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Yi Huawei's calm words were like cold ink dripping into the warm waters of West Lake, instantly washing away the previous leisurely and beautiful atmosphere, leaving only the heavy and imposing reality of the world.

Dan Meixian's heart was completely stirred, her emotions churning. Yi Huawei's analysis of the situation in Jiangnan was precise, ruthless, and to the core, far surpassing any wise man or powerful figure she had ever encountered before. This was beyond the reach of ordinary people in the martial world, and even exceeded that of many regional warlords. That unwavering certainty in his understanding of the future, that indifference to the heroes as mere pawns, left her not only shocked, but also with a deeper, more complex sense of awe and... a stirring within her heart, a ripple that had been stirred by the shopkeeper's mistaken address.

She took a deep breath of the cool, moist air, trying to calm her turbulent emotions, and stared intently at Yi Huawei's profile, which appeared even more profound and unfathomable in the reflection of the lake.

"Young master, your insightful observations have revealed the perilous situation in Jiangnan. I have learned a great deal from your teachings."

Shan Meixian's voice was more solemn than before, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor:

"However, the world is in turmoil, and it is not just a corner of Jiangnan. Since you, sir, have such a comprehensive understanding of the whole situation, I dare to ask you... what are your views on the heroes of the world today?"

She asked the question that was both most urgent and most awe-inspiring in her heart. The enigmatic, moon-white gentleman before her clearly had a gaze that extended beyond just this corner of West Lake.

Yi Huawei's gaze remained fixed on the vast lake, as if piercing through mountains and rivers, overlooking the entire land of China. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, his voice still calm, yet carrying a weight of absolute authority:

"When the Sui dynasty lost its throne, the whole world vied for it. However, although there were many heroes, very few were able to claim the throne."

He paused, as if sorting through the landscape in his mind:

"The North, the Li Clan."

Upon hearing those two words, Shan Meixian's heart skipped a beat. The Li clan, the head of the Guanlong aristocracy, Li Yuan, the governor of Taiyuan! This was one of the most promising forces in the world, and just recently, Li Yuan had officially launched a rebellion in Taiyuan.

With Li Mi's victory over Zhang Xutuo boosting morale and leading to a series of great victories, the Sui dynasty can now only hold onto Chang'an (the western capital), Luoyang (the eastern capital), and Yangzhou (the southern capital). The Yang family's rule is in grave danger.

"Li Yuan was a mature and prudent man, seemingly mediocre, but in reality, he possessed great wisdom disguised as foolishness. His sons, Jiancheng and Shimin, were both extraordinary individuals, especially the second son, Shimin, who possessed the bearing of a dragon and the appearance of the sun and moon. He was brave, decisive, good at recruiting talented people, and deeply knowledgeable in military strategy. His advisors, such as Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, were all capable of assisting a king; his fierce generals, such as Changsun Wuji and Yuchi Jingde, were tigers among men. Moreover, he occupied the strategically important Taiyuan, had the full support of the Guanzhong aristocratic families, had well-trained troops and sufficient supplies, and enjoyed the support of the people. His power was already established; he only needed an opportunity to rise like a dragon and a tiger, take Chang'an to the west, and look down upon the world. He was... the one with the most kingly aura."

Yi Huawei's high praise for Li Shimin surprised Shan Meixian. The Dongming faction also had arms dealings with the Li clan and had heard of Li Shimin's name.

The current heir of the Li clan is Li Jiancheng. Although his martial arts skills surpass those of his father and he is known as the number one expert in the Li clan, he is not as popular as Li Shimin and his reputation is much lower.

But I never imagined that in Yi Huawei's mind, this person would be elevated to such a high level! The assessment of "dragon and phoenix appearance" and "kingly demeanor" is almost a final prediction!

"What about Li Mi of Wagang?"

Shan Meixian couldn't help but press for more information. The Wagang Army was a formidable force, sweeping across the Central Plains, and Li Mi was regarded by many as the leader of the anti-Sui alliance.

A faint hint of sarcasm flickered across Yi Huawei's lips: "Li Mi is exceptionally talented, ambitious but incompetent, harsh and ungrateful, and difficult to tolerate. He appears to be on a winning streak, but in reality, his foundation is already crumbling. He occupies Luokou, trapped in a strategically vital location surrounded by enemies. To the east, Wang Shichong is watching with predatory eyes, and to the west, the Li clan's military might is at its peak. He is suspicious by nature and cannot fully utilize truly talented individuals like Xu Shiji and Wei Zheng, instead being controlled by mediocre people. Although his power is strong, it is like a rootless duckweed, destined to collapse. His day of defeat is not far off."

"Critical and ungrateful," "intolerant of others," "rootless and adrift"... Yi Huawei's evaluation of Li Mi is like a knife, pointing directly to his fatal weaknesses.

Shan Meixian recalled the rumors she had heard about Li Mi's attempt to kill Zhai Rang, as well as the subtle cracks within Wagang, and couldn't help but agree. She was even more impressed by Yi Huawei's insight.

"Then... Dou Jiande of Hebei?"

Shan Meixian continued to ask. Dou Jiande was deeply loved by the people of Hebei and was renowned for his benevolence and righteousness.

"Dou Jiande, a hero from humble beginnings, was adept at winning people's hearts and minds, able to gather a crowd, and had a solid foundation."

Yi Huawei's tone softened slightly: "Having occupied Hebei and gradually consolidated his power, he can be considered a regional strongman. However, due to his humble origins, his vision is ultimately limited by his rough and ready nature, lacking the ambition to conquer the world and the true talent to manage the world. Under his command, there is no Zhang Liang or Xiao He in strategy, and no Han Xin or Wei Qing in bravery. He is good at maintaining the status quo but lacks the drive to advance. If he encounters an enlightened ruler, he may become a regional warlord; but if he encounters a time of great strife, he will ultimately be unable to escape destruction."

The assessment was fair, pointing out Dou Jiande's strengths and insurmountable limitations. Shan Meixian nodded slightly.

“Jianghuai Du Fuwei?” She remembered that Yi Huawei had mentioned this person before.

"Du Fuwei, with the bearing of a ruthless and decisive leader, is cunning in his military tactics and deeply understands the ways of survival. He occupies Liyang, controlling the throat of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, and his power expands extremely rapidly. He is a true wolf in troubled times."

Yi Huawei's gaze turned towards the Jianghuai region: "His struggle with Li Zitong is a struggle for hegemony in Jianghuai. This man is ambitious and ruthless, but his rule is still relatively lawful and not entirely brutal. In the future... he may be able to carve out a territory and dominate Jianghuai, but if he wants to conquer the Central Plains, he still lacks the mandate of heaven and a sufficient foundation. His success or failure depends on whether he can stand out in the chaotic battle among the heroes of Jiangnan and... find a truly stable foothold."

The evaluation of Du Fuwei focused more on his ability to survive in chaotic times and his ruthless nature, highlighting his potential. Shan Meixian silently noted this down, as it was crucial for the Dongming Sect's business strategy in the Jianghuai region.

"Furthermore, Wang Shichong of Luoyang is a cunning and treacherous man, full of deceit and lacking in integrity, tyrannical and cruel. Although he holds a strong city, it will not last long. Liang Shidu and Liu Wuzhou of Shuofang are nothing more than scoundrels who rely on the Turks and are unlikely to achieve great things. As for the remnants of the Guanzhong Plain such as the Yuwen and Dugu clans, they are confined to a corner and rely on the Li clan or the remnants of the Sui dynasty. They have already lost the opportunity to compete for the world."

Yi Huawei's voice wasn't loud, yet it seemed to compose a verdict on the fate of all the heroes under heaven. His gaze swept over Shan Meixian's shocked and focused face, finally settling back on the shimmering waves of West Lake, his tone carrying an indescribable sense of vicissitude and indifference:
"In this era of great strife, dragons and snakes rise from the land. However, what Heaven decrees and the will of Heaven bestows is not merely military might, but also the support of the people, innovative systems, abundant talent, and a grand vision. The ills of the old Sui Dynasty lay in its tyranny, moral decay, and the corruption of its powerful clans. A new dynasty, to establish itself, must cleanse itself of the old and create a new order. Whoever can inherit this destiny, reform the old and establish the new, can truly unify the world and recreate the universe." These words went beyond merely analyzing the strength of the various powers; they rose to the level of destiny, the will of Heaven, and institutional reform! The wisdom and experience gained from ruling a vast empire for a century were revealed in this moment!
Shan Meixian felt her mind and spirit shaken. The young master before her had a vision that transcended the common folk and even surpassed that of regional warlords. He saw the trajectory of the rise and fall of future empires and the evolution of civilization! This was a perspective that no ordinary master, or even an ordinary strategist, could possess!

Shan Wanjing was completely stunned. Her mouth was slightly open, and her sapphire-like eyes were wide open, staring unblinkingly at Yi Huawei. Although she couldn't fully grasp the complexities of the world situation and the profound principles of governance, the air of control and judgment in Yi Huawei's words, the detached and aloof demeanor as if a god were surveying the human game, was deeply imprinted on her young mind. She felt her heart pounding, and an unprecedented sense of awe and... a strange longing quietly began to grow within her.

Shan Meixian remained speechless for a long time, gazing intently at Yi Huawei. Her dignified and gentle face was now filled with pure awe and an indescribable tremor. Her fingers, tucked into her sleeves, curled slightly, their tips icy cold. Could there truly be such a person in this world? He seemed not to belong to this chaotic world, but rather to come from a higher, more distant realm, or… from the depths of time itself.

“Your words are truly enlightening. I have only just realized what it means to be ‘a frog in a well’.”

After a long while, Shan Meixian finally found her voice. With a hint of sincere admiration, she bowed respectfully to Yi Huawei and said, "It is truly a great fortune for the Dongming Sect to hear such wise words from you in this chaotic world!"

Yi Huawei turned slightly to the side, not accepting her full bow, his gaze remaining calm and composed: "Just some humble opinion, said in response to the situation."

Shan Meixian had already taken Yi Huawei's analysis to heart, but there was still a behemoth entrenched in the south that she couldn't ignore. She leaned slightly forward, her voice carrying a hint of inquiry:
"Young Master's insight into the heroes of the world is truly enlightening. However... the Song Clan of Lingnan dominates the Baiyue region, and Song Que, the Heavenly Blade, is widely recognized as the world's number one swordsman. His prestige and martial arts skills intimidate Lingnan and even influence the entire south. I wonder what Young Master's opinion is on the Song Clan?"

Mentioning the name "Song Que of the Heavenly Blade," Shan Meixian's tone unconsciously carried a hint of respect. Shan Wanjing, on the other hand, perked up her ears, clearly extremely curious about this legendary grandmaster.

Yi Huawei's deep gaze drifted towards the distant Lingnan region. He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, his tone unusually complex, containing both admiration and a barely perceptible hint of... regret?
"The Song Clan... Song Que."

Yi Huawei's voice remained calm:

"Song Que is a man of extraordinary talent and skill. His martial arts have reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, and his title of 'Heavenly Blade' is truly well-deserved. What is even more remarkable is that under his rule, Lingnan is governed by strict laws and regulations, with equal emphasis on agriculture and commerce, and the people live in peace and stability, far surpassing the chaotic Central Plains. His prestige and talent truly make him one of the top figures of our time."

Upon hearing this, Shan Meixian felt somewhat reassured; the power of the Song Clan was undeniable. However, Yi Huawei's tone shifted, and his regret became clear:

"However, Song Que is too stubborn."

"Persistence?" Shan Meixian asked, puzzled.

"They are committed to the purity of their Han bloodline, to the glory of their aristocratic families, and to using pure force and will to fight against the overwhelming and irreversible trend of the world and the will of the people."

Yi Huawei's voice carried a chilling insight into the ways of the world:

"His heart was higher than the sky, his ambition could swallow mountains and rivers, and his sword could slay gods and demons. Unfortunately, his vision... ultimately failed to transcend the shackles of his aristocratic family."

Yi Huawei's gaze seemed to pierce through Song Que's unparalleled blade light, seeing something deeper:

"Although Lingnan is fortified, it is not the foundation for a kingdom. Its territory is located in a remote corner, and its population, resources, and strategic depth are insufficient to support its ambition to conquer the Central Plains. Song Que wanted to use his own strength and the sharpness of his sword to save the Han dynasty from collapse and go against the general trend of the world. His ambition is commendable, but his actions... were like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, futile and tragic."

"He possessed unparalleled martial arts skills and the talent to govern the world, but he was limited by his social class and failed to truly humble himself and recruit talented people from humble backgrounds across the country, thus failing to carry out the disruptive and transformative act of 'Are kings and nobles born with special privileges?' Although his rule was peaceful, the system was still a reform of the old Sui dynasty's system of aristocratic families, failing to address the root causes. His strategy was also too conservative, allowing the heroes of the Central Plains to vie for power. By the time he was ready to act, the north had already been settled, and the tide had turned."

Yi Huawei sighed softly at the end, concluding the story of this peerless swordsman:
"Song Que was a mighty lion guarding the gates and a shrewd sword protecting the courtyard, but he was not a true dragon to open up new territories. His fate might be to maintain peace in Lingnan and become a powerful warlord whom the new dynasty both feared and had to treat with respect; or... when he tried to intervene in the world's chess game with unparalleled military force, he was defeated and left with only a sigh for the ages. His tragedy lay in his ambition; his regret lay in his time; and his limitation lay in his heart."

This evaluation elevates Song Que's unparalleled martial arts skills and talent for governing the world to the highest level, while ruthlessly pointing out his fundamental strategic limitations and misalignment with the times, almost predicting his tragic end!

Dan Meixian was deeply shocked. She had never imagined that Song Que, the mighty Heavenly Blade, was such a tragic figure of a conservative in Yi Huawei's eyes! That insight was almost a cold fatalism.

Shan Wanjing was somewhat confused, only feeling that Uncle Song Que, whom Young Master Yi had mentioned, seemed very powerful, but also very... pitiful?
Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, Shan Meixian realized that Yi Huawei's perspective not only encompassed the heroes vying for worldly supremacy but also included the vast forces hidden behind the scenes. She mustered her courage, lowered her voice, and asked with a hint of awe:
"Young Master's wisdom shines across the land. Not only are the heroes of the secular world as clear as the lines on the palm of your hand, but surely those hidden forces of the righteous and demonic paths, who stir up the winds and clouds of the world, will also not escape your discerning eyes? Such as the Cihang Jingzhai, the chosen emperor of the previous generation, and the various demonic sects that are at odds with it... I wonder what the young master thinks of them?"

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei's lips seemed to curve into a very faint, almost imperceptible arc. It wasn't a smile, but rather a knowing look when looking down at the chessboard and spotting a few special pieces.

"Good? Devil?"

His voice carried a detached indifference, as if he were commenting on two groups of fish fighting in a pond:

"Cihang Jingzhai, Jingnian Chan Temple... claiming to be the leaders of the righteous path and the emperor chosen by Heaven, they appear detached from worldly affairs, but in reality, they are deeply entrenched in it without realizing it. Their foundation lies in Buddhist faith, and their methods lie in 'creating momentum' and 'investing'. They choose a 'wise ruler,' support him wholeheartedly, and use the influence of Buddhism to manipulate public opinion, helping him to ascend to the top, in exchange for the new dynasty's respect and protection for Buddhism. This method... has been used throughout history, and can indeed be called 'mature and skillful in governing the country.'"

Yi Huawei's tone was calm, yet every word was piercing, ruthlessly tearing away the veil of transcendence and sanctity that Cihang Jingzhai possessed:
"However, their so-called 'selecting an emperor on behalf of Heaven' is nothing more than using their own ideology as the standard to carry out the act of 'creating a god.' Their vision may have some unique aspects (such as betting on Li Shimin), but their foundation determines the upper limit of their scope—ultimately, they are just a religious force dependent on imperial power, unable to escape the essence of being a tool. Fan Qinghui is a person of outstanding wisdom and is good at calculation, but in the end, he cannot escape the confines of Buddhism and aristocratic families. His 'righteous path' halo is just icing on the cake in the struggle for hegemony in a chaotic world, and it is difficult for him to be a fundamental force to help those in need. The likes of Feima Ranch and Bashu Jiehui may be local strongmen or strategic locations, but they all depend on the general trend and are difficult to become the dominant force."

When the Demonic Sect was mentioned, Yi Huawei's eyes seemed to deepen:
"As for the two sects and six paths of the demonic sects... Yin Kui Sect, Hua Jian Sect, Butian Pavilion, Mie Qing Dao, Xie Ji Sect... They have a history of thousands of years, profound foundation, strange techniques, and eccentric behavior. In essence, they are nothing more than an alliance of lost souls who have been suppressed by successive dynasties and rejected by the righteous path, and have turned to the shadows and extremes. Their internal factions are numerous and they fight each other, which is more chaotic and disorderly than the hypocritical unity of the righteous path."

(End of this chapter)