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"Haha~"

Yi Huawei chuckled, picked up his teacup, and glanced at Shi Feixuan's exquisite face: "Feixuan, what do you think Bashu should do?"

Shi Feixuan remained calm, but her tone grew more serious: "Sichuan and Chongqing are strategically important and rich in resources, known as the Land of Abundance. Whoever controls Sichuan and Chongqing can have a glimpse of the Central Plains, making it a strategic location fought over by military strategists since ancient times. Now that the world is in chaos, although Sichuan and Chongqing have temporarily found peace, it is not a long-term solution. Although Jie Hui of Duzun Fortress is known as the leader of the Sichuan and Chongqing martial arts world, he may find it difficult to remain unscathed in the face of the overall situation."

She leaned forward slightly, moonlight illuminating her jade-like profile: "Feixuan has heard that Jiehui has a long-standing relationship with the Song Clan. And the Song Clan leader has now submitted to the Heavenly Alliance."

The meaning was clear even before the words were fully spoken.

Yi Huawei remained noncommittal, lightly tapping the table with his fingertips: "I've heard a little about Jie Hui of Duzun Fort. It's said that he has considerable martial arts skills and is quite popular in the Sichuan-Chongqing area."

"Lord Jie is indeed a hero."

Shi Feixuan nodded and said, "But the situation in the Sichuan-Chongqing region is complex. Besides Duzun Fortress, there are many other forces, such as the Sichuan Gang and the Ba Alliance, that are deeply entrenched. Not to mention..."

She paused, glancing at Yi Huawei: "The influence of the Demonic Sect here should not be underestimated."

Yi Huawei paused slightly as he tapped the table, then looked up at Shi Feixuan with a hint of amusement in his eyes: "The Demonic Sect? Feixuan, which one are you referring to?"

The Demonic Sect comprises two factions and six paths, with numerous branches and differing philosophies; it is not a monolithic entity.

The Yin Gui school goes without saying.

The Path of Extinguishing Emotions is extremely ruthless; the Heavenly Lotus Sect excels in business and infiltrates the economy; the True Transmission Path has numerous branches and is shrouded in mystery; the Heaven-Mending Path specializes in assassination; the Demonic Image Sect is skilled in illusion and strategy; and the Evil Extreme Sect is a single-lineage sect that pursues the Demon Seed of the Dao Heart and the Evil Emperor's Relic, its whereabouts elusive. As for the Flower Sect and the Heaven-Mending Path, they are rather special, with few successors and unpredictable actions, especially represented by Shi Zhixuan.

Shi Feixuan's long eyelashes drooped slightly, casting a small shadow under her eyelids. She poured tea for Yi Huawei with an elegant and composed demeanor, but her voice was calmer: "The various sects of the Demonic Path mostly use extreme and unpredictable methods. They often stop at nothing to achieve their goals, treating all living beings as pawns, stirring up trouble in the world to profit from chaos. This is what they have in common, and it is also the source of their harm to the world."

Yi Huawei's gaze deepened as he lightly tapped his fingertip on the smooth tabletop: "...Fei Xuan seems particularly concerned about this?"

The moon-white wide sleeves fluttered slightly, as if a gentle breeze had swept by. Shi Feixuan picked up the teacup, which had already cooled down, but did not drink it; she simply used it to calm her mind.

“It’s not that Fei Xuan is obsessed with grudges. Rather, it’s that the Demonic Sect’s way goes against the moral principles of the world. Its members often act in an extreme and bizarre manner, using any means to achieve their goals and treating all living beings as pawns. You should understand this better than Fei Xuan. The world is in chaos now, and the people are suffering terribly. If the Demonic Sect’s power is allowed to grow stronger and even intervene in the world’s struggles, it will not be a blessing for the common people.”

She didn't mention the fact that the Yin Gui Sect had submitted to the Heavenly Dao Alliance, but this was precisely the most sensitive topic hanging between the two of them at that moment. She cleverly threw the question back to Yi Huawei, both as a test and to hear what this unfathomable alliance leader thought about subduing the number one sect of the Demonic Path.

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei's lips curled into a half-smile. He picked up the celadon teapot and slowly poured himself a cup of hot tea, the rising steam momentarily obscuring his expression.

"The demonic path contradicts the righteous path?"

He repeated the sentence softly, his tone calm and even, yet it made Shi Feixuan's heart skip a beat: "Feixuan, do you know what is demonic? And what is righteous?"

Before Shi Feixuan could answer, he continued, his gaze seemingly piercing through the walls of the private room, looking towards the endless river of history: "Since Emperor Wu of Han dismissed all other schools of thought and exclusively honored Confucianism, Confucianism gradually became the dominant school of thought and was respected by the world. The other schools of thought were either absorbed and transformed or denounced as heretics, gradually declining and going underground. The origins of the two sects and six paths of the Demonic Sect can mostly be traced back to the pre-Qin philosophers. For example, the Yin Gui Sect's core tenets are intricately connected with the early Daoist, strategist, and even military strategies, but it went to extremes, emphasizing the use of trickery and underhanded techniques to control people's hearts and manipulate worldly affairs."

"The Dao of Mending Heaven and the Dao of Extinguishing Emotions also reveal the extreme shadow of Legalism's ideas of harsh laws and severe punishments, and the elimination of emotions and desires. The Heavenly Lotus Sect's expertise in business and profit-making is surely derived from the economics of people like Ji Ran and Bai Gui. The Dao Ancestor's True Transmission and Laozi Temple, which branched off from the True Transmission Dao, are directly derived from Daoism, but they have gone astray into the evil path of 'cultivating the body for nourishment' and 'refining elixirs'."

He spoke eloquently, as if reciting a familiar story, his understanding of the Demonic Sect far exceeding Shi Feixuan's expectations. Shi Feixuan listened quietly, a hint of surprise flashing in her clear eyes. She hadn't expected Yi Huawei to view the Demonic Sect from such a grand historical perspective.

"Sir, you are well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge, and I admire you greatly."

Shi Feixuan said softly, "However, its path is already evil, its actions are already treacherous, and even if it has a source, it is difficult to conceal its harm."

"good."

Yi Huawei nodded, not denying it: "Over the past few hundred years, most branches of the Demonic Sect have indeed gone to extremes, emphasizing the survival of the fittest, acting ruthlessly and mysteriously, and using any means to achieve their goals. This is naturally incompatible with the Confucian ideal of universal harmony and peace of mind, as well as the Buddhist ideal of compassion and salvation. Cihang Jingzhai, upholding the righteous path, has its reasons for opposing it."

He suddenly changed the subject: "But, Feixuan, have you ever considered why the Demonic Sect has been able to continue for hundreds of years without ceasing? And why it can even unleash astonishing energy in times of chaos?"

Shi Feixuan frowned slightly: "It is because there is a dark side to human nature. The demonic sect's techniques and philosophies often cater to people's greed, lust for power, and even desire for destruction. Moreover, their organization is secretive and they do whatever it takes, so they are difficult to eradicate."

"This makes sense, but it doesn't address the root of the problem."

Yi Huawei’s gaze was intense: “In my opinion, the reason why certain ideas of the Demonic Sect can attract people and even show power in some aspects is precisely because the so-called ‘righteous path’ itself also has flaws and gaps.”

"Oh?" Shi Feixuan's eyes narrowed. "Please enlighten me, sir."

"Confucianism emphasizes benevolence, order, and ethics, which are undoubtedly the cornerstones of social stability. However, does its excessive emphasis on hierarchy and self-discipline sometimes suppress reasonable desires and creativity in human nature? Could it become a tool for certain vested interests to control people's hearts?"

Yi Huawei's voice was steady, yet every word struck Shi Feixuan's heart:
"Buddhism teaches compassion and transcendence, and encourages people to do good, which is undoubtedly a great merit. But if everyone renounces the world and avoids worldly affairs, who will produce, work, pay taxes, serve in the military, and maintain the operation of this world? If we only emphasize enduring the next life, will it make people ignore the injustices of this world and dull their edge of resisting oppression?"

After a pause, noticing the slight change in Shi Feixuan's expression, Yi Huawei continued, "As for the Demonic Sect, although it has gone to extremes, some of its philosophies, such as the ultimate pursuit of individual power, wisdom, and desire, and the emphasis on breaking conventions and not following the norm, to some extent, actually make up for some of the shortcomings of the 'righteous path.' Of course, I do not endorse its way of doing things, but am merely exploring the root of its existence."

Shi Feixuan fell into a brief silence. Yi Huawei's words were like pebbles thrown into her otherwise solid and clear world of understanding, creating ripples. She had grown up in the Jingzhai, and everything she had heard and seen was about how evil the demonic sect was and how righteous the righteous path was. Although she was well-educated and reasonable, no one had ever analyzed the demonic sect from such a perspective, so calmly, and even with a hint of understanding.

"so,"

She raised her eyes, her gaze seemingly piercing through Yi Huawei's heart: "Sir, was your subjugation of the Yin Gui Sect also based on this consideration? Do you believe it has its merits and can be incorporated into your planned 'new order'?"

The topic inevitably eventually turned to the Yin Gui School.

Yi Huawei met her gaze without flinching: "The Yin Gui Sect is the number one sect in the Demonic Path, with deeply entrenched influence and countless experts within. Moreover, they excel in concealment, intelligence gathering, and even... certain unscrupulous methods. Zhu Yuyan is a shrewd and ambitious woman who understands that the tide cannot be turned. Rather than allowing such a powerful force to create chaos in the shadows or be exploited by other ambitious individuals, it is better to bring it under our control, guide its power, and use it for good."

"The right path?"

Shi Feixuan's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible sarcasm: "The Yin Gui Sect cultivates the Heavenly Demon Great Art, which emphasizes ruthlessness and the use of others as a furnace. They act with insidious cruelty and ruthlessness, using no means necessary. Feixuan truly cannot imagine how their power can be used for righteous purposes. And how can you, sir, ensure that this is not inviting wolves into the house and raising tigers to cause future trouble?"

Yi Huawei laughed, his smile carrying an absolute confidence and control: "Does Fei Xuan know that the strongest control does not stem from fear or coercion, but from 'need' and 'interest'?"

"The Yin Gui Sect needs to survive, needs to develop, and even needs to... exist openly and honestly in the sunlight. And I can give them these things. Under the rules of the Heavenly Dao Alliance, their past methods of harming living beings and profiting at the expense of others must be completely abandoned. But their shrewdness, decisiveness, ability to adapt to changing circumstances and control situations, their vast intelligence network, their well-trained disciples... all of these can be transformed into the power to build and safeguard the new order."

Yi Huawei leaned forward slightly, his voice lower but carrying more weight: "For example, in clearing out the rampant bandits and pirates in the south, the Yin Gui Sect's methods are sometimes more effective than the persuasion of righteous people. And for example, they also have their 'unique' ways of dealing with certain stubborn, oppressive local tyrants and bullies. As long as this force is confined within the cage of rules and directed in the right direction, its sharp edge may well be able to rid the people of harm."

"Use magic to fight magic?"

Shi Feixuan frowned even more deeply: "Sir, your actions are tantamount to snatching chestnuts from the fire. The people of the Demonic Sect are fickle and cunning, especially the Yin Gui Sect, which is most skilled in disguise and betrayal. How can you guarantee that they will never turn against you?"

"ensure?"

Yi Huawei shook his head slightly, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "There is no absolute guarantee in this world. I can only rely on two things."

"Firstly, there is absolute power. I can give it, and I can take it away. I can severely injure Shi Zhixuan, and I can suppress all villains. Zhu Yuyan is a smart woman. She knows how to weigh the pros and cons and knows which choice is most beneficial to the Yin Gui Sect. Under my command, the Yin Gui Sect can gain a much wider space and resources than before, and they cannot afford the price of betrayal."

Secondly,

Yi Huawei paused, a hint of something indescribable creeping into his voice: “It is 'change' itself. Fei Xuan, people change, and so do sects. When the members of the Yin Gui Sect begin to get used to walking in the sunlight, begin to enjoy the awe rather than fearful gazes of others, and begin to use their talents to obtain legitimate honor and status… do you think they will still willingly return to that ditch? Demonic nature is not innate; it can be gradually worn away and transformed in a new environment.”

Yi Huawei's words once again exceeded Shi Feixuan's expectations. He not only wanted to utilize the power of the Demonic Sect, but even... harbored the idea of ​​transforming and converting the Demonic Sect? What kind of... confidence and arrogance was this? Yet, it also subtly revealed a grand and awe-inspiring spirit.

The image of Wanwan, the alluring and enigmatic successor of the Yin Gui Sect, with whom she had clashed several times, involuntarily surfaced in her mind. Could such a clever and cunning woman, who disregarded worldly conventions, truly be willing to be bound and transformed?
After a pause, Shi Feixuan seemed to have thought of something and nodded slightly, saying, "However, Feixuan also has to admit that not everyone in the Demonic Sect is an irredeemable villain, nor are all schools of thought dedicated to causing chaos in the world."

Yi Huawei picked up his teacup, gently blew away the rising steam, and said with a half-smile, "Oh? For example?"

Shi Feixuan raised her eyes, her gaze clear and bright, and said frankly, "For example, the 'Flower School'."

When she uttered those three words, her tone seemed slightly softer than when she mentioned other branches of the demonic sect. It was almost imperceptible, but with Yi Huawei's insight, he naturally caught this subtle change.

"The successors of the Flower School are often exceptionally talented, possessing profound knowledge in poetry, calligraphy, painting, music, and even medicine, divination, and astrology. They do not pursue simple power or destruction, but rather a kind of... ultimate art and self-expression, playing in the world and acting freely."

Shi Feixuan's voice unconsciously carried a hint of indescribable appreciation, though this appreciation was extremely restrained:

"Although their disciples act in ways that are both righteous and wicked, making them difficult to fathom, they rarely possess the naked ambition of the Yin Gui Sect or the cruelty and ruthlessness of the Extinction of Emotion Sect. In some ways, they are more like... unrestrained seekers of the Dao, only the path they follow is not the righteous one."

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "Fei Xuan seems to have a good understanding of the Flower School, and her impressions... are quite unique."

Shi Feixuan remained composed, calmly stating, "The Jingzhai Sect and the Demonic Sect have been entangled for centuries. Knowing oneself and one's enemy is the key to victory. Understanding one's opponent does not equate to agreement. It's just that the Flower Sect's approach is indeed quite different from other branches of the Demonic Sect. Its founder is said to be a tragic figure deeply passionate about art but disillusioned with the world. The lineage he passed down emphasizes personal transcendence and the pinnacle of art, rather than the pursuit of world domination." (End of Chapter)