With Ope Ope no Mi in Hunter x Hunter

After the palace was restored, Daniel left without further delay. Once he was gone, Star Soul and the others focused their attention on Donghuang Taiyi, silently asking what to do next.

"Today's events are not to be spread outside this hall," Donghuang Taiyi ordered.

"We will obey Lord Donghuang's command," they responded in unison.

With those words, Donghuang Taiyi's figure vanished from sight. Star Soul and the others exchanged glances and quickly departed the hall. Since Donghuang Taiyi had decreed that the incident should remain a secret, they needed to deal with the disciples who had witnessed the events. Of course, this didn't mean silencing them permanently, but rather imposing a strict gag order.

"Xiang Jun and Xiang Furen were absent," Daniel thought as he left the Yin-Yang School. It wasn't unusual for Moon God to be absent, considering that, unlike Daniel, her duties mostly kept her at the Xianyang Palace's stargazing tower, providing Ying Zheng with divination services.

In the waterside pavilion of the Xianyang Palace's rear garden, Ying Zheng and Daniel sat facing each other, while Gai Nie stood outside the pavilion. The Xianyang Palace was remarkable, with cherry blossoms still in bloom despite the season. Given the presence of the Yin-Yang School's Wan Ye Fei Hua Liu (Ten Thousand Leaves in Full Bloom) practitioners, Daniel wasn't surprised. After all, they were the best gardeners.

"You're leaving Qin?" Ying Zheng asked, his face showing a hint of surprise at Daniel's words.

"For the time being, there's nothing pressing here, so I thought I'd travel and see the world."

Having dealt with the Yin-Yang School, Daniel felt there was little else to do in Xianyang for the moment. He had set his plans in motion, and now it was a matter of waiting for them to develop. He had even arranged matters with Yan Lingji, introducing her to Ying Zheng. Whatever agreement Ying Zheng made with Yan Lingji and her backers, Daniel didn't care much. It was likely just a matter of Ying Zheng supporting Tian Ze's return to the throne in Baiyue.

The Baiyue region, in the eyes of most people in the Central Plains, was only slightly better than the Xiongnu, Quanrong, or Donghu, seen as barbarians. However, if one were to look two thousand years into the future, they would see that many of the most developed cities of modern society were located in what was once Baiyue—places like Shanghai and Fujian.

Even though Daniel knew this, there was no way to develop Baiyue in this era, as it wasn't connected to the global economy. Moreover, given the world he was in, the future might not even have an international system.

After all, one version of Qin Shi Huang had built the Great Wall into space, forming an orbital cannon.

Of course, achieving such a grand plan required a significant population. Daniel's previous suggestion to Ying Zheng about setting a legal marriage age and promoting medical and childbirth techniques was all part of this grand plan.

Naturally, Daniel was only providing the overarching idea—Ying Zheng would be the one to implement it. Likewise, Ying Zheng's cooperation with Tian Ze was a strategic move to eventually annex Baiyue.

Not that Daniel was helping Tian Ze out of pure charity. In exchange for aiding him, Daniel had acquired a servant—Yan Lingji was now effectively in his service.

"So, where do you plan to go?" Ying Zheng asked softly.

"First, I'm headed to the Daoist Heavenly Sect. I'm very curious about their cultivation methods," Daniel replied candidly. With the Yin-Yang School's techniques already in hand, his next logical step was to explore the Daoist Heavenly Sect.

Given Qin's backing, Daniel had access to many cultivation techniques, including those of Baiyue, Shushan, and the Tengnuo Martial Arts. However, when it came to the top-tier cultivation methods, Daoism was unmatched.

The Daoist Heavenly Sect, along with the Human Sect and the Yin-Yang School, derived most of their cultivation techniques from the Dao De Jing, just as most of Confucianism's techniques stemmed from the Analects.

"Since you're heading to the Daoist Heavenly Sect, would you mind delivering a letter to their leader, Chi Songzi, on my behalf?" Ying Zheng asked.

"I'd be honored."

Qin didn't rely solely on the Yin-Yang School's support; it also had close ties with the Daoist Heavenly Sect. Later on, this relationship would enable Fusu to invite Xiao Meng, a key figure in the sect, to his side.

After all, the old sage had once traveled westward, passing through Qin on his journey, leaving a legacy of "purple qi coming from the east."

With Ying Zheng's letter, Daniel's visit to the Daoist Heavenly Sect to learn their cultivation techniques would be much smoother. The Daoist Heavenly Sect was known for its transcendence, while the Human Sect was more worldly.

"So this is the relationship between the Hundred Schools of Thought and the state," Daniel mused as he left the Xianyang Palace. He had initially planned to visit the Daoist Heavenly Sect alone, but since Ying Zheng had made the request, he now had to wait for supplies to be prepared before heading there with a small entourage.

The relationship between the Hundred Schools of Thought and the state was one of dependency. Even the Daoist Heavenly Sect, which was supposedly above worldly affairs, couldn't escape this dynamic. The reason was simple—people needed to live, and living required resources.

The Yin-Yang School allied with Qin to build the great city of Shenlou and to obtain the Azure Dragon Seven Lodgings. Similarly, the Gongshu family, known for their powerful siege engines, needed resources to sustain their craft. Because of the dominance of Confucianism, mechanical arts were often dismissed as mere "tricks," lacking in prestige.

If not for this, the Gongshu family might never have allied with Qin. In contrast, the Mohist School, which shared some similarities with the Gongshu family, received far less support. Though the Mohists were known for their incredible mechanical beasts, they were also impoverished, relying on wood and stone instead of bronze and iron.

Most of the Hundred Schools of Thought didn't engage in production. Therefore, they needed someone to support them or a source of income. The Mohists, due to their anti-war stance, were particularly unpopular with the ruling elites of the Warring States. Despite their talent in creating mechanical marvels, their "non-aggression" philosophy meant they were of little use in expanding territories.

This is why the Qin Mohists, though they existed, had little influence. Who would want to support them? They might as well support the Logicians, who, although not helpful in war, could at least craft persuasive arguments.

Among all the Hundred Schools, the most luxurious lifestyle was enjoyed by the Confucians of the Lesser Sage's Village in Qi's Sanghai City. They could afford feasts catered by chefs like Paoding.

Qi was undoubtedly the wealthiest of the Warring States, thanks to the policies of Guan Zhong, who had made Qi a prosperous nation. If this were after the Three Kingdoms period, Tian Yan wouldn't be called "female Guan Zhong" but "female Zhuge Liang."

Qi's wealth primarily came from its monopoly on salt, a highly valuable resource in this era. In fact, salt remained a coveted commodity throughout feudal history. Smuggling salt was a highly profitable enterprise, especially if sold to the Xiongnu on the Yinshan Plateau.

Virtually all the Warring States, including Qin, relied on Qi for salt. Fortunately, after Daniel's arrival in Xianyang, they were able to exploit mineral salt, easing Qin's dependence on Qi.

"So, you're going to the Daoist Heavenly Sect," Han Fei said with a touch of envy as he sat in the Moon and Sun Manor. If he could, Han Fei would love to be like Daniel, free from the burdens of politics, able to travel and see the world.

"I'm taking the opportunity to relax. The Daoist Heavenly Sect is just the first stop. I'm quite curious about the Bai Xue Pavilion and Drunken Dream Tower, which are said to be on par with the Zi Lan Xuan."

The Bai Xue Pavilion's Xue Nu and the Drunken Dream Tower's Lian Yi were renowned beauties. In comparison, the Zi Lan Xuan, although famous, was relatively new, having been established by Zinu.

"Sounds wonderful. I wish I could go with you," Han Fei said, clearly envious.

"Aren't you worried Zinu will be upset if you visit those places?" Daniel teased. Zinu wasn't with Han Fei at the moment—she had been dragged away by Yan Lingji and Ying Ge. 

To keep the women of Baichao occupied, Daniel had introduced several modern items, including various women's undergarments. These were incredibly popular in Xianyang City, especially in an era where the traditional undergarment was a dudou (bellyband). The appearance of bras and other revolutionary products was bound to cause a sensation.

With Daniel as their patron, no one dared to make a move, no matter how envious they might be.

Zinu had built Zi Lan Xuan into a thriving business, proving herself a shrewd entrepreneur—an elite talent by modern standards. Ying Ge, though capable, wasn't as adept as Zinu in business matters, and Yan Lingji was even less so.

"Just don't tell her," Han Fei quickly replied. Since arriving in Xianyang, his relationship with Zinu had deepened significantly. In Xianyang, his status as the Ninth Prince had been greatly diminished, so Zinu no longer had any reservations about their relationship. Things would

 have been different in Korea, where issues of status and class were more prominent.

In this era, status and class were the primary criteria for judging people, regardless of their abilities. Even if someone was extremely capable, what mattered most was their social standing, as was the case with the late Crown Prince of Korea.

Han Fei didn't care about Zinu's status, but Zinu certainly did, as did the rest of Korea. Even if Han Fei became King of Korea, it wouldn't change the societal expectations.

The same could be said for Zhang Liang and Nong Yu. Though they seemed well-matched, societal and family pressures made their union unlikely, not to mention that neither of them was interested in each other that way.

"Don't worry, I won't say anything. By the way, I heard that Han Yu is trying to marry off Princess Honglian to either Zhang Liang or someone in Wei. I bet Wei Zhuang is not pleased with that."

Han Yu's ambitious plans for Princess Honglian were a testament to his cunning. He seemed determined to use her as a political pawn, either by marrying her to Zhang Liang to strengthen ties with the Zhang family or by marrying her off to Wei to solidify an alliance. Wei Ling Taihou (Empress Dowager of Wei) was a close relative, so it would be a family affair.

Marriage alliances were the oldest and most effective means of political bonding. Though traditional, they were highly practical, just like the heroic rescues that so often led to romantic entanglements. Princess Honglian's affection for Wei Zhuang stemmed from just such a heroic rescue.

"Your intelligence is impressive," Han Fei remarked, his expression darkening at the mention of Princess Honglian's marriage. Han Fei didn't mind who she married as long as she was happy, but unfortunately, he was the only one in Korea who thought that way.

"How about I ask the King to send a letter to Han, proposing that Princess Honglian marry into Qin? How do you think your father and brother would react?" Daniel asked, his tone half-joking, half-serious.

Han Fei's expression immediately sharpened, his eyes piercing as he stared at Daniel. Given what he knew of his father and brother, a request from Ying Zheng would likely result in Princess Honglian being sent to Qin without hesitation.

"What are you planning?" Han Fei asked cautiously.

"Relax, I'm just teasing. I won't do it. I was just reflecting on how unfortunate it is that Honglian and Wei Zhuang have such a troubled fate."

In the original story, Princess Honglian and Wei Zhuang had a tumultuous relationship, one full of ups and downs. Even though Daniel had taken out Ji Wuye and the Night Curtain ahead of time, it hadn't changed their fate much unless they abandoned Korea.

Of course, Daniel wasn't seriously considering breaking them up. He was simply pointing out how easily he could have Princess Honglian for himself if he chose to ask Ying Zheng for her hand.

"You should focus on helping Princess Honglian," Daniel said, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. He had no intention of pursuing her—his interest was purely intellectual.

The Daoist Heavenly Sect was located within the Qinling Mountains. The Hundred Schools of Thought were all well-known philosophies, and aside from the Mohists, whose secret headquarters remained undisclosed due to their anti-war stance, the locations of the other schools were not particularly hidden. They were proud of their philosophies, unlike secretive groups like Luowang.

Ying Zheng had prepared many supplies for the Daoist Heavenly Sect, enough to fill more than ten carriages. Among them were paper, silk, and various forms of currency.

"Greetings, Master of the Heavenly Sect."

"Greetings, Chi Songzi."

The current head of the Daoist Heavenly Sect was not Xiao Meng but Chi Songzi. He had yet to face Xiaoyaozi in the five-yearly competition between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect, so he was still in charge.

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