But they also possess the pride and backbone of scholars.
With such an invitation from Wang Tong, how could they not come?
Even the scholars lost in the pursuit of fame and fortune have a certain spirit inside them — the pursuit that arose when they first began to study, though it has been polished by the world.
Students of the Academy gathered here.
Feng Xiao and Li Guanyi thought the same, but Feng Xiao aimed to reverse the situation with military tactics, while Li Guanyi simply wanted Master Wang Tong to fulfill his desires.
Thousands gathered here to witness this debate on the Tao.
This place couldn’t accommodate so many students, so Su Wang of Confucianism said:
"Tear down the walls."
"When debating the Tao in the Academy among all schools, what’s the need for [walls and doors]?"
And so the students exerted themselves together, tearing down the walls and barriers outside the debating ground of the Academy. They entered the place of debate, respectfully bowing before finding a place to sit cross-legged.
Confucian Master Wang Tong simultaneously faced the various sects and schools of the All Schools.
Rather than debating the Tao, it had gradually turned into a state of lecturing.
Wang Tong’s knowledge and ambition gradually unfolded in the clash with the various grandmasters of the Nine Streams of the Three Religions, while Li Guanyi sat quietly, with a straight back, silently watching Wang Tong lecture.
As night fell, students held lanterns aloft. When the lamps were raised, this Academy, with its walls removed, glittered as if filled with countless stars gathered into one.
The debate continued, and neither Jiang Wanxiang nor Chen Dingye left.
At sunrise the next day, a change suddenly occurred. After Wang Tong refuted him, Zhu Jingmian’s expression changed several times. It seemed he could no longer maintain his mental state. The vast righteous energy of Confucianism is actually as resolute as the will of a Martial Artist and is a product combined with the Primordial Spirit.
Similar to the Dharma Form of Martial Arts, yet different.
At this moment, Master Zhu Jingmian suddenly shouted a few times, turned over, and fell. The vast righteous energy atop his head shattered, dispersing as streams of literary energy. Zhu Jingmian’s Taoist Heart broke, and he vomited blood and collapsed on the ground.
At this moment, the crowd was shocked. These prominent scholars and noble literati who controlled schools only felt a fierce demeanor in this debate. They ceased their exchanges and all eyes were on Master Wang Tong, who had refuted the All Schools.
Using Tao against Tao, Buddha against Buddha, Confucianism against Confucianism.
Grandmaster of the Unity of the Three Religions.
The students, and the prominent literati who had been crushed so directly, all changed expressions. Cheng Rulong whispered: "You, alone against a hundred — your exceptional wisdom is already the root bone that will harm you. Such exhausting of spirit, do you truly not want to see ten more years of spring and autumn?!"
The Grand Sect Master of the Yin Yang Family, Central Heaven North Star, had rendered a verdict on Wang Tong.
He said that deep emotions are not long-lasting, and that exceptional wisdom is bound to harm. If he cultivates well, he can live past forty years old, and thereafter possibly reach sixty. But if he doesn’t restrain himself, Wang Tong’s lifespan will not be long.
Master Wang Tong replied: "I have heard of those who sacrifice their lives for righteousness."
This phrase from Confucianism can be recited by anyone; even a five-year-old child can speak of it eloquently. Yet at this moment, it suddenly became heavy, with its weight revealed only at certain key times.
This is where the sharpness and firmness of Confucianism lies.
Cheng Rulong’s face changed dramatically.
Over there, Li Guanyi suddenly stood up. This young Marquis said calmly: "Let the debate on the Tao end here."
His gaze fell upon Master Wang Tong.
The Zetiang hexagram from the "Imperial Pole Worldly Scripture" allowed Li Guanyi to sense vitality. He sensed that the teacher’s vitality had reached its peak, and opened his mouth to stop when it was about to decline. After all, he was just a young man who wanted those close to him to achieve their wishes.
He hoped that after those close to him achieved their wishes, they could continue to live.
Li Guanyi reached out and picked up a cup of wine.
The scarlet war robe fluttered, while Jiang Wanxiang watched him with a smile, making no attempt to stop him.
Chen Dingye lowered his gaze.
They had thousands of miles of territory, three hundred years of national power and accumulation, which gave them a sense of regal grace. The debate is merely one manifestation of the world’s great trend on display.
The real focus is on the trend and national power.
Even if Master Wang Tong refuted the All Schools, it was already a certainty for the great scholars to enter the two countries with their disciples. At most, Jiang Wanxiang would honor Master Wang Tong as a great talent of the world, giving him a grand title, but that’s all.
With a sense of pleasant composure, like watching a junior, he watched Li Guanyi with curiosity about what the young one would do. Haha, at worst, they’d display their heroic spirit and recruit a few more people. What harm would that do!
And the eyes of the All Schools also fell upon the young Marquis. Li Guanyi walked forward slowly. His steps fell on air, and the Primordial Qi spread, turning into flames lifting him.
The Chi Xiao sword roared, and the Red Dragon slowly coiled around him. Li Guanyi walked to the Master’s side, using the "Imperial Pole Worldly Scripture" to heal Wang Tong, then raised his cup to toast the students of the Academy, standing before Master Wang Tong afterward.
Master smiled and said: "There has never been a situation where a Marquis took the field."
Li Guanyi answered: "Today you will see it."
A middle-aged man chided, "Li Guanyi, son of the Taiping Duke, you are also of the aristocratic family. The words you speak are just to bring many students under your banner, to make them your ministers, that’s all. A powerful minister, with a heart to seize the world, how obvious it is!"