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"You're a good one, Huo Yuhao." Xiao Hongchen frowned and glanced at Huo Yuhao, but his attention was quickly attracted by the middle-aged man who was sitting on the same level as Jing Hongchen.
Who is this person? Such a strong sense of oppression, even my grandfather is so respectful to him.
In addition, there are some Mingdetang masters that Xiao Hongchen knows, and they are at least level eight soul mentors or above.
"Xiao, Meng, Ziwen, the three of you please sit down."
Jing Hongchen gestured for the three to take a seat, and then spoke in a deep voice.
"Everyone present has known this hall master for at least ten years. They are all people this hall master can absolutely trust. Next, we are going to discuss a major event that will determine the future of Mingde Hall and even the entire Sun Moon Empire."
"Then let's start the Red Dust Meeting now."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 433 Jing Hongchen's Personal Certification
In addition to Xiao Hongchen, the other masters of Mingde Hall naturally cast doubtful and awed glances at the mysterious middle-aged man. Apart from his mentor Kong Deming, there were only a few people in the entire Sun and Moon Empire who could be treated so courteously by the head of Mingde Hall.
The masters of Mingde Hall were previously busy with reconstruction matters and had no time to watch the finals of the Underground Soul Instructor Competition. They did not have to attend court on weekdays, so they did not know the identity of the man in front of them for the time being.
He was the Northland Douluo who had shocked the Holy Spirit Cult in the Soul Master Finals and had broken into the Sun Moon Palace at the morning court a few days ago.
His resolute face was like the ice that had accumulated in the Far North for thousands of years. Just being in the same room with him made one feel an oppressive aura that went straight to the soul all over their body, which truly confirmed his title of the North.
Before Jing Hongchen was introduced, everyone in Mingde Hall had more or less guessed his identity. After all, the fight for the throne was closely related to their interests, and no matter how busy they were at work, they dared not ignore it.
The ninth-level soul guide old man, who was called Wu Lao by others, said, "Master, some people haven't come yet, didn't you notify them?"
Jing Hongchen said in a deep voice: "Those people have their own little thoughts in their hearts, so I won't ask them to come. If they are smart, they will naturally know what to do. If they want to play with the wind, it's no wonder that this hall master will not remember the old friendship at that time."
"As for Jiayi, let him continue to manage the teaching. There is no need to disturb him."
He glanced at the rest of the people, his heart trembling slightly.
These people are his confidants whom he believes he trusts absolutely. If that incident had not happened, Xiao Ze, a former subordinate of the late emperor, would probably be one of them.
But people's minds are unpredictable. Jing Hongchen didn't expect that one of his most trusted subordinates would be the most rebellious one. He could never really understand the thoughts of others. But now was an opportunity for him to see the people in Mingde Hall clearly.
"Then let's start the meeting. Today we will only discuss one matter, which concerns the future of Mingde Hall and even the entire Sun Moon Empire."
As soon as Jing Hongchen's solemn voice sounded, everyone listened attentively with serious expressions.
The Hongxin siblings sat down together, especially Xiao Hongchen, whose eyes were always on Huo Yuhao.
“Let me introduce him to you first. He is His Majesty the Northland.” Jing Hongchen turned around and looked at the Northland Douluo first. The latter was naturally simulated by Huo Yuhao.
“His Majesty of the Northland comes from the Far North, and his strength is definitely not inferior to that of Master Kong. This is Huo Yuhao, whom you should have heard of more or less in Mingde Hall before. He is the descendant of the Northland Douluo.”
"The bloodline of the late emperor has been wandering in a foreign land for more than ten years, and it was he who took care of him."
Beidi Douluo nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "Hello everyone in Mingde Hall, I am Beidi Douluo Zhang Xiu. This boy is a descendant of my Beidi family. I am grateful for your care during my time in Mingde Hall."
After just a few words of introduction, everyone showed great respect for the Northern Douluo whom they met for the first time. However, they did not expect that Huo Yuhao would be related to him.
Jing Hongchen continued, "I'm sure you've all heard about what happened in the palace, so you should have guessed what this hall master meant."
"I just want to lead the entire Mingde Hall to support the bloodline of the late emperor to regain the throne."
Everyone's expression was extremely serious.
The news of the Northern Alliance and the new contender for the throne spread throughout Mingdu at the fastest speed, and of course also reached their ears.
Before this incident, Jing Hongchen was slightly biased towards the Crown Prince Xu Tianran. But at this moment, Beidi Douluo himself appeared in Hongchen Mansion, so Jing Hongchen's intentions were already very clear.
They had all been under Jing Hongchen's command for many years, and they understood what he meant without Jing Hongchen even saying a word.
"Jing Hongchen, you, you are pushing Mingdetang directly to the opposite side of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" Old Wu said with some trembling.
As a ninth-level soul master, his status in Mingde Hall was not much different from Jing Hongchen. At this moment, he stared with wide eyes and called him by his name.
No wonder he reacted so strongly. Jing Hongchen openly wanted to stand up for the sudden contender for the throne against the current most powerful prince. The risk that Mingdetang had to take was too great.
Others did not dare to speak directly due to Jing Hongchen's identity, so Old Wu immediately questioned Jing Hongchen.
After all, Jing Hongchen was acting first and reporting later. They were all Jing Hongchen's confidants and it was impossible for them to stay out of it.
Xiao Hongchen was staring at Huo Yuhao. He just knew that Huo Yuhao actually had such a backer. The latter was looking at him with a smile on his face.
He also knew that there was no new contender for the throne at all, and that it was all Huo Yuhao directing and acting out the whole thing.
At this time, Beidi Douluo spoke up: "You are right, but what is there to be afraid of just Xu Tianran?"
His voice was indifferent and full of cold contempt. As soon as he opened his mouth, Wu Lao felt a great pressure. As a ninth-level soul master, although his cultivation was also at the level of Titled Douluo, he believed that he had no ability to resist in front of the other party.
He calmed down his emotions and did not look at Beidi Douluo again. Instead, he looked directly at Jing Hongchen and asked word by word: "Master, have you really made up your mind?"
Jing Hongchen sighed deeply and said, "Mr. Wu, all of this is caused by me. I am still upset about Xiao Ze's matter."
"If I hadn't chosen to lead Mingdetang to protect itself ten years ago, perhaps I wouldn't have made the same mistake again and again."
At this point, Jing Hongchen's eyes sternly said, "Now, it's time for me to put an end to all these mistakes."
"I will support the bloodline of the late emperor in the upcoming Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony. With the help of the Northern Seniors and Mingde Hall, the throne is sure to be won."
"But after all, this involves the risk of losing one's head. If anyone chooses to withdraw, I swear I will never stop them."
As soon as these words came out, everyone in Mingde Hall couldn't help but smile bitterly. Even if Jing Hongchen swore not to stop them, would they dare to leave?
Even if they left and chose to go to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince with the news, would it definitely be better than the current situation? As Jing Hongchen's confidants, they had long been firmly bound to Jing Hongchen. Now they had no other choice but to continue to follow Jing Hongchen all the way to death. Perhaps this was the best choice for Mingde Hall.
Xuan Ziwen lowered his head slightly and remained silent. Whether here or with Xu Tianran, there were his students. It was not a very happy news for him that his students were destined to be enemies.
Jing Hongchen's eyes slowly swept across everyone's face, and no one expressed any objection. He was not worried at all that some of them would choose to defect to the prince and betray him, as that would just let him know who had second thoughts about him.
Afterwards, Jing Hongchen briefly gave instructions on some matters, which did not involve too many specific plans, but only asked everyone in Mingde Hall to be ready to be dispatched at any time.
Huo Yuhao was very satisfied with the smooth progress of the meeting. With Jing Hongchen's personal certification, no one would doubt the credibility of his fake identity.
Many times, the truth or falsity of things themselves is no longer important. As long as there is an authority to certify that it is true, then it is true.
Jing Hongchen quickly dismissed the others, but stopped three people: "You've been away for too long, it will inevitably arouse suspicion, return to Mingde Hall as soon as possible. Xiao, Meng, Ziwen, the three of you stay for a while."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 434 Xuan Ziwen's Request
Everyone in Mingde Hall left quickly. It was not suitable for them to leave Mingde Hall for too long.
As for whether they would keep their mouths shut after returning and quietly wait for Jing Hongchen's next orders and instructions, or secretly reveal the news to Xu Tianran, it is unknown.
Even if they are close confidants who know each other well, no one can guarantee that they will not be shaken in the face of huge temptations of interests.
Jing Hongchen couldn't know what everyone was thinking, nor could he monitor every one of them, but he believed that he would never fail this time.
There were only six figures left in the huge conference hall, including Jing Hongchen.
The solemn atmosphere in the hall gradually eased. Beidi Douluo clasped his fists and said with a smile: "Thank you for your support, Master Hongchen. With your prestige in Mingdu, I believe that the opposition in the future will be much smaller."
Jing Hongchen naturally would not reveal to everyone in Mingde Hall the fact that Huo Yuhao was the new competitor. He only told them who Mingde Hall would stand for.
For him, this also seemed to be a perfect opportunity to verify people's hearts.
He then looked at Beidi Douluo again and thought: "Your Majesty, these people from Mingde Hall have been under my command for many years. I believe they will never betray Mingde Hall."
Jing Hongchen paused, and a hint of melancholy appeared in his slightly narrowed eyes.
"But we can only know a person's face but not his heart. I cannot guarantee that no one will tell His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Hong Chen has a request, and I hope that Senior Beidi will fulfill it."
Beidi Douluo nodded his chin lightly: "Master Hongchen, please feel free to speak."
"If anyone is found to have betrayed Mingde Hall, please hand them over to me personally to interrogate them. After all, we have been friends for many years, so Hongchen still wants to spare their lives. And only by staying in Mingde Hall can they redeem themselves for their crimes."
Jing Hongchen's gaze was complicated, mixed with a hint of ferocity and pity.
Beidi Douluo nodded and said, "Since they are from Mingde Hall, it is only right that you, the Lord of Hongchen Hall, deal with them."
Jing Hongchen then turned his gaze to the Hongchen brothers and sisters.
"Xiao, I called you here. I think you have already guessed what's going on, right?"
Xiao Hongchen had been staring at the smiling Huo Yuhao. Now that he had the chance to speak, he could not wait to ask, “Grandpa, tell me, is the heir to the throne that suddenly appeared Huo Yuhao in disguise?”
He had barely asked half of his question when Huo Yuhao, who was sitting opposite him with a smile on his face, slowly transformed into the image of a tall, dark young man with the purest royal bloodline under Xiao Hongchen's gaze.
Although he already had some guesses in his mind, seeing Huo Yuhao's disguise process with his own eyes still made Xiao Hongchen fall into a brief shock.
He laughed dryly, not knowing how to describe his feelings in words: "Grandpa, I..."
Jing Hongchen folded his fingers in front of him, his expression serious and solemn: "Children, I took the initiative to lead Mingde Hall to make such a decision, but I hope you two will understand. I am doing this for the future of the Hongchen family."
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen both remained silent, just trying to calm the stormy waves in their hearts.
At this time, Beidi Douluo spoke. He seemed to be very interested in the Hongchen siblings, and looked at Xiao Hongchen with interest.
"Master Hongchen, your grandchildren are truly outstanding and worthy of the title of the Sun Moon Empire's number one genius."
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen then respectfully saluted to Beidi Douluo at the same time: "Greetings, Senior Beidi."
The two of them were also secretly observing each other's appearance. The cold and oppressive aura of the Northern Land Douluo was now somewhat restrained, and he behaved very easily. He even looked younger than many Titled Douluos, without the slightest sign of aging.
Jing Hongchen humbly praised each other: "The successor of Senior Beidi is also a rare talent. I was attracted to his talent the first time I saw him five years ago. As expected, whether it is his martial spirit or soul guide, his talent is rare in the world."
Xiao Hongchen looked at Huo Yuhao with burning eyes after hearing this. He had always been extremely proud, and had not fought against Huo Yuhao, whom he regarded as his rival, for many years. He had once wanted to prove that he was definitely stronger than Huo Yuhao, but now it seemed that he would not have the chance for the time being.
Huo Yuhao himself controlled his spiritual body to simulate the Northland Douluo's vest and exchanged business with Jing Hongchen without arousing anyone's suspicion. In fact, if a strong person launched an attack, it would be easy to find that the real Northland Douluo did not exist.
After all, the spiritual body only has a tiny fraction of Huo Yuhao’s strength, but no one dared to take action.
Under the combined influence of habitual thinking and mental suggestion, even if Jing Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen knew that the royal identity was forged, they would not actively suspect that even the Northland Douluo was actually simulated.
Real and fake, true and false, everyone has implicitly accepted the fact that behind Huo Yuhao there is an unparalleled strong man named Beidi Douluo.
After using his identity as Northland Douluo to suppress the situation, it was time to withdraw. So Huo Yuhao controlled Northland Douluo and said in a deep voice: "Master Hongchen, I still have things to investigate. If you have anything to discuss, just come to the Northland Alliance."
"Senior, please stay."
Seeing that the Northland Douluo was about to leave, Jing Hongchen asked another question: "When the arsenal exploded, there were thirty level nine fixed-type soul guide shells stored in my Mingde Hall underground base. Once detonated, I'm afraid the entire Mingdu will be reduced to ashes."
“From what Huo Yuhao said, it was you who resolved this crisis and saved Mingdu. Please accept Hongchen’s greetings.”
As he spoke, the head of Mingde Hall, who was above all others in Mingdu, bowed and saluted very solemnly.
Beidi Douluo paused, clasped his fists in response, and said calmly, "It's just a small favor, there's no need to be polite, Master Hongchen."