exasperated laughter at Han Miaozhen. Her own expression was grim as she coldly demanded, "Venerable, provide a clear answer. Regarding Han Lin'er, do you wish for him to live or to die?"

Liu Futong stared intently at Han Miaozhen, questioning, "Do you truly intend to go this far? Are you not concerned about retribution?"

Han Miaozhen replied, "Retribution? Who could possibly exact retribution upon us? As long as the Venerable gives his assent, all difficulties can be resolved."