The emperors in the court, each one possessing the countenance of a dragon, were so powerful that a single glance from them could shatter one's courage and resolve.

Thinking of this, Ye Li paused. If everyone in the world can cultivate extraordinary phenomena, then what will he become in the future?

"Why must you transform into one of those creatures with fur and horns, born from eggs and moisture, that are birds and beasts?"

Oxen are strong and have horns, but they are used to plow fields; pigs are greedy and fierce, but they are just food on a plate.

Why not maintain one's innate human qualities, cultivate the ways of a gentleman, perform the deeds of a chivalrous person, and achieve great success?

If one can no longer even be considered a human being, then how can one talk about being a gentleman or following the right path?

At the age of five, you found your own path in your heart. Although limited by experience and age, there is no doubt that you will continue to walk this path.

(Triggering the entry "Upright Gentleman")

[In your spare time, you used the money your father rewarded you with to buy a wooden sword because you read in a book that a sword is a gentleman's weapon and also a knight-errant's weapon.]

Although your father was puzzled and felt that you might be wasting your time, he stopped interfering because you always finished your assignments ahead of schedule.

(This entry, "Achieve twice the result with half the effort," was triggered by popular demand.)

[In the year 989 of the Heavenly Stem calendar, you were nine years old. Your extensive knowledge and erudition made you renowned throughout the village. No one doubted your future achievements, and the elders and villagers dreamed that the village could produce a top scholar.]

[At the same time, your swordsmanship has improved by leaps and bounds. Although you only have a wooden sword, you are confident that ten ordinary people carrying farm tools are no match for you.]

[Has this the path to enlightenment? You don't know; you're simply moving forward in a better light, carrying everyone's expectations.]

In the year 994 of the Heavenly Stem calendar, a severe drought struck. The new emperor, in his ruthlessness, used the pretext of suppressing barbarians, quelling rebellions, and building a temporary palace to impose three separate tax collections. Through layers of apportionment, the people suffered immensely.

Your village was not spared.

"Good heavens! Does this imperial court even want us to live? They've already collected all the taxes for three years from now!"

The tax collectors had just left when Ye Li heard the villagers complaining.

This wasn't just a bunch of exorbitant taxes; the official in charge of this area even collected taxes for several years in advance!

Even though their area is nestled between mountains and water, and the drought didn't have a significant impact on them, they were still being exploited to the bone, leaving every household with very little money.

"Old Ye, I'm sorry, we don't have the money to send our children to school."

"It's alright, everyone's in the same boat."

Ye's father didn't say anything; he knew the current situation.

Fortunately, my child is not only good at studying, but somehow he has also developed a kung fu skill.

A few days ago, I went hunting in the mountains and brought back a wild boar for their family.

"Do you think the current emperor has gone mad? Does he think the people's money is worthless?"

"Shut up! How dare you say something like that about beheading so loudly? If those bastards haven't gone far, you'll be in big trouble."

"I've heard about this. The Northern Barbarians have established three royal courts in recent years, and each Khan is a monster like a demon."

The Eagle King can transform into a majestic eagle, summoning wind and rain.

The wolf king was accompanied by a pack of wolves, and wherever he went, government troops fled in disarray.

And then there was the King of Steeds, said to be taller than the city walls, wielding a halberd that could sweep through armies.

"Where did you hear that? Is it really that scary? No matter how powerful they are, can they defeat our border's Divine Elephant Army or the Heavenly Tiger Army?"

"Exactly, exactly. What you said is making me unable to sleep at night. Let's not talk about this anymore."

Ye Li did not participate in their discussion; he simply listened from the sidelines.

He began to think things through.

"The world is not at peace now. The people are suffering, but the court wants to swallow their bones and scraps as well."

Since I aspire to be a virtuous person and a chivalrous hero, what can I, now, do for the world?

In March of the year 995 in the Heavenly Stems calendar, the Wolf King of the Steppes invaded the border, and the Great Gan army met him with the Divine Elephant Army.

Everyone believed that once the heavenly army arrived, the northern barbarians would have no choice but to flee in terror.

In April of the 995th year of the Heavenly Stem Calendar, the Divine Elephant Army suffered a major defeat, and the Wolf King led his troops to plunder, resulting in the loss of the border.

The Divine Elephant Army was routed, with many soldiers turning into bandits, fleeing and plundering along the way.

A retreating army of a dozen or so men has arrived at your village.