He carefully read the description of the Golden Light Master and discovered that this monk was by no means a simple character.

The Golden Light Master was not from Ning Country but had come from the distant West, and according to his own words, he was born in the Xiniu Continent and had entered the monastic life from a young age.

This time, he came to Ning Country to promote the Buddhist Law and, by some means, managed to gain the trust of the old Emperor, who gave him the position of State Preceptor that had always belonged to the Tianqing Temple.

After his appointment as State Preceptor, he began to favor Buddhism over Daoism. In just a short time, numerous Daoist temples were banned for various reasons, while countless Buddhist temples sprung up like mushrooms.

The entire atmosphere of Ning Country changed with it, the once revered Daoists gradually became looked down upon, while the bald-headed monks were esteemed.

After all, foreign monks chant well, and in the field of faith management, this Golden Light Master was an absolute expert. Without showing off, he let Buddhism begin to permeate the land of Ning Country.

Actually, these Daoists were partly to blame. Their overly comfortable lives made them lose their vigilance, and the high echelons of the Daoist Sect had relaxed their oversight over their faith practices.

By the time they realized what was happening, it was too late. Buddhism had become too powerful, even capable of influencing the Imperial Court. It could be said that when the Golden Light Master took over as the State Preceptor, it was merely the end-game of his strategy.

"It seems we have all been deceived by this bald trickster, he clearly targeted our Daoist Sect from the start" a Daoist said with an ugly expression.

Ning Country had always been a stronghold of the Daoist Sect and had never been touched by the Buddhist Sect. If the Golden Light Master truly reversed the local faith, they would become a laughingstock.

"We must show them some color, else they will think we are weak and easily bullied."

At this, emotions flared, and countless Daoists shouted, wanting to teach the Golden Light Master a lesson.

They could not tolerate being made fools of and losing their grip on the faith of the land.

"Silence!" the Temple Master shouted loudly.

Everyone then calmed down, quietly waiting for Tianqing Daoist to speak.

"Look at yourselves, none of you resembles a practitioner. The Golden Light Master silently took over the position of State Preceptor because we did not pay enough attention, overestimated ourselves, and let him exploit our weaknesses. Now you are indignant and irrational, isn’t that providing him with leverage?"

"What should we do, Temple Master?"

Tianqing Daoist looked at him and then slowly said, "What to do, you ask? Blood for blood, tooth for a tooth. Since he wishes to replace our Daoist Sect with Buddhism, let’s clash and see who truly commands the fate of the world."

His words brightened everyone’s eyes; they were not easily bullied and naturally desired revenge for the great loss they suffered.

"However, the current Emperor no longer trusts us, and Buddhism’s influence has grown strong. Overthrowing them will not be easy," an older Daoist sighed.

This was the greatest dilemma the Daoist Sect faced at the moment. Previously, they could leverage their mastery over the destiny of the realm to enhance their deeds, but now that power had been stolen by the Buddhist Sect, rendering many of their old methods useless.

Without the Emperor’s support, the Daoist Sect now was like a rootless duckweed, and fighting the Buddhist Sect was not as easy as imagined.

"Everything started because of the Golden Light Master. Killing him would solve everything."

"It is improper; this Golden Light Master hails from the Xiniu Continent and clearly has high Cultivation Level in Buddhist practices. If we act rashly, we might fall into his trap."

"Moreover, even if we kill the Golden Light Master, considering the current Imperial Court’s suspicion towards our Daoist Sect, they might fear us even more and hence rely more on the Buddhist Sect."

The crowd debated and rejected all proposals, creating a momentary quiet.

Then Tianqing Daoist finally spoke, "Human desires are endless. Initially, when Great Ning was founded, it needed our Daoist Sect to stabilize the state, which led to the prosperity we once enjoyed. However, as the reign continued, the Imperial Family’s control grew stronger, and our Daoist Sect became a thorn in their side."

"Therefore, the key to this situation is not the Golden Light Master. Kill one Golden Light Master, and perhaps a Silver Light Master or another master will emerge. As long as the Imperial Family’s desire to balance against our Daoist Sect remains, we will never be able to rise."

Unlike other Daoists secluded from worldly affairs, Tianqing Daoist, as the Temple Master, often dealt with high-ranking officials and could accurately gauge their psychology.

He had keenly grasped the core of the issue.

Having said this, with intense eyes, he looked at everyone and said, "Only by changing dynasties and completely overthrowing the ambitious Imperial Family can we reverse this situation." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

The others felt enlightened; Tianqing Daoist’s words, although unsettling, seemed indeed the best strategy upon reflection.

Moreover, for many in the Daoist Sect, manipulating the change of a dynasty did not evoke fear but excitement instead.

After all, such matters were true tests of one’s abilities and cultivation, and success would bring considerable advantages.

"What should we do, Temple Master?"

"First, we need to find someone capable of bearing the imperial fate; otherwise, if we act directly, we might be harmed by the fate of Mankind, perhaps even facing the risk of perishing."

"Next, we need someone to guide this Hidden Dragon so that he may grow strong and ultimately overturn the royal authority, changing the heavens and the earth."

"In addition, we must watch for any movements from the Buddhist Sect. If they discover our plan, they will likely try everything to thwart it, and we might then need to confront these monks from the West in a magical showdown."

Upon hearing this, everyone smiled and said, "If they really want to challenge us in a magical duel, then that is exactly what we wish for."

These Daoists had been cultivating in secret and were not at all afraid of such duels; on the contrary, they were eager to engage.

"Since this is the case, we shall proceed as planned. Take utmost care not to leak any hints, lest the Golden Light Master detects our maneuvers,"

With the tone set, this massive body of the Daoist Sect began its movements, and several Daoists skilled in divination quickly determined the birthdate of someone who could bear the fate of Mankind. Numerous members of the Daoist Sect began to search in secret for these so-called Hidden Dragons, coaching them quietly.

Quietly waiting for the right moment to strike.

At the same time, Tianqing Daoist also silently erected an altar within the temple. The altar was surrounded by the Four Spirits Banner fluttering in the wind, with flags representing The Twenty-Eight Mansions strategically placed on the ground.

At the center was a large Incense Burner, with incense smoke swirling around, and the statue of the Jade Emperor was placed in front of the Incense Burner.

Tianqing Daoist stood on the Strength Step, holding the Treasured Sword, chanting Incantations under his breath.