Chapter 42: The Pinnacle of the Academy

The night was deep and dark, as though thick ink had been poured across the heavens. Yet Qu Wanqing’s heart felt as if it were being clenched by an invisible hand, and her foreboding only grew stronger. The shadow lurking in the library had given her a whiff of conspiracy.

“Jiang Yu.” She set down the scroll, her brows drawing tightly together. “I have a feeling something is about to happen.”

Jiang Yu put aside the military treatise and walked to her side, gently taking her hand. “Don’t worry. I’m here.”

His deep gaze held a reassuring strength.

“To the study.” Qu Wanqing rose, her unease driving her into action.

Inside the study, dim candlelight illuminated their solemn faces. The news brought by Zhao, the page, confirmed the source of Qu Wanqing’s anxiety: Master Zhang had joined forces with Lin and several others to set a trap for her at the academic symposium, intending to ruin her reputation.

“Heh. That old wretch is resorting to underhanded tricks?” Qu Wanqing gave a cold laugh, a cunning glint flashing in her eyes. “Then I’ll play along.”

She was certainly no helpless lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

“How do they intend to make their move?” Jiang Yu asked calmly, idly turning a jade pendant in his hand.

“According to Zhao, they plan to target me with deliberately difficult questions at the symposium and humiliate me in front of everyone.” Qu Wanqing spoke with disdain. “A cheap trick.”

The two of them then carefully studied every possible scenario in the study and devised their strategy. In the shadowy room, they alternated between murmuring over their plans and writing furiously. Their eyes were filled with steadfast trust, while the atmosphere remained tense and charged with fighting spirit.

The academic symposium began as scheduled, its atmosphere taut with tension. Master Zhang and the others wore insincere smiles, their eyes concealing sinister intentions.

Sure enough, as soon as the symposium began, Lin made the first move, posing a pointed question aimed directly at the weaknesses in Qu Wanqing’s scholarship.

Qu Wanqing had been prepared. With deft use of her knowledge and intelligence, she dismantled the question and countered with one of her own, leaving Lin speechless. Her answer was clear in its logic and rigorous in its reasoning. The audience secretly admired her, and even those who had originally supported Master Zhang were impressed by her brilliance.

Master Zhang’s face turned livid. His plan had failed, and resentment churned in his heart. Just as he was about to speak, Young Master Chen rose to his feet. A meaningful smile curved his lips.

“Miss Qu is indeed exceptionally talented. I have a question I would like to ask her…”

Qu Wanqing smiled faintly and rose with composure, her eyes carrying a hint of contempt.

“Please enlighten me, Young Master Chen.”

Young Master Chen’s smile deepened as he schemed inwardly. Then he asked loudly, “I have heard that Miss Qu possesses considerable insight into the Qian hexagram of the Book of Changes. May I ask what unique interpretation you have of it?”

Everyone turned to look. The Qian hexagram was extraordinarily difficult; many scholars spent their entire lives without fully comprehending it.

Qu Wanqing had already prepared her response. She walked to the front of the hall and picked up a bamboo slip. After clearing her throat, she began speaking with confidence.

“The Qian hexagram symbolizes Heaven, whose essence is strength and vigor. The Book of Changes says: ‘Qian: sublime success, beneficial perseverance.’ These four characters represent four fundamental virtues of Heaven and Earth…”

Her words were incisive yet profound, and she explained the details of the Qian hexagram in a simple, accessible manner. The audience was secretly astonished.

However, just as she was nearing the end of her explanation, a commotion erupted below the platform.

It turned out that Young Master Chen had secretly ordered one of his men to tamper with the display board showcasing her research, nearly destroying her work.

Jiang Yu had been on guard from the beginning. Standing in a corner with a sharp gaze, he noticed that something was wrong and immediately stepped forward. With a deft flick of his sword, he hooked aside the man’s sleeve, exposing a dagger. In the same motion, he subdued him.

“Young Master Chen, what do you think you’re doing?” he asked coldly.

The entire hall erupted in an uproar.

Young Master Chen’s expression changed dramatically. He forced out a smile and tried to explain, “This… This is a misunderstanding. Brother Jiang, you’ve misunderstood…”

But the evidence was irrefutable. Everyone began denouncing his despicable conduct. His reputation plummeted, and those who had once supported him swiftly changed sides. Zhao even stepped forward to expose his disgraceful deeds.

Young Master Chen fled the hall in humiliation.

Standing on the platform, Qu Wanqing gazed at Jiang Yu with gratitude and warmth. His eyes were filled with trust and affection, and he nodded to her.

Her resolve grew stronger. She continued her presentation, and thunderous applause soon filled the hall.

Throughout the symposium, Jiang Yu offered Qu Wanqing his support and encouragement. His presence gave her greater confidence as she faced each challenge. Those around them watched their interactions and sensed the depth of their feelings, casting them envious glances.

At that moment, Master Zhang wore an ugly expression as he quietly rose to his feet, his eyes flickering as though he had something to say. An ominous air spread through the hall.

Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu exchanged a smile, ready to face whatever challenge came next.

Seeing Young Master Chen defeated, Master Zhang’s old face flushed red. He slammed his palm on the table and shouted, “Qu Wanqing, I still have one more question for you. Do you dare accept it?”

He then raised an extremely obscure and esoteric topic, drawing sharp breaths from the audience.

Qu Wanqing felt a moment of tension and hesitation. But in the very next instant, she sensed a strange fluctuation, like a warning from her extraordinary gift.

Then she entered a state of perfect clarity. Her thoughts became lucid, and answers poured forth like a spring.

The entire hall fell silent. Only Qu Wanqing’s voice echoed through the stillness.

“Master Zhang’s question may appear abstruse, but in truth…”

She spoke with effortless confidence, citing sources from far and wide and presenting an entirely new interpretation.

The surrounding scholars were first stunned, then burst into heated discussion. Master Zhang, usually rigid and old-fashioned, widened his eyes. His teacup nearly slipped from his hand. He wanted to refute her, yet found no opening.

At last, Master Zhang let out a long sigh and bowed deeply to Qu Wanqing.

“This old man has been enlightened.”

The entire hall erupted.

Qu Wanqing’s name resounded throughout the academy, and she became a legendary figure. She and Jiang Yu stood side by side upon the platform of honor, receiving the cheers of the crowd. Their matching grace and talent made them the envy of all.

But at the height of this glory, Maid Liu came running over and handed Qu Wanqing a letter.

“Miss, someone delivered this.”

Qu Wanqing opened the envelope and saw four words written on the paper:

“Netherworld Valley. Awaiting your arrival.”

“Netherworld Valley…” Qu Wanqing murmured. Confusion first appeared in her eyes, followed by a spark of excitement.

Jiang Yu took the letter from her and frowned slightly.

“Where is that?”

Qu Wanqing shook her head. “I’ve never heard of it.”

She turned to Maid Liu. “Do you know who sent it?”

Maid Liu shook her head blankly. “The messenger was masked. He left the letter and departed at once. This servant could not see his face clearly.”

The night wind swept past, stirring the letter with a soft rustle and fanning Qu Wanqing’s curiosity about the unknown and her longing for adventure.

She clenched the paper tightly, a mysterious smile curling at the corners of her lips.

“It seems a new adventure is about to begin…”

She lifted her head and gazed into the distance with unwavering determination.