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Li Xiaogong's face alternated between pale and flushed, the immense humiliation almost overwhelming his reason. But he knew that any unnecessary words or actions at this moment could lead to his death. He clenched his teeth so hard his gums almost bled, forcing out a few words: "We...go!"

Changsun Wuji took a deep breath, trying to calm his churning blood. He gave Yi Huawei a long, complex look, filled with fear and apprehension. He helped the almost unsteady Li Xiaogong up and signaled the remaining unaffected guard to lift his companion's body. The three of them staggered away from the suffocating, blood-red chamber, almost as if fleeing.

The heavy wooden door closed again, isolating the inside from the outside.

Inside the secret room, only Yi Huawei, Wanwan, and the four leaders of Bashu, who were in shock, remained.

The stench of blood in the air grew stronger, and the light from the tallow lamp seemed to dim, casting a long shadow of Yi Huwei's tall figure on the stone wall.

Yi Huawei slowly turned around, his deep, star-like eyes calmly looking at Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, Fan Zhuo, and Si Na, whose beautiful eyes sparkled with unpredictable thoughts.

A gentle smile reappeared on his face, a stark contrast to the imposing demeanor he had displayed just moments before, a smile that commanded life and death.

"Alright, the noisy guests have been seen off."

Yi Huawei’s gentle voice broke the suffocating silence.

"Now, we can have a proper talk."

"Regarding the future of Sichuan and Chongqing, regarding...your futures."

Yi Huawei's gaze was clear and honest, as if nothing had happened. However, the bloodstains on the ground that had not yet dried, and the lingering smell of blood in the air, constantly reminded Feng Zhen and the other three of the terrifying strength of this gentle and refined young man.

Feng Zhen's Adam's apple bobbed, and he swallowed hard. He exchanged a glance with Jiao Luofeng and Fan Zhuo, and they both saw an unprecedented solemnity in each other's eyes.

Sina gently smoothed her slightly disheveled hair, her luscious red lips curving into a captivating smile. She spoke first, her voice still soft and sweet, but with less of the playfulness and more seriousness:
"Please enlighten me, Alliance Leader."

Yi Huawei seemed oblivious to the stagnant air and lingering killing intent. He slowly walked towards the heavy, long wooden table, his gaze sweeping over the huge sheepskin map on the wall, pausing briefly on the basin area representing Sichuan and Chongqing. Then, he naturally sat down in the hardwood chair that was originally a guest seat but now seemed to have become the dominant one.

His posture was relaxed, as if he had returned to his own study.

Wanwan moved barefoot and silently stood to his side, slightly behind him. A red silk ribbon hung in her hand, her eyes downcast, seemingly lost in thought. The terrifying murderous aura that had instantly killed three people had vanished without a trace, but her quiet presence itself was a silent deterrent. Her bright gaze occasionally swept over Feng Zhen and the other three, carrying an indescribable scrutiny that made them dare not be the slightest bit negligent.

Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, Fan Zhuo, and Sina exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of awe in the other's eyes.

The group sat down again, but their postures were much more upright and tense than when they had faced the Li Tang envoys. Yi Huawei's takeover of the meeting was so natural, as if he was born to be the center of attention.

"Before we talk about the future, perhaps we can look at the past first."

Yi Huawei smiled slightly and said in a calm voice, "Do you all know that this land beneath our feet, known as 'Huaxia,' has witnessed countless stories of migration, integration, rise and fall of ethnic groups over thousands of years?"

His gaze turned to Jiao Luofeng, the elder of the Ba people, and he spoke in a calm tone: "Elder Jiao Luofeng, the Ba people are brave and fierce, and they revere the White Tiger. They once established the state of Jiangzhou, contending with Shu and Chu, and wrote a brilliant chapter in history. Historical records state that 'King Wu of Zhou's conquest of Zhou was actually aided by the armies of Ba and Shu,' and the warriors of Ba 'sang and danced to intimidate the Yin people.' How valiant they were!"

Jiao Luofeng's usually placid face showed a slight change in expression, and his white eyebrows twitched.

Even the younger generation of the Ba people may not know all about their glorious ancient history, but Yi Huawei casually recounted it with a sense of familiarity and...respect.
With a smile, Yi Huawei turned to look at Sina: "Sina's Yao ancestors originated from the 'Jingman' and 'Changsha Wulingman' people. For generations, they lived in the mountains, practicing slash-and-burn agriculture, weaving beautiful cloth, and passing down ancient songs. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, they have migrated many times, leaving their footprints all over the Nanling Mountains. Their perseverance and wisdom in coexisting with nature are admirable."

A hint of surprise flashed across Sina's bright face. She hadn't expected that this mysterious and powerful leader of the Heavenly Dao Alliance would know so much about the history of their people, who were regarded as "barbarians" by the Central Plains, and that his tone was full of respect, only an equal narration.

"There is also the Qiang people led by Chief Feng Zhen, whose history is long and can be traced back to the ancient Qiang. The Yan Emperor's surname Jiang is also related to the Qiang. They herded sheep and followed the grass, built stone houses, and created a unique watchtower culture. Although Chief Fan established the Sichuan gang mainly composed of Han people, he was active in this Bashan and Shushui region and dealt with various ethnic groups. He must have a deep understanding of the diversity of this land."

Yi Huawei's gaze swept over Feng Zhen and Fan Zhuo for the last time before returning to the flickering lamplight. His tone grew somber: "However, for thousands of years, the relationship between the Central Plains dynasties and the surrounding border tribes has mostly not been so peaceful. Conquest, assimilation, expulsion... it has been a recurring cycle. The Zhou dynasty's conquest of Jingchu, the Han dynasty's conquest of the southwestern barbarians, Zhuge Liang's 'seven captures and seven releases' during the Three Kingdoms period to stabilize the south, and the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, with the influx of the Five Barbarian tribes into China, were periods of great integration and upheaval intertwined with blood and fire."

Yi Huawei's voice echoed in the secret room, carrying a heavy sense of history:

“The Central Plains viewed the surrounding areas as barbarians, and the surrounding areas sometimes viewed the Central Plains as oppressors. Hatred and estrangement grew and accumulated over this long period of time. At its root, it was nothing more than the eight words ‘Those who are not of our race will surely have different hearts’ and… the struggle for resources for survival, for land, and for dominance.”

Feng Zhen and the others remained silent. What Yi Huawei said was a reality that their ancestors had personally experienced. The existence of the Ba Alliance, to some extent, was for the purpose of uniting to resist potential oppression from the outside, especially from the Central Plains dynasties.

"but,"

Yi Huawei abruptly changed the subject: "Times have changed. The world in my eyes is by no means limited to these eighteen states of the Central Plains!" He suddenly stood up, walked to the huge sheepskin map, and traced his finger across the entire Huaxia region: "From the time when the Yellow Emperor cleared the mountains and opened the roads, united the Yan Emperor and Chi You, and founded the Huaxia tribal alliance, the people living on this land have been peoples sharing a common destiny! Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han... which dynasty or generation did not continuously absorb and integrate the so-called 'Eastern Yi,' 'Western Rong,' 'Southern Man,' and 'Northern Di' to finally achieve its grandeur?"

"The Qin people were once regarded as the Western Rong, and the Chu people called themselves 'barbarians,' yet they all eventually became an inseparable part of China and injected powerful vitality into it!"

Yi Huawei gently tapped his finger on the map: "Bloodline and culture have always grown stronger through movement and declined through isolation! The so-called distinction between Chinese and barbarians is not about the purity of bloodlines, but about civilization and etiquette, and whether we can recognize and jointly protect this land where we were born and raised!"

As he spoke, Yi Huawei turned around and looked intently at the four leaders: "The Heavenly Way of the Heavenly Alliance that I founded is not some vague divine decree, but the Way of 'the world belongs to all,' the Way of 'equality of all beings,' and the Way of 'ending strife, jointly resisting foreign aggression, and opening up the future'!"

"Under my command are Han Chinese, powerful clans like the Song Clan of Lingnan, and demonic sects like the Yin Kui Sect. In the future, there will surely be Ba people, Qiang people, Yao people... and all other ethnic groups living on this land!"

He pointed to Wanwan and said gently, "The Yin Kui Sect was once regarded as a demonic sect, and its actions were extreme. But what I see is that its members are also flesh and blood, with their own needs and potential. If we can guide them towards good and put them on the right track, they can become a force to protect China, rather than a force to destroy it. If I treat the Yin Kui Sect this way, how could I, Yi Huawei, possibly discriminate against, oppress, or even exterminate you, the people who have lived here for generations, intermingling with the Han people and jointly developing Sichuan?"

These words completely overturned Feng Zhen and the others' consistent understanding of those who "contend for supremacy." They had originally thought that even if this leader of the Heavenly Dao Alliance was more moderate than Li Tang, his ultimate goal was nothing more than to appease and utilize them, and he would still inevitably assimilate and annex them. However, what Yi Huawei proposed was an unprecedented... vision of equality and integration?
"Alliance Leader...is this true?"

Jiao Luofeng's voice was hoarse and trembling with disbelief. The iron staff in his hand had somehow left the ground, showing his extreme inner turmoil.

“Words alone are not enough; you will surely have doubts.”

Yi Huawei had anticipated their reaction and calmly returned to his seat: "Once the world is at peace, the system I intend to implement will be far more than a simple 'change of dynasties'."

"First, under the framework of the imperial court, an 'Ethnic Affairs Bureau' will be established. This bureau is independent of the Six Ministries and is directly responsible to... well, directly to the highest ruling authority. Each major ethnic group can nominate capable representatives to this bureau to participate in the formulation of policies that are of vital interest to each ethnic group, and they will have the right to make suggestions and supervise. Any major decisions made by the imperial court involving the border regions and ethnic groups must be made in consultation with this bureau."

Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, and Sina's eyes lit up instantly! This meant that they would have a direct channel to speak at the central level in the future! This was far more concrete and powerful than Li Tang's vague promise of "allies"!
"Secondly, in terms of local governance,"

Yi Huawei continued, “In multi-ethnic regions such as Sichuan, Lingnan, and Jingxiang, a ‘dual-track governance’ system will be implemented. On the one hand, the prefecture-county system will be implemented, with officials dispatched by the imperial court to manage taxes, criminal law, and major military and political affairs, ensuring unified government orders and equal application of the law to everyone, regardless of whether they are Han or non-Han. On the other hand, in areas where ethnic groups live in concentrated communities, the autonomy of leaders, chieftains, and Tusi within a certain scope will be recognized and guaranteed!”

As he spoke, he turned to look at Feng Zhen and Jiao Luofeng: "For example, within Qiang villages and Ba tribes, traditional customary laws, sacrificial rituals, and methods of electing leaders are respected by the court and will not be interfered with, as long as they do not violate the fundamental laws of the country or endanger social stability. You can manage the daily affairs of your tribes according to the old customs."

He then looked at Sina: "The Yao people's 'Yao Elder System' and Stone Tablet Law can be preserved as long as they are conducive to the unity and development of the tribe. The imperial court will even send officials to help you compile some excellent customary laws into written form to make them more standardized."

"Furthermore, in terms of economy and culture,"

Yi Huwei's words became increasingly detailed: "The imperial court will vigorously support the border regions and ethnic minority areas. Mining, water conservancy projects, and improvements in farming and animal husbandry techniques will generate revenue, most of which will be used for local development and improving people's livelihoods. The imperial court will establish a special fund to help various ethnic groups develop their unique handicrafts, such as Yao brocade, Qiang embroidery, and Ba lacquerware, and will also help them open up trade routes to sell their products throughout the country and even overseas!"

"At the same time, we will encourage cultural exchange. We will establish official schools in various prefectures and counties, where children of all ethnicities, regardless of their background, can enroll to study the classics of Central Plains culture, as well as practical subjects such as mathematics, physics, and medicine. Similarly, the court will support each ethnic group in preserving and developing its own language, songs, dances, and medical knowledge. We will organize specialists to help ethnic groups without written languages ​​record their history and wisdom. What I want is not to eliminate differences, but to 'appreciate the beauty of each, appreciate the beauty of others, and share beauty together!'"

Yi Huawei's voice carried a heartwarming sincerity: "The ultimate goal is to break down the barriers and divisions that have existed for thousands of years! To allow the sons of Sichuan and Chongqing to confidently go to Jiangnan to do business, to allow the scholars of Lingnan to openly take the imperial examinations in Chang'an, and to allow the warriors of the Qiang people to proudly join the army and fight to protect our shared Chinese territory! To allow all the people living on this land to first identify themselves as 'Chinese,' and then as Han, Ba, Qiang, Yao... We share a common past, and we will surely create a shared and even more glorious future!"

Yi Huawei's gaze swept over the four people, whose minds were in turmoil and whose faces were filled with shock and disbelief, and finally he said in a deep voice:

"This is my promise, and it is also the future path of the Heavenly Dao Alliance. It is not for annexation, but for integration; not for enslavement, but for shared prosperity. Bashu will be one of the starting points for practicing this path. If you are willing to walk with me, you are not vassals, but co-builders, one of the writers of a new chapter in the life of this ancient land!"

"Should we continue to hold onto our corner of the world, only to be crushed in the face of future upheavals, or become pawns and cannon fodder in the struggle for supremacy? Or should we seize the opportunity, join this unprecedented great cause, and earn a truly equal, dignified, and hopeful future for ourselves and our people?"

The choice is yours.

After he finished speaking, the secret room fell into a long silence.

Jiao Luofeng's chest heaved, his hand holding the iron staff trembled slightly, and in his deep eyes that had seen through the ways of the world, a flame he thought had long since been extinguished burned.

Feng Zhen was breathing rapidly, his lean face flushed with excitement, and his eyes were filled with complex shock as he looked at Yi Huawei.

Fan Zhuo opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat dry. He realized that the Sichuan gang he had always pursued seemed so insignificant in the face of the grand blueprint drawn by Yi Huawei.

Sina lightly bit her red lips, and her naturally alluring eyes shone with the brightest and sharpest light. She stared straight at Yi Huawei, as if trying to see through his gentle appearance to discern his truest intentions.

The tallow lamp crackled and popped, producing a burst of light.

A sudden burst of light illuminated Yi Huawei's calm and confident face, making him appear almost divine. (End of Chapter)