Taiyi Dao Fruit-Chapter 1175 - 395: Harming Others for Self-Gain, Yet Died in the End

"Greetings to the Emperor."

Elder Tianji and Zhu Hui'an both saluted, even Elder Kaiyang, who was in a wheelchair, was forced to lower his head by Elder Tianji.

"Mr. Hui'an, as well as two uncles, this is the Sect, so there's no need for such formalities," Jiang Li said helplessly.

"Courtesy cannot be abandoned. Regardless of time and place, Your Majesty is the Emperor, and we must not be disrespectful."

Zhu Hui'an insisted on addressing positions properly everywhere, unwilling to lose etiquette.

Elder Tianji obviously shared a similar attitude. He didn't have much interaction with Jiang Li, thought more than Elder Kaiyang, and was destined not to casually call him "junior nephew" like Elder Kaiyang.

What's more, even though Elder Kaiyang's injuries were healed, he still had to sit in a wheelchair and returned from crawling out of a dog's mouth.

Perhaps, the Emperor may not be as magnanimous as he appears.

Only to say, the world has truly misunderstood Emperor Jiang many times, assuming he was small-minded.

"Then let us each call each other as we wish."

Seeing that both took this attitude, Jiang Li didn't push, directly deciding everyone call each by preference, then looked at Elder Tianji and said, "Uncle Master Tianji seems to know about the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer and the Emperor Dao Fruit situation."

The previous inquiries appeared to be about the conflict between Confucianism and Mohism, but what does this have to do with the Dinghu Sect?

Dinghu Sect is a sect; no matter how deep its ties with the court, it cannot directly join any side of Confucianism or Mohism. Even if Elder Tianji is curious about the rise of the Mo Sect, he would never directly test Zhu Hui'an.

But if Elder Tianji knew the secret of the Emperor Dao Fruit and the inclination of the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer, it would be different.

The Emperor must be impartial, and the Sacrificial Officer is precisely to follow such an emperor. If the Emperor wants to suppress the Imperial College, does it imply the Emperor now is not as impartial as former emperors but has regained human nature?

The secret of the Emperor Dao Fruit is only circulated within a small scope, but theoretically, Elder Tianji shouldn't know, unless...

Jiang Li's eyes glanced at a certain rough fellow in a wheelchair.

Elder Kaiyang immediately waved his hand, "I didn't say anything."

As a former tool of the Heavenly Monarch, Elder Kaiyang knew quite a few secrets from him.

To say something a bit offensive, Elder Kaiyang was to the Heavenly Monarch as Xiao Tian was to Jiang Li.

Who would avoid their own dog in a conversation?

Therefore, except for a few classified secrets, Elder Kaiyang knows roughly everything.

However, although Elder Kaiyang appears to be a rough fellow, he's actually attentive, only occasionally misjudging situations and impulsively acting. Regarding secrets related to Jiang Li, Elder Kaiyang always took a careful attitude to ensure they were never exposed to others, like the fact that Jiang Li eats three bowls of rice...

"It wasn't Elder Kaiyang who told me."

Elder Tianji also denied, "I learned this from the Heavenly Monarch. The Heavenly Monarch left some things in the Sect, and after checking, I discovered some secrets."

"The Heavenly Monarch?" Jiang Li's brow moved, "Did the Heavenly Monarch leave some tricks in the Sect?"

Given the Heavenly Monarch's distrustful nature, Jiang Li thought he would clean up everything without leaving any traces. Or rather, he wouldn't leave any traces from the start.

As for the idea of making Jiang Li uncomfortable even after death... The Heavenly Monarch probably wouldn't do something that harms others without benefiting himself.

It's not about him being virtuous, but more about his nature being partly heavenly and partly human. He isn't interested in indulging humanity by doing meaningless things.

This is Jiang Li's understanding of the Heavenly Monarch.

Therefore, Jiang Li assumed the Heavenly Monarch wouldn't leave anything of value behind.

However...

"It's my oversight."

Jiang Li suddenly chuckled, shaking his head, and said, "The Heavenly Monarch indeed shouldn't do things that harm others without self-benefit, but perhaps his leaving things behind was to benefit himself."

If the information left could cause disorder in the court, it could create several opportunities for the Heavenly Monarch.

If the Heavenly Monarch failed his advancement but didn't die, he could seize the opportunity of Jiang Li's fallout with the Sacrificial Officer, muddling the waters.

The Heavenly Monarch wasn't absolutely confident; he also considered the possibility of failure. Or rather, in pursuit of heavenly perfection, the Heavenly Monarch wouldn't only think of victory and be blinded by pride.

However, the Heavenly Monarch considered he might fail but never considered he might die.

Once dead, harming others without self-benefit also means harming without benefiting oneself.

The leftover tricks then turn into actions meant to irritate enemies, even after death.

Due to Jiang Li's self-awareness, he was indifferent to the Heavenly Monarch's remnants, almost losing possible crucial clues after spending so many days in the Dinghu Sect without thinking of checking the Heavenly Monarch's dwelling for clues.

Now thinking about it, it was somewhat arrogant of him, nearly losing some potential key clues.

'Since the Heavenly Monarch left information targeting me, he might have also left information about that other person.' Jiang Li thought to himself.

If the Heavenly Monarch's advancement failed, he would be temporarily out, and if Jiang Li were to fight another person, he could watch from the sidelines.

The Heavenly Monarch's calculations were precise; the only thing he didn't account for was his own death.

"Does Your Majesty need to visit the Heavenly Monarch's residence?" Elder Tianji asked at an opportune moment.

"No rush," Jiang Li replied with a smile, "everyone has been waiting for a long time, let's proceed with the meeting first."

Though he was curious about what the Heavenly Monarch had left behind, he saw no need for haste.

With that, he led the way into Tianshu Palace.

Inside Tianshu Palace, there were no seats; even the Sect Leader stood during discussions in the past.

This arrangement symbolized the unity of the Seven Stars, with the Sect Leader as the head and the Six Hall Elders as the body, rather than the Sect Leader being a separate superior tier above the elders.

No matter the reality, at least on the surface, the Sect Leader and the Six Hall Elders appear to be equals.

Elder Yuheng was also present in the hall. Upon seeing Jiang Li, he nodded in greeting.

Then, everyone stood on either side, with Jiang Li positioned in the center at the end of the hall.

"The battle against the Heavenly Monarch's followers has given Master and the Primordial Lord insights, prompting them to enter seclusion along with Senior Sister. Therefore, I will preside over this meeting on behalf of Master,"

Jiang Li spoke candidly to everyone, "Does anyone object?"

There were naturally no objections.

Thus, they moved on to the main agenda.

"First, the grand ceremony. Since the three masters are expected to emerge from seclusion in a couple of days, let's set the grand ceremony on an auspicious day four days from now," Jiang Li continued slowly. "Next, concerning sect matters. The sect has faced numerous tribulations, and with vacancies in Yaoguang and Tianquan Halls, my Master's intention is to first select interim appointees for these two halls. I observe that Yun Qiuchi from Tianquan Hall possesses exceptional talent and admirable conduct. She could temporarily receive the Heavenly Authority Wenqu Dao Fruit and manage Tianquan Hall. What do you all think?"

Upon these words, Elder Yuheng's body slightly trembled.

This was because, in the recent days, he and Elder Tianji had speculated about the Tianquan Elder's death.

Officially, it was claimed that Tianquan Elder was ambushed and killed by enemies, but considering Tianshu's subsequent cold treatment, it was highly likely that Tianquan Elder's death was due to a misstep.

Elder Yuheng, in particular, as a rival in love with Tianquan Elder, was quite clear on what Tianquan Elder could have done.

Now, with Jiang Li endorsing Tianquan's disciple to take charge of Tianquan Hall, it effectively closed the book on the matter, asserting that Tianquan Elder died at the hands of enemies, not as a traitor.

"Yun Qiuchi indeed is a suitable choice, but she is somewhat young and might struggle to gain full authority..."

Elder Tianji interjected, pondering for a moment, "Here's an idea, I can supervise occasionally in my spare time to ensure a smooth transition for Tianquan Hall."

"Good." Jiang Li nodded. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Supervision, in truth, meant monitoring. As Tianquan Elder's disciple, whether Yun Qiuchi harbors rebellious thoughts due to her master's death is a concern worth considering.

But such minor matters need not trouble Jiang Li, as Elder Tianji would handle it.

Moreover, Jiang Li should not get too close to other women now. He has his principles, claiming loyalty to one family meal, and that's it.

"As for Yaoguang Elder," Elder Tianji continued, "Yaoguang Elder is responsible for foreign expeditions, so I suggest selecting suitable disciples to cultivate the Jiuli Saber Scripture, and those who excel could be candidates for Yaoguang Elder."

At these words, both Elder Kaiyang and Elder Yuheng visibly reacted.

The Jiuli Saber Scripture is indeed a top-tier offensive skill, however, its foundation lies in the Chi You Three Disks Scripture, sharing roots with the Jiang family's Qi Tomb. Although this skill is difficult, if a Jiang family member successfully cultivates the Innate Qi, their progress would likely surpass others.

Elder Tianji's suggestion essentially proposed that a Jiang family member become Yaoguang Elder.

The previous Yaoguang Elder, Luu Tianpeng, though considered a member of the Jiang family, had essentially distanced himself from the Jiang lineage, making his significance altogether different from a true Jiang family member.

"The Jiuli Saber Scripture is too perilous, not an ideal choice,"

Jiang Li rejected the proposal, stating, "Even among my Jiang family, those who have mastered this skill are countable on one hand. Let's explore other options."

With only Jiang Li holding the front for the Jiang family now, forcibly elevating a clan member is not wise.

Furthermore, Jiang Li has no intention of taking advantage of this opportunity to interfere with the Dinghu Sect.

Because it's simply unnecessary.

The great family head of the Jiang family has already seized control of the Dinghu Sect, leaving the younger generation to focus on cultivation diligently.

And Jiang Li's refusal also brought peace of mind to the Dinghu Sect.

If the Jiang family were to insist on controlling the Dinghu Sect, disputes would be inevitable, which wouldn't benefit the sect.

"I suggest the previous Tianshu Elder Gongsun Yuli temporarily oversee Yaoguang Hall," Jiang Li said.

Gongsun Yuli, also known as Primordial Lord Master of Rain, is well-suited to manage Yaoguang Hall. Yinglong Dragon is inherently adept at expeditions, aligning perfectly with Yaoguang Hall's external duties.

The Primordial Lord Master of Rain was originally a top choice among the three elders, but the need to consider Emperor Jiang's view led Elder Tianji to propose the previous suggestion.

Now, with Jiang Li suggesting Primordial Lord Master of Rain take charge of Yaoguang Hall, everyone was pleased.

Thus, this meeting concluded.

As for the Sect Leader position, assuming no surprises, it will be either Tianshu or Gongsun Qingyue, and further discussion is unnecessary.