Only after unifying the world did I realize that immortals existed in this world.

Xie Cangrong is not a petty leader.

You must make sure your subordinates are well-fed as well as yourself.

Simply shouting slogans won't win people's hearts.

There's no need to plunder the spoils that others have earned themselves.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bingxuan feigned a smile and said, "This...how could I possibly accept that?"

Xie Cangrong rolled his eyes at this hypocrite: "Sorry? Then give it to me! I'll throw it in the pond to fish!"

Liu Bingxuan quickly accepted the reward, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for the reward."

After a few jokes, Xie Cangrong said, "Lu Junfeng is opening a spirit mine, so Gong Qiao will be very busy lately. There's no need to go see her. If you obtain a cultivation technique, you can give it to her later."

The priority of researching magical artifacts is not as high as that of researching spirit ore.

Spending half a day secretly researching things now might not be as effective as two words from the other party in the future.

Knowledge is ethereal, but resources are tangible.

It's not worth investing more energy if you have other goals.

Liu Bingxuan also said solemnly, "Lu Junfeng declined to teach cultivation methods on the grounds that he was a disciple with shallow experience. If there is another opportunity like this, I will be able to obtain the cultivation methods of a cultivator."

If Lu Junfeng hadn't left this magic treasure behind, Liu Bingxuan was prepared to subtly ask him for the cultivation method.

From Xie Cangrong's perspective, it was difficult to obtain the cultivation method, but from Liu Bingxuan's personal perspective, it was reasonable.

Everyone has desires, and everyone longs for immortality. Liu Bingxuan has already laid enough groundwork for this.

Giving the cultivation method to Xie Cangrong would be risky, as he represents the Great Xia Dynasty and might use it for the country, making it entirely unpredictable and requiring careful consideration. However, giving it to Liu Bingxuan would mean he represents only himself and would only use it for personal cultivation; he is also a member of the Immortal Cultivation Faction… This is much easier for Lu Junfeng to accept.

All Liu Bingxuan needs to do is gain his trust.

Every time Liu Bingxuan helped, he was pushing the progress bar forward, and Lu Junfeng naturally couldn't keep him hanging on forever.

"Okay~"

Xie Cangrong nodded, then suddenly asked, "Xuanqing, do you want to cultivate immortality?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bingxuan smiled nonchalantly, but an undeniable arrogance lingered in his eyes: "Your Majesty, even Qi Xiu can forge his own path, why should I follow in his footsteps?"

The float in the pond suddenly sank, and he jerked his fishing rod up. Two red carp burst out of the water, thrashing about in the sunlight.

Xie Cangrong laughed and said, "Two tails, what good luck! I've fished all the fish in this pond to perfection, it's really rare for you to catch two with one cast."

Liu Bingxuan jokingly said, "Has this subject stolen His Majesty's thunder?"

Xie Cangrong said with a stern face, "You already know, so why are you saying it!"

"Haha~ I suppose His Majesty isn't as rigid as Qi Xiu!"

Xie Cangrong raised an eyebrow and suddenly asked, "Xuanqing is so dissatisfied with Qiqing, is it because you harbor resentment towards me?"

Liu Bingxuan paused, looked down at the two red carp he had caught, and then smiled and said, "Your Majesty's will is my only wish."

He unhooked the fish and released it back into the pond.

Two red shadows flashed and disappeared into the blue waves in an instant.

"I have always been at odds with Lord Qi."

He turned to Xie Cangrong and retorted, "Does Your Majesty wish for me and Lord Qi to be caught like these fish, taking the bait and being hooked together?"

No emperor would want to see the two most important ministers in the country get along harmoniously, go about their business together, and be of one mind with each other.

This is not just because they fear ministers forming factions, consolidating power, and rebelling against the emperor.

More importantly, the healthy competition and rivalry among subordinates makes it easier to coordinate the operation of the entire power structure. Regardless of loyalty or treachery, right or wrong, two completely different voices, attitudes, and groups of people are more suitable for the emperor to regulate, weigh options, and withdraw from at any time.

For example, in the current farce at Shiyu, Liu Bingxuan is a pro-immortal faction, so Qi Xiu naturally stands on the opposite side of cultivation. Xie Cangrong can remain silent, but adjust his attitude towards both sides to convey his intention to either be friendly or to give a warning.

By having subordinates lobby and persuade, multiple parties are involved to gain benefits.

They don't personally get involved, but they always maintain control of the narrative and can withdraw at any time.

This not only demonstrates his decision, but also provides him with two people to shield him from harm.

This is the best state.

One fish is caught, while the other can escape.

A team cannot succeed simply by being harmonious. On the contrary, no one can guarantee that the direction will always be correct. It is the existence of contradictions and conflicts that creates choices and the possibility of a way out.

It wasn't until the arrival of the cultivators that Liu Bingxuan and Qi Xiu became at odds.

After the establishment of the new dynasty, Xie Cangrong promoted Qi Xiu, a former enemy general who had surrendered, to an extraordinary position. He appointed Qi Xiu as the chief drafter of the new dynasty's laws and made him the Grand Secretary, even surpassing Liu Bingxuan.

Liu Bingxuan was naturally dissatisfied with this, which led to a falling out with Qi Xiu, and they even clashed twice. He never concealed his dislike for Qi Xiu. The two were at loggerheads, and when Qi Xiu supported ambiguous matters in the court, Liu Bingxuan opposed them.

The discord between Qi and Liu was common knowledge in the court and among the public, but those involved were perhaps few who truly knew what this talented strategist was thinking.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I know what is appropriate."

"Hehe~"

Xie Cangrong smiled upon hearing this, but did not continue the topic. Instead, he praised, "Xuanqing, you are so clever."

People who see things too clearly are often disliked.

Liu Bingxuan shrugged: "No matter how clever they are, His Majesty will tolerate them."

If one must conceal one's talents and exercise caution when serving others, it is a waste of one's abilities.

"Since Qi Xiu is in charge of internal affairs, and I am at odds with him, then I will take charge of external affairs."

After three years of peace, he suddenly realized that he seemed to prefer the turbulent and contentious world of war!

"Hehe~ Okay!"

Xie Cangrong suddenly lifted the fishing rod, the tip bending as he struggled with the large fish.

Before long, a large carp appeared on the surface of the water, struggling and thrashing about, its scales shimmering in the water.

The ripples on the water startled the small fish away.

Liu Bingxuan kept complaining, "Your Majesty, be gentle, don't stir up my fish!"

Xie Cangrong glared at him irritably: "They're all my fish!"

The big fish was slowly pulled to the shore.

Watching the approaching fish, Liu Bingxuan couldn't help but sigh, "Your Majesty, do you think the people from the Taihua Sect will be here soon too?"

Lu Junfeng and his group were just pawns, the vanguard. The reason they were repeatedly exploited was because they were not high enough in rank or influence; they couldn't make decisions on many things, and it was truly a stretch for them to fight Xie Cangrong.

Now that they've found this place, the Taihua Sect will definitely send more people here.

There may even be communication between the two worlds in the future.

Xie Cangrong was right; beyond the endless sea, there was another civilization.

Unfortunately, they were the ones who were discovered.

At that time, Great Xia will face challenges.

But... this is also an opportunity.

"Let's go fishing first!!!"

Fishing!

Don't give me that nonsense!

After a struggle, Xie Cangrong finally managed to pull the big fish ashore.

Xie Cangrong's brows relaxed, his face beaming with satisfaction: "Xuanqing, how about it? I still win!"

"This fish is for you. Remember to swish it around a couple of times and tell others that I caught it."

Liu Bingxuan: ...