"Have you finished speaking?"

The court hall fell into a momentary silence, as if a force had erased all sounds.

"Now that you've finished, it's my turn to speak."

Jiang Li glanced at the officials and slowly spoke, "After the Emperor moved to the South Garden, the Taiping Sect rebelled, Wuzhiqi flooded most of Liangzhou Province, such natural and man-made disasters were quelled by me."

"When the Buddha Country marched east, the three Great Masters, Manjusri, Guanyin, and Lifeless, invaded, almost capturing Yong Province, advancing into Liangzhou Province. It was I who beheaded Manjusri, repelled Guanyin and Lifeless, and forced the Buddha Country to withdraw from Great Zhou."

"The criminal minister Meng Jun and the Eldest Prince Ji Chengtian conspired to force the palace and usurp the Emperor's position, it was also I who rushed back in time to execute those rebellious ministers and traitors."

"Now, do you suspect that I colluded with the Great Venerable, attempting to undermine the nation?"

The news of the Buddha Country's retreat had indeed led to speculation among the officials. If they hadn't retreated, this Jiang Sikong would not have had the time to return to the Divine Capital, but with Manjusri dead, that was something most found hard to speculate... or simply hard to believe.

As a renowned third-grade cultivator for over a century, Manjusri's "qualifications" far surpassed those of Zhang Zhixuan. Though such lengthy qualifications do not necessarily represent strength, they are often subconsciously used as a benchmark.

Not to mention, Manjusri was the second-in-command of the Buddha Country.

Whether in fame or strength, Manjusri was the pinnacle of third grade. And with Manjusri's death, everything about him became a stepping stone, elevating Jiang Li.

"Of course not."

Since Sikong opened his mouth, Yang Yan, who had long been waiting, was the first to support.

He was a disciple of Zhu Hui'an, also a leading official who supported Jiang Li's succession to the position of Sikong, effectively tied to Jiang Li. Each time when leading a charge, it was usually Yang Yan.

A stern-faced middle-aged official with a short beard stood up and loudly said, "Sikong has the Nine Provinces in his heart, establishes peace, repels the Buddha Country, annihilates the rebellious ministers, supports the collapsing building, and turns the tide against all odds. It is solely because of Sikong's capabilities that we can now have this lofty discussion. If anyone dares to doubt Sikong's intentions to undermine the state, they are undoubtedly rebellious traitors, parasites of the nation."

His words were impassioned, albeit somewhat exaggerated, but even Jiang Li thought if it were himself, he would definitely not be able to say it without a disguise.

"Indeed, since the Emperor moved, the safety of Great Zhou rests on Sikong alone. Without Sikong, how dare you speak so arrogantly here?"

"Having Sikong in Great Zhou is the fortune of Great Zhou. Whoever dares to slander Sikong is a traitor to Great Zhou."

The following officials joined in, while extolling Jiang Sikong's merits, they also angrily denounced those who slandered him as traitors to the state.

The Second Prince, witnessing the opposing officials gaining momentum and focusing on Jiang Li's merits, knew he couldn't let them continue and immediately raised his voice to speak, "Sikong Jiang is indeed a mainstay of the state, but the Great Venerable is a Great Demon causing chaos in the world and must be guarded against. In my opinion, precisely because we must not stain Sikong's name, he should temporarily avoid suspicion, await an investigation to clear his name, and prevent giving others a chance to criticize."

The Second Prince, after all, was a member of the Royal Family and once roamed outside in disguise, indeed possessing some ability. He avoided the edge, did not deny Jiang Li's merits, but instead focused on his innocence, aiming to force Jiang Li to temporarily step down from the court.

As long as he avoided suspicion temporarily, once the Second Prince and the Yin Law Department seized power, what difference would awarding Jiang Li great merit make?

Unless Jiang Li intended to seize power by force, otherwise the initiative would be in the hands of Earth Uncle's side.

However, this time the Second Prince did not seem to achieve the desired effect as before.

Not to mention Jiang Li's supporting officials, they naturally voiced their opposition, but why did those Neutral Faction members not provide further support?

Even though some in the neutral faction still echoed, it was significantly less than before.

'How could this be...'

The smile the Second Prince was about to reveal suddenly froze.

And Earth Uncle and King You, their expressions became solemn.

'He's not merely boasting about his achievements, but showcasing his strength.' Earth Uncle's thoughts were in turmoil.

Achievements alone cannot decide the outcome in factional struggles, because when it develops to the final stage, opposition arises just for the sake of opposition.

Whatever the other party agrees with, his side opposes. Even overwhelming achievements would be suppressed by enemies who strive to minimize the impact of those achievements.

Earth Uncle initially thought Jiang Li, a young man, intended to use his achievements only, considering him inexperienced. Never expected, previous words were meant to demonstrate strength.

'Earth Uncle has not yet improved from the influences of the Yin Talisman Scripture.' Jiang Li observed Earth Uncle without leaving a trace, realizing he did not immediately discern his intentions.

Either Earth Uncle's inherent nature changed due to cultivating the Yin Talisman Scripture, which he hasn't resolved, or simply a lack of sharpness.

In either case, it's favorable news for Jiang Li.

Jiang Li demonstrates his power, avoiding weaknesses, and highlighting strengths.

Being associated with the Great Venerable is true, and no matter what Jiang Li says in this regard, the opposing side can counter with "you have connections with the Great Venerable." So Jiang Li chooses to emphasize strength and factual achievements instead.

For those with public interest, Jiang Sikong is the savior, Great Zhou cannot do without him. On the other hand, Earth Uncle secluded in the Divine Capital, unseen on the battlefield, the choice is clear.

For those with selfish motives, Jiang Sikong is highly capable, still young, having slain Zhang Zhixuan and Manjusri, his future is almost certain to become a Supreme figure. Even if he retreats today, he can return as a Supreme powerhouse in the future. Jiang Sikong is undoubtedly the first choice.

Great Zhou's Martial Virtue is abundant, local officials are all Earth Deities, officials' ranks determine strength. The officials in the Divine Capital possess cultivation, those able to stand in the court hall have formidable cultivation, naturally understanding how strength combined with position plays a role.

Self-interest, public interest, everyone knows which side is preferable.

Of course, it doesn't exclude those who have already boarded the Earth Uncle's pirate ship and can't get off.

The ones Jiang Li can win over are still the neutral faction, not those of the Earth Uncle's camp.

As the situation changes invisibly, Earth Uncle harbors hostility, a middle-aged official steps forward, shouting loudly, "Jiang Li! You traitor—"

Jiang Li shifted his gaze to him, and the scolding abruptly stopped.

His mouth opened and closed, but he exhaled a foul turbid breath; black gas overflowed from his seven orifices, and black dots moved in his eyes, as if countless tiny insects were bustling about.

The Five Vile Qi surged within him, eroding the Essence, Qi, and Spirit of the Three Elements, and in a moment, his vitality was completely eroded, like a dried-up corpse, crashing down.

"Jiang Li!" Earth Uncle shouted vehemently.

Seeing Jiang Li flaunt his strengths and avoid weaknesses, Earth Uncle naturally wouldn't let him have his way and was about to use more extreme and fierce words to bring the topic back, but Jiang Li's response was equally direct, simply causing someone to die.

"Do you dare to commit murder?!" King You also shouted.

"Murder? What evidence do you have?"

Jiang Li said blandly, "This is clearly a case of deviation, absorbing Five Vile Qi into the body, leading to death by vile erosion. It seems this colleague has been overly stressed these days, unable to withstand the pressure of the Five Turbid Evil World. Considering his diligence, I will forgive his disrespect."

"Where is the Imperial Food Bureau Director in the Minister's Office?"

Among the officials behind Jiang Li, someone stepped forward and respectfully said, "I am here."

"Dying from hard work still counts as loyalty to the nation, give him a posthumous honor, draft a notice, and I'll sign it," Jiang Li said blandly.

"Understood, sir." The Imperial Food Bureau Director responded.

Those who were about to join this nameless official in cursing Jiang Li stopped silently.

If they stepped forward, who knows, they might receive posthumous honors as well.

This is often seen as a good thing for the imperial ministers. The Great Zhou dynasty has lasted a long time, and the Emperor had long decreed that only hardworking officials who had wholeheartedly served the sacrificial altars could receive posthumous honors.

Among those present, ninety percent would not qualify for posthumous honors after their death.

This nameless official in dying had already surpassed ninety percent of his colleagues.

But at this moment, the others did not envy him at all.

Not daring to come forward, the Earth Uncle's expression darkened, an ominous shadow hovered behind him, as though another world emerged with three huge fiery eyes floating within, gazing down upon the court.

"How dare you strike in front of me!"

Earth Uncle's face revealed faint black patterns, staring at Jiang Li, his words filled with chilling Yin Qi, turning into a tangible black mist swirling around.

"Without evidence, Earth Uncle should not speak recklessly."

Jiang Li stood with hands behind his back, unafraid of the Yin Qi, staring directly at the three enormous dark red fiery eyes, "Otherwise, I could also say that Earth Uncle secretly acted, harming this... nameless colleague, framing me. Comparatively speaking, being the Netherworld God, Earth Uncle has more capability to act, doesn't he?"

He spoke blandly, with a hint of provocation in his voice.

Not suitable to use force doesn't mean to bind one's hands and feet. Couldn't the death of an official due to the Five Vile Qi deprive Jiang Li of righteousness?

Righteousness is not so cheap.

If any random person's death could make Jiang Li fall from power, Earth Uncle would certainly curse ten people to death first.

With his divine skills as the Netherworld God, silently killing several low-grade weaklings truly isn't difficult.

The situation began to favor Jiang Li, who with his strength and achievements, shifted the key consideration to a subtle aspect.

Jiang Li is not suitable to use force directly to repel Earth Uncle, but to break Jiang Li's advantage, Earth Uncle is best to use force.

As long as Earth Uncle proves his strength surpasses Jiang Li, he can reclaim the situation.

But if Earth Uncle uses force against Jiang Li, Jiang Li can then break free from the constraint of not using force.

Everyone saw it; it was Earth Uncle who started first.

Fire flashed in Earth Uncle's eyes, dark tiger patterns faintly appeared on his cheeks.

After cultivating the Yin Talisman Scripture, Earth Uncle's nature has changed; though still cunning and scheming, his arrogance grows day by day.

He feels dealing with Jiang Li, this young boy, while not claiming certain victory, the odds are in his favor.

Simply put, he will win.

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