018. Preparing to Persuade Lord Xinling

Unaware of the events that unfolded within the Confucian Sect after his departure, Wang Yu wandered out, leaving behind Mount Tai. For a moment, he felt lost, unsure of where to go next. He had not yet decided which sect to join, preferring instead to first explore the customs and landscapes of this world.

After all, the original Wang Yu was an orphan, though his status was not insignificant; he was a prince of the small state of Nie, which bore the surname Jiang. In truth, Wang Yu ought to be called Jiang Yu. However, when his country was destroyed, he adopted the surname Wang.

Nie was conquered by Qi, yet even in Qi, Wang Yu retained a noble title, that of Viscount—an inheritance from the royal house of Nie. When the Zhou King granted Nie its nobility, it was as Viscount. Qi, in its magnanimity, after vanquishing Nie, bestowed the viscountcy upon Wang Yu, the sole survivor of the royal line.

The original Wang Yu had little ambition for restoring his lost homeland. In these chaotic times, with vassal states vying for power and nations frequently falling, such aspirations seemed futile. Moreover, the wars among states seldom resulted in the slaughter of the defeated royal families; quite often, they were granted titles and positions, sometimes even allowed to participate in governance—a rare sight indeed.

The main reason stemmed from the fact that, tracing the lineages upwards, all the states shared a common ancestor; in essence, everyone was kin. Thus, there was no need for unnecessary bloodshed. This situation closely resembled that of medieval Europe.

After some thought, Wang Yu resolved to return home. Though few people remained, it was still a place to rest his feet. There was another reason for his choice: the capital city of Qi, Linzi, was home to the famed Academy of Jixia.

Wang Yu had long yearned for Jixia Academy. As a master of debate, he felt his talents would be wasted if he did not display them at such a renowned institution. Most importantly, Jixia Academy also offered a path of cultivation, boasting a platform for philosophical debate much like the Confucian Sect.

This world was, after all, one of fantasy; scholars here could soar through the skies and traverse the earth. Without some measure of strength, Wang Yu felt uneasy. If, one day, he were to be struck down, there would be nowhere to argue his case.

Having set his sights, Wang Yu made for a small town at the foot of Mount Tai. This town, called Wenyang, nestled against the mountain and faced the Ji River—prosperous and bustling. Wang Yu planned to take a boat from Wenyang directly to Linzi.

Wenyang was not far from Mount Tai, barely ten or so miles away. If not for the Confucian Sect’s prohibition against outsiders living near the mountain, Wenyang might have grown all the way to the gates of their sect.

Wang Yu strolled leisurely toward Wenyang, unhurried and calm. There was no need for haste; who would dare cause trouble at the foot of Mount Tai? The Confucian Sect, known as the foremost sect in the world, was not to be trifled with. Anyone who dared to stir up trouble within ten miles of the mountain would be quickly taught a lesson—shown precisely what it meant to be the best.

The distance was short. As Wenyang came into view, its city walls emerging in the distance, a sudden figure darted out from the roadside woods.

The sight startled Wang Yu. What was this? A bandit, or perhaps an assassin? Someone actually dared to act at the foot of Mount Tai—were they unafraid of death?

Fortunately, with the multicolored auspicious scales protecting him, Wang Yu remained unflustered. As long as it wasn’t a powerful scholar of the highest order, he had nothing to fear.

Looking closely, Wang Yu grew puzzled. The newcomer’s attire was nothing like that of a bandit or assassin.

He was a young man, clad in a splendid robe, with a sword hanging at his right hip and a fine jade at his left, his features handsome and well-groomed—a refined gentleman, utterly unlike any thief or killer.

Yet something was odd; a nobleman without any attendants seemed improbable.

Wang Yu’s mind was filled with questions.

The young man cupped his hands and said, “I am Wei Wuji. Forgive me if my earlier approach was discourteous.”

Seeing such politeness, Wang Yu responded in kind, “No matter. May I ask why you’ve stopped me on my path?”

The young man smiled, his already handsome face radiating even more brilliance, nearly dazzling Wang Yu’s eyes.

Truth be told, Wang Yu’s own appearance was excellent—he was, after all, a prince, blessed with good genes. Yet the man before him was even more striking, a true favorite of fate. This wasn’t a matter of genetics but rather the partiality of creation itself.

After the smile, the young man spoke, “If I am not mistaken, you have come from the Confucian Sect?”

Anyone could see as much, so Wang Yu did not deny it, nodding, “Yes.”

Upon confirmation, Wei Wuji’s eyes lit up with delight. “Then you are a disciple of the Confucian Sect?”

Wang Yu shook his head. “No.”

Wei Wuji was momentarily stunned.

That couldn’t be right—coming from the Confucian Sect but not a disciple? What then?

Wang Yu offered no explanation, instead scrutinizing Wei Wuji up and down, his mind suddenly clear.

“Are you looking to join the Confucian Sect?”

Wei Wuji nodded. “Indeed. I have heard that the Confucian Sect is the greatest in the world, its masters as numerous as stars and its doctrines profound. I wish to study under its tutelage, but lack someone to recommend me. Seeing you emerge from the sect, I stopped you in hopes that you might provide an introduction.”

Wang Yu listened, stroked his chin, and began to ponder.

Suddenly, he realized, judging by the man’s appearance and name, could this be the famous Wei Wuji—Lord Xinling, one of the Four Lords of the Warring States?

This man was no ordinary figure; not only was he known for welcoming talented men, but he was also a formidable leader. In Wang Yu’s original timeline, he was commander of the allied armies of five states, driving Qin into retreat. If not for the suspicions of the Wei king, he might have marched into Hangu Pass and humbled Qin.

Yet history never recorded him as an admirer of the Confucian Sect; surely his interests lay with the School of Military Strategy.

But it mattered not. In this world, where people could fly and vanish, why couldn’t Wei Wuji explore all avenues?

Regardless, this man was a powerful ally.

Wang Yu decided to forge a connection with him.

Given this, he certainly could not let Wei Wuji join the Confucian Sect. That would run counter to his own goals, making it harder to deepen their bond.

So Wang Yu resolved to persuade him to accompany him to Linzi, to the Academy of Jixia.

No matter how things developed, the camaraderie of classmates was always strong. If he ever found himself in dire straits, he could turn to Wei Wuji for help.

Thus, Wang the Persuader was ready to make his move.