Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 73 Part 2

Chapter 73 Part 2

On the other side, the Left Guardian gritted his teeth, pounding the table with a clenched fist as he spat out bitterly, The sect leader trusts Song Jian too much. He didn’t even suspect him in the slightest, brushing the matter aside without any investigation. I simply can’t swallow this anger.

Guardian, rest assured. After all, Song Jian is an outsider. You grew up with the sect leader since childhood—no one can compare to your bond. No matter how much the sect leader trusts Song Jian, if enough people speak against him, it’s impossible for him to remain completely unquestioning and steadfast in his belief.

The sect leader and the Left Guardian had known each other since they were young, having grown up as close as brothers. Their relationship was deeper than anyone else’s, and the sect leader had even promised to share half the world with him once they seized power.

The Left Guardian knew what he should and shouldn’t take. With his mediocre abilities, half the empire was too much for him to handle.

All he sought was a life of luxury, second only to the sect leader, ensuring a worry-free existence for the rest of his days.

However, human hearts are fickle, and bonds require maintenance. He had to remain by the sect leader’s side at all times, preventing others from getting close and replacing his position.

The Left Guardian paid close attention to the disciple’s words, detecting a deeper meaning between the lines. His thick, dark eyebrows raised as he shot the disciple a sidelong glance and deliberately asked, What do you mean?

Eager to claim credit, the disciple bowed and stepped closer to the Left Guardian, putting on a flattering smile as he said, Guardian, if enough people in the sect discuss Song Jian, and everyone believes he’s colluding with Xu Mao of the Loyal Army, then whether the sect leader believes it or not won’t matter. The sect will never tolerate someone secretly colluding with the enemy.

Well said. The Left Guardian’s lips curled slightly, a smile appearing on his face as he envisioned the timely unfolding of his scheme. He said happily, With so many people saying Song Jian is problematic, how could the sect leader possibly protect him?

The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He whispered a few instructions to the disciple, outlining the plans for what was to come.

Rumors about Song Jian and Xu Mao suddenly began spreading throughout the Celestial God Sect. Everywhere, people were saying Song Jian had divided loyalties toward the sect and had long been in contact with Xu Mao, merely lurking within the sect to pass information to the outside.

Earlier, the Left Guardian suggested killing Xu Mao to eliminate future troubles, but it was Song Jian who vouched for him, saying something about Xu Mao’s strength not to be underestimated and that we shouldn’t provoke him lightly. In the end, all we did was shoot a single arrow—who was that meant to scare? I think he was just using it as a pretext to protect his new master!

Song Jian even bossed around those of us who’ve been following the sect leader since the founding. You have no idea what he proposed to the sect leader—it makes me furious just thinking about it.

What did he say to the sect leader this time?

Song Jian said that we have no discipline, are illiterate, and only have our loyalty and courage to offer. But he called us too foolish, impulsive, and reckless, unwilling to be bound by rules and etiquette. He claimed that if we’re allowed to continue like this, the Celestial God Sect will surely fall!

Upon hearing this, the crowd was shocked and enraged, unable to sit still. Their anger flared, and they leaped to their feet, cursing Song Jian for being heartless, treacherous, and vicious.

That treacherous villain is trying to drive us away from the sect leader so he can control the entire sect! We can’t let him succeed!

Once their own interests were involved, the disciples could no longer remain calm. Each one shouted and yelled in agitation, their eyes bloodshot, as if Song Jian were a sworn enemy who had wiped out their entire families, their hatred overwhelming.

Rumors of Song Jian’s betrayal of the sect grew increasingly fervent, reaching even the sect leader’s ears. As Song Dexue walked along the road, she could overhear these hushed discussions.

The sect leader flew into a rage and promptly summoned the Left Guardian. After dismissing all the servants, only the two of them remained in the room, leaving outsiders unaware of their exact conversation.

Not far from the door, someone faintly heard a loud crash from inside—the sound of a wooden stool shattering upon impact—followed by the sect leader’s furious roar: …You think you’re so clever! Don’t imagine I don’t know what you’re thinking. Stop this foolishness! I’m not blind yet, nor have I grown so old that my vision is failing. I know what I should and shouldn’t do—I don’t need you making decisions for me!

Crashing sounds followed—tables and chairs being overturned, teacups hurled to the ground. A sharp crack signaled the shattering of porcelain, the commotion growing intense. Clang, clatter—who knew what else had been smashed to pieces?

A disciple rushed to the study to find Song Jian. Catching his breath and clutching his chest, he reported anxiously, Master Song, it’s terrible! The sect leader called the Left Guardian for a reprimand. They’ve shut the door, and it seems they’re about to come to blows!

Song Dexue remained composed, her eyelashes lowered as she focused intently on a sheet of white paper. Without moving, she slowly retracted her brush and said calmly, I have a fair idea what they’re arguing about. Don’t worry—nothing serious will come of it.

The disciple steadied his breathing, but thinking of the rampant rumors circulating through the sect lately, he couldn’t help but complain, The Left Guardian is truly unreasonable. Why does he keep targeting you, sir? He insists you harbor ill intentions toward the Celestial God Sect, watching our every move so closely that we can’t even carry out our duties freely.

Song Dexue gave a light laugh. I’ve already made it clear to the sect leader: to achieve great things, we must first cast aside personal attachments. The Left Guardian and his followers rely on their bond with the sect leader to act recklessly, ignoring sect decrees. Tolerating them is tantamount to watching the Celestial God Sect march toward ruin. To protect his own interests, of course the Left Guardian resents me and wishes to eliminate me as quickly as possible.

But you’re considering the greater good, sir! If the Left Guardian could only wake up and restrain himself, given the sect leader’s sentimental nature, he might not abandon him entirely!

The disciple couldn’t comprehend it. This was clearly for the benefit of the Celestial God Sect—a necessary long-term strategy to root out deep-seated problems. If the Left Guardian truly cared for the sect leader, he ought to correct his ways immediately.

Song Dexue inwardly scoffed.

When interests were at stake, who would willingly give up benefits already within grasp?

As for sentiment—it sounded noble, but only those with wealth could afford to indulge in it.

Concealing the complexity in her eyes, Song Dexue recalled her own strategic arrangements and sighed deeply. The Left Guardian and his faction are determined not to accept me. The sect leader can protect me for a time, but not forever. As days stretch into years, the disciples will grow dissatisfied with me as well.

The disciple nodded in agreement. After this incident, Master Song and the Left Guardian were bound to become irreconcilable enemies, locked in a fight to the death.

Having served Master Song the longest, he was practically a trusted confidant—and the Left Guardian would certainly not overlook him. They needed to plan ahead.

Driven by concerns for his own safety, the disciple’s mind raced as he desperately brainstormed possible escape routes.

Suddenly, he lifted his head, cheeks flushed, and strode quickly to Song Dexue’s left side. Lowering his voice, he whispered urgently, Sir, with the Left Guardian slandering us like this and turning the disciples against us, staying here any longer could cost us our lives. Why not grant the Left Guardian his wish? Let’s go join the Loyal Army.

After all, the sect doesn’t treat us well. The sect leader superficially supports you, Sir, but his actual attitude remains ambiguous and constantly wavering. He’s been too indecisive towards the Left Guardian and others. The Celestial God Sect’s future looks bleak – it’s no suitable place for us.

Fearing Song Dexue might refuse, he specifically analyzed the pros and cons before immediately highlighting the benefits: I’ve heard the Loyal Army is quite excellent. They provide three meals a day, not to mention military pay.

Since the Loyal Army was established, they’ve never lost a single battle. The common people particularly praise Xu Mao, the Loyal Army’s leader.

Most importantly, Xu Mao has been officially enfeoffed by the Emperor as the Prince of Jin. The Loyal Army has gained legitimate status – even the imperial court must carefully consider before taking action against them, needing proper justification to arrest anyone. Unlike our Celestial God Sect, which after all this time still has to hide and evade government pursuit and extermination… The Loyal Army is ahead of the Celestial God Sect. Switching allegiance to Xu Mao might be our opportunity!

Song Dexue stared at his face in astonishment, How long have you been entertaining this idea?

Knowing so much meant he must have done his homework – this wasn’t a sudden whim or impulsive thought.

The follower sheepishly stepped back half a step, Sir, to be honest, the Left Guardian and others have been oppressing and making things difficult for the followers. Many people are already considering joining the Loyal Army. At least we wouldn’t have to serve others daily, paying money only to suffer humiliation. Joining the Loyal Army not only requires no payment but even provides scholars to teach reading – everyone yearns for this greatly.

You even know about the military’s educational programs!

Song Dexue was shocked – this indicated they had been following and inquiring about the Loyal Army’s affairs for quite some time.

The believer waved his hands awkwardly, No, it was when the Loyal Army exposed our divine techniques, troubling our sect leader – that’s when we investigated.

No need to be nervous, I was just asking casually. Song Dexue set aside the details and pondered, What you say makes sense. Rather than praying for the sect leader and Left Guardian to come to their senses, it’s better to take control of our own destiny and pledge allegiance to Prince of Jin Xu Mao. Even if we don’t achieve rapid success, at least our lives would be secure.Seeing that he had persuaded Song Dexue, the believer beamed with joy.

What Song Dexue didn’t know was one important matter: while the Loyal Army was excellent in all aspects, the only drawback was how difficult it was to join. They recruited few soldiers and had various tests – it wasn’t something one could join just by wanting to.

If he went alone, he likely wouldn’t even get past the threshold.

But Song Dexue was different. He could be considered the Celestial God Sect’s pillar, particularly relied upon by the sect leader. Wherever he went, he would only be treated as an honored guest.

If Song Dexue took him along, he might benefit from the association and avoid those complicated tests – that’s why he wanted to persuade Song Dexue to go together.

With the matter settled, the believer happily went to pack his belongings.

Meanwhile, in a tightly shut room, the door suddenly swung open. The sect leader emerged after disciplining the Left Guardian, who followed behind with a swollen, red face.

The sect leader had slapped him for an outsider who joined midway. The Left Guardian’s hatred for Song Jian grew deeper, but constrained by the sect leader, he could only suppress it, secretly planning to find an opportunity to kill Song Jian and eliminate future troubles.

However, after several days passed before he could devise a method, a young disciple came running in panic, shouting: Sect Leader, terrible news – Sir Song has disappeared—

The sect leader slammed the table in shock, his cold gaze suddenly shooting toward the Left Guardian, Do you have anything to explain?

The Left Guardian stood frozen in place, utterly at a loss. He hastily sprang to his feet, straightened his tangled tongue, and stammered in panic, Leader, it wasn’t me! I didn’t lay a hand on him! After you scolded me a few days ago, how would I dare to offend again at such a time!

Then how did that person vanish? Could it not be your deliberate revenge? the Leader said coldly, implying in every word that he harbored resentment, seizing an unnoticed moment to lure Song Jian away and deal him a fatal blow.

The Left Guardian felt like crying but had no tears. Leader, this is a wrongful accusation!