Upon hearing Tao Qian's words, Yuann Mingzhen's phoenix eyebrows twitched, a look of surprise flashing across her face, before she glared at Tao Qian.
Tao Qian glared back, the two of them exchanging questions and answers.
"True Master, do you wish to proclaim yourself emperor?"
"How could that be possible? I, Tao, used Zhu Yong's mouth to abolish the imperial system. How could I possibly declare myself emperor again? Doing so would surely mark me as a duplicitous schemer."
"If True Master doesn't become emperor, how could Mingzhen marry you?"
"Why should she marry me? Yuan Daoist has met Tao, and after a thorough exchange of philosophies, she has deeply understood the fallacies of the imperial system. She is determined to abandon the title of Devil Empress and 'return to the truth', joining Tao as 'Hero Yuann Mingzhen' in our common endeavor. This is what one might call a meeting of minds."
"From today onwards, you call me Brother Tao, and I call you Miss Yuann. We will then be comrades in arms, able to address each other as comrades."
…
Master Tao's string of awkward and eccentric words spilled out, just shy of writing 'intend to freeload' across his face.
Yuann Mingzhen wasn't annoyed, but instead laughed, clearly not expecting this renowned Spirit Treasure Daoist—a figure with a reputation for national salvation—to show such an unscrupulous side.
She didn't argue with Tao Qian, but spoke quite seriously:
"Brother Tao, Mingzhen chose to stay in Qiantang on her own. Whether it's the Three Arhats from the Demon Buddha Temple or those warlords, in reality, none can keep me."
"Yan Shi from the south has invited me multiple times, wanting to form an alliance with me. Although Fumin is small, it's not a bad starting point. With Mingzhen's methods, capturing one or two additional provinces is not difficult."
Her words seemed to divert the subject, but in reality, they answered Tao Qian, telling him that she wasn't without other options.
Tao Qian, of course, understood, but still asserted firmly:
"Yuan Daoist, you won't go south. Although those dozen or so provinces haven't truly united in name."
"Everyone knows that the south is thoroughly the domain of the Primordial Sect. I know your strength is exceptional, but you absolutely cannot win against Yan Shi. Even those few powerful seniors supporting you might persuade you to submit to Yan Shi to maintain face for the Heavenly Venerate, potentially becoming a lesser bride."
"As for your Brother Tao, I am different. I am wholeheartedly seeking the Dao and Longevity. What I have done in the past and what I am doing now, having acquired the Spring and Autumn Chariot, you should also understand the reasons."
"The Human Dao Destiny is good, but for those without a firm heart, it actually becomes an enormous burden."
"While cultivating, while wandering in spirit, I inevitably witness the tragedies happening every moment across the seventy-two provinces… This world is complex and bizarre, there is not much Tao can do. Initially, like a repairer, I would fix leaks wherever they appeared, but now that I see a way to temporarily protect billions from the Human Clan, how could I miss it?"
"But doing good deeds, let's not ask about the future."
Master Tao Qian let out a ramble of words, and Yuann Mingzhen fell silent.
She too understood the subtext in Tao Qian's words: going to the Primordial Sect would mean losing everything, while joining forces with Tao Qian held the promise of inheriting the fruits of victory.
The reason behind it?
Tao Qian was clearly the type of seeker who, once the deed was done, would make a swift exit, withdrawing from the scene.
In short, Tao Qian painted a highly tempting picture for Yuann Mingzhen.
Included in this 'big pancake' were the three provinces of New Moon, Tiannan, and Qiantang, the Twelve Artifacts of the Nine Provinces, the overwhelming Human Dao Destiny, and the implied support of powers that might be involved later on, such as Taishang Dao, Fangcun Mountain, Canxuan Sect, the Spirit Coffin lineage… and so on.
No Hidden Dragon Talent in the world could resist such a temptation, let alone Yuann Mingzhen, an Empress with grand aspirations?
"Okay!"
"From today on, Mingzhen is Brother Tao's person."
"After the success in Qiantang in the upcoming days, Mingzhen will immediately send out a communication to the nation, declaring herself as the successor of the Zhu Dynasty, announcing her transformation due to Brother Tao's influence and joining the uprising. Brother Tao, you then come forward, actively connecting with many powerful forces like the Primordial Sect, inevitably forcing the Alchemists to contribute all to rebuild the Barrier."
"Good sister!"
…
The development of this secret meeting in the dream was quite unexpected.
By all accounts, Tao Master should have been the great hero, saving the Devil Concubine and whisking her away to safety.
Yet here they were, pretending affection, each with ulterior motives.
Of course, to say so would not be exactly right.
Having just returned to the quiet room in the Zen Temple, the awakened Tao Qian opened his eyes and immediately assessed:
"Yuann Mingzhen is a good ally; although our paths differ, our current objectives align, and thus an alliance can be formed."
Failing to make Yuann Mingzhen surrender to him did not annoy Tao Qian; on the contrary, he appeared to be pleased.
He was not one who was proud and presumptuous, considering himself a chosen one whom all must follow.
Different paths, in fact, are the majority.
Same path, that's a rarity.
Seeing a way to protect billions from the Human Clan in Yuann Mingzhen, is that not cause for joy?
With this thought, Tao Qian once again took out the Golden Radiance Token.
Yuann Mingzhen revealed that it was none other than Duobao True Monarch pushing from behind all that transpired between Master Tao in Qiantang and the Devil Concubine.
However, Tao Qian did not seek retribution; instead, he conveyed the entire Great Plan he had discussed with Yuann Mingzhen to his own Master.
Finally, he solemnly inquired:
"Master, what exact outcome did you predict?"
"Why are you so certain that after I leave, Yuann Mingzhen, with all the advantages gained, will not choose to proclaim herself emperor?"
Tao Qian's questions were somewhat strange.
After all, in Yuann Mingzhen's words, Duobao's arrangement was simply to let the Devil Concubine inherit Tao Qian's troubles and benefits, and then to continue on the path of an Empress.
Tao Qian had asked his question, but the Golden Radiance Token made no movement, not even a tremble.
"Master, there's no need to deny it!"
"It was by my hand that the imperial reign of the Longevity Heavenly Dynasty was destroyed. What I think in my heart, Master must be able to predict. How could you not know that it's impossible for your disciple to support another female emperor? If I did indeed do that, it would definitely become a Dao Heart Demon in the future, a major hindrance to my cultivation, and I'd absolutely fail to overcome the Daoist Transformation Tribulation."
"Master knows all this, yet you still arranged for me to meet with Yuann Mingzhen. I suspect, you have plans in place, or you've already predicted that even if she benefitted from the many advantages I've left her, she would never claim the throne."
"Perhaps she might even choose to help me…"
"If I hadn't guessed all this, how would I dare draw such a big pancake for her, luring her into serving under my command?"
As he spoke, Tao Qian's eyes became brighter and brighter.
…
At this very moment, in the distant Penglai Sea, on Golden Radiance Island, within the Observatory Hall.
When Tao Qian's voice transmitted from the Jade Case Golden Radiance Token, the two big, furry legs that had been swaying non-stop suddenly froze, and the big man with an explosive haircut, the imposing Duobao True Monarch, wore a constipated-like wry smile on his face.
Listening to his own disciple's increasingly pleased voice, Duobao rubbed the grime under his ribs and tapped on the Golden Radiance Token to respond:
"You slippery kid, what nonsense are you blabbering about? As your master, I haven't even taught you the Divination Technique yet. With these petty thoughts of yours, you can guess my intentions?"
"Besides, am I, Duobao, that kind of master who dotes on his disciple, who carefully considers everything for him, a top-notch master in this world?"
"…"
Once these words were spoken, silence once again fell in the quiet room.
It was good that Yuan Gong knew the matters discussed between this master and disciple were critical, concerning Tao Qian's Dao Path and even life and death. Otherwise, he would have surely jumped out to mock them thoroughly at this moment.
After hearing this, Tao Qian instantly knew he had indeed guessed correctly.
However, the outcome, his master probably wouldn't say it.
He also knew not to divulge the "Heavenly Mechanism" for good reason, so he didn't press further.
Rising to his feet, he bowed towards the Golden Radiance Token, and then towards the direction of the Penglai Sea, before saying:
"Thank you, Master, for your careful planning for your disciple!"
"After entering the world, I've attracted calamities and caused troubles time and time again. Master, you did not tire of helping me out repeatedly. Naturally, you are the top-notch master in the world."
"Once this matter is concluded, as long as the barrier succeeds, those Evil Cultivators will no longer be able to treat the billions of Human Clan as disposable, two-legged sheep, and tragedies like Iron Buddha Temple, Fragrant Meat Collection, and Gao Ren City will not be widely repeated. Your disciple will surely follow Master's instructions and return to the mountain to cultivate in peace."
After Tao Qian finished speaking, he didn't realize there was anything amiss in his words; he had set a goal for himself.
On the other end of the Golden Radiance Token, Duobao's annoyed voice came through:
"Dealing with you, kid, is my bad luck. I should never have been impulsive and fought with Yunhua over a disciple."
"The talent is good, but the troubles are also too many to count."
"This one incarnation of Qingjing Zen Master that I've cultivated for so many years was meant for great use. Your interferences have wasted it."
"This account is on the books; you'll have to repay me in the future."
"Go and rest, stop bothering me."
After that, the Golden Radiance Token became silent again.
At this moment, the joy on Tao Qian's face suddenly became much richer, and he was even more elated and excited.
The Human Dao Fortune within him also began to boil over.
The reason was simple; he believed that matter was very likely to succeed.
"Master's Divination Technique is the best in the world. Since he has personally stepped in and made such arrangements, it means that the pressing matter of forcing the Alchemist to rebuild the barrier is bound to succeed."
"Although the barrier's reconstruction will not rectify the chaos of the Seventy-two provinces, at least at the grassroots level, the number of tragedies will greatly reduce."
"The tens of billions will not only have a breathing space, but they will also have a greater chance to brew a more suitable path…"
Tao Qian was excitedly contemplating this.
On the other hand, Duobao True Monarch's face grew even more bitter.
He complained to the three treasures in the hall, the Heavenly Punishment Sword, the Returning Immortal Mirror, and the Ruyi Ring:
"Now I truly understand Uncle Ji's situation back then. Junior brother Qin Jiao was also of the same temperament back in the day; obstinate and determined, one couldn't reason with or dissuade him."
"My disciple is even worse. The tough enemies he attracts are more numerous than my own archenemies. The misfortunes he creates get increasingly horrendous. If it goes on like this, either he dies or he'll inevitably pierce through the heavens someday."
"It's difficult for me to turn a blind eye and not care. Truly, such worries can kill a person."
"Heavenly Venerate Grand Master, what exactly were you thinking?"
"In our Spirit Treasure Daoist Collection, there are so many great books that could have been passed down, but you specifically left him the Scripture of Salvation. If he were an existence like the 'Ancestor Dragon,' then the Scripture of Salvation would be just that, and I could invite and deceive one by one, luring all of our Spirit Treasure Sect's Ten Thousand Immortals out of the sea to fight for him if necessary."
"But can't you see, Grand Master? The boy doesn't have such ambitions, and his understanding of this world isn't sufficient. He's still an indecisive repairer and a reckless fool."
"I won't bother about it anymore. You must have your own arrangements since you're the one who designated me as the future Sect Master of the Spirit Treasure Sect. With such a high status and incredible power, you must not let anything happen to me, right...?"
In the hall, the Three Immortal Treasures originally wanted to respond to their master.
But after hearing the latter part of the rant, they chose to keep silent and instead communicated among themselves secretly.
The Returning Immortal Mirror had the harshest comments. The upside-down mirror surface flashed four ancient seal characters:
"Perfect Match of Master and Disciple!"
…
ps: It has been difficult, but the outline plan is as such. The transformation of heaven and earth is the main backbone. If I can make it clearer, bring out the changes in Taozi, and add a bit more detail about the peculiar incidents in the next few volumes, then Longevity can be considered a book with a degree of completion. Everyone is welcome to discuss vigorously, but please do not jump to conclusions just yet. Saying that I'm portraying a bourgeois reformist is simply far-fetched.