Fortune and Misfortune Depend on Each Other, Self-Reflection Investigation of Things

That was true, but when they actually arrived at the room's door, they all stopped in their tracks. They were certain that someone inside was discussing an article, and knocking abruptly might disturb their train of thought.

Then, everyone's gaze fell on Xi Muyuan, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Xi Muyuan was not afraid. He smiled slightly, walked to the door, and raised his hand to knock. Unexpectedly, the door creaked open by itself, revealing an old face with a smile on it.

Upon seeing this face, Xi Muyuan and An Jin felt reassured, stepped forward to bow, and addressed him as "Teacher".

"No need for formalities. I've already discussed letting you all in to observe. Come on in." The old man glanced at everyone, his words kind.

This person was none other than Zhou Dongyi, a founding member of the Nine Abyss Academy.

He was An Jin and Xi Muyuan's teacher, known for his kindness and gentle nature. In principle, no one else should be allowed to enter before Literary Pavilion Appraisal were made, but the old man couldn't resist his disciple's pleas for several days and granted Xi Muyuan's request.

After thanking Zhou Dongyi, Xi Muyuan and the others cautiously entered the room. Even though they were not inwardly concerned, they still had to appear apprehensive on the surface.

Upon entering the room, a different feeling immediately arises. Literary Thought drift everywhere, containing several artistic conceptions that complement each other. Even those that conflict do not show any confrontation. Instead, they are controlled by the master of Literary Thought, each restrained yet lively, like human thoughts, pondering and savoring, revealing a power that touches people's hearts.

As soon as Xi Muyuan and the others entered, they were bathed in the refreshing breeze of Literary Thought inspiration. Their minds immediately became hazy, and each of them captured a bit of the artistic conception that was related to themselves. Their minds were immersed in it, and the aura of the Scholar Forest within them also wafted out, resonating with the Literary Thought around them. It was vaguely intertwined with the scrolls of articles in the room.

Immediately, the people who had just entered the room stopped in their tracks, stunned.

The room wasn't large, but it was built by the Literary Pavilion as a place for discussions. Therefore, the furnishings and layout of the room reflected a simple and Great Qi style. When Han Yi, Zhou Dongyi, and others were commenting on the articles, they sat in chairs and turned the pages, but it didn't feel crowded. At this moment, five or six more people came in, and it still didn't feel cramped.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on the faces of Xi Muyuan and the others. The warmth jolted them awake from their daze. After careful reflection, they felt a surge of new insights.

However, this was not a place for learning, so the group dared not concentrate on their studies. If they were to lose themselves in the moment and abandon their sense of propriety, things would not go well.

Composing themselves, Zhen Zhizuo and the others looked closely, found their respective teachers, and were about to greet them.

Unexpectedly, Junior Chen looked up, glanced at the group, and gently shook his head, saying, "Logically speaking, I shouldn't have let you in. Even if you are our students, you shouldn't be treated differently from other scholars. However, considering that your time spent in the scholarly Scholar Forest is not as formal as the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, I feel I have fallen short. That's why I've allowed you to listen in, to fulfill your innermost thoughts. In this urgent situation, there's no need for formalities. Just stay put."

"Yes, we will remember."

Upon hearing this, neither Zhen Zhizuo nor Xi Muyuan dared to say anything more; they sensed a warning in his words.

Undoubtedly, Junior Chen did not agree to let them enter the house to observe, and he must have had many considerations. It was only after Zhou Dongyi's persuasion that he allowed them to enter the house.

In addition, this statement also mentioned that it was to fulfill the wishes of the Scholar Forest.

In fact, the reason why Zhen Zhizuo, Zheng Yi, An Jin, Xi Muyuan gathered together at this time was that they all had a common point: they had all been members of the Scholar Forest.

However, when they entered the forest, they were not as fortunate as they are now, with the bloodline of Sage supporting their Heart Path. When Zhen Zhizuo and the others entered the forest, they were like Qiu Yan, having to open the gate themselves. After entering the forest, they were unprotected and walked on thin ice with trepidation. Some of them only caught a fleeting glimpse of the Scholar Forest before returning, gaining little.

Now, at the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse, scholars can stay in the monastery for a long time, and there are many ways to protect their souls. However, due to various reasons and the intervals between previous and subsequent visits, Xi Muyuan and others are unable to enter again. Therefore, when Zhou Dongyi was persuading others, he used this as a basis to try to get Xi Muyuan and others to improve the Scholar Forest's gains by commenting on the Heart Path article.

Xi Muyuan and his companions were not fools. After listening to Junior Chen's words and deducing the cause and effect, they knew that the opportunity was rare and naturally dared not act rashly. In fact, Xi Muyuan's recent wavering State of Mind and volatile emotions were precisely because he sensed a crisis.

Once the Apricot Altar Dao Discourse opened, a large number of Confucian Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest and lingered there. When they returned, they were sure to have gained something. After a few years of reflection, perhaps those who have cultivated their Literary Heart will emerge one after another. Xi Muyuan is currently a leader in the academy, but if he misses this opportunity and does not make amends, he will find it difficult to remain at the top in a few years, even if he does not become just another ordinary person.

That's why he went to great lengths to persuade his teacher and get this opportunity, even though it benefited others. But Xi Muyuan thought about it again and realized it wasn't a bad thing; it could enhance his network and prestige, and make others feel indebted to him.

"Alright, don't overthink it, just stay true to yourself." At this moment, Zhou Dongyi walked over and said with a smile, "Such a rare opportunity, it would be a shame to waste it because of distracting thoughts. Jin'er, Mu Yuan, come here."

Hearing the teacher's call, Xi Muyuan and An Jin went over.

Zhou Dongyi didn't say much. He sat down, picked up a scroll, and began to read aloud. His voice was old, deep, and even a little hoarse, but the sound of his reading still made Xi Muyuan and An Jin's hearts skip a beat. Their energy and spirits instantly focused, and they were drawn to the content of the article.

The above describes the way of investigating things, which follows the method of investigating things of the Two Chens Principle Sect. Investigation of Things and Extension of Knowledge is a method of seeking knowledge, summarizing experience and principles from all things in the world.

However, the article in Zhou Dongyi's hand said that there is no need to investigate everything, but to start by "examining" oneself, that is, the ears, eyes, mouth and nose. These organs are inherently in accordance with the principles of heaven and earth. Once the principles within them are understood, the universal Principle of heaven and earth will naturally be obtained.

This article is truly groundbreaking, a development of the Principle Sect Learning, and it has shaken the clay sculpture, opening up Heart Path. The person who wrote it is currently Scholar Forest among scholars, and this article, written on the Sage Paper and blessed by the clay sculpture, is connected to the Heavenly Order. It contains a great force and a realm of thought that permeates the Mortal Realm. When people read it, they can feel it in accordance with it, and the principles within flow through their hearts like water, touching their souls and bringing them endless benefit.

Even though Xi Muyuan considered himself highly talented, he was still moved and inspired after listening to his teacher read aloud and reading the articles.

"Indeed, one must observe and listen closely to truly appreciate the subtleties, sense the Order, and experience the spirit of the Scholar Forest, thereby gaining genuine feelings. As for the group downstairs, no matter how much they cause trouble, it's nothing more than a few minor squabbles and a few games of chess, yielding no real gains, at most some empty fame."

With that thought, Xi Muyuan realized that his jealousy towards Qiu Yan was somewhat ridiculous.

Just as he was changing his mind, his teacher Zhou Dongyi finished reading the article, then slapped his thigh and praised, "What a wonderful piece on 'Self-Reflection Investigation of Things,' is indeed insightful. The sentence 'If one reflects on oneself and is sincere, then all things in the world are within one's grasp' is truly the finishing touch."

After saying this, Zhou Dongyi turned to Junior Chen and said, "I remember that He Shuchang lost a debate a few days ago, and then went on a study tour to broaden his horizons?"

Junior Chen had just finished reading the article in his hand and nodded in reply, "Indeed, the scholar comes from a family with a long tradition of Literary Thought and is naturally gifted. He is a natural scholar, but due to his background, his learning and insights are inevitably somewhat unrealistic. However, the defeat in that debate was not a bad thing. It allowed him to restrain his ambitions and humble himself to go among the people and see the fields."

"Incredible, incredible!" Zhou Dongyi sighed. "It seems that this trip has allowed him to see his own world and is not far from condensing his Literary Heart. I must congratulate you in advance."

The article in Zhou Dongyi's hand was written by He Shuchang, titled "Wen Kai Xin Lu" (The Heart Path).

"This shows that the Secretary He himself is insightful. Although there are still some rough parts, the clues are already visible." Junior Chen did not refuse, and his words clearly showed that he was quite satisfied with He Shuchang.

The conversation between the two also attracted the attention of the other scholars. Unlike the dry and dull process of examiners grading papers, where Xi Muyuan and others dared not speak casually, the two Grand Confucian chatted casually and laughed from time to time.

Then Pang Chu said, "He Shuchang has such abilities, then the young man who defeated him should be no less capable. I heard that his name is Qiu Yan. I wonder if he will make any moves in this Apricot Altar Dao Discourse?" He said this as if it were unintentional.

Upon hearing this name, Xi Muyuan, who was deeply engrossed in contemplation, felt a stirring in his heart and became attentive.

Then, Junior Chen pointed to a scroll next to Zhou Dongyi Literary Dao, "You can investigate Qiu Yan's abilities yourselves; his writings are right here."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, the others showed varying expressions, all revealing a hint of surprise.

Zhou Dongyi looked interested and asked, "I heard that you once had the desire to take Qiu Yan under your wing, but he refused. Is this true?"

After Junior Chen nodded, Zhou Dongyi clicked his tongue in amazement. He didn't rush to look at the article at hand, but instead said, "This Qiu Yan has quite the ambition. He doesn't even respect the famous Chen Zhengshu. But if that's the case, then he won't be able to enter the academy. How can he possibly understand the Heart Path of literature?"

At this point, he picked up the scroll beside him and said meaningfully, "The Sage Worthies Hall is not easy to find."

Xi Muyuan, who was standing to the side, suddenly changed his expression and felt a surge of shock in his heart.

"Qiu Yan's Heart Path, and his Soul Entry into the Scholar Forest? He wasn't lying? Judging by the timing, could it be that he entered the monastery ahead of schedule?"

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