A Soul Has Fewer Than Three Chances

"Entering the Scholar Forest ahead of schedule?"

Qiu Yan's eyes flickered slightly. Of course, he could tell that this "Scholar Forest" did not refer to the real-world Scholar Forest, but rather to the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse and Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest within the literati community!

The old man still smiled and said, "That's right, entering the Scholar Forest ahead of schedule. This 'Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest' involves the entire Great Rui, and even academies outside the capital. With so many people entering at the same time, it will be like a thousand troops crossing a single-plank bridge. I won't go into the difficulties, but you can probably guess."

"The old gentleman must be Book Elder," Qiu Yan picked up the conversation and asked directly, "The old gentleman was able to see the Heart Fire my heart, so he must be no ordinary person. But what exactly is the story behind this early entry into the Scholar Forest?"

The old man, also known as the Book Elder, upon hearing this, merely looked at Qiu Yan without directly replying.

Suddenly, Qiu Yan felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were being watched. A thought flashed through his mind, and his Heart Fire flared. He divided his thoughts to envelop himself and then said, "Please explain the matter clearly, sir. Otherwise, I will take my leave."

The Book Elder withdrew his gaze and then said, "This matter is not a secret within the academy. The so-called 'Apricot Altar Dao Discourse' is actually just the Ji Clan using the legacy of their ancestors to open up a stable channel. It's nothing major. There are other ways to enter the Scholar Forest."

"Oh? This junior is all ears." Hearing that the old man was about to give a detailed account, Qiu Yan didn't stand on ceremony and tried to take the initiative in the conversation.

"You young man, you're quite interesting," the Book Elder grinned again, and continued, "Have you ever heard of people in ancient times who suddenly Aperture Opening and made great progress in their knowledge, or who suddenly lost their minds and became bookworms?"

He suddenly raised this seemingly unrelated question, and Qiu Yan thought for a moment. He immediately understood and tentatively asked, "Does the old gentleman mean that someone's Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest scholar's quarters?"

The Book Elder smiled and said, "Your statement is half right and half wrong. Some people have indeed entered the Scholar Forest, while others have simply awakened their Past-Life Wisdom from a previous life."

"A past life's Past-Life Wisdom?" Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes. "How could Past-Life Wisdom be hidden from Meng Po?"

The term "Past-Life Wisdom" literally means wisdom that has fallen asleep. However, wisdom and knowledge are rarely generated out of thin air. Therefore, this "fallen Past-Life Wisdom" actually refers to the revival of memories from a previous life.

Thinking of this, the image of Zheng Yun flashed through Qiu Yan's mind. Zheng Yun was the son of his friend and could be considered his disciple. He was born with knowledge and had a certain Past-Life Wisdom, but he still needed to solidify his foundation. Qiu Yan did not bring him with him on this study tour.

On the other hand, Qiu Yan's Divine Spirit Body had seen the River of Forgetfulness and the Yellow Springs Road in the Netherworld, and knew that his past life memories would gather in Meng Po's bowl before reincarnation, and be scattered into the river, leaving nothing behind. It was not easy to keep them.

"You are a scholar, not only do Nature Cultivation Divine Soul, but you also know about Meng Po," the Book Elder said with a hint of surprise. "However, these things are irrelevant. What I'm saying is to tell you that there is more than one way to enter the Scholar Forest. Even without the Sage Paper and the Sage Worthies Hall, it is still possible to enter, but the possibility is extremely slim, and has been rare even over thousands of years."

"If that's the case, why did you bring this up, sir?" Qiu Yan certainly didn't think he had such a chance, nor did he believe the old man in front of him had the ability to directly send him into the Scholar Forest. Besides, he hadn't even grasped the other party's purpose yet.

"The Scholar Forest and the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse are actually two different things, but the Ji Clan deliberately confuses them, making it seem like they are the same thing." The Book Elder said, slowly rising to his feet. "It's not only those who Apricot Altar Dao Discourse who can Scholar Forest. Anyone who can Literature Stirring the Worthies and shake clay statues can do so."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Yan recalled Ji Zheng's words and finally asked, "Even so, it must not be easy. Why does the old gentleman believe that my writing can move the clay sculpture?"

"Because of your Literary Heart, which has carved out its own path, such Literary Heart will surely shake even the Sage Worthies Clay Statues," he said, trembling as he walked around the desk. "I won't beat around the bush anymore. You must have your own reasons for not entering the academy. I can grant you permission to go to the scholar's quarters through the Spring and Autumn Academy and Spring and Autumn Sage Worthies Hall without having to attend Scholar Forest Spring and Autumn Academy."

"I thank you for your kindness, sir, but please explain your True Intention." Qiu Yan knew the main event was about to begin. The Book Elder in front of him clearly held an extraordinary position in the Spring and Autumn Academy and would not have said these words without a reason. There must be a reason behind them.

Sure enough, the Book Elder, "If I said I had no other request but to help you, even I wouldn't believe it, and I imagine you wouldn't feel at ease either. So let me be frank: I'll help you go to Scholar Forest, and I hope that you can help me retrieve something from there."

"To retrieve something?" Qiu Yan was increasingly puzzled. "To be honest, sir, although I have never been to the Scholar Forest and even my understanding of it is limited, I know that once a soul enters a place, it is difficult to control objects. Even if one could control them, it is not certain that one could bring them out. Moreover, the Spring and Autumn Academy is full of talented people, and many people will surely be able to attend this discourse. Why should I, an outsider, be asked to do it?"

His words had two meanings: besides the literal meaning, they also implied disclaiming any involvement and were a polite way of refusing.

The Book Elder shook his head and smiled, "Things aren't as simple as you think. The place I want you to go to is only accessible to those Literary Path Creation. Moreover, the benefits you'll receive there are immeasurable. After you return, the mere provincial Metropolitan Examination be a piece of cake."

"Oh? I can understand the general meaning of this 'Literary Path Creation'," Qiu Yan frowned, "However, the Spring and Autumn Academy has a long and continuous tradition, and there are such people. Why not let them take action?" As he said this, the image of Ma Yang flashed through Qiu Yan's mind.

Upon hearing this, the Book Elder shook his head and said, "Don't think that the Scholar Forest is a place where people can take whatever they want. There are dangers inside. Once a soul enters, it will be tainted by its aura. If you enter too many times, you may never be able to come out again. Therefore, the number of times a person can enter is limited and cannot exceed the limit of their own soul. Generally speaking, each person has less than three chances!"

He looked up at Qiu Yan and said, "How many people with literary talent and profound understanding would not Scholar Forest the Literary Heart world and wander in their own minds? Although my Spring and Autumn Academy has such a person, that person can no longer Scholar Forest."

"Thank you for your guidance, sir," Qiu Yan said sincerely. The old man's words revealed a lot of information, giving Qiu Yan a general impression of Scholar Forest, which was even more useful than Ji Zheng's introduction.

"These things aren't exactly secrets. With your Literary Heart, you'll find out immediately once you join an academy," the Book Elder waved his hand. "Well? Have you made a decision?"

Qiu Yan shook his head and said, "It's too hasty to make a decision; we need to consider it carefully."

"That makes sense," the Book Elder nodded, raising his withered hand. "However, judging from your Fortune, it is ever-changing, sometimes prosperous, sometimes declining, but it has the potential to leap over the dragon gate. It is clear that you will definitely go to the Confucian Scholar Forest. In that case, I will shamelessly ask for your help."

After he finished speaking, a yellow light suddenly flashed in the old man's hand, and a piece of clean white paper appeared in his hand. The paper was clean and white, full of elegance, but only the size of a palm.

"This is..." Upon seeing the paper, Qiu Yan's pupils contracted, catching a pure, blank spiritual fluctuation within it. "Sage Paper?"

As soon as he made the thought, the Book Elder took out a brocade pouch from his person and put the paper in it.

Zzz.

With a pull of the rope, the brocade pouch was Tightening Bands, and then the old man raised his hand and handed it over.

"Sir, what's wrong?"

Looking at the brocade pouch in front of him, Qiu Yan did not reach out to take it. He had not yet accepted the Sage Paper that Qiu Yan Ji Zheng had given him as a token of gratitude, so he naturally would not accept it rashly now.

Seeing this, the Book Elder smiled and said, "Don't misunderstand. I'm not giving you this Sage Paper, but rather I have a request for you. If you take this brocade pouch and happen to encounter it in the Scholar Forest in the future, the pouch will reveal its true meaning, allowing you to understand its True Intention."

Seeing that Qiu Yan still wouldn't accept, the Book Elder continued, "Don't worry that I'm cheating. This Sage Paper is no ordinary item. You can verify its authenticity in the Sage Worthies Hall of the Spring and Autumn Academy. Before the Sage Worthies Clay Statues, all evil spirits are repelled, which shows its true nature. Besides, you and Yang'er have a history, and I've heard you even have a teacher-student relationship. He also studied history with me back then. So, you and I aren't strangers. Why would I harm you?"

The name "Yang'er" startled Qiu Yan for a moment, then he came to his senses and his heart skipped a beat, realizing that the other party was referring to Ma Yang.

"Chancellor Ma is not young, but in this old man's words, he is like a son or nephew. I wonder how old this man is?"

Since the other party had already gone this far and made their relationship with Ma Yang clear, Qiu Yan couldn't refuse any longer, so he had no choice but to accept the brocade pouch.

"In that case, I am at ease. When you wish to Scholar Forest, you may go directly to the Sage Worthies Hall at the Spring and Autumn Academy, and with your Literary Heart as ink, write down the path of pioneering. The academy will provide the Sage Paper you require."

Having done all this, Qiu Yan felt he had said enough and took his leave, which the Book Elder did not stop him from doing.

Upon leaving the Book Pavilion, Mr. Zheng had vanished without a trace, leaving only Ma Shou waiting outside. Qiu Yan did not actually go to the Sage Worthies Hall to verify; after exchanging a few words with Ma Shou, the two left the academy.

Upon returning to the city, Ma Shou took his leave without asking a single question along the way.

Until we meet again.

After bidding farewell to Ma Shou, Qiu Yan headed towards the inn, his mind replaying his recent experience, including what the Book Elder had said and the inexplicable emotion he had felt earlier.

"Although my Fleshly Body lacks the ability to manipulate and reverse emotions Heart Demon Body, I have refined my mind through writing, and my heart is clear. Why would I have any distracting thoughts? It seems this Heart Fire is not simple. I need to find some time to examine it carefully."

Lost in thought, he returned to the inn, where Hu Qi and Dai Guo immediately came out to greet him—the two of them had returned first after Qiu Yan left the Ma Residence.

After saying a few words, Qiu Yan returned to the door of the room. Just as he was about to open the door, he suddenly stopped, then narrowed his eyes, a sharp glint flashing in them.

Then, he pushed hard and opened the door.

There was a person standing inside the room.

"Brother Chen, why did you enter without permission? This is somewhat inconsistent with what Junior Chen taught us," Qiu Yan said as he entered the room.

ps:

Thank you "Mushiyuan" for the donation!

The first chapter will probably be released tonight; just letting you know in advance.