Chapter 144: Willing to Share the World with You (Combined Chapter, Seeking Monthly Votes)

"The hospitality has been lacking; I hope the Daoist will not take offense."

After changing his clothes and returning, Li Fengyao no longer sat in his previous seat, but had returned to the head of the table.

He was separated from Ren Yidao by half the distance of the private room.

"Young Master Li need not be so courteous."

Unlike how he treated Li Long, Ren Yidao did not reveal his true nature, only taking light sips of his food and wine.

There were only two people in the private room; for some reason, Li Fengyao had not invited anyone else, not even bringing his staff.

This actually made things easier for Ren Yidao, who asked directly:

"Since Your Highness invited me here, there must be matters to discuss. We might as well be frank."

Let's lay our cards on the table; I have no interest in continuing to drag this out with you.

Although chatting with someone who beats around the bush for ages without saying a word of truth is quite interesting.

And once they have the endorsement of the Imperial Court, the Divine Path Sect will have filled this missing link, leaving them with no more weaknesses.

Ren Yidao:?

For the Divine Path Sect, what is the biggest trouble preventing the development of believers?

Lack of legitimacy.

Or rather, Ren Yidao had still underestimated the significance represented by his Divine Path Sect background.

And he, Ren Yidao, has never been someone who likes to be led by the nose.

He said:

If you put it that way, the elder sisters of Wanhua Valley have likely suffered quite a bit of grief from Li Long over these years.

"Why not!"

It must be said that compared to Li Qiushui, who had no concrete plan in his mind and simply wanted to be Emperor, the conditions offered by Li Fengyao were far better.

"Assuming for the moment that this matter can be accomplished, then I am very curious: what is it that Wanhua Valley seeks after the deed is done?"

The host and guest sat at opposite ends of the round table, their temperaments different yet possessing a similar quality.

But...

"We are the same kind of people."

Ren Yidao's mouth twitched, but in the end, he was not so spineless that he couldn't help but speak.

The one sitting below was ethereal and immortal, his smile calm and gentle, likewise showing not the slightest flaw.

"We are very similar, so I know the ambition in your heart."

What Li Fengyao wanted from the start was not a Ren Yidao who had a chance to compete for the position of Prime Minister, but rather he had his eye on the sect behind him.

"I am not clear on what the sect leadership hopes for; perhaps they just want to truly control the master of a dynasty."

Tap, tap, tap.

Setting down his wine cup, Ren Yidao lowered his eyes and chuckled, refuting:

"Although the Daoist is currently working for Qiushui, in the future, you will definitely not be content to remain under another."

Even if they already have extremely high prestige in a certain place, and countless commoners have begun to believe.

Who said they aren't lacking it?

But after chatting for a long time, it is truly a bit exhausting.

What a pity.

You might as well just tell me, "I have a way to make money in Northern Myanmar!" and be direct.

But...

Hiss!

Oh no.

From this perspective, this is not a rebellion of two families swallowing the Divine Dynasty.

Tapping his index finger on the tabletop, Ren Yidao had not expected that this would be Li Fengyao's true goal.

That's right...

You have such great ambition.

The divine might accumulated over a hundred years surged out from Ren Yidao at this moment, whipping up a wild wind in the private room.

That is, longing.

"Righteous and evil cannot coexist. My Wanhua Valley's actions have always been opposed by the Sword Casting Hut; when that time comes, our two families can join forces to strike them."

"And what I can give your sect is what you need most... the endorsement of Beigan."

Could it be that he is doing this to seek thrills?

... This, I can actually understand!

The power of divinity manifested with a boom at this moment, the Heavenly Eye between his brows revealing a majestic golden light, staring into Li Fengyao's eyes.

Beneath their elegant exteriors, both hid an edge that outsiders could not perceive.

Does such generous treatment, such an alliance with a hundred benefits and no harm, really exist?

"People like us will not be content with peace."

Legitimacy.

"Then let me ask you, what do you think I want?"

After speaking, Ren Yidao withdrew his aura.

There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

My brother, this younger brother seems to have seen the possibility of a family tradition.

"Since you follow Li Qiushui, then it is nothing more than... imperial power assistance? Resources? Could it be the favor of a female Emperor?"

Heh, that doesn't exist.

Once a precedent is set, later imitators will surely spring up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.

He also believed that this Li Fengyao likely felt the same way about him.

"Daoist, your words are swift and direct, truly as heroic as you displayed during the literary trial."

"Being too humble will only make me look down on you."

So, what is Wanhua Valley after?

Sure enough, after staring at Ren Yidao, Li Fengyao spoke softly.

"Hoo..."

"Resources? Status? Wanhua Valley shouldn't be lacking in those, right?"

But Li Fengyao unexpectedly burst into laughter, slammed his wine cup onto the table, and stared at Ren Yidao with burning eyes.

While everyone else was still scrambling for resources, he had actually already thought of the most critical point.

Ren Yidao shook his head and let out a soft breath.

When all is said and done, for the simple folk, if the Imperial Court says your gods are fake, then they are fake.

Although they only recruit female disciples with excellent aptitude, Wanhua Valley recruits widely across the entire Beiming Divine Continent.

"I want all living beings to revere me, the heavens to worship me; I want to be the only god in this world."

"When that day comes, this Palace can allow the Divine Path Sect to open shrines throughout Beigan and let the people worship you as they please."

Moreover, they also allow some noble families to make offerings to them and provide them with some protection.

Li Fengyao narrowed his eyes, silent for a long while, then chuckled and nodded:

"This Palace... truly would not agree."

He is not even human.

The reason for Wanhua Valley is barely clear, but what about the other one?

Wanhua Valley is different from a sect like the Divine Path Sect, which is so reclusive it wishes the whole world couldn't find it.

He came to the banquet also because Ren Yidao made him feel a tiny bit curious.

"You cannot give it."

"Heroes are not judged by their origins; this was left behind by my High Ancestor Emperor back then. How could we, the descendants of the Li Family, not abide by our ancestor's teachings?"

A venomous creature.

And it was merely a coup d'état.

Even he couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head with a carefree air:

"The time we have known each other is still too short; we cannot trust one another."

Seeing this, Ren Yidao asked again:

This situation is actually a bit like a religious joke from his past life.

Instead of scolding Li Fengyao for being delusional, Ren Yidao looked at him and asked seriously:

"You don't actually think there is a possibility of this succeeding, do you?"

The Divine Path Sect, which appears unfathomable to outsiders, is actually a sect of reclusive children who have no desire to expand outward.

Ren Yidao sneered and asked back playfully:

"Since you said we are similar people, then if you put yourself in my shoes, would you agree under the same circumstances?"

Outsiders do not understand the essence of this incident.

But when the critical moment truly arrives, especially when a sect is plotting to interfere with the imperial throne, they will certainly resist with one heart.

"Such vulgar matters, why are they worth valuing?"

"But time waits for no one now; I fear there will be no chance to sit down and talk like this with you again."

The smile faded, Li Fengyao frowned, but still maintaining his grace, he asked softly:

"Can you tell me the reason for your refusal?"

Come at me with everything you've got!

Then Li Fengyao is a highly toxic creature that looks harmless and even full of charm on the surface, but hides murderous intent underneath.

But as long as the Beigan soldiers sweep through, they can directly label them as "illicit shrines," causing all previous efforts to be wasted.

If the price is right, the Divine Path Sect indeed wouldn't mind helping Beigan change its leadership team.

By that time, the world will surely fall into chaos!

But Li Fengyao laughed.

But Li Fengyao did not understand his meaning, and instead nodded:

"As the most ancient existence among the three sects, the Divine Path Sect surely does not worry about vulgar things like resources."

A Divine Dynasty is somewhat different from a sect.

Ren Yidao: "..."

If, in Ren Yidao's eyes, Li Lingling is like a rabbit and Li Qiushui is like a tigress.

"Li Fengyao, can you give me this?"

Ren Yidao:?

Li Fengyao also chuckled, opened his Folding Fan, and revealed the crooked characters written on it—"Heroes are not judged by their origins."

Such things have happened many times over these past thousands of years.

There are no "ifs" in this world.

"..."

"And if I become Emperor, their thoughts will naturally be clear."

"Then what if I say, what I value is not the Divine Path Sect, but you?"

Our sect doesn't lack anything, but I can lack it!

He asked in return:

Within Li Fengyao's relaxed gaze, Ren Yidao shook his head and chuckled.

You sought me out, what is it you ask for?

Not surprised by this, Li Fengyao began to sigh with emotion:

Crossing his hands and resting his elbows on the table, Ren Yidao looked at the Second Prince with a strange gaze.

Ren Yidao truly could not understand.

You say Li Fengyao became the Emperor, so why is your Wanhua Valley running around so busily?

First, you don't worry about new recruits; second, you don't worry about resources.

If Ren Yidao were truly a cultivator with normal thinking, he would find no reason to refuse.

"With the organization's approval, the Living Buddha is permitted to reincarnate."

"Do you think this is feasible?"

I lack it!

He said:

"What do you think?"

"To be frank, this invitation of mine was a bit rushed; I should have spent more time interacting with you."

Fine.

"I will give you everything you want."

Li Fengyao looked at Ren Yidao earnestly, his deep eyes seeming to want to pierce through his inner heart.

"To mention resources to the Divine Path Sect is to look down upon this thousands-of-years-old foundation."

"I can even enthrone the Divine Path Sect as the state religion, erect monuments and statues for you, and let everyone in Beigan sing your praises."

"Besides, Daoist, you hail from the Divine Path Sect, so you certainly cannot be considered a rustic mountain villager."

"If the Daoist is truly willing to assist me..."

The three super sects of the Beiming Divine Continent: the Sword Casting Pavilion follows the righteous path, Wanhua Valley follows the Demon path, and the Divine Path Sect is both righteous and evil, belonging to the neutral faction.

It's not me boasting, but the children in our family are just super socially withdrawn.

Ren Yidao watched the Second Prince, whose gaze was firm, quietly, without avoiding his eyes.

Oh?

Ren Yidao raised an eyebrow, wanting to retort, I actually really don't care who is on top or who is on bottom...

If the Divine Path Sect were truly as the world imagines, dedicated to strengthening itself, it would likewise not abandon his olive branch.

But since it's an act, the tone must be grand, and the aura must be sufficient!

And Li Fengyao, suppressed by Ren Yidao's powerful aura, raised his head after bowing his head in silence for a long time.

He said:

"Wanhua Valley is willing to share the world and rule with the Divine Path Sect."

Li Fengyao, pushed forward by the two families, overthrew the corrupt Li Long and gave Beigan a better future.

But both were clear that this was merely the appearance shown to the outside.

After a long time, he raised his head and said indifferently:

"Your Highness is of noble heavenly destiny, while I am but a rustic mountain villager; where could there be any similarities?"

Ren Yidao was a bit interested.

"Is that so? I don't think so."

He leaned his body back and spoke calmly yet arrogantly:

"When did this Prince ever say that I wanted to change the master of this Beigan?"

This was somewhat unexpected.

As for positions, I don't really care.

Li Fengyao was quite indifferent and said calmly:

"People who cultivate the Dao, whether righteous or evil, don't they generally want the same things?"

"Come to my side!"

"If the Divine Path Sect is willing to form an alliance, how about we split this position in half for you?"

"The current Emperor does not care about the sects, treating them as a group of poisonous insects that only know how to stir up trouble, so they naturally harbor anger in their hearts."

If you chat like this, then it's no longer interesting.

From the perspective of a collaborator, he had almost given the best he could, yielding a very large portion of benefits.

"What is the purpose of this invitation?"

Ren Yidao had to sigh with emotion:

"The conditions you offered are truly good, so good that I can find almost no reason to refuse."

For a moment, the private room became very, very quiet, and it seemed as if the sound of silk and bamboo music coming from outside had also faded.

Huhu was bored of playing and no longer wanted to waste time.

Well, although I actually don't want to be it either.

"I, Li Fengyao, a dignified Second Prince, do I not even have the qualifications to ascend to the imperial throne?"

"What about the Sword Casting Pavilion?"

Underneath the hypocritical mask of this Second Prince, what kind of cold-blooded ruthlessness is hidden?

"Back when my great-grandfather had yet to start his uprising, he was likewise just a mere village peasant, yet did he not still achieve a great hegemony?"

"Even without mentioning the strength of Li Long himself, you don't think the other three Divine Dynasties will just sit by and wait for death, do you?"

Among the three, although Wanhua Valley was founded the latest, its foundation cannot be considered weak, and it has always been keen on interacting with the outside world.

He said:

The person at the head of the table was as gentle as jade, with a smile like the warm sun, showing not the slightest flaw.

Raising his cup toward Ren Yidao, Li Fengyao said sincerely:

One of the things I, Ren Yidao, like doing most is saying "NO" to guys who think they are very strong...

"A reason? Does this thing really need one?"

This precedent must absolutely not be set.

"Your Highness, do not underestimate the people of the world."

"Your Highness's words are hypocritical; aren't you the same? Could it be that you would share the Emperor's position with me?"

Ren Yidao thoughtfully added:

"Let me remind you first, the Divine Path Sect is likely quite different from many sects in your impression."

The conditions Li Fengyao put forward can be summarized in one sentence:

He said:

"Hahaha, truly interesting."

So direct?

Matters having reached this point, Li Fengyao could be considered to have given up the idea of winning over Ren Yidao, and he teased:

Hm?

Li Fengyao looked him over with a gaze that Ren Yidao felt was very ominous, and slowly opened his mouth:

"I did not expect, Daoist, that you would have such intentions... It is this palace that underestimated the heroes of the world."

Ren Yidao shook his head, his tone indifferent, and said with disdain:

In their daily lives, they scheme against each other, trip each other up from time to time, and wish nothing more than to see the others die early.

His expression stirred; Ren Yidao somewhat guessed what medicine was being sold in Li Fengyao's Gourd.

"Sect interference in worldly affairs is already a taboo, and you even want to change the master of Beigan..."

"What do you think the Divine Path Sect wants?"

Ren Yidao was weary.

Why does the more I think about this matter, the more it feels like it has potential.

"However, I refuse!"

Really, don't be so polite; you can use money to insult me...

If one wants to annex Beigan, then the Divine Path Sect is indeed a target that must be won over.

He said:

"I am willing to share the world with you."

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