Clay Saint Statue, Inheriting the Spirit

"Sage Worthies Hall? Sage Paper? Literature Stirring the Worthies?"

After listening to Ji Zheng's three points, Qiu Yan pondered for a moment and asked directly, "I have heard of the Sage Worthies Hall. It is built in every academy. It is a place to commemorate Sage, embody the inheritance of Confucian Way and Daoism, and signify not forgetting the deeds and spirit of the sages. It means to continuously explore the Human Path." As he spoke, his gaze fell on the roll of white paper.

This piece of paper, just by looking at it, you can feel its smoothness and subtle sheen. It also contains a spirit that is pure and profound, but not ostentatious. If Qiu Yan hadn't been so close, he probably wouldn't have noticed it.

Moreover, this piece of paper was only one sheet, but after being rolled up, it showed no signs of creases or wrinkles, exuding a sense of resilience.

"That's right," Ji Zheng nodded with a smile, noticing Qiu Yan's gaze. "The Sage Worthies Hall embodies inheritance and spirit, with Sage Worthies Clay Statues standing in each one. However, how can mere worship and remembrance convey the meaning of carrying on the past and opening up the future? And how can we explore it?"

"Oh? Could it be that the Sage Worthies Hall has other uses?" Qiu Yan naturally understood the other party's implied meaning.

Ji Zheng replied, "The Way of the Sages is vast and profound, deeply rooted in people's hearts. It is the source and foundation of world Order. People all want to carry it forward, but various schools of thought cannot be like trees without roots or water without a source. To carry it forward, one must first inherit it, understand the classics and historical texts, and comprehend them in one's heart. The clay statues of sages in the Sage Worthies Hall can influence the Heavenly Order, transforming them into insights that are integrated into people's hearts!"

"Hmm? Transformed into understanding, integrated into people's hearts? It actually has such an effect? Isn't this equivalent to Sage directly becoming one's teachers, imparting knowledge through words and deeds? In this way, when reading and studying, and understanding classic texts, one will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort, saving time and energy." Qiu Yan's expression changed slightly, as if he vaguely thought of something, and then asked, "But there must be limitations, right?"

Ji Zheng nodded. "That's right. Sage Statue can bring Order and transform it into perception, but clay sculptures are easy to find, while Order is hard to attract. To build Sage Worthies Hall, one must at least have a respectable doctrine, using it as a guide, coupled with rich Literary Thought. Only by using a sutra hall to constrain a place can the corresponding Sage Order descend."

Qiu Yan deeply agreed with this. He carried the spirit of the two Sage Manuscript and felt it deeply. If just anyone could create Sage Worthies Clay Statues and incite Order, the world would have been in chaos long ago.

"Taking doctrine as a starting point means that one must have a certain understanding of the classics and texts, and even be able to establish a school of thought. This is not something that ordinary people can do. In addition, one must also have a rich Literary Thought and be under the supervision of a monastery. It is not a matter for one person alone. At the very least, one must hold lectures and gather a cultural atmosphere. Over time, this will become an academy. No wonder the Sage Worthies Hall is located in an academy."

Upon reflection, Qiu Yan understood the mystery behind it and realized the significance of the academy.

"The academy enshrines Sage Worthies Clay Statues. These sculptures, in turn, reflect the aspirations for Order, thus naturally attracting outstanding people and fostering a thriving community."

This is a mutually beneficial process.

Then, Ji Zheng said, "However, nothing in this world is ever truly permanent. Even if a school of thought is established, an academy is opened, and there are many disciples, one still needs to periodically produce articles that can be recognized by the Sage Spirit and offer them before the clay statue. Otherwise, the spirit that resides in this statue will slowly dissipate and eventually return to the mortal world. This is also the reason why schools of thought and academies have risen and fallen in history."

"Oh? I see." Qiu Yan was puzzled at first, but then he realized it made Correct Principle. In this world, the Divine Path and the Way of Nature and Life have appeared, and extraordinary power is not scarce, but it also follows certain rules and will not stop for no reason.

In the beginning, when Grandmaster establish schools and doctrines, they build academies and gather Great Prosperity and culture. This already involves the Fortune of destiny. As the doctrines spread and more and more people follow and apply them, the Karma comes into play. If a school cannot constantly innovate, improve, and keep pace with the times, the entanglements of Karma and the changes in the world alone are enough to make it difficult for a school to move forward and eventually stagnate and perish.

By this time, Qiu Yan had roughly guessed the role of the Sage Worthies Hall during the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse.

"It seems that the Sage Worthies Hall is a bridge connecting people with the Sage Spirit, and must also be the key to the Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest."

"Not bad," Ji Zheng said with a hint of admiration. She hadn't expected Qiu Yan to be able to deduce the key from just a few words. "Although I have never been to the Scholar Forest, I know that the Scholar Forest are not ordinary people. One must go through the Sage Worthies Clay Statues to get there."

At this point, she shook her head with a hint of regret and said, "It's a pity. If you could enter an academy, with your talent, you would surely be able to Literature Stirring the Worthies and leave your mark on the Scholar Forest in advance. This would make things much easier when Apricot Altar Dao Discourse."

As she spoke, she kept shaking her head.

Qiu Yan also sensed something amiss and couldn't help but ask, "Does 'Literature Stirring the Worthies' mean writing articles that are approved by the Sage Spirit?"

Ji Zheng nodded. "That's right, but it must be substantial and logical. If it's just a matter of piling up fancy words, no matter how beautiful the writing is, it's all a waste of effort. The important thing about this kind of writing is that it resonates with the spirit of the Sage. Moreover, after it's finished, it should be offered up before the clay statue of the sage. Otherwise, it's useless. The Literature Shaking the Clay Statue, creating a connection. The writer will also gain something from it and leave a mark on the Scholar Forest. Without joining an academy, it's impossible to achieve this, unless..."

At this point, she pointed to the roll of pristine white paper on the table. "Writing on ordinary paper can move sacred images and provide insights and feedback, but it's not as good as this kind of Sage Paper. Articles written on Sage Paper can directly refine the writer's Literary Thought, allowing the mind to immerse itself in them. One can gain insights from just a single sheet of paper!"

"Doesn't that mean you can achieve the effect of a clay statue of a saint with just a piece of paper?" Qiu Yan had already noticed the paper's extraordinary nature and seized the opportunity to ask, "What's so special about this paper that it can be given the name of Sage?"

Before they knew it, the two had become much more familiar with each other. This was partly because their studies were similar, which made their conversations less awkward. Moreover, Qiu Yan sensed a scholarly air about Ji Zheng, unlike that of an ordinary woman.

"The manufacturing process of Sage Paper is the same as that of ordinary paper, but the raw materials are not tree bark or rags. Even I am not entirely sure what they are. I only know that after this paper is made, it must be placed under the clay statue of a sage in the Sage Worthies Hall for many years to allow the spirit of the Sage to permeate it. Therefore, it takes a long time and is very rare."

Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes, intently examining the Sage Paper: "So the spirit of Sage has infiltrated it; no wonder it has such an effect, containing a profound and pure spiritual realm. But what use is this during the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse?"

"The Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest, the Sage Worthies Hall is the passage, this Sage Paper is the gateway, and the writings are the key to open the door; none can be missing," Ji Zheng said, holding the scroll of Sage in both hands and handing it over. "This one is something I brought from home; I'm giving it to you, young master, as a way to repay the kindness of saving my soul."

Looking at the paper, Qiu Yan didn't reach out to take it. Instead, he pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Although I have done you a small favor, this Sage Paper is of great importance. Even if you give it to me, without the Sage Worthies Hall, I still can't use it. It would be a waste. Judging from your words, you should also aspire to this path. Why not keep it for yourself?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Zheng did not withdraw her hand, but said, "Young Master Qiu, you need not worry about the matter of the Sage Worthies Hall. Since I wrote that invitation, I would not have spoken without reason. I will not hide it from you, giving this paper to you is partly to repay a debt of gratitude, but there are other considerations as well. I hope you can help me."

"Oh? Please explain the matter clearly so that I can make a decision." Qiu Yan was not in a hurry. He walked to the table, sat down, picked up a cup of tea, and took a sip.

Seeing this, Ji Zheng had no choice but to put the paper away and sit down as well, saying, "After using the Sage Paper to open the door to the Scholar Forest world, it can also benefit others..." She stopped there and just looked at Qiu Yan.

"What Miss Ji means is..." Qiu Yan flicked his fingers.

Ji Zheng rose from her seat, bowed to Qiu Yan, and said, "This humble woman wishes to ask you, sir, to take me with you into the Scholar Forest."

Qiu Yan looked puzzled. "Young lady, your handwriting is excellent, the characters are elegant and graceful, upright and balanced, clearly showing your understanding of the classics and literature. Even if you were to write your own, you could certainly Scholar Forest. Why go to such lengths?"

Ji Zheng sighed and said, "There is a reason why I traveled around under the pseudonym 'Ji Zheng' to study. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been caught off guard and allowed Tang Yi to Soul Seizing. Although I am a descendant of the Ji Clan, I am also subject to this. If I want to Scholar Forest, I need to rely on external forces. If you want to know, I can tell you the truth. This time, I offered the paper out of sincerity. I hope you will grant my request."

Qiu Yan pondered for a moment after hearing this, and was about to respond when his expression suddenly changed slightly.

In the Southern Border Jiannan Circuit, at the center of Nine Spirits Mountain.

Stove Mountain.

Since Qiu Yan's Divine Path expanded to cover the mountains and rivers, this place has become increasingly peaceful. However, the hunting practices of the surrounding mountain people and the survival of the fittest in the Lin Zhong have not changed. Qiu Yan has no intention of interfering. This is like the metabolism of the human body. Forcibly changing it would be counterproductive and would also take up energy and time.

Of course, demons who have cultivated their powers still need to be restrained.

The demon caves and demon palaces in the mountains and rivers remain unchanged, except that they have been divided into ownership categories, with superiors and subordinates holding joint responsibility. If subordinates make mistakes, they are punished together.

Under the Kitchen God's command, all the demons are led by three demons: the Golden-Fur General, the Crane General, and the Hao General, all of whom are guardian beasts of the Stove Mountain. Among them, the Golden-Fur General has refined Five Souls, while the other two demons are great demons with Four Souls.

These three demons are responsible for leading and supervising all demons in the entire Nine Spirits Mountain and Great Snow River region. The matters involved are extremely complicated, but they enjoy it nonetheless.

Having power and an army is far better than being in heaven.

Therefore, in order to demonstrate their majesty and authority, the three demons often had their demon soldiers train. For example, today, demons of all sizes gathered at the foot of the Stove Mountain, divided into two groups, to practice military tactics.

However, just as they got into position, a sudden change occurred around them!

A long howl came from the horizon, as loud as thunder, which shook many lesser demons who had only refined one or two souls, causing them to lose their footing!

Arrived in an instant! Invaded the divine Domain of Law!

ps:

Thanks to "Lightning" for the monthly vote!