Confucian and Taoist scholar

Between heaven and earth, the rosy clouds and misty air echoed with the sounds of reciting Confucian and Taoist classics.

Countless streams of spiritual energy transformed into a fine rain, gently covering the area.

The strange phenomena caused by the old man's breakthrough quickly attracted the attention of many people, who came to check on the situation.

The great Confucian scholar sought the Dao! A powerful demon with profound knowledge stationed in the region was startled by the sight.

No one knows where this Confucian and Taoist cultivator came from, but he actually broke through to the realm of a Great Confucian here.

Such a scene is a rare sight.

It's a pity that it's a human Confucian cultivator. If it were a demon cultivator who broke through to this level, the Daoist aura he attracted would be more beneficial to the local demons.

Of course, the spiritual energy and Daoist principles that descend from heaven and earth are also a blessing, bringing benefits to everyone.

The old man's attendants, who were traveling with him, were overjoyed at the sight.

I never imagined that my grandfather could suddenly achieve enlightenment and break through to become a great Confucian scholar at such a young age.

This was an extremely honorable thing for their entire family.

Some people couldn't wait to send the news back to the Kingdom of Wu and spread it far and wide.

However, they didn't have the ability to get the message out quickly.

The elderly man involved remained calm and absorbed in enlightenment.

After a while, the old man calmed down, and the strange phenomena in the sky gradually disappeared.

The old man stood there, looking somewhat dazed. Having studied Confucianism his whole life, it seemed that only now had he truly found the right path.

Suddenly, the old man seemed to sense something and looked in one direction.

But a young man stood there quietly, looking at him with a kind expression.

The old man's eyes flickered. He stepped forward a short distance, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am Zhang Wencheng, from the Kingdom of Wu, and I pay my respects to Mr. Lu."

Zhang Wencheng, from the Wu Kingdom, had just broken through to the Great Confucian Realm. Lu Zheng quickly flipped through his memories and remembered this person.

This man was once a highly respected scholar in the literary circles of the Wu Kingdom, but he has been retired for many years and is not so famous now.

Lu Zheng smiled and returned the greeting, saying, "In front of a senior, I dare not address you as 'sir'."

Zhang Wencheng said leisurely, "I am only a few years older than you, and my talent is far inferior to yours. If I had not come here to witness this peaceful place, I would probably have remained stagnant in my life, and how could I have achieved enlightenment and breakthrough... I have heard that they all respect you as their teacher, and that the accomplished are teachers, so naturally you are also worthy of being my teacher..."

Although it was only their first meeting, Zhang Wencheng had already developed a deep admiration for the young man based on what he had seen and heard.

Moreover, he found that even after breaking through to the level of a great Confucian scholar, he still felt inferior to Lu Zheng, who also gave him a mysterious and unpredictable feeling.

People nearby were also somewhat surprised when they heard Zhang Wencheng's words.

A newly enlightened Confucian scholar is already among the most prominent figures in the world.

However, Zhang Wencheng was not arrogant because of this, and first addressed Lu Zheng as "Mr." with proper etiquette.

Of course, some locals take this for granted.

In their eyes, Lu Zheng was an extremely capable person, unmatched by anyone.

Zhang Wencheng added, "I want to stay here and do what I can."

Zhang Wencheng felt that the Confucianism and Taoism he needed to learn and practice were right here in this place.

Even if he were to return to the Wu Kingdom now as a great Confucian scholar, he probably wouldn't be given much importance. He wouldn't be able to change anything for the Wu Kingdom. It would be better for him to stay in the Taiping Domain and hone his skills.

Upon hearing this, the attendants' expressions changed. They were hoping to return to the Wu Kingdom with Zhang Wencheng and receive rewards and better treatment.

As it turned out, Zhang Wencheng actually wanted to stay here, and they couldn't stop the old man from making that decision.

Lu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "Since we are like-minded people, we naturally welcome you."

Just then, a ripple appeared in the sky.

A figure appeared; it was Meng Yuan from the Yunmeng Sect.

Mengyuan had just noticed the unusual activity in this area and rushed over quickly.

Upon seeing Lu Zheng present, Meng Yuan couldn't help but look at him with a questioning expression in her eyes.

Lu Zheng couldn't help but explain to Meng Yuan via telepathy.

Meng Yuan suddenly realized that he had thought some powerful figure had attacked Taiping Domain, causing some kind of disturbance in the heavens and earth. It turned out that a newly arrived Confucian cultivator had suddenly achieved enlightenment and broken through to a higher realm.

Unfortunately, he was a bit too far away and arrived too late, missing the scene of being promoted to the rank of Great Confucian Scholar.

Lu Zheng also introduced Mengyuan to Zhang Wencheng.

When Zhang Wencheng heard that Meng Yuan came from the Yunmeng Sect of Yunmengze, he couldn't help but feel deeply surprised.

He knew that Yunmeng Sect was a very mysterious immortal sect in the world, and only the top forces or figures in the world could deal with Yunmeng Sect.

It's unexpected that there are elders from the Yunmeng Sect working in the Taiping Domain. No wonder Lu Zheng didn't seem particularly happy when he said he wanted to join them.

Zhang Wencheng's mind raced. He thought that there might be some extraordinary people in this area, and he couldn't be arrogant just because of his cultivation level.

Lu Zheng selected a local person to be in charge of reception and asked them to show Zhang Wencheng and the others around the place.

The person who was called was somewhat surprised, not expecting that the task of receiving a great scholar would fall to them. Shouldn't such an important person be received with high standards?
However, seeing that Lu Zheng had no such intention, the man had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

Lu Zheng turned to the others and said loudly, "Alright, if there's nothing else, everyone can go home and do what they need to do..."

Soon, the crowd that had gathered to watch gradually dispersed.

Zhang Wencheng, along with his entourage, left with the reception staff.

Zhang Wencheng originally had a lot more to say to Lu Zheng, but after thinking about it, he felt it would be more appropriate to sit down and discuss things with Lu Zheng after he had truly integrated into the community.

Once most of the people had left, Meng Yuan walked up to Lu Zheng and clicked his tongue, saying, "Wow, that's impressive! Someone came to see you for a bit, and suddenly had an epiphany and became a great Confucian scholar. If this news got out, who knows how many people would travel thousands of miles to come here..."

Lu Zhengdao said, "Master Zhang was already well-versed in Confucianism; it was just a catalyst that allowed him to break through his current realm. We can't guarantee that others who come here will have any sudden enlightenment..."

If it were so easy to become a great Confucian scholar, then he wouldn't be called a great Confucian scholar.

Meng Yuan chuckled and said, "No matter what, this is a good thing and worth spreading the word. Having more talented people coming here will make things easier. It'll also give you a little more free time..."

During her time in Taiping Domain, Mengyuan noticed that Lu Zheng and Qingwan were just as busy as ever, with hardly any rest.

What they pursue is what they once said: to strive for the salvation of the world and the well-being of the people. It is truly rare to remain true to their original aspirations.

……

West of the Shu Kingdom lies the vast, snow-capped mountains.

Even though it's springtime, the snow-capped mountains are still shrouded in fierce winds and snow.

Further west, at the edge of the snow-capped mountains, a group of figures were moving forward in the wind and snow, at a moderate pace.

Judging from their attire, most of these people were Buddhist monks who had fled from the State of Wei to escape disaster.

Because some of them knew that there was another place to live beyond the snowfield, although the land was barren, they had no choice but to choose this path in order to save their lives in the face of suppression from the Wei court and the orthodox Buddhist sect.

These monks fled along the way, taking many people with them as their servants.

Some were just ordinary people. Even if a high monk occasionally used his magic to guide them forward, most of the time they couldn't withstand the icy cold of the snow-capped mountains and perished in the snow and ice. After crossing a snow-capped mountain, the group seeking refuge saw a patch of green appear. The area not far away finally became flat, and the snow-capped mountains were gone.

Many people were overjoyed, feeling that they had finally gotten through the most difficult period.

Several eagles were soaring high in the sky.

One of the eagles, with its sharp eyes, spotted the crowd below.

Meanwhile, Gongyang Ming, far away in Taiping City, received the message.

He couldn't help but put down his official duties and unfold a scroll.

The painting depicts several lifelike animals, among which a hawk shines brightly.

Gongyang Ming pointed at the painting and vanished from the room in an instant.

The next moment, Gongyang Ming arrived at the edge of the snow mountain, where a hawk was hovering beside him.

Gongyang Ming looked into the distance and saw the crowd still trudging along, many of whom were being driven to serve as slaves.

His face turned cold, and he raised his hand to write in the air.

A rich literary style is condensed into substantial words.

Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, trustworthiness...

Each word instantly transformed into a sharp killing intent, rushing straight towards the Buddhist monks.

An aura of slaughter instantly enveloped the area.

A highly skilled monk realized what was happening and, disregarding his fellow disciples, quickly retreated, intending to use the others as shields.

However, that murderous aura directly locked onto everyone's vital energy.

Streams of almost invisible killing intent surged towards the Buddhist monks, blasting them into clouds of blood mist.

Many monks with low spiritual cultivation didn't even realize what was happening before their bodies were destroyed and their souls were extinguished, leaving them utterly dead.

Several high-ranking monks who had reached the Tongxuan realm barely managed to dodge this wave of attacks and also became aware of Gongyang Ming's presence.

They never expected that after crossing countless snow-capped mountains, before they could even catch their breath, they would encounter a powerful Confucian cultivator.

In this desolate place, there was someone who acted ruthlessly and decisively, as if he were specifically targeting them. They found it utterly absurd and couldn't understand what was going on.

"Who are you, and why are you attacking us so viciously!"

One of the monks spoke in a low voice while remaining on guard.

Gongyang Ming's eyes were indifferent; he couldn't be bothered to waste words with a bunch of dead people.

He slightly raised his hand and took out a paperweight as black as ink.

With a gentle toss, Gongyang Ming sent the paperweight flying straight out, instantly transforming into a boulder the size of a small mountain. It carried a terrifying aura of literary power, pressing down on the several monks at the Tongxuan realm.

The monks suddenly felt an immense increase in pressure, and their bodies involuntarily sank downwards.

They wanted to use spells or magical artifacts, but under the suppression of the strong Confucian and Taoist cultural atmosphere, all their methods were ineffective.

As the massive paperweight, which blotted out the sky, pressed down, one of the monks looked on with despair.

"Do not……"

"boom!"

The massive paperweight crashed to the ground, instantly suppressing the remaining monks.

The sharp, literary energy attacked the monk beneath the paperweight with ferocity.

Within a few breaths, the souls of several high-ranking monks at the Tongxuan Realm were completely annihilated, and their physical bodies turned into a pile of mud.

With a thought, Gongyang Ming shrank the paperweight in an instant and put it into his sleeve.

A huge pit has appeared where the paperweight was originally used to suppress the monk.

Gongyang Ming looked at the minced meat at the bottom of the pit and couldn't help but frown.

Previously, when he was in the State of Qi, he rarely faced enemies in battle; this was the first time he had killed someone in such a way.

Having witnessed too much bloodshed in the Taiping Domain, Gongyang Ming was not at all uncomfortable with this.

They're all damned people; it wouldn't be too much to get rid of them no matter what.

He had even witnessed Lu Zheng and others severely punish some heinous criminals, and the methods they used were something he didn't want to recall.

At first, Gongyang Ming felt that there was no need to use such cruel methods, and that violence to combat violence was not advisable.

But after Lu Zheng took him to see some darkness, he couldn't come up with any words of advice.

Gongyang Ming waved his hand again, and a stream of literary energy entered the pit.

Immediately, the entire pit shook, and soil continuously gushed out of the pit, quickly filling and leveling the deep pit.

Afterwards, Gongyang Ming floated down and arrived at those who had been dragged to this place, sighing in his heart.

As Lu Zheng had predicted, some monks chose to seek refuge in the snowy plains, which involved many innocent people.

Judging from the appearance of these survivors, one can only imagine how much suffering they have endured during this time.

A group of people has appeared now, and who knows, more people might come later.

They can't completely prevent such things from happening; they can only do their best to prevent anyone from threatening the stability of this snowfield area.

With a wave of his sleeve, Gongyang Ming used his literary talent to lift these people up and send them to the nearest town for resettlement.

On the vast plains, Pearl was leading a pack of wolves on patrol in the nearby area.

Suddenly seeing Gongyang Ming leading a large group of people, he couldn't help but wave excitedly.

"Mr. Gongyang, where did you bring these people back from?"

Ever since the old gentleman from out of town brought Lu Zheng and Qing Wan's letters, Pearl has developed a good impression of Gongyang Ming. After spending some time with him, she even thinks he is the second most capable person.

As for the most powerful, it goes without saying: the one who brought prosperity and stability to this snowy plain.

Gongyang Ming then gave a brief explanation.

Pearl frowned upon hearing this and couldn't help but ask, "Is it that chaotic outside?"

Gongyang Ming said, "Yes, Lu Zheng and the others are busy saving more people."

Pearl said, "If only I could become stronger, then I could help them..."

Gongyang Ming smiled and said, "Aren't you also protecting this area now? You've already done a great job."

Pearl pursed her lips and said softly, "It's far from enough. If it weren't for Mr. Gongyang, I wouldn't be able to deal with those bad guys."

Pearl murmured, "If only ordinary people had the power to protect themselves, then we wouldn't have to trouble others..."

Even Pearl herself found it absurd to suddenly say such a thing.

Upon hearing Pearl's words, Gongyang Ming's eyes flickered, for he knew that Lu Zheng was attempting to acquire that kind of power. (End of Chapter)