Chapter 592: Replacing Heaven with Humanity

Li Qi possesses True Knowledge Dao Resonance. If Li Qi were to 'visit,' he would only need to walk around once, and the entire fortress's structure would likely be memorized in his mind.

One must know, Li Qi, back when he was at the seventh rank, relied on True Knowledge Dao Resonance to forcefully memorize a fifth-rank formation diagram.

However, if Li Qi were to visit, Liu Junyi would absolutely not be able to refuse; he would surely invite him in to sit and observe.

Therefore, to avoid being seen through by Li Qi, yet unable to refuse Li Qi's visit, Liu Junyi simply kept a trick up his sleeve, personally coming to greet Li Qi directly in Outer Void.

It seemed very awkward.

In the eyes of a normal person, if you don't want Li Qi to see something, just send him away. Why go through such a big detour?

However, this is the conduct of a Gentleman.

Not losing propriety, not losing decorum, if both sides have a conflict, a Gentleman will choose to bother himself more rather than let the conflict between the two sides erupt.

Although it felt very awkward, it made one comfortable.

If Li Qi had gone directly and been driven away or refused by Liu Junyi, even if Li Qi was mentally prepared and could understand, he would still feel displeased no matter what.

If Li Qi had not been refused and entered the city, it would lead to Humanity being at a disadvantage, which would be even less desirable, and the Tang Nation army would inevitably be even more displeased.

Therefore, only by the Gentleman bothering himself could both sides feel 'as if bathed in spring breeze.'

The so-called comfort of facing a Gentleman actually stems from this.

Perhaps some might still say, since he is already an enemy of Li Qi, what's wrong with making the enemy uncomfortable? Isn't this a good thing? It's only natural to make the enemy uncomfortable.

However, precisely this point is what makes Liu Junyi most admirable to Li Qi.

Liu Junyi does not consider Li Qi an enemy.

Or, aside from enemies of Dao Orthodoxy, Liu Junyi has no personal enemies whatsoever.

A Gentleman is firm in benevolence, hence, a Gentleman has no enemies.

Having no enemies does not mean having no opponents, but rather that no one will regard a Gentleman as an enemy, nor will a Gentleman become anyone's enemy.

Even Li Qi at this moment does not resent or view Liu Junyi with hostility; similarly, Liu Junyi does not feel that Li Qi is particularly detestable or needs to be dealt with.

Because there is no need; the struggle is for one's Dao, not because the other party is an enemy.

This is a Dao dispute, not a private quarrel.

A Dao dispute is about things unrelated to grievances; even if both parties are as close as intimate friends, they must still face the true test.

A private quarrel is what involves matters of romance, clan hatred, and grievances.

In reality, such grievances do not exist in a Gentleman.

Li Qi looked at Liu Junyi before him and couldn't help but sigh.

Indeed, such a person is truly a Prodigy.

He does not act rashly; his actions always have a Dao.

He does not speak idly; his words always have reason.

He does not seek things lightly; his pursuits always have righteousness.

He does not walk in vain; his steps always lead to what is right.

Towards himself, he is benevolent and righteous yet courageous, resolute and steadfast, striving ceaselessly.

Towards others, he is understanding of principles, virtuous and magnanimous, and courageous in the face of injustice.

To aspire to the Dao is to cultivate one's mind.

To adhere to virtue is to possess cultivation.

To rely on benevolence is to value pure goodness.

To wander in arts is to maintain one's skills.

Morality, virtue, benevolence, and arts are the foundations of a 'Gentleman's' character.

Arts refer to the hundred arts of Humanity, the six arts of a Gentleman, and the skills a Gentleman uses to navigate the world. A Gentleman is not a useless person who merely talks about morality, virtue, and benevolence; he is also someone who has mastered various different skills and can solve problems in practice, whether it's the techniques of the Medical School, Confucianism, Mohist, Military School of Thought, or Yin and Yang School, or even the Agricultural School. A Gentleman can master all of them.

Therefore, when he truly met Liu Junyi this time, Li Qi realized why the title 'Gentleman' is used by Humanity to refer to its most top-tier Geniuses.

Meeting the conditions of a 'Gentleman' is truly... extremely demanding.

Previously, his vision was limited, and he hadn't seen the formidable nature of Liu Junyi, who could fight one against three, thinking he relied on his official position to achieve it.

Now it seems, the official position was not the key at all.

Li Qi cupped his hands and said, "Brother Liu is still more thoughtful. However, if I were to visit, I wouldn't examine your war fortress anyway."

"I believe you, but it's always better not to give others cause for gossip," Liu Junyi said with a smile.

Around him, there seemed to be a gentle breeze, still softly blowing even in Outer Void.

A gentle breeze caressed him, and a faint bright light illuminated his clothes.

Watching him stand there, one couldn't help but feel: "The empty mountain is uninhabited, water flows naturally; a solitary pine tree leisurely seeks me."

"It's a bit awkward to talk standing. Why don't we sit down? Oh, Li Student used to eat at my house often. I wonder if he still remembers the taste of the Liu family's dishes?" Liu Junyi said.

Saying this, he waved his hand, and a table with two chairs and a tea set appeared around them.

However, he didn't drink tea; instead, he took away the tea set and replaced it with a wine set, then began to bring out dishes.

Once, Li Qi often ate Liu family cuisine. (See Chapter 381 for details)

At that time, Li Qi was studying in Chang'an, and he had an unbreakable bond with Liu Canzhi. The two researched Shamanic Silkworm Artifact together and also did some things in Shangyuan together; their relationship was very good.

Many times, their research on Shamanic Silkworm Artifact lasted for many days, and the meal problem was naturally solved at the Liu family's home.

Although Li Qi himself could cook a little and brew some wine, he couldn't possibly go into someone else's kitchen, so when he ate at Liu Canzhi's house, he just ate whatever Liu Canzhi ate.

There were no women in Liu Canzhi's house, Liu Donghe couldn't cook, and Liu Canzhi was a lazy fellow, so Li Qi ate the meals cooked by Liu Junyi during that period.

To be honest, his cooking was quite delicious. Although he didn't use any precious ingredients, he could make delicious food from ordinary ingredients.

Cultivators don't actually need to eat every day, but Humanity doesn't advocate a lifestyle of 'abstaining from worldly food.' They advocate loving life and living each day well.

Treating life seriously is a habit of many Human Cultivators, which is why Liu Donghe would say, "Food should be refined, and meat should be finely cut." This also serves as a reminder to them that no matter how high their cultivation, Humanity is always a whole.

Shen Shuibi had also mentioned this before. (See Chapter 134 for details)

Li Qi and Shen Shuibi, as Shaman and Daoist practitioners who 'transcended the mundane,' can achieve a unique self, centered on themselves, without relying on external things or people.

However, Humanity, even the high-ranking Officials from the third rank upwards, would never 'transcend the mundane.' They still live among Mortals, serving them.

This can also be considered... the difference in Dao paths, after all, different Dao paths will certainly lead to different values and worldviews.

Li Qi and Shen Shuibi can seclude themselves in the mountains, detached from the Mortal world for hundreds of years, but Human Cultivators absolutely cannot; they must always stand among the populace.

Although their relationship seemed good, Li Qi increasingly realized that from the very beginning, he and the two brothers, Liu Canzhi and Liu Junyi, were not on the same path.

Different Daos, no planning together.

Facing a table full of dishes, Li Qi sat down with this sigh.

Liu Junyi reached out, poured wine for Li Qi, then filled his own cup, and said, "Li Student, are you here to discuss official matters or personal matters this time?"

"First personal matters, then official matters," Li Qi said frankly, picking up his chopsticks and taking a bite of food, then asked, "May I ask, Brother Liu... how has Canzhi been in recent years?"

Liu Junyi took a small sip and replied with a smile, "Canzhi is doing well. After graduating from Imperial Academy, he's been doing some research at home. Although his research is on 'strange and ingenious techniques,' the Mohist seem to like it very much and are interested in recruiting him as a Mohist."

Upon hearing this, Li Qi sighed, "A Mohist, that's a very high requirement. Although Canzhi is skilled in ingenious techniques, he doesn't have that kind of unyielding Qi. I guess his personality, which likes to wear red and purple, and adorn himself with flowers and powder, probably doesn't like the Mohist's ascetic style."

"You truly understand Canzhi. He indeed couldn't accept the Mohist's style. To be honest, even I find it a bit hard to accept, so how could he endure such hardship? So he refused and now works at the Military Weapons Supervision, serving as the Director of the Jiafang Office. It's a proper official position, and he's doing something within his interests, so he's settled down," Liu Junyi told Li Qi about Liu Canzhi.

Li Qi nodded slightly. This indeed conformed to Humanity's overall trend of pursuing the Dao.

Everyone does what interests them, and they are guaranteed to receive ample rewards, including those Mohists.

Moreover, Director of the Jiafang Office in the Military Weapons Supervision, although the official position is low, one can indeed learn many things. In this battle, he might even come into contact with military equipment that Liu Canzhi is responsible for.

The Military Weapons Supervision's Junior Supervisor is of the third rank, and this unit also has a very famous name, called the 'Shangfang Supervision.'

It is very, very famous. The 'Shangfang Sword,' which has been passed down through countless mouths, originated from here. Today, the Shangfang Sword is the human emperor sword that once shattered Mount Luofu.

However, not all Shangfang Swords are the human emperor sword; it's just that in this era... the previous generation's Shangfang Sword perished in that rebellion, so the current human emperor's sword serves concurrently.

Normally, the human emperor sword is kept in the Shangfang Supervision.

Of course, this has nothing to do with Liu Canzhi. The Jiafang Office is just a small, powerful department below it, and the official position of Director of the Jiafang Office is only of the eighth rank, lower grade.

However, being able to reach this point truly gives one peace of mind.

Although Liu Canzhi is considered capable, able to enter Imperial Academy, and is very, very strong compared to most people, he is completely incomparable to Li Qi in terms of Genius, and even less so to his elder brother, Liu Junyi.

"And you, Li Student? My Uncle used to praise you as Canzhi's good friend. What are you doing now?" Liu Junyi asked.

"Shaman are different from you. I don't have any specific duties; I do my own thing. It's just... this war was initiated by me, so I can only participate. Coincidentally, I was also the most prepared, so I took on the responsibility of the vanguard this time, and I happened to be facing Brother Liu. It can be considered fate, I suppose," Li Qi said with a smile, answering frankly.

Upon hearing the words 'initiated by me,' Liu Junyi's smile faded.

He actually knew this, but hearing the other party say it voluntarily still made him inwardly shocked.

A direct war between two great Dao Orthodoxy! How dare Li Qi? If Liu Junyi were in Li Qi's position, he probably wouldn't dare to make the decision to overturn the table no matter what.

If Liu Junyi were making the decision, he would likely choose to drag it out indefinitely, preferably until it could never be fought.

The war between great Dao Orthodoxy is too terrifying. Just like what's happening now, Humanity, just to build a frontline war fortress, shattered tens of millions of worlds.

And how many war fortresses does Humanity have?

Liu Junyi, at least, couldn't count them.

As a Gentleman who must uphold 'benevolence,' he actually didn't want to see this scene. Even for natural resources, he didn't want to do such a thing.

A Gentleman keeps his distance from the kitchen; seeing a living creature, he cannot bear to see it die; hearing its cries, he cannot bear to eat its flesh.

However, he also distinguished clearly: although he couldn't bear it, he still had to do it, because if he didn't, the consequences would be even more unimaginable.

A Gentleman loves benevolence, but benevolence has great benevolence and small benevolence.

In Liu Junyi's view, the war happening now is like bandits preparing to attack a mountain village and plunder the villagers. A Gentleman steps forward and uses bows made of ox horns and ox sinews to resist the bandits.

Pitying the ox is small benevolence.

Protecting the villagers is great benevolence.

Although ox horns and ox sinews require killing an ox, a Gentleman, seeing the ox's death, is pained but cannot abandon human lives to protect the ox's life.

A benevolent person has compassion for life, but will not abandon what he should do. If he needs to pick up the bow made of ox horn and sinew to resist the enemy, then he picks it up. This is also what Liu Junyi is doing at this moment.

Therefore, Liu Junyi then asked, "Li Student, by instigating the outbreak of this war and leading these worlds to participate, do you not feel distressed in your heart?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qi smiled.

Although he wasn't the most typical Shaman, he was still a Shaman. Regarding the sacrifices in the war, Li Qi felt no guilt and no distress.

So, he replied, "Dao disputes are a naturally occurring phenomenon; no one can avoid them. This is natural. I participate in the war with them, and we bear the same risks. I stand hand in hand with those worlds against Humanity's invasion. What is there to be distressed about?"

"Why must there be an invasion? If you hadn't given the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method to the True Dragons, this war wouldn't exist," Liu Junyi said.

"Then why does Humanity want to seize the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method?" Li Qi retorted.

Then, he continued, "Humanity wants to seize it, yet they still blame me for finding a way to defend it? Bringing the True Dragons into the conflict was the method I thought of to protect the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method. It's better to ask, if Humanity hadn't started the war, it wouldn't have come to this point."

This left Liu Junyi speechless; he found this question difficult to answer.

Yes, why would Humanity want to seize it?

Actually, the reason is simple.

Humanity is 'hungry.'

This is not greed, but 'hunger.'

Greed is desiring things one doesn't need; even though not needed, one still wants them.

But Humanity truly needs Sun-Moon Orbit. The forging of the 'Ecliptic' is already within reach, but it still lacks Sun-Moon Orbit as the ultimate benchmark.

The day the Ecliptic is forged, Humanity will be able to penetrate all the secrets of the 'Heavenly Court,' and Humanity will achieve a brand new Breakthrough in the 'replacing Heaven with humanity' level!

This is a Breakthrough for the entire Humanity Dao Orthodoxy. When Humanity reaches its end, the myriad worlds will no longer be ignorant. Humanity will reveal all secrets, and natural will no longer be a constraint.

So...

This is a Dao dispute.

There is no right or wrong.

For Liu Junyi, human lives have no nobility or lowliness; one life weighs the same as ten thousand lives. This is his concept as a Gentleman.

However, even all human lives combined are not as important as 'Dao.'

All of this is for the great endeavor of replacing Heaven with humanity, for liberating all people from the Heavenly Dao's shackles. After success, matter and reality will no longer be humanity's constraints!

Life will achieve true freedom, complete freedom!

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