Chapter 175: Eighth-ranked Clear Heart Realm

Chapter 175: Eighth-ranked Clear Heart Realm

On the following journey, Qin Feng remained silent.

Lan Ningshuang sensed his change in mood and asked with concern, “Young Master, don’t pay attention to what that person said. Studying is undoubtedly useful. You know, the reason why the Great Qian Dynasty can stand in the world is greatly attributed to the achievements of the National Teacher of the Imperial City in the Heavenly Monitoring Tower.”

Qin Feng sighed deeply, “How many scholars can reach the level of the National Teacher of the Heavenly Monitoring Pavilion?”

Lan Ningshuang was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.

Qin Feng continued, “Practicing both martial arts and the Literature tradition requires a lot of time and money. Ningshuang, let me ask you, if ordinary people have such conditions, given the choice, which path would they choose for their children?”

Lan Ningshuang hesitated, then said, “Naturally, it would be...”

“No need to think too much, it would definitely be the martial arts tradition.

I used to think that the emphasis on martial prowess over Literature skills in the Great Qian led to the prevalence of warriors and the scarcity of followers of the Literature tradition.

But now, I realize I was too naive. Not everyone has enough talent and resources to break through to high-level realms.

Given limited abilities, practicing martial arts seems to be the only way for ordinary people.”

“In the current world, with the rampant presence of demons, it’s always a sword hanging over the heads of many common people. So, what can studying do? Fulfill ambitions, govern a region? That may be fine, but it’s only for those wealthy and powerful families. How many officials across the country come from humble backgrounds? Not to mention one in ten, but even out of a hundred or a thousand, it’s not certain there would be one.”

“Ningshuang, do you know why this is?”The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.

Lan Ningshuang shook her head.

“Because, for ordinary people, there is nothing more important than survival.

Wanting to live well by studying is undoubtedly a bit of wishful thinking. But if you learn martial arts, become a warrior, even if you can’t join the Demon Slaying Department or the army, you can still make a living by hunting. At the very least, they can run faster than ordinary people when faced with danger.”

“What the young master said is just like what that middle-aged man said before.” Lan Ningshuang thought to herself.

“Of course, besides this, there’s a more practical reason—there is no way into studying,” Qin Feng exhaled lightly.

“No way into studying?” Lan Ningshuang didn’t understand.

“Heh, just like the martial arts tradition, there are numerous martial arts sects and prominent families, but the martial arts techniques passed down are extremely rare. The reason for this is pride in one’s own skills. This is particularly evident in scholars.”

“Ningshuang, have you ever wondered why the ultimate practitioner of the Literature tradition, the Grand Master of the Literature Arts, is only found in the Grand Literature Academy in the Imperial Capital?”

Lan Ningshuang pondered for a moment, then shook her head again. She had no knowledge of the Literature tradition, being more focused on the martial arts path.

However, upon careful recollection, she did find that, except for the Imperial Capital, other cities rarely saw the presence of the Literature Arts tradition.

“My parents once collected thousands of books, hoping to help me reach the Ninth Rank of the Literature Arts, but after more than ten years of studying, there has been no progress.

The reason is that there are very few records of Literature tradition practitioners in the books available. If it weren’t for a fortunate encounter, memorizing those thousands of books, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have been able to reach the Ninth Rank of the Literature Path in my entire life.

The martial arts tradition is guarded by major sects and prominent families, unwilling to spread their martial arts techniques.”

The words of ancient saints he had read in his previous life flashed through his mind one by one.

He could easily borrow a few sentences and present himself as a towering figure. But what would be the point?

There was no one else here, no audience to impress. Strangely enough, for the first time, he sincerely pondered this question.

He recalled the various events after crossing into this world. Apart from boosting the GDP of Jinyang City, it seemed he hadn’t done anything extraordinary.

He thought of Senior Li, the resolute figure determined to protect the city. But heroes were not born in everyone.

He liked beautiful women, enjoyed material wealth, and sometimes acted justly in the heat of the moment.

But most of the time, his choices were no different from those of many prudent individuals.

He smiled casually, “It turns out that I am just a greedy and lustful vulgar person. It would be good if I can be upright and have a clear conscience.”

The white figure flickered slightly and asked again, “What do you think scholars should do?”

“What should scholars do? Ha, what can scholars do in this world? If my physical talents weren’t limited, I’d rather abandon literature for martial arts,” Qin Feng sneered.

High-level Literature saints only existed in the Imperial Capital’s Grand Literature Academy. To practice, they aligned themselves with the imperial army. Where else could you find Literature saints in other cities helping people?

Those who pursued medical arts were looked down upon, despite saving lives. Who made these rules?

Did only those close to power in the capital have the privilege to practice the Literature saint’s path?

Warriors were everywhere, risking their lives to save people in times of danger.

What about those scholars in the lofty Grand Literature Academy?

How many common people had seen them, received their favor?

He remembered the vendor discouraging the young man from writing, saying, “What’s the use of reading and writing?” Truly learned scholars were not like that.

Qin Feng felt a sense of frustration in his heart and vented, “Establishing a heart for heaven and earth, giving life meaning to the people, inheriting the teachings of past saints, and bringing peace to the world for generations. That’s what scholars should do!”

As this statement was made, the Heart Questioning Platform trembled, and in the sea of spirit, white Literature Qi surged like a sea of clouds.

“So that’s how it is.” the white figure said with a smile.

The face of the virtual figure gradually became clear.

Qin Feng, upon seeing it clearly, was astonished. The face of this white virtual figure was identical to his own!

As a stream of clear energy entered his Divine Sea, Qin Feng finally entered the eighth-grade Clear Heart realm!

At the same time, the Listen To Rain Pavilion kept vibrating, and the Literature energy in the books on the shelves surged.

The old man Bai Li, sitting on the wicker chair, sensed the movement. With a press of his right hand, Listen To Rain Pavilion returned to calm.

He lay on the wicker chair, swaying gently, with emotion and relief in his eyes.