Taoist Myth: I am the last true immortal in the world

Chapter 848 Layout
Early morning, Prince Jin's residence.

Guo Rong woke up and slowly opened his eyes.

He had an incredibly strange dream last night, in which he was taken to a celestial palace by a Taoist emperor who called himself Chen Pu.

Generally speaking, many people are unlikely to remember their dreams after waking up.

Even if you do remember, it's unlikely you'll be able to recall the details of your dream clearly.

What puzzled Guo Rong immensely was that he not only remembered the contents of the dream, but also every detail, including the appearance of the immortal, as if all of this was imprinted deep in his soul, making it unforgettable for all eternity.

Just then, Madam Fu woke up at the same time. Seeing her husband with his eyes open and brows furrowed, she asked with concern, "Husband, why are you frowning so much so early in the morning?"

Guo Rong frowned and said, "I had a strange dream last night."

Fu asked, "What dream?"

Guo Rong said, "I dreamt of a Taoist emperor who called himself Chen Pu..."

He recounted the events of his dream from the previous night in great detail, without missing a single word.

After listening, Fu did not immediately express his opinion, but thought about it carefully before speaking out: "I have never heard of the names of the Chengtianjian Kingdom's Minister of Civil Affairs, Emperor Shengfuming, or the Nine Netherworld Exorcising Daoist Lord you mentioned. As for Chen Pu, I seem to have heard of him somewhere before."

Guo Rong asked curiously, "Where have you heard of this?"

Fu tried to recall, "I think I heard about it from my grandfather. Back then, he was a general in the Later Tang Dynasty. Emperor Min of the Later Tang Dynasty hosted a banquet for an immortal named Chen Pu..."

She recounted in detail what she had heard from her grandfather.

It's nothing more than Chen Yun breaking a wine glass in two without spilling a single drop of wine, keeping the glass perfectly intact, and Chen Yun consuming ten catties of wine and more than ten catties of roasted mutton, as well as bringing back live ribbonfish from the deep sea.

These things are inherently full of wonder.

Upon hearing this, Guo Rong immediately realized that the Taoist emperor named Chen Pu possessed unfathomable magical powers, so his dream last night must have been a real event.

Upon realizing this, his eyes changed. "Madam, as you said, I was indeed summoned to the Immortal Realm by Emperor Chen last night, and Zhao Kuangyin is indeed Emperor Chen's student?"

Madam Fu nodded slightly and said, "If it really is that Mr. Chen, then my husband's dream last night must be true."

Guo Rong's eyes gradually lit up. "Not only does Zhao Kuangyin have a family background that is advantageous to me, but now he also has a celestial teacher. It seems I must recruit him into my ranks."

Lady Fu agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "That's what I was thinking too, my husband. Why don't you go to the palace today and talk to His Majesty about this matter?"

Guo Rong said, "I'll go now."

After saying that, he immediately got out of bed.

……

the other side.

Last night, Chen Yun stayed at Zhao Kuangyin's residence.

Zhao Kuangyi was also staying there with him.

Sure enough, just as he woke up in the early morning and was taking a leisurely stroll in the courtyard, Zhao Kuangyi came up to him.

"Chen Xuejiu, you're awake so early?"

Zhao Kuangyi made conversation, trying to find something to say.

Chen Yun put his hands behind his back, glanced at him, and laughed, "This humble Taoist doesn't need sleep. But you're still growing, why don't you sleep a little longer?"

Zhao Kuangyi said in a fawning tone, "It's a rare treat for a scholar like you to come here. I'd like to learn more from you, so I got up early just to receive your guidance."

After learning last night that Chen Yun's true identity was the Taoist Emperor, he was already filled with awe and reverence, so he was naturally extremely obsequious at this moment.

Chen Yun blinked and said, "What kind of teaching do you want? Let's not talk about magic anymore. Many spells require magical power to be used, and the methods of cultivating magical power are closely guarded secrets in all sects of Taoism. If you want to learn something else, such as troop deployment, I know a little about it and can teach you."

He could have left after dealing with yesterday's matter.

So why didn't Chen Yun leave?

The reason is simple: he knew that Zhao Kuangyin had reached a critical juncture.

Based on Chen Yun's understanding of history and his glimpses of future changes using his supreme magical powers, Guo Wei would die by the beginning of next year at the latest, at which time Chai Rong would succeed him.

He wanted to ensure that Zhao Kuangyin would be given important responsibilities under Chai Rong, and even to make more contributions and establish sufficient prestige in the army while Chai Rong was still alive for a few years. Then, when Chai Rong died a few years later, Zhao Kuangyin could legitimately stage the Chenqiao Mutiny and successfully establish the Song Dynasty.

Once the Song Dynasty was established, the Investiture of the Gods war would come to an end.

Although the period is drawing to a close, the situation will become tense, as there are still many small states, such as the Southern Tang.

Chen Yun was tasked with helping Zhao Kuangyin launch a series of wars, win them, and successfully pacify the Central Plains to establish his rule over the world.

All of this required not only his dispatch of disciples to assist him, but also his help in acquiring sufficient power for Zhao Kuangyin.

Therefore, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Chen Yun will not be leaving Kaifeng Prefecture for the next few years.

There was no other way. As a Taoist emperor, he wouldn't be condemned for making mistakes, but his mentor, Zhongli Quan, was still imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison. He needed to earn enough military merits to get his mentor out of prison.

Otherwise, Chen Yun really didn't want to get involved in the Investiture of the Gods war.

He didn't actually care much about becoming a Taoist emperor.

Chen Yun only cared about his mentor. After all, according to the laws of heaven, if he didn't find a way to atone for his mentor's sins, then Zhongli Quan would be split into two.

Since he was staying here, Chen Yun definitely needed to find something to do.

Take Zhao Kuangyi, for example. According to historical records, he did a good job in domestic affairs, but he was not very good at foreign military affairs.

Chen Yun pondered whether he could take advantage of these next few years to teach this guy military knowledge, so that he might not become the "God of Chariots" at Gaoliang River.

Zhao Kuangyi said helplessly, "I'm not very interested in military affairs, you scholar. Can you teach me something else?"

Chen Yun wasn't annoyed at the other person's "lack of ambition" at all. Instead, he smiled and asked in return, "What do you want to learn?"

Zhao Kuangyi said earnestly, "I hope to become a good official who can bring peace and prosperity to all the people in the world, so I would like to ask the scholar to teach me how to become a good official."

Chen Yun stared intently at Zhao Kuangyi's face for a long time.

To be honest, apart from his lack of talent in foreign wars, Zhao Kuangyi was definitely one of the most outstanding emperors in history in every other aspect.

Take the most direct economic example: if Zhao Kuangyi hadn't laid the foundation, the Song Dynasty would never have become the most economically successful dynasty in feudal times, and without exception.

Just how good was the economy of the Song Dynasty?

This can be seen from another perspective. For example, the Song Dynasty's territory at its peak was only 3.15 million square kilometers, and for most of the time it was only 2.8 million square kilometers, but its population at its peak reached a staggering 100 million.

It's important to know that at its peak, the Tang Dynasty covered 12.37 million square kilometers, but its population was only 80 million at its most. A dynasty with a mere 2.8 million square kilometers of land supported more than 100 million people.

This demonstrates just how prosperous the economy of the Song Dynasty was.

The one who laid the foundation for all this prosperity was none other than Zhao Kuangyi, whom later generations jokingly called the "God of the Gaoliang River Cart".

After a moment's thought, Chen Yun said, "Alright, then I will teach you how to become a good official who benefits all the people."

Zhao Kuangyi seemed genuinely interested in this and hurriedly said, "Thank you, Scholar Chen, for being willing to teach me... I will certainly study hard and live up to your kindness."

Chen Yun smiled and said, "Learning is one thing, but more importantly, you must apply what you learn. I hope you can use the knowledge I'm about to teach you well in the future."

Zhao Kuangyi said in a strong voice, "I will certainly not disappoint your expectations, scholar."

So, for the rest of the day, Chen Yun taught the other party how to improve the national economy and handle domestic affairs.

Even when conducting teaching, Chen Yun would intentionally or unintentionally teach the other party some imperial power tactics.

He hoped that Zhao Kuangyi, after becoming emperor, would love the people like his own children—not the kind of love for the people that was prevalent during the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

……

The whole day passed quickly.

Chen Yun's teaching of Zhao Kuangyi also came to an end at sunset.

That's all for today.

In the study, Chen Yun stood up and said, "If you are interested, you can come back to learn again tomorrow."

Zhao Kuangyi had been studying all day and should have been exhausted, but although he looked tired, he was in high spirits. "Scholar, what you taught me today has been very beneficial. I will definitely continue to learn from you tomorrow."

Chen Yun glanced outside and said, "Alright, your brother is back. He seems to have brought some good news. Let's go out and congratulate him now."

Zhao Kuangyin was temporarily still the head of the East and West Classes, and he needed to enter the palace very early every day to perform his duties.

In addition, he needs to coordinate some work with the next head of government in the next few days, so he naturally left home early in the morning.

Chen Yun and Zhao Kuangyi chatted about today's lessons as they walked outside.

Before long, they arrived outside.

Just then, Zhao Kuangyin walked in from outside the gate.

He looked somewhat excited, as if he had encountered something very pleasant today.

Nevertheless, the moment Zhao Kuangyin saw Chen Yun, he immediately bowed and greeted him, saying, "Scholar."

Chen Yun nodded slightly and said, "You're back? You look radiant, is there some good news?"

He actually knows something.

With cultivation at Chen Yun's level, he could sense events happening in all the heavens and myriad realms, let alone a small place like Bianjing.

Zhao Kuangyi looked at his elder brother, also wondering if there was good news.

Or perhaps he wanted to know if Zhao Kuangyin's happy event was the one he had in mind.

Sure enough, the next moment Zhao Kuangyin said with great excitement: "Yesterday, the scholar stood up for his student, and today the Prince of Jin entered the palace to meet the Emperor and recruited me into his ranks."

Zhao Kuangyi was overjoyed, "So, brother, you don't have to leave the capital?"

Zhao Kuangyin laughed heartily and said, "Of course I don't need to leave the capital. All of this is thanks to the scholar's intervention; otherwise, I would probably have to rush to Huazhou to take up my post in the next few days."

At this point, he bowed deeply to Chen Yun with a serious expression and said, "Scholar, thank you very much."

Chen Yun waved his hand and said, "I only gave you a chance to show your abilities. In reality, it is your own skill that allowed the Prince of Jin to recruit you."

Zhao Kuangyin said, "Almost all of my skills were taught by scholars. Without scholars, where would I be today?"

He seemed very grateful and didn't forget where his current status came from.

Chen Yun chatted with Zhao Kuangyin for a few minutes.

Then, Zhao Kuangyi asked, "Brother, what position did the Prince of Jin give you when he recruited you into his service?"

When this matter was mentioned, Zhao Kuangyin seemed even happier, saying, "The Prince of Jin has appointed me as the Commander of the Cavalry in Kaifeng Prefecture."

This is definitely a good position, equivalent to the level of deputy division commander or brigade commander in modern society.

It should be noted that Zhao Kuangyin was only twenty-five or twenty-six years old at the time, yet he was able to obtain such a high position in the army. Anyone would know that his future prospects were limitless.

Most importantly, this military commissioner was not just any military commissioner, but the military commissioner of Kaifeng Prefecture.

What kind of place is Kaifeng Prefecture?
This is the capital city of the Later Zhou Dynasty!
It's fair to say that Zhao Kuangyin achieved a meteoric rise to power this time.

Chen Yun was very happy for the other party. After all, Zhao Kuangyin was a student he had personally taught. While congratulating him, he also advised him: "Being able to become the military commander of Kaifeng Prefecture is naturally a good thing. However, you must understand one thing, that is, never be arrogant or complacent. For the time being, you must follow the lead of Prince Jin. Of course, if possible, try to make friends with some capable military generals, which may be helpful to you in the future."

Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly replied, "This student will certainly remember the scholar's teachings."

Chen Yun nodded and said, "Go tell your wife the good news. Kuangyi and I have something to discuss."

Zhao Kuangyin said, "Good."

Then, he walked excitedly toward the inner courtyard.

Chen Yun glanced at Zhao Kuangyin's retreating figure, and was extremely satisfied.

To be honest, handling this matter well will be absolutely crucial for the future battle to become gods.

Because Chen Yun knew that all the familiar history had not changed, and he could control it.

If history changes, he will have to spend more energy predicting future changes, and he may not be able to predict them accurately. After all, other half-step Great Luo Immortals also want to participate in the Investiture of the Gods and get a share of the spoils, which will definitely distort the heavenly secrets.

History remains unchanged. No matter how much those half-step Grandmasters try to distort the heavenly secrets, they cannot prevent the rolling wheels of history from slipping out of their control. Isn't that a cause for celebration?

While Chen Yun was satisfied with this, he also began to think about what to do next.

Although Zhao Kuangyin has successfully remained in Kaifeng as the military commander of the Ma Zhi Army, he has not yet established his own power base.

For example, the well-known Righteous Society Ten Brothers, there is no such group yet.

The Righteous Society was one of the fundamental forces behind Zhao Kuangyin's coup to replace the Zhou dynasty and establish the Song dynasty.

Chen Yun felt that he needed to find a way to give Zhao Kuangyin the basic power to stage a coup, so that he could have a stronger grasp on the future.

(End of this chapter)