The significance of Zhang Yuelu’s influence was dependent on one’s perspective.0

Zhang Yuelu was just a fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master who was now promoted to a third-rank Youyi Daoist master. But she was still not a Sage, let alone an Omniscient Sage. As such, her authority was limited. If someone chose not to show her respect, there was not much she could do.0

In contrast, if someone were to disrespect Sage Donghua, they would quickly learn the consequences of what it meant to offend the Chief Omniscient Sage of the Golden Tower Council and the Ziwei Hall Master, who controlled all personnel matters of the Daoist Order. If they refused to cooperate, there would always be someone else ready to take their place.0

This was not to say that Sage Donghua abused his power, but rather to illustrate the sheer level of influence he wielded.0

Before Fang Linhou was executed for the first major Jiangnan case, he had a famous saying that stuck around. “Many times, I know certain things are unreasonable and against regulations, but I have no choice but to obey. If I don’t, the higher-ups will immediately replace me with someone who will. When it comes time to hold someone accountable, I’ll still be the one to take the fall. I’m nothing but a tool.”0

Looking at the bigger picture, Zhang Yuelu had...0