I made the entire cultivation world cry

Chapter 449 Education for All (Plain Mushroom Alliance Leader +1)

Jiang Yi felt a gentle yet irresistible force envelop her entire body, and the entire ancient secret realm rippled like water before being instantly replaced by pure white light.

The next instant, she landed steadily on the white jade ground.

All around were warm, white jade discs, radiating a soft yet solemn glow that dispelled all gloom.

Jiang Yi felt the immense emptiness within her body caused by activating the grand formation being rapidly filled by the pure spiritual energy around her, and she scanned her surroundings.

Hua Gu and Hong Li stood on either side of her, with Zhen Shan and Duan Jin faithfully guarding her behind her, and the two swords Zhao Ming and Yao Ling returned to their sheaths on her back.

All the demons were around, but Luo Qingsi was nowhere to be seen; she must have been teleported outside the secret realm.

The space inside the tower seemed to have its own set of rules, and the aura of the Great Dao permeated the air, causing Jiang Yi and the other demons' souls to become clear and solemn involuntarily.

However, as demon spirits, they also felt an extreme pressure.

Hua Gu and Hong Li involuntarily moved closer to Jiang Yi for protection, while Zhen Shan and Duan Jin stubbornly stood still.

All eyes were focused on the center of the tower, where a white jade tablet, smooth as solidified cream, stood.

The stele is not tall, but it exudes an ancient majesty, as if it were the embodiment of the core will of this white jade pagoda, and even the Kunlun Secret Realm.

The surface of the stele is as smooth as a mirror, with only one large, vigorous, and ancient character engraved on it, exuding a natural Taoist charm.

Road!
It stands there quietly, already the beginning of all laws and the source of all principles.

Jiang Yi understood; this was the so-called 'Dao Stele'.

This is the invaluable opportunity to 'discuss the Dao' after being listed on the Dao Ranking.

The stele could answer one of her questions, perhaps offering her inspiration for reaching a higher realm, or even the insights and experiences of those who had broken through to new heights.

The tower was completely silent.

Hongli subconsciously held her breath, and Huagu stared wide-eyed at the jade tablet. The stone body that had been used to suppress mountains and break gold seemed to tense up a bit as well.

This is an opportunity that countless cultivators dream of!
However, Jiang Yi looked at the solitary character 'Dao' and then slightly shifted her gaze to Hong Li, who was bright as fire beside her, her fox tail swaying gently but her eyes filled with tension.

She glanced at the steady and unwavering Zhenshan and Duanjin, and finally her gaze settled on Huagu's pure and innocent little face.

Jiang Yi recalled many things, but one thought finally settled in her mind!
"I would like to ask the Dao Stele, should education be based on the human race, or should it be based on the Dao of Heaven, where all beings are equal and education is for all without discrimination?"

Upon hearing this, all the demons widened their eyes and looked at Jiang Yi. They hadn't expected that Jiang Yi would give up this rare opportunity to ask a question that concerned them, and that this question was even challenging the traditions of Kunlun.

Hua Gu was so anxious that she immediately tugged at Jiang Yi's sleeve and shook her head vigorously.

Although Hong Li had always been resentful of Kunlun's actions, she was worried that Jiang Yi might offend the rules of the Kunlun Secret Realm, so she shook her head at Jiang Yi, indicating that she should not ask about it.

Just as Zhenshan was about to speak, Duanjin stopped him. Duanjin had always trusted Jiang Yi and knew that if she dared to ask, she must be confident that she could succeed in discussing the Dao. He gestured for Zhenshan to just watch quietly.

The character 'Dao' on the white jade stele glowed slightly, and lines of golden characters gradually appeared on the surface of the stele.

Humanity was born of destiny, inheriting the spirit of Pangu, and possessing wisdom and thought; thus, it is the leader of all beings. Heaven and Earth have bestowed great gifts upon us, and our responsibilities are equally heavy. The true path lies in establishing humanity as the foundation, passing on knowledge and skills, and nurturing all things. While some beings of other races may possess abilities, they are ultimately not of the orthodox lineage; how can they be equated with the destined race?

The words on the Dao stele elucidate the fundamental principles of human supremacy, which are also the concepts that humankind has held since ancient times.

Jiang Yi remained expressionless, his eyes deep. Since they were discussing the Dao, they should discuss it clearly.

"The Heavenly Dao views all living beings as neither superior nor inferior. Pangu created the heavens and earth, and his body transformed into all things. His bloodline and essence flowed among plants and animals. How can the human race alone claim to be the 'orthodox'?"

The golden characters on the stele flowed, their sharp contrasts striking each other.

Of all living beings, humanity stands alone with its developed intelligence, possessing the essence of Yin and Yang and the power to comprehend the mysteries of the Heavenly Way. Birds, beasts, and plants, however, remain ignorant and unenlightened; how can they be of the same ilk? The task of education should be selectively bestowed upon the most capable, not because Heaven is unjust, but simply because of the inherent nature of all beings.

"What is meant by 'unique spiritual awakening'? The bamboo demon Zhaoming beside me, born in the mountains, possesses a clear and bright sword heart. The fox demon Hongli's understanding of alchemy far surpasses that of ordinary cultivators. The flower maiden's qi transforms into clouds and mist, harmonizing with wind and thunder, naturally close to the Dao. Their 'spirit' and 'enlightenment' are no less than those of humans. The Great Dao values ​​life, but how can 'life' refer solely to the human race?!" Jiang Yi's aura was as powerful as a sword, each word ringing out.

"The Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Evolution is forty-nine, and humanity escapes one. This 'escape' is a glimmer of hope, not exclusive to humanity; all living beings can obtain this hope! If the work of education is limited to the appearance and bloodline of a group, rather than their heart toward the Dao, their will to do good, and their desire for knowledge, this is not 'education,' but the erection of barriers, cutting off the path of all spirits to seek knowledge!"

"This goes against the virtue of Heaven's vastness, inclusiveness, and endless life! Kunlun has always claimed to have been born from the favor and enlightenment of Heaven. If Kunlun truly represents the will of Heaven, why fear the entry of other races? Could it be that the laws of the secret realm do not discern the pursuit of the Dao, but rather the physical form and bloodline?"

The stele shone with golden light and manifested even faster.

The prosperity of humanity is a testament to the will of Heaven! Humanity's ability to control all laws and educate other races demonstrates the boundless grace of Heaven. If all races are allowed to contend, order will collapse, and the Great Dao will crumble—this would be a calamity, not a blessing! The Kunlun Secret Realm is a sacred land of humanity, its foundation resting on humankind; therefore, it must uphold the purity of its heritage.

What is meant by the collapse of order?

Jiang Yi's voice suddenly rose, carrying a sharp insight into the essence of things.

"The chaos in the world stems from selfish desires, from resource disputes, from arrogance and prejudice. What does it have to do with whether the creatures are human or demons? If people's hearts are corrupted, the calamities will far surpass those of wild beasts. Isn't the current rampant demonic tide the best proof of this? If people's hearts were free from the poison of the three corpses and the desires of greed, anger, and ignorance, where would the demons come from?"

"If the demon race were to be educated, understand reason, and follow rules, wouldn't they be able to become a part of protecting the order of heaven and earth and pursuing the profound truth of the Great Dao? Being stuck in one's ways, drawing lines in the sand, and excluding those who are different are the real 'disasters'! The true essence of the Dao should be like the ocean, embracing all rivers, its vastness lies in its inclusiveness! If the Kunlun Secret Realm truly wishes to demonstrate its 'broadness,' how can it close its doors to the outside world?"

She stepped forward, her gaze fixed intently on the jade tablet.

"Furthermore, 'education for all' is not about confusing right and wrong, but about opening the door to the Dao, broadening the path to the Great Dao, and allowing all beings to pursue and compete on the path of the Dao according to their own will and talents! At that time, the good and the bad will be revealed, the capable will stand out, and the weak will perish. This is itself the selection and verification of the Dao! How can we verify that a race is truly chosen by the heavens if we select and nurture it behind closed doors? Such an approach is more like the human race's fear of competition and the rise of geniuses from other races."

"The profound changes of the Heavenly Way should be revealed through inclusiveness, not solidified through rejection! Is the superiority of the human race that you speak of truly a confirmation from the Heavenly Way, or is it a self-proclaimed superiority by the human race? If the Heavenly Way truly favors only the human race, then where did all the other races in the world come from? Doesn't this contradict the saying 'The Tao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, three gives birth to all things'?"

The debates were extensive, drawing on classical texts and allusions, and ultimately pointing to the source.

Jiang Yi's words were like the sharpest sword, peeling away layer by layer the theoretical foundation of the Dao Stele's "human race supremacy," revealing the arrogance, prejudice, and fear behind it.

She wasn't trying to fight for true equality among all beings, but rather, given the impending demonic tide and the fact that the demon race wouldn't be affected by it, she wanted to give the demon race a chance to emerge from the shadows and into the open.

She also knew what humans feared; she had discussed this issue with her master, Danxi, a long time ago.

The way demon tamers interact with demon spirits is the best bond between humans and demons, and also a glimmer of hope for resisting the demonic tide in the future.

Demon tamers can first select demon spirits that can be educated, and then grow together with these demon spirits. The resources of Kunlun can quickly cultivate powerful demon tamers and demon spirits, including those demons who are inherently close to humans, who can also be selectively and appropriately cultivated.

The golden characters on the jade tablet surged and rushed, growing faster and faster, but gradually lost the initial righteous and confident momentum.

Every point of rebuttal was forcefully refuted by Jiang Yi with even stronger logic, causing the entire white jade tablet to tremble slightly, as if bearing indescribable pressure.

The tower was eerily silent, with only Jiang Yi's clear voice echoing inside.

Hong Li had long forgotten her nervousness. She only felt a surge of heat flowing from her heart to her limbs and bones. It was the grievances and desires that had been suppressed for thousands of years deep in her demon bloodline!
Hua Gu gripped Jiang Yi's sleeve tightly, her face filled with confusion yet also radiant. She felt no sense of belonging to the demon race, but she knew Jiang Yi was speaking up for her, fighting for fairness and recognition.

Zhenshan and Duanjin's chests rose and fell slightly, as if some kind of silent shackles were clicking inside their bodies. The two looked at each other and were extremely grateful that they had followed the right master. Such a master who truly regarded them as equals was the greatest opportunity on their path.

Zhu Xin watched silently from the sidelines, and was also shocked by Jiang Yi's eloquence, because he couldn't find any words to refute some of Jiang Yi's views.

Zhu Xin only realized at this moment that Jiang Yi was just lazy; otherwise, she would have had plenty of ways to leave him speechless.

"...If the Dao Stele holds this view, doesn't it contradict the principle that 'the Dao gives birth to all things'?"
Finally, with Jiang Yi's last question, all the golden characters on the white jade tablet suddenly exploded, turning into specks of gold dust and disappearing without a trace.

The entire interior of the white jade pagoda seemed to freeze for a moment.

The next second, the white jade tablet was no longer filled with complicated debates and sharp rebuttals.

Only a few words emerged slowly but with unparalleled clarity.

Education should be provided to all without discrimination!

These words, devoid of their previous majestic power, now carry a sense of tranquility and naturalness after breaking free from constraints, as if rewriting the laws of the Great Dao.

　And more! I'll continue!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)