Chen Xu and Xu Wenyuan each obtained their Scholar's Seal.

In response to the clerk's question, Chen Xu casually retorted, "Mr. Shu Yun's literary gathering? We haven't received an invitation, it's not quite right to go uninvited, is it?"

The clerk chuckled and said, "You gentlemen were originally not in the Prefecture City, so you wouldn't know about this. There's an unwritten rule on Qihai Mountain.

Any literary gathering held on Qihai Mountain is implicitly invitation-free.

It doesn't matter if you're a scholar, a peddler from the city, or a rural farmer; as long as you believe you can answer the questions of the Hundred Words Stele at the foot of Qihai Mountain, you can go up the mountain."

Hundred Words Stele?

This was something new.

Over the past two days, Xu Wenyuan had been somewhat distracted by Fang Ji's death, but upon hearing the clerk's words, he couldn't help but become curious.

He quickly asked, "Hundred Words Stele? What is that?"

The clerk replied, "It's not something extraordinary, but it's said that several hundred years ago, a hermit who kept cranes as companions on Qihai Mountain feared becoming too detached from the mortal world. So, he erected the Hundred Words Stele at the foot of the mountain.

People passing by the mountain would share interesting stories with the Hundred Words Stele.

If the story seemed interesting, one could receive a thread of clear light from the stele, which would last for six hours.

Using that clear light, they could find the mountain hermit with the cranes, and the hermit would offer them rice, grain, and money.

Thus, in our Yunjiang Prefecture's legends, the Hundred Words Stele is also known as the Hundred Virtues Stele, and it's said to have helped countless people."

At this point, the clerk chuckled and said, "But it's just a legend; nobody knows if it's true or not. Anyway, the mountain hermit with the cranes passed away long ago.

There aren't even cranes left on Qihai Mountain.

But the Hundred Words Stele is real; you gentlemen should check it out, it's quite interesting.

Here in Yunjiang Prefecture, we also have another unwritten rule: anyone holding a literary gathering on Qihai Mountain must set up a food stall.

If common folk come up the mountain, offering some rice and grain is customary.

And our Mr. Shu Yun, though an elegant famous scholar, is very particular about exquisite food.

Going to his literary gathering, you can go empty-handed, but you must bring a belly full of poetry and literature.

If not, then you should be adept at appreciating fine cuisine.

If you have neither, heh, bringing some delicious food might just delight Mr. Shu Yun, and he may directly recommend you to our Prefecture Lord!"

At this, the clerk seemed to realize he had said too much, quickly exclaimed "Oh dear," and gently clapped his mouth.

He coughed a few times to clear his throat, then hastily added, "Of course, you two are very talented, already possessing the title of Scholar.

Especially Mr. Chen, your poetic talent is well known in our Prefecture City.

If you go up the mountain to compose a poem or solve that Ancient Inkstone Puzzle, not only will you meet the Prefecture Lord, you could become an esteemed guest... oh dear!"

The clerk clapped his mouth again, hurriedly pretending to organize the documents on his desk, chuckling as he said,

"Ah, these days have been so busy, I don't know how, but I've been a bit too chatty. Ah, why are these documents getting messier? Oh, troublesome, truly troublesome."

What part of this is hard to understand?

The implication is that he's said enough.

Chen Xu and Xu Wenyuan immediately bade the clerk farewell, speaking no more.

The two of them, carrying their seals, exited the side door of the prefecture government and arrived on the bustling main street. Listening to the clamor of voices, Xu Wenyuan suddenly said:

"Brother Chen, tomorrow's grand event at Qihai Mountain is sure to draw many people. It's bound to be a scene of excitement and elegance I've never seen before, yet I don't quite feel the urge to go and see it."

His voice was somewhat melancholy.

Chen Xu did not respond immediately, but after a moment of silence, he said, "Brother Xu, do you not want to go, and thus you won't go? Or do you not want to go, but feel you should still go?"

Xu Wenyuan looked at the long street, his voice low:

"I... Brother Chen, did you know that before coming to the Prefecture City, I didn't even know that scholars could manifest Literary Qi when they reached a deep level of study.

That they could use literary expressions to enforce principles, or with a simple gesture, summon thunder and subdue demons.

I came from the countryside, and before, I only knew that studying could change the fate of my family, sparing them the toil and hardship of daily labor, allowing us... not to have to bow and scrape before those of even slightly higher station.

That's why I resolved to study. I started at the village's elementary school, following our village's elder scholar day and night, studying arduously.

I studied diligently with my head hanging low and my spirit weary, finally passing as a Juvenile Scholar. Then, through diligence, I caught the eye of the County School's teacher and was able to enter the County School.

At that time, I was full of ambition, believing I would eventually overcome all obstacles.

From Scholar, to the next level, and finally becoming an Advanced Scholar!

But up until now, after experiencing so much in recent days, I suddenly realized how naive my past goals were.

Becoming a Scholar was already extremely difficult, perhaps using up all my efforts in the first half of my life.

As for passing the next examination..."

Xu Wenyuan smiled wryly as he and Chen Xu slowly walked along the bustling street, the vibrant scenes of the mortal world on either side.

Yet Xu Wenyuan's tone carried an indescribable sense of detachment.

He said, "The further I go as a Scholar, the more I realize how difficult it is to pass the next stage.

I do not have the advantage of aristocratic family background to cultivate Qi early, nor do I understand what Literary Qi is, let alone possess the sublime poetic talent you have, Brother Chen.

Brother Chen, I've been thinking lately.

For someone as ordinary as me from a poor background, is becoming a Scholar already my limit?

If I have no potential to advance further, might I not be better off focusing on the fundamentals, establishing a solid foundation, and letting the Dao arise from it?

Seldom seeing the splendor means not being disturbed by it."

As he said this, Xu Wenyuan gently halted his steps, turned to look at Chen Xu, his expression appearing to seek approval.

He was actually seeking reassurance from Chen Xu.

In truth, Xu Wenyuan's background was very similar to Chen Xu's.

Before the appearance of the Food Cauldron Celestial Book, Chen Xu's circumstances were even less favorable than Xu Wenyuan's.

It's not merely a matter of talent; in this world where immortals and demons coexist, without the strength, even with some talent, one is often just a fish on the chopping block.

How many truly rise from the bottom to ascend to the celestial halls?

Xu Wenyuan's lack of obsession with fame and his willingness to withdraw in times of swift currents is indeed a great courage.

Chen Xu pondered for a moment, then said, "Brother Xu, I'll go to Qihai Mountain tomorrow, to see the Hundred Words Stele, and I'll tell it your story of giving up immediate excitement and splendor, keeping your heart steady, focusing on the fundamentals, and pursuing the Dao.

Let's see if the Hundred Words Stele considers it an interesting and remarkable story, would you agree?"

Xu Wenyuan was stunned, never expecting Chen Xu to give him such an unusual response.

Yet Chen Xu's response at that moment was far more comforting than countless words of solace.

Xu Wenyuan suddenly found himself at a loss. He even felt a sourness in his nose and hastily said, "Brother Chen, this, this... it's not that I refuse, but how is my tale considered a story?

If I share it, it might bring ridicule and cause trouble for you, Brother Chen. I... Do you really consider this focusing on the fundamentals and pursuing the Dao?"

[You slow-cook with gentle fire, forge a new path, touching the hearts of scholars, obtaining three inches of Formless Lotus as a spiritual material.]

[New spiritual material unlocked, reward Fireworks Value +300.]

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