In the Da Xia Dynasty, there was a unique institution—not named something Academy or something else. It didn’t have a formal name at all. Therefore, to distinguish it from others, various prefixes were often added before the two characters “Xue Yuan” (meaning academy) in cities outside the Luo River of the dynasty.
Previously, there was a “Tianqi Academy” near Linjiang. However, due to its remote location and lack of cultivation resources, it was eventually outcompeted by nearby sects and factions—to put it bluntly, it went bankrupt.
When they were young, Li Zhen used to joke with someone that it should have been called “Tianfa Academy” instead. It was unheard of for the spirit stone mine they controlled to actually be depleted due to some accident. Clearly, certain sects must have been pulling strings behind the scenes. After all, the conflict between the dynasty and the sects had always been fierce, especially after relations with the monster clans appeared to improve.
Li Tan, along with two others, walked forward with two men leading the way and Cheng Xuan slightly behind. Soon, they stopped at the main gate.
The academy’s gate was wide open, large enough to accommodate four horse-drawn carriages driving abreast, matching the scale of the imperial palace. On either side before the gate stood two stone lions, each as tall as a man. Their eyes were carved with such lifelike precision that, as the saying goes, once the finishing touch was added to the eyes of a dragon painting, the dragon might come alive. Staring at the lions’ eyes could even create an illusion—as if the king of beasts had come to life, ready to devour you with fury. Before the lions stood a man who appeared to be in his thirties, wearing a coarse, indigo-colored hemp robe. He was leisurely sweeping fallen leaves off the ground. The late autumn wind was strong; just as he swept one area clean, more leaves were soon blown from trees or elsewhere to cover the ground again. The man seemed foolishly engaged in a futile task. However, aside from Cheng Xuan, the other two dared not show the slightest disrespect toward him.
Wang Boqiu might have seemed muddled on the surface, but he was actually quite clear-headed inside. Li Tan appeared sharp and was equally astute inwardly, whereas Cheng Xuan was confused both outwardly and inwardly.
What if the academy, filled with the future pillars of the Da Xia Dynasty, were attacked by foreign assassins, with not a single guard present?
There are always people in the world who mistakenly believe those who care about the people in the imperial court are more foolish than themselves. Many times, it indeed seems that way on the surface. But if one truly believes this without doubt, then one is truly a fool. If even a bunch of idle rich kids can understand something, do you think those people wouldn’t understand?
Wang Boqiu may not have been as capable as those in the imperial court, but he was certainly no fool. He respectfully bent over and bowed, saying, “Senior, we’d like to tour the academy.”
Li Tan instantly determined that this man’s cultivation level should be that of a Zongshi (Grandmaster), and even among Grandmasters, he was extremely strong. Without using his divine sense, Li Tan immediately reached this conclusion and was certain that he currently stood no chance against the man. Therefore, he also respectfully bowed, though not as deeply as Wang Bo. Cheng Xuan, unaware of the situation, was puzzled about why they were showing such respect to someone who was merely sweeping the ground. However, she was merely naive, not stupid. Despite her confusion, she quickly followed suit and bent her waist too.
The man sweeping the ground paused, slightly lifting his head. His somewhat unfocused gaze swept over the three of them before he murmured, “You must come out within an hour,” and then lowered his head again, continuing his seemingly futile task.
Unlike sects, which are conservative and reject all outsiders, the academy was very open. Even ordinary people without cultivation could enter for a period of time as long as they followed the rules.
The three entered together. Inside, pavilions and towers stood among hills and waters. Occasionally by the bluestone paths were small ponds or weeping willows. Early in the morning, looking up, one could see countless eaves hidden in the thin morning mist.
It looked less like a cultivation academy and more like a royal garden. In fact, the emperor indeed treated this place as his second summer resort.
“Who was that person just now?”
Since Cheng Xuan wasn’t stupid, she naturally realized that the man they had encountered was no ordinary figure.
Wang Boqiu answered casually, “Not sure. Maybe he’s a mentor from the academy.”
“A mentor still has to do the sweeping?”
“Uh, probably not. You’ve heard of the story about the old monk who sweeps Changlin, right?”
“Mm, I secretly read it when I was young, against my father’s orders, and ended up kneeling the whole day as punishment. My father said people who read such books are all useless.”
Li Tan interjected, “There are countless people across the Nine Provinces who diligently study the great Dao of governance, yet few of them become accomplished. Can we then say those people are also useless?”
They chatted on and off, their conversation drifting unpredictably. Influenced by the two, Li Tan spoke more than he ever had since his rebirth. However, their peaceful moment was soon interrupted. As the saying goes, enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road. They unexpectedly ran into Xu Jie, who was accompanied by his sycophantic servant and about to leave the academy. Enemies meeting face to face, their eyes flared with intense anger. Li Tan had never considered Xu Jie an enemy, so he remained calm. But Xu Jie was different—he was furious, his eyes red like a rabbit’s.
He shouted furiously, rushing forward quickly. Suddenly, he noticed Cheng Xuan hiding behind Li Tan, instantly understanding something, his anger slightly subdued. Frowning, he asked, “Why are you here?”
He actually understood the answer, but was unwilling to believe in such an incredible coincidence.
Cheng Xuan was scared. Li Tan could feel her hand trembling against his back. His calm gaze darkened slightly with displeasure. “It’s none of your business. Move aside.”
“The last time you got lucky and escaped. This time, let’s see where you can run.”
Xu Jie threatened.
From the brief conversation among the three just now, Wang Boqiu roughly understood that Li Tan and Xu Jie had a history of conflict, and Cheng Xuan seemed to play some role in it. Generally speaking, he wouldn’t get involved in such private matters, as it’s hard to judge who is right or wrong without being directly involved. However, the situation was different when it came to Xu Jie. This man was infamous in Luoshui—known for his lechery, not sleeping well unless he had molested a decent woman every three days. What good could such a person possibly do? It would be a miracle in the history of Da Xia’s founding.
“Xu Jie, this is the academy. You’d better watch your step.”
Wang Boqiu deliberately lowered his voice to warn him.
Xu Jie glanced toward the direction of the gate, recalling the man who was sweeping the ground and the academy’s formidable reputation. His courage immediately diminished by half. He angrily said, “There’s only one gate. I don’t believe you won’t come out. Just wait for me!”
Xu Jie furiously flicked his sleeve and brushed past Li Tan. His servant stared at Li Tan with a look that said “You’re dead” before quickly following. After they left, Wang Boqiu, somewhat worried, asked, “Brother Li, you need to be careful. That guy never forgets a grudge and is very petty.”
Li Tan indifferently smiled, “I’m not afraid.”
“Of course you don’t have to fear him, but you should fear the guards he might bring.”
“Guards? What level?”
“Probably experts in Nativity, and not just one.”
“Nativity? Are you afraid?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why should I be afraid?”
Li Tan raised the corner of his mouth confidently and walked forward first.
Wang Boqiu felt somewhat anxious. He himself wasn’t afraid because he had his own guards. But clearly, Li Tan didn’t have any guards—how could he not be afraid?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage