Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 315 What a load of bullshit tea party!

Outside Zhou Bai's mansion.

Li Wudao stood with his hands behind his back.

Before him stood an elderly man, around fifty years old, his expression respectful yet somewhat reserved: "Sun Jian greets His Highness the Holy Son."

This old man was none other than Elder Sun, whom Li Wudao had met in the Inner Affairs Hall when he returned to the sect.

He lowered his head, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Just a few days ago, he was discussing matters with this young man in the Inner Palace, deliberating on the compensation for the martyred disciples.

Although the young man had an extraordinary bearing, he was only a newly initiated disciple of the sect.

Who would have thought that in just a few days, he would transform into the first Holy Son in the eight thousand years since the founding of the Xuantian Sect!

He held a position equal to the sect leader and wielded immense power within the sect!

This change... is too dreamlike.

"Elder Sun, there's no need for such formalities."

Li Wudao raised his hand to signal, getting straight to the point:

"I called you here to ask about those things we discussed last time... why haven't they been implemented?"

Sun Jian's expression changed slightly.

He opened his mouth, then hesitated, "This..."

Li Wudao noticed the concern on his face and said calmly:

"Elder Sun, please speak freely. Say whatever you want without worry."

Sun Jian remained silent for a moment, then finally sighed:

"Your Majesty, it is not that I am unwilling to implement this, but rather..."

He lowered his voice: "All the conditions you proposed have been rejected by Vice Hall Master Zhang."

Li Wudao frowned slightly. "What's the reason?"

"Elder Zhang said that a compensation of three thousand spirit stones plus ten years of additional support would be too much of an expense for the sect to bear. At most, they could only offer three hundred spirit stones in compensation."

"As for the monument to martyrs... he said there has never been such a precedent in history, and it would be against the rules to erect it rashly."

He paused, then smiled wryly:

"The old man's words carry little weight. He argued several times, but to no avail. He was truly at his wit's end."

"Three hundred spirit stones... such a huge expense... well, Vice Hall Master Zhang, you're something else!"

Li Wudao clenched his fist, a nameless anger rising within him.

"Elder Sun, do you know anything else about this Vice Hall Master Zhang?"

"Holy Son, there are some things I shouldn't say, but since you've asked..."

Sun Jian hesitated for a moment, looked around, and then said:

"The accounts of the Internal Affairs Department have been acceptable on the surface over the years, but behind the scenes... Having handled them for so many years, I can see through some of the tricks."

"The resources that should have been distributed to the disciples were withheld at every level; the compensation that should have been paid was delayed and postponed; the embezzlement that should have been investigated and prosecuted was left unresolved..."

"This Vice Hall Master Zhang is behind it all..."

At this point, he shook his head and couldn't help but sigh:

"It's just that his father is Old Lady Zhang, so no one dares to investigate or offend him."

Hear this.

Li Wudao's eyes sharpened. "Who? Is it Zhang Guyue?"

Seeing Sun Jian nod, his eyes flickered uncertainly.

Unexpectedly, this person turned out to be Zhang Guyue's son.

Wait, if that's the case, then Zhang Qinian, who got a good beating from him, wouldn't that mean...

They're birds of a feather; like father, like son!

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from afar.

A figure hurried over, followed by several deacons dressed in black law enforcement robes.

It was Chen Feng, the deputy head of the Law Enforcement Hall.

Chen Feng saw Li Wudao from afar, quickly quickened his pace, and ran breathlessly to his side, bowing respectfully.

"Holy...Holy Son! Your subordinate Chen Feng has come as ordered!"

Their attitude was respectful and their demeanor submissive, a far cry from their former imposing manner.

The law enforcement officers behind him also quickly bowed, their expressions filled with reverence.

Sun Jian watched from the side, secretly astonished.

This deputy hall master of the Enforcement Hall is usually a figure whose word is law within the sect.

But at this moment, in front of Li Wudao, it was as docile as a cat.

The power of this holy son was greater than he had imagined.

Li Wudao looked at Chen Feng and nodded slightly: "Vice Hall Master Chen, you've come at the right time. I happen to have something for you to do."

Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly replied, "What are your orders, Holy Son? I will do anything, even die!"

Li Wudao looked at him, his tone enigmatic: "Vice Hall Master Chen, do you know Zhang Chengzong?"

Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat.

His expression remained unchanged, but his mind was racing.

Why did the Holy Son suddenly ask about Zhang Chengzong...?

He was undecided and answered cautiously:

"Your Majesty, I have some acquaintance with Vice Hall Master Zhang, but we are not close."

Li Wudao just stared at him without saying a word.

That gaze was calm as still water, yet it made Chen Feng feel extremely uncomfortable.

A light sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead.

No, the Holy Son's attitude is clearly unfriendly.

He quickly changed his tune: "Holy Son, did Vice Hall Master Zhang... offend you somehow?"

He paused, then quickly distanced himself from the situation:

"I have only a casual acquaintance with him! If he has done anything wrong, I will not know anything about it and will not cover it up!"

Li Wudao smiled slightly as he watched him so eager to distance himself from the situation.

This person is quite good at reading people's expressions.

He stopped beating around the bush and briefly recounted Zhang Chengzong's corruption, misappropriation of pensions, and Zhou Bai's ordeal.

"Vice Hall Master Chen, according to the sect's rules, what is the punishment for withholding compensation and oppressing disciples who were disabled in the line of duty?"

He looked at Chen Feng, his tone indifferent.

Chen Feng's expression changed slightly.

This is a difficult question to answer.

If we put it mildly, the Holy Son will be dissatisfied; if we put it harshly, that's Zhang Chengzong, whose father is the Supreme Elder!

His forehead was covered in even more sweat.

But meeting Li Wudao's calm gaze, he still forced himself to say:

"According to Article 342 of the clan rules, those who embezzle pensions shall be dismissed from their posts and investigated, and the embezzled funds shall be recovered. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, they shall be punished with whipping, exile, or even... the abolition of their cultivation."

"very good."

Li Wudao nodded and ordered in a deep voice, "Vice Hall Master Chen, I, the Holy Son, command you to immediately bring men and arrest Zhang Chengzong. I want to interrogate him personally!"

Chen Feng's face stiffened, and he swallowed hard: "Holy Son... Zhang Chengzong's father is... Old Madam Zhang."

Li Wudao remained unfazed. "The emperor is subject to the same laws as commoners. If someone makes a mistake, they should be punished, regardless of their background."

Chen Feng's face turned pale, and he dared not reply.

He felt bitter inside, but spoke of it lightly.

Behind Zhang Chengzong stood a Supreme Elder, a Martial Emperor, whose power and strength were far beyond what Zhang could compare to.

Moreover, Zhang Guyue had once helped him.

So even if you gave him ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to do it.

Seeing his troubled look, Li Wudao didn't bother to press him. "Fine, just tell me where Zhang Chengzong is right now, and I'll go find him myself."

At this moment, Elder Sun, who had been silent, spoke up:

"Today is the Xuantian Tea Ceremony. As the Deputy Hall Master of the Inner Affairs Hall, Zhang Chengzong is in charge of organizing the tea ceremony. He should be at the tea ceremony right now."

Seeing that Li Wudao seemed somewhat confused.

He offered his explanation, "The Xuantian Tea Ceremony is held every six months, hosted by the Inner Affairs Hall, and invites the most outstanding disciples to participate..."

"It is said that Old Madam Zhang will also attend the tea party today and give a sermon in person."

"Outstanding talent?"

But Li Wudao sneered, "What kind of bullshit tea party is this? They didn't even invite this Holy Son..."

Where will the tea party be held?

Sun Jian was taken aback. "Your Highness... are you going to the tea party?"

Li Wudao glanced at him. "What, can't I go?"

"No, no, no, with your noble status, Your Highness, you can certainly go."

Sun Jian quickly waved his hand, somewhat hesitantly: "But it's just that Old Madam Zhang..."

"Enough talk, lead the way!"

Li Wudao interrupted in a deep voice, his tone leaving no room for argument.

So what if he's an elder?

If anyone dares to cover it up, he won't tolerate it; otherwise, he won't be able to shoulder the responsibility.

Chen Feng stood there, his expression shifting.

Finally, he gritted his teeth, took a few deacons, and followed them.

He had a bad feeling.

It seems that today's tea party will not be able to proceed smoothly.

.......

Midway up Qingzhu Peak.

Tingtao Pavilion.

This is a simple and elegant pavilion, built against the mountain, surrounded by water on three sides, and planted with green bamboo all around.

A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, their sound mingling with the murmur of the mountain stream, creating a truly delightful symphony.

The interior of the pavilion was elegantly furnished, with a long table made of sandalwood in a row, on which were placed exquisite tea sets and several plates of spiritual fruits.

Wisps of smoke rose from the incense burner, the sandalwood scent mingling with the aroma of tea, a truly refreshing experience.

Those who are invited to enter here are all the best among the true disciples.

At this moment, fifty or sixty people were already seated inside the pavilion, each with an extraordinary bearing and heroic demeanor.

They were chatting quietly in small groups, drinking tea, creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

At the head of the table sat an elderly man with white hair and beard.

His face was thin and refined, his eyes deep and unfathomable, and his aura was calm yet unfathomable—he was none other than the Supreme Elder.

Zhang Guyue.

Below him, on his left and right, sat several peak masters and elders, all of whom were prominent figures in the sect.

Zhang Chengzong was wearing a brand-new brocade robe today, his face glowing, and he seemed to be in a good mood.

He sat there, chatting and laughing with several peak masters, his gaze occasionally sweeping towards the door, a sinister glint in his eyes.

Judging by the time, it should be almost here, right?

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared at the door.

She was a young woman, dressed in a brand-new dress, with bright eyes and brows, clearly having dressed up carefully.

It was Li Nanzhi.

She stood at the door, looking at the full house of guests, not a single seat was empty, and her pretty face changed color slightly.

"I arrived a full incense stick early, why did this happen...?"

Li Nanzhi was somewhat flustered and confused, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart.