127: Chapter 127 My Emei Sect proposes to elect a leader.

Lu Chen shifted the subject, his sharp gaze piercing directly at Dai Qisi as he asked in a deep voice, "Do you recognize the person who poisoned you and your husband?"

After speaking, Lu Chen cast a meaningful glance at Fan Yao.

Lu Chen thought to himself, 'It is said that Fan Yao was the one who poisoned Dai Qisi and Han Qianye, but based on my understanding of him, he would surely disdain such actions.'

Dai Qisi said in a grim tone, "Even if they were reduced to ashes, I would still recognize them!"

"Back then, Prince Ruyang's army sent men to Spirit Snake Island to recruit us to serve them, and we naturally refused."

"Unexpectedly, that scoundrel seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack with poison! To achieve their ends, these people truly stop at nothing. It is absolutely detestable!"

Hearing this, Lu Chen understood; indeed, it was not Fan Yao's doing.

Lu Chen suddenly waved his hand and said sternly, "The Yuan-Mongol regime has just added another crime to its list of atrocities against martial artists!"

"Rest assured, Purple-Clad Dragon King. Mr. Silver Leaf's vendetta is the Ming Cult's vendetta!"

"When we capture the poisoner, we will surely crush their bones and scatter their ashes to avenge Mr. Silver Leaf!"

Dai Qisi bowed gracefully and said gratefully, "Thank you, Sect Leader!"

Lu Chen said to Yin Susu, "Susu, the Dragon King is pregnant, and this child is the orphan of an anti-Yuan warrior. Ensure the sisters of the Earth Gate take good care of Mrs. Han."

"Rest assured, Sect Leader, Susu understands." Yin Susu replied softly, the corners of her mouth curling into a meaningful smile.

Dai Qisi thanked him again, "Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader."

The Ming Cult's successive performances of this "prodigal son returns" drama left some happy and others worried.

Shaolin Great Master Kong Zhi pressed his palms together and chanted a Buddhist name, "Amitabha. Mr. Silver Leaf was unwilling to serve the Yuan Court, yet he suffered such a treacherous attack. The Yuan Court's methods are truly despicable! Our Central Plains Martial Forest must be more vigilant in the future."

Wudang's Song Yuanqiao also looked solemn, "In the past, the Yuan people used such treacherous tactics against my Third Brother Yu, intending to incite a conflict between Shaolin and Wudang. Their sinister intentions are clear."

Emei's Fang Yanqing said bitterly, "If the Yuan Court is not destroyed, Heaven itself will not tolerate it!"

At this moment, the Five Elders of Kongtong stepped forward in unison, their eyes burning like torches as they stared directly at Lu Chen.

"Sect Leader Lu," the leading elder said in a deep voice, "Now that you have unified the Ming Cult, we are grateful for your kindness in perfecting the Seven Injury Fist. However, we cannot leave unavenged the grudge of Xie Xun killing many of our Kongtong Sect Disciples!"

Lu Chen laughed heartily upon hearing this, his voice echoing across the area, "Good! The Kongtong Sect is clear about grievances and does not resort to petty tricks. I truly admire that!"

He scanned the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the Five Elders of Kongtong, and said heroically, "In that case, please, Five Elders of Kongtong, make your move. I, Lu, shall accept the challenge!"

After speaking, Lu Chen waved his hand, silencing the clamor of the Ming Cult members.

He strode to the center of the square and stood with his hands behind his back, waiting quietly for the Five Elders of Kongtong to attack.

The Five Elders of Kongtong said no more. Exchanging a glance, they moved in unison, joining forces to unleash the Seven Injury Fist simultaneously. Five streams of fierce energy surged toward all of Lu Chen's vital points.

Lu Chen had already given prior instruction that none of the Ming Cult members were to interfere.

The five blasts of fist wind whistled through the air, bearing down on Lu Chen.

Lu Chen narrowed his eyes slightly; his internal Vajra Indestructibility was already circulating on its own.

He did not fight back at all, allowing the fists of the Five Elders of Kongtong to strike his protective Qi barrier.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Dull thuds echoed in succession across the square.

Everyone saw Lu Chen's clothes fluttering, yet his body remained completely motionless, like a statue forged from Vajra, indestructible.

Conversely, the Five Elders of Kongtong grew increasingly shocked as they continued their assault.

Their combined strength, utilizing the Seven Injury Fist, was incredibly powerful—enough to shatter stone monuments.

Yet, when it landed on Lu Chen, it was like a clay ox entering the sea; it had absolutely no effect.

Lu Chen's body seemed truly indestructible. Their fists struck him as if hitting solid steel, leaving their arms numb and their internal Qi churning.

The Five Elders of Kongtong launched strike after strike, their fist wind falling like raindrops, yet they remained ineffective.

For a time, the square was filled with flying fist shadows and overflowing energy.

Yet, no matter how the Five Elders of Kongtong attacked, Lu Chen remained unmoving, like a boulder standing firm.

Looking at Lu Chen, he remained calm and composed, his expression unchanged, as if what he had just endured was not a fierce attack, but merely a gentle breeze brushing his face.

The Five Elders of Kongtong finally ceased their attack, each of them panting, drenched in sweat, and pale-faced, as if they had just recovered from a severe illness.

Tang Wenliang, the leader, sighed and bowed, "Sect Leader Lu, your divine skill has reached Major Achievement. We are truly impressed!"

"The grievances between the Kongtong Sect and the Ming Cult are hereby wiped clean!"

Great Master Kong Zhi chanted a Buddhist name and said slowly, "Amitabha. Years ago, my Shaolin Senior Brother Kongjian used Vajra Indestructibility to withstand thirteen of Xie Xun's punches, unaware that he had fallen for the treacherous Cheng Kun's scheme."

He paused, his gaze turning to Lu Chen, filled with admiration, "Today, Sect Leader Lu has used Vajra Indestructibility to withstand the Five Elders of Kongtong on Xie Xun's behalf—far more than thirteen punches!"

"This act has not only resolved the grievances between Kongtong and the Ming Cult but also demonstrated Sect Leader Lu's magnanimity. This is truly a blessing for the Central Plains Martial Forest!"

Lu Chen smiled slightly and said aloud, "What the Great Master says is absolutely correct."

"The world is vast; it is not limited to just our Central Plains."

"If we martial artists remain perpetually confined to these internal grievances within the Central Plains, it would be far too shortsighted."

He shifted his gaze to the west, a sharp light flashing in his eyes, "To the west and to the east lie boundless territories. There is a vast world out there, and much to be accomplished!"

Wudang's Song Yuanqiao nodded, "Sect Leader Lu's words are very true. We should not remain fixated on immediate grievances; we ought to look at the bigger picture, unite against outsiders, and collectively resist the Yuan Dynasty!"

Emei's Fang Yanqing also added, "Sect Leader Lu is truly far-sighted; we admire you! With the Yuan Dynasty currently powerful, our Central Plains Martial Forest must unite as one to resist this formidable enemy!"

The Kunlun and Huashan Sects also fell silent, and surprisingly, they all began to express their agreement, wanting to unite against the outside threat—this was the herd effect in action.

Furthermore, Lu Chen's martial prowess was truly shocking.

Lu Chen scanned the entire assembly. Seeing their high spirits, he felt moved and announced aloud, "The Yuan Dynasty's tyranny is poisoning the world. Our Central Plains Martial Forest cannot remain scattered like loose sand, each fighting its own battles!"

Fang Yanqing pondered for a moment before adding, "I, Emei, propose that we elect a Martial Arts Alliance Leader to lead the heroes of the world in collectively resisting the Yuan Dynasty. What does everyone think?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire assembly was in an uproar, and everyone's eyes were fixed on Fang Yanqing.

Everyone in the square was shocked by Fang Yanqing's proposal.

Just as they were about to discuss it, a booming voice rang out from the mountain path, "With all the heroes gathered here, have you forgotten the former number one Gang in the world?"

Everyone turned to look and saw a large procession marching majestically along the mountain path.

The man in the lead, standing over six feet tall, was none other than the Beggars Gang leader, Shi Huolong.

Behind Shi Huolong followed a group of Beggars Gang Disciples, all tattered in appearance but full of spirit.

Even more surprising was that at the end of the Beggars Gang procession followed many other martial artists—the Haisha Sect, Giant Whale Gang, Divine Fist Sect, and others were all among them.

However, the next scene left everyone stunned.

The leaders of the Haisha Sect, Giant Whale Gang, and other small sects walked straight up to Yin Susu, bowed in unison, and announced loudly, "Your subordinates from the Haisha Sect (Giant Whale Gang, Divine Fist Sect...) pay respects to the Hall Master of Ziwei Hall!"

"We have come to await your orders!"

No one had expected that these usually obscure small sects had long since secretly pledged allegiance to the Heavenly Eagle Sect.

Someone in the crowd exclaimed, "This Yin Susu is truly cunning!"

Yin Susu giggled, stepped forward, and said coquettishly, "Everyone, there is no need for such formalities. Rise."

"As of yesterday, there is no longer a Heavenly Eagle Sect."

She looked around and said proudly, "Now, the entire Heavenly Eagle Sect has returned to the Ming Cult and been established as the Heavenly Eagle Hall."

"And I, Yin Susu, have transformed into the Saintess of the Ming Cult—promoted three ranks, second only to one, and above ten thousand! Giggle..."

She covered her mouth and chuckled softly, full of charm.

Seeing this, Lu Chen's lips curled slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.

This Yin Susu was truly a remarkable woman; she certainly knew how to manipulate people's hearts.