Chapter 1840: Chapter 1867: Giving It to You
“A poetic painting, excuse my humble offering.”
Chen Qingquan pretended to be modest as he slowly took out the scroll, unfurling it, causing an anomaly to appear in the sky.
It was a palace, where two extraordinary kings in front of the throne were mutually yielding, each urging the other to sit, while the entire court of civil and military officials prostrated on the ground, awaiting the birth of a new king.
There was no bloodshed, no intrigue, only humility.
In the corner of the scroll were two small characters: Abdication!
“The King’s Abdication”!
The unfolding of the scroll immediately revealed an anomaly, indicating that this painting had been acknowledged by the Heavenly Dao, setting it apart from the mundane.
At this critical juncture, bringing out such a scroll was most fitting to the occasion.
“What a magnificent piece, this is truly the realm of scholars!”
“This is indeed the early court of a wise ruler!”
“This scroll contains great depth, no wonder its unveiling prompts an anomaly!”
“Abdication, not bound by convention and passed to successors, but led by the capable, I’ve heard this was completed in recent months, it must mean Senior Brother Chen shouldered the burden alone with Mr. Yu absent, feeling inspired.”
“Indeed, in just a few months, Brother Chen’s spirit is vastly different from before, I’ve heard he’s also resolved many issues in the Eight Desolates Domain.”
Many below were still immersed in the painting’s intent, while those hidden in the crowd began to build momentum, indirectly highlighting Chen Qingquan’s exceptional contributions in the absence of Yu Huan Shui.
They also pointed out the core of the painting, yielding, its meaning beyond words.
Yet no one could refute it, for these were facts; indeed, Chen Qingquan’s management of Yumi Academy was without mishap, contributing much more to the Eight Desolates Domain than Yu Huan Shui, who seldom ventures out.
“Gentlemen, please do not speak recklessly, the academy always belongs to Mr. Yu, I am willing to serve him my whole life!”
Chen Qingquan waved his hands repeatedly, acting in an alarmed manner.
“Too modest, Mr. Yu has such broadmindedness, seeing his disciples surpass even himself, he must be immensely pleased in his heart.”
“If my pupils and grandpupils had even half of young friend Chen’s talents, I would’ve long since stepped down to let the worthy rise.”
A white-bearded old man at the front laughed heartily, appearing carefree, but upon closer taste, his tone felt off.
“Old mountain goat, why aren’t you staying on your star, what are you doing here in Boundary Sea?”
Seeing the white-bearded old man, Yu Huan Shui’s face turned cold for a moment.
“Reuniting with an old friend out in the open, of course I should come to celebrate, I’ve always found the Netherworld unpleasant, pity only you dared to speak out.”
“Lately I’ve been quite impoverished, so I came to Boundary Sea to look for wealth opportunities.”
With a chuckle, the white-bearded old man stroked his beard.
“It’s because you always keep those two shabby little whiskers that your fortune’s slipped away.”
Yu Huan Shui teased; the conversation seemed mundane, but he had grasped the gist of it.
Those seated at the front were leaders among the scholars of each star, many of whom were friendly with him, and this old mountain goat was the standout among them.
The two had been friends for many years, and this time the old goat had traveled far to see him, subtly hinting for his sake to seek avenues for wealth, which was meaningful beyond words.
This literary figure had already been swayed by Chen Qingquan, if even the usually unyielding and proud old goat went down, it was evident that the other scholarly families came with intentions to press the palace.
He felt a bit disheartened; all were scholars, filled with wisdom deeper than the sea, taller than mountains, yet when faced with issues, it all seemed to vanish into thin air.
“What family talk are we having, is this the time for family talk?”
“Exactly, it took the disciple great courage to show his masterpiece, waiting for the master’s review, yet you two started talking among yourselves!”
Several old men next to the old mountain goat blew their beards and stared, forcibly pulling the topic back.
They knew the old mountain goat wanted to subtly point Yu Huan Shui, today is dangerous, but since they had decided to help Chen Qingquan, they couldn’t allow personal feelings at this critical juncture!
To suppress, they must suppress so thoroughly that there’s no chance to rise again.
“Old Yu, say something, give a comment!”
“This painting is truly excellent, later I want my clan’s disciples to view and understand it, maybe they’ll attain some enlightenment.”
The crowd jeered, seeing Yu Huan Shui remain silent, feeling displeased.
“Great words, great painting, great intent.”
“Seeing this painting reminds Mr. Yu of my long-deceased grandfather, back before stepping onto the immortal path, my grandfather passed the old house to me, the grandson. Time flies, Mr. Yu is also slowly growing old, can’t help but recall the past, it’s time I pass this academy to the next generation.”
“Chen Qingquan is gifted, mature, this position is his responsibility without doubt.”
Yu Huan Shui lightly coughed twice and spoke.
However Chen Qingquan listened, it felt unpleasant; clearly, it was progressing smoothly, but why did it seem like Yu Huan Shui was mocking him as a grandchild?
“Look at what you’re saying… you’re the elder, he’s the junior, you…”
“Eh?”
“What did you say?”
“You’re willing to yield?”
“You plan to pass the academy to Chen Qingquan?”
A group of old men were surprised, the academy was built single-handedly by Yu Huan Shui, yet he so simply agreed.
They had prepared verbal spears and hidden jabs for the evening, plus Chen Qingquan had prepared backups, so why was it agreed to in broad daylight with just a little mention?
Not playing by the rules!
Was Yu Huan Shui’s realm truly so high, already reaching a point where he can freely let go of cherished possessions?
“Yes, of course, today you all came to welcome Mr. Yu’s return, and coincidentally, there is a successor, making it a double celebration.”
“Why not take this opportunity, for Mr. Yu to abdicate and let the worthier, and all of you to bear witness.”
Yu Huan Shui laughed.
“Uh…”
“There’s a banquet tonight, how about…”
Yu Huan Shui waved his hand, making an immediate decision: “It’s decided.”
“Very well, that’s great…”
“Good…”
The people looked at each other in confusion.
The prepared speakers were also left speechless by this turn of events.
“Let’s disperse then, see you all tonight.”
Yu Huan Shui stood up, stretched, and left with a dashing manner.
In the training ground, the crowd looked somewhat dumbfounded.
Indeed, it was a double celebration, but why did they feel an air of killing intent?
Elsewhere.
Inside the small cottage.
Li Xiaobai: “He gave up the territory just like that?”
“If they want it, give it to them; didn’t you see all the big figures here were advisors found by Xiao Quanzi?”
Yu Huan Shui appeared indifferent.
“You scholars really don’t care about external possessions?”
“Resources are important, but territory and power don’t matter; sitting in that position doesn’t make one a true leader. The world of scholars is different from the Sect; we have fans and followers. I thought they’d understand this principle, but as it turns out, they are just a motley crew. The title of literary giant in this world, ultimately only I bear it.”
Yu Huan Shui spoke enigmatically, clearly not caring about relinquishing leadership.
But Li Xiaobai didn’t understand why he was so confident, as if even giving up the position of academy principal wouldn’t affect him at all.