A man in the Qin Dynasty changed the world by collecting entries.

Bai Yuan saw Elder Jingxuzi holding a piece of paper that he had torn, looking somewhat annoyed.

So Bai Yuan quickly explained to them that not all paper is used for writing.

Upon hearing his explanation, Chishongzi and the others had strange expressions on their faces. Such a good thing, used to wipe their mouths, isn't that a bit of a waste?

However, once they discovered that this type of paper was indeed not very good for writing, they accepted the situation.

The following day, under the guidance of Chisongzi, Tianzong began to replace bamboo slips with white paper.

When the disciples of the Heavenly Sect first received the blank paper, they were completely bewildered, but they soon fell in love with this lightweight and easy-to-use writing tool.

What are bamboo slips? They weren't familiar with them.

The work of replacing bamboo slips with paper went very smoothly. In just a few days, no one in the Heavenly Sect was using those heavy bamboo slips anymore.

However, a large number of bamboo slips are also stored in Xinzhai. These bamboo slips record Taoist secrets and some classics left by ancient sages. Because these things contain special artistic conceptions, even though they are recorded on bamboo slips, they must be carefully preserved.

Besides these things, they had other ordinary books copied onto white paper, bound with fine thread, and placed in the Xinzhai (a Buddhist sanctuary).

Since the invention of this paper, the living standards of the disciples of the Heavenly Sect have risen to a new level, becoming more refined.

This change naturally did not escape the notice of the disciples of the Human Sect.

Such a dramatic change quickly spread, arousing speculation from various factions.

Amidst various reports, many factions learned of the white paper.

However, just like Chisongzi and the others before them, they were all puzzled. If paper could be used to write, wouldn't that be the biggest joke in the world?

Therefore, many forces have expressed doubts about the authenticity of this news.

Some of the more powerful factions obtained samples of the paper mentioned in the intelligence, and they were immediately shocked.

Some astute individuals have already realized that this thing could potentially change the course of history.

The Taoists, who have mastered paper, may become the center of this transformation!

Once the news was confirmed, all the major powers wanted to get involved, because this thing absolutely could not be kept by the Taoists!

Taoism was suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

Chisongzi had anticipated this situation, so he made arrangements in advance and found a strong partner.

Chapter 148 Confucian-Taoist Alliance

That day, Bai Yuan was carving jade pendants for Ningyan and the others using jade leaves from the papermaking tree when he suddenly saw Xiao Ling running over in a hurry.

"Junior Uncle, the Confucian sect leader has come to visit. The sect leader requests your presence."

Upon hearing this news, Bai Yuan immediately stopped what he was doing, nodded, and then temporarily put away the jade leaves and the like.

"I'll be there right away."

Bai Yuan also knew why Lu Zhonglian had come here.

More than a month ago, Chisongzi sent a flying eagle to deliver a secret letter to Lu Zhonglian, the leader of the Confucian school, explaining the matter of the blank paper, in order to gain an ally for the Tianzong sect.

As a prominent school of thought in the world, Confucianism's influence is no exaggeration.

Confucian disciples were found all over the world, and unlike the Mohists, most of them served as officials in various states.

Therefore, the influence of Confucianism was much greater than that of Mohism.

Moreover, Confucian disciples actually have a much greater need for paper than Daoists. After all, Daoist disciples spend most of their time on enlightenment and cultivation, and they spend more time comprehending the Great Dao. Confucian disciples, on the other hand, have to read and write every day.

The Confucian Six Arts of a Gentleman include rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics, among which calligraphy and mathematics are the basic courses.

They spend a lot of time on this, and learning books and math requires a lot of reading and writing, which naturally increases the demand for paper.

When Bai Yuan arrived at the main hall of Taiyi Palace, Lu Zhonglian was having a pleasant conversation with Chisongzi.

Beside him, the young Fu Nian appeared somewhat reserved, sitting there properly without uttering a word.

Upon seeing Bai Yuan arrive, Chi Songzi and Lu Zhonglian both stopped and turned their gazes toward him.

"It's been a long time! Junior Brother Bai Yuan is even more impressive than before!"

Lu Zhonglian smiled and narrowed his eyes. He could tell at a glance that Bai Yuan's temperament had undergone a huge change again.

Clearly, Bai Yuan's strength has improved considerably during this period.

He could only sigh that Taoism has successors.

Bai Yuan nodded slightly and smiled.

After he was seated, Chishongzi and Lu Zhonglian began to formally discuss the cooperation.

"I have seen the white paper. It is indeed a rare item. If there is enough of it, it would be very suitable to replace bamboo slips and cloth."

Lu Zhonglian recalled the letter Chisongzi had sent him, which was written on white paper.

He liked it the moment he got his hands on it, and he still carries that piece of paper with him to this day.

Upon hearing this, Chishongzi immediately nodded.

"To be honest, my Taoist sect has quite a lot of paper. Nowadays, my disciples have basically stopped using bamboo slips or cloth and have switched to white paper."

Lu Zhonglian and Fu Nian were both surprised to hear Chi Songzi's description.

"It seems you have truly mastered the technology of making blank paper. This is a blessing for all scholars in the world!"

Lu Zhonglian let out a sigh.

Chisongzi smiled slightly and stroked his beard.

"Although my Heavenly Sect does not concern itself with worldly affairs, blank paper is indeed something that can benefit the world. My Heavenly Sect is fortunate to have obtained this item, so naturally it will not keep it for itself. That is why I notified you to come over as soon as possible."

He put it nicely, but Lu Zhonglian understood what he meant.

The Heavenly Sect has been... because of the blank paper incident...

The Fang forces have their eyes on this. Unlike the Qi-Nourishing Pill, the blank paper is something that can fundamentally change the world.

Although Taoism was among the most prominent and powerful of the various schools of thought, it could not withstand such immense pressure, as it lacked the ability to fight against the world.

That's why Chisongzi thought of Confucianism.

On the one hand, Confucianism has a great influence, and on the other hand, Confucianism and Taoism have a good relationship. Cooperation between the two is beneficial and harmless.

Although it wasn't explicitly stated, both Chisongzi and Lu Zhonglian were fully aware of these matters.

Before long, they had finalized the details of their collaboration.

Starting this month, the Taoists will provide the Confucian Xiaoshengxianzhuang with a batch of white paper of various sizes every month, as well as a small amount of Qi-nourishing pills.

The Confucian school, on the other hand, was to stand up and support the Daoist school, helping it to share the pressure from various forces.

Lu Zhonglian would naturally not refuse this request, after all, the temptation of blank paper was too great for them. Sharing some of the pressure was not difficult for the Confucian school, whose disciples and former officials were all over the world. They only needed to send a letter to their disciples who were serving as officials in various countries, and most of them would know what to do.

As long as Confucianism speaks out in support of Taoism, other schools of thought and various forces will also restrain themselves.

After all, dealing with Taoism alone is difficult enough; if another powerful Confucian school comes along, many people will give up.

Most importantly, they saw hope in obtaining blank paper through the cooperation between Confucianism and Taoism.

The number of blank sheets of paper provided by Taoism to Confucianism was considerable, but some of them were not intended for Confucian use, but rather for them to sell on behalf of Taoism.

As long as people from all sides have a way to obtain blank paper, the pressure on Taoism can be greatly reduced.

The Taoists only need to do one thing: protect the papermaking tree.

While Chisongzi and Lu Zhonglian were discussing matters, Bai Yuan didn't say a word. He was there simply to witness the proceedings, and he didn't want to get involved in the specifics.

An hour later, Chisongzi and the other person finally finished discussing everything.

"Junior brother, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave Sect Leader Lu to you."

To Bai Yuan's astonishment, Chi Songzi readily handed over the task of entertaining Lu Zhonglian to him.

With a sigh of relief, Bai Yuan had no choice but to accept the task.

While strolling around the Taoist Taiyi Palace with Lu Zhonglian, Lu Zhonglian finally had a chance to exchange a few pleasantries with Bai Yuan.

"Ever since Junior Brother Bai Yuan left Sanghai, Little Sage Manor has felt much quieter. Yan Lu and the others still mention you from time to time."

Lu Zhonglian said to Bai Yuan with a smile.

Bai Yuan smiled and took the opportunity to inquire about the recent situation of Wuming and the others.

Then, they learned from Lu Zhonglian that everything was fine for them recently, except that Wuming had left a letter not long ago, abandoned his disciple Yan Lu, and left Xiaoshengxianzhuang, and his whereabouts were now unknown.

At this point, Lu Zhonglian couldn't help but sigh.

"With Wuming's current martial arts skills, there are probably very few people in the world who can hurt him, so Senior Brother Lu doesn't need to worry."

Bai Yuan couldn't help but offer a word of comfort.

He actually had some vague guesses about where Wuming had gone.

As expected, it should still be related to Yan Lu.

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Lu Zhonglian couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm not worried about him, I'm angry. You're telling me, how could he just abandon Yan Lu like that? Isn't that a bit irresponsible of him as a master?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Yuan's expression turned strange.

However, he did not refute Lu Zhonglian's words, but nodded slightly in agreement.

After wandering around the Taoist temple for a while, Lu Zhonglian also discovered that the Heavenly Sect was indeed somewhat different from what he had imagined.

I can't help but marvel at how much the Heavenly Sect has changed recently.

I'll post two chapters first, everyone's been waiting impatiently. There'll be another chapter later tonight, and then we'll see how it goes at midnight. If I manage to write two chapters, I'll post them at midnight tomorrow; otherwise, I'll post them tomorrow morning.

Chapter 149 Oh no! My junior brother is gone!

After a day of sightseeing, as the sun was about to set, Bai Yuan invited Lu Zhonglian and Fu Nian to his place for a meal.

"You've really whetted our appetites, so we won't be polite!"

Upon receiving Bai Yuan's invitation, Lu Zhonglian laughed heartily, for he vividly remembered Bai Yuan's culinary skills.

It has been more than half a year since he last ate such delicious food, so he naturally wouldn't refuse Bai Yuan's invitation.