Chapter 80

"Brother, you really trust Guo Jing. Aren't you afraid that after he obtains the *Dragon Elephant Vajra Skill*, his martial arts will advance even further, making him invincible under heaven?" Zhao Ling'er said.

"His martial arts are already invincible under heaven. After obtaining the *Dragon Elephant Vajra Skill*, further advancement is inevitable. However, only those who lack confidence in themselves would fear the strength of others. If he is strong, I will be even stronger." Zhao Hao said calmly.

"Brother, you are becoming more and more domineering." A flicker of emotion crossed Zhao Ling'er's eyes.

At this moment, Zhao Hao and Zhao Ling'er were standing in mid-air.

Beneath their feet were a pair of white falcons raised by Huang Rong.

Zhao Hao and Zhao Ling'er each rode a falcon, heading to Lin'an, which was much faster than riding horses.

"Ling'er, you don't need to go back with me. I can handle it alone," Zhao Hao said.

This time, Zhao Hao was returning to Lin'an to resolve a hidden danger.

There was a high possibility of conflict with Zhao Yun.

Zhao Hao didn't want Zhao Ling'er to be caught in a difficult situation.

"Brother, what are you saying? We have always fought side by side," Zhao Ling'er said.

"But this time..." Zhao Hao's voice was somewhat bitter.

Humans have emotions, and no one can escape them.

Zhao Hao had not yet reached the state of transcending emotions.

"Brother, you once told me that you only do what is right, even if many people don't understand," Zhao Ling'er said.

A smile appeared on Zhao Hao's face. "You still remember that?"

"Brother, I remember everything you've said. Speaking of which, over the years, you've instilled quite a bit of negativity in me," Zhao Ling'er said, somewhat discontent.

Growing up with Zhao Hao, Zhao Ling'er naturally learned many modern terms.

"Where did you get that idea? I've always instilled positive values in you," Zhao Hao said.

"Back then, when you told me the story of the prince and Cinderella, I was moved to tears. But before I could cry, you said, 'Don't be deceived; the prince doesn't really love Cinderella. If he truly loved her, how could he forget what she looked like after just one night?' Brother, do you know how I felt when I heard that?" Zhao Ling'er said, her voice filled with resentment.

Zhao Hao shrugged helplessly. "Was I wrong?"

Zhao Ling'er rolled her eyes and continued, "And the story of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. After I heard it, I was deeply moved by the friendship between Snow White and the dwarfs. But what did you say?"

"Snow White showed that no matter how good the seven dwarfs are to her, they can't match the kiss of a rich and handsome prince," Zhao Hao said, shrugging.

Zhao Ling'er was no longer fazed by such "black humor."

"Then there's the story of the ugly duckling turning into a swan. It's so inspiring and touching. But at the end, you told me that the ugly duckling turned into a swan not because of her efforts, but because her parents were swans. Brother, I was only nine years old at the time," Zhao Ling'er said, somewhat exasperated.

"Right, and when I was fourteen, I read history books and sighed about the tragic fate of beauties like Xi Shi and Yang Guifei. You heard it and said something I still remember clearly."

"Do you know why beauties have always had tragic fates? Because no one cares how long ugly women live. Oh, why do I have such a brother?" Zhao Ling'er said, helpless.

In her childhood and adolescence, she had heard countless fairy tales, but Zhao Hao had shattered them all.

Zhao Ling'er's values were in ruins, and her heart was in turmoil.

Zhao Hao's words always hit the mark, leaving her unable to refute them.

Zhao Hao said earnestly, "Ling'er, being naive and sweet has no future. I was afraid that you would be influenced by too many romantic stories, so I wanted you to see the true nature of the world early on."

"So, Niulang is a despicable opportunist, Liu Yanchang is a delusional scoundrel, and Xu Xian is a weak and easily bullied pretty boy," Zhao Ling'er said, her face expressionless.

"Is there anything else about them? Oh, I forgot, these three have a common trait: they all have a curse that brings misfortune to their wives. If you encounter such men, kick them away without hesitation; it's the right thing to do," Zhao Hao said with a sense of righteousness.

"Brother, you win. I have no words to say," Zhao Ling'er sighed.

Zhao Hao smiled lightly.

He knew Zhao Ling'er was trying to cheer him up.

Because what was about to happen might be too heavy.

Throughout history, every change has been accompanied by sacrifice and bloodshed.

The only difference is, who will make the sacrifice, and who will shed the blood?

The situation has developed to a point where Zhao Hao can no longer compromise.

He had never thought of compromising.

Zhao Hao disdains the idea of someone like Kou Zhong, who would stop halfway in a fight for the world.

A man can lack many things, but he cannot lack a sense of responsibility.

You can lack compassion and ignore the dangers of others, but you should not actively push others into the fire.

Especially those who have entrusted their lives to you. How can you let them down?

The 50,000 disciples of the Power Sect have already made great sacrifices.

As the leader of the Power Sect, Zhao Hao cannot remain indifferent or retreat from the battle.

Their blood should not be shed in vain.

So, Zhao Hao can only move forward.

No matter who stands in his way, Zhao Hao will knock them down.

No matter who.

...

In Lin'an City, the imperial palace, the Grand Hall, a grand assembly was being held.

A grand assembly is not held lightly. Normally, it is held only twice a year, on New Year's Day and the Winter Solstice.

At other times, a grand assembly is only held if something of great importance occurs.

And now, something of great importance had indeed occurred.

This grand assembly was necessary.

"Your Majesty, recently, some rumors have been circulating among the people, causing chaos and unrest in the Great Song. I wonder if Your Majesty has heard of them?" The official at the front of the assembly bowed and asked.

This person was the current prime minister, Jia Sidao.

Zhao Yun's expression was not good.

Of course, he knew about the rumors.

The leader of the Power Sect is the Crown Prince of the Great Song.

The Crown Prince has been building the Power Sect for years to prepare for the war with the Mongols.

The Crown Prince has decided to stand or fall with Xiangyang, and the Great Song has decided to fight to the death.

Recently, these rumors have spread throughout the land.

From the heart, Zhao Yun was somewhat displeased.

Zhao Hao had made a statement without his consent, which Zhao Yun saw as a violation of his authority.

However, Jia Sidao's aggressive attitude also made him unhappy.

My son, if he makes a mistake, it's my business. Why are you jumping around so much?