"Yes, a mysterious ability that I suddenly acquired. It's strange. One day, while I was reading, I realized I could observe the materials of others. Later, I researched many ancient texts and finally confirmed that it was a result of some essential sublimation," the old man said with a smile.
"Indeed, it should be that way," Chen Xi nodded. "Everything falls into place naturally."
"Sort of, but I am far inferior to you all. You are still very young," the old man replied with a smile. "Kong Wenju invited me to Taishan to take a look, and along the way, I encountered many people of extraordinary talent. However, very few can compare to the three of you."
"True genius cannot allow others to compare. A prodigy of heaven, unique and unparalleled!" Chen Xi said firmly. He himself had a millennium of heritage, and the two people behind him were rare geniuses. It was only natural.
"Indeed, this is your era. I recently visited Chenliu and met someone who was considered a genius in our time. Back then, his glory overshadowed the entire era," the old man said with a touch of nostalgia. "But now, he is old and no longer has the brilliance of his youth. I'll tell you some good news—he has high hopes for Liu Xuande!"
"Xun Clan's Eight Dragons, Ciming is unparalleled," Chen Xi said through gritted teeth. The only one in the previous era who could be called a genius and overshadowed the glory of that time was Xun Shuang, a person who surpassed that era in both knowledge and vision.
"Yes, it's him. Back then, he didn't reach your level. He only awakened his spiritual talent after he was over thirty," the old man said with a smile. "Your talents are far more terrifying than his."
Chen Xi remained silent, but inwardly, he began to speculate about this person's identity. Xun Shuang's survival was an accident, primarily because Dong Zhuo had not successfully recruited him in this life. However, if Hua Tuo had not overstepped his bounds, Xun Shuang probably wouldn't have had many years left to live.
"Chen Hou, you need not worry about this old man. Although I have some reputation, I harbor no ill intentions toward Liu Xuande. On the contrary, I greatly admire his grand ambition. Whether or not he can achieve it, just daring to declare 'every child should be educated' in front of the world is enough to earn my respect," the old man said with a deep intellect, seeing through Chen Xi's thoughts with ease.
"So, what guidance does the elder have?" Chen Xi asked calmly. "To be familiar with Xun Sima and to be so close, you must be an outstanding figure of that era. And now, few can claim to be a guest of Xun Sima. If you say you are just an ordinary person, I won't believe it."
"Chen Hou, don't doubt my intentions. I will not enter officialdom. I will only find a place to teach, and I will bring all my suitable students with me, leaving everything I have learned to assist Lord Xuande. I truly want to see what a well-governed world, where everyone has food, clothing, and education, would be like," the old man said with a powerful conviction.
"In that case, I won't make things difficult for you, elder," Chen Xi nodded, intending to investigate his identity later.
"Ciming's health is failing. If he were still well, he would have come. He also wants to see what an era where everyone is like a dragon would look like. Unfortunately, those who want to come are old and can no longer make the journey," the old man said with a hint of pride, as his own health was still good. "Time waits for no one."
"It's something beyond our control," Chen Xi said calmly. "I want to know why Xun Sima suddenly has high hopes for Lord Xuande. If I remember correctly, he didn't think much of us before."
"Heh, Ciming is just stubborn. He initially didn't think highly of you, but as the founder of Yingchuan Academy, do you think he didn't want to do what you're doing now?" The old man laughed heartily. "He wanted to, but he couldn't! Just establishing Yingchuan Academy consumed most of Ciming's wealth! Let alone an entire county or state, or even the whole world!"
As he spoke, there was a clear trace of fanaticism in the old man's voice. No surprise, this man would likely become one of Liu Xuande's fervent supporters in the future.
"Understandable. With such inefficient teaching methods, it's already impressive that he didn't bankrupt the Xun family," Chen Xi said calmly.
"Yes, the lack of books was a major issue. It was only because Ciming shamelessly borrowed thousands of books that he was able to lay the foundation. Later, with the support of your Chen family, the academy could finally operate," the old man said with a smile. "Money, food, and books are the biggest problems, and you've solved them. Ciming is very happy. He said he would try to live long enough to see that day arrive."
"As long as the Xun family joins us, it will save us a lot of effort," Chen Xi said with a smirk. "Tell him that if he can trick Xun Wenruo and Xun Gongda into coming home, then bring back Cheng Zhongde, the teacher from Yingchuan Academy, and finally issue an order to the auditing student Xi Zhicai, then knock them all out, stuff them into sacks, and send them over to us. I guarantee he'll see the prosperous age in no time."
"Hahaha, that's indeed a good idea. I can discuss it with Ciming!" The old man laughed heartily, showing no signs of mockery, instead looking as if that was precisely what should be done. "Your spiritual talent is one of the main reasons we believe in Liu Xuande. We don't expect an eternal golden age, just fifty years, so we can witness that era where everyone is like a dragon, the era our ancestors have long yearned for!"
"Can you tell me who informed Xun Sima of my spiritual talent?" Chen Xi asked with a slight startle. He didn't recall telling anyone about his spiritual talent, and people like Fazheng were known for keeping their mouths shut.
"Xun Wenruo told Ciming, but don't worry, he won't assassinate you. Let me put it this way: to Xun Wenruo, you are even more important than Liu Xuande. Your spiritual talent is so crucial that no one would dare to assassinate you unless it was absolutely necessary. Moreover, the knowledgeable people in the world will naturally protect you," the old man said solemnly.
"It's not that exaggerated!" Chen Xi said with a smirk, suddenly recalling his previous paranoia.
"The truth is, ever since I met you, I've been following you. Also, do you think Zuo Yuanfang's presence at the Taishan Jingling Shrine was just for show? He's been guarding your hometown," the old man said. As soon as Chen Xi opened his mouth, a Taoist suddenly appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. "Dying is not an option for you; that's not a joke."
"Who are you!" Chen Xi instantly became alert, and both Fazheng and Zhuge Liang, as well as the old man on the platform, all looked warily at the suddenly appeared man who looked ageless.
"I'm the one protecting you, ensuring you won't be killed," the man said calmly, but a flash of anticipation gleamed in his eyes. He waved his horsetail whisk and said, "And you, show yourself as well."
As the black-robed man waved his whisk, a strong man appeared on the roof, looking warily at the Taoist who seemed ageless.