After the Fairy Maidens Fell to Darkness, They Captured Me to Ruthlessly 'Repay' Their Gratitude-Chapter 189 - I Am He Yuan, Holy Son of the Spirit Phoenix Sect

Dragon Dynasty – Council Hall

An elderly celestial minister holding a memorial stepped forward, kneeling sincerely:

“Your Majesty, the battle at Zongshan Plains was suspicious. I propose issuing an imperial decree to arrest Destined Heroine An Luo Yi, imprison her in Heaven’s Prison, and use soul-searching techniques to uncover the truth!”

The atmosphere in the council hall instantly grew tense, filled with fear, coldness, and suspicion.

Everyone knew that soul-searching was the most ruthless yet effective investigative method.

Typically used on extremely evil demonic captives who refused to divulge information, soul-searching was more of a punishment than an investigation.

Using such a method on a Destined Heroine implied treating An Luo Yi as a potential enemy!

This move would be akin to openly turning against her!

Not to mention how An Luo Yi would react upon learning of this.

Even if she agreed to the soul-searching, if any unspeakable secrets were uncovered, the consequences would be unimaginable!

And if no evidence of betrayal was found, Dragon Dynasty would lose An Luo Yi’s trust forever!

Thus, regardless of the outcome, this was a risky move that would offend the Destined Heroine.

For a moment, many ministers looked towards the end of the hall, anxiously awaiting the True Dragon Empress’s reaction.

However, the empress’s face was obscured by a thin veil of celestial mist, making it impossible to discern her expression or thoughts.

All they could see were her cold golden dragon eyes, exuding an aura of supreme authority.

“Impossible——!”

From beside the empress, a black-robed celestial maiden slammed the table, her phoenix eyes blazing with anger.

At the same time, terrifying Void God-level pressure swept through the hall—

“A Destined Heroine does not deserve such punishment! How can we use soul-searching on her?”

Qin Shiyan was in a foul mood.

He Ange was dead—she had already lost a beloved disciple and was deeply saddened.

And now, these ministers wanted to target An Luo Yi, another Destined Heroine she had been nurturing?

Were they insane?

Did they want to push An Luo Yi to the brink?

“Does she really not deserve it?”

“Minister Qin, are you pretending to be ignorant or genuinely unable to see the hidden agenda?”

The elderly minister stared back at Qin Shiyan’s dragon might without fear, calmly smirking.

Who among these ministers wasn’t an ancient elder from various celestial sects?

Who here hadn’t reached Void Refinement or Void God level?

Qin Shiyan might be a favored young minister of the empress, but she was still too inexperienced to pressure these bastard old foxes.

“First, her crime is violating military orders. The second-rank Dragon General had ordered them to stand by, but An Luo Yi acted on personal motives, alerting the enemy and causing our forces to gain nothing! This allowed two valuable demonic cultivators to escape!”

The elderly minister spoke with resentment, coldly snorting:

“Second, An Luo Yi has late Nascent Soul stage cultivation—an entire realm above He Ange. Yet she chose to execute him on the spot instead of capturing him? Everyone knows An Luo Yi and He Ange were Dao companions.”

“So Minister Qin, don’t you find it strange that An Luo Yi could so ruthlessly kill her beloved junior brother? Why was she so desperate to kill He Ange alone? What secrets did He Ange’s betrayal hide that required silencing?”

“Moreover, did An Luo Yi’s actions alert those demonic cultivators to flee?”

“With so many suspicions, why shouldn’t we use soul-searching?”

“Or are you afraid we’ll uncover some unspeakable secrets in her mind?”

The elderly minister’s questions were sharp and logical, gradually overpowering Qin Shiyan.

For a moment,

Qin Shiyan was speechless—her face darkening with frustration.

Emotionally,

She trusted An Luo Yi’s character. But rationally—even she had doubted whether An Luo Yi intended to silence He Ange.

The problem was,

An Luo Yi had returned without saying anything—like a soulless puppet. Qin Shiyan believed she had her reasons but couldn’t help if An Luo Yi wouldn’t speak up.

Now,

In the council hall,

Qin Shiyan wanted to defend An Luo Yi but had no arguments or confidence.

Indeed,

He Ange’s death had deeply disappointed and angered her—but she wouldn’t let anyone use this opportunity to frame An Luo Yi.

She had already lost He Ange—she didn’t want to lose An Luo Yi too...

“Minister Qin,

If you have nothing more to say—please sit down. I understand An Luo Yi is your protégé—but when it comes to our dynasty’s future—you must discern right from wrong and not protect any suspect out of personal feelings.”

The elderly minister looked at Qin Shiyan’s troubled expression with satisfaction—shaking his head slightly.

Qin Shiyan clenched her fists silently—eventually sitting down without another word—her phoenix eyes filled with bitterness and frustration.

The outcome was clear—

Seeing an opportunity,

More ministers stepped forward—bowing their heads:

“Your Majesty,

I second this motion! We must thoroughly investigate the Destined Heroine!”

“I second!”

“I second!”

Over half of the elderly ministers stood up—showing their growing hostility towards An Luo Yi.

At the end of the hall,

The Dragon Empress smiled intriguingly—

She first glanced at the number of ministers supporting the motion—then at Qin Shiyan’s despairing expression—finally speaking calmly:

“Since most of you agree—let it be so. Imprison An Luo Yi in Heaven’s Prison and prepare for soul-searching.”

“You are all experienced ministers—you know what to do.”

Her lips curled into a playful smile—

Below,

The elderly ministers knelt in joy:

“Your Majesty is wise——!!!”

Amidst their loud praise,

Only Qin Shiyan looked at the empress with disbelief—

...

...

...

After the council dispersed,

Only Qin Shiyan and the True Dragon Empress remained in the hall—

Smash!

Qin Shiyan crushed a wine cup in anger—finally unable to contain her frustration—

Turning away,

She glared at the veiled empress:

“Your Majesty,

You know they’re targeting An Luo Yi!!”

“Yes,

I know.”

The empress lounged on her dragon throne—crossing her legs casually—her golden high heels tapping lightly—her dragon face indifferent—

Chen Long chuckled:

“When those old fools push An Luo Yi to desperation—I’ll step in and save her...”

“For An Luo Yi—it will be a life-saving grace.”

“Minister Qin, You should understand better than anyone—the gratitude one feels when finally finding a true mentor after being betrayed by everyone else.”

Hearing this,

Qin Shiyan’s phoenix eyes widened—recalling how the empress had saved her from betrayal and condemnation by her own kin—

Back then,

Only the empress believed in her and promoted her despite opposition—giving her a new life—

Since then,

Qin Shiyan had been loyal—grateful for the empress’s trust—

But now...

Seeing the empress using similar tactics on An Luo Yi,

Qin Shiyan felt both shocked and fearful—

Noticing her reaction,

The empress smiled coldly—sipping her wine:

“Minister Qin, Your doubts sadden me.”

“I’m being honest with you because I trust you.”

“But if you dislike seeing my darker side—I can continue pretending to be virtuous.”

She shook her head slightly—sounding disappointed and lonely—

Alarmed,

Qin Shiyan quickly bowed:

“Your Majesty,

I dare not harbor any doubts—please don’t distance yourself from me.”

She had no choice—

Qin Shiyan was already deeply tied to Dragon Dynasty—her loyalty unshakable—

Even if the empress admitted orchestrating events years ago—what could she do?

For over a century, Qin Shiyan’s disciples, friends, resources—all were within Dragon Dynasty—all given by the empress—

Her “home” was here—

She couldn’t betray such long-standing trust and belonging—

Her life belonged to the empress—

Her loyalty unwavering—

Chen Long knew this well—fearlessly revealing her true self behind closed doors—

“I’m just worried this will provoke An Luo Yi’s defiance. She is a proud Destined Heroine with unyielding dignity...”

“No matter.”

The empress smiled faintly:

“I’ve seen many Destined Heroines.”

“The more they push An Luo Yi—the more grateful she’ll be for my pardon... I’ll tell her I knew nothing about the soul-searching—it was all those old fools’ doing...”

“In this way—I remain blameless—and have nothing to fear from her defiance.”

The empress spoke nonchalantly—her dragon eyes gleaming with calculated ambition—

She knew who among her ministers were truly loyal—

That’s why she trusted Qin Shiyan enough to share her plans—

Those scheming old fools coveting power—they were untrustworthy—

Though she disliked them—their usefulness outweighed their treachery—

For example—the “soul-searching” incident—

The empress could use it to play hero—gaining An Luo Yi’s loyalty while blaming those old ministers...

Would they dare protest?

They wouldn’t!

Even if she openly blamed them—they’d have no choice but to accept it quietly—

Then,

By promoting loyal talents like An Luo Yi—she’d purge disloyal ministers from court—

Gradually replacing them with loyal young celestial servants—

Eventually,

She’d eliminate all ambitious old ministers—leaving only loyal talents like Qin Shiyan and An Luo Yi—

This was true greatness—a dynasty ruled by dragon might!

“Your Majesty...”

Shocked by such ambition,

Qin Shiyan trembled—seeing her ruler in a new light—

But despite this,

She sighed and bowed in acknowledgment:

“I understand.”

Though ruthless—the empress still valued An Luo Yi—using soul-searching only as a prelude before saving her—

Thus,

Qin Shiyan had no further objections—

Both wanted to protect An Luo Yi—their ultimate goals aligned—even if their methods differed—

“Minister Qin,

Now that you understand my intentions—you know what to do...”

“I understand.”

Qin Shiyan rose to leave—but was called back—

Turning around,

She saw the empress’s eyes gleaming with malice:

“And one more thing—write a detailed report on He Ange’s death. I don’t believe An Luo Yi could kill him so heartlessly—there must be hidden truths.”

“So many ancient treasures in Shengxu Sect’s back mountain—but only that ancient scroll is missing?”

“Heh~”

“I know exactly what Feng Yuan is up to.”

...

...

Dragon Dynasty – Celestial Ministers’ Residence

Late at night—the palace gates illuminated brightly—two dark figures appeared out of nowhere—their abyssal aura alarming nearby guards—

Within moments,

Dozens of celestial servants surrounded them from all directions—

“Halt!!”

“Identify yourselves!”

The guards shouted—but the two figures ignored them—calmly ascending the stairs towards the hall—

Leading them was a white-robed youth—with star-like eyes and a handsome face—his black hair tied back as he stood tall and graceful—a picture of elegance and nobility—

Yet despite his celestial appearance—a dark abyssal aura swirled around him—his eyes glinting with an eerie darkness as he smiled faintly—

Following him was a moonlit maiden—with cloud-like black hair adorned with nine-phoenix pins—a beauty like poetry—but merely following behind him—

This was the residence of Dragon Dynasty’s celestial ministers!

Home to highly respected and powerful first-rank ministers!

Their bold intrusion was suicidal!

“Is this how Dragon Dynasty treats guests?”

The white-robed youth paused at the entrance—his gaze flashing with displeasure and challenge—

At that moment—the lead guard stepped forward—drawing his sword towards him:

“Who are you? State your name——what!?”

Before he could finish—the youth raised his hand—a dark abyssal force swirling within his palm—

In an instant—the guard was pulled towards him—his neck gripped tightly as he struggled for breath—

“I hate being pointed at with swords.”

The youth murmured coldly—

In a flash—the guard’s body ignited with hellfire—disintegrating into ashes in his hand—

Seeing this—the other guards trembled in fear—backing away in panic—but found themselves ensnared by his abyssal force unable to escape—

He didn’t rush to kill them—letting them scream for help instead—

“Evil cultist!!!”

“No! Don’t kill me!!”

“Minister! Minister save us——!!”

Soon enough,

Several dragon-robed elders burst out from within—their voices booming:

“Abyssal apostle?”

“Stop this at once——!!!”

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Poof!

As they appeared—all guards simultaneously exploded into blood mist—devoured by his abyssal power—

Meanwhile—the white-robed youth smiled elegantly:

Facing their shocked and furious gazes—he bowed politely:

“I am He Yuan—the Holy Son of Spirit Phoenix Sect.”

“Here on behalf of Feng Yuan—to discuss future cooperation with esteemed ministers.”

tln : fck , too many plot twist.