Versatile Mage: Soul and Demon Dual Cultivation

The Xuan Serpent's body gradually shrank, brushing past Zhu Meng as if completely ignoring him. After a moment, the Xuan Serpent returned to Lin Chen's shoulder and coiled up again.

Regardless, Luo Mian was the main culprit in this matter. Although Zhu Meng had his own selfish motives, his contributions to Hangzhou were evident. However, while Zhu Meng could be spared the death penalty, he couldn't escape punishment. Lin Chen intended to give him a good scare!

Lin Chen sneered and said, "Now that the truth is out, Zhu Meng, do you understand why I called you an idiot? Before investigating the matter thoroughly, you wanted to eliminate what you perceived as a threat for your own selfish desires. You disregarded the truth and the lives of the people of Hangzhou. If you had ordered someone to investigate the truth earlier, perhaps so many people wouldn't have died from the epidemic. In my opinion, you and Luo Mian are not much different. You are Luo Mian's biggest accomplice! You are even more detestable than him!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Meng slumped back in his chair, his expression listless and his eyes empty.

Tang Zhong shook his head helplessly. Lin Chen not only won this game but also aimed to crush Zhu Meng's spirit. Good heavens, with such soul-crushing words, wouldn't Zhu Meng develop inner demons?

Speaking of which, Zhu Meng was quite unlucky. Everyone has their own selfish desires, which is understandable.

However, Zhu Meng's selfishness indirectly helped the enemy, and he happened to provoke Lin Chen. Lin Chen was known for holding grudges. He clearly knew the truth long ago but insisted on resolving the issue in this manner.

He not only didn't leave Zhu Meng any face but also rubbed his face on the ground repeatedly. Just thinking about the method was terrifying.

Through this matter, Tang Zhong had made up his mind that no matter what happened in the future, he must never offend Lin Chen!

This guy was very wicked!

Lin Chen glanced at everyone present, then looked at Zhu Meng again and said, "The Xuan Serpent is the guardian of Hangzhou. It would never harm innocent humans. However, the poison used by that beast Luo Mian is the favorite of the White Demon Eagles in the Western Ridge. If they attack, solve it yourself. Don't come to the Xuan Serpent for help. Don't let me look down on you!"

Lin Chen gave Zhu Meng a cold look, then led the Xuan Serpent out of the room. Now that the culprit had been subdued, it was time for him to retire.

As for Zhu Meng, Lin Chen naturally couldn't do anything to him. After all, he was a councilor, and Lin Chen certainly wouldn't go against the country.

As Lin Chen left, everyone in the meeting hall finally breathed a sigh of relief. The pressure from the Xuan Serpent was too great. After relaxing, everyone looked at Zhu Meng. Seeing that Zhu Meng was still in that dazed state, they looked at each other, not knowing whether to leave or stay. They didn't know what to do.

"Zhu Meng, what's done is done. There's no point in dwelling on it. We must look forward!" Tang Zhong's voice broke the silence.

Tang Zhong's words also brought Zhu Meng back to his senses. Zhu Meng gave Tang Zhong an awkward look. Previously, he had forced Tang Zhong to deal with the Xuan Serpent, causing some unpleasantness between them.

Now that the truth was out, Tang Zhong had put aside his prejudices and turned to comfort him.

Just then, a man in uniform walked in. The man saluted Zhu Meng and said, "Report, urgent military situation from the fortress. The White Demon Eagles from the Western Ridge are suddenly launching a large-scale attack. Even Monarch-level demons in the Western Ridge have been mobilized, causing the military's Skyhawks to rebel…"

Hearing the report, Zhu Meng frowned. He wished he could kill himself. If he hadn't been so selfish in handling this matter, as Lin Chen said, and investigated the source of the epidemic first, the situation probably wouldn't be so serious now.

Zhu Meng looked at Tang Zhong and said with difficulty, "Can… can't let… Xuan Serpent…"

After a moment, Zhu Meng couldn't finish his sentence. The words Lin Chen had said before leaving were still echoing in his mind.

But Zhu Meng couldn't care about face anymore. Whether Hangzhou could be defended was his biggest concern.

Although Zhu Meng didn't finish his sentence, Tang Zhong obviously understood what he meant. Tang Zhong sighed softly and said, "Lin Chen has already taken the lead in this matter, and I don't have any confidence. From what I know of him, Lin Chen is a very opinionated person. If he doesn't want to do something, it's useless even if you put a knife to his throat! Besides, I don't have the strength to force him!"

Tang Zhong's words were true. He had dealt with Lin Chen before, and it seemed that Lin Chen was very disgusted with Huaguo organizations like the Inquisition. And Lin Chen's strength made him feel unfathomable. The fact that Tang Yue was able to advance to the Super-Order mage so quickly made him even more unbelievable. Obviously, the two were hiding a big secret!

Faced with this situation, even if Tang Zhong was Tang Yue's own uncle, he didn't intend to investigate. He knew that this was a matter of principle, and as long as they didn't take the initiative to say it, Tang Zhong would never take the initiative to ask.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Meng looked disappointed. Just as he was at a loss, Tang Zhong's voice rang out again.

"Perhaps someone can persuade him!" Tang Zhong said.

Zhu Meng was stunned and immediately said excitedly, "Who is it? Tell me quickly. We've reached a critical moment for Hangzhou. Don't keep me in suspense!"

Tang Zhong chuckled and said, "Tang Yue!"

"Tang Yue? Right, right, right, Tang Yue! How could I not have thought of that!" Zhu Meng said excitedly. The relationship between Tang Yue and Lin Chen wasn't a secret. Not to mention that Tang Yue was originally a member of the Inquisition, her sudden suspension and childbirth naturally couldn't be hidden from high-ranking officials like them.

"Tang Zhong, quickly ask Tang Yue to talk to Lin Chen. As long as they can resolve the crisis in Hangzhou, I, Zhu Meng, guarantee that I will never trouble the Xuan Serpent again from now on!" Zhu Meng said solemnly.

At this time, Zhu Meng couldn't care about face anymore. No matter how important face was, it wasn't as important as the safety of Hangzhou!

Tang Zhong's mouth twitched. Listen to what Zhu Meng was saying. Was he speaking human language? This matter had nothing to do with the Xuan Serpent in the first place, but now he was making it sound like the Xuan Serpent had made some mistake, giving him a chance to redeem himself.

Faced with Zhu Meng's thick skin, Tang Zhong chuckled and didn't intend to argue with him. Zhu Meng had indeed made many contributions to Hangzhou. He said, "I'll try!"

…

By West Lake, there was an ancient mansion. In front of the mansion, Lin Chen was lying on a bamboo chair, legs crossed, eyes closed in rest.

The sky was clear, without a cloud in sight. The autumn sun made people feel a hint of warmth. Under the sun's rays, a slender shadow was inlaid on the ground.