Chapter 323: Chapter 190: The God’s Wager

Knowledge… Action… Unity!

Rumble rumble…

The souls of all seekers seemed to be struck by heavenly thunder, the sky collapsing, and the earth crumbling. Amidst the roar, the foundation of the seekers rose, as if piercing the nine heavens.

This path for seekers has been developing for years, absorbing new ideas from Luthor of the Glazed Dragon while also considering the situation in Moncalleta. Yet, compared to other hidden paths, it’s still in its infancy, finally gaining a foundation now. Even Vladimir, a demigod, has finally found direction and a divine soul foundation; with a foundation, he can strive for higher realms.

Time seemed to have stopped; the only one who remained conscious was Estella. As a Divine Favored of the Earth Mother Goddess, she wasn’t on this path and could only perceive something wondrous occurring. Li Xin also sensed it but couldn’t quite grasp it, feeling as if something encircled him pleasantly, without harm.

Everyone was reflecting, each person’s experience differing. Thinking they understood, only to realize it was just the surface, sometimes smiling, sometimes frowning; it’s unfathomable and infinitely intriguing.

…

Observatory Tower.

Vladimir, James, Kundra, and Princess Estella were there. Vladimir was brewing tea. Even though Estella was a princess, it was her first visit here; she had been curious, having benefited from Mr. Gemini. The three old foxes, including Vladimir, were smiling cheerfully.

As for Li Xin, though the tea was good, he wanted to discuss the issue of pay. How does one calculate the salary of a visiting professor? However, it seemed petty to bring it up in such a setting. He decided to find a suitable opportunity to ask Miss Aries about it. … As for the Princess, he wasn’t at all surprised. It would have been odd if it weren’t true. The rumor was that the Princess of Moncalleta was extraordinarily beautiful, which Li Xin had doubted. Having been an avid viewer himself, having seen many AI creations, could there truly be a fairy? Gosh, the term fairy is too clichéd.

“The professor’s academy’s five questions and answers will be recorded in our Celestial Principle School’s annals,” said James with a smile.

“Grandmaster James, just call me Li Xin more freely. I’m not some sir; I’ve already been drained of all my knowledge,” Li Xin replied with a wry smile.

“We are colleagues now. Calling you professor is not out of politeness; it’s work,” Kundra said with a smile. “Here, when someone calls out your name, it means they’re ready to fight.”

“Ah, you guys fight too?”

“Haha, of course we do, quite often. The essence of seekers is one of the hidden paths,” James laughed. “Don’t be fooled by this old fellow’s kind demeanor. He used to be the first to raise his hands, sneaky as ever.”

Vladimir looked like a kindly old man who loved to reason, but in reality… well, appearances can be deceiving.

“You three know how to bluff,” Estella scolded. She seemed to be the only ’bad guy’ here.

“Not to worry, today was enjoyable, plus I got an extra job,” Li Xin said. My old friends, I’ve spoken to this extent, having contributed so much today. It’s time to discuss compensation, isn’t it?

But the three seemed not to hear him. Vladimir poured Li Xin a cup of tea, “Our Celestial Principle School is advancing with difficulty, restrained internally by the Earth Mother Goddess Court and nobles, with no achievements externally. Your joining has given us hope and endless possibilities,” Vladimir remarked contentedly. “There will be many opportunities for cooperation. I almost see a bright future now.”

Estella hadn’t seen her teacher so happy in a long time, already treating him like a younger brother.

?

Wasn’t he a visiting professor, without any binding? Why does it feel like joining a pyramid scheme, enticing deeper involvement? What future? A professional baiter? And the salary? It wasn’t mentioned at all.

As a result, there was no lunch arranged.

Damn!

As usual, Estella sent Li Xin back. They took two carriages, as the Princess couldn’t ride with an adult man. In the carriage, Estella’s cheeks were slightly red. She felt as if she was freeloading Mr. Gemini every time, even if she didn’t quite understand it. She could sense how astonishing this round of five questions and answers was. But the teacher merely invited them for tea, and the tea leaves tasted just like the ones her father had treasured.

The carriage clattered along Hedan’s wide road. Estella pondered how to thank Mr. Gemini in a while. Li Xin, on the other hand, was regretting his thin skin, leading to hunger. He should’ve directly asked about the compensation issue just now. Alas, it was slightly embarrassing in the presence of Miss Aries.

At the Observatory Tower.

Vladimir, James, and Kundra were having tea together. They expected gains, but such substantial ones were beyond their imagination.

“Why didn’t you keep him with us? With him, our Celestial Principle School’s next generation will surely soar!” James asked.

“Since we laid the groundwork so thoroughly, it would be better to have him fully join. Especially since he gets along so well with the Princess, further advances might even be possible,” Kundra suggested.

As the Celestial Principle School grows stronger, the threat from the Earth Mother Goddess Court increases. Outwardly, it appears cooperative, but the struggle never ceased. A talent like Li Xin should be recruited at all costs. With such potential now and additional Wish Power from the Celestial Principle School, the future is limitless.

Both James and Kundra knew Vladimir well. He’s not someone overly compassionate or shy.

Vladimir sighed slightly, “There’s no way. The karma surrounding him is too profound. The path of seekers isn’t enough to retain him. Forceful retention could bring calamity.”

James and Kundra exchanged glances. If Vladimir spoke thus, the karma hidden on Li Xin must be among the few significant ones.

“What kind of karma?”

“I can’t discern, but I’ve decided to bet,” Vladimir declared. “Having chosen the Celestial Principle path, we must follow it and accept any outcome.”

Upon hearing this, James and Kundra fell silent for a while, then nodded. “Old chap, you’re being so mysterious and sentimental. We gained tremendously today; it’s a huge profit!”

Vladimir chuckled, “You’re right. But what are your hands doing? I told you to drink tea, not to take all of it. His Majesty only gave me one pack. What will I drink if you take it?”

“So petty, even as a demigod. Why care about such trivial matters? Let me help eliminate some karma for you,” James retorted boldly.

The three chatted for a while. After sending off his old friends, Vladimir stood at the Observatory Tower, gazing into the distance. At that moment of ’Unity of Knowledge and Action,’ he indeed saw something, something destined. The true gain of the Celestial Principle School could only be seen by him. It contained the Great Path. With a foundation now, the path was solidified. However, the karma of such kindness was also tremendous.

The price he had to pay was equally substantial.

Vladimir smiled. On the path of the Great Dao, one marches forward without hesitation. What are a few sacrifices in such a pursuit?

Within the Celestial Academy’s assembly, many scholars and academics exhibited different reactions. Some merely felt it was impressive, seemingly containing some truth. Others were somewhat astonished, joyful at times and sorrowful at others. The cultivation level of the Three-star Grandmaster was much higher. More than being able to hold their ground, they were deeply shaken. Although unable to fully comprehend, they knew the Celestial Principle School would soar.

The calm gradually turned into intense debates about how to truly realize knowledge and action, and what unity of knowledge and action really meant, spanning shallow to deep understandings. The more they debated, the more formidable it seemed. But fewer understood the contradictions within things. It’s like how productivity determines production relations — it’s revolutionary. Unity of Knowledge and Action is different. The Great Path is simple; everyone can understand it, but the depth of understanding depends on cultivation.

When James and Kundra appeared, the venue finally quieted. Every scholar’s eyes were fervently looking at the two’s backs. Somehow, they wanted to take another look, as if even a glance would bring them closer to the truth of the Celestial Principle.

“Everything that happened today is for internal research within the Celestial Academy only and must not be publicly disclosed. Future studies will revolve around today’s five questions, which will also be our Celestial Principle School’s opportunity to step out of Moncalleta and reach the entire Dao Yuan Continent,” Kundra’s gentle voice echoed.

“Precisely because of this, research and understanding must be thorough. Do not be half-hearted. Do not tarnish the Celestial Principle School’s reputation, nor waste Mr. Li’s painstaking efforts,” James’s voice was slightly stern, and all the scholars responded in unison.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep