Laws could never be perfect,
and those in power are best at finding the loopholes within the laws.
After much thought, a sliver of enlightenment crossed Li Ping'an's mind as he spoke slowly,
"Disciple takes the liberty to ask, if one day the Heavenly Court is established and all spirits of heaven and earth return to allegiance, I implore my mentor grandfather to place a hanging sword above this disciple's head!"
A glimmer of light appeared in Laozi's eyes.
On his withered face, which seldom showed much emotion, a faint, almost imperceptible, smile emerged.
"Good,"
Laozi spoke slowly,
"When your Heavenly Court is established, I will bestow upon you a treasure to protect the Heavenly Court and to oversee the gods.
"You may leave now.
"Our conversation must not be heard by the sixth ear. I shall slightly conceal the matter of your father and you following in his footsteps. In the future, you shall lay down the law for all spirits."