Taiyi Dao Fruit

The thought flashed through his mind, and King You said indifferently, "Where is the evidence? Without conclusive evidence, I cannot tolerate slander against the Jiang family."

At this moment, King You was the staunch ally of the Jiang family, wholeheartedly dedicated to stabilizing their position.

Yet—

"Before taking vows in the Buddha Country, the Great Master Manjusri was a member of the Jiang family; he recently used clever means to steal the God-beating Whip from the Yuxu Temple."

Tianxuan's voice was just as indifferent, but the words he spoke caused King You's heart to sink abruptly, "The ability of the God-beating Whip may be unknown to others, but you, King You, must be aware of it, right? Or do you believe that Manjusri stole the God-beating Whip just to admire and enjoy it?"

King You's expression changed drastically.

The God-beating Whip might be ineffective in the hands of others, but if it fell into the hands of a specific someone, it could pose a great threat to cultivators on the Divine Path, especially those whose Dao Fruits originated from the Heavenly Court.

Tianxuan produced a threat rather than evidence, making it impossible for King You to deny it and change the threat posed by the Jiang Family Master.

He had originally considered the Jiang Family Master to be like a lost dog, devoid of third-grade status and without the Ochre Whip and Divine Farmer's Cauldron, not worth worrying about. He hadn't expected the Jiang Family Master to be quietly making such a significant move.

King You did not want to believe that this was the doing of the Jiang Family Master, but he had to be cautious.

"My words are finished. Concerning the Jiang family's return to the Divine Capital, who is in favor, and who is against?"

Tianxuan observed the changing expressions on King You's face and gently clapped her hands, addressing the gathered officials, "This matter is essentially a private matter between the royal clan and the Jiang family, but after all, it involves the position of the Three Dukes. I believe it is necessary to listen to the opinions of the officials."

As soon as these words were spoken, someone stood out and said loudly, "The Jiang Family Master is young and promising, holding the position of Yaoguang Breaking Army at the Dinghu Sect since his teens, and has several times established merits for the court. My mentor once met the Jiang Family Master and marveled that he is a dragon among men, not a creature of the shallow waters. Regarding the return of the Jiang family to the capital and the Jiang Family Master assuming the position of Minister of Works, I, Yang Yan, second the motion."

"Yang Yan, a student of Mr. Hui'an..."

They were all qualified to participate in the court meeting, and they were quite clear about each other's backgrounds. As soon as Yang Yan finished speaking, someone thought of Zhu Hui'an, who once served as the Five Classics Doctor of the Imperial College.

Among those present, many had deep connections with Zhu Hui'an, and some had even studied under him.

With Yang Yan playing the Zhu Hui'an card, it immediately sparked thoughts among many.

Not everyone in the court stood against Jiang Li, and many were neutral. Zhu Hui'an held a very high reputation among these court officials, and once he took a stance, others immediately followed suit.

"I, Lin Qiran, second the motion."

"I, Yu An, second the motion."

······

Several officials stepped forward in succession, quickly expressing their support, all being those who had received Zhu Hui'an's favors, either as his students or as his friends.

However, there were still many who did not step forward, observing the actions of Imperial Historian Xiao Zhi.

Under the watchful eyes, both overt and covert, Xiao Zhi finally stepped into the center, saluted, and said loudly, "I, Xiao Zhi, convey the intentions of my family's master and agree to the new Jiang Family Master Jiang Li's advancement to the position of Minister of Works."

Seeing Xiao Zhi, representing the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer, step forward, the others immediately said in unison, "I second the motion."

The old family head of the Meng Family, Meng Jun, also one of the Three Dukes as Situ, seeing the situation, knew that it was unstoppable and consequently said, "I, the old official Meng Jun, second the motion."

Thus, a large majority of the court officials present expressed their support, among them even the Divination Order and the Grand Minister's Order—both belonging to the Ji Family.

King You's face grew increasingly grave, and while he wished to oppose, he also knew it was a futile effort.

Tianxuan not only wanted to block the Yin Law Department, but she also wanted to secure the position of Minister of Works for Jiang Li. It can be said that she wanted both, displaying extraordinary greed.

And yet, neither King You nor Earth Uncle could possibly go directly to Liangzhou to participate in the war just because they couldn't stop Tianxuan. They still had to guard against Tianxuan targeting the Yin Law Department... no, they also had to be wary of the Imperial College.

Even if Tianxuan made a move, with Earth Uncle present, they could ensure safety, but if the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer Mo Yiling was added...

Earth Uncle might have profound strength, able to withstand the attacks of two third-grade combatants, but the Yin Law Department would not make it.

If there were a battle among third-graders, the Yin Law Department would most likely be lost.

Therefore, despite his strong opposition, King You still forcefully suppressed the anger in his heart and said, "Since that's the case, let the Jiang family return."

Having finished speaking, he rose and left with a sweep of his sleeves.

Afterward, the Princess announced that the new Jiang Family Master was promoted to one of the Three Dukes, enjoying the right to establish his office, exempt from kneeling during audiences, and not required to hurry to court, even permitted to wear his sword and shoes when entering the palace.

In Great Zhou, such privileges were equivalent to those of a prince. And those three additional perks were not even afforded to princes. This was, in itself, a reflection of the pursuit of ministerial power to match the imperial power, something that since the founding of the Great Zhou, only the Jiang Family Master had possessed.

The chief eunuch by his side immediately drafted the imperial edict and sent it through various channels.

Moreover, the news from the palace quickly spread throughout the Divine Capital, including a residence in the Upper City District.

After leaving the palace, Yang Yan immediately went there, familiarly making his way to the estate and heading toward the rear garden.

A middle-aged Confucian scholar was in the garden pavilion, reading a book and leisurely enjoying the spring scenery.

"Teacher."

Yang Yan approached to pay respects and detailed the events that had taken place in the Great Ming Hall. He particularly emphasized the reactions of the court officials.

"After seeing disciple brother Xiao Zhi make a stand, only then did they echo his sentiment," Zhu Hui'an shook his head and sighed lightly, "Teacher, I have been cultivating for many years, but in terms of reputation, I am still no match for you."

One had cultivated over many years, while the other had always been quietly engaging in scholarship at the Imperial College, instructing disciples. On normal days, he would not even leave the Imperial College or attend the court assemblies, yet the gap in reputation was still so vast.

After Zhu Hui'an sighed, his gaze lowered, and the expression on his face gradually faded.

"But I won't lose to you, Teacher."

[The Sword of the Dukes, tempered by the knowledge and courage of warriors, edged with the integrity of upright men; it aligns with the laws of heaven to harmonize with the Three Lights, and aligns with the laws of earth to harmonize with the Four Seasons, creating harmony with the people's will to secure peace in all four quarters. Once this sword is wielded, within the land of the Four Seas, there shall be none who do not pay homage and heed the Emperor's command.]

Jiang Li sensed the information emanating from the Dao Fruit, and his heart stirred slightly: 'It's done.'

Among the Three Swords of the World contained within Zhuang Zhou's Dao Fruit, Jiang Li had only ever been able to wield the Commoner's Sword, as a commoner, ineligible for the understanding and intent of the Emperor or the Dukes.

It wasn't until the Dao Fruit reached Perfection and he was promoted to fourth-rank that Jiang Li had been able to wield the other two swords, and only now.

Having ascended to the position of one of the Three Dukes, enjoyed the status of a prince, and obtained the right to establish his office—able to appoint officials on his own—in the era of the Warring States, this equated to being a Ducal Lord. Only with this power and status could Jiang Li begin to wield the Sword of the Dukes, and it was this change in the Dao Fruit Divine Power that informed Jiang Li of the successful outcome in the Divine Capital.

'It's just a bit too late.'

Jiang Li shook his head, assimilating the information of the Sword of the Dukes.

Having been promoted to fourth-rank, the Three Swords of the World, a fifth-rank Divine Power, seemed somewhat outdated.

However, with the Ochre Whip at hand, Jiang Li wasn't worried about being of insufficient grade. If the Three Swords of the World were of any use, he could completely employ the Ochre Whip to temporarily elevate his grade.

While thinking, the information—or rather, the Sword Intent—of the Sword of the Dukes was fully accepted.

The Sword of the Dukes judged and employed people; with this spirit and will, it followed the laws of heaven and earth, used people harmoniously, and when the sword was drawn, the people would follow willingly, embodying the will of heaven and earth to pacify the hearts of men.

The Divine Power of Zhuang Zhou's Dao Fruit was applicable to governing a country and bringing peace to its people, but it could also be transformed for use with a sword, facilitating deeds that aligned with people's needs. How it was used depended on one's heart and was not restricted to a single application.

Indeed, this was very much Zhuangzi.

Even after having been promoted to fourth-rank, Jiang Li still felt that he could not fully comprehend the Realm of Zhuang Zhou. His ability to grasp the "Emperor's Pole Worldly Book" owed more than half of its origin to the wisdom of the Great Grandmaster gleaned from the Dao Fruit.

"Take back my previous words, Zhuang Zhou's Divine Skills are timeless."

Be it the "One-foot Hammer" or this "Three Swords of the World," both were Divine Skills that one could benefit from for a lifetime.

A Sword Intent swirled in Jiang Li's eyes as a ray of Sword Light slowly materialized in his hand, bearing the Sword Intent of following the laws of heaven and earth while harmonizing with the people's hearts. It descended towards the statue at his feet.

Countless strands of Incense Fire Thought Power gathered slowly under the sword, and the belief in Yellow Heaven, the power of faith, gradually dispelled its complex thoughts under the piercing light of the sword.

"Saving me the trouble of eliminating each with the Heavenly Escape Sword Skill."