Li Shimin's question caught Golden Cicada off guard; he saw the fervent flame in the Emperor's eyes. Which sovereign could resist the temptation of eternal life? Unfortunately, with the covenant between humans and gods, Emperors could not cultivate. But Li Shimin was clearly deeply concerned about the future fortunes and destiny of Great Tang, hence his inquiry.
"To be frank with Your Majesty, the Buddha Ancestor indeed knows of past and future, but the fortune and destiny of Great Tang are of the Human Path, and the Buddha Ancestor, transcending the worldly realm, has never mentioned it," Tang Monk shook his head and said.
A hint of regret flitted across Li Shimin's face as he casually mentioned, "Alas, I learned of this too late. Had not Yuan Qing brought it up, I would never have thought to ask. I should have had you inquire back then."
