Achieving the Dao from the Hundred Schools of Thought

Zhuang Weiyang was exasperated. She opened the door and let Wang Zidi in.

Despite being a young master, Prince Di traveled without a servant, carrying only a pair of waistbands as he slipped into Zhuang Weiyang's courtyard.

"Weiyang, you look so haggard these past two days. It's really my fault as your older brother."

Under Zhuang Weiyang's questioning gaze, Wang Zidi reflected on his actions.

"We should drink more of this nourishing wine from now on."

Zhuang Weiyang was startled; he knew Wang Zidi's alcohol tolerance.

At the rate he drinks, this innocent young man is bound to ruin his health.

"That servant boy under Bo Pi's tutelage, why does his mouth look like an old lady's belt? My pale complexion is simply due to excessive internal heat!"

Prince Di, with the air of someone who had been through it all, nodded repeatedly in agreement:

"That's right, it must be because the heart fire was consumed too much, leading to some kidney deficiency... Hahahaha."

After a few laughs and jokes, Zhuang Weiyang led Prince Di into the house.

Prince Di's previous teasing demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

"Weiyang, what do you think of Bo Pi's invitation?"

Zhuang Weiyang poured hot tea for Wang Zidi, remaining noncommittal in the face of the question.

Why did the Grand Chancellor invite so many cultivators?

Who doesn't know that Bo Pi is a staunch princeling!

Cultivating a team for the crown prince was also part of his daily work.

"Second Young Master, what else can we say about this? It's the same as last year!"

"Before last summer's harvest, wasn't it Bo Pi who invited people from the academy to select retainers for the Crown Prince?"

"It's just that I didn't embark on the path last year, so I wasn't among those invited."

This happened last year as well.

However, Zhuang Weiyang was only a mortal and not worthy of Bo Pi's attention.

He stood alone like a lackey, watching his former classmates chat and laugh, surrounded by learned scholars and no commoners, while he silently worked on improving his skills.

The prince's expression was grave as he pointed out the crux of the problem.

"Last year, the conflict between Wu and Yue had just ended, and Father had no intention of going north to attack Qi."

"Since you're one of us, I won't hide it from you. Most of the people Bo Pi invited this time are military cultivators, and their purpose is self-evident... Among these people, you are the only one who has mastered the art of the Sage of War!"

"Weiyang, you must be careful!"

Zhuang Weiyang couldn't help but chuckle.

Is Prince Di afraid of being tempted to switch allegiances?

"Second Young Master, are you implying that Wei Yang is a fickle and unreliable person?"

Seeing that Zhuang Weiyang was feigning anger and not joking as usual, Prince Di shook his head.

"It's not that I don't trust you, but Bo Pi is determined to succeed."

"High official positions, generous salaries, beautiful women, and wealth—Bo Pi can satisfy all the desires of ordinary people."

Zhuang Weiyang struck a proud pose, waving her hands repeatedly.

"These are not what I seek."

Seeing Zhuang Weiyang's expression, Prince Di's solemn look relaxed somewhat.

"I'm not afraid of bribes, but what about coercion?"

"The Crown Prince is my elder brother, so I can't get involved in this matter. You'll have to handle it yourself."

"After a few days, once the summer harvest martial arts competition is over, you and I can go directly to Zuili. I don't think the Crown Prince will come after us to demand our return."

Zhuang Weiyang understood.

Is a Dazai (a high-ranking official) coercing one of his students?

It sounds ridiculous, but if this student comprehends the art of war and happens to be about to march north to attack Qi.

Under these circumstances, whatever Bo Pi does is perfectly reasonable.

"I understand. I know how to stall for time too, don't worry, Second Young Master."

"If I delay for a few days, I don't think Lord Dazai will make things difficult for me."

Prince sighed.

"That's all we can do."

At this point, neither of them discussed the topic further.

Just now, when the summer harvest martial arts competition was mentioned, Zhuang Weiyang asked a question out of curiosity.

"Second Young Master, what's the plan for this year's martial arts competition? Are we still going to Taihu Lake?"

The location of martial arts demonstrations is usually kept secret.

As per the usual procedure, the cultivators who had embarked on the path of cultivation in the past year fought against the demon race under the watchful eye of the King of Wu.

The top three finishers in the martial arts competition will receive very generous rewards.

Advanced weapons and armor, half-demon beast mounts, secret scrolls...

Zhuang Weiyang wanted these things too.

Prince Di took a sip of tea, frowned, and spat out some foam.

"The martial arts competition... seems to be taking place near Tiger Hill this year. It's said that Tiger Hill hasn't been cleaned up for several years, and some minor demons are starting to reappear."

"Also, Weiyang, could you please get some better tea? Look at this! Is this even tea?"

"This must be tea porridge!"

"I'm off, be careful tonight!"

Zhuang Weiyang, with a smile on her face, saw Prince Di off, and pondered in her heart:

Tiger Hill, that place is no place for easy people...

The real Tiger Hill is completely different from the Tiger Hill here.

Tiger Hill here is located a hundred miles east of Suzhou.

Despite its name, Tiger Hill is actually a series of interconnected high mountains.

Tiger Hill is rich in resources, with countless medicinal herbs and minerals.

But few people dared to set foot there.

Demons roam inside all year round!

The King of Wu was also greatly troubled by this, and in order to prevent evil spirits from leaving the mountains, he would send troops to suppress them every few years.

However, the demon cultivators who have entered the country are no less intelligent than humans, so whether they can be wiped out is unknown.

Zhuang Weiyang gathered her thoughts, returned to her room, and continued to dream.

Nothing, no matter how big the matter, can stop him from grinding for experience points.

It's not even evening yet, is it? Let me browse for a while.

……

The sun spreads its wings, and the great sun sets in the west.

Zhuang Weiyang quickly washed her face and headed straight for the Grand Tutor's residence.

The respect that is due should still be given.

The Dazaifu was located in the inner city of Gusu, not far from the academy.

Before she even entered the gate, the noisy laughter and chatter from inside the mansion reached Zhuang Weiyang's ears.

"Shoujing! You have a beauty in your arms, yet you look so unhappy. Are you dissatisfied?"

"Look at Han Hai, that's a real man... Hahahaha."

Zhuang Weiyang took a deep breath and stepped forward.

The servant at the door was the one who delivered the invitation earlier.

Upon seeing Zhuang Weiyang arrive, the servant forced a smile.

"Mr. Zhuang, the Dazai repeatedly instructed that you be led directly to the banquet hall upon your arrival, without needing to be announced or waited for."

Zhuang Weiyang knew that the test had begun.

Treating someone as superior is the best way to lower their guard.

Zhuang Weiyang nodded with a smile, and the servant led the way, which he followed calmly.

It's not like we're facing a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire; it's just eating, drinking, and having fun. What do I, Zhuang Weiyang, have to fear?

Who dares to underestimate Zhuang Weiyang's drinking capacity?!

At the head of the banquet hall, Bo Pi embraced two beauties, behaving in a dissolute manner.

Zhuang Weiyang knew most of the attendees below.

The top-ranked member, Zhao Shoujing, had a calm expression, which seemed out of place with the joyful atmosphere.

Fan Hanhai, who was the most diligent student and never drank alcohol in the past, had a flushed face today, so he must have had a good drink.

Tang Xu, who declared that he was focused on improving his health and had no interest in wine or women, was completely different from the others at this moment.

While the other trainees were helping one, he was juggling both hands and almost couldn't keep up.

Bo Pi, who was in the first seat, did not see Zhuang Weiyang and continued speaking:

"Women... I only like young ones."

As he spoke, Bo Pi leaned over and took a breath on the girl's neck, looking completely intoxicated.

This elicited a burst of giggles from the girl.

"Throughout my life, I, Bo Pi, have always been the most devoted."

"I only like young girls."

Do you know why this is?