On this day, the end of the year, December 20th, the head of Mountain River Academy, Zhuge Longsu, bowed to the Emperor Zhou in the Great Ming Hall to assume the position of Northern Zhou Grandmaster.

Zhuge Longsu's allegiance had an astounding impact on Northern Zhou. It signified that the Confucians of Northern Zhou had aligned with Emperor Zhou.

Although the Great Grandmaster Meng Shanhe had not yet made a statement, the waves stirred by Zhuge Longsu's allegiance would certainly not stop there.

Imperial Palace, within the Imperial Garden.

Emperor Zhou strolled leisurely, followed by the newly appointed Grandmaster Zhuge Longsu and the accompanying eunuch Cold Eunuch. The two in the Divinity Realm beside Emperor Zhou dared not show any presumption; even the highly esteemed head of Mountain River Academy dared not show any neglect.

This was because the current Emperor Zhou possessed a depth of majesty far beyond that of the past. Beneath that unchanged face lay a soul as vast as the heavens.

"I thought, Director, that until the end, you would not swear allegiance to the court. I didn't expect this day to come so quickly," Emperor Zhou said with a smile as he walked.

Zhuge Longsu replied, "Your Majesty, it is Grandmaster, not Director. In the court, I am your Grandmaster; in the Academy, I am the Director."

Zhuge Longsu placed himself appropriately; since he swore allegiance to the court, he should act according to the court's principles. He always maintained a correct stance.

This also showed that Zhuge Longsu was undoubtedly a wise man.

"Indeed," Emperor Zhou responded willingly, "So, Grandmaster, what prompted you to change your mind? You know, during the northern expedition to the grassland, you refused me."

During the Northern Expedition, Feng Jiu had wanted to retrieve the imperial decree to eliminate some subsequent troubles, but how could Zhuge Longsu agree? The intentions of both parties clashed, almost leading to a confrontation. Eventually, Meng Shanhe had to mediate to allow Feng Jiu to retrieve the decree.

Although Emperor Zhou was still Feng Jiu at that time, Qing Yu was well aware of these matters. Or rather, apart from trifles and boudoir secrets, Qing Yu was well aware of Feng Jiu's secrets.

"Your Majesty, it was because of the recent battle in Ling Province where Mu Xiuji used the Academy's former students as sacrifices," Zhuge Longsu answered candidly, "The Academy's students are loyal to the Academy, so when they received a letter from their predecessor Mu Xiuji, they rushed to the Ling Province battlefield regardless of life and death.

But they did not expect that this battle was not for Central Plains but for Daqian's self-interest. They sacrificed in vain for a lie, and I wish to seek justice for them."

"So, you intend to utilize the court's power?" Emperor Zhou asked with some amusement.

"In swearing allegiance to the court, as Grandmaster, naturally, I must serve Great Zhou tirelessly until death. Daqian, as our enemy, has repeatedly acted unjustly and should thus be overturned by Zhou Xing. What I do follows the mandate of heaven to restore our Great Zhou," Zhuge Longsu said in one breath without pause.

"Haha, it is often heard that Zhuge Longsu's eloquence is almost comparable to the Buddhist's eloquent tongue, and seeing it today, indeed I am impressed," Emperor Zhou laughed heartily.

Zhuge Longsu, although upright, was not without the ability to be flexible and adaptable. The untest admission system in Mountain River Academy was his creation, and the Literary Arena competition was something he and Philosophy established.

These two systems, although with their share of future troubles, generally had more advantages than disadvantages.

The untest admission system earned the full support of the court's ministers, making nine out of ten officials in Northern Zhou's bureaucracy from Mountain River Academy, allowing the Academy to flourish.

The Literary Arena competition was implemented when Zhuge Longsu first assumed the position of Director to cement his authority. By winning the Literary Arena battle, he stabilized his position and over the decades continued to outmatch Philosophy, securing the top position in the world's Literary Arena.

Even Jixia Academy, because of Philosophy's repeated defeats, appeared below Mountain River Academy in the eyes of the world.

And having sensed the drawbacks of these two systems growing larger in recent years, he decisively terminated both to prevent future outbreaks.

In short, Zhuge Longsu is deserving of the Grandmaster position, not to mention the far-reaching political significance of his allegiance.

"You are very candid, and your words align with my intentions. Daqian is indeed our enemy, and a battle between us is inevitable. I was also a student of the Academy, and seeking justice for our predecessors is also my responsibility."

Emperor Zhou turned around and looked at Zhuge Longsu with profound meaning, "As long as the Grandmaster fulfills his duties, whatever power and position the Grandmaster deserves, I will grant it."

The implication, naturally, was not to treat Zhuge Longsu as an ornamental figure kept on high. The position of Grandmaster held significant power, and if Zhuge Longsu could hold this position, he couldn't avoid major state affairs.

This naturally included relations or, rather, conflicts with Daqian.

"Moreover, in seeking justice, strength must also be assured. This volume of 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture' will be granted to you, Grandmaster."

Emperor Zhou raised a hand, sending a thread of Divine Thought into Zhuge Longsu's mind. Verses of scriptures echoed in his mind, talking about the clear and peaceful universe, sweeping away evil, precisely the "Clear Scroll."

Engaging in a fierce battle a thousand feet underground with Sword God, causing the earth to tremble, had raised Qing Yu's Villain Points enough to purchase two volumes of the 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture.'

The 'Clear Scroll' and the 'Rest Scroll' were Qing Yu's newly acquired scriptures. With this, Qing Yu only had the Destruction, Spirit, and Serenity Scrolls left to acquire.

This 'Clear Scroll' was quite compatible with Confucian Vast Righteous Qi, and the greatest feature of the 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture' was its universality; as long as the Power was sufficient, anyone could practice it and it would not conflict with Vast Righteous Qi.

Of course, the most important was the hidden control over Zhuge Longsu. By practicing the 'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture,' Zhuge Longsu posed no threat in terms of force.

"'Soldier Armor Martial Scripture'..." Zhuge Longsu murmured.

This Divine Skill, how could Zhuge Longsu not be aware of it, was the Absolute Skill of Lord Qingyu. For Emperor Zhou to bestow Qing Yu's Divine Skill easily, his relationship with Qing Yu might be far deeper than it appeared.

"Cold Eunuch, escort Grandmaster out of the palace," Emperor Zhou said, and then proceeded alone.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Your servant, take leave."

The voices of the two gradually faded behind him. Beneath Emperor Zhou's feet, the earth veins pulsed, and in a moment, he arrived in front of a high pavilion courtyard.

This place was the residence of the Great Princess, the Fengming Pavilion. Feng Jiu's spiritual sense was here, personally guarded by Feng Mingxiao.

Without announcing himself, Emperor Zhou's figure blurred, and he was already inside the Fengming Pavilion.

As he entered, the first thing he saw was the White Jade Dragon Pot placed on the altar, and Empress Si Qingwei, lost in thought, gazing at the pot.

With a thought, Emperor Zhou obscured his face with a mist, concealing Feng Jiu's features, and then released his aura.

"Who is it?"

Sensing someone's presence, the Empress abruptly turned around, seeing a person shrouded in mist, wearing the Nine Dragon Robe, "Is it... Your Majesty..."

Qing Yu shook his head and said, "I am Qing Yu."

Si Qingwei's face fell slightly, and she said, "Thank you, Daoist."

She knew that Qing Yu feared she would be reminded of Feng Jiu upon seeing his face, hence he concealed his features with mist.

For this, Si Qingwei was naturally grateful.

Though he used her husband's body, it was a necessary measure, much better prepared than Feng Jiu's straightforward arrangements.

Si Qingwei was sensible and would not make unreasonable disturbances.

"Once I achieve the Tao Realm, I can restore Feng Jiu's body. Empress, you need not worry excessively," Qing Yu comforted.

"Though this Demon Path is scheming, his martial talent is unmatched. If anyone in the world can achieve the Tao Realm, his name would certainly be among them."

A shadow fluttered like a phoenix beside Si Qingwei, forming into the figure of the Northern Zhou Great Princess, who said, "Qingwei, excessive worry will harm your spirit. You still have Feng Xi, don't harm yourself."

Si Qingwei bowed her head and said, "I understand."

Feng Mingxiao then turned to Qing Yu, "Qing Yu, you've been quite prestigious lately, even Zhuge Longsu has submitted to the court. Here in Northern Zhou, you must be the unrivaled one now."

Such words...

It seems Feng Mingxiao is still not entirely trusting of Qing Yu.

No wonder, as Qing Yu's reputation has always been dubious. Even among the Taoist sects, it is known that Lord Qingyu's authoritarian style is a typical example of dictatorship.

If Qing Yu ends up coveting power and seizing the throne of Northern Zhou, there is nothing others can do. After all, the state is deeply imprinted with Qing Yu's influence, and even Feng Jiu is essentially his subordinate.

"The goal of this poor Daoist is never mundane power; the Great Princess need not worry excessively,"

Qing Yu replied indifferently, bypassing Si Qingwei and extending two fingers to touch his forehead; a wisp of spirit light was drawn out and cast into the jade pot.

This was a routine operation to nurture Feng Jiu's spiritual sense weekly, allowing him to awaken sooner from his slumber. At that time, he could converse with Si Qingwei.

'Hence, I must be watched weekly like this,' Qing Yu sighed internally at the staring eyes behind him.

Feng Mingxiao's vigilance towards Qing Yu was profound, even if Qing Yu evidently cared little for power, she remained unrelenting.

Ultimately, it was due to his bad reputation.

Ordinary people didn't know Qing Yu's prowess, but Feng Mingxiao surely did. This seeming celestial Daoist stands atop a mountain of bones.

························

Emperor Zhou was handling Northern Zhou affairs, while Qing Yu's two bodies were both healing.

The one that battled the Six Emperors suffered heavy injuries, but recovery was not impossible. Whereas the body of Ren Piaomiao...

In the dark mountain cave, Ren Piaomiao sat suspended, with a golden handprint persistently glowing with Great Sun Light on his chest.

This was a handprint left by Amaterasu, consuming all of her power to imprint the indelible Great Sun Light on enemies. If it weren't Qing Yu, the bearer of the mark would have either been reduced to ashes or languished beneath the Great Sun True Fire.

The Esoteric Sect's supreme divine skill wasn't easy to endure.

Of course, in Qing Yu's case, it was a different matter.

Endless trigram formations flowed, the Great Wisdom Space constantly operated, calculating the mysteries within the palm force.

Finally, at a certain moment, Ren Piaomiao opened his eyes, bursting forth with an intense brilliance, a Qi Force surged from his heart, expelling the handprint from his body.

The calculations, completed.

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