Chapter 698 - 360: The Confucius Temple’s Exam! A Century’s Prodigy! (Part 3)

"News has come from the Celestial Veil Kingdom; one year from now, they’ll set off for the Langhuan Book Realm!"

The first words from Ji Wujiang were surprising news.

Chu Ming’s eyes narrowed slightly; he hadn’t expected that in just three short days, there would be new developments from the Celestial Veil Kingdom.

"The Celestial Veil Kingdom also gave a definite answer: the Qin Dynasty has one slot to enter the Langhuan Book Realm with them."

Ji Wujiang looked at Chu Ming, hesitated as if he wanted to say more about the slot, but thought better of it and changed the subject.

"Chu Ming, before news about the Langhuan Book Realm came out, I sensed something amiss."

"Master Ancestor, please speak."

"Are you aware of the Confucius Temple in the Celestial Veil Kingdom?"

"Yes." Chu Ming nodded.

A few days ago, upon arriving in the Celestial Veil Kingdom, he learned that two scholars from a tavern investigation were from the Confucius Temple.

The Celestial Veil Kingdom has numerous Confucius Temples, which pass down the Literary Cultivation Method.

The Confucius Temple is comparable to the Academy of the Qin Dynasty in form, but the essence differs greatly.

The academies and universities of the Qin Dynasty are merely about studying for civil exams, whereas the Confucius Temples of the Celestial Veil Kingdom allow one to comprehend the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi and grasp mysterious and unfathomable abilities from books.

"Just two days before the Celestial Veil Kingdom released the news, all major Confucius Temples in Celestial Curtain City moved simultaneously," Ji Wujiang continued.

Chu Ming listened silently; since arriving in the Celestial Veil Kingdom, besides strolling around the city on the first day, he had spent most of his time cultivating on the estate and knew little about outside affairs.

"The Confucius Temples either held sage sacrifices, hosted sacred text celebrations, or set up special trials. Those who passed not only received rewards but could enter the Confucius Temple for cultivation if their age fit."

The Confucius Temples of the Celestial Veil Kingdom usually recruit every three years, and it’s only been a year and a half since the last recruitment, not nearly time for another.

As for sage sacrifices and sacred text celebrations, those are held every ten or twenty years, and the last celebration was three years ago.

When something is out of the ordinary, there must be a cause.

Why did the Confucius Temples of Celestial Curtain City act at this time?

Anyone with a bit of insider knowledge and who pays attention might first think it’s related to the Langhuan Book Realm.

Ji Wujiang thinks this way.

Enter the Confucius Temple for cultivation?

Chu Ming’s heart stirred.

He also sensed that the Confucius Temple’s actions were related to the Langhuan Book Realm.

"Master Ancestor, which Confucius Temple set the trials? What’s the age limit for entering cultivation?"

Apart from the slot for the Langhuan Book Realm, Chu Ming himself also has some interest in the Literary Cultivation Method.

"There are thirty-six Confucius Temples in Celestial Curtain City, fifteen held sage sacrifices, fifteen held sacred text celebrations, and the remaining six set up trials for recruitment."

"The age limit for recruitment is the same as the regular three-year recruitment, under thirty years of age. Those above thirty, if passed, receive only rewards but cannot enter the Temple."

Ji Wujiang had deliberately gathered detailed information on all Confucius Temples in Celestial Curtain City before coming.

He spoke with a slight frown: "However, I heard that those entering the Confucius Temple must have a clean identity."

"A clean identity? Do they have to be from the Celestial Veil Kingdom?"

Chu Ming showed a thoughtful expression.

"No, people from other countries can too," Ji Wujiang shook his head, "but the identity must be genuine."

"With the strength of the Celestial Veil Kingdom, among the thirty-three countries of the Ancient Profound Western Continent, probably only people from the Ancient Immortal Kingdom and the Divine Martial Kingdom can’t be distinguished by the Celestial Veil Kingdom."

Chu Ming lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment.

"Master Ancestor, I’ll use my real identity."

It is indeed as the Master Ancestor said; if the Celestial Veil Kingdom wants to investigate, almost no one from any country can fabricate an identity, so it’s better to use the real one.

The identity of ’Chu Ming’ has always been quite suitable and traceable.

In contrast, the identity of the black-clad youth is burdened with hostile forces.

"..."" Ji Wujiang also contemplated for a while and then said, "Chu Ming’s identity is indeed more suitable."

Chu Ming’s identity in the Qin Dynasty can be considered as an exceptional talent appearing in hundreds of years, but here in the Celestial Veil Kingdom, the strongest place in the Ancient Profound Western Continent.

The Celestial Veil Kingdom doesn’t lack talents, and Chu Ming’s identity may not be so remarkable, possibly even a bit ordinary.

After all, from the Celestial Veil Kingdom’s perspective, the Qin Dynasty is just a mid-level country inland of the Ancient Profound Western Continent, with the strongest being merely in the Sea of Qi Realm, so-called talents, how talented can they be?

"Hanmo Confucius Temple, recruitment trial set in twenty days, just in West City."

"I’m going to rush with all my might from the Celestial Veil Kingdom to the Qin Dynasty, then from the Qin Dynasty bring you here, in about twelve or thirteen days."

Ji Wujiang had already picked out a Confucius Temple for Chu Ming and planned everything.

"Thank you, Master Ancestor."

Chu Ming understood the meaning behind Ji Wujiang’s words.

He couldn’t suddenly appear in the Celestial Veil Kingdom, so he had to pretend that Ji Wujiang specifically returned to the Qin Dynasty to bring him to the Celestial Veil Kingdom.

"..."

...

More than ten days later.

"Brother Ji, you’re finally back."

As Ji Wujiang stepped into the estate, three National Guardian Realm experts from the Wuding Kingdom, White Rainbow Kingdom, and Ba Kingdom came out to greet him.

"I suppose this is Chu Ming, Little Friend Chu, who is said to be the first genius in three hundred years in the Qin Dynasty."

All three looked towards the white-clothed youth behind Ji Wujiang in unison.

Chu Ming, dressed in white, quietly followed behind Ji Wujiang, with a hint of fatigue on his face.

To act thoroughly, he must portray himself as having rushed from the Qin Dynasty, also needing witnesses; the three of them were perfectly suitable.

"Senior Wuding, Senior Nanyou, Elder Ba," Chu Ming slightly cupped his hands in salute.

"Haha, no need for formality, no need for formality."

"Brother Ji and Little Friend Chu, traveling back and forth must be tiresome; come in quickly, there’s already food and wine prepared in the hall."

The three courteously welcomed Ji Wujiang and Chu Ming into the house, treating Chu Ming not at all like a junior.

Ji Wujiang’s lips curled up into a smile.