As the saying goes, winners are kings, and losers are criminals.

Whoever emerges victorious gets to define themselves as the righteous side, as those who are authorized to suppress rebellion and remove those who are not loyal.

So, in the eyes of some sharp-witted individuals, even though the Sacred King had already gained control over Luoyang, had taken possession of the Emperor, and had the moral high ground of “commanding the Emperor to suppress those who are not loyal,” the significant losses suffered by the former Empress’ faction and their control over the 800,000 Forbidden Army still presented a potential chance for a reversal.

It all depended on whether this ambitious Sacred King, the first of his kind in Central Continent, could use the power of the Sacred Artifacts to completely crush the counterattacks of the former Empress’ faction.

If he could truly achieve this, it would demonstrate that he indeed possessed the capability to determine the fate of the realm.

Simultaneously, it would signify that the destiny of Great Xia was nearing its end, as almost no one in Central Continent could stop him from taking that monumental step forward, ascending to the heavens, and wielding power over the realm.

“Let’s go, everyone.”

With his right hand resting on the hilt of the Black Dragon Sword at his waist, Jiang Chengwan lifted his foot slowly.

“Follow me to witness the true faces of those who dared to collude with the cultists and traitors.”

As his words fell, the courtiers exchanged glances.

Jiang Chengwan, however, seemed uninterested in their opinions. The moment his raised foot touched the ground, he transformed into a streak of black light. In less than half a breath’s time, he traversed the ranks of civil and military officials, appearing at the entrance of the hall. Without looking back, he walked out.

Seeing this, although the courtiers were inclined to say something, the main figure had left, leaving instructions behind. They could only let out a sigh and, under the watchful eyes of the Xuanwu Guards, walked out.

Lu Chen, of course, was no exception.

He walked at the rear of the procession. After all, despite his recent rise to fame, he was still just a minor eighth-ranking official. Although the position of a court censor held both weight and low rank, his official rank was clear, and for now, he could only follow behind the other courtiers.

The courtiers ahead of him avoided him like the plague, as if they were afraid to get too close.

Lu Chen enjoyed the leisure, refraining from engaging in conversation with the other courtiers.

His goal was to find a way to be dismissed from office. Since that was his aim, he was destined not to get too close to the other courtiers.

After all, when someone stands out from the crowd, they become easily rejected. Once everyone shunned him, he would be closer to his goal of achieving enlightenment and ascending to become an immortal.

This was a reasonable approach to shed his official identity.

While he knew that once the Sacred King recovered, he would surely deal with him and remove him completely, making thorough preparations was never a bad idea.