Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1322: Chapter 518: Fourth in the Dynasty, Unlike Any Other Throughout History

"Song Taosheng?" Gu Qing had a deep impression of Song Taosheng, "I didn’t expect him to be the first to leave."

Zhao Hansheng: "As the saying goes, a wise bird chooses a good tree to perch on. The suppression of Confucian Cultivators within the Myriad Images Sect is too intense. Song Taosheng’s decision to leave is indeed a wise move."

Gu Qing sighed deeply: "Since there is one leading the way, I fear this situation will occur frequently in the future. Elder Duanmu Zhang is magnanimous, not only did he refrain from suppressing, but he secretly made arrangements for Song Taosheng, paving a way for the latter."

"Teacher, can Elder Duanmu Zhang hold on for three years?"

Zhao Hansheng looked back in the direction of the Myriad Images Sect, his gaze deep, his tone resolute: "Of course he can hold on!"

"If so, then we needn’t rush to return home."

"Let’s first stay in this town and see if we can contact Song Taosheng."

In his heart, Duanmu Zhang articulated Song Taosheng’s abilities and his past contributions to the Confucian Cultivator Group.

He hoped Zhao Hansheng could bring Song Taosheng back to Huazhang Country to further pursue his studies.

Zhao Hansheng welcomed this notion in his heart.

Because Duanmu Zhang’s attitude towards Song Taosheng wasn’t that of a traitor, Zhao Hansheng immediately understood Duanmu Zhang’s underlying meaning.

This was both Duanmu Zhang’s "good gathering and scattering" and a willingness to offer Zhao Hansheng a strength.

Song Taosheng’s emergence in the Myriad Images Sect already attests to his power among Golden Core Cultivators. If offered reliance from Zhao Hansheng, his power would also be at Zhao Hansheng’s disposal.

This would greatly aid Zhao Hansheng after turning to Wang Xinyue in resisting difficult times.

More importantly, if Song Taosheng develops well, he will become a "bridge" for communication between Duanmu Zhang and Zhao Hansheng!

The cooperation between these two Great Scholars, following Qin De’s blow, only tightened, gradually showing a posture of "alliance."

As for Song Taosheng’s own will.

Neither Zhao Hansheng nor Duanmu Zhang felt this was an issue.

Huazhang Country!

Truly a holy land, coveted by countless Confucian Cultivators.

Song Taosheng would be no exception.

The two did not rush to embark, returning to the station, using its transmission array to send out a flying message to quickly contact Song Taosheng.

After sending the message, Gu Qing too came to realization, understanding Duanmu Zhang’s profound intent in recommending Song Taosheng and arranging him beside Zhao Hansheng.

Gu Qing sighed: "Elder Duanmu Zhang truly deserves to be a Great Scholar, such arrangements have deep meaning."

"Alas, truly regrettable."

"He had such ability, yet back then, he abandoned entering the administration of Flying Cloud Country, choosing instead to join the Myriad Images Sect. If his choice were different, today’s situation might also be very different."

Years ago, within the leadership of the current king of Huazhang Country, excellent Confucian Cultivators were actively dispatched to various countries to spread Confucianism and educate the masses. Some succeeded, like in Qingping Country, now reforming to rule the nation through Confucianism, even elevating Confucian Skills.

Of course, some failed, ending in death and path dissolution.

"Elder Duanmu Zhang had painstakingly managed within the Myriad Images Sect for years, yet due to one Qin De, he was suppressed to the point where he couldn’t rise. Such poor fortune."

Zhao Hansheng shook his head slightly: "If I were Duanmu Zhang, I might have made the same choice back then."

"Why?" Gu Qing eagerly inquired.

Zhao Hansheng patiently explained: "Why does the Monarch exhaust all means to propagate Confucianism, with such great effort, persisting from the beginning till now?"

"It’s to strengthen our Confucian Qi Fortune!"

"The more people cultivating Confucianism, the more talented individuals engaging in Confucian cultivation, the stronger the Confucian Qi Fortune becomes."

"Conversely, if these excellent cultivators pursue the Demon Path, Demon Dao, Soldier Dao, etc., they bolster the Qi Fortune of other paths."

"It’s a zero-sum game."

This is why Zhao Hansheng spreads Heart Learning without cost, even willing to share the Refining Method for the Inheriting Dao Jade Page.

Aside from aiding Gu Qing, creating the Inheriting Dao Jade Page necessitates utilizing Confucian resources. If a strong entity or force wishes to manufacture them on a large scale, they inevitably seek Confucian Cultivators for cooperation, lifting their status while attracting many to exclusively practice Confucianism.

Zhao Hansheng achieving these will also earn him national commendation upon returning.

Zhao Hansheng continued: "Thus, developing Confucian Cultivators and promoting Confucianism elsewhere fundamentally involves undermining others, countering other Qi Fortunes."

Gu Qing was suddenly enlightened: "I understand now, Teacher. If Elder Duanmu Zhang had chosen to enter Flying Cloud Country then, he’d face the entire national fortune there. The fortune of a country, protected by National Treasure and supported by National Skill, is immensely challenging."

"But by joining the Myriad Images Sect, he only contends with the Qi Fortune of a Super Sect. Though endowed with Township Spirit Treasures, though guarded by Invisible Barriers, it ultimately proves easier to manage than a country’s fortune."

Zhao Hansheng nodded: "That’s indeed the case."

"Yet, what one didn’t foresee is that among the world’s superpowers, the Myriad Images Sect is uniquely special."

"Its scale is almost the largest, and although not possessing the strongest treasures, it undoubtedly ranks among the top."

"Qin De’s emergence and creation of the ’Saint Thief Scripture’ might be an assertion of the Myriad Images Sect’s Qi Fortune exerting its influence, suppressing the Confucian Cultivator Group."

Zhao Hansheng’s thoughts drifted, his gaze flashing slightly: "Perhaps there’s another aspect... the Myriad Images Sect might be the starting point for a competitive age. Thus, this sect is rather unique, the obstacles Duanmu Zhang faces are far greater than they appear."