Just like the statues before, this one also featured a to, bound securely to its base. The title, "The Wisdom Scroll," glimred as if kissed by morning dew.
To activate the statue, Wuyi had to chant, 'Sapientia Lun, enlighten the mind's eye!' Upon its activation, he felt a surge of new energy. Although he was becoming accustod to these energy surges with each statue he activated, he could not completely acclimatize to the sensation. Each activation opened a new world to him.
Following the statue's activation, it was as if veils of ignorance were lifted, revealing a realm of untapped wisdom and insight. His ntal sharpness increased, and his focus intensified. The complexities of the world seed to lay bare before him, every thread of knowledge now accessible.
This newfound clarity accelerated his learning, making him feel as if he had an eidetic mory for subjects such as calligraphy, history, herbal lore, and dicine. It appeared as though all this knowledge was stored within the statue, ready for him to access whenever needed.
Master Feng had not failed to notice this growth in Wuyi.Assigning copy work to students was uncommon; the scarcity of quality silk paper and the risk of ruining it with a misplaced brushstroke made it a rare privilege. Wuyi understood that the Redies were a basic compilation of herbal properties, but the re act of copying was considered an honor.
Master Feng handed him a pristine sheet of silk paper and gestured for him to return to his seat. Then he thought of sothing and spoke, "Hold on, young man."
Wuyi paused, locking eyes with Master Feng, who seed uneasy as he spoke. "I'm at a loss as to whom I should ask, other than you. Normally, I would consult your parents, but..." He trailed off, scratching his ink-stained beard. Master Feng elaborated on his sumr activities. "I traverse the provinces, collecting herbs, berries, and roots for dicinal concoctions.
I earn my living as a scribe but am also proficient in dicine. It's a fulfilling life, wandering freely during the sumr months and taking refuge in this fort during winter. The life of a scribe is one of enlightennt and freedom," he mused, his eyes still on Wuyi.
Caught off guard by Master Feng's words, Wuyi did not reply and just listened. Feedback from the statue of harmony was that the master appreciated his talent.
Upon receiving feedback from the Statue of Harmony, the Statue of Knowledge indicated to Wuyi that Master Feng would soon ask him to beco his apprentice.
"I occasionally take on an apprentice. So excel, becoming scribes for minor clans, while others falter. So lack the ticulousness or the mory for mixing inks. I believe you have what it takes. Would you consider becoming a scribe and learning dicine as well?"
The proposition left Wuyi stunned. It wasn't just the prospect of becoming a scribe; it was the realization that Master Feng saw potential in him. Ever since his arrangent with the old patriarch began, aside from his interactions with Chao and his clandestine visits to the lower town where he mingled with street urchins, he had never thought of himself as sociable or fit for apprenticeship.
Master Feng's offer rendered him speechless, eliciting a kind smile from the older man.
"Think on it, boy," Fengwen suggested. "Scribing is a good trade, and what other prospects do you have? Between the two of us, I believe that so ti away from Lujingbao Fort could be beneficial."
"Away from Lujingbao Fort?" Wuyi echoed, his eyes widening in surprise. The idea had occurred to him only a few tis before. He saw that opportunity long in the future when he was grown and stronger. Suddenly, the roads extending from the fort illuminated his imagination, transforming the maps he had studied into routes waiting to be explored.
The thought captivated him, especially as it offered an escape from the ongoing clan drama that had plagued him since birth. Once free, he could focus on honing his unique abilities and carve out a fulfilling life.
"Indeed," Master Feng spoke softly. "As you mature, the influence of the Yuanjing clan will diminish. Boluo may not always be around to offer you refuge. It's wise to establish your own identity and purpose before you find yourself without a safety net. Take your ti to consider this. You might even want to discuss it with Boluo."
Master Feng handed Wuyi his parchnt and gestured for him to return to his seat. The words lingered in Wuyi's thoughts, but he chose not to confide in Boluo just yet. In the quiet dawn, Chao and Wuyi huddled close, their foreheads almost touching. Wuyi gathered the crimson fragnts of a shattered pot that Chao's small ferret had toppled, while Chao collected the scattered black seeds.
The ferret perched atop a drooping wall hanging, chittering regretfully, its eyes twinkling mischievously.
"These seeds traveled all the way from Kaliyuan, you little rascal!" Chao reprimanded his ferret.
"Kaliyuan," Wuyi pondered, "just a day's journey beyond our frontier with Huanghou."
"Exactly, young one. Huanghou was once a formidable region with a rich history. Nowadays, its noble clans are in decline; so even trade their titles for re gold. Yet, it remains a valuable source for dicinal herbs and poisons," Chao murmured, evidently impressed by Wuyi's awareness.
"Have you ever ventured there? And why would they relinquish their nobility?" Wuyi inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Yes, I have. I had these seeds shipped from Chunfeng City. The marketplace there is expansive, drawing rchants from all across Liu Xianzhou and even from our neighboring countries. The clans in that region were once as prominent as your Yunajing clan is today. They had nurous formidable mbers born into their ranks hundreds of thousands of years ago. Initially, they were just small tribal clans.
One mber had a series of fortunate events, transforming the entire tribe into a force of powerful warriors. Over the years, these warriors gave rise to the noble clans we know today. The entire area beca a hub of power. These clans expanded as their influential ancestors remained in power for millennia before ascending.
However, after these ancestors ascended, many clan mbers beca complacent, relying on the legacy of their forebears and contributing nothing themselves. Despite their considerable wealth accumulated over the years, their clans have been in decline. Now, most have only their nas to maintain their status as one of the oldest noble clans, and they are generally pitied.
Wealthy rchants from humble backgrounds can purchase a noble title and join these clans. It's the only place that I know of where nobility can be bought, but only a few know it," Chao explained.
Reviews
All reviews (0)