Li Qi knew things were starting to move in the direction he wanted.
What did his words mean?
Very simple: To stir up a conflict, one must make grand statements. By doing so, he directly placed the differences between Wu Dao and Humanism regarding ancient texts on his own shoulders.
He couldn't bear this responsibility alone, but the Grand Shaman would help him deflect it. Li Qi made grandiose claims to attract attention, while the Grand Shaman would then say, "It's just a child talking nonsense, don't take it seriously," thus stirring the conflict without bearing its consequences.
The next step was straightforward: Draw the enmity onto himself, formally end the topic, and proceed to the main point—to embarrass the Tang Kingdom.
This was straightforward; either embarrass the other side or be embarrassed oneself—there was no other outcome.
Now they debated who was the true successor of the orthodox tradition. The adults could not declare a winner nor fight out the result, so it fell to the younger generation.
Thus, Li Qi volunteered.
The Deputy Minister of Honglu clearly understood the situation, but his expression didn't show displeasure. Although things had developed beyond his expectations, he saw an opportunity to embarrass Wu Deity Mountain. Since Wu Deity Mountain initiated the confrontation, responding in kind was fitting.
However, he couldn't act personally, so he looked around and asked, "Is there any young scholar of the eighth rank willing to teach these distant guests a lesson?"
Using the term "teach a lesson" indicated he wasn't prepared to lose.
The Grand Shaman nodded at Li Qi, signaling him to step forward.
Li Qi took a deep breath and walked to the center of the banquet hall, challenging all present Tang Kingdom scholars, possibly more than just their knowledge.
There was significant pressure, but Li Qi wasn't afraid of reciting ancient texts—he had almost perfect recall thanks to Dao Resonance, enhanced daily reading, and the belief that "knowledge is power." Though unfamiliar with many ancient texts, he had memorized them thoroughly!
As soon as he stood firm, someone rose and questioned him directly, "Sir, you previously criticized pedantic arguments as corrupt Confucian practices. Now, by engaging in debate, aren't you contradicting yourself? How can you convince us?"
An attack right off the bat, but Li Qi was prepared. He replied immediately, "Your argument is mistaken. Pedantic arguments are indeed corrupt Confucian practices. Do you think ancient texts are like such things?"
The man raised his voice, "Ancient texts are certainly not, but your actions now! Are they not? Isn't what you said just now pedantic?"
Clearly, the opponent intended to undermine Li Qi's standing rather than engage in meaningful debate.
But Li Qi had anticipated this. Bowing slightly, he said, "No, sir. Please listen. Our debate here is a small discussion of principles, similar to those among adults."
"In discussions, besides words, verification is crucial."
At this point, Li Qi activated his Inner Heaven and Earth!
Behind the official criticizing him, nine Divine Beings appeared, manifesting through some unique technique, naturally aligning themselves behind him.
The official turned swiftly to resist, but before he could react, five mountain gods struck him down into the ground, transforming into giant rocks that sealed him beneath!
Li Qi landed lightly atop the rock, stepping on his opponent.
Looking around, he declared, "Nature follows constant laws, existing regardless of Yao or Jie. Responding with order brings fortune; responding with chaos brings disaster. Have you understood my demonstration?"
"The true essence of antiquity comes from words and actions. Ancient sages spoke of left and right, principle and justice, division and debate, competition and contention—these are the Eight Virtues."
"Following the Way without deviation ensures no calamity can harm you. Thus, droughts or floods won't cause hunger, cold or heat won't bring illness, and strange phenomena won't cause misfortune. Using ancient methods, I demonstrated my understanding, showing his lack of comprehension of ancient wisdom. This is typical of corrupt Confucians, skilled only in rhetoric, not in true meaning. Surely not everyone here is like that?"
Silence fell over the crowd.
The current conflict was simple: Wu Dao and Humanism stemmed from the same source—the ancient human tribes. Now, they argued over who inherited the orthodox tradition, one of many divergences between Wu Dao and Humanism.
So, using the principles and techniques of ancient sages, they would test each other.
Not only would they defeat each other verbally and through understanding ancient texts, but also through practical application and techniques.
Li Qi knew serious debate would lead to endless personal attacks. Like the previous opponent, if he insisted Li Qi was also a "corrupt Confucian," nothing Li Qi said about ancient texts would matter.
Serious debaters couldn't counteract sophistry; only reasonable people could be persuaded. Hence, Li Qi's initial plan was clear: Engage in sincere debate, discuss scholarly research, and use reason to persuade. If faced with sophistry, prove superiority through action, applying principles practically rather than wasting time arguing.
Others weren't fools; they understood Li Qi's intent. They needed to either refute him logically or overpower him physically to conclude the matter.
Many showed anger, exchanging glances, seemingly planning their next move. Other scholars sat upright, preparing to watch Li Qi's performance, though they also readied themselves.
Even the Deputy Minister frowned, displeased by Li Qi's direct action.
This silence didn't last long. Another scholar stood up without preamble, directly addressing Li Qi, "Sages say, 'the world is extremely heavy; only the strongest can bear it.' You claim to follow ancient wisdom, emphasizing strength and greatness. So, I challenge you based on these principles!"
Stepping forward, the scholar displayed the might of Humanism behind him, presenting a formidable army of iron cavalry charging towards Li Qi.
The world is heavy; only the strongest have the right to bear it—a principle of ancient sages!
Countless soldiers surged towards Li Qi, using ancient wisdom as their techniques, both debating and practicing.
To win, one must defeat the opponent both logically and practically.
Iron cavalry charged, battle cries ringing out, black clouds gathering as troops converged, ready to overwhelm Li Qi!
The venue wasn't large enough, and more tables were crushed underfoot.
The Deputy Minister extended his hand, stretching the space around Li Qi to accommodate the cavalry charge.
Facing the assault, Li Qi calmly responded, "Strength, greatness, and harmony—this is missing. The world is vast; only the wisest can unite it."
Besides strength and greatness, ancient sages emphasized unity. Without unity, even the strongest force would collapse.
Seeing through the opponent's technique, Li Qi identified its flaw and countered, causing the cavalry to disintegrate!
The scholar groaned, bowed slightly, and sat down, hiding his bleeding face with his robe.
Another person rose, this time dressed differently, representing the Eclectic School.
He spoke loudly, "Confusion arises from similarities. Jade artisans fear stones resembling jade; sword experts fear swords resembling Wu Gan; wise rulers fear those with broad knowledge and eloquent speech but lacking true insight. Fallen kings seem wise, fallen ministers loyal—such similarities confuse the ignorant but challenge the wise!"
"If you are truly wise, my technique will fail against you."
Based on Lu Zi's teachings, he challenged Li Qi.
Li Qi remained silent, waiting for the display.
The opponent created an illusion of palaces, gardens, and beautiful landscapes, intending to confuse Li Qi.
However, Li Qi closed his eyes. Though unable to discern the illusion, he had Dao Resonance.
Activating it, he shouted, "Twins may look alike, yet their mother recognizes them clearly. Thus, I understand!"
Through Dao Resonance, Li Qi perceived every detail within the illusion, navigating traps and reaching the core.
Opening his eyes, the illusion shattered.
The Eclectic School practitioner looked shocked, exclaiming, "Impossible! How could ancient techniques combined with dragon mist be seen through?! You used modern techniques, cheating!"
Ancient versus modern techniques referred to different classifications of methods. Both sides debated who better understood ancient techniques, proving their orthodoxy through ancient principles and techniques.
In reality, times had changed. Most ancient sages were long gone, leaving behind "ancient techniques" preserved for exhibition or contests like this.
Modern practitioners could create new techniques instantly due to advanced foundations.
Each move seemed ordinary but achieved extraordinary results tailored to counter specific techniques.
When the Eclectic School practitioner accused Li Qi of cheating, the Deputy Minister expressed disappointment, instructing him to stand down, stating, "His technique is ancient; step back, don't speak nonsense, next."
The Eclectic School practitioner retreated in shock.
Then, seventeen others stood up, bowing to Li Qi.