Chapter 105: Buping College
I'm such a fool, really.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Qiao Wan had a deep thought.
After living for so long, this was the second time Qiao Wan realized she was a complete idiot.
She... damn it.
Thinking back to the scenes in her mind, Qiao Wan's eyes were blank, covering her face in sadness and anger.
What the hell did she do?!!
And not far from the rickety bed, a few Qi cultivation scholars were whispering to each other.
"The Shan Zhang has been daydreaming for so long, is the Li Shishu bringing a dumb Shan Zhang?"
"Our little run-down college is already miserable enough, can we really survive with another dumb Shan Zhang?"
Just then, a middle-aged cultivator suddenly walked in from the doorway, followed by a girl in green clothes.
"Shishu!"
"Uncle Li!"
As soon as the man entered the room, a few young scholars immediately became serious. They held their books in their hands and began reading aloud with a swaying motion.
"Guanguan, why do the male and female birds mate on the islets of the river..."
"If you give me a wooden apple, I will repay you with a pearl necklace..."
Although they said they didn't want to, their bodies were honest, and their eyes kept glancing towards the man.
The man was like a fierce god, dressed in a plain blue robe, and amidst the sound of reading, he walked all the way to Qiao Wan's side, sat down, and asked in a deep voice.
"What are you considering?"
Qiao Wan lifted her eyelids and glanced at the man's face.
He was a middle-aged cultivator with a short beard under his chin. His face was clear and radiant, and his eyes held a hint of mystery.
The man stood tall and straight, his clothes neat and tidy, and his hair meticulously combed under a jade crown. Even the small mustache at the corner of his lips was flawlessly groomed.
It was evident that he was a very disciplined and self-disciplined person.
Qiao Wan knew that this man's name was Li Pan. He and a girl named Lv Yao had found her and brought her back from the mountain road.
Before she fainted, she heard a male voice coming from the mouth of the monk in front of her.
"If you agree to one request, I will save you..."
"I can also help you dispel the evil energy..."
"Become the head of our college..."
After waking up, Qiao Wan found herself packed into this small, rundown wooden house. Her wounds had been bandaged, the blood hole in her chest had been treated with medicine, and clean white cloth had been wrapped around it. She also found out that when she was struggling on the verge of death, she had successfully formed a blood pact with this middle-aged monk named Li Pan.
According to the girl in the green clothes, they were all disciples of Buping College. It didn't matter if you haven't heard of Buping College, it's just a small, rundown college.
To verify the girl in the green clothes' words, Qiao Wan looked around the room where she was lying.
The wooden table with a missing leg, a chair that looked like it was about to fall apart, a dark cotton curtain, and a dried-up bun on the table that exuded an overwhelming sense of poverty.
Thinking about this, Qiao Wan felt even more hopeless.
No one knew better than her what she had done wrong. Just as she woke up, the person who had caused her trouble also regained their consciousness.
Realizing this, Qiao Wan quickly fled from the Great Hall of Light and found shelter in an inn.
Damn it, not only did Cen Qingyou fail to catch up, but the person and the person were bound by a contract, and the person did something so crazy.
Just thinking about what had happened recently, Qiao Wan felt like banging her head against the ground.
Miaofa was right. Until she learned to control her spiritual consciousness, she really needed to cleanse her dirty mind.
Returning to the Great Hall of Light was not an option, so she sat cross-legged on the small, worn-out bed in Buping College, contemplating life.
As soon as Qiao Wan thought about it, she felt a toothache. Even if she had the courage, she wouldn't dare to go back now. Especially when she thought about the shocked and unbelieving expressions of the Buddhist monks, Qiao Wan felt even more disheartened.
Especially since the cultivator in front of her was still waiting for her answer. The idea of signing a blood contract was completely foreign to her, but when faced with a life-or-death situation, people tend to do impulsive things. She couldn't even guarantee if she had actually done it.
Considering that this cultivator in front of her had once saved her life, Qiao Wan tightly held the scroll in her hand and quickly got out of bed. She gave a bow and said, "Senior, I've thought it over. This matter is of great importance. I'm just a beginner in cultivation and I can't take on the role of a leader. Please find someone else to fulfill your request."
The man's voice was deep, "What if, I only want you?"
"Don't worry," the girl in green clothes smiled, showing her teeth. "Our college is a proper college, following the right path. Have you seen this Hanqing Scroll? If you have seen it, surely you would believe."
Qiao Wan glanced down at the scroll in her hand.
The scroll she held was called Hanqing Scroll, and almost every sect had one like it.
In the cultivation world, everyone lived for a long time, and sects had a long history. Any random sect had a history of thousands of years.
To cultivate a sense of belonging among disciples of each sect, almost every sect had a Hanqing Scroll, which was a book of the sect's history.
Buping College, which saved her, was established before the fierce battle between the demon realm and the cultivation world, and it has been around for a hundred years.
The Souvenir Images that appeared on the Hanqing Scroll totaled more than ten.
The first image showed an old man with white hair kneeling before a blooming Danxi tree in the midst of a snowstorm, tremblingly taking off his official hat and returning to his hometown.
This marked the beginning of the establishment of Buping College.
The second picture shows a few scholars, wearing white robes and looking determined. One of them, a young student in a plain blue robe, became the head of Buping College and slowly built the college in troubled times.
In the beginning stages of the college, there were only a few people, most of whom had no magical abilities.
In the third picture, more and more students joined the college. There were people who slaughtered pigs, craftsmen who made tiles, and those who sold flower wreaths for funerals. People from all walks of life gathered together to study and practice day and night. After achieving success, some returned to the mortal world to become officials, while others continued their quest for immortality.
In the fourth picture...
In the fifth picture...
However, even after many years, Buping College didn't gain much fame. While the number of people increased, most of the disciples were still in the early stages of cultivation. Only a few elders barely reached the stage of forming their spiritual core. In the world of cultivation, where various sects thrive and talented individuals abound, Buping College remained an unknown and insignificant presence.
When the sixth scroll came, the picture changed again.
"This is the great battle that took place between the demon realm and the world of cultivation," explained Qiao Wan, looking up.
Li Pan spoke in a deep voice to clarify.
When Qiao Wan looked down again, she saw a large fire slowly appearing on the Hanqing Scroll.
Amidst the storm, dozens of scholars, wearing green shoes and carrying bags, with swords in their hands, turned around and joined the great battle against the demon realm.
And they never returned.
The final scroll depicted a massive fire that burned down Buping College completely.
When something is not fair, people will speak up. It started with one person's small grievances, and then grew into a collective dissatisfaction.
This is the Hanqing Scroll of Buping College, a representation of the countless small sects in the world of cultivation.
Qiao Wan had seen Kunshan's Hanqing Scroll before when she was in the library. Elder Martial Brother had taken her there. Compared to Kunshan's rich heritage and grand history, Buping College seemed quite humble.
They didn't achieve anything significant to turn the tide of the war. Those young scholars with muddy feet and dusty clothes, as soon as they stepped onto the battlefield, their blood would be spilled the next second.
They could simply be called nameless cannon fodder.
But in the world of cultivation, there were indeed many unknown small sects and factions. They bravely accepted the mission, sacrificing themselves one after another on the battlefield, paving the way for the victory of that bloody battle.
Qiao Wan closed the Hanqing Scroll and felt a bit nostalgic.
But this doesn't mean I can become a sect leader so easily!
Qiao Wan sat up straight and sincerely replied, "I really can't take on the role of a sect leader."
The man asked in disbelief, "You've already signed a blood oath with the college, do you intend to go back on your word?"
"Don't worry, I understand your concerns," Li Pan glanced at Qiao Wan and reassured her, "Buping College upholds righteousness and would never do anything unjust or harmful."
Qiao Wan said, "I just don't understand why it has to be me."
A person suddenly appeared and insisted on asking you to become the head of their academy. This matter, from beginning to end, clearly had a strange feeling!
Li Pan spoke in a calm and steady voice: "It is destined for you to inherit this academy."
"You will inherit the academy, and these disciples will be under your guidance."
The man casually pointed in a direction.
Following his finger, a group of apprentice scholars in the Qi cultivation stage awkwardly smiled, maintaining politeness.
"The academy houses the books and teachings of past generations, which you can freely read."
"Do you have any objections?"
Qiao Wan silently complained in her heart: Although these benefits sound tempting, it feels like being a figurehead or someone to take the blame...
"If there is a need for a head, why don't the seniors take the role?"
"I am not a Confucian practitioner," Li Pan calmly replied. "I practice law, and as I mentioned earlier, only you can inherit this academy."
Even Qiao Wan had heard stories of clashes between Confucianism and Legalism. It was strange enough to be kidnapped by a Legalist cultivator and forced to become the head of a Confucian academy.
The man was perceptive, his dark eyes sharp, almost instantly seeing what she was thinking: "Regardless of Confucianism or Legalism, we all seek a peaceful and prosperous world. What's wrong with that?"
With just one glance from those eyes, Qiao Wan's heart skipped a beat. She thought back to what Li Pan had just said, feeling even more confused.
What did he mean by "only she"?
But the middle-aged cultivator had no intention of continuing to answer. He lowered his eyes and unfastened the two swords on his back, one with a black scabbard and one with a white scabbard.
Qiao Wan asked, "What are these?"
"These are the Impunity Sword and the Unforgivable Sword," Li Pan pointed out each one.
First, the small sword with the white scabbard.
"This small sword with the white scabbard is called the Impunity Sword."
Then, the large sword with the black scabbard.
"This large sword with the black scabbard is called the Unforgivable Sword."
The Impunity Sword often comes out of its sheath. The Unforgivable Sword rarely comes out of its sheath, but when it does, it cuts down everyone.
After speaking, Li Pan waited for the reaction of the young person in front of him, or rather, the reaction of the young girl.
The room was quiet and peaceful.
After a while, Qiao Wan's eyes brightened slightly, and she stuttered, "C-cool...cool."
Is this the way of cultivation?! Although it sounds strange and childish, it's cool! Even the idea of being a savior sounds cool!
Observing the change in Qiao Wan's expression, Li Pan picked up his sword and stood up, saying, "I'll take you to see something else. If you're still unsure, then come with me to take a look."
Qiao Wan pondered for a moment and obediently stood up, following him.
Although Buping College was run-down.in front of her was at least a cultivator in the Yuan Ying stage. Having signed a blood contract, she couldn't escape even if she wanted to, so it was better to assess the situation first.
But after walking only a few steps with Li Pan, Qiao Wan suddenly realized that something was not right.
Isn't this the territory of Jiuyue Mountain?
"May I ask, where is Buping College?"
"It's right where you're standing."
Qiao Wan said, "Forgive my impoliteness, but isn't this within the territory of Jiuyue Mountain, the Great Hall of Light?"
Suddenly, Li Pan glanced at her with his deep dark eyes and rolled up his sleeves.
In the blink of an eye, the scenery before them changed drastically. They were now standing on a steep cliff, with a chilly wind blowing and rain pouring down heavily.
When Qiao Wan opened her eyes, she found herself in a wild field, with the sun shining brightly in the clear sky.
Not far away, there were a row of small thatched cottages, and a few acres of land had been cultivated in front of them. The vegetables in the field looked wilted, and a few chickens were leisurely wandering around.
"Do you understand?"
Qiao Wan asked, "So, the college is... within this tiny space?"
Li Pan replied, "The college has been destroyed in the war, and for now, it has temporarily relocated to this tiny space. As for the original site of the college, if you're interested, I can take you there after this legal argument is over."
There was a small, rundown thatched hut and a few mother hens, and that was all there was to Buping College.
She was a transmigrator after all. Wasn't it said that time travelers would inherit something like an old grandpa or a special power?
Although the whole thing had a mysterious vibe from beginning to end, it seemed like a gift from fate, like a special power delivered to her doorstep.
Even though she was dressed as a supporting character, what if? Qiao Wan hesitated for a moment. What if she was in a story where the supporting character had a comeback, where she had gone through a lot of hardships but finally had the chance to use her special power?
"Elder, I have a question," she asked sincerely.
"Go ahead."
Qiao Wan asked earnestly, "Is there a spring of spirits in this realm?"
It was the kind of legendary spring that, after soaking in it once, would make your skin beautiful, soak twice for stronger health, wash your marrow and veins, and soak three times to have fair skin with a touch of red and black, delicate and soft body, silky smooth skin, making the male lead fall in love at first sight and become enamored upon meeting again!
"Are you thirsty?" Li Pan asked. "Just a few hundred steps ahead, there is a small pond."
Seeing the magical spring bubbling, Qiao Wan struggled to stay alive and asked, "Is this soil different from other places?"
It's the kind of soil that is said to be rich in magical energy. Once you plant something in it, the spiritual plants grow like crazy, ready to be harvested in abundance.
Li Pan continued walking and asked softly, "This soil?"
Seeing the man's reaction, Qiao Wan said, "Looks like the soil is also affected."
Qiao Wan wondered, "Does time pass differently here compared to the outside world?"
It's like the legends where the main character enters a space, practices cultivation for hundreds of years, and only a few days pass in the outside world. It's like having a super cheat device!
However, Li Pan's last sentence shattered Qiao Wan's fantasies completely and ended the conversation decisively.
"This is just an ordinary storage space, not much different from other tiny storage spaces."
There were only a few old shabby thatched huts around, and after a few steps, Li Pan stopped.
"We're here."
Qiao Wan asked, "What is this?"
Li Pan replied, "This is a lecture hall."
In front of them was a slightly more spacious thatched hut.
The man pushed open the door and stepped inside, crossing the threshold.
It was still poor and shabby, just like before.
But as soon as they entered the hut, they could see a broken and ancient sword hanging on the wall.
The sword was black and golden, with a strong and respectful word engraved on the handle - "行" (pronounced as 'xing').
Every stroke seemed to be deeply carved like the marks left by the wind and frost.
Anyone who saw this sword could tell at a glance that it had experienced a lot, having been through the flames of war.
Qiao Wan's gaze paused, her eyes fixed on the sword without blinking.
This sword gave her a strangely familiar and comforting feeling.
It was forged in the fires of war, and although its aura of battle was subtle, its sharpness remained, as if it was still eager to emerge and uphold justice, to save the way.
Unfortunately, the sword was so badly damaged that it couldn't be used anymore.
"This is the 'Wen Si Xing Zhu Sword'," said Li Pan's voice from behind.
"It's the cherished sword of Buping College's previous leaders," the man added in a mysterious tone. "It's the only valuable possession of the college... I mean, it's the only treasure that protects the college."
"Wen Si Xing Zhu Sword is also one of the famous swords of the Confucian School," he continued.
That was the truth, the entire Buping College didn't have anything as valuable as this sword.
However, those were glory days of the past. The 'Wen Si Xing Zhu Sword' had been so damaged that it had lost its status as one of the famous swords according to the 'Book of Confucian Weapons'. It had become a disgrace among the famous swords, and now there were only four left.
Of course, Li Pan wisely chose to remain silent about all of this.
"If you like it, you can take this sword now. However, it's quite damaged, so you should fix it before using it." Li Pan glanced at the sword, walked over, took it off, and placed it in Qiao Wan's arms. "I suggest you find a way to repair it first."
As soon as the long sword touched her arms, she was overwhelmed by numerous images.
There were scenes of raging battles, slashing enemies with a sideways sword, and traveling thousands of miles. A single sword had once faced a million soldiers.
All these scattered images ultimately settled on the figure of a humble scholar wearing green robes. It was a snowy night in the harsh winter, and he was studying by the dim light.
Was he the previous head of the academy?
Qiao Wan was slightly lost in thought.
"The Holy King does nothing, the vassals grow reckless, and the hermits speak out freely."
"The people suffer from hunger, and the wilderness is filled with desperate souls."
"In the entire world of cultivation, everyone is devouring each other, with no one cultivating the Dao. I believe you understand this well now," Li Pan hinted, "in your current situation."
...
Cen Qingyou.
In that moment, Qiao Wan seemed to see the figure of the young man disappearing in the rainy mountain path, lonely and determined.
She also felt discontent and unwillingness in her heart.
Qiao Wan squeezed her hand tightly, but felt something cold on her fingertips.
When she looked down, it was the bodhi bead hairpin in her sleeve.
"How about it? Are you willing to be the headmaster of this academy now?"
Qiao Wan held her sword tightly, looking stunned.
So familiar.
It felt like a surge of warmth running through her body from her heart, making it beat excitedly. It felt both comforting and passionate, making it hard for her to resist trusting the sword and the words spoken by the middle-aged cultivator in front of her.
