Chapter 266 — The Heavenly King Ranks Fourth
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 1 of 4
The emperor and the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping did not know whether to laugh or cry. This cult leader of the demon path was truly audacious beyond measure—as the leader of the Nether Demon Cult, he had not the slightest scruple. He even wished to drag both the emperor and the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping into his Nether Demon Cult!
"If you cannot heal your wounds, and cannot take back the throne, then with the skills of my Heaven Sacred Cult, you can at least keep body and soul together. " Shen Mu urged them on.
"Moreover, if you join the cult now, I can grant you very high office—a Heavenly King, an Elder, or the like. When you are utterly ruined and beyond saving, and only then wish to join, the most I can give you is an incense master, and a deputy at that. My lady, help me persuade them. " The wife of the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping smiled but said nothing, offering no further words.
The Imperial Preceptor of Jingping said calmly, "If I am to do it, I will be the cult leader.
" Emperor Yanfeng nodded.
"So will I.
" The Imperial Preceptor said, "You be the cult leader, and I will be your helper.
" Shen Mu's eyes lit up.
"Does the emperor truly wish to be cult leader? " Emperor Yanfeng was struck dumb, jaw agape, never having expected that Shen Mu truly meant to give up the seat of the Nether Demon Cult's leader. If he himself became the leader of the Nether Demon Cult, would not all of Jingping belong to that cult?
This was truly a hot potato, one that must not be taken up!
The Imperial Preceptor felt his head swell as well, and quietly shook his head at the emperor, signaling him not to accept.
The wife of the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping burst out laughing. "Cult Leader Shen, they are unwilling, but I am willing.
I wonder what post the cult leader might arrange for me? " Shen Mu's eyes lit up, and he inwardly praised the woman's cleverness; she had stepped forward to smooth things over and spare the Imperial Preceptor and the emperor embarrassment.
"If my lady joins the cult, she may have a sinecure, a title in name only," Shen Mu said with a smile.
"Does my lady know embroidery?
How would you like to be Incense Master of the Embroidery Hall?
" "Good. " The young wife laughed, and drawing the Imperial Preceptor aside, she said in a low voice, "Why must you refuse Cult Leader Shen, my husband?
On this return to the capital, what are your chances—yours and His Majesty's? " The Imperial Preceptor was silent a moment, then said, "The people of the realm support the reform. Seven or eight in ten of the civil and military ministers at court are my men and His Majesty's.
Once we return to the capital, we can surely execute the traitors and seize back power. " The wife of the Imperial Preceptor laughed.
"Truly? Will the Great Thunderclap Temple and the Daoist sect not stand in your way?
Is it you who can hold off the Tathagata and the Dao Lord, or His Majesty who can hold them off? " Shen Mu leaned in and said with a smile, "In the capital, every prince and minister's household lodges several Daoist priests or monks, chanting Buddhist sutras or reciting Daoist scriptures. " The Imperial Preceptor fell silent. His wife pushed Shen Mu away and said in a low voice, "The two great holy lands watch your forces so closely that all who are close to you have been placed under house arrest or thrown into prison.
Now the only strength you can borrow is Cult Leader Shen's.
If you would borrow another's strength, you must set their mind at ease.
" Shen Mu leaned in once more, about to speak, and the wife pushed him away again.
The Imperial Preceptor pondered a moment, then walked over to Shen Mu. "Does the Heaven Sacred Cult still lack a Heavenly King?
" Shen Mu nodded.