Given the current power of Pei Xuanjing, if Wang Qiong decides to fight him one-on-one, he unquestionably has a chance of achieving total victory, just like when he defeated the Divine Heavenly Sect before. However, this will certainly cost him dearly, resulting in his defeat in this struggle.
Upon Yang Tinghe's victory and his placement of a young ruler on the throne to control the affairs of the imperial court, they will surely be suppressed and expelled from the court. The efforts of Wang Qiong that have been expended over decades will flow down the drain and there will be no chance for further progress.
This is assuming that Yang Tinghe, the Prime Minister, is aware of Wang Qiong's intentions to take action, and is determined to sit back and watch the fight, without cooperating with Pei Xuanjing. If the opposition is more conniving and the two sides unite, the consequences will be even worse.
Of course, if Pei Xuanjing knew this, he would certainly die laughing.
After all, this speculation is made by Gu Ji who does not understand the magnitude of the forces behind Pei Xuanjing.
If he knew the true alliance and forces behind Pei Xuanjing, he would never have this thought.
The collective power of present-day Pei Xuanjing has far exceeded their expectations and is unstoppable by them.
"Alas!" Wang Qiong let out a deep sigh. How could he not be aware of the outcome?
It is just that being threatened by a junior like Pei Xuanjing infuriates him and he is having a hard time accepting it.
"So, what do you think I should do?" he asked Gu Ji, "Should I collaborate with him?"
Gu Ji responded with a question, "That depends on whether you can put aside your prejudices with the Prime Minister."
Now, intending to have the best of both worlds is clearly impossible.
What they need to do is to make a choice that best serves their interests.
A hint of smile emerged at Wang Qiong's lips, "It seems that you still have a good impression of your old friend?"
Gu Ji's attitude has already been reflected although he didn't say anything.
"That's right!" Gu Ji did not hide his preference. Of course, Wang Qiong also knew about Gu Ji's friendly relations with Pei Xuanjing.
Gu Ji thinks that, compared to Yang Tinghe, at least Pei Xuanjing is bearable.
Wang Qiong pondered for a long time before speaking in a deep voice, "Since you have a good relationship with him, you should interact more with him from time to time and see if you can dissolve the 'misunderstanding' from before."
Gu Ji understood what Wang Qiong meant and replied with a smile, "I have noted your advice."
"By the way," just as Gu Ji was about to leave, Wang Ojong casually said, "I have heard that he is staying at the Baiyun Temple."
Baiyun Temple!
The colour drained from Gu Ji's face as a multitude of possibilities crossed his mind.
At this point, every word and action carries significant meaning. If it has been specifically mentioned by Wang Qiong, it implies a possibility that Baiyun Temple, which has kept a low profile for hundreds of years since the founding of the Great Ming, has teamed up with Pei Xuanjing.
Even though Baiyun Temple has been low-key for hundreds of years, nobody would underestimate this powerful sect that commanded the Taoist School and laid down the law in the previous dynasty.
To make a comparison, the prestige of Baiyun Temple in the previous dynasty was almost equivalent to that of the True Martial Sect and the imperial household of the Great Ming today, perhaps even exceeding them !
"I understand. I will meet him tomorrow." A serious expression appeared on Gu Ji's face.
At the suburbs, inside the Baiyun Temple.
Pei Xuanjing and two others, Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong checked into the temple two days ago.
He kept a very low profile, but could not hide his whereabouts.
It can be said that from the moment Pei Xuanjing set foot in the Baiyun Temple, all the people in Tiandu who should Imow about him were already aware of his arrival.
Previously, his reputation had risen sharply in Tiandu. He then heroically killed Qian Ning, commander of the Brocade Guards, at Xuanfu, beheaded the Ning King, annihilated the Wuji Pavilion, battled the Dragon and Tiger Celestial Master, killed the Seven Kills Sword Master, decapitated the Fengdu Ghost Emperor, and other series of battle achievements. All these had made Pei Xuanjing quite famous in the martial arts world, and his every movement had attracted a lot of attention.
Whether intentional or not, the news of Pei Xuanjing's rising influence spread to the ears of these 'important persons' in Tiandu.
As for this powerful stranger whose abilities were profound and mysterious, who also had grudges against the Great Ming imperial court, no party, no matter who they were, could afford to be careless in their response.
Even the great forces in the martial arts world could not help but suspect and calculate the purpose of Pei Xuanjing's arrival and what he intended to do.
But at this moment, Pei Xuanjing didn't care about these external matters. He was fishing by a stream at the back mountain of the Baiyun Temple, with a fishing rod in his foot. He was lying on a recliner, playing with a page of the Netherworld Book which was neither gold nor jade, looking relaxed and comfortable.
For Pei Xuanjing, his strategy had been put in place, so all that was left was waiting for the fish to bite. There was no need for him to do anything.
It would be better to take advantage of this time to study martial arts skills, accumulate Taoyun for himself, and prepare to initiate the next life simulation.
The previous life simulation had already helped him build a Divine Soul, so he was eagerly anticipating what rewards the next life simulation would bring him.
"While we are running around outside, you, on the other hand, are leisurely enjoying your free time like a laissez-faire boss, making us envious!"
A teasing voice came from a distance.
Pei Xuanjing, without raising his head, responded, "Those who are capable need to work harder. I am just a layman and don't understand too much. Why should I cause trouble for you?
Given the acuteness of Pei Xuanjing's Divine Soul, he had been aware of Bai Xiaosheng and Daoist Xuanming's presence a hundred Zhang away.
Bai Xiaosheng and Daoist Xuanming sat down on the recliners beside Pei Xuanjing with smiles on their faces.
Daoist Xuanming said, "Taoist Friend, you may be overly modest. If it were not for you, we would not have aligned with the Minister of War so quickly."
"Ha ha." Pei Xuanjing chuckled lightly, "So, it seems the Minister has made a decision?"
Bai Xiaosheng said in a faint voice, "Brother Pei, do you think he has any other choice?"
Given the current situation, Wang Qiong and Yang Tinghe have torn the face off their relationship. It'S like fire and water, and Wang Qiong could never put aside his prejudices and cooperate again with Yang Tinghe.
Even if we took a step back and said, even if Wang Qiong was prepared to compromise for the greater good, would Yang Tinghe trust Wang Qiong?
Emperor domination usually results in life or death, without a middle-ground.
Would Yang Tinghe believe that Wang Qiong would truly admit defeat?
Probably not!
Just as Wang Qiong did not believe that Yang Tinghe would spare him likewise.
Therefore, after Pei Xuanjing put forward this condition, the opposition would not immediately refuse under any circumstances.
In necessary situations, Wang Qiong would not simply dismiss Pei Xuanjing and push him towards Yang Tinghe.
Daoist Xuanming took out an invitation from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Xuanjing, saying, "This is an invitation from the Vice-Censor-in-chief. He said he wants to meet Taoist Friend in person tomorrow."
Pei Xuanjing took the invitation, looked at the meticulous writing on it, and a smile appeared on his face, "If that's the case, then let me meet this old friend!"
The next day, in a quiet room designated for welcoming guests at the Baiyun Temple.
Dressed in ordinary clothes, the low-profile Gu Ji gave a ceremonial bow to Pei Xuanjing, saying, "Mr. Pei, it's been a long time."
"Mr. Gu, it has been many years since we last met. I trust you've been well." Pei Xuanjing smiled lightly.
"In the blink of an eye, ten years have passed since last we met, and you're even more impressive than before. Truly, I envy you." Gu Ji, whose hair had turned partially white, flashed back to some memories.
Time flows like water. Last time the two met was ten years ago.
Seeing the man in front of him, his face unchanged and his spirit as radiant as ever, as if the years had not left any traces on his face, Gu Ji could not help but sigh.
Pei Xuanjing shook his head and laughed lightly, "Although I travel far and wide, news of you has never stopped reaching me. You were appointed as the Left Vice Censor-in -chief, commanded the forces in the Northwest Dao, broke the Diamond Gate with a wave of your hand, these achievements are not false rumors, are they?"
When Gu Ji heard Pei Xuanjing's praise, a trace of pride flashed across his eyebrows, but he quickly hid it away, laughing to Pei Xuanjing, "Those are just minor deeds, far less impressive than what you've achieved. Nowadays, even though you're at the prime of life, you've already reached an enlightened state of martial arts, known as the number one person of the Jianghu, what a glory it is!"
Ever since Pei Xuanjing fought with the old celestial master, and then killed the Seven Kills Sword Master and the Ghost Emperor of Fengdu, countless in the Jianghu had marveled.
Many reasoned that Pei Xuanjing is now truly the number one person of the Jianghu.
After all, since the establishment of the Ultimate Ranking by Bai Xiaosheng, Pei Xuanjing was the first, and the only one, who killed a high-level Jianghu master.
Pei Xuanjing smiled and said nothing, neither accepting nor denying it.
At his current Realm, there is no need to be overly modest about his strength.
A ripple flashed in Gu Ji's eyes. While his previous praises to Pei Xuanjing were indeed heartfelt, they were also a bit probing.
But from what he could see now, while Pei Xuanjing still remained as modest as before, his inherent pride was no longer concealed.
The Pei Xuanjing of the past was indeed proud, but he had reservations, knowing that he was not invincible.
The result of this probe undoubtedly made Gu Ji's heart feel heavy, making him understand Pei Xuanjing's intentions.
"It seems, Mr. Pei, you are determined to involve yourself in this matter." Gu Ji said with a complicated tone.
Even though he leans toward collaborating with Pei Xuanjing, that would be the last choice under various circumstances.
If possible, he would naturally prefer not to have Pei Xuanjing get involved and seize the benefits that belong to them.
Pei Xuanjing said with a faint smile, "1 thought, Mr. Gu, you came today just to catch up."
Gu Ji straightened his face and said directly, "Tell me your conditions!"
To be commissioned by others, to faithful serve others.
As he was entrusted by the Right Advisor to discuss affairs, he needed to maintain his position.
Even though he has a connection with Pei Xuanjing, under thorough consideration, they were merely collaborators, and the Right Advisor was the one on his team.
So direct, without any beating around the bush.
Pei Xuanjing was slightly surprised by his calm expression.
Gu Ji'S straightforwardness surprised him. According to Pei Xuanjingts understanding, the other party would continue to probe before finally asking the question.
But even though he was surprised, Pei Xuanjing was not caught off guard by his straightforwardness.
"I can support you in achieving your plans, even try to persuade the various forces in the Jianghu martial arts world to join in and take action together in the future. " Pei Xuanjing said.
Wang Qiong•s goal was nothing more than the emperor's idea during his reign. He had plotted for more than a decade, just in the hope of one day sending troops outside the border, sweeping MO Bei, restoring the prestige of the great ancestors, and making the four barbaric tribes surrender.
It could be said that among the many Civil Officials in the Great Ming Empire, Wang Qiong was an oddity. He was not like other Civil Officials who suppressed Noble Officials and wanted to honor Civil Officials alone.
However, such a Wang Qiong undoubtedly received the support of many Noble Officials. For these Noble Officials, only war and military exploits could maintain their glory and wealth.
As far as Pei Xuanjing was concerned, he was happy to see this.
After all, as Pei Xuanjing saw it, the world was vast, and the expansion of the Great Ming Empire would greatly assist their future plans.
According to Pei Xuanjing's analysis, the Divine Dynasty's plan in this world was somewhat similar to the Incense Fire Divine Spirit Way he learned about in his previous life.
If it really had something to do with the Incense Fire Divine Spirit Way, it meant that the more expansive the territory of the Divine Dynasty and the larger the population, the faster the Spirits'
cultivation, and the greater the authonty and power they held.
As for the rumors about the "Incense is toxic," they were not within Pei Xuanjing's consideration at
Incense is toxic and harmful to the Cultivation of Spirits?
But for a Cultivator who could hardly even achieve immortality, what right did he have to consider so much?
If he worried about this and that, would he not be losing the greater for the less, and worry about the sky falling?
Anyone else would certainly be overjoyed to hear Pei Xuanjing's support and promise.
But Gu Ji not only possessed uncommon wisdom but also understood Pei Xuanjing better. From Pei Xuanjing's journey, he had hardly ever made a deal at a loss.
With such full support for him and his allies, Gu Ji was certain Pei Xuanjing was planning much more.
Would his scheming affect their own interests?
"So what do you want?" Gu Ji asked squarely.
Pei Xuanjing laughed, "Everything is just for Longevity!"
"Longevity?" Gu Ji snorted, shook his head, and said, "Since ancient times, who could live forever, and who could live long? Are you saying…"
Hesitating halfway through, he seemed to recall something, his eyes narrowed, "The Earthly Divine Kingdom plan of the Shenxiao Sect!"
"Hmm?" Pei Xuanjing cast a surprised glance, "I didn't expect that you would know about this affair too, Mr. Gu."
When the Shenxiao Sect was eradicated, everyone just thought that the Shenxiao Sect was involved in a power struggle, had violated the imperial family's taboo, and therefore incurred divine wrath.
Apart from a handful of people, hardly anyone knew the true secret behind it.
Pei Xuanjing was somewhat doubtful why Gu Ji knew about this affair. After all, to put it in unkind terms, with Gu Ji's status, he was probably unable to reach such confidential information.
Even in his opinion, even the person behind Gu Ji, the high-ranking Right Advisor of the Ministry of War, Wang Qiong, might not know much about this.
Hiss!
Gu Ji sucked in a breath, his heart filled with shock. He didn't know how to describe the astonishment raging in his heart at that moment.
It was only by chance that he came to know about this affair. However, he dismissed it at first, thinking it was just some baseless speculations and didn't count for anything..
"Did the initial Ground Divine Dynasty Plan really exist?" Gu Ji tried to suppress the turmoil in his heart, asking aloud.
It was just a momentary spark of inspiration from hearing Pei Xuanjing talk about the pursuit of longevity, recalling a record he had come across long ago, that prompted him to ask.
However, it turned out that his guess was accurate.
If this matter was true, then things would become even more significant.
It meant that their original conjecture when he was discussing with Wang Qiong could be completely overturned since their objective was entirely different from the one they anticipated.
Moreover, if that was the case, it implied that they were determined to achieve this, and they would not give up easily.
"Hehe." From Gu Ji'S reaction, Pei Xuanjing understood that the former seemed not to know much about this issue.
Pei Xuanjing speculated that Gu Ji might have only gathered snippets of information from somewhere, and simply blurted it out unintentionally.
However, he was not worried about Gu Ji revealing anything, admitting that, "Indeed! Longevity could be achieved if the Ground Divine Dynasty were established."
Although Pei Xuanjing was unsure if establishing the Ground Divine Dynasty could truly guarantee longevity, it did not stop him from using it as a temptation.
Longevity!
Gu Ji chewed over this word.
Up until now, Gu Ji believed there was nothing besides power that could attract him.
However, upon hearing about the prospect of longevity, he had to admit that he was tempted.
Especially after seeing Pei Xuanjing for the first time just a while ago, he felt the merciless passing of time.
Despite ten years passing since their last meeting, Pei Xuanjing still appeared vibrant and unchanged.
As for himself, his hair was graying, and as a Third-grade never having made a breakthrough, his health was declining, and his life was nearing its end.
The pursuit of longevity is almost instinctively linked to life itself.
Throughout history, many emperors, despite possessing boundless wealth and riches, failed to transcend life and death.
As a mortal, how could he refuse such an offer?
"Can it really guarantee longevity?" Gu Ji asked in a deep voice, his eyes full of anticipation.
Pei Xuanjing looked at Gu Ji and was reminded of their first meeting decades ago.
Back then, Gu Ji, being a prefectural governor, was full of ambition and driven by his determination to climb the hierarchy, his eyes brimming with desire.
At this moment, Gu Ji's ambition and spirit were even stronger than they were in the past.
"At least it can prolong life!" Pei Xuanjing's response was exactly what he had hoped for.
Huu huu huu…
Gu Ji closed his eyes, taking long breaths, as if he were making a difficult decision.
Pei Xuanjing was not in a hurry, just silently waiting for him to decide.
Maybe a long time passed, or maybe it was just a moment, when Gu Ji slowly opened his eyes again, regaining his initial calm, yet one could still see the indelible ambition hidden deep in his eyes.
"Can I… believe you?" Gu Ji asked slowly, his eyes locked intensely on Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing did not avoid Gu Ji's gaze. His eyes were full of sincerity, "Just as when I ventured into the forbidden blessed land alone to bring you a miraculous item decades ago. I don't break my promises!"
Boom!
The final vestige of hesitation in Gu Ji's heart was shattered by these words.
The initial agreement with Pei Xuanjing, who risked his life to venture into the forbidden blessed land and obtain a miraculous item for him.
Even when he could have escaped, Pei Xuanjing chose to keep his promise and handed over the mysterious item to him, giving him the chance to return to Tiandu.
It was because of this particular incident that they formed a substantial friendship.
And today, with Pei Xuanjing referring to this incident once again, he was ready to trust Pei Xuanjing one more time!
"Once I return today, I'll persuade the old man for you". Gu Ji made a promise.
He decided that he would attempt to convince Wang Qiong to agree once he returned, to ensure that this cooperation would happen.
"In the future, the chance at immortality will assuredly include Mr. Gu and Minister Wang," Pei Xuanjing solemnly nodded.
His promise was no ruse. Currently, Wang Qiong and Gu Ji were their best potential partners, and neither parties had significant disagreements. Looking into the future, both stood to gain from their shared interests, a long-term cooperation was not implausible.
Some may argue that with their sheer strength, Pei Xuanjing and his comrades could easily wipe out those who currently held the power , without having to concede so much or compromise.
Indeed, with their power, they could easily achieve this. Even if Wang Qiong decided to put aside his prejudice and ally with Yang Tinghe, they would have a hard time stopping them.
But what about afterwards?
After clearing out these individuals, what would become of the world?
Even if they had sufficient power among them, how many capable people would they need to manage a territory of ten thousand miles, home to a hundred million citizens?
If they were to incite nationwide turmoil and widespread rebellions, it would not serve their interests.
By then, how much time and energy would they have to devote to suppressing the unrest, and how long would it take for things to return to the way they were?
If it came to that, when would they be able to implement their plan? They might even incite a mass revolt against them.
'Whether it's the people currently seated in the court or us pulling strings to replace them with others, the final result will remain unchanged," Pei Xuanjing mused to himself.
He knew that, given the lack of potential replacements, they couldn't simply eliminate everyone.
And even if they managed to get rid of these individuals, those who eventually filled their places would be the same people.
Everything would be meaningless; it would just be a cycle!
Pei Xuanjing knew that even if he was personally involved, he could not achieve this. It was not a matter of the moment, but something almost infinite in time.
This was a task almost impossible even for a saint, let alone Pei Xuanjing.
"Alright!" Gu Ji nodded, deciding to take his leave resolutely.
Today's negotiation outcome was beyond his expectation, and the information he received was beyond his imagination. Thus, he needed to discuss with Wang Qiong to ensure that his decision was the right one.
"I'll await your good news." Pei Xuanjing said with a smile.
Watching Gu Ji hastily leave, Pei Xuanjing called over Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong. To Yu Zhenzi, he
sma, "Escort mm nome m secret.'
"Yes!" Yu Zhenzi received his order and left.
Pei Xuanjing turned to Pang Hong, who understood that there was something he needed to do, "What do you need me to do, Master?"
Pei Xuanjing smiled and replied, "Brother Lin brought you to Tiandu initially, which was a significant favor. Since you've returned to Tiandu, it's necessary to pay a visit."
Pang Hong grasped Pei Xuanjing's meaning and cautiously asked, "I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing."
He needed Pei Xuanjing to draw a line so that he could gauge the situation.
Pei Xuanjing whispered instructions into Pang Hong's ear, who nodded in understanding, "I understand."
With that, he turned and left..