Chapter 39: Studying to Condense vital energy, the First Realm of the Confucian Way, Su Huaiyu Appears

As the event escalated.

The matter of Gu Jin Nian passing the entrance examination had spread throughout the capital.

Passing the entrance examination wasn't a big deal.

But causing an omen was a big deal.

Especially, in the eyes of the capital's common folk, Gu Jin Nian was an unlearned good-for-nothing.

Yet the arrival of the news truly surprised the capital's common folk.

For a time, the rumors about Gu Jin Nian teasing the Minister of Rites' granddaughter became even more puzzling.

Gu Jin Nian had a bad reputation, but that didn't mean the Gu family's reputation was bad; the old master was a great general who had fought for the country, now ennobled as a duke, and enjoyed an excellent reputation among the people.

Precisely because of this, various discussions resurfaced, and many commoners believed that Gu Jin Nian might truly have been wronged.

This is the discussion.

It changes every day, and its two-sidedness is severe; there will surely be kind words and surely harsh words.

However, regarding the capital's liveliness and the Gu family's joy.

Inside Small Stream Village.

Yet it had gradually returned to tranquility.

The news of Gu Jin Nian passing the examination was also spread; people were astonished, but soon calmed down, after all, for them, whether they themselves could be selected was the main concern.

No matter how others were selected, it had nothing to do with them.

And at the south gate entrance.

Gu Jin Nian held a token, walking on the single-log bridge.

Ahead lay Small Stream Village.

Gu Jin Nian looked at the token in his hand.

On it was conspicuously carved the character "Heaven".

He felt some doubt, yet also full of curiosity.

Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows, temporarily unable to figure it out, and so walked inside.

There were still twelve two-hour periods before the examination would end.

He must seize the time.

If he couldn't even get into the Da Xia Academy, that would be embarrassing.

Still, ten years of sharpening a sword.

Is that it?

Having made up his mind, Gu Jin Nian continued forward, while at the same time observing the ancient tree in his mind.

On the ancient tree had condensed two talismanic qi fruits.

One was fully mature, the other just a little shy of maturity.

He was even more curious about the fruit.

Thus, without any hesitation, he mentally plucked it.

At that moment.

One fruit fell down.

After the golden-colored literary qi fruit fell from the tree, a profound and mysterious surge of information instantly flooded his mind.

Accompanied by an immense surge of vast righteous qi, it poured into his flesh.

Like a sweet dew anointing the crown, it opened the eight extraordinary meridians.

"Vast righteous qi?"

Gu Jin Nian was slightly astonished; he hadn't expected that the literary qi fruit was actually vast righteous qi.

Scholars need to study to condense the vast righteous qi between heaven and earth.

However, vast righteous qi cannot remain long in the body, so one must study daily, study diligently, until one day the confucian meridians in the body are opened, allowing the vast righteous qi to be condensed within.

This is the first realm of the Confucian Dao: studying to condense qi.

Upon entering the Studying to Condense Qi realm, one constantly possesses vast righteous qi within; this qi used for writing can contain essence, energy, and spirit, so that when others read, they can instantly grasp the meaning of the text.

This is called "Shared Understanding".

Even ordinary commoners, upon seeing this poem or verse, even if illiterate, can grasp the general meaning.

This is the benefit of condensing qi.

Moreover, having vast righteous qi within can nurture a pure yang body; some demons and monsters dare not approach.

On the Divine Continent there are many demons and monsters; these fiends are utterly wicked, and some powerful monsters can turn a thousand miles into scorched earth, or else provoke heaven-shaking floods, bringing disaster to the people.

Ordinary people find them hard to deal with; even if a hundred thousand cavalry strike, they can slay the monsters but cannot stop them from stirring up wind and waves.

But if a great scholar is summoned to write an article, it can effectively suppress the monsters and as much as possible prevent disaster.

This is why scholars enjoy such high status.

Not only do they receive heaven and earth's acknowledgment, but their utility is immense: they can govern the nation and quell natural and human calamities.

As for Gu Jin Nian at present.

He still has some distance to go before condensing qi.

Normally, at least three years of study are needed, and not mere rote memorization, but enlightened understanding, studying to condense qi.

Yet the surging vast righteous qi bestowed by the literary qi fruit allowed Gu Jin Nian to skip the steps directly.

After an hour.

As the confucian meridians within his body were opened, the vast righteous qi entered his body, and Gu Jin Nian formally announced the completion of studying to condense qi.

He stepped onto the path of the Confucian Dao.

"Sss."

Inside Little Creek Village.

Feeling the changes in his body, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

Upon entering the First Realm, Gu Jin Nian clearly sensed an unprecedented wave of comfort sweeping over him, a feeling he found hard to describe.

It was mainly his brain.

If we imagine the brain as a library, the previous state was a chaotic mess: tens of thousands of books haphazardly scattered, the bookshelves in disarray.

Now, with the step into the First Realm, the library becomes orderly; the bookshelves line up neatly, every volume is perfectly arranged and even categorized, no longer a chaotic jumble.

"This must be the clarity of thought."

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian grasped the situation and praised the greatness of the Confucian Way in his heart.

The Confucian Way does not make a person smarter, but it can make one's thinking meticulous, greatly improving efficiency.

This is a bodily change, while the righteous vigor possesses profound abilities, capable of nourishing the flesh, transforming the pure Yang body, and fearing no evil.

The benefits are indeed countless.

The only regret is that it cannot extend one's lifespan.

But just as Gu Jin Nian thought it was over, a majestic voice suddenly rang in his mind.

The voice was booming, like the sound of a great Dao, as if a sage were preaching, shaking the spirit, like the resonant tones of a bronze bell, awakening him.

"Heaven watches as the people watch, Heaven hears as the people hear." The lingering tone sparked enlightenment; to onlookers, Gu Jin Nian stood there like a daze.

In reality, it was the sage's voice, imparting the true essence of the Confucian Way.

It lasted for almost half an hour.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian awoke from the listening.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian's entire demeanor changed completely.

Righteous vigor can only let one step into the realm of scholarly Qi condensation, but it easily leads to a mismatch of virtue and position.

One must study to refine the inner self, thereby stabilizing the realm.

In this, the ancient tree perfectly solved the drawback, granting not only righteous vigor but also the sage's voice, teaching and clarifying for oneself.

"Even though the sage's words dispel doubts, I must keep studying, comprehend the principles, practice the truth, to be worthy of the Confucian Way realm."

"Never be negligent."

Gu Jin Nian thought silently.

The sage's words still lingered in his ears; a true scholar judges not only the realm but primarily virtue.

If a person, though a Great Scholar, lacks virtue, errors are easy—lightly leading to madness, gravely inviting heavenly retribution.

Such cases are common, simply due to lack of virtue.

Some Great Scholars ascend because of great deeds—relieving disasters, restoring order, offering state policies, earning heaven's favor, then authoring texts and preaching, leveraging their fame to gain scholars' recognition and rise to Great Scholar.

That is why scholars across the world aspire to become officials.

In one's position, fulfill one's duty.

Think about it: an ordinary teacher, no matter how he teaches, unless he produces a sage, cannot greatly impact the nation.

But if one is a minister, a single reformist essay can have massive influence.

Once successful, fame explodes; publishing another book, scholars scramble to buy and read it.

There's a saying: when you succeed, every word you utter becomes golden advice.

Advancing to Great Scholar is almost a sure thing.

But such promotion isn't perfect; lacking virtue easily leads to trouble.

"This ancient tree's background… must be… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …"

Soon, Gu Jin Nian realized something.

The ancient tree in his mind could not only bear fruit infused with righteous vigor, but also emit the sage's voice.

Upon careful thought, its origin must be terrifyingly boundless.

Most importantly, Gu Jin Nian also recalled another matter.

He wondered whether the fruits from other branches might be like the talent fruits; if so, could he head toward omnipotence? Paths like the Immortal Way would be easy.

Gu Jin Nian placed greater value on the martial path.

Being both civil and martial is the true royal way.

What is a true sage? First I reason with you; if you don't listen?

Then I'll strike until you do.

Moreover, in this world where immortality and martial prowess coexist, an individual's strength truly cannot oppose a dynasty.

The claim that "one person can stand against a million masters" is obviously impossible… … … … … …

But this impossibility is because, below the Eighth Realm…

If I could step into the Eighth Realm.

Then it would be different.

No Da Xia Dynasty, no matter how grand, the Shen Zhou Continent would have to crawl beneath my feet.

Even if the Eighth Realm is unattainable, being able to reach the Seventh Realm within one's lifetime already satisfies Gu Jin Nian.

He possesses absolute self‑preservation ability.

Even the court, if it wishes to deal with him, must weigh its options.

The emperor has the nation's destiny as support; that cannot be solved, but causing trouble isn't easy either?

If we truly clash, I'll launch a surprise raid: today break through your main camp and defeat thirty thousand enemies, tomorrow do the same; as long as you cannot eliminate me, I'll become a nightmare, making you doubt your very existence.

This moment.

Gu Jin Nian was filled with hope.

He grew ever more fond of the ancient tree.

However, just as Gu Jin Nian gathered his thoughts and prepared to seek the second level,

A figure slowly walked toward him.

He was a man dressed in green.

The man was extremely handsome, not at all inferior to Gu Jin Nian, with a calm demeanor and his hair bound and capped.

He sensed someone approaching.

Gu Jin Nian frowned slightly.

However, he made no other movement, standing there, remaining calm.

After all, if the opponent was stronger, running would be useless.

If the opponent was weaker, there was even less need to run.

"Su Huaiyu, greetings, Your Highness."

Soon.

The handsome man appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

He had a calm expression, clasped his hands toward Gu Jin Nian, spoke his name, though his voice was not loud.

"Are you Su Huaiyu?"

Hearing the other announce his name, Gu Jin Nian was somewhat surprised.

He hadn't expected this Su Huaiyu to be so handsome.

This almost threatened his own looks.

"Exactly."

"Your Highness the Heir Apparent, this place is not convenient for speaking."

"Please move aside."

Su Huaiyu spoke, his tone somewhat solemn.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, didn't think much, and directly followed Su Huaiyu away.

A moment later.

The two appeared beneath a tavern.

(End of chapter)