Households Commander Zuo was not foolish; he understood in his heart that this was a private transaction between his superior and Xu Qing. In the officialdom, such matters were commonplace, and even if the world truly became the Immortal Dynasty, it might just be old wine in a new bottle.

In fact, the old Emperor was also well aware of this matter. Why could Eunuch Zhao and Marquis Wuding still receive the old Emperor's heavy use despite committing crimes? Because they did not delay the tasks entrusted to them by the old Emperor.

To a superior, as long as one can help him accomplish tasks, issues like corruption are nothing significant at all.

The next words from Xu Qing made it even more difficult for Households Commander Zuo to refuse. It turned out that the Lao Mountain Upper Pure Palace was also involved in this matter.

Households Commander Zuo was an upright person, but faced with such a situation, he truly had no ground to refuse.

After the discussion was over, Households Commander Zuo left the Xu Residence in a daze. He knew in his heart that Xu Gongming might still be that Xu Gongming in essence, but there seemed to be an invisible and intangible barrier between him and Xu Gongming.

What exactly was this barrier, he couldn't say. But was there anything bad about Xu Gongming? Upon close reflection, there truly wasn't.

In Households Commander Zuo's view, if the world had no Xu Gongming, after the disaster in the Northwest provinces, the world might have long descended into chaos. Now, under Xu Qing's efforts, the world seemed to have returned to the right track, at least visibly progressing in a better direction.

...

Yannian Palace.

"Even though Master Xiong Chan is a high monk of the Buddhist sect, his understanding of the Tao Te Ching is extremely profound," the old Emperor said with a smile, speaking slowly.

Nowadays, he often invites Xiong Chan into Yannian Palace, to exchange insights on cultivation with him, especially the insights on the Tao Te Ching.

Xiong Chan is indeed an extraordinary person, possessing exceptional wisdom.

He keenly seized this opportunity, and during exchanges with the old Emperor, he extensively discussed the Tao Te Ching, every word resonating deeply with the old Emperor, winning his deep favor.

Now, his status in the palace rises steadily, faintly opposing the Temple Master of Chaotian Temple.

Due to the deep trust and appreciation from the Emperor, Xiong Chan's status rises along with the tide, benefiting the layout of the Great Zen Temple in the Southern region, becoming increasingly deep and extensive.

Especially many conservative forces dissatisfied with Xu Qing, instinctively gravitate towards Xiong Chan.

Of course, Xiong Chan is transparent, well versed in the ways of the world, and never gets instigated by these people. He always cooperates fully with the matters entrusted by Xu Qing, without compromise.

He profoundly understands the principle of being like water at its best, acting low-key yet appropriately.

In the process, the influence of the Great Zen Temple has reached an unprecedented peak throughout its history.

Especially in several major sea ports, pagodas jointly built by the Great Zen Temple and local nobles rise high into the clouds, like bright lighthouses guiding the direction of passing ships.

"Your Majesty is truly a Saint, comprehending all doctrines through one. Whether it is Buddhist Law or the Daoist Scripture, they do not exceed Your Majesty's reasoning. This little monk's minor cultivation is merely showing off a little skill before an expert, not worth mentioning," Xiong Chan folded his hands humbly and said.

"Master's words are always so understanding. Well, today's discourse will stop here. I have some heartfelt things to discuss with Master," the old Emperor said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Xiong Chan's heart involuntarily trembled. He knew once the old Emperor mentioned having "heartfelt" talks, it must be significant business, perhaps genuinely 'heartfelt'!

Though internally cautious, he maintained a gentle demeanor and, with folded hands and a smile, said, "This monk listens to the holy instructions."

What the old Emperor said next was truly beyond Xiong Chan's expectations.

It turned out the old Emperor intended for him and Xu Qing to spearhead the joint compilation of the Daoist Scripture and Martial Arts Scripture. This would undoubtedly be the greatest scholarly achievement of the Longevity Dynasty.

To accomplish this grand task, the old Emperor even expressed his willingness to allow Xiong Chan and Xu Qing to review all royal collections of related literature, so they could select and refine to compile a classic that would be passed down for generations.

For a time, Xiong Chan could not fathom the old Emperor's intentions.

But no matter what, once this is successfully completed, his status among the cultivators of the world would be incomparable.

This temptation really made it impossible for him to refuse. He pondered secretly, how the old Emperor's scheme seemed so familiar as if it was another Xu Gongming!

It has to be said that under Xu Qing's influence, the political battles of the Great Yu Dynasty have reached a peak unprecedented in all past dynasties.

Now, even the most cunning old fox, facing the sweet plums tossed by political enemies or allies, would find themselves somewhat confused.

Because some matters, at a glance, appear to have only benefits without any drawbacks, yet as time goes on, well, we'll see...

Kung Fu is beyond the poems.

The essence of Xu Gongming's tactics is like the Outer Heaven Flying Immortal, seemingly traceless at first glance.

By the time one realizes it, they have already been thoroughly taken advantage of.

As for oneself, the benefits are indeed obtained, but once realizing it, the distance has already widened.

Xiong Chan feels just that way now, but, for the time being, he can't refuse.

He had no choice but to thank the Emperor for his grace, then bid farewell.

On the way out, Xiong Chan had to admit that the biggest difference between him and Xu Qing is that now Xu Qing has become the chess player on the board, and even like the old Emperor, can set the rules.

No matter how strong he is, he still follows others' rules.

It always feels frustrating.

Xiong Chan profoundly understands, this is an implication from the old Emperor.

Only by cooperating with the old Emperor can he, Xiong Chan, become the one who sets the rules.

Xiong Chan vaguely sensed the old Emperor's thoughts.

Is this the old Emperor offering him a chance?

To let him establish rules like Xu Gongming?

If successful, this move would undoubtedly be a potent Immortal Pill, but this Immortal Pill probably also contains 'poison.'

Xiong Chan slightly folded his hands, whispering, "If I do not enter Hell, who will enter Hell."

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