"Ten years ago, Professor Tong and Lecturer Xu proposed a reform in the teaching methods of Qing Luan Academy. One of the most significant proposals was to utilize irredeemable death row inmates and captured prisoners for life-and-death combat to enhance the students' practical combat abilities. This proposal was initially rejected due to your opposition and that of several other professors," Yan Shaoqing stated respectfully and softly. "However, according to the Emperor's wishes, this teaching reform has been implemented at Thunder Academy, and indeed, it has yielded remarkable results over the past decade."
Although Yan Shaoqing's tone was calm, his words sent a chill through all present, including Feng Qianhan, Ye Shaofeng, and even Vice Dean Xia.
For everyone understood that behind those words lay the lives of many.
"Thunder Academy certainly employs cunning methods; it's astonishing that we were kept in the dark about this."
A trace of frost appeared on Vice Dean Xia's typically gentle face. He, along with some members of the academy, had always been staunch followers of Director Zhang's views on humanity, and this matter touched upon some of his and the academy's fundamental principles.
Some things might be difficult for the outside world to comprehend... but perhaps no one understands Director Zhang better than he and a few elders of the academy. To the outside world, many might believe that Director Zhang wandered the world wielding his sword for the undying glory of Yun Qin, yet they knew he was inherently indifferent. He existed on a different plane from the powerful figures of this world, and the so-called fame and fortune held no allure for him. The only reason he stood up was that there were many people he cared for and needed to protect on the land of the Yun Qin Empire.
In a world where the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken; he fought for these people.
He often said that if a person lacks the basic respect and compassion for life, then one cannot be considered humane, and those devoid of humanity are capable of committing terrible deeds.
The current Emperor and the court have long believed that the academy disregards the supreme imperial authority merely because of its strength. In truth, they do not comprehend... For those who have followed Director Zhang all along, this imperial power, this empire, is not what they value. They care only for those they aim to protect and the light they strive to uphold.
Thus, even at the academy's initial lessons, the loyalty sworn by all new students was only to their comrades, not to the current Emperor.
This could be deemed as treasonous, yet it is precisely what many in the academy steadfastly uphold... For if one cannot be loyal to those who share life and death, what then is the meaning of humanity?
"I understand that His Majesty wishes to govern diligently, but I did not expect him to be so impatient."
Vice Dean Xia regarded the three important figures who had emerged from the royal court of Zhongzhou and said, "But do you truly believe that the students of Thunder Academy have outperformed those of Qing Luan Academy over the past decade solely due to this so-called teaching reform? Compared to the resources we had sixteen years ago when Director Zhang was present, how much do we possess now? Do you suppose that momentary performance can signify anything? The seedlings that are hastily nurtured may appear taller than others for a time, but will they truly grow taller over the next ten or twenty years?"
After a brief pause, an aura emanated from Vice Dean Xia that instantly chilled the already vast hall by several degrees. "You are all cultivators... yet perhaps you do not grasp some of the most fundamental truths. If you cannot discern why you fight and what you stand for... can cultivators spurred solely by fame and fortune ever surpass those who truly understand the path of cultivation?"
Vice Dean Xia's words were rather blunt; however, Ye Shaofeng showed no signs of anger. Instead, he seemed momentarily taken aback, as if he had grasped something crucial for his cultivation.
Feng Qianhan frowned slightly, while Yan Shaoqing offered a wry smile, looking at Vice Dean Xia. "I understand everything you have said, Vice Dean Xia... Perhaps it is precisely because I understand that the Chief Minister entrusted me with this matter to discuss with you. You surely know better than we do that the final persuasion must be directed at the current Emperor. Even if we are aware that he is mistaken, it seems only you can prove him wrong... The academy has contributed so much to Yun Qin over the years, and you surely do not wish to see it fall into despair. Thus, you must demonstrate this to the Emperor."
"Since the new students of Thunder Academy have already begun their training in the Mount Ascension Range before your arrival," Vice Dean Xia glanced at Yan Shaoqing and added, "they are naturally prepared for the proof he most desires."
Upon hearing Vice Dean Xia's words, Yan Shaoqing, who had long mastered the art of concealing his emotions, couldn't help but stiffen. He sighed inwardly, knowing that the other party had already discerned the unseen currents and the sentiments of those within the court with remarkable clarity. Even the ambitious and astute figure on the Dragon Throne appeared somewhat diminished in the presence of this elder. Such a powerful individual rekindled a profound sense of defeat within him.
After taking a deep breath, Yan Shaoqing said, "The Emperor indeed considered that it would be difficult for you, Vice Dean Xia, to accept this, and thus he must provide you the opportunity to persuade him... Therefore, His Majesty's intention is for Qing Luan Academy and Thunder Academy to each select five new students to engage in a genuine practical exercise... The teaching methods of the two academies are currently vastly different, and the shorter the time, the more evident the contrasting effects will be... Moreover, given the pressing circumstances, the Emperor wishes for this confrontation to occur as soon as possible. I have heard that you have not seen us for some time, and yesterday, His Majesty personally set out for Mount Ascension, intending to discuss matters with you directly."
Vice Dean Xia regarded Yan Shaoqing and replied, "Very well, you may inform him. Before his arrival, we at Qing Luan Academy will select five new students."
Yan Shaoqing was momentarily taken aback, having not anticipated Vice Dean Xia's response to be so forthcoming. In his calculations alongside those seated behind heavy curtains, he had expected Vice Dean Xia to be far more assertive.
However, after a brief pause, the chief of the administration stood up and respectfully bowed to Vice Dean Xia, fully aware that if he did not agree, there would inevitably be more bloodshed, and most of it would not belong to the academy. Regardless of the academy's actions or Vice Dean Xia's efforts over the years, he had earned his respect. Yet, Vice Dean Xia was aging... and with so many dissenting voices within the academy, he could not help but consider, if Vice Dean Xia and others were to depart from this world, and if the academy remained as formidable as ever, how would the academy handle matters without intervening in imperial authority as they do today?
...
Deep within the palace of the Tang Zang Ancient Kingdom.
The flickering pale white butter lamps illuminated the reddish-yellow glazed tiles of the palace floor, casting a serene and meditative atmosphere against the ornate Buddhist paintings on the walls.
A maid dressed in plain hemp garments carefully held a bowl of medicinal soup, gently feeding it to a frail old woman lying on a bed.
The old woman appeared gravely ill, her face shrouded in a persistent pallor, her eyes deeply sunken yet kind, as she occasionally fiddled with a string of red coral prayer beads.
The young Emperor Feng Xuan emerged from behind heavy golden curtains, gesturing for the maid to forgo her formalities before taking the bowl of medicine into his own hands, personally feeding the old woman with tender care.
Since his arrival, the old woman had smiled reassuringly, patiently finishing the entire bowl of medicine. Only then did she slowly exhale, looking at the young Emperor with a doting gaze, the highest authority of the Tang Zang Ancient Kingdom, and ask, "Is there something troubling you today?"
"Mother," the young Emperor placed his hand over the old woman's, regarding her with genuine affection as he observed this mother who had navigated a lifetime of intrigue and power struggles, ultimately passing on a complete imperial legacy to him. He furrowed his brow and said, "The news from Qing Luan Academy has returned; they actually rejected our proposal and refuse to exchange Nan Gong Mo..."
Seeing the young Emperor frown, the Empress Dowager of the Tang Zang Ancient Kingdom revealed a hint of a smile, opening her mouth to say something, but was instead interrupted by a violent coughing fit that shook her frail body, echoing harshly within the tranquil palace.
The young Emperor bit his lip, guilt flashing in his eyes as he seemed to reproach himself for discussing such matters with his mother. Yet, his grip tightened slightly, and the coughing Empress Dowager, using a bit of strength, offered him comfort.
"For years, only a few of us knew where he was imprisoned... Qing Luan Academy has been unable to rescue him... Their refusal stems from their awareness of the suffering he has endured at our hands, seeking to reclaim some measure of compensation..." Once the coughing subsided, the Empress Dowager looked at the young Emperor and continued, "However, we must complete this exchange."
The young Emperor pondered and asked, "Mother, why?"
"Nan Gong Mo is a prodigy in cultivation; he possesses many secrets of Qing Luan Academy. Moreover, with Gu Xin Yin's silence over the years, we have gleaned nothing from him. This exchange, in itself, is not a loss," the Empress Dowager explained gently to the young Emperor. "And do not forget, your uncle's only son also perished at his hands. He may hold some secrets of our Prajna Temple, so we can proceed with the exchange with Qing Luan Academy, but we must ensure he does not return alive. Your uncle will never allow him to return to Qing Luan Academy."
"Were it not for your uncle's son dying at his hands... you might not have ascended to the throne so easily. But even without heirs... I know him well; if I were to die, he would not remain as compliant as he is now. If you ask him to assist you in other matters, he certainly would not exert himself sincerely. However, Gu Xin Yin is the one who shattered all his dreams... The son he cherished and nurtured for over twenty years, the one he invested all his hopes in, met his demise at Gu Xin Yin's hands. This hatred would likely disrupt even my own inner peace. Therefore, ensuring Gu Xin Yin does not return to Qing Luan Academy is something he will genuinely strive for, as it represents an unresolved knot in his heart. For him, before this knot is untangled... it may hold greater significance than the throne itself."
Having spoken at length without pause, the Empress Dowager took a moment to rest before continuing slowly, "You must understand, even the mightiest have weaknesses... even I, and even the masters of Prajna Temple, have weaknesses. This has been your uncle's only vulnerability over the years, hence this exchange must be completed... let him clash with the people of Qing Luan Academy."