Chapter 290.2: His Majesty, the Emperor - Part 2

Deep into the night, the Dean inexplicably woke up in the middle of the night. This dean, the leader of scholars under the heavens, was not actually not considered a diligent cultivator. Back when he was studying at the academy and was fortunate enough to be accepted as a disciple by the previous dean, he often skipped classes. Yet, he was an exceptionally gifted individual; well-versed in the teachings of sages and the various schools of thought. Despite the previous dean's numerous attempts to impart the profound understanding that there was no limit in the world, and that there was always someone better, this young scholar would always manage to deflect those efforts with a cheeky smile.

After a few such attempts, the previous dean stopped worrying about it. He did not care whether this young man attended classes or not.

When the previous dean passed away, and the current Dean assumed the position, there was no one to supervise him anymore. Consequently, he became even more carefree in his actions. While he would occasionally still study, the Dean really did not take cultivation seriously. While most cultivators in the world would meditate and cultivate during the night, he would sleep peacefully like an ordinary person. Over the years, there had been no change in his routine.

However, tonight, he woke up when the night was still deep. When he tried to go back to sleep, he felt restless and could not shut his eyes anymore.

After a moment of silence, the Dean grabbed a handful of roasted soybeans from the bedside, and slowly got up. He left his residence, and strolled through the academy. Every few steps, the Dean would toss a roasted soybean into his mouth. Unconsciously, he arrived at the shore of the South Lake.

The Divine Capital had already entered winter. A heavy blizzard had occurred a few days ago, and now the academy was covered in a blanket of white. The South Lake had already frozen over.

The moon was exceptionally bright tonight, casting moonlight upon the lake, creating a silver sheen on the frozen surface.

The Dean gave it an additional look with interest. Since becoming the dean of the academy, he had practically never left this academy. Whether it was spring, summer, autumn, or winter, through spring rains and summer heat, autumn leaves falling, or heavy snowfall, he had witnessed it all.

Having seen so many scenes repeatedly year after year, over countless years, an ordinary person might find it monotonous. But for the dean, it was not the case.

He seemed to have a new perspective every time he looked at these sceneries.

The mortal realm was often wearisome, but not for the Dean.

He had not even grown tired of the entire academy, so naturally, the entire Divine Capital, the entire Great Liang, would not bore him either.

Standing by the lake for a moment, the Dean reached out and caught some falling snowflakes, inexplicably recalling many years ago when he also stood at this lakeside in the middle of the night, watching the snow. There was a young man preparing to head north who bade him farewell here.

At that time, the Dean took the initiative to ask him, "Learning the sword, naturally allows you to kill more demons, but is there any fundamental difference between killing a few more demons and reading a few more books?"

The young man, who still respected him at that time, rubbed his head. He was silent for a while before saying woodenly, "This disciple doesn't feel that there's any difference. It's just that studying in the academy for another ten or twenty years, this student can't help but feel more and more annoyed. When reading these sage teachings, this student can't help but want to pull out the venerated sages who said these things and ask: your scholarly pursuit is naturally impressive, but is it more remarkable than going to kill a few demons?"

The student at that time was naturally. Liu Banbi. Upon hearing this, the Dean could not help but get angry: "The sages of the past left behind so many teachings, bringing peace to the hearts of countless scholars. This is a great thing that benefits generations. How can it be worthless when you talk about it, you brat?"

He was no longer a scholar.

He was a budding scholar carefully selected by himself out of thousands.

Even today, he still remembers encountering that brat in the rural fields. Back then, the youth stood in front of him, wearing a playful smile, "May I ask, how does Teacher's knowledge compare to Mr. Chen's from the private school?"

At that time, the Dean also said with a smile, "I just know a bit more than your current teacher, a little more knowledgeable."

God knows how modest the Dean was back then.

"Liu Banbi..."

The Dean sighed, saying softly, "If you have the ability, damn well don't die in the desolate north."

After saying this, the snowflake in the Dean's palm just happened to dissipate, turning into melted snow, and rolling down the lakeside.

After a long time, the Dean looked up, looking at the lakeside. A scholar had appeared, similarly unable to sleep in the middle of the night, also strolling over here.

The two exchanged glances, and the Dean tossed a roasted soybean into his mouth without saying a word.

Wei Xu hesitated for a moment, came over, and bowed to his teacher. Then, he asked, "Teacher, is something on your mind that keeps you from sleeping at night?"

As the only person who had served by the Dean's side all these years, Wei Xu naturally understood the Dean's habits. He did not cultivate at night, only slept.

But the Dean who was unshakable by any circumstances when sleeping at night was actually wandering around the lake at this moment. He naturally had something on his mind.

The Dean did not answer this student's question. Instead, he asked, "Do you have something on your mind too?"

Wei Xu was silent for a moment and said softly, "I cannot tell Teacher."

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