I, Confucius in the Flesh, Set the Rules for the Underworld!

What if there's another possibility?

The Confucius you imagine: "I am the founder of Confucian culture and the supreme sage of Confucianism. Three thousand worthy men follow me, and I have seventy-two direct disciples."

The real Confucius: "Culture and all that is just a passive skill. I'm the boss of Confucianism! I have tens of thousands of subordinates, and only three thousand of them can barely be considered experts. Seventy-two have learned the tiniest bit of what I know."

The journey through the various kingdoms as you imagine it: Enduring the toil of travel, teaching the people at every turn, and being treated with respect as a teacher by the rulers of the various states. Confucius patiently imparted his teachings and spread Confucian principles. His disciples compiled his deeds into the Analects.

The real journey through the various kingdoms: Riding dragons and chasing phoenixes through the vast void, protected by three thousand devoted god-slaying fans and seventy-two Demon Pillar Gods! Punching the Celestial Palace and stomping on the Yellow Springs, he tamed the immortal and Buddhist kingdoms of myriad worlds, crushed the rulers of countless nations, and forced them to accept the rules in the Analects by holding their heads down!

Confucius: "I set the rules for the underworld! You can obey them willingly, or I'll beat you until you do!"

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.