Sage Donghua got straight to the point. “If you manage to catch the traitor, how do you intend to deal with them?”
Qi Xuansu had already formed his own views on the matter during his earlier conversation with Zhang Yuelu, so he answered directly, “My position is that we should seek truth from facts.”
Sage Donghua neither expressed approval nor raised any objections. He simply said, “Elaborate.”
Qi Xuansu continued, “If this incident truly involves the Taiping Sect, and they were the ones orchestrating everything behind the scenes, colluding with the Buddhist Sect from within to secure the position of Grand Master and ultimately causing Sage Chen’s tragic death in an attempt to plunge the Western Region into chaos, then I will investigate the matter to the very end. No one will be exempt from scrutiny, regardless of how high their position may be, and I will show absolutely no leniency.”
Sage Donghua nodded slightly before asking, “What if the Taiping Sect has nothing to do with it?”
Qi Xuansu replied frankly, “If the Taiping Sect is not involved, then we must clear their name and leave no grounds for accusations of injustice. In my opinion, your goal in competing for the position of Grand Master is to reunite a Daoist Order that is becoming increasingly divided. Such an undertaking must be pursued openly and honorably, through legitimate and upright means. It would be inappropriate to resort to manipulative tricks and underhanded schemes. We must ensure that the Taiping Sect accepts its defeat wholeheartedly, without resentment or grounds for complaint.
“If we exploit this incident as a pretext to attack the Taiping Sect, we would be falling directly into the Buddhist Sect’s carefully laid trap. Moreover, we might end up driving the Taiping Sect into outright rebellion. If that happens, I fear we would be committing a grave historical mistake, one in which future generations would condemn us.”
Sage Donghua leaned back in his chair. “What you say makes a great deal of sense. I can accept not becoming Grand Master, but I cannot allow myself to become the eternal sinner responsible for splitting the Daoist Order apart.”
Having reached such a high position, even Qi Xuansu had begun to consider the reputation he would leave behind, both during his lifetime and after his death, let alone Sage Donghua, who stood even higher.
Qi Xuansu said nothing further. He had already said everything that was appropriate for him to say. He could not overstep his position and presume to lecture his own master as though their roles were reversed.
Finally, Sage Donghua said, “Do what you believe is right. Whatever course of action you decide upon, you have my support.”
Qi Xuansu breathed a sigh of relief.
Whatever else might be said about them, Sage Qingwei and Sage Donghua were still men of considerable dignity and integrity. They cared about their reputations and, more importantly, genuinely placed the interests of the Daoist Order above their own. Both men had demonstrated admirable qualities of restraint, tolerance, and a willingness to prioritize the greater good.
The tacit understanding gradually developing between them had become the stabilizing pillar of the Daoist Order, preventing a schism in the Order.
Ironically, it was the Imperial Preceptor and the Earthly Preceptor who were far more radical in their approach.
This conversation between master and disciple was different from their previous discussions.
Once the overall direction had been established, Sage Donghua did not give Qi Xuansu detailed instructions on how to proceed.
After all, Qi Xuansu had now reached a level where he was capable of governing an entire region independently. Someone entrusted with such authority was expected to possess his own methods and judgment when handling affairs. There was no longer any need for others to teach him how to do his job.
Instead, Sage Donghua repeatedly reminded Qi Xuansu to pay close attention to his own safety.
Taking the opportunity, Qi Xuansu gave his master a general account of what he had experienced recently. After all, Sage Donghua had placed such great trust in him, and it was only natural that Qi Xuansu would reciprocate that trust.
This mutual trust was also founded upon the powerful moral constraints imposed by the wider society.
Qi Xuansu had considered reconciling with Zhou Mengyao after venting his accumulated resentment. That was because in the East, killing any kind of paternal figure—whether it was one’s biological or adoptive parent, godparent, or master—was considered a fundamental violation of human relationships and moral obligations. Such an act would inevitably invite severe moral condemnation and political attacks. Unless driven to the absolute limit, no one would willingly take such a step.
Within such a moral framework, even if a parent had committed the most heinous crimes, it was not considered the child’s place to personally execute them in the name of righteousness. Although there were exceptional circumstances, such as the ruthless struggles within royal families, parent and child would inevitably maintain a high degree of mutual trust when faced with powerful external pressures.
Nevertheless, Qi Xuansu was careful to strike the right balance between what he revealed and what he omitted in his report. He certainly could not betray Su Yuanzai by exposing his involvement.
After listening to Qi Xuansu’s account, Sage Donghua appeared somewhat surprised. “The Xiangzhou Daoist Mansion did indeed submit a report concerning this matter a few days ago, but I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time. I never imagined there were such extraordinary secrets behind the incident.”
Qi Xuansu looked expectantly at Sage Donghua, clearly hoping that his master might offer some advice.
As the second-in-command of the Quanzhen Sect and one of the candidates for the seventh-generation Grand Master, Sage Donghua had unrestricted access to virtually all of the Daoist Order’s classified information. At least 99% of the Daoist Order’s secrets were completely accessible to him. So it was likely that his knowledge of the Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demons would be more extensive than Zhou Mengyao’s.
Sage Donghua pondered for a moment before speaking. “I have heard a little about the matter concerning the Azure Heaven, but I was unaware that the Old Taiping Sect had sealed the Azure Heaven within Wang Jujun’s corpse, nor did I know anything about the Cloud God’s pocket realm.
“After all, the Taiping Sect suffered a complete interruption in its line of transmission at one point. The present-day Taiping Sect was essentially something the Holy Xuan rediscovered among dusty old records. It was the Holy Xuan who reestablished the organization and forcibly pieced the various elements back together. In truth, the branch that has maintained a genuinely continuous and orderly line of transmission is the Zhengyi Sect.
“As for how the Great Xuan Imperial Court came to learn of these secrets, I suspect it has something to do with Wang Jujun’s severed head. It is possible that someone in the past left behind records describing the head’s significance and functions. The Great Xuan Imperial Court may have obtained not only the head itself but also those accompanying records. Using that information, they could then deduce the location of the rest of Wang Jujun’s corpse.
“I will keep an eye out for any further information concerning the Azure Heaven. I happen to know a little regarding the Yellow Heaven, which defeated the Azure Heaven. But the Old Taiping Sect subsequently dealt with the Yellow Heaven, which I believe is connected to the Golden Tower Emperor.”
Upon hearing this, Qi Xuansu could no longer restrain his curiosity. “The Golden Tower Emperor? Is this ‘Golden Tower’ the same as the Purple Mansion’s Golden Tower?”
Sage Donghua explained, “People commonly mistake the Three Daoist Sects to correspond to the Three Pure Ones. But that is not actually the case. During the era of the Old Taiping Sect, the deity they worshipped was neither one of the Three Pure Ones nor the Primordial Daoist Ancestor. Instead, they revered the Golden Tower Emperor. The first Imperial Preceptor is a Zhang, not the Shangqing Zhangs, but Great Sage Zhang’s family. But why is it that the Taiping Sect regards the Li family as its most honored lineage?”
A thought suddenly occurred to Qi Xuansu. “Is it because this Golden Tower Emperor is a Li?”
Sage Donghua replied, “Precisely. The Golden Tower Emperor is a Li. He was also known as the Lord of Great Peace who descended to teach in the Renchen Year.”
Qi Xuansu thought for a moment before tentatively asking, “If I’m not mistaken, this Emperor was also an incarnation of the Primordial Daoist Ancestor.”
Sage Donghua replied, “The Golden Tower Emperor was indeed an incarnation of the Primordial Daoist Ancestor. However, after the Old Taiping Sect’s lineage was severed, knowledge of the Golden Tower Emperor gradually faded from the world. Nevertheless, the Li family continued to survive and pass down its lineage. One of its descendant branches eventually established the Qi Dynasty. This is also one of the reasons they claim to be descendants of the Primordial Daoist Ancestor.”
Qi Xuansu was beginning to understand the situation. The Primordial Daoist Ancestor might profess the principle of non-action, but in reality, there seemed to be virtually nothing he did not involve himself in. His incarnations had appeared throughout history, repeatedly intervening at critical moments to influence the course of the world. Moreover, judging by the cultivation method through which Heavenly Immortals underwent a second ascension through their incarnations, the Primordial Daoist Ancestor’s cultivation must have reached a level that was utterly beyond comprehension.
Qi Xuansu said thoughtfully, “In that case, it was the Primordial Daoist Ancestor who personally intervened to suppress the Yellow Heaven and subsequently sealed it within the bodies of three emperors.”
Sage Donghua replied, “Strictly speaking, the Yellow Heaven was sealed within the bloodline of the Red Emperor’s descendants. I also suspect that the Golden Tower Emperor, as an incarnation, never returned to the Primordial Daoist Ancestor. Instead, he may have perished while suppressing Yellow Heaven. That may have indirectly contributed to the decline of the Old Taiping Sect.”
Qi Xuansu asked another question. “Does that mean the seal continues to be passed down through successive generations along with the bloodline?”
Sage Donghua replied, “Most likely.”
Qi Xuansu cleared his throat.
Sage Donghua laughed. “Don’t even think about it. You’re definitely not one of them. You’ve already been promoted to Omniscient Sage. By now, everything about you, from head to toe, has been examined by Immortals more times than anyone can count. If you truly possessed some mysterious hidden bloodline, or if you were the incarnation of some extraordinary figure, it would be impossible to conceal. I’m not trying to discourage you, but you’re simply one ordinary person among countless millions.”
Qi Xuansu showed no embarrassment whatsoever. “There’s nothing wrong with being an ordinary person. In fact, that makes my accomplishments even more impressive. I don’t possess any special bloodline, yet I’ve managed to surpass people who do. Doesn’t that prove my abilities are even greater? If anything, it only demonstrates that I am truly the one chosen by destiny.”
Sage Donghua chuckled again. “It’s fine to joke about such things privately between us, but don’t go around spouting this nonsense in public. People who don’t know any better might think you’re suffering from the lingering side effects of the Scripture of Zuriel.”
Qi Xuansu smiled sheepishly. “Of course, I can still distinguish between what is appropriate to say and what should be kept to myself.”
Sage Donghua said, “Though the Great Xuan Imperial Court failed to obtain the Azure Heaven, that doesn’t mean they will give up on the Yellow Heaven. We cannot allow the Imperial Court to get what it wants. We must also begin searching for the descendants of the Red Emperor.”
Qi Xuansu replied, “Once I return, I’ll begin conducting an investigation within the Daoist Palace. However, as for those outside the palace...”
Sage Donghua said, “There’s no need to rush. We can approach this matter gradually and make our plans carefully. The key is to keep a close watch on every move made by the Imperial Court. I’ll arrange for someone else to handle that investigation. Your primary responsibilities remain stabilizing the Western Region and thoroughly rooting out the traitors.”
Qi Xuansu replied solemnly, “Yes, Master.”
Sage Donghua suddenly remembered something and changed the subject. “By the way, how has your adopted daughter been doing lately?”
Qi Xuansu sighed. “Only after becoming a parent does one truly understand how difficult it is to raise a child.”
Sage Donghua spoke in a consultative tone. “Come to think of it, Little Yin is practically a granddaughter to me. I heard that you arranged for her to serve as Great Sage Qi’s secretary. This time, Great Sage Qi will be heading to the front lines. The Buddhist Sect is no easy opponent, and the battlefield is an extremely dangerous place. Little Yin is still just a child, so shouldn’t we consider transferring her to a different position?”
Qi Xuansu remained silent for only the briefest moment before firmly rejecting the suggestion. “Thank you for your concern, Master. But I’ve made my decision. She will accompany the others onto the battlefield. During times of peace and prosperity, some people flock to join the ranks of the Daoist Order because they want the privileges, benefits, and favorable treatment that come with being a Daoist priest. But the moment they find themselves facing hardship, they rack their brains and exhaust every possible means to escape from those same ranks.
“The Daoist Order belongs to all of us. We cannot allow someone to serve as a Great Sage’s secretary during peaceful times, throwing their weight around and using the position to secure a promising future, only to flee the moment real fighting begins, when blood will be shed and lives will be sacrificed. That would be utterly unreasonable. I have no right to claim such special privileges, and neither does Little Yin.”
After speaking, Qi Xuansu lowered his head slightly.
He understood that his words might have put Sage Donghua in an awkward position. After all, his master had made the suggestion entirely out of goodwill.
However, Sage Donghua did not take offense. He even praised Qi Xuansu. “I’m very pleased that you’ve developed such a sense of responsibility. If everyone in the Daoist Order had the same convictions as you, it would be much easier for us to overcome the challenges facing our organization.
“What you said just now was absolutely right. Are our own disciples and descendants supposed to do nothing more than go through the motions, polishing their credentials and adding prestige to their résumés, while ordinary people are sent forward whenever blood must be shed and lives sacrificed? That is not the spirit or integrity that the Daoist Order should embody.
“As the saying goes, brothers stand together when fighting a tiger, and fathers and sons march together into battle. If the Daoist Order decides to dispatch a Sage Commander, then I will certainly go in person. However, judging by the current situation, that seems unlikely. I have no children of my own, only disciples. But the bond between master and disciple is much like that between father and son. So you shall go to the front lines as my representative. This time, three generations of our family will be taking the field together, standing shoulder to shoulder. I wish you success.”