029. Both a Sanctuary and a Hell

Seeing that Wang Yu truly had no intention of restoring his country for the time being, Zuo Changgeng finally relaxed. To be honest, he really did treat Wang Yu like his own son. After all, he had raised him personally and did not wish to see Wang Yu throw his life away.

Now that Wang Yu knew where to draw the line, Zuo Changgeng decided not to press the matter further. Though their bond was like that of father and son, the distinction between ruler and subject still had to be maintained.

Setting aside the topic, Zuo Changgeng suddenly recalled—why had Wang Yu returned at this time? Wasn’t he supposed to be studying at the School of Confucians?

When Uncle Geng asked, Wang Yu responded calmly, “Uncle Geng, I have withdrawn from the School of Confucians.”

“What? You withdrew from the School of Confucians?”

Zuo Changgeng immediately grew agitated.

Seeing Zuo Changgeng’s disbelief, Wang Yu said helplessly, “It’s just leaving the School of Confucians, Uncle Geng. Why make such a fuss?”

Zuo Changgeng was somewhat angry. After all, it was by his strong recommendation that Wang Yu had entered the School of Confucians in the first place. There were two reasons for this: one was to strengthen Wang Yu’s own abilities, and the other, to protect him. With the shelter of the most prestigious school, Wang Yu’s safety was greatly enhanced.

Although since the Qi Kingdom had destroyed the Nie Kingdom, they had paid little attention to Wang Yu, Zuo Changgeng still could not rest easy, so he had Wang Yu study at the School of Confucians.

But now Wang Yu had suddenly declared he had left the school—how could Zuo Changgeng not be upset?

Seeing Zuo Changgeng’s unyielding expression, Wang Yu explained, “Uncle Geng, I don’t think the Confucian Way suits me. Even if I continue cultivating, my achievements will always be limited. I might as well leave early and choose a school that fits me better. Perhaps then I could make rapid progress. Don’t you think that makes sense?”

Zuo Changgeng was thoughtful after hearing Wang Yu’s words. What Wang Yu said was true: forcing oneself down an unsuitable path would bring more harm than benefit.

So be it. What’s done is done. There was no point in saying more.

“Then, Master, which school do you intend to join?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” Wang Yu replied. “I plan to study for a while at the Jixia Academy. I’ll first use their Platform of Disputation to open my mind, and then observe the teachings of the various schools. Whichever suits me best, I’ll join.”

Zuo Changgeng thought this was a good idea. After all, Wang Yu held a noble title in Qi, so the Jixia Academy would certainly show him some respect. Using the Platform of Disputation wouldn’t be an issue.

However, there was a concern. To open one’s mind on the Platform of Disputation, one must inevitably trigger a manifestation of the world—a phenomenon required by all the Hundred Schools. To draw forth such a manifestation, one must have already settled on their own path and true heart, attracting the favor of the Way of Heaven. Only then could one open their mind and begin cultivation.

But had Wang Yu already chosen his path and established his true heart? Zuo Changgeng looked at Wang Yu in doubt.

Wang Yu understood what Zuo Changgeng meant. “I have already found my path and my true heart, Uncle Geng. You may rest assured.”

Seeing Wang Yu’s confident demeanor, Zuo Changgeng said nothing more. After all, Wang Yu had spent three years at the School of Confucians. If he spoke so assuredly, he must have some certainty.

With nothing more to say, the day passed quietly.

The next day, Wang Yu and Wei Wuji set out directly for the Jixia Academy. Wei Wuji intended to observe the teachings of the Hundred Schools, while Wang Yu sought to use the Platform of Disputation to open his mind and embark upon cultivation.

Jixia Academy was not far from the royal residence, located near the Jixia Gate of Linzi City. It did not take long before the two arrived.

As a sacred place, the Jixia Academy was truly extraordinary. Its vast grounds and towering entrance archways were impressive enough, but the real marvel was the blossoms of Disputation that flourished in the sky—enough to astonish any who had never been to Jixia before.

The blossoms of Disputation were the tangible results of arguments reaching their height, where principles clashed and gave birth to these flowers of reason. In this world, scholars were not mere talkers without strength. Their principles could move the forces of nature; thus, any literatus who had crossed the threshold and opened their mind was no longer an ordinary mortal.

As a result, what should have been the invisible clash of ideas would naturally manifest in visible phenomena—these were the blossoms of Disputation.

It was said that there were over a hundred varieties of these blossoms, each corresponding to a different level of mastery. It was rumored that, in ancient times, a sage once debated at Jixia Academy and caused a lotus of purple energy to span the heavens for three thousand li, startling all. Such a grand phenomenon had only occurred once. Since then, the most powerful was the debate of a sub-sage.

Even a sub-sage’s debate could produce pure blue-violet blossoms of Disputation stretching nearly a thousand li—beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Though the blossoms now blossoming over Jixia Academy were not so vast, those spanning several or a dozen zhang would flash from time to time, unmistakably demonstrating the academy’s profound heritage.

Beneath those blossoms, the manifestations of each school’s principles were equally spectacular: weapons, chessboards, chaos, jade rulers, ancient seals, gourds, auspicious objects, oil lamps, compasses, and more—innumerable in variety.

All of this left both Wei Wuji and Wang Yu wide-eyed with awe. Wang Yu was somewhat accustomed to it, having the original host’s memories—he had grown up in Linzi and visited Jixia Academy before, so he had witnessed such sights.

Wei Wuji, on the other hand, had never seen such grand scenes. He was utterly shocked and captivated by the scholarly splendor and the vibrant contest of the Hundred Schools here.

Catching sight of Wei Wuji’s astonished expression, Wang Yu couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, Wuji, aren’t you glad you took my advice? Otherwise, how could you have witnessed such a sight?”

Wei Wuji recovered himself and ignored Wang Yu’s teasing. “Jixia Academy truly deserves its reputation as a sacred ground. Such manifestations cannot be produced by any one school alone. All the talents of the world are gathered here!”

His words were a bit exaggerated, but not without truth. Among the Hundred Schools, many who had achieved mastery made Jixia Academy their first stop after leaving their own sects. The reason was obvious: to test their own mettle. Moreover, if one could make a name for themselves at Jixia, the world would be open to them and every kingdom would welcome them as a distinguished guest.

Of course, many met their downfall here as well. The disputations of principles seemed harmonious, but behind the scenes, danger lurked. At its core, such disputation was the clash of fundamental truths—one misstep could shatter one’s heart and principles.

Such a calamity was far graver than any physical injury. For the vast majority whose principles had collapsed, it was nearly impossible to rekindle their heart and rebuild their understanding. It meant the end—they would live out their days as ordinary people, doomed to mediocrity.

Once the heart of the Way was destroyed and principles shattered, the mind would grow dull; any deep thought would lead to spiritual exhaustion and death of the spirit itself.

Thus, Jixia Academy was at once a sacred ground, a place for fame and fortune, and a realm of hell.