Long Country, Yuzhou, Luoyi.
Yichuan Academy, founded during the Sang Dynasty centuries ago by Cheng Yi, one of the Three Sages of the era, was later known as one of the "Four Sage Academies" alongside Jiujiang Bailu Academy, Qufu Kongfu Academy, and Longchang Yangming Academy.
The academy had long since fallen into disrepair, but under the strong demand and support of Emperor Xuanyuan, one of the Five Emperors, it was rebuilt, expanded, and re-expanded, rapidly becoming the largest academic center in Yuzhou and even the entire central region.
However, given the current situation in Long Country, it would likely soon become the only place where free academic discussion could still take place.
A young boy and an old man were arguing with furrowed brows:
"The identity and abilities of ability users have already determined that they are born into a privileged class. This current suppression of new ability users by Long Country serves no purpose other than to squeeze their living space and create unnecessary internal strife! It must change!" The boy spoke with a flushed face, clearly very agitated.
The old man calmly stroked his beard and said, "The regulations at the time did indeed maintain social stability, and it stabilized the relationship and contradictions between ordinary people and ability users..."
"Simply imposing obligations while rights must be fought for is not the correct way to treat ability users," the boy shook his head and said, "Ability users are also people, and only a minority of ability users can break through their class limitations. The majority of ordinary ability users who cannot obtain the benefits they should have as ability users are burdened with the same or even heavier obligations as high-level ability users."
"You are still too young..." The old man shook his head. "Let me ask you, why did the Three Sovereigns overthrow the rule of the Gan Dynasty back then?"
"The resurgence of spiritual energy exacerbated the class contradictions of the Gan Dynasty, making it easier for the feudal landlord class to oppress and exploit the people..."
"The next sentence is that the hearts of the people were in favor, the Great Way dictated it, righteousness was raised high, a call received widespread response, the momentum was unstoppable, and the world was changed, right?"
"..."
Just as the boy was about to speak, a young man wearing glasses ran over, panting, and said, "Xuanyuan! Master! Something big... something bad has happened!"
"A Rang, slow down..."
"Lian Shan, a gentleman should remain calm in the face of adversity, his face unmoving even if Mount Tai collapses before him."
The old man's words seemed to possess a magical power. A gentle yellow light flickered for a moment, and Lian Shan Rang's breathing became steady, his complexion normal.
"Thank you, Master..." Lian Shan Rang bowed to the old man and said, "Just now, news arrived that Lady Nuwa has been located! Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun have publicly announced their support for the regime of Earth Emperor Nuwa and Sky Emperor Fuxi. The four southeastern prefectures have declared independence! They have declared war on the Suiren government in the northern region! At the same time, Emperor Zhuanxu of the West has also declared independence. Although he has not claimed to support Lady Nuwa, he has also declared war on Suiren!"
"Master..." Xuanyuan seemed to have thought of something and immediately looked at the old man, awaiting confirmation.
"Indeed... I'm afraid Yao and Shun would not be willing to hand over the power and wealth they have accumulated over many years. It's less about them supporting Nuwa... and more about both sides reaching a temporary cooperation to jointly attack Suiren..."
"Or perhaps they simply dragged the heavily injured Earth Emperor away to be held captive, using him as a banner and flag to increase the legitimacy and righteousness of their rebellion," Xuanyuan added with a frown.
The three fell silent for a moment.
"Xuanyuan, do we need to make a decision immediately?" Lian Shan Rang asked.
"Choosing to support Nuwa or Suiren are both suboptimal choices," Xuanyuan said. "But if I were to declare myself king like Zhuanxu, I fear I lack the strength..."
"No." The Master shook his head. "Xuanyuan, you underestimate your own abilities and the power of 'benevolence.' A ruler teaches the people with benevolence, and the people serve the ruler with loyalty."
"Speaking of which... Master, will you be bringing the Kong family into the world this time?"
"I have an agreement with the other three old fellows. When Long Country falls into internal conflict, we will protect the overall interests of Long Country to prevent any demons or monsters from taking advantage of the national crisis for personal gain or from harming our national destiny while Long Country is in turmoil."
"However, I will not stop the younger generation from entering the world," the old man said, taking a sip of tea. "When successful, help the world; when struggling, protect oneself. Confucian scholars should actively engage with the world to strengthen the country and enrich the people."
"But... I still need more help..." Although Xuanyuan was pleased that the old man had relented, he still looked troubled. "Yuzhou and Jingzhou are surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes, with fertile land stretching for thousands of miles. Located in a strategic position, they will inevitably become a battlefield for major wars in time..."
"Xuanyuan, do you remember that special advanced class we enrolled in at Longjing University?" Lian Shan Rang suddenly said.
"Ah... what about it?"
"Aren't the people in the special advanced class at Longjing University all hidden dragons and crouching tigers? Just among those I know, there's the powerful Overlord He Lanxin, the master of Seven Swords Meng Le, the heavenly painter Xiaoyaozi..."
"Speaking of which, I do recall something interesting," the old man suddenly said. "Xuanyuan, Lian Shan, do you know how many people were in this special advanced class in total?"
"This year, it seems... six were admitted?"
"Then, excluding those you just mentioned, there's one missing." The old man smiled slightly, clearly waiting for the two to answer.
"One is missing..." The two fell silent for a moment, then exchanged glances and looked at the Master in unison.
"The remaining one is also not simple. I only found out about it half a month ago," the Master said, pouring tea for the two. "It's the new Ghost King born in Qingzhou a few months ago."
"???" "???"
...
Russian Empire, Extreme North, Pine Forest Tundra.
A few Russian soldiers removed their protective hoods, took out some potatoes from their pockets, and placed them by the newly erected campfire.
"Suka Blyat... this weather is really cold, Ivanolov, do you have any more vodka?"
"No more... finished it yesterday..." A tall Russian man took out his flask, opened the cap, and drank it dry, but didn't even taste a hint of alcohol.
"It's all the fault of those beautiful people who awakened those [unseeable and unheard] before the spiritual energy resurgence. Not only did they cause their own country to perish, but they also dragged us down."
"It's only the Arctic Ocean that helped us... If it weren't for the protection of the ocean and the low temperatures, we would probably have become territories of the [unseeable and unheard] like the New Continent."
"Let's talk less," the officer in charge said, turning over the half-roasted potato. "Don't forget that thing has cognitive pollution. Frequently discussing It will not only attract Its attention but also potentially cause mutations in ourselves."
The soldiers fell silent, looking at their potatoes and slowly warming themselves by the fire.
But no one noticed that on the officer's mask, small spots of blue blood had stained it...