Seven days later.
The group passed through two trials with scares but no real danger and arrived at a courtyard. On the plaque above its gate were two bold, vigorous words-the Study.
"It should be the Literary Sage's inheritance," Jun Ting surmised.
"Most likely." Xie Yunxuan nodded.
"Let's go inside and look," Zhang Mohen said excitedly.
They pushed open the courtyard gate and entered.
A bluestone path led straight to the Study's front door.
Moss filled the gaps between the paving stones, with a little creeping over their edges.
Green bamboo grew around the courtyard, rustling softly as a light breeze swept past.
The courtyard brimmed with an air of mellow antiquity and fresh elegance.
Only when they entered the Study did they discover how spacious it was.
Sunlight shone through carved wooden windows, casting dappled light and shadow across the floor.
Heavy bookshelves stood against the eastern, western, and southern walls, piled with books.
The shelves looked somewhat worn, bearing witness to the long years they had endured.
A huge desk stood on the northern side of the Study, with brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone upon it.
An old man in gray-white robes, his hair graying, stood with his back to them, facing the northern wall and holding a writing brush.
They recognized him as the Literary Sage from his back alone.
On the wall facing the Literary Sage were five maxims.
"Oh, for countless methods of the Dao, to shelter all beneath heaven and bring smiles to every face, standing unmoved by wind and rain, steady as a mountain!"
"Long, long stretches the road ahead; above and below, I shall search!"
"Though ten million stand against me, I shall go!"
"Be first to bear the cares of all beneath heaven, and last to share their joys!"
"Establish