Chapter 389 Red Lotus Cult Headquarters

The messenger who had gone to report to the authorities returned, and the officials were overjoyed to see the robbers lying on the ground.

Unexpectedly, such achievements could be made before the end of the year without losing a single soldier. The leading constable stepped forward and had the bandits tied up.

"Young master, you are indeed a young hero, both wise and brave. Today's actions not only rid the people of a scourge, but also saved us officials a great deal of effort. It is truly a great achievement!"

As he spoke, the lead officer bowed to Li Xi, his eyes filled with admiration and gratitude.

Li Xi smiled calmly, cupped his hands in return, and said, "It is our duty to help those in need. You officials work hard every day to protect the peace of this region. Today, you are just taking advantage of the opportunity to do your part."

"Very well, I will report this matter to the magistrate and he will surely reward you with a merit."

"No need, we are just passing by, no need for you to worry about us."

"Alright, you may set off now. It's getting late, so don't miss your journey."

After bidding a nervous farewell to the constables, the caravan leader ordered the journey to continue.

Only after he had walked far away did he gradually feel relieved.

Turning to Li Xi and the other chivalrous men, he cast a grateful glance at them and bowed deeply, saying, "If it weren't for your righteous intervention today, we would likely not have escaped this calamity. Our gratitude is beyond words. Please accept my bow!"

Li Xi quickly stepped forward to help the team leader, smiling gently, "You're too kind, team leader. In the martial world, loyalty is the most important thing. Besides, this matter concerns the safety of innocent civilians; how can we stand idly by?"

Upon hearing this, the team leader's eyes reddened slightly, and he nodded, saying, "Young Master's noble character is truly a model for us all."

Situ Feng also understood why his father made such an arrangement.

Li Xi's martial arts skills are such that she could fight a hundred men single-handedly; he was no match for her at all. With such a master, the Red Lotus Sect must be even more powerful.

He deceived her so much; if she were to come to her senses, she would surely tear him to pieces.

For the past two months, Situ Feng had been living in constant fear, but if he wanted to leave the Red Lotus Sect, he would have to wait for his father, no, his adoptive father, to ascend to a high position.

Upon arriving in Pengle Town, Li Xi and Situ Feng parted ways with the caravan.

Li Xi: "Big brother, what are we doing here?"

"Of course, I'll find a master to continue brainwashing you," Situ Feng thought to himself.

But on the surface, Situ Feng still had a gentle expression. He patted her shoulder lightly and said, "My godfather asked me to bring you here to meet people. They are all members of our sect."

Now, their Red Lotus Sect branches are all over Jingyuan. They can rise up in rebellion as soon as their adoptive father gives the order.

The Red Lotus Sect's reputation among the people is now soaring.

The people had long been dissatisfied with the government's exorbitant taxes and the officials' corruption and incompetence.

Their Red Lotus Sect, adhering to the principle of "eliminating violence and protecting the innocent, and saving the common people," is gradually winning the hearts of the people.

Upon hearing this, Li Xi simply nodded.

After entering the city, the two headed west, changing carriages and walking for a while before finally arriving at a village.

"Big brother, our people live here?" she asked incredulously.

This is where his adoptive father's brilliance lay; in the city or the suburbs, it was easy for the government officials to discover him.

However, in remote villages, if enough benefits are offered, the villagers will cover for them and may even join them.

Upon hearing this, Situ Feng smiled knowingly and said softly, "My godfather is farsighted and insightful. In this chaotic world, the exchange of interests is the way to survive."

Let's go. Whoever ultimately sits on the throne, to us they are nothing more than pawns on a chessboard. What matters is how we maximize our own interests in this game.

His tone revealed a sense of detachment and indifference, as if the power shifts in this world were nothing more than fleeting scenery in his eyes.

He was merely a wise man who observed coldly and orchestrated the events with shrewdness.

Li Xi remained silent, only nodding quietly.

The headquarters of the Red Lotus Cult is located at the foot of a mountain, which has been purchased and is now their headquarters.

At the foot of the mountain, mist swirls and ancient trees reach for the sky.

The headquarters of the Red Lotus Cult is hidden in this quiet and mysterious natural place, like a paradise on earth or a secluded secret realm.

Stepping inside, one sees courtyards arranged in a staggered pattern, each revealing meticulous design and ingenuity.

In the lotus pond, red lotuses bloom in profusion, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of distant mountains, adding to the ethereal beauty of the landscape.

The blooming of red lotuses in this winter is thanks to their unique lotus cultivation methods.

As Situ Feng and Li Xi walked among them, they were occasionally met with respectful glances from members of the church dressed in red.

Clearly, they held a very high status in this area.

"Your Excellency, you've returned! Miss Yue, you're back too. Someone, prepare the dishes!" It was the steward who spoke.

Normally, there are many affairs within the church, so Steward Gu is responsible for managing all the affairs, big and small, within the church.

"Uncle Gu, I'll take Xiaoyue to see the sights." After saying that, Situ Feng pulled Li Xi to the hot spring.

This is where he grew up, and he always thought his godfather was his biological father.

Therefore, he has deep feelings for every plant and tree here, and every scene carries childhood memories and laughter.

At the hot spring, light gauze dances gracefully, and wisps of steam rise, creating a scene that is both mysterious and tranquil, like a fairyland.

“Xiaoyue, look at this hot spring. It’s the place I used to come to most often when I was a child,” he boasted.

Li Xi felt completely unfamiliar with the place: "Did I grow up here too?"

This question caught Situ Feng off guard. "You... not long after you were adopted by your adoptive father, he took you around. Naturally, you would have followed him back here."

"Oh, I see." She couldn't remember at all.

"It's alright, this is your home too. Someone, come and help Miss Yue bathe and change." He summoned a maid.

After taking a bath, Li Xi changed into a bright red dress as vibrant as flames.

Her skirt brushed lightly across the ground, like a lotus flower in its first bloom, untouched by dust.

Her hair was carefully styled into a cloud-like bun, with a few stray strands falling gently across her forehead, adding to her gentle and graceful appearance.

Her delicate makeup perfectly accentuated her beautiful features.

"Miss is truly stunningly beautiful," the maid praised.

Is that so? Looking at the unfamiliar person in the mirror, Li Xi felt a sense of unease.

Is this really what I usually wear?

Led by a maid, Li Xi arrived at the altar.

"Welcome, Holy Maiden!" The believers knelt down.

Situ Feng took her hand and slowly walked to the altar. He whispered, "Just prick your finger and drip your blood into the lotus pond."

Incense smoke curled around the altar, and colorful ribbons danced in the wind, as if the air itself was filled with a sacred and solemn atmosphere.

All around, believers knelt in devout worship, chanting: "May the Holy Maiden be merciful, her blessings lasting for generations; may her holy light shine eternally, protecting the peace of our people."