“Yoshitsune! I hereby entrust you with the position of Guardian of Izumo and the head of our clan!”
Inside the castle keep.
Before numerous feudal lords, aristocrats, and complex gazes of retainers, Wu Ming handed over a wakizashi and the crimson-sealed decree of the Oni Clan to Oni Yoshitsune, symbolizing the transfer of power.
“Yes! I will surely lead the Oni Clan to its peak!”
Oni Yoshitsune solemnly accepted, then under Wu Ming’s guidance, sat at the central seat while Wu Ming took a side position and declared, “Have you not yet paid homage to the new clan leader?”
“Homage to Lord Oni Yoshitsune, Guardian of Izumo!”
The people below exchanged glances before kowtowing to the ground.
Boom!
At that moment, Wu Ming felt his own fortune rapidly draining away. Within moments, most of the fortune of Izumo that had previously gathered shifted to Oni Yoshitsune, a sight that was truly shocking.
“Indeed, external fortune is the most unreliable. The power of position and title is also incredible!”
Wu Ming’s eyes flickered: “Just gaining a nominal title has caused so many people to rally around him. No wonder ancient rulers used to command the feudal lords by holding the emperor hostage!”
He himself was powerful and truly held authority, yet this was still the case. Others would be even more so.
“I feel deeply honored to inherit the clan leadership, and I will only be able to fulfill Master Fayan’s trust by bringing the Oni Clan to its peak!”
Oni Yoshitsune declared solemnly, exuding an air of majesty, his etiquette and demeanor impressing everyone present.
Of course, from Wu Ming’s divine vision, after succeeding as the Guardian of Izumo, a large amount of fortune gathered around him, causing Yoshitsune’s Mandate of Heaven and Life Force to fully erupt, forming a massive illusory image of the Yamata no Orochi, within which the vague shape of the Yasakani no Magatama could be seen. With every move, an invisible force field radiated outward, stirring the hearts of all present.
“Now I issue the first decree of our clan!”
Oni Yoshitsune proclaimed loudly: “I appoint my adoptive father, Oni Fayan, as ‘National Preceptor,’ to serve as the chief advisor of our clan and oversee all matters concerning yin-yang masters, deities, spirits, and demons under our jurisdiction. Everyone must show him respect!”
“Homage to the National Preceptor!”
Instantly, others, including Oni Yoshitsune, bowed to Wu Ming.
Boom!
With this bow, in an instant, Wu Ming saw the Yamata no Orochi above Oni Yoshitsune roaring in seeming reluctance, shrinking by nearly half. The Yasakani no Magatama similarly shot forth a stream of light, mingling with the fortune, surging toward Wu Ming.
In a moment, golden-red energy gathered in Wu Ming’s external fortune, along with a gigantic serpent of dark purple with eight heads and eight tails, snarling menacingly, exuding terrifying might.
“Indeed… appointing a National Preceptor still requires the ruler to offer his own fate and heavenly mandate!”
Wu Ming’s mind stirred: “And… this fortune can now be used for cultivation!”
Without considering the dragon qi, after appointing the National Preceptor, the fortune Wu Ming received was only half of what he previously had as the Guardian of Izumo. It seemed like an unnecessary act, even a waste, but it actually held profound meaning.
Since ancient times, immortals do not involve themselves with emperors, and emperors do not seek immortality. Even if an emperor gathers the fortune of a million people, he still cannot achieve the Dao of immortality, because of the karmic entanglements formed with the masses.
Cultivators were well aware of this, yet devised a solution long ago: the “National Preceptor”!
The National Preceptor is the teacher of an entire nation! Holding a rank beyond the highest official, receiving unparalleled respect, serving as the emperor’s mentor, and commanding all monks and Taoists across the land!
Though not involved in the cultivation of human immortals or earth immortals, only those who have achieved the status of True Immortal or higher can be conferred this title. If the bestowed dragon qi is strong enough, it can even rival a Celestial Master or Earth Immortal!
“Of course, the most important point is that it provides a buffer. Previously, I was directly entangled in karmic ties with the people of Izumo. Now, after becoming National Preceptor, it is Oni Yoshitsune who takes my place!”
Now, both in terms of legal authority and reality, Oni Yoshitsune is the true Guardian of Izumo! He governs the people, and he is the one who appointed Wu Ming. Therefore, if calamities or karmic retributions arise in the future, he will bear them himself, for who else would blame him for “poor judgment” in appointing the National Preceptor?
Wu Ming, hiding behind the scenes, has him as a scapegoat. Although indirect karmic repercussions still exist, Wu Ming can now resolve them with his own status. Overall, the benefits outweigh the costs, making this position highly sought after by cultivators.
Throughout history, especially during the decline of dynasties, many demonic spirits and Taoist practitioners emerged to perform magical feats and deceive rulers into appointing them as National Preceptors to gain fortune. As long as they fled quickly enough, few suffered heavenly retribution, precisely for this reason.
Because the rulers who conferred the titles bore all the misfortunes, while the cultivators themselves remained unscathed.
“This Oni Yoshitsune is a divine child, bearing the dragon qi, making him an excellent shield. At the very least, he can withstand a backlash equivalent to two million koku of rice!”
Wu Ming calculated accurately: “For my cultivation, the fortune of Izumo is merely a small supplement. To make significant progress and even surpass the level of a Celestial Master, I at least need him to become a daimyo with a million koku of rice!”
“And now, as the National Preceptor of Izumo, every time I act, fortune follows me, greatly enhancing my supernatural abilities. When necessary, I can even draw upon Oni Yoshitsune’s dragon qi! In terms of magical powers, even the Eight Thousand Spear God is no longer my match…”
Wu Ming could keenly feel the fortune of Izumo continuously flowing into his body after being transformed by Oni Yoshitsune.
It was just like the previous position of clan leader. The fortune flowed endlessly without depletion, yet without the troubles of karmic retribution.
In the Great Zhou world, the Imperial Taoist National Preceptor appointed by the Ling Emperor possessed astonishing supernatural powers, capable of killing Huang Jie, the number one rebel with the destiny of the “Three Stars of Destruction,” thus saving the dynasty!
Oni Yoshitsune naturally could not compare to that, but the dragon qi he conferred was sufficient for Wu Ming to rival even a Celestial Master!
“However… using fortune in battle is still considered inferior. It would be more prudent to use this opportunity to lay a solid foundation for my Dao cultivation…”
Wu Ming deeply realized that the reason why National Preceptors do not enter the rank of Human Immortals is extremely reasonable.
Because it merely represents an enhancement of status. Even if their supernatural powers rival those of a Celestial Master or even an Earth Immortal, it brings no actual benefit to their cultivation.
“Cultivation is about transforming external fortune into internal fortune. However, once a National Preceptor engages in battle, it consumes external fortune. Beyond a certain limit, it might even shake the foundation of internal fortune, turning it into a supplement for external fortune… Now I somewhat understand how that Jade Pure National Preceptor met his end…”
A chill ran through Wu Ming’s heart.
His current move of taking a step back to advance was for two purposes: first, to intercept fortune for cultivation, and second, to test this method of becoming a National Preceptor. After all, it would be most effective in the Great Zhou world, as it is merely a small world.
“With the fortune of the Great Zhou imperial court supporting a National Preceptor! Even if the court is in decline, I would still be unmatched, and even Earth Immortals would have to temporarily retreat?”
Wu Ming felt a slight regret: “If used on myself, breaking through to the Earth Immortal level would be within reach. That True Immortal of the Jade Pure Sect was truly a pity… But who knows if that was some kind of agreement or exchange?”
“One should first manage their own affairs. Yoshitsune was originally the dragon-bearer chosen by the Way of Heaven in Japan. Now that he rules Izumo, there is no flaw, and I no longer need to be constantly anxious…”
Wu Ming looked at the red aura of the warrior family within his external fortune and nodded slightly.
Oni Yoshitsune possessed the bearing of a ruler of the world, a true hidden dragon, and was particularly attuned to the will of heaven and the energy of the earth. Governing a mere country was effortless for him.
This also spared Wu Ming the trouble of concealing himself.
“Still… Yoshitsune has performed admirably, finally living up to my cultivation and nurturing over these five years…”
Watching Oni Yoshitsune calmly pacify the various clan leaders and efficiently discuss matters with the retainers, Wu Ming couldn’t help but nod in approval.
The laws and systems of the Oni Clan were all established by him, forming a solid framework. As long as the next leader is a competent ruler capable of maintaining and improving upon the existing structure, the clan’s prosperity could be sustained.
Oni Yoshitsune was clearly more than capable.
“Wangyue Xiaotailang! Prepare the horses! Let’s return to Inashiki District!”
After exiting the castle keep, Wu Ming clapped his hands, and immediately Wangyue Xiaotailang darted out from a nearby corner, kneeling respectfully on the ground: “At once, National Preceptor!”
Shortly after, two swift horses galloped out of Kawashiro Castle, heading rapidly south toward Inashiki District.
“Ye Bai! I hope you haven’t left yet!”
The horses Wu Ming chose were all excellent warhorses, swift as the wind. As he rode, the scenery on both sides rapidly receded. His eyes, dark and unfathomable, gleamed with an intense light.
For him, killing Ye Bai and gaining the upgrade in permissions was the primary objective of this mission! Everything else, whether it be competing for dominance over the world or cultivating an organization, was merely a means to that end! He would never abandon the essential for the trivial.
Moreover, there was nothing in this small Japanese world worth his attachment.
“National Preceptor… According to the ninja’s intelligence, that great swordsman from the Yagyū family might also be hiding in Inashiki District. It has already been confirmed that he was invited by the Mōri family…”
By noon, the two had tied their horses by the roadside. Wangyue Xiaotailang took out rice balls and water, first offering them to Wu Ming. Suddenly, he was startled again.
A purple bird gracefully descended from the sky, landing on his shoulder, chirping noisily like it was speaking in bird language.
Wangyue Xiaotailang’s expression turned solemn, and he even responded in bird language.
“National Preceptor! Just received the latest intelligence!”
Upon hearing the news, Wangyue Xiaotailang’s face turned grave: “The Five Dragon Castle in Aki Province has fallen, and the Daizoji family, our allies, have been destroyed. The Mōri family’s unification of Aki Province seems now unstoppable!”
“Oh!”
Wu Ming listened without much surprise, as this had already been expected after being attacked from behind. He took a sip of water from a bamboo tube and casually asked, “Five Dragon Castle was a fortress known throughout the land. The Daizoji family had ample food supplies and military provisions. How did it fall so quickly?”
“It is said that the Mōri family gained the recognition of the Great Shrine of Aki and the deities, and took advantage of a rainy and foggy day to attack the castle. Some even claim to have seen their ability to command giant serpents to break through the castle gates…”
Wangyue Xiaotailang couldn’t be certain: “Could it be that they borrowed the power of yokai?”
“Yokai power, you say?”
Wu Ming immediately thought of Ye Bai. This person’s control over the Tengshe could produce the same effect. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation: “I hope you’re still in Inashiki District!”
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