"The Ancestor Dragon Society's Ying Qingdi, though perished due to his bloodline and ancestry, is succeeded by Lin Bujue Daoist, who gradually asserted himself with the air of a sovereign."
"An example of the contrary is the Great Unity Society, that professes the ambition for 'universal harmony'. Because of this aim, they insisted on discussing everything collectively, only to be suppressed within a month, returning the impoverished masses back into the clutches of Demons."
This ascetic seemed to have found his flow, eager to pour forth all that was in his heart.
He paused for just a moment before continuing,
"Li Ren does not necessarily believe that those who initiate uprisings must showcase an Emperor to lead their side, setting up a state and so on after rebellion."
"That set of decrepit measures has been spat out by those of us with a shred of conscience since the Yang Sui Uprising."
"Though we can do without an Emperor, a leader is essential."
"The Master Shenxiu from the Free Temple wished to save the entire Qiantang Province, hence summoning his master, in alliance with the Vajra Temple, and God knows from where they summoned the Great Abyss Zen Master—a True Buddha who cultivated the Path of Salvation. I have seen the Great Abyss Zen Master, and should he ascend to the throne, he would indeed make an excellent Emperor, infinitely better than the likes of Cheng Arhat."
"Nevertheless, even so, it cannot change the fact that his realm would essentially be an 'Earthly Buddha Country.'"
"As long as it's a Buddha Country, the most revered and fundamental would be the Buddha, not the mortals and ordinary people. Although I admire the Great Abyss Zen Master, I do not wish for such a thing."
"Therefore, I have come to consult with fellow Daoists. But first, have a look at the Governance Scripture which Li Ren approves of. Should you find the owner of the scripture able to aid Qiantang, let her join us."
"Moreover, Li Ren believes that if she were to become the leader, she could attract the support of the many intelligent people throughout the world, as well as gain the approval of both the obscure Human Dao Fortune and numerous Ancestor God Treasures... By then, we could save more than just Qiantang Province; there is hope for the Northern Land Provinces."
...
Although Li Ren was verbose, the groundwork was extensively laid for the final statement.
However, the next moment, when he frantically spat out bubbles, he managed to recount, in oral form, a thick volume called the "Mingzhen Governance Scripture."
Several individuals waited patiently and skimmed quickly through it.
From the name of the scripture, it was clear that its author was none other than the Devil Concubine Yuan Mingzhen.
Who would have thought?
The Devil Concubine, inheriting the legacy of the Zhu Dynasty and ruling as Empress for a brief period, managed to write such a governance scripture while being hunted down.
Most who saw this would instinctively laugh derisively.
Though they did not laugh, they did not take it too seriously either.
Unexpectedly, including Tao Qian, after reading the scripture, admiration appeared on everyone's faces.
Especially Zhao Gongda, who exclaimed in continuous amazement, clicking his tongue in appreciation.
He immediately reached a verdict, saying,
"I've heard before that the name 'Devil Concubine' is a slander; in addition to possessing the Heavenly Phoenix Body, Yuan Mingzhen Daoist has the talent for governing a nation. When the empire fell into her hands, there was harmony and rest for all people. It was only due to the overwhelming disparity when the empire got conquered by the eighteen rebel armies, a tragedy not of her doing."
"Now it seems, the rumors were true."
"The numerous strategies in Daoist Yuann's scripture are thorough, addressing everyone from the commoners to Demon Cultivators and Major Daoist and Buddhist Sects, with each plan being robust and above average."
"In my opinion, if Daoist Yuann had been born in an era when the Ancestor God Forbidden Techniques were still intact, she might have become a thousand-year Empress, ensuring a hundred years of prosperity for the Longevity Heavenly Dynasty."
"Even in this era of great strife, if she had sufficient support, she could still vie for the position of Human Emperor."
"There is no doubt that this scripture is capable of governing Qiantang Province."
"But..."
"But what?"
Upon hearing most of it, Li Ren's eyes brimmed with joy.
He knew what kind of person Zhao Gongda was—a Great Sage highly esteemed in Qiantang Province. Such recognition of Yuan Mingzhen from him implied validation for Li Ren's choice.
There's a story behind it, too.
Li Ren, a distinguished individual of his time and heir to the lineages from both Vajra Temple and Han Mountain Temple, also commanding the Han Mountain Army, encountered the Devil Concubine by chance. Ultimately, he was so taken by her extraordinary wisdom and ambitions for governing the world that he deemed Yuan Mingzhen as a potential savior, deserving of the role of a millennium Empress.
His opposition to the plans of the Free Temple and the Vajra Temple, and to the Great Abyss Zen Master becoming the Emperor, included these considerations as well.
Hearing Zhao Gongda's praise, he had originally thought he found a like-minded ally.
The great undertaking could succeed, Yuan Mingzhen's life could be saved, and they could even make a comeback, establishing a nation in Qiantang Province and once again vying for supremacy under the heavens.
Who would have expected to hear an "however" in the end, Li Ren subconsciously asked.
Someone responded immediately, but it wasn't Zhao Gongda, it was Zheng Yin.
He was straightforward and began by saying,
"However, there is a slight misunderstanding on Li Daoist's part, we are not a group of dragons without a head."
"We follow Wu Gou Buddha Son as our leader, and likewise, Spirit Treasure Tao Master is our leader."
Before his words had faded, Zheng Yin, using the Heavenly Track Secret Skill, transmitted all the prior images of Tao Qian's exploding identity along with the question-and-answer exchange between them to him.
In a moment, the Dhutadharma Fish that Li Ren had turned into seemed as if struck by lightning, freezing on the spot.
In his mind, a single thought echoed: Wu Gou Buddha Son was Spirit Treasure Tao Master?
But soon, he was stunned by the images of Tao Qian's revealed mad boldness and that unbelievable stance for the mortals.
In a daze, his impression of Tao Qian in his heart rapidly shattered and reformed.
It took a long while for him to come to his senses.
His face full of conflicting emotions, it was evident he had fallen into a dilemma.
For a while, he seemed unsure of who to support.
However, it didn't take long for Li Ren to come up with what seemed like a brilliant plan, his expression suddenly brightened.
The stiff fish body became animated, he immediately paid his respects to Tao Qian and said,
"I had no idea I was speaking to Tao Master in person, Li Ren was out of line."
"To let the True Master know, although Li Ren is a Buddhist Practitioner, I don't worship Buddha; I only admire and respect the heroes in my heart."
"There are not many, and Tao Master you are the first one."
"In the Yang Sui Uprising, True Master dug out the roots of those old beasts, the Alchemists; it can be said your deeds will be remembered for all eternity."
After finishing his flattery, not waiting for Tao Qian to return the pleasantries.
This young Buddhist general then continued with words that caused Tao Qian to stiffen, giving rise to thoughts among the others present.
"If this great undertaking is overseen by you, True Master, it is already half accomplished."
"Li believes that the tens of millions of people in Qiantang have hope of salvation, but this is not enough, you must know that several of the Northern Land provinces have suffered calamities, of which Qiantang has seen the least."
"The other provinces have almost all fallen into the hands of those utterly evil warlords."
"And among them, quite a few warlords are dogs raised by the Alchemists. I have heard that the Alchemists are initiating a plan called 'Hidden Dragon Devouring to Nurture the True Dragon', deliberately allowing those warlords in the Northern Land to fight against each other. The victor will be bestowed the Ancestor Dragon Bloodline by the Alchemists and not only receive the teachings handed down by the Ancestor Dragon but also use Secret Techniques to recall the Ancestor God Treasures scattered across the seventy-two provinces."
"For the chance to obtain this, an unprecedented war is brewing in the Northern Land provinces, such as beasts like Song Tiecheng, Yelü Lushan, and Wu Shaozu, will not be mentioned."
"Even somewhat reputable figures like Zhang Mazi, Hong Fu, and Si Xixin have been tempted."
"And Great Abyss Zen Master has brought a still secretive piece of information: Hong Fu, who has complete control over the Devil God Army and occupied two whole provinces, has decided to marry Si Xixin, who has the support of many powerful forces including the Si Family. After their union, their combined strength will immediately surpass Zhang Mazi."
"If nothing unexpected happens, the victor of the upcoming Central Plains chaos will be either Si Xixin or Zhang Mazi."
"Whoever it is, will accept the Alchemists' bestowal of bloodline and also aim to reestablish the Longevity Heavenly Dynasty and its imperial rule."
"Upon hearing this, Li was utterly despairing, seeing no glimmer of hope."
"But now knowing Tao Master is here, hope has sprung up within me."
"If Tao Master you can stand forth, and announce an alliance with Yuann Mingzhen Daoist... whether it is the inherited teachings, the Human Dao Destiny, or something else, you can suppress Hong Fu and Si Xixin."
"I have heard that you, Tao Master, have a great relationship with the Southern National Salvation Congress. If you only call upon them to march north to purge the demons, uniting North and South, the world can be settled."
Li Ren spoke more and more excitedly, feeling as if he had found a path of survival for the chaotic and demon-plagued seventy-two provinces.
Looking at him, one would think he wished he could broadcast the good news across the country right now.