He truly didn't believe this course of action was wrong. In the current dire circumstances for the human race, Yi Tianxing's latest action—slaughtering his way through from the alien territories—served as a powerful deterrent. This kind of deterrent was built on blood and bones, carved out through killing. Mere weakness and retreat would never earn respect, nor would it earn the acknowledgment of the alien races.
Killing—only through killing could a path of blood be forged.Only through killing could the dignity of the human race be reclaimed.
But such bloodshed, while it boosted the human race's fame, also placed them squarely under the watchful eyes of the alien races. And with that, even greater dangers would naturally follow.
"This time, though we were able to defeat those alien races, we cannot deny that their heritage and strength far surpass ours. A single race may not pose a threat, but if some of the stronger races unite and move to suppress humanity, to suppress our Xuanhuang City, then our future will undoubtedly become extremely perilous. Some of the alien races possess terrifying hidden powers—none of us knows what trump cards they might hold."
"It's entirely possible that some powerful alien races already perceive humanity as a potential future threat and are preparing to strike preemptively—nipping our Xuanhuang City in the bud. Humanity doesn't exist solely within Xuanhuang City; even if the city is destroyed, it may not necessarily provoke the wrath of the sealed immortal sects, nor attract the attention of the top-tier human experts. This danger could arrive at any moment."
"The hearts of the alien races will never tolerate the rise of humanity. The blood-debts they incurred in the past are enough to make them harbor murderous intent. They may overlook everything else—but they will never let Xuanhuang City go."
The young man in the green robe spoke resolutely, his expression unwavering.
To him, the odds of this threat materializing were already at ninety percent.
The human race was vast in number, and its reproductive capabilities were among the highest of all races. Coupled with intelligence and creativity, once given an opportunity, humanity could rise rapidly. Many alien races were aware that numerous human immortal sects remained sealed, unable to appear. The number of powerful individuals hidden within humanity was undoubtedly immense—possibly even more than any single alien race.
Far more, in fact. Once they emerged, the power they'd unleash would be terrifying.
Humans had an uncanny knack for producing strong individuals.
Thus, while those powerful human experts remained sealed and unable to protect their people, it made strategic sense for the aliens to strike first. If they could reduce humanity by ninety percent—not wipe them out entirely, just cripple them—it would be enough to ensure humanity would not recover for tens of thousands of years. And that span would be enough for other races to grow to a point where humanity could never again stand against them.
Though no alien dared to declare this openly, many already tacitly accepted such a course of action.
Yet no one had expected that, amid these desperate times, a force like Xuanhuang City would rise from humanity. It had caught the alien races off guard. Many were likely already plotting in secret.
"Then what do you propose to resolve this?"Huang Chengyan looked at the young man with great interest and asked slowly.
"It's not impossible—though not entirely easy, either. Among the alien races, there are many factions. Even teeth and tongue clash; how much more so for beings that aren't even of the same kind? They are bound to have friction and disputes. As long as we do two things, we can eliminate this hidden danger entirely."
The young man in the green robe spoke with great confidence.
"We're listening."
Wu Yong smiled as he spoke. His curiosity about this young man was growing. His temperament and confidence clearly marked him as no ordinary person. His perception of the broader situation was incredibly sharp—something most people lacked.
"Nothing complex. Simply ally with some and suppress others, stirring up chaos among the alien races so they're too busy to deal with Xuanhuang City. That will buy us time to grow."
The young man spoke fluently. "I've done my homework. Not every alien race joined in the attack on humanity. Some even displayed a degree of goodwill toward us—like the barbarian tribes, or the fox people. These friendly races can be courted and used to restrain the hostile ones. Let the alien races fight amongst themselves—kill with a borrowed blade. Flip the board."
"This is the art of Zongheng—of the strategists who practiced political maneuvering."
Huang Chengyan's expression grew serious.
What was Zongheng?
In the text Zhao Feizi, it states: "Zong unites the weak to attack the strong; Heng allies with the strong to suppress the weak."This referred to diplomatic strategies from the Warring States period—Hezong (vertical alliances) and Lianheng (horizontal alliances).
"Zong" means "Hezong"—where weaker states united to resist a strong one. For example, the six states allying against Qin.
"Heng" means "Lianheng"—where weaker states allied with Qin to counterbalance others.
"Zonghengjia" (the School of Diplomacy) refers to those who advocated for either approach. Among the Hundred Schools of Thought, they were the most pragmatic—results-oriented, realistic, and ruthless. Their strategies shaped the political landscape of an entire era.
In the Warring States period, the Zonghengjia reigned supreme. Even the Confucians were overshadowed by them. Their tactics aimed only at one thing—victory—by any means necessary. They thrived in chaos.
A true Zongheng strategist possessed abilities beyond imagination.
Looking at the young man before him, Huang Chengyan's heart leapt. He was now 70–80% certain this youth came from that legendary line of strategists.
"If we sent you to implement this, what gives you the confidence you could pull it off? Stirring up discord among the alien races isn't something just anyone can do," Wu Yong asked seriously, guessing the youth's true identity.
"That's exactly why I've come to recommend myself. I am confident that I can provoke conflict among the alien races and buy Xuanhuang City valuable time to grow."
"Oh? And what gives you that confidence?"
"This." The young man pointed to his mouth. "My three-inch tongue."
He was utterly confident—believing that his tongue was worth more than a million soldiers. Capable of accomplishing what armies could not.
This confidence radiated from within, so strongly that it was nearly contagious. One couldn't help but believe he could succeed.
"May I ask your name, young man?"
Huang Chengyan stood and asked, his eyes filled with interest.
"My surname is Mao. My given name is Sui," the youth replied calmly.
"What? You're Mao Sui!?"Wu Yong leapt to his feet in shock, staring at him wide-eyed.
"Mao Sui—it's actually you!"Even Huang Chengyan's face was filled with disbelief.
Who in Huaxia hadn't heard the name Mao Sui? His very name was immortalized in the idiom Mao Sui Recommends Himself (Mao Sui Zi Jian).
According to historical records, Mao Sui was a native of Zhao during the Warring States period. He served as a retainer to Prince Pingyuan of Zhao and spent three years unrecognized. In 257 BC, he volunteered to serve as an envoy to Chu, successfully convincing them to ally with Zhao. His reputation soared, and he earned the praise: "A tongue of three inches, stronger than an army of a million."
In the Chu court, he debated fearlessly, speaking with unmatched eloquence and spirit. He was respected and admired.
He stood as a paragon among the strategists of his school.In the Zonghengjia, what mattered most were courage and rhetorical skill—and Mao Sui possessed both. His three-inch tongue became a legend through the ages.
A strategist like him, used wisely, was worth an entire army. In times of chaos, their talents were especially potent.
Given what he had just proposed—uniting friendly alien races and igniting conflict between the hostile ones—Mao Sui, with his legendary tongue, had a 90% chance of success.
In Huang Chengyan and Wu Yong's era, Mao Sui had long since passed. But in this new world, seniority was no longer based on birth years but on age and talent.
And by all appearances, Mao Sui was still a young man. Not yet old, yet already possessed of immense courage, insight, and skill—clearly no ordinary figure. With his historical record, there was no doubt: this was a prodigy of the Zonghengjia, a top-tier strategist. Equal in importance to any military adviser.
In truth, strategists themselves had evolved from the Zonghengjia.
Neither Huang Chengyan nor Wu Yong could treat Mao Sui as just another youth. His very name carried power, lending immediate credibility and authority.
"Good! Good! Good!! With Mr. Mao joining us, Xuanhuang City will be like a tiger with wings. If the Lord hears this, he'll be thrilled."
Huang Chengyan laughed heartily and grabbed Mao Sui's arm."Come! Come! Let me take you to meet the Lord. He will surely place great trust in you!"
As he spoke, he pulled Mao Sui outside with him.
"Wu Yong, I leave this place to you for now. I'll return shortly," he called as they left.
"A strategist of the Zongheng School—Mao Sui. To think such a figure would appear… And to think he would truly recommend himself. That kind of courage is rare no matter the era. I'd love to see for myself how his three-inch tongue can speak lotus flowers into bloom."
Wu Yong muttered in awe.