Chapter Thirty-Three: The Head of the Heart Sect!

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Yang Nan saw the old man speak with familiarity but could only respond with a wry smile. When it came to neglecting proper duties, Yang Nan was truly unparalleled. Instead of managing the vast family estate, he had run off to become a Taoist priest. If it weren’t for his grandfather Yang Pu’s arrangements, this group of resentful elders would certainly have berated him thoroughly!

Nearby, several master scholars stepped forward to introduce themselves. The long-bearded elder was none other than Gong Fu, Yang Nan’s grandfather’s chief disciple. With his white hair and youthful face, vigorous spirit, and having once served as Dean of the National Academy and Minister of Rites, he had retired to their family home on Qingming Mountain. For ten years, he had managed Yang Nan’s Huyang Academy on his behalf.

The short-bearded elder was named Lan Qing, also a disciple of Yang Pu and one of the great masters of Confucianism. With a warm smile, profound scholarship, and a playful demeanor, he resembled an elderly child.

The third elder, pale-faced and clean-shaven, bore a solemn expression and upright bearing. His eyes shone sharply with an unspoken authority. He was Yan Qian, the head of Wenfeng Academy. Despite his name, Yan Qian never spoke of money. He was skilled in the Confucian arts of uprightness and righteousness, possessing profound cultivation and was the most revered master in the mountains.

These three grand masters of Confucianism, leading a group of outstanding scholars, welcomed Yang Nan with great ceremony, a considerable honor for the mountain chief.

Each master presided over a separate peak: Xiufeng Peak focused on literary arts and poetry; Wenfeng Peak studied the Hundred Schools of Thought; and Jinfeng Peak specialized in qin music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. The studies and temperaments of the three masters differed accordingly. Gong Fu was elegant and upright, the image of a venerable elder; Yan Qian was stern and imposing; and Lan Qing was carefree and jovial. The other disciples were all Yang Nan’s grandfather’s pupils, teaching in various academies and respected as senior masters in the mountain.

After Yang Nan respectfully greeted each in turn and saw their warm expressions free of any hostility, he breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed the stories of hardship upon entering the mountain were not always true. He humbly said, “I am unworthy and have troubled you masters with much effort. I am truly at fault.”

Lan Qing chuckled, “Afraid already? Do you think we’re all just bookworms and old scholars? You cultivate the Tao, so why would we interfere? Confucianism also teaches about cause and effect. You come from a Confucian background but practice Taoism—aren’t you practicing both?”

Seeing his kind words, Yang Nan laughed softly, “Before entering the mountain, I feared it greatly. But now, seeing your honored faces, my heart is at ease. You masters are my elders; naturally, I was anxious before meeting you. But now I feel as if a great weight has been lifted.”

Lan Qing stroked his short beard and smiled wryly, “You’ve always been a clever and mischievous child. Even when your teacher was alive, you often caused headaches. Now that you oversee the whole mountain, you must be more solemn in all things.”

Yang Nan spread his hands with a bitter smile, “Elders, I must be honest. I only temporarily hold the position of mountain chief. Soon, a properly qualified mountain chief will be chosen to officially lead the academy. Now that I have entered the Taoist path, I must hand over all the Sacred Scrolls of the Saints. Although I have deep roots in Confucianism, the official status must be settled.”

Though the head of the Heart Sect was noble, it was not Yang Nan’s wish. Facing these respectful elders, he openly revealed his intentions.

Gong Fu nodded approvingly, “The sages say, if the name is not correct, the speech will not be in accord. What you say is true. Since you have entered the Taoist path, you can no longer be counted as a member of the Heart Sect. However, regarding the mountain chief position—whoever it falls to must be carefully considered. Until then, you shall be the chief of Qingming Mountain and head of Huyang Academy.”

Lan Qing laughed, “Yang Nan, the Heart Sect has had no chief for many years. If you don’t find a worthy disciple to succeed you, don’t even think about leaving Qingming Mountain!” A teasing smile played on his face, as if enjoying the drama to come.

Several masters agreed, “Both speak reason! The mountain chief should be a member of the Yang family first. Yang Nan cannot deny this.”

Seeing this group of elders trying to heap responsibility on him alone, Yang Nan could only smile wryly. He was no Confucian scholar; how could he possibly be mountain chief? Even as a temporary measure, it was impossible—there would be no time left for cultivation!

Fortunately, he had Fang Xuan as a backup. Without him, forget about becoming an immortal or a respected master—he would barely be able to leave the gates of Qingming Mountain.

Suddenly, Yan Qian stepped forward, his face stern. “I don’t oppose you leading the academy, but I have one question for you.”

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Seeing Yan Qian’s strict demeanor, Yang Nan quickly ceased smiling and responded seriously, “Please, Master Yan, enlighten me.”

Yang Nan’s humble posture as a Confucian disciple won the elders’ approval. Becoming mountain chief placed him above these grand masters in status, yet he remained modest—a rare quality.

Yan Qian remained stern, “I ask you: In the world, which is more important—ritual or fate? Form or heart?”

Yang Nan immediately understood the question referred to the differing doctrines of the Confucian Heart and Form schools. A wrong answer would bring great hardship. Since this was the Heart Sect’s domain and he was its descendant, he knew better than to say form was paramount.

The other masters remained silent, awaiting his answer. Yang Nan knew this test would be difficult but answered without fear: “Forgive my boldness, but ritual is the fundamental order of heaven and earth. Without ritual, there is no order. Without order, chaos reigns!”

Ritual is the rule; without rules, nothing can be formed. If heaven and earth lacked rules, chaos would ensue. Today’s fractured world is precisely because rules have been broken.

Therefore, whether human, immortal, demon, or monster, rules are indispensable!

Yan Qian nodded thoughtfully. Yang Nan continued loudly, “The heart is the study of aiding the world and the righteous path. Has it not been said that when a sister drowns, her brother rescues her? Which is more important, fate or ritual? The Heart School’s way emphasizes the heart, embodying righteousness and compassion for the world. This heart can shine like the sun and moon. For the sake of all beings, even against thousands, I shall go forward! Therefore, the heart is greater than form, but form cannot be absent or become a cage. Without ritual, no order; without heart, no life!”

“Confucian scholars must adapt and act according to the heart. Only then can we serve the nation and people, uphold the garments and customs of our land, and promote the Confucian ideal!”

Yang Nan spoke with the insight of a previous life, stroking his beard as he spoke. Hearing the profundity, the elders exclaimed, “Such righteousness and compassion for the world—even against thousands, go forward! These words express the essence of our Heart Sect! You truly are the sole successor of our sect! You must be the mountain chief!”

Yang Nan smiled bitterly, “Master Yan, I am a Taoist. How can I be the Confucian mountain chief? I can only serve temporarily... just temporarily...”

His words naturally reflected the Confucian scholar’s role in his past life. As long as it benefited the people, ritual could be set aside. The Heart School’s doctrine was one of salvation and aid, not constraint. If the Form School insisted on waiting for imperial edicts before releasing grain to famine victims, countless would perish.

The Heart School was different. If it benefited the people, it advocated action, even if it seemed irregular. Though it appeared unruly, its motivation was always compassion. It would not err.

Without rules, the world is chaos. But too many rules paralyze action.

Rigid ritual harmed people for thousands of years, yet great disorder also arose from flawed rules.

The Heart School pursued the common good. If the people benefited, it supported it; if not, it opposed it.

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Even emperors and nobles opposing the people could be brought down by the Heart School!

When the late Duke was alive, he represented the interests of all under heaven and held supreme prestige among the people.

The conflict between the Heart and Form Schools, from Yang Nan’s past experience, boiled down to two words—moderation. As long as everything was balanced, all would be well.

This philosophy aligned perfectly with the Heart School’s teachings. The three grand masters and other scholars praised Yang Nan as the undisputed choice for mountain chief!

Lan Qing stepped forward with a chuckle, “Little one, don’t look so troubled. We’ll do the work; you take the title. All future students from Huyang Academy will be your disciples. You just sneak a smile! Do you think anyone can be Qingming Mountain’s chief?”

Yang Nan considered this and realized it was true. He couldn’t teach or write books well, but by holding the title, he would gain countless officials and students—a rare blessing. Only the Heart School, with its straightforward and decisive ways, would allow this.

“Very well! Since you elders insist I take the role, I will not refuse. But all academy affairs shall continue unchanged. I will only hold the title,” Yang Nan said decisively. Since he couldn’t avoid it, he might as well accept it temporarily and find a replacement later.

The three grand masters nodded approvingly at his decisiveness. Yang Nan then brought forward Fang Xuan and recounted the extraordinary traits he possessed. Finally, he asked, “Masters, do you think Fang Xuan is worthy to inherit the Confucian legacy?”

Gong Fu examined the peculiar traits in Fang Xuan’s hand, stroked his beard, and laughed heartily. “I knew you didn’t want to be mountain chief, so you brought a substitute! And this substitute is far more suitable than you!”

Yang Nan had long thought so himself and was delighted to hear the masters’ approval. “Does this mean Fang Xuan can be entrusted with the Sacred Scrolls of the Saints and succeed me as head of the sect?”

Yan Qian shook his head, “No. Fang Xuan must still study hard, cultivate Confucian arts, and his heart must be tested. The Sacred Scrolls must never fall into the hands of those with impure intentions, or great harm would ensue! When your old master entrusted the scrolls to you, it was because he knew your heart, though fierce, was righteous and compassionate. You may not be a perfect gentleman, but you have a heart to save the world. Otherwise, how could the Sacred Relics of Confucianism fall into Taoist hands?”

Yan Qian’s expression suggested he did not regard the Kunlun Sect highly. If the three Confucian sects united, they might well surpass the Kunlun Sect. Retrieving the sect’s sacred relics would be a simple matter.

Yang Nan’s heart trembled. The Confucian sacred relics were of utmost importance. If he had lost them back then, these elders would not hesitate to punish him severely!

His grandfather never mentioned any of this. Yang Nan had no idea the Sacred Scrolls were the symbol of the Heart Sect’s leadership.

The old man, who had navigated court and society with great skill, had truly arranged everything perfectly...