Three punches shattered the demonic soul, young hero, I'm an honest man!

Chapter 88 A Gentleman's Promise Lasts Eighteen Years

Both Li Qingzhu and Su Wenruo came from humble backgrounds.

However, they hit it off immediately at Canghuai Academy and became close friends.

Both were young talents with the Confucian ambition of "cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world."

They were kindred spirits and often discussed matters under the moon, expressing their thoughts in writing.

"—Brother Wenruo's talent far surpasses mine; his heart is set on the world, he is no ordinary person."

Li Qingzhu's diary is filled with praise and expectations for Su Wenruo.

They co-authored "Canghuai Cewen".

The essay, spanning tens of thousands of words, is filled with beautiful visions for the future of the Immortal Dynasty and suggestions for improvement.

Pei Yun casually flipped through the tattered pages of the strategy question, his gaze slightly narrowed.

"Reform the abuses of the grain transport system and alleviate the hardships of the people."

"The key to rectifying officialdom is the source of clean government."

"Promote education to enlighten the people and limit the power of the rich to equalize wealth."

Even from Pei Yun's current perspective, these strategies seem quite bold, even somewhat shocking.

Between the lines, one can sense the youthful vigor and the sincere patriotism and concern for the people.

"Youthful spirit, so bold and unrestrained, it does have some merit," Pei Yun said softly.

After parting ways at the academy, the two embarked on different paths in life.

Su Wenruo was exceptionally intelligent and passed the imperial examination with high honors, choosing to enter officialdom.

He wanted to realize his ideals in the treacherous and unpredictable imperial court.

Li Qingzhu seemed to have seen through the ups and downs of officialdom.

Unwilling to follow the crowd, he chose to go to the sacred place that all Confucian scholars yearned for—Langya Academy.

Continue your spiritual practice and academic pursuits.

He hoped to contribute to the world and its people in another way.

Although their paths diverged, their friendship did not diminish.

The correspondence never ceased.

Su Wenruo's letters gradually revealed his helplessness and weariness at the infighting in officialdom and the difficulty in realizing his ideals.

Between the lines, there is a sense of "life is like a game of chess, and one is not in control of one's own destiny."

There was also resentment that "treacherous officials are in power, and it is difficult for upright officials to survive."

But he never gave up. His letters always ended with the determination and perseverance to "clear the world, even if I die nine times, I will have no regrets," which is very moving.

Li Qingzhu's reply was composed and skillful, full of classical allusions.

He analyzed the current situation for Su Wenruo, examining its advantages and disadvantages.

At times, he acts like a strict teacher, reminding them not to forget their original aspirations and not to be tainted by the lust for power.

Sometimes they act like a good friend, encouraging others to persevere and not to lose heart because of temporary difficulties.

"—Brother Wenruo, officialdom is like a journey, and it is hardest to maintain one's original aspirations."

May you be like a pine tree, your beauty undiminished even in the cold of winter.

A few words, but full of sincerity.

Li Qingzhu also rose to fame at Langya Academy.

He was erudite and insightful, and was highly praised by his teachers.

Among his peers, he was an outstanding figure.

Praised as "a promising talent from Langya and Xinzhu, destined to become a pillar of society," his future is bright, and his path to immortality is promising.

If nothing unexpected had happened, he should have risen rapidly through the ranks at Langya Academy and become a great Confucian scholar.

They might even have the chance to touch upon the legendary path of sages.

However, things are impermanent.

Eighteen years ago, the news that Su Wenruo had been convicted and executed for "inappropriate speech and offending the palace" came like a bolt from the blue.

This devastating news shattered Li Qingzhu's peaceful academic life.

In the diary, the handwriting for those days was messy and disordered, with ink stains.

It is evident that he was deeply distressed and grief-stricken at the time.

"Wenruo—Wenruo has suffered such a terrible calamity! Heaven is blind! Where is the sacred way?!"

Shortly after Su Wenruo's death, Li Qingzhu made a decision that shocked all her classmates and teachers.

Li Qingzhu resolutely left Langya Academy!

Give up the easy path of spiritual practice that is readily available, give up the bright and promising future.

From a young talent who was passionate about writing and had a commanding presence in the world.

He became a taciturn, ordinary schoolteacher who taught children in the Zhou family mansion.

For eighteen years, he lived a secluded life, almost forgotten by the world.

If Pei Yun and Li Xuanping hadn't tracked him down to this point, this former "Langya Xinzhu" would probably have been forever lost to the dust.

Pei Yun put down the diary in his hand and exchanged a glance with Li Xuanping.

The answer is obvious.

Before his death, Su Wenruo must have entrusted some extremely important secret to his most trusted friend, Li Qingzhu.

The inscription "Entrustment of a Scholar" on the well wall is clear evidence of this.

Li Qingzhu, in order to protect this weighty entrustment, was willing to sacrifice everything.

He chose the most inconspicuous path, the one that would best conceal his whereabouts.

Like a solitary lamp, it silently guards the dying embers of life in the long night.

Waiting for the right time, or the right person.

Rekindle it and pass it on.

Thinking of this, Li Xuanping's Dao heart was stirred.

"For a single entrustment, he abandoned the path to enlightenment at Langya Academy and willingly endured eighteen years of solitude."

"Such behavior is simply—simply—" in the eyes of the world.

"—Foolish, isn't it?"

Pei Yun spoke calmly, though a barely perceptible ripple flickered in his eyes.

He gently placed the old item he was holding back on the table.

"There are countless paths to enlightenment. Some seek immortality, some seek the Dao, and some seek a clear conscience and to keep a promise made to an old friend."

Pei Yun sighed softly, but a complex and inscrutable admiration flashed in his eyes.

"The ladder to heaven that ordinary Confucian scholars dream of is discarded by him like worn-out shoes, and he is willing to become a grain of sand in the mortal world."

"This decisiveness and resolve, this stubbornness to do what one knows to be impossible, is something that ordinary people cannot possess."

Li Xuanping remained silent.

He comes from a righteous sect of Xuanmen and has been practicing immortal arts since childhood.

What they seek is to live as long as heaven and earth, and to be indestructible through countless eons.

Li Qingzhu's Confucian act of "sacrificing oneself for righteousness" was indeed difficult to understand at first.

But upon closer reflection, a sense of inexplicable respect and awe arises.

Although Li Qingzhu did not embark on the path to immortality.

However, his unwavering resolve and noble character are probably unmatched by many cultivators who are eager for immortality.

Which is more important, the Daoist mind or the human mind?

For a moment, Li Xuanping was somewhat bewildered.

"The principles of sages and saints are not found on paper, but in practice," Pei Yun sighed.

"Li Qingzhu was a man who lived his life by the principles of 'trust and righteousness.'"

Pei Yun looked out the window and seemed to see that lonely figure, silently persevering through eighteen years of trials and tribulations.

"For eighteen years, he lived in solitude, embodying the noble spirit of the ancient locust tree," and safeguarding the trust placed in him by the students.

"A promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold, heavier than Mount Tai."

This person truly deserves the title of "gentleman."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuanping let out a long breath, his expression solemn.

"What Commander Pei said is absolutely right."

Li Xuanping thought to himself that if he were in that situation, he might not have been able to make such a decision and persevere.

He suddenly felt that the "Great Way" he had been pursuing seemed to reflect a different kind of brilliant light in ordinary people like Li Qingzhu.

That radiance has nothing to do with magical powers or supernatural abilities, but only with one's true heart and faith.

Pei Yun nodded, then added, "But I always feel that, besides keeping the secret for the past eighteen years, Li Qingzhu seems to be waiting for something."

"The clues he left behind point to Zhou Yusheng, which may not be as simple as diverting attention and confusing the public."

A person who is willing to sacrifice everything would never make such hasty final arrangements.

Who is Li Qingzhu waiting for? And what opportunity is she waiting for?

Pei Yun and Li Xuanping exchanged a glance, both harboring a hint of doubt.

Just as Pei Yun was wondering what was going on, Zhang Quan arrived in a hurry.

"Boss! Zhou Yusheng is in trouble!"

Zhang Quan's expression was not as capable as usual; instead, it carried a strange air about him.

"What's wrong?"

Pei Yun raised his eyes, his expression turning solemn.

His first thought was that the remnants of the previous dynasty's Xiao family were unable to restrain themselves from taking action.

Zhang Quan shook his head, his expression strange.

"Young Master Zhou—he, he was beaten up."

Pei Yun raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Who did it?"

Zhang Quan cleared his throat: "Yes—a student of Langya Academy."

Langya Academy?

A strange glint flashed in Pei Yun's eyes.