Yuan Ruan curiously glanced at Daoist Li: 【Why did this old Daoist just sit down?】

System: 【…Probably osteoporosis. He should go home and take some calcium supplements.】

Daoist Li slowly stood up and looked sincerely at Yuan Ruan: “The National Preceptor of Da Xia seems to possess boundless wisdom. For me to practice Daoism in Great Xia is truly the most correct decision I’ve made in recent years…”

Yuan Ruan was stunned: 【Why is he suddenly praising me? And with such a sincere expression.】

System: 【Ah, Daoist Zhou also liked to mysteriously praise people before. Maybe it’s a Daoist thing—everyone’s part of a praise squad?】

Beside them, Daoist Fang tugged at Daoist Li’s sleeve and whispered in confusion: “Senior Brother, why are you acting like this?”

Daoist Li: ?

Daoist Li turned his head in surprise, speaking in an extremely low voice: “Didn’t you hear it? Aren’t you shocked?”

Daoist Fang frowned: “Senior Brother, stop speaking in riddles.”

At the same time, a strong sense of vigilance rose within him. Had something been secretly told to his senior brother but not to him? No, he couldn’t let his senior brother steal the spotlight and replace the status he had worked so hard to achieve.

If it’s about flattery, he could do it even better and promise more!

Thinking this, Daoist Fang also quickly clasped his hands and said: “The little National Preceptor is exceptionally talented. I fear this humble Daoist’s book, Divine Fire Heavenly General Method, won’t be enough for the Little National Preceptor to study for more than a few days. Fortunately, the Shenxiao Sect at the Longhu Temple has many other thunder techniques and secret arts, not just thunder techniques but also divine fire… National Preceptor, the Longhu Temple is a sacred place revered by Daoists across the land. This humble Daoist sincerely invites the National Preceptor of Da Xia to visit as an elder…”

The court officials glared at the two Daoists with displeasure.

“Hey hey hey! What are you saying, you old Daoist!” The hot-tempered Minister of War pointed at Daoist Fang and scolded without hesitation, “If I hear one more word about you trying to steal our Little National Preceptor, I’ll have your head.”

Daoist Li was also shocked. How could they try to tempt “Heaven” like this?

He hurriedly said to Daoist Fang: “This is inappropriate, very inappropriate.”

Daoist Fang was taken aback and quickly put on a puzzled expression: “Senior Brother, why are you being so stingy?” He then turned to Yuan Ruan: “National Preceptor, look at how strong your talent is. Even my senior brother is intimidated. If you come, I will fulfill all my promises.”

The Minister of War was furious: “Bah! You’re still spouting nonsense!”

If not for the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Rites holding him back, the Minister of War might have already climbed onto Daoist Fang and started throwing punches.

System: 【Ah Ruan, this Daoist is so two-faced.】

Yuan Ruan: 【A bit. But no matter what he says, I won’t leave Da Xia. Because I am the national fortune of Da Xia!】

Daoist Li was stunned once more: !!!

What?

You are the national fortune of Da Xia?

The previously furious Minister of War instantly calmed down. He first bared his teeth menacingly at Daoist Fang, then revealed a triumphant smile.

The other officials also relaxed: It’s settled.

Only Daoist Fang was utterly confused, wondering what kind of silent play was being performed here.

At this moment, the Emperor realized that Daoist Li could likely hear the inner thoughts, while Daoist Fang could not.

He had a palace maid carry Yuan Ruan to the side chamber to feed her rice porridge.

Minister Li quietly leaned over to the Emperor’s ear and whispered: “Your Majesty, Daoist Li can stay, but since Daoist Fang cannot hear, perhaps it’s best to revoke his official position and expel him from the country.”

The Minister of War had a different opinion, whispering: “This man is skilled in gunpowder. Expelling him would only benefit other nations.”

Minister Li paused.

The Crown Prince tactfully added: “There are many Daoists skilled in thunder and fire techniques. We can’t capture them all.”

The Minister of War insisted: “Capturing one is one less enemy. The Little National Preceptor once said, ‘Make your enemies fewer and your allies more.’ I think that’s very true.”

Crown Prince: …

Their conversation was not hidden from the two Daoists.

Daoist Fang visibly panicked. Not knowing what he had done wrong, he suddenly knelt and bowed: “Your Majesty, are you actually looking for a Daoist to assist and protect the little National Preceptor? I can do it. I served as a Daoist acolyte for twenty years and am better at serving people than my senior brother.”

The officials remained expressionless.

Daoist Li sighed softly and also knelt: “Your Majesty, it is this humble Daoist’s fortune to know of the Little National Preceptor’s existence. May I ask if, after taking up my post, I can have Junior Brother Fang assist me in serving the Little National Preceptor?”

The officials exchanged glances. Their initial goal had been achieved.

The Emperor said: “Very well.”

Daoist Li was startled and quickly bowed: “I thank Your Majesty for allowing this humble Daoist and my junior brother to serve Da Xia.”

Daoist Fang’s heart raged: I worked so hard to become the head of the Shenxiao Sect, I don’t want to stay here! But thinking of the fierce Minister of War, he fell silent again.

At the same time, Yuan Ruan, now full, was carried back into the hall by the palace maid.

She happened to hear Daoist Li’s declaration of joining Da Xia.

Yuan Ruan: 【??? I wasn’t gone for long, was I? What happened? How did they suddenly join Da Xia?】

The System was equally confused: 【I don’t know either! My senses are shared with yours! Let me see if the gossip has anything to say! Ah, so that’s what happened!】

Except for Daoist Fang, who hadn’t heard anything and was completely out of the loop.

The Emperor and the others tensed up: !!!

No! System, don’t look at the gossip!

What if all their little schemes are exposed?!

System: 【Daoist Li probably discovered the truth about his disciple’s death! He wants to join Da Xia to seek revenge!】

The Emperor and Crown Prince breathed a sigh of relief: Good, it’s not about us. No problem, let’s just watch calmly.

The officials all turned to look at Daoist Li: Who would’ve thought? You old man, you’re quite cunning, planning to use Da Xia for revenge?

To their surprise, Daoist Li’s expression was even more bewildered and shocked than theirs.

Yuan Ruan: 【Gasp, was his disciple killed by someone from the Longhu Temple?】

System: 【Yes. It’s the most common kind of drama. The Longhu Temple is vast, composed of seven mountain sects. But because Daoists from the five nations flock there, the more people there are, the fewer resources, and conflicts arise. A certain big shot at the Longhu Temple was wary of Daoist Li’s influence and wanted to push him out while securing resources for his own favored disciples. This big shot colluded with Daoist Fang. Daoist Fang, angry that his master didn’t pass the position to him, joined forces with the big shot to cause trouble. So three years ago, Daoist Li’s two most valued disciples—one died in an alchemical explosion, and the other died from eating a tampered pill.】

Daoist Li: !!!

What! What are you saying?!

His first and second disciples died for such a ridiculous reason?!

Daoist Li turned to look at Daoist Fang in disbelief, his teeth clenched and his body trembling with rage.

Daoist Fang looked utterly confused.

After a moment, he gently clasped his hands and said: “Thank you, Senior Brother, for helping me out earlier.”

Thank you, Senior Brother.

Senior Brother.

You call me Senior Brother, but have you forgotten that they were your own disciples, whom you watched grow up?

Daoist Li’s eyes turned blood-red. Just as he was about to lunge forward, the quick-handed Minister of War grabbed him, preventing him from moving.

The Minister of War leaned close to Daoist Li and whispered: “Grieve, but hold it in. Wait until the Ninth Princess leaves before you act.”

Daoist Li: …

He suddenly calmed down and said softly: “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to hurt my own while benefiting my enemies.”

The Minister of War was taken aback.

Daoist Li gently pushed the Minister of War aside, lifted his robe, and knelt before the Emperor, performing a grand bow.