The leader of the Heavenly Origin Sect trembled with rage at this turn of events. The calm, inscrutable air he normally put on shattered in an instant, and he all but shrieked, "You're lying!!"
"My lord!" He turned toward the magistrate beside him, his voice brimming with seemingly boundless grievance. "This humble commoner would never dare utter such outrageous words! Please see the truth, my lord!!"
The County Magistrate of Quchun stroked his beard without immediately answering.
He knew how the Heavenly Origin Sect operated.
First, they began with the hardships of ordinary life, stirring up the misery people felt under oppression.
Then, they organized gatherings for the followers to exchange their experiences, making newcomers feel they had found kindred spirits.
Finally, they painted a perfect vision of the future, offering people the beautiful hope of rising up and becoming masters of their own fate.
The County Magistrate of Quchun looked toward the group of "missing persons" still sitting where they were.
They were lavishly dressed and carried themselves with distinction. They had not shown even a trace of panic at the soldiers' sudden appearance, either. They clearly did not look like people who could be fooled by such a routine.
He believed the Heavenly Origin Sect's leader would never be foolish enough to rigidly follow his usual script, but-
Who cared?
With more leverage over the man, he would have more excuses to squeeze even more silver out of the Heavenly Origin Sect!
The County Magistrate of Quchun slowly walked up to the little girl, bent down, and asked kindly, "Little girl, what else did they say?"
Jiang Yingcheng smiled sweetly. "They also said the authorities were heartless and always found all sorts of ways to bully the common people. And, and they said all their hard-earned money went