Chapter 126: The World Trembles

Song Mu felt that his entire body was now saturated with literary energy, yet the flow of literary qi pouring into him showed no signs of abating. Unable to pass through his dantian to be converted into refined literary power, this energy began to permeate every fiber of his being.

Beyond this, Song Mu felt his mind become remarkably clear. It was as if he were assisted by a divine force; many of the questions and hazy concepts he had harbored were suddenly illuminated. This feeling surpassed mere enlightenment—it was an unexpected, profound epiphany.

This state intoxicated Song Mu, and he understood that this was a golden opportunity to integrate his literary and mental power. Even though he knew that his actions had caused a stir of heavenly proportions outside, he chose to follow the natural course, settling his heart to continue his practice.

Within the academy, after a full quarter-hour of frantic surges in literary qi, several individuals had arrived. Qiu Buchu was present, and Tao Fengming had appeared at the academy gate at some unknown moment, leaning against the wall, chewing on something while watching Song Mu from a distance.

As soon as they arrived, they felt the literary power within their own bodies being stirred involuntarily, as if it were dancing with excitement. Astonished, they hurried inside. The literary qi in the courtyard had dissipated significantly, allowing them to see the chaotic ground and Song Mu, who was standing in the center, eyes closed in meditation.

"This..."

Qiu Buchu’s expression faltered, his face filled with disbelief. He turned to look at the Educational Commissioner, Fan, who let out a long sigh and slowly said, "Song Mu has written a 'Three-Character Classic'."

"'Three-Character Classic'? What is that?"

Hearing this, Qiu Buchu looked toward the ground. There, on a large sheet of white paper, every character seemed to be branded into the surface, glowing with intense, flickering golden light.

"A primer for young children, written in three-character verse," Commissioner Fan added, unable to stop himself from glancing at the still-meditating Song Mu. "Perhaps it is a work that could rival the 'Thousand-Character Classic'."

As Commissioner Fan spoke, the several Jinshi degree holders present were visibly shaken, their eyes flashing with strange light. Even the usually calm Tao Fengming straightened up and walked a few steps forward.

"Commissioner Fan, you must not speak lightly! If a great literary work on par with the 'Thousand-Character Classic' has truly emerged, then this Song Mu is effectively a Great Scholar! He is but a Xiu-cai, and only seventeen years old!"

Qiu Buchu’s gaze was sharp; he felt the Commissioner’s words were completely preposterous. But Commissioner Fan only smiled bitterly and replied, "You need only read the content on the 'Three-Character Classic' yourself, sir. As for whether it is a great work—it triggered nine claps of thunder in the autumn sky, caused the heavens and earth to surge with literary qi, and even shook Jizhou Prefecture. Can such a scene be false?"

"Perhaps before long, the 'Four Seas Universal Book' in the capital will also tremble, and the Ministry of Rites will surely come to inquire about the situation. Brother Qiu, I speak the truth! This world is indeed blessed with heaven-sent talents."

"Fortunately, he is born in our Jizhou Prefecture!"

Commissioner Fan’s words were resolute, causing Qiu Buchu to pause. Recalling what he had seen from the city walls of Jizhou, he took a step forward.

On the ground in front of Song Mu, amidst the shattered stones, the white paper still radiated golden light. Qiu Buchu initially intended to take a closer look but ultimately desisted, retreating to stand beside Commissioner Fan. "Then seal off the prefectural academy for today. As for Song Mu and the 'Three-Character Classic,' we shall wait until he wakes."

The others agreed. The academy had changed significantly; several Jinshi stood in the main hall, while Ju-ren degree holders stood guard outside. By the streets outside the academy, soldiers had arrived to provide full security. Many commoners were discussing the event with fervor, especially the soaring literary qi, the floating golden characters, and the thunderous nine claps. Everyone was speculating about what monumental event had occurred in Jizhou Prefecture.

Meanwhile, in Chang'an, located in the heart of the Central Plains, several elders sitting atop a magnificent white marble altar behind the Imperial Palace suddenly opened their eyes. They stood in unison, gazing toward the south.

"A great literary work has emerged?"

"Nine claps of thunder reaching the heavens—this piece is likely extraordinary!"

The eldest among them stroked his white beard, a smile touching his lips as he looked into the distance. "Fortunately, it is a work of our human race. Well done, indeed."

"But the 'Four Seas Universal Book' only trembled; it did not manifest the text itself. It seems the content is not overly profound?" one elder said, frowning as he looked at the massive book on the altar that resembled a long ruler.

"Indeed. But how can a work that triggers such extreme celestial phenomena fail to be exquisite?"

Confusion marked their faces, save for the eldest, whose eyes remained clear. "Poetry of the human race does not always need profound content to stir the 'Four Seas Universal Book.' Perhaps this work possesses deep mastery, or perhaps it is destined to be a masterpiece passed down through word of mouth."

The others nodded in realization. "The High Priest is correct. That makes sense; perhaps this work has excellent artistry and will become a classic recited for generations to come."

The elder nodded and turned to a messenger officer who had run onto the altar. "Report this to His Majesty immediately."

"Thunder in the south, nine claps without pause. The stars remain unmoved, and the text has not manifested on the 'Four Seas Universal Book,' but it is surely a work destined to endure for ten thousand years!"

The messenger bowed and left the altar. The elders resumed their seats. The eldest looked south one more time and softly said, "The pulse of our world’s literature is shifting south, and the south is home to many talents. It seems we must compete more vigorously for this southern frontier."

"I only wonder what this work looks like."

...

Song Mu did not know how long he had remained in that meditative state. When he finally awoke, the sight before him nearly startled him. Several faces were staring at him intently, all wearing red official robes.

"You are awake."

Song Mu scanned his surroundings, and Qiu Buchu’s voice reached him. Song Mu tried to turn, but suddenly felt his entire body go numb; he was unsteady. The long period of standing in meditation had disrupted his circulation. A tingling, numbing sensation washed over him, and he swayed, nearly falling to the side.

Qiu Buchu and Commissioner Fan gasped, rushing to support him and helping him sit down. To have the Prefect and the Commissioner personally assist a student was a sight that would have made any other scholar envious.

Song Mu felt his blood surging violently, the numbness turning into a sensation like ants gnawing at his bones, stinging deep into his soul. No matter what he did, he could not alleviate it. He looked around with an urgent gaze.

Tao Fengming appeared beside him, and amidst the onlookers, reached out to grab Song Mu’s hand. As Tao’s robes fluttered, Song Mu exhaled a long breath. Only then did he regain his strength, casting a look of gratitude at Tao Fengming. Just a moment ago, when his blood flow had become uncontrollable, a surge of power from Tao Fengming had entered his meridians, smoothing the chaos within a single breath.

"This is not just the result of standing still for too long. It is the consequence of that immense literary qi entering your body and permeating your flesh and blood. Waking suddenly without having fully dissipated it was bound to cause trouble," Tao Fengming remarked before retreating to the side, falling silent.

"Thank you, Master," Song Mu said, expressing his gratitude repeatedly. Qiu Buchu and Fan Zhengxiong closed in, standing before him and scrutinizing him incessantly.

"Song Mu, how did you come to write the 'Three-Character Classic'?"