Shen Han has been in Great Wei for over a year.
But most of his understanding of the entire Great Wei society comes from listening to others' casual conversations.
This book in his hand, "World Understanding," is actually Shen Han's first systematic understanding of the entire continent's ideology.
Opening the first page, there is a hand-drawn map.
The map is divided into three parts: Great Wei is located in the southwest, Qi Country is in the north, and Yan Country is in the southeast.
The fertile lands are divided among the three countries, but there are also many territories that belong to some small border countries.
Beyond the main continent, separated by high mountains and dense forests, lies the territory of the Demon Race.
With such geographical conditions, the three countries maintain heavy troops all year round to prevent warfare.
The military power has always been in the hands of the generals, leaving the power-holders in court naturally uneasy.
A hundred years ago, Great Wei experienced a turmoil, a military coup.
During that turmoil, the Great Wei Emperor used the country's core resources to suppress it.
After the turmoil, the power-holders reflected on its causes.
The fundamental reason for the coup was the failure of the strategy of checks and balances.
The successors of several major generals gradually became a community of interests through marriage alliances, and began to have consistent goals in many situations.
On the surface, the court seemed harmonious.
But for an emperor, the overly friendly relationships among ministers are disadvantageous.
Emperors prefer ministers to have different opinions and conflicting interests.
Only by relying on the emperor to mediate and control can differences be resolved.
After that coup, the power-holders of Great Wei became very wary of marriages among ministers.
They were particularly cautious about marriages between prominent family members and heirs of family patriarchs.
Reading up to this point, Shen Han thoroughly understood the reason for the royal decree of marriage between him and Su Jinyu.
Currently, Marquis Shen still holds military power and guards one side.
Though the Su Family has relinquished military power, their prestige in the Northwest Army remains extremely high and they are widely respected.
Moreover, the Su Family's eldest and second sons have been training in the army for years.
It is highly likely they will take over the Northwest Army's military power in the future.
If the two families were to marry, especially with a family heir like Shen Ye involved, how could the Imperial Family not be concerned?
The Imperial Family acted shrewdly by decreeing an earlier marriage.
They bestowed Su Jinyu upon the disfavored and disregarded offspring of the Shen Family.
This move not only caught both the Shen and Su Families off guard but also positioned themselves advantageously.
Even if the decree is eventually rescinded, the Shen and Su Families would need to make significant efforts to combine forces.
Perhaps this is the emperor's game with the ministers.
In this game, Shen Han became a pawn that could be easily discarded.
To overcome this ordeal, Shen Han knew clearly that he had to elevate himself.
Only by becoming strong enough can he have the right to control his destiny.
So as not to be casually abandoned by others.
Turning the pages, "World Understanding" also provides a considerable introduction to Great Wei's path of cultivation.
The world is divided into literary and martial pursuits; martial artists refine the body and understand intent, while scholars refine Qi and alter laws.
Ascension is divided into nine grades, and reaching the third grade allows one to become an Immortal.
Second-grade and first-grade powerhouses are legendary, hidden Immortals.
After the introduction of famous people in "World Understanding,"
The Sword Immortal Li Lingfeng, Martial Frenzy Tie Zhan...
Looking further, even Old Marquis Shen Qingshan of the Shen Family was recorded in it.
Shen Han had only seen Old Marquis Shen once.
Like the Old Dowager, his face remained indifferent upon seeing Shen Han.
But compared to the Old Dowager, at least he would nod in acknowledgment when Shen Han saluted him.
It wasn't until seeing Shen Ye, the talented grandson, that the cold-faced Old Marquis suddenly became kindly.
After the introduction of famous figures, there was an introduction to various forces.
The Holy Land of Sword Cultivation, Xiaoyao Peak, was of course listed.
Xiaoyao Peak wasn't just one mountain peak but a group of peaks.
Currently, there are seven Sword Immortals, truly making it a holy land for Sword Cultivators.
No wonder it became a hot topic when Su Jinyu was accepted as a disciple by Xiaoyao Peak.
Shen Han continued to read further, finding that the contents in "World Understanding" became increasingly recent.
In the past decade, the martial path in Great Wei has gradually weakened, whereas Qi Country and Yan Country have begun to flourish.
If it weren't for the presence of great literary figures in Great Wei, it might have lost a significant portion of its territory.
Shen Han wasn't very interested in these contents.
Right now he couldn't even protect his own safety.
How could he talk about helping Great Wei defend its territory?
After finishing "World Understanding," Shen Han set it aside.
While it's good to understand the world's trends and the court's situation, his primary focus was still on his own strength.
And how to rely on his strength to protect himself.
His gaze shifted to the "Sunset Sword Formulas" beside him; this was what he should be delving into now.
Senior Sister Liu's words were clear; if he had outstanding talent in the Sword Dao, she could recommend him to join Xiaoyao Peak.
Proving his talent in the Sword Dao likely hinged on this "Sunset Sword Formulas" as a test.
Focusing intently, a line of small blue text floated above the sword formulas.
[An Easy-to-Learn but Hard-to-Master Manual]
It was no surprise that they would use this set of sword formulas to test a sword cultivator's talent.
Shen Han didn't immediately extract the entry.
Since it's easy to learn but hard to master, he would start by practicing and comprehending with this manual.
Acting as he thought, Shen Han had no qualms about cultivating the "Sunset Sword Formulas."
This sword formula was given by Senior Sister Liu Xilan from Xiaoyao Peak, it came legitimately, and even if others knew, it didn't matter.
The people of the Shen Family might dare to bully him, but they wouldn't dare to mess with Liu Xilan.
Flipping through the "Sunset Sword Formulas," the introductory sword techniques were indeed simple.
As the sunset falls, the sword cleaves a ray of sunlight.
With a branch in hand, Shen Han mimicked the technique.
It wasn't skillful!
The entry-level of "Sunset Swordsmanship" was indeed simple, but soon, Shen Han found a problem.
The sword techniques executed from the Sunset Sword Formulas were overpowering, but not as agile as other techniques.
The sword emphasizes intention, the intent breaks ten thousand methods.
Yet this "Sunset Sword Formulas" differed from other swordsmanship, emphasizing stability and dominance.
It appeared more like a saber technique, with wide-open and grand movements.
However, it was far less impactful than saber techniques with their overwhelming momentum.
Even if mastered, this swordsmanship was hardly practical in combat.
No wonder the entry for these sword formulas was "easy to learn but hard to master." Though one might grasp the basics, the essence was elusive.
The time had reached noon, and the aroma of food started wafting from the kitchen within the residence.
But needing to rely on himself, Shen Han had no right to taste it.
He took some flatbreads from his room and bit into them with pickled vegetables.
At noon, he closed his eyes to rest, calming his mind and spirit.
At 1:00 PM, he took out the "Sunset Sword Formulas."
Gathering Qi, extract!
The original entry "easy to learn but hard to master" immediately fell off.
Upon reopening the "Sunset Sword Formulas," all the contents had changed.
What had been straightforward introductory material became slightly more advanced.
And the methods for advancing and mastering were explained much clearer than before.
Hidden within this "Sunset Sword Formulas," there was indeed a subtle mystery, and it was not an ordinary sword formula.