Chapter 64

The others all knew that Li Yuncun was from a prominent family in Jiangzhou and thus knew more than ordinary people. They quickly finished their meals and left the cafeteria. On an empty path, Ning Zhiyuan said, "Yuncun, speak up."

Li Yuncun said, "Actually, there's nothing too extraordinary. The Five Demon Mountain connects to the Demon Realm, as you all know. There are many rare treasures and even elixirs that can extend one's life. Those people want to live longer, so they naturally trade with the Reverse-Breed scholars. It's said there are other things, but I don't know the specifics. Fang Yun, what Lu Yu said is correct. Your literary rank is not high now, but your potential for growth is terrifying. Once you become a Scholar, those Reverse-Breed scholars will certainly try to deal with you. If you become a Tribute, they will likely mobilize a large force against you."

Fang Yun said helplessly, "So fame brings so many troubles? In the future, I'll have to be extra careful and avoid leaving the city if possible. If I must leave, I'll do it secretly and not let anyone know."

"That's good."

Ning Zhiyuan said, "Fang Yun, since you're young, why not keep a low profile and participate in the imperial exams every two years? You'll definitely pass the Jinshi exam by the age of twenty-two."

Fang Yun was about to say that this idea was good, but after thinking for a moment, he said, "Have you forgotten Mr. Wang's words? If you don't advance, you'll fall behind. If I have the opportunity, I will strive to achieve it. Those Reverse-Breed scholars are ultimately just snakes and rats. If I become a Scholar and master the art of writing, I won't fear them! I shouldn't see them as obstacles but as whetstones to sharpen my skills!"

"Spoken well! I can't match you," Ning Zhiyuan praised.

"Ah, no wonder you're Fang Shuangjia! If I had your insight when I was young, I would already be a Tribute," Tang Shanye said.

"Would you die if you didn't talk big?" Lu Yu rolled his eyes.

Everyone laughed, and Fang Yun asked, "Since all five of you are among the top five in Dayuan Prefecture, you must have entered the Book Mountain. How many pavilions did you pass?"

Lu Yu sighed, "Except for Li Yuncun, who reached the second pavilion, none of us even passed the first pavilion."

"Really? Liu Zicheng said he reached the second pavilion."

"He must be exaggerating! There are over eight hundred prefectures in the Ten Kingdoms, and eight thousand Scholars climb the Book Mountain each time. Half are eliminated at the foot of the mountain, and fewer than a thousand pass the first pavilion. Only three to five Scholars pass the second pavilion each year. Those who reach the second mountain are second only to the Four Great Scholars. How could it be Liu Zicheng?"

"So he was lying to me before. How far do the Four Great Scholars usually go in the Book Mountain?" Fang Yun asked.

"They can definitely reach the second mountain, and once they become Tributes, they can pass the third mountain and obtain the Literary Heart. It can be said that if they can't obtain the Literary Heart by the time they become Tributes, they aren't considered geniuses."

Fang Yun kept this in mind. As a poor family's child, he knew too little about these things and asked, "Do you really remember nothing about the Book Mountain? Do you have any feelings about it?"

"Absolutely nothing. If there's any feeling, it's that it's difficult."

The other four nodded in unison, showing that although they couldn't remember what happened in the Book Mountain, they were still somewhat fearful.

"Alright, I won't ask anymore," Fang Yun said.

Li Yuncun said, "But I feel you won't be much worse than the Four Great Scholars. You should be able to reach the second mountain and might even become one of the next generation of the Four Great Scholars! It's a pity you weren't born into a prominent family; otherwise, I'm sure you would be one of the Four Great Scholars."

"Right! To be honest, your poetry is no worse than the Four Great Scholars, and it's even on par with the current Poet Lord."

"Once you become a Tribute, you must obtain the Literary Heart!"

"I'll do my best."

Everyone laughed and chatted as they returned to the classroom.

In the afternoon, after school, the Scholars from the three classes gathered at the school gate. After greeting each other, the sixteen of them walked together to the Moon Washing Tower.

Fifteen Scholars and one Child Scholar together attracted many passersby's attention. Some parents pointed at them and encouraged their children to become Scholars when they grew up.

Although the three classes had a competitive relationship, they were laughing and chatting at this moment.

Fang Yun observed carefully and was relieved. There were no conflicts within each class, and although the three classes would tease each other, they would also praise each other, and there were no verbal attacks.

The group entered the Moon Washing Tower. The first floor was bustling with people, and the sixteen of them entering immediately made the noise level drop.

A few people who knew each other nodded in greeting.

A waiter hurried over, and Chang Wanxu reported their names. The waiter led them to a private room on the second floor.

Upon entering the room, Fang Yun looked around. There were books and paintings, orchids and incense, and the Four Treasures of the Study. If it weren't for the two dining tables, it would be a very elegant study.

Everyone sat down at two tables. As soon as they were seated, Lu Yu said arrogantly, "Since the three classes are gathering, there must be poetry and literature. This time, your second and third classes can choose the topic, and our first class will accompany you to the end. As for the rewards and punishments, I won't argue with you; you decide!"

The people from the first class immediately laughed, full of confidence.

The people from the other two classes looked at each other.

"Today, we are gathering to welcome Fang Yun, mainly to show the harmony among us State Academy students. If we must compete, it would be beneath us!"

"That's true! If Fang Yun wins, the people who invited him will lose face. If he doesn't win, he will lose face. Today, we only talk about the wind and the moon, not poetry and literature! Haven't you learned enough in the Literary Academy?"

"Right, no poetry and literature, only harmony! Only love! How did your teachers teach you?"

Lu Yu was stunned. He had been waiting all afternoon to clear his name at this gathering. The third class always competed in poetry and literature, and the first class had only won once. Each time they lost, they were either forced to drink or do embarrassing things, which was extremely miserable.

Lu Yu shouted, "No! Competing in poetry and literature at the third class gathering is a rule, and this rule cannot be broken!"

"Next time! We will definitely follow this rule next time, but not this time!"

"This won't do, Fang Yun, say something!" Lu Yu looked at Fang Yun urgently.

The five students from the first class looked at Fang Yun expectantly.

Fang Yun smiled and said, "I just started school today and don't understand anything. I won't say anything; let you decide."

"Spoken well! That's the spirit of the top student! When we go to the Qu Shui River to kill demons in a few days, if you want to go, stay by my side, and I'll protect you!" Chang Wanxu was extremely grateful to Fang Yun.

Lu Yu said, "What? How do you know we're going to the Qu Shui River in a few days?"

The people from the second and third classes smiled but said nothing. Chang Wanxu explained, "A Tribute class went to the Qu Shui River three days ago. They will definitely kill the demon general and disperse the demon soldiers and civilians, leaving some for us Scholars to practice on."

"You have such good information. What kind of demon is at the Qu Shui River?" Ning Zhiyuan asked.

Fang Yun listened intently. Besides encountering Nunu, this was his first time dealing with demons in this world.

"Supposedly, it's a water snake demon general that escaped from the Yangtze River into the Qu Shui River and killed all the people in a village overnight."

The people from the first class all changed color. Li Yuncun said, "A demon snake is troublesome. It's a poisonous creature and much harder to deal with than ordinary fish demons."

"That's why a Tribute class is going. If it were an ordinary demon general, our three classes of Scholars could handle it. After all, an ordinary demon general is equivalent to a Tribute."

"If we're just chasing scattered demon soldiers and civilians, it would be boring to compete on which class kills the most!" Lu Yu said.

Chang Wanxu laughed and said, "Your first class has one more Fang Yun. This time, you might win. Don't lose heart." He and a few others who liked to joke laughed together.

"He can't even write on paper, so no matter how talented he is, he won't be of any use there. The teacher won't take him," Lu Yu said.

Chang Wanxu, however, said seriously, "Fang Yun, have you ever seen a demon-killing scene?"

"No," Fang Yun said honestly.

"In that case, I suggest you go with us. We won't just be fifteen Scholars; the three class teachers, who are Tributes, will also follow to protect us, and each class can bring a squad of fifteen soldiers. The demon general and most of the demon soldiers will be killed, so there won't be much danger. Only a few scattered demon soldiers and civilians will be left, and everyone will be safe, at most suffering minor injuries. Although you can't write on paper, you can experience demon-killing firsthand, which will be very beneficial for you in the future."

Fang Yun smiled and said, "In the morning, Lu Yu said I should stay in the city to avoid the Reverse-Breed scholars. Now you're persuading me to go demon-killing. Who should I listen to?"

"Reverse-Breed scholars? You're overthinking it. There aren't that many Reverse-Breed scholars, and besides, each teacher will bring at least two Tribute-level treasures. Even if there are Reverse-Breed scholars, we won't be afraid."

"Who knows if Liu Zicheng will try to harm Fang Yun during the demon-killing," Ning Zhiyuan muttered.

Many people laughed. Chang Wanxu said, "Liu Zicheng is bad, but he's not stupid. Right now, he and Fang Yun have a personal grudge, but if he disrupts our demon-killing, he will be betraying the human race. Not only will Liu Zicheng lose his eligibility for the imperial exams, but even Liu Zizhi will be disqualified, and the Left Chancellor will face attacks from the Censorate."

"You're right," Ning Zhiyuan laughed, a bit embarrassed. After all, he was only seventeen and not as experienced as the others.

"So, Fang Yun, are you going or not?" Chang Wanxu asked.

Everyone looked at Fang Yun.

Fang Yun saw the testing and evaluation in their eyes.

In the original education of the Holy Yuan Continent, demons and barbarians were the greatest enemies of humans, but killing demons and barbarians was only second to walking the path of sainthood.

However, with the end of the thousand-year truce, killing demons and barbarians had become equally important to seeking the path of sainthood. To these passionate young people, killing demons and barbarians was the path of sainthood.

Fang Yun smiled slightly and said, "Killing demons and barbarians is our duty. If I, as a Child Scholar, can't even face it, how can I write and discuss military strategy as a Scholar? I will definitely witness your heroic demon-killing."

"You becoming a Child Scholar is already a great achievement, and it's impossible for you to become a Scholar in a few days. When we return victorious, you should write a poem. What do you think?"

"Of course!" Fang Yun agreed readily.

...

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I recommend a good book to everyone, "Super Combat Soldier." Remember to check it out! Book number: 2571593

[bookid=2571593, bookname=《Super Combat Soldier》]

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