Chapter 930: Immortal, Literary Saint, Novelist

"It is indeed my fault for not returning more often. I hadn't expected that upon my return, Master Yin would have already retired from his official post and refocused on the path of education."

Ji Yuan, accompanied by Wang Li, returned the greeting while approaching. Yin Zhaoxian also quickened his pace until he was in front of Ji Yuan.

"This has always been my preference. At my age, it was time to step away from government affairs... By the way, who is this gentleman?"

Wang Li quickly stepped forward and replied as calmly as possible.

"I am Wang Li. I enjoy writing about the world's wonders and am skilled in storytelling. I have long admired the name of the Literary Sage, and I am finally fortunate enough to meet you!"

As Wang Li spoke, he bowed deeply. Scholars across the land regarded Yin Zhaoxian as a sagely teacher, worthy of such a profound gesture. Yin Zhaoxian stood firm and accepted the bow, then smiled.

"Ah, so it's the renowned novelist, Mr. Wang. I have also long heard of your reputation. In fact, Mr. Wang and I met years ago. If my memory serves me correctly, at the New Year's family banquet when Emperor Hongwu had not yet ascended to the throne, the late Emperor invited you to tell stories."

Wang Li was flattered. The memory was just as fresh for him, but if he had mentioned it himself and Yin Zhaoxian had forgotten, it would have created an awkward situation of trying to claim a connection out of nothing.

"That's true, absolutely true! I can't believe Mr. Yin still remembers me!"

"Mr. Wang's talent is outstanding and truly impressive, and you enjoy a great reputation in the capital. How could I possibly forget you?"

Ji Yuan quickly interjected.

"Alright, alright, you two don't need to keep complimenting each other. Master Yin, I've brought Mr. Wang with me this time for an important matter. Do you have a suitable quiet room?"

"Of course, I do. Please follow me, gentlemen!"

Yin Zhaoxian, in excellent spirits, gestured for Ji Yuan and Wang Li to follow him towards his private courtyard within the Haoran Academy.

The three departed, chatting and laughing. Even Wang Li had shed his initial restraint. Ji Yuan, while catching up with Yin Zhaoxian and recounting his experiences over the years, also observed the scenery of the Haoran Academy, deep in thought.

'So, the renowned novelist Wang Li...'

Within the Haoran Academy, some students and masters who witnessed this scene were astonished and wondered who these two visiting gentlemen were, and what merits allowed them to be treated with such deference by the Dean, even chatting and laughing with him.

It was well known that even high-ranking court officials and some immortal masters rarely spoke to the Dean in such an unreserved manner. Indeed, few immortals residing in Dazhen felt no pressure when conversing with Yin Zhaoxian; facing him was almost like facing a venerable senior of immense spiritual power.

The Haoran Academy did not boast many pavilions or elaborate structures built solely for aesthetic appeal. Apart from the library building, there were student lecture halls, and small residential courtyards and dormitories. However, the academy grounds were abundant with lakes, flowers, and trees, giving the overall layout a grand and imposing feel.

As they walked, both Ji Yuan and Wang Li silently admired the scenery. Yin Zhaoxian, despite being the Dean of the academy, lived in a residence no different from other masters: a small, single-story courtyard, slightly smaller than a common household's, where plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum were planted.

They were about to go inside, but Ji Yuan pointed to the stone table in the courtyard, which was paved with pebbles, suggesting they talk outside.

"The weather is lovely today; let's discuss things right here in the courtyard."

Next to the stone table stood a plum blossom tree. This scene somewhat reminded Ji Yuan of the Ju'an Pavilion in his hometown of Ning'an County, and Yin Zhaoxian seemed to share a similar feeling.

The three took their seats, and Ji Yuan got straight to the point.

"My visit today, Master Yin and Mr. Wang, is actually to seek your help with a matter of immense importance. To be frank, once we begin, there will be no turning back!"

Wang Li pondered for a moment, then glanced at Yin Zhaoxian before speaking.

"May I ask, Mr. Ji, just how significant is this matter?"

Wang Li knew Mr. Ji was an extraordinary individual, likely quite powerful even among immortals. For him to speak so gravely, did it transcend the mortal realm?

Ji Yuan gazed steadily at Yin Zhaoxian and Wang Li, then spoke calmly.

"It concerns the Way of Heaven and Earth, the order of Yin and Yang, the creation of destiny, and all living beings in the world: immortals, Buddhas, demons, devils, spirits, sprites, monsters, humans, ghosts, beasts... all will be implicated. If successful, what we do today will alter the cosmic cycle for thousands, tens of thousands, even millions of years!"

Both Wang Li and Yin Zhaoxian looked shocked. They had anticipated that Mr. Ji's matter would be significant, and perhaps even beyond their expectations, but the scale of it was far more exaggerated than they could have imagined.

Even Yin Zhaoxian, with a dazed expression, subconsciously blurted out.

"Isn't this akin to managing the Way of Heaven?"

Ji Yuan smiled, then slowly replied after a moment.

"Indeed, undertaking this task is precisely an attempt to walk the path of the Heavenly Way. So, Master Yin, your words are not incorrect!"

"Rumble... rumble, rumble, rumble..."

Thunder rumbled above the capital prefecture, causing some people to look up at the sky. However, the sky was clear and cloudless for thousands of miles; there was thunder without a single cloud.

In the Dragon Palace beneath the Tongtian River, an old Flood Dragon resting in its lair and the Dragon Maiden Ying Ruoli, who was cultivating in her room, both looked up at that moment.

There were no water or wood spirits gathering in the sky, yet why was there thunder? At first listen, the thunder seemed unremarkable, but upon closer attention, it subtly vibrated the soul, causing even the body of a true dragon to feel a slight tingling sensation.

At this moment, the old dragon's massive amber eyes looked upwards, as if they could see through the rock walls and enchantments of its lair to the sky above. After a long wait, it lowered its head, slowly closed its eyes, then suddenly opened them again.

"Could it be that Ji Yuan has returned?"

For some reason, the old dragon simply had this strange feeling. Having been friends with Ji Yuan for so long, he always felt that certain special events were connected to him.

In the front part of the Dragon Palace, the Dragon Maiden had risen from her meditation cushion, opened her door, walked outside, and was also looking up at the sky.

Through the Dragon Palace's watery enchantments, Ying Ruoli could see the shimmering light on the water's surface above, and she seemed to sense the sky's aura. Her bright, intelligent eyes were pensive, and a folding fan appeared in her hand at some point. With a "swish," the fan opened, wafting a faint, delicate fragrance in her hand.

Compared to her father, the Dragon Maiden, who had led the aquatic creatures in developing the desolate sea over the years, was more sensitive to the thunder. There was a special feeling contained within the sound, as if it stirred not the winds and clouds, but the Way of Heaven and Earth.

Inside Yin Zhaoxian's small courtyard at the Haoran Academy, as Ji Yuan spoke, both Yin Zhaoxian and Wang Li were filled with fluctuating emotions of shock. However, they were both extraordinary individuals. Yin Zhaoxian was rapidly contemplating the implications of the matter, from the reactions of the common people to those of demons and monsters.

Wang Li also considered the reactions of all living beings, but more importantly, he had already envisioned the scene Ji Yuan described in his mind: the surging Yellow Springs River, the dimly lit Yellow Springs Road, and most crucially, the path of reincarnation that Mr. Ji had only briefly mentioned.

While Ji Yuan explained the restructuring of the underworld's order, Yin Zhaoxian only occasionally asked questions and discussed with him, but Wang Li was completely immersed in his own imagination. Even after both Ji Yuan and Yin Zhaoxian paused their conversation, Wang Li's eyes remained unfocused.

Wang Li's reaction drew the attention of both Ji Yuan and Yin Zhaoxian.

"Mr. Wang, are you lost in thought?"

At Ji Yuan's question, Wang Li visibly jolted back to reality, looking at Ji Yuan with a slightly bewildered expression.

"Mr. Ji, is the path of reincarnation truly feasible?"

Seeing Wang Li's intense interest, Ji Yuan considered for a moment, then replied carefully.

"Currently, we've only just begun to glimpse its outline, but I believe this path has immense potential for the future and will undoubtedly be the most crucial aspect later on. For now, there's no need to emphasize it too much; a brief mention to spark imagination is sufficient."

Wang Li was still somewhat entranced.

"If... if this path can be achieved, will all deities and ghosts have the opportunity, an opportunity to regain their own true physical bodies?"

Ji Yuan seemed to understand something and nodded in reply.

"Naturally, it is. This path is not an evil art like body possession, nor is it a false path. After rebirth, everything starts anew; it's a completely fresh opportunity..."

As he spoke, Ji Yuan paused, then looked at Wang Li and said earnestly.

"Zhang Rui can also benefit!"

Wang Li was struck by Ji Yuan's words, which hit close to home. He immediately looked embarrassed, his dazed expression fading, and he merely sighed.

"Your aspiration, Mr. Ji, is truly unfathomable and miraculous. If my humble path of storytelling can contribute to it, lending a hand to the Literary Sage and you, I would be honored. My life's ambition is to truly bring stories to life with my pen and make novels resonate with truth through my words. That in itself would be a wonderful accomplishment. Perhaps thousands of years from now, people will still remember Wang Li! Hehe, splendid!"

Yin Zhaoxian, who had been stroking his beard in contemplation, now cast a sideways glance at Wang Li and remarked with emotion.

"This is no longer a humble path, Mr. Wang. Both you and I will leave our names in history, though the legacy might not solely be because of today's matter."

"Mr. Wang, do you have any ideas? When can you start writing?"

At Ji Yuan's question, Wang Li's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and he spoke with confidence.

"Not long at all. I already have the draft in my mind; I can start writing right away!"