Chapter 544: The Learned Are Welcome

A deity from the heavens.

Gan Xing stood where he was, repeatedly recalling the words Chen Kang had just spoken, his lips slightly pursed, looking as if he didn't know whether to believe them.

He had served as county magistrate for so many years, and had seen sorcerers, talented individuals, and those who claimed they could communicate with deities.

Some truly possessed ability.

But more of them.

Either pretended to be divine or feigned mystery, and none had ever actually caused any great commotion.

But today's celestial phenomena…

The sky filled with Purple Qi, the Nine Dragons Spitting Water, and the Auspicious Cloud Celestial Music…

Were not something a sorcerer could conjure.

Even the current Son of Heaven probably lacks the ability!

Gan Xing took a deep breath and stepped toward the east side of the village.

Behind him, the followers and officials who tried to follow were halted by his raised hand.

He alone approached the two Wooden Houses.

They stood side by side, unusually quiet in the afternoon sun.

In front of the Wooden Houses there were no fences or walls, just open, as if ready to welcome anyone at any time.

Gan Xing stood at the doorway, inhaled deeply, and straightened his robes.

He smoothed his cuffs, adjusted his collar, made sure his entire appearance met protocol, then stepped forward, raised his hand, and gently knocked on the door.

"The humble county magistrate Gan Xing visits," his voice was neither loud nor soft, carrying a hint of respect:

"Specifically to pay respects to you, Sir."

At this time, "Sir" primarily referred to someone born earlier, older, and virtuous.

For someone like Yu Lin, who holds no office, belongs to no powerful family, lives long, and possesses talent, if one doesn't know what to call him, "Sir" is appropriate.

His words fell silent.

He hadn't yet withdrawn his hand from the knock—

the door opened automatically.

There was no sound, no wind, just silently opened.

A voice came from inside, calm and casual:

"You may enter alone."

Gan Xing turned his head, signaling with his eyes that the subordinates still standing afar should stay put.

Then he turned, inhaled deeply, and stepped across the threshold.

Just as he entered—

He was stunned.

The interior was very simple.

A wooden couch, a few tables, several chairs, and nothing on the walls.

Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting slender beams on the floor.

Directly opposite the door, on a chair, sat a person.

The person wore simple hemp clothing, without any adornment or ornaments, sitting casually.

His face was youthful, ageless, with a hint of a half‑smile in his brows and eyes.

Yet it gave one a sense of—

profound mystery.

Gan Xing couldn't put that feeling into words.

It was neither authority nor oppression, nor anything he could describe with language.

He couldn't help but glance twice more.

Indeed, just two glances.

Then—

Thump.

His knees bent on their own, and his whole body knelt upright on the ground.

"Greetings, Sir!"

When the words slipped out, Gan Xing himself was startled.

He didn't know why he knelt, nor why he shouted that phrase.

But he just felt—he should kneel.

Kneeling before this person was not shameful.

It was an utmost honor.

That feeling was like—

Like the feeling he had the first time he entered a temple and knelt before the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

No, it was even stronger.

If Yu Lin could hear his thoughts now, he would probably comment: "This fellow has quite a spirit."

Because he indeed carried the Human Race's fortune.

Kneeling to him was truly no different from kneeling to the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

Moreover, if he wished, a single thought could make him a contemporary emperor of humanity.

Any Son of Heaven or monarch would have to step back.

"Get up."

That voice rang out.

Gan Xing felt an invisible force support his arm, lifting him gently from the ground.

He had no chance to struggle before he was already standing upright again.

Yu Lin looked at him and asked, "How many people were on the way here?"

Gan Xing steadied himself, striving to keep his voice steady:

"When I came here, I saw no one else on the road."

He paused, then added:

"But I suppose… given such celestial omens, nobles, officials, and shamans will surely hear the wind and come to visit, seeking an audience with the master."

"Hmm." Yu Lin nodded, his face showing no particular surprise.

He fell silent for a moment, then spoke:

"Then go tell them I will see no one."

Gan Xing froze.

"Send them back." Yu Lin continued, his tone indifferent:

"Of course, those truly learned may come."

"Those who are merely meddlesome, gawkers, or come to curry favor—let them go back the way they came."

Gan Xing opened his mouth, a troubled expression appearing on his face.

"Well…" he weighed his words, "I fear I lack the influence; those nobles and officials, those shamans… probably won't listen to what I say."

Yu Lin waved his hand.

"Don't worry; you only need to relay my words."

He reached out, took something from his sleeve, and handed it to Gan Xing.

It was a Turtle Shell.

Palm-sized, dark yellow all over, with some blurred markings etched on it.

At first glance it looks no different from an ordinary divination turtle shell, but on closer inspection the markings seem to flow slowly, emitting a faint glow.

"This shell will bring you some fortune, as payment."

"Now go."

His words trailed off.

The moment Gan Xing took the Turtle Shell, he felt his vision suddenly shift.

It was not a violent, world-spinning change.

It was more like dozing off on a summer afternoon and, upon opening his eyes, finding the light and shadow had subtly shifted.

He didn't even have time to react before he found himself standing before the door.

That door was now tightly shut.

As if it had never been opened.

Behind him, a subordinate's voice of surprise came:

"Lord Gan, why haven't you entered yet?"

Gan Xing froze.

"I haven't entered yet?"

He opened his mouth to say something, but the words caught in his throat.

"Yeah, I haven't entered yet?"

That humble yet mysterious hut he had just seen, the person sitting on a chair in coarse linen who made him kneel involuntarily, those conversations, that feeling that reminded him of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors—

What were they?

Were they all illusions?

No, there was also that Turtle Shell.

He instinctively lowered his head.

His right hand.

His fingers curled slightly, and his palm felt a cold, slightly rough sensation.

The feel of the Turtle Shell was so real.

Real enough that every line pressed against his fingerprints.

Gan Xing stood there, staring at the Turtle Shell in his hand for a long, long time.

Then he lifted his head and glanced at the tightly closed door.

The door was still just that door—ordinary planks, an ordinary frame, nothing special about it.

But at that moment, in Gan Xing's eyes, the door seemed to be separated by some layer.

An invisible, insurmountable layer that made even another glance feel offensive.

He turned around to face the group of subordinates still waiting for his answer.

They looked at him with bewildered eyes, not understanding why he stood there in a daze by the door, nor why he hadn't entered yet.

But he already knew.

Some existences, some opportunities—once in a lifetime is enough.

Gan Xing shook his head.

"I've already been in; no need."

He paused: "Then go back."

Having said that, he said no more and strode forward.

Behind him, the crowd stared at each other, utterly confused.

Passed through? When did he pass through? They've been standing here watching; he did nothing, the gate never opened—how could he have passed through?

But they didn't dare ask.

Gan Xing had already gone far, so they could only quicken their steps to keep up.

Only the two Wooden Houses remained, standing quietly in the afternoon sun as if nothing had happened.

Gan Xing's carriage had just left Qu Ren Li a short distance when its wheels creaked on the loess road, and it collided head‑on with a troop of riders.

At the front were three or four fine horses, with several young men atop them, dressed in splendid robes, jade pendants at their waists—clearly the scions of the powerful.

Behind them followed seven or eight attendants carrying food boxes, wine vessels, and mats, a grand procession that looked as if they were heading for a countryside outing.

Obviously they came from distinguished families, perhaps even princes or nobles!

Gan Xing's brows twitched slightly; he thought to himself that something was amiss.

He raised his hand to signal the driver to stop, lifted the carriage curtain, and stepped down.

The young men also halted their horses; the two leaders, from a higher position, sized up Gan Xing with eyes that mixed scrutiny and disdain.

Gan Xing stepped forward and offered a bow.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice low yet clear enough for everyone to hear:

"But you are heading to Qu Ren Li?"

The leading young man raised an eyebrow, gave him a quick once‑over, and asked, "And who are you?"

"Gan County Magistrate, Gan Xing."

The young man heard this, his expression slightly brightened, though not overly courteous: "So you are the Gan County Magistrate."

"We are indeed bound for Qu Ren Li; we just observed an unusual celestial omen and came to investigate."

Gan Xing's brows furrowed even tighter.

He recalled Yu Lin's words—

"Those truly learned may pass, while the rest—just for show—should be let go where they came from and return."

He glanced at the people before him.

Fine silks and jade feasts, entourages in droves, their talk frivolous.

This is hardly "learned"—they're clearly here just for spectacle!

Gan Xing inhaled deeply and bowed again.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his tone a few degrees more solemn than before:

"Only those rich in learning may proceed."

"If your learning is insufficient, please return."

As his words fell, the young men's faces changed in unison.

"What?"

The leading young man twisted his brow, his previously casual tone turning to displeasure: "What do you mean by that?"

Someone behind him could no longer hold back, speaking sharply: "We came in good faith to visit; you, a petty county magistrate, how dare you block us? How dare you claim our learning is lacking?"

"Exactly!" another added, "We have at least read poetry and books; are you, a mere county magistrate, fit to judge us?"

"Do you know who my master is?!"

"Could it be that you yourself wish to monopolize this opportunity and deliberately block us from entering?"

A chorus of clamor erupted, each remark lashing at Gan Xing.

Gan Xing stood still, letting them rant for a while.

When the noise gradually subsided, he spoke again:

"Ladies and gentlemen, there is no need to be angry."

He lifted his head, his gaze calm as he looked at them.

"I am merely relaying words; the message has been delivered. Whether you believe it or not, this is all I have to say."

Having said that, he turned and was about to leave.

"Stop!"