Chapter 43: How dare you criticize the Jiang Human Emperor!
Translator: 549690339
“Kong Li, right? I somewhat remember.” Dean Li said indifferently, a stark contrast to his attitude towards Saint Pure Heart.
“Why am I last?” Jiang Li, holding back his anger, questioned. If he had failed by coming in second, that would be tolerable, but attaining the last place? How was that possible?
Am I the one who lacks brains, or is it you?
“You have the audacity to ask?” Dean Li, amused and enraged by Jiang Li’s question, pulled up Jiang Li’s paper, amplified it through a spell, allowing everyone to see it.
“Let everyone see what nonsense you’ve written!”
Saint Pure Heart didn’t expect that Jiang Li, the Human Emperor, whose paper was mostly about the book he’d written, would ever be ranked last.
Like everyone else, she was curious about how Jiang Li would respond.
However, after reading it, everyone found Jiang Li’s answers to be exemplary and backed with resources. His writing was succinct and filled with information that not even many had known, exemplifying his extensive knowledge. Unlike them, he didn’t just rote learn everything.
Seeing everyone’s confusion, Dean Li explained: “At first glance, there seems to be nothing wrong with this paper, but upon closer inspection, the issues are quite significant.”
“Most of the paper’s answers can be found in the book, meaning anyone who reads diligently will perform well.”
“But, although what Kong Li wrote isn’t exactly like the book, it’s not wrong.” Saint Pure Heart voiced everyone’s doubts.
Dean Li shook his head: “Close enough? This is Jiang Li’s life’s work. Every word is a precious gem deserving of contemplation. Can it be casually replaced?”
“I have studied Jiang Li’s theories my whole life. Each time I reread the ‘Compendium of Cultivation’, I gain something new.”
“With your current abilities, you’re far from comprehending the depth in Jiang Li’s books. Thus, you should memorize, practise, and then understand.” Dean Li adopted a concerned tone tailor-made for his students.
Jiang Li, in fact, wanted to say that the ‘Compendium of Cultivation’ was intended for Qi cultivators moving from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core. It’s an introductory text. What sort of epiphanies could someone of the Body Integration Realm possibly have reading it!
Dean Li continued: “For instance, this question about the definition of cultivation. ‘Compendium of Cultivation’ uses a page to define cultivation, but Kong Li summarized it in a simple sentence. How is that possible!”
Jiang Li asked: “Is it not possible that the ‘Compendium of Cultivation’ is not for Body Integration Realm cultivators, but for Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment? Can the detailed writings be summarized in a succinct sentence?”
“Absolutely not!” Dean Li asserted with determination, “Jiang Li is so great. His books naturally have no age or cultivation level restrictions: they’re for everyone.”
“I’ve studied Jiang Li’s theories for over a hundred years. Each time he came to the lecture hall, I’ve hosted him. No one understands Jiang Li’s thoughts more than I do!”
The Vice Dean, who was standing not too far away, remained noncommittal. Dean Li couldn’t stand anyone speaking ill of Jiang Li. He interpreted Jiang Li’s theories rigidly, following every word and phrase to the letter, insisting that Jiang Li’s theories were too precious to change even a single word.
“For this reading comprehension question, you assert that it was just a sunny day with no hidden meaning. How can Jiang Li write something without profound implications?”
“After days of continuous rain, he chose a sunny day to write his essay. Jiang Li’s intention must be to say that though there are numerous difficulties in cultivation, like the persistent rain, there will always be a clear day after the rain. We surely can overcome the difficulties and continue our cultivation.”
“This is Jiang Li motivating us!”
Jiang Li retorted, furrowing his brows: “Why must there be profound implications in what Jiang Li says?
Dean Li, with a stern look, shouted in rebuke: “How dare you! Someone like you can’t possibly dare to criticize Jiang Li!”
Are you suggesting Jiang Li is a sage, that every single word he utters is infallible, every document he writes has profound implications, and his behavior is so impeccable it’s beyond critique, and no discussions are allowed?”
Dean Li raged: “Just by your attitude towards Jiang Li, you are unworthy of being admitted! ”
“Jiang Li is a proud alumnus of our school. Someone like you attending the same school tarnishes our school’s reputation! It tarnishes the name of Jiang
Dean Li released the aura of the Body Integration Realm, trying to force this disrespectful individual to capitulate. The students underneath the platform couldn’t withstand the pressure of the Body Integration Realm. They felt as if a mountain had been placed on their shoulders, making even their breaths difficult.
Saint Pure Heart frowned slightly, a touch of anger in her heart. She wanted to counteract Dean Li’s pressure with hers.
But she quickly realized someone was even angrier than her.
“Tarnishing the Human Emperor’s reputation? I think you’re the one tarnishing my reputation ! ”
Jiang Li’s anger soared to the skies, like an ancient deity dancing behind him. His aura, shrouding the heavens, seemed to cover the entire world, but it targeted only Dean Li.
Jiang Li could no longer tolerate Dean Li’s twisted logic. He revealed his true identity, causing a stir among the audience.
A towering statue of Jiang Li stood in the academy. Who in the audience didn’t recognise Jiang Li?
Immediately, the hall filled with laughter, all of them openly mocking Dean Li.
They disliked rote learning too, but Dean Li was the dean and a Body Integration Realm cultivator. If he said rote learning was right and they wanted to be admitted, then rote learning was the only option.
Today, with Jiang Li openly challenging him, many students who were dissatisfied with Dean Li and his constant attribution of everything to Jiang Li were finally able to let off steam.
When I was at the academy, the academic atmosphere fostered freedom and openness, where different academic theories could coexist.”
“But now, it feels as though it’s become the Jiang Li Academy. The basic book I wrote for Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment cultivators is being treated as a classic text. You even claim to reap benefits from it, I’d like to ask, what benefits exactly have you gained!”
Jiang Li demanded sternly, looking gravely at the state of the academy. The dean was the direction of the academy. He was disheartened by what such a person was doing as the dean! What could you expect the academy to be under his leadership!
A stagnate water pool!
It’s ridiculous that he even hosts lectures here.
He only gives two lectures, and what can you teach in two days? Of course, it’s to inspire students, to guide them, and to stimulate their thinking about cultivation. Looking at the current situation, those lectures are a complete waste!
Filled with cold sweat, Dean Li would never have imagined that the Kong Li he’d scolded would turn out to be Jiang Li.
It was laughable that he’d dared to criticize Jiang Li’s writing and misinterpret Jiang Li’s intentions, claiming there had to be profound implications.
“Um, Human Emperor, this is all just a misunderstanding. I didn’t know you were Kong Li. If it’s you, of course, your paper definitely deserves full marks.”
“Dean Li Hengshan, this is not about who I am. You have not recognized your mistakes, and I am very disappointed in you!”
Jiang Li didn’t bother with Dean Li any longer. He walked over to the excited Vice Dean: “Vice Dean Meng, inform all the students that I, Jiang, will give a lecture.”
Vice Dean Meng immediately nodded, bowed to Jiang Li, and went to inform the students.
Finally, they don’t have to be subjected to Dean Li’s rigid theories!
That day, Jiang Li sat on his statue, hosting a lecture titled “Authority Can’t
Always Be Trusted”..