Chapter 66

"Scholarly Sage's literary aura is vast, and the splendid writings he produces are filled with spiritual energy, capable of subduing even ghosts and gods. Although only a small piece of paper remains now, not even forming a complete character, it is truly the ink of the Scholarly Sage. This is the gift I want to give you."

Teacher Shi sighed and said:

"Yang Ji, the current literary path is in decline. Although the literary examination is held every three years and has never been abolished, it is merely a formality, existing in name only. I do not blame you for wanting to practice the martial path. I only hope that you do not neglect the literary path."

"The ink of the Scholarly Sage harbors a great secret, related to the 'River of Righteousness' during the golden age of the literary path. As long as you can comprehend this fragment of the Scholarly Sage's ink, the articles you write will naturally generate a righteous aura. You might even be able to connect with the 'River of Righteousness' in the unseen world, bringing back the glorious era of the literary path!"

"This matter concerns the entire literary lineage of the world. I should be the most suitable person for this task, but unfortunately, I am old and weak, with a heart full of desire but lacking the strength. I can only place my hopes on you."

Teacher Shi sighed deeply, feeling a great deal of emotion.

"The ink of the Scholarly Sage" is an incredibly precious thing. Even a fragment is of great significance, and it would not be so easily given away, especially to a teenager!

However, Teacher Shi had no choice. In the current world, the literary aura is in decline. Someone like Yang Ji, who can write articles with literary aura, is already a rare talent, unmatched by anyone else. And among those who can produce a righteous aura in their writing, including Teacher Shi himself, there is not a single one!

The current state of the literary path is truly worrying. More and more people, like Yang Ji, prioritize the martial path over the literary path, or even abandon the literary path altogether. Missing this opportunity, Teacher Shi does not know if he will find another person to entrust with the "ink of the Scholarly Sage."

"The literary path has a long history; it must not be cut off!"

Teacher Shi felt a deep bitterness in his heart.

The more he came into contact with the imperial power, the more anxious he became about the current state of the literary path. "Literary Master"… it sounds good, but in reality, it is merely a tutor for the royal children, teaching them to read and write.

If even a "Literary Master" is like this, what can be said about other subordinate literary officials and clerks!

However, the literary path was not always like this. It once shone brightly, guiding wise rulers, determining the fate of the nation, and benefiting the people. How can it be so easily cut off!

Teacher Shi's thoughts were in turmoil, and Yang Ji was not calm either.

"River of Righteousness?"

Yang Ji's eyes sparkled, and his mind recalled some long-forgotten things. The "River of Righteousness" was something he had heard from his "tutor."

The so-called "River of Righteousness" is formed by the righteous thoughts of countless scholars. Each scholar produces a bit of righteous aura, and over generations, centuries, and millennia, the accumulated aura forms a vast and boundless "River of Righteousness" belonging to the literary path!

This "River of Righteousness" can only be seen by scholars. It is the embodiment of the world's justice and righteousness, the source of the literary path's power to determine the fate of the nation and cleanse the world, and the origin of the Scholarly Sage!

There was a legend that before the destruction of the epoch, countless Scholarly Sages gathered the thoughts of countless people and used unimaginable means to hide this boundless and vast "River of Righteousness," waiting for the world to be remade and the right time to come, to reappear in the world.

As long as someone can summon this hidden "River of Righteousness," the peak of the literary path, where "scholars become sages," will return to the world!

This legend is too mystical, so Yang Ji has always regarded it as a myth. After all, even the current epoch is not fully understood, let alone the world of a previous era!

However, from what Teacher Shi said, it is clear that he does not merely consider it a legend.

"Teacher, do you mean that the River of Righteousness really exists?"

Yang Ji asked.

Although it is sudden and hard to believe, what is seen is real, and what is heard is false. The ink of the Scholarly Sage, which was once considered a legend, is now before his eyes. Why can't the "River of Righteousness" exist?

Yang Ji had to seriously reconsider the truth of this matter.

"I have studied with other literary masters for over ten years. Before us, generation after generation of literary masters ultimately concluded that the 'River of Righteousness' is very likely to exist. The evidence from the royal family also points to this."

Teacher Shi said.

In terms of the richness of historical records and the abundance of relics from various eras and epochs, no one has more than the royal family of the Han Dynasty. As a "Literary Master" for over ten years, Teacher Shi has taught many princes and princesses and has also used their influence to access a large amount of secret information.

Even this fragment of the Scholarly Sage's ink was traced through the royal archives and carefully studied.

Yang Ji was thoughtful. As a "Literary Master," there was no need to hide this from him. Although he did not know what specific evidence convinced Teacher Shi of the existence of the "River of Righteousness," the involvement of the royal family added credibility to the legend.

"Yang Ji, don't rush to answer the question I asked you earlier. How about this: if you participate in the martial examination and achieve a ranking, I won't stop you; but if you fail and do not achieve a ranking, you will have to wait three years according to the rules of the court. By then, it will have lost its significance, and it will also prove that you may not be suited for the martial path. At that time, would you consider following me to study the literary path?"

Teacher Shi said. Deep down, he was still not entirely willing to give up. It was rare to find someone he approved of, and he was reluctant to let him go so easily.

Yang Ji was silent. The martial examination was of great significance to him, determining his life's fate. He could only succeed, not fail. If he really failed, Yang Ji could not imagine the impact it would have on him...

"Whatever happens, I must succeed!"

Yang Ji clenched his fist tightly, silently resolving to himself.

Although Teacher Shi's words were reasonable, for Yang Ji, registering for the martial examination carried too many expectations. He did not want to think about these things before the final results were known.

"Let me think about it more carefully."

Yang Ji said. He was not someone who gave up easily.

"Hehe, that's fine."

Teacher Shi smiled and did not press further. Yang Ji's character was one of the things he admired. If not for this character, he would not have written such a sentence as "In the cold of winter, one knows that the pine and cypress are the last to shed their leaves."

"Keep this fragment of the Scholarly Sage's ink."

Teacher Shi pointed to the table and said:

"This holy relic is a gift from me to you, but it is not just for your benefit. It also contains my personal desires. The ink of the Scholarly Sage is closely related to the literary path of the world. If you succeed, it will be as if all the scholars, literati, and literary masters of the world have succeeded, a success for millions of people, and a success for the literary path."

"As long as the golden age of the literary path can return, all of this will become meaningful. And I, even in death, will be at peace. — I hope you do not disappoint me."

Teacher Shi said, looking deeply at Yang Ji.

For the first time in his life, Yang Ji suddenly felt a deep sense of responsibility. The ink of the Scholarly Sage is something anyone would desire.

Yang Ji had to admit that when he first saw it, he also had the desire to possess it. However, now, he felt a great pressure.

Reviving the literary path is no easy task, and recreating the golden age of the literary path, where "scholars become sages," is even more difficult. By entrusting this fragment of the Scholarly Sage's ink to him, Teacher Shi was also passing on this responsibility, which made Yang Ji feel a heavy burden.

"Thank you, teacher. I will do my best."

After a moment, Yang Ji took a deep breath, knelt down deeply, and made his choice.

Teacher Shi looked at Yang Ji in front of him and finally smiled.