Capítulo 1844: Chapter 1871: The Literature Circle—Not a Clan or a Sect!
“This is…”
“A book!”
“Someone wrote a book, not just calligraphy or prose, but a complete book!”
At this moment, everyone widened their eyes in unison. Even for these grandmasters of the literature circle, it was rare to communicate with the Heavenly Dao through a book—it was too difficult. Prose and stories with shorter lengths only need careful polishing to gain the Heavenly Dao’s recognition.
But a book isn’t like that. The chapters of a book are outrageously long, and if any chapter has a flaw, it won’t be acknowledged by the Heavenly Dao. To maintain high-intensity creation continuously while ensuring literary quality is something many people can’t achieve in a lifetime.
“Who wrote this?”
“Who has such a skill?”
“Looking across the Eight Desolates Domain—no, looking across the Boundary Sea—it seems only Mr. Yu could do it, right?”
“Could it be that Mr. Yu’s masterpiece is released today, coinciding with Chen Qingquan’s ascension? Is it a coincidence or intentional?”
“It seems the rumors are true; Mr. Yu has been forced to step down!”
The cultivators whispered among themselves. Regardless of the outcome, today they had come for a treat. They hadn’t pledged allegiance to Chen Qingquan, but came to observe, akin to spectators. Witnessing two instances of celestial phenomena via literature in one day was a remarkable tale.
The words flickered continually, with each chapter lighting up half the sky.
It was calm, without the terrifying aura of the Thousand Birds Painting, but still managed to make one’s soul tremble.
This was the autobiography of Yu Huan Shui, bringing himself into the book’s characters, narrating his adventures with a young man named Li.
The story was brilliant, without a hint of dullness. Between the lines was an underlying sense of danger, and the entire text wasn’t complete, only a part of it—the journey yet to unfold.
The final epilogue left the spectators wide-eyed and made Chen Qingquan and the older literary figures feel as though they had fallen into an icy pit.
“The literary world is not a clan power; there is no difference in seniority or rank. The capable come first, and so-called leaders are not leaders by position, but by becoming leaders, they earn the right to lead the masses!”
This single sentence left Chen Qingquan and his peers hearts icy cold. It’s evident that Yu Huan Shui was making a statement with this event.
It was a deliberate attack, using this occasion of taking office at Yumi Academy to undermine him with literature.
“Could it be that Mr. Yu wrote this while facing imprisonment?”
“That can’t be! He was detained in the 18th Level of Hell; where would he find the time to write a book?”
“Even if he began writing in the 18th Level of Hell, only a few months have passed. It’s impossible to produce such a monumental work in such a short time!”
“The timing defies logic. Did you notice? This book begins with Mr. Yu and Li Xiaobai adventuring together. When did he meet Li Xiaobai?”
“Just before his release, which was less than a month ago! To create such a masterpiece in such a short time—how we’ve underestimated the genius of Mr. Yu!”
After analyzing, several people felt a fear of Yu Huan Shui.
The crowd grew noisier. The book mentioned Xiaobai Academy, the new academy Yu Huan Shui established after leaving Yumi Academy!
“Chancellor Chen, there’s still some time before Yumi Academy’s banquet, and we’re curious about Mr. Yu’s establishment of Xiaobai Academy. We want to support it.”
“Indeed, Chancellor Chen is Mr. Yu’s disciple and should make an appearance. We, the elders, will go first and return later to celebrate with Chancellor Chen!”
Many cultivators stood up, clasped their fists respectfully, and then left. As they departed, they didn’t forget to take the Enlightenment Tea Leaves gifted by Yumi Academy.
Within mere breaths, the hall was missing most of the cultivators as Chen Qingquan’s eyes twitched.
This band of schemers saw the release of Yu Huan Shui’s work and fled in a flash.
Clearly, if everyone gathered under Yumi Academy’s banner, they’d be strong enough to rival or even suppress Yu Huan Shui, yet they showed no sense of timing!
“Chancellor Chen seems to harbor resentment. As the saying goes, ‘You can’t see the forest for the trees,’—it seems you haven’t grasped Mr. Yu’s lesson.”
Li Shuwen, sitting in the front row, stood up and looked at Chen Qingquan and the assembly of old literary masters, speaking nonchalantly.
“What do you mean?”
Chen Qingquan frowned.
“Mr. Yu wanted to tell you that the literary world is different from clan powers. It isn’t a sect, not bound by restrictions. Readers will flock to true grandmasters. No matter how splendidly you build Yumi Academy, literary weakness will not win hearts.”
“Unfortunately, even if you understand now, it’s too late. The relics behind you have delved into this path for years, their literary journey long exhausted; yet they’re unaware. Nor are you aware. At the cost of some fleeting satisfaction, you forfeit the chance of any progress.”
“Even after calculating every step, you cannot withstand the timeless flow of literary spirit.”
“In this farce, you lost effortlessly.”
Li Shuwen looked arrogantly indifferent, holding little regard for the old masters like Old Goat. Originally thinking Chen Qingquan had promise to climb higher, but now it seemed that opportunity was erased.
The Heavenly Dao’s approval of Chen Qingquan’s seizure of power bound his fate closely with Yumi Academy. But now, with Yu Huan Shui establishing separate dominance and showcasing mere literary talent, he drew all Yumi Academy’s guests away.
This academy had become an empty shell. The possibilities of Chen Qingquan and the old masters along the literary path were cut off.
“Is that so?”
“That’s impossible! My academy has countless disciples, and our position in the Eight Desolates Domain is dominating, with support from various stars. How could we end like you claim?”
Chen Qingquan did not believe it. He managed an enormous power, prepared for months, tying alliances with various forces. Yumi Academy could be considered a massive cultivation empire.
Even if some headstrong scholars chased after whatnot Xiaobai Academy, he could still draw a large number of cultivators. With such a foundation, what did he have to fear?
Li Shuwen glanced deeply at him: “Then let’s wait and see.”
…
On the other side, outside Xiaobai Academy.
A large crowd had gathered, gradually swelling.
Xiaobai Academy was merely a dilapidated courtyard. Cultivators curiously examined it, with a table set up at the entrance. A young man sat behind it, smiling at them.
“May I ask, young sir, is Mr. Yu inside?”
Someone tried to strike up a conversation, but was immediately pulled back by others.
“Hush, this is Li Xiaobai mentioned in the book!”
Someone recognized Li Xiaobai and quickly remarked.
Li Xiaobai lifted his head, beaming: “You’ve all come to see Mr. Yu, but want to join my Xiaobai Academy?”
“Indeed, indeed!”
“An autograph, each at a cost of one hundred pieces of premium rare earth!”
Li Xiaobai said gleefully.
“No entry without payment.”
The crowd exchanged glances; the fees were being collected before anything began.
“I’ll offer one Yuan Magnetic Crystal to be at the front of the line.”
Someone recognized the blue mineral and boldly declared, as the energy contained within far exceeded that of rare earth.
“Why? I’ll offer two for a place ahead!”
“Don’t you understand first come, first served!”
“Ten pieces!”