The Sage's Direct Disciple

Zhao Cheng sensed the flow of Reason within Li Shun. It was calm and steady; his sincerity seemed genuine.

He pressed him with a few more questions.

Li Shun answered every one with solemn vows, looking ready to give his life in repayment. Only then did Zhao Cheng finally put his mind at ease.

It seems the instruction worked.

Zhao Cheng looked at Fang Xun.

Fang Xun understood at once. "My disciple, go and rest. Remember, this is a matter of great importance. Do not speak of it carelessly."

"Rest assured, Master. Even if I die, I will never breathe a word of it to an outsider." Li Shun's expression was utterly solemn.

After Li Shun left, only Fang Xun and Zhao Cheng remained in the study.

"Rest easy, Junior Brother Fang. If Master successfully passes this trial, the day you leave East Mountain Town won't be far off. You might even return to the Sacred Capital! The open and covert struggles among the Hundred Schools are growing fiercer. If our Confucian School gains another Creation Stage powerhouse, the balance will change entirely." Seeing that Fang Xun seemed troubled, Zhao Cheng offered a few words of comfort.

Fang Xun composed himself and asked quietly, "Brother Zhao, I've been away from the Sacred Capital for so long that I don't know how matters stand at court. Could you enlighten me?"

Zhao Cheng snorted. "How else would they stand? The left and right chancellors are still locked in opposition. But since the Imperial Tomb was burned, our Confucian School has gained a slight upper hand."

Fang Xun nodded faintly. "The left chancellor comes from the Confucian School, while the right chancellor comes from the Legalist School. The Legalist School was charged with overseeing the Imperial Tomb, yet it let intruders in and