026. The Trial of Contending Voices in the Divine Land-A Hundred Schools of Thought: Three Sentences That Led to Expulsion from the Sect(The Thirty-Six Principles of Master Dongxuan)

At this point, Wang Yu’s curiosity could no longer be contained. Just what earth-shattering deeds had the State of Nie committed, that even those of some standing seemed to know about the matter of the Nie clan’s change of surname after its fall? Although Wang Yu had inherited the original host’s memories, they were far from complete—especially concerning the State of Nie, about which he remembered almost nothing. In truth, Wang Yu knew no more about Nie than anyone else.

But Fan Huansha was clearly not the right person to ask. He would have to wait until there was no one else around to question Wei Wuji; that fellow was sure to know. So Wang Yu could only suppress his curiosity once more.

He nodded, saying, “You are too kind, Miss Fan. It was indeed after the fall of our state.”

Fan Huansha showed no hint of disdain; instead, her manner grew warmer. “You are too modest, Master Yu. Meeting both you and Lord Wuji today is truly a stroke of great fortune. Would you not come in for a chat? It would give me the opportunity to thank you both properly for your assistance.”

As she spoke, Fan Huansha waved her hand, instructing the young maid Qingzhu to prepare wine and dishes to entertain Wang Yu and Wei Wuji.

After all that had happened, Wang Yu and Wei Wuji had long since lost any desire to sleep. Besides, dawn was already breaking, the sky turning pale with the coming day. They readily accepted Fan Huansha’s invitation and joined her in the third-floor cabin.

Not long after, the charming maid Qingzhu bustled in with a table full of food and drink, and the group took their seats according to custom.

At that time, people dined separately, each at their own table. Out of respect, Fan Huansha did not take the seat of honor but instead sat to the right alongside Zhao Luan, while Wang Yu and Wei Wuji were seated to the left. This arrangement demonstrated Fan Huansha’s excellent upbringing and keen sensibility—seating guests of highest honor to the left.

After toasting both Wei Wuji and Wang Yu three times, Fan Huansha finally spoke. “Forgive my boldness, but are you two gentlemen bound for Linzi to participate in the Decennial Contention of the Divine Lands at the Jixia Academy?”

Wang Yu and Wei Wuji exchanged a glance, not quite understanding her meaning.

Seeing their confusion, Fan Huansha explained, “Recently, Jixia Academy has announced to all under heaven that they will be holding the Decennial Contention, an event open to anyone. Depending on their performance, victors may earn titles ranging from Senior Minister to Great Officer. It has become the talk of the realm; people are flocking to Linzi in great numbers. Many wish to vie for the position of Senior Minister, or at the very least, hope to secure an official rank for themselves.”

She looked at the two of them. “It seems you have not heard the news?”

Wang Yu replied with a calm smile, “My brother Wuji and I have been secluded in the mountains training, and truly did not know of this.”

Of course, Wang Yu had no intention of telling the truth. The young lady before him was beautiful and ethereal, but so what? He was not Wei Wuji—if he hadn’t spoken up quickly, that fellow would have revealed everything about them by now.

Fan Huansha had no way of knowing Wang Yu was lying, and merely assumed they were fellow disciples. His explanation made sense; one devoted to cultivation might easily be out of touch with the latest news. She did not press further and instead asked, “Then do you gentlemen intend to give it a try?”

Though Wang Yu held a noble title in Qi and Wei Wuji was a prince of Wei, neither status would prevent them from holding a position at Jixia Academy. Though the academy lay within the borders of Qi, it had long since become an institution above state, almost a power unto itself.

Thus, after learning their identities, Fan Huansha still posed the question.

Wei Wuji had come precisely to seek out a Master of Confucianism. Upon hearing of such an opportunity, he was naturally eager. But Wang Yu shot him a warning glance, signaling him to hold his tongue.

Wang Yu then turned to Fan Huansha. “Miss Fan, could you tell us about the rules and particulars of this Decennial Contention?”

Fan Huansha nodded. “As for rules, one could say there are some, or perhaps none at all.”

Wang Yu was puzzled. Was she playing at Zen riddles now?

Fortunately, she did not leave them in suspense. “It’s said that unlike previous years, this time there are no restrictions on background or cultivation. However, there is one requirement: all participants must be examined under the Legalists’ Mirror of Divine Judgment. Only those who pass its scrutiny may compete.”

At this, Wang Yu frowned. He knew of the Mirror of Divine Judgment; it was crafted in the spirit of the law, a symbol of justice suspended high, capable of discerning the true nature of one’s soul. Would it see through his situation? If he were exposed as a soul usurper, he would be doomed—perhaps even dissected as a specimen. What a bitter fate!

He considered for a moment, then asked, “Miss Fan, why has this requirement been added for this particular Contention? Is there a special reason?”

Fan Huansha hesitated, but then replied, “According to word from the Phoenix Song Pavilion under the Son of Heaven’s command, this is to prevent outsiders from secretly infiltrating and stealing the knowledge of our civilization. That is why such a measure has been taken.”

Phoenix Song Pavilion?

Wang Yu felt that the currents beneath the surface of this world ran deeper than ever.

It was said that Phoenix Song Pavilion had been founded by King Wu of Zhou in ancient times. At its peak, it had suppressed cultivators across the realm with unparalleled power. Though its influence had waned as imperial authority declined, its accumulated knowledge was still not to be underestimated—especially when it came to arcane matters. If Phoenix Song Pavilion claimed the presence of outsiders, then it must be so.

But what exactly did “outsider” mean? Did it refer to the so-called barbarians, or those beyond the Divine Lands altogether? If it meant those from outside the Divine Lands, did that include himself?

Wang Yu’s head ached at the thought.

He decided to play things by ear. If it came to it, he could simply abstain from this contest and wait for another chance. After all, Jixia Academy held debates and trials regularly; as long as he could embark on the path of cultivation, that was enough. As for titles and ranks, Wang Yu had no interest.

Though he was troubled within, outwardly Wang Yu appeared decisive. “So that’s how it is. In that case, Brother Wuji and I shall certainly participate. Such a rare event, held but once in a decade—what better opportunity to meet the finest talents under heaven? To contend with such peers is a great joy and only beneficial to our cultivation. What about you, Miss Huansha? Will you be joining the Decennial Contention as well?”

Fan Huansha nodded. “Of course—I must participate, and while I’m there, I hope to recruit some exceptional talents for the Fan Commercial Guild.”

Naturally, she did not mention trying to recruit Wang Yu and Wei Wuji themselves. That would have been a joke—one was the son of the King of Wei, the other a scion of the fallen State of Nie. How could they possibly join the Fan Commercial Guild?

In truth, both of their statuses were considerably higher than her own. Though, as the daughter of a legendary merchant-saint and master of political diplomacy, Fan Huansha’s position was by no means low, she was still somewhat beneath these two.