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

"There is still one way to ensure the safety of the Heavenly Dao Sect."

"Please enlighten me, General."

Although Wang Xiao is mature, in the end, his vision is still limited to the path of the martial arts world.

Facing Lü Meng, who had undergone systematic training, his only advantages, apart from his age and cultivation, were nothing.

Lu Meng leaned closer to him and whispered, "As long as Master Wang can take the position of Sect Master of the Heavenly Dao Sect, all the problems will be solved."

"What? You want me to be the Sect Master of the Heavenly Dao Sect?"

Wang Xiao could hardly believe what he was hearing, and his eyes widened immediately.

Lu Meng said, "To be honest, Daoist Wang, my army has already assembled outside Ping'an Prefecture. I imagine you are already aware of the strength of my Chu army during this time."

Now, Master Wang only has two paths left. The first is to cooperate with the Duke of Zhenguo, in which case the army outside the city would be Master Wang's greatest asset.

Otherwise, Ping'an Prefecture would likely be reduced to ruins today.

"How dare you threaten me!"

Wang Xiao slammed his hand on the table, trembling with anger.

Lu Meng, however, didn't take it seriously: "Think it over carefully, Daoist Wang. In truth, if the Duke of Zhenguo really wanted to annihilate the Heavenly Dao Sect, it would only take him a snap of his fingers."

After all, even a million bandits were routed in a single battle, let alone a single sect. However, the land of Wu was filled with wailing and lamentation.

The Duke of Zhenguo is benevolent and truly does not wish to cause further unnecessary war. Please reconsider.

As long as you obey the Duke of Zhenguo, you will be the true sect leader of the Heavenly Dao Sect, and the entire Chu Kingdom will support you.

Otherwise, it will be a lose-lose situation. Think it over carefully, Master Wang. Don't make the wrong choice and bring annihilation upon yourself and your sect.

Wang Xiao gritted his teeth: "Are you trying to cause internal strife within my Heavenly Dao Sect? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you right now!"

Lu Meng shook his head: "Actually, we've already investigated the Heavenly Dao Sect thoroughly."

Yuan Xiuren and the Taoist priest were already irreconcilable enemies; the current situation was merely a matter of saving face.

Since they've already been at odds with each other for so long, why not just tear off the mask of civility?

As long as Master Wang receives the support of my Chu army, he will surely be able to smoothly gain control of the Heavenly Dao Sect.

With the Duke of Zhenguo's guarantee and His Majesty's personal appointment of you as the clan leader, how could the people of the world not feel at ease?

As for killing me? Master Wang is probably joking. If they don't receive news of me outside the city before noon, the army will proactively begin bombarding Ping'an Prefecture.

I imagine you wouldn't want to see such a cruel scene either, wouldn't you say so, Sect Leader Wang?

The final "Sect Leader Wang" completely shattered Wang Xiao's resolve.

"Let me think about it carefully."

"Please take your time thinking, Sect Leader Wang, there's no rush."

As he spoke, Lü Meng produced a contract.

Above was the title of sect leader conferred by the Empress of Great Chu, and even the seal was affixed.

Wang Xiao hesitated for a moment, then finally made a decision: "Please tell me, General Lü, what should we do next?"

Lu Meng smiled slightly, knowing that the defection had been successfully achieved.

"As long as Sect Leader Wang signs this investiture document, then you will be the true Sect Leader of the Heavenly Dao Sect."

As for Yuan Xiuren, he's nothing but a puppet! The Duke of Zhenguo will handle the next steps.

After a combination of kindness and severity, Wang Xiao picked up the vermilion brush and lingered before the contract for a long time...

"That's all."

Finally, he signed his name on the contract.

Lu Meng carefully examined the contract, quickly put it away, and said to him, "Those who understand the times are heroes. Sect Leader Wang, you should be a role model for all sects in the martial arts world."

Wang Xiao shook his head with a wry smile: "I never expected that I, Wang Xiao, would become the first sect leader appointed by the imperial court. Hehehe, I wonder how my fellow practitioners will view me when they find out in the future."

"Sect Leader Wang, rest assured. You will be extremely grateful for the choice you made today. Now, please listen to my detailed instructions."

Lu Meng whispered a few words in Wang Xiao's ear, leaving Wang Xiao dumbfounded.

"Indeed, the younger generation is formidable."

"Thank you for your praise, Sect Leader Wang. Without further ado, I will go out of the city first and assist you in heading towards the Wuyi County headquarters."

……

Five days later, at the Wuyi headquarters, the annual Heavenly Dao Sect Grand Assembly will be held.

The leaders of the nine county branches gathered for a new meeting, arranged by Yuan Xiuren.

"Gentlemen, the Chu Kingdom has dispatched a large army that has already seized control of all the key routes in Wu. Both the north and south are filled with scenes of Chu troops attacking and seizing territory. Although my Heavenly Dao Sect is a Jianghu force..."

But since we are in Wu territory, we cannot stand idly by and watch the Chu army run rampant. I intend to send my disciples to assist the government troops in various parts of Wu. What do you all think?

After Yuan Xiuren finished speaking, he looked around.

As soon as he finished speaking, Gao Fu, the leader of the Lingjun branch, said, "The Wu Kingdom's rulers and ministers have been acting perversely and tyrannically for years, leaving the people of Wu with almost no chance of survival."

I observed the celestial phenomena last night, and I know that the fate of the Wu Kingdom is sealed; it cannot be reversed by human effort.

Besides, my Heavenly Dao Sect is originally a martial arts force; how could it possibly serve in the imperial court?

Xianjun leader Chen Shi'an deeply agreed: "Elder Gao is absolutely right. Wherever the Chu army goes,

All the bandits in Wu surrendered without a fight, and a million bandits perished in a single battle. How could my Heavenly Dao Sect possibly get involved in such a matter and invite trouble?

Wang Xiao further stated, "The rise and fall of dynasties, and the change of dynasties, are simply the laws of history. Why should my Heavenly Dao Sect get involved in this mess? If we anger the Chu Kingdom, the Heavenly Dao Sect may face annihilation."

The elders of the six prefectures, led by Wang Xiao, collectively opposed intervening in the current situation in Wu.

This made Yuan Xiuren's eyes grow even colder.

Zhao Banshan, who was standing to the side, immediately said, "Everyone, you can't say that. The King of Wu has always treated our Tiandao Sect well. Now that the country is in trouble, how can we stand idly by?"

It is true that the Chu army is powerful, but the warriors of my Heavenly Dao Sect are not to be trifled with. I refuse to believe that the Heavenly Dao Sect cannot defeat the Chu army!

Therefore, I believe that at this crucial moment, we disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect should unite as one and drive the Chu army out of Wu territory.

Wang Xiao sneered: "Elder Zhao, you probably don't know how terrifying the strength of the Chu army is, do you?"

"Even if it's terrifying, can it still be compared to a martial artist?" Zhao Banshan waved his hand. "In short, the Chu state must not remain in Wu territory."

"Even if we take a step back and drive the Chu army out of Wu territory, then what?" Wang Xiao asked. "The royal family of Wu is dead, and Wu is already a mere shell of its former self. Even if we drive Chu out, who will lead Wu?"

Zhao Banshan was at a loss for words.

Yuan Xiuren said, "Isn't that easy? If we search carefully, we can still find a descendant of the imperial family. When that happens, we will put him on the throne, and the Wu Kingdom will surely be able to return to normal."

"Hahaha."

Wang Xiao smiled.

"In the end, isn't it just that you, Yuan Xiuren, want to be the emperor of Wu? I advise you to save your breath. It's a pipe dream for the Jianghu forces to take over the imperial court."

boom--

Enraged, Yuan Xiuren slammed his hand on the table.

"I am the Sect Master of the Heavenly Dao Sect. I have the final say on what to do. Today, you have no choice but to agree!"

Wang Xiao suddenly stood up, pointed at his nose and cursed, "Yuan Xiuren, I've tolerated you for far too long. Now I'm telling you clearly, I will never acknowledge you as the sect leader!"

"Anyone who dares to disrespect the sect leader shall be executed!"

Yuan Xiuren clapped his hands, and instantly countless disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect appeared all around, wielding long swords, completely surrounding the meeting place.

Wang Xiao glanced around disdainfully and said coldly, "Yuan Xiuren, what do you want?"

Yuan Xiuren sneered, "What are you doing? Hand over all the land, shops, and disciple rosters under your names, or I'll kill you!"