Those heaven-defying methods were something she had never witnessed, even as a female emperor!
Just considering the formation above the Grass Cottage alone—
Even at the peak of her power, she likely would not have been able to withstand it!
Later.
Xin Hongyi came to the Grass Cottage to spar with Ye Qiubai.
Hongying, meanwhile, continued to practice the Nine Revolutions Reincarnation Scripture to stabilize her realm.
Lu Changsheng thought about it and realized he could not rely entirely on his disciples!
He had to cultivate as well!
But how should he go about it?
He had no cultivation techniques.
And he had never practiced cultivation in his life...
Never mind, time to sleep instead.
He would just rely on daily check-ins to build up his cultivation...
Ever since the Blood Prison Secret Realm.
Two more days had passed.
At this moment.
The General had already returned to the Sunset Empire.
"First Prince, the mission has failed..."
The General knelt on one knee before a man in a brocade robe, his face looking grim as he said, "We underestimated Ye Qiubai's strength. Shadow Kill and all four of my personal guards were killed in action."
Huang Tianming teased the canary in its cage. Hearing this, his expression did not change in the least.
"Understood. Pass the news of Shadow Kill and those three assassins' deaths on to their organization."
Shadow Kill.
Once they accepted a mission, they would never stop until it was completed!
Since three assassins had died this time, they would certainly send more and stronger assassins to finish the job!
Huang Tianming smiled and said, "A mere commoner from the Southern Domain is not worth us making such a huge fuss to handle personally. Let Shadow Kill deal with it."
The General nodded and said, "Understood."
"Oh, right."
Huang Tianming's tone suddenly turned chilling as he said, "Since the mission failed, go to the Prison Forest and accept your punishment."
The Prison Forest.
A place that struck terror into the hearts of everyone in the Sunset Dynasty!
It was the dynasty's designated place for punishing criminals!
The methods used there were exceptionally cruel.
Even the General, who was at the Peak Water Overflowing Realm, felt a chill in his heart upon hearing those words!
Yet, he dared not disobey.
After all, Huang Tianming's methods were even more terrifying than the Prison Forest within the dynasty...
The General left.
Without turning his head, Huang Tianming said softly, "Stop eavesdropping. Ye Qiubai is not dead yet."
A woman walked out from behind, biting her lip in silence.
Huang Tianming placed the birdcage onto the stone table, turned to look at Jiang Chan, and smiled. "Although he isn't dead, it's only a matter of time. So, don't do anything out of line either, otherwise..."
"Even if you are my future wife and the Empress of Sunset, I will show no mercy!"
Chapter 34: The Village Schoolteacher
Ten days later.
The Grass Cottage was wrapped in an atmosphere of serene tranquility.
Ye Qiubai took over Hongying's chores, cooking meals every day.
And ever since entering the Grass Cottage, Hongying, who had long since practiced Inedia, also developed the habit of eating three meals a day...
Aside from cooking, his days were spent sparring with Xin Hongyi or practicing the Primordial Sword Classic.
As for Hongying, aside from eating, she spent her time in secluded cultivation.
Occasionally, she would head out for a while.
As to what she went to do, no one asked.
Neither Ye Qiubai nor Lu Changsheng pried.
As for Lu Changsheng, he remained the same as he always was, though a trace of worry would occasionally cross his face...
"Here, dinner is ready."
At that moment, Ye Qiubai walked out carrying several plates of dishes.
Lu Changsheng sat at the dining table, picked up a cup of self-brewed wine, and said, "Go call your Junior Sister for dinner."
Ye Qiubai nodded.
Soon, he returned with Hongying.
Just as the three of them were about to pick up their chopsticks, Lu Changsheng suddenly said, "Alright, Qiubai, go add another set of bowls and chopsticks."
Ye Qiubai was stunned for a moment, but still did as he was told and ran to the kitchen.
When he brought the utensils out, he saw a middle-aged man sitting on the other side of the dining table.
"Changsheng, you've got quite a cozy little life here."
Lu Changsheng said helplessly, "Uncle Qin, if you have something to say, just spit it out."
Qin Tiannan nodded, took the bowl and chopsticks, and laughed heartily, "Let's eat first. We can talk after the meal. I haven't eaten mortal food in several hundred years."
Lu Changsheng rolled his eyes and finally picked up his chopsticks.
"Oh? This wine is not bad at all."
"..."
"Hmm? Drinking this wine makes me feel like my cultivation, which hasn't budged in years, is starting to loosen?"
"..."
"Changsheng, did you brew this yourself?"
Lu Changsheng finally reached his limit. With a wave of his hand, a massive jar of wine instantly materialized in front of Qin Tiannan.
With a darkened face, he snapped, "Take it and get lost!"
Only then did Qin Tiannan smile and say, "I couldn't possibly accept such a generous gift."
Even as he said this, however, his body proved very honest as he quickly put the jar of wine away.
Hongying: "..."
Ye Qiubai: "..."
After a hearty meal.
Qin Tiannan finally brought up the main business, saying, "I'm here this time regarding the academy exchange."
"As you all know, our Cangdao Academy is distributed across the Four Domains, and we are the branch of the Southern Domain."
"Every ten years, the Cangdao Academies of the Four Domains hold an inter-academy exchange to distribute the resources allocated by the main academy."
"The academy grand tournament back then was prepared precisely for this purpose. Therefore, Qiubai, you will accompany me to the Northern Domain."
This time, the inter-academy exchange of the Four Domains would take place in the Northern Domain!
Hearing this, Ye Qiubai was startled, then looked toward Lu Changsheng.
Lu Changsheng said indifferently, "Whether you go or not is entirely your own decision."
The Northern Domain was the territory of the Sunset Dynasty.
Jiang Chan was also there.
Thinking of this, Ye Qiubai's gaze turned resolute, and he nodded.
Seeing this, Qin Tiannan said with satisfaction, "Very well. What about Hongying?"
Although she hadn't participated in the academy grand tournament.
Hongying's strength was unquestionable. If she were also willing to go, that would naturally be for the best.
Hongying shook her head, however, and said, "I have some matters to attend to first, but I will also set off for the Northern Domain. Once my business is concluded, I will come over to take a look."
Qin Tiannan nodded. "Very well. Tomorrow, we gather at the academy entrance."
...
The next day.
A crane carrying immortals took off from Cangdao Academy.
This time, Qin Tiannan led the delegation personally.
Hongying left the Grass Cottage alone, heading toward the Northern Domain.
Those participating in the Four Domains Academy Exchange this time were Ye Qiubai, Huo Qingming, Lin Ce, Zhong Wu, Xin Hongyi, and one other person whom Ye Qiubai had never seen before.
According to Xin Hongyi, however, this person was a direct disciple of Qin Tiannan.
His name was Huang Yuan.
Word had it that he had been cultivating alongside Qin Tiannan all this time, and only today was he stepping out into the world.
At that moment, the Elder of the Confucian Academy spoke up: "Alright, let me go over the rules for this academy exchange."
Everyone looked over.
The Elder's gaze was solemn as he said, "The student exchange is divided into two aspects: martial arts exchange on one side, and Confucian Dao exchange on the other."
"The martial arts exchange will be led by Huang Yuan, with Ye Qiubai, Huo Qingming, Lin Ce, and Xin Hongyi participating. The Confucian Dao exchange will be handled solely by Zhong Wu."
Qin Tiannan also walked over at this moment, a heavy look on his face as he said, "Our Southern Domain has come in dead last for several consecutive times. We might as well admit that our overall strength is weaker than the other three domains."
"However, this is also our most promising time, so..."
Qin Tiannan bowed deeply to the group and said, "I entrust the honor of the academy to all of you."
The Elder of the Confucian Academy bowed alongside Qin Tiannan.
Both of them were top powerhouses within the academy, holding lofty and prestigious positions.
Yet now, they were bowing to their students.
This showed just how much importance Qin Tiannan attached to this academy exchange.
...
Meanwhile.
Eastern Domain Cangdao Academy.
"We must strive to take first place in this academy exchange."
"First place will probably still go to the Northern Domain. Their foundation is simply too strong. Still, dead last should undoubtedly be the Southern Domain."
"Indeed, the Southern Domain has the weakest foundation; there's no way they can catch up."
Western Domain Cangdao Academy.
"We only need to beat the Southern Domain in the martial arts exchange. After all, that isn't our strong suit."
"Right, but we must defeat the Northern Domain in the Confucian Dao exchange this time!"
"Don't worry, we have Wuming with us this time."
"That's true, Junior Brother Wuming is the reincarnation of a holy Buddha. There is simply no way we can lose the Confucian Dao exchange."
Northern Domain Cangdao Academy.
"First place is without suspense this time. It's ours again, right?"
"Unless something unexpected happens. This time, we have several peerless prodigies stepping out into the world."
"For the martial arts exchange, we have Senior Brother Sword Master; for the Confucian Dao exchange, we have Senior Sister. With those two around, first place definitely belongs to our Northern Domain."
Meanwhile.
In the Northern Domain, there was an unknown little mountain, and nestled within this mountain was a village.
The village was extremely backward and impoverished.
No one practiced the Dao.
They farmed at sunrise and rested at sunset.
However, in the open space of the village, a young man dressed like a scholar was lecturing the village children.
"Alright, class dismissed."
A child asked innocently, "Sir, are you leaving this place tomorrow?"
"No, Sir! Can't you continue teaching us? We still want to read and study!"
The man smiled and said, "There is no feast in this world that never ends. Although I would love to continue teaching you, I am still on my own journey of learning, so I must leave."
Hearing these words.
The Village Chief stepped forward, took the man's calloused hands in his own, and said with deep gratitude, "Thank you, Sir, for your guidance over these past few months, allowing these children to finally learn how to read."
The man shook his head and said, "This is only what I ought to do."
The next day, before dawn broke.
The man left behind a few books, hoisted a bamboo book-basket onto his back, and departed from the small village.
As he walked out of the village and looked back, he couldn't help but let out a sigh.
"Reluctant to leave?"
Suddenly, a voice sounded from behind him. Startled, the man took a step back and blurted out, "Who are you?"
He saw a man in white robes standing before him, smiling faintly. "My name is Lu Changsheng. I intend to take you as my disciple."
Chapter 35: Taking a Disciple, the Descent of the Literary Star!
After Ye Qiubai left the Grass Cottage.
Lu Changsheng began to think that perhaps he should take on a few more disciples, as doing so might yield even more rewards.
With that thought in mind, Lu Changsheng left Cangdao Academy and began wandering continuously across the Four Domains.
His speed was astonishing.
In the span of practically a single stick of incense, he had set foot in every corner of the Southern Domain.
And upon arriving in the Northern Domain and passing by this small mountain, the system's voice finally rang out.
[Triggered Quest: Head to River Village to accept a disciple]
[Name: Ning Chenxin]
[Talent: SSS-rank]
[Aptitude: Haoran Qi, descent of the Literary Star, Emperor-to-be aptitude]
Good grief, another Emperor-to-be aptitude.
And thus, the current scene came to be.
Ning Chenxin pointed at himself, looked at Lu Changsheng floating mid-air, and asked in a daze, "An immortal master wants to take me as a disciple? But I don't practice martial arts or the Dao."
Lu Changsheng chuckled softly and asked, "Then what do you think the Dao is?"
Hearing this.
Ning Chenxin froze.
What is the Dao?
What is the Dao?
He had never pondered this question, nor had he ever thought in that direction.
Ning Chenxin involuntarily fell into deep contemplation.
Seeing this, Lu Changsheng did not interrupt him. With a wave of his hand, a barrier enclosed the two of them to prevent any external disturbances.
Day after day passed.
Ning Chenxin continued to ponder, yet despite being a mortal without any cultivation base whatsoever,
His bodily functions did not deteriorate in the slightest from a lack of food or water.
Instead, his complexion grew increasingly radiant.
...
Until the fourth day, when faint white wisps suddenly began to circle around Ning Chenxin's body!
This was Haoran righteous Qi!
Ning Chenxin slowly opened his eyes. He felt as though he had vaguely brushed against the Dao, but the moment he tried to grasp it, it slipped away instantly.
Like a little loach, visible to the eye but impossible to catch.
Ning Chenxin looked at Lu Changsheng before him and asked, "What is the Dao?"
He was a scholar.
He read the books of sages and saints, and whenever he encountered something he didn't understand, he would think on it.
If he couldn't figure it out, he would ask.
Lu Changsheng looked at Ning Chenxin and did not answer directly, instead asking, "Why do you read?"
Ning Chenxin paused slightly, thought for a moment, and replied, "To civilize and educate the world, and to rid the mortal realm of war."
Yes.
He wanted to use books and learning to civilize the world and fill it with peace.
From the peace and joy of individuals.
To peace throughout the realm.
As Ning Chenxin spoke these words, a stream of golden Buddhist light descended from the sky and illuminated his body.
This was the light of merit!
When merit descended from the heavens, it brought down responsibility along with it!
Seeing this, Lu Changsheng nodded and said, "The Dao is the Dao itself; it can be a flower or a blade of grass, it can be a speck of dust—all things in creation can become the Dao."
Ning Chenxin was deep in thought.
Lu Changsheng continued, "You read to civilize and educate the world; that is the Dao."
"To bring peace to the realm—that is equally the Dao."
Hearing this, Ning Chenxin's body trembled.
The golden light within his mind seemed to materialize into something solid, something he could grasp simply by reaching out his hand!
Seeing that Ning Chenxin had already touched the threshold and only needed to take a single step forward to cross it!
Lu Changsheng shouted in a low voice, "The Dao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Dao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.
The Dao can be spoken, but it is not the constant Dao; the name can be named, but it is not the constant name."
Boom!
Ning Chenxin's body shuddered violently, as if struck by lightning!
He closed his eyes and sat cross-legged on the ground.
Wisps of Haoran righteous Qi continuously circled around his body!
Golden light flashed incessantly from the center of Ning Chenxin's brow!
The golden light in his mind—Ning Chenxin reached out and grasped it firmly in his palm!
His Dao heart was forged!
Ning Chenxin entered the path of martial arts through literature!
His cultivation method would be completely different from ordinary cultivators.
Others cultivated their souls and physical bodies.
Whereas Ning Chenxin only needed to cultivate that single breath of Haoran righteous Qi!
When enemies arrived in the future, a single word uttered by him
Would be enough to suppress and destroy them with Haoran Qi!
After a long while.
Ning Chenxin finally opened his eyes, looked at Lu Changsheng, knelt on both knees, and said respectfully, "Disciple Ning Chenxin pays respects to Master!"
[Quest completed, rewards distributed: Sage of Books Dao Rule, Dao Scripture, 2,000 years of cultivation]
Not bad at all.
Lu Changsheng smiled and nodded. With a flick of his hands, an invisible force lifted Ning Chenxin up from the ground, and he said, "Since you have taken me as your master, I don't have many good things to give you. I shall bestow this item upon you."
With that, Lu Changsheng reached out a hand, and an ancient, unadorned book materialized in his palm, which he handed to Ning Chenxin.
"This item is the Dao Scripture. It can be used for combat as well as for comprehension. Take it."
Ning Chenxin extended both hands and received it carefully. Flipping it open, he could instantly feel the power of the Dao Rules contained within!
His expression changed involuntarily.
This book was no ordinary object!
"Thank you, Master!"
Lu Changsheng nodded and continued, "Before you, I already took in an eldest apprentice named Ye Qiubai, as well as a Senior Sister named Hongying. If you cross paths with them in the future and encounter any difficulties, you can seek them out."
Ning Chenxin nodded.
"Very well, follow me back to the sect."
Lu Changsheng intended to take Ning Chenxin away with him, but Ning Chenxin shook his head and said, "Master, please forgive me for not being able to return to the sect just yet."
Lu Changsheng looked at him, somewhat puzzled.
Ning Chenxin explained, "I wish to continue traveling and sharpening myself through trial, because I feel my perspective and experience are still insufficient to properly support my Dao heart."
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded.
Indeed, everyone had their own unique path of cultivation.
There was nothing wrong with Ning Chenxin wanting to temper himself in the mortal world.
Lu Changsheng had no choice but to agree.
"Very well, then take this."
With that, Lu Changsheng tossed a jade pendant to Ning Chenxin.
"This is?"
Ning Chenxin was stunned.
Lu Changsheng said, "This jade pendant contains a sword array I set up. When you encounter danger, you can use it to resolve the crisis. At the same time, you can also use this jade pendant to contact your Senior Brother and Senior Sister."
It was a small gadget similar to a voice-transmission talisman.
Ning Chenxin clasped his fists and bowed. "Thank you, Master."
"Alright, then your Master will be taking his leave."
Without lingering any further, he vanished directly from the spot.
Ning Chenxin looked in the direction where Lu Changsheng had disappeared, bowed deeply, and remained in that position for a long time.
...
Returning to the Grass Cottage, Lu Changsheng said helplessly, "What a pity I couldn't bring him back. Doesn't that mean there's still no one to cook for me?"
The willow tree at the side: "..."
Little Bird: "..."
Usually, cultivators who reached the Inedia realm rarely ate food.
Yet this person right before them clearly possessed unfathomable cultivation, and yet had to eat every single day—and couldn't go without it!
...
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Northern Domain, Sunset Dynasty.
The General, whose aura was withered and weak, knelt before Huang Tianming and reported, "Word has reached us that Ye Qiubai has come to the Northern Domain with the people of Cangdao Academy to participate in the Four Domains Academy Exchange."
"Mm."
Huang Tianming nodded and said casually, "Has this news been passed on to Shadow Kill?"
"Shadow Kill is already aware."
"Good. Then notify the people of the Northern Domain Cangdao Academy and tell them to make preparations."
"Understood."
The General rose and left the chamber.
Huang Tianming looked up toward the sky, in the direction where Cangdao Academy lay.
"There is a road to heaven which you refuse to take, yet you insist on crashing blindly through the gates of hell..."
Chapter 36: Seizing Seats!
Northern Domain.
Compared to the Southern Domain, the Cangdao Academy here was far more prosperous and flourishing.
This was the primary impression it gave Ye Qiubai and his group.
There were numerous disciples, and at the same time, all kinds of secret realms were scattered throughout the academy.
However, unlike the Southern Domain,
The Cangdao Academy in the Northern Domain carried a much stronger sense of oppression.
The Elder of the Confucian Academy explained beforehand: "The Cangdao Academy of the Northern Domain emphasizes the law of the jungle—survival of the fittest."
"Here, the moment you fall even slightly behind others, you will be eliminated."
Hearing this, the group finally understood.
Under such high-pressure environments, it made complete sense that their strength was formidable and they continuously claimed first place.
However, Ye Qiubai preferred the atmosphere of the Southern Domain's Cangdao Academy.
Discussing the martial Dao and sparring to verify one's own understanding.
It felt remarkably peaceful.
At that moment, several elders approached them from the opposite direction.
Leading them was an elder with long eyebrows and a long beard.
He offered a slight bow, a trace of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he said, "Welcome, everyone. Your living quarters have already been arranged. Please follow me."
This person was Nie Qing, an elder of the Confucian Academy of the Northern Domain's Cangdao Academy.
The elder of the Martial Hall explained as much.
As the group was walking toward their quarters, some disciples of the Northern Domain's Cangdao Academy muttered among themselves nearby.
Their voices were filled with undisguised contempt.
"Are these people really from that barren wasteland of the Southern Domain?"