[119] The Sky Is Already Dead

"The warlord of the first empire was once labeled as a ruthless figure for the massacre of 400,000 soldiers. However, the warlord from another faction was similarly ruthless. His cruelty was merely a façade, and his death was not entirely his fault.

"History is written by the victors. How can we pass final judgment based on fragmented records? If those valiant generals were merely brave without wisdom, how could they lead thousands of troops?

"Those who hold important positions and leave their names in history surely have their unique strengths. Yet, due to various reasons, their original images are often deliberately distorted and misrepresented in later historical texts.

"Lies exist in everything.

"Therefore, when judging people, do not merely listen to what they say but observe what they do."

Standing on the podium, Sima Hui known as the Master Water Mirror spoke eloquently.

Naturally, the vast Water Mirror Manor was not presided over by Sima Hui alone.

Sima Hui distinguished himself by not charging tuition fees, yet he did not refuse the tributes from various noble families.

Human existence is a sum of social relationships. You are not just composed of your flesh and blood, everyone you know constitutes part of you.

The flourishing of students is a testament to the bond between teacher and disciple. With such a bond, his family can survive any chaotic era unscathed.

This was Sima Hui's philosophy of life.

In addition to Sima Hui's own lectures, there were three teaching assistants one who managed the finances, the principles of loyalty and righteousness, and specialized in astronomy and calendar science.

Reinhard remembered from the flourishing tabletop game that these figures were already veterans. They were renowned as the central figures in many systems within a certain faction during national battles.

Now, they appeared as middle-aged men, their faces showing a dignified and peaceful demeanor, radiating a scholarly air.

In terms of the depth and breadth of knowledge, Sima Hui felt that his disciple Zhang Jue had already surpassed him.

Currently, Zhang Jue spent more time lecturing than he did, while he sat and listened attentively, the roles of teacher and student seemingly reversed.

However, Sima Hui still had some profound insights to impart, particularly on the subject of human nature.

This was his forte, as detailed in his treatise on morale.

"Morale, in essence, is nothing but the spirit of the heart. Therefore, discussing morale is essentially discussing human nature."

Sima Hui fanned himself gracefully with his 'Born With Talent' folding fan. Though his eyes were blind, his heart was not.

"I know that those present here are exceptionally talented individuals, and Zhang Jue is a monster even I admire.

"However, you are still young and impulsive. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

"A genius's vision is vast, but it can also be a form of restraint. Not everyone has the same privileged conditions as you.

"Therefore, in assessing situations and understanding others' intentions in the future, you must also correctly adjust your own mindset."

Sima Hui snapped his folding fan shut and held it in his palm.

"In summary, the essence of the art of morale is empathy. Put yourself in others' shoes, think from their perspectives, and carefully consider what you would do if you were them.

"Only then can you begin to understand the domain of the extraordinary thinkers."

The young disciples below listened thoughtfully.

Reinhard gently caressed the soft belly of the large fox in his arms, marveling at the wisdom being imparted. Beside him, Yu Mei-ren fanned him while casting jealous glances. 

Sima Hui indeed possessed profound insights. He lived up to his reputation... these were the embryonic theories of modern psychology and humanism.

Reinhard, who was just shy of completing a doctorate in computer engineering, understood well the concept of the curse of knowledge.

For instance, during family gatherings, he was often asked by unfamiliar relatives to fix phones or computers.

He could manage that to some extent, but what really irked him was...

When younger cousins asked if he was a C language expert who could hack open-world game clients and create infinite resources.

Though he was indeed proficient in C language, it was a low-level language he rarely used in practice. In reality, Python was the best, and he refused to accept any arguments otherwise!

Despite his grumbling, Reinhard understood this mindset well.

Everyone is limited by their own perspective. He couldn't expect everyone to have professional software knowledge.

People tend to disregard things they already understand... when someone learns something, they subconsciously assume others can acquire it similarly.

For instance, someone from a wealthy background cannot empathize with the struggles of the poor, and a consistently high-achieving student often fails to understand the difficulties faced by those with lower grades.

Why can't so many people get into college? Isn't it just a matter of answering simple questions?

Reinhard had heard such confusion from his classmates many times, and he could only smile bitterly in silence.

Not everyone has such privileged conditions.

Some people's starting points are the unattainable end points for others. Ignorance and weakness are not obstacles to survival, arrogance is.

Like asking if there are any passengers without tickets on a high-speed train... though humorous, it reveals the nature of human perspective.

Humans are easily trapped in inertia.

Because, in this world, there is only the world around us.

Hence, a certain emperor once asked the infamous question, "Why don't they eat meat porridge?" because he truly believed that everyone could eat meat every day like he did.

Everyone lives in their own world, separated by barriers of the heart. People cannot truly understand each other... unless they are all turned into orange juice.

From a psychological perspective, this is an inherent, subconscious arrogance of intelligent beings.

This principle applies to the Clock Tower as well.

Once inside the Clock Tower, it feels like London is filled with magus, and the mysterious is at arm's reach.

However, despite being one of the largest magical associations globally, does the Clock Tower even have 10,000 magus?

The entire Fuyuki's Three Founding Families, totaling fewer than ten people, caused catastrophic incidents regularly.

The Department of Astromancy alone, with Chaldea, managed to trigger an event as catastrophic as the human order incineration.

If there were more magus, this planet would be in constant turmoil.

This is why Reinhard believed that the foundation of magecraft could be greatly expanded through the consensus of ordinary people... the numerical disparity is simply too vast.

He aimed to use the consensus of all humanity to create an artificial Throne of Heroes, thereby activating a path to spiritual ascension for all humanity.

In essence, he had bound all of humanity onto one warship.

"The so-called Art of Morale, including my specialty in illusions, essentially revolves around understanding the human heart. What's real and what's false, dreamlike illusions... why bother distinguishing them so clearly?"

Sima Hui could summon wind and rain, control lightning, and wield various spells and charms, skills he could impart to the young disciples in their magical practice. However, as Sima Hui emphasized, his greatest expertise lay in illusions.

"The entire Water Mirror Manor is essentially a large-scale illusion crafted along the leylines. It creates illusions through manipulating the senses... sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mind to deceive people."

As he spoke, Sima Hui conjured intricate fans, teacups, writing tools, and paper, all seemingly real. The fans could generate a breeze, the teacups held tea that released fragrant steam, which spread a rich tea aroma through the room.

"However... there are two fatal flaws in such illusions: First, once you step outside Water Mirror Manor, the effects dissipate. Second, some people are naturally able to discern truth from illusion using intuition rather than their senses, rendering these deceptions useless."

"Master, what if I blow up Water Mirror Manor?" Asked a young disciple named Chen Gong, adjusting his glasses.

He was skilled in fire and lightning spells and understood the philosophy that art is explosive.

Sima Hui twitched his mouth. Blow things up? Are you really planning to blow up your own teammates in the future?

"Of course, if your power is sufficient to demolish the entire manor, that's indeed a way to break through the illusion by force.

"Ultimately, illusions based on sensory deception are just minor tricks. As long as your perception is strong enough, you can discern reality even with your eyes closed.

"The ultimate form of illusion is invisible."

"Invisible illusion?" 

"What is an illusion?" Sima Hui smiled. "Reflections in a mirror, the moon in the water... they are merely techniques of deception, attempting to confuse reality and manipulate the mind.

"This is what I call develops the false.

"The true grandeur of illusion lies in develops the truth, affecting the inner heart, making people believe and be convinced of something.

"In that way, the false eventually becomes the true."

Sima Hui smiled, shaking his sleeve to reveal a few bronze coins, which clinked onto the table. Then, like performing a trick, he pulled out a flatbread and a piece of cloth from his robe.

The young disciples watched with interest as the teacher pointed to these three items and posed a question.

"Who can answer why bronze coins can buy bread and cloth? Can you eat these coins? Can you wear them?"

The question seemed both simple and profound.

"Isn't it always like this?" Zhou Yu responded confidently. "Currency can buy things... that's a fundamental truth."

Zhou Yu's straightforward answer seemed correct to the other disciples, but upon deeper thought, they became contemplative and frowned.

Why can money buy things? What makes it a fundamental truth?

"It's... consensus."

Reinhard smiled as he spoke each word slowly.

"The government provides the credit guarantee, so people believe that money can be used for transactions.

"And this idea that money is valuable, a lie established by successive governments, has been passed down and accepted as an unquestionable rule.

"Rooting the false concept of money in people's minds and gaining their recognition... that's the highest form of illusion you want to convey, isn't it?"

As his words fell, the young disciples suddenly understood.

They might have figured out this principle on their own after a few days of contemplation, but Zhang Jue had grasped it within a few breaths.

"Impressive." Said the usually reticent disciple, echoing the sentiment of everyone present.

"The concepts of emperor, son of heaven, subjects, and even the dynasty are all built on the collective lie called consensus. When enough people believe in them, the false becomes true."

Reinhard understood the essence of modern society, built upon various fictional concepts.

It wasn't that he was extraordinarily wise or that his senior brothers were foolish, but rather his perspective was a dimensional advantage over the ancients.

Expressing such blasphemous ideas could indeed result in the extermination of one's family.

Sima Hui took a sharp breath, muttering to himself in astonishment.

"Zhang Jue, you're just too clever! From now on, you're not allowed to answer questions in class!"

If you keep acing these little quizzes, then what's left for me to teach? Perhaps you should be the one teaching... and you might just end up doing that.

Leaving questions for everyone to ponder, only for you to provide the perfect answer right away, is a bit too discouraging for the others.

Having been at Water Mirror Manor for over two months, Sima Hui increasingly felt that Zhang Jue was on a completely different level from the other students.

"Hah... So, old man, perhaps you shouldn't ask me any questions in the future either."

"Haha... Just kidding." Sima Hui laughed.

He decided to take Zhang Jue aside for private lessons, walking over and tapping him on the head three times with his ruler.

So bright, he should be able to understand, right?

"Midnight, private lessons in your courtyard?"

Reinhard blocked the ruler with his hand and shook his head with a smile.

"No need for that. As for your illusions, it seems I've already mastered them all."

"Oh?" Sima Hui's interest was piqued.

"I've only been teaching for a month, and you think you've already mastered illusions?"

Reinhard smiled without saying a word, reaching into his robe.

Both the senior brothers and the teacher looked on in surprise as Reinhard, like a magician, pulled out a folding fan, a teacup, and various writing tools from his robe.

He had pulled out exactly what Sima Hui had conjured earlier.

Moreover, these items were equally lifelike, indistinguishable from the originals in every way.

"Zhang Jue's talent is extraordinary."

The young students marveled. After two months of practice, they had barely grasped the basics of illusions, yet Zhang Jue had seemingly mastered it?

"Did you tap into the ley lines of Water Mirror Manor? No, there's no sign of disturbance in the ground." Sima Hui mused, sipping tea from the cup Zhang Jue had conjured. The rich aroma of the tea filled his throat, astonishing him.

"So, you used your own energy to create these items? So realistic that even my perception can't detect any falseness..."

Sima Hui was stunned. He tried to dispel the illusions with his own energy, but couldn't.

This meant that Zhang Jue's mastery of illusions had not only reached the pinnacle of sensory deception but was possibly even deeper than his own.

He's only nine years old! How is this possible?

"Because these items are real, of course you can't detect any falseness." Reinhard said lightly, smiling as he fanned himself, revealing the truth.

He had used imaginary number magecraft to retrieve the items from his storage.

"These are real?" Zhuge Liang dipped his finger in the ink from the inkstone and tasted it, detecting a faint ink fragrance.

"Indeed, they are real."

"You rascal." Sima Hui chuckled. "Though they are real, you have grasped the essence of illusion."

"Real or false, indistinguishable from each other... that is the ultimate illusion. Zhang Jue, you have comprehended the true meaning of illusions."

"I didn't say everything here is real. Today, I did learn from your teachings, and indeed, there are some illusions among these items."

This statement caused everyone to look around curiously.

"What's fake, Zhang Jue? Your desk? Your fox? Or your senior sister?"

"Hey... who are you calling fake?" Yu Mei-ren huffed, puffing out her ample chest. Ever since she'd enhanced her figure, she noticed her junior brother glancing at her more often, and for longer periods.

Victory!

But looking at the lazy fox in Reinhard's arms, a faint blush appeared on Yu Mei-ren's cheeks.

Damn, she still has a long way to go...

This junior brother was constantly being teased. She would occasionally eavesdrop at his door, and those passionate sounds of clapping echoed in her heart.

What a flirtatious fox!

"I am the fake."

Reinhard's calm declaration left everyone momentarily stunned.

Reinhard raised his hand and peeled off his face, revealing a wooden texture underneath.

"Eek!"

The large, fluffy fox in his arms was so startled that it leapt out, letting out a squeak.

Jade, now in her fox form and essentially unclothed, had been enjoying Reinhard's affectionate caresses during the lesson. The familiarity of his touch had completely fooled her, she hadn't realized the one petting her was a puppet.

Yu Mei-ren also jumped, grabbing onto Xu Fu's leg in alarm, her face paling.

"You... Junior brother... you, you, you!"

Yu Mei-ren was utterly flustered.

The maid in a green robe watched this scene with a mix of amazement and admiration. Young Master's talent truly shone through the ages.

Being skilled in alchemy and metallurgy, Xu Fu had taught him how to create materials resembling human skin. She had given him a treasured book on puppetry last month, and within that short time, he had mastered its contents.

"You combined your skills in craftsmanship with the puppetry technique I taught last month to create such a lifelike puppet?" 

The large fox quickly bolted from the classroom, following the scent to find her true master.

Everyone crowded around Reinhard's puppet, feeling its skin, which was almost indistinguishable from a real person's.

"You used illusion to mimic your voice and disguise the puppet's obvious flaws." Sima Hui said, astounded at his own failure to notice. "When did this start?"

"Since I walked into the classroom this morning, making everyone believe I was real."

Reinhard reattached his lifelike mask and smiled warmly.

"When did you think that I wasn't using my Kyoka Suigetsu?"

The room fell into a hush, a mixture of admiration and a tinge of melancholy filled the students' eyes.

Sima Yi's eyelids drooped, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He was certain now: securing Zhang Jue's loyalty meant securing the world. His family must do everything to win over Zhang Jue.

Even Zhou Yu, despite his immense talent, couldn't feel jealous... because he knew he couldn't achieve what he had.

However, someone a little ahead could inspire pursuit, but a monumental peak far in the distance could only be admired from afar.

Within Water Mirror Manor, they were all geniuses. At this moment, the unanimously acknowledged prodigy had emerged.

"Zhang Jue, your trickery is superb... In illusions, you are ready to graduate from my tutelage."

Sima Hui admitted earnestly.

What is most crucial in illusions?

Energy? The degree of realism? The grandeur of the scenes?

No, manipulating the human heart is paramount.

To shatter someone's mental defenses and cause a breakdown, one doesn't need grand scenarios of national collapse. Sometimes, making someone see their spouse enter a love hotel with a stranger is enough.

To make someone a clown, it often only takes one bad day.

Reinhard's talent was almost monstrous. He had so many eerie talents that Sima Hui hoped the other disciples wouldn't feel disheartened.

Sima Hui surveyed his students.

"Today's lesson isn't from me. Learn well from your junior brother."

"Why don't you try catching up with him first, master?"

The students teased lazily. Sima Hui laughed, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Heh... heehee... he bought it, they bought it."

"Zhang Jue, you're amazing!"

Seated in the loft, Reinhard slowly opened his eyes and glanced to his side with a slight frown.

Beside Reinhard stood a strange figure with a tile mask, dressed exactly like him and emitting a creepy chuckle.

The side effect of the Pure Heart... it makes hallucinations easy.

Reinhard was accustomed to this and simply ignored it.

Due to the Pure Heart's wish-fulfillment property, if he perceived himself as someone else, it could easily lead to a split personality.

It didn't matter much as long as he didn't end up seeing his parents in a mental hospital. Reinhard felt there was nothing in this world that could break his defenses.

Ever since that peculiar Key of Gate talent awakened, his perspective in this history had remained fixed. No matter how he used the Pure Heart, he no longer slipped into modern hallucinations.

This was... probably a good thing?

Actually, what Reinhard had performed was not Sima Hui's illusion technique.

Philosophy Magecraft is all about adapting to circumstances.

This Kyouka Suigetsu technique required connecting to the leylines, building a formation, gathering energy, and then shaping various illusions of light, sound, and form.

Mastering someone else's unique skills wasn't easy. Sima Hui had operated Water Mirror Manor for over a decade to achieve such a level. If he left his county, the power of his illusions would be greatly diminished.

As Alvin, he excelled in light and shadow illusions, but sound manipulation was not his forte.

Reinhard, however, used light and shadow to make the puppet into a familiar that could share his vision, thus giving himself the illusion that the puppet's body was his own.

By perceiving the puppet as himself, he could indeed produce his voice and control it without any hindrance.

This was the essence of the Pure Heart.

Even if his head were cut off, as long as he was unaware, he could continue to act normally.

His Forgetfulness talent allowed him to draw fantasy power from deception. The stronger and more numerous the deceived, the greater the feedback he received.

The Pure Heart enabled him to realize his desires, but it was difficult to control and trigger proactively, relying on various hints and exploration.

In summary:

Forgetfulness develops the false, the Pure Heart develops the truth.

Everyone in Water Mirror Manor believed he had mastered illusions at this moment.

Reinhard genuinely felt a surge of strange energy entering his body... it seemed he had actually gained the ability to use Sima Hui's illusions.

He raised his hand, a ripple from the Kyouka Suigetsu technique dancing on his fingertips. He reached through it, grabbing the large fox that had been running around the manor.

"Eek!"

Jade jumped into Reinhard's arms, hungrily licking his face, exposing her soft belly, and assuming a posture inviting his caresses.

"Even every night, you still aren't satisfied, you gluttonous fox."

Reinhard stroked her soft belly with one hand while the other pinched a ripple of the Kyouka Suigetsu, shaping it into various fascinating forms in his palm.

He had fooled Sima Hui and everyone at Water Mirror Manor.

He tricked them into believing he had mastered illusions.

And thus... Reinhard truly had...

As long as he willed it, he could achieve it, making him a natural-born prodigy.

He chuckled to himself. The Pure Heart was indeed amusing.

...

"Your talent, Brother Zhang Jue, cannot be confined within this small Water Mirror Manor. Not even your family and your province can contain you." Sima Yi declared, placing a white piece on the chessboard. Under the pear tree, two slender youths sat, their bodies covered in delicate, fragrant petals.

"Let's cut to the chase, Sima Yi. I understand what you mean, but I despise riddles."

"Heh..."

With a gentle shake of his head, Sima Yi, with a face as delicate as a maiden's, smiled gracefully.

"I want to ask you, Brother Zhang Jue, what are your plans after you graduate?"

"Graduate? That's a long way off. Even if I don't learn much here, I still have to teach my senior brothers the Dao of Dialectical Materialism. That will take time."

"Then, I wish to form a deeper bond with you, Brother Zhang Jue. What do you think?"

Sima Yi directly extended an olive branch.

Beside him, the wind caressed Yu Mei-ren's hair as she glanced at the beautiful Sima Yi and then at the large fox in Reinhard's arms, her brows furrowing with concern.

Losing to that flirtatious fox was one thing, but now, would she also lose to a man?

Junior brother Zhang Jue, could you be...

"A deeper bond? Wear this, and then we can talk."

Reinhard clapped his hands, and from the amused Xu Fu, he received a set of women's clothing. Sima Yi's eyes widened in surprise.

"Brother Zhang Jue, this is..."

"A woman's outfit. I carefully selected it from the store, tailored to fit your figure perfectly. It's sure to complement your beauty."

Huh! Can't even wear women's clothes? And you say you admire me?

Reinhard knew well that Sima Yi wanted to win him over. The way Sima Yi kept glancing at him during lessons, and his terrible chess skills worse than that of a kid proved it. Even with nine pieces, Sima Yi still lost.

So, if I present this dress to you, can you endure such ultimate humiliation?

Of course, he can, easily!

"Then, I shall humbly accept."

Reinhard's expression froze as Sima Yi gracefully accepted the dress, nodding slightly as he walked toward the changing room.

Moments later.

A graceful maiden stood under the fluttering pear blossoms, adjusting her hair, her eyes reflecting the vast spring scenery.

Today's weather was perfect, the courtyard lush with greenery, the clouds drifting leisurely over the distant hills. The embroidered hem of the green dress swayed gently in the breeze, her elegant figure exuding a quiet charm.

"Brother Zhang Jue, how do I look?"

Sima Yi's voice, soft and delicate, almost indistinguishable from that of a woman, whispered through the air.

"Whoa..."

After holding it in for a long time, Yu Mei-ren finally released a stunned exclamation. Sima Yi, you were born for this!

Sima Yi's standing in Reinhard's eyes instantly elevated several notches to withstand such ultimate humiliation.

"You look great." 

Sima Yi gracefully sat down at the chessboard.

"If I look good, Brother Zhang Jue, do you perhaps have a preference for the same sex? If you want me to offer myself, I wouldn't refuse."

"Pfft..."

Reinhard spat out the tea he was drinking, spraying Yu Mei-ren's face. She blushed deeply, unsure whether to lash out or wipe the tea off her face.

Thankfully, Xu Fu stepped in with a handkerchief, wiping her face clean. Yu Mei-ren pocketed the damp handkerchief discreetly.

Junior brother Zhang Jue's saliva... this filthy thing must be dealt with properly.

"Sima Yi, you are truly shameless."

Reinhard petted the fox, shaking his head in admiration.

Despite still being young, Sima Yi was already a cunning strategist, shameless, and thus invincible in these chaotic times.

No wonder you don't even care about your oath. Even in this world, your ambition rivals that in the historical records.

"I know you wish to save the people, Brother Zhang Jue." Sima Yi smiled warmly. "If we join forces, we can establish a legacy that will bring peace to the world."

"With so many senior brothers in Water Mirror Manor, why should I partner with you specifically, Sima Yi?"

Reinhard was curious to see how Sima Yi would respond.

"Are the power and influence of the senior brothers' families not sufficient? How do they compare to your family?"

"They are all established noble families with generations of public service."

"And aren't you one of them? Zhuge Liang's family was affluent as well before their misfortunes."

"No, I am different." Sima Yi shook his head with a calm smile. "Because I come from a merchant family."

Reinhard raised an eyebrow.

"Brother Zhang Jue, your future is boundless. I can assure you that before you reach middle age, no one in the world will surpass you in magecraft and techniques. You are destined to reach the realm of immortals." Sima Yi said with an enigmatic smile. "But you cannot wait that long, can you? Every year of waiting means more people suffering and dying in the fields."

"Ha..." Reinhard shook his head, not commenting.

"With your abilities, you can travel the world unhindered. We both know you could go to the capital and set the imperial palace ablaze."

Sima Yi chuckled softly.

"But, Brother Zhang Jue, you understand as well. Killing the current emperor will not solve anything. Even if you kill the generals, toppling this dynasty will not bring relief. The people will still suffer because this dynasty is not just sick, the entire world is plagued with corruption."

"The true ailment of the court is not external but lies within the thirteen provinces, in every noble household. You can hope for the nobles to show compassion for the common people, but expecting them to overthrow themselves is impossible. Thus, your senior brothers cannot help you. If they knew your intentions, they would oppose you. Ultimately, everyone desires to extend their lineage, to protect their family's legacy."

Sima Yi placed a white piece on the center of the board and smiled.

"Hereditary succession."

"These words define the struggle since the first empire."

Reinhard's dark eyes narrowed as he looked at the mysterious, beautiful ladyboy before him.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Coming from a merchant family, I've seen more of the world's workings. The bustling world moves for profit, and all struggles arise from it. If you wish to help the people, hereditary noble families cannot remain. In this vast Water Mirror Manor, only I can help you. You can trust my stance. I aim to dismantle the old order using engineering and wealth to bind and dismantle the noble families, ultimately controlling them."

"The future of this world not belong to an emperor but to a system where even the common people can participate and vie for benefits. Only those who hold a place at the table have a voice. Titles, emperors, and courts are all illusions. Only wealth and resources are the true foundations of everything."

Are you fast-forwarding to capitalism? Reinhard thought, gazing at Sima Yi, who seemed to have grasped the essence of capitalism. It's certainly better than feudalism.

"It's not that I don't trust you, Sima Yi, but I need to see your sincerity." Reinhard said softly, closing his eyes. "This isn't something that can be settled with words."

"When I return to take charge of my family, I will assist you in disaster relief and food acquisition, making agricultural development the top priority. Brother Zhang Jue, all you need to do is focus on your power."

Facing the young man before him, Sima Yi smiled and extended a hand as white and delicate as a woman's.

"Let us set this dynasty ablaze together."

Reinhard looked at him for a long time but did not take Sima Yi's hand. Instead, he picked up a falling pear blossom petal.

He knows this ladyboy wants to use him, but so what? If he can achieve his goals, he wouldn't mind assisting him in establishing a more just dynasty.

"You are right. I cannot wait any longer. There's a fire in my heart every day, urging me to complete my power."

"Use this hand to reach out to those starving people. I never intended to change the world. I just want to give people a meal, something so simple yet so hard to achieve in these times."

Yu Mei-ren silently watched her junior brother. She did not understand these grand words, but she could see the sorrow on his face.

Reinhard could not forget the green, wolf-like eyes of those starving people he saw from his carriage. Even a tiny bit of warmth would draw them in like moths to a flame. He spent all his earnings on food and sent it to his province, hoping to aid in disaster relief. But it was like a drop in the ocean.

His province was peaceful, but when Reinhard stood on the city walls, he saw the farmers in the fields, emaciated to mere skeletons. What could he say? Curse the world?

In this era, he realized, common people referred to the nobility and officials. True commoners had no names because they were deemed unworthy.

All the same.

In the endless darkness, a single spark went unnoticed. Only a thunderous storm could awaken the world.

Sima Yi was slightly taken aback. Although it was a form of humiliation, he understood why he had donned that embroidered dress without hesitation. To capture his attention, his brilliance was like lightning, too dazzling for someone like him, a moth drawn to the flame.

"I hold no expectations for you, Sima Yi. If you dare to join me, knowing this dynasty could crush us, then come."

Reinhard turned back with a wave of his sleeve, not even glancing, and made the decisive move on the chessboard.

"It's time for this Sky to die

"I, Zhang Jue, invite this dynasty to its end."