Two days later.
The clouds had dispersed, the rain had cleared, and the sky shone limpid and bright.
Between heaven and earth stood a majestic mountain, bluish-green in hue, wreathed in drifting mist.
It was Danfeng Immortal Mountain, one of the eight renowned blessed mountains of White Reed Continent. Qingya Academy was located upon it.
Not far from Danfeng Immortal Mountain stood an ancient-looking pavilion called Laiwang Pavilion, its name meaning to welcome arrivals and see off departures.
At the moment, a group of experts from Songlu Academy was resting within Laiwang Pavilion.
"Long ago, Laiwang Pavilion was renowned throughout the world. Cultivators called it Pilgrimage Pavilion, and those they paid homage to were naturally the sages of Qingya Academy."
A middle-aged man in white smiled. "Back then, Qingya Academy had been personally designated by the Central Immortal Court as the orthodox tradition of Confucianism. It was hailed as the foremost Confucian institution in the Immortal Realm. What a pity... that was all in the past."
As he spoke, he shook his head, clearly dismissive.
A handsome young man said, "Senior Brother is right. Qingya Academy's prestige and reputation have now fallen off a cliff, and it no longer possesses its former glory. Over the years, in the triennial Grand Debate held among the three great academies every thousand years, Qingya Academy has always ranked last. It no longer deserves the four words 'orthodox tradition of Confucianism.'"
The middle-aged man in white said, "Naturally. Who does not know that Songlu Academy is now the foremost Confucian institution in the Immortal Realm?"
The others immediately echoed his words.
"Enough. Stop making such cutting remarks."
A cool, authoritative voice rang out, making everyone's hearts tighten as they no longer dared discuss the matter.
Their gazes all turned toward the same person.
It