Warhammer Cultivation: Cultivating the Tao Te Ching in the 40K Universe

It was a modulated human baritone voice.

"Hector Kane".

"The Imperial Regent, the one who holds the seal, requests to see you."

Chapter 4 Audience with the Seal Bearer

In Hector's perception, the world split into two distinct dimensions.

On the surface, it was a cold reality. The archives were deathly silent. All the apprentices and the once arrogant supervisor, Valerius, stood frozen in place, their faces contorted with awe and fear.

Those two golden demigods, like statues that stepped out of mythology, were enough to bring mortals to a standstill in their very existence.

On an inner level, however, Hector's spiritual world was clearer than ever before.

"The Tao is empty yet its use is inexhaustible. It is deep and seems to be the origin of all things; it is still and seems to exist."

The text of the Tao Te Ching flowed gently through his heart, like an unchanging star, soothing all the ripples caused by fear, excitement, and unease. The true energy within his body circulated at an unprecedented speed, flowing along the unobstructed Du meridian, bringing a deep-seated calmness and strength.

He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer the orphan who could hide in the dusty archives.

His every word and action will be placed under the highest level of microscope in the universe and subjected to the most rigorous scrutiny.

"plz follow me."

The imperial guard didn't say another word, but simply turned slightly to the side, making an unquestionable "please" gesture.

Hector took a deep breath, then stepped forward and followed their pace.

He didn't turn around to look at Valerius's deathly pale face, nor did he pay attention to the shocked gazes behind him. He knew that the life belonging to "Archives Apprentice 2025-734" was completely over.

Passing through that enormous adamantine gate, Hector felt the true pulse of Terra for the first time.

They walked through an incredibly wide underground corridor, high enough for a Thunderhawk gunship to fly through. The walls were made of polished black basalt, and every hundred meters, a huge banner, shimmering with the outline of the Imperial double-headed eagle, hung down.

Thousands of workers, machine operators, and officials moved through the corridors like ants, yet there was no noise, only the sound of uniform footsteps and the low hum of machinery.

This is the underground foundation of the Imperial Palace, a marvel being built with unprecedented determination and efficiency. Hector could sense a magnificent, resolute, almost obsessive will permeating the air.

This is the Emperor's will, his determination to save humanity from the long night and lead it to a great future.

Two guards led the way in silence. There seemed to be an invisible barrier around them, and all the people would automatically and respectfully part to the sides before they got within ten meters of them, making way for them.

Hector followed behind them, silently observing everything.

Half of his mind was devoted to maintaining inner "tranquility," while the other half was used to feel the epochal current sweeping across all of human civilization. He was no longer an observer; he was about to be swept into the very center of this torrent.

They rode a silent magnetic elevator, ascending thousands of meters. When the doors opened again, the view outside the windows was breathtaking.

Reaching the top of a tall tower, through the huge floor-to-ceiling crystal windows, one can see the vast and boundless palace complex below, and further away, the Terra sky, stained dark red by industrial dust.

"Please wait here."

The Imperial Guards led him into a spacious room, then stood guard at the door like statues on either side, remaining silent.

Hector looked around. The room was unexpectedly...simple. There was no gold, no jewels, the walls were warm wood, and an antique rug covered the floor.

There were a few items in the room, but each one made Hector's heart skip a beat.

On the shelf against the wall sat a book. A real "book," printed on paper and ink, bound with a hardcover. On the cover was a faded line of ancient Terran script:

Mathematical principles of natural philosophy.

On the table beside him was an astronomical instrument made of brass and crystal, which Hector recognized as a Renaissance-style armillary sphere.

What shocked him most was a small holographic projection floating in the center of the room. It was a black and white video playing on a loop, in which a person wearing a bulky spacesuit was planting an ancient flag on a gray, desolate piece of land.

This is... the moon landing.

These are relics of his lost era. They are proof of "intellect" and "exploration" that should have been completely forgotten in this universe that only worships power and conquest.

Hector immediately realized that this was no ordinary waiting room.

This is the first question.

Just then, an invisible and indescribable pressure descended silently.

That wasn't physical pressure, but a direct torment of the soul.

In an instant, Hector's mind was filled with endless despair, as if he could see the human empire decaying for ten thousand years to come, and the indescribable evil gods in the warp mocking him.

Then, the scene shifts again, revealing endless temptations.

Supreme power, eternal life, the ability to change reality at will... it all seemed within his grasp if he so desired.

Finally, all temptations and fears receded, leaving only a cold, all-seeing nothingness.

All efforts are meaningless, all struggles are futile, the ultimate fate of the universe is only heat death and entropy increase, and everything will return to dust.

This is the most terrifying attack because it uses "truth" to destroy your will.

And it's master-level! The user doesn't even show their face, yet they can precisely infuse emotions and philosophical concepts into the soul of the target!

Hector swayed, his face turning deathly pale. But he did not fall.

Deep within his heart, the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching flowed automatically.

"Heaven and earth are unkind and regard all things as stupid dogs."

Yes, the universe is indifferent, and fate is cruel. But that doesn't mean individuals should give up.

"The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without striving, and dwells in places that others disdain, thus it is close to the Way."

He didn't confront the immense psychic pressure, nor did he attempt to build any kind of "mental barrier." Because any resistance would expose his abnormality.

He chose not to fight.

At this moment, his mental world was completely "emptied." Like a desolate valley, like a bottomless ancient well.

The powerful psychic energy that had been trying to interrogate his soul surged into his consciousness, only to find...nothing here. There were no desires to tempt him, no fears to amplify, no ambitions to exploit. It was like the wind blowing into a valley, passing through without leaving a trace.

Outside, a member of the Imperial Guard standing at the gate had a golden glint in his eyes, as if he were having a silent conversation with someone, his expression showing a hint of surprise.

Just then, the wooden planks that appeared to be a wall in front of them silently slid apart to the sides.

An old, weary voice, as if bearing the weight of thousands of years, came from behind the door.

"Come in, child."

Hector took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Inside the room, a thin old man was sitting behind an old-fashioned wooden table.

He wore a simple gray robe, his hair was gray, and his face was covered with wrinkles. But his eyes were astonishingly bright, as if they contained a starry sky that was about to go out but was still burning.

Macardo. Regent of the Empire, Commander of the Imperial Guard, the Emperor's most trusted mortal, and one of the most powerful psionicists in human history.

He wasn't seated on a high throne, nor were there any guards around him. He simply sat there quietly, like an old scholar nearing his end. But Hector could sense within his seemingly withered body a terrifying power capable of annihilating a fleet.

“You seem quite interested in history,” Makado said calmly, gesturing to the room outside without asking anything about the report.

“History is our foundation, Your Excellency.” Hector bowed slightly and answered in the same calm tone, “If you forget your roots, you cannot see the road ahead.”

A hint of approval flashed in Makado's eyes. He had lived too long and seen too many clever people who only focused on immediate gains, but he had rarely seen a young man who could say such things.

“Very good.” He nodded, finally turning his attention to the main topic. “Salosh’s report was written by you. Tell me how you knew that. Don’t try to fob me off with ‘data analysis.’ My time is valuable.”

Hector's mind was calm as still water. He knew that now was the time for him to lay the foundation for his entire theoretical system.

“Your Excellency, it is indeed based on an analytical system,” Hector said neither humbly nor arrogantly. “A… very ancient philosophical and mathematical system, originating from before the Golden Age of Ancient Terra. My grandfather, a scholar dedicated to the study of the Lost Age, taught it to me.”

He brought out the "grandfather" he had prepared long ago, as an untraceable source.

"The core of this idea is not to pursue 'prediction,' but to pursue the understanding of 'momentum.' Everything has its own 'trend' of development, just as water flows downhill and fire burns uphill. By observing enough 'variables,' we can deduce the direction of 'momentum.' I call this system... 'Yi' (易)."

“Yi? The way of change?” Makado tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound, as if he was pondering the meaning of the word.

“Yes, sir,” Hector continued. “The ‘variables’ I observed in the Sarosh were their abnormal social structure, their distorted language worship, and their morbid craving for flesh and blood. These variables all pointed to a ‘momentum’—that is, ‘decay’ and ‘trap.’ So, I came to that conclusion.”

Macardo fell silent. His gaze seemed to pierce through Hector's flesh and blood, staring straight into his soul. Hector felt like a leaf scorched by a star, experiencing immense pressure from soul to body.

“An interesting theory.” Makado spoke slowly, the pressure of his psionic energy suddenly increasing. “Then, use your ‘Yi’ to deduce the current greatest ‘trend’.”

Leaning slightly forward, his eyes, burning with starlight, were fixed intently on Hector.

"The Ulanor Expedition. His Majesty the Emperor has assembled eight legions, over a million Space Marines, and the greatest Primarch—Horus Lupecal. He is about to deliver the most devastating blow to the Orcish Empire. Tell me, my child… where will the tide of this war turn?"

This is the ultimate test.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Hector's forehead; the psionic pressure felt like a tangible mountain range, threatening to crush his will.

But he did not yield. Instead, he straightened his back, and what came to mind was no longer the stillness of the Tao Te Ching, but another classic chapter full of killing and wisdom.

Meeting Makado's gaze, he spoke in a clear, steady, and even slightly impassioned tone:

"Therefore, a skillful strategist places himself in an invincible position, and does not miss the opportunity to defeat the enemy!"

Upon hearing this, the starlight in Makado's pupils suddenly froze!

Hector continued without pausing, “This battle is not a battle of victory or defeat, but a battle of survival! The size of the Orcish Empire is both its ‘excess’ and its ‘deficiency.’ Because of its size, its mobilization is slow and its commands are inconsistent; our army, on the other hand, is sharp and its will is unified. With our ‘deficient’ elite forces, we can defeat the enemy’s ‘excessive’ bloated forces. This is the true way of war!”

"Horus, his charisma is enough to move the stars, his strategy enough to overturn the continent. He will surely seize every weakness of the orc warlord Urk Ugg and utterly crush him. Victory in this battle is not a matter of suspense, but a foregone conclusion!"

His words were forceful and confident.

Then, he changed the subject, and his voice became somber.

"However... the military strategy passed down by my ancestors also says: 'Swift as the wind, silent as the forest, fierce as fire, immovable as a mountain.' The victory of Ulano will be the ultimate in 'fiery fierceness.'"

When the flames have burned everything away, what remains will be immense glory, and an equally immense… emptiness. How to handle the glory brought by this victory, how to soothe the heart that stands at the pinnacle… this is where the empire's greatest power lies after Ulanno.

In the room, the immense psionic pressure exerted by Macardo, as vast as the stars and the sea, vanished without a trace the moment Hector finished speaking, as if it had never existed.

Macardo leaned back in his chair, a complex expression on his ancient face.

He looked at the boy in front of him.

This young man not only accurately predicted the outcome of the war, but also, with a strategic perspective full of philosophical contemplation, pointed out the deepest hidden danger in the empire's future—the dangers that would follow victory.

A long time, a long time.

Makado spoke again, his voice hoarse, yet carrying an unprecedented solemnity.

“Your 'grandfather'…”

He paused, as if searching for the most suitable word.

"...What else did he teach you?"

Chapter 5 The Way of Silence and the First Pledge of Allegiance

Macardo's question, like an invisible key, gently turned, unlocked the vast treasure trove in Hector's heart that contained the entirety of Chinese civilization.

Facing this living legend, this master who knows countless secrets, any concealment or deception would be tantamount to suicide. But at the same time, revealing everything would be tantamount to handing over one's greatest trump card.

Hector chose a middle path—discussing the "Tao" in terms of the "Tao".

Without the slightest hesitation, he met Macardo's penetrating gaze and answered respectfully and clearly:

"Your Excellency, what my ancestors passed down is a complete philosophy about 'human beings'. A set of... knowledge on how to conduct oneself, strengthen oneself, and save oneself in a chaotic universe."

His voice echoed in the quiet room, each word carefully considered.

"In addition to the Yi Jing (Book of Changes), which you have already heard of, used to deduce changes in 'momentum', and the Bing Fa (Art of War), which is used to guide 'war' strategies, there are three other core texts."

“Firstly, there is the ‘Science of Nourishment’,” Hector said slowly. “It elucidates the correspondence between the universe and the human body. It believes that the human body itself is a microcosm, and through specific breathing and guiding methods, the energy dissipated from the outside world can be refined into one’s own ‘vital energy,’ thereby strengthening the body, purifying the mind, and resisting the erosion of external evils. My ancestor called this ‘body refinement.’”

Makado's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly. Resisting the erosion of external evils? He knew better than anyone what the greatest "external evil" in this universe was.

“Secondly, there is the ‘science of governing the world,’” Hector continued. “It explores how to govern a family, a city-state, or even an empire. Its core lies in the word ‘balance,’ emphasizing that the ruler should be as selfless as heaven and earth, providing the foundation for the survival of all people, rather than satisfying one’s own selfish desires.”

“Thirdly, and most importantly, is the ‘fundamental study,’” Hector’s voice became deep and enigmatic. “It explores the ultimate origin of the universe, which we call ‘the Way.’ It teaches us that true power does not come from endless acquisition and expansion, but from inner stillness and emptiness. When a person’s heart is as still as an abyss, empty of everything, he can contain the entire universe and remain unshaken by any force. This is the ultimate barrier protecting the mind.”

Hector finished speaking. He didn't mention the Tao Te Ching or the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic. Instead, he repackaged and reinterpreted the core ideas of these classics in a way that people of this era, especially Macardo, could understand and be moved by.

A long silence fell over the room.

Macardo closed his eyes, his wrinkled face expressionless. But Hector could feel the air around him vibrating at a subtle frequency. The regent's heart was far from as calm as he appeared.

He dedicated his entire life to gathering knowledge and power from the lost era of ancient Terra for the Emperor, attempting to find the ultimate answer for human civilization to combat chaos. He encountered countless forms of mysticism, ancient religions, and philosophical thought.

But never has there been anything like the one described by this young man before us... complete, self-consistent, and to the core!

It is not merely about power, but also about a worldview—a worldview drastically different from the empire's current doctrine of "conquest, expansion, and the worship of absolute power."