Yan Jidao’s words fell, and he turned his head towards his valued disciple, speaking earnestly:
"The new City Lord, who has initiated this, must view it as a political achievement. Our Wangque Continent is the furthest from the Human Clan’s central authority in Central Continent. Tianya Sword Pavilion has always turned a blind eye to things that don’t cross certain lines or harm the interests of the Human Clan. This corner of the world has been virtually unmanaged in the past."
"This new City Lord has been appointed to reclaim some powers. Now, by engaging forces like our Academy to push forward the history revision project, it appears that, for now, it has no relation or impact on the Mountain Immortals. It is simply reclaiming some narrative control from the mountains’ foot and establishes additional constraints on the rulers of the secular kingdoms."
He spoke with a somewhat serious tone.
"However, getting involved with affairs of the lower realms is, after all, troublesome, and thankless work. Ziyu, your elder brother recommended you to ascend and enter the Academy to focus on your studies. Your efforts now should be on your academics, so for this history revision project, my advice is not to get involved."
Zhao Rong appeared thoughtful.
Yan Jidao then said, "However, your Sun Elder Brother is quite extraordinary. You can go upstairs and attend the meeting to get acquainted and make some friends. Mmm, these are all my suggestions. As for what to do specifically, weigh it yourself."
Zhao Rong remained silent and nodded lightly.
He set down the fishing rod, sat up straight, and bowed respectfully to the elder in front of him, saying, "Thank you, Teacher, for your guidance."
Yan Jidao stroked his beard and smiled gently.
Before long, after chatting for a while, Zhao Rong prepared to take his leave.
Suddenly remembering something, Yan Jidao brought up, "I heard you’ve become Zhu Yourong’s assistant teacher? And that you frequently visit Yilan Pavilion?"
Zhao Rong was taken aback, glanced at the elder’s expression, and understood at once. This must be the real reason why Teacher Yan had asked him to stay.
Yan Jidao stopped stroking his beard, opened his mouth as if to speak.
But Zhao Rong had already spoken first, seriously saying, "Teacher, your disciple understands the limits."
Yan Jidao nodded his head, understanding that this disciple would not choose the wrong path, or at least would not persist in error.
He continued, "The Teacher Meng who teaches you Ritual Skill—has he gone down the mountain and not yet returned to the Academy?"
Zhao Rong nodded, "Ever since I joined the Academy, I haven’t taken Ritual Skill classes. I don’t know when Teacher Meng will return."
Yan Jidao scrutinized Zhao Rong, his face reflecting thought, as though contemplating something, he took a gentle breath.
He watched Zhao Rong and said slowly:
"He should be returning soon, especially since your Mochi Academy is about to have a major examination. Ziyu, when Teacher Meng returns, you should attend his classes seriously and ensure you do not make any mistakes."
Zhao Rong was curious; he knew of Teacher Meng, named Meng Zhengjun.
Aside from teaching Ritual Skill at Shuaixing Hall, she was also the Academic Director of Mochi Academy, overseeing the discipline of the Six Halls.
According to what Yushu Brother said, she was a middle-aged woman perfectly suited to be Elder Fish’s Teacher, a match of young and old, making an excellent pair.
As for Teacher Zhu, her style was entirely different from Elder Fish’s; it was a mystery how they ended up together...
Zhao Rong raised an eyebrow, intrigued. A Ritual Skill teacher should be quite serious, "Why does the Teacher say this?"
Yan Jidao smiled and said no more on the matter, as gentlemen do not speak ill of others behind their backs.
The elder offered another piece of advice.
"When you have the chance, you should visit Zunjing Pavilion more and go through the books. Although there are many books in the library, most are miscellaneous. Zunjing Pavilion only houses the Classics, and it offers a quiet environment suitable for studying."
Seeing this, Zhao Rong did not dwell on the earlier topic and bowed earnestly, saying, "Your disciple will bear this in mind."
Then, seeing that Teacher Yan had nothing more to instruct, he stood up, bowed, and took his leave.
He left Lanzhou Crossing, accompanied by Zhao Lingfei and Zhao Qian’er.