Chapter 36: Betting on Yin and Yang

The strength of the state of Qin is like a dragon, though not a true dragon. The people of Qin are fierce and fearless of death; in battle, they always charge ahead, earning them the reputation of a "tiger-wolf army," and Qin itself is known as the "tiger-wolf state." With the added incentive of the military meritocracy, the combat prowess of the Qin army is arguably the greatest among all nations.

Within the city of Xianyang, one could occasionally spot squads of Qin soldiers patrolling. It is said that the original purpose for the construction of Xianyang was military defense; though this has softened over the years, it remains the foundation of the city.

"It seems quite a few from the Hundred Schools of Thought have arrived."

The words were spoken slowly, the gait steady. There was no visible supernatural aura or mysterious light surrounding him, yet his spiritual perception was expansive. Through the cultivation of his inner essence, he could now encompass everything within a radius of several thousand meters in a single thought.

Warriors exuding remarkable energy were appearing in increasing numbers, especially along the road leading to the Hall of Worthies. Entering through the South Gate and heading toward the western side of Xianyang, one would find the location of the Hall of Worthies.

The Hall of Worthies was established a century ago by Duke Xiao of Qin and served as the pivotal turning point for the state’s rise from weakness to strength. Countless heroes had emerged from its doors over the last hundred years; regardless of one’s background, as long as one possessed ability, they could enter the Hall and converse with the King and high officials of Qin.

"The power of Qin is vast. If one can secure the support of Qin, it holds an immense attraction for the Hundred Schools!"

Zong Qiong, whose cultivation had reached the Hunyuan Xiantian level, also sensed it. From the taverns on both sides of the wide street, powerful auras were constantly emanating, though they were mostly at the Xiantian level.

The recruitment of court protectors and court swordsmen by Qin was not merely about brute force or combat skill; if that were the case, the Net organization within Qin would have sufficed.

A glimmer of light flashed in Zong Qiong's eyes. With her junior uncle’s cultivation and insight, he was surely capable of fulfilling either the role of protector or swordsman. If this were to happen, the Taoist School of Heaven could flourish because of it.

"Not a single practitioner at the Huashen Xuanling level yet."

After a hundred breaths, under the perception of his completed Huashen cultivation, there was not a single person present who had achieved the state of "merging spirit with heaven and earth" to control primordial energy. He raised an eyebrow, a spark of wisdom flickering in his mind, and after a moment, he seemed to understand.

"Perhaps, at this juncture, the Hundred Schools still dare not gamble everything as the Yin-Yang School has."

A faint smile crossed his face. If they dared not gamble everything now, it was no wonder that in the future, Zi Zheng would settle scores with them. It was understandable that the Yin-Yang School held such a detached status; after all, offering help in times of need and adding flowers to a brocade were two very different outcomes.

As for that person from the Guigu School of Vertical and Horizontal Alliances, his cultivation was likely only at the Hunyuan Xiantian level as well. With the supreme sword techniques of the Vertical and Horizontal, his Xiantian-level mastery could be considered peerless; in such a situation, the position of Qin court swordsman would be well within his reach.

***

His thoughts were not far from the reality. Among the Hundred Schools, the Confucian and Mohist schools were the most prominent, yet neither seemed to hold any affection for Qin. The Military School was good for war, but not for serving as protectors or swordsmen. The Agricultural School had always been powerful, but even if they participated, it would likely not involve their true elite, and while the Taoist School of Earthly Sect had entered the world, they would not easily step into circles of power.

"Junior Uncle, the Hall of Worthies is just ahead!"

At the junction between the industrial, commercial, and residential districts and the western region of Xianyang, a large complex of buildings stood upon the earth, surrounded by numerous taverns and entertainment venues built by profit-seeking merchants.

Looking from afar, one could see figures walking along the road, and from even further away, the bustling sounds of the taverns echoed. With his spiritual perception surging, he noted many warriors of no small skill.

"People from the Taoist school?"

The arrival of Zhou Qing and Zong Qiong attracted the attention of those around the Hall of Worthies. Eyes scanned them, and perceptions permeated the space. Seeing the two wearing Taoist robes and crowns, they were clearly disciples of the Taoist school—though it was unclear whether they belonged to the School of Heaven or the School of Earthly Sect.

The School of Heaven had always been detached from worldly affairs, living in seclusion. Could they be disciples of the School of Earthly Sect? They were young, but the female disciple’s cultivation was impressive; to have entered the Xiantian realm before the age of twenty was worthy of a Taoist disciple.

"I never thought even the Taoists would be attracted here!"

Half a month ago, a public notice was issued in Xianyang to recruit court protectors and swordsmen. Countless members of the Hundred Schools arrived upon hearing the news, as did wandering knights and self-proclaimed skilled freelancers.

In the midst of the conflicts between nations, while they could not grasp the deeper implications, it was obvious that Qin was the strongest. Furthermore, the constant ceding of land and tribute of treasures by other nations over the years had only served to bolster Qin's foundation.

Serving as a court protector or swordsman in such a state guaranteed excellent treatment. If one could win the favor of the King of Qin and the Chancellor, it would be even better. Because of this, they naturally hoped no stronger opponents would appear.

However, the arrival of Taoist disciples at the gate of the Hall of Worthies made the situation clear. For hundreds of years, among the Hundred Schools, the Taoist school might not have been the largest, but they undoubtedly possessed the strongest experts.

Even at the same Hunyuan Xiantian level, their chances of victory against Taoist disciples were slim. Seeing this, the individuals chatting in the taverns could not help but exchange glances, their expressions heavy with concern.

"With the upcoming selections, I fear our chances are growing smaller. As far as I know, the Confucian, Agricultural, and Mohist schools all have experts coming. Not long ago, some even saw people from the Yin-Yang School in the city."

"Compared to them, our heritage is far too weak!"

The Hundred Schools were in conflict, with a clear hierarchy of strength. Only about ten were truly powerful, while the rest could only occupy corners of the world. They had hoped to use this opportunity to grow, but it seemed fate would not grant them the chance.

Beside the Hall of Worthies, in a rustic three-story tavern, a bearded man drinking by the window sighed deeply. He downed his drink, grasped the heavy, thick sword at his side, and stood up to leave.

The others in the hall sighed as well. It seemed they had little chance in this selection for Qin's court protectors and swordsmen. However, if they could use this to make a name for themselves in Xianyang and enter the ranks of the Marquis of Wenxin’s retainers, that would also be a fine choice.

***

The Hall of Worthies!

It was built quite impressively. For a hundred years, it had been the witness to Qin’s eclectic acceptance of talent from other states—Wei Yang, Gongsun Yan, Zhang Yi, Fan Ju, Gan Mao, Wei Ran, Cai Ze, Sima Cuo, Meng Ao, and so on.

Figures who had stirred the tides of history in Qin and the other states came to mind instantly. The main gate was grand, opening wide to welcome men from all the lands of Xia. Aside from the two guards at the door, there were no other disturbances.

"Are the two of you also here for the positions of Qin court protector and court swordsman?"

Just as Zhou Qing and Zong Qiong arrived at the gate of the Hall of Worthies with their horses, a robust, portly man dressed in fine silk stepped out from within. He waved his arms and bowed, his eyes gleaming with intrigue—he had not expected people from the Taoist school to arrive.

This was excellent. According to the wishes of the King and the Chancellor, the stronger the warriors and the more profound their background, the better. The Taoists undoubtedly fit both criteria. A smile spread across his face.