In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 33 The Throne is Contending
It's clear that the Taoist priest has a lot of opinions about our dynasty.

Lu Zhao was also aware that the old Taoist priest did not have no demands of him. The most obvious reason was his differing views, which was perhaps why the other party had not accepted him as a disciple.

He explained, “Our dynasty only has nine years of compulsory education. After that, you have to take exams on your own. Life development only lasts for six years. I passed the exams to get into the capital, so in the Taoist priest’s opinion, my education level is good, but it is not the average level.”

The old Taoist priest, familiar with the concept of compulsory education, said, "Since you have already passed the exam, it is clear that you have been treated differently."

Lu Zhao nodded and said, "Of course it's the same. We're on the same platform, and that's enough."

The old Taoist priest shook his head and said, "It seems different to me."

Lu Zhao countered, "What about the Ming Dynasty? Are officials appointed solely based on their ranking among those who passed the imperial examination? Does obtaining a degree guarantee an official position?"

The old Taoist priest choked a little and couldn't answer for a moment.

Justice is not a modern concept; it existed as early as the Xia and Shang dynasties. Any ruling machine must pursue 'justice of the times,' otherwise it could not exist.

Every dynasty had its own concept of "fairness," but it often failed to achieve it.

He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "My Ming Dynasty couldn't do it, but neither can the new dynasty. Doesn't that prove that the two dynasties are the same?"

The old Taoist priest was using sophistry, something Lu Zhao was not good at.

In the capital, there were frequent debates about the distinction between Chinese and barbarians, and about the equality of Chinese and barbarians.

Once a vast and prosperous land stretching from the Eastern Sea to the distant Central Sea, it was a cosmopolitan region encompassing countless nations. Now, in what is now humanity's last remaining haven, only people of different identities, ethnicities, and cultures are left to fight amongst themselves.

It was only a ten-year difference, but for many people it feels like it was just yesterday.

The current system is the optimal solution under high-pressure survival conditions. Humanity has lost the right to expand its territory, and three billion people can only make a living on the land of the capital and its thirteen circuits.

Before he stood tall enough and determined his direction, he was a soldier.

The conflict between Lu Zhao and the old Taoist priest is a clash between the ruling ideologies of two different eras.

"I have never asserted that the Federation is absolutely fair. Historically, no one has been able to gain admission to the Imperial Academy without relying on family lineage or the support of influential people."

"A new dynasty is acceptable, even if it only has a few dozen people each year."

The old Taoist priest appeared calm, but a hint of displeasure rose in his heart.

The boy's stubbornness reminded him of someone, a man named Hai Rui.

He said, "Even if this injustice is inflicted on you?"

“The country raised me and did not treat me unfairly.” Lu Zhao shook his head. “It’s just that someone has harmed me, and one day I will fight back.”

The old Taoist priest spoke quickly, his displeasure evident in his voice: "They hold high positions; how can a commoner like you fight back?"

"I can sit in this high seat too!"

His voice was clear and resonant, echoing in the primordial realm.

The old Taoist priest was slightly taken aback, and a ripple finally appeared on his calm face.

He stared intently at Lu Zhao, his eyes revealing both the strangeness of having his sophistry exposed and the astonishment of an ancient soul facing the crushing weight of the times.

The young man before him was unlike anyone the old Taoist priest had ever encountered before. In his time, no one had ever dared to say that he was entitled to the high position.

He was not blindly loyal, nor was he like Hai Rui.

The Taoist temple remained silent for a long time.

Looking at the silent old Taoist priest, Lu Zhao thought to himself that he was probably going to mess things up again.

But he has no regrets.

The prerequisite for him to meet the old Taoist priest was that he had broken through the spiritual tsunami; the prerequisite for him to pass the imperial examination in the capital was that he had to work hard enough.

He doesn't need to expose his belly like a lapdog, hoping to gain benefits by groveling.

The kindness of being taught can be repaid in other ways.

The old Taoist priest finally made a move.

He slowly raised his head, his eyes showing no anger, but instead letting out a soft sigh.

“Since the lay Buddhist’s resolve is firm, I will not force him.”

Lu Zhao felt relieved and immediately said seriously, "I will always remember your kindness in teaching me, and I will do my best to repay you." "That's not what I meant," the old Taoist priest shook his head slightly, his gaze scrutinizing.

"Although our philosophies differ, and we shouldn't be master and disciple, there are always exceptions. Exceptionally talented people deserve preferential treatment, and I think you are qualified..."

He paused, his tone no longer distant, but polite and kind.

"This humble Taoist asks you, would you be willing to become my disciple?"

This kid is definitely not someone I like, but often it's people like him who are more suitable to be my successor.

Lu Zhao nodded without hesitation and said, "The Daoist Master has already shown me great kindness in teaching me, so I should rightfully become his disciple."

"Don't agree so quickly, I have two conditions."

"Taoist Master, please speak."

"Firstly, I need life bones." The old Taoist priest held up one finger. "One piece every three months, regardless of type, grade, or strength of supernatural power."

Lu Zhao was immediately in a dilemma.

He wasn't surprised the old Taoist needed the life bone; he wouldn't have hinted at it beforehand if he didn't.

However, life bones are state-controlled items, and theoretically, they can be purchased by anyone below the average level. The lowest level of minor supernatural powers can be purchased from the official exclusive store simply by registering.

The average price is around 10,000, with no quantity limit.

There are also cheaper black market 'beast bones,' bones stripped from monsters, with an average price of several thousand.

The supernatural powers bestowed upon these life bones are so weak that they can only cause the tips of one's hair to tremble slightly, or even cause no reaction at all.

Lu Zhao could have easily exploited the loophole, but he still spoke frankly: "Not all life bones are like the ones I sent in a few days ago. There are many useless life bones. Should they be included in that category?"

"Calculate."

The old Taoist priest's answer was somewhat unexpected. He stroked his beard and smiled, "The cost of becoming a disciple depends on one's heart. I am accepting disciples, not making a sale."

"Do you know why I didn't mention the matter of becoming an apprentice? This is the difference between ancient and modern times. In the new dynasty, education is widespread, and it seems that teachers are no different from private tutors in the streets, just a business transaction."

Hearing this, Lu Zhao felt somewhat embarrassed.

This is indeed a difference between ancient and modern times, and he had subconsciously overlooked this point before.

Now that the old Taoist priest is treating him with sincerity, he cannot cheat or shirk his duty.

The old Taoist priest continued, "Secondly, before you have been able to establish your own inner vision, you may call me teacher, but you cannot yet call me master."

"These are my requirements."

Lu Zhao rose from the prayer mat, knelt before the old Taoist priest, touched his head to the ground, and said, "Disciple Lu Zhao greets Master."

Boom!Boom!Boom!
Three loud slaps echoed clearly in the empty Taoist temple.

"good."

The old Taoist priest smiled, and with a gentle flick of his sleeve, a soft yet irresistible invisible force lifted Lu Zhao up steadily.

"Sit back down. I will now teach you your first lesson."

Lu Zhao got up and returned to his seat. Before he had even settled down, his calm voice drifted over.

"The cultivation methods in the world, passed down for thousands of years, are nothing more than the cultivation of both body and mind. The path of cultivating body is relatively straightforward, relying mostly on the power of external objects and elixirs, but it can always accumulate small steps to reach great distances."

The old Taoist priest looked at Lu Zhao, his usual amiable demeanor gone, and frowned slightly, saying with extreme dissatisfaction, "And you, you eat your fill all day long, without using your mind, how difficult it is!"

Lu Zhao twitched the corner of his mouth. This was the first time he had been scolded for not working hard enough. His teacher was quite petty.

He nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at rice, and asked, "Teacher, what does it mean to not be considered eating one's fill all day?"

The old Taoist priest replied, "Cultivating the Tao is inherently going against the will of Heaven, yet also following its will. Those who follow the will of Heaven will achieve success naturally, while those who go against it will climb mountains and gaze upon peaks."

"You've done everything in accordance with Heaven's will, but you haven't done anything against it. You're content just because you got what was rightfully yours?"

These words struck Lu Zhao like a thunderbolt, instantly clearing his scattered thoughts.

(End of this chapter)