Ten Million Scholars' Thoughts Formed a Forest

"Brother Qiu, it's certainly wrong to enter without permission, but some things the Essentials be kept somewhat discreet."

As the person inside spoke, he raised his hand and waved it, creating a surge of wind that closed the door behind Qiu Yan.

Upon seeing this move, Qiu Yan's eyes flickered slightly as he discerned the ingenious use of force. This seemingly simple action, using the power of a fist to compress the air and unleash a burst of airflow to close the door, required a high level of control to bypass Qiu Yan in front of the door and apply just the right amount of force without damaging the wooden door in the slightest.

"Chen Jing's Life Cultivation level is at least at the level of refining the Central Pivot Soul!" Once the Central Pivot Soul is refined, the Central Pivot remains still, and the mind coordinates the whole body, allowing for precise control over the body's strength.

Having roughly discerned the other party's true strength, Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the people in the room.

The person standing before him was Chen Jing from the Principle Sect Academy.

Qiu Yan had already noticed that Chen Jing possessed martial arts skills. When a person has martial arts skills, their flesh and bones are tempered, and their spirit and energy will naturally be different. Even when they make movements or walk, clues will be revealed. Without deliberate disguise, anyone with a little insight can see it.

However, Chen Jing, who was standing in front of Qiu Yan, seemed a bit different. He was skilled in martial arts, but his movements were in the Principle Sect, giving him a sense of Heavenly Principle order. As a result, it was difficult for others to notice him. If he hadn't shared a carriage with Qiu Yan when he was welcoming him north, he wouldn't have been so easily discovered.

The door was already closed. Chen Jing walked over, cupped his hands in greeting, and said apologetically, "Please don't take it to heart, Brother Qiu."

Qiu Yan returned the greeting but didn't say anything more. He simply asked, "Brother Chen brought that troublemaker over this morning. His good intentions were still there, so I won't pursue the matter further. However, shouldn't we clarify the purpose of your visit?"

"Of course." Chen Jing nodded, a peaceful smile on his face. "Actually, my purpose in coming here this time is the same as that of the Spring and Autumn Academy in seeking out Brother Qiu."

"Oh? Brother Chen also knows that Spring and Autumn Academy has sought me out?" Qiu Yan said, snapping his fingers. He had a guess in his mind about the reason for Chen Jing's sudden appearance, knowing that it was related to the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse.

"Brother Qiu, you cultivated your Literary Heart at my Principle Sect Academy, and then refused the teacher's offer. This is no small matter. From that moment on, I knew that Spring and Autumn Academy would come looking for you," Chen Jing said with a frank expression. "Given your relationship with Chancellor Ma, Spring and Autumn Academy wouldn't let you off the hook. After I learned of Seventh Young Master Ma's plans, I expected that people from the Spring and Autumn Academy would come looking for you soon, but I didn't expect it to be so fast."

Hearing this, Qiu Yan pondered for a moment, then asked, "Brother Chen, Principle Sect probably didn't know you were coming this time, did he?"

"Brother Qiu is indeed clever," Chen Jing nodded. "I'm here not on behalf of the Principle Sect Academy, but on behalf of the Chen Household. I want to make a deal with Brother Qiu."

"I'd like to hear the details." Qiu Yan didn't beat around the bush, nor did he refuse. If he had just arrived in Eastern Capital, he might have seen Chen Jing off as soon as he saw him. But after what happened with Ji Zheng and Book Elder, Qiu Yan's thoughts on the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse had changed somewhat. He knew that Chen Jing's visit was also related to this, and listening would help him understand better before making a decision.

As he spoke, Qiu Yan gestured for Chen Jing to sit down, pointing to a chair.

Chen Jing didn't stand on ceremony. He flicked his robe and sat down, then cut to the chase without further ado. "I think Spring and Autumn Academy has already mentioned this to Brother Qiu, right? Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest doesn't necessarily mean Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, nor does it have to wait for that time to begin."

Qiu Yan also found a chair and sat down, nodding and saying, "That's right, I already know about these things. Is there anything else Brother Chen wants to teach me?" As he spoke, he confirmed his guess.

Chen Jing smiled and said, "Judging from Brother Qiu's appearance, it seems that you not only know about it, but also have some understanding of it. In fact, I came here for the same reason. Although the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse is not the only way to enter the Scholar Forest, it is considered a relatively safe one. You should know that the Scholar Forest is very volatile. Even if you get in and gain something, if you can't get out in the end, it will all be for nothing."

"Hmm? I already know the method of Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest, but I haven't heard of how to return. If Brother Chen is interested, you might as well tell me." Upon hearing this, Qiu Yan realized that what the other party was talking about was important information about the Scholar Forest, and he immediately perked up, leaning forward slightly.

Seeing Qiu Yan's performance, Chen Jing felt a little relieved. In fact, he had come here with a lot of ambition, but the most important thing was to persuade Qiu Yan.

Qiu Yan 'Chen Jing abilities firsthand. It wasn't just that Qiu Yan had condensed his Literary Heart after Heavenly Principle Debate, but also his actions along the way, the deeds he left behind, and the objects he made. All of this gave Chen Jing a refreshing feeling. Unconsciously, he had developed a high opinion of Qiu Yan and realized the importance of this person. Now, he was even more aware of the value that the other party contained. After a long period of preparation, he finally came to visit.

Suppressing his thoughts, Chen Jing then said, "To be honest, Brother Qiu, I don't know much about this Scholar Forest, since I've never been inside. However, my elders were fortunate enough to enter, and their experiences there were recorded as historical texts. But I'm a junior in the Chen Household, so I don't have much to see."

Chen Jing adopted a posture of being open and honest, and Qiu Yan, of course, wouldn't be ungrateful and immediately cooperated verbally.

Then Chen Jing said, "Scholar Forest is a strange place, neither real nor illusory. It is said to be formed by the convergence of the thoughts of scholars over thousands of years, containing great power, which is why it is called 'Scholar Forest'. Because it is neither real nor illusory, the physical body cannot enter it; only the soul can go there."

"I see. I had some suspicions about this Scholar Forest, but after hearing Brother Chen's words, I feel like I've finally understood." Qiu Yan were not just polite formalities.

Chen Jing shook his head and said, "Brother Qiu, don't rush to praise me. The important part is yet to come. The scholarly Scholar Forest is not an empty space, nor is it a vast ocean of Book Mountain. Rather, it is unpredictable. The records in the several classics I have read are either vague, unclear, or contradictory. So I won't tell you these things, lest I make things worse and confuse you."

As he spoke, he laughed again, "However, one thing is clear: it's not easy to get into the Scholar Forest, and it's even harder to get out. The practice of opening a passage like the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, allowing students to come and go, is truly rare. Normally, only those with Great Qi can, even if they accidentally enter, return unintentionally due to the Fortune Karma of their own destiny. But if one enters by opening up their own Literary Dao, wouldn't it be difficult to return? I suppose the Spring and Autumn Academy didn't explain this to Brother Qiu, did it?"

"What do you mean?" Hearing this, Qiu Yan understood. This disciple of the Principle Sect had come to him, and his intentions were very likely the same as Ji Zheng's.

As for the other party's hidden intentions, he didn't care or pay attention to them. The Book Elder from the Spring and Autumn Academy had asked him to go to Scholar Forest to retrieve something for him. Once he got the item, he would definitely have to return to the mortal world. The other party hadn't explained how to return because Qiu Yan hadn't really agreed. But there was no need for Chen Jing to know these things.

Upon hearing the question, Chen Jing did not answer immediately. Instead, he glanced at Qiu Yan and asked another question, "Brother Qiu, do you know anyone named Bai Zhaoyuan?"

"I've heard of him," Qiu Yan nodded without pressing further, "I heard he's Great Rui."

Chen Jing nodded in agreement. "That's right, Bai Zhaoyuan is indeed Great Rui talent. I have some acquaintance with him and know a lot about him."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Yan's heart stirred slightly, and he began to speculate about Chen Jing's family background. He also recalled what Chen Jing had said earlier—that he had not come for the sake of the Principle Sect, but for his own Lineage.

While Qiu Yan was pondering, Chen Jing said, "Bai Zhaoyuan's talent is truly remarkable. Several years ago, before he even reached adulthood, he already possessed Literary Heart, and his Literary Path Creation astonished Prosperity Capital, even amazing many Grand Confucian."

Qiu Yan didn't know why Chen Jing had brought up this person and then praised him so highly, but he knew Chen Jing wouldn't speak without reason, so he listened patiently without asking any questions. Before long, Qiu Yan heard something that interested him—

"... Not long ago, I received a letter from home saying that Bai Zhaoyuan, with an article, has shaken the Sage Worthies Clay Statues and has already entered the Scholar Forest ahead of schedule!"

"Entering the forest ahead of schedule?"

Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes and then asked, "You're saying that Bai Zhaoyuan didn't participate in the academic Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, but relied solely on his Literary Heart talent to Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest?" He stopped mid-sentence and shook his head. "That's true. Since Qiu Yan is of one mind, if your and Spring and Autumn Academy's statements are correct, then Bai Zhaoyuan already possessed the ability to Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest, but he only acted on it now."

"As expected of Brother Qiu, you figured out the key point so quickly," Chen Jing praised. "But does Brother Qiu know why Bai Zhaoyuan, who Literary Path Creation years ago, chose to make his move at this particular time?"

Qiu Yan replied without hesitation, "It seems it's because of the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse."

"Not bad," Chen Jing, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. "Although Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest does not require Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, it can be used to ensure a safe return. Bai Zhaoyuan is a man of extraordinary talent, but he is cautious. Although he is confident that he can return on his own, we still need to add an extra layer of insurance."

At this point, Chen Jing looked up at Qiu Yan and said solemnly, "Actually, before meeting Brother Qiu, I always thought that among the younger generation, Bai Zhaoyuan was the foremost in terms of scholarship and writing, but now I realize that there are still people who can rival him."

Seeing Qiu Yan about to speak, he waved his hand and said, "Brother Qiu, don't be so modest. I'm not here to praise you, but to make a deal. I know you've come to Eastern Capital to participate in the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, but you don't have a suitable Sage Worthies Hall to choose from. However, I do know of a place with an unclaimed Sage Worthies Hall!"

"Huh?" Qiu Yan's eyes widened suddenly.

ps:

This is the first update today. The next update will be around 10 PM.