Confucian and Taoist scholar

"Since the establishment of the Literary Path on the Sacred Mountain, is this the first person to pass it so quickly?"

When the learned scholars of the academy witnessed Lu Zheng's rapid ascent of Wensheng Mountain, their eyes revealed surprise.

In the past, those who pursued literary pursuits, even scholars and great Confucianists, would dedicate themselves to the task and take the opportunity to gain insights into literature in order to obtain more opportunities and improve themselves.

When they reached Lu Zheng, the other party seemed to be in a hurry and passed through the literary path without any hindrance.

Even many Confucian and Taoist scholars who were watching fell into a state of doubt, questioning whether some of the previous rumors were true.

Lu Zhengzhen was a disciple recognized by some ancient sage, so a back door was opened for him, allowing him to easily ascend Mount Wensheng.

As for which ancient sage it was, everyone was almost certain after seeing Lu Zheng's righteous aura.

The reason it's not entirely certain is that this is just speculation without concrete evidence, and it's not appropriate to casually discuss ancient sages and worthies within the Jixia Academy...

Seeing that Lu Zheng had already entered the Confucian Temple, Yan Jue and the others took another route up Wensheng Mountain and waited outside the temple.

Some people, seeing that the temple doors of the Wensheng Temple were tightly closed and they could not see what was inside, couldn't help but show strange expressions.

The crowd waited quietly outside, but the Confucian Temple did not react for a while, and the silence aroused suspicion.

Time passed slowly, and the entire Wensheng Mountain remained the same as always.

A senior member of the academy frowned. They had been inside the Confucian temple for so long, yet there had been no movement at all. Had they failed to pay their respects to the sages, or had something gone wrong?
However, given the current situation, they couldn't very well venture into the Confucian Temple to investigate.

Someone whispered to Yan Jue, "Chancellor Yan, what exactly is this boy's purpose in coming to the Confucian Temple?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Jue shook his head. How could he possibly fathom the thoughts of this young man?

A hint of worry flashed in some people's eyes, and they were even concerned that Lu Zheng might complain to the sage, so as to find a pretext to directly attack the disciples of certain schools of Confucianism.

After all, the ideological journal published by Taiping Domain criticized many people, including some Confucian disciples.

Such journals had to be delivered from the Confucian Temple.

This proves that even some sages tacitly acknowledged the existence of such journals, rather than directly banning them.

Given their understanding of Lu Zheng's character, it wouldn't be surprising if he came here, brandished the banner of sages, and did whatever he wanted.

As a sacred site of Confucianism, if Lu Zheng were to cause any trouble at the Jixia Academy, it would be a serious matter if word got out.

Everyone had different thoughts, and some people were already feeling uneasy.

……

Inside Lu Zheng's literary palace.

The towering Confucius stood before Lu Zheng, listening quietly to his story, his eyes shining like stars.

Confucius said softly, "Your idea is truly... are you really determined to do this?"

Lu Zheng said calmly, "Please grant my request, senior."

Confucius said kindly, “Those who sacrifice their lives for righteousness are rare indeed. It is difficult to find someone like you in this world. Very well, I will go and inform them…”

Lu Zheng bowed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, senior!"

After saying this, Confucius disappeared into Lu Zheng's literary palace.

A moment later, another figure appeared.

It was Meng Sheng, whom Lu Zheng had met several times before.

Meng Sheng looked at Lu Zheng with a somewhat sentimental expression and said, "Your growth is truly astonishing, even to this old man. I had originally planned to have you come to the Jixia Academy for some training, but it seems there's no need for that, and you don't seem to have any intention of doing so either..."

"What you want to do is bolder than I thought, actually making such a request to Confucius."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Those who aspire to great things must naturally be bold."

Meng Sheng smiled and said, "The younger generation is truly formidable. We are but a fleeting thought of the departed, and can do very little for this world. Since you have such an idea, why not lend a hand? However, from now on, you will have to rely on yourself more..."

Lu Zheng said softly, "The seniors have done enough. Let us, the younger generation, continue the unfinished business. What I cannot finish, there will be successors."

Meng Sheng couldn't help but raise his hand and gently pat Lu Zheng's shoulder, admiringly saying, "You're more promising than my descendants!"

Meng Sheng paused for a moment, then said, "Judging from your lack of interest in this place, you probably won't stay long. I'll just give you a little gift!"

With a gentle wave of his hand, Meng Sheng transformed the once empty Wen Palace into a vast collection of books, all belonging to the Jixia Academy, categorized and diverse in type.

Meng Sheng Nian Si, who had been worshipped by the Jixia Academy for many years, was naturally much stronger than the Meng Sheng Nian Si that Lu Zheng had encountered before. He casually copied a set of books from the Jixia Academy and gave it to Lu Zheng, and no one even noticed anything unusual.

Lu Zheng blinked, "This..."

Meng Sheng chuckled and said, "There's nothing wrong with it, feel free to accept it."

Since Meng Sheng had said so, Lu Zheng naturally wouldn't be pretentious.

Lu Zheng couldn't help but express his gratitude.

Meng Sheng said, "You have your own opinions, so I won't say anything more. I wish you all the best..."

In a daze, Lu Zheng blinked and found that his consciousness had returned to the outside world.

He looked around, and saw a series of hazy figures staring at him.

No one spoke, but it seemed that everything was understood without words.

Then, the figures of the sages bowed to Lu Zhengyi before returning to the statue.

Lu Zheng returned the greetings one by one with a solemn expression.

The large door behind me slowly opened with a dull thud.

Lu Zheng glanced at the statues of past sages and worthies one last time, then turned and walked out of the Temple of Literature with steady steps.

Outside the temple, a large group of people gathered together, curiously observing Lu Zheng as he emerged.

Some people looked suspicious because they had not seen any unusual phenomena at the Confucian Temple, and thought that Lu Zheng had not received the blessings of the sages, or that he had not even paid homage to any sage.

Yan Jue's eyes flickered slightly, but she didn't notice any special change in Lu Zheng's aura.

He greeted them with a smile and asked, "Have you been able to see any sages or saints through worship?"

Lu Zheng nodded and said, "I have already met him. Thank you, Chief Instructor Yan, for this opportunity."

Without coming to the Jixia Academy, Lu Zheng would have had a hard time finding a suitable place to have a long talk with Confucian sages.

The idea of ​​inviting a saint to descend from heaven cannot last that long, and the words spoken may not be accurately conveyed.

Upon hearing this, Yan Jue couldn't help but laugh and said, "You are able to go up Wensheng Mountain and meet the sages and worthies of the past, that is your ability, it has little to do with me."

Someone nearby wanted to ask Lu Zheng who he had met.

However, being outside the Confucian temple, it wasn't appropriate to inquire about the details, and the people there might not even tell us.

Lu Zheng cupped his hands and said, "My wish has been fulfilled, so I will take my leave now."

Their sudden arrival and departure surprised Yan Jue and the others.

So Lu Zhengzhen only came to pay homage to the sages? He didn't intend to stay at the Jixia Academy any longer?

If it were a Confucian scholar from another major country, having the opportunity to exchange ideas at the Jixia Academy, they would surely try to stay as long as possible.

After saying that, Lu Zheng strode out.

If we don't leave, are we just going to stay here for a quick meal?
Many Confucian disciples here disliked someone like him, and Lu Zheng had no interest in getting entangled with these people from the Jixia Academy.

There's really nothing to say to these Confucian and Taoist scholars who spend their lives in the academy, living in luxury and only burying themselves in academic research.

Lu Zheng didn't have the ability to send these people out to experience human suffering and put the principles of sages into practice.

Seeing Lu Zheng disappear into the distance in the blink of an eye, so fast that few could catch up, Yan Jue reacted and quickly flew after him.

"Why leave in such a hurry? You could have stayed at the academy for a few more days. It's a place where you can study. You can also borrow some of the books from the Book Mountain..."

Yan Jue kindly advised that it was a rare opportunity to have such an outstanding young man come here, and that it might not be a bad thing to let Lu Zheng stay and exchange ideas with the Confucian scholars of the academy.

Lu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "The Grand Master means well, but there's really no need for that."

Lu Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "The Grand Master is a descendant of the Sage Yan. Can he communicate with the Sage Yan in normal times?"

Yan Jue didn't understand why Lu Zheng had brought up this topic.

Yan Jue thought for a moment and said, "I have met the Ancestor a few times and received guidance from him."

That was ultimately Yan Sheng's remaining thought in the world; Yan Jue couldn't just see him whenever he wanted.

Yan Jue couldn't help but whisper, "You just saw my ancestor?"

Lu Zheng nodded and said, "I have met him, but I didn't get a chance to speak with him."

After all, with so many sages manifesting their divine power, it was impossible for him to talk to each and every one of them. He simply had a long talk with Confucius and then had Confucius convey his thoughts to the other sages.

They didn't get a chance to speak? Yan Jue was a little confused.

Lu Zheng then asked, "Does Grand Master Yan think that with your current achievements, you can face him with an open and honest heart?"

Yan Jue opened his mouth, but he didn't know how to answer those words.

Lu Zheng said leisurely, "We younger generations need to work even harder! I hope that in the future... Chief Scholar Yan won't become our enemy."

Lu Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "Let's stop here. There's no need for you to send any more, Grand Master Yan."

Lu Zheng's words left Yan Jue speechless.

He clearly came to persuade people to stay, so how did it turn into him seeing them off?
And what exactly did Lu Zheng mean by those words?
Enemy? Yan Jue really didn't know why Lu Zheng would say that.

However, considering Lu Zheng's actions and beliefs, he will inevitably offend many people one day.

Seeing that she couldn't stop Lu Zheng, Yan Jue stopped.

Lu Zheng smiled nonchalantly and drifted away.

A melodious song drifted over.

"Arise, ye prisoners of hunger and cold! Arise, ye wretched of the earth!"

Yan Jue's eyes narrowed as she stared intently at Lu Zheng's departing figure, her emotions a complex mix.

……

Tian Family Farm, on the outskirts of Langya City.

Standing at the edge of a field, Tian Jiu looked at the lush crops around him and said with joy, "The seeds we bought from over there are really different. This year is going to be a bumper harvest!"

As they were talking, Tian Jiu glanced to the side and saw a clansman bringing a young man over.

Tian Jiu narrowed his eyes and quickly stepped forward.

"Oh my, it's my young friend Lu Zheng! I never expected to see you again!"

Tian Jiu smiled broadly as he carefully examined the newcomer, confirming that he was indeed the young man in the portrait.

Lu Zheng cupped his hands and said, "This junior greets Senior Tian! I happened to have some free time recently and came to Qi, so I came to pay my respects to you."

Lu Zheng recognized Tian Jiu because he had contacted the Tian clan members several times before, and even when the Taiping Domain was being built, the Tian Clan Chamber of Commerce traveled a long distance to trade with him and helped him out.

Furthermore, Lu Zheng had also received a handwritten letter from Tian Jiu.

Lu Zheng thus gained a better understanding of the Tian clan of Qi, and came to pay them a visit.

Tian Jiu beamed and said, "I heard that the Confucius and Mencius families have been looking for you everywhere. I never expected you to come here. Come, come, come, have a seat at my place!"

Tian Jiu has a wide network of information channels, so she can learn about many things quickly.

"Find me?"

Lu Zheng was traveling in the Qi state along the way and had not heard of this matter.

Tian Jiu laughed and said, "You don't know? News of your trip to Jixia Academy spread, and then you left the academy. Many people wanted to find you, but couldn't, and thought you had gone back to the Northern Region..."

"Especially those people from the Meng family, some of them have seen your upright and righteous spirit and want to talk to you about how to cultivate a noble and righteous spirit!"

As Tian Jiu walked, he told Lu Zheng some interesting stories that Lu Zheng had caused.

Lu Zheng smiled calmly upon hearing this, "Righteousness? They can't cultivate it themselves. They should look for their own shortcomings. What use is it to come to me?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Jiu chuckled and burst into laughter.

“I like to hear what you say! Which of these Confucian disciples these days is any decent? They haven’t even mastered their studies…”

Tian Jiu paused for a moment, then said, "So, you don't want to visit them?"

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Guest? Some people might not even consider someone like me a guest. What's the point of going?"

Tian Jiu clicked his tongue and said, "You young man are indeed different. But since you've come here, you're an honored guest. This old man is the one who benefits from your presence."

Tian Jiu admires young people who are capable of doing practical and significant things.

It was precisely because of this that Tian Jiu appointed virtuous and talented people, which enabled him to have retainers all over the world and make his Tian clan prosperous.

Even if there are some ideological conflicts between him and Lu Zheng, it doesn't stop him from wanting to get closer to Lu Zheng.

Tian Jiu took Lu Zheng to a manor and personally brewed tea there.

"I know your personality, so don't stand on ceremony with me. Just be yourself. I also prefer to be casual."

"it is good."

Lu Zheng sat down opposite Tian Jiu in a very natural and generous manner.

Tian Jiu said leisurely, "I heard you went to Jixia Academy to study literature and pay respects at the Temple of Literature. You must have gained a lot from this trip, right?"

Lu Zhengdao: "Thankfully, everything went smoothly."

Tian Jiu smiled and said, "Then this is a joyous occasion."

Lu Zhengdao: "It's not exactly a happy occasion, it's just that I did what I wanted to do."

Tian Jiu's smile faded slightly, and she said instead, "Let's not talk about that! Come and have some tea!"

Tian Jiu poured Lu Zheng a cup of fragrant spiritual tea.

"Come on, let's drink tea instead of wine..."

Tian Jiu raised his cup, then suddenly paused and turned to look in the direction of Langya City.

Lu Zheng also glanced at him sideways.

Within Langya City, a streak of colorful light rose up, soaring straight into the heavens.

Tian Jiu suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. He looked around and could vaguely see streaks of colorful light disappearing in the sky.

"This is……"

Tian Jiu could sense that the light that emerged from Langya City contained the power of Confucian and Taoist sages.

Lu Zheng slowly stood up and poured the tea in his hand onto the ground.

This cup is offered to those sages and worthies of the past who have returned to the world. (End of Chapter)