Chapter 9: Instruction

As soon as the instructor left, the scholars immediately scattered like birds, leaving only a few individuals in the library

Upon entering the library room, it was evident that there were significantly more scholars present today, including several unfamiliar faces.

The room was filled with scholars who stood up in a chaotic manner, all bowing in greeting to the instructor who was walking in.

Walking alone in the library, Yang Yun occasionally pulled a book from the shelf to browse, completely ignoring the young attendant's intrusive gaze

The instructor casually walked around and asked a few students some questions. Those who were asked responded with utmost respect. Yang Yun felt that the instructor was not particularly interested in the students' answers; this inspection seemed more like a routine duty.

Since the essence transformed from the buns is limited, we must be meticulous in our calculations and ensure that good steel is used on the blade

If there were Essence Pearls to support the Silent Yang Transformation Technique, Yang Yun would be able to harm others effortlessly, like the innate top masters in the martial world, whether by plucking flowers or picking leaves, and even a gust of finger wind could defeat the enemy. At that time, the value of coins would be rendered insignificant

The instructor took a few steps closer, glaring at the old servant.

Yang Yun also guessed about seventy to eighty percent correctly. The instructor holds the official rank of the eighth grade and is responsible for the educational administration of the entire county. The county academy is located next to the library, but usually, they do not enter through the same entrance.

At that moment, a constable at the door shouted, "The magistrate is here—"

The other several well-dressed scholars were clearly of a higher status than Liu Fu. They unobtrusively occupied the most prominent positions within the instructor's line of sight, and when they paid their respects to the *illustrated* books, they appeared neither servile nor arrogant, exuding a calm demeanor

The State of Wu is a small nation, comparable to a single commandery of the Great Chen, with only nine prefectures and eighty-two counties across the country. Therefore, the provincial examination for the candidates is held at the prefectural level, scheduled to take place every three years in the autumn.

I ask you, what is the situation with the collection of books in this library? I have repeatedly allocated funds, and there have been donations from prominent figures in the county. How is it that over the past three years, this library has become even more dilapidated?

Perhaps he was tired of watching, and seeing Yang Yun's calm demeanor, he truly did not seem like someone who would steal books. In the end, the young attendant gave up on the act of surveillance and found a place to take a break.

"Shi San!" the instructor shouted with unwavering expression

A faint warmth seeped from the stomach and intestines, converging into a hidden vein that circulated throughout the entire body

Oh? Yang Yun's expression shifted slightly as he pondered over it

Under the watchful gaze of the young attendant, which was as vigilant as that of a guard against thieves, the remaining scholars quickly departed, leaving only Yang Yun behind.

When there was only half a bun left, Yang Yun stopped the technique for refining his essence.

Recalling the memories of the impending calamity in the dream years later, Yang Yun's mood inevitably darkened a few shades. Unfortunately, his cultivation time was too short, and by then, he would likely struggle to protect himself, let alone care for others.

The pained cries of the old servant echoed, and the scholars felt a burning shame on their faces, each one losing their dignity.

As the vital energy flows through the arm, Yang Yun controls and directs a portion of the vital energy to accumulate in the acupoints such as Shaoshang and Taiyuan.

Meng Chao also wanted to move forward, but unfortunately, after a brief hesitation, the good spots had already been taken. He stopped, feeling that he might be blocking Yang Yun, so he shifted half a step to the side to clear a space for Yang Yun.

The tutor quickly arrived at the room where the books were stored, and his expression changed immediately

Unbeknownst to him, Yang Yun had already arrived at the county school library. As soon as he entered the door, he saw four or five attendants bustling about, sweeping and watering the courtyard, busy in a flurry of activity.

If one were to delve deeper, these acupoints could even condense into tangible essence beads. The essence beads have numerous uses; they can be used to refine some low-level elixirs, such as the fasting elixir, and can also be employed in the creation of certain talismans, with some thunder techniques also being applicable.

Hmm, you are a student of Haitan Academy, aren't you? The academy is quite good, said the instructor as he continued to walk inside

As the time was about right, Yang Yun strolled towards the county school. Along the way, the crowd grew denser, with various people emerging to set up stalls, sell vegetables, drive carts, and head to work.

One by one, Yang Yun devoured the large buns, continuously reversing the Essence Transformation Technique to rapidly convert the food into essence and store it in his meridians. Otherwise, a laborer could only consume four or five of these large buns in one meal; how could Yang Yun possibly eat so many?

This is to report to you, my lord, that there is indeed more to convey, but it is somewhat difficult to articulate

"In! Sir—" The old attendant who usually oversees the library hurried over.

Yang Yun stayed at the county school for over ten days and became acquainted with several familiar students. Among them, one named Meng Chao leaned close to Yang Yun and said, "Have you heard? The teaching official is coming today"

The old servant knelt and replied: "Your Excellency, although the county school occasionally allocates books, these books are not properly stored. They are infested with insects and damaged by rain, resulting in significant deterioration. Therefore—"

During the reign of King Wu, which lasted for over a decade, he emphasized culture over military might, established friendly relations with the great Chen, and the national strength flourished day by day. Although Jinghai County is small, it also exhibits a scene of prosperity.

The other servants responded immediately, dragging the old servant into the courtyard, where they began to beat him soundly.

My lord! I acknowledge my negligence in supervision, but I assure you there is no embezzlement involved! As a lowly servant, I can barely recognize a few characters; what use would I have for a pile of books? The library is frequented by scholars and students, all of whom hold degrees; it is truly difficult for me to conduct a thorough investigation in the event of any minor mishap

After this incident, the instructor hastily concluded the inspection

Speak quickly, otherwise I will charge you with the crime of embezzlement

If one could look within, one would discover that these several acupoints are shimmering with a faint white light, which is a manifestation of the condensed essence reaching a certain level.

Although the chief examiner is appointed by the King of Wu, the deputy chief examiner, the scholar, holds significant power in determining who is on the list of successful candidates. At that time, with just a word from the scholar, "This individual has a well-established reputation locally and possesses exceptional talent," the chief examiner generally would not contradict him. The reason for sending a chief examiner from above is essentially to monitor and limit this power, preventing it from becoming too expansive.

"That's enough for now, leave some buns to stave off hunger." Yang Yun did not forget that during the first attempt, he had not controlled himself well; he finished all the buns and did not stop the technique in time. As a result, Yang Yun felt so hungry that he saw stars, wishing he could eat his own fingers. This was a sensation Yang Yun absolutely did not want to experience again.

Looking at their well-dressed appearance, it is evident that they do not need to come to a place like the county school to seek out books.

The official angrily exclaimed, "Nonsense! How could so much be damaged— even if there is some damage, it cannot be that the entire book is ruined. You have been in the office for a long time; do you want me to send someone to investigate?"

The old constable with the surname Shi was punished and had a familiar constable help carry him home, temporarily replacing him with a young constable

If only one could have ginseng, bear paws, and deer antler for every meal, relying solely on buns would likely result in not being able to refine a single essence pearl even if one were to vomit their intestines out. Yang Yun thought of the marvelous uses of the essence pearl, feeling envious and passionate.

Hmph! The instructor let out a muffled grunt, "Since you have committed an oversight, bring him here and administer ten strokes of the heavy punishment!"

Yang Yun's eyes had been refined by the moonlight's true energy, and from a distance, he noticed a hint of displeasure at the corner of the instructor's eye. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself; this person named Liu Fu was truly lacking in awareness. The instructor had just entered, and Liu Fu shamelessly approached, not even considering the bulging belly beneath his clothes. It was no wonder he couldn't leave a good impression on the instructor

Aside from going out for a meal at noon, Yang Yun stayed in the library for the entire day, leaving only when it closed at 7 PM

Yang Yun controlled another source of essence to accumulate at the Yongquan acupoint on the soles of his feet. When using the leaping technique, he would need to extract the essence from this location. Hidden weapons and lightness skills are the two external arts that Yang Yun is currently focusing on for self-preservation.

It is likely due to the dilapidated state of the library that the esteemed instructor does not often come to inspect it

The scholars around were visibly angry; the words of this servant clearly implied that a scholar had stolen a book, which was tantamount to slapping them in the face. However, despite their anger, not a single scholar dared to step forward to deny the accusation. On the contrary, there were several whose eyes flickered and who appeared guilty and dejected.

Meng Chao is the kind of person who never holds onto words. He looked at Yang Yun with a somewhat indifferent expression and couldn't help but continue, "I heard that this esteemed instructor is soon to be promoted to the government office"

A scholar dressed in a brocade robe hurried forward and said, "Esteemed Teacher, I am Liu Fu, a scholar from this county. I had the privilege of attending your lectures at Haitan Academy, which truly enlightened me.

Yang Yun felt a stir in her heart; Meng Chao was quite a good person, and in her dreams, it seemed that she and he were very compatible close friends

The esteemed official in charge of education in this government is advanced in age and is likely to retire in two months. If this instructor can be promoted to take over, he will preside over this year's autumn examination for the provincial test.