Chapter 2254: My Heart Shines Bright

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The Yang Kingdom has already perished!

The history books have already turned a page.

Even the former corpses that stood up within the Yang Kingdom, who divided and ate the so-called “Sunrise Nine Kingdoms,” now only have the “Xu,” “Zhao,” and “Chang” kingdoms remaining. All prostrate themselves to Qi, wishing they could offer their surrender on bended knee.

The year the Yang Kingdom was officially declared extinct was Dao Calendar 2813.

It is now Dao Calendar 3928, more than a thousand years have passed. No one is nostalgic anymore.

There is no Yang unification under heaven.

The maritime frontier Yang Valley still exists, but they do not think as the old Yang did. What they inherit is the responsibility of guarding the maritime frontier, not the position of the Yang Kingdom as a country.

The so-called "old country heart" ended after that general lord who led Yang Valley to establish itself committed suicide.

At least in the situation known to Jiang Wang, only this old Confucian named Yan Sheng still calls it the "old country," still claims to be a "perished country remnant," and still yearns for the past splendor of the Dong Yang Palace.

Perhaps the great fire in the former Dong Palace of the Yang Kingdom is still burning in this old man's heart.

Yan Sheng was silent for a long time.

For a while, only green smoke curled, never taking shape.

He burned incense and respected books, never forgetting ritual, but it couldn't bring him back to the dream country.

When the Yang Kingdom was established, it quickly became a regional hegemon in an extremely short time, dominating the name of the East domain.

Yang Taizu Ji Yanqiu became an obstruction to Jing Taizu Ji Yusu, turning his grand ambition of becoming the Six Directions Son of Heaven into an empty illusion.

As Ji Yanqiu's close sister, sharing the same inheritance of the Eight Sages and the bloodline of the Azure Emperor, Ji Yanru fought east and west while Ji Yanqiu was still hidden among the common people, walking the world for him.

In the process of establishing the Yang Kingdom, she made even more indelible contributions and was a first-class meritorious minister of the founding. Her virtuous name as the founding eldest princess is praised by the people of the Yang Kingdom along with the history of the Yang Kingdom as one of its founders.

As an elder of the perished country remnant, Yan Sheng probably has many imaginations about this founding eldest princess. Imagining that she might sigh about the unworthiness of her descendants, or be sad about the collapse of the grand cause, or yearn for the initial glory... Regardless of which, it's the same kind of attachment as his.

But Ji Yanru didn't say anything.

The fall of the Yang Kingdom is Yan Sheng's lifelong attachment. He read ten thousand dans of books in the book mountain, dreamed for more than a thousand years, and never forgot the sword stroke that the last generation Yang Crown Prince used to sever his own neck.

That was his student, and also his *jitou*. He once worked with pious full effort, wanting to teach a virtuous Son of Heaven, to save the world from disaster and cure the chronic illnesses of the ten thousand people.

The Crown Prince was indeed virtuous, ambitious, and bore the responsibility of the country, but when the sky collapsed, he could only sigh in vain.

Ideals turned into empty illusions, emotions flowed eastwards. How many times did he look into the distance at the ruins of the old country? How much he wanted to see another figure rise, even hear one or two mournful cries. But this world was so quiet, only the sounds of the evening drum and morning bell.

Yan Sheng looked at Jiang Wang and slowly said: "You have traces of the orthodox Great Yang imperial family's cultivation method in your body."

Jiang Wang said: "Senior Ji did pass me the method, but she did not pass me the Way. She had no requirements of me and did not mention the Yang Kingdom."

A strand of silver hair ran to Yan Sheng's forehead, cutting across his wrinkles. This old man only said: "She doesn't want to bind you."

"I think so," Jiang Wang said.

In the past, the Hong Makeup Mirror helped him greatly, saving him many times. And the only thing he did was bring the Hong Makeup Mirror in front of Fu Hai and ask Fu Hai to look in the mirror.

Yan Sheng was silent again for a while, then said: "In ancient times, the four layers of Cave True were called Candle Bright, Moon Bright, Clear Bright, and Bright World. Now no one mentions them. The Way of cultivation is new and reformed ancient. The previous words are unable to define the present. But this old man feels that they still have some observable places — Jiang True Person, how do you understand these four layers of boundary?"

Jiang Wang really had no interest in talking about other things. Whether Yan Sheng was nostalgic for the Yang Kingdom or chasing after Rakshasa Mingyue Jing, frankly, it had nothing to do with Jiang someone. But when it came to cultivation, he wasn't so lacking.

The Way of Cave True is only sought by oneself. On this road, he also had long thoughts and was very willing to "state and discuss it," especially when facing such an experienced and knowledgeable old mister.

"Junior speaks from the heart, senior please listen," Jiang Wang thought for a moment, then opened his mouth and said: "The so-called Cave True cultivation realm is namely the long journey within the Cave World."

"I think, Candle Bright, the first layer of Cave True, illuminates everything with a candle fire, all can be brightened. But it is often confined to a small room, bound by knowledge. Because the candle fire itself is not very bright and far-reaching, its power has not yet reached."

"Moon Bright, the second layer of Cave True, illuminates everything with the moon, fully brightening it. The bright moon reaches the horizon, and knowledge also reaches the horizon. Riding the wind of heaven and earth, roaming the four seasons and eight directions, one can be said to know the world already!"

"Clear Bright, the third layer of Cave True, brightens the ten thousand matters of heaven and earth with one heart. There is no need for candles or the moon, it has its own bright splendor. Everything the heart thinks of, it can fully obtain a view of the Way. This is the realm of true free roaming."

"As for Bright World..."

Jiang Wang's eyes were clear and bright, his face with a smile: "This is the fourth layer of Cave True. It is 'My heart brightens it, with the heart brightens the world.' Even if the candle fire is extinguished and the sun and moon are dark, the reason cultivated by our generation of cultivators still hangs high and eternal, causing the ten thousand worlds to brighten it, no longer in a long night."

"Good!" Yan Sheng couldn't help but clap his hands and praise: "Your discussion can already enter the Way! Your future students will not be without those who can compile canons with this!"

"Mister's words are too flattering, just some shallow thoughts, fundamentally not forming a system. How can I dare to steal the name of a canon? It would just make people laugh," Jiang Wang repeatedly said: "I respect mister's high virtue, you must not harm me with your words!"

Yan Sheng leisurely said: "You are young, don't show off."

Jiang Wang stood very straight: "I think I just have self-knowledge."

Yan Sheng slightly lifted his chin: "Jiang True Person's self-view, if discussing these four layers of boundary, where are you?"

"I am in every boundary," Jiang Wang said seriously: "When I am Bright World, I am also bright in the world. I am always illuminated by the candle and moon, and I am also the candle and moon at all times."

Yan Sheng couldn't help but let out a long sigh: "The ancient discussion of the four layers of Cave True indeed cannot keep up with the era. Not only is it not enough to discuss power, it is also not enough to discuss the boundary. Truly, a new generation surpasses the old! Jiang True Person, I now believe that you can achieve the extreme of Cave True, with no obstacles in front!"

Jiang Wang only said: "That will have to wait until I walk there, then I can confirm if I have walked there."

Yan Sheng sighed again: "This old man is a withered old person from a perished country, you are the proud son of the era. History is all old, and you are opening your new chapter. I sit here today, thinking of my old country, hoping to teach you something, but I find myself unable to teach. This is the sorrow of this old man, and also the regret of this old Confucian!"

Jiang Wang thought in his heart, he could still teach Dao Law secret techniques. But these words were not like that after all. He only said: "Mister is a great Confucian, just a word or phrase can point out the maze of my life. If you can give me some guidance in cultivation, junior is willing."

"This old man's lifetime, exhausting reading the classics, is just empty talk misleading the country!" Yan Sheng said sadly: "Seeing such a vigorous young person like you, I only feel ashamed of living for a thousand years. I have the heart to speak, but I only fear delaying you."

What old Confucian is Yan Sheng? He is much younger than Chen Pu. It's just that he is unwilling to accept the reality of the Yang Kingdom's demise and forcibly lives in the past.

"How could it be a delay! Even with a Bodhi root, without the warp of years and months, one cannot knot the fruit of wisdom. Facing you is like a small stream seeing a great river," Jiang Wang sincerely comforted him, then said: "Since you have free time today, why don't we chat about something meaningful. Speaking of the use of this God Illuminate East Emperor Robe, what do you think, old mister..."

"Does Dry Yang Red Pupil and Sun Palace have a deeper connection? Junior has always had some doubts about this. You said about this curse seal trace..."

"Take a look at this set of sword canons..."

They talked deeply, not knowing the year, and suddenly the years were already at dusk.

In a corner of the wilderness in the southern domain, in an old forest, Jiang Wang pulled down the great Confucian from the book mountain and discussed with him for a full five days.

He felt greatly benefited, and Yan Sheng also had a ruddy face. He probably found the feeling of teaching the Crown Prince in the Dong Palace back then.

Just like accompanying an empty nest old person!

Jiang Wang didn't dwell on the merit, but was even more polite: "Mister, please explain the nine kinds of changes in this dharma image again—"

"Wait." Yan Sheng woke up as if from a dream, raising his hand to block: "I have already been delayed for many days, this old man still has to go find Rakshasa Mingyue Jing."

"The master of the San Fen Xiang Building is a divine dragon who sees the head but not the tail. Finding her is not a matter of one or two days," Jiang Wang was a little anxious, how could this old man not know what was important and what was light?

Precisely because she appears and disappears mysteriously, the old man should not relax for a single moment— alas! Yan Sheng said: "Today's discussion ends here!"

Jiang Wang frowned and asked: "Do you think Rakshasa Mingyue Jing is still in the southern domain?"

Yan Sheng looked at him: "How? Do you have a clue?"

Jiang Wang quickly shook his head. He might not want to get involved in matters between peak powerhouses. "I only hope the old mister acts carefully, I think the master of this building is very not simple."

Yan Sheng laughed heartily: "Do you think I am simple?"

"Junior is impulsive," Jiang Wang said ashamed: "Entering the forest of peak powerhouses is not something I can judge."

Yan Sheng's gaze was burning: "Jiang True Person, I have a word, are you willing to listen?"

Jiang Wang said: "You are a contemporary peak, the state and Way can encompass ten thousand realms, how can junior avoid it? Whatever you think, say it fully, junior is listening with open ears."

Yan Sheng stacked his hands in front of his body. Although the whole person was old, he was not tired and not sloppy in the slightest: "Since the founding eldest princess of the Great Yang passed you the orthodox method of the Ji family, you are the rightful orthodox successor of the Great Yang— if you are willing to restore the Great Yang empire, this old man, though not talented, is willing to bring eight hundred disciples and thirty thousand *dan* of books to assist you as a minister and cast the tripod of rivers and mountains."

If Yan Sheng had met him and said these words five days before this discussion of the Way, Jiang Wang would have definitely turned and left without a greeting.

But now, after all, he had been guided and benefited, and it was not good to be rude— thus, it can be seen that Yan Sheng, this old Confucian, although stubborn, proud, and clinging to the old ways, is not entirely ignorant of change.

Jiang Wang asked: "Old mister, where do you think a state and altar can be established?"

Yan Sheng did not hesitate: "Zhuang land is just right. You are of Zhuang country origin, enjoying high prestige in Zhuang land, and can be recognized by the people. Zhuang country's new policy has just been abolished, the state and altar are not stable, and the people's hearts have grudges. It is a good time to seize the flag. Although Zhuang country has the support of the Dao Gate, the situation is turbulent, and the Dao Gate cannot give too strong support in a short time. And this old man has stayed in the book mountain for so many years and can ensure the book mountain's support for you. With heaven's time, earth's advantage, and people's harmony, if you raise the flag and spread the books, you can settle the world. Those few who have left the country are all your close people and can help you quickly stabilize the situation..."

This old mister was really not acting on a temporary impulse, he obviously had detailed thoughts. Every word he spoke was on the Way, and when he opened his mouth, it was a strategic book.

But Jiang Wang didn't listen to a single sentence. He only asked: "You want to restore Yang, yet establish the country on the western border? Even on the western border, do you think this emerging country will be able to contend against the dominating Qin, or be able to contend against the Li country Taizu, or again be able to deal with the Yong country which has Mohist support?"

"Where you are, the orthodoxy of the Yang country is there. The East domain now has a fixed situation and is not good land. The Zhuang border is located in a land of four wars, just waiting for a true dragon to be born. I have a twelve-character state policy that can help the grand cause—" Yan Sheng said: "Ally with Chu against Qin, rely on Confucianism to resist Mohism, combine with Li and swallow Yong!"

"Matters under heaven are easy to speak of but difficult to act upon. State matters change tripods with spring and autumn. Regarding the naivety of young people, my friends have already proven it once," Jiang Wang said to this point, and also couldn't help but sigh, asking: "Have you been to the East country now?"

Yan Sheng shook his head and sighed: "Seeing things hurts emotions, I haven't gone for a thousand years."

Jiang Wang asked again: "Have you seen the current Son of Heaven of Qi?"

Yan Sheng said: "I may have heard of him."

Jiang Wang continued to ask: "Are you certain you know the true talent of a sage king?"

Yan Sheng looked at him: "You mean Jiang Shu?"

"I once thoroughly read 'History Knife Chisel Sea,' and many times I thought I had understood it. I once kept watch for the Son of Heaven of Qi at night. I once listed my name in the Purple Extreme Hall. Many times I thought I already understood the Emperor of Qi country very well," Jiang Wang said: "However, until today, when I ask myself what I understand, I find that I understand nothing. From the beginning, I only saw his single scale and half a claw, and that was already a high mountain and a great river to me."

Yan Sheng said: "To be able to recognize what you don't understand, and then admit what you don't understand, this is already a qualified monarch. A monarch doesn't need to understand everything. What is needed is to let those who understand everything work for you."

"Mister Yan, being merely qualified may not have the possibility of contending with the powerful lords under heaven," Jiang Wang shook his head and said: "Building a country and establishing a temple, yet nesting in a corner, how is that what you seek? How is that what I, Jiang Wang, seek?"

"People should do what they are good at."

He held Chang Xiang Si horizontally in front of his body, letting the sword cry a thousand miles: "I think I can only grasp this single sword now."

"This is also a common people's sword!" Yan Sheng's words were with a sigh: "You still haven't held the Son of Heaven's sword. You don't know how vast the handle of the world is. You don't know how majestic the edge of mountains and rivers is. With the Nine Provinces as the string and ten thousand people gathered as a flag, then there is nothing under heaven that can withstand it, and the sword cuts the world!"

Jiang Wang smiled casually: "I practice the common people's sword! I cry when things are not flat, I fight when things are not bent. If I can hold a horizontal sword for the common people, what is there to seek in this Way? I have already achieved the Way!"

"You are such a peerless proud son, suppressing figures of the same generation. How can you not thirst for the strongest?" Yan Sheng's words were sincere: "You are a must-prove peak, and this heart will not stop at the peak. That scenery above the peak, have you ever envisioned it? Everyone knows, only the Six Directions Son of Heaven is the strongest transcendence road. If you have my help and raise the flag of the Great Yang, you will have the possibility of winning this road."

These words were truly heart-shaking. The more a proud son of heaven, the more he cannot resist this heart.

Even if power is not cared for, who doesn't want to prove true invincibility in eternity?

But Jiang Wang remained unmoved.

"Six Directions Son of Heaven or achieving the Supreme Sage are all the strongest imagined by previous people but not realized," He sat there motionless, calmly saying: "I think, if there is a strongest me in the long river of history, it will certainly not exist in the imagination of others."

I walk my Way!

The Way is also infinite!

Yan Sheng let out a light sigh: "I greatly admire your youth, having such determination and such self. But the road above the peak, this old man cannot see clearly even on tiptoe. Does the world truly have a road stronger than the Six Directions Son of Heaven? How dare you think, and how dare you believe?"

"Old Mister Yan!"

Jiang Wang's voice deepened: "I am a person who will certainly walk to the peak, and you are a person who has already walked to the peak. State to you is a thought, to me is a restraint."

"The Great Xia's thousand-year state and altar, perished for seven years, now I go to the old land, and I no longer hear of Xia."

"The Yang Kingdom perished a thousand years ago. No one is nostalgic for it."

He stood up, bowed to the old Confucian, left his seat, and departed.

Thank you to book friend "Wu Xia" for becoming the alliance master of this book! This is for the 739th alliance of Red Heart Patrol Heaven!

Thank you to book friend "phycical" for becoming the alliance master of this book! This is for the 740th alliance of Red Heart Patrol Heaven!

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