Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 209 The Function of Zen Mind in Clouds and Water

Chapter 209 The Function of Zen Mind in Clouds and Water

Upon hearing that Mr. Ying wanted to observe his notes, Ye Ru thought about it and saw nothing wrong with it. A teacher should impart knowledge, teach skills, and resolve doubts, and his sacred path was to study for the rise of the human race. If it could enhance a person's strength, he would naturally be eager to learn.

"What's wrong? A mere child can annotate the classics of the sages? You're a promising young man. I've also been well-versed in military strategy since childhood, so I can give you some pointers. Don't worry, I am."

Mr. Ying smiled and said that it was extremely rare for a young scholar to dare to annotate the classics of the sages. Based on this alone, he already liked the boy a little.

Moreover, he had witnessed everything that had happened, so he naturally understood right from wrong and felt he should help the boy in front of him.

"Please correct me, sir."

Ye Ru returned to the study and respectfully handed over his own annotations to Mr. Ying's "Tiger's Strategy".

"Did you write this? The handwriting is good, the characters are square and orderly yet sharp. This book should have reached the first level of calligraphy, right? However, as your teacher, I need to tell you that although the handwriting is good, the annotations are unrelated to the characters. Even if your calligraphy reaches the ninth level, if your annotations of the classics are incorrect, it is still just a piece of waste paper."

Mr. Ying nodded, then took it. His eyes were immediately drawn to the neat and orderly characters. He then spoke calmly.

Ye Ru's expression turned somewhat strange, then he said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner:

"I am not talented, but I have already reached the second level of calligraphy."

Mr. Ying's lips twitched slightly, then he said:

"You do have some talent; let me see your annotations."

After saying that, he continued browsing. When he came to the military section, he nodded, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He fell into thought about the Three Chen section, and the words "swift battle" and "inevitable appearance" made a look of shock on his face.

These annotations are incisive, concise yet rich in meaning, and written in a style unlike that of a mere student.

When he finally saw the military strategy and the border, his aged face had completely changed from shock to horror.

"This...this really is something you wrote?"

Mr. Ying gasped in disbelief.

"Indeed, I'm sorry to have made you laugh, sir."

"Please excuse my ignorance. This is truly a case of new talents emerging in every generation. I dare to guarantee that this annotation is incisive and comparable to military strategy. Moreover, it is easier to understand than some military books. If it can be published, border soldiers can read this book while protecting their country, which will greatly benefit their military operations."

Mr. Ying sighed, then looked at Ye Ru with admiration in his eyes.

He simply couldn't understand how the young man before him had written such an insightful commentary.

"Sir, you flatter me. This annotation is merely a casual writing and is hardly worthy of serious consideration, let alone comparable to the classic texts of military strategists."

Ye Ru shook his head and took the papers.

"I have something I'd like to invite you to participate in. What do you think?"

Mr. Ying raised an eyebrow and said.

"What is it? Do you need students?"

Ye Rudao.

"A group of scholars and soldiers will arrive at the academy in a few days. The academy will then be responsible for explaining military strategy and tactics to them. Your military strategy is simple and easy to understand. Even those who are not scholars can understand it. Therefore, you are the most suitable person to do it."

Mr. Ying said, and then added:

"If your actions are adopted, the academy will reward you accordingly. If you win over the crowd, the Zen-like tranquility within the academy will allow you to gain enlightenment."

These words made Ye Ru's heart skip a beat. He had gone to Yingtian Academy precisely to find Yunshui Chanxin.

Although Ye Ru was inwardly shocked, he remained outwardly calm and instead tentatively asked:

"Sir, what is this Zen mind amidst clouds and water?"

"You don't need to test me, kid. Do you think I didn't notice when you used the 'One-Stroke Book Heart' technique in the study room? To obtain a low-grade book heart at the level of a junior scholar means your potential is definitely above half of the people in this academy. Although you are only a junior scholar now, you will surely be able to take the top spot in the imperial examination three months later."

Before Ye Ru could finish speaking, Mr. Ying waved his hand impatiently, then laughed.

"Sir, you truly have discerning eyes."

Ye Ru sighed, then continued.

"Alright, although you have a quick and easy way to write books, I still have to mention how powerful the Cloud and Water Zen Heart is. This Book Heart has existed in Yingtian Academy since the academy was founded, and the power of the Book Heart contained within it can temporarily grant a person three days of Cloud and Water Zen Heart power, which is of great benefit for tempering the Book Heart and consolidating the Book Heart."

After Mr. Ying finished speaking, he raised his eyelids and then said mysteriously:

"This Zen Mind of Clouds and Water has another function: it can create an illusion for the user, allowing them to join in the Way of the Qin and double its power."

"hiss……"

Ye Ru gasped. Xiao Bai had never mentioned this function before. It doubled the power of the Qin Dao and also caused widespread damage. If a master of the ninth level of Qin Dao were to use the Cloud and Water Zen Heart technique to attack, he could probably kill twice as many demons.

"If I go to comprehend the Zen of Clouds and Water this time and obtain the effects of the Zen of Clouds and Water for three days, I am afraid that I can take this opportunity to enter the realm of the Way of the Qin and build my own vocal range."

Ye Ru muttered to himself, then asked:

When does this lecture begin?

"About ten days later."

Mr. Ying said.

"Alright, then inform the students when the time comes, and the students will certainly do their part to protect the country and defend the border soldiers."

Ye Ru bowed and then continued.

"Alright, I'll call you when the time comes. By the way, many of the reading rooms here are occupied by others. This is a tradition of Yingtian Academy: those with the strength occupy them. Although I don't understand why the Chancellor proposed this theory, I think there must be a reason for what the Chancellor did."

"If you want a reading room, I can lend you mine. This will save you trouble and also serve as a token of my gratitude."

Mr. Ying said.

"In that case, I thank you in advance, sir."

Ye Ru bowed to him, and then, led by Mr. Ying, left the room and went to a better study. After Mr. Ying gave him several instructions, Ye Ru closed the door and began to annotate the last two chapters of "Tiger's Strategy".

Time flew by, and before we knew it, it was evening.

"Phew, I didn't realize it was so late. If I don't go back soon, Tongyao and Xiaobai will be worried."

After packing his things and putting them into his storage ring, Ye Ru pushed open the door. Looking at the desolate surroundings, Ye Ru was about to leave when he saw a key lying on the ground.

The key was extremely old-fashioned, covered in verdigris, yet when Ye Ru looked at it, a strange feeling welled up in his heart...