Chapter 53: Against a Million, I Shall Go!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Three days later, in the morning.

At the central square of Sancai Academy, there was not a single empty seat.

Teachers and students from hundreds of departments, prodigies from various sects, and powerful figures were invited to witness the ceremony…

A sea of people gathered, a grand assembly.

The powerful figures sat at one table, the prodigies at another.

As representatives from a friendly sect, Lu Xuan and Cheng Lingzhu also managed to secure front-row seats.

At the hour of Chen.

“Dang, dang, dang, dang…”

With nine bell tolls, the academy’s celebration officially began.

The ringing of the bell held significance.

First, it symbolized “morning bells and evening drums,” with the morning bell awakening the spirit, a metaphor for keeping the soul alert and mindful, and for self-reflection.

Second, it related to the teachings of the saints.

The sound of the bell, varying with the strength of the strike, was a reminder that teachers in the academy should adjust their teaching methods according to student feedback, practicing differentiated instruction.

They shouldn’t force-feed knowledge to students, making things easier for themselves.

After the bell, He Yuanfeng, the Chancellor of Sancai Academy, ascended the central platform to give his speech.

He began with the history of the Confucian path, discussing the development of Sancai Academy over the years, and integrating his understanding of the Confucian path into it.

During his speech, miraculous phenomena appeared: auspicious clouds descended from the sky, streaks of purple qi spread across, and lotus flowers bloomed around, creating a stunning scene.

The aura of the Dao permeated the area, making his speech seem more like a Daoist sermon than a mere address.

The speech lasted for half an hour, during which many disciples were utterly engrossed, as if in a trance.

Only when the bell rang again at the end of the speech did they snap back to reality.

The benefits of the speech weren’t limited to those present at the ceremony.

As a peak Mahayana cultivator, He Yuanfeng possessed the authority to manifest his teachings publicly.

Within the territories governed by Sancai Academy, anyone who looked up could listen to and watch this sermon, reaping its benefits.

The powerful figures who came to celebrate the academy’s anniversary also nodded in approval.

This speech had showcased the deep strength and wisdom of the old Chancellor.

As a peak Mahayana cultivator, He Yuanfeng’s understanding of the Confucian path was extraordinary.

Even the powerful attendees found new insights after listening to his sermon.

“What a pity that I came in an avatar; visiting Chancellor He in such a form seems somewhat disrespectful. Otherwise, an exchange with him would surely bring enlightenment,” sighed a grey-robed abbess.

This abbess hailed from the first-rate Seven Dust Temple, which had also sent disciples to the recent Secret Mystical Realm trial.

“No matter, we all came in avatars. Elder He is known for his generosity and won’t fuss over such a trivial matter,” said a middle-aged monk beside her.

“I had planned to come in person, but the academy’s celebration was moved up, disrupting my schedule, and I couldn’t leave in time,” an old man said with a wry smile.

Generally, for grand celebrations of major sects, friendly sects would send their powerful figures with gifts, those nearby in person and those far away in avatar form.

The rescheduling of the Sancai Academy’s celebration had indeed thrown a wrench in the plans of their allies.

The powerful ones are busy too. After the recent lockdown of the Secret Mystical Realm, sect leaders rushed over in person for their disciples, staying at the Divine Weapon Pavilion for a few days before departing. “No worries, after the celebration, we’ll all go together,” someone said.

“Your words are wise.” “Indeed, indeed…

On the stage.

After concluding his speech, He Yuanfeng watched the miraculous phenomena slowly dissipate. He looked down at the crowd, stepped back, and bowed:

“Thank you, fellow Daoists, for attending our humble academy’s ceremony. I am deeply honored. Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to announce a few matters.”

He Yuanfeng lifted a square seal from the lectern in front of him.

He did not need a script for his sermon, but a lectern was still placed there to hold this item.

This seal, known as the “Sancai Seal,” was left by a Confucian sage of old.

The Sancai Seal, both a symbol of the Sancai Academy’s heritage and the Chancellor’s authority, also signified the transfer of responsibility for revitalizing the Confucian path from the old Chancellor to his successor once the handover ceremony was completed.

He Yuanfeng began, “After today, the position of Chancellor of Sancai Academy will be assumed by my disciple, Shen Li.”

This announcement did not surprise the audience; rumors about He Yuanfeng passing the position to Shen Li during the academy’s celebration had circulated earlier.

Given the old Chancellor’s advanced age and Shen Li’s attainment of the Mahayana stage, he was fully qualified to lead Sancai Academy.

This revelation caused an uproar among the audience, unsettling even the powerful figures seated at the front.

The Southern Ridge’s terrain is rugged, filled with miasma, and its spiritual energy differs from other parts of the Archean Eon Realm.

Dense primordial forests, numerous mountains, and lakes make it unsuitable for humans but a paradise for demons and spiritual beasts.

In the southern ranges, mighty demons dominate, and demonic forces are entrenched, with few cultivation sects.

This is why few sects have contact with those in the Southern Ridge, leading to scarce information exchange.

He Yuanfeng’s announcement of the Barbarian God’s resurgence at Sancai

Academy’s ceremony was like throwing a huge stone into a tranquil lake.

However, his next statement further intensified the atmosphere.

“Knowing my time is limited, I shall head to the Southern Ridge after this ceremony to confront the Barbarian God.”

A tumultuous buzz filled the Sancai Square. Disciples discussed fervently, while the high-ranking members of the academy, already aware of this, remained silent, their expressions complex.

He Yuanfeng raised his hand, signaling for silence. He took a deep breath:

“Since its inception in the wild era and establishment in ancient times, the Confucian path has been passed down to us. In times of crisis, saints have always stepped forward, bearing the responsibility of human ethics.”

“I dare not compare myself to these noble saints, but I have read their books and understand their principles.”

“An ancient saint once said, ‘Establish a heart for the heaven and earth, a life for the people, continue the lost teachings of the saints, and bring peace for all generations.”‘

“Though I, Yuanfeng, am dull and have not inherited the lost teachings of the saints, nor possess the courage to bring peace for all generations, I still hold righteousness in my heart.”

“Going to the Southern Ridge, I am well aware of the dangers and challenges.

Yet, even amidst a thousand hardships, there is reason to do this for the people of this world.’

“From me it begins, let humanity prosper!”

“From me it begins, let the Confucian path flourish!”

“Even against a million, I shall go!”

His words were firm and resounding.

Despite his elderly appearance, He Yuanfeng, a scholar, now resembled a battle-hardened general setting out to war, his gaze unwaveringly determined.

This scene, broadcasted in the form of a public manifestation, touched every human cultivator who witnessed it.

At this moment, He Yuanfeng’s presence peaked, leaving an indelible mark on all who beheld it..