Such unspeakable words had never been uttered, even at the most unbridled drinking bouts at the foot of the Great Wall.

It seemed that throughout one’s life, every word and deed would take root and flourish, blossoming and bearing fruit. Some would be short-lived, withering and reviving each year, while others would be grand, with vibrant blossoms and lush forests.

The old scholar nodded vigorously, “Good, very good indeed.”

It seemed this Quasi-Sage was quite fiery.

The old scholar knew the reason: half of it stemmed from the plight of the pure Confucian, Chen Chun’an.

As for the Sage of Rites, he displayed an extraordinary “strictness” during the previous internal discussions within the Literary Temple. For example, the selection of replacements for the deceased Chancellors of the Seventy-Two Academies was almost entirely decided by the Sage of Rites. From the Quasi-Sage to the old scholar, to the three patriarchs of the Literary Temple and elders like Fu Sheng, all could only listen and follow procedure. Moreover, the Sage of Rites would establish the rules for the other matters to be discussed at this Literary Temple gathering. Consequently, the Sages and Chancellors of the Literary Temple would raise no objections, not even a single query.

It was a pity that those present at the meeting had not heard the current conversation between the three, or they could have savored the profound wisdom within.

The old scholar suddenly said, “In truth, that child Yuan Wang is quite remarkable as well.”

The Quasi-Sage remained silent.

The Sage of Rites softly said, “We can begin.”

The Quasi-Sage nodded gently and began, “First, allow me to introduce the Chancellors of the Seventy-Two Academies, as well as the Grand Rectors and Vice-Rectors of the Imperial Academies.”

Simply mentioning the continents of Tongye, Nanposuo, Fuyao, and Jinjia, all of their respective Academy Chancellors had fallen in battle, without exception.

Furthermore, the number of virtuous gentlemen and learned scholars who had perished in the war was only greater.

South Stream Academy, Ziyang Academy, Hengqu Academy, Ehu Academy, Xiangshan Academy, Huaitang Academy, Jiakang Academy, Luoyang Academy, Jianhu Academy, Lianxi Academy, Guanhai Academy, Yanya Academy, Yufu Academy, Dafu Academy…

One by one, the Academy Chancellors were named by the Quasi-Sage, each bowing in greeting to the assembly.

Among them was the new Chancellor of Hengqu Academy, Yuan Wang.

He was the youngest Academy Chancellor in the history of the Literary Temple.

The three Grand Rectors of the Imperial Academies were familiar faces, but among the Vice-Rectors was Mao Xiaodong, formerly the Vice-Chancellor of Yanya Academy, who had shifted his allegiance from the lineage of the Sage of Literature to that of the Sage of Rites.

As Mao Xiaodong bowed, he faced the old scholar directly.

The old scholar nodded and smiled.

A seed of learning, blooming with righteousness, whether it grew in one’s own garden was of little importance. A glance revealed a beautiful scene nonetheless.

Moreover, Mao Xiaodong’s innate temperament and approach to scholarship were naturally better suited to the lineage of the Sage of Rites, so there was no need to be bound by the divisions of literary traditions.

Besides, when arguing with others in the Literary Temple in the future, Mao Xiaodong was renowned for his respect for his teachers and his unwavering loyalty to his origins. He would undoubtedly be a formidable ally in times of need.

No loss, only gain.

This unique art, best understood through unspoken connection, was best grasped by the closed-door disciple.

Anyway, that fool, that blockhead Jun Qian, was ten thousand miles behind his junior brother in this regard. Wasn’t it just two days ago that you two senior brothers were going to teach your junior brother swordsmanship and boxing? I, your teacher, have been sneaking glances at Gongdelin every other day. Are you using your position to settle personal scores? Why aren’t you teaching him swordsmanship and boxing? All your petty schemes wouldn’t even fill a small dish for snacks. Your junior brother is going to participate in the Literary Temple council after all. Such a handsome young man, Cao Ci plus Xu Bai plus Yuan Wang, all three combined couldn’t match him. Battered and bruised, limping, what does that look like?

After introducing the Academy Chancellors, Grand Rectors, and Vice-Rectors, the Quasi-Sage stated, “From this day forward, all scholars serving as Ministers of Rites in the dynasties beneath the mountains of the Nine Continents of the Great Way must possess the status of Academy Scholars.”

Among those participating in the council were the emperors of the ten great dynasties, such as the Lu clan emperor of Dayuan in Beijulu Continent, totaling nine emperors and monarchs, plus Song Changjing.

The Lu clan emperor clearly shared a similar sentiment with the other eight monarchs: surprise, bewilderment, shock, and of course, a subconscious and swift weighing of the advantages and disadvantages.

Song Changjing, however, remained indifferent, merely crossing his arms, closing his eyes, and focusing his mind, his breath long and steady.

The Lu clan emperor shifted his gaze slightly, and Yang Qingkong, the Chief Priest of the Chongxuan Bureau serving as his National Teacher, immediately reminded him telepathically, “Your Majesty, simply listen.”

Silence reigned over the Literary Temple Plaza.