Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

Chapter 284 The Unchanging Law, and Another Enlightenment

Low-hanging dark clouds reflected the clear sunlight on Bailu Mountain.

[If bold ink is left blank, it divides the world into heaven and earth.]

[Under the murky, black rain, a young student dressed in a pure, simple Confucian robe.]

[He bows respectfully.]

The two of you and the cat all turned their attention to him.

Han Si's heart tightened slightly, and he moved hastily, his steps sinking into the filthy mud.

However, this place is already outside the area covered by the clear light of Bailu Mountain.

No matter how he tried to avoid it, the black rain eventually stained the hem of his clothes.

"A student of Bailu Academy?"

【"yes."】

Upon hearing your question, Han Si immediately responded with the respect due to a student.

You restrained the torrential rain.

[The young man's face is visible.]

[His eyebrows were long and deep-set, exuding a dignified and solemn air; his appearance was austere, and his posture upright.]

Like the evergreen pine, its strength remains unyielding.

Han Si felt an inexplicable sense of pressure under your gaze.

[Whether it's you, who has brought about a revolutionary impact on its scholarship.]

[Yu Ci's eyes, still clear and bright like glass, blinked.]

Even the chubby black cat, with its eerie green eyes, gave him an air of unfathomable mystery.

[If it were any other time...]

He would surely mutter a phrase under his breath: "A wise man does not stand beneath a crumbling wall."

Then sincerely avoid and distance yourself from it.

But your previous assertion about the inherent evil of human nature, like a raging storm, shattered his confusion and bewilderment.

In the past, when I read books, I tried to delve deeply into the words of sages and worthies.

When discussing the inherent goodness of human nature, he always felt unable to grasp the profound mystery behind it.

I initially thought it was because I was slow to understand.

After your earlier explanation, he suddenly realized the truth.

It's not that he's incapable of understanding it, but rather that he doesn't subscribe to the theory of inherent goodness.

However, we should respect the teachings of sages and worthies.

[His authority was something the students of the academy dared not refute.]

[The only instinct is to ignore this outrageous feeling.]

[Until I witness you erecting a monument, leaving behind your words, and establishing rules.]

The four lines from Hengqu on the border of Qingzhou have already earned his utmost respect for you.

This is considered the highest pursuit of a scholar throughout their life.

At this moment, you completely dispelled the fog in his heart, allowing him to recognize his true feelings.

[You, Yu Ci, Xu Kun the Black Cat.]

[Looking with suspicion at Han Si, whose expression shifted and whose steps faltered, a mixture of respect, unease, and apprehension.]

I wonder what he's brainstorming about.

"What do you want?"

Your question interrupted Han Si's inner thoughts.

He bowed respectfully.

"The student was deeply moved by the teacher's theory of the inherent evil of human nature, but still had some unresolved doubts."

"Oh? What's your question?"

You didn't expect the other person to contact you; it turns out they were based on their shared belief in the idea that sex is inherently evil.

Han Si looked up at you.

His eyes were full of anticipation, as if they had received an answer.

"The Master left behind only the theory of inherent evil, overturning the sages' theory of doing good."

"Confucianism believes in the inherent goodness of human nature, therefore it uses moral education and ritual to cultivate goodness."

[Han Si's words and expression subtly revealed a sense of disapproval and rejection.]

"If you believe that human nature is inherently evil, then what laws should be used to limit it?"

[Faced with Han Si's doubts.]

You can't help but look at him in a different light.

The Confucian cultivation system shares the same first three realms as martial arts.

[Temper the body, cultivate inner strength, observe the body.]

The Confucian ideals are: the fourth stage of self-cultivation, the fifth stage of nourishing one's inner energy, and the sixth stage of establishing one's aspirations.

Han Si's noble spirit is like a clear, bright sun, surging and powerful, imbued with a divine charm.

[He had already reached the sixth realm and resolved to attain enlightenment.]

However, it stagnated at the fifth realm, unable to progress further.

[Its radiant brilliance reveals its exceptional qualities.]

The reason they are stuck at the fifth level is clearly because their resolve is flawed.

Most scholars fail to deeply understand the teachings of sages and worthies.

However, Han Si's situation was completely different; in fact, it was considered extremely rebellious within the Confucian school.

[Because he questioned the teachings of sages and saints.]

Now, he has found his direction.

Then he turned to you, his teacher, and raised his own questions.

Human nature is inherently evil; how can it be restrained?

You stand with your hands behind your back, your smile understated and elegant.

[His eyes seemed to see the world through a vast expanse of black rain.]

[The tone was melodious and lingering.]

"Human nature is a mixture of good and evil, like the cycle of heaven and earth and the four seasons. Greed leads to evil, while compassion leads to good."

"Now the people are in dire straits, starving, digging up graves and corpses, exchanging children to eat."

"Why do you expect the people to do good?"

Upon hearing your words, Han Si immediately entered a special state.

[Further inquiry: "If people's hearts are fickle, then teaching must be tailored to each individual, which is truly beyond human capability."]

You nodded in agreement with his point of view.

He continued, "Human hearts change, so we should regulate them with unchanging laws."

"The Unchanging Law..."

Han Si's eyes widened suddenly, and he murmured something.

You search your memory for previously reviewed knowledge.

"The law is a public instrument for all under heaven."

"Rule of law is the foundation of a nation."

"In chaotic times, harsh punishments are necessary; strict laws eradicate the root of decay."

"Punishment should not spare high-ranking officials, and rewards should not overlook even the humblest person."

[Say whatever comes to mind.]

Suddenly, a familiar sense of resonance welled up in my heart once more.

You raise your eyes and gaze at Bailu Mountain.

The clear sunlight soars into the sky, dividing the heavens, like a ruler setting rules for all living beings.

"The Standards of Sages and Virtuous Men?"

[Through Wei Qi's popular science explanation, you know that Bailu Academy enshrines the rulers and standards of sages.]

[Unexpectedly, I had a nonsensical conversation with Han Si.]

[This has once again caused unusual changes in the standards and rules governing sages.]

Sigh, there's just no way to deal with them.

[You sense the profound resonance within, which attempts to guide and impart knowledge to you.]

[Since we're already here...]

Even if you can't understand it now, you should still write down these thoughts.

[You simultaneously succumb to the pull of resonance while articulating your own theories.]

"The Emperor..."

This godforsaken world has no such thing as an emperor, only a human sovereign.

"The Emperor's criminal..."

[Stop! The current emperor is Emperor Xuanwu, and for now, you two are still on good terms and have a cooperative relationship.]

Moreover, challenging imperial authority among mortals is certainly not a wise choice at present.

Finally, you found the right person.

"Even sages and virtuous men are subject to the same laws as commoners."

[The title "Human Emperor" cannot be mentioned, nor can one claim to be one's own Dao Ancestor, which is a betrayal of one's master and ancestors; the title "Holy Sect Ancestor" is not as prestigious.]

Only sages and saints are truly suitable.

Besides, you weren't specifically targeting anyone.

The Daoist temple sometimes also respectfully refers to its own Daoist ancestor as a sage.

If our Confucian predecessors want to take this personally, there's nothing we can do.

Your thoughts are scattered, drawn by resonance.

【suddenly.】

【Um? 】

[It's broken?]

You feel the resonance with the sages' rules and standards abruptly severed.

The clear sunlight faded into deathly silence, and I no longer pay attention to you.

You were momentarily stunned, then sighed with emotion.

Good heavens, even sages are hypocrites.