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At this point, Shi Feixuan gently shook her head, as if trying to shake off some inappropriate thoughts: "Of course, no matter how gorgeous its appearance or how superb its methods, its essence is still a heretical sect of the demonic sect, deviating from the righteous path, and not tolerated by the world."

Yi Huawei listened quietly, his fingers tracing the warm rim of the cup. Suddenly, he said, “Feixuan, do you know that art and madness are sometimes separated by only a fine line? The pursuit of the ultimate often comes with the ultimate self and a disregard for worldly norms. The Flower School seems detached from worldly affairs, seeking only self-perfection, but once their path of ‘extreme passion’ gets out of control, its harm may be more terrifying than mere lust for power. Because they don’t care about worldly judgment, they are only loyal to their own ‘way,’ and their ‘way’ may not be compatible with the well-being of the common people.”

"Shi Zhixuan is proof of this. He combines the strengths of the Flower Sect and the Heaven-Mending Dao, perfectly blending that pursuit of ultimate beauty with the ruthless art of assassination and subversive techniques, which is why he has become such a terrifying 'Evil King'. Can you say that his current situation has nothing to do with his Flower Sect background, which is characterized by its pursuit of the ultimate and disregard for conventions?"

Shi Feixuan remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly, "What you say makes sense, sir. I was too attached to appearances. It's just that I've met several successors of the Flower School, and their demeanor and knowledge are truly captivating, so I couldn't help but..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear. She was, after all, young. Though her cultivation was profound and her heart pure, she couldn't help but feel a touch of curiosity and admiration beyond her station when faced with such a special person who combined talent, charm, and mystery. This wasn't a wavering, but rather a human touch.

"It doesn't matter."

Yi Huawei waved his hand: "Only by seeing its beauty can one perceive its danger. Completely denying the opponent will only prevent one from seeing its true nature. The Huajian School's approach has its own appeal; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to attract such brilliant successors throughout the ages."

"Hou Xibai is indeed different from ordinary people in the Demonic Sect. He is affectionate but not lewd, dashing but not wicked, and has the demeanor of a virtuous and chivalrous man of ancient times. It is quite interesting that Shi Zhixuan can teach such a disciple."

When evaluating Hou Xibai, Yi Huawei's tone was noticeably gentler, even showing a hint of appreciation.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feixuan's eyes brightened slightly, as if her thoughts had been exposed. But she then looked at Yi Huawei and asked, "Sir, do you also intend to recruit the Flower Sect?"

"Talent is hard to come by, why not recruit them?"

Yi Huawei laughed, "If Hou Xibai is willing to abandon darkness and embrace the light, there will be a place for him in our Heavenly Dao Alliance. It's always better to have one more refined and elegant scholar than one more treacherous and cunning individual. Besides, his master, Shi Zhixuan..."

Shi Feixuan sighed softly, her tone complex: "Only today have I truly grasped the depth of your skill in managing people, sir. Your masterful manipulation of power, employing both yin and yang, seems to be attempting to fuse the forces of good and evil, the court and the people, into a single furnace, refining it into the shape you desire. Such ambition... I don't know whether to admire it or be wary."

"Feixuan only needs to observe quietly. Time will tell whether my actions are right or wrong, merits or demerits.

Yi Huawei raised his glass, using tea instead of wine, and offered a slight toast to her: "The Demonic Sect... in my eyes, has never been a monolithic entity. It is composed of numerous factions with different ideologies. Rather than a unified 'Demonic Sect,' it is more like a distorted existence that originated from various schools of thought in the pre-Qin period, which were suppressed and twisted after Confucianism became the dominant ideology."

Shi Feixuan paused slightly, her long eyelashes trembling, and a thoughtful look appeared in her clear eyes as she waited for what was to come.

Yi Huawei continued, "Fei Xuan just said that the Flower School pursues art into martial arts and regards martial arts as the highest art, which is true. Its successors are multi-talented and value artistic conception and charm. Rather than being 'demonic,' they have taken another extreme 'path.' The other schools also have their own origins."

He counted them off on his fingers, his tone calm and unhurried:

"The Yin Gui School originates from the ancient worship of women and pursues the ultimate Yin. To some extent, it can be seen as an extreme manifestation of women striving for advancement and resisting male dominance. Although its actions are extreme, its core is also a pursuit of women's power and status."

A hint of surprise flashed in Shi Feixuan's eyes, and she nodded slightly: "This is the first time I've heard of your theory, sir. Does the Yin Gui Sect have such a connection?"

"Let's look at the others,"

Yi Huawei smiled slightly: "The Heaven-Mending Path specializes in assassination and concealment, adhering to the principle of achieving goals through extraordinary means, much like the way of ancient assassins. The Demonic Appearance Sect excels in strategic maneuvering and cunning, resembling the strategists of a chaotic era. The Heavenly Lotus Sect establishes itself through the art of commerce, accumulating immense wealth, somewhat reminiscent of Tao Zhu, and is close to the eclectic school. The Path of Extinguishing Emotions severs emotions and desires, pursuing extreme power; although its path is unorthodox, it is still a method of cultivation, similar to the ascetics of ancient times. As for the True Transmission Path, it pursues the limits of heaven and man, using alchemy and talismans, closer to the appearance of primitive Taoism. And the Evil Extreme Sect encompasses everything, with its artifacts, mechanisms, and ingenious skills, which can also be seen as a variation of the Mohist artisan lineage."

His words clearly dissected the main factions of the Demonic Sect.

Shi Feixuan listened intently, her jade-like fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of her teacup, her eyes sparkling with wonder. Having been taught by Cihang Jingzhai since childhood, she knew that the Demonic Sect were mostly filled with those who wreaked havoc on the world and committed evil deeds. Who had ever interpreted it from such a grand historical and ideological perspective?
Yi Huawei’s words, though shocking, are not entirely without reason upon closer examination, and even subtly touch upon another aspect of the essence of the demonic sect.

"Sir, your profound knowledge and unique insights are truly admirable. Feixuan is filled with admiration."

Shi Feixuan spoke softly, her tone filled with sincere admiration, but then her tone shifted, remaining as cold as ever: "However, regardless of their ideological origins, the actions of various sects within the Demonic Sect today are mostly perverse and violent, treating human life as worthless, and causing havoc on the world—this is an indisputable fact. How can ideological disputes be a reason for the destruction of lives?"

"Well said."

Yi Huawei gave her an approving look: "That's why I said earlier that they are 'alienated' existences. When thoughts go to extremes, they lose their balance and harmony, and when they combine with power and desire, they naturally become prone to straying from the right path and going astray. But this does not mean that their thoughts themselves are worthless, but rather that those who follow them have gone astray."

"Feixuan's ability to see this demonstrates her magnanimity. However, governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; the slightest difference in heat or ingredients can lead to disastrous consequences. In my view, the future nation should adopt a 'legal framework with a Confucian exterior,' a blend of the ways of the king and the hegemon. It should have a strict and just legal system as its framework, laying the foundation for order, so that everyone, regardless of status or intelligence, is bound and protected by the law; it should have Confucian benevolent governance, moral principles, and a sense of shame as its exterior, nourishing the world, calming the people's hearts, and guiding them towards goodness; and it should have the inherent 'hegemonic way' of strengthening the nation, enriching the people, and pioneering and enterprising as its spirit, without being pedantic, timid, or complacent."

Yi Huawei leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening as if it could pierce through people's hearts: "Therefore, governing the world cannot be simply divided into 'good' and 'evil,' black and white. We need to be tolerant, taking the essence and discarding the dross."

"What do you mean, sir...?"

Shi Feixuan frowned slightly, as if she had a premonition of something.

Yi Huawei's tone was resolute, carrying a decisive air of looking down upon all living beings: "The new order I wish to establish is based on 'law'! Rule of law, equality before the law for all. Whether you are from a noble family or a commoner; whether you practice orthodox Taoist arts or demonic secret methods; whether you believe in Confucianism and benevolence or other schools of thought... as long as your actions violate the law, you will be punished according to the law, without any leniency!"

His voice wasn't loud, yet it possessed an imposing air, making the air in the private room seem heavier. The sound of the stream outside the window seemed to fade away, leaving only his steady words echoing:

"This is the 'legal essence'! As for the 'Confucian skin,' or even the skin of the Hundred Schools of Thought, all can be used. Confucianism's teachings help stabilize order, so its doctrines of benevolent governance and love for the people can be used; the Mohist school's universal love and non-aggression, and its ingenious craftsmanship, can be used for people's livelihood and military equipment; even the various sects of the Demonic Sect, as long as their skills and philosophies are beneficial to the country and the people, can be restrained and guided to play a positive role. For example, the Tianlian Sect's business acumen, if its greed can be restrained by law, can revitalize the economy; the True Transmission Dao's exploration of the limits of the human body, if used for strengthening the body, medicine, and pharmacology, would also be of great benefit." Shi Feixuan was completely stunned, her red lips slightly parted, speechless for a long time.

Yi Huawei's words completely overturned her previous understanding. This was no longer a simple struggle for supremacy, but rather the establishment of an unprecedented set of entirely new rules based on the complete annihilation of the old world! The grand scale and profound thinking behind his words left her momentarily shaken and unable to calm down.

She seemed to see a magnificent panorama unfolding before her: a vast empire, framed by cold laws yet embracing diversity and drawing upon the strengths of all, was slowly taking shape from the words of the man before her. This vision was astonishing, and... far too dangerous.

She couldn't help but ask, "Does the gentleman intend to accommodate the Demonic Sect?"

Yi Huawei smiled calmly: "It's not about acceptance, but about treating it as normal. Under the rule of the Heavenly Dao Alliance, in the future new order, regardless of which school of thought you believe in, what social class you come from, or what profession you engage in, the most important thing is whether you abide by the common laws. Within the laws, all schools of thought can flourish, and one can establish oneself based on talent and ability. But if anyone relies on martial arts, intelligence, or sect affiliation to violate the law, harm the people, or undermine the order..."

His tone suddenly turned cold. Although he didn't raise his voice, Shi Feixuan felt an invisible chill creeping up on her.

"...Then whether it is Cihang Jingzhai, Yin Gui Huajian, or even royalty, nobles, peddlers, or laborers, all will be punished according to the law, without any leniency. The Yin Gui sect has understood this principle, which is why it has been able to survive. If Shi Zhixuan remains stubborn and unenlightened, he will be nothing more than a skeleton in a tomb."

"Sir's ambition...is truly..."

Shi Feixuan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself: "However, this matter is easier said than done. The powerful clans are deeply entrenched, the various sects of the Demonic Path are unruly, and the alien races from all sides are eyeing us covetously... How will you achieve such a grand undertaking, sir? Do you really intend to rely on the Heavenly Alliance to sweep across the world and stop killing with killing?"

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei suddenly chuckled. His laughter carried absolute confidence and a hint of domineering arrogance. The atmosphere in the entire private room seemed to become heavy because of his laughter, and the moonlight flowing in from the window seemed to freeze for a moment.

"Feixuan,"

Yi Huawei said slowly, "If I told you that the Heavenly Dao Alliance would sweep away all the heroes under heaven and unify the Divine Land within three years, and that within three years, wherever the Heavenly Dao Alliance's iron cavalry went, the world would be at peace, driving out the Turks in the north, pacifying the Tuyuhun in the west, appeasing the various barbarians in the south, and reaching the sea in the east, and within ten years, eradicating all the barbarian tribes in the Western Regions and completely ending the politics of aristocratic clans, what I want to establish is an unprecedentedly vast empire. It will not only have a vast territory, but also a completely new system and a flourishing civilization, so that all directions will pay tribute, not only out of fear of its power, but also out of respect for its virtue. Do you believe me or not?"

Shi Feixuan's delicate body trembled violently, and the teacup almost slipped from her hand. She stared incredulously at Yi Huawei, whose calm expression belied his deep, unfathomable gaze, which seemed to hold the very essence of the starry sky, containing unparalleled determination and power. This man truly believed he could accomplish all of this!
Unification in three years? Pacifying the Western Regions and annihilating powerful clans in ten years? This is utterly delusional! No one in history has ever accomplished such a feat; even the mighty Han and Tang dynasties achieved it through generations of accumulation. Yet why does it possess such an irresistible, almost magical, power when spoken by him?

Shi Feixuan steadied herself and suddenly asked an extremely pointed question: "Then, may I ask, sir, what position will the Song Clan, which has now submitted to the Heavenly Dao Alliance and become an important force under your command, occupy in your new order of 'law as the guiding principle and equality for all beings'? How could Song Que, the Heavenly Blade, a hero of his generation, be willing to be subservient to others and watch as the foundation of the clan is undermined?"

This question gets to the heart of the matter. The support of the Song Clan is a huge asset to Yi Huawei, but the Song Clan itself is one of the most powerful and influential clans in the world. Yi Huawei's ideals and the interests of the Song Clan are fundamentally and irreconcilably contradictory.

Yi Huawei wasn't surprised that Shi Feixuan could grasp this key point so quickly; a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

"Feixuan, do you feel that this world is very vast?"

Shi Feixuan, not understanding, simply nodded slightly: "China, the land of China, is vast and boundless."

"No,"

Yi Huawei slowly shook his head: "The world I'm referring to isn't just the land of China. Beyond our sight, beyond the endless yellow sands of the Western Regions, across the miasma-ridden jungles of the South, and across the vast oceans of the East, in those distant and unknown lands lie countless vast, fertile, and undeveloped lands. Some places enjoy spring-like weather all year round, with abundant produce surpassing even the Jiangnan region; some places have gold and silver mines exposed on the ground, readily available; some places are crisscrossed by rivers and stretch for thousands of miles across plains, yet only a few primitive tribes live scattered about..."

Yi Huawei turned back, his gaze fixed intently on Shi Feixuan: "The world is far more vast than you can imagine. China is merely a relatively prosperous corner of this vast world."

Shi Feixuan was deeply shocked. What Yi Huawei described was completely beyond her previous understanding. It was a distant legend that only existed in ancient myths and the Classic of Mountains and Seas.

"What do you mean, sir?..."

Yi Huawei smiled calmly, but his words were earth-shattering: "I offer the Song clan, and all the nobles who have followed me and rendered meritorious service to the new dynasty, an opportunity. An opportunity to be granted land, to be crowned kings, and to establish their own kingdoms. Of course—not on Chinese soil. But in that endless distance. They can lead their willing followers and people aboard giant ships to the vast oceans to develop their own kingdoms. They can implement the laws they approve of there, and continue their culture, as long as they acknowledge the suzerainty of the motherland, China, and abide by basic diplomatic agreements. In this way, we can reward their merits, satisfy their ambitions, avoid the hidden dangers of territorial division within China, and spread Chinese civilization far and wide... Isn't that killing several birds with one stone?"

"..."

Shi Feixuan was completely speechless. Her lips parted slightly, and her beautiful eyes widened as she stared at Yi Huawei, as if she were seeing this person for the first time.

To establish kingdoms overseas? To expand the territory to endless lands? To spread Chinese civilization far and wide?

What astonishing ambition! What a crazy idea! And what... profound strategy!

This is no longer a warlord vying for supremacy, but an emperor with the entire world in his heart! No, he is even a being who transcends the emperor!

A long silence fell over the private room. The only sounds were the murmuring of the Huanhua Creek below the window, the faint chirping of night insects in the distance, the faint aroma of tea lingering in the room, and the flickering light and moonlight reflecting on Shi Feixuan's exquisite face.

Looking into Yi Huawei's calm yet unfathomable eyes, Shi Feixuan felt a surge of turmoil within her. She had only intended to test his views on the Demonic Sect, but she never expected that it would lead to such a groundbreaking and ambitious plan that could overturn the entire world order.

At this moment, Shi Feixuan's belief, which had originally leaned towards Li Shimin, was shaken violently for the first time.

Perhaps—this unfathomable "nameless" man before us is the true dragon who can end the chaos and create a new world like never before?
Her heart was in turmoil. (End of Chapter)