Chapter 266: Chapter 200: Lu and Wang’s Heart Learning, Public Opinion Reverses! Father-in-law Ascends to the Twelfth Realm, an Audience with Emperor Yong’an

"So the Celestial Dao also believes Lu Mingyuan was wronged?"

A look of gratification appeared in Mr. Shuijing’s eyes. "Two True Words... He at least has the prerequisites to become a Saint."

At the same time, his gaze shifted to Lu Mingyuan, filled with contemplation.

’The three True Words of Lu and Wang’s Heart Learning have all been acknowledged by the Celestial Dao.’

’This indirectly proves that what Chen Ke said was correct.’

’It seems the Celestial Dao is truly on Lu Mingyuan’s side this time.’

’For the newly emerged Lu and Wang’s Heart Learning to cause such a commotion... it’s clear the Confucian Dao is about to undergo a massive change. A new atmosphere will be infused into Great Yan.’

’As the Nanli Imperial Tutor, I must consider this carefully.’

’Although I’m known as a Pure Confucian Scholar, I achieved my current status by following the Literary Saint Lineage’s principle of "cultivate the self, regulate the family, govern the state." To advance any further is harder than ascending to the heavens.’

’If Prince Huai’an truly has a way to help Chen Ke comprehend the Great Dao, then his wisdom cannot be underestimated.’

’I must discuss this with Wen Sheng.’

’I cannot afford to antagonize Prince Huai’an. In fact, I should try to get on his good side.’

’Although National Studies is currently one of the four great schools of thought, it has gradually weakened. Many Great Scholars criticize it as a utilitarian tool, concerned only with official appointments and imperial examinations, ignorant of practical governance. It is even accused of touting the teachings of other schools and disrespecting Confucianism—an act tantamount to forgetting one’s ancestors.’

’For this reason, I lived in seclusion for centuries, trying to find a solution.’

’But I still failed.’

’While Wen Sheng was in seclusion for a hundred years, Li Xue emerged and spread throughout the world.’

’The rise of one school of thought signifies the decline of the one before it.’

’The rise of the Learning of the Mind is a direct attack on Li Xue.’

Mr. Shuijing had high hopes for Chen Ke, and for Prince Huai’an, the man behind him.

With Lu and Wang’s Heart Learning, it was only a matter of time before Prince Huai’an gained the support of all the scholars in the world.

At his side, Lu Mingyuan saw Chen Ke obtain his second True Word.

He couldn’t help but ponder.

’My maternal grandfather told me that many scholars and commoners are still kneeling at the Imperial City’s gates, denouncing me as unworthy of a pardon and begging the Holy Emperor to retract his decree.’

’Did this bolt of golden Celestial Thunder not only allow Chen Ke to form a second True Word but also turn all of them into clowns?’

’It seems this great Momentum is unstoppable. Even the Celestial Dao is going against them and insisting that I leave the Cold Palace.’

...

"Look."

"Mr. Qi is about to have a breakthrough."

At this very moment, a significant commotion was also taking place at Shengjing Academy. One of the scholars and students pointed toward Qi Xingyan. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Within the Purple Illusion Bamboo Forest.

Layers of saintly radiance showered down around Qi Xingyan, transforming into waves of light that rippled outward like waves on a lake, growing ever more intense.

"It seems the Learning of the Mind shares a profound similarity with your Great Dao. Its emergence has answered some of your questions, proving that your Dao is indeed correct."

Tantai Ming, the Confucian Temple Imperial Censor observing from the side, said with a smile as he watched Qi Xingyan, his beard fluttering.

"Thanks to him, ’My mind is the principle’ is precisely the Great Dao I have been pursuing—that every man can be a dragon," Qi Xingyan said with a smile.

Tantai Ming nodded slightly.

Qi Xingyan’s Great Dao was the wish for all scholars of the Lower Class to be like dragons. This path was broad and bright, but extremely difficult to walk.

Because it was not recognized by the major Dynasties. Most Dynasties were dominated by Noble Families, so where was there a place for the Lower Class?

But the emergence of the Learning of the Mind shattered this situation.

The concept of self-hood in "My mind is the principle" complemented the very foundation of Qi Xingyan’s Great Dao. His doctrine became more solid, lending more credence to the idea of "every man a dragon." This is what allowed him to successfully prove his Dao and enter the Twelfth Realm.

As the ripples grew larger and larger.

They spread out, wave after wave, for a thousand miles.

Bathed in the saintly radiance, Qi Xingyan appeared exceptionally different.

And in that instant, his aura began to transform.

That’s right.

Qi Xingyan was about to become one of the Saints and Sages.

Chen Ke had explained Lu and Wang’s Heart Learning to the world.

This, in turn, led Qi Xingyan to certain epiphanies.

Combined with the terrifying Power of the Great Dao descending from the Celestial Dao, it allowed Qi Xingyan to fully step onto the Saint Dao.

The word "Saint" is part of "Saints and Sages" for a reason. It is because they have achieved Perfection in proving their Dao and possess power comparable to a true Saint. A Confucian Saint’s mouth contains the laws of heaven; their every word and action can call down the Celestial Dao’s punishment to suppress the defiant.

As one of the Saints and Sages, he now also possessed the ability to influence celestial phenomena.

BOOM!

Finally.

In that instant, a terrifying wave of qi erupted from Qi Xingyan’s body, sweeping outward.

The aura of one of the Saints and Sages.

In that same moment, it instantly pervaded the entirety of Imperial Capital City.

Great Yan had given birth to one of the Saints and Sages.

The Confucian Dao requires the unification of Essence, Qi, and Spirit.

One must also complete the Three Immortalities to become a Saint.

Qi Xingyan had now comprehended the Saint Dao, fulfilling one of these conditions.

"We pay our respects to the Sage!"

The scholars and students of Shengjing Academy all sensed a pillar of Vast Righteous Qi soaring into the sky from within the Academy. They rushed over, and upon seeing Qi Xingyan at the center, they bowed deeply to their teacher.

The Twelfth Realm of the Confucian Dao.

One more step forward, and he would be a true Saint.

A Saint has the Three Immortalities.

Establishing merit.

Establishing virtue.

Establishing words.

Qi Xingyan had now accomplished two of them. He only needed to achieve Perfection in "establishing merit" to become a Saint. It could be said that the moment he stepped into the Twelfth Realm, he was already standing at its peak.

Or rather, this was what he had always deserved. If not for the Emperor of Great Yan’s estrangement over the years and the backlash from the Eldest Prince’s lineage’s Destiny, he would have smoothly become one of the Saints and Sages long ago with his unwavering spirit.

Qi Xingyan took a step forward, and Tantai Ming, at his side, immediately discerned his intention.

"You’ve just entered the Twelfth Realm, and you’re already heading to the Imperial Palace? It seems you didn’t listen to what I said earlier."

Without a trace of regret, Qi Xingyan said calmly:

"This is a struggle of the Great Dao, with the Three Religions as the players. Great Yan must put an end to all this. I have to make this trip."

Hearing this, Tantai Ming did not stop him.

With a leap, Qi Xingyan vanished from Shengjing Academy.

Tantai Ming’s gaze was profound. ’It’s not that you don’t understand the truth,’ he thought. ’You’re just unwilling to stand by and watch a tragedy unfold.’

Suddenly.

「The gates of the Imperial City.」

Bathed in a holy light, the scholars and commoners kneeling at the gates of the Imperial City all looked up at the sight, as if witnessing a Celestial God descending to the mortal world.

"Who is that... Oh... It’s Mr. Qi!"

"It’s him! I can’t believe he’s become one of the Saints and Sages!"

"So he’s the new Sage born in Great Yan? That powerful aura from just now came from him!"

Qi Xingyan looked at these manipulated scholars and commoners and said lightly:

"All of you, go home."

"It is all over."

...