Li Baoping led her horse past rows of memorial archways, heading towards the riverbank.

The Chen clan, known as the paragon of Confucian scholars, was famed throughout the realm for their proliferation of archways. Both the Shaoguang Academy and the Fanlu Academy were among the seventy-two esteemed Confucian academies, and were the closest in proximity within the vast world. In particular, the Fanlu Academy could almost be considered the Chen clan’s family school, with the majority of instructors bearing the Chen surname.

The red-clad woman, with a small wine gourd hanging from her waist and a narrow Xiangfu blade at her side, had gained a certain reputation within these two academies. This was due to her unwavering “stick-to-the-point” attitude and her extraordinary patience during debates. While not exactly disliked, she certainly caused no small amount of annoyance. Thus, both Shaoguang and Fanlu academies had come to recognize this young woman from the Cliff Academy. Although the Cliff Academy of the Great Sui Dynasty in Baoping Continent was gaining prominence, it was largely attributed to the new headmaster, Cui Chan, the one who betrayed the Confucian lineage and turned against his own master, rather than the academy producing many learned scholars or young sages who proposed groundbreaking knowledge that stirred the Central Earth. Consequently, there were still reservations within Confucian circles regarding the Cliff Academy’s return to the ranks of the seventy-two academies.

Cui Chan, the Embroidered Tiger, as the Great Li’s Imperial Preceptor, was undeniably capable of uniting a continent’s strength to resist the demon hordes, leaving little room for criticism. However, his appointment as the headmaster of an academy remained a point of contention.

Li Baoping had previously traveled alone through the Central Earth Divine Continent, visiting several major dynasties such as the Da Duan and Shao Yuan, all of which were urgently preparing for war. They were mobilizing peak cultivators and elite troops to the major coastal battlefronts of the Central Earth Divine Continent. Practitioners of various schools of thought and Qi Refiners displayed their unique abilities, as mountain-sized ferry ships rose from the ground, blotting out the sky. When passing over, they could plunge a city into sudden twilight. Rumor had it that the ancestral founders of each school had appeared, but the Confucian Temple, including the Supreme Sage, the Sage of Rites, the Sub-Sage, the Temple Master, and the founding sages of other Confucian lineages, had yet to make an appearance. Ultimately, only a Vice-Temple Master and three Grand Sacrificial Officers were seen traveling across several continents, busily engaging with various parties, their words and actions reported in the local gazettes.

In truth, Li Baoping was not entirely alone in her travels. The young Qi Refiner named Xu Bai still preferred to follow her from afar. However, after being twice transported thousands of miles away by Li Xisheng’s spatial manipulation, the young man, known as “Xu Xian,” had learned his lesson. Aside from occasionally sharing a ferry with Li Baoping, he would not reveal himself, not even approaching her. Even after boarding, he would not seek her out, but would stand foolishly at the bow, content with a distant glance at the red-clad maiden he admired.

Once, while traveling on an intercontinental ferry to the Southern Suo Continent, Li Baoping couldn’t help but confront him, asking, “Xu Bai, have you been matchmade with someone else? Otherwise, what do you like about me? What must I do for you to stop liking me?”

Xu Bai’s face flushed crimson as he answered the three questions in quick succession, “I have not been matchmade. I like everything. Unless I like another girl.”

Indeed, there were cultivators blessed with extraordinary fortune, such as Huang Ting, the female Taoist of Tongye Continent, and He Xiaoliang of Baoping Continent.

And now, among the Young Ten, there was the youth from Qingming Heaven who ascended to the Jade Pillar Realm in a single step, and the swordsman Liu Cai, who possessed two Dao Ancestor gourds.

Among the Candidates for the Young Ten, Xu Bai of the Central Earth and Ma Kuxuan of Baoping Continent were particularly blessed with heaven-sent opportunities, as if great Dao encounters fell from the sky.

The Young Ten and the Candidates for the Young Ten had mostly experienced various trials and tribulations on their path, even the youngest, the Bamboo Sea Grotto’s maiden “Chun Qing,” who was only sixteen when she made the list and, as the only direct disciple of the Qing Shen Mountain’s mistress, had already been in several battles. However, Xu Bai was different from Ma Kuxuan; he had no record of ever taking action. Perhaps the only two times he “clashed” with others, his luck was so good that it was ultimately bad. Xu Bai directly encountered Li Baoping’s elder brother. Fortunately, Xu Bai was not concerned with winning or losing. Even after losing two battles in his first foray into the world, his state of mind remained unaffected, only hoping to avoid encountering the Confucian-robed man again.

Currently, Xu Bai was at the Fanlu Academy. The only question in the young man’s mind was the identity of Li Baoping’s so-called junior master. Why did Li Baoping confidently declare that when she met her junior master, she would turn Xu Xian into Xu Bu Xian (Xu-Not-Immortal)? At that moment, the red-clad woman seemed to transform into a little girl, incredibly endearing. Xu Bai thought that even being beaten by her junior master would be worth it.

Xu Bai was always uneasy about the “Xu Xian” nickname that had been inexplicably placed upon his head, and dared not take it seriously.

After all, the poems and swords of Bai Xian, the lyrics of Su Xian, the talismans of Yu Xian, and the chess of Zheng Xian were truly otherworldly and unparalleled. Xu Bai completely did not understand why he had gained the “Xian” suffix.

Li Baoping led her horse along the riverbank, and just as she was about to reach for the gourd to take a drink, she quickly lowered it.

Li Baoping blinked her eyes. Her teacher’s teacher had arrived.

The old scholar still used a disguise technique and said softly, “Little Baoping, don’t make a sound, don’t make a sound. I have a great reputation here. If people discover my whereabouts, it will be difficult to escape.”

Thinking back to those years, unable to refuse the warm invitation, he had come to the Chen clan to impart knowledge and teach, causing how many young maidens to lose their hairpin flowers? Causing how many instructors to argue until their necks were red for a seat?

Li Baoping refrained from bowing and paying respects, but for the first time, she called out “Grandmaster” in her heart.

The old scholar smiled from ear to ear, very fond of this aspect of little Baoping, unlike that Mao Xiaodong, who had even more rules than her teacher.

The old scholar casually asked, “Little Baoping, what book have you been reading recently?”

Li Baoping replied, “I am reading a Buddhist scripture, which begins with the Mahaprajnaparamita Bodhisattva asking the Buddha one hundred and eight questions.”
If placed within other Confucian traditions, the Grand Master would likely be immediately stricken with a headache, but the old scholar would smile knowingly. A casual question yielded unexpected delight, stroking his beard and nodding, he said, “Little Treasure Bottle has chosen a fine book, a good scripture, a profound Buddhist text. The Buddha felt he was asked too little, so he questioned further, questioning until the very essence of heaven and earth was almost exhausted. One of the Buddha’s intentions was to eliminate the law of relativity, which, in fact, has a similar aim to the Doctrine of the Mean that our Confucianism advocates. Among our scholars, the one who most closely resonates with this is that Sage of Shujian Lake, whom your junior uncle once interacted with. I specially assigned an assignment to your teacher and your senior brothers, dedicated to answering the ‘Heavenly Questions.’ Later, at the Great Wall of Sword Qi, your Left Senior Brother deliberately used this to make things difficult for your junior uncle.”

Li Bao Ping nodded slightly. In recent years, she had dabbled in Buddhist logic, the sophistry of the Logicians, and the ancestral masters of her own tradition, including the old Literary Sage beside her, had also mentioned in detail the “Rectification of Names” the making of names to represent reality. Li Bao Ping had naturally studied it with dedication. In short, they were all treasures for “arguing,” the more the better. However, the more Li Bao Ping read, the more doubts she had. On the contrary, she couldn’t even win arguments with herself. So she seemed to become increasingly silent, but in reality, it was because she was talking to herself, asking and answering herself too much in her heart.

“Reading the books of sages and worthies naturally leads to an understanding of Zen.”

The old scholar sighed, “Your teacher didn’t want to tell you these words before, because you were too young at that time, and your reading was not deep enough. It’s easy to be distracted. For example, ‘Sweep the courtyard, keep it clean inside and out; lock the doors and gates, inspect them personally.’ When children hear this, they only think it’s troublesome, but when old people hear it, they feel it’s profound truth, feeling that the incense will continue, that farming and reading will be passed down, and that the greatest learning lies in daily life. The same person, the same principle, feels completely different when heard in youth and in old age. When reading becomes deep, you can correlate and synthesize, gleaning meaning between the lines, inferring meaning from the words themselves.”

As he spoke, the old scholar took out a jade bracelet from his sleeve, placed it in his palm, and asked with a smile, “Have you seen anything?”

Li Bao Ping seemed to have realized something, nodded, “It’s the same principle as with the seals down the mountain, where the square seal is the most precious. Presence and absence are uncertain, but certainty gives rise to myriad laws.”

Human-world mutton-fat jade, carved into a jade bracelet, is precious and rare precisely because much must be discarded, ultimately leaving a blank space for people to admire.

As for seals, oval seals and free-form seals are far less valuable than square seals. The reason lies in “not letting go.”

However, within this, there is also involved a “divine species” connected to the material itself of the jade bracelet and square seal, but Little Treasure Bottle’s thoughts leapt far away, thus relieving the old scholar of much worry.

The old scholar suddenly turned his head and asked with a smile, “Xu Bai, what do you think?”

In the distance behind him, a young man hurriedly appeared, first bowing in apology, then straightening up and bowing again, respectfully answering, “This junior does not know.”

Xu Bai was born in a remote small country in the Central Earth Divine Continent. His ancestral home was Zhaoling. His ancestors and fathers were all commoner teachers who guarded the Wishing Bridge. Although Xu Bai had studied the books of sages and worthies hard from a young age, he inevitably lacked familiarity with worldly affairs. This time, he mustered his courage to travel far and wide alone, and he had made many jokes along the way.

The old scholar looked at the young man in the blue robe and scholar’s kerchief. Fortunately, this kid is not yet a Confucian scholar of our lineage, but still an honest and decent one. Otherwise, if he dared to poach from my Literary Sage lineage, the old scholar would jump up and spit in your face. The truth is the greatest, and age and seniority should be set aside. The old scholar was in a great mood. Good kid, no wonder he’s that Xu Xian, a devoted lover! Sure enough, the direct and indirect descendants of my Literary Sage lineage all have good relationships, but they all put their effort into scholarship. How can the Ritual Sage and Sub-Sage lineages compare? As for the Fú lineage, forget about it. They should learn humbly from my Literary Sage lineage.

Li Bao Ping sighed. There was no other way. It seemed she would have to call her elder brother for assistance. If her elder brother could do it, he could just throw this Xu Bai back to his hometown.

The old scholar quickly raised his palm, pressing down twice, signaling Little Treasure Bottle not to rush to unleash her trump card. With the Grand Ancestor here, what was there to fear?

The old scholar beckoned to Xu Bai, and when the young man walked tremblingly to the old scholar’s side, he bowed and saluted again, saying, “This student, Xu Bai, greets the Literary Sage.”

The old scholar smiled and nodded, asking, “Xu Bai, have you heard of a rigorous and world-renowned old teacher named Mao Xiaodong?”

Xu Bai nodded, “When I was young, my tutor listed a reading list of sixteen books for me to read repeatedly, including a commentary work by the Mountain Master Mao of Cliffside Academy. I read it with care and gained a lot from it.”

Speaking of this, Xu Bai was a little embarrassed. His tutor only mentioned his reputation, which, after all, was vastly different from that of an academy mountain master. In the end, the young man from a small place was still simple-minded, and there was still a difference between the rich and the poor, between the mountain and the valley. So, in Xu Bai’s view, no matter how much he respected and admired the teacher who enlightened him, his knowledge was ultimately not as great as that of an academy sage.

The old scholar was amused and didn’t reveal the mystery to the young man, but said to Little Treasure Bottle in his heart, “If I’m not mistaken, this Xu Bai’s tutor is that ‘Xu Jun of Zhaoling,’ a great scholar of classics worthy of the name. However, although the teacher and student share the same surname Xu, they have no family lineage.”

Li Bao Ping understood in her heart.

That “Xu Jun,” who was known as the “Sage of Characters” by the people, was not a sage enshrined in the Confucian Temple. But he was an old teacher whom her junior uncle admired back then.

The old scholar smiled and said, “Your tutor has a unique eye, selecting sixteen classics for you to study diligently, including Mao Xiaodong’s ‘Collection of Annotations on Cui Zi.’ Seeing the foundation of Cui Chan’s learning, and also seeing Mao Xiaodong’s annotations, is equivalent to seeing the techniques, authority, and momentum all at once.”

It’s hard to imagine that a junior brother who specialized in writing annotations on his senior brother’s learning, Mao Xiaodong and Cui Dongshan, were so competitive at Cliffside Academy back then.

The old scholar asked, “Little Treasure Bottle mentioned that scripture earlier. I heard you read a lot of books, have you ever read it?”

Xu Bai nodded, “I have read it, but I read more and thought less. I can remember it, but I can’t understand it.”

The old scholar casually said, “Deciding to become a Buddha is like throwing dust in the wind, what difficulty is there?”
Xu Bai blurted out, “Once embarking on the path of cultivation, it’s like a single leaf drifting into the vast ocean, without hesitation.”

The old scholar nodded, “After returning to the Central Earth Divine Continent, you can take a trip to the Rites Academy and ask Mao Xiaodong about the ‘Collected Explanations’ puzzles. Young man, you’ve traveled so far; you can’t just focus on sightseeing.”

Xu Bai’s face flushed slightly, and he nodded vigorously.

The old scholar then spoke to Xu Bai alone through mental transmission, “My Little Treasure Bottle will like you, as long as she’s not blind. It’d be strange if she didn’t. But these days are turbulent. Young people should cultivate themselves, manage their families, govern the state, and bring peace to all under heaven. Romantic love is wonderful, but don’t rush it. Since you don’t have any literary lineage yet, there’s no hurry. Go to the Rites Academy and study whatever you like. If you think a certain teacher’s knowledge is profound, learn their best skills. Don’t be constrained by sects. Later, if you encounter your academy teacher again, then decide who you will truly become a direct disciple of.”

Xu Bai hesitated for a moment and asked, “Venerable Sage of Literature, is my elementary school teacher the legendary ‘Master Xu’?”

During his early schooling, his teacher liked to use textual analysis to impart knowledge. Before his journey, the books recommended by his teacher also favored philology.

However, if the Sage of Literature hadn’t said these words today, Xu Bai would never have associated a village school teacher with “Master Xu.”

The old scholar felt a bit helpless. Why are young people so hard to fool these days? They’re all as cunning as monkeys, not as simple and pure as his closed-door disciple.

But since Xu Bai had guessed it, the old scholar couldn’t lie. Furthermore, the matter was of great importance. Even unpleasant truths had to be spoken directly. Otherwise, according to the old scholar’s original plan, he would have someone secretly protect Xu Bai on his journey to seek shelter in an academy in the Central Earth. Although Xu Bai was talented, the world was treacherous, and he lacked experience. Regardless of whether he was of his literary lineage, since they had met, he had to protect him as much as possible.

Especially that “Master Xu,” because of his scholarship and its connection to the Confucian Sage’s personal name, had become the target of the great demons on the desolate land. It wouldn’t be difficult for the old teacher to protect himself, but it would be unfortunate if Xu Bai, his unregistered disciple, caused him any trouble.

So the old scholar nodded and said, “It is indeed that ‘Master Xu, the best in the world at textual analysis.’ That’s why you must be more careful now. The great demons of the desolate land, perhaps even the Great Ancestor of Mount Tuoyue himself, will sooner or later seek trouble with your teacher. I told you to go to the Rites Academy not only to study but also because the demon race’s schemes in the desolate land are coming thick and fast, both openly and secretly, without any restraint. There may even be a conspiracy specifically targeting Xu Bai and then Master Xu. After hearing this, you can worry and think about it, but don’t be too afraid. I, and your teacher Master Xu, who for some reason didn’t reveal his identity to you, plus Chen Chun’an, we old folks are still around.”

Xu Bai bowed in gratitude.

Xu Bai had always been unwilling to visit the Confucian Sages of various academies as one of the “Ten Young Hopefuls.” He preferred to humbly seek guidance and ask questions as a Confucian disciple. The former was too illusory and unreliable. Xu Bai still couldn’t believe it to this day. But he didn’t feel ashamed to acknowledge his identity as a scholar. His greatest hope in this life was to first obtain a successful civil service examination degree and then become an official who could benefit the local people. As for learning some minor magical arts, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to avoid having to pray for rain or relief from heat at the Wenwu Temple or Dragon King Shrine, or to beg immortals to descend and control floods.

The old scholar stroked his beard and smiled, “You and Mao Xiaodong will definitely get along. When you arrive at the Rites Academy, be bold and tell them how Old Scholar and you were as thick as thieves, like old friends meeting for the first time. Embarrassing? As long as you’re sincere in your pursuit of knowledge, what’s there to be embarrassed about? Learning all of Mao Xiaodong’s skills is the best apology. When Old Scholar went to the Temple of Literature for the first time, how did I get in? I said I had received the true teachings of the Most Sage Teacher. Who dared to stop me? I walked in with the wind at my back and quickly offered incense and bowed to the portrait of the old man. The Most Sage Teacher was smiling.”

Xu Bai became even more reserved. He was used to being a refined scholar.

If it weren’t for the presence of Li Baoping, who was rumored to be from the Lvzhu Paradise, Xu Bai would have thought he had met a fake Venerable Sage of Literature.

Xu Bai bid farewell and left. The old scholar smiled and nodded.

Xu Bai didn’t move. Li Baoping reminded him with her eyes not to push his luck.

Xu Bai hesitated for a long time, mustered his courage to look at her, and said softly, “Li Baoping, if I’ve bothered you, I sincerely apologize.”

Li Baoping still didn’t speak. The meaning in her clear eyes was obvious: then change.

Xu Bai smiled brightly and cupped his fists in farewell to Li Baoping.

Li Baoping sighed and had no choice but to return the greeting.

After Xu Bai left, the old scholar teased, “Little Treasure Bottle, you don’t have to be too bothered. It’s not easy to be liked by a young man like Xu Xian.”

Li Baoping shook her head, “I know Xu Bai is a good scholar, but some things aren’t worth pursuing when you know they’re impossible.”

The old scholar smiled, “Little Treasure Bottle, you continue to wander around. I’ll chat with an old senior for a bit.”

Li Baoping bowed and bid farewell to her grandmaster. Many words were in her eyes. The old scholar saw and accepted them all, handing the white jade bracelet to Little Treasure Bottle.

Li Baoping didn’t stand on ceremony, accepting the jade bracelet and wearing it on her wrist, continuing her travels with the horse.

The old scholar stroked his beard and smiled. He was a man blessed with good fortune in his later years.

Li Baoping was the most “proud” disciple among the Venerable Sage of Literature’s later generations. She already had the aura of a female teacher. As for some future troubles, the old scholar only thought, “I have direct descendants and protect descendants.”

Lin Shouyi relied on chance, skill, and most importantly, his heart, to gather the three volumes of the “Cloud Top Jade Book.” He gradually advanced in the cultivation of Taoist arts, but it didn’t stop Lin Shouyi from being a Confucian disciple.

Li Huai wasn’t considered a reading seed in the eyes of many Qi cultivators, but the Venerable Sage of Literature’s understanding of reading seeds had never been high. If someone read the books of sages, learned a few principles, and practiced them diligently, then what else would they be if not a reading seed?
Dong Shui Jing became a credit-knife peddler. A gentleman loves wealth, but acquires it through proper means. Which teacher wouldn’t favor such a disciple?

Yu Lu and Xie Xie are also doing well. One’s vision has become increasingly broad, and the other’s magnanimity has grown. This can be considered an explanation to the myriad surviving people of the Lu Dynasty. In the mortal realm, there are many great and small dead knots, seemingly tightened by the passage of time, but not really. For example, those boatmen of Red Candle Town, of low social standing, and the ill-fated Lu Dynasty convicts can be untied. On both sides of the world, there are many withered trees; once spring arrives, they might bloom again, a beautiful sight in the world.

Jia Chun Jia, that little girl, is already married. Her little one will be a young lad in a few more years.

Zhao Yao has achieved accomplishments in both arcane arts and martial cultivation, and he has gone to the fifth continent. Although he still can’t quite let go of the knot in his heart regarding that “Spring” character seal, young people tend to grow the most when they stubbornly grapple with a thing or two. Of course, the prerequisite is that they must read enough books and not become mere walking encyclopedias.

An old man appeared beside the old scholar out of thin air, smiling, “What a ‘sage’s book, read to its natural conclusion, can lead to enlightenment’!”

One sentence encompasses the three teachings, with Confucianism taking precedence.

The old scholar laughed, “Just so-so. I have a whole basket of such nice words for Xu Jun. Take them if you want.”

The one who came was none other than Xu Bai’s teacher, Xu Jun of Zhaoling.

Xu Jun remained silent.

Those familiar with the old scholar’s style would mostly learn a temporary form of silent meditation.

The old scholar said solemnly, “It must have been difficult to live in seclusion here for so many years.”

Six beasts were besieging one person. Talismans were flying, Yu Xuan wanted to save Bai Ye.

Xiao Xun was intercepting to the left and right, and Lu Zhi was chasing Liu Cha.

The world was in chaos, but this was nothing.

The real chaos lay in the mortal realm beneath the mountains of the three continents.

Xu Jun nodded, “If those Ascendant Realm great demons hadn’t been so cautious after the Barbarian World broke through the Sword Qi Great Wall, I could have ‘taken the first city’. With that Search Mountain Map you stole, I would have been more confident. I wouldn’t dare to say I could kill those fourteen thrones, but I could still make them wary. Unfortunately, it’s either Liu Cha or Xiao Xun who came here to strike, and Jia Sheng must have guessed that I was here long ago.”

The so-called “taking the first city” naturally meant that Xu Jun, holding the true names of the demons recorded on the Search Mountain Map, would use his inherent divine ability to “interpret the words and explain the characters” for the Great Balance World, and sever a great demon’s head. To kill an Ascendant Realm in this way, Xu Jun would pay a high price. Even with an ancestral Search Mountain Map in hand, and even if Xu Jun disregarded the fate of his own Dao, destroying two pages of the Search Mountain Map, he could still only, by wielding heavenly decrees, kill two Ascendant Realm demons outside the fourteen thrones.

However, since he had arrived here early on, Xu Jun had no intention of returning to his homeland of Zhaoling in the Central Earth Divine Continent. This was also why Xu Jun had traveled far away from home earlier, without accepting the young Xu Bai as his direct disciple.

But there was a crucial prerequisite: both sides had to be in the Great Balance World. After all, Xu Jun of Zhaoling was not Bai Ze.

So Xu Jun could only patiently wait for a certain Ascendant Realm great demon to set foot on the Southern Brasam Continent. With Chen Chun’an sitting in town, suppressing the demon, Xu Jun’s Dao consumption would be smaller. The Southern Brasam Continent seems to have no battles to fight. Now, the academies and mountains of the Central Earth Divine Continent, from the Confucian Temple to Chen Chun’an, have been scolded to death, but firmly holding the Southern Brasam Continent itself means that the Barbarian World has to stretch out two long battle lines.

As for going to the Tongye Continent or the Fufeng Continent, this Word Saint Xu Jun, who has not been honored in the Confucian Temple, would probably be targeted by Wen Hai Zhou Mi or even the Grand Ancestor of Mount Tuoyue before he could utter the great demon’s true name.

Even if the Most Sage Teacher took action to save him, it would still be a losing proposition.

The Most Sage Teacher and the grey-clothed old man near the Dragon Flood Ditch were actually the first two to clash. The ruins of the plaza in front of the Central Earth Confucian Temple and the whirlpool in the sea near the Dragon Flood Ditch are evidence of this.

That was truly a battle of the Great Daos of two worlds.

And someone who throws jars and smashes bottles at will will always be more relaxed than someone who protects every jar and bottle.

As for Xu Jun’s claim of stealing the Search Mountain Map, the old scholar pretended not to hear it.

On the Southern Brasam Continent beneath their feet, Chen Chun’an, the pure Confucian scholar who carries the sun and moon on his shoulders, is in the open, as is the Sword-Suppressing Tower, one of the nine grand town towers. Huai Yin, the old abacus who is ranked last among the ten in the Central Earth, and Lu Zhi, the great female sword immortal of the Sword Qi Great Wall, are all openly placed on the table as the continent’s battle strength. Those intercontinental ferries traveling between the Central Earth Divine Continent and the Southern Brasam Continent have been transporting materials for more than ten years.

In addition, Xu Jun and the Search Mountain Map are in the dark. And the Southern Brasam Continent definitely has more than just one Word Saint Xu Jun waiting to strike. There is also the Moist Giant who came to this continent alone, each responsible for a battle line.

The Barbarian World does not attack the Southern Brasam Continent, but the Great Balance World must defend the Southern Brasam Continent to the death. This seems like a clear advantage, but it is not necessarily so.

Xu Jun asked, “I know very well that the Ritual Sage is in the outer heavens, but where is the Second Sage?”

The old scholar said in his heart, “Flanking.”

Xu Jun shook his head, “It will still be difficult to succeed with just the Second Sage alone.”

The old scholar said, “Who said he’s alone?”

Xu Jun suddenly understood, “No wonder he borrowed words from people and asked the Confucian Temple for an academy head. Embroidered Tiger has good means, good courage, and a good reversal of mountains and rivers.”

One Mount Tuoyue, the remaining half of the Sword Qi Great Wall, and what’s more, there are the Ten Thousand Great Mountains between them. Based on someone’s calculations, the old blind man might be willing to change his initial intention of not helping either side.

For example, old blind man, would you like to move that Mount Tuoyue to your home? This is just one possibility. Cui Chan is truly skilled at calculating people’s hearts and human nature.

Cui Chan’s ideas always seem whimsical, yet always seem within reach. A hundred years ago, if Cui Chan had said that he would use the power of one country to build a second Sword Qi Great Wall in the Great Balance World, who wouldn’t have thought he was dreaming? Who would have taken it seriously? But as it stands now, Cui Chan has made his dream come true. And the thing that makes Cui Chan feel unapproachable is not just that this Embroidered Tiger is too clever, but that everything he thinks, imagines, and dreams never tells outsiders half a word.

Cui Chan has those three brocade matters, and playing a colorful cloud game with the White Emperor City Lord is only one of them.
It is said that in a certain contest of esoteric calculations, Cui Chan once bested the founding ancestor of the Artificer school. Yet, inexplicably, this patriarch, whose standing amongst the myriad schools of thought was but a trifle, yet whose ambition soared to the heavens, seemed delighted in his defeat on the path of fundamental principles. He proclaimed, “I have gained ten, the world is enough!” This remains a grand enigma to this day, even within the Artificer school, none know the meaning of “ten.”

Furthermore, before Cui Chan betrayed the lineage of the Literary Sage, he readily abandoned the position of Grand Sacrificial Wine of the Academy and Deputy Hierarch of the Literary Temple, both easily within his grasp. Had he progressed steadily, he could have contended for the position of Hierarch of the Literary Temple a century later. Alas, Cui Chan ultimately chose a path of utter destitution, becoming a stray dog, wandering alone, before taking up the post of Grand Preceptor of the Great Li Dynasty in Treasure Bottle洲, a figure of utter mockery. However, this earth-shattering secret, involving the inner workings of the Literary Temple’s high echelons in the Central Earth, was not widely disseminated, remaining only amongst those at the peak.

Alas, all is fleeting mist and smoke.

However, there will always be some who sincerely feel that the Vast Expanse would be wanting without the presence of the Embroidered Tiger.

The Old Scholar suddenly asked, “What is the most pristine and fastidious thing under Heaven?”

Xu Jun shook his head, “I do not know. Is this the former first disciple asking his master?”

The Old Scholar answered himself, “It is Morality.”

Xu Jun nodded, “I deeply agree.”

The Old Scholar continued, “How does a blemish obscure jade?”

Xu Jun chuckled, “That is the principle.”

The Old Scholar stamped his foot and said, “Let’s go, let’s go.”

Xu Jun bowed.

The Old Scholar had no choice but to return the bow.

These old seniors, old sages, are always so courteous with me. It must be because I lack the title of a Xiu Cai.

The Old Scholar sent a thought transmission to Chen Chun’an, asking him to ferry him across the continent to the Central Earth Divine Continent, and then spoke a word to the large fellow on Mount Sui, asking for a little help.

At the foot of Mount Sui, the Old Scholar stumbled and fell forward, face first into the dirt.

The Golden-Armored God sat upon the steps, laughing, “Oh, a grand salute! Consider this a repayment of all the debts you owed my Mount Sui in the past.”

Dusting off his sleeves with vigor, the Old Scholar strode to the foot of the mountain, standing beside the Mountain God of Mount Sui. The standing and the sitting were of nearly equal height.

The Old Scholar raised his head, gazing at the peak of Mount Sui with a solemn expression.

The burly Mountain God chuckled, “What is it? Seeking someone’s help again?”

The Old Scholar wrung his hands and rubbed his face, saying, “To ask for help is like swallowing a three-foot sword, difficult! Moreover, seeking assistance has never been my forte, making it even more difficult.”

The Mountain God was somewhat gloating. If the Supreme Sage could be swayed by requests, he would not be the Supreme Sage.

The Old Scholar turned his head and asked, “When you saw the old man earlier, did you say anything about my humble dwelling shining with glory?”

The Mountain God shook his head, “It was not for you. I did not utter a single word.”

The Old Scholar wore a suspicious look. Seeing that the large fellow possessed a righteousness that rivaled even those Sages who accompanied the sacrifices, he could only lament, “Unenlightened! We two brothers have chatted so much nonsense in vain. If it were me, I would have already set up a table and prepared tea on the mountaintop, and then asked the old man if he needed me to chop off that fellow’s head, thumping my chest with a thunderous roar, ‘Old Man, just give the word! I’ll go through mountains of blades and seas of fire! I, this minor deity, will uphold righteousness above all else, with benevolence on both shoulders! I will not hesitate! If I cannot kill the opponent, I will bring my own head to you!'”

The Mountain God’s face darkened. “Do you really think the Supreme Sage cannot hear your drivel?”

In the past, when it was just the two of them, the Old Scholar could spout whatever nonsense he pleased. But now that the Supreme Sage was seated upon the mountaintop, he, as the Lord of Mount Sui, dared not lose his mind along with the Old Scholar.

The Supreme Sage did not enjoy joking with others.

The Sage of Rites, within the bounds of propriety, could occasionally make a jest without causing offense.

The Sub-Sage was renowned for his solitude and caution.

In truth, apart from the Old Scholar, the vast majority of the founding ancestors of the various lineages and schools of thought were exceedingly proper.

The Old Scholar jumped up and delivered a slap, “How dare you! To belittle the Supreme Sage’s unparalleled Daoist arts! Whether the old man wields a pen to write or a hand to strike, he is invincible! Skilled in both literary and martial arts! In literature, he is first! In martial arts, there is no second! That second-ranked Taoist is just a bit awkward, wanting to praise the old man but too embarrassed, so he hid it within Cao Rong’s landscape and bird painting, subtly and indirectly… Damn it! If only Cao Rong had asked me to stamp my seal back then, I would have given him a buy-one-get-one-free deal, first stamping ‘Please Be Seated,’ and then placing ‘You Are Not Qualified’ next to that second-ranked Taoist’s seal… This time, the old man’s move embodies both kingly and hegemonic power! Sage, virtuous, and hero all in one! A grand design, a grand aura, a grand meaning!”

The Mountain God of Mount Sui pretended not to hear. It seemed the matter for which the Old Scholar was seeking intercession today was no small one. Otherwise, in the past, even if his face was dragged on the ground, it would at least be within reach of his toes, easily retrievable. Today, he had completely abandoned all pretense of dignity. Praising others while simultaneously praising himself, ensuring that both achievements and hardships were mentioned.

As expected, the Old Scholar stumbled again, and was directly pulled to the summit of the mountain. It seemed that even the Supreme Sage could no longer bear to listen.

The old master on the summit said, “Scholar, you were more likeable during the debates between the three teachings.”

The Old Scholar bowed, his face etched with bitterness, “The Literary Temple has not given me many opportunities to display my debating skills.”

The implication was clear: It was not that the Old Scholar was unwilling to exert himself for the sake of Confucianism, but that the Literary Temple had not allowed this scholar to fully display his talents. The Supreme Sage could not force his hand, demanding that he endure great grievances without uttering even a small complaint.

The old master asked with a smile, “You come for Bai Ye’s sake?”

The Old Scholar glanced in the direction of Floating Continent洲, and sighed, “There is no need for me to plead.”

The Supreme Sage, seated atop Mount Sui, reading a book, was still engaged in a distant confrontation with the gray-robed old man of the Jiao Dragon Trench.

The Old Scholar sighed in relief. Steadfast, truly steadfast. The old man truly lived up to his reputation.

The Heavens and Earth, mountains and rivers of Golden Armor洲 and Treasure Bottle洲 in the Vast Expanse, remained unaffected by the divine powers of the Great Ancestor of Mount Tuoyue in the slightest.

Beyond the heavens, the Sage of Rites was also temporarily well.

However, those remnants of ancient deities who had wandered far and wide were still gathering together. In history, the Sage of Rites had once led the Hierarch and Deputy Hierarch of the Literary Temple, along with a group of celestials from the White Jade Capital, including the second-ranked Taoist, the Grand Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Sun Huaizhong of the Great Profound Capital Temple, and a group of Buddhist disciples from the Western Buddhist Kingdom, on a distant journey. Sadly, it yielded little fruit. A Deputy Hierarch of the Literary Temple had even perished beyond the heavens as a result. If not for the later Dispute of Three and Four, Cui Chan, the first disciple of the Sage of Literature lineage, would have been the one to fill the vacancy, in the eyes of outsiders. But the Old Scholar knew that Cui Chan’s ambitions lay elsewhere.
Ten thousand years ago, myriad techniques descended from the heavens. Whether bestowed by ancient deities or seized by humanity ascending to challenge them.

Of these countless arts, the greatest in destructive power undoubtedly fell into the hands of the sword cultivators.

For the human race, the sword cultivators’ contributions were paramount, their merits unsurpassed.

Thus, the Great Dao of the present world favored sword cultivators above all others, yet the fragmented Heavenly Dao subtly suppressed them, making the bottleneck of the Ascension Realm the most difficult to break.

But when it came to acquiring supernatural powers and techniques, and the extent of self-realization and proving the Dao, the single-minded sword cultivators could not compare. Among them, the founders of the Three Schools of thought, though their paths diverged, had all reached extremely high realms ten thousand years ago. So much so that their true “fighting” abilities were enough to shake the very heavens and earth.

Because the old scholar was willing to ask, and the Sage Master was relatively more willing to speak to him, the old scholar knew that the Sage Master, along with the founders of the Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist schools, had never truly exerted themselves since they proved their Dao to the heavens and earth.

During that riverside discussion, Chen Qingdu, once renowned for his swordsmanship and gentle temperament, directly declared, “Let’s fight, then!” The reason they ultimately didn’t clash was primarily due to the attitudes of the founders of the Three Schools.

In fact, the Taoist Ancestor had already revealed the secret with a single sentence: “The enemy of the Great Dao is within us.” Within humanity, within the heart, within sentient beings themselves. It was not in Daoist methods or supernatural powers.

The object suppressing White Jade City was the extraterrestrial demon manifested from the Dao heart of the cultivator. The object suppressing the Western Buddhist Kingdom was the unyielding obsession of vengeful spirits and malevolent ghosts. The Confucian world educated sentient beings, encouraging their hearts toward goodness, allowing the rise of the Hundred Schools of Thought, all to aid the Confucian school in patching the holes in the world’s morality.

At its root, it all lay within the “self.”

For ten thousand years, humanity’s true life-and-death enemy has always been ourselves. Even after another ten thousand years, it would likely remain so.

If we lose, an unstoppable era of Dharma’s end would descend.

If we win, the world can continuously ascend, truly elevating the human heart to the heavens.

“All people are sages.”

“All beings possess Buddha-nature.”

“Each individual attains purity, and all attain purity.”

The benevolence of the heart in this life, the karmic obstacles of past and future lives, the loftiness and subtlety of the Daoist methods and the human heart.

Who am I, where do I come from, where am I going?

The answers, in broad terms, have already been found.

As for that Rising Cloud Continent…

Bai Ying, Five Peaks, Aspiring Heights, Yuan Shou, Butcher’s Cleaver, Phonetic Rhyme.

Merely six Throne Realm great demons, what is there to fear? Even with the addition of Liu Cha, preparing to unleash his full sword might, what does it matter? Even if Rising Cloud Continent is now part of the Wildlands, so what?

It’s no more than half of Bai Ye without the immortal sword “Taibai,” plus a Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master also without his immortal sword, plus Chen Chun’an stuck in half of South Saha Continent, plus Fu Lu Yu Xuan, plus the Fire Dragon True Person, plus Zheng Huaixian of White Emperor City, who is slightly less calculating, and finally, plus Liu, the Wealth God of Aiwu Continent, who likes to hide his true abilities.

Just these few people, that’s all.

The old master laughed, “Easy for you to say when you’re not the one doing it?”

The old scholar quickly sat down beside him, “Heaven and earth bear witness to my sincerity!”

Bai Ze suddenly appeared, reminding the Sage Master, “What the Wen Temple truly needs to be wary of is Wen Hai of the Wildlands. He has already devoured Lotus Hermit and Yao Jia. His ambition is immense. Once he has fully feasted in the Wildlands, and then returns to his homeland to flaunt his power, it will be even more troublesome.”

The Sage Master nodded with a smile.

Bai Ze had no favorable impression of that Jia Sheng. This Wen Hai Zhou Mi, in truth, had no attachment to either world, or rather, from the moment he crossed the Sword Qi Great Wall, he had chosen to walk an old path untrodden for ten thousand years, seemingly wanting to become a high and mighty deity, looking down upon the human world.

The old scholar frowned in silence, finally sighing, “Determined to scheme for ten thousand generations with one person, to make one person the embodiment of all living beings. Humanity eradicated. He is even more divine than the gods. No, he is even worse than those ancient deities.”

The old scholar looked left and right, whispering to the Sage Master and Bai Ze, “Can we agree to this?”

Bai Ze was in a dilemma. Nodding now would be inappropriate, and shaking his head to disagree? Could Bai Ze bear that responsibility? He had already given away the Mountain Search Diagram; he couldn’t possibly give himself away as well.

Bai Ze had no choice but to change the subject, “Rising Cloud Continent is engaging in destructive exploitation.”

Throne Realm great demons are frantically absorbing the spiritual energy of the continent, waiting for Bai Ye to exhaust his energy.

The old scholar rolled up his sleeves.

Bai Ze said, “Who are you trying to impress?”

The old scholar angrily retorted, “Look at you, look at you, it’s heartbreaking! Both of you are the Bai brothers whom I respect the most. Look at Bai Ye, his poems are invincible, he’s an immortal swordsman, he casually split open the Yellow River Grotto Heaven with a sword, and casually killed a flying Ascension Realm great demon from the Central Plains, and he painstakingly used his sword to open up the fifth world, and he killed the Throne Realm great demon Yao Jia with three swords, and now he’s single-handedly fighting six Throne Realm…”

The old master indifferently said, “Damn it, I know all this.”

The old scholar immediately shrunk back and smiled, “Alright, alright.”