Chapter Ninety-Eight: Returning Home

The overwhelming pressure swept over him—at this moment, it was more persuasive than any words could be.

Having witnessed the imposing presence of a successful candidate in the imperial examination, Song Mu could sense a difference in this pressure. Perhaps it was now approaching the level of the Hanlin Academy.

Yet Tao Fengming’s words were light and airy, carrying a tone of warmth and comfort.

Song Mu slowly lowered his gaze, his mind racing with thoughts.

A powerful successful candidate, and an exceptionally rare Realm-Breaking Master, was about to teach him how to become a Realm-Breaking Master himself.

This was an opportunity Song Mu had never expected, yet he already had a plan forming in his heart. He slowly raised his eyes again, studying the other intently.

“Mr. Fengming, what is it that you wish to retrieve?”

Tao Fengming was momentarily taken aback by Song Mu’s question. To Song Mu’s surprise, he saw a trace of loss cross Tao’s face.

“That thing…” Tao Fengming whispered gently in Song Mu’s presence. The two stood quietly in the courtyard. Song Mu watched as Tao Fengming rose and paced in front of him.

After a moment, Tao Fengming halted and looked up at Song Mu. Standing tall, Song Mu met his gaze as Tao Fengming spoke.

“Let’s talk about it another time. When you become a Juren and are qualified to be my disciple, then we shall discuss it.”

Song Mu raised an eyebrow in surprise and stood up, looking at him with a mixture of astonishment and a wry smile.

So, he was not yet worthy to be his disciple.

However, a smile appeared on Tao Fengming’s face, partially hidden beneath his disheveled hair, as he approached Song Mu.

“Throughout history, even Confucius required a piece of dried meat to accept disciples. This time, I’ll reluctantly accept yours.”

With that, Tao Fengming took the piece of dried meat from Song Mu’s hand—something he had originally given him—and waved it in front of him.

“Remember to bring gifts during the three festivals from now on.”

Song Mu was at a loss for words. He had thought Tao Fengming hadn’t made a final decision about accepting him, but instead, he had pulled such a trick.

Yet Tao Fengming seemed unfazed by Song Mu’s stunned silence. He chewed the dried meat leisurely and, as if having accomplished a great feat, stood before Song Mu again.

Their eyes met; Song Mu quickly stood, and Tao Fengming patted his shoulder.

“I’ll teach you some things in a few days. Come find me at the Prefectural Academy then.”

Song Mu hesitated for a moment but quickly spoke.

“Sir, I will set off for Shiyang County tomorrow.”

Tao Fengming showed no particular expression and only asked, “When will you return?”

“In about half a month.”

“Good. Then come to the Prefectural Academy when you return.”

With a grand wave of his hand, Tao Fengming made the scenes before Song Mu rapidly fade away. The wooden door beside him opened, and in the next moment, he found himself standing by the riverbank once again.

The small river was still calm. The quiet city of Jizhou Prefecture lay before his eyes, unchanged.

Suddenly, an inexplicable thought crossed Song Mu’s mind—that perhaps he had never truly entered that manor. Maybe everything he had just experienced was but a dream.

A chill ran down his spine. At that moment, a voice came from inside the courtyard wall.

“Since we know each other now, I’ll give you this as a token.”

A small object was tossed out from within. Quick as ever, Song Mu caught it and found it to be a tiny ring.

It appeared to be a jade ring.

The jade was clear yellow and felt smooth and warm to the touch.

From inside the courtyard, Tao Fengming’s voice came again.

“Keep it with you. As for its purpose, I will tell you when I bring you back.”

Upon hearing this, Song Mu cupped his hands respectfully and said aloud, “Thank you, Master Fengming. I will come visit again.”

Without lingering, Song Mu quickly took the ring and left.

Inside the manor, Tao Fengming noticed Song Mu’s departure. His eyes held a mixture of serenity and confusion as he looked up at the sky, a faint sorrow shadowing his face.

“Twenty years… will I still be alive then?”

He opened his right hand. In his palm, a faint scholarly aura gathered but appeared dim. Tao Fengming stuffed the piece of dried meat into his mouth, and the aura gradually stabilized.

…

Back from the manor, Song Mu sat in his room, feeling sweat soak through his back.

Everything that had just happened made his head feel light and unreal.

This master he had unknowingly accepted—Song Mu had never heard anything about him before. Yet he was a successful candidate, a Realm-Breaking Master, and perhaps once a disciple of the Poetry Sect.

Song Mu took out the jade ring and rubbed it between his fingers, his expression puzzled.

This was an unknown path. He had no idea what might happen, yet he could clearly see the future ahead.

A Realm-Breaking Master—the true pinnacle of literary cultivators.

And tonight, the display of power Tao Fengming had shown him—the effortless unfolding of a surreal realm, the instantaneous overwhelming mental force...

That strength was the most formidable Song Mu had ever witnessed.

…

The next morning, Song Mu and Kong Zong were eating breakfast in the hall.

“Tao Fengming? I don’t think I’ve heard that name before,” Kong Zong said after Song Mu mentioned it. He seemed uncertain after a moment’s thought.

Seeing this, Song Mu didn’t press further and instead spoke about his plans to return to Shiyang County.

“The imperial exam has ended, and the teacher said you’ll leave tomorrow,” Kong Zong said calmly.

Song Mu nodded.

“That’s right. It’s been half a month since we came out. Everyone must be longing for home. Besides, I promised my second uncle I’d return soon.”

Kong Zong smiled faintly and nodded.

After all, Song Mu was now the top scorer in the academy exam. News of this likely had already spread back home. Naturally, Song Mu wanted to share his joy with his family as soon as possible.

Kong Zong decided to accompany him back, agreeing to return to the prefecture city together after a few days.

Having made their arrangements, they went to see Master Xun.

Master Xun had already planned the journey—they would take the water route, which would take a day and a half to reach Shiyang County.

Upon hearing this, Song Mu felt a surge of excitement, a stirring longing for home igniting within him.

Though he had not spent much time with his second uncle and others, Song Mu had grown attached to them.

That place was his last haven in this strange world.

With the trip home settled, Song Mu declined several visits from other scholars and focused on his own affairs.

First and foremost was his "Miscellaneous Tales of a Hundred Demons." He sent off the last five stories so the first volume could be published.

Song Mu took the manuscript to the Yingxue Bookshop. This time, Shopkeeper Zhang received him with greater formality and respect. His words were filled with admiration, and when Song Mu left, Zhang even gifted him several hand-copied books.

Song Mu understood the meaning. The news of his top ranking after the academy exam must have reached them, increasing their regard for him.

Yet Song Mu hinted that the matter should remain confidential; Zhang assured him he would not interfere.

After handling these tasks, Song Mu purchased some essentials and boarded a boat with his companions from Shiyang County, setting off home.

…

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