After simply processing and collecting the bodies in the village for cremation, the sky had already turned dark.
“Honestly, just how strong are you?” Xu Xuan finally asked the question he had been curious about, thinking about how Mo Li had instantly dismembered that monster with just one Mechanism Person. After all, he knew she also had powerful sword techniques, though she never seemed to use them seriously.
“Well, I’m not very sure. After all, this world doesn’t have a clear assessment of strength. There’s no way to evaluate it,” Mo Li replied after considering Xu Xuan’s words. At this moment, the two were sitting around a campfire on the outskirts of the village. The reason for not staying inside the village was that it was completely uninhabitable.
“That’s true. Without engaging, no one really knows the other’s hidden powers. But is there truly no way to assess? Or a comparative method? I also want to know what level I am at in this world.”
“Um, if you really want a comparison, you could go to the various Demon Exorcism Divisions and apply for an Exorcism Order to become an Exorcist.”
“Demon Exorcism Division?”
“Among the various schools, there is the Upper None Streams, and the top-ranking sect within Upper None Streams is the Yin-Yang School. The Demon Exorcism Division is actually a product of the Yin-Yang School. After all, in this world, only the Yin-Yang School has gained the respect and cooperation of all the nations.”
“Is the Yin-Yang School that powerful?”
“The current head of the Yin-Yang School, Zou Yan, must be personally welcomed by the monarch of any country he visits, and that monarch must stand humbly as a disciple to seek his advice.”
“Is it really that impressive? It seems the Yin-Yang School’s abilities are quite strong, to earn the unanimous respect of the nation’s rulers.”
“Hmph, it’s just asking the gods instead of addressing the real issues. Those monarchs can’t even govern their own countries, yet they always attribute everything to so-called heavenly mandate. Some even indulge in absurdities thinking about eternal life while neglecting their responsibilities, relying on fate to manage the rise and fall of their nations.” Hearing Xu Xuan’s words, Mo Li coldly said, “After all, the current power of the Yin-Yang School comes from these ineffective, superstitious monarchs.”
“Ah? You seem to have a strong dislike for the Yin-Yang School,” Xu Xuan said, somewhat surprised by Mo Li’s tone.
“I just disdain their manipulation of kings. Leaders who do not strive for progress, relying on astrology, destiny, and the mystical elements to determine the fate of their countries. Some monarchs even exploit the common people for the sake of eternal life and do despicable things against human decency. And the Yin-Yang School serves as accomplices to such individuals.”
“I see… eternal life…”
“However, the Demon Exorcism Division is one of the few good deeds done by the Yin-Yang School. Utilizing the Yin-Yang School’s connections and reputation in various nations to establish the Demon Exorcism Division, calling on Qi Practitioners worldwide to exorcise demons.”
“Are you saying the Demon Exorcism Division is divided into tiers?”
“Yes, the Demon Division classifies evil spirits and demon monsters into four tiers: heaven, earth, mystery, and yellow, with each tier further divided into upper, middle, and lower. Upon becoming an Exorcist, you will be assessed according to the level of the evil demons you hunt. But don’t overly rely on this assessment. For example, being a mystery-level Exorcist only indicates that you have hunted mystery-level evil, meaning your minimum level is mystery.”
“Oh! Do all nations have a Demon Exorcism Division?”
“Yes, basically every nation within this land of Yan and Huang has a Demon Exorcism Division in their cities. Other transactions involving evil materials also occur there.” Mo Li pondered for a moment and then said, “However, as Qi Practitioners, our own capabilities are the most genuine. Relying on evil materials is ultimately not a good thing and often leads to self-harm.”
“Evil materials?”
“Those are items with special powers. For example, the Chiyou Sword on your back is a top-tier evil material.” As she spoke, Mo Li inexplicably recalled the first time she met Xu Xuan. He was holding the Chiyou Sword, standing atop a small mountain made of dismembered bodies, turning with a smile when he sensed her approach.
“Are you saying this sword is also an evil material?” Xu Xuan asked, suddenly reminded of his master’s tragic appearance, which was impaled on that metallic mountain.
“Although I don’t know the price of the Chiyou Sword, don’t forget that all evil materials come with a cost. The most important thing is that each evil material is essentially a peculiar demon monster that has been sealed or destroyed. Using these evil materials is like making a sacrifice to the entity behind them. Once the number of sacrificial offerings reaches a certain threshold, that entity will awaken.” Mo Li looked at the Chiyou Sword and said, “I don’t know how many times this sword can be used before it revives, but I’m certain that once this evil material revives, it will bring unprecedented disaster.”
“Disaster? Chiyou!! Associating with Chiyou definitely won’t be a small disaster!” Xu Xuan couldn’t help but exclaim upon hearing her words.
“Wa wa wa, I’m not a disaster at all! How can you accept what this bad woman says about me? You truly are a heartless man! We were having so much fun before!” At that moment, the figure of the Chiyou Sword Spirit appeared beside the campfire, making an aggrieved expression at Xu Xuan. “Don’t forget, I am connected to you. This bad woman is trying to sow discord between us. How about I kill her?”
“Um, I want to ask, can evil materials create illusions to talk to you in reality? You know, those kinds of illusions that only the user can see?” Completely ignoring the Chiyou Sword Spirit’s words, Xu Xuan faced Mo Li with a serious expression.
“If that is truly the case…” Mo Li fell into brief contemplation. Clearly, she did not see the suddenly appearing Chiyou Sword Spirit. After a moment, she said with a serious expression, “Then it can only mean that the entity is about to awaken.”
“Uh?” Hearing this, Xu Xuan looked fearfully at the Chiyou Sword Spirit, and Mo Li also suddenly noticed Xu Xuan’s gaze.
“That’s also the reason I teach you the Mo Family Sword Technique and the Mountain Moving Breath. I hope you won’t rely on the power of this sword any longer. True strength comes from your own growth.” Looking at Xu Xuan, Mo Li said solemnly.
“I’m really a bit embarrassed by your help.”
“This is also to assist the world.” Mo Li said seriously: “If that sword truly revives, who knows how many people will die.”
“Um, so that breathing technique is called Mountain Moving Breath? Is this your Mo Family’s breathing technique?”
“Not really. This breathing technique can actually be learned by anyone.” Mo Li smiled and said, “After all, it’s a method created by our Mo Family’s idol, Da Yu.”
“Da Yu is your Mo Family’s idol?” Hearing Mo Li’s words, Xu Xuan was somewhat surprised. “I thought your Mo Family should worship its founder.”
“Hmph, isn’t your Sword Gate the same? Worshipping Chiyou? Because Chiyou was the first person to smelt metal weapons,” Mo Li said, her eyes sparkling with stars. “We Mo Family have our own idol, which is Da Yu. He was chosen by the people through abdication and led by example while working with the people during flood control. This is exactly the model of a ruler that the Mo Family aspires to. The Mountain Moving Breath was originally taught to the people by Da Yu for their convenience in labor. Isn’t this a hundred times better than the Confucian idol that divides people into ranks?”
“Um… if I may ask, who is the Confucian idol?”
“Ah? You don’t know? Of course, it’s the Duke of Zhou! Don’t those Confucian scholars mention the Duke of Zhou every day?”
“Oh! The Duke of Zhou who established the rites and laws. Speaking of which, it seems you don’t particularly like Confucianism.”
“Not that I dislike it…” Hearing this, Mo Li’s eyes rarely fell into some kind of reminiscence. “Actually, I am a disciple of Confucianism.”
“Ah? You’re actually a disciple of Confucianism?”
“Yes, I initially became a student under Confucianism, but later I left because I didn’t like many of their ideas.”
“Ah!! I get it!! This world should be one where everyone is equal, but the Confucians are not equal. Especially with that notion that the royal family is born to be emperors. I don’t like that either!!” Xu Xuan suddenly understood why Mo Li disliked Confucianism. “So, you oppose Confucianism purely on ideological grounds.”
“Hey, sometimes, don’t try to guess a girl’s thoughts randomly,” Mo Li suddenly interjected, “Aren’t you considering joining the Mo Family? I think your thoughts are quite suitable for becoming a Mo practitioner.”
“Um, sorry, but I don’t completely agree with the Mo Family’s ideology, especially the non-aggression principle.” Hearing Mo Li’s words, Xu Xuan suddenly chuckled. Perhaps it was due to having had a bit of wine earlier, he became unusually talkative today.
“Is non-aggression not good? Only when countries stop attacking each other can the world be peaceful,” Mo Li said with a pout when she heard Xu Xuan’s denial.
“I think it’s impossible to make the world give up on aggression. For instance, why do the Xiongnu to the north always think about attacking the Central Plains? It’s not because they are bloodthirsty by nature, but because their living conditions are too harsh. The winters are extremely cold, making survival difficult, so they look for more comfortable lands to live in or seek more food to survive the winter.”
“So they must attack the Central Plains, but they can also do so through trade or by directly joining the various nations to become part of my Huaxia people.”
“On what basis? For them, that would mean giving up their beliefs and their own ethnicity, wouldn’t it?”
“We are all human. Is it really necessary to care so much? Wouldn’t it be better to live harmoniously? This world is filled with strange and unpredictable dangers; do we still need to have such divisive views among humans?” At this moment, Mo Li was sitting upright, and her expression was no longer casual, resembling a debate between two learned scholars. On the other hand, Xu Xuan was now in the relaxed state of discussing anything with friends after drinking. Unable to help it, after witnessing some disgusting things today, he decided to drink a bit to calm himself down while they were by the fire.
