Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 751 The grand blueprint

Upon hearing the question, Lu Zheng showed no joy, but rather a sense of urgency.

Most practitioners only need to focus on cultivation, but he has more things to consider, such as the current situation he faces.

Lu Zheng's gaze was calm as he looked towards the outside of Yongding City.

"Since you are all here, why not show yourselves? I can still offer you a cup of tea."

"If you don't want to sit down for tea and come specifically to seek revenge from me, I'll gladly oblige..."

As early as when Lu Zheng was trying to break through his realm, he sensed that some powerful figures were spying on him nearby, including some who exuded the aura of a Saint Realm expert.

Lu Zheng was not afraid of this; it was a good thing that such a powerful figure had come.

If we can't even meet with certain powerful figures, it's difficult to reach a conclusion on whether to fight or negotiate.

Gu Feng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, thinking to himself that this young man was truly extraordinary. He had taken advantage of the opportunity to break through his cultivation level to demonstrate his abilities to everyone, and dared to face many powerful figures head-on, speaking without any hesitation.

Feng Xin narrowed his eyes and appeared first, appearing in the sky above Yongding City.

"I am Feng Xin from the Chaofeng Kingdom. I just noticed some unusual activity in this area, so I came to investigate out of curiosity. I never expected that there would be a human prodigy breaking through and asking questions here..."

"Congratulations, young friend. However, I came in a hurry and did not bring any gifts. I'm afraid you'll need a cup of water to quench your thirst."

Feng Xin smiled kindly and floated lightly toward Lu Zheng.

Gu Feng, on the other side, had a strange expression. Did this old monster really need to be so nice to him?

Lu Zheng's smile remained unchanged as he said, "So you are the Great Sage Feng Xin of Chaofeng Kingdom. I have long admired your name. It is my honor that you would like to have a cup of tea with me, senior."

Feng Xin waved his hand and said with a smile, "How could I be worthy of the title of Great Sage? I'm just a little more powerful than you, nothing special..."

The others looked puzzled. Did a demon saint really need to be so humble? What did they think they were then?

Some people had expected a powerful demon saint to come knocking, but instead, someone with such an approachable attitude appeared.

Lu Zheng casually waved his hand, and some tables and seats were already set up in front of him, ready to brew tea and entertain guests.

Feng Xin didn't stand on ceremony and found a seat near Lu Zheng, without any hesitation.

Seeing this, Gu Feng couldn't help but show himself and casually revealed his origins.

"Gulan Kingdom, Gufeng."

Lu Zheng smiled back and invited Gu Feng to sit down.

These two are both renowned demon saints in the Northern Region. Anyone with a bit of cultivation, whether human, demon, or ghost, knows their names.

Many people inside and outside Yongding City were astonished to see these two demon saints appear.

An Dingyuan, standing at the foot of the mountain, stared intently, thinking to himself, "There really is a big fish out here!"

He wondered if he should go up the mountain to give Lu Zheng some support or something.

An Dingyuan couldn't help but ask Zhang Wencheng, who was standing to the side, in a low voice, "Should we go over and lend a hand?"

Zhang Wencheng shook his head and said in a low voice, "Just do our own thing. Besides, wouldn't we be diminishing Mr. Lu's prestige if we went over there?"

An Dingyuan thought about it and realized that it made sense.

Not far away, Feng Xuan's eyes flickered. Even her own ancestor had come out of seclusion. She could only hope that things wouldn't turn out badly.

Given Lu Zheng's own strength and connections, if things really escalate into a conflict, Chaofeng Kingdom clearly won't gain any advantage.

Seeing that the two demon saints had arrived in person, and had not yet used their power to intimidate him, it seemed that there was still room for negotiation.

After a short while, no one else came out.

Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "If you all disdain drinking Lu Zheng's tea, you can stand up directly and resolve the matter with force in front of the two seniors. There's no need to delay anything."

"Powerful!" Everyone felt that Lu Zheng's tone carried an extremely powerful attitude.

You won't accept the tea ceremony? Then you might as well eat my fists!

Gu Feng raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "You killed so many people in Yongding City, how could they sit down and drink your tea in peace?"

Although Lu Zheng had also killed people from his Gulan Kingdom, as a demon saint, he was naturally not so petty. He used these words to elevate himself and also pointed out Lu Zheng's actions.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Those I killed were all people who deserved to die. Senior, you must have visited Yongding City quite a few times before, right? Isn't Yongding City better now than before? And it's less chaotic and corrupt..."

Lu Zheng paused, then continued, "I imagine that a great figure like you, revered and praised by millions of people and demons, would not show mercy to those evil people, ferocious demons, or vengeful ghosts..."

A hint of unease flashed in Gu Feng's eyes. The way these human scholars spoke was just different; he couldn't find a single fault with them, nor could he get angry at them.

Gu Feng looked out of the city and said coldly, "Leave if you want, stay if you want! What kind of behavior is it to hide in the shadows? If outsiders see this, they'll think that the demons of the Northern Region are all shameful!"

Upon hearing this, the powerful demons in the shadows no longer dared to conceal their true intentions.

As for sneaking away? Right under the noses of two demon saints, do you really dare to pretend you didn't see anything and just leave?

As a result, many powerful figures appeared, announced their identities and origins, and respectfully paid their respects to Feng Xin and Gu Feng.

Each arriving power also sent one or two representatives to drink Lu Zheng's cup of tea.

However, some of the representatives were not strong enough to even sit down in front of the two demon saints, and stood there respectfully.

Lu Zheng remained calm throughout and said slowly, "Guests are treated the same here, whether they are saints or mortals. Your standing there is not in accordance with Lu Zheng's way of treating guests."

Are saints and mortals the same?

Those present were deeply disturbed. In this world, perhaps only Lu Zheng would dare to say such a thing, especially in front of two demon saints.

Gu Feng clicked his tongue and said, "Young friend, your words are truly astonishing. Do you really think that Confucius, the sage of Confucianism, is the same as those ordinary demons and humans in this city?"

Gu Feng's voice wasn't loud, but many people on and off the mountain heard it clearly.

An Dingyuan and the others were a little stunned when they heard this. They thought to themselves that the old fox was indeed shrewd and could respond to the question with sharp words. Even they felt that this question was difficult to answer.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "I think it's about the same, and I imagine the sages thought the same way. If you think I'm wrong, then I'll invite Confucius down so you can ask him yourself?"

Everyone: ... No one expected Lu Zheng to give an answer so quickly, and such an answer at that.

They felt they couldn't come up with such an answer even if they racked their brains, after all, how could someone like Confucius be so easily persuaded to come down?

Gu Feng's expression stiffened slightly; he could tell that Lu Zheng wasn't joking with him.

If he really insists on dwelling on this issue, the other party might actually show him what it means to "invite a sage."

If others say that, they are most likely exaggerating.

But everyone just witnessed Lu Zheng's breakthrough. He has now entered the realm of seeking the Dao, so it probably won't be difficult for him to ask Confucius for guidance.

Gu Feng chuckled and said leisurely, "Confucius, the sage of Confucianism among humans, I greatly admire him. Confucius loved all people, so I suppose I do share that sentiment..."

Gu Feng praised Confucius, thus closing the conversation.

He didn't want to argue with Lu Zheng. If word got out that he had asked that person to come down and inquire, he would become a laughing stock.

Lu Zheng didn't continue the topic; what he wanted to discuss with these representatives of various forces today wasn't these grand principles.

Lu Zheng poured tea for everyone present and said leisurely, "It is an honor for me that you all have the pleasure of sitting here and drinking tea. Some of you may not be available yet and have missed the opportunity... If you are available, I will talk to you first, and you can also pass on a message to others when you have time."

"Lu has occupied Yongding City. From now on, it will be taken over by the people of Taiping Domain. I hope we can all get along well in the future."

"As for the people of your people who died before, and the supplies in Yongding City, I will not hand over or compensate you for even a single copper coin..."

"I have my own principles of conduct, which you should all know, so I hope you can understand."

Many of the delegates present looked puzzled. Did they understand? How could they understand?

They seized their territory, killed their people, and stole so many supplies...

They felt that they were used to acting arrogantly in the Northern Region, but when they met Lu Zheng, they were nothing compared to him.

Lu Zheng ignored the expressions on everyone's faces and said calmly, "What I really want is for the entire Northern Region to become better. I've been trying my best to help everyone. I've even provided standardized solutions and technical support free of charge, but some people are unwilling to change or make progress. It really disappoints me..."

"The entire Northern Region has been in chaos for so many years. Even the southern dynasties look down on this godforsaken place. Have they ever paid any attention to any demon kingdom or demon race? You are all influential figures. Are you willing to watch the Northern Region continue like this, becoming a laughing stock? Have you not considered yourselves or your descendants even a little bit?"

"It's not so bad that others look down on you, but if you yourselves give up on yourselves, then you are truly beyond saving."

"How can the Northern Region be so wretched as to face your demon ancestors? Ask yourselves honestly, wouldn't your ancestors have been disappointed to see such a scene?"

Lu Zheng's gaze remained calm as he slowly surveyed the representatives of the various factions present.

The expressions of the representatives were unpredictable, and even the two demon saints were starting to lose their composure.

These words were incredibly damaging, even more so than Lu Zheng's attack on Sheng.

It not only hits right in the lungs, but also in the heart.

Lu Zheng took a sip of tea. "I don't think I did anything wrong by occupying Yongding City. It's just too awful here and needs to be changed. Besides, if I hadn't done that, I'm afraid you all wouldn't be sitting here listening to my honest words."

Lu Zheng discovered that in the Northern Region, force still works best. If you don't demonstrate your strength, these forces won't care what you say at all.

Taking Yongding City decisively now, and even waking up the reclusive demon saints, is more effective than distributing those propaganda leaflets.

Some people couldn't help but look at him sideways, thinking, "So all the commotion you caused in Yongding City was for today's scene?"

Lu Zheng said calmly, "If anyone still cares about the matter of Yongding City, then after we finish talking, you can fight me. If you can kill me, you can take back what belongs to you."

No one responded; they could all sense that Lu Zheng was truly fearless, neither afraid of trouble nor death.

Since even the two demon saints haven't said anything, the other representatives naturally shouldn't speak up and be the first to speak up.

After all, Lu Zheng had just advanced to the Dao Inquiry stage, and he was already able to invite saints to slay demons before, so who knows how strong he is now.

Lu Zheng continued, "I actually really hope that everyone will make another choice. Some of you here may have already been to the Taiping Domain. When I came to the Northern Domain to do my work, did I ever harm or slaughter any of the demon races? Weren't all those demons who died deserving to die? I also gave many people a chance to repent and start anew."

"Many rules in the Pacific Domain are very strict. I don't expect you to be that strict when you govern your own territory, but at least you should make some changes, right?"

"Is it really that difficult for everyone to live in harmony and create a more prosperous Northern Region?"

"I don't think it's that difficult. It just depends on whether anyone is willing to do it."

"I'll say it again: I can offer you all sorts of advice and help. You're also welcome to send people to the Taiping Domain for training and learning, and we can even have exchanges on cultivation."

"The Taiping Domain is not lacking in cultivation geniuses; they come from great dynasties and sects all over the world..."

Lu Zheng calmly recounted his plans and ideas for the entire Northern Region.

"The Northern Region is vast and has ample development potential. It is entirely possible that it could rise to become the economic center of the entire world, or even a center for cultivation, cultural exchange, and politics..."

The representatives present weren't actually that knowledgeable about local management, but listening to Lu Zheng outlining his grand vision, it was still quite easy for them to understand...

They were all astonished by how far-sighted Lu Zheng was and how extravagant his plans were...

But they also had a feeling that Lu Zheng wasn't just making empty promises, but genuinely wanted to develop the Northern Region in this way.

The political center... Gu Feng looked at Lu Zheng with surprise and doubt; he couldn't even imagine such a thing.

Gu Feng couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you from Anguo? Why are you so concerned about this place? Haven't you thought about Anguo?"

Gu Feng found it a bit strange. Lu Zheng cared about so many demons in the Northern Region and was carefully planning the future development of the Northern Region. There was no reason why he would not help Anguo and its people if he had the ability.

Lu Zheng explained softly, "The Northern Region is very chaotic, and it is precisely because of this chaos that once everyone unites, there is unlimited potential for development. As for Anguo, that great dynasty has already solidified its power, and making significant changes would face many and numerous obstacles..."

Lu Zheng paused, then said seriously, "I am not strong enough now to shake so many powerful people in Anguo, but there will be such a day in the future. You can wait and see."

When everyone heard what Lu Zheng said, they immediately found it unsurprising.

Lu Zheng said sincerely again, "I hope you will all think this over carefully. Even if things don't develop as I described, at least the Northern Region won't be worse than before, and your descendants will be able to live in a better place." (End of Chapter)