Demoness, where are you Fleeing to?
Chapter 405 - 331: Is the Hufa of Neo-Confucianism Caught Cheating?_1

Chapter 405: Chapter 331: Is the Hufa of Neo-Confucianism Caught Cheating?_1

Just as Li Xuan received the signal from Zhang Yue, a carriage pulled by four pure white Earth Dragons was hurtling into the city from Anding Gate on the north side of Beijing City.

Along both sides of the road, the soldiers guarding the city gate all respectfully bowed with their fists.

And behind the city gate, there was a large group of scholars in various attire, performing the disciple’s salutation towards the carriage.

"We respectfully welcome Duke Yansheng!"

"We students pay respects to the teacher!"

The carriage did not stop, but continued to race on until after it had entered the city gate. Only then did the Earth Dragons slightly slow down, and the curtains under their canopy were lifted slightly to reveal a white-bearded old man wearing a python robe, his head adorned with an eight-beam Jin helmet.

"Why this fuss again? Didn’t I say last time that this should not be done again? Forget it. I truly appreciate your sincere respect, but get up, isn’t it uncomfortable kneeling on the ground?"

"I have important business in the city this time and will not get out of the carriage. You all can disperse. If any of you have business with me, you can leave your visiting cards at Wen Temple."

The old man’s expression was kindly as he spoke, and his temperament approachable, but when he put down the curtain again, his face became cold and solemn, his eyes devoid of any emotional ripples.

"After five years of absence, Duke Yansheng’s reputation in the northern literary world has grown considerably."

The one who said this was a young girl’s voice. She was sitting on the other side of the carriage, wearing a golden armor, her face also hidden behind a faceplate.

"They are respecting the Saint, not me, it’s just the legacy of my ancestors." The white-bearded old man sat impassively, unmoved by the eight winds: "Don’t say these flattering words anymore, Immortal Master. I only ask you, are you willing to give me what I want?"

The girl heard this, a cold light flashed in her eyes, but then her eyes returned to calm, and she placed a vermilion wooden box in front of the white-bearded old man.

"I have brought the object Duke Yansheng need. This box contains half of it. The remaining half can be delivered to Duke Yansheng after the matter is completed."

The old man took it and opened it. After one glance, a look of wild joy appeared on his face, followed by a burst of hearty laughter: "Good, it’s this thing! The Heavenly Key, unique to your Jinque Palace. Since I have this thing, I’ll agree to your request.

You’re right; the position of the Hufa of Neo-Confucianism is related to the fortune of the Confucianism. How could it fall into the hands of a child who doesn’t even understand Confucianism?

"Duke Yansheng indeed understands the overall situation," the girl in golden armor said solemnly. "But please be sure to be extremely careful. This boy is very skilled. He has cracked great cases in Nanjing and even killed Li Zhetian. Moreover, he has a strong background and is related to several heavenly figures in the world."

The old man sneered at these words: "Being able to become a nobleman at such a young age, his talents and background are of course extraordinary. His martial talents are superb. The two battles in which he defeated Li Zhetian can both be described as a classic example of the weak overcoming the strong.

But during those times, he had external forces to borrow from, which was why Li Zhetian couldn’t handle him. As for his own abilities, he is merely a Wu cultivator at the second gate."

He looked at the girl in the golden armor with a smile: "If we talk about ten years later, when he has grown up, even I will have to show him some respect. But at present, he has no capital to speak of before me. Once he’s caught in my grand momentum, he will certainly be crushed to dust!"

Just as he finished speaking, a note suddenly flew over from a distance and darted under the carriage’s canopy.

The old man read it and then scoffed lightly: "It’s Mr. Sun. The stage over there is already set up, just waiting for me to take the stage and start the performance."

Upon hearing this, the girl in golden armor looked at Wen Temple with anticipation: "Then I’ll be waiting for the good news from Duke Yansheng."

※※ ※※

Just when the sun was three poles high, Wang Jing and Long Rui entered the Guozi Bureau in Beijing together.

To participate in the spring examination in February next year, the two of them had already transferred to the Beijing Guozi Bureau. Today was the day they came to the Guozi Bureau to register their student status and to meet their mentors.

But as soon as Wang Jing stepped out of the door of the Guozi Bureau’s master book room, he noticed that there was a flood of students in the stele forest within the Guozi Bureau.

"What’s going on over there? Why are there so many people?"

As Wang Jing looked around, he walked over to Long Rui’s side. The latter had completed his student registration first and had been waiting outside for a long time.

"I heard that the ’Zhuyi Tablet’ has been brought in. Just now, someone carried a stele in, and then the whole yard was stirred."

Long Rui mused: "Zhuyi Tablet? I think I’ve heard of it before. A few days ago while I was in the capital, I heard people talking about a Daru named Anonymous who wrote the Protector’s ’Zhu Shi’ on the Wuyi Stele in front of Shanwei House in the capital, creating a true masterpiece."

It was said that the Hao Qi in the inscription was incredibly pure, having reached the realm of ’Purple Air comes from the East’. The monument even held a sword intent that possessed the power to uphold the law. The entire literary scene in Beijing was astounded that day, as countless accomplished scholars and famous literati flocked for a chance to delve into its mysteries. Could this so-called Zhuyi Tablet be the one from Shanwei House?"

He then laughed, shaking his sleeve and heading towards the crowd, "Let’s go and find out."

Wang Jing was about to mention that they had not yet paid their respects to the Cheng of Guozi Bureau and the Siye Jijiu, but his curiosity also got the better of him, so he followed Long Rui.

But at this point, the area was so dense with people. Even though both of them had the seventh house level Haoqi cultivation, they didn’t want to force their way through.

Long Rui asked one of the students who replied excitedly: "It is the one from Shanwei House for sure. Its inscription says: ’Clings to the cliff and does not exit, its roots set deeply into the rock. Endured countless hits still it remains, facing winds from all directions. ’

The owner of Shanwei House has already donated this tablet to the Guozi Bureau. Apparently, the author wanted it this way. The owner originally planned to offer money, but the person didn’t take a penny. "

Another student nearby flushed with excitement, "Perhaps esteemed scholars like you two may not value this, but for us, this is a treasure. The strokes on the Zhuyi Tablet are bold and tenacious, which could benefit our calligraphy cultivation and nurture Hao Qi.

Secondly, the sword’s intent contained within holds the ability to defend the truth. It is said that as long as one can achieve a slight understanding of its essence, they will have nothing to fear from monsters or evil spirits when traveling through the wilderness in the future."

With a touch to his brow, a purple light appeared in Wang Jing’s eyes as he peered deep into the crowd.

He had been to the deepest layer of the Tiny World of the Wenxin Bell and received the blessings of many great scholars, and had also unlocked the ’Tao-protecting Eyes’.

Even though it’s not as powerful as Li Xuan, it can peer through things to some extent.

Soon after, Wang Jing shuddered, his eyes filled with an amazed look.

"What’s the matter?" Long Rui noticed his friend’s strange expression: "How is this work? It seems to be quite extraordinary from the look on your face."

"The Hao Yi is so pure, second only to Mr. Hufa." Wang Jing exclaimed, "Indeed, it does contain a profound Wuyi. No wonder it has caused such a stir in Beijing’s literary world. It’s a pity it was made by Anonymous, we have no idea who this great scholar is."

Long Rui was even more curious. He couldn’t resist and forcibly squeezed through the crowd of students to come before the stele. As he looked at it, a chill crept into his eyes.

He couldn’t help but extend a hand to trace the inscription’s strokes in the air. Then, his Hao Qi took shape around him, resembling bamboo leaves, which started to drift through the air, holding traces of Sword Qi.

Just at that moment, Wang Jing suddenly slapped his hand on his back.

"Stop it!"

Long Rui’s realization was interrupted, and he turned to look at Wang Jing resentfully. Wang Jing pointed to the crowd and said, "You can comprehend all you want, but why are you laying hands on it? Are you trying to kill people?"

Only then did Long Rui remembered that they were surrounded by people. His attempt to simulate the Bamboo Intent & Spirit Sword using Hao Yi could indeed result in mass casualties.

Just then, he noticed the students around them start to whisper excitedly. Many of them were exchanging whispers, then showing looks of shock.

As newcomers, Long Rui and Wang Jing didn’t have anyone to talk to, so they had to rely on their superior hearing to catch snippets of conversation.

"Hufa of Neo-Confucianism is accused of adultery - allegedly with a concubine from the imperial uncle’s mansion -"

"- The imperial uncle has already taken a large number of guards over there, they’re at the Guozi Bureau’s west court."

"Duke Yansheng happened to be nearby at Wen Temple, he was furious when he heard the news and immediately rushed there."

"How is that possible? He’s a nobleman who’s passed the Six Passes of Wenxin, his character is flawless!"

Within a brief moment, many people had already left the stele forest and headed towards the west court. However, there was still a significant number of people who remained, seated before the tablet, studying the inscription with intense concentration.

Long Rui and Wang Jing looked at each other and then followed the crowd towards the west court.

If anyone else was caught in an affair, they would have no interest at all. But this involved the Hufa of Neo-Confucianism, Li Xuan, and they had to concern themselves with it.

Apart from the fact that both of them admired and respected Li Xuan’s moral character and intelligence, in some respects, Li Xuan had already become a hallmark of the literary world in Nanjing.

With Li Xuan’s sterling character, how could he commit adultery? This was impossible!