https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-738-Deception-and-the-Discussion-of-the-Divine-Path/12852801/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-740-The-Heavenly-Dao-Takes-the-Divine-Edict-Turmoil-Arises-Again/12852807/
Chapter 739: The Grand Examination Begins, Covert Operations
Chapter 739: The Grand Examination Begins, Covert Operations
The spirit creature inspection team set off with great fanfare. Any investment would have to wait at least a month, as this was a genuine inspection, not a sham.
Following this, the Divine Path Grand Examination officially began.
After three months of training, the Heavenly Dao directly formed the examination venue within Qin Muye’s Daoist temple, allowing the examination to be taken without leaving the premises.
As for those cultivators who did not undergo the training but still wanted to take the examination, they would have to use the teleportation array to get there. However, the Heavenly Dao did not take them seriously. If you know nothing and still want to pass the exam, do you really think the Divine Path Grand Examination is a game?
What can someone who knows nothing contribute to the position, except perhaps through connections?
“Lord Heavenly Dao, are there any promising candidates?” Qin Muye paused and asked.
The Heavenly Dao is formless and substanceless, so it is everywhere, but it generally does not enter the holy temples of sages out of respect.
Qin Muye's case was an exception, as his training program was indeed suitable as an examination venue, and he had also given his consent.
Compared to the Three Teachings, the Heavenly Dao actually prefers Qin Muye, as their interests are too aligned.
“There are a few. They are…” The Heavenly Dao mentioned the names of the candidates it favored, indicating that they had already been pre-selected.
This information was not a problem to share with Qin Muye, as the spirit creatures under Qin Muye did not participate in the Divine Path Grand Examination, and Qin Muye himself was present. Even if it leaked afterward, it wouldn’t matter since it was the truth.
“Indeed, these are the ones. I had a sense of this. Over the past three months of training, I have a general idea of the candidates' performance. However, this matter still requires guidance from Lord Heavenly Dao. After all, what is on paper is just on paper, and practice reveals the truth.” Qin Muye said with a look of genuine concern.
“Sage Xuanjun is truly extraordinary. I must thank Sage Xuanjun for your efforts. Without your help, things would have been chaotic.”
“Moreover, the Three Teachings are deeply entrenched. Without the Divine Path Grand Examination, there would likely be many corrupt officials.” The Heavenly Dao was also dissatisfied with the internal relationships within the Three Teachings.
However, no matter how dissatisfied it was, it could not interfere. The leaders of the Three Teachings had their own plans, and while the Heavenly Dao controlled the Xuanzhen Realm, it could not meddle in the affairs of the Three Teachings. After all, the leaders of the Three Teachings could stand against it, and if a conflict arose, the Heavenly Dao would be the one to suffer.
“This is easy. The previous performance evaluations were enough to address it.”
“Lord Heavenly Dao must understand that the Divine Path system is to benefit the Xuanzhen Realm, not to select virtuous and capable individuals. As long as they meet the performance evaluations, why should we care whether they are good or bad?”
Qin Muye said with a smile.
“Indeed, there is some truth to that. Why does Sage Xuanjun always help me?” The Heavenly Dao found Qin Muye’s words very agreeable and finally asked.
“Heaven nurtures all things to nourish humanity, but humanity has nothing to offer in return.”
“Your Excellency doesn’t know, the realm I was in was destroyed by calamity and turned to ashes. Now that I have found stability, I do not wish to relive those tumultuous days.”
“I cultivate the Earth Immortal Dao and understand the importance of a realm. If the Xuanzhen Realm is in peril, who else could stand with me in life and death besides Lord Heavenly Dao? If Lord Heavenly Dao prospers, will I not also live better?”
Although Qin Muye’s words were not pleasant to hear, the Heavenly Dao deeply felt the truth in them, and they resonated with its heart.
This brought to mind the leaders of the Three Teachings, who had followed it since the beginning of the world. However, over time, they had become the dominant force. While cooperating with the leaders of the Three Teachings had expanded the Xuanzhen Realm many times over, the Heavenly Dao’s power had continuously diminished. Although it was still respected, it now felt more like a mascot.
Fortunately, the Heavenly Dao’s strength was sufficient, and even though it had been largely sidelined, it still retained considerable influence through the Xuanzhen Realm.
“Sage Xuanjun is truly extraordinary.” The Heavenly Dao did not fully believe Qin Muye, as it had heard many flattering words before.
However, it never took such words seriously. Instead, it liked the actions Qin Muye took, and when combined with these words, the effect was even better.
“Thank you, but these are just the insights of someone who has experienced turmoil.” Qin Muye responded.
“I am just curious. With Sage Xuanjun’s strength, you could have a transcendent position in any realm. Why choose my Xuanzhen?” The Heavenly Dao began to probe indirectly.
"This small temple can hardly accommodate me. Generally, I don’t have a good relationship with the major worlds."
"Furthermore, Lord Heavenly Dao, you have misunderstood. I haven’t chosen the Xuanzhen Realm yet; I am still in the process of investigation."
"During this period, if the actions of the Three Teachings are not satisfactory, I will bid farewell."
Qin Muye was not at all courteous. At this moment, if he were to flatter them, the Heavenly Dao would think he was insincere and harbored ulterior motives.
"Then, how does Sage Xuanjun see things now?" The Heavenly Dao, of course, knew that it wasn’t easy to get the other party to join the Xuanzhen Realm. It couldn’t force the issue if their strength was comparable.
"It was a struggle, especially in the past few days." Qin Muye recounted his efforts, knowing that the Heavenly Dao was well aware of his investment but had chosen to ignore it, as these affairs were under the jurisdiction of the Three Teachings.
Even the visit of the Grand Daoist Taishang to Qin Muye was known to Him, though the content of their discussion was unknown.
Upon hearing Qin Muye's words, the Heavenly Dao was at a loss for words, understanding why Qin Muye had used the word "barely" to describe the situation.
"This matter is indeed unjust of the Three Teachings. They want to profit without taking responsibility, and they don’t even want you to benefit. That’s indeed unacceptable." The Heavenly Dao, upon hearing about the betting agreement, the investment, and the Three Teachings still trying to suppress Qin Muye, saw it as a clear attempt to get something for nothing.
Fortunately, they finally considered Qin Muye’s face and reluctantly gave him a thousand middle worlds.
"This time, it was my oversight. I didn’t realize how much the Three Teachings’ leaders valued their three thousand worlds. Taking from their pockets and their interests was a mistake." Qin Muye shook his head and continued, "If I had known, I wouldn’t have gotten involved. A win-win situation turned out this way."
"If it weren’t for the costs already incurred, I would have withdrawn long ago."
The Heavenly Dao, listening to Qin Muye’s words, felt somewhat uncomfortable. What did he mean by "pockets" and "interests"? These three thousand worlds were part of Him, yet in Qin Muye’s mouth, they belonged to the Three Teachings.
However, He couldn’t refute it outright. He had his own thoughts. Not everyone in the Xuanzhen Realm would think this way.
This was not good news for the Heavenly Dao.
He could only silently listen to Qin Muye’s complaints without interrupting.
"I’ve said too much. I apologize for my indiscretion upon arriving. Please, Lord Heavenly Dao, keep this confidential." Qin Muye seemed to regain his composure, realizing his complaints were inappropriate. He stopped talking and asked the Heavenly Dao to keep it confidential.
"Rest assured, Sage Xuanjun. What you say to me will not be heard by others." The Heavenly Dao had no intention of spreading it. He wouldn’t stoop so low.
"Since that’s the case, I won’t disturb Lord Heavenly Dao’s supervision of the examination. I still have to deal with the Divine Path Grand Examination for the three thousand worlds. There’s a lot to do." Qin Muye bowed and then left.
The Heavenly Dao also bid him farewell, without trying to keep him for further conversation. He continued to think about his own situation while supervising the examination.
As Qin Muye left, a slight, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his lips. He wasn’t just chatting with the Heavenly Dao; he was sowing seeds of discord. Unless the Heavenly Dao was completely oblivious, He would definitely feel a sense of crisis.
What Qin Muye told Him was actually true. If the Heavenly Dao were to verify it, the results would be the same. After all, he couldn’t fake the entire situation. He used real information to sow discord, so even if the Heavenly Dao knew his intentions, what could be done? The issues wouldn’t disappear just because Qin Muye had ulterior motives; they would only intensify.
For now, the Heavenly Dao might just be puzzled, but at least a thorn was planted. Qin Muye only needed to expand on this thorn to draw the Heavenly Dao’s attention to the Three Teachings.
No, it wasn’t about causing a rift between the Heavenly Dao and the Three Teachings; that was too unrealistic. The true goal was to make the Heavenly Dao pay more attention to the Three Teachings so that Qin Muye could manipulate the Divine Path system more effectively.
Using sowing discord to create a conflict between the Heavenly Dao and the Three Teachings was impossible, too far-fetched.
(End of Chapter)
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