Chapter 956 - 353: The State Preceptor’s Root Bone, the Celestial Master’s Comprehension (Double-Length - )

Tang Xiaotang listened to what the Empress said, feeling very pleased that there was no intention to compensate or balance the Xumi Vajra Division.

Lei Jun thought to himself, indeed.

It was intriguing to consider how the Xumi Vajra Division might react next.

Although the Vajra Sect Leader, Garuda, appeared very calm, and the Vajra Division had shown great respect to the Great Tang Imperial Court in recent years.

But seeing their proactive and enthusiastic style in spreading doctrine, Lei Jun did not believe the Vajra Division would accept all this calmly.

Otherwise, how could Tang Xiaotang and Her Majesty the Empress be planning such a big move together?

Upon hearing Tang Xiaotang’s immediate agreement, the Empress finally put down her fishing rod, stood up and turned around.

This woman, who embodied the brilliance of the mountains and rivers, moved her gaze between Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang, finally resting on Tang Xiaotang, nodding slightly: "Thank you both for your hard work."

After Lei Jun and the others left, Empress Zhang Wantong also departed from the lakeside pavilion, with Chu Yu following beside her, while others fell behind.

"Your Majesty, it seemed just now..." Chu Yu began uncertainly.

The Empress understood what he left unsaid: "Shuyin, your feeling was correct, Tang Xiaotang is eager to spar, to weigh against me."

Although it confirmed her previously vague feeling, Chu Yu couldn’t help but be dumbstruck, then laughed: "Her, indeed!"

The Empress walked leisurely: "Not surprising."

Chu Yu smiled: "I’ve heard she’s always wanted to compete with Master Xu, not sure if she’s gotten her wish? Once both reached Ninefold Heaven Cultivation, they might have officially sparred."

Tang Xiaotang’s so-called "spar", "weigh", is exactly what it means, no need for further interpretation.

She is competitive and has high standards, not interested in people unless they are of a particular level.

In such cases, she often harbors no animosity.

"At least for now, Tang is not equal to Xu," said the Empress calmly.

Chu Yu chuckled: "Master Xu is very good at gaining an advantage, perhaps not winning the first time, but increasingly difficult afterward."

She looked at the Empress: "In that aspect, she’s somewhat similar to Your Majesty."

Empress: "Although the outcomes are similar, the essence is different."

Chu Yu nodded with a smile.

She remembered something, then softly asked: "Your Majesty, regarding Celestial Master Lei?"

Empress: "A calm surface with thunder beneath... what lies under the water is indeed unclear, but not everything that floats is a disguise; some genuine emotions can be discerned."

Chu Yu seemed thoughtful: "So, he’s indeed not pushing Master Tang forward as a puppet, nor considering a deliberate concession in their relationship, but naturally has no desire for the position of State Preceptor."

Empress: "He and Xu Yuanzhen have many differences, yet some similarities."

Chu Yu nodded softly.

......

The Sect Leaders from various Sacred Lands entered the Imperial Capital Luoyang to meet the Emperor, drawing wide attention.

Not only those from Buddhist and Taoist factions are concerned, but also all civil and military officials, and local officers.

Imperial Secretary of the Right Guo Yuan arrived at Fanghezhou Prefecture as a guest.

Simultaneously, guests arrived at the residence of Deputy Minister Shangguan Qing.

Chief General of the Divine Strategy Army, Lu Zhen.

"It’s Master Tang, not Celestial Master Lei," Lu Zhen remarked.

Shangguan Qing said: "Actually, it wasn’t entirely unexpected."

Just after the succession to Celestial Master, Lei Jun freshly took the position, overseeing Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion and the Taoist Talisman Sect.

And to be a State Preceptor means dedicating most of one’s energy to the court, staying in the Imperial Capital Luoyang for much of the year, besides making time to tour various regions.

This was not an issue for Tang Xiaotang who already stepped down from the position of Celestial Master.

Though, given her temperament, she might not sit still in Luoyang.

"Celestial Master Lei, for now, has Eightfold Heaven Cultivation, while Master Tang is a Nine Heavens Great Ascension High True One."

Shangguan Qing said: "Based on personal achievements, Master Tang is certainly deserving."

Lu Zhen slowly said: "Yes... Thousand Leaves Butterfly King, Wei Ancheng, Taoist Kong An, Long Sky Gray Wolf, not counting either, but upon closer inspection, she actually has four."

And this does not include individuals or demons below the Ninefold Heaven.

If not for the lack of the most significant achievement like Huang Xuanpu, it can be said Tang Xiaotang truly has undisputed first achievements.

Aside from the time around the founding of the Great Tang Dynasty, never has there been a more remarkable record during peaceful times.

This truly befits the title of Shenxiao Demon Cleansing Guarding Master.

Such a Taoist Great Vehicle High Truth being appointed as State Preceptor, on merits, no one can refute.

Any possible minor controversy lies more in how this former Celestial Master conducts herself as... well.

Thinking back to the aftermath of the Guanlong demon chaos, right after repelling the group of demons, this Master Tang beat Master Sang Ji, who had just fought alongside against the demons.

Such a figure becoming the head of the Great Tang Buddhist and Taoist factions, coordinating the nation’s sects as State Preceptor, indeed makes one sweat upon hearing the news.

"We can only hope that Celestial Master Lei and Master Yuan, will assist and advise her," said Shangguan Qing.

Lu Zhen sighed: "If Celestial Master Lei could always be beside to assist, then the role of State Preceptor wouldn’t be necessary..."

He paused, then continued: "Nevertheless, this may not be bad either."

Shangguan Qing: "Hmm, with the State Preceptor appointed at Celestial Master Mansion, the Taoist Talisman Sect is bound to flourish, but how specifically remains to be seen."

Whether Tang Xiaotang or Lei Jun, or even Xu Yuanzhen becomes Great Tang State Preceptor, it means Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion will further gain recognition and support from the Tang Imperial Court.

Depending on circumstances, the Taoist Talisman Sect might become the State Religion.

Even if not reaching that point, the influence of Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion is certain to expand and deepen.

From this perspective, there’s much debate among the Emperor’s officials discussing this matter.