Confucian and Taoist scholar

The news that Taipingyu was going to establish a kingdom spread throughout the countries, but it did not cause a great reaction.

There are many things to deal with in each country right now, and no one has time to attend to the Taiping Domain in the far north.

Even the Wei Kingdom, which was closest to the Taiping Domain, did not pay attention to it and even expressed its support. Other dynasties also tacitly accepted its existence.

Moreover, since various dynasties sent people there to gain experience, being selected as representatives of the founding of a nation was not necessarily a bad thing.

As for the people in various regions of Taiping, they all expressed their strong support after learning the news.

Establishing a nation can better unite different regions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

As a result of this incident, the Taiping Domain also pardoned a group of sinful humans, demons, and ghosts, allowing them to enjoy the same benefits as everyone else.

These people who were guilty of crimes were only subjected to high-intensity labor, but their other living conditions were guaranteed to a certain extent, and they would not suffer any abuse or harm.

Now that they have the status of free citizens and can enjoy the benefits of building their own communities, they are all happy to become a true part of the Taiping Domain.

External reactions were quickly relayed to the Pacific Domain through various channels.

Lu Zheng and Qing Wan also received a delegation of envoys from the State of Wei and received a generous gift.

Lu Zheng decided to build a memorial hall to display this congratulatory gift, so as to showcase the future friendship between the two countries.

Qingwan sorted through the reports from various places. "The whole world already knows that we are going to establish a country here, but it seems that no force has any objections."

Lu Zheng smiled upon hearing this and said, "They probably don't care about the kind of country we've established. Besides, there's no point in opposing them; they can't really do anything to us, can they?"

A few years ago, perhaps many forces within the various dynasties would have opposed this.

However, nowadays, certain powerful families are too busy taking care of themselves to have the energy to oppose the establishment of a country in a faraway region.

Many people are probably waiting to see the country fail and wondering how long it can last, given its departure from traditional systems.

After some time had passed and the attitudes of the various nations had been determined, Lu Zheng convened another meeting with the representatives.

This time, everyone expressed their opinions, and the policies for the founding of the nation and thereafter were finalized.

The exact date of the nation's founding was also determined, set for the New Year of the following spring.

This symbolizes the beginning of a new era and a new dawn.

After the meeting, the representatives from all parties returned to their respective regions to continue their work.

Zhao Ti sought out Lu Zheng for a private conversation, "You want to establish a nation, don't you feel something is missing?"

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "What?"

Zhao Ti said, "These national treasures are symbols of a country and the foundation of its destiny..."

Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "I believe the people are the foundation of the nation. Of course, national treasures are also quite important, at least they can serve as weapons to protect the country and defend against enemies..."

Zhao Ti said in a low voice, "If you lack the tools to forge national treasures, I can give you one."

Lu Zheng looked at Zhao Ti and asked, "Is the young lady willing to part with it?"

Zhao Ti remained silent for a moment after hearing this, and then slowly said, "In the past, I would naturally have been reluctant to part with it, but I think it is worth giving it to you... Some things would only have their power wasted if left with me."

After spending a long time with him, Zhao Ti felt that Lu Zheng was a man destined by heaven, while she herself had no hope of restoring her country.

Since Lu Zheng was thinking of establishing a peaceful country here, she felt that she should also contribute her share.

Rather than letting those dynasties obtain the powerful weapons she possessed, it would be better to give them to Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Previously, your Zhao family branch gave me a pseudo-Nine Cauldrons, which I have already used up. If you are willing to give me a powerful artifact, I will not refuse, and I may very well use it..."

Zhao Ti was surprised. She knew the significance of a pseudo-Nine Cauldrons. Lu Zheng had actually obtained such a powerful artifact and then used it up.
This shows that Lu Zheng can withstand the power of heavy weapons far exceeding that of others at the same level.

Zhao Ti thought for a moment and said, "Since you were able to use a powerful weapon, it proves that you have the ability to use it."

As Zhao Ti raised her hand, an invisible array of power enveloped the area.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Ti took out a long, rectangular jade box.

The jade box shimmered with light, faintly emanating a powerful aura.

Lu Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing a pure, sacred power originating from the divine path.

Zhao Ti whispered, “A sacred scepter is sealed inside. The Zhao Clan Divine Dynasty is founded on the divine way. This object carries the most ancient divine origin and the power of destiny between heaven and earth… This is the most precious artifact I have. I feel you should be able to use it.”

For some reason, Zhao Ti felt that this item was very suitable for Lu Zheng when she was choosing it.

However, she knew that Lu Zheng did not seem to be proficient in the cultivation of the divine path.

"Thank you."

Lu Zheng took the jade box and immediately put it into his small world.

The jade box opened within the small world, and golden light instantly illuminated the area.

A powerful divine aura permeated all directions, carrying a terrifying pressure.

However, this only lasted for a very short time. One by one, artifacts containing the righteous energy of heaven and earth flew out from the literary palace, directly suppressing the aura of the golden scepter.

The Taiping Code was unfurled, directly drawing upon the power contained within the golden scepter.

This codex, which contains the purest righteous power in the world, had previously received the blessing of other great powers. Now it is enough to easily suppress the divine origin and refine its power for its own use.

In doing so, the Taiping Code would also strengthen its restraining effect on Shinto.

In Lu Zheng's vision, the power carried by the code could completely suppress the power of other Great Daos, thereby using laws and regulations to restrain cultivators throughout the world...

Even if a Saint Realm expert commits evil deeds, they can be punished to a certain extent through the power of the Codex.

Of course, the current legal code is far from sufficient to reach that level.

Lu Zheng sensed the situation in the small world and then turned to Zhao Ti, saying, "Your contributions will be remembered by future generations."

Zhao Ti couldn't help but smile and said, "Compared to what you've sacrificed for this world, what is my little bit? If you need anything in the future, you can come to me..."

Zhao Ti removed the formation and then left to do her own work.

Not long after, Yun Fuyao found Lu Zheng.

Yun Fuyao rushed over from Yunmeng Sect after hearing the news.

Yun Fuyao looked at Lu Zheng and said quietly, "You really don't stop for a moment. You're even faster than I expected."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "I feel the time is almost right. What do you think, Sect Master?" Yun Fuyao slowly said, "Before coming to find you, I had already taken a look along the way. The general trend is set, and everything is ready. If things go as you expect, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Great Dao can be achieved... As for what realm you can reach, I cannot tell."

Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "It doesn't matter whether I achieve anything or not. As long as I can use this to forge the great path of Legalism and influence the entire world, that will be enough..."

Unbeknownst to others, Lu Zheng had an even more important plan behind the establishment of a nation.

If the important figures of the various countries knew Lu Zheng's true intentions, they would definitely stand up to oppose him and prevent all of this from happening...

Lu Zheng paused for a moment and said, "I'll have to trouble the sect leader to put in some effort."

Yun Fuyao smiled upon hearing this, "All I can do for you is some insignificant little thing. After that, I'm afraid I can't help you with anything else that you'll have to endure."

All she had to do was help Lu Zheng conceal the secrets of heaven and make some arrangements in the Taiping Domain.

After the deed is done, Lu Zheng will face the dissatisfaction of many powerful figures in the world.

Lu Zhengdao said, "The sect leader has done more than enough for us. I don't know how to repay the sect leader."

Yun Fuyao smiled gently and said softly, "You always think of others first. I'm not helping you either, but can't I do something for the world?"

Yun Fuyao said leisurely, "I am not human. I am probably the only demon like me in the world. Having lived for so many years, I have always considered myself a passerby in this human world. But upon closer reflection, such a life is too boring. Shouldn't we do something meaningful?"

Yun Fuyao looked at Lu Zheng, "When I met you back then, and heard you describe the future of this world, I felt that I would witness something in the future..."

"Since you've made up your mind, then do it well. Even if you fail, I will find a way to protect you."

……

Time passed slowly, and the entire Taiping Domain was filled with a lively atmosphere.

Everyone is looking forward to that day so they can have a proper celebration.

As winter drew to a close, various regions were already preparing for celebrations and even constructing formations to allow people from different regions to witness the founding ceremony.

The ceremony was to be held in Yongding City.

With some time still to go before the ceremony, Yuan Tao had already arrived in Taiping Domain with a group of officials.

Yuan Tao's arrival was quite grand, with many princes and ministers from Luoyang accompanying him.

Yuan Tao made such a grand show of things for two reasons: first, to cheer on Lu Zheng, and second, to show the people of Wei the development of Taiping Domain so that they could learn from it.

Upon arriving in Yongding City once again, Yuan Tao found that he could hardly recognize the area.

After several years of construction and development, Yongding City has become much more prosperous than Luoyang, the capital of the Wei Dynasty.

Yuan Tao was filled with emotion. He then found Lu Zheng in the city and also met his father, Yuan Si.

"Father, Mr. Lu..."

Upon seeing the two, Yuan Tao abandoned his imperial demeanor and greeted them politely.

Yuan Si looked at Yuan Tao and said calmly, "It's been a few years since I last saw you. You've matured a lot and now look like a ruler of a country."

After arriving in Taiping Domain, Yuan Si never returned, but he kept a close eye on the situation in Wei.

Seeing Yuan Tao again now, he couldn't help but feel a little dazed and emotional.

Yuan Tao also felt that Yuan Si had changed a lot, and was more like a Buddhist practitioner.

The father and son remained silent for a while before Yuan Si took the lead and left, citing other matters.

Yuan Tao watched Yuan Si disappear, and immediately felt much less pressure on his body.

After all, he seized the throne from Yuan Si through a coup back then, and he still feels some inexplicable pressure when facing Yuan Si now.

Yuan Tao turned to look at Lu Zheng and whispered, "Is Father Emperor settling in well here?"

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "It's good. I feel that he has adapted to life here."

"That's it..."

Yuan Tao nodded, "That's good, that's good. Thank you so much for taking care of me, sir."

Yuan Tao wished Yuan Si would stay in Taiping Domain forever. He felt he wouldn't be able to sleep soundly if Yuan Si went back.

Yuan Tao then said, "If you want to establish a nation, why don't you arrange a good position for yourself? Speaking of which, it doesn't seem very appropriate for you to have so many outsiders as your representatives in power..."

Yuan Tao had some doubts about various aspects of the Taiping Kingdom after its establishment, including some of its policies.

From the perspective of someone in power, he felt that Lu Zheng's decision to let so many outsiders govern was likely to benefit others.

Lu Zheng just smiled and said, "I think it's alright. Establishing such a country is like crossing a river by feeling for stones. If any problems arise, we can solve them slowly."

Seeing that Lu Zheng wasn't worried about such things, Yuan Tao felt that he didn't need to worry about it. After all, there were many capable people here who could come up with solutions if problems arose.

Yuan Tao was somewhat envious of certain regulations here, where any problems or plans the region had could be addressed and resolved quickly through concerted efforts.

In the state of Wei, the process of some government orders being issued to local authorities and implemented was so slow that even Yuan Tao felt frustrated and helpless.

Yuan Tao and Lu Zheng had a long talk about politics before Yuan Tao went to rest.

One after another, representatives from various forces came to congratulate the Taiping Domain on its upcoming founding.

Many forces already had people in the Taiping Domain, so sending more people here is a way of expressing their stance.

Yun Xiao also brought several disciples of Qingyang Palace and traveled a long distance to Yongding City.

Upon seeing Lu Zheng, Yun Xiao couldn't help but wear a bitter expression, sighing, "You've been living it up here, haven't you? You're even leading people to prepare for establishing a country. That's quite something. Sigh, I've been suffering these past few days..."

Lu Zheng had heard about some things in the Shu Kingdom. The Shu Emperor had intentionally suppressed various Taoist sects because of the True Scripture, causing many sects to pay a heavy price.

It is said that two Buddhist temples have been built in Furong City, and eminent monks from the Wei Kingdom have been invited to preside over them and promote Mahayana Buddhism, which has put considerable pressure on the Taoist sects of the Shu Kingdom.

The Taoist and Buddhist sects even held a debate, which caused quite a stir.

Lu Zheng said, "Since you're here, Daoist, relax and don't think too much. Just let things take their course."

Yun Xiao blinked. Come to think of it, he had also used the establishment of the Taiping Domain as an excuse to bring people here to attend the ceremony, so as to stay away from trouble.

Yun Xiao smiled and said in a low voice, "You've got quite a presence, haven't you? The Emperor of Wei has brought so many people to support you... Wait, no, it seems like two generations of Wei emperors are on your side. Tsk tsk, I never imagined you'd become so close to the Wei royal family."

Lu Zheng thought the main reason they were able to get so close was because of his good relationship with Buddha...

If it weren't for his reliance on Buddhism and Taoism, he wouldn't have had such a deep connection with the Wei Kingdom. (End of Chapter)