Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 730 The National Treasure, the Heavy Cauldron

Lu Zheng saw that Miao Kong and the others still had a lot to discuss, and it wasn't appropriate for him to be the only outsider there.

He greeted an old monk at the temple and then told him that he wanted to rest there for a while.

Upon hearing this, the old monk happily led Lu Zheng away.

When Lu Zheng arrived at the temple, he immediately sensed that this area was different from what he had seen before.

There seems to be a new force in the world, a kind of array-like power protecting this area.

However, Lu Zheng did not sense any rejection from this power.

Lu Zheng couldn't help but glance into the distance. As far as his eyes could see, he could see a corner of the city, which seemed to be the source of the protective power.

To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Lu Zheng did not use his divine sense to investigate the situation.

The old monk led Lu Zheng to a quiet room, where they sat together by a stove and brewed tea.

Lu Zheng sat there quietly, taking out regional reports to review, focusing on the affairs of the Pacific Region.

As for how the people in this cave choose to live, Lu Zheng didn't care much. He just happened to encounter this matter and had to spend a little effort on it.

It would be best if these people were willing to join the Taiping Domain and contribute their efforts; if they had other options, it wouldn't be a loss for him.

The old monk glanced at the pile of documents beside Lu Zheng and couldn't help but say, "It seems that Benefactor Lu has many things to attend to outside."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Thanks to the help of many like-minded friends, I can now free up my time to do more important things. Although I can't do everything myself, I still need to be aware of things so that I can quickly correct any mistakes..."

The old monk nodded slightly and said, "I see, that makes sense."

……

On the other side, Miaokong and the others were still describing the outside world to the people who had been staying in the cave. They not only took out magical artifacts to record the scenes, but also distributed some books from outside to everyone.

After quite some time, Zhao Wei and his group had a general understanding of the outside world, but the current dynasties of various states were still in their imagination.

However, the things about the Taiping Domain were really hard for them to understand, and they couldn't digest so much complex information in a short time.

This grotto-world is actually a small country with a strict hierarchy.

As the rulers here, it's hard to imagine that there's a place without a king or powerful figure in charge, where mortals, cultivators, demons, and monsters all have equal status and enjoy sufficiently good treatment...

In some people's minds, they are born different from others and superior to others. How can they enjoy the same treatment as ordinary people? This is simply an impolite thing to do.

They also gained a deeper understanding of Lu Zheng's identity. Previously, they only thought that Lu Zheng was a young man who had received some great opportunity, which made him more outstanding than his peers, but it was far from that.

Lu Zheng was able to establish peace in the Northern Region, rally patriots from all over the world, and maintain relationships with many important figures from various countries. It is even rumored that he has the approval of the ancient sage's will. All these achievements indicate that he is no ordinary genius and it would not be an exaggeration to call him a person chosen by heaven.

Miao Kong noticed the different expressions on these people's faces, especially the incomprehensible looks on the faces of the older generation, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that there really was a gap in thinking between people...

Some couldn't help but ask, "If we follow him to the Pacification Zone, wouldn't we have to give up everything we had before and then work for him?"

Miao Kong explained, "It's not for him, it's about creating value for the collective, and you can enjoy the benefits as well..."

"They don't support idlers there, and they have no reason to support us. Even members of the royal families of those dynasties have to obediently follow the rules when they go to the Taiping Domain..."

"The world is different now, and times are different. We were originally in a position to ask for their help..."

Miao Kong whispered, trying to comfort those with overly rigid thinking.

Someone suggested, "How about we find another place to live in the Northern Region? Let him take us out first, and we can give him some gifts later."

Ultimately, there are some people who don't want to live a life of equality with others and want to continue enjoying the taste of power outside.

One of them said, "In that case, there is a risk of being exposed. The Northern Region is so chaotic, and there are no good places to occupy easily. If so many of us suddenly appear and occupy a place, it will be too conspicuous and arouse suspicion."

Another person said, "Wouldn't following him arouse suspicion?"

Miao Kong thought for a moment and said, "It shouldn't be a problem. The Taiping Domain is constantly expanding outwards, and many regions are mobilizing personnel and reforming their systems. It won't be a problem for us to integrate into it. Moreover, we don't need to worry about our identities. At least he won't spread the word or care."

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this, thinking that given Lu Zheng's attitude on his two visits, as well as his past experiences and interpersonal background, he probably didn't really care about their origins.

A group of powerful figures within the grotto were engaged in a heated discussion.

Zhao Wei gave Miao Kong a meaningful look, and the two of them then moved slightly away from the crowd.

Zhao Wei looked at Miao Kong and asked, "What are you thinking?"

Miao Kong said solemnly, "I want to go to the Taiping Domain and do something meaningful with Brother Lu. I've figured it out. My cultivation of Buddhism shouldn't be just for myself, but for all sentient beings..."

Zhao Wei raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and couldn't help but say, "You went out for a while, and even your Buddhist heart has changed?"

Miao Kong lowered her brows and said softly, "Buddha is merciful and saves all sentient beings. I was on the wrong path before."

"Brother, why don't you go over there too? Life there might not be as glamorous, but at least you won't have so many worries..."

Zhao Wei smiled and said, "You know my worries. Since you know, you should understand that those are things I can't let go of, things I can't let go of..."

Zhao Wei paused for a moment, then said, "However, I don't object to your choice. If it's really as good as you say, I'll let your sister-in-law and the others stay there, at least they'll have some safety."

Miao Kong couldn't help but look up at Zhao Wei, "And what about you, Big Brother?"

Zhao Wei said quietly, "I'll listen to them."

As he spoke, Zhao Wei glanced at the group of people discussing something not far away.

They... Miao Kong knew who Zhao Wei was referring to—a member of the royal family who was more senior and older than them.

Those few old figures are the ones who truly have absolute authority here.

Zhao Wei is merely the heir who manages all sorts of tedious affairs on the surface, but he has not yet fully inherited everything here.

Some time later, the higher-ups still hadn't reached a consensus.

Ultimately, everyone decided to send two representatives to discuss the matter with Lu Zheng.

The representatives sent were two elderly men with considerable influence, both members of the former imperial family.

When the two met Lu Zheng again, they didn't waste each other's energy with pleasantries and went straight to the point.

One of them proposed giving Lu Zheng enough benefits, and then carving out a region in Taiping Domain for self-governance.

Hearing this suggestion, Lu Zheng was not surprised, as he had already anticipated it.

He just smiled and said, "Autonomy? You still have to abide by the rules of the Pacific Domain. No one can enjoy special privileges; everyone has to follow the rules."

The two elders frowned upon hearing this. Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "So many people in the world know the rules of the Taiping Domain. You've carved out a region for self-governance, yet you don't want to abide by the rules? Even a three-year-old could see there's something wrong with that."

"In my case, when it comes to matters of principle, I don't care about personal relationships or favors, nor do I allow people to turn a blind eye or pretend they didn't see anything."

“I don’t covet your little bit of wealth. You can keep it for yourselves, but you can’t do less of what I ask you to do. Some benefits require labor to be earned; you can’t just sit back and enjoy them by spending money.”

"So if you want to live in the Taiping Domain, let alone you, even if a saint came, you would have to follow the rules. When it is necessary to contribute to the collective, you have to do it. There is no such thing as eating for free without working."

Hearing Lu Zheng's firm tone, both of them realized that there was no room for negotiation.

Lu Zheng then added, "Of course, I can also give you three months to adapt. If you feel it's not suitable, you can leave... During this period, minor mistakes will be punished, but major mistakes will still be dealt with according to the rules, which can be punishable by death. I'll put the unpleasant truth first, so think carefully about these conditions!"

One of the elderly men seemed to want to say something but ultimately didn't.

Lu Zheng's overly assertive attitude left him somewhat speechless, his anger stuck in his throat, unable to vent.

Finally, the two elderly men left the room and relayed the reply to the others.

Everyone thought Lu Zheng would make some concessions, but it turned out that was impossible.

Someone said, "Three months is not a short time. Even if we can't adapt to life there, we have enough time to find another suitable place."

After another discussion, the group decided that they could proceed as they had planned, first finding a place to stay outside, and then gradually making plans.

After the arrangements were finalized, everyone went back to prepare.

Zhao Wei also hurriedly returned to the city to organize manpower and rally the city's residents.

Deep underground in the main city, several elders passed through layers of arrays and arrived outside a magnificent palace filled with Taoist charm.

One of the elders looked solemn and raised his hand to take out a jade talisman and place it in front of the hall.

A few wisps of mysterious energy surged forth, and the heavy palace doors slowly opened.

On the central platform of the palace stood a large golden cauldron, two zhang tall and wide.

The golden cauldron was filled with colorful mist, and its body was engraved with dense runes and patterns. Inside the cauldron, light flowed, and a small golden dragon formed from the breath could be vaguely seen swimming happily inside.

This little golden dragon is a manifestation of a portion of the world's fortune.

When this group of royal family members fled here to seek refuge, they brought with them many valuable treasures.

The most important of all is this large cauldron, which contains auspicious energy and is a national treasure that has been carefully protected by generations of their royal family.

Their ancestors warned them that it was better to destroy this object than for it to fall into the hands of those forces that had overthrown the divine dynasty.

However, given their capabilities, they were neither able to destroy such a powerful weapon nor dared to actually do so.

After all, such national treasures are a symbol, a representation of their hopes and aspirations, and also a testament to their cultural heritage.

"We're about to leave, let's work together to put this cauldron away!"

An old man spoke solemnly in a low voice.

The heavy cauldron was placed here in the past to guard and stabilize the cave world, and also to isolate it from the outside world to a certain extent.

Now that we're leaving, it's impossible to leave such an important artifact behind.

The elders immediately took action, using their ancestral techniques to try to seal the cauldron and then store it within one of their bodies, hiding it in the world.

A series of mysterious auras were injected into the heavy cauldron, causing it to tremble and surge continuously.

The little golden dragon noticed something amiss and couldn't help but thrash around inside the cauldron, seemingly resisting it.

Soon, the recoil force of the heavy cauldron spread in all directions.

The group hadn't expected that the heavy cauldron would be so difficult to seal, so they all increased their efforts.

For a time, the two sides were locked in a standoff.

Unconsciously, a surge of energy rapidly spread out, permeating the grotto world.

Lu Zheng, who was inside the house, noticed a slight disturbance in the world and guessed that the powerful figures were doing something before they left.

Suddenly, Lu Zheng sensed a peculiar gaze upon him.

At the same time, the heavy cauldron deep underground suddenly trembled, and the little golden dragon inside became excited.

The next instant, the entire cauldron rose directly from the ground, transformed into a golden light, rushed out of the hall, and disappeared in front of the elders in the blink of an eye.

The elders were shocked, not expecting that their spell would fail and the heavy cauldron would escape instead.

This was something that had never happened before, catching them completely off guard.

Without much thought, the group quickly released their divine senses and followed the heavy cauldron.

As soon as Lu Zheng stepped out of the room, he saw a golden light rushing towards him with great momentum and a powerful pressure.

Lu Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly, and quickly raised his hand, transforming the righteous energy of heaven and earth into a domain that directly protected his body.

"clang……"

The heavy cauldron crashed into an invisible wall, producing a deafening sound.

The impact caused the heavy tripod to pause for a moment.

At this moment, several elders also rushed over. When they saw that Chongding was rushing towards Lu Zheng, their expressions changed and their eyes turned cold. They thought that Lu Zheng had done something wrong.

Before they could say anything, Lu Zheng said calmly, "Do you all want to be my enemies?"

Suddenly, a huge cauldron came crashing down. If Lu Zheng hadn't reacted quickly enough, he might have been hit solidly and suppressed.

Just as the atmosphere between the two sides became somewhat tense, the little golden dragon in the cauldron let out a joyful cry, jumped out of the cauldron, easily passed through the righteous energy of heaven and earth, and swam to Lu Zheng's side, circling around him as if it were very close.

Everyone:...

The commotion caused by the appearance of the heavy cauldron was quite significant, and Zhao Wei and the others rushed over.

Zhao Wei was stunned by what he saw, his jaw almost dropping to the ground.

Back then, when he and the elders of his clan went to worship the heavy tripod, they could only observe it from afar and could not get close to it, let alone touch it.

The little golden dragon of fortune inside the cauldron suddenly came out and approached Lu Zheng, making him feel like he was dreaming; it was simply unbelievable. (End of Chapter)