Chapter 121: A Catastrophic Calamity

Inside the main hall.

Everyone was momentarily at a loss for words.

How difficult is it to become a Great Scholar?

One must study to condense Qi.

One must also nurture Qi.

Then, after knowing the sage and Establishing Speech, one can finally write a book and become a scholar.

Becoming a Great Scholar is extremely difficult.

Knowing the sage and Establishing Speech is already very hard; it consists of two stages: first understanding the meaning of the sage's words, then setting forth the words of the scholar's Dao.

It also requires the approval of Heaven and Earth; if Heaven and Earth do not approve, everything is ineffective.

Writing a book to become a scholar is even more exaggerated: one must turn one's knowledge into a volume, the work must contain holy intent, and ultimately spread to all under heaven, earning widespread acclaim.

Composing a scholarly book is actually a very difficult process; it cannot be done by simply making things up.

But promoting it to all under heaven has a drawback: one can rely on certain forces to publicize oneself.

Take the Kong family as an example; becoming a Great Scholar of the Kong family is relatively easier, since the Kong family's prestige is enormous.

That is an unavoidable matter.

Great Scholars actually care about influence, so before becoming one, many scholars seek to boost their own prestige.

That is why so many wish to become disciples of the Kong family.

Reputation is very important.

When Sun Zhengnan was young, he was also very talented, accomplished many deeds, and accumulated considerable fame.

Only he himself knows the hardships of that journey.

Now, Gu Jin Nian has directly stripped away all of his talent; this is something an ordinary person cannot bear.

The crowd watches this scene, their eyes numb.

A Great Scholar, after countless hardships, finally attaining the Dao, is now stripped of his Great Scholar title by Gu Jin Nian; if this spreads, the entire literary world will boil over.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You actually stripped this old man's Great Scholar title."

"Your crime deserves ten thousand deaths!"

Sun Zhengnan was also completely numb; Gu Jin Nian, approaching eighty, is virtuous and highly respected, his body contains talent, and he is a contemporary Great Scholar—not just any Great Scholar, but a prestigious Great Scholar.

What he didn't expect was that Gu Jin Nian today actually stripped his Great Scholar title; how could he not be angry?

"Holy Ruler, strike again."

But as the crowd was stunned, Gu Jin Nian remained expressionless; the Holy Ruler twitched once more, striking again.

The Holy Ruler's strike directly removed a large portion of Sun Zhengnan's talent; everyone could not stay seated, and Great Scholars across the lands were utterly speechless.

Gu Jin Nian stripping Sun Zhengnan of his Great Scholar title was one thing, but now he also intends to reduce Sun Zhengnan to an ordinary person?

That's too much.

And it's no longer as simple as just tearing a face.

This is establishing a life-and-death vendetta.

"Jin Nian, you may stop now."

Su Wenjing was the first to speak, urging Gu Jin Nian to cease.

However, Gu Jin Nian ignored Su Wenjing; since he had stripped the other's Great Scholar title, there was no need to continue tolerating.

When ruthlessness is required, one should be ruthless.

These guys appear to be mediators and impartial, but in reality? Their backs have long leaned toward the Kong family.

Make us hand over the holy artifact? As if it were a great heavenly gift, beautiful in name, to protect the holy artifact? You want us to protect it? I'm dead? You constantly wield scholars of the world to exert pressure.

Fine, today we'll see who will apply the pressure.

Gu Jin Nian twitched the Holy Ruler again.

Since his talent is abundant, he does as he pleases.

The Holy Ruler struck repeatedly; Sun Zhengnan was in unbearable pain, his talent stripped away, not only his heart seemed to bleed, but his flesh also endured immense suffering.

After nine strikes.

Sun Zhengnan completely fell to an ordinary person; his body contained no talent, and his appearance aged instantly, skin withered, eyes clouded, his vital spirit vanished in an instant.

Scholars nurture vast righteous Qi, which can nourish the flesh; an eighty-year-old may look like sixty, and this is common.

Especially Great Scholars, who can be immune to a hundred illnesses.

But now Gu Jin Nian has stripped his talent, all drawbacks surface immediately, as if he aged thirty years instantly.

Entering his twilight years, his entire vital spirit has completely changed; he was once a Great Scholar, now he is like an elder suffering long-term malnutrition.

Even his breathing is somewhat difficult.

The others watching this scene were utterly stunned.

"Gu Jin Nian, what are you doing?"

"You are too ruthless; you all wield the Holy Ruler, is this how you act?"

"You actually stripped old Sun of all talent? Are you still human?"

A series of angry curses rose.

They instinctively spoke out in defense of Sun Zhengnan.

But Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze, and the Holy Ruler in his hand twitched again.

Swish.

The Holy Ruler's light swept over, and those who had been shouting were abruptly stripped of a portion of their talent.

Gu Jin Nian, you dare?

You still want to cut down our talent?

If you have something to say, you can say it nicely; there's no need to be like this.

Can't you calm down a bit?

Talent was cut down, and some Great Scholars instantly glared with anger, but a few Great Scholars quickly reacted; compared in talent, they truly cannot match Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian made so many poems and essays, all timeless; this abundant talent can truly strip away their Great Scholar positions.

So some Great Scholars fell silent instantly, daring not to speak further.

You all came here, plotting to seize the Heir's Holy Artifact, with no shame at all, and still dare to call yourselves Great Scholars?

This Holy Artifact is a gift from heaven and earth; when did it become the property of the Confucian Sage? Even if the Confucian Sage were alive, he would certainly not say this object is his.

Back then, the Confucian Sage obtained nine Holy Artifacts; he took three, knowing that one person should not hoard too many, understanding heavenly principle.

But you all are too selfish, joining forces with the Kong Family, wanting to force the Heir.

Then the Heir will today strip all of your Great Scholar positions; let's see if you still dare to ask me for the Holy Artifact.

Gu Jin Nian directly flew into a rage.

You keep giving good advice?

You insist on forcing myself to do this, right?

Fine, since we've already torn faces, let's be thorough to avoid future trouble.

After saying this, Gu Jin Nian again condensed the Holy Ruler.

He was ruthless, stepping forward, the Holy Ruler wildly lashed, directly cutting down their talent.

Of course, some people truly remained neutral; Gu Jin Nian did not harm the innocent, but anyone who stood with the Kong Family, he ruthlessly struck.

Kong Cheng also did not let go.

Your Highness the Heir.

The Kong Family came today to resolve grievances, not to exacerbate conflict.

Please, Your Highness the Heir, calm down, calm down; if you don't want to produce the Holy Artifact, then forget it, there's no need for this, right?

Kong Cheng still spoke for the White Lotus, deliberately proposing that he came to resolve grievances.

I'll bring out your mother.

Gu Jin Nian manipulated the Holy Ruler, aiming directly at Kong Cheng to lash.

Smack.

The Holy Ruler landed on Kong Cheng's old face, not only cutting his talent but also giving him a ruler.

An old face instantly swelled and reddened, letting out a miserable cry.

Inside the hall.

Gu Jin Nian's war chariot rumbled, talent surged into the Holy Ruler, wildly cutting down the talent of some Great Scholars.

Su Wenjing also fell silent; he did not continue to persuade, because he knew Gu Jin Nian had a surge of resentment in his chest.

If we do not let Gu Jin Nian vent this resentment.

Fearful it would become more troublesome.

After a moment.

Among the forty or fifty people present, seven were reduced to ordinary folk by Gu Jin Nian.

Seven Great Scholars directly fell to common folk, their bodies withered, complexion grim; even Li Yan at this moment dared not utter a word.

Inside the hall instantly fell silent.

Even saying it was so silent that a falling pin could be heard.

No one dared to make a noise anymore; whoever dared to make a noise would face dire consequences.

But everyone knows.

This matter will blow up.

Seven Great Scholars were reduced to ordinary folk by Gu Jin Nian, among them the venerable Sun Zhengnan and a Kong Family Great Scholar.

Gu Jin Nian's strike this time was indeed harsh.

Although coming to demand the Holy Artifact is somewhat excessive, you could also refuse; directly cutting off someone's talent is already harsh.

Who still wants the Holy Artifact?

Looking at the silent crowd, Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, asking the crowd thus.

He was indeed curious, who else wants the Holy Artifact.

As Gu Jin Nian's words fell, the crowd remained silent, each person silent.

Looking at the silent crowd, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but snort, yet he immediately turned to Su Wenjing and bowed deeply.

Mr. Wenjing, this is solely my doing, Gu Jin Nian; please rest assured, I will not implicate you.

Moreover.

Gu Jin Nian first apologized; Su Wenjing did nothing wrong, he had been helping me all along, but the opposing side was too numerous.

Right is right, wrong is wrong; I didn't give Su Wenjing face, but I will absolutely not let him take the blame.

Just after apologizing, Gu Jin Nian spoke again; his voice paused, but his gaze swept over the crowd.

The crowd looked at Gu Jin Nian, curious what he would say next.

Sir, I want to begin comprehending the Dao.

To comprehend the Dao for establishing speech.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, expressing his thoughts.

Yes.

Gu Jin Nian is about to comprehend the Dao.

Knowing the sage, establishing speech.

Third realm of the Confucian Dao.

Hearing these words, Su Wenjing couldn't help but exclaim 'good' in his heart; he knew that Gu Jin Nian's establishing speech was certainly extraordinary, not an ordinary person.

But in the eyes of other Great Scholars, it sounded somewhat different.

What is 'Knowing the sage, establishing speech'? It's merely the third realm of the Confucian Dao; if one said Gu Jin Nian was about to suddenly attain the Great Scholar realm, they might be surprised.

Just 'Knowing the sage, establishing speech'.

They didn't care, and even thought it was merely Gu Jin Nian, knowing he had caused a great disaster, looking for an excuse to avoid trouble.

At present, they all had anger in their hearts, anger rising from within.

Gu Jin Nian indeed was somewhat reckless, just as they had guessed.

But they dared not say anything.

After all, the Holy Ruler is in his hand; who would dare to be arrogant?

Leaving these words, Gu Jin Nian turned and left.

He also did not wish to linger here.

After Gu Jin Nian left, these people gradually began to speak.

"Mr. Su Wenjing, is this the disciple you taught?"

"I originally thought Gu Jin Nian's arrogance was just youthful recklessness, but seeing him today, it seems people have been wrong and understated it."

"Amazing, amazing, I, old man, have finally witnessed what arrogance is."

"Youthful recklessness has its limits; I, old man, have never seen such an arrogant person who consecutively removed seven Great Scholars, and with the Holy Ruler in his hand, he may bring calamity upon countless people."

"Today's matter, I, old man, will certainly let the world know, so they understand just how arrogant Gu Jin Nian is."

After Gu Jin Nian left.

These voices kept sounding, they appeared flustered and exasperated, also showing they could not contain their anger.

Facing the crowd's rebukes, Su Wenjing's eyes involuntarily showed a cold glint.

"How I teach is not for you all to manage."

"What do you all have in mind by coming here today; do I really need to spell it out?"

"Enough; if you only dare to shout a couple of words in front of me, please be quiet."

"If you have the ability, I will invite Gu Jin Nian again, and you may go match wits with His Highness the Crown Prince."

Su Wenjing also couldn't be bothered with these people.

Respecting them is only because the matter hasn't blown up yet, and everyone hasn't torn faces.

They give each other face.

If faces are truly torn, is there still a need to give them face? 'Good!'

"Mr. Su Wenjing, these words were spoken by you."

"Let's go."

"The saying 'if the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked' — I, old man, finally understand its meaning today."

"Go."

"Don't waste words, go."

Hearing Su Wenjing's such frank words, the crowd also did not linger, and left directly.

Figures departed one after another.

There were also a few figures that did not leave, but waited until people had gone, then watched Su Wenjing and slowly spoke.

"Brother Su Wenjing, this matter is far from as simple as you think; the holy artifact, the Kong family is determined to obtain it."

"Yes, Su Wenjing, you are the leader of the pure stream; you must absolutely not get involved, otherwise your reputation of several decades might be ruined in an instant."

"His Highness the Crown Prince has consecutively removed seven scholars' ranks; if this spreads, it will be a tremendous public opinion; you are about to become a Quasi-Sage, and now you need reputation; if you get involved in this, becoming a Sage will be difficult."

They spoke; these people still had some sense, knowing the Kong family was in the wrong, but they understood the current situation even more clearly.

They hoped Su Wenjing would not get involved.

"If one cannot even protect one's own students, what good is becoming a Sage?"

Su Wenjing spoke, showing no hesitation; after saying this, he turned and left.

After Su Wenjing left.

The crowd looked at each other, and for a moment fell into complete silence.

After Su Wenjing left, they also did not linger, each one following away.

Meanwhile.

Gu Jin Nian arrived in the rear mountains.

On the way, he met Wang Fugui and others, and informed them that he was about to comprehend the Dao, and might not appear for a while.

In the rear mountains.

Gu Jin Nian sat cross-legged, but his heart did not calm down quickly.

After a while, Su Wenjing's figure appeared.

"Greetings, Teacher."

Seeing Su Wenjing, Gu Jin Nian immediately rose and bowed to him.

"No need for much ceremony."

Su Wenjing spoke, then looked at Gu Jin Nian and slowly said:

"You have caused a great disaster today; do you know that?"

Su Wenjing felt somewhat moved.

「The student knows. 」

「Please rest assured, sir, one person does the work, one person bears the responsibility. 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He understood clearly.

「Jin Nian, I'm not telling you this to quarrel over who will bear the consequences; I just want to say a few words from the heart. 」

「I just want to tell you, you were still a bit rash today. 」

「Do you know what will happen next? 」

Su Wenjing shook her head; she didn't care who would bear the consequences, but was troubled by this matter.

「I wish to hear the details. 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke, but he also knew some consequences: nothing more than the Kong family spreading rumors, saying he was arrogant and overbearing, not filial.

This drew criticism from scholars all over the world; besides that, what other consequences could there be?

「The Kong family actually already knew you would not hand over the holy artifact this time. 」

「But they still prepared generous gifts, merely retreating to advance, saying nice things once; if you don't listen, they'll come a second time, a third time. 」

「Each time they deliberately provoke you, make you angry, make you resentful; this is both your weakness and your strength. 」

Su Wenjing spoke, explaining the Kong family's true intention.

「Your greatest strength is to uphold justice and speak out; you have a true gentleman's heart, clear in love and hate. 」

「But this is also your greatest flaw. 」

「Sometimes you fail to see the situation; you are like a sword, unbending and unyielding, and acting this way means you will have to pay a heavy price. 」

「You must always be this way; if one day your leg bends, then all your struggles will become a laughingstock. 」

「This path is destined to be lonely; this road is destined to be arduous. 」

「Jin Nian, I've said all this just to tell you: choose carefully. 」

「Don't let a moment's anger lead you to make the wrong choice. 」

Su Wenjing spoke.

She knew Gu Jin Nian wanted to establish his speech, so she naturally came to remind him, fearing Gu Jin Nian might choose wrongly.

Actually.

Gu Jin Nian currently faces a choice.

He is upright and unyielding, hates evil as an enemy—this is good. But Gu Jin Nian, at critical moments, is not as smooth as others; in the eyes of the elders, this looks like arrogance, unaware of the heights of heaven and depths of earth.

If Gu Jin Nian can continue like this, then everything can be discussed.

He just fears that Gu Jin Nian may one day turn against him.

After all, Gu Jin Nian is already in the process of establishing virtue; gradually cultivating virtue, if he can persist like this, keeping his original intention, he will fulfill the scholar's establishment of virtue.

But if Gu Jin Nian one day becomes slick, that would be a corruption of the heart's path.

As the saying goes, being a good person all one's life and being a bad person all one's life are both hard.

He now wants Gu Jin Nian to think clearly, to understand clearly; otherwise, once the establishing speech is made, it cannot be changed.

「The student understands; the student will think it over carefully this period. 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this was his reply.

「Mm. 」

「It's best if you can figure it out. 」

「However, you also need to prepare; this time the Kong family's retreat‑to‑advance tactic is meant to provoke your anger. 」

「You today struck down seven great scholars; this matter will spread throughout the Da Xia Dynasty within half a day, and within two days all scholars under heaven will know. 」

「You hold the holy artifact; all scholars under heaven will feel envy, and the Kong family will exploit that envy to attack you. 」

「If it were merely verbal criticism, the old man wouldn't worry and would believe you wouldn't be disturbed by these words; what he fears most is the Kong family using the holy artifact. 」

Su Wenjing spoke, with some concern.

「Not fearing criticism, as long as you don't hear it, there's no big problem. 」

「What we fear is just one thing: the Kong family using the holy artifact. 」

「If the Kong family uses the holy artifact, the student will strike down a hundred Kong scholars. 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, appearing confident, yet his words leaked an overbearing aura.

「Let's just wait and see. 」

「These days, while you immerse yourself in understanding the Dao, don't worry about outside affairs. 」

「With the old man here, I will protect you completely. 」

Su Wenjing's heart startled, but on the surface she still had Gu Jin Nian calm down.

「Striking down a hundred Kong scholars is somewhat exaggerated; truly doing so would not be a trivial matter—the Kong family would completely break ties with Gu Jin Nian. 」

If the Kong family completely turns hostile, their methods will be terrifying, suppressing and targeting everywhere.

「Thank you, sir. 」

Gu Jin Nian nodded, also not saying much more.

Thus.

Su Wenjing turned and left.

Soon, only Gu Jin Nian remained in the rear mountains.

About a quarter of an hour later.

Wang Fugui and the others came over, carrying a large number of books—works of the sages, of course not the originals, but transmitted editions.

Gu Jin Nian needs Establishing Speech.

And Establishing Speech requires knowing the sage's intent; he must wholeheartedly comprehend the Dao.

Wang Fugui and the others came, said nothing more, placed the items properly, and then slowly left.

Thus, Gu Jin Nian picked up a book and began to examine it carefully.

At this moment.

Inside the Da Xia Capital, in a manor, dozens of elders gathered here, each filled with uncontainable anger.

"This Gu Jin Nian truly is unfilial; he dares to use the Linglong Holy Ruler, cutting off our talents. Poor Old Sun, his lifelong painstaking cultivation has been directly destroyed by Gu Jin Nian."

"Let him hand over the holy artifact; it's merely for safekeeping, not saying we won't return it to him. This junior is extremely arrogant, disrespectful to elders, committing an act that both men and gods resent. I will certainly write an article to let the world know of this."

"It's merely a dispute; even if Gu Jin Nian is unwilling to hand over the holy artifact, he shouldn't do this. Poor Old Sun."

Everyone chatted back and forth, their eyes full of hatred, filled with hatred toward Gu Jin Nian.

"Master Kong, how should we speak of this matter? You just need to speak up; as long as you speak, although we are old, we are not dead yet; as long as you say a word, we will surely write tens of thousands of letters, letting the world's scholars judge."

"Yes, Master Kong; as long as you say a word, we will definitely support."

Someone spoke, looking toward Kong Cheng; of the seven whose Great Scholar rank was stripped, aside from Kong Cheng, the six were in recuperation, their bodies extremely weak; this group had merely lost a few talents.

They suffered some loss, but their Great Scholar rank was not stripped.

"Alas."

"His Highness the Crown Prince merely acted on a momentary impulse, causing a huge disaster; cough, cough, cough, I still don't want to worsen the conflict."

Kong Cheng spoke, coughing a few times while speaking, appearing extremely frail, putting on an act.

Although his Great Scholar rank was stripped, Kong Cheng felt bitter, yet he had no fear, for he knew that if this task were completed well, he could eventually return to the Great Scholar realm, and moreover, because of this sacrifice, he could gain even more benefits.

Now the situation is unfavorable to Gu Jin Nian, and he must maintain a good mindset; he absolutely must not insult these people as they do, but instead give an impression of magnanimity and generosity.

Indeed.

As Kong Cheng spoke in this manner, the crowd couldn't help but admire him, yet they remained angry.

"Master Kong is indeed worthy of being the Kong family's Great Scholar; despite having his Great Scholar rank stripped, he repays hatred with virtue—such a breadth of mind we admire."

"But setting aside other matters, even if he is young and rash, causing a huge disaster in a fit of anger, there is still something he cannot wash clean."

"Just because we spoke a few truths, he used the holy artifact to arbitrarily cut off our talents; this matter, Gu Jin Nian cannot wash clean."

"Please, Master, write a letter, explaining the full story, inform the Kong family, ask the Kong family to step forward and uphold justice for us, uphold justice for all the world's scholars."

Someone spoke up, standing on righteousness, asking Kong Cheng to step forward.

Upon hearing this, Kong Cheng sighed.

But also remained silent, tacitly accepting that what he said was not problematic.

"What you said is correct; we merely spoke a few truths, and Gu Jin Nian became angry out of shame, using the holy ruler to suppress."

"Putting it bluntly, aren't we Great Scholars? And there are those without much reputation; even his teacher Su Wenjing is in the main hall."

"Gu Jin Nian also dares to act so recklessly; I dare to ask you all: if the people in the main hall today were not us, but a group of ordinary scholars, what then?"

"After wielding the holy ruler, can one do as they please? Who would dare to reason with him in the future?"

"We are all gentlemen, scholars; facing injustice, we should speak out righteously; if Gu Jin Nian's actions today are not promptly checked, they will breed great disaster in the future."

Everyone chatted back and forth, already labeling Gu Jin Nian as a villain of the world.

"Good."

"I will write a letter and send it to the Kong family."

"However, I still hope to resolve this grudge; although I have been stripped of my Great Scholar rank, if Gu Jin Nian realizes his mistake and can change, handing over the holy artifact, I would be willing."

Kong Cheng spoke, with a feeling of compassion for the world, giving the impression that if he does not enter hell, who will?

"Confucian righteousness."

Everyone bowed together to Kong Cheng, feeling deep admiration.

Thus, everyone began writing letters.

Night.

Kong family.

When the letter arrived at the Kong family, Elder Kong Xin immediately sought out Kong Wuya.

He handed the letter to the latter, his expression revealing an uncontainable smile.

"Elder Wuya, the plan has succeeded."

"Gu Jin Nian indeed lived up to our expectations; in a fit of anger, he stripped the talents of seven Great Scholars, especially Elder Sun, who was reduced to an ordinary person by him."

"Please, Elder Wuya, make the decision."

Kong Xin spoke, appearing extremely excited and thrilled.

Having Kong Cheng go to the Da Xia Capital was actually to disgust Gu Jin Nian; they deliberately did this, intentionally making Gu Jin Nian angry.

Intentionally making Gu Jin Nian angry out of shame, in this way Gu Jin Nian will surely use the holy ruler.

Once he uses the holy ruler, they will have grounds to criticize.

Otherwise, directly having Gu Jin Nian send forth the holy artifact, they themselves wouldn't believe it.

"Good."

Kong Wuya nodded, then slowly spoke.

"Immediately have people secretly stir up this matter; within two days, let the world's scholars criticize Gu Jin Nian and ignite their anger."

"I will personally go to the Holy Ruler, use the holy artifact to invoke the Saint's Punishment; however, outwardly the Kong family must not impose harsh punishment, but urge the world's scholars to be rational."

"Give Gu Jin Nian a chance, then invite him to our Kong family banquet; if he is willing to attend, as long as he dares to come, we will have sufficient confidence to directly seize the holy artifact."

"If he dares not to come, we will increase our efforts to disturb his mind of the Dao."

"Do you understand?"

Kong Wuya spoke, revealing his plan.

"As you command."

Kong Xin nodded and agreed directly.

Soon.

He left this place and began to deliver the message.

Until the next day.

Gu Jin Nian's stripping of the Great Scholar's rank had already spread throughout the Da Xia Capital.

But the spread rumor was somewhat thought-provoking.

It is said that Gu Jin Nian sought justice for the people, earning the admiration of many Great Scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty; upon hearing this, the Kong family, recalling their earlier conflict with Gu Jin Nian, prepared generous gifts and went with Great Scholars from all regions to the Da Xia Academy to pay respects to Gu Jin Nian.

But unexpectedly, when the party reached the Da Xia Academy, Gu Jin Nian clearly knew someone had come to visit, yet he avoided them; not only did he not see them, even though he knew these Great Scholars were waiting quietly.

Gu Jin Nian gave no reply, neither saying he would not meet nor that he would meet, and suddenly disappeared for three days; all the Great Scholars sat in the hall waiting for three days.

After three days, when Sun Zhengnan flew into a rage, Gu Jin Nian finally arrived belatedly, while Kong Cheng not only was not angry, but lowered himself, beseeching Gu Jin Nian to forgive Kong Yu's past fault.

Who would have thought Gu Jin Nian utterly disdainful, arrogantly extreme; Sun Zhengnan, his elder, merely spoke a few fair words, only to be roundly scolded by Gu Jin Nian.

In the end they discussed the matter of the holy artifact, hoping Gu Jin Nian would, for the safety of all scholars, place the holy artifact in the Kong family's keeping, to be returned to him once he became a Great Scholar.

But unexpectedly, upon merely raising a suggestion, Gu Jin Nian flew into a rage, berating everyone as shameless; he scolded until Sun Zhengnan could no longer sit still, giving Gu Jin Nian a stern dressing-down.

Gu Jin Nian, knowing he was in the wrong but unsure how to reply, in anger produced the holy ruler and cut off Sun Zhengnan's talent.

The remaining Great Scholars stepped forward to stop him, even Su Wenjing did so, but Gu Jin Nian, relying on his possession of the holy artifact, reduced Sun Zhengnan to an ordinary person, and even several Great Scholars who could not bear to watch were stripped of their ranks.

After doing so, he left even more arrogantly.

This is the rumor currently circulating.

What saying in the world is most terrifying? A lie that is seven parts truth and three parts falsehood is the most terrifying.

The content is seventy percent true, but some details have been altered—that is this little bit of falsehood.

In everyone's eyes, Gu Jin Nian became a person of wild character, disrespectful to superiors, arrogant and domineering.

Most people harbor resentment toward the rich, and adding the notion that peers are enemies, for a moment the entire literary circle of the Da Xia Dynasty boiled over.

At first, some did not believe it, thinking Gu Jin Nian, though somewhat impulsive in temperament, was not that extreme.

But as information from various quarters confirmed it, even with news from the Da Xia Academy emerging, this matter was directly substantiated as basically true.

And basically these three words amount to a fatal certainty, for although some details differ, to ordinary people it essentially equals being completely true, with only trivial details left unsaid.

This is the common people's subconscious view.

So after the rumor was confirmed.

A torrent of curses rose up.

"This Gu Jin Nian, I'd say he's no good thing, right? Whether he seeks justice for the people or not, it's actually a scheme—the Prince Guardian and the emperor want to forcibly promote a royal scholar."

"Possessing the holy ruler is originally a good thing, but virtue not matching the position makes one nauseous."

"Hmph, I never expected Gu Jin Nian to be such a person? I formerly thought he sought justice for the people, a gentleman, but now it turns out he's merely a petty man."

"Gu Jin Nian hasn't even accomplished establishing speech; he merely understands a bit of poetry and prose, yet you all actually think too highly of him, blinded by ancient poetry; if he were truly a gentleman, having done so much, why hasn't he established speech?"

"Yes, upon reflection, Gu Jin Nian hasn't even accomplished establishing speech; that's quite strange—if it were an ordinary scholar seeking justice for the people, he would surely have already established speech."

"No matter how fine the poetry, it cannot conceal a filthy heart; I think the people's justice-seeking, as rumored, is truly just a play, a royal play."

"I've long said that the Da Xia Dynasty needs a scholar, a scholar with royal blood, to use to rule us, or else to control the common folk."

"Choosing a prince carries some risk, but this Gu Jin Nian is just right—a grandson of the Prince Guardian, his mother being Princess Ningyue, a royal relation—isn't that perfect?"

"Poor Old Sun, having painstakingly become a Great Scholar and done untold good deeds for the people, yet suppressed by the royal family—truly pitiful."

In almost an instant, various opinions appeared, and nothing good could be heard.

This is quite normal.

People are like that; when they take a dislike to you, even if you are doing good, they can find fault.

Moreover, within the Da Xia realm, aside from some scholars in the capital, many scholars elsewhere are filled with a primal hostility toward Gu Jin Nian.

The reason is simply a matter of identity.

Gu Jin Nian is descended from the powerful; this is an innate hostility.

Most scholars come from humble origins, so there is a clear class opposition.

If Gu Jin Nian also came from humble origins and had painstakingly studied for ten or twenty years, should he one day become famous, he might even win favor with many.

But unfortunately, Gu Jin Nian is of the Great Summer Nobility.

Such a person suddenly gaining enlightenment is something many cannot accept.

Especially, everything Gu Jin Nian does can earn worldwide fame, making them feel even more uneasy.

Even earlier, there were rumors saying Gu Jin Nian twice sought justice for the people, involving some unknown impropriety.

However, these rumors were not accepted at the time, since no evidence could be produced, and moreover Gu Jin Nian's reputation was then extremely great.

Such talk is merely something some people whisper in private.

But now it's different.

Great Scholars from all places have already begun to criticize; shouldn't these sour scholars speak up now?

This talk actually has many loopholes; think it over carefully and the problem is easy to spot.

Only a few people are unwilling to use their brains—not because they lack brains, but because they also wish this were true.

After all, we are all scholars; what right do you have to be so exalted, so young, and yet a great talent of the Confucian Way? What right? Great Scholars will inevitably feel envy.

What more of ordinary scholars?

For a moment, curses spread, but it hasn't yet become overly vicious.

Until noon of this day.

In the Da Xia Dynasty, thirty‑six commanderies, each commandery raised some voices.

It was many Great Scholars locally, quite prestigious; they almost at the same moment voiced their opinions on the matter.

"Gu Jin Nian avenges the people; this is a great righteousness. Yet his nature is arrogant, looking down on others, which is a grave mistake. Stripping Mr. Sun Zhengnan of his Great Scholar rank is a treasonous act; Mr. Sun Zhengnan is the dean of Jiangnan Academy, essentially Su Wenjing's teacher."

"He is also considered Gu Jin Nian's master‑ancestor, yet one never imagined that Gu Jin Nian shows no respect at all. Even though Mr. Sun Zhengnan's words were harsh, it should not have been treated that way; moreover, Mr. Sun Zhengnan is blameless yet suffered a cruel death; Gu Jin Nian is not a son of anyone."

This was the first voice, a Great Scholar, sharp in speech but still relatively courteous.

The voices behind grew increasingly fierce, each more angry than the last.

"The Kong family apologizes, acknowledges fault, and there is no greater virtue; they deserve a saintly lineage. In contrast, Gu Jin Nian looks down on everyone, a scion of the powerful; if not for the world's merits, how can he claim the title 'Crown Prince'?"

"Strip a Great Scholar of his rank? That is sheer arrogance, arrogance, arrogance. I have never heard of such a thing. The Kong family holds the Three Sacred Instruments, yet they would not dare; Gu Jin Nian holds one Sacred Instrument and seems eager to eliminate all foes outright."

"Just to argue, then strip another's rank? If one merely scolds Gu Jin Nian a couple of times, does this Crown Prince intend to kill people?"

The second Great Scholar spoke, extremely angry.

"After a military general comes another military general, a violent temperament, disguised for so long, now finally shows its tracks?"

"Mr. Sun Zhengnan personally visited, waited three days in vain, was rebuked by juniors; unable to bear it, he said a few words and was stripped of his Great Scholar rank—what a massive irony."

"Gu Jin Nian, you are unworthy of the term 'gentleman'; you tarnish us scholars. From now on, if anyone of our clan dares befriend Gu Jin Nian, they shall be erased from the clan genealogy."

Even more vehement Great Scholars directly threatened that any of their descendants who befriended Gu Jin Nian would be removed from the genealogy.

And these voices rose one after another.

More and more Great Scholars joined in.

Sun Zhengnan's prestige was already considerable, not to mention that it wasn't only Sun Zhengnan, and there were hidden people deliberately stirring trouble.

This matter spread like a wildfire, instantly igniting the Da Xia Dynasty, which had been quiet for only a few days.

Not only that.

As the news spread faster and farther, scholars from other dynasties also began to voice their opinions.

"On the day of the Da Xia Poetry Society, Gu Jin Nian was full of hostility; his prose was unrivaled, and the poetry gathering itself is a festival that brings together talented youths from various nations to enjoy together."

"But Gu Jin Nian, by nature competitive and domineering, in order to win the poetry gathering, disregarded others' feelings, even forcing the holy grandson of the Kong family to kneel and apologize during a perfectly fine gathering."

"Even the Holy Ruler's intervention is useless, the Da Xia Emperor's intervention is useless, even the Duke of the State's intervention is useless; such a person has no ruler, no father, no teacher, not even an animal."

Some voices from other dynasties rose, the harshest insults still aimed at the Fuyu Dynasty.

Not only insulting, they even began to spread rumors, mentioning the Da Xia Poetry Society, claiming that the Da Xia Emperor intervened to restrain Gu Jin Nian, the Duke of the State intervened to restrain Gu Jin Nian, and Su Wenjing also intervened to restrain Gu Jin Nian.

As a result, Gu Jin Nian was given no face at all, persisted stubbornly, and forced the holy grandson of the Kong family to kneel and beg for mercy.

No trace of a gentleman's benevolence.

As for Kong Yu's previous deeds, they were not mentioned at all.

This is the power of rumors: a few simple sentences can make someone who does not know Gu Jin Nian subconsciously develop aversion.

Once such aversion forms, if not clarified promptly, it becomes entrenched, subtly influencing, and thereafter whatever you do will be seen as you are not a good person.

Public opinion mainly goes through three stages.

Someone deliberately spreads rumors to set the rhythm.

It provokes those who already hold grudges to step forward, letting them use this chance to voice all their sour words.

The final step is to trigger a following trend.

In fact, many people simply do not care who did what; whether Gu Jin Nian acted or not, they know it does not concern them.

But seeing everyone berating, they feel a pressure to join in, thinking "if I don't berate I'm out of sync."

Once they start joining the insults, they are completely ruined.

It is equivalent to taking a side.

They will hear only what they want to hear, see only what they want to see; even if Gu Jin Nian clarifies, it is of no help.

Because believing Gu Jin Nian's clarification would mean admitting one's own mind is flawed and that one has believed slander.

In this world, how many people can examine themselves three times a day?

Even if one knows internally that one is wrong, for the sake of face and vanity, one stubbornly refuses to admit it.

That is the root of human nature's flaw.

Thus, terrifying public opinion, after one more day,

will erupt completely.

The matter spread throughout the Eastern Wilderness.

And at that moment.

Da Xia Academy.

The once clear sky suddenly gathered dark clouds, covering the academy's back mountain.

As the dark clouds gathered, Su Wenjing's complexion instantly turned unpleasant.

This is Saint's Punishment!

(End of chapter)