If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1144 Intrigue and deception
This "Huashan Dao Discussion" (the selection of the Grand Tutor of the Great Qin Dynasty) proceeded without any unexpected incidents until it officially began.

Xiaoyu visited the Third Holy Mother in the morning, had breakfast at her house, and then, led by her, went to the Huashan Divine Palace to pay respects to the Golden Heavenly King.

According to human rules, Mount Hua is the territory of the Qin Dynasty, that's true; but according to divine rules, Mount Hua is the domain of the Golden Heavenly King.

Today, Xiaoyu essentially borrowed the venue from King Jin.

When the selection of the Grand Tutor was decided to take place at Mount Hua, it was not discussed with the Golden Heavenly King.

Since we were already here and Xiaoyu had some free time, she didn't hesitate to show some polite formalities.

When facing her, the Golden Heavenly King remained indifferent, neither dwelling on past grievances nor blaming or refusing her permission to discuss Taoism at Mount Hua.

After exchanging a few words, Xiaoyu strolled around the Huashan Divine Palace before returning to Huashan in the mortal realm.

As the sun rose high in the sky, the summit of the South Peak of Mount Hua was already packed with people.

Extraordinary people and eccentrics each displayed their unique abilities, like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea.

Some people stand on auspicious clouds, some float in the wind, drifting like a fallen leaf, some ride donkeys backwards and fly in the sky, some sit on red gourds, and some stand on the back of cranes.
There was also an "Emperor" from who-knows-where, riding in a magnificent palace pulled by nine true dragons, surrounded by a group of beautiful fairy children.

There are many more immortals or mortals who climbed the mountain on foot and are now standing on the summit.

Of course, some immortals are low-key and choose to stand on the mountain with the general public.

Taoist priests from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau of the Qin Dynasty cleared a space on the mountaintop, laid wooden floors, and built bamboo pavilions and reed sheds for guests to rest.

It is not limited to immortals who participate in the Grand Tutor selection.

Anyone with a name or surname, or even someone without a name but possessing supernatural abilities, would be treated as an honored guest by the Imperial Observatory and welcomed into the pavilion.

Although the reed huts and pavilions are simple, they still have tables and chairs and tea. The key point is that the reed huts are used to entertain people from other places, which is a common practice. When Hongjun Laozu and the three Dao Ancestors descended to the mortal world, they also lived in reed huts and sat on straw mats!

Moreover, in order to entertain the guests, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau hired a group of clever servants from restaurants in Xianyang City.

Another hundred Iron Eagle Warriors maintained order on the perimeter.

We don't expect them to be wary of the immortals; we just need to ensure that mortal martial artists don't cause disturbances or engage in private fights.

Is Fairy Yu here?

Seeing that most of the people had arrived, Lu Jin Gong couldn't resist taking off into the air, looking around, and shouting loudly.

"I'm here!" But Xiaoyu wasn't in the sky.

She emerged from the ground using the technique of earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of magic or technique).

Because she has three spirits disguised as servants, moving among the crowds to serve new-faced immortals.

Upon hearing the call, it quietly burrowed into the ground and disappeared, only to reappear from underground.

At this moment, the Huashan Daoist Debate was about to begin, and she still retained a spiritual body, playing the role of Xiao Linzi and serving as the "Chief Servant."

"Fairy Yu, I heard that you have become the chief minister, the head of all officials. Why do you still need to hold the 'Huashan Dao Discussion'?" asked Lord Lujin.

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "It is precisely because I am already the prime minister that I must hold the Grand Tutor selection."

I hope to select a fellow Daoist whose Daoist skills far surpass mine to assist me as the Grand Tutor of the Qin Dynasty, so that the Qin Dynasty may once again become great.

"If anyone could defeat you in a magical duel, would they still be willing to assist you?" Lu Jin Gong asked with a strange expression.

"That's my problem, you all don't need to worry about it." Xiao Yu lightly leaped into the air, looked around at the group of extraordinary people, and said loudly, "Today, all the wise men have gathered here to discuss the Dao at Mount Hua, in order to determine the Grand Tutor of the Great Qin."

The one who ultimately stands out and surpasses everyone else is worthy of being called the "Number One Master of China," which is not an exaggeration.

Since he is the first Heavenly Master, he should naturally follow the Taoist teachings of the Heavenly Masters.

What do you all think?

"Does Fairy Yu mean that we will only compete in the Heavenly Master's Daoist arts today?" Zhong Yuangong asked.

Before Xiaoyu could answer, someone shouted, "Fairy Yu, in times of peace, the Grand Tutor of Qin only needs to sit in the Imperial Observatory and assist the monarch with the Heavenly Master's Law."

But now everyone understands that China is about to fall into turmoil.

The Qin Dynasty needs a Martial Master, a capable and valiant warrior, much like the ancient Grand Tutor Wen.

Xiao Yu glanced at him; he was an unorthodox, free-spirited immortal with profound cultivation (due to a long period of practice) and considerable supernatural abilities, though he was probably not skilled in the Celestial Masters' Way.

“Fellow Daoist Hong is right. If we can help the Great Qin quell the rebellion, our merit will far surpass that of Grand Tutor Wen of the Celestial Masters Sect, who is stationed in Xianyang.”

Therefore, today's discussion at Mount Hua will not only focus on the Way of the Celestial Masters, but also on martial arts.

All participants in the Grand Tutor's magical duel are welcome to fully display their talents.

Lu Jin Gong frowned and said, "It's a contest of supernatural powers and martial arts, as well as the Taoist arts of the Celestial Masters. With so many fellow Daoists present, it's going to be very troublesome to convince everyone!"

Xiaoyu shook her head and said, "It's not troublesome at all. The rules of the battle are even quite simple."

She pointed to herself, looked around at everyone, and said, "The rule is that I will guard the arena and accept all your challenges. You can choose whatever you want to compete in, and I will accept it."

"What? You're going to challenge all of us all by yourself?" A shocked uproar erupted from the sky and the ground.

Xiaoyu waved her hand and said, "It's not like I'm challenging all of you at once."

I will guard the arena; you can all come up and challenge me one by one.

If you defeat me, the victor will take my place in the ring and then accept challenges from others.

At this point, the reigning champion doesn't have to accept both literary and physical challenges like I did.

The champion can choose to fight only the Taoist magic or only the martial arts.

Of course, if the champion is confident, they can do what I do and not restrict the types of challenges, allowing any opponent to challenge them.

Ultimately, two champions may emerge: the one with the strongest Celestial Master Technique and the one with the strongest supernatural power.

At that time, the two champions will discuss whether to continue the contest to determine a single Grand Tutor, or to follow the system of prime ministers and appoint two Grand Tutors, one on the left and one on the right.

I am different from everyone else.

Regardless of whether it's the Celestial Master method or the Divine Dao method, if either fails, then one will not participate in the competition for the 'Left and Right Grand Masters'.

Well, I will serve as the Grand Chancellor, and the Imperial Observatory will be handed over to the new Grand Tutor.

What do you think of this rule? Do you think it's fair?

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then someone shouted, "Fairy Yu is willing to accept challenges from everyone and even choose any challenge. What can we say?"

If there are any unfair aspects to the rules, they are only unfair to Fairy Yu.

We have absolutely nothing more to say.

Xiao Yu laughed and said, "Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. You are all vying for the position of Grand Tutor of Qin. The ultimate winner will help Qin guard the world!"
Entrusted by the late King of Qin, I served as the second father of the Second Emperor, and naturally I hoped that Qin would become better and better.

If someone defeats me fairly and squarely, I will only be happy.

Because this means that the Qin Dynasty has gained a sage more capable than I am.

Feng Quji frowned and said, "Grand Tutor Yu, we have witnessed your magnanimity, which is truly admirable."

There are several hundred fellow cultivators who have come to participate in the battle today.

Taking them up one by one to challenge them, and then competing in tedious Taoist rituals—how long will this go on?

As guarantors, the Qin nobles naturally had to participate in the Mount Hua Dao Debate. Even the Second Emperor, Huhai, came at this time.

They need to head to Xingyang immediately, so they certainly can't stay at Mount Hua for ten days or half a month.

Xiao Yu said, "Prime Minister, do not worry. If we follow the normal method of taking turns fighting, it will definitely take a long time."

But if we simply change the order of the duel, we might be able to determine the outcome very quickly.

She looked around at the Qi cultivators again and said, “Although cultivation level is not the same as supernatural power, those with higher cultivation level generally have stronger supernatural power.”

I will divide the participants in the battle into three levels based on their cultivation level.

From lowest to highest, they are: extraordinary individuals who have not yet become immortals, true immortals, and great immortals.

Extraordinary people and immortals are easy to distinguish; the key is the great immortal.

At this point, she smiled strangely and said, "Let's use the seating arrangement of the immortals and distinguished guests at Prime Minister Li's house to determine the identity and ranking of the Great Immortal."

Fellow Daoists, many of you are guests of Prime Minister Li.

Since you haven't objected to the ranking given to you by Prime Minister Li in the past, you shouldn't mind if I borrow Prime Minister Li's ranking today and choose 'Great Immortal', right?

The Qi cultivators lodging at the Li residence first looked at each other in bewilderment, then glanced at Li Si.

Seeing that Li Si's face was expressionless and his emotions were unreadable, they did not respond, but simply nodded silently.

At this moment, a young sword immortal carrying a cyan sword box and wearing a red robe squeezed in from the periphery of the crowd and shouted: "Fairy Yu, you once said that there are no restrictions on identity or cultivation level for participating in the Grand Tutor selection."

Anyone who comes from a legitimate sect of Taoism and has a good reputation, or whose reputation is not well-known but who has the guarantee of a high-ranking official in the court, can participate in the magic contest.

Does what you said still stand?

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Could it be that you, fellow Daoist, are also interested in participating in this grand Dharma assembly that occurs once every million years, destined to leave your mark on history and be passed down to future generations for hundreds of millions of years?"

The young man, who was originally handsome with sharp eyes and a solemn expression, almost couldn't help but roll his eyes.

“That’s right.” He nodded with a smug look on his face. “I am Ye Jiutian from Mount Luofu.”

Fairy Yu may not know me, but the fellow Daoists of Mount Hua around me certainly do.

You can ask around.

No need to ask anymore; the moment he appeared, many immortals in the heavens and on earth exclaimed in surprise, calling him "Heavenly Escape Sword" and "Nine Heavens Immortal."

Xiao Yu smiled broadly and said, "No need to ask anymore, the pure Dao aura emanating from you has already explained everything."

"With a great immortal like you joining the Imperial Observatory, it is truly a blessing for the court, and the revival of the Qin Dynasty is in sight!"

Then, she looked around and said loudly, "Regardless of status or realm, as long as one has a clean background, anyone can participate in the Grand Tutor selection."

This is a promise from the Qin Dynasty.

As long as this Huashan Daoist Forum continues, this promise remains valid.

Personally, I also sincerely hope that more esoteric immortals and reclusive masters will join the Imperial Observatory to assist the Second Emperor in governing the country.

“Fairy Yu, there is only one Grand Tutor, and even if there are left and right Grand Tutors, there are only two.”

"What do you mean by saying you hope more great immortals will join the Imperial Observatory?" Ye Jiutian asked.

Xiao Yu countered, "Why does Fellow Daoist want to participate in the Grand Tutor selection?"

Could it be that they have a favorable impression of the Qin Dynasty and intend to make a significant contribution during this great calamity?

Ye Jiutian hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying, "That's right, I am determined to help Great Qin regain its destiny."

“That settles it.” Xiaoyu’s smile became even brighter. “It’s not only the ‘Grand Tutor’ who can assist His Majesty the Second Emperor.”

Even if you fail to win the arena, you can still serve as the 'Grand Celestial Master' in the Imperial Observatory and continue to serve the Qin Dynasty.

Of course, if you encounter any trouble in the future and need to leave Xianyang, you can simply resign your post and go.

However, the time spent at the Imperial Observatory must not be less than three months.

Xiaoyu glanced at the various "contestants" with different expressions and said, "You all should be able to understand, right?"

This is the 'Grand Tutor Selection of Qin Dynasty', not a martial arts tournament.

To vie for the position of Grand Tutor, one must at least love the Qin Dynasty in one's heart.

They must have the spirit and awareness to dedicate their strength to the Qin Dynasty.

If no one is willing to serve the Qin Dynasty, what's the point of vying for the position of Grand Tutor?

The Qi cultivators' expressions changed several times, each with a different look.

Ye Jiutian said, "Fairy Yu, everything that needs to be said has been said. When shall we begin?"

"Fellow Daoist, don't be impatient." Xiao Yu gestured with his chin to the side, "Besides you, there are many other great immortals and extraordinary individuals who are also willing to offer their assistance to the Great Qin!"

Then she pointed to "Xiao Linzi" and said loudly, "Fellow Daoists, please go to the Daoist of the Imperial Observatory to register your identity and background, and state your approximate level of cultivation."

As I said before, I will divide everyone into three levels according to their level of cultivation.

Those with the rank of 'Great Immortal' and the highest cultivation level will have priority in challenging me.

Having witnessed the detailed process of my battle with these great immortals, fellow Daoists of the first and second levels will surely have a general understanding of my true level.

A person should have self-awareness; immortals are more intelligent and rational than mortals.

Knowing your opponent and yourself allows you to determine the outcome of the battle and decide whether or not to step into the arena.

This can save a lot of time.

“That makes sense.” Ye Jiutian nodded and flew to “Xiao Linzi” to have him register for him.

"Master Ye, I do know your background and origins, but my cultivation level is..."

Upon seeing Ye Jiutian arrive, "Little Linzi" immediately flashed a fawning and ingratiating smile.

Ye Jiutian remained expressionless, his heart as cold as ice.

Because he was fully engaged in practicing the "Heart-Cleansing Mantra".

Not only him, but all the contestants, onlookers, and even the immortal martial artists who came to the top of Mount Hua today were secretly practicing the "Cleansing Heart Technique".

Grand Tutor Yu's "curse of honorifics" is already widely known.

The Heavenly Official Emperor's "Qingxin Jue" has become widely known.

Even though "Xiao Linzi" was not Yu Fengxian, with Yu Fengxian by their side, they still used the "Qingxin Jue" to be on guard.

They weren't on guard against "Little Lin".

However, during the operation of the "Qingxin Jue" (a method of cultivating inner peace), one is free from desires and thoughts, and there is no such thing as approval or disapproval, or defense or non-defense.

They had absolutely no intention of being active, and even Da Mieba was helpless.

Xiaoyu saw it all, but wasn't worried at all.

She even sneered inwardly: "Just wait and see what it means to be one step ahead of the devil!"
(End of this chapter)