Dragon-Bearing Dao Dispersion, the Human Heart as Seed
"Young Master Wen! Don't worry! I will get justice for you later!"
Not far from the list, Wen Zhizhen stood among the crowd, surrounded by many candidates who had failed the exam.
"That's not how it works. I admire Young Master Qiu's talent. Although I haven't seen it with my own eyes, I've heard a lot about it. I admire him for winning the Metropolitan Laureate." Wen Zhizhen shook his head, seemingly defending Qiu Yan. But when he spoke, there was a strange rhythm hidden in his words, which made the people around him think.
"You mustn't say that! I've only heard of Qiu Yan's name; I haven't seen him accomplish anything..."
Amidst these words, Wen Zhizhen slowly moved forward, her destination being the list itself.
Almost everyone on the list was criticized, but Wen Zhizhen was not only not accused of cheating, but many people stood up for him!
Across from him, Qiu Yan also saw Wen Zhizhen and narrowed his eyes. The City Will gathered and constructed a strange vision that enveloped everything. Wen Zhizhen's Fortune was immediately revealed.
Then, Qiu Yan shook his head, a look of regret on his face.
"Manipulating people's hearts will inevitably backfire. Taking advantage of others' situations is acceptable occasionally, but trying to achieve everything this way is too greedy. In the end, you will be entangled in Karma and lose control of your own destiny."
Qiu Yan always considers Karma in his daily actions, knowing what to do and what not to do. However, some people act without much consideration and seem to have a smooth life.
However, such a person, unless blessed with Great Qi to ward off disaster, will eventually suffer misfortune. He may succeed nine times out of ten, but the last time he may face utter ruin.
Qiu Yan was not very familiar with Wen Zhizhen. He did not know how the other party acted in Jiangnan, but since meeting him in Prosperity Capital, he had seen clues and knew that from the moment Wen Zhizhen checked into the Book Hoard Inn, his fate and Fortune had begun to turn against him.
Everything in the world needs to be balanced.
"Unfortunately, this person hasn't seen through all this. Even now, he's still trying to manipulate people's hearts, unaware that someone else is currently stirring things up, setting up a game, and Wen Zhizhen is merely a pawn in that game..."
Thinking of this, a glint flashed in Qiu Yan's eyes.
"Young Master Qiu, greetings." Wen Zhizhen walked up and bowed.
All around, numerous failed candidates gathered, their eyes gleaming with a strange light.
Among the crowd, there were a few people acting furtively. They were also dressed in Confucian robes and at first glance looked like examinees, but their eyes were darting around and their faces were full of liveliness, which was completely different from the demeanor of someone who had been studying and Qi Nurturing.
They moved through the crowd, whispering amongst themselves. Their words were directed at those on the list, stirring emotions while simultaneously observing the situation. Now, seeing the tide turning, they knew the time had come and immediately shouted—
"It's out! The person who cheated has been identified!"
The sound came suddenly, coming from several people, but it spread throughout the crowd in an instant!
"Um?"
"The truth has come out?"
"Who is it? Who is it!"
Instantly, pairs of bloodshot eyes turned to stare at the source of the sound, and the crowd's emotions surged to another peak!
The invisible dark clouds are growing thicker!
Those who shouted didn't seem afraid of being exposed. They looked at Qiu Yan with cold smiles, but then they were all stunned. What they saw was a pair of cold eyes. It was Qiu Yan looking back at them!
"The one standing below the list is Qiu Yan; I've seen his portrait."
Not far away, three people came with the crowd. They were the three who had been ordered by the white-faced old man. They had left the Imperial Palace and arrived at the Imperial Academy in just a few breaths.
The three remained dressed in the same dark, tight-fitting clothes, their attire standing out among the surrounding scholar's robes and garments. Strangely, however, the examinees, servants, merchants, and maids all seemed oblivious to them, as if they were all absorbed in their own emotions and no longer cared about their surroundings.
The three walked and talked, sensing the various emotions emanating from the crowd, their expressions becoming slightly solemn.
"That man named Wen Zhizhen is interfering with and manipulating people's hearts. His methods do not fall into the category of Divine Ability, but rather a transformed Sage Spirit. If it weren't for our extensive knowledge and experience in the Human Path Flourishing Continent, we probably wouldn't have been able to detect it. It seems that this person is not simple."
"I've heard reports about this person; he had some success in Jiangnan, but I won't go into details. Right now, people's hearts are unsettled, and it's not something that Wen Zhizhen alone can control. There must be other forces involved, so we must not be careless!"
"Our father-in-law instructed us to protect the reputation of the Metropolitan Laureate. It's time to take action. Otherwise, if things really escalate, it won't just be a case of luring the snake out of its hole; it will also damage the imperial family's reputation."
The three stopped and turned their gazes toward them, three distinct auras Ascending Life, intertwining and rapidly rising! Gathering immense power!
In the distance, several thugs were momentarily stunned by Qiu Yan's gaze, but quickly recovered and opened their mouths to call out his name.
Around them, many failed candidates listened intently, while Wen Zhizhen, who was at the head of the group, had a slight change in her eyes, but her expression remained calm.
Looking to the left, Xu Ran, who was being swept along by the crowd, spotted Wen Zhizhen. Her face lit up with joy, and she was about to call out when Ji Zheng stopped a few feet behind her, looking up at the sky with surprise and uncertainty.
Further away, Pang Qian, with a big smile on her face, strode over, followed by Song Qian and Qi Jiulian.
A large number of figures gathered from all around.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
The next moment, the clouds churned, and a ray of light pierced through the mist, streaking across the sky!
Boom!
A blinding light fell from the sky, like lightning, containing wisps of Dragon Qi that flowed directly into Qiu Yan's head and into his body!
The Third Step Qi Manifestation!
A powerful light emanated from Qiu Yan, making him appear like a human-shaped source of light. The light radiated outwards, instantly filling several streets around him and illuminating the faces of the examinees. This made their expressions, driven by emotions, clearer and somewhat ferocious.
Those who were stirring up trouble didn't utter a sound. They were immediately startled by the light and closed their eyes, then breathed rapidly, feeling as if they couldn't catch their breath.
At the same time, the three men in tight-fitting clothes first showed surprise, then their expressions changed, and they gradually became shocked. They sensed the faint Literary Thoughts and ideas pulsating within the light and began to speculate.
Could it be...?
Just then, a voice came along with the light—
"Since arriving in Prosperity Capital, Qiu has never intended to make a fuss. Yet, he has been seen as an easy target and a stepping stone. During this time, there has been no shortage of doubts. Even when the results were announced, some people were still dissatisfied. You may have various reasons, but your starting point is actually for your own selfish desires. Qiu is just an excuse."
The one speaking was Qiu Yan was at the center of the spotlight.
A radiance emanated from him, serpentine and serpentine. The list behind him shone brilliantly, the names and origins written in ink faintly glowing, as if written with nectar of gold.
This Qi Manifestation was awe-inspiring!
When someone stands before the list, their name shines like a divine accolade, instantly etched into the hearts of onlookers. Who would dare to dare to criticize them then?
However, Qiu Yan did not intend to end it there.
"Since you suspect that Qiu's claims are exaggerated and undeserved, today I will also give a speech. I will not compose poems or create calligraphy and paintings, but rather express some of my innermost thoughts. I want you to see whether Qiu is worthy of the Metropolitan Laureate, and save everyone from further noise!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding light and shadows shifted, spinning like a whirlwind. Illusory figures of houses, cities, and people of all classes surged forth, rapidly expanding and sweeping across several streets, overlapping with the crowds on the streets!
Mirages appear, depicting people from all walks of life, from scholars and farmers to artisans and merchants—their phantom images appearing vividly!
These insights are revealed in the words and actions of the illusory figures, not forcing others to believe, but rather enacting scenes of joy and sorrow, sparking thoughts and prompting reflection.
It has sown a seed in the hearts of everyone!
"As expected of someone who Literary Staining of Examination Papers and Policy-Born Manifestation, he doesn't need our protection at all."
"This trip has yielded unexpected results!"
"This is clearly our fortuitous opportunity!"
The three men in tight-fitting clothes sighed inwardly, then closed their eyes, immersing themselves in the mirage of light and shadow, taking the opportunity to gain enlightenment!
It wasn't just them; the figures scattered throughout the streets, looking at the mirage-like lights and shadows around them, were initially puzzled, but soon they caught a glimpse of a change in their Literary Thoughts. Some understood, some were still confused, but all eventually became engrossed in it.
"Is this also an unusual phenomenon? I feel like something has been added to my heart..." Qi Jiulian stopped, looked around, and sighed softly. Beside him, Song Qian's eyes were already filled with confusion.
Pang Qianru's eyes widened, her Qi and Blood surging, but she wasn't immediately overwhelmed by the light and shadow. She looked at Qiu Yan with surprise, as if she were seeing him for the first time, and then a touch of Human Path appeared in her clear black and white eyes.
Further on, Ji Zheng sighed and smiled, "Is this Young Master Qiu's insight? He actually shared his insights, allowing others to understand and comprehend them. Such magnanimity is truly something that can be inherited..."
Ahead of Ji Zheng was Xu Ran, who was completely absorbed in the moment, her eyes filled with confusion.
Before Xu Ran, Wen Zhizhen's face was ashen, her chest heaving, and she was breathing heavily. She opened her mouth several times as if to speak, but no sound came out.
Qiu Yan gently shook his head and said, "Don't overthink it. Just reflect on it. At least it will give you some insights from this trip to Prosperity Capital."
Wen Zhizhen was startled. "What do you mean by that?"
Qiu Yan did not answer. His gaze shifted, and his consciousness Qi Manifestation. The Karma and effect and Fortune in the Void immediately became clear. He vaguely sensed that Wen Zhizhen's Fortune divided into several streams. One part was what he had personally handed over after figuring out the examiner's thoughts, while the other part was being pulled by a mysterious force and flying towards the depths of the Inner City.
Inside the Hanlin Academy, a man stood by the window, suppressing the surrounding dark aura. Within the aura, the anger and resentment of a failed candidate could be discerned. He gazed at the light outside the window, a look of regret on his face. Then, his spirits lifted, and he picked up a book beside him, opened it, and pulled out a bamboo slip. On it, blood-red light formed characters, clearly revealing the name of Wen Zhizhen from Jiangnan.
"Talented man, only through a life filled with hardship and trials can one leave behind masterpieces. Since things have come to this, I will lend you a hand, at least so that your tumultuous life will be recorded in history."
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