Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 42 Please grant instruction
"The Three Academies Literary Gathering"

The following day, all the professors of Chongqi Academy gathered together to discuss a major event that would change the cultural landscape of Jiangnan.

Everyone remained silent, and the solemn and heavy atmosphere made it difficult to breathe.

Madam Yin sat at the head of the table without saying a word, clearly in a bad mood. The other professors wore the same expression.

Yesterday, we were almost completely swept aside, with all the students in the college suffering defeat. Naturally, this was disheartening for someone as competitive as me.

Everyone knew perfectly well what the purpose of the literary gathering proposed by Zhu Erdan on behalf of the Jintian Academy was.

This is not just a simple academic exchange, but also a stage for young people to make a name for themselves, and a battle for destiny.

If Chongqi Academy suffers a crushing defeat in front of everyone, then the claim that it is one of the three great literary traditions of Jiangnan will be somewhat far-fetched.

As for refusing the article, that's ridiculous.

If you don't accept the bet, then not losing is actually losing.

To do something you don't know is foolish; to know it's impossible and not do it is wise; to know it's impossible and do it is sage.

The three major academies were theoretically designed to educate people according to the standards of sages.

"Xie Yu is already outstanding. His understanding of the principles of benevolence and virtue is no less than that of some people in the Hanlin Academy. In previous years, winning the top prize should not have been a problem."

"But Zhu Erdan's knowledge and thinking far surpass his peers. He has a deep understanding of music, arithmetic, and criminal law. For the time being, no one in the academy can rival him."

"Even if any of you here were young, you wouldn't be a match for that young man."

To be honest, Professor Sheng didn't see any chance of winning.

The other party's expertise in the law goes beyond simple memorization; they have their own perspectives and understanding.

Among the younger generation, perhaps only Instructor Xu, by incorporating military strategy into criminal law, has found a unique approach that can rival this approach.

Professor Gu added a few more words.

"This child is exceptional in both quick thinking and mental fortitude."

"It is impossible for an ordinary person to maintain their original thinking ability when faced with so many questions and to give accurate answers to every response and rebuttal."

Moreover, each question was extremely demanding, yet Zhu Erdan handled them all with such ease; it was simply superhuman.

Professor Shi was somewhat displeased, saying that the emotions the other person expressed in their discussion of the zither were somewhat insincere, like a rootless duckweed, which a true master of music could naturally discern.

His skill level is truly unmatched among students.

Besides, playing out fake emotions is quite mesmerizing.

Professor Qin of the Ming Suan Department remained silent, but in terms of calculation speed alone, this person had already surpassed himself, who had been immersed in this field for decades.

It's embarrassing to say it out loud.

The remaining professors also chimed in with a few words, seemingly recognizing something about the other party's strengths.

No one noticed that Madam Yin's face was growing increasingly pale.

"Professors, we have already agreed to the three-academy literary gathering."

"Now we should be discussing how to remain undefeated."

Winning is too difficult, so Lady Yin has given up.

Professor Sheng suddenly thought of something while he was pondering.

"Ahem, I suggest we consult with Xu Hanwen."

"Instructor Xu is as quick-witted as Zhu Erdan. He has a wide range of knowledge, is meticulous, and has commendable courage. His daily thinking is unconventional. In particular, he is well-versed in military strategy and is good at defeating the strong with the weak."

Yesterday's final push was his doing, saving face for the academy. If there are no other options, perhaps it's worth a try.

Some professors who were not yet familiar with the topic were puzzled by this recommendation.

Those present were all the decision-makers of the academy; was it a bit frivolous to let a young lad take the lead?

Professor Sheng realized that this suggestion was somewhat rash, so he recounted Xu Hanwen's story of going down the mountain to slay demons and monsters, which reassured the professor who was unaware of the situation.

He seems to be a promising talent, but it's still somewhat unwise to put him to use at this time.

Of course, not all professors had doubts. For example, Professor Gu knew that this kid was capable.

But this time it's not a trivial matter like promoting Cuju (ancient Chinese football); it's a battle for destiny.

Xu Hanwen is too young; how can he shoulder such a heavy responsibility? If Chongqi Academy fails, the responsibility may not necessarily be shared equally.

That's why I haven't made this suggestion before; it's a form of care.

I never expected that old guy Sheng Yuanfu would bring it up. Sure enough, people from the criminal law field are all like this.

In the end, it was Madam Yin who made the decision to let Xu Hanwen come.

Of course, the goal is not to immediately ask the other party to come up with a solution, but rather to break the deadlock first.

Unless absolutely necessary, it's best to avoid doing things that force growth.

When Xu Xuan arrived at this small, quiet room, he felt as if he had entered some kind of land of old people.

There was a whole bunch of imposing old men; they must be a thousand years old combined.

When they all looked over, they exuded an overwhelming sense of authority.

Xu Xuan, who had just been intimidated by the big shot, said it was nothing.

Without the slightest pause, he bowed to the gentlemen and Madam Yin.

"That's how things are. I wonder if Hanwen has any good ideas?"

Professor Sheng succinctly explained the Jintian Academy's intention to convene the Three Academies Literary Conference, and the fact that Chong Qi had already agreed.

Good heavens, that guy [Zhu Erdan] is pulling a well-intentioned but not openly deliberate scheme.

When Xu Xuan heard about the Three Academies' literary gathering, he knew he had already been drawn into the game.

There is no way to counter this tactic of forcing academies to participate in literary gatherings.

The other party planned to crush all the students from the other two academies in full view of everyone, and then take away the luck in a natural way.

As for how the other party used that luck, that's unknown. After all, he was once a big shot, so it's understandable that his methods were unfathomable.

Using the cultural heritage of Jiangnan as a starting point, huh.

Trying to seize Chongqi's fortune is tantamount to destroying the hiding place of the great demon Xu.

Xu Xuan was initially a little scared, but since they were using human methods, there was no way he could fight back.

For some reason, the thought of confronting such a powerful being made his blood run hot and his soul brimming with power.

It seems that deep down, they all have an urge to assess and measure the sacred, divine, and Buddha-like beings.

The image of the White Lotus Holy Father even began to operate on its own.

The ineffectiveness of suppressing thoughts caused the brain's computational power to race wildly into the realm of the extraordinary.

All the events of yesterday flashed through my mind as I analyzed them.

It resides in Zhu Erdan's body in a special form, and its only supernatural power is the Mind-Questioning Illusion Technique, which clearly prevents it from freely displaying its divine might.

The Investigating Officers, who reward the good and punish the evil, and redress grievances, should be considered good people, or rather, not bad people, to some extent.

Then
His gaze drifted into the void, where he seemed to see the crimson-robed deity seated in the Inspectorate.

Fellow Daoist, let's have a go at it.

Xu Xuan paced back and forth, countless thoughts flashing through his mind.

The professors were also patiently waiting; they certainly had that much composure.

At that moment, the young man stopped in his tracks, a flame of wisdom igniting in his eyes.

"drag!"

"drag?"

"Indeed, as the art of war says: 'In battle, courage is paramount. One should strike with full force at the first drumbeat, for the second will be weaker, and the third will be exhausted. When the enemy is exhausted and we are still strong, we can defeat them. A large state is difficult to fathom, and we fear there may be an ambush. I saw their tracks were disordered and their flags were drooping, so I pursued them.'"

“Zhu Erdan of Jintian Academy will definitely use the same methods to sweep through Bailu Academy next, and then convene the Three Academies Literary Conference with great momentum.”

"The students in the academy are currently in low spirits and need time to recover."

"When the enemy is strong and we are weak, it is like throwing an egg against a rock; a wise man would not do such a thing."

(End of this chapter)