Having been given a second chance at life, I choose to join the Demonic Sect!

Chancellor Yideweng and Grand Tutor Ma Changkong have already been ranked among the Three Dukes in the Liuyun Dynasty.

If they fled to other dynasties, although they might be able to survive, they would inevitably be ostracized by the original forces of those dynasties. As for being given important positions or becoming one of the Three Dukes, that would be out of the question.

This is why the two of them haven't fled yet.

Prime Minister Yideweng bowed to Liu Mingsu on the dragon throne and then said:
"Your Majesty, I have a plan that can help the dynasty turn the tide, but I don't know if I should speak of it!"

The reason why Prime Minister Ideon did not flee was actually because of this plan.

If this plan succeeds, not only will the Liuyun Dynasty be out of danger, but the Yi family will also gain enormous benefits.

If this plan fails, he will arrange for someone to flee.

Although he was the prime minister, he was just a high-ranking employee. He was not going to wait to die with the royal Liu family!
"Prime Minister, now that things have come to this, please speak freely!"

Emperor Liu Mingsu, a dignified Nascent Soul stage cultivator, was so worried about this matter that he kept losing his hair.

It's like grasping at straws when you're desperate; as long as the medicine doesn't kill you, it's fine.

As long as the method works and can preserve the Liuyun Dynasty and the foundation of the royal family, he is willing to accept even ceding territory and paying reparations!

"Your Majesty, this calamity, like the previous corpse disaster, is targeting the Xuantian Sect. The reason why our Liuyun Dynasty is suffering is because we are an affiliated force of the Xuantian Sect!"

Prime Minister Yideweng was somewhat annoyed. Of all the top powers in the Eastern Region Dao Continent, why did the royal Liu family have to choose the Xuantian Sect?

It's all the royal family's fault for siding with the Xuantian Sect, which led to the Liuyun Dynasty's current predicament and numerous disasters.

If they had joined another top-tier sect, not to mention the current predicament, they could have avoided the previous corpse calamity.

"Your Majesty, if we surrender to other top sects and the Liuyun Dynasty breaks away from the Xuantian Sect, perhaps our Liuyun Dynasty can turn the tide!"

Prime Minister Yideweng's meaning is already very clear: the Liuyun Dynasty is breaking away from the Xuantian Sect, severing ties with the sect, and seeking a new patron.

"Your Majesty, my son, Ito Makoto, is willing to act as a bridge between the Ryuyun Dynasty and the Star Pavilion!"

Prime Minister Idoon directly recommended the sect to which his son, Ito Makoto, belonged—the Star Pavilion.

Star Pavilion is also a top-tier sect, belonging to the same righteous path, and its strength is no weaker than Xuan Tian Sect and He Huan Sect.

Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Ma Changkong, before Liu Mingsu could make a decision, quickly bowed and reported:

"Your Majesty, my son Ma Zouri has become a disciple of the Soul Refining Sect, and is a direct disciple. He is willing to act as a liaison between the dynasty and the Soul Refining Sect!"

Grand Tutor Ma Changkong was actually plotting the same thing as Prime Minister Yideweng, but Prime Minister Yideweng spoke it out first.

"Your Majesty, although the Star Pavilion is a top-tier sect, it belongs to the righteous path. Even if the Flowing Cloud Dynasty submits to the Star Pavilion, it may not be safe!"

"The Soul Refining Sect, the Joyful Union Sect, and the Beast Soul Sect all belong to the demonic path. As long as the Flowing Cloud Dynasty is willing to submit to the Soul Refining Sect, the Joyful Union Sect and the Beast Soul Sect will definitely not attack the Flowing Cloud Dynasty!"

Grand Tutor Ma Changkong explained the differences between the Star Pavilion and the Soul Refining Sect one by one.

Assuming the Flowing Cloud Dynasty pledges allegiance to the Star Pavilion, when the Star Pavilion negotiates with the Joyful Union Sect and the Beast Soul Sect, they will say:
The Liuyun Dynasty has already broken away from the Xuantian Sect and belonged to my Xingchen Pavilion. You all must not touch it!
The Hehuan Sect and the Beast Soul Sect are no weaker than the Star Pavilion, and the Star Pavilion poached people midway through.

Given that good and evil cannot coexist, you see the Joyful Union Sect and the Beast Soul Sect frequently using the Flowing Cloud Dynasty as a pretext.

Grand Tutor Ma Changkong believed that as long as Liu Mingsu wasn't a foolish ruler, everyone would know which one to choose.

"Grand Tutor Ma, what exactly is your intention in asking His Majesty to surrender to the Demonic Soul Refining Sect?"

"Are you trying to frame His Majesty for colluding with the demonic path?"

Prime Minister Yideweng sternly rebuked Grand Tutor Ma Changkong, saying, "This scoundrel actually tried to ruin my important plans; he deserves to die!"

If we weren't both dukes with the same rank, I would definitely have killed the other.

The words of Chancellor Yideweng were meant for Grand Tutor Ma Changkong, and also for Emperor Liu Mingsu.

Star Pavilion and Xuan Tian Sect both belong to the righteous path. The Liu Yun Dynasty betrayed Xuan Tian Sect and switched allegiance to Star Pavilion. Xuan Tian Sect, being a top-tier righteous sect, could not go too far openly.

However, if the Liuyun Dynasty were to side with the Lianhun Sect, the Xuantian Sect could accuse the Liuyun Dynasty of colluding with the demonic path and openly deal with the Liuyun Dynasty.

"Prime Minister I, I remember your son Ito Makoto was merely a true disciple of the Star Pavilion, wasn't he?"

Grand Tutor Ma Changkong mocked Ito Makoto, the son of Ito Weng, for being a true disciple.

These people, who have lived for hundreds of years, all know what it means to be a true disciple of a top sect.
True disciples, without great fortune, can only reach the Nascent Soul stage and become elders.

Therefore, true disciples do not hold a high status in top-tier sects.

Those who are personally instructed in the teachings generally possess the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

Your Prime Minister Ito's son, Ito Makoto, is merely a true disciple of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

But my Grand Tutor Ma Changkong's son is a direct disciple, with the potential to become a Nascent Soul cultivator!
"Prime Minister I estimate that if the Liuyun Dynasty submits to the Star Pavilion, Ito Makoto will likely receive another merit and be promoted from a true disciple to a personal disciple!"

Grand Tutor Ma Changkong revealed the true purpose of Prime Minister Yideweng's desire to persuade the Liuyun Dynasty to switch allegiance to the Xingchen Pavilion.

The other party's true purpose was to help Ito Makoto obtain an opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

"However, even if one becomes a disciple of the Star Pavilion through such means..."

But the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage is still just that—the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage. Becoming a Deity Transformation stage cultivator is as difficult as a mortal ascending to heaven!

Grand Tutor Ma Changkong mercilessly mocked Prime Minister Yideweng, saying that, to put it bluntly, he had become a disciple of the Star Pavilion through this very method.

Even if they succeed, they will only be the lowest-ranking disciple among the Star Pavilion's direct disciples.

A Nascent Soul stage expert would not pass on their mantle to a disciple with the potential to become a Nascent Soul stage expert, nor would they allocate too many resources to such a disciple.

Ma Zouri, the son of Grand Tutor Ma Changkong, was only of average level among the direct disciples of the Soul Refining Sect.

Ma Zouri returned to the Liuyun Dynasty because he found life in the Soul Refining Sect too difficult, and set his sights on his good sister, Liu Ruyan.

He wanted to use Liu Ruyan to offer the Liuyun Dynasty to the Lianhun Sect, thereby enhancing his own status within the sect!
After being exposed by Grand Tutor Ma Changkong, Prime Minister Yideweng was so angry that his beard stood on end.

"Ma Changkong, without evidence, stop making baseless accusations against me!"

"Everything I have done is for His Majesty, for the Liuyun Dynasty!"

While rebuking Grand Tutor Ma Changkong, Prime Minister Yideweng made a grand-sounding attempt to cover it up.

"Prime Minister Yi, Grand Tutor Ma, you two must stop arguing!"

Seeing the two arguing like this, Emperor Liu Mingsu sternly rebuked them:
"Prime Minister, Grand Tutor, never mention the matter of leaving the Xuantian Sect again!"

Emperor Liu Mingsu initially thought the two men had some good ideas, but it turned out that these two idiots came up with two terrible ideas.

Did Liu Mingsu not know that this calamity was aimed at the affiliated forces of the Xuantian Sect?

The question is, can his Liuyun Dynasty break away from the Xuantian Sect?

Do you really think you can just break away from the Xuantian Sect and sever ties with them at will?
That's so naive!

Just as Emperor Liu Mingsu was troubled, Ji Boda arrived at the Nine-Room Court Hall, bowed to Liu Mingsu, and reported:
"Your Majesty, I can guarantee the safety of the Liuyun Dynasty!"

Why was Ji Boda qualified to attend court?
It wasn't because he was Liu Ruyan's fiancé, but for another reason.

Just because Ji Boda's father was Ji Chengshi, a general who protected the country, Liu Mingsu, in gratitude for his father's sacrifice for the country, bestowed upon Ji Boda the title of general who assisted the country!

As a general assisting the state, Ji Boda was naturally qualified to attend court and participate in the court discussion at the Nine-Room Court Hall! As soon as Ji Boda spoke, Prime Minister Yide Weng and Grand Tutor Ma Changkong led all the civil and military officials to turn their attention to him.

Prime Minister Yideweng and Grand Tutor Ma Changkong wanted to know what qualifications Ji Boda, this junior, had to say such things. They knew that even if his father were still alive, he wouldn't be able to defeat them!
"General who assists the state, what plan do you have?"

Liu Mingsu turned his gaze to his son-in-law, Ji Boda, and asked him questions.

Of course, Liu Mingsu was not acting rashly in desperation this time. Based on his investigation, he found that his son-in-law was not as simple as he appeared.

It seems to have some connection with the Po Jun Mansion, a top-tier righteous sect.

"Your Majesty, I can have the Po Jun Mansion protect the Liu Yun Dynasty."

Just as Liu Mingsu had guessed, Ji Boda moved out of the Po Jun Mansion.

"Your Majesty, the Joyful Union Sect and the Beast Soul Sect are currently targeting the Profound Heaven Sect with all their might. They are not foolish enough to offend the Broken Army Mansion for the sake of the Flowing Cloud Dynasty!"

Ji Boda believed that the higher-ups of the Hehuan Sect and the Beast Soul Sect were intelligent people who knew the advantages and disadvantages, so it would be quite simple for him to preserve the Liuyun Dynasty!

Ji Boda's words shocked everyone present.

The method employed by Chancellor Yideweng and Grand Tutor Ma Changkong was for the Liuyun Dynasty to switch allegiance to other sects in order to gain protection.

Ji Boda directly eliminated the preconditions, allowing Po Jun Mansion to directly protect Liu Yun Dynasty without requiring Liu Yun Dynasty to switch its allegiance to Po Jun Mansion!

Just as Chancellor Yideweng and Grand Tutor Ma Changkong were questioning and reprimanding Ji Boda, someone spoke up for them:

"Ji Boda, do you really think the Po Jun Mansion is yours?"

You've made the Po Jun Manor risk offending the He Huan Sect and the Beast Soul Sect to protect the Liu Yun Dynasty, so they'll listen to you!

The one who uttered that coquettish scolding voice was none other than Ji Boda's fiancée, Liu Mingsu's eldest daughter—Princess Liu Ruyan!

"It's shameful to spout nonsense at a time like this!"

Liu Ruyan was furious at this moment because she had not yet received a formal annulment from Ji Boda.

Now, Ji Boda has not only lost face for himself, but also for everyone else!
Liu Ruyan wanted to know what kind of fiancé her father, Liu Mingsu, had chosen for her. This was a completely useless service that only caused more trouble than it was worth!

Faced with Liu Ruyan's reprimand, Ji Boda didn't get angry; instead, he patiently explained:

"Ruyan, there are some things I can't tell you, but I can guarantee that the Po Jun Mansion will definitely protect the Liuyun Dynasty!"

Given his status, it wouldn't be difficult for him to preserve a second-rate dynasty.

"Get out of here, you piece of trash! Don't embarrass yourself in the Nine Palaces!"

Liu Ruyan could no longer bear it and sternly rebuked Ji Boda.

"Ruyan, I will prove it to you!"

After saying those words, Ji Boda obediently got out of the Nine Palaces.

Even under these circumstances, Ji Boda did not get angry and remained obedient, truly deserving of his nickname, Emperor Boda.

"Father, I have a plan!"

After Ji Boda left, Liu Ruyan bowed to Liu Mingsu, but did not reveal her plan.

"You all, step back!"

Having been emperor for so many years, Liu Mingsu immediately understood that Liu Ruyan's words could not be heard by others, so he directly signaled the court to adjourn.

"Ruyan, is there anything you want to say?"

As the civil and military officials left the court and the eunuchs and palace maids withdrew, Liu Mingsu saw that there were no outsiders left, only himself and his daughter. He then asked her to express her thoughts.

"Father, the Liuyun Dynasty is in grave danger. I beg you to leave the Liuyun Dynasty!"

This time, Liu Ruyan did not address Liu Mingsu as "Father Emperor," but instead chose to call him "Father."

The difference between the Emperor and the father may seem small, but in reality, the difference is enormous!
"Liu Ruyan, what nonsense are you spouting? I am the Emperor of the Liuyun Dynasty. As the Son of Heaven, I guard the nation's gates; as the monarch, I die for the country; I live and die with the Liuyun Dynasty!"

Although Liu Mingsu was furious, he understood Liu Ruyan's intentions. Otherwise, he would have already ordered someone to drag Liu Ruyan out instead of just reprimanding her.

Liu Ruyan had anticipated that she would be reprimanded by Liu Mingsu, so she continued:

"Father, Ruyan is willing to guard the nation's borders and die for the country. I beg you to consider the family's future."

"As long as you, Father, are still alive, even if something happens to the dynasty, we will surely be able to establish a dynasty even larger and more powerful than the Liuyun Dynasty, perhaps even an imperial dynasty!"

Liu Ruyan knew that the Liuyun Dynasty was in great danger this time, but danger and opportunity coexisted. She wanted to take a chance and use this opportunity to show her strength in front of Liu Mingsu.

If she wins the bet, she will become the future Empress Ruyan.

If I lose the bet, I can simply run away as soon as things look bad.

Anyway, the opportunities I've recently had are enough for me to escape in the nick of time.

"Ruyan, I am very pleased with your filial piety, but I am the emperor, how can I abandon my people?"

"Ruyan, run away! Go back to the Xuantian Sect!"

Although Liu Mingsu was somewhat tempted by Liu Ruyan's words, he still refused.

I just don't know if he's being sincere or if he's just pretending to decline.

"Father, in order to protect the dynasty, you have decided to go into seclusion to break through your cultivation level and fight the enemy to the death!"

"Therefore, I humbly request that Your Majesty issue an order appointing Ruyan as regent!"

After Liu Ruyan had prepared an excuse for Liu Mingsu, she knelt down on one knee to request permission.

When Liu Mingsu heard the excuse Liu Ruyan had made up for him, he was overjoyed. He thought to himself, "I really have a good daughter!"
"Ruyan, you've narrowly escaped death with this move!"

Although Liu Mingsu had already agreed with Liu Ruyan's suggestion in his heart, he was, after all, a father!

If he were to issue an imperial decree immediately upon arrival, it would seem that he, as a father and emperor, is too cold-blooded and heartless.

"Father, your daughter may not die. Perhaps the sect's reinforcements will arrive soon!"

Liu Ruyan wouldn't tell Liu Mingsu about her escape plan, since she was playing the emotional card this time.

"Of all my children, I never imagined that you would be the only one with filial piety!"

Liu Mingsu sighed, then issued an imperial edict appointing Liu Ruyan as regent.

"Father, if Ruyan survives this calamity, I beg you to grant me one wish!"

Liu Ruyan knew that if she didn't make any requests, it would seem too fake, and the other party would definitely become suspicious!
"I will do everything within my power to fulfill your needs!"

Liu Mingsu wasn't too shocked by Liu Ruyan's request, after all, it's abnormal for a person to be without desires.

Now, Liu Mingsu is eager to know what his daughter will ask for.

The other party is willing to stay here and die in his place. Is it out of filial piety, for the throne, or some other ulterior motive? (End of Chapter)