After handling the military and political affairs, Xu Qing finally had time to ponder the matter mentioned in his wife's family letter. The old Emperor actually named himself as wanting the "Heavenly Spirit Sage".

In fact, ever since the Asura Demon King was born because of the Heavenly Spirit Sage's existence, the value of the Heavenly Spirit Sage to him has diminished greatly.

Moreover, the old Emperor went to great lengths for the Heavenly Spirit Sage, so it is obviously impossible that he intends to kill him; there must be a deeper purpose.

Besides, since the Asura Demon King is essentially a mirrored reflection of the Heavenly Spirit Sage, if the old Emperor were to do something to the Heavenly Spirit Sage, Xu Qing could take the opportunity to spy on it, thus grasping some of the old Emperor's cultivation secrets. It might even serve as a form of surveillance on the old Emperor.

Thus, handing over the Heavenly Spirit Sage does have its benefits. But it cannot be done too readily, otherwise the old Emperor will surely become suspicious.

Furthermore... Xu Qing's mind flashed with the image of his wife's face, and he sighed softly, for what mother would not miss her child. He made a decision in his heart, a decision that concerns both the Court's situation and his own family.

Although having a rough plan, Xu Qing would not rush to haggle with the old Emperor immediately. He informed Zhang Kun that he would respond to the Heavenly Mansion after a while.

As for now, it was necessary to use the identity of the Heavenly Spirit Sage to consolidate and take over the remaining forces of the Fang Immortal Dao. This is a key step related to the stability of the Southern Ocean's overall situation, and cannot afford any failure.

Furthermore, Xu Qing hinted that he would not leave the Heavenly Spirit Sage in the Southern Ocean but would bring him along to the Yingtian Prefecture.

Zhang Kun, receiving Xu Qing's hint, let out a sigh of relief. The belonging of the Heavenly Spirit Sage was the highlight of this imperial edict, yet it could not be openly discussed.

In any case, as long as the champion marquis did not go against the old Emperor's wishes, that would be enough.

With the army in the field, the Court often worries that the troops wouldn't obey commands, and Xu Qing's approach undoubtedly reassured the Court greatly.

After giving Zhang Kun reassurance, Xu Qing once again secretly entered the dreams of the Heavenly Spirit Sage.

As a first-generation Thunder Tribulation Ghost Immortal, the Heavenly Spirit Sage with profound cultivation naturally quickly understood Xu Qing's method.

Therefore, he was shocked to discover that Xu Qing had truly transformed into his Heart Demon, at least in his perception.

"A great Wenqu Star of the Great Yu Dynasty, a saint in the world, is actually a demon-path monster person; it's utterly ridiculous..." The Heavenly Spirit Sage sarcastically mocked after meeting Xu Qing in the dream, his words full of disdain.

In his view, a supposed saint like Xu Qing was worlds apart from a demon-path monster person, yet now appeared in his dream in such a manner, which was truly unacceptable for him.

Xu Qing remained calm and said indifferently: "If fellow Daoist still cares about these worldly prejudices, then we have nothing to discuss." His tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable power, instantly shutting down the Heavenly Spirit Sage's sarcasm.

"Now you are the knife, and I am the fish; previously, I was tricked by you and debated with you about Dao. Now that I have been hollowed out by you, what is there to talk about?" the Heavenly Spirit Sage said resentfully, his heart full of unwillingness and anger.

As an esteemed first-generation Thunder Tribulation Ghost Immortal, now ending up being arbitrarily manipulated by Xu Qing, the frustration in his heart was self-evident.

Xu Qing laughed heartily: "Isn't the fellow Daoist also trying to take the opportunity to comprehend the Great Dao and find a chance to escape? Everyone is in the same boat." His words bluntly revealed the Heavenly Spirit Sage's intentions, leaving him speechless for a moment.

The Heavenly Spirit Sage, having his motives exposed, felt a bit ashamed and asked, "What are you trying to trick me into now?" He looked at Xu Qing warily, his heart filled with suspicion. To him, Xu Qing's deep thoughts must hide some undisclosed purpose.

With a serious expression, Xu Qing slowly said, "You are one of the rare individuals of contemporary experts who can incorporate both Eastern and Western strengths. Your accomplishments in Mechanism Science are unmatched. I hope you can use this skill to bring welfare to all beings under heaven." His words were filled with sincerity and expectation, startling the Heavenly Spirit Sage.

"Mechanism, a trivial skill at best. In the eyes of your orthodoxy, even criticized as mere trickery, if your words spread, they might provoke public criticism." The Heavenly Spirit Sage said lightly, with a hint of self-deprecation in his words.

In the orthodoxy's view, Mechanism Science is considered a heretical path, unworthy of elevated discussion. Now that Xu Qing valued it so highly, it greatly surprised him.

Xu Qing chuckled: "Xu Gongming has always acted on his own, without needing to explain himself to others."

Though the Heavenly Spirit Sage was Xu Qing's opponent, after much interaction, he had come to appreciate and admire this unprecedented talent.

He now perceived Xu Qing as someone who, though regarded as a saint in contemporary times, did not abide by the orthodox conventions, yet was both unique and worldly wise without being worldly.

Hearing Xu Qing's words, he gained an even deeper understanding of him.

He said, "What is your understanding of the Dao of Mechanism Science?"

With a serious demeanor, Xu Qing slowly said, "In Xu's opinion, our physical bodies and Divine Souls are the most intricate mechanisms in the world. Has the elder ever considered that the Divine Soul could also give birth to flesh?" His words were full of mystery, leading people into contemplation.

"This..." The Heavenly Spirit Sage fell into deep thought, Xu Qing's words like a thunderbolt, causing waves in his heart. He had never considered such a wondrous connection between the Divine Soul and the physical body.

Xu Qing continued, "To be honest, I had my flesh destroyed by the Old Demon of Black Mountain, yet I was reborn with flesh from the Divine Soul, cultivating a new flesh body." His words were not all true, but he did not reveal he had a Heavenly Demon Body.

As for the Heavenly Spirit Sage, he did not expect Xu Qing's flesh to be reborn from the Divine Soul.

Knowing that Xu Qing had no need to deceive him on such a matter, he could not help but ask, "What is the principle of this, and what is its connection to the Mechanism?" His heart was full of confusion, eagerly wanting to know the answer.

Xu Qing solemnly, earnestly explained, "I believe our physical bodies and Divine Souls are pre-set mechanisms, not only extremely intricate but also deeply connected with the entire universe and heaven. Even our mind consciousness might very well be a mechanism produced by our unperceivable knowledge. Therefore, the Dao of Mechanism, when explored to its ultimate point, may directly point to the real 'Dao,' revealing to us the true essence of our existence in the universe?"

His words were esoteric, yet deeply comprehended the profound truths in the Daoist Collection and Buddhist Scripture. The Heavenly Spirit Sage, as a contemporary master, was naturally not unfamiliar with these concepts.

"What you said might involve the secret of the creator," the Heavenly Spirit Sage acutely sensed the mystery in Xu Qing's words. Every cultivator is immensely aspiring to achieve the creator's rank.

However, in today's world, only the Old Demon of Black Mountain is a creator. Stepping into this realm, among transcendent lives, resembles another form of life, both unique and superior to all sentient beings.

Of course, this is just the Heavenly Spirit Sage's outsider speculation about the creator. What the creator truly is, without reaching that realm, he cannot possibly know for sure.

Furthermore, different creators may possess different essences, which cannot be generalized.

For Xu Qing, the Heavenly Spirit Sage holds another significant meaning. Although he has the Protecting Demon King mirrored from the Heavenly Spirit Sage, the Protecting Demon King itself cannot cultivate or comprehend Dao.

It's merely a reflection in the mirror of the Heavenly Spirit Sage, with abilities depending on the Heavenly Spirit Sage. This is also the so-called saying that Tao heightens by a foot and demon heightens by ten feet; without this foot of Tao, there could be no ten feet of demon. The Heavenly Spirit Sage is the cause, while the Protecting Demon King is the effect. Thus, the Protecting Demon King has no creativity.

But the Heavenly Spirit Sage is different—he is creative, capable of comprehending Dao, and continuing cultivation. Xu Qing can easily observe everything of the Protecting Demon King, naturally equating to peering into the Heavenly Spirit Sage's cultivation, gaining cultivation wisdom from him to verify himself.

However, Xu Qing must not misuse this ability; otherwise, an overly cluttered wisdom of others' cultivation would damage the existence of "self." This is the significance of the Tai Shi Demon Qi.

With the Tai Shi Demon Qi, Xu Qing can remain "only himself," staying true amidst the complex connection of heavenly demonic worldly cultivation!

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