Chapter 472: When in Rome

Liu Zheng felt a sense of yearning as he listened.

According to Pei Yanran, this Wangbei Academy was built upon the foundation of a single book, the "Classic of Ink."

Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that Wangbei Academy is the highest temple of science and culture in this era.

At this moment.

The small boat traveled through the gorge, drifting with the current, and did not slow down even as it approached a cavern waterfall. Just as the group let out cries of alarm, they felt the world go dark before their eyes; when they opened them again, they found themselves in a different world entirely.

Before their eyes lay a golden expanse of farmland. It being the height of summer, the fields were a riot of colors, a profusion of vibrant hues.

At this time, people were busy working in the fields; even with outsiders arriving, they did not look up.

It was truly a scene of busy midsummer farm work.

Looking closely, there were actually many different crops here, some of which Liu Zheng did not recognize at all. There were even more people, faces filled with obsession, studying those crops... and in their obsession, they would occasionally cry out in excitement.

Liu Zheng was immediately filled with awe, even feeling guilty for having bombarded the Academy just moments before.

In any era, people who dedicate themselves to researching food for humanity deserve respect. Moreover, it seemed that his few cannon shots from earlier had not disturbed them at all—or rather, they had not cared in the slightest.

To be so selfless in one's academic pursuits,

one should be treated as a national scholar!

"Hahaha, this is the Agriculture Discipline of our Academy. What does Prefect Liu think?"

Situ Kong laughed from the side.

Liu Zheng gave a wry smile: "It is Liu Zheng who is shallow and ignorant, not knowing that the Academy was hiding such crouching tigers and hidden dragons. My bombardment of the Academy earlier was the rashness of a youth!"

He bowed deeply once more.

Situ Kong instead laughed heartily: "Prefect Liu need not be like this. The poppy seeds did indeed flow out from the Academy, and the Academy cannot shirk its responsibility. Every year, these farming fanatics in the Academy come up with good things and always gift them to passersby at the foot of the mountain. This lesson can serve as a reminder to the Academy: after a crop matures, it should be tested for a few more years before being promoted. What does Prefect Liu think?"

Liu Zheng sighed: "The Elder is truly Great Good!"

The group continued to ascend the steps, the towering staircase so long that one could not see the end at a glance.

The design of the entire Gemu Sacred Mountain was quite peculiar; each step extended left and right into different paths. At the end of those paths were different thatched cottages and courtyards. Seeing Liu Zheng's curiosity, Situ Kong added: "These are all hermits who reside here long-term, not core members of the Academy. They can enter the Good and Evil Chessboard, but they cannot truly enter the inner Academy. Only after accumulating enough merit can they be accepted by the Academy."

Liu Zheng clicked his tongue in surprise.

Just looking at this formation, there were thousands of these hermits! And at a glance, many of them were already white-haired old men, well past seventy.

So, entering the Academy was such a difficult thing? He couldn't help but glance at Pei Yanran behind him; she wore an arrogant expression, as if to say, "Now you know how impressive it is, right?" That Pei Yanran could enter the inner Academy at such a young age was truly astonishing.

Situ Kong smiled and reminded him: "The closer the hermits are to the summit, the more powerful they are. Prefect Liu, be careful. Outside the Academy, you could bombard this place, but once you step into the Academy, you must follow the local customs. Is that not so?"

Liu Zheng was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "Does the Elder mean that if Liu Zheng wants to reach the summit today, I must bring out something to offer?"

Before Situ Kong could speak, Zhang Yang, who was beside him, sneered coldly: "Violence is forbidden within the Academy. This time, you want to take away our Junior Sister—those who enter the Academy must remain unmarried for life! Do you think it is that easy to take her away? If Prefect Liu admits he is not a scholar, then you may do as you please!"

Liu Zheng smiled and nodded, unable to help but glance at Jie Yu behind him.

Unmarried for life...

To be honest, ever since he learned that Situ Kong had helped him greatly at Mang Mountain, and then seeing this group of farming fanatics, he no longer held much malice toward the Academy.

These were people worthy of respect.

Since they wanted to play...

Then he would play along with them!

Liu Zheng laughed and replied: "Good! For such an interesting matter, Liu Zheng will naturally follow the local customs. Please!"

The crowd was startled.

A look of admiration flashed in the eyes of Situ Mo. As an Elder who walked the Worldly Walk, he naturally knew of this Prefect Liu's reputation in the Longyan Dynasty. This man was capable in both literature and martial arts, possessing the talent of a statesman.

From the earlier bombardment of the Academy, he had gained some understanding of the Prefect's martial side—this was a ruthless man! As long as he caught a handle on you, he would do everything in his power to knock you to the ground!

And now, it was time for the literary side.

There were three thousand, three hundred and thirty-three steps here!

For every step taken, there were two households.

In other words, anyone who came to the Academy and wanted to climb the mountain had to accept their tests! Unless they chose not to test you, if they posed a question, you had to answer it!

Six thousand questions!

Since ancient times, no one had ever reached the summit in this manner. Of course, there were other ways to ascend, but this Prefect Liu had bombarded the Academy first, inciting public anger. How could the Academy give him any face?

Want to go up the mountain?

Fine!

Follow the local customs!

Walk up these steps one by one!

"Young Master..."

Pei Yanran was startled, her expression changing slightly: "Young Master, these steps..."

Liu Zheng asked curiously: "What about them?"

Pei Yanran secretly glanced at Jie Yu, Situ Kong, and the others, then stuck out her tongue and reminded him: "Since ancient times, the best record for someone ascending the mountain in this way is just over a thousand steps. You, you, you..."

Over a thousand!

That was already quite remarkable.

If the two people at each of those thousand-plus steps were to pose questions, that would be over two thousand people!

To perfectly answer the strange and eccentric questions of two thousand people was truly the mark of a statesman.

Liu Zheng smiled: "Who was that person?"

"The current Dean, Wang Chao!"

Situ Kong said indifferently: "Forty years ago, Wang Chao came all the way from Longyan. At that time, his fame was no less than yours is now. Known as the number one talent of Longyan, he was only one step away from the summit. The previous Dean was amazed by his talent and took him in as his final disciple. Wang Chao did not disappoint; having reached the position of Dean, although his temper is a bit... but haha, haha, his talent is undeniable."

Dean?

Wang Chao?

Liu Zheng heard this and thought nothing of it, standing tall and cupping his hands: "Please!"

Situ Kong took a deep breath: "Please!"

"Please!"

"Wangbei Academy, invites Prefect Liu!"

This shout.

Caused echoes to ripple through the mountains, and after the echoes, came the sudden, simultaneous cry of thousands of people.

"Invite Prefect Liu!"

"Academy, invites Prefect Liu!"

The sound was resonant and powerful, with clear cadence and inflection.

The momentum was like a rainbow, as if Mount Tai were pressing down on one's head.

Liu Zheng smiled slightly.

Within this sound, there was incomparable fury.

It seemed they were preparing to take revenge for his bombardment of the Academy just now.

【Author's Note】

I wrote slowly, I admit it. But I really want to write this well...