"Who would be suitable to take charge?"
Cen Bo spoke up, his expression equally grave. Over the past few days, a minor conflict of interests had arisen between him and Qiu Yan. It was not serious and could still be compromised upon, but their respective positions had gradually become distinct. This was not due to any private grudge, but over the division of power. Only by making their stances clear could ministers who shared those stances come to align themselves with them. Yet afterward, urged on by the officials behind them, they would often inevitably fall into opposition.
Still, when it came to specific matters, there was naturally no need to lock horns, especially where common interests were involved. This disturbance in the Immortal Path, for instance, could not be ignored.
"It should be someone of weight in the court." Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes. He had already given the matter some thought. "An ordinary civil official will not do. Civil officials have been shaped by the teachings of the sages, and their views of those of the Outer Dao have long been fixed; they are bound to be biased. A military commander would be better. Besides, this upheaval in the Immortal Path has gathered extraordinary people together. Apart from Awe-Inspiring Qi, only vigorous yang qi and blood can suppress them. Furthermore, the Daoist Sect has great numbers this time. The slightest mishandling could lead to a popular uprising, one that might well develop into something like the White Lotus Sect. But compared with the White Lotus Sect rebellion, it may be a hundred times more formidable. From that perspective, only a military commander of the Military School can grasp the situation and suppress it—or delay it."
"An ordinary military commander may not suffice either." Xu Jin spoke at this