Chapter 277: Black and White Xuanshan (Part 1)

"Eight-Faceted Exquisite, Black and White Xuanshan—could this be the pinnacle of infiltration and assassination?" With the assistance of the Ghost Valley duo, Ying Zheng easily evaded Ji Wuye's search. However, none of this escaped Daniel's watchful eyes. Despite the prowess of the Ghost Valley duo, their efforts were futile against someone of Daniel's caliber, who trailed them unnoticed, only to stumble upon the hidden Eight-Faceted Exquisite, Xuanshan.

Xuanshan, with his dual swords and unkempt appearance, often displayed a change in demeanor that might have startled anyone unaware of his true nature. The sight of such a man suddenly exhibiting feminine gestures, especially a man as imposing as Xuanshan, was an unsettling spectacle, difficult to describe.

In reality, there were no eight figures.

The legend of Eight-Faceted Exquisite in the Jianghu, or martial world, made Daniel ponder the highest art of infiltration and assassination—killing every witness in sight to ensure a flawless infiltration.

The reason Xuanshan was rumored to be eight different people in the Jianghu was likely due to this modus operandi. For an ordinary person, such a disguise would be nearly impossible. Habits are hard to change; even if someone switched weapons and consciously altered their behavior, their fundamental nature would remain unchanged.

A careful observer would eventually find clues. However, with Xuanshan's ability to embody eight different personas, each with distinct souls and skills, it was exceedingly difficult for anyone to uncover the truth, especially when they hadn't encountered him in person.

But one had to acknowledge the impressive nature of Xuanshan's abilities, which transcended mere split personalities. It resembled a form of soul confinement, allowing him to utilize the skills of those whose souls he had captured.

For instance, if he killed Zhang Liang, he could employ Zhang Liang's wisdom. If he killed Wei Zhuang, he could wield the Ghost Valley martial arts. This was no longer within the realm of martial arts but rather a form of sorcery.

Though Daniel recognized the power of this ability, he had no desire to acquire it. As a mage from Kamar-Taj, Daniel understood the complications that such abilities could bring. The purity of one's soul was crucial, especially for someone like him who sought to advance further. For someone like Xuanshan, such concerns might no longer matter, but for Daniel, striving for greater heights, it was essential.

"Now is not the time to deal with him." After a moment of contemplation, Daniel decided against eliminating Xuanshan at that moment, choosing instead to wait until Xuanshan made his move, potentially using the opportunity to gain favor with Ying Zheng.

Xinzheng, recently unsealed, was once again placed under strict lockdown. The movements of the Qin army near the border further heightened the unease among the city's residents.

To lose morale before even engaging in battle—how could Korea possibly stand against Qin?

"This place truly is fascinating." That day, two mysterious guests visited the Wonder Hall—Gai Nie and Ying Zheng. As usual, Ying Zheng wore his half-face iron mask.

Ying Zheng wandered through the hall, curiously inspecting all the glass products. Meanwhile, Gai Nie remained expressionless, seemingly indifferent even to the marvels before him, just as Wei Zhuang had been.

"And who might you be?" Though Daniel had previously encountered the two, he pretended to meet them for the first time.

"I am Gai Nie."

"Ah, the Ghost Valley Sword Sage, an honor indeed. And this is?"

"This is Lord Shang."

"'Heaven nurtures the virtuous, as springs flow unceasingly. With grace, they vanish, leaving nothing but memory.' Please, come inside." It was clear that Lord Shang was none other than Ying Zheng. Daniel had no intention of treating him as casually as he did Han Fei.

"Do you know who I am?" After sitting in the pavilion in the garden, Lord Shang removed his mask and spoke softly.

"There's only one person in all the Central Plains whom Gai Nie would personally guard," Daniel replied, pouring a glass of wine. Gai Nie was left to stand by.

Ying Zheng was not the same as Han Fei. Wei Zhuang could sit and drink with Han Fei, but Gai Nie and Ying Zheng could not. After all, Ying Zheng was already the King of Qin, while Han Fei was merely a Ninth Prince.

"I see. Ying Zheng has come to inquire about something. I have heard that you have traveled to the Four Extremities. Could you tell me about the state of the world?"

"Lord Shang, you are well-informed." Daniel was slightly surprised. He had only discussed this matter with Han Fei, yet within days, Ying Zheng had learned of it.

"Is it not too early to discuss the world, Lord Shang? Perhaps we should wait until you have unified the Central Plains before discussing such matters."

Daniel's words made Ying Zheng and Gai Nie tense. Although Ying Zheng had never concealed his ambition, he had not yet achieved the absolute confidence to unify the world. Even Gai Nie only saw him as the most likely candidate for such a feat.

However, Daniel's tone seemed to imply that Ying Zheng's unification was an inevitable conclusion.

"Is that what you believe, sir?"

"This is the trend of the times. Looking at the seven states of the Central Plains, Qin enjoys the advantages of time, place, and people. This is something the other six states cannot match. No matter what they do, they cannot change this outcome. And, of course, it is because of Lord Shang."

In a feudal system, a strong ruler made for a strong nation. Consider the Qin Empire—no one dared openly rebel while Ying Zheng was alive. Yet after his death, with Hu Hai on the throne, the mighty Qin Empire crumbled in just two generations.

"What are your thoughts on Han Fei?" Ying Zheng asked after a moment of silence.

"The Ninth Prince? I can only say that he was born in the wrong time." Daniel shook his head. Despite Han Fei's immense talent, Korea was too weak. No matter what he accomplished, a single letter from Ying Zheng would force him to abandon everything and head to Qin, leaving him with no choice.

After Han Fei rejected Ying Zheng, he was destined to be his enemy. With Ying Zheng's character, he would not wait for Han Fei to grow and challenge him. This wasn't a fair fight in the martial world.

It was certain that once Ying Zheng returned to Qin, he would demand that Korea send Han Fei as a hostage.

Han Fei's only chance to rise might have been when the Crown Prince was captured by the Hundred Yue. Had he followed Wei Zhuang's advice and ascended to the throne himself, it might have been possible. But even then, Qin was too powerful. Whether in terms of army or experts, Qin far surpassed the other states. The strength of the army needs no further elaboration. In the shadows, there was the vast network of the Net Trap, an organization that spanned all seven states.

In terms of experts, there was the mysterious Yin-Yang School. Yan Dan's side had already been infiltrated by Dongjun Yanfei, even though she later defected, demonstrating that the Yin-Yang School had operatives in all seven states. Who could say for certain that Han Fei's circle was free of their influence?

Zinu's true identity was shrouded in mystery. Her knowledge of pharmacology, and even the ability to refine Water-Soluble Gold, suggested that she was connected to the Yin-Yang School, though Daniel couldn't be certain.

"Born in the wrong time?" Ying Zheng repeated softly, saying nothing more.

"His doctrine of the Five Vermin is insightful, but somewhat limited. The world is constantly changing, and no ideology or system will remain the law of the ages. As for his Five Vermin, my view is that without agriculture, there is no stability; without industry, there is no wealth; without commerce, there is no vitality."

In any era, agriculture was the foundation. Even in modern times, people needed to eat before they could think about other things. The saying goes, "When people are well-fed, they indulge in desires; when they are cold and hungry, they turn to theft."

Throughout history, every dynasty that collapsed did so because the people could no longer survive.

"Ying Zheng is enlightened," he said softly, no longer referring to himself as Lord Shang.

"Lord Shang, I also have a question for you."

"Please ask."

"What are your plans for governing the Central Plains once you have unified them?"

"I intend to forge a sword of the Son of Heaven, with the seven states as its blade, the mountains and seas as its edge, tempered by the Five Elements, opened by Yin and Yang, wielded in spring and summer, and used in autumn and winter. It will be unmatched, and the world will submit. I will govern the world with the teachings of Confucianism and the laws of Legalism."

"Confucianism?" Daniel remarked meaningfully, causing Ying Zheng and Gai Nie to pause.

In this era, Confucianism was held in high regard. Even Ying Zheng was no exception. Yet Daniel's words carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Lord Shang may accept Confucianism, but Confucianism may not accept Lord Shang." His words made Ying Zheng's gaze instantly sharp.

"They will accept it," Ying Zheng said after a moment of deep breathing, regaining his composure.

"I think so too. My other question is this: Once Qin has unified the Central Plains, how do you plan to handle the legacy of Shang Yang's reforms? Shang Yang's reforms undeniably contributed greatly to Qin."

Daniel wasn't wrong about this. Even

 the precursor to the Net Trap was established during Shang Yang's time, eventually evolving into the vast organization it is today.

"But Shang Yang's laws were suited only for Qin, not for a unified Qin Empire. Although there was some conflict during that time, it was nowhere near as frequent as it is now."

The fall of the Qin Empire had many causes, both internal and external. While Ying Zheng had yet to unify the six states, Daniel decided to address Qin's internal weaknesses.

"Uh..." Daniel's words left Ying Zheng and Gai Nie momentarily speechless. Although Shang Yang's reforms faced significant opposition at the time, once proven effective, many in Qin had come to regard them as inviolable. This was the first time they had heard criticism of Shang Yang's reforms, especially in front of Ying Zheng.

"What do you mean, sir?"

"The reason Qin's army is invincible is because, unlike the other six states, the lower classes have a path to rise, not completely controlled by the nobility."

Qin highly valued military merit, as did all seven states. However, in Qin, military merit was rarely usurped by the upper echelons, unlike in the other states where the nobility often stole the credit.

Take Tang Qi from the Seven Absolute Hall, for example. He had served as a soldier in Korea and had achieved significant military merit in battles against the Hundred Yue. In Qin, he would have been promoted and rewarded, but in Korea, he ended up as a leader of the underground, all because his military merits were taken by gilded nobles.

Similarly, the Big Iron Hammer of Yan faced a similar fate, though he was fortunate to encounter Crown Prince Yan Dan.

"What advice do you have, sir?" This time, Ying Zheng remained silent for a longer period.

"This is something for Lord Shang to consider. However, during my stay in Korea, I noticed an issue: the Sima, responsible for criminal law enforcement, commands the City Guards. The Sima can command them, and so can the military commanders. Why not assign a specific group under the Sima, solely responsible for investigating and solving cases?"

In modern times, the police handle criminal investigations, with military police as needed. But in this era, there was no such distinction. Everything fell to the City Guards, including gate security, which made them answerable to both civil and military leadership.

This led Daniel to think of the police—or rather, constables. The Six Doors organization was famous in later generations. For the modern era, creating such an organization was simple, but in this era, it was revolutionary.

"Ying Zheng is enlightened." With his wisdom, Ying Zheng quickly grasped the benefits of this new department.

"Lord Shang is too kind. You would have thought of this soon enough, even without my input." Daniel flattered Ying Zheng, knowing he was the future First Emperor.

"Would you be willing to come with me to Qin? Qin needs talents like you," Ying Zheng invited.

"Lord Shang flatters me. I'm no talent, just someone with more experience." Daniel wasn't being modest. Compared to Zhang Liang, Han Fei, Gai Nie, and Wei Zhuang, he often felt lacking in wisdom.

Of course, this referred to his own intellect. The vast knowledge from the modern era was something neither Han Fei nor Zhang Liang could match.

"You're too modest." Daniel's agreement greatly pleased Ying Zheng. He had come to see Han Fei, but he hadn't expected to gain such a valuable ally.

"I have one request, Lord Shang."

"Please, sir."

"I've long heard of the Yin-Yang School's mystical arts. I would like the opportunity to study them."

Ying Zheng agreed immediately.

After Ying Zheng's approval, Daniel was overjoyed. They continued to chat, with Daniel subtly introducing some modern ideas to Ying Zheng.

However, Daniel refrained from discussing deeper issues, as it wasn't yet the right time. Matters like taxation and the privileges of the nobility were too complex to resolve quickly. Even Ying Zheng couldn't address them overnight.

Although Shang Yang's reforms had significantly weakened Qin's aristocracy, the noble families remained powerful.

"I'll leave everything here to you." Having decided to leave Korea, Daniel handed over all his assets in the country to Zinu. He didn't keep his plans to move to Qin a secret from Han Fei and the others.

Though surprised, Zinu accepted.

"A man like him, and you're just letting him follow Ying Zheng?" In Zilan Xuan, upon hearing the news, Han Fei silently drank his wine while Wei Zhuang's eyes flashed with a hint of murderous intent. If someone couldn't be used, they couldn't be left to become a tool for the enemy. In this regard, Han Fei was far less ruthless than Wei Zhuang.

Don't be fooled by Wei Zhuang's current camaraderie with Gai Nie. If they ever became enemies, Wei Zhuang wouldn't hesitate to kill him.

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