A Chessboard Spread Before the Buddha

"If you truly had such confidence, you wouldn't have made so many arrangements, even linking them to cause and Karma, which is tantamount to self-imposed constraints. This goes against the path you seek!" The voice within the black ripples seemed to carry a hint of mockery.

Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio remained silent upon hearing this. After a while, he flicked his brush, and a touch of divine charm swirled around the tip of the brush, ethereal as the wind, yet with a hint of weight within it.

"Young calves are not afraid of tigers. My students don't understand the significance of triggering this phenomenon. Their understanding of the world is shallow, so they are fearless and think they can rival Qiu Yan. But we have come a long way, experiencing many storms to achieve what we have today. Every decision must be carefully considered, and we should fight with all our might against any opponent. How can we pass on our teachings for eternity if we don't even have the determination to fight to the death? Besides, my time is coming to an end. I can't let go of such an opportunity."

Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio spoke, he flicked his pen, and ink dripped onto a piece of paper, spreading out to form layers of ink flowers, as if they had come alive and possessed a touch of spirit!

"In the past, I only thought Qiu Yan was a junior with exceptional talent and fortune who fortuitous opportunity to be connected with the Dao by chance. But after today's events, I realize that he is a man of deep cunning. Although my students are not very capable, they were able to see through my thoughts as soon as we met and have their minds captured without me even realizing it. This is not something that can be done easily."

He put down his pen and shook his head.

"Not to mention, Qiu Yan's painting was maliciously crafted. It's clear he figured out my thoughts and wanted revenge. To deal with such a person, we must belittle him in our methods, but we must never underestimate him. To achieve my goal, I must also adopt the State of Mind I had when I broke free from my cage and escaped Karma, and go all out. Only then can I be absolutely certain of success."

Black Ripple then said, "You said Qiu Yan saw through your thoughts? But his sudden visit seemed hasty, and his arrival here revealed his true intentions, making you wary. Since he has grasped the principles of Military School Order, he couldn't possibly be unaware of the principle of using the illusory to appear real and the real to appear illusory, yet he still acts as before. It's inevitable that people will Xiaoqiao. Besides, whether he truly possesses the Sage Spirit is also unknown."

"That's precisely why I said he's too arrogant," Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio sneered. "Just now by the pond, I observed that painting and sensed sincerity in its spirit. Qiu Yan's intention is for me to use all my means and exert every ounce of my strength to debate with him!"

"He's certainly too arrogant. Even if he has mastered the Dao Order, it's only recently been achieved. How can he have such confidence? Isn't he afraid of losing and ruining his reputation?" Black Ripple was also puzzled, but suddenly changed the subject, "That's right. He's still a newcomer. Even if he loses, as long as he shows some skill, it will be a glorious defeat."

"He doesn't understand what the loser has to pay in a debate between schools of thought, which is why he's so arrogant. Back then, Bai Zhaoyuan had achieved some success and also chose to challenge the Grand Confucian, but he narrowly lost. Although he gained some insights, it planted a seed of trouble, and to this day, he still hasn't been able to see through the final step. If he hadn't gained Mind Horse from the Scholar Forest and wanted to challenge the Human Path Order, who knows how many more years it would have taken." As he spoke, a cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio.

"Bai Zhaoyuan was born with Past-Life Wisdom, but his identity in his previous life is unknown. In this life, he is slowly getting rid of the Womb Mystery, but he is still subject to many constraints. Qiu Yan, on the other hand, is a newcomer, yet he has been able to take this step. It is also due to his good fortune."

The black ripple said, "In any case, this matter must be carried out before his Official Qi stabilizes. Otherwise, once the Fortune of the Hanlin Academy is bestowed upon him, things will change."

As soon as the words were spoken, the ripples disappeared without a trace.

"The Fortune the Hanlin Academy..." Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio took a deep breath, "Indeed, it's a problem. This debate needs to proceed as soon as possible, but this time, it's not for the sake of the Buddhist Sect."

"Brother Qiu, the painting you left behind is truly vicious, but it's painted on the ground and can easily be erased, which is rather unsightly."

After Qiu Yan and the Chen Household brothers left Nine Rhyme Study, they walked slowly. Chen Jing, feeling quite regretful, couldn't help but mention it.

Qiu Yan shook his head and said, "The essence of that painting is not the marks on the ground, but the spirit it conveys; it's not something that can be easily erased."

Chen Yun, however, was concerned with something else. "Brother Qiu, what do you think of those disciples of the Nine Rhyme Study?"

Qiu Yan hesitated for a moment before saying, "Reading aloud at night shows their diligence, but judging from their expressions, it seems rather superficial, as if they are competing with each other. There is little sincerity or Literary Thought in their reading; it sounds more like they are reciting from the book."

Finally, he shook his head. "Apart from that man in the wide robe, none of the others can be considered outstanding."

A few simple words, yet the commentary is sharp.

"Brother Qiu has a good eye. The person you mentioned should be Li Qing." Chen Jing smiled and said a name. "This person is indeed extraordinary. Strictly speaking, he can be considered a member of the imperial family. His ancestor was once enfeoffed as the Prince of Zhongshan by Emperor Taizu. He was Emperor Taizu's half-brother. However, after several generations, this family has fallen into ruin."

"So it was him!" Chen Yun couldn't help but be surprised after hearing the introduction. "I heard that this person traveled far and wide to pursue his studies, taking each step carefully. He wanted to become a disciple of Grand Confucian, and on the way, he happened to encounter Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio in danger. He risked his life to save him, and finally, his wish was fulfilled. These stories have been turned into tales by storytellers and told in teahouses and taverns."

"This person is quite thoughtful," Qiu Yan said, sensing a deeper meaning in his words.

"That's not all. You could say this man is lucky," Chen Jing laughed. "If his family hadn't fallen from grace, he would have had a hard time getting ahead given his imperial lineage. The Great Rui isn't like the previous one; it has very strict control over the imperial bloodline, with many restrictions. Li Qing just happened to find a loophole. If the Imperial Clan Court had included him in the royal register, that would have been a huge problem. Now, with the protection of a great Grand Confucian, even the Imperial Clan Court has to give him some face."

Hearing this, Qiu Yan also became somewhat interested in Li Qing, and then, making a connection, asked, "Oh? Great Rui's control over its relatives is so strict, but it seems to me that some princes act without any scruples?"

"Brother Qiu, you mean Prince Yan, right? Those princes are young and strong, with big ambitions. They are in their prime, so they each have their own power behind them. It's not that the Imperial Clan Court doesn't care about them, but on the surface, they are all law-abiding citizens." Chen Jing understood the implied meaning and answered clearly.

Qiu Yan nodded. "It seems that what those above see is different from what those below see."

"That's true," Chen Jing agreed. "Just like our patriarch, he has four different faces in front of our ancestors, in front of Brother Qiu, in front of us, and in front of our servants."

Qiu Yan added, "I see. Without a deeper understanding, one will mistake the person in front of them for their true self."

"That's exactly right. Everyone is different, it depends on who you're dealing with," Chen Jing nodded. "Brother Qiu said that the Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio was just being arrogant. If it were someone else, they would just take that as his true nature. When discussing the Dao, this mistake in judgment could have huge consequences. A small error can lead to a huge mistake."

Qiu Yan nodded and said, "That's right. However, I left behind a painting. I'm sure the other party knows that these Mind Arts are useless, so they will refrain from all the fancy stuff and fight a fair fight. The day of this discussion will come soon."

As he expected, the date for the discussion was sent the next day, and Lin Jianzhang and the others came again. However, this time, the three of them seemed somewhat awe-inspiring when facing Qiu Yan, and didn't even dare to breathe Great Qi.

"Is the discussion to take place at the Great Brahma Temple outside the city?" Looking at the few lines of text on the paper, Qiu Yan waved his hand. "Go back and tell your master that I, Qiu, will definitely be there on time tomorrow."

Lin Jianzhang and his entourage had no intention of lingering and left in a hurry.

"The timing of the Dao discussion is timely, saving us from wasting time. It's a good thing that Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio has indeed found several Grand Confucian to discuss the Dao with me and verify my learning. They can help me understand the changes in Human Path. Furthermore, the Great Brahma Temple, judging from its name, is Buddhist Sect and should have a strong tradition of worship. Exploring it might help me resolve the predicament of my Divine Spirit Body. However, although I am committed to the Dao, my time is still short. How many people are willing to come? There might be other reasons for this Dao discussion."

After closing the courtyard gate, Qiu Yan returned to her room and organized her thoughts.

"The actions of the Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio are quite strange. As Grand Confucian, he should be in Thought-Convergent Order. He shouldn't have died for a junior disciple. There must be a reason behind his actions. But whatever the reason, we must attend tomorrow's event."

The next day.

Qiu Yan went out early, but when he got to the city gate, he saw Chen Jing and Chen Yun waiting there.

"Brother Qiu, there should be a witness today. Besides, I've heard some news that this debate is mainly about the Central Lands School and the foreign school debating and clarifying the truth. Your matter with Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio is secondary." Before Qiu Yan could speak, Chen Jing revealed the inside story.

Qiu Yan nodded without saying anything more, and set off with the two of them, heading north out of the city and towards the mountains.

Before long, the outline of the monastery came into view, nestled on the edge of the jungle, with distant mountain ranges in sight. After walking a while, two monks approached, one young and the other more mature.

"Amitabha Buddha, among you benefactors, is there any scholar who has achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations?"

"I am Qiu Yan," Qiu Yan said, taking a closer look and noticing a golden glow emanating from the two people, similar to incense but containing a touch of solemnity. "A few days ago, someone from your temple came to offer congratulations. Today, as we discuss the Dao, it is a good opportunity to return the favor."

"A return gift?" The monk was puzzled to see that Qiu Yan's hands were empty, but he didn't ask any further questions. He simply said, "Since the top scholar has come, please come with me. You gentlemen have been waiting for a long time."

"Please lead the way, you two."

As they spoke, the group arrived at the simple temple. Before they even stepped inside, Qiu Yan sensed a grand and solemn aura.

However, this artistic conception is somewhat obscure. One can vaguely sense Human Path Order intersecting within it, crisscrossing like a chessboard!

"Interesting. Is this a preemptive strike? However, I'm here to discuss the Dao, not to pass a test. There's no need to waste too much time."

ps:

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