Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

As the largest sect in the Wu region, the Heavenly Dao Sect has over 20,000 disciples and naturally possesses extremely abundant resources.

While the Wu Kingdom was suffering from widespread famine and war, the nine prefectures under the influence of the Tiandao Sect were a rare place of peace and tranquility.

Even mindless bandits like the roving pirates never considered attacking the Heavenly Dao Sect, because the Heavenly Dao Sect had a large number of martial artists and two million people under its rule were under its protection. Angering the Heavenly Dao Sect would be tantamount to courting death.

Moreover, the Heavenly Dao Sect enjoys a reputation among the people of Wu that is no less than that of the royal family, and is even more popular than the royal family.

Because the Heavenly Dao Sect frequently gave alms to the people and cultivated good relationships with them, it naturally formed a stark contrast to the inhumanity of the imperial court.

But only those in power know that the Heavenly Dao Sect is definitely not a group of benevolent believers.

On the contrary, the actions of the sect disciples were no less than those of the Wu Kingdom's rulers and ministers, only slightly more human-like; in essence, they had not escaped the ranks of beasts.

First of all, the Heavenly Dao Sect itself is the largest landowner in the Wu Kingdom, with 200,000 hectares of arable land under its jurisdiction, accounting for nearly 20% of the total arable land area in the Wu Kingdom.

Secondly, the land tax payable within the Tiandao Sect was extremely heavy, far exceeding the taxes stipulated by the Wu Kingdom's court.

A tenant farmer has to hand over more than 70% of the annual output from his land to the sect. In addition, people who settle within the territory of the Heavenly Dao Sect also have to pay an extra protection fee.

In addition, the mining conditions within the Heavenly Dao Sect are extremely harsh. Laborers have to work for more than eight hours a day, and many die from exhaustion in the mines.

Of course, although the taxes within the Heavenly Dao Sect were heavy and the lives of the people were difficult, it was still somewhat human compared to the Wu Kingdom's court.

After all, no matter how much the Heavenly Dao Sect exploits and oppresses, there are still times when taxes are reduced or levied. At least in years of great disaster, they will not do things that kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. They understand the basic principles of sustainability and not to overextend themselves.

In addition, the imperial court was untrustworthy, changed its orders frequently, and even increased taxes during years of great disaster, which led countless people to choose to serve the Heavenly Dao Sect rather than pledge allegiance to the imperial court.

This is the consequence of the imperial court's lack of credibility!

However, as the power of the Heavenly Dao Sect gradually expanded, irreconcilable contradictions also emerged within it.

Since the former sect leader Yuan Tianhua broke the sect rules and appointed his son Yuan Xiuren as the new sect leader before his death, it immediately aroused strong resentment within the sect.

In particular, several elders clashed violently with Yuan Xiuren because their sect's policies differed from their own will and aspirations, leading to an irreconcilable conflict between the old and new generations.

Soon, the Heavenly Dao Sect split into two factions.

One faction, led by Yuan Xiuren, was radical and aimed to create a sect-state, becoming a benchmark for sects on the mainland and expanding the influence of the Heavenly Dao Sect beyond the Wu region.

The other faction was the elders, led by Wang Xiao. This faction believed that sects should not get involved in court disputes and criticized Yuan Xiuren's fanciful idea of ​​establishing a sect kingdom without holding back.

As a result, the two factions fought openly and covertly, and in the end, six of the nine prefectures where the Heavenly Dao Sect was located were placed under the jurisdiction of the Elders' faction.

On paper, it seems that the Elders have the upper hand.

However, Yuan Xiuren's three prefectures were the most fertile and populous regions.

If it really comes down to a fight, the six counties under Wang Xiao's jurisdiction, in terms of both financial resources and the strength of his disciples, may not be a match for Yuan Xiuren.

Unless a third party intervenes to disrupt the current situation of the Heavenly Dao Sect.

"Elder Wang, these are three Spirit Essence Fruits that the Duke of Zhenguo ordered me to bring you. They were specially selected and picked for you from the Jinling Secret Realm."

This spiritual fruit has the effect of prolonging life and is also extremely beneficial for breakthroughs in cultivation. Elder Wang, please be sure to accept it.

In Ping'an Prefecture, at the Heavenly Dao Alliance branch, Lu Meng met Wang Xiao and, without saying a word, immediately presented him with these three Spirit Yuan Fruits as a greeting gift.

Looking at the three spiritual fruits placed in front of him, Wang Xiao could tell from the aura they emitted that these were definitely extremely rare and top-grade spiritual fruits, each worth at least five thousand taels of gold.

"I have never met the Duke of Zhenguo before, yet he has sent such a generous gift. I dare not accept it."

"Master Wang, there's no need to worry. This is merely a token of the Duke of Zhenguo's goodwill; he has long admired you."

I had intended to visit in person, but military affairs have kept me busy, and bandits have been roaming throughout the Wu region, leaving me no time to spare. Therefore, I can only convey your visit on my behalf with gifts.

I hope Master Wang won't find this distasteful. The Duke of Zhenguo said that if he didn't accept a celestial being like Master Wang, he would be deeply ashamed.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiao roughly understood the meaning behind Lü Meng's words.

If we don't accept it, then we're no longer family.

But is it just about giving gifts?

Wang Xiao absolutely refused to believe it.

"Qingfeng, please accept this."

"Mingyue, serve tea."

Now that things have come to this, if we don't accept it, we might fall out with the Duke of Zhenguo.

After Wang Xiao had the Spirit Essence Fruit accepted, he ordered his disciples to serve Lü Meng fresh tea.

Lu Meng picked up the teacup, smelled it, and nodded: "Good tea. This tea reminds me of when I was young, when my elder sister took me to work for a wealthy family at a tea plantation."

At that time, my sister had been picking tea leaves all day under the scorching sun and was already exhausted, both physically and mentally. Fortunately, the landlord was kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see my sister so tired.

Therefore, an exception was made to prepare a pot of new tea for my sister. She was flattered and surprised, but after just one sip, she knew that this tea was extraordinary.

One sip, and the day's fatigue was instantly relieved. I was young then and didn't get to taste it, but the fragrant aroma of the tea is still unforgettable to this day.

Lu Meng was recounting a seemingly past event, but Wang Xiao interpreted it in a completely different way.

The meaning is clear: the Duke of Zhenguo wants to recruit him, and if he agrees, he will definitely receive many benefits.

Having figured this out, Wang Xiao tentatively asked, "May I ask General Lü, what exactly is the Duke of Zhenguo's intention?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Meng put down his teacup: "Does the Duke of Zhenguo mean that it's best for people in the martial arts world to stay out of the affairs of the imperial court?"

Unfortunately, the martial arts sects of today are no longer the chivalrous sects they once were. Lacking oversight, they run rampant and commit all sorts of misdeeds.

The Duke of Zhenguo believed that since the rules of the martial world were essentially useless in restraining sects, then sects should be subject to the laws of the imperial court.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiao nearly lost his temper on the spot, barely suppressing his anger as he said, "General Lü, is the Duke of Zhenguo planning to interfere in matters of the martial world?"

Lu Meng smiled faintly: "Master Wang, it is your Heavenly Dao Sect that is not content with matters of the martial world and actively seeks to interfere in the conflicts of dynasties."

Several months ago, the Heavenly Dao Sect even approached His Majesty and the Duke of Zhenguo, claiming that they intended to establish a sect-state in the Wu region.

"May I ask, Master Wang, where exactly does your Heavenly Dao Sect get its courage?"

Wang Xiao hurriedly said, "General Lü, there must be some misunderstanding. It was all our sect leader's idea."

"Can't your sect leader represent the Heavenly Dao Sect?"

One sentence left Wang Xiao speechless.

Lu Meng pressed his advantage, saying, "Now, the land of Wu is part of our Great Chu territory; this is an indisputable fact."

Any force that dares to defy the Duke is included in his plan to eliminate it.

Master Wang, can you really say that this matter has nothing to do with you?

Wang Xiao remained silent for a long time before cupping his hands and asking, "Please ask General Lü to go back and tell the Duke of Zhenguo that this matter is entirely our sect leader's personal opinion and does not represent the entire Heavenly Dao Sect."

"Heh, do you think the Zhenguo Guild would believe that?" Lu Meng retorted. "Since your sect leader opposes our Great Chu taking control of Wu,

"That's a traitor! His Majesty, with his great talent and ambition, would never allow a force detrimental to him to slumber peacefully beside him."

Cold sweat streamed down Wang Xiao's forehead and cheeks.

"Please enlighten me, General Lü, on how we can save the Heavenly Dao Sect from disaster?"