Seeing Meng Zhao's troubled expression and seeming hesitation, Tan Cai'er, perceptive and clever, guessed what was on his mind and said,
"You think this Old Daoist Liu has extraordinary abilities and could be of great use to you, yet you worry that he cannot be made to submit to you and may bring catastrophic trouble in the future, right?"
Meng Zhao nodded and sighed.
"You are right. This old Daoist possesses strange arts and genuine skill; such a man is hard to come by. It would truly be a pity to kill him just like that.
"But not only has he shared a friendship of many years with Beitang Xing, he was also placed at Beitang Xing's side by Beitang Sheng. He knows Beitang Sheng very well too, and I cannot peer into the true thoughts in his heart."
Indeed, Meng Zhao possessed the Mind-Reading Great Law and could peer into a person's memories, but a person's thoughts changed from moment to moment. Take Lu Hou'er, for instance—who could have imagined that he would now guard Meng Zhao's side like a loyal hound?
Meng Zhao wanted both. He wanted the fish and the bear's paw alike, and naturally, this gave rise to conflicting thoughts.
In matters like this, Lu Hou'er did not dare say much. He merely lowered his head and let Meng Zhao make the decision himself.
Tan Cai'er's relationship with Meng Zhao was ultimately far from ordinary. After pondering for a moment, she said,
"Actually, Meng Zhao, you seem to care only about Old Daoist Liu's own choice. Have you not considered the influence of outside forces upon him?
"For instance, since he was sent by Beitang Sheng and planted at Beitang Xing's side, after this incident, when Beitang Sheng can no longer find Beitang Xing, will he