Should I... trust you?
At that moment, the entire barrier fell completely silent. Not a single sound remained—not even a breath. It was clear how weighty those words were.
Chen Qing knew his answer would determine the final direction.
Honestly, whichever path the Emperor chose, he could accept it. If the Emperor collaborated with the Taoist Sect, it could temporarily stabilize the situation and divert attention from the Buddha Kingdom. That would provide him greater opportunity to return to Jiangnan and fully assist in clearing out the Buddha Kingdom's temples.
He had not signed the talisman paper contract and would not be restricted by the Taoist Sect. However, because of his alliance with Great Jin, it meant he was also effectively allied with the Taoist Sect.
This arrangement was not inherently disadvantageous to him.
But Chen Qing simply did not want the Emperor to ally with the Taoist Sect...
