Contesting Reputation

Scholars passed by the two men from time to time. Seeing Liu Zhanpeng's expression, they all shook their heads inwardly, thinking that this man's Qi Nurturing was lacking.

"Brother Qiu, has your article opened up Heart Path?"

After a while, Liu Zhanpeng came to his senses and couldn't help but speak, but instead of answering the inquiry, he asked a question.

After speaking, he realized he had been somewhat out of line and quickly apologized, then added, "Please don't take offense, Brother Qiu. I was simply too surprised. Logically speaking, opening Heart Path requires the Sage Paper and the Sage Worthies Clay Statues..."

He stopped abruptly before he could finish speaking, his gaze shifting to Qiu Yan's hand. He sensed a unique aura emanating from the book box in her hand. He hadn't noticed it before, but now, with a change in his mind, he immediately became aware of it.

"Brother Liu, there's no need to overthink it. These Sage Paper and clay sculptures are not from one place. It was just a fortuitous opportunity that I was able to Scholar Forest," Qiu Yan waved his hand and replied.

"I was being presumptuous," Liu Zhanpeng nodded, knowing that the other party was unwilling to say some things, so he wouldn't press for details. However, his doubts hadn't lessened. "But, since Brother Qiu has opened his Heart Path, why not Scholar Forest's circle?"

However, Liu Zhanpeng fell into a misconception, believing that only during the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse could the Human Soul Mortal Realm people enter the Scholar Forest. Since the Scholar Forest had not been open for long, anyone who could open their Heart Path had their soul enter it. Since Qiu Yan had already opened his Heart Path, yet he appeared here, in Liu Zhanpeng's view, it meant he had not entered the Forest.

It wasn't that Liu Zhanpeng was stupid, but rather that he lacked comprehensive information, so even with his intelligence, he couldn't make the correct predictions.

Qiu Yan smiled and shook his head, "I've already been to Scholar Forest, and it's not convenient for me to disclose the details."

"I see." Seeing that Qiu Yan didn't want to delve deeper into this topic, Liu Zhanpeng wisely refrained from saying too much, even though he was still somewhat skeptical and wondered if Qiu Yan had obtained someone else's article.

Having calmed his thoughts, Liu Zhanpeng then recalled Qiu Yan's earlier question, "Brother Qiu, are you interested in the Way of Sage Sun?"

Qiu Yan nodded. "That's right, I've heard that there are academies in Eastern Capital that carry on the teachings of Sage Sun. However, I was preoccupied with other matters the other day and was unable to visit them."

Qiu Yan didn't just hear about it; he comprehended it through his own experience. On the day he returned from Scholar Forest, he divided his Heart Path into seven parts, each corresponding to one of the seven Sage Worthies Hall, including those belonging to the Imperial City and the Spring and Autumn Academy Sage Worthies Hall.

Although these Sage Worthies Hall all enshrine Sage Worthies Clay Statues, they exude different auras due to the different doctrines of the academies and the different schools of sage learning they inherit. This is why Qiu Yan was able to find the path of the Spring and Autumn Academy in one fell swoop.

In addition, he also sensed the inherent Heavenly Principle of the Principle Sect Academy and discerned a path.

The other paths, each with its own underlying principles, left a trace in Qiu Yan's mind. However, he did not know the names of the academies corresponding to the remaining paths in the Mortal Realm.

However, the doctrines contained in these doctrines could not escape Qiu Yan's perception. Among them, one doctrine contained the Way of Sage Sun. Although there were slight differences, they were not fundamentally different.

Qiu Yan has been diligently studying and farming these days, one of his purposes being to thoroughly understand the eight Sage Sun Spirit and the two Agricultural School Spirit he has recently acquired.

After some time, the two Agricultural School Spirit had been absorbed into his soul, and the eight Sage Sun Spirit had also been Half-Step Fusion. After verifying with Han Yi Minister Han Yi, he further utilized Legalist School thought to draw inferences from one instance to another. With a little more contemplation, he would be able to completely absorb the eight spirits, and from then on, he could control them as if they were his own arms, eliminating all hidden dangers.

However, if he could get some guidance during this period, he would undoubtedly achieve twice the result with half the effort. Since Qiu Yan had come to Literary Pavilion Appraisal, he would certainly not let this opportunity pass. That is why he asked, thinking of the academy's name which was inherited from Sage Sun, and wanted to learn from it.

Unexpectedly, Liu Zhanpeng shook his head and said, "There are no academies that inherited the legacy of Sage Sun, after all, many great Grand Confucian throughout history have criticized it. However, I have heard that Ritual Reverence Academy once obtained a handwritten letter from Sage Sun, but the people in the academy do not publicize it, so I do not know if it is true or not."

"Ritual Reverence Academy?" Qiu Yan pondered the name, not surprised by what Liu Zhanpeng said. In fact, the teachings of Sage Sun were profound and had a significant influence on Confucianism throughout history. However, for various reasons, they were not favored by rulers or Confucian scholars. Even Han Zi, a great sage of the previous dynasty, although he praised the teachings, said that they were "mostly pure but with minor flaws."

Some even argued that their teacher's teachings were incorrect because all his disciples eventually became Legalist School.

"In such a public opinion environment, there must be some cover-up. However, the name of the Ritual Reverence Academy does coincide with what Sage Sun said. But Sage Sun's 'rites' are not limited to the situation. Rites and music are cultivated, and righteousness is clarified. It refers to a social Order. I just don't know which manuscript this academy obtained."

As Qiu Yan was pondering this, Liu Zhanpeng called out to the side twice, and soon two people came over, whom he led to greet Qiu Yan.

"So it's Brother Qiu. We were also there when you debated with He Shuchang that day, and we still remember your brilliance."

The two men, Xu Miao and Cao Jin, were both disciples of the Principle Sect Academy. They had witnessed Qiu Yan's debate with He Shuchang. Upon seeing Qiu Yan, they immediately adopted a respectful demeanor and were extremely courteous.

They knew Qiu Yan's abilities and genuinely admired him; their compliments were heartfelt. However, after hearing Liu Zhanpeng explain Qiu Yan's purpose for coming, their expressions became somewhat unnatural.

It turns out that although the Literary Pavilion Appraisal was supposed to be about evaluating articles that opened the Heart Path, the gathering of so many Grand Confucian made it a rare opportunity, attracting widespread attention. Eastern Capital was already a hub of literary talent, and the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse further drew many Confucian scholars there; how could they possibly miss the Literary Pavilion Appraisal?

On the surface, this Literary Pavilion Appraisal was just a grand gathering for accomplished scholars to appreciate their learning, but in reality, it became a stage for many people, an opportunity for them to make a name for themselves.

"Brother Qiu, since you're presenting your writing for others to critique, it's best to keep a low profile. Many of the people here are here for debate, looking for someone to use as a stepping stone. Brother Qiu's writing is Heart Path, standing out from the crowd. If you're not careful, you might attract a barrage of attacks from others." Xu Miao was quite straightforward, directly pointing out the issue.

This is not hard to understand. Although many Confucian scholars came to this grand gathering to seek knowledge and improve their learning, to be honest, if they really wanted to ask questions, which academy couldn't they visit on ordinary days?

Therefore, the real purpose of the Confucian scholars who come here, besides building connections and cultivating relationships, is to use the name of the grand event to make their names known. You should know that such a thing could potentially be recorded in history. If they can show their faces and link their names with the grand event, then they will be remembered in history!

For scholars, the temptation was too great.

If one wants to make a name for oneself, the best way is to climb to the top by stepping on the names of others. At present, many talented and Heart Path people in the city have already Scholar Forest literary world. At this time, Qiu Yan's sudden appearance will easily make him the target of everyone's criticism.

A tree that stands out in the forest will surely be felled by the wind.

"Brother Xu is right, I, Qiu, will certainly do my part." Qiu Yan nodded in agreement, not wanting to cause any trouble.

As the group talked, they arrived at the entrance of the Literary Pavilion. There were tables and chairs in front of the entrance, and a man was sitting there, taking down the names of people coming and going.

After Qiu Yan and the others gave their names, they entered the building.

Upstairs and downstairs, a number of people had gathered, all of them Confucian scholars, conversing with each other, presenting a peaceful scene.

Although the Literary Pavilion occupies a small area, its interior layout is ingenious. The placement of the tables and chairs is very sophisticated, taking up little space while subtly conforming to the principles of the I Ching.

At that moment, several distinguished-looking men were sitting in chairs, On Heaven.

At first glance, the entire building has an antique feel, giving Qiu Yan the impression of a scholarly place.

Before he could get a good look at him, a young man walked over and bowed to Qiu Yan.

Qiu Yan recognized him at a glance; he was a member of the Han Residence. Qiu Yan had seen him before at the mansion, but had not spoken to him.

However, the young man was clearly very familiar with Qiu Yan, and said upon meeting him, "My grandfather knew that Young Master Qiu had come, so he specially sent me to take your essay over for you gentlemen to critique."

"Thank you for your trouble." Qiu Yan naturally agreed, and handed the slender book box to the other person, who then took his leave.

"Brother Qiu, do you still have connections with Chancellor's Residence?" As soon as the others left, Cao Jin approached and couldn't help but ask.

"I've been there twice and we've spoken." Qiu Yan nodded, not hiding anything.

These words drew another gasp of admiration from the group, who then began to speak of Han Yi's achievements and express their deep respect.

Ta-da-ta-da...

At that moment, another group of people suddenly arrived outside the door. The leader was a tall, thin man with a warm smile on his lips. As soon as he entered, he ignored everyone else and went straight to the inner room.

"Hmm?" Qiu Yan glanced at the group out of the corner of his eye and noticed them. His heart stirred, and the several strands of Sage Sun Spirit within his soul trembled slightly, showing some reaction.

At the same time, Liu Zhanpeng also noticed the group. He stepped forward and whispered in Qiu Yan's ear, "These are the disciples of the Ritual Reverence Academy. The one in the lead is the leading figure of this generation, named Gao Song. He is highly learned and has a great reputation in Eastern Capital."

"Oh? So you're from the Ritual Reverence Academy..." Sensing the change in the Sage Spirit within his soul, Qiu Yan nodded. Meanwhile, someone Literary Pavilion had already come to greet him. Behind Gao Song, a man presented a box of books, presumably articles from the Ritual Reverence Academy used to open the path of the Heart Path.

"This person possesses a trace of Sage aura, but it doesn't originate from himself. He has likely absorbed the Sage Spirit. If we can communicate with him and verify what we've learned, it will promote the absorption of the Eight Paths of Spirit. 'Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me.' We must not let this opportunity slip by."

Thinking for a moment, Qiu Yan said something to Liu Zhanpeng and the others, then started walking over. But before he reached Gao Song, he was blocked by someone standing next to Gao Song. The person blocking his way scolded, "Who are you? How can you have no manners at all?"

ps:

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