"The Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Source is vast and boundless, initially akin to an uncracked egg of chaos. The Qi is the foundation of all things, wisdom, the manifestation of spirit. At the beginning of human life, one holds wisdom and contains Qi, like a young sprout emerging from thick earth..."
As the three incense sticks were just placed into the incense burner, Chu Ming began to narrate softly.
Can Jue and Can Quan, two Temple Teachers who were expecting some drama, looked at Chu Ming in astonishment.
Xuanyuan Huikong’s hand stopped noticeably as he was paying respects with incense.
Though his demeanor appeared calm as he turned around, a hint of pleasant surprise flashed across his brows.
This passage recitation was not the opening content of the "Meng Xue Zhujing" itself, but it was related to the main content.
Only those who fully understand and have gained certain insights can speak such unexpectedly insightful words!
And having this insight means that...
"You’ve entered at the entry level?" Xuanyuan Huikong maintained the calm appearance befitting a temple priest.
Chu Ming spoke no more, his right hand extended, and a wisp of blue Primordial Qi, or rather Literary Qi, floated out from his palm.
Can Jue and Can Quan were even more astonished, while the surprise on Xuanyuan Huikong’s face grew.
The path of Literary Cultivation indeed lowers the threshold for Primordial Qi cultivation, but it is not without barriers. Understanding Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi through books makes the entry requirement traceable, yet the difficulty remains considerable.
The "Meng Xue Zhujing" merely provides a method; to truly enter the entry-level, guidance from predecessors is needed, and almost ninety-nine percent of Literary Scholars in the Confucius Temple followed this path.
Even the current genius Xuanyuan Ye of the Hanmo Confucius Temple succeeded in sensing Literary Qi only after guidance by Xuanyuan Huikong.
Some individuals don’t need guidance, not because they have high talents, but possibly due to their inherently strong Spiritual Power, having already trained in the normal Primordial Qi Technique.
Yet the scholar in white before him showed no trace of Primordial Qi fluctuations, indicating a lack of training in the Primordial Qi Technique.
In other words, did Chu Ming comprehend Literary Qi through the "Meng Xue Zhujing" on his own in merely five or six days?
"Good! Well done!" Xuanyuan Huikong instantly lost the desire to reprimand, and generously praised him.
"To enter the entry-level so quickly shows you’re well-suited for the path of Literary Cultivation,"
A flash of golden light appeared in his hand, revealing another book: "This ’Holy Language Theory’ complements the ’Meng Xue Zhujing’."
"Thank you, temple priest." Chu Ming received the book.
"Indeed, your talent in Literary Cultivation is high," Xuanyuan Huikong paused, recalling the reports by Can Jue and Can Quan, feeling compelled to offer some advice, "Don’t waste time on frivolous matters."
Such as indulgence in pleasures, and lust.
Of course, he didn’t say this directly.
Chu Ming acknowledged with a bow.
"Alright, calling you here today was originally to guide your entry, but since you’ve already understood it yourself, continue striving."
Xuanyuan Huikong continued, "Your senior Xuanyuan Ye reached the Fourth Realm in five years, and less than ten years to the Fifth Realm; I hope you can take him as a model."
Chu Ming maintained a stoic demeanor, acknowledging with a bow.
"Do you have any other doubts?" Xuanyuan Huikong noticed Chu Ming’s good demeanor and extraordinary talent, his face showing more smiles.
"..." Chu Ming hesitated, pretending to want to speak but stopping, as if afraid to say.
"Speak your mind, as Literary Cultivators, actions should pursue clear intentions."
"I wish to participate in the Heart Inquiry Celestial Ladder."
"If you wish to..." Xuanyuan Huikong’s eyebrows suddenly raised, "What do you wish to participate in?"
"The Heart Inquiry Celestial Ladder."
The hall fell silent, a needle drop could be heard.
Can Jue and Can Quan looked at Chu Ming in astonishment, while Xuanyuan Huikong too seemed incredulous.
"Do you know how difficult the Heart Inquiry Celestial Ladder test is?"
"Student knows."
"Are you aware of the dangers?"
"Student is aware."
"Do you know the participants for the Heart Inquiry Celestial Ladder come from every Literary Cultivation in the Celestial Veil Kingdom, regardless of age, realm, or means?"
"Student knows."
Three consecutive questions, and three affirmations.
Xuanyuan Huikong’s expression turned serious: "Knowing all this, why do you still wish to go?"
"Student wishes to experience it."
"You’ve only just entered Literary Cultivation, the Confucius Temple’s practice can still make you improve, the Heart Inquiry Celestial Ladder, at this stage, offers little help and poses extreme danger, you should..."
"Sir," Chu Ming raised his head, his eyes resolute, "Student has long heard of the Heart Inquiry Celestial Ladder’s fame, and has always wanted to broaden personal horizons; such rare opportunities shouldn’t be missed, or student’s mind won’t be at peace."
"..."
Xuanyuan Huikong fell silent, as did the two Temple Teachers.
"Student only wishes to view the first few levels of the Celestial Ladder," Chu Ming added.
There’s no choice; participating requires identity as a Literary Scholar from the Confucius Temple, therefore needing the temple priest’s consent.
Not only that, he also needs Xuanyuan Huikong, the temple priest, to discreetly assist.
Xuanyuan Huikong was quiet, seemingly contemplating whether to let a new temple student enter the Heart Inquiry Celestial Ladder.
After a long while, he seemed to reach a decision.
"Alright, as Literary Cultivators our actions should follow clear intentions; moreover, you’re quite ambitious, I’ll agree to this matter."
Xuanyuan Huikong spoke, as golden light flashed, revealing another book.
This book was not ordinary.
Seeing this book, Can Jue and Can Quan’s faces immediately showed surprise, underscoring the book’s uniqueness.
"This book was the Wenbao I used in my early years," Xuanyuan Huikong looked at the book, "or rather, a Primordial Artifact, it’s a Tier Six Primordial Artifact."
"Originally, you should receive it upon passing the temple’s test, but this book has some flaws; I’ve recently re-refined it, and today I’ll give it to you."
Tier Six Primordial Artifact?