Xu Qing adjusted his attire and stepped into Yannian Palace with steady strides.

Upon entering the hall, he respectfully performed the grand salute according to custom, meticulously. Then, he slowly rose, his expression carrying a hint of solemnity as he brought up the main business for his visit.

"Your Majesty, have you ever heard of the story 'White Snake Legend'?" Xu Qing spoke as he gently tapped his fingers toward the void.

His Heavenly Demon Technique had become increasingly unfathomable, able to display Divine Skills before the old Emperor.

This was undoubtedly also a kind of hint to the old Emperor.

In an instant, a curtain of light appeared out of thin air, within which the shadow of the collapsed ancient tower by West Lake flickered.

Xu Qing continued, "In the story, Fa Hai suppressed the white snake under the tower, claiming to subdue demons and subjugate evil. But in reality, it was a personal vendetta that overstepped the rules. Nowadays, I fear that similar incidents are happening across the realm."

At that moment, colorful smoke was rising from the bronze alchemy furnace in Yannian Palace.

The brilliant haze spread out, casting a mysterious hue over the entire palace. The old Emperor's figure flickered like a celestial crane amidst the mist.

He squinted slightly, his gaze revealing some scrutiny, and slowly asked, "Xu Qing, what do you mean by this?"

Xu Qing slightly bowed and spoke sincerely, "Your Majesty, currently the right to capture demons should rightfully belong to the Court. Nowadays, many powerful families are aware of the benefits of demon flesh. Relying on their own strength, they have the ability to hunt demons, and some have even become so mad as to deliberately use the common people on their lands to feed demons, then proceed with the hunt."

"Over time, common people will only resent the Court's inaction, while being grateful to these powerful families. As a result, not only do these families gain demon flesh freely, enhancing their strength, but the local forces' excessive expansion is extremely detrimental to the overall situation of the Court."

In the current Great Yu Dynasty, there is an unwritten ironclad rule about what constitutes the greater picture, and Xu Qing and the old Emperor represent the greater picture.

Skilled in the art of power, the old Emperor naturally understood that Xu Qing's words were not just alarmist talk but a portrayal of reality's subtle happenings. If unchecked, the negative impact of such events would grow like a snowball, leading to severe consequences for the Court.

Despite the rhetoric of the Great Yu Dynasty's scholars and nobles about benevolence and righteousness, in reality, some officials had privately presented petitions.

The petitions mentioned that today's famine is indeed partially due to natural disasters, but the large population and the land's inability to support them is also a major reason. The official used the example of herding cattle and sheep on grasslands, claiming that when pastures were not lush, some cattle and sheep should be actively culled to ease the burden on the land and curb civil unrest from the source.

This idea was voluntarily proposed by the official, but in truth, some local officials and powerful nobles were already secretly acting this way. Now, with demons as an excuse, they are more reckless in their actions.

Xu Qing's intent was very clear, there are heavenly rules, and national laws, even facing the havoc of demons, only the Court should capture and handle them.

After all, only reputation and instruments cannot be entrusted to others, the duty of enforcing the laws of heaven is reserved for the Court.

The old Emperor immediately grasped this, a gleam of approval flashed in his eyes, and a smile appeared on his face: "It's indeed you, Xu Qing, who is so meticulous and comprehensive in your consideration. Proceed as you envision."

Upon hearing the old Emperor's endorsement, Xu Qing promptly added: "Your Majesty's wisdom is truly a blessing to the realm. I have another matter: such decree should be independent of today's Great Yu laws, setting up new laws specifically to supervise cultivators in the realm."

The old Emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, with interest asking: "Are you suggesting something like the Heavenly Court's heavenly rules and regulations in Journey to the West?"

Xu Qing nodded, calmly stating: "Your Majesty, indeed, this is my intention. Yet this matter is too urgent to consider fully. I suggest that laws be added one by one as needed, to avoid overly complex decrees and prevent sudden changes, ensuring the law's stability and practical use."

He spoke confidently, appearing well-prepared and assured.

The old Emperor nodded slightly, asking further: "If matters arise outside the heavenly regulations and threaten greater harm, how should they be dealt with?"

Xu Qing replied without hesitation: "Such matters should naturally be left to Your Majesty's wise discretion."

Upon hearing this, the old Emperor smiled in satisfaction: "What a wonderful discretion. Xu Qing, with you here, what worry do I have about achieving immortal status? Go ahead."

Xu Qing's phrase "wise discretion" resonated deeply within the old Emperor. This is the true essence of the art of power, for if laws were too clear and comprehensive, what role would the Emperor have left?

Beyond the laws, those ambiguous and opaque areas are where power truly exerts its influence, even being the key to life and death. These meanings can only be understood implicitly, not openly discussed.

…

…

"From the year of Yin-Mao, those who privately slay demons will have their Dao Foundation taken and Spirit Root fed." As this decree was issued, the first law of the Immortal Dynasty was officially born, resembling a giant stone tossed into a tranquil lake, stirring colossal waves and inciting public exhilaration.

On the Qinhuai River, the pleasure boats continued their festivities, yet beneath this bustling facade, the aristocratic mansions were rife with dark tides, as one secret meeting after another quietly took place.

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