Chapter 219: Big Picture View

Xia Zhen did not voice opposition to Hua Changxi's suggestion for handling the remaining three sticks of dan incense; in all things, one must leave a sliver of hope and not block every path—this too was the principle the Dao Protector had always upheld.

However, his mood at this moment was very complicated; he had not expected that someone as young as Hua Changxi would have already grasped this point.

Xia Zhen glanced at Meng Qingyao and the others he had brought; if it came to saying they were inferior to Hua Changxi, he certainly would not admit it, yet the only one who dared to step forward and express her own views on handling the dan incense was Hua Changxi alone.

Was it that Meng Qingyao and the others lacked such foresight?

Not necessarily.

They were merely accustomed to staying in positions of obedience and following orders, and never considered whether the future of the Sacred Land had any connection to ordinary cultivators.

As for Hua Changxi, the height at which she stood was far above theirs; opening the three secret realms corresponding to the remaining three sticks of dan incense to all cultivators—this was a sense of the bigger picture.

What kind of person considers the bigger picture?

Those in power!

The wariness that Xia Zhen had suppressed in his heart surged up again, growing stronger and stronger.

Not only was Xia Zhen's mood complicated, but Gu Xing's mood at this moment was also very complicated; he truly had not expected that Hua Changxi would actually have him fight for the remaining three sticks of dan incense on behalf of ordinary cultivators.

From the perspective of the Sacred Land's long-term development, opening the three secret realms corresponding to the remaining three sticks of dan incense to all cultivators who delighted in the Dao of alchemy and medicine was undoubtedly the most beneficial for the Sacred Land.

He had thought Hua Changxi wanted to occupy as many secret realms as possible, but her original intention was actually to consider the Sacred Land the most.

Gu Xing looked at Hua Changxi, a hint of self-reproach in his eyes; his understanding of this girl was still too one-sided.

Wei Zhenjie's gaze toward Hua Changxi also gained a few more measures of seriousness.

What kind of place was the Dan Saint Hall?

It was the sacred land of the Dao of alchemy and medicine in the Four Spirits Realm, a pilgrimage site longed for by all healers and alchemists, bearing the heavy responsibility of spreading medical arts and the Dao of alchemy.

He also had not expected that among so many people present, the one who truly considered that the Dan Saint Hall was meant for all cultivators of the Four Spirits Realm was actually this young lady.

Now, he somewhat understood why she was able to ignite the first-grade incense.

Gu Xing truly considered the Sacred Land's development with undivided attention; Xia Zhen, as the Dao Protector, though having personal desires, also hoped for the Sacred Land to improve—thus, neither of them opposed Hua Changxi's proposal.

They had originally thought Prince Shou would refuse, but unexpectedly, he also did not oppose it.

In Prince Shou's view, the capital was the royal family's stronghold; if the secret realms were open to all, the imperial clan would certainly get the first pick by being in a favorable position.

Since he could not seize the remaining three sticks of dan incense for himself, he might as well let it be.

Seeing that both Gu Xing and Prince Shou agreed with Hua Changxi's proposal, Xia Zhen, after noticing the crowd watching from the periphery of the square, quickly looked at Meng Qingyao: "Qingyao, you and little friend Hua are both people who ignited first-grade incense; what is your view on the remaining three sticks of dan incense?"

Meng Qingyao, suddenly called upon, was somewhat startled, but quickly regained her composure.

Ever since she was eight years old, when she was tested as a Fire-Wood Spirit Body, she had become a disciple of the Great Elder of the Xia family; she knew the Dao Protector's principles of action, and instantly understood what Uncle Xia Zhen wanted her to say.

"Uncle Xia, Qingyao also feels that the secret realms corresponding to the remaining three sticks of dan incense should be opened to all cultivators. The Dan Saint Hall is the sacred land for all who delight in medicine and the Dao of alchemy; we should leave a thread of opportunity for them."

Xia Zhen nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Gu Xing: "I also feel that Qingyao and little friend Hua's proposal is very fair. What does Fellow Daoist Gu think?"

Gu Xing saw that Xia Zhen had let Meng Qingyao share credit for Hua Changxi's proposal; his brow furrowed slightly, but then quickly relaxed.

That girl Hua Changxi was clearly not interested in power; perhaps it would be good to let power temper her a bit.

Gu Xing did not correct Xia Zhen: "I also feel this is very good."

Xia Zhen then smiled at Prince Shou: "What does Prince Shou think?"

Prince Shou snorted, looking indignant: "The two seniors have already made their decision, so why bother asking me?"

Xia Zhen did not pay him much heed and directly said: "Since His Highness also agrees, then let it be carried out according to Qingyao and little friend Hua's proposal; the secret realms corresponding to the remaining three sticks of dan incense will be opened to all cultivators."

Wei Zhenjie smiled and took over the conversation, asking the key question: "Senior Xia, how should the remaining three sticks of dan incense be ignited? And who should be put in charge of the secret realms bestowed by the Divine Wood afterward?"

Xia Zhen thought for a moment and said: "Qingyao and little friend Hua were able to ignite first-grade incense, so naturally they can also ignite third-grade incense. Let each of them light one stick of three-lamp incense. As for this first-grade incense..."

Before he could finish speaking, Gu Xing interrupted: "Since the proposal was brought up by that girl Hua, let her light it."

Xia Zhen very much wanted to let Meng Qingyao use this matter to expand her prestige, but in plain sight of all, he could not find a good reason to refute Gu Xing, so he could only say with difficulty: "It's not that I underestimate little friend Hua, but igniting first-grade incense has its requirements."

"Qingyao ignited the dan flame of the second street in the Nine Streets; I believe she has a better chance of igniting the remaining stick of first-grade incense. Let Qingyao light this remaining first-grade incense instead."

Hua Changxi had no intention of passively accepting their arrangements; before this, she had already figured out that unlocking the Qi-Huang Hall and lighting the wooden plaque could increase cultivation speed, and lighting the dan lamps of the Nine Streets could also increase cultivation speed.

Now that the Dan Lamp is lit, receiving the divine wood blessing might also increase cultivation speed, so she wouldn't give up such an advantage.

In particular, Xia Zhen's dismissive words made Hua Changxi feel defiant, so she spoke up herself: "Whether I can light it or not, I'll find out by trying." With that, she stepped forward, grabbed a stick of first-grade incense, and before Xia Zhen could stop her, inserted it directly into the Shennong Ding.

Sparks burst forth, blue smoke curled upward in a winding trail, and once again a rich aroma of medicinal fragrance drifted through the Medicine Affairs Bureau.

Hua Changxi looked at the blue smoke, but this time she didn't feel the profound mystery she had when lighting the first-grade incense just moments ago, which disappointed her. She could only smile at Xia Zhen and shrug: "First-grade incense isn't as hard to light as Senior Xia said."

Hearing this, Xia Zhen felt quite stifled, but this was not the time to press the matter. The first-grade incense was already lit, and the divine wood leaf was condensing. His top priority was to arrange for the person in charge of the secret realm.

"This secret realm will be..."

Hua Changxi interrupted Xia Zhen: "This secret realm, as well as the two secret realms corresponding to the remaining three-grade incense, should be entrusted to Senior Gu."

Seeing Xia Zhen frown as if to retort, Hua Changxi spoke first: "Senior Xia, only Senior Gu is wholeheartedly devoted to the interests of the Dan Saint Hall. Entrusting the public secret realm to him will command the respect of everyone."

This immediately won the support of King Shou: "I also think it's better to leave the three secret realms to Senior Gu. If anyone else takes charge, I'll be the first to object."

Wei Zhenjie also chimed in: "Senior Gu overseeing the public secret realm is indeed more fair."

Zhang Tianshi nodded as well, and the others from the Medicine Affairs Bureau gradually expressed their agreement.

The cultivators from the Guardian Families looked rather displeased.

As the Xia family were the guardians of the Central Continent, Xia Zhen certainly wanted the Xia family to take charge of the public secret realm. But seeing everyone supporting Gu Xing, his expression darkened, and he showed even less courtesy toward Hua Changxi, who had made the suggestion.

Dongfang Hao suddenly spoke up: "We have no objections to Senior Gu overseeing the public secret realm. However, with three secret realms, Senior Gu might be overwhelmed alone. Perhaps Senior Xia could assist from the side?"

Seeing that his side had finally stepped up to fight for their interests, Xia Zhen's expression gradually improved. Ignoring the others, he smiled at Gu Xing and asked, "What does Fellow Daoist Gu think?"

Gu Xing glanced at Hua Changxi, who had proposed handing him the three secret realms and then turned away to watch the incense smoke, and felt somewhat helpless.

Though he was a gatekeeper, he still needed some leverage to balance the various forces and cultivate loyal followers.

Gu Xing agreed to take over the three secret realms: "Very well, I will take charge of the three public secret realms, and Fellow Daoist Xia can assist me."

Seeing how unceremoniously Gu Xing accepted without even a word of modesty, Xia Zhen felt quite uncomfortable, but since things had come this far, he couldn't say anything else.

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven!"

When Hua Changxi saw that this time the first-grade incense had only condensed a divine wood leaf with seven stripes, the pride she had felt from surpassing Meng Qingyao vanished.

She had obtained the eight-grade secret realm not because of her own ability, but because of the Shennong Ding.

This kind of fortune, gained not through personal effort but through external objects, ultimately made her feel uncertain.

But soon, Hua Changxi pulled herself together. The Shennong Ding was also part of her fortune, and there was no need for self-doubt. However, from now on, she must not become conceited or complacent.

"Senior Gu, come and receive the divine wood leaf."