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Why do people (including the Demonic Sect) have a higher opinion of the Song Clan?

First, geographical advantages.

Lingnan, located in a remote area, was easily defended and difficult to attack (due to the barrier of the Five Ridges), possessing a natural barrier. The flames of war in the Central Plains were unlikely to reach it for the time being, allowing the Song dynasty to remain calm and develop at their own pace. It was a region that could "attack or defend," offering an extremely high level of security.

Secondly, it possesses substantial and stable strength.

The Song clan had been operating in Lingnan for generations, with incredibly deep roots. Song Que was recognized as the best swordsman in the land, with extremely high personal prestige, and the family was highly unified (unlike the Li clan, which had potential conflicts). Lingnan was rich in resources, with well-trained soldiers and ample supplies, making it extremely self-sufficient and eliminating the need for the Li clan to worry about logistics or blockades.

Thirdly, they have less of a moral burden.

The Song dynasty had a relatively distant relationship with the Sui dynasty and did not carry the heavy burden of being a member of the imperial family like Li Yuan. The Song dynasty itself had a high degree of independence, and its uprisings or separatist movements were more morally understandable (whether it was to protect its territory and people or to contend for supremacy).

Fourth, the leader's charisma and potential.

Song Que, nicknamed "Heavenly Blade," possessed unparalleled martial arts skills and leadership qualities, leading countless people to believe he had the strength to contend for the world. In the chaos of the early days of the turbulent era, a stable, powerful force with extraordinary leadership charisma was naturally more eye-catching and promising than the northern aristocratic clan that was threatened by the Turks and was still "pretending to be loyal."

The reason why Yi Huwei still highly praised the Li clan (especially Li Shimin) under such "adverse" circumstances was precisely because he transcended the limited understanding of people at that time (hindsight):

First, its geographical advantages. Taiyuan (Jinyang) served as a springboard into Guanzhong, which in turn was the foundation of a powerful dynasty (a land of strategic importance and abundance). The Li clan held the most crucial strategic foothold in the struggle for power. While the Song clan was stable, it was confined to a corner of the country, and its advance into the Central Plains was a long and costly undertaking.

Secondly, Yi Huawei could see the political wisdom beneath Li Yuan's outward "loyalty and kindness," understanding the importance of using "loyalty and righteousness" to lull opponents into complacency in the early stages, buying time to consolidate power, and waiting for the optimal opportunity. This kind of forbearance is precisely the characteristic of a ruthless and ambitious leader.

Third, Li Shimin's core values. This is the most crucial point.

Yi Huawei knew that Li Shimin possessed unparalleled military genius, political acumen, talent for personnel management, and charismatic leadership qualities for his time. He was capable of creating miracles under extremely unfavorable conditions (such as defeating Xue Ju at the Battle of Qianshuiyuan, annihilating Song Jingang and Liu Wuzhou at the Battle of Baibi, and capturing two kings at the Battle of Hulao Pass). The Li clan's predicament was precisely the stage for Li Shimin to demonstrate his ability to defy fate. Li Shimin's existence allowed the Li clan to reach its highest potential.

Li Yuan came from the Guanzhong military aristocracy, a group that, although somewhat weakened at the end of the Sui Dynasty, still held considerable influence in the Guanzhong and Hedong regions. Once the Li clan entered Guanzhong, they could easily gain the support of this powerful group and quickly stabilize the situation. This was a geopolitical advantage that the Song clan (representing the southern gentry) could not match.

In Yi Huawei's view, the Turkic threat and the Liu Wuzhou problem facing the Li clan, while dangerous, also presented an opportunity to consolidate internal power, hone the army, and establish prestige. Only by resolving these immediate threats could the Li clan's rear be truly secure, and its army become a truly battle-hardened force.

When Emperor Yang of Sui died, the Li clan was indeed in an awkward and dangerous situation. They faced powerful enemies such as the Turks and Liu Wuzhou, and were surrounded by powerful neighbors.

It faces internal contradictions such as identity constraints, ongoing consolidation of power, resource scarcity, and the need for cautious strategy.

In the eyes of the world, the Song Clan, with its rock-solid stability and extraordinary leadership charisma, was far less likely to be seen as a "champion."

However, from Yi Huawei's (who is knowledgeable about history) perspective, the Li clan's current predicament is precisely a necessary process of tempering and integration; once overcome, a bright future awaits. Investing in a future true dragon with the ability to "defy fate" is investing in the best path to the core power of the empire.

Zhu Yuyan, Shan Meixian, and Shan Wanjing, a grandmother and granddaughter, stood by, the atmosphere heavy. How the Yin Kui Sect could establish itself and seize profits amidst the impending cataclysmic storm had become an urgent issue.

Zhu Yuyan pondered for a moment, then broke the silence, tentatively speaking: "Young Master, now that the tyrannical emperor has been beheaded and the divine weapon is without a master, it is a time for heroes to vie for power. In my humble opinion, the Song Clan of Lingnan, possessing natural defenses, well-trained troops and ample supplies, and with 'Heavenly Blade' Song Que's unparalleled martial arts skills, who commands respect throughout the southern border, and lacking the awkward status of a royal relative like Li Yuan, they are truly the most formidable force in the world today. If my Yin Kui Sect wishes to plot against the Song Clan, perhaps...?"

Shan Wanjing also thought her grandmother's words made sense, and blinked her big eyes at Yi Huawei.

Yi Huawei slowly turned around, not directly refuting, but instead nodding slightly:
"What you say is indeed what the world sees. Li Yuan's awkward position is both a shackle and a disguise. The more he endures and acts like a 'loyal minister' at this moment, the more he can lull Yang Guang's old subordinates into a false sense of security and the more he can win over those aristocratic families who still harbor illusions about the Sui Dynasty. The more securely he wears this 'loyal minister' hat, the less likely his actions of secretly accumulating strength and uniting with the old Guanzhong forces will arouse suspicion. Once he finds a respectable excuse of being 'forced' or 'honoring the Sui and punishing the rebels,' his rallying cry will far surpass those of those rebel kings who rose from humble origins."

His gaze swept over the thoughtful Zhu Yuyan and Shan Meixian, and he continued, "As for being surrounded by powerful enemies... the Turkic cavalry is indeed a sword hanging over our heads, but it is also a whetstone. The likes of Liu Wuzhou and Song Jingang, who rely on the Turks, seem fierce, but in reality, their foundations are shallow and their vision is short-sighted. If the Li clan can integrate the power of Hedong, and use Taiyuan as its base, first resist the Turks in the north and eliminate the threats at its flanks, then wherever its troops go, they will surely become a battle-hardened elite! This kind of imminent crisis is the best crucible to temper its sharpness. Compared to being content with a precarious position in Lingnan and watching the heroes of the Central Plains dwindle, the Li clan is truly in the eye of the storm, forging itself on the edge of life and death."

"Everyone says the Song Clan is as stable as Mount Tai, capable of both offense and defense. This is common sense. However, how can one conquer the world with a mere seclusion? Lingnan is thousands of miles from the heart of the Central Plains, with mountains and rivers as barriers. Long-distance expeditions are difficult to supply, and launching a long-distance campaign is a major taboo in military strategy. Even if the Song Clan possesses the unparalleled divine sword of Song Que, the perilous journey and enormous costs of vying for the Central Plains far exceed those of the Li Clan, which occupies Taiyuan and has its eyes on Guanzhong! Taiyuan is the land of the rising dragon, the only shortcut to unlocking Guanzhong and conquering the world! Guanzhong, a land surrounded by natural barriers, a land of abundance, is the foundation for establishing a dynasty!"

Yi Huawei smiled slightly: "Providing help in times of need is better than adding flowers to brocade. Now is precisely the best time for us to invest in the Li family."

The room was completely silent, except for the crackling of the candlelight.

Previously, they only saw the predicament of the Li clan and the stability of the Song clan. Now, with Yi Huawei pointing it out, they realized just how crucial the strategic position occupied by the Li clan was.

Zhu Yuyan took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and bowed deeply to Yi Huawei, her voice filled with unprecedented solemnity:
"Young Master's wisdom shines across vast distances, revealing the secrets of heaven! I, Yu Yan, am dull-witted, only now do I understand what a true dragon is! The entire Yin Kui Sect is willing to serve as your vanguard and do our utmost to assist... the Li Clan!"

Yi Huawei's analysis of the Li clan's potential was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, instantly dispelling the long-standing confusion in Zhu Yuyan's mind. The strategic value of Taiyuan and Guanzhong, Li Yuan's shrewd and ruthless nature beneath his forbearance, and especially Li Shimin's potential to "defy fate," all gave her a profound and enlightening experience. The Yin Kui faction's allegiance to the Li clan seemed to be the wisest and most promising choice at the moment.

However, an even bolder idea quietly sprouted in her mind and quickly spread like wildfire!
Zhu Yuyan raised her head, her captivating purple eyes now filled with complex emotions: awe, fervor, and a hint of barely suppressed ambition. Looking at the figure standing before her, hands clasped behind his back, his aura as deep and unfathomable as the ocean, seemingly transcending the mortal world—his wisdom understood the past and present, his martial prowess unfathomable, capable of turning clouds into rain with a flick of the wrist, able to help her break through decades of bottlenecks with a mere laugh, regarding Cihang Jingzhai and Ning Daoqi as nothing…

…Why would someone like that choose to remain behind the scenes, assisting others? Zhu Yuyan's heart pounded uncontrollably, a thought growing clearer and harder to suppress. She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and asked with an almost imperceptible tremor in her voice:
"Young Master... your wisdom and calculations are truly unparalleled in my life, and I revere you as a god!"

She bowed deeply before raising her head, her gaze fixed intently on Yi Huawei's eyes, which held the vastness of the starry sky.

"Young master, with such extraordinary talent and such unparalleled power that is beyond the reach of ordinary mortals... why... why don't you personally take action and claim the supreme position in the world?!"

Upon hearing this, the air in the sealed room seemed to freeze instantly!

Shan Meixian looked up abruptly, staring at her mother in shock. But then she thought about it again and realized it seemed perfectly reasonable! If the young master were to contend for supremacy, who would be his match?
Shan Wanjing's mouth gaped open and her eyes widened. She felt that her grandmother's words were even more shocking than hearing that Emperor Yang of Sui had been killed!

After asking the question, Zhu Yuyan felt a chill run down her spine, a cold, warning tremor emanating from the spiritual imprint deep within her soul. But she suppressed her discomfort, her gaze fixed intently on Yi Huawei. This wasn't just for herself, but for the entire Yin Kui Sect! If Yi Huawei truly harbored such intentions, the Yin Kui Sect would no longer be subservient, but rather loyal subjects! Their status would be incomparable! This temptation was simply too great for her, the Empress who had struggled a lifetime in the vortex of power!
Yi Huawei showed no anger at being offended, nor any smugness at being flattered. His eyes, which held the starry sky, calmly gazed at Zhu Yuyan, as if he could see through all her thoughts—her hidden ambition, her probing, and a hint of longing for higher power.

He suddenly chuckled softly. The laughter was faint, carrying an indescribable charm, like a clear mountain spring flowing over jade, or like a faint Taoist chant coming from the heavens.

"To conquer the world...to ascend to the throne...to become...the earthly emperor who is 'ordained by Heaven and enjoys eternal longevity'?"

He shook his head slightly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the walls of the secret chamber, through the city walls of Luoyang, and reaching into the vast, boundless depths of the starry sky. His tone was calm, yet carried a condescending scrutiny.

"Do you know what the imperial power that all living beings in this mortal world pursue is in the eyes of 'Heaven'?"

He didn't wait for Zhu Yuyan's reply, and continued speaking to himself, his voice carrying a sense of vastness and detachment from the past:

"It's just a game. A slightly complicated game of chess woven together by countless desires, ambitions, rises and falls, joys and sorrows."

"The emperor of the mortal realm, possessing vast empires and the power of life and death, can decide the fate of countless people with a single word. Seemingly supreme, he is in reality... confined to the throne and confined within the palace walls. His joys and sorrows, his ambitions, are all tied to this limited territory, to those loyal or treacherous ministers, and to the fragile hearts of the people."

"He needed to rack his brains to balance the forces of all sides; he needed to work day and night to handle mountains of government affairs; he needed to guard against internal and external troubles. If he was not careful, he would die and his country would perish, leaving behind a bad name for eternity. He seemed to have everything, but in reality he was firmly bound by this 'everything'. In the end, he was nothing more than a rather gorgeous caged bird in the cage of this world."

Yi Huawei's gaze returned to Zhu Yuyan, and the indifference and detachment in his starry eyes sent a chill down Zhu Yuyan's spine.

"but me."

Yi Huawei’s tone was calm and matter-of-fact: “What we’re pursuing is to break free from this game.”

"It is holding the child, not being the child."

"It is like observing the changes of the sea and the rise and fall of dynasties as if reading the lines on the palm of your hand."

"It is to comprehend the fundamental laws governing the operation of heaven and earth, and to explore the source of the Great Dao that transcends life and death, and transcends time and space."

"Breaking through the void, roaming the starry sea, shining as brightly as the sun and moon, and living as long as heaven and earth... this is true freedom and unbridled joy!"

His words, though not impassioned, struck Zhu Yuyan, Shan Meixian, and Shan Wanjing like heavy blows! The power of a mortal emperor, in his words, had become a constraint and a cage? Was what he sought merely that ethereal realm of immortals and gods, existing only in legends?!

This was completely beyond their comprehension! It was a realm far more distant and unbelievable than "contending for supremacy"!
"The world is in turmoil."

Yi Huawei's voice returned to its previous calm: "To me, he is nothing more than an excellent whetstone, a testing ground to verify my thoughts and insights. I chose the Li clan and supported Li Shimin because he has the potential to become the sharpest blade on this whetstone. Watching him struggle, break through, grow, and ultimately unify the world in the midst of crisis... this process itself contains endless traces of the 'Tao,' which is worth my quiet contemplation."

He glanced at Zhu Yuyan, whose eyes were filled with a mixture of shock and confusion, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips:

"As for personally stepping onto the dragon throne? Heh... that would only blind me, entangle me in the mire of this mortal world, and waste my time. This world is too small to contain my Dao heart."

A deathly silence fell over the sealed room. Only the crackling candlelight illuminated three faces, which appeared somewhat dazed from shock.

Zhu Yuyan's proud Yin Kui Sect foundation and her meticulously planned power games were, in the eyes of the other party, truly just an insignificant corner on the chessboard!
She opened her mouth, but found herself unable to utter a single word. Awe? Somewhat. Fear? Even more so. But above all, there was a bewilderment and…loss that followed the complete upheaval of their understanding. It turned out that what they had pursued their entire lives was utterly insignificant in the eyes of a higher being.

Shan Meixian was equally shaken, her gaze towards Yi Huawei now filled with a reverent devotion, as if looking up to a deity. Shattering the void… that was a realm from mythology! This young master actually aspired to such a feat?!

Only the youngest, Shan Wanjing, still in shock, timidly asked in an almost inaudible voice:
"Young master... do immortals really exist in this world?"

(End of this chapter)