Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

The ancient melodies, resonating with the rolling thunder, echoed throughout the entire Huai Prefecture.

The scholars of Bailu Academy were all alarmed.

Then I found it unbelievable.

[Discussing the Way?]

[Discussing the Dao with Confucianism?]

An irrepressible smile crept onto their lips.

It's been a long time since I've seen someone as courageous as you.

The old man looked slightly taken aback.

He shook his head with a wry smile, his eyes revealing a condescending, superior air.

"Is Your Excellency seeking to discuss philosophy with the Confucian scholars?"

The arrogance in his words stems from his overconfidence in the profound knowledge and wisdom accumulated over millennia by Confucianism.

"Why not?"

You sit casually and gracefully, your right sleeve fluttering loosely, your left hand supporting you on the ground, your head slightly tilted to the side.

[The old man chuckled softly.]

[His expression and demeanor changed abruptly.]

[Maintaining a facade of politeness towards the Celestial Envoy.]

[This displays the scholarly demeanor of someone who imparts knowledge, teaches skills, and guides future generations.]

His scholar's robes fluttered, casting a gentle sunlight that shrouded the ground in a mist of righteous indignation.

[He sits solemnly and upright.]

[Raising his hand in a gesture of inquiry: "Since the Imperial Envoy wishes to discuss the Dao, this old man may humbly offer some guidance."]

You raised an eyebrow slightly.

[The discussion hasn't even started yet, and the old man's already adopting the posture of a teacher.]

"What are your thoughts or questions, Your Excellency?"

You ignored its condescending attitude.

[The sound of fingertips lightly touching the filthy mud on the ground, scraping away the sticky substance.]

[In a calm tone: "May I ask, sir, what is human nature at birth?"]

Upon hearing this, the old man smiled solemnly and gently stroked his white beard.

[The voice is resonant and carries a profound understanding of the ultimate principles of the universe.]

"Sages say: Human nature is inherently good."

"Only good?"

[In response to your follow-up questions.]

The old man nodded firmly: "The words of sages are the ultimate truths of humanity."

You nodded casually, skipping over the topic.

[Then he continued, "What does Confucian self-cultivation involve?"]

The old man is now fully focused.

[If a teacher instructs and resolves doubts for young children.]

[Especially since you also hold the position of Imperial Envoy, appointed by the Emperor.]

[If this gets out, it can be something to brag about among old friends, becoming a popular story.]

"Confucianism emphasizes self-cultivation, nurturing one's inner strength, upholding virtue, and observing propriety."

"Uphold integrity with righteous spirit, and clarify your mind with benevolence, virtue, reason, and wisdom."

"What you cultivate is the way of the gentleman and the principles of the sage."

You nodded as if in agreement.

[He looked up and asked another question.]

[“Upholding virtue and propriety, cultivating inner strength and self-discipline—can this official interpret this as practicing good deeds?”]

The old man heard your calm words.

However, I keenly sensed the hidden sharpness within you, and the logical traps you had set.

[I chuckled inwardly, thinking, "You're still too young."]

Did they really think they could trick this great scholar with such a crude method?

[The old man chuckled softly.]

The demeanor of a teacher becomes ever more lofty and noble.

"The envoy is mistaken."

"Oh? I was wrong again?"

The old man doesn't understand the meaning of the word "again" in your words.

[Correct the logical trap you set.]

The censor first inquired about the theory of the inherent goodness of human nature, then discussed the Confucian way of self-cultivation, attributing it to cultivating goodness.

["Is this intended to argue that human nature is inherently good, so there's no need for cultivation to become good?"]

"Is this used to refute the idea that human nature is inherently good?"

[I'm not waiting for your reply.]

The old man concluded directly: "Therefore, I say the commander is mistaken; his observations of words and things are superficial, failing to grasp the true essence."

【Um……】

You feel like you've been subtly and sarcastically called shallow.

It's not just a thought.

This old guy is insulting you.

[The old man's deep, ancient voice recounted the story in a gentle, soothing tone.]

"Humans are born with the potential for goodness, which distinguishes them from animals."

"Compassion, shame, deference, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong."

"These are the beginnings of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom."

"All people possess four virtues."

The old man's eyes were clear and bright, and his voice carried a deep, ancient quality.

"The Confucian path of self-cultivation begins with self-cultivation, involves understanding the profound principles of heaven and earth, and exploring human knowledge in order to regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world!"

[A grand exposition of Confucian classics.]

[It draws in the clear light of heaven and earth, surging forth like a canopy descending, stirring up a righteous spirit, like waves on a calm sea.]

Within Bailu Academy, scholars responded enthusiastically.

[Persistence brings its own rewards; the pursuit is the way.]

You raise your eyes to gaze at the sky; the old man's words draw upon the fortunes of Huaizhou, blessing it with righteous energy.

[There are faint signs that it is dispelling the dark clouds of filth within itself.]

It seems the opponent believes they have already made their move.

He also delivered a perfect counterattack.

[To seize the opportunity and rise to prominence.]

【"teacher."】

【Boom! 】

[Yu Ci's cool voice broke the silent standoff between you and the old man.]

[Accompanied by the muffled sound of mud.]

You glance to the side.

The tall and elegant Yu Ci moved a stone tablet several times taller than herself and placed it in the filthy mud.

Goodness!

My dear student, do you think I have so many things to say?

Is such a large stone tablet necessary?

[We can't possibly engrave the entire script on it, can we?]

That doesn't align with your plans either.

What you want is for Bailu Academy to become as indispensable as Qingya Academy.

It wasn't like we were actually discussing academic matters.

The old man was also drawn in by the movement; his pupils lifted, higher and higher, until finally his head was held high.

[On the border of Qingzhou, you erected the four lines of Hengqu.]

[It can be said that they are famous throughout the world.]

Although due to your conflict with Confucianism, no scholar openly praised you.

[Yet, secretly, countless people regard it as a sage's words of wisdom.]

After all, they have attracted the attention of sages and virtuous men who have remained silent for millennia.

[This shows that it has already gained the approval of sages and saints.]

[Now, I see you've brought over such a large stone tablet.]

[If something truly lengthy and profound was written on it.]

[There's no need to compare it to those four lines from the Qingzhou border; as long as it captures five or six tenths of the spirit, it's fine.]

This is enough to cast a shadow over Bailu Academy.

The old man suppressed his panic.

[Secretly reassuring myself, I felt it was impossible for you to offer so many profound insights!]

His clear, bright eyes gazed at you.

"Your Excellency, shall we continue our discussion?"

【"Argument!"】

You looked away from the stone tablet.

[A relaxed and languid demeanor suddenly transforms into solemnity and elegance.]

The sudden change put the old man on edge.

I have a bad feeling.

"Sir, let's return to our original question."

[Is human nature inherently good at birth?]

[In response to your questioning.]

The old man answered without hesitation.

【"yes!"】

These are the words of sages and worthies, and must be like the laws of heaven and earth, the ultimate truth of the world.

You look up at the sky.

[By defying fate, those murky, dark, and unpredictable clouds...]

[The people, amidst the shroud of black rain, seemed to radiate with renewed hope.]

Her words were sharp and eloquent, carrying a powerful and resounding tone.

"If human nature is inherently good, possessing compassion, shame, humility, and a sense of right and wrong."

"The four cardinal virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom."

"Why must the people of the world struggle to survive, yet no one offers compassion or assistance? They are ashamed of their inaction, refuse to accept the relics, and engage in any form of wrongdoing!"

"If human nature is inherently good, may I ask you, sir?"

"Your goodness is the Confucian ideal of goodness..."

"Where did you go?!"