Qingmiao Academy.
The mountain-bearing giant beast crouched on its four limbs, kneeling on the ground. Su Yun and the others came down from the upper floor. Monk Tu Ming said, "Qingmiao Academy is where Foundation Establishment Realm Scholars study. These halls are their classrooms. There are fourteen great halls in all, front and back."
It was now the period before the major examinations, and Qingmiao Academy had stopped holding classes. The Scholars were all preparing for the exams.
Su Yun, Flower Fox, and the others walked over and saw the Hall of Medicine, Hall of Investigating Things, Hall of Music, Hall of Chess, Hall of Painting, Hall of Law, and various other halls. Different halls taught different subjects.
"We have to learn so many things?" The little foxes' expressions turned rather grim.
Su Yun was also muttering to himself. Qingmiao Academy Scholars had to study fourteen subjects. Was that not far too many?
Couplets hung on either side of the doors to these halls. The couplet at the Hall of Investigating Things was particularly interesting.
"To carefully probe the principles of things, one must find joy in the task; why let fleeting glory bind this body?"
Su Yun recited it once and felt deeply in agreement. "Investigating things means carefully probing their principles, studying the laws and rules behind them. This says that Investigating Things to Gain Knowledge, studying the principles and rules of things, is a joyful matter. One should not let fame, rank, wealth, and profit trip one's advancing steps."
At that moment, a voice came from nearby. "The principles and rules of things are simply their natural laws, which are what we Daoists call the Dao."
Su Yun followed the voice and saw a gray-robed Daoist striding over. He arrived before the Hall of Investigating Things, looked