Chapter 14412 Who Dares to Question His Majesty?
Chapter 14412 Who Dares to Question His Majesty?
Shangguan Yue gave Ling Xiao a deep look, her eyes containing understanding, worry, and a hint of helplessness.
Then, lifting her skirt, she bowed slightly and gracefully withdrew.
As she walked down the corridor, her steps were light and slow, as if she were deep in thought.
She noticed the newly blossoming winter plum trees in the corner swaying gently in the night breeze. Their pale pink petals were delicate and beautiful, and appeared particularly resilient in the cold wind.
Pale pink petals drifted down onto the snow-covered stone steps, creating a breathtaking scene that added warmth and life to the cold winter night.
In the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, all the important civil and military officials of the Overlord Empire had gathered in the square in front of the palace.
The civil officials wore deep purple robes with exquisite and ornate patterns, highlighting their status and position; the military officials wore black armor, which gleamed with a cold metallic luster under the palace lanterns, resembling insurmountable steel fortresses.
Under the palace lanterns, they resembled two distinct rivers: the civil officials were gentle and refined, while the military officials were imposing and awe-inspiring.
Upon learning the purpose of the behemoth army's visit, the officials, who had initially been beaming with joy, immediately became solemn.
Their faces showed worry and anxiety, as if a storm was about to break.
Several veteran officials exchanged worried glances, their eyes filled with concern for the situation and uncertainty about the future.
Some people even unconsciously tightened their grip on their ivory tablets, which creaked as if it were an outward expression of their inner tension.
A tense and oppressive atmosphere permeated the entire square, making people hold their breath in anticipation of what was about to happen.
Ling Xiao's gaze was sharp as he slowly swept over everyone. His gaze carried an invisible pressure, making everyone present feel as if they were being scrutinized by a pair of all-seeing eyes.
Finally, his gaze fell on an old man with white hair and beard.
The old man was tall and straight, and although he was old, he exuded a calm and dignified aura.
He was originally an elder of the Demon Sea, holding an extremely high position and whose word was law.
Later, he submitted to the Overlord Empire and, with his wisdom and prestige, rose to a high position within the empire.
Basically, the people of the Demon Sea all respect this person and regard him as their spiritual leader.
Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of inquiry in his gaze, and asked, "Do you think my handling of the Giant Beast Army is justified?"
His voice was deep and powerful, echoing in the silent square like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.
All eyes immediately turned to this highly respected elder statesman.
Everyone's eyes were filled with anticipation and curiosity, eager to see how this elder would respond.
This old man was not only incredibly powerful, having accumulated profound cultivation over the long years, but also held the highest prestige in the Demon Sea, with his disciples spread throughout the court and the countryside. Every word he uttered could influence the course of events.
The staff in his hand was carved with a lifelike dragon, its whiskers fluttering, as if it were about to take flight at any moment.
At this moment, he gently tapped the stone slab, producing a rhythmic, crisp sound, "thump, thump, thump," each sound seeming to strike people's hearts, making the atmosphere even more tense.
The elders remained silent for a long time; the square was so quiet that only the sound of the dragon staff striking the stone slabs and the soft breathing of the crowd could be heard.
His brows furrowed slightly, and a complex look flashed in his eyes, as if he were weighing the pros and cons.
Finally, he slowly bowed, his movements elegant and solemn. The jade pendants at his waist clinked together, producing a clear and melodious sound, like a mountain spring flowing.
"The Demon Sea has already submitted to the Overlord Empire, and His Majesty is the Emperor of the Overlord Empire. It is only natural for him to deal with the Giant Beast Army."
His voice was loud and clear, every word resounding, expressing his approval of Ling Xiao and his assessment of the situation.
He was perfectly aware of the current situation: if there were even the slightest doubt about Ling Xiao at this moment, the Beast Army would inevitably experience divisions and conflicts, and would surely fall apart.
In this era, it is the Beast Army that needs a powerful figure like Ling Xiao to guide them and provide strong support, not the other way around.
Although the behemoth army was powerful, it was already teetering on the brink of collapse under the constant attacks of the Heavenly Abyss Sanctuary.
Without a powerful leader like Ling Xiao, the Giant Beast Army would have collapsed long ago under the overwhelming offensive of the Heavenly Abyss Temple, and would not have been able to maintain the current situation.
Upon hearing this, Ling Xiao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident and composed smile.
That smile carried an air of domineering control, as if everything was within his expectations.
At the same time, the shattered jade in his sleeve turned into powder and flowed from between his fingers. The fine powder shimmered faintly under the light of the palace lanterns, like stars in the night sky.
"Then do you think I might mobilize the behemoth army?"
Ling Xiao's voice rang out again, carrying an unquestionable authority.
The old man's expression was solemn, his posture upright like a pine tree. He took a deep breath, and his voice, amplified by the power of the sun, was as loud as a bell, clearly resounding throughout every corner of the square: "Since Your Majesty is the Emperor, you naturally have the right to command all the troops of the Giant Beast Army."
"Although the Beast Army is different from others due to its special background and powerful combat capabilities, it is also under His Majesty's command."
"Moreover, that was the Demon Sea of the past, when the situation was complicated. But now the Demon Sea has submitted to the Overlord Empire and become part of the empire's territory. There is absolutely no reason for it to be above His Majesty."
"The empire has its own rules and laws. Your Majesty is the supreme ruler of the country, and the Beast Army should obey Your Majesty's orders."
He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, and slammed the exquisitely carved dragon staff in his hand heavily on the ground with a dull thud, as if striking the final blow to this argument.
"Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has worked diligently to govern the country. He has not only stabilized the border defenses, freeing the people on the border from the suffering of foreign invasions and allowing them to live a peaceful life, but also, with his outstanding military talent and decisive decisions, expanded the territory by more than 30,000 li, further expanding the territory of the Hegemon Empire and making the country increasingly powerful."
"This old minister would like to ask, in this Overlord Empire, who dares to question His Majesty?"
"To question His Majesty is to question the dignity of the Empire and its future!"
"I second the proposal!"
The officials responded in unison, their voices clear and resounding, like rolling thunder, shaking the heavens.
Among these officials were representatives of powerful families, who represented the interests of their respective clans.
Since Ling Xiao conquered the Demon Sea, their families have benefited greatly.
Some families gained more business opportunities, and wealth poured in like a tide; others gained more political influence and their status rose significantly.
More importantly, they were all aware of Ling Xiao's strength.
It was an awe-inspiring power, like an unshakeable mountain, that gave them a strong sense of security.
