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Chapter 297: 296. The Second Fundamental Taoist Treasure, The Eight Sceneries of Taiqing Treasured C
Chapter 297: 296. The Second Fundamental Taoist Treasure, The Eight Sceneries of Taiqing Treasured Cloak (Part 1)
Upon hearing Ye Yan's description of the situation in Tianli, Chu Xiuyuan's expression turned solemn. "What about the cultural lineage there?"
Ye Yan replied, "The essence of culture and literature blends with the terrain and veins of the land. The cultural lineage also flows in various directions, appearing scattered but ultimately unified."
Chu Xiuyuan nodded slightly, unsurprised by this revelation.
As he expected, the scholars of the so-called Great Ming Dynasty carried the fortune of the country within them, and their essence of culture and literature was harmonious with the terrain and veins.
Without needing to ask further questions, Chu Xiuyuan understood that there might be families in that world who passed down their knowledge through generations, but they were different from the aristocratic families of the Great Tang Dynasty.
In a sense, the scholars under the rule of the Great Ming Dynasty formed a community that shared joys and sorrows together.
While each family had its own ups and downs, they collectively stood opposite the emperor.
This collective, which shared the burden of the country's fortune with the emperor, was not limited to a handful of individuals or families and, strictly speaking, did not solely rest on the shoulders of Confucian cultivators.
Instead...
"Rituals and laws," Ye Yan said, locking eyes with Chu Xiuyuan. "And the rites."
Both men were outstanding Confucian cultivators in the Great Tang Dynasty, and although they might not fully recognize the Confucian cultivators in Tianli, they had gained a preliminary understanding of their situation through their interactions.
To a certain extent, the other party's rituals and laws were intertwined with the imperial court and included the emperor, officials, and scholars, forming a massive and complete system.
It was a system that had never appeared in the history of the Great Tang Dynasty before.
According to the conventions of the cultivation world, this was an entirely new school of Confucianism, independent of classics, archery, and chanting.
Undoubtedly, it had evolved from the classics.
However, it had matured, developed its unique style, and formed its own sect.
...In Tianli, this new school of thought had even replaced the classics to a certain extent.
Even the experienced Chu Xiuyuan wore a solemn expression at this revelation.
Ye Yan had already processed this information for some time, so his current state of mind was relatively calm. "Gui Cang has transformed into Tianli, but what is the origin of its people?"
Chu Xiuyuan shook his head gently. "In ancient times, our ancestor once set foot in Gui Cang, but eventually, the heavens and the earth underwent great changes, and the related history was obliterated. I am ashamed to say that in recent years, our clan has also tried to rediscover Gui Cang, but we never expected it to have transformed into its current state."
"I believe that the essence of culture and literature related to Xu Yuanzhen of the Celestial Master's Mansion, along with the wild and barbaric martial arts intent, may have some connection to the current Tianli," Ye Yan said.
Chu Xiuyuan asked, "Could it be that after the essence of culture and literature was trampled by the wild and barbaric martial arts, they reflected on their pain and made improvements, thus creating the current state of the new school in Tianli?"
Ye Yan nodded slightly but added, "However, there are still some doubts."
Chu Xiuyuan turned and looked towards the northwest. "Indeed... "
News from the northwestern inland revealed that the people of the so-called Lone Eagle Khan country were mostly martial artists, and their true intent of martial arts was identical to the wild and barbaric martial arts intent that trampled on the essence of culture and literature!
Had the Confucian cultivators in Tianli made contact with them before?
"How does the essence of culture and literature blend with the fortune of the country? Chu Xiuyuan withdrew his gaze and asked Ye Yan.
Ye Yan explained, "Tianli is ultimately not the true human world, and it is already extraordinary that it can give birth to the fortune of an empire. However, its scope is limited, so while the combat techniques of the Confucian cultivators there are remarkable, they still fall short when compared to the scholars of the Great Tang Dynasty."
Chu Xiuyuan fell into deep thought.
He had already learned some of the intelligence that Ye Yan had yet to mention. There was no need to inquire further.
Due to the incomplete nature of Tianli's fortune, the average level of combat techniques between the scholars of the Great Ming and the Great Tang Dynasties at the same realm did not differ significantly.
However, there was one very noteworthy aspect of this new school of Confucianism.
It emphasized hierarchy.
The suppression of lower-realm cultivators by higher-realm cultivators was far more evident than in other sects.
There was almost no possibility of the weak overcoming the strong or of overturning the hierarchy.
This trait was not limited to the internal dynamics of the new Confucian school.
Higher-realm scholars from Tianli also exhibited more significant realm advantages over lower-realm cultivators from other sects in the Great Tang Dynasty.
"After thousands of years of being unseen, the changes in Gui Cang are truly unexpected," Chu Xiuyuan said, his mood having calmed, and a serene smile returning to his face. "One wave of the era's tide after another, I wonder if these old bones of mine can withstand it."
"The more critical the situation, the more cautious we must be," Ye Yan said, looking towards the western inland and speaking softly. "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has already crossed the heavenly tribulation between the sixth and seventh layers."
Chu Xiuyuan said, "With the northwestern Lone Eagle barbarians invading the borders, His Majesty is handling the situation in Chang'an. In these unstable times, the Crown Prince truly needs to share the burden with His Majesty."
For Crown Prince Zhang Hui, progressing too fast or too slow would both be problematic.
Although the Imperial Dao progressed rapidly, and Confucian cultivation had the ability to accumulate power over time, some time for maturation was necessary when advancing from one major realm to the next.
If one were too patient and accumulated too much, the situation could change drastically, and it might become impossible to make a breakthrough when the need arose.
Fortunately, the Great Tang Dynasty had faced border troubles in recent years.
Concerned about the country and its people, the Crown Prince was determined to share the burden with His Majesty. Through diligent studies, he had made continuous progress, and naturally, no one could find fault with him.
"The key lies in the next step," Chu Xiuyuan murmured to himself.
............................
Imperial Capital, Luoyang.
Within the Eastern Palace.
Crown Prince Zhang Hui returned to the side hall from the Ministry of Rites.
Two young scholars, one surnamed Ye and the other surnamed Chu, were already waiting for him.
When they saw Zhang Hui, they both bowed in greeting.
Crown Prince Zhang Hui waved his hand. "You two may be at ease.
Chu Pu, the eldest grandson of Chu Xiuyuan, the former head of the Chu clan in Suzhou, beamed at Li Jun with a gentle smile. "Your Highness, you flatter me. My father often says that it is a blessing for the Great Tang to have you assisting His Majesty."
Li Jun laughed in response, "I merely do my part in serving the Emperor, but your words are too kind."
Chu Pu was a standout talent among the third generation of the Chu clan. His father, Chu Lin, was the eldest son of Chu Xiuyuan and currently served as the Grand Secretary of the Tang Dynasty.
Due to the Empress' decree, the Grand Secretary's authority had been diminished as governmental affairs were largely concentrated in the Department of State Affairs. Despite Chu Lin's appointment as a Chief Councillor, his power was not what it used to be.
However, he maintained his composure and continued to carry out his duties as before. It was his son, Chu Pu, who had come from Suzhou to take up the position of Grand Tutor (a high-ranking official serving in the Crown Prince's palace).
Sitting alongside Chu Pu in the side hall, waiting for Crown Prince Zhang Hui, was another young Confucian scholar with the surname Ye - Ye Song, the Crown Prince's maternal cousin from Qingzhou's Ye clan.
"Being a part of the royal family, I can only contribute what little I can," Zhang Hui said as he gestured for the two young men to be seated. "How are your grandfather and my maternal grandfather doing in the east?"
"There is no major turmoil at the moment," Chu Pu replied.
Zhang Hui nodded. "I appreciate their hard work and dedication."
"The same goes for the south. There hasn't been any significant activity from the Nine Li lately. For now, we should focus on the northwest and keep an eye on the Celestial Master's Mansion and the Human Realm Country in the south," Ye Song added.
Zhang Hui sighed, "I recall discussing the Celestial Master's Mansion with you before. It truly is a place filled with profound teachings and hidden talents."
Ye Song and Chu Pu remained silent, indicating their agreement.
The outcome of the battle between the Celestial Master's Mansion and the Human Realm Country had taken most people by surprise.
Although Xu Yuanzhen was not present, the Celestial Master's Mansion had still managed to inflict heavy damage on the Human Realm Country! Despite receiving aid from Xiao Xieting, Zhang Dongyuan, Zhang Junhai, and the unexpected reappearance of Faqing, the monk, the Celestial Master's Mansion's victory was astonishing.
Initially, the outside world had expected the Celestial Master's Mansion to merely hold its ground and defend its headquarters at Dragon-Tiger Mountain. No one had anticipated that they would deal such a devastating blow to the Human Realm Country.
Huang Xuanpu had even personally joined the battle, yet he failed to capture Dragon-Tiger Mountain, and now, the Human Realm Country was on the brink of collapse.
"I wonder when the Heavenly Master's Seal will return to Dragon-Tiger Mountain," Chu Pu said, shaking his head.
"It's unlikely to happen before the Jinzhou campaign," Ye Song replied. "The consecutive crises in Shu Mountain and the Southern Wilderness may have triggered changes in the earth veins, causing a delay."
"Putting aside those outside the Celestial Master's Mansion, within their ranks, the Tang Celestial Master, Elder Yuan, and the Heavenly Master's Sword are all formidable figures, and their strengths are well-known," Zhang Hui said.
"The variables lie in the Seal and one person," Zhang Hui continued, looking at Ye Song. "The Heavenly Master's Seal speaks for itself, but that Elder Lei..."
He smiled at Ye Song, "Do you remember our previous conversation?"
"Your Highness, your foresight is remarkable. Indeed, Lei Jun has made a stunning debut, just like his master, Yuan Mobai," Ye Song said.
Zhang Hui shook his head with a smile, "You give me too much credit, Cousin. Although I had my suspicions, I underestimated Elder Lei. He's not just a dedicated cultivator; his combat abilities are also exceptional, making him a true genius."
After a moment of silence, Ye Song added, "This man keeps a low profile. If the Human Realm Country hadn't attacked Dragon-Tiger Mountain, we might never have known the extent of his true abilities. Now that we've witnessed his strength, it's clear that he surpasses our expectations."
"It's a good thing that the Celestial Master's Mansion and the Human Realm Country are at odds," Chu Pu said. "The decline of the Human Realm Country is definitely a cause for celebration."
"It's excellent that the Human Realm Country suffered a crushing defeat, but it's a pity that the Celestial Master's Mansion didn't suffer any significant losses in terms of personnel. Going forward..." Ye Song trailed off, his expression turning somber.
Zhang Hui smiled faintly, "With the increasing border issues our dynasty is facing, it's a blessing to have such talented individuals supporting the country."
Upon hearing this, Chu Pu and Ye Song exchanged glances and smiled.
Xu Yuanzhen was still in Tianli.
Hopefully, the Celestial Master's Mansion would have another battle with the Great Ming Dynasty soon.
And after that, the Lonely Eagle Khanate.
The Sumeru Vajra Sect.
The Nine Li in the Southern Wilderness.
The capable ones should bear more responsibilities.
However, one wondered how long these capable Daoists could continue to shoulder the burdens.
"By the way, what about Meng Qingyan? Where is he now?" Chu Pu suddenly remembered something.
Zhang Hui thought for a moment, "He's still in Luoyang, at the Academic Palace. He's been focusing on his studies and hasn't been seen for quite some time."
"His Majesty once had high hopes for him, but..." Chu Pu said, his voice trailing off.
Zhang Hui smiled, "You can't force someone to study. Let's hope that he'll have a breakthrough one day and be able to showcase his talents."
"With others decorating your court, there's no need to keep him around," Ye Song added.
.................................................
Meng Qingyan, the subject of Chu Pu and the others' conversation, was indeed in the Academic Palace in Luoyang, devoting himself to his studies.
After stepping down as the Master of the Academic Palace, Xiao Chunhui focused his energy on the Department of State Affairs.
Occasionally, he returned to the Academic Palace to check on Meng Qingyan's progress.
Recently, with Fang Yue heading south to Jianye to establish the third Academic Palace, Xiao Chunhui had been coming back to Luoyang more frequently.
It was timely, as Meng Qingyan's studies were yielding greater results, and he had many questions for Xiao Chunhui.
Xiao Chunhui answered each of his inquiries and praised him, saying, "Qingyan, your understanding of the teachings has reached a remarkable level. There are a few areas where your insights have almost surpassed my own.
With the urgent border issues in the northwest, His Majesty is occupied with handling the situation. Once the crisis is averted, you should prepare to go to Chang'an and receive guidance directly from His Majesty."
Meng Qingyan quickly expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging his shortcomings and requesting continued guidance from Xiao Chunhui.
As Meng Qingyan's studies progressed and his abilities improved exponentially due to the Confucian method of accumulating knowledge, his perspective and understanding of the world expanded.
It was because of this that he realized the depth and power of the seemingly unassuming and refined scholar before him.
Meng Qingyan, the subject of Chu Pu and the others' conversation, had indeed been at the Academic Palace in Luoyang, dedicating himself to his studies.
After stepping down as the Master of the Academic Palace, Xiao Chunhui focused his energy on the Department of State Affairs. Occasionally, he returned to the Academic Palace to check on Meng Qingyan's progress.
Recently, with Fang Yue heading south to Jianye to establish the third Academic Palace, Xiao Chunhui had been visiting Luoyang more frequently.
The timing couldn't have been better, as Meng Qingyan's studies were bearing fruit, and he had many questions for Xiao Chunhui.
Xiao Chunhui answered each of his inquiries patiently and praised him, saying, "Qingyan, your understanding of the teachings has reached an extraordinary level. There are a few areas where your insights have almost surpassed my own.
With the urgent border issues in the northwest, His Majesty is occupied with handling the situation. Once this crisis is averted, you should prepare to go to Chang'an and receive guidance directly from His Majesty himself."
Meng Qingyan expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging his shortcomings and requesting continued guidance from Xiao Chunhui.
As Meng Qingyan's studies progressed, and his abilities improved exponentially due to the Confucian method of accumulating knowledge, his perspective and understanding of the world expanded.
It was because of this that he realized the depth and power of the seemingly unassuming and refined scholar before him.
"Master, I recall you mentioning the Gui Cang on the other side of the East China Sea, or Tianli, where the scholars also practice a new school of thought?" Meng Shaoji thought of something and asked curiously.
Xiao Chunhui nodded, "Indeed, although some details are yet to be confirmed, it is undoubtedly the fourth school of Confucianism."
Meng Shaoji listened with a sense of admiration.
It wasn't so much that he admired the new school of thought in Tianli.
But rather, he yearned for the fact that the scholarship there had truly matured and established itself, opening a new chapter for Confucianism.
Unlike his own world, which, despite its initial promise, still had many immature aspects.
This was why Xiao Chunhui referred to the new school of thought in Tianli as the fourth branch of Daoism, distinct from classics, archery, and chanting, while Meng Shaoji's world still had a long way to go.
"Don't think too much about it. The new school of thought in Tianli has undergone countless years and generations of refinement and accumulation." Xiao Chunhui smiled, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Meng Shaoji straightened his expression and replied, "Yes, Master, I will keep your teachings in mind."
Then, he suddenly remembered something else, "Master, has the Celestial Master's Mansion fended off the invasion of the Human Realm Country?"
Xiao Chunhui: "To be precise, it's not just a matter of repelling them, but rather, they have thoroughly crushed the Human Realm Country."
He had already read the reports about this matter and now gave a brief account to Meng Shaoji.
"Elder Lei truly surpasses everyone in strength!" Meng Shaoji exclaimed in admiration.
Xiao Chunhui also smiled, "People have always underestimated Elder Lei, and I must admit that I was no exception. Now that I've witnessed his brilliance, I can't help but feel admiration."
In fact, the entire Celestial Master's Mansion had performed beyond expectations this time.
They quietly retrieved the Heavenly Master's Seal.
Tang Xiatang, Yuan Mobai, and Lei Jun, these three individuals successfully eliminated the Thousand Leaf Butterfly King, as well as Rong Guangchen and Wei Qiyue, a demon and two humans respectively.
(End of Chapter)
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