Chapter 775: Qin Feng, Who Do You Recommend?
“When did the teacher first know about it?” Qin Feng asked curiously.
“It was when you successfully passed through the academy,” the Heavenly Tower National Teacher replied calmly.
Qin Feng widened his eyes. It dawned on him that many details suddenly made sense.
Previously, when he inquired about advancing his cultivation within the Literature Saint Dao Lineage, the teacher always mentioned that someone would be responsible for teaching him, and often, the one teaching him turned out to be Senior Xuan Yi.
‘Wait a moment. There are images related to Senior Xuan Yi on the sealed floor of the Listen To Rain Pavilion. And the Listen To Rain Pavilion was given to my Master Baili at the time of their parting in Jinyang City. Could it be that the teacher foresaw that Senior Xuan Yi would inhabit my Divine Sea?’ Qin Feng swallowed hard and a look of fear appeared on his face.
He even began to suspect that he had been a pawn all along, acting according to the predetermined trajectory set by the Heavenly Tower National Teacher!
The Heavenly Tower National Teacher noticed Qin Feng’s thoughts and said, “There’s no need to overthink. Each person’s life is ultimately their own to control. It’s like a fork in the road, where others can only offer advice, but the final decision of which path to take rests with you.”
‘What’s the difference? I’ve always followed your advice anyway,’ Qin Feng silently complained to himself.
‘Trust in the teacher, attain eternal life.’ This had been the guiding principle for him ever since he became a transmigrator.
Reflecting on past major decisions, he realized that going against the teacher’s advice would likely have resulted in his demise.
“So when the teacher chose to entrust the Listen To Rain Pavilion to me, was it because you foresaw that I had exceptional talent in the Literature Saint Dao Lineage?” Qin Feng asked somewhat smugly.
The Heavenly Tower National Teacher remained expressionless. “The person who entrusted the Listen To Rain Pavilion to you was not me, but someone else.”
‘Why is it so difficult for the teacher to admit that I’m outstanding?’ Qin Feng thought to himself.
“I thought Master Baili from Jinyang City and you were the same person. The Immortal Technique divides into three, allowing yourself to be split into three parts. So the leader of the Heavenly Burial Organization and Master Baili are your manifestations. Therefore, whether it was him or you who entrusted it, in reality, it was your choice,” Qin Feng explained confidently.
“Who told you that they are my manifestations?” the Heavenly Tower National Teacher countered.
“Huh? Aren’t they?” Qin Feng was slightly stunned. He had long regarded this as the truth, given that all three individuals had identical appearances.
The Heavenly Tower National Teacher did not answer the question directly but continued, “Each of us was making choices, and you are not the only answer. When he was in Jinyang City, he chose you, while another person chose Luo Yu, the son of Prince Luo. And my initial choice was your senior brother, Shen Li.”
Qin Feng was dumbfounded, only to hear the teacher speak again, “Luo Yu’s talent in the Literature Saint Dao Lineage was not inferior to yours, but unfortunately, due to Prince Luo’s influence, he chose a path of no return. As for Shen Li, he was a disciple I carefully selected, but he ultimately failed the test.”
“What test?” Qin Feng asked subconsciously.
“The trial to enter the academy.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Feng suddenly remembered hearing someone say that Senior Brother Shen Li had also attempted to enter the academy.
After failing the trial, he emerged in a state of madness and even threatened to assassinate Emperor Ming.
He was subsequently suppressed by the Heavenly Tower National Teacher in the Ninefold Prison.
`Of course, it was later proven that all of this was part of the Heavenly Tower National Teacher’s plan, aimed at having Senior Brother Shen Li infiltrate the enemy ranks.
Qin Feng himself had experienced the mental trial of the academy, which was indeed challenging but not particularly difficult for scholars like Senior Brother Shen Li.
Now that he thought about it, Senior Brother Shen Li must have passed the academy’s trial because he did not truly become insane. Therefore, what the teacher referred to could only be—
“Could it be that Senior Brother Shen Li failed the trial because he didn’t bring the saint’s remnant soul out of the academy?” Qin Feng tentatively asked.
The Heavenly Tower National Teacher nodded. “Looking back, it seems that to bring out his remnant soul, one’s disposition is not as important as the Primordial Qi.”
Qin Feng nodded in agreement because Senior Xuan Yi had told him the same thing before.
“It was only after you passed through the academy that I truly gave up on Shen Li and chose you.”
“Thank you for your careful cultivation, Teacher,” Qin Feng said insincerely.
“If it’s not sincere, there’s no need to force it,” the Heavenly Tower National Teacher glanced at him.
Seeing through but not exposing was the way of the world. Qin Feng twitched his mouth and changed the subject. “So, Teacher, what was the purpose of choosing us for you and your manifestations? Was it just to pick one person to bring out the saint’s remnant soul from the academy?”
The Heavenly Tower National Teacher pondered for a moment before softly replying, “To find the one answer among countless impossibilities.”
Heavenly Tower National Teacher closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before asking, “Do you need to return to the original state?”
Xuan Yi shook his head. “What you have done far exceeds my expectations, and this world still needs you. With your control over the laws of destiny, you should have anticipated the changes in the Underworld. The situation there requires your intervention.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Later, help me reopen the cracks in the Immortal Realm and assist me in returning to the Immortal Realm. But before that, I need to go to the Southern Region to see Him.”
“Understood.”
The white shadow flickered slightly and then became blurry. Suddenly, Xuan Yi remembered something and said solemnly, “You should know that you have probed too much into destiny, entangling yourself in karma. Your three souls and seven spirits are on the verge of collapse. If you continue like this, you will completely dissipate.”
“I want to make the final moves myself,” replied the Heavenly Tower National Teacher.
In the heavily guarded palace, in the familiar study room.
Led by Eunuch Li, Qin Feng met Emperor Ming, who was earnestly reviewing memorials. He didn’t notice Qin Feng’s arrival until Eunuch Li reminded him.
Qin Feng couldn’t help but feel amazed. The Emperor seemed to love his work so much that every time Qin Feng saw him, he was diligently working in the study room.
Even in such turbulent times, the national treasury did not seem to face any tight situations, and even the subsidies for soldiers were never withheld, with Emperor Ming often contributing from his own pocket.
If this person were placed in peacetime, he would undoubtedly be a rare wise ruler.
“I heard that you gained a lot from your recent trip to the Western Regions, even reaching the second rank?” Emperor Ming inquired.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It was a fortunate breakthrough due to some coincidences,” Qin Feng modestly replied.
“No need to be modest. Throughout the history of The Great Qian, you are the first and likely the last to reach the second rank at such a young age,” Emperor Ming praised.
Qin Feng flattered, “That must be because of Your Majesty’s wise governance. The blessings of the heavens and the earth upon The Great Qian are a result of Your Majesty’s leadership, and I am fortunate to benefit from it.”
Emperor Ming was delighted to hear this.
Eunuch Li couldn’t help but glance sideways, feeling that this boy might become his great adversary, as his flattery skills were so high.
“I have called you here today to discuss the matter of the Western Regions and to reward you. However, I have been troubled by many thoughts lately, causing me to lose sleep and my appetite. I have consulted many imperial physicians, but none of them can find a solution. Qin Feng, your medical skills are excellent. Would you mind taking a look?” Emperor Ming asked.
“It’s just a small matter, Your Majesty. I will naturally take care of it,” Qin Feng promised solemnly. He then activated his Dual Pupil Ability and examined Emperor Ming’s body.
However, the middle-aged man’s body was robust, and there were no signs of the symptoms mentioned earlier.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Feng said, “Your Majesty’s ailment doesn’t seem to originate from the body, but rather from mental afflictions.”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Ming couldn’t help but praise, “As expected of Qin Feng, discerning the crux with a single glance. My mind has indeed been disturbed by certain matters recently.”
Qin Feng was slightly taken aback, then glanced at Eunuch Li.
Serving the emperor was like serving a tiger – if he said or asked something inappropriate, grave consequences would befall him.
Eunuch Li gave him a reassuring look.
Qin Feng breathed a small sigh of relief, then asked, “May I inquire as to what is troubling Your Majesty? Perhaps I can be of assistance.”
“It’s nothing major. My daughter, Princess Anya, is already past the age of marriage, yet I haven’t found a suitable husband for her. Her mother frequently reminds me of this matter. I’ve only realized now that I’ve been neglecting her, which fills me with guilt.”
Can I respond to this topic? Qin Feng gulped, glancing at Eunuch Li again.
The latter gave him another reassuring look.
“Your Majesty governs for the nation and its people. I believe the Princess will understand. As for matters of fate, when the time comes, nothing can stop it. Your Majesty need not be overly anxious.”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Ming smiled wryly, “Speaking of Princess Ya’an’s marriage, Qin Feng, you are well-traveled and knowledgeable. Surely you must know some outstanding young talents? Do you have any good candidates to recommend?”
Qin Feng: “...”