A Probe into the Hanlin Academy
Light and shadow change, and life is ever-changing.
The light came and went quickly, like a fleeting moment, sweeping past in the blink of an eye and disappearing without a trace, yet leaving a mark on everyone's hearts.
The turbulent emotions subsided, replaced by a rich Literary Thought that lingered in everyone's minds, spreading out along the connections and flowing back into Qiu Yan's heart.
Gradually, within Qiu Yan's Divine Soul Heart Fire, the pillars of the Scholar Forest became clearer, and more and more scholar figures appeared in the fire, with various propositions and Literary Thought flowing through them, but they did not conflict with Qiu Yan's own Literary Thought. The two seemed to corroborate each other and compare themselves from time to time.
The area around the Imperial Academy had quieted down.
Just moments ago, this place was in chaos, but now it is eerily quiet.
As time went by, some people began to recover some of their senses from the strange insights. Recalling everything, they were filled with emotion and remained in a daze for a long time, their minds filled with changing images.
However, there were also those with strong wills among them, such as the three men in tight-fitting clothes. As the light and shadow dissipated, their minds returned to normal. They looked at each other and saw a fading luster in each other's eyes.
Within the light, unpredictable changes are possible!
"Qiu Yan's understanding of Human Path has reached an extremely high level, and it has been very enlightening for us..."
"Many of his views are original and interesting, drawing profound Human Path from details, which are very instructive."
"Putting everything else aside, this change is clearly showing signs of forming its own framework!"
As the three talked, two of them remained silent, lost in thought and reflection. The remaining person, however, left with a reluctant expression, to deliver the message.
These three weren't the only ones exhibiting similar behaviors. Pang Qianru, thanks to the power of her Life Cultivation, snapped out of her reverie, looking at Qiu Yan with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. Then, she shook her head, closed her eyes, and savored the experience.
From Eight Directions, whether they were successful candidates, those who failed the exam, merchants seeking a son-in-law, their accompanying servants and maids, soldiers maintaining Order, or even officials hiding to the side, everyone was lost in thought at this moment, not recalling specific events, but capturing insights and comprehending the spirit.
In the outermost pavilion, the servant-like man saw the names on the list from afar. Upon finding Li Le's name, who was seventh, he showed delight, but soon after, he was swept away by a beam of light and was also enveloped in the light and shadow. However, as soon as the light and shadow disappeared, he immediately came back to his senses.
The handsome young man standing next to him was Li Le, and the burly servant was named Ironheart. The two had many stories to tell, but that's another story.
Recalling the changes in light and shadow just now, Ironheart looked puzzled. "Was that really an anomaly? I feel like that Qiu Yan, the Metropolitan Laureate, released some of his insights. Those fleeting changes in light and shadow actually gave me some insights. It seems that my martial arts realm has loosened up. If I can grasp it, I might be able to break through the bottleneck."
Li Le nodded calmly and said, "That's right, these are indeed his insights. These insights are based on Human Path and have some reference value for martial arts, but ultimately, they are more helpful to those who study. They can correct the thoughts of others. If one can comprehend them properly, even if one cannot reach Qiu Yan's current level of knowledge, one's chances of Metropolitan Examination much greater. At least one will not be completely ignorant of the New Law."
"Hmm?" Ironheart was surprised to hear this. "So, Qiu Yan has revealed his secret techniques to the public? And someone would do that? Doesn't that allow others, including enemies, to learn his skills?"
Li Le glanced at him, shook his head, and said, "Scholarship and principles have their similarities and differences with martial arts. Although you can glean martial arts principles from them and improve your cultivation, the true essence lies in one's views and guidance on worldly affairs. Keeping such things to oneself is meaningless; they only become useful when they are passed on. Besides, I've heard of Qiu Yan; he has a certain reputation, but he keeps a low profile. Some people have always wanted to use him as a stepping stone..."
As he spoke, Li Le turned his gaze to the bottom of the list.
"Now, taking advantage of his success in the imperial Metropolitan Laureate, he first caused a strange phenomenon, then released his insights and understanding as light, allowing everyone present to comprehend it. This not only calmed the commotion but also proved his knowledge and learning. Most importantly, it allowed everyone present to receive his school's doctrines! This is an invisible treasure with endless uses!"
Ironheart grew increasingly puzzled as he listened, and couldn't help but scratch his head, saying, "Hmm? What do you mean by that, young master? Is it a good thing that someone else is learning my knowledge?"
"A large portion of those gathered here are candidates for this year's Metropolitan Examination. Whether they passed or failed, they are all outstanding individuals from their respective regions. Just being able to stand here is enough to prove their abilities. Such people have insights and understanding that surpass those of others, and they have unique perspectives on comprehension and logic. It is not a bad thing that such schools of thought and doctrines are adopted by these people; rather, it is a good thing, as it will spread more rapidly!"
At this point, Li Le sighed meaningfully, "Human Path, in the end, cannot be developed in isolation, nor can it be limited by itself."
Unexpectedly, Ironheart disagreed, saying, "Young Master, I believe you that Qiu Yan is powerful and that he has a purpose in spreading his knowledge. But it's not right to say that those examinees are better than others. Look at their previous appearance; they were easily swayed. With such willpower and composure, they would hardly achieve anything if they practiced martial arts."
"You're mistaken about that. The human mind is the most fickle thing. Even someone who Qi Nurturing for a long time will still reveal their weaknesses when their emotions fluctuate, allowing others to take advantage of them and manipulate them. Moreover, it's easy to maintain one's integrity when alone, but if you're placed in a crowd, you'll often drift with the tide." Li Le said, getting up and walking out of the pavilion.
Ironheart quickly followed, but her mind was still pondering what Li Le had said.
In fact, anyone who has experienced this can easily understand it. For example, sometimes, even if you know something is wrong, people around you keep emphasizing the opposite result, which can lead to self-doubt. Often, due to pressure and fear of consequences, you have no choice but to conform to others' opinions against your will. Furthermore, it can even lead to a hypnotic state of collective unconsciousness.
This state has little to do with mental capacity; it is the result of the activation of one's biological nature, driven by instinct and impulse. At this time, calmly analyzing gains and losses would be detached from reality. After all, anyone can be a Monday morning quarterback. A truly determined and insightful person is one who can maintain their individuality and go against the tide even in the face of overwhelming trends, but such people are often rare.
Like gold being sifted from sand, only a minority of people ultimately succeed.
After taking a couple of steps, Ironheart suddenly realized something and asked, "Young Master, since Qiu Yan is emitting insights that we have all received, why not capture the traces and nurture them in our hearts, so we can learn from each other's strengths and make up for our weaknesses? If we leave now, our thoughts and insights will scatter, wouldn't that be a waste?"
"My path is different from Qiu Yan's. Although his path is exquisite, it distracts me. I don't consider myself a person of extraordinary talent. I can only adhere to my own path to the limit. If I try to use other people's Jadebreaker, it would be greedy and I might end up harming myself. It would be better to leave and give up this fortuitous opportunity!" Li Le said as he walked to the street.
"I see, young master is indeed determined!" Ironheart exclaimed as he followed.
Several people hurried towards them, their attire chaotic. Some were vendors, some were merchants, and some were scholars. But with Ironheart's experience in the martial world, he could immediately tell that their demeanor and attire did not match. They moved like the wind, their shoulders still, clearly indicating that they all Higher Vehicle martial arts skills.
"These people..." Ironheart was about to stop and investigate when Li Le reminded him.
"The capital is a murderous intent; one wrong step could lead to utter ruin. I came here to fulfill my grandfather's and father's wishes, and it's not wise to get too involved." Although he didn't say it explicitly, Ironheart understood his meaning. He nodded and left with Li Le without stopping.
On the other side, the people dressed in various ways arrived at the Imperial Academy and were taken aback by the situation. Then, they looked troubled.
They were ordered to come here to reverse the situation, to make the examination fraud an ironclad case, and to leave no room for anyone to exploit the situation. They originally intended to fish in troubled waters, but now that the area outside the Imperial Academy is as quiet as a clear stream, how could they possibly make a move?
Just as they were looking at each other anxiously, a strange aura suddenly surged from the Void and spread rapidly, but no one seemed to notice it.
This aura was elusive, like a gentle breeze, seeping into people's hearts. It was difficult for ordinary people to see, but Qiu Yan could clearly grasp the wisps of black energy.
His gaze shifted forward, sweeping over Wen Zhizhen not far away. The latter was meditating with his eyes closed, sweat glistening on his forehead. Clearly, he was unwilling to be guided by Qiu Yan and wanted to use his own knowledge to fight against him, but with little success and his confidence was shaken.
A faint aura emanated from Wen Zhizhen, which was captured by the City Will and transmitted into Qiu Yan's mind, where it was quickly analyzed.
"So that's how it is. Wen Zhizhen also has the lineage of Sage. No wonder he can stir people's hearts."
Thinking of this, a glint flashed in Qiu Yan's eyes. Then, with a thought, Prosperity Capital Will surged forth, impacting the sky and faintly shaking the Dragon Qi!
At the same time, the mysterious black aura had already seeped into everyone's hearts, and they were all suddenly awakened, their bodies covered in cold sweat, and the scene immediately descended into chaos once again!
The situation arose suddenly, startling the oddly dressed people, but they didn't hesitate and immediately began shouting in the crowd—
"It's been confirmed! The person who committed the fraud is none other than Wen Zhizhen! It's him!"
These words were like a thunderbolt, causing the scene to fall silent once more. Then, black energy surged, and people's hearts changed drastically!
At that very moment, Qiu Yan's eyes widened, unleashing a fierce aura. Using the Dragon Qi he had come into contact with through Prosperity Capital Will, he surged forward, rushing toward the Hanlin Academy along an invisible chain of Karma!
"Hmm?" Someone in the Hanlin Academy exclaimed in surprise!