Then you have attempts at expanding concepts of Fire and Dark, separating Dark and the Old Chaos into their own ideas. Then you have Aldia which seeks to break the cycle altogether, again, very interesting and adds a lot of depth to the Souls world.
Heresy, you say? If it is for the sake of preserving Ashina, I will seize any manner of heretical strength. I will endure any burden. Behold, the Lightning of Tomoe.