Yefutidaolu

Chapter 438 Yuan Lu Reappears
Gao Jian continued to study and cultivate himself in his own little world at the Imperial Academy, day after day, without any distractions.

This period was unexpectedly peaceful. Apart from Shui Cangcang's sudden visit and subsequent break, almost no one disturbed his deliberately maintained tranquility.

It was as if an invisible force kept the disturbances of the outside world outside the high walls of the Imperial Academy.

However, Gao Jian knew perfectly well that this calm was merely a facade. The entire situation in the capital city of Yangjing was like a vast ocean with turbulent undercurrents, undergoing dramatic changes.

The complete defeat and power reshuffle of the local powerful families in Cangzhou was like toppling the first domino, triggering a series of chain reactions.

Many forces entrenched in Yangjing relied heavily on local branches like the Shui family of Cangzhou for their foundations and resources. With these branches severed, the supply of sustenance to their main body became problematic, leading to significant losses and repeated defeats in the power struggles within the capital.

Although Gao Jian did not make a deliberate inquiry, he could clearly sense the wave of power shifts from the occasional news that circulated in the Imperial Academy, as well as the quiet changes in signs in certain areas of the capital and the promotions and demotions of certain officials.

It is quite clear that Li Zoufang, the Minister of Revenue, was actively involved in this.

It's unclear what this high-ranking official, well-versed in economics and resource allocation, was thinking, but he clearly chose sides in this power reshuffling, and his shrewd methods precisely propelled certain processes forward. A discerning observer could see the power landscape of the capital city being redrawn by an invisible hand.

However, Gao Jian has no intention of interfering in this matter and even welcomes it.

There's no need to take any action. It's a good thing that these parasites in the capital are fighting amongst themselves, wasting their strength. Let them fight it out; the fiercer they fight, the more turbulent this stagnant pool might become.

He maintained his own pace, constantly strengthening his foundation and improving his control over power between the scripture pavilion and his own courtyard. Under the illumination of the inner lamp, his weaknesses were examined and repaired one by one; nourished by a vast amount of knowledge, his vision and understanding of martial arts became increasingly profound.

These days are fulfilling and peaceful, as if time itself has sped up.

In the blink of an eye, a year has passed.

It's that time of year again when new students enroll at the Imperial Academy, a time of renewal and new beginnings.

Based on Gao Jian's usual temperament, he had no interest in such lively occasions; he would rather spend that time practicing his swordsmanship. But this time, after finishing his practice in the early morning, he looked at the gradually bustling scene outside the window and a slight thought stirred in his heart.

After exercising for so long, it's not good to be too tense; it's time to relax a bit.

Look at these newly enrolled students, look at the anticipation and vitality on their faces, it's actually quite interesting...

Thinking this, Gao Jian got up, straightened his still simple Imperial Academy disciple robes, washed himself with water, brushed away the dust from a night of cultivation, then pushed open the door and went out.

As you travel further, the interior of the Imperial Academy presents a completely different scene.

The tree-lined avenues and squares, which are usually relatively solemn and quiet, are now much more crowded.

These people walked and stopped along the way, looking around, full of youthful vigor. Several hundred people were crowded there, creating a sense of a bustling crowd.

These young faces, dressed in brand-new Imperial Academy attire and accompanied by attendants, looked on with excitement, trepidation, or curiosity, as they familiarized themselves with the sacred place where they would spend the next few years, guided by their senior classmates.

In the air, occasionally ornately decorated flying boats would slowly descend onto the designated welcoming plaza, welcoming new students from various prefectures and counties of the Divine Dynasty. On the ground, the senior students responsible for greeting the new students enthusiastically pointed out the directions and explained the rules and interesting stories of the Imperial Academy.
People crowded around the bulletin boards, which displayed lists of branch campuses, course descriptions, and recruitment information.

The sounds of chatter, laughter, and friendly introductions mingled together.

Ancient trees lined both sides of the road, their branches seemingly tinged with even more greenery by the bustling activity. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone slabs and illuminating the hopeful faces of the young students.

Regardless of the state of the dynasty itself, the atmosphere surrounding these students who had just entered the Imperial Academy was generally positive.

A year has already passed...

Gao Jian strolled through the bustling crowd, seemingly out of place yet strangely integrated into the atmosphere. He was like a calm observer, watching these fresh faces about to enter the halls of cultivation and knowledge, and couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex feeling of mixed emotions, often including nostalgia or reflection).

Looking at these adorable new students, who would know what kind of young masters they were in their hometowns, or what great things they had accomplished?
Time flies. The scene of my first time entering the Imperial Academy is still vivid in my mind. However, in this year, too many things have happened, and I have also undergone earth-shattering changes.

He strolled along, his gaze calmly sweeping over the unfamiliar faces, feeling the vitality unique to the start of the school season.

Perhaps, among these new students, there are hidden figures who will stir up the winds of change in the future?
Looking at this seemingly amiable young man, he might actually have tens of thousands of lives on his hands.

But it's also possible that nothing was done.

This possibility is also an unpleasant aspect.

However, that's a story for another time. For Gao Jian at this moment, this is just a rare moment of relaxation, a small pause and reflection on the long path of cultivation.

Gao Jian strolled leisurely through the bustling crowd welcoming new students at the Imperial Academy, his gaze sweeping over the lecturers who had set up makeshift altars to "preach." The atmosphere at the Imperial Academy was free; whether or not students listened to the lectures was entirely voluntary, with no coercion.

However, as he walked through a particularly bustling square, his steps involuntarily came to a halt.

In the center of the crowd, a newly arrived mentor was surrounded by a large group of students.

This man appeared to be around thirty years old, with a refined and elegant appearance, handsome features, and a strong and upright physique, yet he also possessed a graceful and scholarly air.

He stood there, and naturally became the center of attention.

What made Gao Jian's pupils shrink even more was the undisguised yet harmonious and restrained aura emanating from the other party—a terrestrial immortal!
Even in the Divine Dynasty, beings at the Earth Immortal level are extremely rare, and those willing to teach at the Imperial Academy are even fewer.

It's no wonder so many students have gathered here, including many familiar faces who have cultivated at the Imperial Academy for years, all eager to witness the demeanor of the Earth Immortal and hear the true words of the Great Dao. At this moment, the Earth Immortal instructor is addressing the gathered students, speaking calmly:

"If you want to attend my lectures... then, three times. I'll give you three chances not to come to my class."

His gaze swept over the young and focused faces: "Because in life, there are always some things that are more important than attending class. Therefore, you have three legitimate opportunities to be absent."

“However, if everything is more important than attending class, then it means that attending class really isn’t important to you. Since it’s not important… you don’t need to come anymore.”

His words were concise, explaining the rules of his classroom.

Gao Jian stood frozen in place, his calm expression replaced by an incredulous astonishment. He stared intently at the face of the Earth Immortal mentor, his heart feeling as if it were being clenched by an invisible hand!
No... how could he be here?!
That face, that aura... he could never mistake it!
Just as Gao Jian was in shock, the Earth Immortal mentor seemed to sense something, raised his head, and his gaze pierced through the crowd, landing precisely on Gao Jian.

The solemn expression on his face, which had been so stern during his sermon, instantly melted away, replaced by a familiar, even somewhat "enthusiastic," smile. He stopped lecturing, raised his hand, waved in the direction of Gao Jian, and called out in a clear, melodious voice:

"Brilliant insight! Long time no see!"

This greeting was like a thunderclap from a clear sky, not only drawing all the students' attention to Gao Jian, but also stirring up a huge wave in Gao Jian's heart!

Gao Jian's throat was a little dry. He barely suppressed his churning emotions, took a few steps forward, and, under the curious and inquisitive gazes of the crowd, cupped his hands in greeting to the Earth Immortal mentor: "It has indeed been a long time, Mr. Yuan."

Mr. Yuan!
Ancestor of the Underworld, Yuan Lu!
The ethereal and otherworldly immortal teaching at the Imperial Academy was none other than the Yuan Law that Gao Jian had refined into a part of the "natural law" in the past!
He should have lost his self-awareness and become a "tool" to maintain the operation of certain rules, just like those twelve gatekeeper demons. It would have been impossible for him to regain his senses, let alone appear in the Imperial Academy in such a complete form and become a teacher who imparts knowledge and teaches skills!

He shouldn't be here!

What is Li Zoufang up to?! Or... is this the Emperor's will?!

Countless thoughts flashed through Gao Jian's mind in an instant, and a strong sense of alarm arose.

Yuan Lu's "resurrection" and reappearance must be hiding a very deep scheme, and this scheme is very likely aimed at his brilliant insight!
Seeing Gao Jian's barely concealed astonishment, Yuan Lu's smile grew even more meaningful. He spoke gently, as if he had just met a long-lost friend, "Yes, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to meet you here. It seems we have quite a connection, Gao Jian."

“Mr. Yuan is speaking with his students right now, so I shouldn’t disturb him.” Gao Jian suppressed the turmoil in his heart and tried his best to maintain a calm expression. He cupped his hands in greeting to Yuan Lu. “I will come to visit you again when you have some free time.”

As he spoke, he subtly took a few steps back, signaling the other person to continue.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Lu's gentle smile remained unchanged. He merely gave Gao Jian a deep look before turning around and continuing to lecture the students surrounding him on the rules of the Imperial Academy and some precautions for cultivation. His voice was still clear and composed, as if the greeting he had just received was merely a casual, casual exchange.

Gao Jian silently retreated to the outer edge of the crowd, but his gaze remained fixed on Yuan Lu, his doubts and vigilance reaching their peak.

He waited patiently until Yuan Lu finished explaining the matters. Amidst the admiring gazes of the many students, he packed up his simple lecture notes and turned to walk deeper into the Imperial Academy.

Gao Jian immediately followed silently, keeping a distance.

The two walked one after the other through the bustling school district, their path becoming increasingly secluded until they finally arrived at a rarely visited corner of the Imperial Academy. Here, ancient trees towered, vines entwined, and only the occasional bird song broke the silence.

Seeing that there was no one else around, Gao Jian no longer hesitated. He moved swiftly, blocking Yuan Lu's path, while his hands rapidly formed a profound hand seal! The qi and blood within his body surged and circulated according to a unique rhythm, and an invisible and intangible divine intent wave, specifically targeting a certain connection, enveloped Yuan Lu like a precise key!

Yuan Lu should have become a puppet! Moreover, I hold the core control over him! Although he was handed over to Li Zoufang, this "thread" should still be in my hands!

This was a backup plan that Gao Jian left behind when he refined the Yuan Law, and it was also the most direct way for him to confirm the opponent's condition!
however--

The fluctuations of divine will touched the primordial laws, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea!

The anticipated sense of perfect, intuitive control did not materialize. The "Yuan Lu" before him remained standing, a gentle, enigmatic smile on his face, silently observing Gao Jian's actions without any reaction!
Control failed!
But something's not right!
Gao Jian's heart sank suddenly, but then an even stronger sense of doubt welled up in his mind.

Yuan Lu's fundamental Dao foundation for becoming an Earth Immortal was the path of 'the ultimate selflessness' that Gao Jian had misled him into! It was about merging one's own will and Dao fruit with the laws of heaven and earth, obliterating the ego, and achieving the greater self! It was this path that enabled him to be refined into a puppet of rules!
This path is his foundation, the core manifestation of his Earthly Immortal Dao Fruit, like the trunk of a tree, which can never be easily changed or separated! Once embarked upon, there is no turning back!

If the person before him is indeed Yuan Lü, then he must still be in the state of "the perfect man has no self," and he must still be subject to the constraints of Gao Jian's core technique!
But now... he's not responding.

A cold, clear conclusion flashed through Gao Jian's mind like lightning:
That is to say-

The ethereal and otherworldly-looking Yuan Lü, currently lecturing at the Imperial Academy—

It wasn't the same Netherworld Ancestor he knew and had refined at all!

Gao Jian's gaze instantly sharpened, his aura involuntarily coalescing as he locked onto the "Yuan Lu" before him. Who exactly was this guy? Impersonating Yuan Lu to infiltrate the Imperial Academy—what was his purpose? Did Li Zoufang know? Or was this a deeper conspiracy targeting Gao Jian himself?

The air seemed to freeze at that moment, filled with the tense atmosphere of an impending storm.

Facing Gao Jian's gaze, Yuan Lu showed no panic; instead, his gentle smile deepened: "Mr. Gao, what are you trying to do?"

"Nothing." Gao Jian's voice was icy, his aura silently rising to its peak, a subtle aura of tribulation flowing across his fist. "Who are you?"

"I am Yuan Lu," the other person repeated calmly, still wearing that infuriating smile.

However, the moment he finished speaking——

"boom!"

Gao Jian moved! Without any warning or hesitation! The ground beneath his feet cracked inch by inch, and his body moved like a taut bow suddenly released, twisting his waist, thrusting his shoulder, and throwing a punch!
(End of this chapter)