Chapter 20: Three Barriers and Nine Calamities
Chapter 20: Three Barriers and Nine Calamities
“Hmm…”
Just as Fang Cun was about to introduce himself, even planning to use the experience from his past life to figure out how to build a rapport with this Instructor, he froze. The Instructor’s actions truly left him baffled. The other Disciples in the Yuanzhi Pavilion all turned to look at him. Their gazes held curiosity, surprise, and no small amount of schadenfreude…
“I told you to get out. Didn’t you hear me?”
The Instructor stared coldly at Fang Cun, impatience flickering across his face.
He merely stood there, yet a natural air of authority, far beyond that of a common man, emanated from him. Fang Cun hadn’t yet learned to perceive a person’s Qi aura, but he should have guessed: for someone to stay on as an Instructor at White Xiang Academy, they must at least possess the cultivation of the Treasured Body Realm. Perhaps they had even nurtured their divine sense. Strictly speaking, within all the Qi Refiners of Willow Lake City, he was certainly quite capable.
Though he wasn’t actively unleashing his cultivation pressure, the cold stare alone carried an oppressive weight resting on Fang Cun.
Frowning, Fang Cun met his gaze directly. “Could this Disciple ask what rule I’ve broken, Sir, that you would expel me?”
“Eh?”
Seeing Fang Cun dare to talk back caused many within the Yuanzhi Pavilion to feel astonished.
“Broke what rule?”
The black-robed Instructor, however, had already furrowed his brow. He snorted coldly. “I don’t care if you’ve broken a rule or not. I just want you out. I lack the capability to teach your Fang family. Heh, what does the younger brother of the Great Immortal Master Fang Chi need me to teach?”
Fang Cun’s frown deepened. Instead of leaving, he leaned back slightly and lifted his chin.
The black-robed Instructor, seemingly interpreting Fang Cun’s posture, also adopted a colder demeanor.
Their gazes clashed, casting a palpable atmosphere of tension over the Study Pavilion.
“The Instructor refuses to teach our Fang family?” Fang Cun asked calmly, looking straight at the black-robed Instructor. “Yet, Sir, was it you who admitted this Disciple into the Academy?”
The Instructor blinked, a cold sneer twisting his face. “How could I admit one of yours…”
“Sir also knows I wasn’t admitted by you!”
Fang Cun slightly raised his voice, cutting him off. He looked steadily into the Instructor’s eyes, speaking evenly. “This Fang the Second entered White Xiang Academy to study. I didn’t beg and plead for admission, nor did I bring tuition gifts to desperately seek a place in your pavilion. I earned my way in on my own merit, entering under the watchful eyes of the Academy Dean and several Elder Mentors by passing through the Rear Mountain trials. If you didn’t have the power to let me in, how can you have the power to make me leave?”
“Huh?”
The entire Study Pavilion fell silent as a tomb.
The other Disciples’ hearts trembled a little. This Second Young Master Fang truly had audacity, daring to challenge an Instructor publicly in this way?
Put plainly, within White Xiang Academy, an Instructor’s authority over the Disciples wasn’t absolute, but it was still vast.
Scolding, even flogging – it all rested on an Instructor’s word, let alone expelling a Disciple from their pavilion.
Who could have imagined the Second Young Master Fang would dare speak like this right to an Instructor’s face?
Even the black-robed Instructor at the front, his gaze suddenly chilling, seemed thrown by Fang Cun’s unexpectedly defiant rebuttal. Listening to Fang Cun’s reasoning, he momentarily found himself speechless, only managing to sneer, “I am the Instructor of this pavilion. What I say goes here. Speak until the heavens crack, I still don’t want to teach you…”
Fang Cun stated coolly: “And Sir, you know you are merely a ‘Pavilion Instructor’, not the Academy Dean!”
The words caused a flush of red to bloom on the Instructor’s face. His glare turned predatory. Especially under the stares of the other Disciples, a wave of shame and rage washed over him. Yet, gazing at Fang Cun, as unshakeable as a mountain, he found himself speechless. He’d initially thought expelling one Disciple was a trivial matter. Who could have expected to encounter such an arrogant ruffian…
“His elder brother was so wooden back then… how does he have a younger brother like this?”
Seeing the situation escalating, yet feeling strangely impotent, he knew this brat, despite seeming reckless, made a valid point. The Academy Dean had personally approved his entry mere moments ago. Kicking him out now and causing a big fuss… whatever the final outcome, he, as an Instructor, would lose face.
Thinking this, a wry smirk touched his lips. Someone like this Fang the Second couldn’t be handled with sheer force. If things blew up… So he instead offered a cold laugh: “The Fang family’s skill and temper are indeed substantial. Since you insist on staying in my pavilion… well then…”
He fixed his stare on Fang Cun, his voice frigid. “Watch your step.”
As he spoke, he placed the scripture he held onto the lectern, seemingly preparing to begin his lesson.
“No need…”
But just at that moment, Fang Cun slowly stood up, slung his book satchel onto his back, and bowed respectfully to the Instructor. “An Instructor possesses the authority over whom to teach. And a Disciple possesses the freedom to choose whom to learn from. There’s one thing Sir actually said correctly…”
Fang Cun walked to the pavilion entrance, then turned back with a smile. “It is true that not everyone is qualified to teach our Fang family!”
Shua!
The atmosphere in the Yuanzhi Pavilion froze solid.
Every Disciple’s eyes were wide, as if they’d seen a ghost.
Having been in the Academy for over two years, they’d never witnessed such insolence. Instructor Yuan Zhi had clearly taken a step back at the end… yet he still…
Especially with those final words… implying Instructor Yuan Zhi wasn’t qualified to teach him?
Was he not afraid Instructor Yuan Zhi would lash out in fury and strike him with a palm?
Fang Cun’s steps were light and unhurried, even leisurely, showing no concern that the man behind him might strike out in anger.
He didn’t know why this Instructor Yuan Zhi harbored such hostility towards him – or perhaps towards his elder brother. He only knew that since this Instructor had chosen such a ruthless tactic at the outset, there was no need for him to be pleasant. This wasn’t about being low-key or arrogant; if a member of the Willow Lake Fang Family lacked a spine, he’d only be looked down upon even more…
“Hum…”
Within the Study Pavilion, silence reigned for a long moment, then abruptly erupted into a buzz of shocked whispers.
Amidst the murmurs came a furious shout from the young Instructor, thick with rage: “Open your scriptures!”
Fang Cun sensed the fury in that voice, but inwardly, he only felt disdain…
The world had just two kinds of people: those with face and those without.
To those with face: give them respect, give them gain, give them kindness.
To those without face: grant them exactly what they’ve chosen!
As for consequences, repercussions, and the like…
Fang Cun sneered coldly. With so many enemies watching the Fang Family from the shadows, what rank did one mere little Instructor hold?
……
……
“My home is beside Willow Lake, where land and home I have very many, a life most happy without bound. Yet woes began when the Academy I found…”
Humming his tune, Fang Cun drifted aimlessly after leaving Yuanzhi Pavilion.
He gazed at the secluded paths, the flowers and grass. Since he had nowhere else to go, should he just head home early today?
The problem wasn’t today… but what about the future?
After the Yuanzhi Pavilion incident, he wasn’t eager to rush switching pavilions either. Who knew what kind of Instructor he might get next?
But if he didn’t join one, could he just study the Qi Refining path on his own, trying to comprehend the scriptures?
Though inexperienced with cultivation, he had a rough understanding of Qi Refining’s basics. He knew the very first step was nourishing Qi and the body to cultivate his Magical Power – knowing it wasn’t the same as truly understanding it. The Qi Refining path’s foundation-laying stage was the most critical moment. The slightest misstep could leave a hidden injury, affecting one’s entire future path. This was not something to be approached recklessly…
“Heh, shouldn’t you be attending to your studies right now? Everyone else is listening to lectures. Why is Second Young Master Fang wandering the grounds?”
Just then, Fang Cun heard a hearty laugh.
He looked up and saw a middle-aged man in a blue robe sitting in a Gazebo beside the small lake. On the stone table before him was a small fire pit where tea was brewing. His robes looked expensive, his demeanor distinguished, clearly also an Academy Instructor. He looked over at Fang Cun with a smile, a faint trace of mischief and knowing amusement visible behind his gaze.
“Finding no masters in the pavilion, this Disciple thought he’d wander outside to see if luck might be brighter…”
Fang Cun offered a wry smile of helplessness as he approached the Gazebo, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Sir.”
“Sit.”
The blue-robed man gestured cheerfully to the stone stool opposite. “You shouldn’t blame Yuanzhi entirely. Years back, he was a classmate of your brother’s here at White Xiang Academy. He was actually ten years older than your brother, yet quite the standout scholar himself at the time. In debates, he rarely lost… until he met your brother. Beaten again and again, he eventually became something of a laughingstock among their peers. From then on, he nursed a deep humiliation…”
He shook his head with a bitter chuckle. “Now, it seems, he’s shifted that old resentment onto your shoulders…”
“A man lacking substance…”
Fang Cun smiled faintly. “Defeated, he sought not to improve, but only harbored resentment. Such an Instructor surely has limited knowledge. Following him would only make me uneasy. Though may I ask, Sir, are there any other Instructors in the Academy currently teaching the fundamentals of Qi Refining?”
The blue-robed man shook his head. “That cohort who entered the Academy two years ago has long since moved past studying the basics of Qi Refining. Those with good Aptitude have likely already begun contemplating the path to the Treasure Body. Those with lesser Aptitude are mostly focused on unlocking the profundities of the Seven Classics. Regardless of their depth, they’ve all had a long head start over you. Attending their lectures wouldn’t be suitable. Unless you wait another year, for the next intake of new Disciples…”
Fang Cun’s expression instantly became one of helplessness. He rubbed his forehead. “So you mean… I have no way to learn?”
The blue-robed man chuckled, shaking his head again. “The Academy opens its doors to nurture Great Xia’s Qi Refining seeds. How could it allow one who has entered to find no true path to study? If Yuanzhi won’t teach you, so be it. Yet before you stands another Instructor!”
With a smile, he added, “I don’t know if I’m qualified enough to teach someone from the Fang family, but I know a little something about Qi Refining methods!”
Fang Cun paused, surprised, then hurriedly stood and bowed. “Esteemed Sir, may I dare ask your revered guidance…”
“Haha, none of that!”
The blue-robed man laughed lightly, gesturing for Fang Cun to sit back down. Seeing the kettle water boiling, he poured a cup and pushed it towards Fang Cun. “My surname is Lan, given name Shuang – Lan Shuang. To be perfectly frank, I also knew your brother back then. Though younger than me, he once gave me guidance that proved invaluable. Later, however… he soared to celestial heights, transcending the ordinary. Naturally, our paths diverged…”
As he spoke, a trace of melancholy appeared on his face. After a moment, he murmured, “A great pity.”
Fang Cun remained silent for a beat, then silently raised his hands and bowed formally towards him.
Master Lan Shuang was momentarily taken aback, then waved it off with a smile. “Enough, enough, no need for that. Regardless of him… you’ve entered the Academy now and deserve guidance. Happily, my duties usually leave me free time. If you don’t disapprove, I could explain some fundamental methods to you…”
Fang Cun quickly stood and bowed again, his gratitude sincere. “My thanks for Master Lan’s guidance…”
“Pass me your book satchel!”
Master Lan Shuang waved dismissively. Opening the satchel, he took out the contents, smiling. “You know of the Nine Classics of Qi Refining?”
Fang Cun nodded. “Studied them a little, but find no doorway.”
The satchel held the very Nine Classics he’d just received from the Teaching Pavilion!
Though called Nine Classics, this satchel contained only seven volumes, transcribed in smaller seal script.
They were: Classic of Herbs, Classic of Calculations, Classic of Spirits, Classic of Documents, Classic of Martial Arts, Scripture of Arts, and Scripture of Souls.
These seven scriptures, along with the remaining two – the Classic of Heaven and Earth and the Scripture of the Great Dao, comprised the sacred Nine Classics revered by Qi Refiners.
However, within White Xiang Academy, only the first seven Classics were taught.
The Scripture of the Great Dao and the Classic of Heaven and Earth were not readily imparted to such young Qi Refiners according to their rules.
It was said the Scripture of the Great Dao was only transmitted upon reaching the Divine Realm and entering the Divine Palace. The Classic of Heaven and Earth was a Great Xia national treasure, taught only to the Immortal Palace’s direct heirs or specially authorized Great Qi Refiners.
The seven Classics – Herbs, Calculations, Spirits, Documents, Martial Arts, Arts, and Souls – were not overly rare within their world. They weren’t exclusive to the Academy. Markets and shops outside sold them freely. Nor were they solely studied by Qi Refiners; any literate person might read, recite, and ponder them. Even Fang Cun, at home, had been taught to recognize characters using these seven Classics.
However, back then, it was mostly to grasp the surface meaning; he hadn’t accessed their profound essence.
While the Seven Classics were accessible to all, unlocking their subtle secrets truly required tutelage.
Master Lan Shuang retrieved the seven Classics from the satchel, beginning his explanation with a smile. “The path of Qi Refining has its origins in the primal times. It’s said the very first methods were unearthed from the dark places within the Eternal Night Wasteland. Now, through countless generations of refinement by our predecessors, Qi Refining stands vast and illustrious, as intricate as the stars above. Yet, when all is said and done, its foundation remains rooted solely within the essential truths of the Heavenly Nine Classics.”
“None of you young scholars have truly stepped through the door. What you must cultivate first is the Dao housed within these Nine Classics!”
“Through mastering their wisdom, only then can you find smooth passage henceforth.”
“Don’t mistake the Nine Classics for simplicity. They encompass the Starry Heavens, Earthly Veins, the myriad things of the world, the essence of all living beings. Take the Classic of Herbs: one learns Pill-making, Herbology, Poisoning methods; the Classic of Calculations allows for deductions leading to Formations, Seals, and Wards – practiced to mastery, it may even unlock Divination and Creation arts; while the Classic of Spirits gives birth to Shamanism, Gu Crafting, Beast Taming… indeed all methods governing and controlling creatures…”
He pointed to each scripture in turn, explaining in detail. Fang Cun had once understood many of these principles, yet he maintained his respectful attitude, focused intently, striving to memorize every word, fearful of missing even one…
After expounding each of the Nine Classics, Master Lan Shuang continued: “Truthfully, children just stepping onto the Qi Refining path may grasp the profundity within the Heavenly Questions, yet gain less quick appeal than Qi Refining methods offer. You have notable Aptitude, yet your body bears no cultivated Magical Power… suggesting you haven’t begun Refining Qi. To catch up to your peers, Qi Refining must begin from Qi Nourishing…”
Hearing this, Fang Cun unconsciously sat straighter, his ears keyed keenly.
“The Art of Qi Refining is the simplest part, yet the truly most crucial one. Not a shred of error must be allowed!”
“To practice Qi Refining is to continuously unveil the profound secrets lying across its great Realms until step-by-step, one attains greater cultivation power…”
“Listen well: The Realm of Qi Refining holds Three Barriers and Nine Calamities. Shattering one Barrier allows entry into the next Realm; enduring one Calamity brings a near-unique internal transformation. This Three Barriers, Nine Calamities correspond to the Three Great Realms of cultivation us Qi Refiners must traverse!”
“They are referred to as: The Lower Treasure Realm; the Middle Divine Realm; the Upper Immortal Realm!”
“Within the Treasure Realm exist three distinct stages: Qi Nourishing, Refining Breath, and Foundation Establishment. The Divine Realm also holds three: Light Condensation, Golden Core, and Nascent Soul. Finally, the Immortal Realm contains a further three: Soul Convergence, Becoming Spirit, Grand Void. Master the Three Barriers, survive the Nine Calamities – then awareness births Heaven and Earth; the body wanders the Grand Void! Possessing greater divine abilities than ever dreamt, attaining final liberation beyond measure. Your elder brother… a prodigy throughout all ages. Merely twenty-nine… Yet he likely had already stepped past Divine Realm into Immortal Realm’s domain!”
“…”
“…”
Fang Cun found his heart stirred deeply, moved by lifelong longing. Excitedly, he stood. “Master, please teach me!”
“Heh, sit down, sit down…”
Master Lan Shuang waved his hand, chuckling softly. “The journey must be taken one step at a time; the meal, savored one bite after another…”