Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

Chapter 303: 168, third grade, Indestructible Realm_2

"Having cultivated the true teachings of the Confucian Sect, one should focus on the welfare of all living beings. How could one only care about an individual at hand? Governing a grand nation and pacifying the world, how could one be swayed by close kin? If I could annihilate the Demon Path and restore peace to the world, even if it meant my immediate death, I would wholeheartedly accept it, let alone losing a sister!"

Tian Fazheng's face showed sheer openness and determination, and when he mentioned sacrificing himself, his expression didn't waver and oddly enough, carried a kind of infectious power.

......

Hou Yuxiao looked at Tian Fazheng's calm face and couldn't help but feel a wave of respect arise in him. Right or wrong aside, just by looking at his expression and tone, he really seemed to believe in his own words!

This is a man of lofty convictions!

However, for such lofty convictions, his uncompromising and extreme methods seemed too harsh.

Yet, Hou Yuduan's demeanor clearly began to waver, with signs of his righteous Qi starting to appear disordered, and a struggle visible in his eyes.

If it were merely a matter of rebuttal, Hou Yuduan certainly had myriad eloquent responses prepared, but deep down, he also resonated with Tian Fazheng's rhetoric, since he too had studied the classics of the Confucian Sect at Bailu Academy.

The Master has said, 'Sacrifice the minor for the major; choose righteousness over life.' Tian Fazheng's act of killing Tian Honglu was indeed terribly wrongful, but if his sole motivation was truly for the people of Yongzhou, then he was not wrong.

The purity of his righteous Qi is evidence enough that Tian Fazheng's intentions and goals were genuine. Why does one open the Eighth Orifice in the cultivation of Confucianism? Because you can deceive anyone, but you can never deceive yourself. If Tian Fazheng were a hypocrite, the righteous Qi of the Confucian Sect would have abandoned him long ago.

This is also why Hou Yuduan is struggling now...

Could it be, Tian Fazheng is actually right?

"Brother Hou, having cultivated the way of Confucianism, you and I are classmates, so take my heartfelt words with a grain of salt.

Today, the situation between good and evil across the world is severe. The thirteen provinces each govern themselves, power struggles are frequent, and the common folk suffer immensely. Why not join me at Yangzhou Academy to serve the Great Yu in eliminating the Demon Path, curtailing the traitors, restoring the majesty of the Divine Dynasty, paving a long lasting peace for the epochs to come? Isn't that better than staying among a small clan, clinging to a meager existence?"

Hou Yuxiao's brows knit together, his face showing a trace of displeasure.

This Tian Fazheng, trying to undermine him right to his face, and the subject, no less, being his own Old Fifth. What does 'staying among a small clan, clinging to a meager existence' mean? Does he think I can't speak for myself?

"To disregard others and merely fulfill one's own ideas, rather than claiming it's for the people, would be better to admit it's due to one's own incompetence!"

Hou Yuxiao's words surprised Hou Yuduan, whose eyes shone briefly with thought.

At this moment, Tian Fazheng also looked up, his expression slightly darkening.

"Even if your heart is filled with a thousand gorges and you keenly wish to save the masses, you can only strive towards your goals with your own strength and ability, rather than forcibly imposing on others to fulfill your own high sounding ideals.

Ji Yanzhi once sought to save the people of Zhaoyang, and you wish to save those of Yongzhou. That is all well and good, but the issue is, you're incompetent, your desires outstripping your capabilities. Instead of looking for the cause within yourself, you lay the blame on others, essentially making others sacrifice for your beliefs, yet still you dare to cloak it as 'focusing on the masses.'

You talk only of your own ideals, never questioning whether others are willing. Hong Linger back then, Tian Honglu today, in the end, are merely consequences of your 'incompetence'!"

If the so-called Bailu Academy teaches disciples like you two, then in my opinion, this path of Confucianism is not worth cultivating!

As he said the final words, Hou Yuxiao even shook his head, his tone mocking and his face expressing visible disdain.

Having spoken his piece, Hou Yuduan's mind flooded like a spark of lightning, his face brightening progressively.

However, Tian Fazheng clearly did not accept this argument, instead shaking his head and saying, "If force accomplishes nothing, then cunning must be employed. Sacrificing the few to save the many is the ultimate truth of the great way, and some necessary sacrifices are inevitable. The Master said, 'I desire life, as I desire righteousness. If I cannot have both, I would forsake life for righteousness...'"

Before Tian Fazheng could finish, Hou Yuxiao interrupted him with a cold laugh.

"What a joke, to achieve your righteousness at the cost of others' lives. If the teachings of the Master truly imply what you suggest, then this Confucian Sect is indeed utterly hypocritical!"

Tian Fazheng's expression darkened. He had sought to align with Hou Yuduan as they shared the cultivation of Confucianism, but seeing Hou Yuxiao's disrespect for the Confucian Sect, it triggered his anger.

Meanwhile, Hou Yuduan, having regained his composure, his righteous Qi gradually stabilizing and the struggle in his eyes completely subsiding to clarity, looked at Tian Fazheng, his expression tranquil.

"Sacrificing others to fulfill oneself, this kind of Confucian cultivation is indeed the utmost hypocrisy. Perhaps the path of Confucianism founded by the Master isn't meant to be upheld by just you and your master. The widespread suffering of Yongzhou may just be your wishful thinking, whereas the chaos caused by the Blood Demon tonight notably stems from you and your master. I'm not sure about other areas, but I can confirm that tonight, this Tongling is indeed plunged into chaos because of you two!"

Hearing this, Tian Fazheng realized he could not persuade Hou Yuduan, his expression slightly receding, turning somewhat somber as he began to speak quietly.