Wei Bo left with great ambition and resolute steps.

His figure gradually disappeared in the distance, his back full of longing for the pinnacle of future power.

At this moment, Xie Quan hurried over with a Westerner, seeking to meet Xu Qing.

This Westerner was a friend he had recently made, a missionary by profession.

"This is the honorable Xu, the Wenqu Star descending in our time! His status in our Great Yu Dynasty is as revered as your Western Archbishop," Xie Quan eagerly introduced Xu Qing to the missionary beside him.

This missionary had gone to great lengths to facilitate his mission in China. He took on the profoundly meaningful Central Earth name—Zhou Taixuan.

Moreover, he even dyed his hair black with pigments, striving to integrate into this land.

The characters "Taixuan" carried extraordinary significance.

In Central Earth, the "Supreme Mysterious Scripture" is an essential text for interpreting "The Book of Changes," and "The Book of Changes" is esteemed as the king of scriptures, akin to the status of the "Bible" in the West.

By adopting the name "Taixuan," his intention to use Central Earth's cultural power for spreading his doctrine was self-evident.

Xu Qing had a deep conversation with Zhou Taixuan, realizing the missionary before him was a "Great Yu expert," well-versed in many aspects of Central Earth and remarkably knowledgeable and articulate.

From poetry and prose to local customs, from political systems to folk traditions, he could speak extensively, offering unique insights. It's no wonder Xie Quan chose to befriend him.

The situation in the Southern Ocean was now exceedingly complex. The Imperial Navy clashed frequently with Westerners, with conflicts breaking out often. But the Westerners were not united; upon witnessing the formidable military prowess and advanced firearms of the Great Yu Navy, divisions quickly appeared among them.

After all, they crossed the seas for profit, and none wished to be embroiled in meaningless casualties.

Zhou Taixuan represented his country's stance—Machela.

Machela was considered a sizable country in the West, with its unique culture and political system. The current Western situation was reminiscent of the late Spring and Autumn period of the Great Yu Dynasty, with numerous states coexisting and constant feuding.

However, they all shared faith in a divine being—"Allah," whose status in the West was akin to the Great Heavenly Venerate of Taoism in Central Earth, the core of Western spiritual belief.

Xu Qing: "During my time in the Southern Ocean, I read some of your Western classics. I heard that this Allah has many other names, such as Ammon, Messiah, Mohammed... Due to disputes over representing his orthodox beliefs, conflicts erupted among you, leading to countless wars..." Xu Qing spoke eloquently, deeply knowledgeable about the Western world, leaving Zhou Taixuan greatly astonished.

He initially thought he was quite knowledgeable about Central Earth, yet he didn't expect Xu Qing to have such a deep understanding of the West.

On closer thought, however, the honorable Xu before him, who previously pacified the Southern Ocean and is now the most enlightened Governor of the Great Yu Dynasty, knowing these things seemed quite logical indeed.

"Allah manifests in many forms among people, existing even to this day. In terms of realm, he's said to surpass the creator mentioned in your country's religion..." Zhou Taixuan, unwilling to be outshone, tried to promote his belief.

He straightened his posture, his eyes gleaming with fervor, as if speaking an indisputable truth.

Xu Qing smiled faintly: "If this Western god truly possesses such divine skills, then Central Earth should have long been bathed in his divine light. Yet the reality is that you Westerners will sooner or later be driven out of the Southern Ocean. By the way, I've heard you Westerners have already invaded Tianzhu Country..."

Xu Qing's words carried wisdom that seemed to penetrate all worldly matters.

Zhou Taixuan felt increasingly surprised, for the situation in Tianzhu Country was little known to many Westerners, yet this practical Governor of the Great Yu Dynasty was even more knowledgeable than himself.

With the ongoing exchange, Zhou Taixuan grew increasingly admiring of Xu Qing.

Especially since this Governor of the Great Yu Dynasty openly embraced Western knowledge, giving Zhou Taixuan a glimpse of hope for spreading his mission. He secretly pondered, perhaps leveraging Xu Qing's influence could help his religion take root and grow on this land.

However, the conversation's conclusion struck him like a thunderbolt, nearly causing him to spit out blood.

"Master Xie, Mr. Zhou quite impresses me. Let him temporarily serve as the Court Painter." Xu Qing's voice was stable yet indisputable.

Court Painter?

Zhou Taixuan could hardly believe his ears, his mind involuntarily recalling the Great Yu Dynasty's poem "Questioning ghosts, not asking the livings."

He had eagerly anticipated spreading his mission, only to be assigned as a Court Painter; the disparity was just too enormous. His face instantly turned pale, lips trembling slightly, as if wanting to say something but unable to speak.

Xie Quan, standing to the side, saw Zhou Taixuan's bewildered expression, finding it secretly amusing. Recently, the atmosphere in Yingtian Prefecture had grown more open, even leading to matchmaking events among the residents, reportedly initiated by Xu Qing.

Xu Gongming's move was akin to both parties being quite satisfied upon meeting, only for the other side to suddenly say, this maiden is perfect for our family's coachman, leaving one unprepared.

Despite his reluctance, Xu Qing's resolute stance left Zhou Taixuan with no choice but to leave dejectedly. His steps were heavy, each seeming to carry endless disappointment.

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