Chapter 1032: Zhuge Yuan Extra 6: Rites

Chapter 1032: Zhuge Yuan Side Story 6: Rites

Upon hearing these words, Zhuge Yuan’s mouth fell open in shock; everything Li Jinshu described shattered his previous understanding, contradicting everything he had learned from his master.

Could there truly be five worlds, all interconnected, and all stemming from a single origin?

"Is that so?" After a pause, Zhuge Yuan voiced his skepticism, finding his master’s teachings far more credible than this stranger's claims.

Seeing his disbelief, Li Jinshu grew displeased. "What, you doubt me?"

"Senior Li, it is not that I doubt you, but if you say the monks are lying, how can I be sure the Minglun Hall is not also spinning tales?"

"You young pup, a newborn calf truly does not fear the tiger; you dare to think anything. Do you think this is child’s play? That we speak without proof? That whoever shouts the loudest is right?"

"Do you know that all the rites of the Great Qi are set by the Minglun Hall? Both the Imperial Court and the Ministry of Heaven recognize them."

Since he had to explain it clearly, Li Jinshu did not mind wasting a little more time.

It was fine to question him here, but if this fellow dared to challenge the elders inside the hall, he would surely suffer for it.

"Boy, do you know what it means to defy the immortal and follow the human?" As he spoke, a third arm sprouted from beneath Li Jinshu’s left armpit, waving at Zhuge Yuan under the eaves.

"This hand is for defying the immortal and following the human. Simply put, it is the self from another world. Disciples of the Minglun Hall can practice the arts to let their other selves lend a helping hand."

Hearing this, Zhuge Yuan’s belief grew. "Truly? Then what were those people in the room doing earlier?" Images of the black-robed figures sitting amidst piles of books flashed through his mind.

"Those you saw in the Jiezhi Study were consulting their other selves, transcribing the chronicles of other worlds."

"As the foremost school of Confucianism, the Minglun Hall takes the preservation of the world's righteous path as its duty; even events from other worlds must be recorded as best as possible."

"Though it is difficult—the further the world, the more blurred the connection—the disciples of the Minglun Hall exist to emulate our predecessors: to set rules with the brush and guard the universe with ink, never letting the life’s work of the sages go to waste."

These words set Zhuge Yuan’s blood racing; the mission of the Minglun Hall aligned perfectly with his own values. Was this not exactly what he had set out to do?

Seeing his reaction, Li Jinshu curled his lips into a smile. "Well? Do you believe me now?"

"Yes! Then, Senior Li, when can I learn these arts?" Zhuge Yuan was suddenly impatient.

Belief aside, he desperately wanted to learn what the Minglun Hall had to offer.

"In such a hurry now? Weren't you just wanting to debate scriptures with me? Stop dawdling, let’s go. We are almost there; once you enter the hall, others will naturally teach you more."

Zhuge Yuan hurried to keep pace as they ventured deeper into the gardens.

It was clear that once past the Jiezhi Study, the path was easier and required no more skulking; the place was evidently guarded strictly on the outside but relaxed within.

After walking for half an incense stick’s time, Zhuge Yuan caught the faint scent of incense. As the fragrance intensified, a two-story building adorned with ceramic roof beasts appeared before them.

"The elders of the hall are inside. Mind your manners," Li Jinshu whispered, quietly opening the door and leading Zhuge Yuan within.

Upon entering, Zhuge Yuan froze in his tracks. Before him stood a massive wall covered in human heads.

Every face wore a solemn expression, eyes half-closed, as if looking down upon the two intruders from on high.

In the quiet, serene environment, the sudden sight left Zhuge Yuan feeling suffocated.

He moved to point with a trembling finger, but Li Jinshu pressed his hand down. "Do not point; it is a grave disrespect to our seniors."

Li Jinshu bowed his head toward the wall of heads, gesturing for Zhuge Yuan to follow as they walked along the base. "I told you before, many disciples of the Minglun Hall serve in the Imperial Court. These are the court historians of generations past."

"Senior, why are their heads displayed here?"

"It is not that we beheaded them; it is that the Emperor demanded it."

"And why would the Emperor do such a thing?"

"Because the Emperors of Great Qi have committed many shameful acts they wished to hide. They tried to fabricate the chronicles, but the historians refused, so they were executed."

"These predecessors all said the same thing: 'Your Majesty, if you have the power, destroy the Minglun Hall. Otherwise, no matter how many heads you take, the history books shall never be falsified.' That is the duty of the Minglun Hall."

"The chronicles are the laws of heaven and earth. If the rules are broken, everything the sages built is in vain."

Zhuge Yuan suddenly understood. His fear of the wall faded, replaced by a profound sense of reverence. He slowed his pace, finally grasping why his master had sent him here instead of anywhere else.

"Oh," Zhuge Yuan nodded, half-understanding; it seemed he had much left to learn.

As they moved further in, behind the wall of heads were rows of spirit tablets, black lacquer and white characters standing like solemn tombstones amidst the hazy incense smoke.

Zhuge Yuan realized the scent he had smelled earlier originated here.

Various offerings were laid before the tablets, creating an atmosphere of immense gravity.

Though the room was empty, Zhuge Yuan felt as if it were crowded with souls.

He did not forget his purpose. He lit a stick of incense from the white candle flame, bowed to the surrounding tablets, and began his search for his master’s friend, who had passed away over a hundred years ago.

"Senior Brother Li, where might the tablet of Senior Wang Changxu be?" Zhuge Yuan’s voice was barely a whisper.

"Search further in. I remember it being toward the back. I don’t come here often, only twice during the Qingming Festival."

They walked along the rows of tablets. As they ventured deeper, the plaques became sparser, and the offerings grew more varied, no longer limited to the traditional pig, ox, and sheep.

After another half-stick of incense, Li Jinshu’s eyes lit up, and he hurried to the left. "Look! Found it! Wang Changxu!"