LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 329.2
At that moment, an elder walking in the middle spoke slowly, “It must be because of the imperial examination and the martial examination! Great Xia is preparing to hold these exams to recruit talents from all over. They must be here to participate!”
“But, master, there are so many talents here!” a masked young girl with a clear voice said.
“Whether it’s the imperial examination or the martial examination, the number of recruits is limited. Most of these people are bound to end up with nothing. Why do they still come to participate?”
“This has to do with the laws of nature,” the elder sighed.
“The way of heaven is to take from the excess and give to the lacking. The way of humanity is to take from the lacking and give to the excess. Hence… the strong always grow stronger, and the weak always grow weaker! Great Xia is the strongest nation in the world, and its attraction to talents is irresistible! So, it’s not surprising that they come here!”
Everyone nodded, somewhat understanding.
The elder continued, “Exactly because of this imbalance in the way of humanity, we Mohists must adhere to our principles of universal love and non-aggression, so that the people have a way to survive.”
“Master, we have learned a lot!” the crowd nodded humbly.
“But master, will the Great Xia Emperor accept us on this visit? It is said that he is a tyrant! Since his ascension, he has been expanding the territory, fighting dozens of wars. I’m worried…”
“Human effort is the decisive factor. We must meet him!” the elder stroked his beard, his eyes brightening.“The Great Xia Emperor may have his ruthless side, but he also has a side of great love! Under his rule, the people live in peace and contentment, the nation is prosperous, and the people are at peace! If he can accept our ideas, even a slight change in thought would benefit the whole world!”
Unknowingly, they arrived in front of the Great Xia imperial palace and presented a visiting card.
Soon after, Lin Beifan received the card and was somewhat baffled, “The Mohists have come?”
Lin Beifan was very familiar with the Mohists, a school founded by Mozi but existing in the form of a sect.
The Mohist disciples adhered to the principles of universal love and non-aggression, were skilled in mechanical engineering, and liked to act chivalrously, helping the weak and fighting the strong, which is why they were often called “Mohist knights.”
Their favorite activity was to travel among the states, spreading their ideas about ‘peace’.
They advocated for equality among people, opposed aggressive wars, promoted frugality against extravagance, and valued understanding natural laws, among other things.
However, their ideas were not what rulers needed, so no state had accepted them.
Unexpectedly, they had come to him.
“Announce their entry!”
…….
After a short while, the elder led the group in.
They bowed to Lin Beifan, neither servile nor overbearing, and said, “Mohist leader Chu Tianming, along with the Mohist disciples, greets His Majesty. Long live the Emperor!”
“Greetings, Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!” the others said in unison.
“Please, there’s no need for formalities!”
Lin Beifan gestured with his hand and smiled, “I have long heard about the Mohists! I greatly admire the work you do. Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” they all said in unison, taking their seats.
This was the first opportunity for both parties to size each other up.
Lin Beifan was surprised to find that these Mohist disciples were all innate masters, and they were all young innate masters at that, none older than 30 years.
Youth meant potential; they were in their prime, with promising futures ahead.
He wondered how the Mohists had managed to cultivate them. It was no wonder that they were once considered on par with the Confucian school, especially in the realm of education.
What surprised Lin Beifan the most was the current Mohist leader——Chu Tianming, who turned out to be a Grandmaster-level powerhouse.
He had managed to keep his true strength hidden for so many years, quite deeply at that.
While Lin Beifan was sizing up the Mohist group, they were also assessing him.
They were shocked. The first impression Lin Beifan gave everyone was that he was too young!
He looked about the same age as them!
Yet, while they were still unknown, he had already conquered vast territories, established the number one Empire, and became the world’s foremost Emperor, with nations coming to pay homage.
Compared to him, they suddenly felt quite ashamed of their own achievements.
Among this group of young disciples was a masked young girl who appeared to be around 18 years old. Her beautiful eyes were curiously fixed on Lin Beifan.
At that moment, Lin Beifan smiled and said, “I’ve heard that your Mohist school excels in the art of mechanical devices. Could you demonstrate something for me?”
“Your Majesty, please command us. We dare not refuse!” Elder Chu Tianming nodded to one of the young disciples.
The disciple stepped forward, bowed to Lin Beifan, and then took out a wooden bird.
***
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