Swords emerge from the human world

Chapter 85: The State of the World, the Announcement of the Provincial Examination Results

(First day of release, urgently seeking first-time orders to support us!)
Next, Chen Jin took the opportunity to ask about various current affairs and world events.

Chen Shounian was well-read, had traveled extensively, and was knowledgeable. He did not hold back his knowledge and immediately began to recount his experiences.

Especially regarding the changes in the world situation, he discusses the past and present in great detail.

In his words, these things should not be said too much before Chen Jin takes the provincial examination, so as not to disturb his mind.

But now that the exam is over, there's no need to hide anything. We should explain things clearly so that Chen Jin knows about the changing times.

"Understanding the general trend is more important than anything else. It doesn't mean blindly following the crowd or going with the flow, but rather acting in accordance with the trend and taking advantage of it, instead of doing foolish things like trying to stop a chariot with your bare hands. Hence the saying: A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall."

Chen Jin agreed with this statement: having a sharp mind and a murderous aura is not the same as being reckless and impulsive.

So I listened attentively and analyzed and summarized the information.

……

A hundred years ago, the world was in chaos, and heroes vied for power. Emperor Jiang Shen, the founding emperor of this dynasty, rose from humble beginnings. With his great talent and ambition, he led his troops to sweep across the land and eventually conquered the world.

This empire was acquired quickly, but it cannot be governed quickly.

Therefore, Emperor Taizu took bold and decisive measures to reform and reorganize the system. On the one hand, he emphasized civil affairs and suppressed military affairs, cleaned up the Jianghu factions, and unified the military.

On the one hand, it conferred the orthodox lineage of Taoism, which included three major Taoist sects and two major Buddhist sects.

The three major Taoist sects are: the Celestial Masters Sect, the Alchemy Sect, and the Supreme Sect.

Among them, the Supreme Being is detached from worldly affairs, and his whereabouts are elusive and difficult to grasp;
The Dan Ding Dao focuses on cultivating Qi and refining pills, as the saying goes, "Once a golden pill is swallowed, my fate is in my own hands, not in the hands of heaven."
The Celestial Masters sect is skilled in talismans and has been based on Longhu Mountain for thousands of years. They are renowned and powerful, and each generation receives imperial decrees, enjoying immense prestige.

The two major schools of Buddhism are the Dharma School and the Chan School.

The Dharma school emphasizes opening wide the doors of expedient means and practicing the Dharma for all sentient beings;

Zen Buddhism emphasizes personal karma and the realization of one's true nature, which is called "Zen meditation," ultimately leading to "laying down the butcher's knife and becoming a Buddha on the spot."

The three major Taoist sects and the two major Buddhist sects are the orthodox sources, with numerous Taoist temples and monasteries branching out from them.

In this respect, it is similar to the direct line and collateral branches of a prestigious family.

In addition, there are many unorthodox sects and heretical cults that are not officially recognized by the imperial court. They grow like weeds in the gutter, spreading everywhere and impossible to eradicate.

Each time they are cleared out, things calm down for a while, but after a period of time, they start to stir again and resurface.

Back then, the imperial court's ironclad troops fought in the south and north, their iron hooves felling mountains and destroying temples, uprooting many magical traditions and eradicating them completely.

Emperor Jiang Shendi is determined to sweep away all demons and monsters to restore order to the court; he also wants to crack down on and dismantle the power of the major aristocratic families to prevent them from forming local separatist regimes.

However, he passed away suddenly with unfinished business.

The successor tended to maintain the status quo and relaxed control strategies, ultimately leading to the current situation.

The divine way and the human way coexist.

Two major Buddhist sects, three major Taoist sects, four great families, eight famous clans... all forces have become deeply entrenched, intertwined, and each has its own development path.

Chen Shounian pointed to the Taoist temple and Buddhist temple in Fuyun Mountain: "The Taoist temple and Buddhist temple, Fuyun Temple, are from the Buddhist sect. They stand opposite each other and live in peace, which is quite interesting. However, there are bound to be conflicts and disputes behind the scenes."

Chen Jin asked, "Among the Chen family's children, are there any who have entered Taoist temples or Buddhist monasteries to become monks and nuns?"

Chen Shounian nodded and replied, "Of course there are. Otherwise, how could I allow someone else to snore beside my bed? However, cultivation is extremely particular about one's innate talent and destiny. For the direct descendants of the Chen family, it is not difficult to enter the gate, but to enter the Dao is as difficult as ascending to heaven. As far as I know, nearly a hundred people have entered the gate so far, but only one in a hundred has been able to receive the mantle. It can be said that the entire army has been wiped out."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin understood.

Chen Shounian continued, "Compared to the orthodox Taoism and Buddhism, martial arts, imperial examinations, and even unorthodox practices, it is undoubtedly much easier. However, unorthodox practices are neither human nor ghost, neither fish nor fowl, and cannot be brought to the table, so they are naturally despised. In the end, only the way of literature and martial arts remains, with a balance of tension and relaxation."

Chen Jin had a sudden inspiration: "So, when Sixth Uncle knew I was cultivating, he thought that if I failed the exam, I could still take a roundabout way and enter the cultivation path, so I could still be recognized as a member of the clan."

Chen Shounian clapped his hands: "That's exactly right."

Guo Ai, standing nearby, widened her almond-shaped eyes and asked, "Grandpa, do you want Young Master Chen Jin to become a monk?"

Chen Shounian explained, “There are many kinds of monastic life; one doesn’t necessarily have to become a monk. For example, the Celestial Masters sect does not prohibit marriage and having children. Chen Jin, you said you can practice Qi cultivation; could it be that you have received the lineage of the Alchemy Sect?”

Chen Jin pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I'm not very clear either, so I can't compare." Chen Shounian stroked his beard and said, "If there's a chance, I can introduce you to Master Fuyun of Fuyun Temple. He comes from the Dan Ding Dao lineage and has excellent Qi cultivation skills. Unfortunately, he went on a journey and hasn't returned yet. There are only some disciples and acolytes left in the temple, so asking him won't be of any use."

Chen Jin thanked the other party, and finally learned about the general situation of cultivation in the world from them.

These insights and knowledge will be very useful, so that I won't be completely clueless when I travel the world in the future.

“In recent years, not to mention other prefectures, let’s just talk about Gaozhou Prefecture, which I know best. Unorthodox temples and frivolous worship among the people have become increasingly prevalent. The villagers are ignorant and the officials are corrupt. If this trend continues, there will surely be trouble.”

Chen Shounian said with some concern.

Chen Jin's eyes flashed, and his first thought was of the "ghostly realm" he had encountered on the rainy night on his way to the state capital.

Normally, this situation shouldn't happen.

But it happened nonetheless.

Although Chen Shounian held back some things and didn't fully reveal them, Chen Jin could still guess what was going on.

For example, there will inevitably be many conflicts between the imperial court and various prestigious families. In addition, there are Taoist and Buddhist sects, as well as unorthodox sects that are unwilling to remain dormant. Once these conflicts are triggered, the current seemingly stable structure and order will be broken.

It won't lead to widespread chaos, but regional upheavals and changes are inevitable.

Chen Shounian continued, "With this in mind, I have repeatedly proposed that more members of the Chen family be discovered, promoted, and appointed to positions to strengthen the clan's foundation. However, due to various reasons, this has not been possible. It is indeed difficult to balance the interests of each branch of the family. Perhaps I have been thinking too simply."

His words carried an air of desolation.

Guo Ai comforted him, "Grandpa, you don't need to think too much. You were in charge of the inspection this year, and you did your best. You said everything you needed to say."

Chen Shounian chuckled: "Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. We've had our fun today, let's go down the mountain."

……

Over the next few days, with Shi Qifeng driving the carriage and Guo Ai acting as the guide, Chen Jin traveled around the inner city of the prefecture, experiencing the city's prosperity and bustle, which broadened his horizons considerably.

……

Time flies, and soon the important day for announcing the results of the provincial examination arrived.

On this day, early in the morning, the site in the center of the Chen family ancestral land was bustling with activity, and all the arrangements were completed.

The area was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a festive atmosphere as everyone awaited the arrival of good news.

This year, over a hundred of Chen's disciples participated in the provincial examination. Although fewer than in previous years, it was still a considerable number, and many of them were outstanding individuals.

It is certain that someone will pass the imperial examination; the only question is how many people will be on the final list and what the highest-ranking candidate will be.

The procession was set up, with each house and family arranged in order, flags fluttering, creating a truly imposing sight.

In comparison, the sixth house was rather shabby, with fewer people and a far less imposing presence.

Unfortunately, Chen Jin was the only one who could represent the sixth branch of the family in the provincial examination.

It can be described as a lone survivor.

In other rooms and households, there were usually more than ten examinees.

The sheer number of people presents a stark contrast, a truly overwhelming advantage.

Not to mention that, strictly speaking, Chen Jin is not actually a member of the sixth wife's family.

As long as one has not formally acknowledged one's ancestry, one remains a collateral branch, or "outsider."

Now, Chen Jin, this "outsider," has unexpectedly arrived, entered the Sixth House's camp, and taken a seat.

This was the result of Chen Shounian overcoming all opposition.

Since we've arrived, we must naturally endure scrutiny from all sorts of strange looks and criticisms.

Many people looked at him, thinking: If Chen Jin fails the exam today, how humiliating and shameful it will be.
　I was in a rush to release it, so I posted a small chapter to test the waters, but I was prepared for the results to be dismal. However, I won't be ashamed and will just keep writing!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)