Chapter 520 - Chapter 520: Chapter 468: Deng Zhong’s Intentions, Two Birds with One Stone?

Chapter 520: Chapter 468: Deng Zhong’s Intentions, Two Birds with One Stone?

Ever since he took charge of the selection process for the Taoist Academy, Deng Zhong had encountered such occurrences more than once. Daoist Xuanming was neither the first nor the last, and Deng Zhong had grown accustomed to it.

What puzzled him, however, was why Daoist Xuanming, who certainly had some slots to enter the Taoist Academy, came specifically to him for a favor.

Hearing Deng Zhong’s question, a trace of embarrassment flickered in Daoist Xuanming’s eyes. He said, “The offspring of my old friend are only pseudo-Wuzongs.”

His answer seemed vague but the reason was very simple. Even though he had some quotas to enter the Taoist Academy, these belonged to the disciples of Baiyun Temple. Not to mention that many disciples and elders within the temple eyed these quotas eagerly. As Master Guan, he definitely couldn’t use the resources of his own sect to repay his personal favors.

Moreover, the more critical point was that the offspring of his old friend is a pseudo-Wuzong. Although pseudo-Wuzongs have the hope of changing their paths and making breakthroughs again due to the revival of Heaven and Earth, the hardship and tribulation throughout the process are enormous. The future development is truly uncertain and it’s unreasonable to use the sect’s resources for this uncertain investment.

Upon understanding Daoist Xuanming’s intentions, Deng Zhong showed his difficulty and said, “This decision needs to be made by Sect Leader (True Person). I cannot make it.”

If Daoist Xuanming had wanted a quota for a Lower Court disciple, Deng Zhong could have used his power to grant it with no trouble. However, accommodating a pseudo-Wuzong was a different story.

Based on the plan by Sect Leader (True Person), he would personally teach these Upper Court disciples for a while. Every single slot was precious and limited in number. If one person gets more, another gets less.

The quotas for these Upper Court disciples were coveted by countless martial artists. With the revival of Heaven and Earth, first-class martial artists abound and many of them were held back before the gates of Spirit Realm.

Currently, there is Pei Xuanjing, the world’s strongest person, willing to provide personal instruction and guidance. This is an extraordinary opportunity that comes once in a millennia. No one wants to miss it and many strong people are exhausting their efforts to seize this rare opportunity.

In such a situation, even some second-class martial artists are uncertain of securing a slot, let alone allowing a third-grade pseudo-Wuzong to join. Deng Zhong simply does not have the authority to offer this as a favor.

Upon hearing these words, Daoist Xuanming sighed, fully understanding Deng Zhong’s hesitation.

He is not an unreasonable person. Understanding Deng Zhong’s difficulty, he knows he can’t ask Deng Zhong to take such a huge risk.

Deng Zhong suggested, “Why don’t I go and test the waters with Sect Leader (True Person) first? Let’s see what he has to say.”

Initially, he didn’t want to get involved in this matter. Although it is beneficial to build a good relationship with Daoist Xuanming, a powerful figure in the Taoist School, if it results in the displeasure of the Sect Leader (True Person), Deng Zhong was absolutely unwilling to bear the cost.

However, after giving it some thought, he had an idea and decided to bring it up to the Sect Leader (True Person), to see if it was worth a try. If it was feasible, then it could be a win-win situation.

Moreover, merely asking wouldn’t cause harm. Even if the Sect Leader (True Person) refuses, Daoist Xuanming cannot blame Deng Zhong. Instead, he would owe Deng Zhong a favor for having asked on his behalf.

Hearing Deng Zhong’s willingness to speak up, a smile appeared on Daoist Xuanming’s face. He repeatedly expressed his gratitude, “In that case, many thanks, Taoist Friend.”

After all, it wasn’t appropriate for him to directly approach Pei Xuanjing given his status. No matter what, he was one of the leaders of a Taoist School power. If he made this request and Pei Xuanjing agreed, that would be fine but if it was refused, it would be awkward for both parties and could even cause rifts.

At present, the cooperation within the Taoist School was going smoothly. No matter how important his old friend’s matter was, it couldn’t hold precedence over the affairs of the Baiyun Temple. He couldn’t possibly prioritize it over Baiyun Temple’s affairs.

Deng Zhong’s suggestion was undoubtedly a solution to his problem. If it was possible, he would ask. If Pei Xuanjing refused, then it would be as if it never happened.

“I greet Sect Leader (True Person).”

“Sit down!”

Deng Zhong approached Pei Xuanjing and, after reporting on his recent supervision of the Taoist Academy’s construction and the preliminary process of the disciple selection, brought up the matter discussed with Daoist Xuanming.

Having said that, he fell silent, waiting quietly for Pei Xuanjing’s response.

Pei Xuanjing was toying with the Golden Book and Jade Scroll in his hands. After Deng Zhong finished speaking, he did not directly give an answer. He smiled and asked, “Since you are willing to plead on his behalf, you must already have your own views on this matter, right?”

Given Deng Zhong’s cleverness, he certainly would not have gotten involved unless he felt the same way about the situation, and taken the liberty to come to him without a decision.

“Heh, heh.” Deng Zhong laughed awkwardly, “Indeed, I do have some ideas and I think we should agree to this.”

“Oh? Let’s hear it.” Pei Xuanjing gestured for him to share his reasoning.

Deng Zhong organized his thoughts and said, “In my opinion, if we accept this individual, it would be a win-win situation.”

Seeing that Pei Xuanjing had no objection, Deng Zhong continued, “Firstly, as Daoist Priest Xuanming is the Master Guan of Baiyun Temple, we would inevitably upset him, even with justified reasoning, if we reject him. On the other hand, accepting one more disciple is no big deal. It would be an opportunity to make a good impression on him, and he would definitely remember Sect Leader as someone who does him favors. In the future, he will definitely lean towards the Shenxiao Sect within the Taoist School.”

In his view, even though Pei Xuanjing is invincible and unafraid of offending Daoist Xuanming and Baiyun Temple, they certainly cannot retaliate against him for refusing their request, other than holding a grudge.

However, if you look at it from another angle, even though this quota seems difficult, it isn’t a big deal to accept, and it can be used to win over Daoist Xuanming and curry favor with him, leading him to gravitate towards us.

Given the current major changes in the world and the chance that forces from Sky Wasteland may descend at any time, nobody knows what will happen in the future. Therefore, enhancing one’s strength is the most crucial strategy.

As part of the Shenxiao Sect, they achieved their current status thanks to the protection of Pei Xuanjing. Naturally, they must stand up for the Shenxiao Sect’s interests.

Among the powers of the Taoist School, besides the Shenxiao Sect, True Martial Sect and Dragon Tiger Mountain should be the strongest. However, Dragon Tiger Mountain has a heritage in Sky Wasteland. Although the various powers had agreed to ally at first, if one day someone from the Sky Wasteland’s Dragon Tiger Mountain returns, whether the alliance will continue to unite remains to be seen.

So, in order to maintain the alliance, they need to unite as many powers as possible and avoid planting seeds of discord for future cooperation.

“This point is valid.” Pei Xuanjing nodded, indicating his approval of Deng Zhong’s statement. He asked out of curiosity, “Since there’s the first point, there must be a second one.”