Chapter 334: Celebration

As the morning light first appeared, thousands upon thousands of citizens had already gathered in the city square, having rushed from all directions to attend this national-level religious Ritual.

Colorful balloons and banners floated above the square, and the people wore festive attire, their faces brimming with anticipation and joy.

The stage for the Ritual was decorated magnificently, with fresh flowers and colorful lanterns placed all around, creating a sacred and festive atmosphere.

In the center of the stage stood a massive golden archway, carved with exquisite religious patterns, symbolizing the solemnity and greatness of the faith.

As the Ritual drew near, the crowd in the square began to surge; they held candles and the flags of the nation and the religion, their faces filled with piety and anticipation.

Children wove through the crowd, excitedly waving the small flags in their hands, while the elderly stood quietly, hands pressed together, praying in low voices.

Suddenly, a burst of impassioned drumming broke the morning silence, announcing the start of the Ritual.

The band, dressed in traditional Ansili attire, played cheerful religious music, the melody filled with praise for the gods and a love for life. The citizens clapped and danced to the rhythm of the music, and the entire square turned into an ocean of joy.

King Abdullah and Queen Fatima walked slowly onto the stage; they were dressed in gorgeous attire, their faces painted with three horizontal lines of oil paint, wearing crowns that symbolized their status, and carrying kind smiles on their faces.

Their arrival sparked cheers and applause from the crowd, and the citizens excitedly waved the candles in their hands, expressing their respect for their leaders and their piety toward their faith.

As the Ritual proceeded, the King and Queen took turns delivering speeches; their voices were loud and full of power, conveying messages of peace, love, and hope. The citizens listened intently, occasionally erupting into enthusiastic applause and cheers, expressing their resonance with and support for the leaders' words.

The climax of the Ritual was a grand religious dance performance.

Led by Princess Laila, the dancers were dressed in colorful costumes and danced gracefully to the rhythm of the music; their movements were elegant and powerful, showcasing their reverence for the gods and their love for life.

The citizens were deeply captivated by this spectacular performance, their gazes following the dancers closely, occasionally letting out exclamations of wonder and praise.

Chen Che and Xie Wanning followed the local customs and also changed into Ansili attire, with oil paint also applied to their faces; they stood among the joyful crowd, admiring the dance performance on the stage.

The Princess wore an exquisite long dress, the hem swaying gently with her light dance steps, like a blooming flower swaying gracefully in the wind. The soft sunlight fell gently upon her, gilding her silky-smooth blonde hair with a faint halo.

As the melody rose and fell, the Princess's dance steps were at times elegant, at times cheerful. Every turn and every leap she made was filled with a perfect fusion of power and grace.

Her footsteps were like a flowing scroll being painted upon the ground, each step precise and full of rhythm, as if she had merged into one with the music.

Her arms swayed gently, like the wings of a swan tracing elegant arcs in the air. Her eyes sparkled with joy and confidence, and every smile was like the warm sunshine of spring; there was not a single person present who was not captivated by her.

With the climax of the music, the Princess completed a perfect spin, her dress hem blooming like a flower, bursting with brilliant colors.

When she slowly brought her dance to a halt, the entire square erupted in thunderous applause and tsunami-like cheers, offering the highest tribute to the Princess's dance.

Princess Laila smiled shyly and waved to the citizens, and when she saw Chen Che in the crowd, she smiled even more sweetly.

For the rest of the day, Chen Che fully experienced the liveliness of this celebration; King Abdullah said it was no less than the Spring Festival of Xia, and that was truly no lie.

However, upon careful observation by Chen Che, although this celebration was nominally religious, it did not have much of a religious air.

Instead, it felt more like some kind of national holiday, with the entire event led by the royal family.

And that mysterious Cult Leader had not shown his face at all.

"I know what you are thinking; in the past, the protagonist of this celebration was indeed the Cult Leader, but that is not the case now."

Xie Wanning stood on the veranda of the royal palace, gazing at the brilliant fireworks blooming in the sky.

"The Due Sect is indeed the state religion of Ansili, but if the faith of the majority of the citizens is in the Cult Leader rather than the King, what do you think would happen?"

The colorful fireworks lit up the night sky, and also lit up the excited and pious faces of the people gathered outside the royal palace.

Chen Che looked down; although the celebration had been going on for a day and the time had reached night, the people's enthusiasm had not diminished in the slightest.

Under the illumination of the fireworks, the citizens held hands and sang hymns together, praising not just the Cult Leader, but even more so the King and the royal family.

"Rulers naturally do not allow their subjects to have faith in anyone other than themselves. It seems this King has indeed employed some methods."

Chen Che raised his head, the fireworks brilliant, illuminating his face. "Speaking of which, throughout the entire celebration, I truly did not see that mysterious Cult Leader appear."

"The Cult Leader should have already returned to Ansili. During the day, I saw General Hogan escorting someone into the royal palace. It should have been that Cult Leader."

Xie Wanning said.

Chen Che smiled and said, "It seems the King does not allow the Cult Leader to participate in the celebration."

"The Due Sect has a long history, and the status of the Cult Leader in the hearts of the people cannot be erased all at once, so the Cult Leader will definitely show himself today."

Xie Wanning said, "Tonight is the celebration banquet, and every person of status in the entire country will attend; that Cult Leader should show himself then."

………

"Cult Leader, this is the room the King has specially prepared for you. There are still two hours until the banquet begins; please wait here."

General Hogan stood outside the door, watching the Cult Leader walk into the room.

The Cult Leader was tall and upright, his posture straight, and every step he took appeared calm and weighty, as if each step carried the heaviness of history.

He walked into the room but did not rush to rest; instead, he turned to look at General Hogan at the door: "General Hogan, will you not come in and keep me company for a chat?"

The Cult Leader's face was firm yet gentle, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes witnessing the passage of time and his unremitting pursuit of faith; he smiled as he watched General Hogan, his eyes full of confidence and kindness.

General Hogan hesitated for a moment and did not move: "There are many people coming to the royal palace for today's celebration, and it is a mixed bag of people. I still have to stand guard, so I am afraid I do not have time to chat with the Cult Leader."

"I think General Hogan still has time; after all, I can give General Hogan what he wants, can I not?"

The Cult Leader's tone was calm, and a confident smile still hung on the corners of his mouth.

Hogan's brow twitched, and he walked into the room and closed the door: "Is the Cult Leader trying to bring up old matters? Then I advise you not to; the situation is different now, and besides, the deal between you and me was already completed back then."

"That is indeed true, but I want to help General Hogan once more now."

"I do not want to make any more deals with you!"

"Is General Hogan trying to distance himself from me? Please think carefully; after all, I was the one who helped you eliminate your competitors and become this General of Ansili, the true second-in-command under King Abdullah."

Hogan snorted coldly: "Since you know I am now the second-in-command under the King, you should not speak to me like this. You had best let the past rot in your stomach, otherwise I have ways to ensure you never leave this place again!"

The Cult Leader still wore a kind smile and said, "I believe the General can do what he says; after all, you are someone who would even sell out your own daughter for your own sake."

General Hogan's expression froze, his burly body shook, and he grabbed the saber at his waist in one motion. He glared at the Cult Leader before him, the killing intent on his body rising step by step, as if he would draw his blade in the next second.

However, Hogan finally loosened his hand from the saber, and the aura on his body also faded away.

"What do you want to do?" Hogan asked.

The Cult Leader curled his lips without changing his expression, looked at Hogan, and asked in return: "General Hogan, do you not want to be the King of Ansili?"

………