Only after unifying the world did I realize that immortals existed in this world.

Ning Boxing, that brute, repeatedly spoke rudely, and although Xie Cangrong scolded him, he never punished him, but instead trusted him greatly.

Tang Yi, a young newcomer, offered bold and direct advice, yet he did not appear angry.

But is Xie Cangrong really that good-tempered?

A monarch who only knows how to laugh cannot control the evil in human nature.

He was not one to only reward without punishing.

He Minghao, a son of a meritorious official, was dismissed from his post simply because of a foolish suggestion.

Xie Cangrong allowed everyone to speak freely, but that didn't mean they could really say everything.

He Minghao stared wide-eyed, his face ashen, looking at Xie Cangrong in disbelief.

He was just making a suggestion!

Didn't Your Majesty ask something of the immortals? What's wrong with sending the cultivators back to appease them?

Liu Bingxuan was so close to the cultivators, yet His Majesty didn't express any opinion and let things go as they pleased. How did such a disaster happen to him?

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I...I am innocent!"

He knew what Xie Cangrong's words meant.

His political life thus came to a complete end.

His political life has ended... How far is he from the end of his life?

Can the He family still maintain a foothold in Lieyang City?

Xie Cangrong leaned back on the throne and said calmly, "It seems Lord He is a little tired. Men, escort Lord He home."

"yes!"

Several guards outside responded and entered the main hall, supporting the weak and pale-faced He Minghao as they led him out.

"His Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, I am innocent... Your Majesty..."

He Minghao's voice gradually faded into the distance, and for a moment the entire Mingtang Hall became much quieter.

Everything happened quickly and smoothly.

One second Xie Cangrong was joking and laughing with the court officials, and the next second he casually pressed down on a high-ranking official of the third rank.

Xie Cangrong was the founding monarch, not an heir to the throne. He held absolute power and could rightfully remove or promote a minister without any hindrance. Although he was a monarch who listened to advice and remonstrance, he was clearly angry and resolute at this moment, and no one was likely to plead for him or risk offending him.

The ministers wore varying expressions, and none of them knew what the monarch was thinking.

Those who have a clear conscience will naturally be happy to see this.

He Minghao's suggestion was too stupid and too obviously a sycophantic attempt to curry favor with the immortals.

Releasing Shi Yu to appease the cultivators violates the law and dignity, which is tantamount to treason.

This person is clearly not of one mind with the Great Xia.

Those who rely on the blood and sweat of their fathers to obtain their positions, but whose virtue does not match their position, will eventually have to give it up.

He was only demoted, not punished, which is already considered a mercy from His Majesty out of consideration for their past relationship.

Some people had stiff faces and were covered in cold sweat.

Xie Cangrong's few casual words demonstrated his absolute control over the entire court.

He knew that He Minghao was in contact with cultivators, and he knew about He Minghao's little tricks.

So... what about the others?

How much does Your Majesty know?

What should Your Majesty's attitude be towards them?

At this moment, it felt as if an invisible sword was hanging overhead, its cold light sharp and relentlessly pressing in.

The more I think about it, the more terrified I become.

No one wants to be the next He Minghao; not everyone has a father worthy of His Majesty's remembrance.

He Minghao's voice gradually faded away, but Xie Cangrong's smile remained calm, as if he had only done something insignificant. He lowered his eyes and looked at the silent hall, and said with a light laugh, "Let Tang Qing fill the vacant position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice vacated by He Minghao."

In such a large court with so many people, Xie Cangrong could not guarantee that they would all be of one mind with him.

Ultimately, they were all just doing things; as long as they could get things done, that was enough.

Demanding loyalty is also very difficult.

There aren't that many idealists in the world. Even if there are, they might forget their original aspirations when they gain power and are tempted by self-interest.

For example, He Minghao. This kid was a talent back then. He inherited his father's will and vowed to give his all for the Great Xia. He did a good job.

No one knows when, but the Great Xia Dynasty was founded and is thriving, and he has become so blinded by greed that he has become like this.

Desire can turn a person into a devil.

Positions are fixed, but talent is fickle and mobile.

If you're feeling senile, don't occupy a seat. If you can't manage, get off and give the spot to a younger person.

Even with his trusted confidants, such as Qi Xiu, Liu Bingxuan, and Ning Boxing, Xie Cangrong couldn't guarantee that they might one day turn against him.

He just hoped that day would never come.

This was a wake-up call.

He knew that some people couldn't resist the allure of cultivating immortality and the thirst for magical powers, and were secretly having affairs with cultivators.

Everything should be done in moderation.

Kill He Minghao, that chicken, to show these monkeys what not to do—don't go too far.

Upon hearing this, Tang Yi straightened his back and raised his head. The young and promising hero was full of vigor and did not humbly decline. He simply bowed to Xie Cangrong and said, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty."

There will always be people who are not worthy of their position. It is the duty of a monarch to remove them and place the right people in their place.

Xie Cangrong looked at him with a smile: "Do a good job, don't let me down."

"yes!"

Xie Cangrong swept his gaze across the assembled officials, taking in their expressions, and then smiled, "Let's continue."

Scattered voices resumed, and the ministers tried to return to the previous topic.

No one paid any attention, and this high-ranking official of the third rank, who had accumulated great merit, thus withdrew from the stage of power.

……

In the northeastern part of the land of immortals and demons, a wild and chaotic place, the Holy Continent was ravaged by bloodshed.

To the northeast of this continent lies a treacherous, vast sea of ​​blood, teeming with demons and monsters, where dark clouds perpetually obscure the sun.

High on the cliff, decaying, withered trees swayed in the desolate wind, emitting a series of teeth-grinding creaks.

Yet, in this desolate place, beneath the withered trees, a figure stood silently, his blood-red robes fluttering in the wind. He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the boundless sea of ​​blood.

After an unknown amount of time, a stench of decay wafted in.

"Ah~ Ah~"

Behind it, accompanied by a strange scream and groan, a writhing, viscous, dark red mass of flesh slowly emerged from the shadows of the cliff. It twisted and swelled, its bones crackling like tender twigs sprouting, gradually taking on a human shape.

"Four messages: I need four thousand living children."

A hoarse sound, like a broken bellows, rang out.

The flesh and blood eventually transformed into a bizarre human face.

His entire body was blood red, his eyes were asymmetrical, his mouth was on his forehead, and he had no nose.

The whole face looked like a child's doodle.

He smiled, his eyes crinkling, revealing a chilling grin with gleaming white teeth that captivated the eye, as he extended four twisted fingers toward the person gazing at the sea ahead.

The person gazing at the sea never turned around; only a calm voice rang in his ears: "Survivors are allowed, but children are not."

Upon hearing this, the strange man frowned, his forehead and mouth drooping: "This is a life-or-death business for me. I've died nine hundred times already! If I don't give it to the boy, I won't be able to cover my losses."

"That's because you're not skilled enough. Who doesn't risk their life here?"

The strange man hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."