The Day of the Heaven-Sacrificing Grand Ceremony

Chapter 733: The Day of the Heaven-Sacrificing Grand Ceremony. Wu Daoxuan paused, plainly not expecting Emperor Zhou to make such a move.

The smile on his face faded. A thoughtful look crossed his eyes, and only after a moment did he speak.

"The Taiyi Dao Sect... Your Majesty has played this well.

"But allow this old Daoist to remind Your Majesty of one thing. The Central Plains are already crowded with powerful factions.

"The Buddhist Sect, Demon Sect, and various Dao Sect branches have been tangled together like roots for years. Only by keeping one another in check have they barely maintained the present balance.

"If the Taiyi Dao Sect enters the Central Plains to spread its teachings as the state religion, it will inevitably clash with those factions.

"When that happens, Zhou Kingdom's already unstable situation may grow even more turbulent."

He paused, his gaze turning pointed.

"And there has never been such a thing as a state religion since ancient times.

"A state is itself one of the mightiest powers between heaven and earth. If another faction becomes its state religion, it takes a share of the nation's fortune and authority.

"For the Imperial Court, that is no different from cutting flesh from its own body to feed a tiger. Your Majesty should think carefully."

Emperor Zhou's expression did not change. He only gave a soft laugh, edged with age.

"I know. But right now, I need strength, and the Taiyi Dao Sect needs a place to stand.

"We each take what we need. As for sharing Dynastic Fortune and Destiny—"

He paused, his gaze deepening.

"If I dare give it away, I'm confident I can take it back."

Wu Daoxuan studied his certainty but said no more. He gave a slight nod and cupped his hands.

"Since