Chapter 1839: Chapter 1866: What Is Tradition, What Is Innovation
The female scholar frowned, "What do you mean?"
"Innovation means deviating from tradition, abandoning the uniform literary rules, and leaving no one to know whether you are truly on the path to success."
"Taking actions contrary to those of predecessors, that is heretical and will be scorned by the masses."
Li Xiaobai slowly opened his mouth and spoke calmly.
"So, Senior Li, are you suggesting that we shouldn’t innovate and transform, but rather continue the old paths of our predecessors?"
The female scholar continued to ask.
The surrounding cultivators shook their heads; this young girl wasn’t genuinely seeking an answer but was instead posing a difficult question to lead Li Xiaobai into making a black-or-white statement.
After all, whether to innovate or not depends on the individual; how could there be a definitive answer?
Li Xiaobai shook his head and said, "I once had a friend who abandoned traditional Confucian laws and established his own path, though he was labeled a demon, he achieved great success."
The female scholar listened in confusion and, feeling somewhat anxious, continued to press, "So, Senior Li, are you advocating for innovation and transformation?"
"What I mean is, innovation doesn’t allow for benchmarking against successful cases. Without benchmarking, it means no one knows if the path you’re on is heading closer or farther from success. In such uncertain situations, people will distance themselves from you, viewing you as a heretic."
"However, regardless of success or failure, it is progress, because time and history only move forward, regardless of direction, ultimately it is a step forward."
"Whether to continue the old paths of our predecessors depends entirely on personal choice. Nevertheless, given the lady’s intellect, it is apparently unfit for a new path. It’s best to stand still; this is how your life will be."
Li Xiaobai looked at the changing clouds in the sky and spoke calmly.
The abnormal nature of the Heavenly Dao is neutral and won’t favor either side. The other party wanted to lead him into misspeaking to invite a Heavenly Dao punishment, but he could equally use it in return. Such maneuvering was well-practiced in Jade Lotus Village.
"So, what exactly does the senior mean?"
The female scholar didn’t realize what had happened and continued to ask persistently, but then suddenly noticed the sky had cleared, and the anomaly had disappeared.
Everything returned to calm. The departure of the Heavenly Dao communicating with the literary vein indicated a satisfactory answer had been given.
But what had Li Xiaobai actually said?
A hint of unease rose in her heart.
"Brother Li has perfectly explained your issue and even made an evaluation for you. From now on, whether it’s cultivation or knowledge, you won’t grow an iota more. This was witnessed by the Heavenly Dao."
"This young lady doesn’t seem to be a student of our Yumi Academy. Such advice should be kept in mind; do not easily get involved in scholars’ disputes, regardless of who incites you. Saying one wrong word can cost you your whole life, just like in your case."
Yu Huan Shui laughed.
He gently revealed the brutal truth to the female scholar, declaring that her path in cultivation was sentenced to death.
"That’s impossible, what did he say?"
"He merely spoke some profound truths, how could it affect others’ cultivation paths!"
"I don’t believe it!"
The female scholar’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Li Xiaobai shrugged: "It was just a normal exchange, but you were the one who called the Heavenly Dao, and I deliberately slowed the pace, hoping to give you more time to think. Unfortunately, the lady didn’t realize it. You kept urging me to give an answer quickly, as if completing a task."
"Embarrassing yourself before Heavenly Dao naturally leads to the loss of the opportunity to improve."
The female scholar stood in place, dazed, her face deathly pale. Unconsciously, she looked at Chen Qingquan, whose eyes met hers at that moment, but his words made her heart sink to the bottom.
"Someone, please escort this lady out. There’s no need for such a person at a scholarly gathering."
The crowd glanced at the female scholar with pity. It was a shame, a good seedling ruined.
Communicating with the Heavenly Dao through one’s literary vein, even with help, proved that she was exceptional, with definite potential.
Unfortunately, the young lady was too naive, unaware she was being used as a pawn.
How could you summon the Heavenly Dao so casually?
Inviting the Heavenly Dao to witness was naturally to have Yu Huan Shui’s side misstep into punishment, but since you called it, your insight was also within the Heavenly Dao’s scope. Ignoring others’ responses and repeatedly pressing for questions, you’re lucky it didn’t destroy you.
Chen Qingquan and Li Xiaobai were old hands at this, and a simple clash allowed them to see today’s situation harbored hidden dangers.
"Well done."
Yu Huan Shui grinned.
"Someone who has read books is indeed different; they casually call forth the Heavenly Dao anomaly."
Li Xiaobai remarked.
"It only works for scholars."
Yu Huan Shui replied. Li Xiaobai, sitting beside him, was unintentionally caught up in it, causing the Heavenly Dao to react to him, whereas normally, Heavenly Dao communication wouldn’t regard non-scholars.
"Senior Li’s viewpoint is novel and hits the mark. Might I ask how to prevent such circumstances? To my understanding, many hesitate to venture on new paths due to the world’s verbal execution and criticism."
Someone in the crowd asked.
This was a genuine passerby, not someone prearranged. Hearing Li Xiaobai’s words sparked curiosity for the truth.
"What does it matter to me? I don’t read, whoever wants to read can read."
Li Xiaobai glanced at the sky and casually replied.
The crowd was petrified; without the Heavenly Dao’s intervention, this Li Senior ignored everyone completely.
"Just a minor interlude, insignificant. Whether publishing books or pursuing new avenues, our Yumi Academy fully supports it. A blossoming multitude leads to prosperity, after all, repetitive faces lack interest."
Chen Qingquan laughed heartily, stepping in to mediate and diverting everyone’s attention back.
Someone within the academy immediately chimed in, "I heard that Senior Brother Chen has penned a masterpiece again this time, recognized by the heavens. Might there be a chance for a glimpse today?"
"It’s not suitable for formal occasions."
"Today’s about celebrating my master’s arrival, not for showiness."
Chen Qingquan shook his head.
"How could Mr. Yu blame you, Little Chen? Reveal something, coincidentally letting your master witness it too, hahaha!"
"Mr. Yu, say something already. Your disciple is hosting a celebration for you, and yet here you are, sitting still like a mascot."
The banter arose, with heavyweight experts chiming in.
It was a leader of scholars from a certain star, familiar to Yu Huan Shui, but he couldn’t recall who it was.
Chen Qingquan had ample preparation, his helpers weren’t limited to the Eight Desolates Domain but included experts from other Star Domains.
"Alright then, let Xiao Quanzi read his little essay."
"It’s just as well for Mr. Yu to see what kind of little essays these days can stir earthly abnormalities."
Yu Huan Shui was placed on a pedestal, leaving him no choice but to follow the crowd’s sentiments.
Chen Qingquan’s eyes gleamed with joy; an opportunity had arrived!