"Great Sage Sander, your lie is completely baseless! The Ba Tian Sect has always been the strongest force on the Northern Continent. There is no doubt about Lady Sigrid's strength and wisdom."
Gloria's direct subordinate immediately struck back, her voice brimming with fury.
"What we need is an ally in peak condition, one capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities for the empire. Lady Sigrid, if you really are hiding something, then that is irresponsible behavior toward the empire! It will also destroy the reputation and trust our Rebirth Church has built in the Protos Empire!"
But Sander, the direct subordinate from the Nirvana Branch, ignored Gloria completely and pointed his accusation straight at Sigrid.
"If Lady Sigrid of the Ba Tian Sect has nothing to feel guilty about, would you dare accept my challenge and let us see whether you can kill me instantly as everyone expects? Or will even facing a sixth-tier Martial Artist like me force you into a bitter struggle?"
"You think you're worthy of fighting the Bishop?"
The grand priests of the Ba Tian Branch rose to their feet, their chairs clanging loudly as they fell back. Clearly, they would not tolerate such an insulting challenge. Their eyes warned Sander that if he wanted to fight, they would be happy to play with him first.
As the confrontation reached the verge of erupting, the nobles and ministers began whispering heatedly among themselves.
The Franklin Council Hall filled with astonished, doubtful, and argumentative voices. Some wore surprised expressions, while others looked worried.
Their gazes shifted between Sigrid of the Ba Tian Sect and Askesang of the Nirvana Branch as they tried to glean more information from their expressions and body language.
Even Isis cast a slightly more attentive look in their direction over this issue, which concerned the