Transmigrating to the Dragon's World

Chapter 3: Divided into Two Factions

After confirming that he had traveled through time, specifically to China in 1890, Zhou Bing began to plot how to subdue these cultists.

In the following period, several more groups arrived at the square. These were the remaining five of the Seven Elders: Zhao Wanqian, Sun Taiping, He Zhenghua, Yang Mieqing, and Song Tianqing. Together with Li Buhui and Zhang Dabang, they formed the Seven Elders. These individuals, along with the Holy Maiden Guard, constituted roughly the entirety of the White Lotus Sect's current strength. While they didn't possess the hundreds of thousands of peasant soldiers they had at their peak, or even the strength they had at their lowest point, Zhou Bing considered them a formidable force. The key was their manpower; if he could subdue them, he could train them into a battle-hardened army, an elite force capable of conquering the world. Zhou Bing smiled at the group, then began preparing his speech, mentally reciting several White Lotus Sect slogans. Finally, all preparations were complete; he awaited the opportune moment.

"Seeing that all seven elders had arrived, the White Lotus Saintess leaped onto her lotus platform, retrieved the White Lotus Sect's sacred artifact—the Sacred Lotus Token! Holding the token high in her right hand, she proclaimed loudly: 'The mud originates from chaos, the white lotus's appearance heralds a golden age!'"

The lower-ranking followers also shouted loudly: "The mud originates from chaos, the white lotus appears and a prosperous age begins!"

"The white lotus descends to earth, all people are overthrown, the holy maiden descends, the white lotus is reborn! The true homeland, the parents without birth!" A continuous stream of slogans rang out from below.

"Very well, today the main members of my White Lotus Sect are holding the White Lotus Conference here to discuss the matter of the White Lotus Sect's leader. From the 15th year of Jiaqing to the 15th year of Guangxu, for 70 years, my White Lotus Sect has been without a leader, which has led to internal divisions. Now, here, I hope that everyone can find the best way to resolve the issue of the White Lotus Sect's lack of a leader, instead of killing each other!" said the Holy Maiden.

“Holy Maiden, as you know, none of us seven elders will submit to anyone else. If we were to choose one of us as the leader, the White Lotus Sect would still fall into internal strife. Therefore, I believe we should find someone outside of us to be our leader,” Sun Taiping said.

“Sun Taiping, what do you mean? Find someone from outside? Does that mean my White Lotus Sect has to change its name?” Li Buhui said.

“Why change your surname when you’re looking for someone from outside? Even if you do, it’s better than killing each other!” Sun Taiping said.

“Sun Taiping, your own strength is too small to contend with us, so you come up with this absurd method to prevent us from becoming the leader? It’s truly ridiculous!” Zhao Wanqian said.

“Alright, Zhao Wanqian, as long as you don’t fight amongst yourselves for the position of sect leader, I have nothing to say!” Sun Taiping said.

"Alright, everyone, stop arguing. The Holy Maiden is still up there. What kind of behavior is this?" Song Tianqing said.

"Mind your own business, or I'll kill you!" Li Buhui said.

"Li Buhui, how dare you!" Song Tianqing said, "Let's see if I, Song Tianqing, am afraid of you!" He then prepared to fight Li Buhui.

"Everyone, stop arguing! If this continues, my White Lotus Sect will truly perish!" the Holy Maiden said.

“Holy Maiden, you are a Holy Maiden only when we respect you; when we don’t, you’re nothing but a young girl!” Li Buhui said.

"Li Buhui, how dare you speak to the Holy Maiden like that!" said the Left Protector.

"Left Protector, ask everyone present if anyone truly obeys the Holy Maiden?" Li Buhui said.

"You..." The Left Protector didn't know how to continue.

"Haha, the reason why the Holy Maiden can still exist is because none of us want to become the target of public criticism. What do you think, Holy Maiden?" Li Buhui said.

"Li Buhui, aren't you afraid of becoming the target of everyone's criticism?" the Holy Maiden asked.

"Hahaha, Holy Maiden, I, Li Buhui, am determined to take the position of leader today. If you are willing to support me, you will still be the Holy Maiden of the White Lotus Sect after I become the leader! Otherwise, brothers, you are in for a treat! Hahahaha!" Li Buhui said.

“Li Buhui, how dare you insult the Holy Maiden like this!” said the Right Protector.

"Haha, you Holy Maiden Guard, if any of you dare to oppose me, I'll let my brothers have a good time with you, hahaha!" Li Buhui said.

“Li Buhui, don’t you think you’ve gone too far? How dare you insult the Holy Maiden like this! I beg the Holy Maiden to use the Holy Lotus Token to rally everyone to eliminate this traitor who disrespects her!” Sun Taiping said.

"Sun Taiping, are you determined to oppose me?" Li Buhui asked.

“When the leader was on his deathbed, he appointed seven elders, only to tell us that he wanted us to assist the Holy Maiden, not to kill each other!” Sun Taiping said.

“Did I say I wouldn’t assist the Holy Maiden? As long as the Holy Maiden doesn’t oppose me, she will still be the Holy Maiden! The Holy Maiden admired by thousands in the White Lotus Sect!” Li Buhui said.

“Li Buhui, don’t even think that the Holy Maiden will support you!” said the Left Protector.

“Young girl, the Holy Maiden hasn’t even spoken yet, and it’s already your turn?” Li Buhui said.

“Li Buhui, if you want to become the leader, you’ll have to ask the sword in my hand first!” Zhang Dabang said.

“Exactly, why should you be the leader?” Zhao Wanqian said.

“Who said no one supports Elder Li?” Yang Mieqing said.

“In a little while, it will be Leader Li!” He Zhenghua said.

"Haha, thank you for your support, Elder Yang and Elder He," Li Buhui said.

“Holy Maiden, you have used the Holy Lotus Token to call on everyone to kill Li Buhui. I believe the White Lotus Cult will still heed the call of the Holy Lotus Token!” Sun Taiping said.

“Yes, Holy Maiden, use the Holy Lotus Token to rally everyone!” Zhao Wanqian said.

"Sacred Lotus Token? I have one too, hahaha, Holy Maiden, don't try to swindle people with a fake Sacred Lotus Token!" Li Buhui said.

"It's you!" the saintess exclaimed.

“That’s right, I stole the Holy Lotus Token. Hahaha, as long as you support me, you’ll still be the Holy Maiden, otherwise… hahaha!” Li Buhui said.

"Li Buhui, how dare you steal the White Lotus Sect's sacred artifact!" Sun Taiping exclaimed.

"What? The Holy Lotus Token originally belonged to the sect leader. It was only when the sect leader was not around that it was handed over to the Holy Maiden to command the White Lotus sect members. Sect Leader Li was originally the owner of the Holy Lotus Token!" He Zhenghua said.

"Haha, not bad. Soon I will be the leader of the White Lotus Sect, so naturally I must possess the Sacred Lotus Token," Li Buhui said.

“Li Buhui, don’t forget the dying words of the leader in the 15th year of Jiaqing’s reign!” Sun Taiping said.

"The cult leader's last words? You've heard of the cult leader's last words? The cult leader died 70 years ago, what last words could he possibly have! Hahahaha!" Li Buhui said.

“That’s right, how many of us have heard of the cult leader’s last instructions? Those old elders from back then are long gone, so what’s the point of talking about the cult leader’s last instructions!” Yang Mieqing said.

“You traitors of the White Lotus Sect!” Sun Taiping shouted.

"Haha, it's always been a case of the victor being king and the loser being villain. Who is the traitor is still uncertain!" Li Buhui said.

“Holy Maiden, give the order! I, Sun Taiping, will serve you faithfully!” Sun Taiping said.

"I, Zhang Dabang, also swear to follow the Holy Maiden to the death!" Zhang Dabang declared.

"Haha, although I, Zhao Wanqian, am not convinced by the Holy Maiden, I will lend her a hand at this moment!" Zhao Wanqian said.

"I, Song Tianqing, simply cannot accept Li Buhui's position. Since everyone supports the Holy Maiden, I have nothing more to say!" Song Tianqing said.

"Holy Maiden, let us duel with these rebellious bastards!" Sun Taiping said.

"Li Buhui, do you really have to fight to the death? That would only weaken the White Lotus Sect!" the Holy Maiden said.

“As long as you are willing to submit to me, I will naturally not do anything to harm my brothers!” Li Buhui said.

“Hmph, Li Buhui, don’t even think about it. We will not obey someone who disrespects the Holy Maiden, nor will we allow someone who disrespects the Holy Maiden to be our leader!” Sun Taiping said.