The Holy Path of the Primordial World Shines Brightly

Chapter 118, "A Complete Interpretation of the Tao Te Ching: Feng Xi's Case Study"!

The transfer was successful. Work was arranged, and a seed named Holy Emperor was planted, awaiting its future blossoming and bearing fruit, to prove the mutual restraint between reincarnation and the cycle of rebirth.

Then, under the resentful will of more than a thousand smaller accounts, Feng Xi severed the connection of consciousness.

Cross-temporal communication is ultimately not so easy.

Slightly out of breath, Feng Xi sighed repeatedly.

Just as those alt accounts complain about how stingy the main accounts are, and that one day they'll overthrow the dog-management system, this main account isn't exactly happy about those alt accounts either.

"A bunch of good-for-nothing spendthrifts!" Feng Xi muttered. "All they do is ask me for money... don't they even have any consideration for me?"

"Do I earn money easily?"

"These three large sums are already one-tenth of the reward I received for devising strategies and formulating the cycle of reincarnation for Houtu!"

"You bunch of guys haven't produced anything yet, but you're all quick to ask for money and have plenty of excuses!"

"This is absolutely outrageous!"

Feng Xi returned to the original hall and slammed his fist on the table to vent his frustration.

Doesn't he want to throw mountains of gold and seas of silver into it?

Of course I want to!

But there's nothing I can do!

His career was just starting out, and he was short of funds. It was difficult enough to support his own cultivation and make rapid progress, let alone support more than a thousand smaller accounts... It was really difficult for Feng Xi.

"I'm already being quite generous by offering money..." Feng Xi muttered. "Sigh, in the end, there's no support behind the scenes... If only we could report to our superiors and get funding support when researching the Holy Emperor's plan to break through the cycle of reincarnation."

"They can spend as much money as they want!"

For details on this matter, please refer to what happened not long ago when Feng Xi instructed Yu Chen to make a deal through shady means, throwing away several hundred dollars without batting an eye, all for the sake of promoting the Metropolitan Games and leveraging the traffic generated during the Taoist sermons at Kunlun.

Buy traffic, get on the front page!

Unfortunately, Feng Xi didn't dare to report to Hou Tu right now, so he had to deal with it secretly on his own for the time being.

He used the funds Houtu had given him for his reincarnation strategy to start a new business outside, racking his brains to find loopholes in the reincarnation system.

"In this world, subordinates who are this dedicated to their leaders' work are probably almost extinct," Feng Xi sighed. "But how long can this last?"

"The work on over a thousand smaller accounts to verify the flaws of reincarnation is a bottomless pit... Not to mention the later 'Journey to the Heavens,' how can my meager resources possibly sustain that?"

"We still need to open source... but how do we do that?"

Feng Xi looked worried as she pondered how to deal with the situation.

After thinking for a long time, I could only come up with one or two slightly reliable methods.

"Houtu, the Ancestral Witch, is very generous, and judging from her dedication to the Reincarnation strategy..." He stroked his chin, his eyes darting around, "If I achieve any milestones, she shouldn't hesitate to give me additional performance bonuses, right?"

"Hmm...when the bonus comes in, I'll invest it back into my business."

"Taking from the cycle of creation, using it to break the cycle of destruction—a closed loop...perfect!"

Feng Xi clapped his hands, giving himself a thumbs up for his intelligence.

"This is a legitimate way to make money, but behind the scenes... should I collude with that Yu Chen guy?"

He came up with another great idea.

Looking at the box beside him, it was a whole box of Hou Datou, all public funds that Hou Tu had distributed to him for his work related to the Capital Games, including but not limited to bribing Da Luo, cultivating subordinates, capital operations and a series of other matters.

This is of great importance; the use of every single penny must be recorded!

If someone reports Feng Xi for embezzlement, misappropriation, or other misconduct, and the investigation traces back to the past to uncover the truth, then Feng Xi's fate is precarious.

Presumably, the Ancestral Witch Houtu would not hesitate to suppress and seal him, and invite him in to have a taste of the world after the cycle of reincarnation is opened and the eighteen levels of hell are in place.

"However, outright embezzlement is out of the question... so how about taking kickbacks?"

"I bribed, no, I sponsored a large sum of merit for the person behind Yu Chen, for the cause of the Wu Clan... Then one day I went out and found a hundred or so big heads on the road with their portrait marks worn off..."

"How can finding money be considered embezzlement?"

Feng Xi recalled Yu Chen's words, actions, personality, and moral character. Considering the bottom line of his integrity, he was the kind of person who could arrange for Lingbao Tianzun's sermon time to be arranged in advance... There was a lot of room for manipulation in this!

"However, at that time it will depend on whether we have a tacit understanding... After all, all actions must not be expressed in words or written down, and no substantial evidence can be left behind, to avoid the possibility of a Great Luo tracing back through time and space to conduct investigations and collect evidence..."

"I'll offer an inflated price, and if Yu Chen can understand the unspoken message, then through some secret divine arrangement, I'll 'coincidentally' find the merit coins... Sigh, what a headache!"

Feng Xi rubbed her temples, feeling that business was too difficult these days.

"Forget it, there's always a way... Let's not think about this for now." He shook his head, putting the problem aside for the time being.

because……

The sermon by the Celestial Venerable of Morality is about to begin!

The most important thing is to do a good job of publicity first.

Thinking this, Feng Xi struck the jade chime beside her. A melodious sound rang out, reaching far and wide, shaking the mountains and rivers for thousands of miles, and making the many minor witches stationed here feel refreshed.

"Summon Hou Gang! Come immediately!"

Feng Xi's will was broadcast, spreading with the sound of the jade chime, summoning a subordinate.

Before long, a tall and imposing young witch with an outstanding demeanor pushed open the hall doors and strode in. She gave Feng Xi a simple bow and asked, "Commander Feng, what are your orders?"

Feng Xi remained silent, simply looking down at Hou Gang.

He had a stack of documents next to him, which recorded the names of this second batch of special talents who were arranged by the Ancestral Witches to arrive in Kunlun to cooperate with the work of the Metropolitan Games.

Hou Gang, whose tribe belongs to the Jumang tribe, is skilled in strategic planning and execution of strategies. He is also highly accomplished in propaganda and rhetoric, and possesses extraordinary abilities.

They may not be good fighters, but they are very eloquent, skilled in forming alliances and manipulating people's hearts, making them the most suitable talents to become diplomats.

Sufficient strategic vision, top-notch execution ability, keen observation skills, superb communication skills, and... a sufficiently low moral standard!

Feng Xi looked at the final evaluation recorded in the data and observed Hou Gang with great interest.

Hou Gang looked completely indifferent, showing no sign of tension whatsoever. He was even staring back at Feng Xi... His eyes were bright and sharp, as if they could tear through all pretense and barriers, penetrating deep into the most genuine part of Feng Xi's heart.

"Hou Gang? To be honest, I'm very curious about you." Feng Xi smiled.

"I'm also very curious about Chief Feng..." Hou Gang said calmly, "I don't know if it's just my imagination... but I see a trace of an old friend in you."

"Hmm... is that old friend you mentioned really that powerful?" Feng Xi raised an eyebrow.

"My old friend, it's not a matter of whether he was good or bad..." Hou Gang smacked his lips, "How should I put it? He was just a very special, very outstanding rare flower, the kind of white lotus that rises from the mud unsullied..."

"Really?" Feng Xi was speechless. "Thank you for such a tactful compliment, fellow Daoist... A white lotus? I think it suits my character quite well."

"..." Hou Gang fell silent.

He stared at Feng Xi with an inscrutable look in his eyes.

—I was just saying that, and you actually took it seriously?

Feng Xi calmly met his gaze... You've already lowered yourself to flatter me, it would be so inappropriate for me not to accept your kindness.

If you dare to flatter me, I dare to accept it all!

When it comes to the contest of thick skin, Feng Xi has never backed down from anyone.

The two little witches, Feng Xi and Hou Gang, stared at each other for a long while before they suddenly burst into laughter at the same time.

"Hahaha!"

"Seeing is believing, and meeting is even better than hearing!" Hou Gang praised with a smile. "Chief Feng's ability to devise a strategy for the Metropolitan Games is already a testament to his exceptional talent. Meeting him now, he is witty, humorous, and approachable... truly a mentor and friend!"

"Fellow Daoist Hou Gang, you are quite good too!" Feng Xi clapped her hands and smiled. "To be able to use honest language to evaluate and start a conversation... I imagine anyone would feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze when talking to you, Fellow Daoist? You are truly a sincere gentleman!"

A good teacher and helpful friend.

A sincere and upright gentleman.

Two decorated sedan chairs lifted each other up.

That is to say, there is no third person here, otherwise...

After a period of mutual flattery, Feng Xi took the initiative to get down to business.

"I've heard that you're a top-notch talent in publicity? Is that true?" He pressed the documents in his hand, leaning forward slightly.

"That depends on the scope of what Chief Feng meant by 'first-class'," Hou Gang replied calmly. "If it's within the Witch Clan, ranking it in the top three... I'm not very confident about that."

"But if it's the top ten? I think I'd definitely have a place there."

"Oh? There's no specific ranking?" Feng Xi tapped her fingers on the table.

"There's no other way!" Hou Gang spread his hands. "In the field of publicity, you have to get hands-on experience to truly reflect the level of expertise... There's no such environment within the Witch Clan."

"Who would dare to brainwash the entire witch clan? They'd probably be invited in for tea by the very shaman sent by the Ancestral Witch to offer their help the very next day."

"Moreover, this field is also subject to many external factors... such as the overall trend and resources, making it very difficult to determine which is superior."

"That's true." Feng Xi's eyes flashed, and she nodded slightly in agreement.

"So... this is your first time actually doing this?" He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Are you confident?"

"Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust," Hou Gang said calmly. "The Ancestral Witch dared to arrange for me to come here to cooperate with Chief Feng's actions... so naturally, she had her reasons."

"It will definitely not let us down!"

Hou Gang seemed quite confident.

"Then..." Feng Xi pondered, "I've arranged for you to promote the Metropolitan Games as much as possible during the Celestial Venerable's sermon, so that all demons know about it and enthusiastically sign up... To what extent can you do that?"

"That depends on the amount of funding you provide, Chief Feng," Hou Gang thought for a moment. "The more money, the better the results."

"Money is not an issue," Feng Xi said decisively. "I can provide you with the greatest support, but... to achieve the best results, what methods and approaches will you use?"

"This is extremely easy!" Hou Gang laughed. "Just spread the word widely, and then launch a naval offensive!"

"Isn't there a Celestial Venerable preaching? Let's focus our efforts on this aspect first."

"To the many races living in the Kunlun Mountains, any Great Luo being is heaven, the supreme god, and an unparalleled saint!"

"Their every word and action is the greatest form of propaganda!"

"We can ride the wind and borrow its strength to soar to the heavens."

"How do we ride the wind? How do we leverage its power?" Feng Xi asked.

"Why not just publish books?" Hou Gang said confidently, "such as 'What I Heard About the Celestial Venerable's Preachings,' 'Five Years of Cultivating the Tao, Three Years to Become an Immortal,' 'Don't Let the Next Generation Lose at the Starting Line,' 'A Complete Interpretation of the Tao Te Ching: A Study of ×××'..."

Without even taking a breath, Hou Gang gestured as if surveying the landscape, "Anything that involves cultivation is enough to make all races tremble... By publishing books and taking advantage of the Heavenly Venerable's sermons, we can directly establish the reputation of our Wu Clan and let the world know of our existence."

"When the Celestial Venerable preaches, how many truly grasp its profound mysteries? Let's simplify it a bit, leaving a few unorthodox methods and some seemingly useful spells between our fingers, spreading them around, and then putting our names on the publisher's page... See, isn't that enough?"

As Feng Xi listened, she clenched her fist, rubbed her temples, and thought about the scene... and suddenly felt it was too beautiful.

However, it must be admitted that Hou Gang's approach was extremely effective.

Cultivation, something that involves changing one's destiny, will make countless races and beings fanatical about it.

Don't tell me they have real talent and skills.

Believe it or not, even if you just make up some nonsense about "quantum XXX", as long as you say that a certain big shot recommended and endorsed it, it will instantly become a hit, and countless people will be eager to get in.

If you delve into it and don't understand anything, will you suspect it's a scam?

will not!

Absolutely not!

How could the words of a spiritual expert like Da Luo be a lie?

It must be because I don't understand it enough!

Don't say you won't turn back until you hit a brick wall; even if you do, you won't turn back!

There are too many fools these days; even scammers are remarking that it's a wonderful era.

Moreover, Hou Gang's approach wasn't entirely deceptive; he still managed to include some genuine content.

However, sometimes that's the scariest thing.

The straw of hope is the most likely to kill you.

Just like the reincarnation strategy that Fengxi suggested to Houtu, it is only when someone awakens to their past life that the lower classes are truly attracted to believe in it wholeheartedly!

If anyone truly gains any insight from Hou Gang's published books, they should spread it...

"Tsk." Feng Xi looked at Hou Gang with newfound respect; he was no pushover at all!

He was ruthless and cruel, no, his wisdom and talent were no less than his own!

"With all this fuss, I'm afraid the Morality and the Primordial Celestial Venerable might have some complaints," Feng Xi said in a low voice.

"Ha, this requires Chief Feng's money to bribe officials," Hou Gang said with a smile. "Bringing in the disciples of the Celestial Venerable, letting these people participate under the pretext of expanding the Daoist lineage... In fact, although this method is not the orthodox way, it does expand the influence of the Daoist sect, doesn't it?"

"Both of the Heavenly Venerables are discerning individuals who can see the future clearly."

"But I've heard that the Celestial Venerable of Morality and the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning prefer to have fewer but better disciples and followers than to have a mixed bag of good and bad ones," Feng Xi said quietly.

"But with a larger pool of applicants, it's easier to select promising talents, isn't it?" Hou Gang's smile remained unchanged. "Even with a book we've adapted into a mess, someone can still cultivate genuine skills, aligning with the thoughts and spirit of the two Celestial Venerables... Wouldn't the Celestial Venerables be happy to have such talent join the Daoist sect?"

"It's just that these two Celestial Venerables used to follow the brand route, dealing in high-end products, and they were too embarrassed to lower themselves... But since we've been so considerate in acting as their front man, aren't they secretly grateful?"

"Whatever happened, we temporary workers stepped forward and took the blame... What complaints could those races of Kunlun Mountain possibly have?" Hou Gang said confidently. "The Celestial Venerable gained the benefits, and we achieved our goal; it's a win-win situation for everyone!"

It's a win-win situation, why would the Heavenly Venerable disagree?

At most, it's just a matter of politely arguing.

Hou Gang's words were reasonable, well-founded, and insightful, which Feng Xi agreed with after some thought.

"This kind of tactic is something only our Wu Clan can pull off; we've never done it before," Hou Gang murmured. "Anyone below the Great Luo level isn't qualified to speak with a Heavenly Venerable, and even ordinary Great Luo level cultivators wouldn't stoop so low as to run errands for someone else."

"Now that both sides have needs, it's a perfect match," Feng Xi continued, her eyes narrowing slightly before she suddenly smiled. "Who knows, we might even make a fortune."

"A complete interpretation of the Celestial Venerable's teachings—what a high-level book!" He rubbed his thumb, index finger, and middle finger together. "The Dao cannot be lightly transmitted; without setting a high price, it would be a complete disservice to its contents… Don't you agree?"

"What the Chief of Staff says makes perfect sense." Hou Gang nodded repeatedly. "Bribing the Celestial Venerable's disciples and self-publishing books requires a huge initial investment, but we can mostly recoup it later, and there's even the potential for huge profits!"

"Hmm...that's right!" Hou Gang paused, as if struck by a sudden inspiration, "We can even use this as a springboard to recruit distributors, directly expand our operations, and further strengthen our influence in the Kunlun Mountains!"

"Using shared interests to bind strategic partners..."

"These are all minor details," Feng Xi said calmly. "The current focus is still on the National Games, on how to persuade as many people as possible to join."

"Simply publishing books and including GG in them is probably beyond my capabilities."

"Easy! Easy!" Hou Gang's eyes gleamed slyly. "With books as the medium, isn't it simple for us to slip in our own ideas?"

"For example, it is not acceptable to promote rote learning and working in isolation. One must not only detach oneself from the world and read thousands of volumes of Taoist scriptures, but also engage with the world to see the rise and fall of things and travel thousands of miles."

"Our Wu tribe is specially providing a huge platform—the Metropolitan Games—for the Taoist Summer Camp activities, and we sincerely invite outstanding individuals from all ethnic groups to participate!"

"This is for those who are insightful and wise," Hou Gang smiled. "And for those who are more driven by self-interest, we can use this kind of propaganda—"

"If I could showcase my talents at the National Games, win a prize, and gain recognition from all races... wouldn't that be a huge advantage when I want to become an apprentice later?"

"Just for the extra points, I think countless people would crawl to the Metropolitan Games to compete for a ranking!"

"Bonus points..." Feng Xi burst into laughter upon hearing this word, bending over with laughter.

Indeed, when it comes to getting extra points, there's no shortage of tricks that won't be pulled.

Even things that cross the line are not impossible.

"You're absolutely right." After laughing, he kept praising Hou Gang, "No wonder you're a top-notch propaganda talent sent by the Ancestral Witches. In terms of winning people's hearts, I'd call you the strongest!"

"You flatter me!" Hou Gang said modestly. "I just have a little talent in this area."

"Besides, no matter how good the publicity is, in the end, you still need strong enough teammates..." he said, seemingly with a sense of urgency. "Otherwise, even if you have calculated everything people want, if the tide has turned, you can only lament in vain."

"Fortunately, our Great Witch Clan is unparalleled in strength, with countless individuals of exceptional wisdom emerging. The Twelve Ancestral Witches are wise and powerful, and victory in the battle against the Demon Clan is within our grasp!"

Hou Gang expressed his loyalty and flattered Hou Gang from afar.

Feng Xi chuckled to himself.

This is a wonderful person, just like him.

"So, how much financial support would be needed to achieve what you described?" Feng Xi asked. "Give me a figure so I can take a look."

"This number," Hou Gang said, holding up two fingers.

"Oh." Feng Xi raised an eyebrow slightly.

This was much less than he had imagined.

"If he's not bragging... then it seems he's better than me in this area!"

Sighing inwardly, Feng Xi remained outwardly composed, "Are you sure?"

"If we fail to do so, we will be wasting money and will anger the Ancestral Witch."

"I'm sure!" Hou Gang said calmly. "If the Commander-in-Chief doesn't believe me, I can sign a pledge!"

He looked at Feng Xi with sincere eyes.

"A military pledge, huh..." Feng Xi muttered, lost in thought. "Heh...why bother?"

"As the saying goes, 'Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust...' How can you expect me to sign a pledge like this, fellow Daoist?"

"However..." he suddenly changed the subject, "Since you've made such a sincere request, I can't very well refuse, can I?"

Feng Xi smiled, took out paper and pen, and handed them to Hou Gang.

So, please!

"..."

In an instant, Hou Gang's eyes widened.

That expression perfectly conveyed the feeling of being utterly dumbfounded.

He swears, really, he was just being polite!

However, under Feng Xi's gentle gaze, all the words he wanted to say were swallowed back down.

Holding the pen with a heavy heart, he carefully wrote down the military order, stroke by stroke.

Then, Feng Xi smiled and put it away, walked up to Hou Gang, and sighed, "Hou Gang, Chief, I have no choice!"

"Lady Houtu said that every penny spent must be used effectively and achieve its intended purpose, and all such expenditures must be recorded."

"If I pay you, I'll also be held responsible if anything goes wrong... With this pledge, it's a win-win situation for everyone!"

"Aren't you right?"

"Hehe...yes, yes, yes!" Hou Gang forced an ugly smile.

As for what he really thinks?

Well, Feng Xi is not going to care.

"After you go downstairs, you need to work hard... The Celestial Venerable's sermon is about to begin." Feng Xi patted Hou Gang on the shoulder and handed him a bag of large bags. "Time is short, you have to work overtime to finish it!"

"Don't even mention working 995, even if it's 007, I'd rather die in office than give my all for the cause of the Wu people!"

"Don't be afraid of sacrifice, don't be afraid of giving... because every bit of your labor, every bit of your contribution, will be remembered by Lady Houtu!"

"When you are reincarnated one day, all your efforts now will be blessings for the future!"

Feng Xi spoke earnestly.

"Good fortune..."

Hou Gang took a deep breath and said nothing more.

……

"when!"

The bells that shook Kunlun rang out.

This is the sound of bells originating from the Sanqing Temple.

Under the tolling of this bell, countless living beings surged forth.

They come from different races and different regions... crossing mountains and rivers, all for the grand event of the Celestial Venerable preaching.

Although these creatures usually had no right to enter, they could only stand far away from the main peak of Kunlun, squatting down wherever they could find a spot, gazing longingly with eyes full of envy and longing that were almost tangible.

But no living being dared to challenge or show any "sincere" desire to seek the Way.

Because anyone who dares to disrupt order, the disciples and grand-disciples of the Heavenly Venerable who maintain order will be killed!

Of course, generally speaking, the Celestial Venerable is still quite humane.

Although entry into the temple is not permitted.

But their celestial music, which expounds the Great Dao, will spread throughout the vast mountains and rivers.

Even though the sound of the Dao will become blurred and intermittent after leaving the Daoist temple, there are always those with exceptional talent who can glean some insights from it and improve their Daoist cultivation in the slightest.

Sometimes, the heavens are moved by the sounds of the Dao, and heavenly flowers, sweet dew, and rare medicinal herbs will spontaneously condense and fall here, blessing all living beings.

Therefore, the name of the Three Pure Ones is very well-known in Kunlun.

Every time they preached, it attracted crowds from all the tribes of Kunlun, and the mountains and rivers near their monastery were always overflowing with people.

And today, the same situation applies, just like reincarnation.

However, a slight anomaly occurred in this cycle.

Many beings have noticed that the environment and background are slightly different compared to countless sermons in the past.

The chairs were arranged in a staggered and orderly manner.

There were tents and other structures at some distance apart, with people stationed there selling things... like elixirs? Food?

In the distance, on two mountain peaks near the temple, a banner was stretched down from the summit by an iron rod—

"Warmly celebrating the opening of the Moral Celestial Venerable's sermon event – ​​Wu Clan Trade and Commerce Working Committee in Kunlun!"

Too many living beings are lost and confused.

What's going on?

"The Witch Clan... what kind of race is that?"

After they paused in place for a while, they discovered more clues.

The tents and chairs all bear symbols related to the shaman tribe.

If they wait a little longer, or take the initiative, they will understand more.

"The Witch Clan? I know, I know!" a phantom ape exclaimed vividly. "They are a great clan that lives near the Buzhou Heavenly Pillar. It is said that they inherited the bloodline of the ancestral god Pangu, and there are supreme deities in the clan who are as great as the Three Pure Ones!"

"It seems they've reached some kind of cooperation agreement with the Three Pure Ones, involving trade and exchanges of the Great Dao, and that's why they sent people to settle here... This environment, so different from before, is a special arrangement made out of kindness for us who aspire to the Dao!"

It is obvious that these are online trolls who have been urgently brainwashed and planted by Hou Gang, striving to create a first impression on all the people present.

The banner, the tent, the chair… and even a man in a black overcoat, mysteriously asking, “Want some? I have some…”

These were all Hou Gang's doing.

These moves were very successful.

The Wu tribe left a very good impression on the creatures living here.

A powerful and benevolent people will always be praised.

Although this praise is merely verbal, it needs to be more deeply imprinted in one's heart.

But having already taken the first step, why be afraid of not being able to take the second?

Hou Gang stood quietly behind the scenes, his gaze indifferent, watching Xiao Wu work under his command. "How's it going?"

"Soon."

Xiao Wu, who was working overtime to finish her work, didn't even look up. She was writing and drawing in a booklet, saying, "I'll definitely finish it before the sermon ends."

"That's good," Hou Gang said. "However, we should strive for perfection."

"You are a master painter, skilled at using art to bewitch people... The paper designs for these books you'll be printing should subtly incorporate persuasive techniques, allowing people to gradually believe what's written on them. The stronger the effect, the better!"

"Especially for our pages that include our own agendas, we need to go all out, understand?"

"..."

One demand after another poured out of Hou Gang's mouth, leaving the artist initially calm, then conflicted, and finally taking a deep breath, looking up at him intently, "With so many demands, why don't you just fly to the moon?"

"If I ever think back to those clients who were unreasonable and made ridiculous demands, let's call it quits!"

"Cough cough."

Hou Gang coughed dryly and finally shut up.

However, keeping quiet will only last for a while.

Before long, he became lively again, looked at the Sanqing Temple, and said, "Tsk... It's true what they say, the boss just opens his mouth and the subordinates run their legs off."

"We're working hard here, while Chief Feng sits in the temple listening to the Moral Celestial Venerable preach... Tell me, how unfair is this world?"

"I want to go in too... at least I won't have to work!"

"Tch!" the artist scoffed. "You've taken the bribe, so stop pretending."

"With your abilities, how much of your money could you possibly spend on this kind of publicity?"

"They inflated the amount, swindled a huge sum of money...lining their own pockets, they're not honest at all!"

"But who told Chief of Staff Feng to agree?" Hou Gang smiled faintly. "I got the extra funding through my own abilities, so why accuse me of embezzlement?"

"Then I can report you based on my own abilities, right?" The artist stopped drawing.

"What the heck? This is so unbrotherly!" Hou Gang's face showed an expression of disbelief.

"Enough nonsense, give me the extra pay!" the artist sneered. "I'm working so hard, and you're so leisurely. I've been annoyed for a long time!"

"Shall I add a big coin for you?" Hou Gang asked tentatively.

"Is this how you treat a beggar?" The artist slammed his fist on the table. "Five coins!"

"Don't even think about it!" Hou Gang protested. "Three at most!"

"Okay! Deal!"

A dirty deal was struck.

……

Inside the magnificent hall, figures sat cross-legged, waiting quietly.

The Celestial Venerable of Morality preaches!

Feng Xi was among them.

After all, aside from being the person in charge of diplomacy, he was also a student who had been assigned to study here.

He will listen to the Great Way here and record his insights.

Once they leave the temple, they will write and publish books.

The Complete Interpretation of the Tao Te Ching: A Study of the Wind and Sun... Blesses countless beings who yearn for the Great Tao.

Not only do we need to promote the reputation of the Wu tribe and prepare for the Metropolitan Games, but we also need to squeeze every last penny out of them.

This is even more lucrative than robbery.

Most importantly, stealing will earn you hatred, while stealing will earn you gratitude.

"boom!"

Amidst the thunderous roar, the Celestial Venerable of Morality appeared.

With a wave of his whisk, the heavens trembled, and the ancient Daoist chants flowed through the world.

"The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao..."

(End of this chapter)