Chapter 140 — Washing the Pots and Cauldrons

If the Patriarch wants the Dao and its arts to flourish, you must invite back those who left the Academy to become great officials, and have them teach. And invite first-rank officials of the court to lecture on the Dao, its arts, and divine powers.

" The young Patriarch sighed and shook his head. "Today's first-rank officials are mostly cult leaders, sect masters, and the like, or else heads of great clans. Would they be willing to teach the secrets they've learned to all under heaven? I understand what you mean, but I'm about to resign my office and have no heart for reviving the Imperial Academy. This matter can only be done by the next Grand Libationer. I only wonder whom the emperor and Imperial Preceptor Jingping will arrange to take the post.

Are you truly not going to face the Buddha Son? Do you feel you're no match for him? " Shen Mu shook his head, rather conceited. "I am an Overlord Body. Fighting the Buddha Son and fighting the Daoist Son are no different to me. " "Overlord Body? " The young Patriarch was doubtful, somewhat at a loss. "Is there such a thing as an Overlord Body in this world? " Elder Dianxing also shook his head. "Never heard of it.

" Shen Mu's confidence ran wild; even the young Patriarch was startled by such invincible conviction. In a tone that looked down upon all under heaven, he said, "Li Zheng said it himself: I am the one and only Overlord Body in the world, and only I can cultivate the Three-Cinnabar Art of the Mystic Body.

" "So it's that old fellow.

As expected, he's the one with wide experience.

" The young Patriarch glanced at him.

"Are you truly not going? Even without you, I have someone who can drive the Buddha Son back! " Shen Mu blinked and probed, "Does the Patriarch plan to disguise himself as a youth and take the field? " The young Patriarch raised his tea and shouted, "Drink your tea and get out! " Shen Mu drank his tea and left with Snow Fox.

After thinking it over, he came back and said, "Patriarch, always being blockaded at our gate is no solution.

Why don't we go blockade someone else's gate? " "Will you lend your strength?

" "Will the emperor come lecture? " "Get out!

" "Yes.

" . . .

"That rascal—without profit, he won't lift a finger.

" The young Patriarch shook his head.

Elder Dianxing smiled.

"The Young Cult Leader has no attachment to the Imperial Academy, so naturally he won't easily lend his strength.

And besides, isn't the Patriarch quite happy?

" The Patriarch laughed heartily.

"This boy likes to amuse me. No wonder—those old fellows raised him. The old man of Yincan Village is truly extraordinary; even I didn't know there was such a thing as an Overlord Body in this world, yet he could recognize it.

Once I resign this office of Grand Libationer, I'll go have a chat with him. But the Young Cult Leader is right too—always being blockaded at our gate is no solution. We might as well go blockade someone else's gate. Don't they want to rebel? We'll slap their faces first, so they'll have no face to rebel! " Elder Dianxing reminded him, "Patriarch, you're to retire in two months. " The young Patriarch sighed. "This matter can only be left to someone else. These days the emperor has been looking for the next Grand Libationer of the Imperial Academy.

Who do you think will succeed to the post?

" Elder Dianxing shook his head. "How would I know? But I think the emperor will choose someone from among the first-rank officials.

Though the Grand Libationer of the Imperial Academy is only a third-rank office, the post is too important; it must be held by someone the emperor trusts. " In the imperial palace, Emperor Yanfeng was reviewing memorials when a eunuch suddenly announced in a soft, shrill voice, "Your Majesty, Lord Gu has arrived. " "Let him in," Emperor Yanfeng said without raising his head. "Your subject, Pei Wujiu, pays his respects to Your Majesty!

" Emperor Yanfeng raised his head and looked at Pei Wujiu standing bowed below the hall. He set down his vermilion brush.

"Lord Gu, you disappeared decades ago and were rescued by Young General Shen.

By rights I should have arranged an office for you, but you were missing for so many years, and you also lost the court's sword—your guilt is not small.

Even if I wished to promote you, I would feel great pressure. Still, I have decided to override all objections and put you to important use. " Pei Wujiu was both startled and delighted. "The office of Grand Libationer of the Imperial Academy is of the utmost importance. The Grand Libationer has resigned, and I have let him step down in two months' time, to make it easier to find a worthy man. I have found you. I hope you will not disappoint me! " "Your subject will surely spill his heart's blood and die in your service!

" Emperor Yanfeng picked up his brush and went on reviewing memorials.

"You need not spill your heart's blood. If you disappoint me, I'll have your head. Withdraw. "