Chapter 775: 313. As if the Celestial Master Himself Has Come (Chapter Merged into One)_5

Although he had been in the Capital City for many years, continuously teaching at the Scholarly Mansion, Lin Shan had not truly neglected his own cultivation. After more than twenty years of accumulation, Lin Shan’s reserves had gradually become substantial, and he was about to begin final preparations to break through to the Seventh Layer of Heaven Realm. With his departure from the Capital City, the Celestial Master Mansion had already arranged for someone else to take over.

"If it’s convenient, I’d also like to visit the Scholarly Mansion and take a look around," Lei Jun said.

"That is naturally no problem," Lin Shan replied. "When I saw Mr. Xiao Chunhui earlier, he even mentioned the possibility of inviting you over as a guest."

Lei Jun nodded. "That would be excellent."

In the early years, when the Scholarly Mansion was first established, Lei Jun had been quite interested in it. However, at that time, he had decided to first focus on his cultivation of the Talisman Sect’s Taoist Laws. But Lei Jun’s broad interest in the cultivation practices of various other schools had never waned.

After instructing his eldest disciple to cultivate peacefully at Lianyun Temple, Lei Jun accompanied Lin Shan that evening to the Great Tang’s first Scholarly Mansion, located in the Imperial Capital. Following the Celestial Master Mansion, other Sacred Lands of the Taoist Sect, namely the Pure Yang Palace and the Mount Shu Sect, now also had members teaching at the Scholarly Mansion. From the Buddhist Sect, successors from Tianlong Temple and Bodhi Temple served as instructors. The Confucian Sect was represented in all three branches: Confucian Classical Studies, Divine Archery, and Chanting.

However, no Martial Tao cultivators were to be seen. Perhaps this was because talent cultivation and absorption could be handled by the Divine Strategy Army.

Lei Jun was observing with great interest when he suddenly felt a subtle stirring in his heart and turned his head. There, a slender but tall young man was walking towards him with a smile. The man possessed a gentle demeanor. Though Yuan Mobai was of the Taoist Sect and he of the Confucian Sect, Lei Jun observed that the newcomer, much like Yuan Mobai, had an equally refreshing presence to onlookers.

"Elder Lei, Xiao Chunhui offers his respects," the young man spoke first.

"Mr. Xiao, you’re too kind," Lei Jun returned the salutation. "I was just on my way to pay you a visit."

"Elder Lei, please come inside," Xiao Chunhui invited.

Fang Yue was currently not in Luoyang. The third Scholarly Mansion was newly established in Jianye, and he needed to oversee it for a period. Although Xiao Chunhui had long since relinquished his duties as Academy Libationer, he would occasionally fill in for Fang Yue when the latter was absent from Luoyang.

Lin Shan went off to teach his class, and Xiao Chunhui took over hosting Lei Jun. After they sat down for tea, their conversation focused less on the current political situation and more on the courses and development of the Scholarly Mansion. When the topic touched upon the Heavenly Principle, their discussion leaned more towards an academic perspective, exploring matters related to Confucian Neo-Confucianism.

"It’s a pity that we couldn’t seize more of the enemy’s scriptures and ancient texts for examination after the battle in the East Sea," Xiao Chunhui lamented finally. "I am quite curious about the doctrines from that Mortal World concerning the initial establishment of Neo-Confucianism during the Liang Dynasty. After evolving for over a thousand years, the Neo-Confucian rites of the current Ming Dynasty have changed considerably from the past."

"To be honest," Lei Jun said, "although I have only a superficial understanding of Confucian learning, I am equally curious about this matter. Fortunately, there is plenty of time ahead, and in the future, we may find an opportunity to learn more about these so-called Neo-Confucian rites."

Seeing that it was getting late, he rose to take his leave. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Xiao Chunhui saw Lei Jun out. "By the way, Elder Lei, do you still remember a student here named Meng Shaojie?"

Lei Jun’s expression remained unchanged. "I have an impression. Was he Mr. Meng, one of the Eastern Palace attendants who previously visited Our Sect?"

"Qingyan left the Eastern Palace a few years ago and has returned to the Scholarly Mansion to study," Xiao Chunhui explained. "He often mentions that he received your guidance and assistance on Dragon Tiger Mountain, and thus always holds it dear. It’s just unfortunate that he’s currently in closed-door study. Focusing on his studies is ultimately a good thing, so I chose not to disturb him. If Elder Lei plans to stay in Luoyang for a while longer, I’ll have Qingyan visit you once he emerges."

"Indeed, focusing on one’s studies is commendable," Lei Jun replied. "That small matter from years ago is not worthy of mention."

Xiao Chunhui escorted Lei Jun out of the Scholarly Mansion before returning. Just then, someone arrived at the Scholarly Mansion looking for him.

"Brother Xiao," Chu Yu said with a smile. "His Majesty summons you."

"Why did you trouble yourself to come in person?" Xiao Chunhui asked.

"The matter is confidential; the fewer people who know, the better," Chu Yu replied.

"In that case," Xiao Chunhui said, "I will change my clothes, and we can leave immediately."

"Have you met Lei Chongyun from the Celestial Master Mansion yet?" Chu Yu asked.

"I have," Xiao Chunhui replied. "He is by no means an ordinary person."

As they walked, Xiao Chunhui remarked, "His Comprehension, at the very least, is at the level of Serene Insight, what the Taoists call the Tranquil Level—or, in our terms, Second Rank Comprehension."

"Oh?" Chu Yu remarked. "It was previously speculated that his Root Bone Talent was extraordinary, and now it seems his Comprehension is also exceptionally high."

"Although we didn’t have a deep discussion," Xiao Chunhui said, "even from a casual chat, it’s clear his mind is far more agile than the outside world anticipates. Of course, his Root Bone Talent also far surpasses his peers. Do you recall something His Majesty mentioned previously? Lei Chongyun of the Celestial Master Mansion, in addition to the Destiny Star God, Yang Thunder Dragon, and Yin Thunder Dragon, might also cultivate the Yin Fire Tiger."

Chu Yu clicked his tongue in admiration.

Xiao Chunhui then continued, "According to my personal suspicion and conjecture, this Elder Lei is hiding great depth. Currently at the Eighth Heavenly Layer, it’s possible that even four Dharma Images are not his limit."

"From this perspective," Chu Yu mused, "regardless of Innate or Acquired factors, this Elder Lei’s Root Bone Talent and Comprehension are comparable to that of Celestial Master Tang, possessing an Immortal Root Bone and Serene Comprehension."

"Although it’s conjecture," Xiao Chunhui affirmed, "I believe it’s not far from the truth."

「 」

At the same time, Lei Jun returned to Lianyun Temple. He then communicated with his master, Yuan Mobai, via divine transmission. After detailing his audience with the sovereign, Lei Jun recounted his visit to the Scholarly Mansion.

"Xiao Chunhui indeed has a frail physical constitution, likely an Innate condition that Acquired efforts couldn’t remedy," Lei Jun said. "His Spiritual Soul, however, is exceptionally agile, brimming with endless, brilliant ideas. Between Mr. Xiao (Chunhui) and Mrs. Xiao (Xueting), Xiao Xueting naturally excels in Root Bone Talent, but Xiao Chunhui is stronger in terms of Comprehension."

At this point, Lei Jun suddenly chuckled. "He is currently in a phase of accumulation. When he breaks through to the Eighth Heavenly Layer, he will experience the powerful effect of breaking forth after long accumulation. However, in this disciple’s view, Scholar Xiao Chunhui’s reluctance to advance to the Eighth Heavenly Layer doesn’t seem to stem from a lack of confidence in facing the Heavenly Moat Tribulation. It’s more like he is contemplating something else, perhaps... a new field of learning."