Taoist Randeng's decision to take a disciple this time was not without purpose. On one hand, he truly had a master-disciple affinity with Li Jing; on the other, he had other considerations.
He had already grown dissatisfied with the Expounding Sect.
Drawn in by Sage Zhunti, his resolve had wavered... He was preparing to use this opportunity to defect to the West.
But the more he wanted to leave...
The more he needed to maintain good relations with Manjushri and the others!
To Sage Zhunti of the West, Randeng's value lay not only in himself, but also in how many people he could bring over and how large a force he could gather...
The more he brought, the greater his value to the West.
At the same time, in the coming Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, Taoist Randeng would surely be assigned all manner of dirty and exhausting work. If he was going to work... he needed some trusted followers of his own, didn't he?
Li Jing's status was perfectly suited for that!
Apart from being the commander-in-chief of Chen Tang Pass and capable of making a tremendous impact in the great cause of opposing Shang, he was also Jin Zha and Mu Zha's father. That would further strengthen Randeng's ties with Manjushri and the others...
Looking further ahead.
He was also the father of Ling Zhuzi's reincarnation.
Perhaps he could even establish some connection with Empress Wa Palace!
It was precisely because of this that Taoist Randeng decisively accepted Li Jing as his disciple. Even knowing that Li Jing already had a master, Du'e Zhenren, he did not hesitate in the slightest.
Taoist Randeng pondered briefly, then slowly said:
"Opposing Shang follows the greater trend of the Heavenly Dao, but the right time is also needed. Li Jing... for