Chapter 536
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Chapter 536: Studying Away
Zhao Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy
Not everyone accepted Lin Jiang’s theories. Some scoffed at them, while others treated them as absolute truth, leading to different groups forming.
Lin Jiang promoted many theories from Confucianism, laws, and Taoism, but he wasn’t an expert in all of them. Despite being a liberal arts student in the past, he didn’t specialize in these subjects.
So Lin Jiang only started something, and the rest worked on it themselves to make it better. This actually sparked a wave of new ideas at the Martial Arts Academy.
This new wave of thinking was dangerous for those who already had benefits. The noble class of Zhao Kingdom had noticed it and even approached Zhao Zhi, wanting him to drive out Lin Jiang.
But Zhao Zhi didn’t agree. He told those nobles directly that he wasn’t a match for Lin Jiang. If they had the ability, they should deal with it themselves.
Among the disciples, Mo Zhai was the most influenced. While other disciples could only see Lin Jiang once every few days, Mo Zhai saw him every day. Under such constant exposure, Mo Zhai’s thoughts were completely influenced, and Lin Jiang reshaped his values.
After teaching for over a year, Lin Jiang’s thoughts began to become extreme. Zhao Zhi couldn’t handle the pressure and approached Lin Jiang once again.
"Sir."
When Zhao Zhi arrived, Lin Jiang was watching Mo Zhai practice martial arts. Lin Jiang waved to him and gestured for Zhao Zhi to sit down.
"How’s that? I teach better than you do, right?"
Lin Jiang pointed at Mo Zhai and said. Mo Zhai has only been practicing martial arts for a little over three years. Starting from knowing nothing about even the basics, he has now just made a breakthrough in his abilities. This speed has broken records at the Zhao Kingdom Martial Arts Academy.
"If you don’t let Mo Zhai learn other things, he will grow quickly."
"One method transcends all, a true martial artist. I prefer to call them martial arts fanatics. Mo Zhai is like this, and I like it more."
Lin Jiang bluntly stated that during this year, Mo Zhai didn’t spend much time practicing martial arts, only about half a day, and the rest of the time he learned other things, including carpentry skills.
Lin Jiang had skilled old carpenters brought in to teach Mo Zhai. In just a few months, Mo Zhai had completely surpassed those carpenters, except for a slight lack in experience, he excelled in all other aspects.
"But not everyone is like Mo Zhai, and not everyone is like me, sir."
"So today you’ve come to inquire about something with an army."
"Zhao Zhi was afraid."
Zhao Zhi said that the longer he spent time with Lin Jiang, the more he felt frightened by him. It was not just about martial arts, but also about things Lin Jiang occasionally revealed. Zhao Zhi refused to believe that Lin Jiang was really just an old man from the mountains.
"We’ve known each other for a while now, you should know that I am easy to talk to."
"So Zhao Zhi spoke directly. Mr. Lin Jiang has been talking a lot lately about the true nature of people, aiming to make martial arts and knowledge accessible to everyone. The nobles in Zhao Kingdom are already aware of this and strongly oppose it."
Zhao Zhi said that martial arts and knowledge have been monopolized by the noble class, like names used to be. Nowadays, many people in various fiefdoms have names because of the fallen nobles. The current nobles cannot stop this change, but they strictly guard martial arts and knowledge as their bottom line.
"What’s next, are you going to banish me or kill me?"
"I know your strength, Mr. Lin Jiang. You have already prevented them from doing foolish things, but I am also reaching my limit, sir."
"Understood. Actually, I have grown tired of staying at the Zhao Kingdom Martial Arts Academy. I will leave in at most two months."
"Sir, I didn’t mean to make you leave, I just want you to not talk about extreme things, Zhao Kingdom will still honor you as a top guest."
Zhao Zhi quickly said. If Lin Jiang can get rid of those extreme thoughts in this past year, it will actually benefit them, especially Lin Jiang’s knowledge in martial arts, even Zhao Zhi himself has benefitted greatly.
"No, I won’t stay in one place, I want to travel and learn.
"Travel and learn?"
"Yes, there are so many people and talents in the world, knowledge is endless, I need to meet talented people from all over the world."
Lin Jiang said, he met many interesting people at Zhao Kingdom Martial Arts Academy, but this is only one kingdom, he needs to visit other kingdoms too.
"Sir…"
"No need to say more, let’s just do it."
"Oh, when will you leave, I’ll walk you out."
Zhao Zhi sighed, feeling helpless with Lin Jiang. Lin Jiang had been at the Martial Arts Academy for over a year, keeping to himself, not interested in good food, wine, or women. He was gentle, down-to-earth, and it was a mystery if he had any family. He seemed perfect in every way.
·······
"Sir, let’s part ways here."
Two months later, Lin Jiang and Mo Zhai left the Martial Arts Academy amidst farewells from people at Zhao Kingdom Martial Arts Academy. They walked together for several days, until at a crossroads, Mo Zhai said to Lin Jiang.
"Won’t you study with me?"
"No, sir’s level is much higher than mine. Following sir would be a burden to him. I must seek my own path."
"It seems that teaching you this year was not in vain."
"I dare not forget sir’s kindness."
"Alright, I have some things here for you. Some fine knives and weapons, some martial arts manuals, and also some money. Go and take them."
"Sir, I…"
"No need to refuse. Money is of no use to me, but it might be useful to you. Also, remember, if you encounter danger outside, come to find me. If you can’t win, it’s not shameful. If you die, everything will be over."
Lin Jiang handed the map to Mo Zhai. Those things were useless to Lin Jiang, so he might as well give them to Mo Zhai. Perhaps he would leave a mark in the history of Xia Kingdom.
Mo Zhai accepted it, then gave a solemn bow to Lin Jiang before turning and leaving.
Lin Jiang saw Mo Zhai leave, then he sold the carriage, carried a bag, and walked away. He took off his mask, and Mr. Guigu disappeared without a trace.
Zhao Kingdom is located north of Cloud Mountain, including the territory of the former He State. Qin Kingdom is to the west of Xia Kingdom, which was once the area of the Five Elements Sect. It includes some lands that used to be wilderness during the immortal cultivation era.
This world is very big. During the immortal cultivation era, the human race didn’t occupy the entire world. It is unknown how big the world is. Now, in the martial arts era, expansion continues amid scenes of primitive forests and even some primitive tribes. Expansion only stops when productivity and other reasons limit it.
This time, Lin Jiang went to Qin Kingdom, where he had a different connection. In his upbringing, Qin Kingdom was the first unified country. He hoped that the Qin Kingdom of this world would have the same spirit and ability.
A month later, Lin Jiang entered the territory of Qin Kingdom without his mask, keeping his identity unknown and not alerting anyone.
"Brother, brother."
One evening, Lin Jiang met a farmer carrying a hoe on a mountain path and approached him.
"Sir, what brings you here?"
"Brother, I am a traveler on the road. Where can I find a place to rest around here?"
"Sir, there is a village gathering fifty miles ahead, if you don’t mind, you can come to my house."
"Thank you so much, brother."
Lin Jiang quickly bowed, all along the way, he didn’t use light skills, just normal travel, also examining the social environment of Qin Kingdom, and stayed at many places along the way.
Lin Jiang was both skilled and brave. During his stay at different places, he met many kind-hearted people and some unkind ones. Of course, when encountering the unkind ones, Lin Jiang would figure out if their hearts were black and then deal with them accordingly.
Throughout the journey, Lin Jiang chatted with farmers about crops and farming, and they got along well.
"Sir, you are also a scholar, right?"
"Yes, I read books for a few years in my childhood."
Lin Jiang nodded. Now with a beard, he looked like he was in his twenties or thirties. Otherwise, with a smooth face, many things would be difficult to handle, as people might think you are unreliable.
"Sir, you don’t seem like someone who has only studied for a few years."
"Travel thousands of miles, read thousands of books, studying hard at home cannot compare to going outside for an adventure."
"Well said, these words are truly wise."
"Brother, you seem to be a scholar too?"
"Don’t make fun of me, my family did study for a few years. Unfortunately, studying doesn’t help in becoming an official. It’s better to go back home and farm."
"Studying is about gaining knowledge, not necessarily to become an official."
Lin Jiang said, his words seemed a bit out of touch. People are just ordinary, seeking official positions for material enjoyment is what most people pursue. Seeking knowledge is a higher level of understanding.
As they spoke, the two arrived at a small mountain village. The farmer introduced Lin Jiang to his family. The farmer had a happy family, with both parents still alive, a virtuous wife and filial children. Their house was better than most commoners’.
The farmer warmly welcomed Lin Jiang. They talked merrily at the dinner table, continuing even after finishing their meal. The conversation went on until the late night, with the farmer’s family reminding them several times before they dispersed to sleep.
The next day, the farmer’s family enthusiastically insisted for Lin Jiang to stay longer. Unable to resist their warmth, Lin Jiang agreed.
