Councilor Chuan, having made up his mind, said to that councilor, "So long as I avoid directly fighting the enemy, I should be able to remain safe."
That councilor said, "That is the reasoning. But nothing in this world is absolute. Councilor Chuan must still be cautious."
Councilor Chuan looked at him for a few moments and slowly said, "You may say such things to me, but you must never speak of them outside. In Origin Xia, what we seek is absoluteness, eternal and unbroken continuance, a state without change. Where would so many variables come from?"
That councilor shook his head. "Only before Councilor Chuan can I speak a few honest words. Some things are plainly reasonable, yet no one dares say them, nor does anyone dare affirm them. Instead, they must loudly voice their approval, terrified of touching some great taboo."
He sighed again. "When Origin Xia attains the Final Dao, and all great daos can be surveyed at a single glance, I suppose people skilled in calculation like us will no longer be needed?"
Councilor Chuan did not respond to that. Instead, he said, "Let us leave it at this today. Also, I hope you will not mention this matter to anyone else."
That councilor said, "I understand."
Councilor Chuan was reassured. The people with the tightest lips in the world were those skilled in calculation. If they dared divulge secrets concerning the workings and variables of heaven, the backlash would fall upon them instead. Every one of them proceeded with utmost caution and did not dare overstep in the slightest.
He gave a formal salute, then rose and headed outside.
As he was about to leave, that councilor said from behind him, "Councilor Chuan, our perceptions never arise without cause. Especially for someone of your cultivation,