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"Drag him out and feed the dog!"

Zhu Yuyan slowly withdrew her hand, as if she had merely brushed away a speck of dust. She didn't even glance at the corpse on the ground; her purple eyes were indifferent, as if she had crushed nothing more than an insignificant ant. Decades of forbearance and filth vanished with that single palm strike.

Just then, a messenger from the Yin Kui Sect, covered in dust and mud and breathing rapidly, stumbled into the courtyard, his voice filled with extreme panic, breaking the deathly silence:

"Report! Empress! Elder! The sky...the sky has collapsed!"

"Jiangdu... Urgent report from Jiangdu! Yuwen Chengdu of the Yuwen clan... has murdered the emperor! Emperor Yang of Sui... has been killed at the Jiangdu Palace!"

boom!
This news was even more shocking than Bian Bufu's death! Emperor Yang of Sui was dead?! Killed by the Yuwen clan?!
The world is truly about to descend into utter chaos!
Zhu Yuyan and her two grandchildren all turned their gazes toward Yi Huawei, who stood quietly to the side, seemingly detached from the situation.

Yi Huawei slowly opened his eyes. In the deep starry sky, countless star trails seemed to have subtly shifted. Looking towards Luoyang in the north, a clear and meaningful smile finally appeared on his lips.

"Ha, still dying at the hands of the Yuwen clan?"

Bian Bufu's body was quickly dragged away. The thick stench of blood in the courtyard had not yet dissipated when it was shattered by the earth-shattering news of the regicide. The shock of Bian Bufu's death lingered on the faces of the Yin Kui Sect members, but it was now replaced by an even greater sense of bewilderment.

With the death of the Sui emperor, the pillar of heaven collapsed, and the last fig leaf of this glorious Sui Dynasty was torn to shreds by the Yuwen clan in the most bloody way!

Yi Huawei slowly turned around, his eyes, which seemed to hold the stars, sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Zhu Yuyan and her two grandchildren. His voice remained calm, yet it carried a strange power that seemed to pierce through the fog and manipulate the universe, instantly silencing all the noise and unease in the courtyard.

"Yang Guang's death was not the end, but rather the clarion call that ushered in a new era of great strife. The Yuwen clan... heh heh~, Yuwen Shang was cunning and calculating yet indecisive, Yuwen Chengdu was brave but lacked wisdom, and Yuwen Shiji was an ambitious but incompetent wastrel. This act of regicide, ironically, became his death warrant—"

The meaningful curve of his lips deepened, revealing undisguised contempt:
"A vicious dog has turned its back on its master, cutting itself off from the world. In the eyes of the world, the Yuwen clan is nothing more than Yang Guang's lackeys and henchmen, already infamous. This regicide has further solidified their reputation as 'traitors and rebels' and 'disloyal and unjust.' No matter how high Yuwen Shang and Yuwen Huaji's martial arts skills are, or how strong their troops are, they cannot escape the fate of 'losing the Way and finding little support.' Their occupation of Jiangdu may seem like a gain, but in reality, they have become enemies of the world, surrounded by enemies on all sides. They are nothing but withered bones in a tomb, unable to hop around for more than a few days, and are not worth worrying about."

These words, like a thunderclap, cleaved the gloom in everyone's hearts. Zhu Yuyan's purple eyes flashed with a sharp light; having experienced the ways of the world for so long, she knew the importance of winning hearts and minds. Yi Huawei had pointed out precisely the Yuwen Clan's greatest weakness—the complete loss of morality and the utter defeat of its people!

No matter how strong the military force, without a righteous cause and the support of the people, it is nothing more than water without a source and a tree without roots.

"Li Mi of Wagang".

Yi Huawei changed the subject, his tone carrying a cold insight into human nature: "This man is indeed a ruthless and ambitious figure. He rose to power by taking advantage of the situation, swept through Henan, and his influence was unparalleled for a time. However, he is narrow-minded, stubborn, and especially wary of those whose achievements overshadow his master. The lesson of Zhai Rang is not far off; internal strife within Wagang has buried deep hidden dangers. Although his power is fierce, like oil being poured on a raging fire, it appears magnificent, but in reality, its foundation is unstable, and it is difficult to escape the fate of declining after reaching its peak."

Zhu Yuyan nodded slightly. The Yin Kui Sect's spies in Luoyang had also sent back similar intelligence, indicating that Li Mi was indeed intolerant of people.

Yi Huawei's gaze seemed to pierce through countless mountains and rivers, landing on the north:
"The Li clan, based in Taiyuan, has a deep-rooted foundation. Li Yuan is shrewd and calculating, having endured for many years. His son, Li Shimin, is even more outstanding, possessing great talent and ambition, with the ambition to conquer the world. With the Guanzhong aristocratic foundation, coupled with Li Shimin's ability to recruit talented people and win their hearts, and with the Cihang Jingzhai clan secretly supporting him and building momentum... this is a true dragon lying in the abyss, waiting for the right opportunity to soar to the sky! They are the most powerful contenders for the world in the future, and also the biggest rival of the Yin Kui faction."

Mentioning Cihang Jingzhai, a fierce glint flashed in Zhu Yuyan's eyes, but she was immediately struck by the extremely high praise Yi Huawei gave to the Li family (especially Li Shimin). She knew all too well how discerning this "young master" was; if he valued the Li family so highly, then the Li family... was probably no ordinary family.

"Song Clan".

Yi Huawei's voice carried a hint of appreciation: "Lingnan is a remote and isolated region, far from the emperor's reach. Song Que is an unparalleled master of swordsmanship and a capable minister in governing the country. The Song clan's control over Lingnan is like an iron barrel, with well-trained troops, ample supplies, and the people's hearts are with them. Their strategy allows them to either advance and contend for the Central Plains or retreat and establish their own independent territory, as stable as a rock. Although their ambitions are difficult to fathom, their strength should not be underestimated. They are a crucial factor that can influence the world's格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall political landscape or the overall political situation)."

"The Lone Vale".

Yi Huawei's tone softened: "Besieged in Luoyang, they can't shake off the label of being related to the empress. Although there are experts like You Chuhong in charge, they lack a true leader who can command the overall situation and expand their territory. Caught between various forces, they can manage to play both sides, but if they want to contend for the world... they lack the strength and are unlikely to achieve great things."

With just a few words, he thoroughly analyzed the strengths and weaknesses, and lifelines of the world's top clans, as if he held the fate of the world in his palm! The courtyard was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. All the Yin Kui Sect disciples, including Elder Wen Caiting (Elder Xia), listened intently, their minds reeling. Zhu Yuyan was especially thrilled; Yi Huawei's analysis corroborated her existing knowledge, yet it was even more insightful and focused directly on the core issues!

Yi Huawei's gaze finally returned to Zhu Yuyan, his deep, starry eyes seeming to see through her and the fate of the entire Yin Kui Sect:

"As for the righteous and demonic paths... Cihang Jingzhai has closed its gates, Ning Daoqi is seriously injured, and the righteous path is temporarily leaderless. This is a perfect opportunity for the various demonic sects to rise up, compete for resources, and expand their power. However..."

His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a condescending authority:

"The six sects of the Demonic Path are each harboring their own ulterior motives, a disorganized mess. The Evil Extreme Sect is fragmented, with factions such as the Extinction of Emotion Path, the Heavenly Lotus Sect, and the True Transmission Path either clinging to a corner of the world or lacking foresight, unable to gain any real power. Shi Zhixuan is seriously injured and in hiding, making him even less of a threat. At this turbulent time, the Yin Kui Sect seeks survival, prosperity, and an unshakeable foundation for all ages..."

He paused, each word like a heavy hammer blow to Zhu Yuyan's heart:
"Your foundation lies in women, in bewitching hearts, controlling secrets, and infiltrating the court. Conquering the world and ascending to the throne is neither your forte nor the destiny of Heaven."

Zhu Yuyan's heart jolted, a bitter feeling and resentment quietly rising within her, yet she had no choice but to acknowledge the cold, hard truth.

A female demonic sect member becomes empress? Unprecedented in history!
Even now that she has mastered her supernatural skills, she has never had such a delusion.

Yi Huawei's voice continued:

"What the Yin Kui Sect seeks is not the dragon throne, but rather—"

"Sharing the fate of the nation!" "Sharing the fate of the nation?!"

Zhu Yuyan murmured repeatedly, her purple eyes bursting with an unprecedented light! These four words were like a thunderclap, splitting away all the confusion and distress in her heart!
"Not bad!"

Yi Huawei's tone was resolute: "Choose the true dragon, and devote all your efforts to assisting him! Invest in him when he is still in his infancy, and after he ascends to the top, the Yin Kui Sect will be his indispensable shadow, controlling the palace, monitoring officials, infiltrating enemy countries, and gathering intelligence! Become the cornerstone of the new dynasty's hidden network beneath the glamorous court, maintaining the empire's operation! In this way, the Yin Kui Sect's legacy will endure, its power will be forever secure, and it will share the fate of the nation and the dynasty!"

"This is the only righteous path for the Yin Kui Sect to establish itself in this chaotic world and seek lasting prosperity!"

These words were like a sudden awakening, completely pointing the Yin Kui Sect in the right direction! No longer about fighting and killing, no longer about remaining confined to a corner, but about participating in the construction of the empire's core power and becoming an indispensable part of the new dynasty! This goal was grand and difficult, yet brimming with deadly allure and possibility! It was far more in line with the Yin Kui Sect's characteristics and strength than the vague ambition to become emperor!

Zhu Yuyan, Shan Meixian, Wen Caiting, and all the core disciples who heard these words had a burning flame in their eyes! It was the excitement and longing of seeing a clear future and a definite path!
Seeing the changes in everyone's expressions, Yi Huawei knew the seed had been planted. He said nothing more, as if he were merely issuing a routine command, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority:
"The current priority is to instruct Elder Xia (Wen Caiting) to utilize the Luoyang base to gather intelligence from all sides, especially the movements of the Li clan, the internal situation of Wagang, the reaction of the Yuwen clan after the assassination of the emperor, and the subtle relationship between Wang Shichong of Luoyang and the Dugu clan. Report every detail daily."

"Yunxia will continue to manage Bashu, but her goal will be to support Xie Hui's son, Xie Wenlong. This son is weak and incompetent, and will be a good puppet to pave the way for the Li clan to enter Shu in the future."

"Recall the core disciples who are away, especially Wanwan, and order her to return to Luoyang immediately. The Yin Kui Sect needs to consolidate its forces and observe the situation."

"Yu Yan,"

He looked at Zhu Yuyan: "Stabilize your eighteenth level of cultivation, and at the same time, use swift and decisive measures to clean up the sect! Eliminate the parasites and scum, and unify the will. The Yin Kui Sect can only have one voice!"

"I will obey your command, young master!"

Zhu Yuyan, Wen Caiting, and all the core members present responded in unison, their voices filled with unprecedented awe and conviction. There was no questioning, no hesitation; it was as if Yi Huawei's command was a matter of course, a natural extension of the Yin Kui Sect's destiny. His unfathomable strength, his wisdom that saw through the secrets of heaven, and the invisible pressure brought by the soul imprint had already made him, in everyone's hearts, a supreme being above even the Empress Yin!
Yi Huawei nodded slightly, turning his gaze once more towards Luoyang in the north. Luoyang, shrouded in twilight, resembled a lurking beast, about to face its fiercest storm. And he, in this grand game of history, had quietly placed the Yin Kui Sect, a crucial piece, in its place.

"Luoyang..."

He muttered to himself, a smug smile playing on his lips: "The show has only just begun."

Although Yi Huwei, based on his "prophetic" abilities, gave the Li clan the high praise of "a true dragon lurking in the abyss," the Li clan at that time was indeed in an extremely delicate, even awkward, situation, beset by internal and external troubles, and was far less promising than the Song clan.

Firstly, her status is awkward.

Li Yuan was an important minister of the Sui Dynasty, granted the title of Duke of Tang, and was a cousin of Yang Guang (Li Yuan's mother and Yang Guang's mother were sisters). In the eyes of the people, especially those aristocratic families and officials who had not completely given up hope and still held the Sui Dynasty in their hearts or valued the reputation of "loyalty and righteousness," Li Yuan was a relative of the Sui Dynasty's imperial family and a powerful regional official.

Yang Guang had just died, murdered by his own ministers (the Yuwen clan). If Li Yuan immediately raised an army against the Sui Dynasty, he would be in a very passive position morally. He would be regarded as a traitor like the Yuwen clan, or even worse (because he was related to them). This label of "loyal minister" became a heavy shackle in the early stages of the chaotic era.

Secondly, the legitimacy of raising an army was insufficient.

Unlike Li Mi of Wagang, who raised the banner of "overthrowing the tyrannical Sui Dynasty and saving the people," and unlike Du Fuwei and other outlaws who directly established their own independent regimes, Li Yuan needed a respectable reason to raise an army, one that could silence public opinion and garner support from the gentry. Simply declaring "I want to be emperor" was out of the question. He needed to wait for the right opportunity, or create the illusion of being "forced" to rise up (historically, he later exploited the threat of the Turks and the news of Emperor Yang of Sui's death, using the banner of "respecting the Sui" to install Prince Yang You of Dai as emperor).

Third, it is surrounded by powerful enemies and can hardly protect itself.

To the north lay the formidable threat of the Turks. Taiyuan (Jinyang) was the stronghold of the Li clan, but its location on the northern border meant it faced the powerful DTZ directly.

The Turkic Shibi Khan was powerful and coveted the Central Plains. If Li Yuan made any move, or if his rear was left vulnerable, the Turkic cavalry could raid southwards at any moment, or even directly attack his stronghold in Taiyuan. This was the most direct and deadly sword hanging over the Li clan's head. Li Yuan had to expend considerable energy and resources to appease or defend against the Turks, severely hindering his ability to act.

To the east/northeast, Liu Wuzhou and Song Jingang rose to power.

Liu Wuzhou of Mayi (present-day Shuozhou, Shanxi) rose rapidly with the support of the Turks, occupying Yanmen Commandery and directly threatening the flank of Taiyuan. Song Jingang later joined him. They were powerful warlords affiliated with the Turks, posing a serious threat to the Li clan's base in Hedong. Before the Li clan could expand southward and contend for supremacy, they had to resolve or suppress this thorn in their side.

To the south and west, numerous warlords rose up. Li Mi of Wagang held considerable power in the Central Plains, while Wang Shichong and the Dugu Clan held sway in Luoyang, and Xue Ju and Li Gui, among other separatist forces, dominated Guanzhong. Although the Li Clan occupied the strategically important Taiyuan, they were not without their own dangers, as they were surrounded by potentially powerful rivals.

Fourth, internal integration and resource constraints.

Although Li Yuan was based in Taiyuan, the true core of the Li family's power lay in Hedong (southwest Shanxi). He needed to integrate the power of his clans, protégés, former officials, and local strongmen in Hedong. Meanwhile, recruiting soldiers, training troops, and stockpiling provisions all required time. Compared to the Wagang Army, which was already engaged in a fierce battle in the Central Plains, the Li clan's war machine started relatively cautiously and slowly.

Within the family, Li Yuan himself was conservative and cautious (at least initially). His sons, Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin, were both very capable, but their strategic directions and styles of action were already showing signs of divergence. Balancing the internal situation and unifying thought required Li Yuan's wisdom. At this time, although Li Shimin was beginning to show promise, he was not yet the absolute core commander.

Furthermore, maintaining an army, waging war, and defending against the Turks all require massive amounts of money and provisions. Although Taiyuan is wealthy, compared to the land of abundance in Sichuan (which has not yet been controlled by the Li clan) or the stable Song clan in Lingnan, its resource base will be stretched thin in the early stages when supporting large-scale wars for hegemony.

Li Yuan's strategy was to first consolidate his power base, observe the infighting among various warlords, and then enter Guanzhong when the time was right. However, with Yang Guang's death just beginning, the country in chaos, and numerous warlords vying for power, "delay" meant potentially missing a golden opportunity. If he acted too slowly, allowing others (such as Li Mi) to seize Luoyang or Guanzhong first, or allowing the Song and Yuwen clans to consolidate more power, the Li clan's space would be compressed.

(End of this chapter)