Chapter 221: At the Jixia Academy

It can be said.

Su Wenjing's appearance made the fervor of the Jixia Academy unprecedented.

Everyone knows that the Jixia Academy postponed its schedule by half a year for Gu Jin Nian, which in itself is inconceivable.

The Jixia Academy has never done this before.

Thus the world will focus on Gu Jin Nian, giving rise to two viewpoints.

One view is that Gu Jin Nian will establish his own New Learning at the Jixia Academy.

After all, everything Gu Jin Nian has done so far has shaken the world: his poetry is divine, his prose unparalleled, and his deeds for the Da Xia Dynasty are undeniable.

The Buddha's ancient scriptures pacify the western desert.

The Daoist ancestor's true scripture establishes the Immortal Sect.

Countless high monks of the Buddhist sect could not compose the ancient scriptures, but Gu Jin Nian wrote them.

The true scriptures that the Immortal Sect has been unable to write for ten thousand years were also penned by Gu Jin Nian.

But it should be known that Gu Jin Nian's greatest strength lies in Confucianism and Daoism, not in cultivation or Buddhist practice.

Therefore, the fact that even Buddhist and Immortal scriptures can be authored creates the illusion that Gu Jin Nian can produce Confucian‑Daoist sage texts and found a new discipline.

This viewpoint is basically held by the common folk and many scholars.

But the second viewpoint is that.

Confucian‑Daoist thought is difficult, because it involves the Way of thought; producing such a scripture is almost impossible.

Even if Gu Jin Nian were to author the Yi Jing, a group of Confucian‑Daoist literati would still not recognize him.

Of course, this lack of recognition is not a critique of Gu Jin Nian, nor a contempt for him; among today's scholars, how many would dare to look down on Gu Jin Nian?

His prose is peerless, his poetry shakes the heavens, his essays move spirits, and he even authored the Yi Jing, a Heaven's Mandate sage scripture; who would still look down on Gu Jin Nian? Yet the Yi Jing is a rare book, not a work of ideological education.

Sage scholarship points to a great path for later scholars to study, building everlasting peace—a transformation of spirit and thought.

Confucius's Way centers on ritual; without ritual, humanity collapses into a lawless, survival‑of‑the‑fittest state, like beasts that know only slaughter, akin to uncivilized barbarians.

Respecting the elderly and loving the young may seem simple, yet it contains endless reasoning; without this ritual, imagine how the world would be. Now, Gu Jin Nian seeks to found a New Learning, and the reasons for disbelief are not merely ideological; the sage's New Learning must align with the natural Way of Heaven and Earth, act benevolently, and be non‑repetitive.

Confucius's ritual Way.

The subordinate saint's sovereign ritual.

The restored saint's national ritual.

The ancestral saint's Confucianism.

Under these saintly intentions, it is hard to create a new discipline.

Even if one does create it, it must suit everyone; you cannot claim to have founded a discipline that only scholars understand but the common folk cannot grasp.

This is the terrifying and difficult aspect of founding a New Learning.

The lack of recognition is not malicious, but stems from the extraordinariness of Confucian‑Daoist thought.

But the problem is that Su Wenjing's arrival completely transformed this mindset.

It was originally possible or impossible.

Now that Su Wenjing arrived, three sentences set the Jixia Academy ablaze, proclaiming that Gu Jin Nian will bring an unsurpassed New Learning; how could this not astonish the world? Gu Jin Nian is already extraordinarily talented, and when a Half Saint says such words, the discussion becomes one‑sided.

These words make the older generation look forward to Gu Jin Nian even more, yet they fill the younger scholars with discontent.

But what use is such discontent? To put it bluntly, can anyone outdo Gu Jin Nian? They can only endure the frustration.

Su Wenjing's words spread, making the whole Jixia Academy lively; even some reclusive forces had to appear and come to the Academy.

They are waiting for Gu Jin Nian's arrival.

Although the arriving forces are somewhat chaotic, overall they are divided into five factions.

The Jixia Academy is one of those factions, relatively neutral.

The old‑school Confucians, mostly from scholarly families—essentially a scholastic clique—hold a fairly rational view of Gu Jin Nian, while the new‑school scholars, led by Su Wenjing, vigorously back Gu Jin Nian.

The older generation of esteemed Great Scholars have also prepared different doctrines, akin to the Seven Sages of Zhushan; regarding New Learning, they possess an innate resistance to anyone founding it and overly revere the old teachings.

Finally, the reclusive sects and the Great Scholars of various nations, due to political reasons and their obscurity, have unclear attitudes, but for now they seem unwilling to let Gu Jin Nian found a New Learning.

Heaven's Mandate is about to descend; at this critical moment, seeing others' advancement naturally causes discomfort.

If there were no Heaven's Mandate, Gu Jin Nian would simply make an immortal proclamation, so let Gu Jin Nian do so.

It involves Heaven's Mandate.

This truly is a major event.

The next day.

As the Jixia Academy entered its final day.

A lone figure appeared in the Jixia Academy.

It was Chang Yun Tian.

Unlike others, Chang Yun Tian's arrival caused no controversy at the Academy, and many were unfamiliar with him.

Even near evening, members of the Kong family arrived; in the past, a great Confucian from the Kong family would be a momentous occasion, even the Jixia Academy would treat them with utmost respect, but now their arrival is met with ordinary hospitality.

Because everyone is waiting for Gu Jin Nian.

In the end, it is Su Wenjing's overly bold words—insisting that Gu Jin Nian will bring an unsurpassed New Learning and complete the final Establishing Speech of the sage's three immortals at the Jixia Academy.

Now it's settled.

Word spread from one to ten, ten to a hundred; even those who hadn't planned to come all arrived, everyone waiting, anticipating how Gu Jin Nian will found a New Learning.

This situation made Su Wenjing click his tongue in amazement.

He did not expect such a huge response; scholars from across the Divine Continent arrived, and some reclusive families sent envoys, some with impressive pedigrees as saintly lineages.

Although not Heaven's Mandate saint families, the saintly families are still quite extravagant.

Moreover, nations are watching, eager to see what discipline Gu Jin Nian will establish at this Jixia Academy.

So, Su Wenjing felt some pressure; he knew Gu Jin Nian certainly had his own scholarship, but to say whether it was supreme New Learning was uncertain.

For some reason, Su Wenjing felt some pressure.

Moreover, as time passed bit by bit, the pressure fermented and grew; regardless of whether Gu Jin Nian had too much pressure, he himself felt great pressure, because some Great Scholars had already started blowing.

Yes.

Starting from yesterday, the older generation of Great Scholars still had doubts, but the Great Scholars who initially followed Su Wenjing to resist the Da Xia heavenly disaster directly began blowing Gu Jin Nian.

At first it was fine, the blowing wasn't excessive, but the later it got, the more excessive the blowing became.

Especially a self-styled Thunderbolt Hand Great Scholar, Lu Yuan, went on a wild bout of blowing.

"To be frank, back then at the Kong Family's Main Residence, I deliberately exchanged a few words with Gu Jin Nian; he vaguely mentioned New Learning to me, and after I heard it, I was astonished like a heavenly person; to this day, I have benefited endlessly."

"Speaking of that, I actually have heard of Jin Nian's New Learning before; it truly is astonishing like a heavenly person."

"If you say that, I should have heard it too, but back then Jin Nian was tied up with many affairs, so I only heard two sentences; now I am also close to touching the path of sagedom."

This was yesterday's atmosphere, with everyone saying they had heard Gu Jin Nian discuss this New Learning.

But today's atmosphere has become even more terrifying.

"Gu Jin Nian's New Learning, I have heard a sentence of it; without surprise, within three years he will step into the Half Saint realm."

"Three years? You're underestimating Jin Nian; setting that aside, tomorrow when Jin Nian comes to the Jixia Academy and expounds his New Learning, I can directly step into the Half Saint realm."

"Ashamed, ashamed; I once had the fortune to hear a segment of Jin Nian's New Learning, but my talent was too poor, I barely broke through to become a Great Scholar; I have come this time simply to listen more."

If we talk about yesterday's atmosphere, at least it was somewhat reliable; today it is completely unreliable.

It was Lu Yuan who started the trend, and the remaining Great Scholars each followed and responded.

Such remarks naturally attracted doubt.

Some people didn't believe it, thinking it was too exaggerated.

But who knows what kind of mind this Thunderbolt Hand Great Scholar has; he actually gave the most perfect answer, causing Su Wenjing to sigh in admiration upon hearing it.

"At the Kong Family's Main Residence banquet, Jin Nian invited Confucius; you all wouldn't really think Jin Nian suffered a grievance? It was Confucius who stepped forward, right?"

"You couldn't possibly really think that Confucius's appearance was because the Kong family did poorly, could you?"

"Throughout history, has the Kong family ever failed at just this one thing?"

"You guys are truly foolish; Jin Nian redressed grievances for the people of Jiangning Prefecture, which is establishing the virtue of a sage; afterwards, the Bai Lu Prefecture executed corrupt officials, which is establishing merit for the state; on the day at the Kong Family's Main Residence, he attracted Confucius's descent by means of Establishing Speech."

"Otherwise, you might as well go to the Confucius Temple and scold a few Kong family members, see if Confucius will descend."

Lu Yuan's answer was simply perfect.

After hearing it, Su Wenjing felt it was extremely reasonable.

And all the Great Scholars of the entire Jixia Academy also couldn't help feeling it was reasonable and proper.

After all, inviting Confucius to descend into the world is truly not something an ordinary person can do.

Previously, I hadn't given it much thought.

Now, with Lu Yuan's answer, everyone's train of thought feels unblocked.

"Indeed, is it really that the Kong family has done nothing good except this one thing? Besides, it's not only Jin Nian who has cursed the Kong family; earlier, some Great Scholars also criticized the Kong family, but what of it?"

Has Confucius descended?

The answer is no.

But Gu Jin Nian, in a fit of anger, actually managed to summon Confucius's will to descend; what does that signify? It signifies that Gu Jin Nian very likely had already accomplished Establishing Speech at that time.

He truly possesses supreme New Learning.

Thus, the earlier generation of Great Scholars, such as the highly esteemed Seven Sages of Zhushan, also find it hard to continue doubting.

It is precisely because of these matters that Su Wenjing feels tremendous pressure.

Because it's hard to smooth over.

If Gu Jin Nian comes this time and really hasn't established supreme New Learning, then it will be troublesome.

The greater the hype, the more painful the fall when it comes back.

"Troublesome, troublesome."

Under the night sky, Su Wenjing calculated the time; he had already considered whether to go find Gu Jin Nian and advise him to return.

If he lacks absolute confidence, given the current situation,

he fears that trouble will truly be invited.

Inside the academy.

Another place.

Chang Yun Tian sat in a certain courtyard, listening to the news brought by Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan.

"Senior brother, this Jixia Academy far surpasses any previous session; it is said that descendants of the Lesser Sage have come."

"Chang Yun senior brother, the momentum has already been set; now the entire Jixia Academy, everyone is hyping Gu Jin Nian, and even the matter of Gu Jin Nian coming to Jixia Academy to create supreme New Learning has already been spread by the two junior brothers."

"The Xiongnu state, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Da Xia Dynasty—all scholars have already begun spreading this; if nothing unexpected happens, tomorrow this matter will spread throughout the Divine Continent, at which point everyone will know, everyone will be aware."

The two spoke, informing Chang Yun Tian of what they had done.

"Good."

"Since that's the case, let's peacefully await Gu Jin Nian's arrival."

Chang Yun Tian nodded satisfiedly, while Lu Chengyan couldn't help but ask curiously.

"Senior brother, what is the significance of our doing this?"

"Helping Gu Jin Nian build momentum—this is of no benefit to us, right?"

Lu Chengyan spoke, looking at Chang Yun Tian as he asked thus.

Over the past two days, although some have been hyping Gu Jin Nian, it has led everyone to follow suit in hyping and creating such a momentum; Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan can be said to have made an indispensable contribution.

But Lu Chengyan is also extremely curious, not understanding the significance of doing this.

Are you boosting others' morale while undermining your own prestige?

Upon hearing what Lu Chengyan said, Chang Yun Tian, however, appeared utterly nonchalant.

"Sometimes praising someone to death is harsher than criticizing them."

"Su Wenjing is praising Gu Jin Nian; then we'll do Su Wenjing this favor and push Gu Jin Nian to the heavens. In that case, everyone will develop enormous expectations for Gu Jin Nian."

"We expect Gu Jin Nian to establish a supreme new learning at the Jixia Academy; if he fails to do so, everyone will be disappointed."

"Such great disappointment would mean the myth surrounding Gu Jin Nian would also come to an end."

Chang Yun Tian revealed a confident smile and said this.

"But if Gu Jin Nian truly establishes a supreme new learning, what should we do?"

Li Ruoyu couldn't help but speak up, fearing not the ten thousand but the one chance.

"If he truly establishes a supreme new learning, what can we do?"

"Although I don't want to admit it, Gu Jin Nian truly possesses astonishing talent; he indeed could create a supreme new learning."

"But if we choose to criticize Gu Jin Nian and he still establishes a supreme new learning, we'll become a laughingstock to the world; on the other hand, if we praise him—even if it's praise that kills—what does it matter? The momentum has already begun; what can he do to us?"

"If we're accused of praise‑to‑death, they are just as guilty of praise‑to‑death."

"You two, remember: when facing an enemy, you must keep yourself in an advantageous position, able to advance or retreat."

"Why do Gu Jin Nian's enemies all meet miserable ends? It's not that they can't match him, but that they left themselves no retreat."

Chang Yun Tian spoke.

After instructing the two, they listened and, without thinking, nodded repeatedly, accepting this view.

"Senior Brother Chang, do you think Gu Jin Nian will actually establish a supreme new learning?"

"Yes, Junior Brother is also curious."

The two looked at Chang Yun Tian; no matter what they did, it was already done, and right now the thing they were most curious about was whether Gu Jin Nian could actually establish a supreme new learning.

"The possibility is not great."

"Gu Jin Nian will certainly bring a new learning; after all, at his level he has some insight—this is inevitable. To say he has no insight would be impossible."

"But it's not certain that it will be supreme."

"Confucian thought and the sage's path are not easy to walk, unlike the Immortal Sect or Buddhist Sect, which can derive scriptures simply from compassion or from staying true to one's heart."

"Furthermore, Gu Jin Nian's Medicinal King Sutra is mainly a grand vow; it is not a Buddhist scripture, and the Saving People Sutra merely concerns saving the world, having little connection to the great Dao."

"A supreme new learning must be linked to thought; otherwise it's useless."

Chang Yun Tian spoke; he wasn't criticizing Gu Jin Nian for no reason, but was expressing his own understanding.

"If it can't be done, it can't be done; of course he has his own insights and ideas, which he believes."

The two nodded.

But regarding Chang Yun Tian's words, they were half‑and‑half, after all Gu Jin Nian's past actions have had a huge impact.

The only undeniable fact is that this time they managed to build momentum so successfully; although they claim it's a covert praise‑to‑death, it's only because the target of the praise is Gu Jin Nian—if it were anyone else, they probably couldn't have generated such momentum.

"What is the final outcome?"

"We can only wait for Gu Jin Nian to arrive tomorrow."

"And at this very moment."

The Eastern Wilderness border, the land between Qi State and Lu State.

On a solitary, desolate road.

A lone star accompanies the bright moon.

Gu Jin Nian walks alone along this road.

He feels somewhat aimless.

Since seeing the evil of the mortal world, the doubts in his heart have taken root like a sapling and keep growing.

Gu Jin Nian encounters his greatest crisis.

That is, a confusion of thought.

This confusion leaves Gu Jin Nian almost unable to free himself.

Moreover, he fully understands that he cannot rely on others; he must rely on himself.

If he cannot figure it out himself, no one else's help will be of any use.

This is his own path.

How to resolve the evil of heaven and earth.

What is the goal of a scholar? Although he knows the unity of knowledge and action, after knowing, there is endless confusion.

The great Dao of heaven and earth.

How exactly can one find one's own path?

What exactly must one do to take this most crucial step? At this very moment.

Only then did Gu Jin Nian understand why the Confucian Dao is so arduous, and fully comprehend how difficult it is to be a sage.

"Alas."

After a long while.

Gu Jin Nian let out a long breath.

Confusion.

Bewilderment.

Various emotions, instead, became his own shackles.

They say to calm the mind, but in the end, how can he truly calm himself?

All along the way, what he has seen.

Along this road, what he encountered.

It is difficult to truly comprehend.

"I'm afraid that this time, the Jixia Academy will disappoint many people."

Gu Jin Nian sighed. Although he didn't know the current situation at the Jixia Academy, he also guessed some of it; the Jixia Academy had delayed for half a year on his behalf.

Everyone's eyes will gather upon him, but Gu Jin Nian understands that, given his current situation, wanting to leave behind immortal words is too difficult, too difficult.

If he himself does not truly comprehend, merely saying a single sentence, 'unity of knowledge and action,'

Would he think he could fulfill Establishing Speech?

This is simply too childish.

Moreover, it will not receive the acknowledgment of heaven and earth.

Only after he himself truly comprehends can he receive heaven and earth's acknowledgment; if he himself does not understand, a few words alone are meaningless.

He raised his head and looked.

The stars were scattered, a half-moon standing, and an indescribable desolation swept over.

"One must not be too obstinate."

"Otherwise, I will become deeply trapped in it, sinking deeper the more I am trapped."

"I still need to settle, to settle more; otherwise, forcibly trying to understand things I cannot comprehend."

"On the contrary, it is a mistake; for my cultivation, it will not be a good thing."

Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself.

He actually understands his current state better than anyone else.

Studying the Confucian Dao thus far, he has relied solely on the poetry of the ancient sages, which brought him sudden fame; in just a year and a half, he has done too many things, received heaven and earth's blessings, and thus become a Great Scholar of heaven and earth.

If not for that, he would at most be merely an Establishing Speech Confucian scholar.

In other words, some things were over‑hastened.

Now, those honors have turned into shackles, plunging him into an unprecedented predicament.

This is not a good thing.

The Confucian Dao lineage cannot, for the sake of becoming a sage, actually become a sage.

Understood.

Comprehended.

Known.

More important.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian no longer hesitated; he quickened his pace and exercised his divine ability.

He rushed toward the Jixia Academy.

He chose to let go, not to give up, but to release the obsession in his heart.

The Jixia Academy had placed great pressure on him; because of all that, Gu Jin Nian himself felt somewhat deluded, thinking he was different from others, thinking he truly was the Heaven's Mandate child.

But the experiences of this period forced Gu Jin Nian to look back.

All his achievements are nothing more than relying on poetry, relying on the writings of the ancient sages, and some ideas.

There is little that truly belongs to himself.

If one must speak, a single breath of magnanimous Qi might be all that is truly his; what else could belong to him? This time at the Jixia Academy, Gu Jin Nian has already chosen to let go; he does not dare hope to create any new learning.

Just treat it as a study.

Learn some things he has never learned before, communicate more with his seniors, and properly settle himself.

He does not want anyone to deify him.

Nor does he want himself to be deified.

Holding such a thought, Gu Jin Nian instead feels a sense of relief, as if a heavy burden has been lifted.

Thus.

The next day.

The golden sun shone high.

Eastern Wilderness, Heaven-Reaching Peak.

Here is the highest mountain of the Eastern Wilderness; the Jixia Academy lies upon the Heaven-Reaching Peak.

And today.

Gu Jin Nian's figure also appeared beneath the Heaven-Reaching Peak.

With Gu Jin Nian's arrival,

in a moment, the entire Jixia Academy boiled over completely at this moment.

Over the past few days, countless Great Scholars have been flattering Gu Jin Nian.

The praises came in endless waves, even provoking some resentment; yet even that resentment, no one dared to speak, for after all, about ninety percent of Great Scholars or readers supported Gu Jin Nian.

Beneath the Heaven-Reaching Peak.

Gu Jin Nian did not rely on divine ability, but climbed step by step.

"Gu Jin Nian has come."

As a voice rang out, countless Great Scholars of the Jixia Academy rushed out at top speed to wait for Gu Jin Nian outside the academy.

Su Wenjing was the fastest, arriving directly outside the academy.

"Report! Gu Jin Nian has already reached the mountainside; he is ascending on foot."

The voice sounded.

The Jixia Academy had long assigned someone to constantly monitor Gu Jin Nian.

Such a display—how many have ever witnessed it from ancient times to the present?

Tens of thousands of scholars gathered, a roar of voices; they came from all nations solely to catch a glimpse of Gu Jin Nian's brilliance.

"Walking up the peak? It seems Jin Nian is attaining enlightenment of the Dao."

"Walking all the way? Such a bearing is rare in all ages."

"No wonder it's Gu Jin Nian, the saint of future generations; even his way of climbing the mountain is unique."

At this moment, before anyone arrived, words of praise already rang out.

Among the crowd, Su Wenjing frowned a little, because the people were praising him excessively.

But after all, he was the one who led the crowd, so he couldn't say anything.

About two hours later, scholars from the Academy came again to report.

"Report! Gu Jin Nian is nearing the summit."

Upon hearing he was close to the summit, the tens of thousands of Confucian and Daoist scholars, including representatives sent by major factions, grew even more excited.

Gu Jin Nian.

That name has already become the brightest name on the Divine Continent.

Like a sun, it hovers above the firmament.

Even someone like Chang Yuntian couldn't help but come out, wanting to see Gu Jin Nian.

And at this very moment.

On the mountain path.

The golden noon sun illuminated heaven and earth as Gu Jin Nian stepped on the mottled stairs, advancing step by step.

His pace was not slow, and he also admired all the scenery.

Perhaps because he let go of his attachments and shackles, Gu Jin Nian's mood became unusually light.

Occasionally he even stopped, gazing at the beautiful view, appreciating the goodness of the world.

It continued until near evening, at dusk.

The evening glow lit the clouds; orange‑red clouds in the sky appeared especially beautiful.

This fire‑like cloud phenomenon made people unable to resist stopping to admire the world's beauty.

Gu Jin Nian gave a faint smile.

The worries and everything in his heart over these days were washed away by the scenery.

Then, after half an hour.

Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the summit.

He saw the towering Jixia Academy.

Its bricks and tiles were crystal clear, the Academy grand and majestic, looking up one could see stars as companions, as if within reach; within the Wen Palace there were also zither sounds and the chanting of scholars.

Tens of thousands of scholars gathered around the Academy's entrance.

Pairs of eyes, at this moment, all fell upon him.

Feeling the gazes, Gu Jin Nian showed no surprise; instead he bowed toward the Academy.

"I am Gu Jin Nian, coming to accept the invitation of Jixia Academy."

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

Neither servile nor arrogant.

At that moment, a figure rushed out from within Jixia Academy, turning into a streak of starlight that arrived near Gu Jin Nian.

"We wish to see the Director."

In an instant, the students of Jixia Academy shouted out, bowing toward the elder.

This is the Director of Jixia Academy.

The tens of thousands of scholars on either side couldn't help but gasp at this moment.

The Director of Jixia Academy personally came out to greet Gu Jin Nian; such a display is rare from ancient times to the present.

It should be noted that even when Su Wenjing arrived in person, the Academy's Director did not come out to greet him.

But Gu Jin Nian managed to do so.

Thus it is clear how important Gu Jin Nian is in the eyes of Jixia Academy.

"I have met the saint of future generations."

When the Academy Director appeared, his face was full of joy, and upon seeing Gu Jin Nian again, he performed a grand bow.

This astonished many.

Even Gu Jin Nian had never expected the Director of Jixia Academy to respect him so much.

"Sir, you are too kind."

"I, the junior, dare not accept such praise."

Gu Jin Nian did not overstate himself and returned the courtesy. Yet the Academy Director rose, shook his head, and said to Gu Jin Nian,

"I've not left the Academy for decades, yet the name 'Gu Gong' resounds like thunder to my ears."

"To set the heart for Heaven and Earth, to establish destiny for the people, to inherit the lost teachings of past sages, to bring peace for ten thousand generations,"

"These four words alone fill me with admiration."

"To plead for the common folk, to purge corrupt officials."

"For the innocent children of Bai Lu Prefecture, I would slash officials in anger."

"When natural disasters strike, I humble myself before the Immortal Gate, seeking a rain talisman, my heart filled with lofty righteousness."

"Gu Gong, though you are young, every deed you do is to plead for the people, to uphold the great Dao of Heaven."

"I am old, yet I possess only an empty name; compared to you, I feel ashamed. This bow is for all that Gu Gong has done. I believe all scholars under heaven should bow."

The dean of the Academy spoke.

He was not there because of Gu Jin Nian's empty fame, nor to flatter‑to‑death Gu Jin Nian, but because of the justice in his heart and the vast righteous spirit within.

Because of Gu Jin Nian's petitions on behalf of the people and similar deeds, he came to bow.

He cares not about Gu Jin Nian's identity, nor about what Gu Jin Nian is doing today; upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, he must bow.

Such great righteousness also shocked everyone present.

But on closer thought, it is reasonable, for without virtue one could not become the dean of Jixia Academy.

"Sir, you overpraise me."

"I, a junior, act only by my heart."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, saying earnestly.

"Gu Gong's great righteousness."

The latter said nothing more, continued to bow toward Gu Jin Nian, and this time Gu Jin Nian did not return the salute, calmly accepting.

Immediately after, the dean of the Academy spoke again, provoking a burst of clamor.

"Gu Gong."

"I, an old man, have a request."

"Please, Gu Gong, compose a poem on this mountain scenery, so that it may also open the academic conference."

The dean of the Academy spoke, and after saying this, he seemed a little embarrassed.

All the world knows Gu Jin Nian's poetry is godlike, and now he asks Gu Jin Nian to compose a poem.

Indeed, Jixia Academy is gaining some advantage.

However, everyone understood the dean's intention; the time had indeed arrived. The academic dispute of Jixia Academy had been delayed for half a year, and once the hour of the Rat passes today, the conference should commence.

Now asking Gu Jin Nian to compose a poem is indeed elegant, and also a good way to start the grand event.

Hearing this.

Gu Jin Nian was slightly stunned.

But he did not refuse; instead, he slowly walked to the edge of the cliff, looked out, and gazed at the beautiful scenery.

Below Tongtian Peak, tiered white clouds cleared the chasms within his chest.

Graceful returning birds flew into his sight as he admired the scenery.

The beauty of nature gathered a thousand scenes; the mountains to the south and north divided morning and dusk.

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly.

Then he slowly spoke.

"How does Mount Dai stand? The blue of Qi and Lu is endless."

"Nature's creation gathers divine elegance; yin and yang split dusk and dawn."

"Clouds stir the chest, eyes resolve as returning birds enter."

"We shall ascend the lofty peak and view all mountains as small."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, reciting Du Fu's fine work, "Looking at the Mountain."

This poem is highly classic, and placed here now, it is equally fitting.

This place is Tongtian Peak, itself the highest summit of the Eastern Wilderness.

Standing here, overlooking the other peaks, his spirit swelled with heroism.

As the verses were recited,

In an instant, each mountain burst forth endless light, a hazy beauty descending from the horizon.

Inside Jixia Academy, bells rang, stirring everyone's spirit.

The mountain peaks roared, ruffling Gu Jin Nian's garments as he stood at the cliff's edge.

His heroism was boundless.

The scholar's unparalleled talent was, at this moment, displayed to the fullest.

The entire academy, countless scholars at this moment, were left in awe.

They knew Gu Jin Nian's poetry was timeless, his words eternal, yet they had not expected reality to be so.

Some who had only heard of Gu Jin Nian thought it was merely rumor.

But today they saw it.

They did not expect the rumor to be so restrained.

Gu Jin Nian's heroism.

Gu Jin Nian's literary aura made everyone present involuntarily envious, a sincere envy.

Some Great Scholars, after hearing this poem, could not help but be moved and praise.

"We shall ascend the lofty peak and view all mountains as small; this single line can be passed down for ages!"

"Nature's creation gathers divine elegance, yin and yang split dusk and dawn; the crossroad fully describes the beauty of Tongtian Peak."

"We shall ascend the lofty peak and view all mountains as small."

They gasped, reciting this "Looking at the Mountain," and felt Gu Jin Nian's spirit.

These words have a double meaning, and everyone understood clearly.

"Good."

Among the crowd, Su Wenjing's voice rang out, his face smiling; earlier he had worried that Gu Jin Nian would not grasp the New Learning, but now seeing such poetry, one can see Gu Jin Nian's absolute confidence.

"The title 'Poetry Immortal' truly lives up to its name."

The dean of the Academy spoke, praising Gu Jin Nian.

Then, accompanied by a burst of bells, the dean of the Academy's voice rose as well.

Jixia Academy, the academic conference, begins now.

The voice fell.

The entire Jixia Academy burst forth with strange light, the light astonishing, shooting straight into the clouds.

At the same time, the voice of the academy dean continued to sound.

Jixia Academy, making friends through literature, establishes three gates.

The first gate is the gate of the Way of Chess.

Chess contains the profound mysteries of heaven and earth.

The second gate is the gate of debate.

Establish nine debate platforms, one question, one debate.

The third gate is the academic contest; set up an academic platform, those who ascend may expound their own scholarship, all scholars may refute; if unable to answer, they lose by self-justifying; if unable to refute, then establish the scholarship.

The voice sounded, announcing the three gates of this Jixia Academy.

These three gates are just as before, with no changes.

The Way of Chess is itself Jixia Academy's forte, naturally established as the first gate.

As for this debate, it is a kind of Q&A discussion testing wisdom, mainly the method of contention among the three great families of the immortal, Buddhist, and Confucian sects.

And only the final academic contest is the main show.

Soon.

The academy dean returned to the academy interior.

He also didn't say much more.

At the same time.

The tightly closed gates of the academy also slowly opened at this moment.

Nine figures appeared before the crowd, front and back, while a chess table was set up ahead, awaiting challengers.

These nine are all national masters of the Way of Chess, utterly talentless, indeed past embarrassments.

Nevertheless, despite this, someone still dared not fear and began to challenge.

The three gates are different from each other.

Those who wish to play chess may do so; those who wish to debate may do so.

The academic contest can also begin now; it just depends on whether anyone dares to mount the stage.

Just then.

Su Wenjing's figure appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

Jin Nian.

Regarding the academic theory, do you have confidence?

Having come before Gu Jin Nian.

Su Wenjing directly used voice transmission of talent to ask Gu Jin Nian about academic matters.

He was still somewhat worried, thus he asked.

Reply, Sir, I have no clue.

Gu Jin Nian directly gave the answer, also not wishing to give Su Wenjing any illusion.

No thoughts, just no thoughts.

Hearing this, Su Wenjing's eyes involuntarily changed.

Now it's troublesome.

Everyone is waiting for you.

Alas, it is my fault, I forcibly built momentum for you.

Su Wenjing spoke, feeling somewhat self-reproachful.

He did not expect Gu Jin Nian to have not a single clue.

This made him even more silent.

Sir, you are too serious.

This is not a bad thing; I do not need anyone to deify me.

Not being able to answer is also a good thing; at least when future troubles arise, one will not place all hope on me.

This is excellent, it unshackles the bonds in my heart.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He does not think this is a bad thing; on the contrary, having none is just having none.

Letting the world know I am not a god is good; it also lets me realize I am not an omnipotent being.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian speak thus.

Su Wenjing, however, was somewhat surprised.

Afterward, a brief silence; he actually also understood that New Learning is as difficult as climbing to heaven, which is also reasonable, so after a moment, Su Wenjing nodded and said.

You can steady your mindset; this is best, upon reflection it is indeed not a bad thing.

Jin Nian, I, the old man, am contending for you the Heaven's Mandate seal of the Way of Chess; the great worldly struggle is about to begin; obtaining more Heaven's Mandates is a good thing.

Su Wenjing spoke.

Since Gu Jin Nian can have such a thorough idea, this is also a good thing.

Thank you for the trouble, Sir.

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Afterward, Su Wenjing walked into the front hall.

At this moment, news of defeat also came from the first Great Scholar who stepped forward to battle.

Go Dao is the strong suit of Jixia Academy, almost without equal; even some Great Scholars have no effect.

Moreover, Jixia Academy's Go Dao is also limited by rules: a move must be made within ten breaths, testing the ultimate layout.

As four or five people were defeated, it further filled some with fear.

And just then.

Su Wenjing appeared, placing his pieces extremely quickly, almost sweeping through the passes; in less than half an hour he had already reached the seventh level.

But unexpectedly, Su Wenjing was defeated at the seventh level.

He placed a wrong piece.

Although Su Wenjing is a Half Saint, in Go Dao he ultimately cannot compare to those born for Go Dao.

He lost.

Even he himself did not expect to lose at the seventh level.

This was unexpected, yet also understandable.

"It seems that in these short five years, the strength of these nine National Masters has greatly increased again."

"Yes, they specialize in Go Dao, unlike us, who although we have painstakingly studied for years, still fall far short in comparison."

"Even Su Wenjing has lost; it seems we have no need to take the field."

"The Go Dao lineage, after all, is still stronger at Jixia Academy."

"We might as well wait for the academic debate."

"Mm, wait for the academic debate."

The voices of the crowd sounded.

Su Wenjing's defeat indeed stirred up a clamor.

After all, a venerable Half Saint losing at the seventh level is truly somewhat shocking.

And at this moment.

Among the crowd.

A youth stood silently outside the front hall, observing the situation inside.

Chang Yun Tian stood beside him.

"Junior Brother."

"It's your turn to act."

Chang Yun Tian spoke, letting him come forward.

Only because this junior brother of his is a peerless in Go Dao, having studied Go Dao incessantly since childhood.

He has been waiting for this day.

However, upon hearing this, the latter did not rush forward; instead, he took the jade gourd in his hand, drank a sip of wine, and spoke calmly.

"Senior Brother, not urgent."

"The more people who fail, the more my Go Dao's might can be displayed."

He spoke, appearing especially confident.

Upon hearing this, Chang Yun Tian couldn't help but frown slightly, and his gaze involuntarily swept over Gu Jin Nian.

"We had better hurry up."

"Otherwise someone might steal your spotlight."

Chang Yun Tian kindly reminded.

He feared his junior brother would repeat past mistakes.

"Rest assured."

"I feel that the nine National Masters of Jixia Academy are very strong; among those present, no one can outplay them."

"A Half Saint stumbling at the seventh level proves everything."

"Not urgent."

The latter spoke lightly, becoming even more self‑assured.

Hearing this, Chang Yun Tian also found it hard to say anything.

However, at this very moment.

Su Wenjing furrowed his brow and came before Gu Jin Nian.

"This shouldn't be."

"It was my carelessness."

"Their Go intention has undergone transformation and improvement, alas."

Su Wenjing truly did not expect that he himself would stumble at the seventh level.

It was not because he was impatient.

But because the opponent's strength has indeed increased.

"Sir, you need not be disheartened; the Go Dao lineage is not your focus."

"Losing is also normal."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, comforting Su Wenjing.

It seems unbelievable, but in fact Gu Jin Nian feels it's no big problem, after all Su Wenjing is not famous for Go Dao.

Each craft has its specialty.

Each of them is a National Master; who dares to bring them out to test others would not be a mediocre nobody? Although what Gu Jin Nian said makes sense, Su Wenjing still feels somewhat unwilling.

"Jin Nian."

You go up.

I will secretly teach you.

Su Wenjing was somewhat dissatisfied and spoke via voice transmission.

Huh?

This doesn't follow the rules, right?

Gu Jin Nian didn't expect Su Wenjing to have him do this? 'Jixia Academy has no such restriction.'

This time the Way of Chess has a different meaning, blessed by Heaven's Mandate, cannot be missed.

If discovered, the embarrassment would be mine.

Jin Nian, you should know some rules of the Way of Chess, right?

Su Wenjing doesn't care about that; anyway, the Heaven's Mandate mark is important, he doesn't care about anything else.

Mr. Wenjing, this isn't very good, is it?

The student knows the rules, which my old uncle taught.

But it's really unnecessary.

Missing this Heaven's Mandate, it's also fine, right?

Gu Jin Nian spoke, really feeling helpless; although this Way of Chess contains Heaven's Mandate, it still can't be done like this.

It's boring.

The great worldly struggle is about to start.

If you have New Learning, it's fine to say a bit; if you lack New Learning and also give up this Way of Chess' Heaven's Mandate, wouldn't that be coming for nothing?

I've been mingling in the Way of Confucianism for so many years, but I've never engaged in a loss-making deal.

You just need to go.

If discovered, it's also my fault.

Jin Nian.

At this time, don't worry about etiquette; you'll see later in the academic debate that none of these people reason.

As long as we can accomplish things, sometimes making a sacrifice is fine.

Su Wenjing is very serious.

Let Gu Jin Nian go play chess, he directs from behind.

Facing Su Wenjing's such firm attitude.

Gu Jin Nian sighed, didn't say more, and walked straight toward the front hall.

However, Gu Jin Nian does not intend to follow Su Wenjing's advice.

Although it's said that those who accomplish great things are not bound by minor details.

But a gentleman has what he should do and what he should not do.

Such things, he still does not want to do.

Come over, just hoping Mr. Wenjing won't think of other ideas.

It can be said that Gu Jin Nian, on his way here, has already thought through many things and become indifferent to many things.

This time, Jixia Academy.

He doesn't want to be too showy.

Being plain and simple is also a good thing.

However.

As Gu Jin Nian entered the front hall.

In an instant, it attracted countless controversies.

Gu Jin Nian also went up?

Does he also know the Way of Chess?

He probably does.

Su Wenjing is also a master of the Way of Chess; Gu Jin Nian knows a bit.

Not necessarily not.

A peerless genius is certainly different from us; perhaps Gu Jin Nian hides his abilities.

Indeed, perhaps he truly hides his abilities.

Voices rose one after another; everyone's gaze at this moment focused on Gu Jin Nian.

Since Gu Jin Nian appeared, everyone's gaze has continually fallen on him.

Every move will cause great controversy.

And upon seeing Gu Jin Nian's appearance.

The usually calm Chang Yun Tian finally couldn't hold back.

Junior brother.

Don't delay any longer.

This person is full of variables; don't underestimate him, go quickly, get ahead of him.

Chang Yun Tian spoke, letting his junior brother hurry over.

He was very worried, fearing the same thing would happen.

One misstep.

Step by step, mistakes.

If it weren't for my own overconfidence back then.

Nor would he end up in such a predicament.

Originally, according to his plan, back when he saved the Da Xia Dynasty from fire and water, he could have earned the people's reverence, entered the court as an official without relying on any power.

Both civil and military officials would also respect him.

At that time, his word would be final; he could build his own power, without needing to rely on the King of Qin, and go straight to the Crown Prince.

Then, in the court, he could criticize and suppress Gu Jin Nian, using the deed of saving the Da Xia common people to break Gu Jin Nian's invincible aura, letting everyone in the world know.

Many things, Gu Jin Nian could not do.

If only back then he had taken a step earlier, even just half a step earlier, it would not be the current situation.

Unfortunately.

At that time, he was too arrogant and too conceited.

Now, his junior disciple is just like him, arrogant and conceited.

He naturally could not help but speak.

For anything, people only remember the first, not the second.

If Gu Jin Nian passes the trial, the titles of first and second mean nothing; whether we have them or not is irrelevant, the point is still Heaven's Mandate.

This is what matters most.

Upon hearing this, the latter still hesitated a bit.

However, Chang Yun Tian's icy voice sounded, leaving him no choice but to set out.

"If Gu Jin Nian seizes Heaven's Mandate, then even if you defeat him, what good would it do?"

"Heaven's Mandate is most important; put away the arrogance in your heart."

Chang Yun Tian's voice was somewhat icy.

He had no choice, knowing his own junior disciple was arrogant.

Therefore, a strong dose must be administered.

Indeed, after hearing this, the latter could also distinguish major from minor matters.

At once, he hurried forward, and eventually, before Gu Jin Nian reached the first chess table, he got there half a step earlier.

Not far away, after seeing this scene, Chang Yun Tian exhaled.

He had gotten ahead by half a step.

This is a good thing.

Regardless of whether Gu Jin Nian can pass all nine trials, at least the situation remains undecided.

Meanwhile, in the front hall,

watching someone get ahead by half a step.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing more, but instead stepped back half a step.

letting the other party go first.

And the other party, without a word, directly took up the pieces—just then, a voice suddenly sounded.

"Swap positions."

With a resounding voice,

The next moment.

Nine national masters stepped forward.

In the innermost part of the front hall, Duan Kong walked to the first position, while the one originally in first went to the last.

In an instant.

It sparked controversy.

Not far away, Chang Yun Tian couldn't help but furrow his brows.

You're targeting me, right? (End of chapter)