Chapter 437 - Chapter 437: Chapter 269: Zhuge Zhongguang's Opportunity to Break through the Heavenly Human Realm_3

Chapter 437: Chapter 269: Zhuge Zhongguang’s Opportunity to Break through the Heavenly Human Realm_3

Zhuge Zhongguang then took a deep breath, as all the golden light entered his body. Gradually, the golden pillar of light emanating from his body also slowly dissipated.

Zhuge Zhongguang adjusted his breathing, and Lu Chen quickly used the system to check Zhuge Zhongguang’s status. [Name: Zhuge Zhongguang]

[Identity: Chancellor of the Universal Academy, Great Scholar of the North Country.]

[Strength: Grandmaster at the Zenith Realm]

[Loyalty: 100]

Seeing Zhuge Zhongguang’s personal information, Lu Chen was stunned.

Grandmaster at the Zenith Realm?

Like himself?

Should it not be the Heavenly Human Realm?

Lu Chen immediately asked, “Great Scholar, how do you feel now?”

Hearing Lu Chen’s question, Zhuge Zhongguang sighed and then said, “I have disappointed the Prince, I still have not been able to cross that threshold.”

This…

Lu Chen was somewhat speechless. The commotion just now was obviously not something a Grandmaster could cause; he had thought that Zhuge Zhongguang would definitely break through to the Grandmaster Realm, but still no breakthrough?

Where did the problem occur?

Why couldn’t he break through?

Could it really be as Zhuge Zhongguang said, that one has to pass through some special rule of this world before a Grandmaster can break through to the Heavenly Human Realm?

While Lu Chen was in deep thought, Zhuge Zhongguang spoke up, “Prince, although I have not broken through to the Heavenly Human Realm, I now know the opportunity that will allow me to break through.”

Lu Chen directly asked, “What opportunity?”

Zhuge Zhongguang answered, “As long as there are more and more scholars in the North Country, and more and more talented individuals, once I have absorbed enough Qi of Literature, I will be able to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm.”

“After entering a meditative state just now, a voice guided me in the darkness.”

“This isn’t much different from my previous conjecture. To break through to the Heavenly Human Realm, everyone must go through some special rule and gain this world’s recognition. Now that I think about it, the Celestial from Mysterious Moon Palace who killed so many Grandmasters back then, it’s very likely that he had to kill a certain number of Grandmasters to authenticate his path and break through to the Heavenly Human Realm.”

After contemplating, Lu Chen then said, “So that’s how it is. In that case, this Prince will let the Ministry of Education issue a decree starting next week; every child aged six to sixteen must go to school.”

Lu Chen had intended to implement universal education all along. A long time ago, he had the disciples of Mysterious Moon Palace teach the common folk of North Country how to read and write; however, at that time, it was just allowing the disciples to teach reading and writing, and it was not mandatory for the children of the common folk to learn literacy. As a result, many still think learning to read is unnecessary.

Since the opportunity for Zhuge Zhongguang to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm is linked to having more and more scholars and talented people in North Country, it’s the perfect chance to accelerate the push for universal education.

Hearing Lu Chen’s words, Zhuge Zhongguang hurriedly said, “Prince, I’m afraid that won’t do. Nowadays, most commoners believe that one should only learn to read if they aim to become officials. Otherwise, reading is a waste of time and money. And for most families, children are contributors to labor. If their children are sent to academies, the commoners will surely be reluctant.”

Lu Chen said indifferently, “Any policy implementation will meet resistance. If we do nothing because the commoners oppose it, then we wouldn’t be able to reclaim land ownership rights, and North Country would not have developed at its current pace.”

Seeing Lu Chen so resolute, Zhuge Zhongguang didn’t say anything more. Then Lu Chen continued, “Each year, the North Prince Mansion will set aside a sum of money as a scholarship. Students who excel in conduct and learning can apply, and those who are approved will receive scholarships distributed by the North Prince Mansion.”

“Moreover, within fifty years, students who pass the entrance exams to the Higher Academy founded by the North Prince Mansion will have guaranteed job assignments once they graduate.”

Hearing this, Zhuge Zhongguang instantly understood Lu Chen’s intention; Lu Chen planned to use various methods to motivate the common folk to send their children to school.

At that moment, Lu Chen sighed and continued, “To be honest, starting now, I don’t even know if it will be timely enough.”

The Sum Emperor had long been preparing to deal with Zhuge Zhongguang, yet they had only just begun to implement universal education. It’s very possible that before their education effort even gets underway, the Grandmasters could come to assassinate Zhuge Zhongguang before he breaks through to the Heavenly Human Realm.

Zhuge Zhongguang said, “Your Highness, please be at ease. Although His Majesty has long been preparing to eliminate me, everyone knows that I am a Grandmaster on the verge of breaking through to the Heavenly Human Realm. The phenomenon seen just now by the common folk of Yan County, once word gets out, it’s very possible that some Grandmasters will believe I have already broken through, thereby refusing His Majesty’s orders.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen quickly realized the point.

Right, the commotion was so great that the spies in Yan County must have seen it already. If they can use this to their advantage, letting people think that Zhuge Zhongguang has broken through, then naturally the Sum Emperor wouldn’t dare act rashly.

Though they themselves knew Zhuge Zhongguang hadn’t broken through to the Heavenly Human Realm, others didn’t know that, and those who had actually seen a Celestial were scarce – who really knew what being a Celestial was like.

With this in mind, Lu Chen said with a smile, “I understand the Great Scholar’s implication.”

“From this day on, the Great Scholar shall be known as a Celestial. The Great Scholar should refrain from showing his true strength easily.”

Zhuge Zhongguang instantly guessed what Lu Chen intended to do and immediately said, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Lu Chen, with a smile, added, “Alright, let’s leave it at this for today. The earlier noise was quite loud, and there are probably already numerous rumors outside. This Prince needs to find someone to dispel them.”

Zhuge Zhongguang then bowed and said, “I shall take my leave.”