Han Linâer considered a possibility and said, "Are you saying he used the Ruins Token?"
The elder nodded lightly.
"When the Old Sect Leader was alive, he used his mystical Qiankun Method to create a batch of Ruins Tokens, three in total, given respectively to the Master, the Laughing Buddha, and the leader of the Dharma Kings, the Sea Dragon King Fang Guozhen."
"This Ruins Token allows free movement in the Ruins, enabling the bearer to find marking points at any time and exit the Ruins."
"And Du Zundao coming out two hours early is obviously against common sense, and the only thing that can achieve this is the Ruins Token."
The elderâs analysis was thorough.
Hearing this, Han Linâer frowned slightly and said with a face full of puzzlement, "Thatâs not right. If, as you say, this Ruins Token is only held by the Two Venerables and the Dragon King, how did Du Zundao get it?"
Upon hearing this, the elderâs face turned sour as he said, "The Master hasnât shown up for more than ten days."
"You mean, Du Zundao he..."
Han Linâerâs eyes widened, and the elder shook his head imperceptibly and said, "Alas, it has come to this, what can be done."
"Then what do you suggest I do?"
Having overcome his initial shock, Han Linâer asked how to resolve the current situation. The elder paused for a moment before saying, "Itâs actually simple. Since everyone is preparing to nominate Du Zundao as the Sect Hierarch, why doesnât the Ming King step forward to congratulate him?"
"Congratulate him?"
Han Linâer looked perplexed.
And the old man chuckled, "Of course, you must congratulate him, and casually ask him for a look at this Qiankun Great Method..."
"Oh, you mean that! But Iâm afraid heâll fly into a rage..."
Han Linâer instantly understood, and the old man said, "No worries, Ming King just needs to go. Although the Duozhi Fox is wavering, he wonât act recklessly against Du Zundao, especially if Du Zundao canât produce the Qiankun Great Method."
"I understand."
Han Linâer instantly understood the old manâs intention. He was not a foolish person, and one might even say he possessed some cleverness; apart from a slightly timid nature, he had no glaring weaknesses. If Han Shantong could have lived another ten years, during those ten years Han Shantong could have laid a solid foundation for Han Linâer.
He was destined to become a competent sovereign. He might not have been able to dominate as his father Han Shantong did, but he could certainly lead the Zoroastrian Sect steadily forward.
Unfortunately, fate did not grant Han Linâer those ten years.
He was almost like a duck forced onto a perch, bearing the thousand-pound burden of the Zoroastrian Sect directly upon his young shoulders, facing these ruthless uncles like Du Zundao.
He had to tread carefully, always on guard against being devoured by these uncles, who certainly would not hesitate to chew him up and spit him out.
Having received guidance from the elder, Han Linâer proceeded step by step towards Du Zundao, as people along the way made way for Han Linâer.
Han Linâer soon reached the presence of Du Zundao, who also saw him, with disdain in his eyes.
Han Linâer gave a smile to Du Zundao, then clapped his hands and said, "Hahaha... well, congratulations to Uncle Du for acquiring the Qiankun Great Method and soon assuming the title of Ming King. Iâll just step down to make room for talent."
Upon hearing Han Linâerâs words, all faces showed ridicule; how could such a dignified Ming King lack spine so thoroughly?
Even if someone wants to oust you, you should show some backbone and not surrender so spinelessly, shouldnât you?
Thinking this, everyone looked at Han Linâer with scorn.
Han Linâer endured everyoneâs odd looks without saying a word, merely watching Du Zundao, while Mr. Guan frowned slightly and sighed.
This Little Ming King is indeed too spineless.
Du Zundao was momentarily stunned by Han Linâerâs attitude but quickly reacted with hearty laughter, "Hahaha, dear nephew, what are you saying? Although everyone is nominating your uncle as Ming King, even your uncle knows that itâs best for you to remain King. Youâre just still young, prone to mistakes from lack of experience, so your uncle is just temporarily standing in as Sect Hierarch. Once you mature and are ready to shoulder the responsibilities of our Sectâs leadership, Iâll hand this position back to you."
"Isnât that right, everyone?"
Hearing this, everyone was momentarily stunned and then rushed to agree with a laugh, "Hahaha, the Dharma King has noble virtues."
"The Dharma King is truly moving~"
Everyone immediately bowed to Du Zundao, showering him with flattery, while Du Zundao just waved it off, displaying a very humble demeanor.
Some even exaggerated, "The Dharma King is like the Huo Guang of our time!"
Huo Guang was a famous power minister of the Han Dynasty, the brother of Huo Qubing, most famously known for his regency in history.
It refers to when Emperor Wu of the Han died, the newly appointed Emperor Zhao of Han was only seven years old, unable to command the ministers, so Great General Huo Guang took control of the government and supported Emperor Zhao of Han, handling all state affairs, becoming almost a second emperor. When everyone thought Huo Guang would seize the throne,
Huo Guang directly returned power to the adult Emperor Zhao of Han, historically known as: Huo Guangâs Regency.
Isnât Du Zundaoâs current behavior much like the historical Huo Guang?
Moreover, Huo Guangâs historical evaluation was positive, and this elder comparing Du Zundao to Huo Guang is putting a good face on Du Zundao, highlighting that Du Zundao has no intentions of rebellion; he is merely maintaining the ancestral estate while the Young Master is young.
A loyal minister, a greatly loyal minister indeed.
Such praise ensures the legitimacy of Du Zundaoâs succession while highlighting Du Zundaoâs greatness.
This flattery is quite satisfying.
Du Zundao cast a satisfied glance at this young man, not bad, having good eye power, Iâll promote you later.