Chapter 1

"Everyone in the world knows what beauty is, and thus ugliness arises; everyone knows what goodness is, and thus evil arises."

"Therefore, existence and non-existence give birth to each other, difficulty and ease complete each other, length and shortness define each other, height and lowness incline to each other, sound and voice harmonize with each other, front and back follow each other."

"Therefore, the sage deals with non-action and teaches without words!"

The morning light shone on Pingzhou County, and in front of a house in the northwest of the city, a clear and slightly immature reading voice could be heard. A young boy stomped his feet, pushed open the wooden door, tightened his slightly thin clothes, and avoided the school, holding a book and heading to the backyard, taking several deep breaths of the air.

It was the beginning of autumn, and the air in the courtyard was cool, making one even more alert.

This young boy was thin, wearing a pair of cloth shoes, standing by the window, lost in thought.

After an unknown period of time, the young boy slowly put down the book, gazing at the busy crowd in the distance, and then staring at the Daoist scripture in his hand, he smiled bitterly without a word. After a long time, he exhaled.

In this world where Daoist magic is revered, there are three Daoist Lords who have passed down the general principles of Daoism, and five Imperial Lords who have passed down the Daoist classics, collectively known as the Three Scriptures and Five Classics. Each word is precious, exploring the origin of all things in heaven and earth, with Daoism as the ultimate principle.

However, like the Dao De Jing on Earth, these are the highest scriptures of Daoism, with no higher level. Even the Daoist Lords and Imperial Lords themselves follow these principles. For ordinary people, they are like the sun and moon, visible but unattainable.

Therefore, the world uses the Three Scriptures and Five Classics as the content for the imperial examinations. First, one must thoroughly read the highest scriptures of Daoism, ponder the Daoist principles, enlighten the heart, and accumulate Daoist qualities, then gradually advance.

There are four stages of the examination: the Child Examination, the County Examination, the Provincial Examination, and the Palace Examination, to test one's understanding of the Dao. Finally, the Daoist Lords and Imperial Lords will select disciples from the successful candidates, which is the advancement system of this world!

Of course, besides the direct disciples of the Daoist Lords and Imperial Lords, there are many other Daoist lineages. Even if one cannot pass the imperial examination, they can choose to join one of these.

In a few days, it would be the time for the Child Examination in the county.

Many young people from various families would go to take the exam. According to the rules of this world, anyone between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five can take the Child Examination, which is held every three years, with a total of three opportunities.

If one passes, they gain the qualification to practice Daoist magic, equivalent to a gun license on Earth, allowing them to practice Daoist magic openly.

If one fails to become a child scholar, they do not even have the qualification to practice Daoist magic, and violators are executed.

If one fails the first time, they can try again, but if they fail repeatedly, according to the unwritten rules of the Child Examination, they will likely never pass.

Cultivating Daoism is not just about literary talent but also about physical condition and age. Once one exceeds twenty-five years old, unless their understanding of Daoism is profound, it becomes increasingly difficult.

In summary, the Child Examination is a life-changing opportunity for ordinary people in this world. Passing it means securing a future, while failing means being like dust. This is true in any world.

Even if one is a穿越者 (穿越者 means a person who has traveled through time or space, often used in the context of a person from a different world or time period).

This young boy, Ye Qing, suddenly remembered a poem.

"Alas, the melon vines under the yellow platform, the melons ripe and the seeds scattered. One plucking makes the melon good, two pluckings make the melon sparse. Three pluckings are still acceptable, four pluckings leave the vine bare!"

His journey from Earth to this world was the first plucking, his resurrection and return to the age of fifteen was the second plucking, which probably exhausted his luck. He did not want to think about the third or fourth plucking.

Now, apart from some foresight, his luck was probably even less than the first time he traveled, and he could not afford any slack or hesitation.

While he was deep in thought, a maid named Qianqian came out of the courtyard, with her hair in two braids, holding a thick coat and running around the rockery.

Seeing the young boy, she handed him the coat and gently scolded, "Young Master, you have a cold, why did you come out so early? Go back inside!"

Hearing her gentle urging, Ye Qing glanced at her. She had a fair, palm-sized face with bright eyes, a small body that had not fully grown, and was not particularly beautiful, but her clear and familiar appearance brought back many memories.

Qianqian, whose name means "graceful," was bought by his mother when she was alive and had been with him since childhood. Though she was a maid, they had a deep bond.

Those who have not experienced it will never understand the longing for love of a solitary穿越者 (穿越者 means a person who has traveled through time or space, often used in the context of a person from a different world or time period). This longing is unrelated to age or status!

Thinking about this, Ye Qing, who was originally happy, felt a bit melancholic and said with a smile, "I just thought of some things and some people, and wanted to come out and look around."

Qianqian twisted her fingers, a bit puzzled, but insisted, "But it's cold outside..."

Her clear eyes reminded him that, despite her young age, she could be quite stubborn in some aspects!

Not wanting to refuse, Ye Qing smiled bitterly, put away the book, and nodded, "Alright."

He then held the book and walked toward the house, and Qianqian quickly followed. The morning mist obscured their figures, but their clear voices could still be heard faintly.

"In a few days, it will be the Child Examination. Young... Young Master, are you prepared?"

"These past two days, I have reviewed the scriptures and am familiar with them, so there should be no problem..."

"That's really good. If Lord and Lady knew, they would be very happy..." At this point, they reached the door, and Qianqian opened it, preparing hot water and a towel.

Steam rose from the clear water in the copper basin, and a young boy's face was reflected in it, with clear and slightly cold features and thin lips. At first glance, one might think he had a naturally cold demeanor, causing a moment of dizziness.

Since his rebirth from Earth, he had been full of ambition, but after fifteen years of struggling, he ended up in a gray state.

By a stroke of luck, he was resurrected and finally returned to this moment fifteen years ago...

While Ye Qing was deep in thought, Qianqian carefully wrung out the towel and wiped his face. As she lowered her clothes, a hint of white skin caught his eye.

Qianqian was very sensitive to such gazes, glanced at him subconsciously, paused for a moment, and then continued smoothly.

At sixteen, the girl had grown out of her innocence. Her face was red, and steam rose from her head, but she could not help but think, "The young master has grown up..."

A warm atmosphere was brewing, and Ye Qing felt a bit dazed, as if recalling something or counting the time. Suddenly, he said softly, "They are coming."

Qianqian sighed with relief and asked curiously, "Who is coming?"

"Guess!" Ye Qing lifted his head and gestured to Qianqian. At that moment, a knock came from outside the door.

"Nephew, it's your uncle!" Accompanied by the words, there was another knock.

Uncle Ye Zifan, it has been a long time...

With a surprised look from Qianqian, Ye Qing made a "shh" gesture, coughed, and lay back on the bed, saying, "Uncle, please wait... Qianqian will open the door."

The wooden door creaked open, and a middle-aged scholar with a long face and black beard walked in, glancing at Qianqian casually.

It was still early morning, and the cold wind made Qianqian shiver slightly. She lowered her hands and quietly retreated to the shadow behind the door.

The Ye family, though Ye Qing's branch was declining, was still prosperous and had strict rules. She did not dare to offend them.

Ye Qing, half-lying on the bed, sat up and smiled warmly, lighting up the small room like the sun, "Uncle, come in and warm up. My home may be cold, but it's better than outside."

Ye Zifan had already walked in, placed a package on the table, and brushed off the frost on his clothes. He then looked at Ye Qing on the bed, frowning slightly, "Since you have a cold, you should be more careful. I heard from the servants that you have been reading outside these past two days. Why don't you take care of yourself?"

The table and chairs were old and slightly worn but spotless, indicating they were frequently cleaned. Ye Zifan swept his sleeve and sat down in front of the bed.

Ye Qing struggled to get out of bed and responded softly, "Thank you, Uncle. I am fine."

Ye Zifan smiled, this nephew had always been obedient and well-behaved, and he had not wasted his efforts in protecting him over the years. He placed one hand on the package and stroked his three-foot-long black beard, leaning back in the chair, "Yes, the weather is getting colder. You should take care of yourself. Don't really catch a cold. I brought you some warm wine and meat to nourish your body."

At this time, a cold was a dangerous illness, and Ye Qing bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, Uncle."

Ye Zifan couldn't help but laugh, "The room is very cold, and you didn't say anything. I will send some charcoal to help you stay warm."

"Thank you, Uncle." Ye Qing thanked him again and smiled, "Thanks to Uncle's care, I have been studying the scriptures diligently and feel quite confident. If I pass this time, it will be due to Uncle's efforts."

As he spoke, he looked at Ye Zifan with admiration.

"Uh..." Ye Zifan was a bit awkward, his words were cut off, and he said evasively, "You are a member of our family, and your father entrusted me with your care. It is my duty, so there's no need to thank me."

The atmosphere in the room became a bit subtle.

Qianqian was pouring tea for the two of them and, hearing this, perked up her ears. She sensed something was off and glanced at Ye Qing as she retreated to the inner room.

Ye Zifan took another sip of tea, stood up, and took two steps in the room, then fixed his gaze on his nephew, hesitating for a moment before speaking, "Nephew, I came today to talk to you about something."

"Uncle, please speak freely!" Ye Qing's smile remained, but his eyes were a bit deep.

"Uncle won't hide anything from you. In a few days, the Child Examination will be held in the county. However, Uncle is concerned that you are still young and not familiar enough with the scriptures. It would be better if you studied for another three years and then took the exam. What do you think?" Ye Zifan spoke slowly, his eyes fixed on Ye Qing.

"..." Ye Qing felt a bit cold. The Child Examination was crucial for one's future. One could only take the exam between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five, and passing it was the only way to gain the qualification to practice Daoist magic.

At that time, the county would even provide basic Daoist magic.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with only three chances. Because of this, the competition was very intense, and each additional candidate reduced the chances of success.

Ye Qing understood that Ye Zifan did not have any ill intentions, just wanted to reduce the competition for his son. However, even so, hearing these words from his uncle again in this rebirth made him feel a bit cold.

In his previous life, he was not lazy, and his talent was not bad, but he ended up in a gray state. Many nights of reflection led him to realize that his decision to listen and yield had led to a series of setbacks. Although he could still pass the Child Examination and become a scholar, he could not keep up with the trends of the world.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Qing said slowly, "I have been reading since childhood and am very familiar with the scriptures, with no obscure parts. This time, I will definitely pass the Child Examination without any setbacks."

Hearing this, Ye Zifan was taken aback, this reaction was unexpected. He carefully observed his expression, feeling a bit surprised.

This nephew, though clever, was limited by his age and lack of a good teacher after losing his father... Where did this confidence come from? He laughed, "Oh? Is that so?"