When Lin Tingzhi heard Changsun Tingzhi say this, he could not help asking, "What method does Changsun Tingzhi have?"
Changsun Tingzhi said, "Back then, Zhong Tingzhi and Chong Tingzhi had both deduced the Dao techniques of that faceless man. Changsun also came to understand some of it. The Faceless Daoist has no true body; every incarnation may be regarded as himself. And to ensure that one incarnation is not disturbed by the others, he relies on Cinnabar Water to restrain the remaining incarnations. Whoever controls the Cinnabar Water is the true body. If Origin Xia investigates his origins, it will not investigate his present body, but the true body that enters the Two Halls at that time."
He said calmly, "Therefore, as long as we assist Venerable Chong An in shaping an incarnation with no roots or origins, then send it to become a Secretary, it can be done."
The Tingzhi gave this some thought and began to understand Changsun Tingzhi's line of thinking. Though there were still some crucial points to resolve, those were secondary matters. Since Changsun Tingzhi had raised the proposal, he presumably already had solutions.
Wei Tingzhi considered it, then said, "Wei understands Changsun Tingzhi's intention. This is a strategy of separating the true body from its incarnations. But it is not secure. Origin Xia can trace the past, following one incarnation to the other transformations. So long as Venerable Chong An still exists there, he can be found."
Changsun Tingzhi said evenly, "Then let the incarnation formed by Venerable Chong An die once during the inspection. So long as the thread of cause and effect between life and death is severed, no matter how they investigate, they will find nothing."
He looked at the Tingzhi. "We merely seek intelligence, not true control over the authority