Chapter 123: Dark Day

Intangible, formless Mind Power spread, and none of these ministers were professionals above level ten; in fact most were ordinary people, their minds could not even endure 0.1 seconds before fully submitting to Juan Ce Long's will.

Yet none of those present noticed.

Naimi Xisi's suggestion puzzled them; the ministers were clearly on the royal family's side, so even if they knew the truth, how could they speak it honestly? Lao Lunsi stared deeply at Naimi Xisi and decided to trust him. As the favored child of the Lord of Known Knowledge, this Juan Ce Long could not be so naive as to think the ministers were trustworthy—instead, he must have some certainty.

So he gritted his teeth and voiced his support: "Exactly, let us question them! I believe among these ministers there are noble individuals who know the truth and have the courage to speak it."

Kanglade gave a 'you're being absurd' look to Lao Lunsi, and after seeing he was serious, he sighed and offered his support, since at this moment the interests of their two churches were on the same level.

Those who collude with demons must be punished!

Even now, Kanglade felt a slight wavering in his heart, doubting whether the truth was truly the work of the Red Robe Mage.

Sheng Delisi furrowed his brow and gave Lai Aorui a look; the latter immediately slipped his hand behind his back, covertly and repeatedly making casting gestures.

When the silent spell succeeded, he instantly used an enchantment to probe the ministers' thoughts, and after confirming they harbored no intent to betray, he covertly returned a look to Sheng Delisi.

His subtle move escaped most, but Naimi Xisi saw it, and so did Bishop Lao Lunsi, who excels at enchantments; however, the former made no claim, and Lao Lunsi did nothing superfluous.

"I agree, nobles, answer freely according to your true hearts," Sheng Delisi replied.

Lao Lunsi stepped forward and asked the military minister: "Has the royal family concealed anything about this incident, and do you know any inside information?"

Calm and composed, Lai Aorui and the others watched the military minister adjust his sleeves, then opened his mouth.

"The royal family is the mastermind behind this demonic phenomenon!"

The military minister's words caused a stir in the hall; Prince Reyen stared in shock at Naimi Xisi. The military minister was not one of theirs, so how could he suddenly speak in their favor? Unless the mysterious great dragon before them was meddling! The same thought occurred to Lai Aorui and Sheng Delisi; Sheng Delisi's complexion changed dramatically, and Lai Aorui shouted, "What nonsense are you spouting?!"

Lao Lunsi remained composed without speaking, but beside him Kanglade already sensed something amiss. He did not doubt that the other might be controlled; any enchantment that can dominate a mind cannot be cast silently without detection, and many spells can even test whether the subject's will has been affected.

Sensing the opportunity, Kanglade sprang to his feet and countered, frowning at Lai Aorui: "What are you doing? This is the evidence‑gathering stage; regardless of what he says, you have a chance to rebut. Why not let him speak?"

Lai Aorui, aware of his lapse, took a deep breath and fell silent; the military minister, seemingly unafraid of any later retaliation, opened his mouth wide like a spilling bean bag and blurted out everything.

"Lai Aorui ordered me to reassign General Cologne, sending him to Ge Ben Lan, missing Sai Er's army's attack; the purpose was to let Sai Er's forces devastate the border and spark a sacrificial ritual in Degeng City."

"The Red Robe Mage and Lai Aorui colluded, treating both cities as their own; not only I, but other ministers can also testify!"

Having spoken, as if confirming his words, the finance minister, the livelihood minister, the foreign affairs minister, and the defense minister all rose, jointly supporting the military minister's accusation.

"Exactly, all of this is the royal family's doing; in fact, even Mi Cili joining the Red Robe Mage was a pawn placed by Lai Aorui!" The finance minister's words made Lai Aorui's eyes flare; he was a confidant of the queen's faction and knew part of the hidden truth—how could he dare!"

"Alright, alright! Your Majesty the King, what more explanation do you need?" Kanglade laughed a few times, feeling body and mind relaxed, even sensing that the constipation that had plagued him for a week was about to clear.

Sheng Delisi said nothing, only furrowing his brow and staring intently at the silver‑haired youth; it was his suggestion, so he must be the one behind the mischief. Naimi Xisi curled his lip into a smile and returned one; just now he had uncovered some secrets—the finance minister knew little, but still knew a part.

For example, the ever‑silent black‑clothed man beside the King.

Soon, he had to break the silence.

Sheng Delisi composed his expression and smiled calmly: "The testimonies of these people alone are insufficient; Bishop Kanglade, they could very well be traitors bought by you."

Kanglade sneered: "The Morning Light Church is clear‑conscience and would never commit such filthy deeds; this is beyond your control, Sheng Delisi. The testimonies of these people alone are enough for the Church to sanction the Yin Bu Tu royal family!"

"You'd better prepare ample gold and silver to see you through the latter half of your life, because soon your kingly title will be stripped away!"

Kanglade felt some helplessness; every kingdom's king enjoys immunity, and at this level the Church has no authority to impose any penal code, stripping a royal's noble status is already the limit.

Fortunately, the majesty of the Lord of Morning Light remained intact, and the hatred of the persecuted Morning Light Church followers was about to be satisfied.

Sheng Delisi, facing Kanglade's verdict, was not afraid; he merely sighed lightly and said to the black‑robed man beside him, "Sorry, I still need you to step forward."

Kanglade was somewhat puzzled, not knowing who Sheng Delisi's support was, but he soon understood.

The black‑robed man lifted his hood, revealing a gaunt, nervous, pallid face; a badge hung from his collar, the same Holy Seal emblem worn by Kanglade, Lao Lunsi and the others.

On the deep‑purple, almost black sunrise, a white Skeleton head faintly emerged.

It was the Prince of Lies, the Prince of Madness, the God of Madness, the Lord of Three Crowns.

The Holy Seal of Anri Xi Ruike.

A truly formidable divine power.

"Bishop of the Church of Lies?" a trace of apprehension appeared on Kanglade's face.

"Greetings," the pallid man smiled nervously, "a follower of Luoshan Da, are you also here to behold the brilliance of the One True Lord?"

"How dare you!" Kanglade shouted, his face full of disgust, "How can you call your master the only lord?! You're a wildly arrogant fool."

He turned to Sheng Delisi, his expression solemn, and said, "Is this your support? Xi Ruike? Do you know what consequences introducing its faith will bring?"

Sheng Delisi burst into laughter, apparently choking on saliva, coughing repeatedly.

"Ahem— consequences? What consequences? I only know that my predecessor mercifully introduced the faith of the Lord of Morning Light, and now his followers intend to cut off my crown with their own hands!"

(End of Chapter)