Chapter 1893

Just now, these very people lay in ambush, firing hundreds of cannons at once, trying to kill them!

But now, this is no longer their domain.

The crowd parted to make a path for Zhu Houzhao and his party, their gazes fixed on Lin Pingzhi standing high above.

"Great Ming's Zhu Houzhao greets the Sword Saint—would the Saint consider accepting the post of State Preceptor?" Zhu Houzhao bowed deeply, sincerely. "From now on, the rites honoring the Dao Ancestor shall be entirely under the State Preceptor's charge."

Lin Pingzhi nodded slightly: "Agreed. But if you expect me to kneel and bow nine times to you, forget it."

Zhu Houzhao laughed: "State Preceptor, what nonsense. From this day forward, I shall share the empire with the State Preceptor."

At these words, the ministers were stunned.

Share the empire with the State Preceptor?

What utter nonsense.

But upon further thought, they realized it was a brilliant move.

After all, the current state of the world made it impossible for the dynasty to suppress unrest—it stood on the brink of collapse.

But if Lin Pingzhi were the Great Ming's State Preceptor, the situation would be entirely different.

This man was a being akin to a god.

Add to that the incomprehensible power of his master, the Profound Heaven Dao Ancestor—who in all the world could dare lay claim to the Great Ming?

"Excellent!" Lin Pingzhi was surprised; this emperor, historically infamous, possessed such shrewdness—it surpassed his expectations.

The martial world onlookers stared in disbelief.

In an instant, the situation had turned completely.

They had expected the Sword Saint to overthrow the imperial court—yet now, the two sides stood together.

So then, would their vengeance go unfulfilled?

The crowd grew uneasy, then heard Zhu Houzhao ask: "May I ask, State Preceptor, what manner of being is the Profound Heaven Ancestor? If you know, I may order court ministers to compose scriptures in his honor, spreading them across the land so all people may chant his name."

"No need," Lin Pingzhi smiled lightly, pulling a book from his sleeve and tossing it casually into Zhu Houzhao's hands. "The Ancestor has manifested throughout countless worlds—his scriptures already exist. Only recently, the Ancestor, accompanied by Nüwa and Houtu, manifested in a certain world, granting it immense blessings."

"All subjects of the Central Plains shall live over a thousand years; all subjects of the Central Plains shall possess a trace of the primordial human lineage; the Central Plains shall govern reincarnation and rule the world."

· 0 requesting flowers···· ··

"Perform the rites honoring the Ancestor well—if he deigns to show mercy, he may yet manifest!"

"Of course, even if he does not manifest, I guarantee you will not lose out. After all, I have learned even a fraction of the Ancestor's methods—enough to protect all under heaven."

The crowd stood frozen.

A thousand-year lifespan!

Remember, ancient people did not live long.

Forget those ridiculous average lifespans.

After all, ancient wars made average lifespans inaccurate.

But there is a common saying worth noting—"To reach seventy is rare since ancient times."

Unlike today, where seventy-year-olds still run around lively and everywhere.

In ancient times, a seventy-year-old was already considered extremely long-lived.

A thousand-year lifespan meant an instant increase of more than tenfold—how could anyone not be thrilled?

As for the rest, the crowd did not understand.

But since the Sword Saint had mentioned it, it must be something extraordinary.

At that moment, not only Zhu Houzhao and the ministers were stirred to fervor—even the martial world figures clenched their fists, eager to join in.

Before the promise of immortality, a grudge of death meant nothing.

All silently set aside their grievances, turning to Zhu Houzhao.

"Your Majesty—we also wish to join this endeavor! Please grant us your permission!"

Someone shouted out, stepping forward.

Due to his rough martial origins, he had habitually called the emperor "dog," and nearly slipped up.

Zhu Houzhao's lips twitched slightly, inwardly annoyed, but gave a slight nod: "Brave warriors, strong and vigorous—if you join, this endeavor will proceed more smoothly. I have no reason to refuse. If this succeeds, I shall petition the Dao Ancestor to grant you all merit in the rites."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The crowd rejoiced—this time, they called him "Your Majesty" with genuine sincerity.

They stepped forward not because they had nothing better to do, but to draw near to the Dao Ancestor and gain real benefits.

They had not expected this emperor to truly understand—immediately grasping the key point, making a promise without a trace of bureaucratic evasion.

PS: Thank you to leiyu.. for the reward, thank you, great patron, for supporting Qian.