Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 736 Subduing Demons with Reason

A proposal? What kind of proposal?

The several great demon kings present looked at each other, as they could always hear some strange words that they only half understood from Lu Zheng's mouth.

There was a sense that they were too illiterate to understand the words of the scholars of the great dynasty.

Lu Zheng slowly distributed the letters in his hand to everyone, including Ao Jing.

The main reason why no invitation letter was sent to Gou Yang and his team was that there were not enough professional managers, and it was temporarily impossible to allocate enough manpower to manage the new area, so they decided to change their strategy.

Ao Jing had no desire to get involved in the affairs of the Northern Region, but he was curious about the contents of the letter of appeal and how it differed from the invitation he had received before, so he took the letter and opened it to read.

Lu Zheng said slowly, "The Northern Region is too chaotic. I hope it can become more stable and develop better..."

"This is not something one person can do alone; it requires everyone's joint efforts and action. Therefore, I advocate that everyone do something practical, which will benefit both ordinary people of the various tribes in the Northern Region and cultivators..."

Gou Yang slowly flipped through the advocacy document, which contained a lot of detailed information.

To put it simply, Lu Zheng advocated that everyone work together to build a prosperous and stable Northern Region, and put forward many detailed suggestions and appeals.

For example, it is suggested that leaders in various regions undertake some basic livelihood projects, such as agriculture, education, water conservancy, and roads...

This will promote local development and cooperation and exchange with neighboring regions.

Furthermore, it called for unity and friendship among all ethnic groups, minimizing conflict. In the event of any conflict, the two sides involved, along with neutral parties, should negotiate and resolve the issue together to minimize casualties.

If a suitable neutral party cannot be found, one can even go to Taiping Domain to find Lu Zheng or other representatives.

Lu Zheng added, "I understand that you usually focus on cultivation and may not be very good at governing a place. You can send some of your subordinates to the Taiping Domain for exchange and learning. We always welcome people who are eager to learn."

"Right now, some members of royal families and top sects have also arrived in the Taiping Domain, all here for training. Perhaps if you have the chance, you can exchange ideas with them about cultivation..."

The demon kings were surprised to hear this. Was he referring to the background and relationships of the Taiping Domain?

They had heard similar rumors before, but had never seen them with their own eyes, so they were only skeptical. Now, hearing it from Lu Zheng confirmed it, and it gave them a different feeling.

The information revealed by Lu Zheng's casual remarks made them feel an invisible pressure.

Lu Zheng looked at the demon kings and asked, "What do you all think?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Hu replied in a robust voice, "Great! That's wonderful! Who doesn't want a better life? I'm just a roughneck, not very well-educated, and don't understand these things. Later, I'll definitely send someone to Brother Lu's place to learn from his experience..."

Other demon kings echoed this sentiment, saying that Lu Zheng's proposal was well-written and had a constructive significance for the overall development of the Northern Region.

They all expressed their support for Lu Zheng's proposal and said they would arrange for their subordinates to carry it out.

At this point, they dared not say that Lu Zheng was being presumptuous or meddling in other people's business...

If someone else were to say these things, they would at most listen for amusement and not take it seriously.

But this scholar was not only eloquent but also a skilled fighter; his words carried considerable weight.

If they only treat this advocacy as a joke, it won't be long before they themselves become the joke.

Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "I plan to send this initiative to all the major and minor forces in the Northern Region, including the various demon kingdoms... However, I am not very familiar with the situation in the Northern Region. I'm afraid I will have to trouble you all to help me reach out to some of the nearby forces. After all, you should be quite familiar with those forces, so please try to persuade them as well. Let's work together to create a harmonious Northern Region."

Many people understand certain principles, but few put them into practice. The main reason is a lack of initiative. If someone could stand up to advocate and urge others to take charge, things would change.

Lu Zheng felt that he now had a certain amount of influence in the Northern Region and was able to stand up and do such a thing.

Shi Hu's eyes lit up, and he patted his chest, saying, "Leave it to us, Brother Lu. If you have time, I can even take you to visit some of the nearby forces..."

Gouyang and the other demon kings couldn't help but wonder to themselves, "This tiger is so eager, whose side is it on now?"

Would they chicken out and join the fray just because they met Lu Zheng in person?

Ao Jing, standing beside him, seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

Lu Zheng noticed Ao Jing's expression and smiled, "If you have anything to say, Fellow Daoist Ao, please speak freely. I am open to listening to anything."

Ao Jing couldn't help but ask, "What if someone doesn't care about your advocacy letter?"

Since he's no longer considered a member of the Northern Region, Ao Jing treated himself as an observer and said some things to see Lu Zheng's reaction.

The Northern Region is so vast, with numerous powerful forces, especially those few large demon kingdoms that dominate their respective territories.

Ao Jing didn't think that Lu Zheng's proposal would motivate so many forces to take action and follow his advice.

It's estimated that many factions won't take this letter seriously.

Lu Zheng, holding his teacup, said softly, "Don't do evil because it's insignificant, and don't neglect good because it's insignificant. I actually really hope everyone can be a good person and a good demon..."

"If some people are really unwilling to make any changes, then I can only express my regret."

Lu Zheng wanted a clear stance. If some forces remained indifferent, they shouldn't blame him for being unprincipled in terms of morality and righteousness when they faced him in the future.

Since some people can't accept these principles, there's no need to say too much.

The demon kings were startled upon hearing this, even though they did not sense any killing intent emanating from Lu Zheng.

But it still gave them a chilling feeling.

They knew that Lu Zheng's actions weren't simply about issuing a proposal; they knew that many forces would be targeted and dealt with by Lu Zheng in the future...

Lu Zheng took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "I, Lu Zheng, have only come to the Northern Region to do three things: fairness, fairness, and fairness!"

"These are the principles that the sages taught me. Now that I have learned these principles, I should put them into practice. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste of my learning?"

"As the sage said, 'If one hears the Way in the morning, one can die content in the evening.' I am also a person who pursues the right path. Whoever blocks my way, either he or I will die."

Lu Zheng's tone was calm and even, yet firm.

"Do you all agree that this makes sense?"

These words sent chills down the spine of even Ao Jing, who thought it was none of his business.

Gouyang and the other demon kings wore slightly stiff smiles, but their hearts were becoming increasingly unsettled.

The same words spoken by different people can have different effects.

Lu Zheng gave them the feeling of extreme danger.

Even though Lu Zheng didn't show any particular aura, and even seemed less imposing than those important figures from the demon kingdom.

But their instinct for survival told them that this seemingly kind young man was someone they absolutely should not mess with.

"Yes, that's the idea..."

Shi Hu nodded emphatically, his palms sweating without him even realizing it.

Shi Hu hesitated for a moment, his tone changing slightly, "Um... I have something I want to confess..." Gou Yang and the other demon kings' expressions changed, and they all looked at Shi Hu, making the atmosphere suddenly subtle.

Ao Jing was startled and immediately became alert, preparing to take advantage of the situation to use his supernatural powers to escape.

Lu Zheng remained calm and composed, and upon sensing the change in atmosphere, he simply smiled.

"Why have you all suddenly become so tense? Could it be that you have some hidden scheme to deal with me?"

Gou Yang quickly waved his hand and said, "Young Master Lu is joking. How could we dare to do such a thing... Besides, we didn't know you were coming here, so what could we possibly be lying in ambush with..."

Gou Yang's heart was pounding as he said this.

Faced with Lu Zheng's composure, they themselves became uneasy.

Although they were great demon kings who had lived for hundreds of years, they could usually command their subordinates with an air of authority and maintain their dignity without anger.

But when they actually encounter someone who threatens their lives, no one can truly remain calm.

Lu Zheng smiled and said softly, "I used to hate evil and couldn't tolerate even a speck of dust in my eyes. Later, I traveled the world and experienced many things, especially after coming to the Northern Region. I found that there is too much suffering in this world, and there are too many sources of suffering. Evil people, evil demons, and vengeful ghosts... can never be killed off."

“Since then, I have been giving certain people a chance, a chance to turn over a new leaf, and you should all know that.”

Lu Zheng paused, then turned to look at Shi Hu, "So, what were you trying to say just now?"

Shi Hu couldn't help but swallow hard, and felt a chill run down his spine when faced with the gazes of Lu Zheng and the other demon kings.

Shi Hu took a deep breath and said, "It's like this, we were worried that you would attack us, so we thought we'd test your abilities and asked Brother Ao for help..."

It's over... Ao Jing felt his heart sink to the bottom.

The other demon kings froze, their hearts filled with tension and unease.

They didn't expect Shi Hu to actually reveal such a thing. He had previously said that they had the numbers and strength, and that they couldn't lose face when facing Lu Zheng.

And now, some people are thinking of confessing and getting leniency?

If they start fighting, will they run, or will they run...?

They didn't have the confidence to face Lu Zheng, who could use the power of a saint.

Shi Hu said nervously, "Yesterday, we sent Demon King Lingyu to find other forces. If we set off to chase after him now, we might still make it in time..."

Lu Zheng's expression didn't change upon hearing this. He sold the little bit of information Ao Jing had obtained to other forces?

This is nothing to him, after all, the methods he displays are meant to be shown to others.

The more people know about him, the more publicity he gets.

Lu Zheng said dismissively, "It's not important, there's no need to go to so much trouble. You can sell some information if you want."

Is this really such an insignificant matter? The demon kings were astonished.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Why don't you send more people and also send over my proposal? It'll kill two birds with one stone."

Shi Hu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and couldn't help but say, "Brother Lu is very magnanimous. We truly have no intention of being your enemy; we only seek to protect ourselves..."

Seeing Lu Zheng's attitude, all the demon kings breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, they only had some ideas before, but had not had time to prepare anything.

Ao Jing, who was standing next to him, reached into his pocket and reluctantly took out a jade bracelet.

It was a spatial bracelet containing many rare and precious materials, which was used as compensation to Lu Zheng.

Seeing this, Lu Zheng put it away without any politeness. "Building the Taiping Domain also requires a huge amount of financial resources. Consider it a donation from Fellow Daoist Ao to the local area. I will have someone erect a monument to Fellow Daoist Ao's merits in the future as a memorial."

Ao Jing waved his hand and said, "Oh, there's no need for that, I can't accept it..."

He simply didn't have the nerve to ask Lu Zheng to erect a monument in his honor.

Seeing this, the other demon kings also wanted to donate some money and valuables.

This time, however, Lu Zheng directly refused and did not accept anything from anyone.

Lu Zhengdao said, "Take this and use it to benefit the local people. You'll need it for future infrastructure projects."

Seeing this, the demon kings had no choice but to admire Lu Zheng's conduct and character from the bottom of their hearts.

Having dealt with many local figures in the Northern Region in the past, I've witnessed all sorts of backstabbing and treachery, with everyone prioritizing their own interests.

This was the first time they had encountered such pure people, which made them feel ashamed.

Lu Zheng then added, "Tell me about the situation in the surrounding area, just as a casual chat."

Seeing that Lu Zhengzhen didn't mind, the demon kings started chatting, and the atmosphere quickly became harmonious again.

After chatting for most of the day, the tea party finally came to an end.

Before the event ended, Lu Zheng promised the demon kings that if there was an opportunity in the future, he could ask a Dao Realm expert to give a lecture and invite them to attend.

None of the demon kings questioned Lu Zheng's ability to invite a powerful expert to give a lecture.

Instead, I was worried about whether I would be among those invited.

Although Lu Zheng did not explicitly state the qualifications for being invited, they knew that if they could not impress Lu Zheng, they would certainly not be among the invited candidates.

For these great demons, the opportunity to hear a lecture from a powerful figure was extremely rare; they had never had such a chance before.

Over the years, they have only seen a handful of powerful Dao-seeking experts, let alone heard them preach.

If such an opportunity truly existed, it would greatly benefit their spiritual practice; how could they possibly miss it?

Hearing this, Gouyang Demon King, who was already on the decline, was deeply moved and felt an urge to join the Taiping Domain.

Ao Jing, who came from a wealthy family, had no interest in the matter. Instead, he took out a dragon-shaped jade pendant and gave it to Lu Zheng.

"This time, I am truly returning to the East Sea. If you ever visit the East Sea in the future, you can use this item to visit our Dragon Clan..."

After sparring with Lu Zheng, Ao Jing was thoroughly defeated and left in a hurry.

After calming down these past few days, and considering the series of events that just happened, Ao Jing felt it was best to befriend Lu Zheng rather than become his enemy.

Lu Zheng smiled and accepted the jade pendant, saying, "I'll definitely go if I have the chance." (End of Chapter)