Chapter 505: Chapter 453: How to Enfeoff the Divine Position?

“With this, the big plan can be realized!”

Pei Xuanjing looked at the martial arts technique books laid before him, each a secret passed down within various factions, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

From the time Pei Xuanjing had broadcasted the news to when these factions brought the martial arts techniques, it had been no more than half a month.

These people were clear, since the decision was made, there was no need to drag their feet. They decisively handed over the items to Pei Xuanjing without making any demands, only leaving their faction’s mark.

Although these factions have held back some of their top secret martial studies techniques, in Pei Xuanjing’s view, so long as his plan moves forward, facing the mighty trend, their chances of bringing these items out are a dead certainty.

Oddly enough, some smaller factions hesitated over this matter, holding back timidly.

But Pei Xuanjing paid no mind to this, their obstinacy in maintaining the status quo would result in them being swept up by the countless martial artists cultivating various divine skills, falling flat on the sandy beach.

After all, if Pei Xuanjing’s plan progresses smoothly, these martial arts would strengthen all the martial artists in the world, increasing the intensity of internal competition. Most of these small factions would be unable to keep up with the surge of the times and get lost in the tide.

In the ensuing period, Pei Xuanjing went into a brief retreat. He researched the Golden Book and Jade Scroll’s refining of the Tao Yun, while also studying these martial arts.

His current strength in the Way of Essence Refinement had already fully reached the Spirit Realm’s Sixth Level. However, it seemed he had also reached a limit, he needed to study his blood qi and bloodline concentration further, wanting to solidify his foundation and not being in a rush nor able to breakthrough too soon.

After all, the incarnation split from his current strength had just attained a balance. If his physical body were to breakthrough again, the balance would be sure to be disrupted once more.

Futhermore, his progress in the Path of Qi Refinement and Refining Spirit had just broken through recently, requiring some more time to polish, waiting for his condition to reach its peak before attempting to condense his Golden Core.

According to Pei Xuanjing’s speculation, this quickening of the Divine Dynasty’s promotion had indeed facilitated the world’s restoration, allowing their present combat power to reach the Spirit Realm’s Sixth Level. However, it had also used up a considerable amount of accumulated Qi Luck. Hence, the pace of the world’s rejuvenation had slowed down.

So, he still had enough time, not needing to rush into condensing his Golden Core, to research and extrapolate martial arts and refine Tao Yun.

This time, his seclusion did not last long, taking only three months’ time before Pei Xuanjing emerged once again.

Of course, his emergence was not because he had refined the Tao Yun to completion in such a short amount of time, or that he had made significant gains or resolved his dilemmas.

It was because the Emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty had already come out of seclusion. The long-anticipated Divine Investiture ceremony was finally about to be held.

“Is Master Pei planning to emulate Emperor Wuzong in setting up a Martial Academy?” Zhu Houji asked with a hint of brilliance flashing through his eyes.

His meeting with Pei Xuanjing was originally to discuss the specific number and divisions for the upcoming Divine Investitures, but he had suddenly heard that Pei Xuanjing wanted to establish a Taoist Academy.

Although the name of this academy was unfamiliar, after hearing Pei Xuanjing’s explanation, his first reaction was to think of the Martial Academy established by Emperor Wuzong.

“Similar to the Martial Academy, except this Taoist Academy should be open to all martial artists in the world. Regardless of who they are, or what their background is, they can enter,” Pei Xuanjing explained.

This was his intention. The Taoist Academy would recruit martial artists from across the world, and as long as they reached the Academy’s standard, they could be admitted for study and receive instruction.

Zhu Houji pondered, then nodded, “Given Master Pei’s ambition, how can I not support it?”

He wouldn’t oppose Pei Xuanjing’s plan. Leaving aside Pei Xuanjing’s status and power, from his own perspective, the plan would greatly benefit him if successful.

As the ruler of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, at the inception of the Divine Dynasty, he needed countless talents to assist. Whether or not Pei Xuanjing succeeded, he would undoubtedly cultivate many powerful individuals.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Pei Xuanjing said.

Zhu Houji dismissed it with a shake of his head. “Master Pei is being too polite.”

Putting this topic aside for now, Zhu Houji brought up the true purpose of today’s meeting – about the matter of enfeoffment.

“Master Pei, what are your thoughts on the Divine Investiture?” Zhu Houji asked.

Pei Xuanjing replied with a smile, “I believe Your Majesty already has a conclusion in mind. Why not let me help you consider it?”

He knew that Zhu Houji was supposed to have his own thoughts on how to enfeoff the officials long ago. It’s just that Pei Xuanjing having control of the sub-volume of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll had undoubtedly disrupted his plan, hence the need for discussions with Pei Xuanjing.

If Pei Xuanjing had originally wanted to make a deal with Zhu Houji to help enfeoff a portion of the Divine Positions, now that he’d gotten his hands on the Golden Book and Jade Scroll’s sub-volume, and had the ability to enfeoff Divine Positions himself, his earlier thought could be set aside for the time being.

Zhu Houji chuckled, saying, “Since that’s the case, I hope Master Pei will provide his guidance.”

“Your Majesty is too polite.”

“Master Pei must be aware of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll’s abilities, to solidify different Divine Positions, holding different authorities and drawing different amounts of Qi Luck. I combined the grading of the imperial court with the Method of Accepting Orders of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and integrated them into a set of rules,” Zhu Houji slowly outlined his thoughts.

According to him, the Divine Positions should be divided into nine grades, excluding the Emperor and Pei Xuanjing who holds control over the sub-volume. All other enfeoffed individuals would fall within these nine grades.

These nine grades rank from First-grade to Ninth-grade, with the highest being First-grade and the lowest Ninth-grade.

Officials in the imperial court would have their names entered into the Golden Book and Jade Scroll, but they wouldn’t hold any Divine Positions nor have any privileges. Only those in an actual position of power would be able to exercise authority. Once their actual position is stripped away, their privileges would also be deprived. They would only retain a basic Divine Position. If they are removed from the court records, their Divine Position would disappear, and the Qi Luck bestowed by the Divine Dynasty would also dissipate…

Pei Xuanjing also more or less understood the other party’s intention. This was similar to some systems in his previous world, which merely separated the grading system from the actual positions. If one merely held a nominal title, they wouldn’t be able to wield any power. It was only when one held hardcore power that they could truly become gods.

“What are Master Pei’s thoughts on my method?” A hint of a triumphant light gleamed in Zhu Houji’s eyes.

He had not sought anyone’s opinion on this method, it was entirely devised through his own wisdom. Though simple, it was very effective.

He wanted to see if this Master Pei had any superior opinions or could find any flaws.

Pei Xuanjing pondered for a moment, then spoke a sentence that made Zhu Houji slightly frown.