Chapter 8: Terrifying Learning Speed and the Blow

Chapter 8: Terrifying Learning Speed and the Blow

"Master?"

Seeing Li Qingchen lost in thought, Su Changqing waved his hand and called out again.

"Hmm, what is it?"

Li Qingchen, who had split his consciousness, looked up at Su Changqing.

"I haven't asked for your name yet. How should I address you in the future?"

Su Changqing asked, a bit embarrassed.

He had become a disciple but didn't even know his master's name.

"My name is Li," Li Qingchen paused, then remembered his current identity as a failed scholar. He smiled and said, "You may call me Master Confucius."

Su Changqing, not suspecting anything, nodded and asked, "When will I start my studies, Master?"

Now that he knew that reading could also cultivate one's strength, he was eager to begin.

"What? You haven't even finished reading the 'Chronicles of the Warring States,' and you're already thinking about other books?"

Li Qingchen instructed, "Though it's just a simple historical text, it can give you a comprehensive understanding of the world, which will be beneficial for you in the future."

"Master Confucius, I just finished reading it."

Li Qingchen was taken aback by this.

The 'Chronicles of the Warring States' was a simple book, but it had over a hundred pages, and the text was in complex classical language, making it difficult to understand.

An ordinary person would need at least three days to finish it, but how long had he given the book to Su Changqing?

Less than fifteen minutes, right?

"You remembered everything?"

"Of course, it wasn't that difficult, was it?"

Su Changqing had noticed that his mind was exceptionally sharp in this life.

No matter how complex the sentences in the book were, he could instantly understand them and remember them without fail.

Moreover, he read very quickly, able to absorb the content of a page with just a glance.

"Take a look at this 'Book of Benevolence.' I'll test you later."

Li Qingchen paused for a moment, then handed Su Changqing another book.

This book was similar to the previous one, about a hundred pages long, written in complex classical language, and difficult to understand.

"Alright!"

Hearing that his master would test him later, Su Changqing's expression turned serious, and he began to read meticulously.

Li Qingchen, standing beside him, felt his eyelid twitch.

He had been teaching for many years, but he had never seen anyone turn the pages as quickly as Su Changqing.

Almost without pausing, Su Changqing's hands kept flipping through the pages.

In less than fifteen minutes, Su Changqing stood up and handed the book back to him.

"Master, I've finished reading it."

Li Qingchen took the book without even flipping through it and asked, "What does the 12th line on page 47 say?"

Su Changqing answered without hesitation, "I have not seen a man who loves benevolence or hates what is not benevolent. He who loves benevolence is a man who cannot be surpassed. He who hates what is not benevolent is a man who practices benevolence, not allowing what is not benevolent to affect him."

Li Qingchen paused, then continued, "What about the 7th line on page 53?"

"A man's faults are characteristic of the class to which he belongs. By observing a man's faults, we can know whether he is benevolent."

"Line 3 on page 86!"

"The gentleman in his dealings with the world is not prejudiced for or against anything, but acts according to what is right."

...

Half an hour later.

Li Qingchen was completely silent.

He had seen people with photographic memory before, and there were such prodigies in the literary world.

But Su Changqing not only had a photographic memory but also a complete understanding of the meaning behind the words.

This was truly terrifying!

Why did academies exist? Because there were too many things that students couldn't understand, and they needed teachers to clarify them.

But Su Changqing didn't need that. As long as the information was in the books, he could fully comprehend it and even apply it in different contexts.

Such a powerful insight, combined with a photographic memory...

"Brother, you finally have a disciple, but why do you have to compete with me?"

Li Qingchen felt a moment of sorrow for his friend.

Ling Si might be intelligent, but he was not on the same level as Su Changqing.

In less than two years, he might have nothing left to teach Su Changqing.

"Master, how did I do?" Su Changqing asked, smiling confidently.

He was quite satisfied with his own performance.

The speed at which he read, in his previous life, would have been considered divine.

The smooth flow of reading and the satisfaction of accumulating knowledge made him feel extremely content.

Li Qingchen, looking at Su Changqing's smiling face, seemed somewhat dissatisfied as he said:

"It's still acceptable, a bit better than ordinary people, but far from the level of geniuses!"

"Ah?"

"Am I really that bad?"

Su Changqing, who had been feeling rather pleased with himself, now asked with a hint of doubt.

He thought he was pretty strong.

"Of course!"

Li Qingchen, with a serious expression, said, "Do you think being a fast reader is impressive?"

"There are countless prodigies in this world. Some have never read a book but have enlightened themselves to the great truths of the universe and attained sainthood in a single day."

"Others are blessed by the heavens upon their birth, receiving the favor of the literary path."

"You're already of age and just starting to read. Even if you read faster, it's only because your mind has matured. That doesn't count as talent."

Li Qingchen felt a bit embarrassed. He was the only one in the world who could make the greatest prodigy of all time seem so useless.

But he had no choice. Su Nan's instructions were still ringing in his ears.

Moreover, Su Changqing's talent was truly exceptional. If he didn't criticize and challenge him from time to time, Su Changqing might become too arrogant.

So, he had to tell a few white lies.

"Master, I will take your words to heart. I'll be more careful in the future."

Su Changqing's expression was somewhat dejected.

He had thought he was a world-class prodigy, but it turned out he was just a bit better than ordinary people.

But then again, this world was different from his previous life.

Even mountain-moving and sea-parting immortals existed. What did being a fast reader mean in comparison?

Maybe everyone in this world was like that?

"Ah, I was just a simple mountain villager. I never had any chance of being a genius. Dreaming of such things was just foolish."

Su Changqing shook his head with a bitter smile, pushing away those unrealistic thoughts.

"Cough, you don't need to belittle yourself."

Seeing Su Changqing's downcast expression, Li Qingchen, fearing he might be too discouraged, comforted him, "Your understanding is quite good. As long as you work hard, you will surely achieve great things in the future."

After regaining his composure, Su Changqing smiled, "No need to comfort me, Master. I know my limits."

"Don't worry, I won't be discouraged!"

"Even though I'm not a genius and my family isn't well-off, I will work hard to change everything!"

Li Qingchen almost couldn't keep up his act after hearing this.

But when he saw Su Changqing's determined and spirited demeanor, he nodded in relief.

The method Su Nan had devised was indeed ingenious.

"Let's call it a day for today."

Glancing at the sky, Li Qingchen handed a few books to Su Changqing, "If you have any questions, ask me tomorrow. For now, just focus on reading these books."

For a regular student, he would have to provide constant guidance and clarification.

But Su Changqing's comprehension was so strong that he could understand any book on his own and even apply the knowledge in new ways. This made Li Qingchen's job much easier.

He only needed to ensure that Su Changqing's future studies were on the right track.

...

Qing Shan Village.

Su Changqing's mood was fairly good as he walked home.

Although his talent wasn't exceptional, he had successfully become a disciple, taking a crucial step forward and gaining insight into the outside world's wonders.

As long as he took it one step at a time, he would eventually leave Qing Shan Village.

Then he could find a sect and see the legendary cultivators who could fly and traverse the earth.

"Changqing, Changqing!"

A sudden voice interrupted Su Changqing's thoughts. He looked up and smiled, "Eh, Er Niu, just back from the fields?"

The person approaching was familiar to Su Changqing—Su Er Niu, his childhood friend who had also wanted to start school yesterday.

"Today, there wasn't much to do in the fields."

Er Niu nodded, then looked around furtively to make sure no one was around before hugging Su Changqing and speaking in a serious, low voice, "Changqing, how has Er Niu treated you?"

Su Changqing was taken aback but nodded, "Of course, Er Niu has always been great. If you need any help, just say the word."

"Heh, I knew Changqing wouldn't refuse me."

Er Niu grinned and then whispered, "Changqing, recently I've taken a fancy to a girl, but she doesn't like me because I'm just a rough farmer. She prefers people with knowledge."

"Now that you've become a disciple, can you teach me a few things?"

"Then I can show off a bit in front of my sweetheart!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end