Chapter 1, the fox accompanies the scholar in reading.

Then the old fox with a yellowish coat arrived at the painting, facing Qiu Shuijing, sitting upright and solemnly, resting his cane across his knees, and said with gravity: "Sir from the city, please spare me a complete corpse"

Qiu Shuijing shifted the topic and said: "However, I just heard Mr. Yehu giving a lecture on the classics of the old sages, ancient texts from thousands of years ago. Although the classics of the old sages are good, they are no longer suitable for the present time and cannot keep up with today's era"

The scholars turned their gaze towards the sound, only to see that the human youth had lagged behind a step, just having exited the classroom

Qiu Shuijing slightly inclined his body: "Shuijing is leading his students past this precious land. After a long journey by boat and carriage, we seek to rest upon your esteemed land. We kindly ask for your understanding."

"Those who teach in the school may not necessarily be human," Qiu Shuijing seemed to guess their thoughts and said with a low, cold laugh

He turned and left

Qiu Shui Jing traveled from Shuo Fang City to Tian Shi Yuan, but what he saw along the way was a completely different scene, which did not correspond to the accounts in the "Eastern Capital Rhapsody"

Qiu Shuijing said solemnly: "The gentleman is a demon, and Su Yun is a human. The gentleman did not refrain from teaching him simply because he is not of the same kind; this is precisely the role of a teacher. However, in today's chaotic countryside, education is difficult to implement, and even humans may not be able to achieve the ideal of teaching without discrimination, let alone demons. Therefore, the actions of Mr. Wild Fox are particularly precious."

The old fox was taken aback: "Mr. Water Mirror, why do you say such a thing? Wasn't it these books that were taught in the academy? For thousands of years, these have been the subjects of study..."

However, his purpose for coming to the Heavenly Market this time was not to observe the people's sentiments in the countryside, but rather for another plan

Qiu Shuijing felt a myriad of emotions: "Moreover, it is rare to find a diligent student. Enough, enough, let us spare them. This young man, surprisingly studying alongside a group of fox demons in a desolate area, is not afraid at all; it is truly peculiar..."

Footsteps echoed in the courtyard, and a slightly childish voice called out: "Brother Hua Er, Brother Li San, don't run too fast, wait for me!"

He repeated once more: "The times have changed, hehe, clinging to the old ways will only lead to being beaten; today is no longer like the past..."

How did this come about

The cold wind howls

Qiu Shuijing revealed a hint of bitterness, paused for a moment, and said: "Sir, the times have changed"

The scholars looked inward with a sense of awe, and saw a yellow-skinned old fox, more than half a person tall, standing upright. In its left hand, it held a teaching rod, and in its right hand, it grasped a scroll, pacing back and forth in the hall

Diligent, diligent

Qiu Shuijing shook his head, revealing a look of sarcasm: "New Sage? There is no New Sage in the world today... Perhaps there is, but not in the Yuan Shuo Kingdom..."

Having said that, the old fox's expression darkened as he said to the young foxes: "Class is over, and it is getting late. You should hurry home."

A few scholars stealthily followed behind him, and they could gradually hear the sound of reading becoming clearer. Everyone was puzzled: "This academy has clearly been abandoned for several years, and the surrounding area is a desolate wasteland with no signs of life. How can there still be a teacher here imparting knowledge and educating people?"

Qiu Shuijing leaped into the air and landed on the roof of the academy, where several scholars swiftly followed, landing beside him

Qiu Shuijing remained silent, and the scholars did not dare to inquire.

Qiu Shuijing surveyed the inner hall and noticed a painting hanging in the main hall. The painting depicted the Four Gentlemen: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. Above it were inscribed the four characters "To be a model for others," but there was no signature, leaving the artist's identity unknown.

Qiu Shuijing let out a sound of realization and said lightly: "He is from Tianmen Town? As far as I know, Tianmen Town in the Tian Shiyuan area has long been devoid of living people. Not only is there no one in Tianmen Town, but the area within a hundred miles of Tianmen Town is also a no-man's land"

The scholars were astonished and quickly followed him quietly into the courtyard of the academy

The Master said, "There are no distinctions in teaching; is this not precisely what Master Yehu has done?"

At the age of thirteen or fourteen, the young man had delicate features, bright eyes, and a fair complexion, diligently pursuing his studies.

Qiu Shuijing's expression shifted slightly as he raised his hand to signal for silence, quietly rising to his feet and following the sound of reading into the inner hall of the academy

Since the reign of Emperor Yuan, the Yuan Shuo state has established official schools throughout the nation. The official schools in rural areas are called Xiangxu, while those in counties, roads, cities, and marquisates are referred to as Xiao. The official schools in commanderies and states are called Xue, and the official schools in the Eastern Capital are known as Taixue

Qiu Shuijing's heart was filled with murderous intent as he was about to take action, but suddenly his gaze paused, and the killing intent in his heart gradually faded away

Qiu Shuijing withdrew his gaze from the painting and inquired, "How shall I address you, Your Excellency?"

He composed himself, feeling no inclination to continue speaking, and said: "The rural schools cannot keep up with the times. If one wishes to learn something useful, one must go to the city. Relying on the old scriptures will only lead to suffering, and what one learns is merely knowledge from thousands of years ago. Mr. Wild Fox, although you teach without discrimination, continuing to do so will only mislead the youth. The teachings of the old sages cannot survive in the city."

In the past thirty years, people from the countryside have flocked to the cities, leaving only women, children, and the elderly in the countryside to tend to a few meager fields for their livelihood, which has led to the emergence of numerous problems

In Qiu Shui Jing's heart, the countryside carries the beauty of his childhood, with memories of a landscape characterized by clear mountains and beautiful waters, where remarkable people and a rich culture thrive. However, what he witnessed along the way was a scene of moral decay, with the collapse of rituals and music.

misleading the younger generation

The people's livelihood in the heavenly city is in decline, the rural schools are in disarray, people no longer teach their children, and children no longer seek education. Instead, it is the fox spirits who educate and nurture, teaching reading and writing

Only the jade-like leaves on their foreheads gradually disappeared beneath their skin, vanishing without a trace

Although the young man could not see, his ears were very sensitive, and he laughed, saying: "Sir, sir, there are guests arriving at the school!"

The young and strong in the town have all gone to the city, leaving behind some elderly and children. Couples with some financial means often take their children to the city to enroll them in official schools for education. Those who remain are the ones without money, with their parents working outside. How can the grandparents manage those children?

The old fox was left speechless.

In the hall below, there were suddenly more than ten foxes, yellow, white, red, and spotted, each sitting upright, nodding their heads, and reciting scriptures

In the classroom, one could see fox demons everywhere, and among the group of fox demons, there was actually a young boy in a yellow robe sitting upright, swaying his head in unison with the foxes, reciting texts.

"Mr. Shui Jing, the sky is gradually darkening. Why not take a moment to rest in this school and have something to eat? We can make plans when the gates of heaven appear," said a scholar behind Qiu Shui Jing.

In the academy, a group of scholars were all sleeping on the ground. Upon hearing the words, they turned over and rose, revealing expressions of excitement.

No wonder he attends class with the fox spirit

Qiu Shuijing glanced at the setting sun, nodded, and walked with a group of scholars into a dilapidated school building. It was evident that this place, overgrown with thorns, had been abandoned for several years.

Evil spirits cause disturbances, awaken wisdom, clarify reasoning, and begin to recite the writings of sages. In the future, they will surely transform into human beings, bringing calamity to the world, and even contend with others for dominion over the realm

Without scholars, the rural schools can no longer function. Without schools, the children in the countryside have no place to seek education, leading to an increase in ignorant people, and chaos may arise in the countryside

Qiu Shuijing said in a low voice: "Open the Heavenly Eye, otherwise you will not be able to see the Heavenly Gate"

The other scholars examined carefully, each in a state of realization

After a moment, the sound of a bell suddenly rang out, and the classroom was filled with the joyful shouts, clamoring, and noise of the children. A multitude of fox spirits rushed out, chattering and making a commotion. Upon seeing the crowd in the courtyard, several fox spirits stood on their two legs, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, at a loss for what to do

"Open!" A group of scholars exclaimed in low voices.

The old fox raised its head, looking at him in surprise: "Aren't you going to kill me and eliminate the demons?"

This sentence speaks of the flourishing state of education in the Yuan Shuo Kingdom

The scholars behind him each took out a piece of jade-like leaf, which was shaped like an eye, and affixed it to their foreheads, resembling a vertical eye

A few scholars tidied up and were just about to start a fire to cook, when suddenly they faintly heard the sound of reading coming from the inner hall of the academy.

Not to mention other matters, the education of the school system alone has already produced significant issues

The children left behind in the countryside, without parental guidance, not only do not attend school to learn, but also gather friends, form cliques, and act recklessly in the neighborhood

The scholars all turned their gaze towards Qiu Shuijing, who smiled faintly and remained unconcerned.

The other scholars also opened their heavenly eyes, each looking around in astonishment, and could not help but exclaim in shock: "The Heavenly Gate has truly opened! The Ghost Market, the Ghost Market has also appeared!"

He shook his head and did not continue speaking

The old fox said: "They call me Mr. Wild Fox. How should a gentleman from the city be addressed?"

Upon reaching the no man's land, Qiu Shuijing shook his head repeatedly.

Qiu Shuijing gave a command, and immediately a scholar extinguished the bonfire

The youth's eyes were completely snow-white, devoid of pupils, unable to see; he was indeed blind

Qiu Shuijing stepped out of the hall

A lady clearly observed the actions of the young man, gasped softly, and said to the scholar beside her: "He is blind..."

The sound of a cane hitting the ground was heard as the old yellow-skinned fox, who taught, walked out of the classroom leaning on his cane. An aged voice emerged from his lips: "Esteemed guests have come from afar, and I have failed to welcome you properly; please forgive me."

The schools in the rural towns along the way are not only devoid of students, but it can even be said that they are desolate and empty. Some schools have already closed down, and within these institutions, weeds grow abundantly, wild foxes roam freely, and various strange creatures abound.

Hoo.

The little foxes hurriedly scattered in a rush

In the past, the rural school was filled with students, but now, having three to five young individuals studying there is considered quite good

Beneath the skin at the center of a scholar's brow, something happened. It rolled slightly, and then the skin split open on both sides, revealing a rotating eyeball.

The "Ode to the Eastern Capital" states: Within the four seas, schools are as numerous as the trees in a forest, and the halls of learning are filled to capacity

The old fox stood up trembling, somewhat confused, and said: "May I ask Mr. Water Mirror, if the teachings of the ancient sages are not to be taught, then what should be taught? You mentioned the ancient sages; could it be that there are new sages today?"

Extinguish the bonfire

The villages in the Night Market are devoid of any lights, in stark contrast to the vibrant nightlife of the city, with only the twinkling stars and crescent moon adorning the night sky

Qiu Shui Jing

His name is Su Yun

In this classroom, apart from this young man, there is not a single person!

Qiu Shuijing looked at the blind boy, who, despite his blindness, seemed to be able to see his surroundings clearly. The boy slightly bowed to him and the scholars as he followed the foxes away from the dilapidated academy

The old fox with a yellowish complexion coughed once, raised his hand, and led Qiu Shuijing into the inner hall, saying: "The person from the Heavenly Market, Tianmen Town, is now thirteen years old. When Su Yun was seven, his family encountered a misfortune, and for some unknown reason, he became blind, which is quite pitiful. However, he is a studious child. One day, he came to me and, upon hearing the sound of reading, he could not move any further and insisted on listening to the lecture. Seeing his eagerness to learn, I decided to keep him here." However, he is a studious child. One day, he came to me and, upon hearing the sound of reading, he could not move any further and insisted on listening to the lecture. Seeing his eagerness to learn, I decided to keep him here.

In the hearts of the crowd, they secretly thought: "He cannot see, he can only hear sounds, mistakenly believing that those around him are all human, yet little did he know that those studying and reading alongside him are all demons and monsters"

After a moment, the old fox cupped his hands towards Qiu Shuijing, transformed into a wisp of demonic energy, and vanished from sight

At the third watch of the night, Qiu Shuijing was meditating in a state of false slumber. Suddenly, he felt a surge of energy, opened his eyes, and whispered: "Awake! The heavenly gate has opened!"

Has the knowledge of the old saints fallen to such a degree?

Once upon a time, even hundreds of years ago and even thirty-five years ago, it was all like this. But now ... ...

Qiu Shuijing felt a hint of surprise, turning his head to look at the back of the young man, seemingly lost in thought

The old yellow-furred fox stopped in its tracks, turned its head to look at him, and revealed a smile, its whiskers quivering slightly: "What you have mostly heard, sir, is likely just a rumor"

The old fox let out a sigh of relief