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

The following morning, when news broke that Yu Ling Shuang had set herself on fire in the back mountain, the entire Blackwater City was filled with unease.

No one expected things to develop to this point.

Right now, the question everyone is most concerned about is where to go from here.

In fact, with things having developed to this point, the so-called anti-imperialist alliance has been proven to be a complete farce. Not to mention storming into Jinling, even whether they can leave Blackwater City is uncertain.

Originally, everyone planned to scatter like birds and beasts, return to their respective sects, and no longer get involved in the affairs of the imperial court.

The problem is that Murong Wei, the fifth prince of Northern Yan, died in Blackwater City, and at the hands of the Jianghu person, Qingxuan Daoist.

Given the barbaric nature of the Northern Yan Hu people, how could they possibly let this go so easily?

Having offended both the imperial court and foreign enemies, they were now truly in a dilemma.

Just when everyone was at a loss, Jiang Mengxuan convened another meeting in the main hall of Blackwater City.

"Gentlemen, I know the situation is out of control. I have just received news that the Northern Yan royal family has learned that Murong Wei died in Blackwater City."

He is dispatching an army of 100,000 southwards, vowing to wipe out everything related to Blackwater City in order to avenge Murong Wei.

Jiang Mengxuan sat on the dragon throne and calmly explained the current situation.

After she finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Looking around, the leaders of each sect standing on the hall were all pale-faced, with a hint of despair visible to the naked eye, and they were all at a loss for what to do.

"Furthermore, the Chu army has already approached Blackwater City by less than forty miles. It is estimated that they will launch a general offensive in the next two days. Blackwater City is now isolated and without support. Everyone, please prepare for the worst."

These words were like a death sentence, slammed down in front of everyone.

It's over, it's over.

Upon hearing this news, everyone in the hall turned pale, and some even fainted on the spot, foaming at the mouth.

"Tianzun!"

Gu Yingzhao, the sect leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect, couldn't help but step forward.

"We have all gathered here at the call of the Heavenly Venerable, but before our great undertaking has even begun, we are already facing attacks from both the imperial court and the Yan people."

As the leader of the Northern Martial Alliance, shouldn't you take responsibility for this?

His words instantly garnered widespread approval, with many voices calling for Jiang Yue (Jiang Mengxuan) to be held responsible.

Jiang Mengxuan smiled faintly: "Sect Leader Gu, do you still remember when we started this uprising, we said that this was a road of no return, and that the slightest mistake would lead to total defeat?"

"We don't care!" Gu Yingzhao was clearly anxious. "Since we have entrusted our lives to the Heavenly Venerable, the Heavenly Venerable must take responsibility for today's situation. Otherwise, how can he be worthy of being the leader of this alliance!"

"Yes, Sect Leader Gu is absolutely right!"

"Heavenly Venerable One, you must protect our foundation!"

A chorus of agreement rose again from the crowd.

Jiang Mengxuan remained silent, quietly watching these profit-driven guys work themselves to the bone and cry their hearts out!

Seeing that the time was right, Shen Lang calmly stepped forward: "Heavenly Venerable, I have a plan that can ensure the safety of the sect leaders' families."

Jiang Mengxuan: "What's your plan?"

"Surrender to the imperial court."

The moment Shen Lang said this, the entire room fell silent.

Gu Yingzhao immediately exclaimed, "Well done, Shen Lang, you really are an inside agent for the court. What Daoist Qingxuan said is absolutely right."

Shen Lang rolled his eyes at him, his face completely calm: "Whether I am an inside agent of the imperial court or not is no longer important. What's the point of talking about this now?"

Gentlemen, besides turning to the imperial court, is there a better path we can take now?

Gu Yingzhao angrily said, "The imperial court sees our sect's power as a thorn in its side and wishes it could eliminate us as soon as possible. How could it possibly accept our surrender?"

Even if we surrender now, what about later? Once things calm down, they'll definitely find a reason to eliminate us.

Don't believe his lies! Since he arrived in Blackwater City, a whole host of problems have arisen, and he's definitely behind them all!

Shen Lang chuckled lightly: "Gu Yingzhao, if you want to die, don't drag your comrades into it. If any of you are willing to surrender to the imperial court..."

I am confident that I can persuade the imperial court to accept you. At that time, the court will naturally send troops to help you defend against the threat from Northern Yan.

Of course, if you are unwilling, the court will not make things difficult for you, but from now on your life and death will have nothing to do with the court.

As for the choice, please think it over carefully. After all, the imperial army is already very close, and the defensive formation of Blackwater City won't hold for long.

After that conversation, everyone lowered their heads and began to analyze the pros and cons.

If we don't surrender, we might all die, and many sects with foundations built over thousands of years will be completely destroyed.

If you surrender, your interests will be tied to the imperial court, and you will be subject to government control from then on, never to return to the free and unrestrained life you once had.

For a moment, everyone hesitated.

As for whether Shen Lang is an inside agent of the imperial court, it is indeed no longer important. What difference does it make whether he is or not?

Jiang Mengxuan was the first to stand up and say, "Since things have come to this, I will make a statement first: Blackwater City will surrender to the court from this day forward."

One sentence stirred up a storm, and all eyes in the room focused on Jiang Mengxuan.

Jiang Mengxuan sighed and said, "Before my mother passed away, she told me that she had come to a realization: the Chu Kingdom of today is not the Chu Kingdom of the past."

Continuing to be an enemy of the Empress will inevitably lead to a bad end; it's better to let go of this obsession and take the initiative to make peace with the court.

After saying this, she felt a little strange.

Is it really okay to shamelessly praise yourself like this?

Shen Lang immediately replied, "Your Majesty is wise. Now is the best time to surrender to the court. After all, the Northern Yan barbarians are wolves in sheep's clothing and have long coveted the land of our Great Chu."

Although Blackwater City was merely an insignificant force in the martial arts world, it possessed a deep-seated patriotism.

After all, personal grudges with the imperial court are private matters; the invasion of foreign enemies is the major issue we all need to face.

The Celestial Venerable's consideration for the greater good is truly admirable!

Jiang Mengxuan clenched her hands, trying hard not to show any embarrassment.

After hearing Shen Lang's words, the others suddenly understood.

Yes, the feud with the Empress is a personal one; Northern Yan is the real threat.

At this time, joining forces with the imperial court to resist Northern Yan would not only preserve the foundation of one's sect, but also earn the reputation of a great hero. Why not do it?

After figuring this out, someone immediately spoke up.

“Shen Lang is right. Northern Yan is the real enemy. We are willing to serve the court.”

"I'm considered part of the Shennong faction."

"How could my Hualian Sect be content to lag behind others?"

"My Qinglei Hall has no objection."

"I, Wang Jingze, wholeheartedly support this! The government's food is absolutely delicious!"

Instantly, everyone in the hall was willing to pledge allegiance to the imperial court.

Even Gu Yingzhao of the Heavenly Sword Sect responded enthusiastically.

Soon, with Shen Lang and Jiang Mengxuan putting on a show, all twenty-three sects in Blackwater City wrote their sect names and affixed their seals to the surrender document.

After doing all this, Jiang Mengxuan immediately announced: "Alright, from now on we are all members of the imperial court. Close the city's protective formation and assist the Chu army in marching north to defend against the enemy!"

"I will obey the Heavenly Venerable's command!"

"Report——"

Just then, a guard came to report.

"Your Majesty, Prince Murong Ke of Northern Yan has sent a letter requesting that Your Majesty open it personally."

Jiang Mengxuan took the letter and tore it open to read it.

After reading the above content, she frowned and turned to look at Shen Lang.

Shen Lang asked in a voice only the two of them could hear, "What's wrong?"

Jiang Mengxuan: "Murong Ke knows my identity and asked me to go with you to the Candle Dragon Hall in the southwest of Nine Veins Mountain tomorrow to discuss peace talks."

Shen Lang pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "It seems that the real mastermind behind this is in some trouble, and quite a bit of trouble at that."

Jiang Mengxuan raised an eyebrow slightly: "You mean?"

Shen Lang nodded: "That's right, just as you think."

The couple both smiled knowingly.

(Thinking about doing another 10 updates this weekend to liven things up?)