The Terrifying Path of Immortal Cultivation

Li Qing's eyes revealed a hint of contemplation as he gazed into the distance outside the window.

The Essence Qi in the sky was extremely thin.

The Essence Qi emanating from everyone's bodies had been absorbed by a mysterious force.

In his eyes, the "Sun-Moon Divine Gaze Technique" flickered, allowing him to see the Essence Qi sinking into the ground, forming a vast network beneath the city.

This city harbored a terrifying formation, and even rumored to have a Grotto-Heaven.

"Jixia Academy, the token mentioned by the Dragon King seems to be quite significant."

"Revealing it rashly might cause some trouble."

"Let's observe for now. I can still sustain my Essence Qi cultivation by eating, although the progress will be slower."

"No need to rush for now!"

...

In a teahouse, Li Qing sat quietly, ordering a pot of tea and two small dishes, sipping tea while listening to the surrounding information.

In ancient times, teahouses and taverns were usually the most well-informed places.

Relying on his keen senses, many things couldn't escape his ears.

"It seems that there is unrest in all four directions of the Great Tang recently?"

"The Eastern Wilderness' Dongyi, the Northern Desert's Beimang, the Western Wasteland's Xidi, and the Southern Frontier's Nanrong, are all preparing for war?"

"It is said that there will be a great disaster this winter, and all four directions will attack the Great Tang."

"The pressure on the borders seems to be immense?"

A group of noblemen in traditional attire discussed national affairs.

Upon hearing this, Li Qing's heart stirred slightly.

"The Northern Continent is located in the north, and it seems that the Beimang is colluding with the Blood Demon Cult."

"It is said that the Beimang is the territory of the Demon Dao in cultivation."

"The other four directions each have their own traditions."

"The Great Tang is led by the Daoist and the Hundred Schools of Thought, while the four directions are dominated by demons and monsters."

"If there is unrest in the four directions, it may be another chaotic era."

"Those demons and monsters are not a good bunch."

Thinking of the various scrolls he had read, Li Qing felt a slight chill in his heart.

"The Northern Continent is the first to bear the brunt, and it is not absolutely safe here."

After all, Li Qing was from another world and had no particular attachment to this place, despite living here for ten years without making any friends.

He shook his head slightly, "I should enter Jixia Academy as soon as possible and find a way to obtain advanced cultivation techniques."

"If a war really breaks out, I might have to seek refuge in the deep mountains and forests."

He let out a deep sigh, his eyes flashing with contemplation.

At this moment, someone else said, "The barbarians in the four directions are nothing but a minor nuisance. My Great Tang Dynasty has the Hundred Schools of Thought and a million strong army. We shouldn't fear them."

This world is vast, with the Nine Provinces alone covering a territory of 100 million li and a population of hundreds of billions.

The Northern Continent alone has a population of 1 billion, with a hundred counties, each with a dozen or so county towns and villages scattered everywhere.

Li Qing's original Yellow Dragon Region was just one of them.

However, the Yellow Dragon Region is close to the border and often experiences disturbances.

The rulers of each province are usually royal princes, almost like local emperors.

The ruler of the North State is the North State King, who seems to have reached the age of sixty this year.

"The barbarians in the four directions are just a minor trouble. The real trouble lies within my Great Tang."

Upon hearing this, Li Qing was slightly surprised and looked towards the speaker.

It was a young scholar sitting on the side, with a calm expression.

He was dressed in a green robe, slightly faded, exuding a sense of aloofness.

"The internal political struggles in the court and the proliferation of local powerful families are the real problems plaguing the country."

"Throughout history, which dynasty did not perish due to internal strife?"

"These people who bring calamity to the country and the people, every one of them deserves to die."

The young scholar vented his dissatisfaction, waving his hand vigorously.

The others looked at the young man, all giving him a thumbs up.

To dare to curse the dignitaries and powerful families in public, this young man was indeed very bold.

Upon hearing the young scholar's words, several well-dressed noblemen's faces turned unpleasant.

His words directly implicated them as well.

One of them said, "Huh, where did this poor scholar come from?"

"Spouting such words here, disrespecting the officials. Aren't they the pillars of the country?"

"The local gentry are the backbone of each region. What do you poor scholars know?"

"Hmph, a bunch of leeches living off the people."

"It's a disgrace to be in the same room with you."

The aloof young scholar sneered and left the teahouse.

The well-dressed noblemen's faces turned pale, and the other customers looked at them with amusement.

Li Qing also chuckled slightly as he watched the scene.

In the Great Tang, as long as one does not commit treason, one can speak freely, which is why the people of the Great Tang like to discuss current affairs. This is the trend of thought brought about by the Hundred Schools of Thought, and dissenting voices are not prohibited.

Li Qing's eyes flickered slightly, "However, judging from the expressions of these people, the conflict between the two major classes of the Great Tang Dynasty is becoming increasingly severe."

"The fixed path of a feudal dynasty is irreversible, unless there is an industrial revolution to expand the cake and alleviate these contradictions."

"Otherwise, it will ultimately be unsolvable."

A hint of inexplicable emotion flashed in his eyes.

In the following days, Li Qing continued to linger in various teahouses, constantly collecting information and gradually perfecting his understanding of Jixia Academy.

Each of the Hundred Schools of Thought in Jixia Academy had its own strengths and weaknesses, but it was generally acknowledged that most Confucian scholars were upright and virtuous.

In terms of conduct, there was almost nothing to criticize, and every generation of Jixia Academy's teachers were all Confucian scholars.

Li Qing pondered, his eyes flashing with contemplation.

"It seems that the cultivation methods of the Confucian scholars have some spiritual requirements, such as following the right path, not disregarding human life, and not tolerating evil, and so on."

It almost perfectly aligns with the Confucian principles of self-cultivation, family harmony, and governing the country.

"The cultivation methods of the Hundred Schools of Thought are almost all related to their own principles."

"If I want to enter Jixia Academy, it's best to show the token to a Confucian scholar."

"It must be someone with profound cultivation, a Confucian scholar without deviation, as only such a person will abide by the rules and disciplines."

In fact, there are not many true Confucian scholars, and Li Qing has seen a few in the past few days.

These people are almost all upright, each exuding a sense of being a role model.

When he saw these people, he understood why there were not many Confucian scholars left.

Not everyone can truly abide by these disciplines because spiritual discipline is the most difficult.

The reason why the Confucian scholars have been able to control Jixia Academy for generations is not without reason.

Through the collection of information, Li Qing has deduced the appropriate method, which is to be open and aboveboard.

...

On this day, he arrived at the north of Longdao City, where there was a huge academy.

The exterior of the academy was entirely cast in white rock.

The interior was constructed with various wooden structures.

At this moment, the gates of the academy were wide open, and many students dressed in white robes were entering.

It was time for school.