Dao Equaling the Heavens

These kinds of words are just flattery from subordinates, but the person in front of me is truly the leader of the Venerables, my superior.

Am I really about to rise to prominence?

He could hardly contain his excitement and said, "Everything is granted by the Venerable. Without you, I would just be an ordinary mortal, how could I have access to the Hall of Great Treasures."

"My contribution is only a part of it, your ability is the reason you stand out."

Gu Wen did not deny his role and casually asked, "Have you ever thought of vying for the top? Sitting in my position?"

"I naturally aspire to establish Universal Unity..." Yi Zong subconsciously replied, but his words frightened him into a cold sweat.

He immediately wanted to kneel and apologize, but found that his body was out of his control.

Gu Wen consoled him, saying, "No need to be nervous, I don't need to scare a mortal like you. I intend to establish a position above the governors to manage each State City Lord Mansion on my behalf."

Yi Zong quickly calmed down and said, "If so, how could a mere mortal like me command the world?"

Faced with such a great opportunity, instead of being excited to take it, he went straight to the root of the problem.

Gu Wen appreciated this in his heart and replied, "The two Venerables, Huayang and Yun Miao, will assist you. It's not like you'll be managing the sect, so there's not much of a problem."

"Are you going into seclusion?"

Yi Zong keenly noticed the problem, showing a hint of reluctance on his face.

When a cultivator enters seclusion, by the time they emerge, he might already be dead.

This was his first time meeting Gu Wen, yet he had been living under his wing for ten years. Without Gu Wen, he would be nothing.

All officials under heaven regard Yuqing as a deity.

Gu Wen shook his head and said, "I am leaving."

"Where to?"

Yi Zong nearly offended by pursuing the question further, but Gu Wen was very tolerant and patiently replied:

"To the Outer Heaven. If things go smoothly, I may never return. So I want to entrust this world to you, to let you continue on the path of Universal Unity."

At that moment, Yi Zong felt no joy about the impending responsibility.

He pondered for a long time and asked, "Will Universal Unity still exist after you're gone?"

"It won't change for a hundred years. After that, only Heaven knows. Great powers of cultivation disdain competing with mortals for petty gains. As for the sect disciples and their affiliated cliques, I cannot control them. I can only ensure that the Daoist Sect remains your greatest support."

Gu Wen's voice was serene as he drafted an edict, ennobling Yi Zong and granting him a divine artifact.

The celestial phenomena surged as a mysterious yellow aura descended upon Yi Zong's top of the skull.

Gu Wen descended the high platform, patted Yi Zong's shoulder, and said with a gentle smile, "No need to be too tense or fearful, your ability surpasses mine."

As he mentioned, unlike his mentor, who paved a true path of unity, Gu Wen merely wanted to provide the soil to turn the sand into mud, so that it could bear fruit.

And now it was time to let go, to see what form it takes is up to future generations' skill and fate.

He needed to find a suitable successor, and the young man in front of him was very appropriate.

Yi Zong, the current architect of the realm's taxation, could impose taxes upon the sect without causing turmoil.

Collecting money has always been the toughest job throughout history, and managing it well implies managing the world well.

As for further matters, Gu Wen cannot decide, nor could they be handled by Yi Zong alone.

Three days later, Yi Zong was chosen by Yuqing Heavenly Venerate as the Sovereign, acting on behalf of the Jade Palace, causing a sensation as the winds of change swept across the land.

Gu Wen observed in secret and, seeing Yi Zong leveraging his position to balance various issues and swiftly seizing power, withdrew his attention.

A mortal holding great power is not a problem, as long as there is backing from the Daoist Sect.

This is also a necessary change, as the cultivators' concept of time is unsuitable for governing the world.

Gu Wen went to Li Yunshang's retreat and reported the recent events.

"You know it in your heart, there's no need for this master to intervene."

Li Yunshang seemed to have figured it out, no longer concerning himself with Universal Unity, saying, "Recently, there's been some movement from the Jianmu, it's likely soon."

"How soon?"

"As short as three years, as fast as ten."