: A Minor Test for the Confucian Cultivator

Ning Zhuo set down the jade slip containing his academy notes, his brow furrowed as he muttered under his breath, "This won't do..."

"My understanding of formations isn't as good as the boss's, and probably not as good as Shen Xi's either."

"In talisman-making, I'm not as skilled as Qing Chi, and there are surely plenty of other prodigies my age who have left me in the dust."

"To be honest, it's quite embarrassing. My Ning family specializes in talisman-making, yet I can't even figure out much about these two demon talismans."

"If I don't find some methods, no matter how I cultivate, I'll always lag behind."

"Besides, my three cultivation techniques are all closely linked to machinery arts. Mother also advised me to focus on machinery arts. And machinery arts are the culmination of all the hundred crafts of cultivation, so I need to learn all of them!"

"With my poor comprehension, how can I possibly learn all the hundred crafts at this pace? It'll take forever!"

Just as this thought crossed his mind, a flying letter, guided by his aura, arrived outside his Green Rock Cave dwelling.

Sensing the letter, Ning Zhuo immediately manipulated his token to open the cave door a crack, allowing the letter to enter.

The flying letter zipped through the cave and eventually landed in Ning Zhuo's hand.

He inspected it first, finding nothing amiss, then probed it with his spiritual sense.

"It's indeed a letter from Wen Ruan Yu." The mana aura on the letter had already revealed the sender's identity.

In his second letter, Wen Ruan Yu mentioned that his debriefing period was taking much longer than expected. Given the current trend, he would likely remain under house arrest for a while longer.

From various signs and rumors, Wen Ruan Yu was certain that various factions within the Wanxiang Sect were actively trying to meddle in White Paper Immortal City.

Previously, only a few major factions were involved, but now many smaller ones were also squeezing their way in.

The reason was that some of the weaker major factions had proactively enlisted smaller factions as allies. As a result, information had leaked.

Using coded language, Wen Ruan Yu warned Ning Zhuo: his existence was on the verge of exposure. Despite Wen Ruan Yu's efforts to conceal it, the secrecy was nearing its limit.

Wen Ruan Yu once again urged Ning Zhuo to prepare thoroughly.

Moreover, he had proactively found a way out for Ning Zhuo—

"Although I'm confined and unable to leave, I've contacted some old friends and learned much about the true recent situation within the sect."

Wen Ruan Yu didn't elaborate further in the letter, as it was inconvenient. He merely advised Ning Zhuo not to casually involve himself in the internal conflicts of the Wanxiang Sect.

Especially regarding the Old Four Peaks.

If it involved the Purple Thunder Peak, he needed to be extremely cautious!

Wen Ruan Yu's warning aligned with Ning Zhuo's previous insights.

Ning Zhuo was even more steady and prudent than he had imagined.

"It's a pity I can't send a flying letter to Wen Ruan Yu. He'll have to worry for a while longer."

Wen Ruan Yu could send letters to Ning Zhuo because he had channels and old connections to conceal it temporarily.

If Ning Zhuo were to send a letter to him, it would be like exposing himself voluntarily, admitting guilt without being accused.

At the end of his letter, Wen Ruan Yu mentioned: "Within the Wanxiang Sect, the number of Confucian cultivators is neither large nor small, but they've always been tightly-knit, making friends through literary exchanges and frequent interactions."

"This time, for the Feiyun Minor Test, many among the Confucian cultivators are selecting juniors, hoping to inject fresh blood into their circle."

"Young friend Ning, although you primarily cultivate other techniques and cannot practice Confucian methods concurrently, I've already made arrangements. You can use this minor test to join the Confucian cultivators' group. For a short time, they will offer you some protection."

"Of course, they won't step forward openly but will look after you discreetly."

Ning Zhuo understood their concerns.

Both he and Wen Ruan Yu were about to become the center of the sect's internal strife, with various factions large and small contending and scheming around them.

If the Confucian cultivators got too close too soon, they would also be drawn into the turmoil.

As a group, Confucian cultivators typically preferred to observe the situation. Those who charged ahead were usually not their type.

But Ning Zhuo was quite satisfied!

Wen Ruan Yu was reliable!

Truly one of his own!

From Wen Ruan Yu's arrangements and the Confucian cultivators' response, it was clear this group wasn't very large within the Wanxiang Sect. If they had a powerful backer, the Confucian cultivators would have already started competing for Ning Zhuo.

The benefits of White Paper Immortal City were truly immense!

The Confucian cultivators' own techniques were already defined; they couldn't completely switch to cultivating the "Wanxiang Scripture," so most of them practiced it as a secondary path.

Confucian cultivators had their own pursuits, or rather, their paths already had certain limitations. Because of this, it was difficult for them to enter the core layers of the Wanxiang Sect.

Even so, the Confucian cultivator group was still willing to protect Ning Zhuo, using the Xingyun Minor Test to look after him. This method was quite clever.

Because it adhered to the Wanxiang Sect's rules.

Using rules to serve personal interests was also a tendency of Confucian cultivators when handling affairs—efficient and safe.

"The Confucian cultivator group is in an awkward, middling position and can't serve as a suitable entry point for me to join the Wanxiang Sect."

"But since Wen Ruan Yu recommended and arranged it, I should go!"

"In the short term, gaining their protection is beneficial for me."

"And... among the thousand schools of cultivation, the Confucian school is the most adept at learning! Perhaps I can find a method to accelerate my learning of the hundred crafts there."

The four arts of a gentleman—qin (zither), qi (chess), shu (calligraphy), and hua (painting)—were almost standard for Confucian cultivators.

In other words, as a Confucian cultivator, one had to master at least four skills, and the more profound, the better. This didn't even include the traditional four major crafts: alchemy, artifact forging, formations, and talismans.

Confucian cultivators learned so much, far exceeding ordinary schools, partly because the Confucian school had extensive research achievements in the matter of learning itself.

Many Confucian techniques were specifically designed for learning.

The next day.

Dianmo Peak.

The dark rock walls were covered with natural ink-like stains, black pines stood tall, the mountain mist was damp, and the paths twisted like jade-green ribbons.

Three cultivators were ascending the stone steps moist with morning dew.

The oldest was only a young man.

The young cultivator didn't conceal his peak Foundation Establishment aura. Dark circles under his eyes, his hair tied up but with a few stray strands escaping.

As he walked, the bamboo slips in the poetry tube hanging at his waist clinked against each other.

The young Confucian cultivator, named Bai Ji Yun, walked at the forefront of the trio and slowly paused to gaze into the distance.

He saw the distant peaks cradling a half-golden sun, dyeing the sea of clouds into a magnificent scene like molten gold and spilled jade. He couldn't help but sigh sincerely, "Even if the minor test fails today, witnessing such beauty again makes this trip worthwhile."

Bai Ji Yun had a leisurely and carefree disposition, fond of traveling and admiring beautiful scenes, with a widespread literary reputation.

The two cultivators behind him caught up.

The young Confucian cultivator Liu Fu Shu said, "Brother Bai, you're too modest. You're the face of Foundation Establishment Confucian cultivators in our Feiyun Kingdom. If you fail, none of us can succeed."

Liu Fu Shu was tall and thin like a bamboo pole, his faded blue robe's cuffs frayed. His right index finger had a callus, and there was a faint ink stain on the side of his neck.

He was only at the mid Foundation Establishment stage, but Bai Ji Yun had long known of his reputation.

Although Liu Fu Shu came from a poor family, he had quite a talent for cultivating Confucian methods, especially excelling in calligraphy.

Coincidentally, this Feiyun Minor Test set on Dianmo Peak was a written exam. If he wasn't careful, he might lose to Liu Fu Shu.

Liu Fu Shu wasn't flattering Bai Ji Yun but praising him from the heart.

He was much younger than Bai Ji Yun. Since he started cultivating, he had repeatedly heard from his elders about Bai Ji Yun's talent. Every so often, the literary cultivators' circle would spread news of what poetry Bai Ji Yun had composed and where.

It could be said that Bai Ji Yun was Liu Fu Shu's idol.

"Brother Bai, with such a beautiful scene, you must compose a poem to match your talent! I'm all ears," the third person present spoke up.

He was a child.

His cultivation was only at the Qi Refinement stage, his cheeks still chubby with baby fat, wearing an apricot-yellow short jacket, his pupils dark and bright like painted lacquer.

His name was Kong Ran, a famous child prodigy of the current generation in Feiyun Kingdom, genuinely only ten years old, not an old cultivator using appearance-preserving techniques.

Both Bai Ji Yun and Liu Fu Shu treated Kong Ran as an equal, firstly because Kong Ran came from a prominent family—he was the son of Feiyun Kingdom's prime minister—and secondly because he possessed innate talent—a huge advantage that neither Bai Ji Yun nor Liu Fu Shu had.

Bai Ji Yun first smiled at Kong Ran, then shook his head: "I need to conserve my literary energy for today's Feiyun Minor Test. I can only blame my own lack of talent for failing to do justice to this beautiful scene."

Kong Ran's little face turned serious, somewhat worried: "Is Master Chu Xuan Gui really that strict?"

Bai Ji Yun nodded: "I've been fortunate to meet Master Chu Xuan Gui at a few literary gatherings. He is rigidly upright and meticulous. Even though we only had a few brief conversations, each one made me break out in a cold sweat."

Bai Ji Yun's disposition was clearly different from Chu Xuan Gui's; they were clearly not very compatible.

But Liu Fu Shu looked toward the mountain peak with a tone of admiration: "Being able to personally pay respects to Master Chu Xuan Gui today is truly an honor!"

"Master Chu once wrote 'The Great Unity of the Rites' in the sea of clouds, forging a hundred-li cloud wall that resisted fierce demons and savage devils for many years."

"It's a pity that after resigning from his official post in Feiyun Kingdom, he went into seclusion in the Wanxiang Sect."

The peak of Dianmo Peak was shrouded in bluish-gray morning mist.

The three cultivators ascended to the peak together and saw a middle-aged cultivator sitting cross-legged. In front of him was a stone table, and he was meticulously practicing calligraphy with a treasure-grade brush.

The three cultivators exchanged glances, softened their footsteps, remained silent, and walked over to stand quietly before the middle-aged cultivator.

Only when the middle-aged cultivator set down his brush did they softly greet him and introduce themselves.

The middle-aged cultivator was indeed Chu Xuan Gui. He wore a white robe with wide sleeves, his eyebrows like hanging needles, cheekbones like inkstones, fingers calloused, sitting with impeccable posture, meticulous and rigid.

"Bai Ji Yun, Liu Fu Shu, Kong Ran." Chu Xuan Gui's stern expression softened slightly. "The test hasn't started yet, and you've arrived first. Good, rising at cockcrow shows sincere dedication to learning."

His praise made the three cultivators' hearts leap with joy.

"Wait quietly," Chu Xuan Gui instructed, then fell silent, taking a second sheet of paper and continuing to practice calligraphy.

Bai Ji Yun could only stand quietly in place. He wanted to move but, knowing Chu Xuan Gui's temperament, had to endure the hardship.

Liu Fu Shu, however, gazed intently at Chu Xuan Gui. Although he couldn't make out the characters clearly, he could still glean the subtleties of calligraphy from the movements of Chu Xuan Gui's arm and wrist, soon becoming immersed in it.

Kong Ran, being only ten, felt like sitting down to rest, but seeing Bai Ji Yun and Liu Fu Shu like this, he could only suppress his playful nature.

Time passed gradually, and more cultivators ascended the mountain step by step, arriving at the peak.

Like Bai Ji Yun and the others, they first paid their respects, then stood in place and waited quietly.

Many cultivators grew increasingly restless.

Fortunately, the time for the test drew nearer.

Kong Ran had long been impatient, sending multiple mental messages to Bai Ji Yun and Liu Fu Shu.

Liu Fu Shu was already immersed in Chu Xuan Gui's calligraphy.

Although Bai Ji Yun was also impatient, he still comforted Kong Ran: This might be Master Chu Xuan Gui's intentional arrangement, a hidden test of our temperament and patience.

Hearing this, Kong Ran felt a chill and forced himself not to fidget.

Everyone was speculating, unaware that Chu Xuan Gui was also growing somewhat anxious.

"Why hasn't Ning Zhuo arrived yet? It's almost time."

Within the Wanxiang Sect's Confucian circle, Chu Xuan Gui was one of the pillars. But he was公认 as a pillar not because of his Golden Core level cultivation, but because of his calligraphy skills.

Wen Ruan Yu was also a pillar. His painting skills were highly praised among Confucian cultivators. The fact that Wen Ruan Yu's self-portrait alone possessed combat power equivalent to his main body was something most Confucian cultivators couldn't achieve.

Therefore, although Wen Ruan Yu often cultivated in White Paper Immortal City, it didn't affect his status within the Confucian cultivators' circle.

Wen Ruan Yu had sent a flying letter in advance to notify the Confucian circle upon his return for debriefing.

That's why Wen Ruan Yu had previously advised Ning Zhuo to give him some time to investigate the internal situation of the Wanxiang Sect.

Although the Confucian cultivators of the Wanxiang Sect didn't hold high positions, their status wasn't low either; they were among the most united in the middle layer. Their numerous literary gatherings allowed them to make friends through cultural exchange while sharing information with each other.

Thus, they had a deep understanding of the overall internal situation of the Wanxiang Sect.

As soon as Wen Ruan Yu was placed under house arrest during his debriefing, it raised alarm and attention within the Confucian circle.

Each of them took action, working discreetly for Wen Ruan Yu.

Wen Ruan Yu's request to take care of Ning Zhuo was also taken very seriously.

Because they were also very clear about the immense benefits represented by White Paper Immortal City. Those ghost and Yin-cold type materials were commonplace in the underworld, but in the mortal realm, they were rare and scarce.

And the unique geographical environment of the Yin Tide Black Damp Marsh could essentially be seen as a permanently open Ghost Gate, without the need for massive resources to maintain its opening!

If this place weren't located between Feiyun Kingdom and Beifeng Kingdom, but in the heartland of any single kingdom, it would have long lost its autonomy.

The Confucian circle wasn't without desire for these benefits!

Wen Ruan Yu's existence alone gave them a huge inherent advantage.

And Wen Ruan Yu's admiration for Meng Yao Yin was well-known. Now that Meng Yao Yin's son was also joining the Wanxiang Sect, the Confucian cultivators valued Ning Zhuo because of Wen Ruan Yu.

The Confucian cultivators didn't yet know that Ning Zhuo's status in White Paper Immortal City was even higher than Wen Ruan Yu's.

They chose to use the Feiyun Minor Test to elevate Ning Zhuo's status.

"Making this lucky kid famous early on, putting him in the spotlight. Just this alone will make many ill-intentioned people think twice."

After discussion, the Confucian cultivators came up with this idea.

So, Chu Xuan Gui, who hadn't organized the Feiyun Minor Test for years, specially held one this year.

"If Ning Zhuo doesn't show up... I'll have to hold a second one."

(End of )