I have a composite mirror

Chapter 48 Meditation Room

The following afternoon, seven subject teachers sat in front of Gu Shenyan.

The head of teaching sat in the center.

On the left and right sides are Master Xia, who teaches Chinese literature; Mr. Qian, who teaches mathematics; and Instructor Zhao, who teaches physics, among others.

Gentlemen.

Director Li cleared his throat:

"The reason I've gathered everyone here today is to discuss Gu Shenyan's application for a leave of absence from school."

"According to the school rules, approval can only be granted with the consent of more than half of the subject teachers."

As he spoke, he looked at Gu Shenyan:

"Gu, are you ready?"

"The students are ready."

Gu Shenyan bowed with his hands clasped in greeting, his expression composed.

"Then let's begin."

Director Li nodded, then looked at the other teachers:

"Gentlemen, you may take turns testing us."

Master Xia spoke first.

He stroked his graying beard and tested him:

"Be careful what you say. Tell me, what is the meaning of the three words 'manifesting one's bright virtue' in the opening line of the Great Learning, 'The way of great learning lies in manifesting one's bright virtue'?"

Gu Shenyan pondered for a moment, then answered loudly:

"Master, these three words, though few in number, contain profound meaning."

The first character "明" is a verb, meaning to manifest or promote.

The second "明" is an adjective, meaning bright and clear.

"The two characters '明德' together refer to the inherent bright virtue in people's hearts."

He thought for a moment, then said:

"The Great Learning says, 'In manifesting one's bright virtue,' which actually tells us that the way to cultivate oneself is like a bright mirror covered with dust. It needs to be wiped clean from time to time in order to see one's true nature."

Master Xia listened and his eyes showed approval.

He asked several more questions, all concerning the subtleties of the Four Books.

Gu Shenyan answered each question precisely, hitting the nail on the head and drawing on a wide range of sources, combining Confucian classics with the current situation.

"Great! Excellent!"

Master Xia slammed his fist on the table and stood up:

"I have been teaching for thirty years and have seen no fewer than a thousand students."

"But very few people can truly integrate the meaning of the scriptures to this extent."

He looked at Gu Shenyan:

"Be careful what you say. With your departure, I fear I will lose one of my most prized students."

His words were full of reluctance.

Gu Shenyan quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply:

"These past few days, I have been fortunate to receive your teachings."

"Whenever I have free time in the future, I will definitely return to the school to learn from you, Master."

Master Xia waved his hand, his voice a little hoarse:

"I hope you truly mean it. I... agree to your leave of absence from school."

Next up is Mr. Qian, a mathematics scholar.

Mr. Qian was about forty years old, wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, and looked quite refined.

He wrote several math problems on a piece of paper and pushed it in front of Gu Shenyan:

"Can you solve these problems?"

Gu Shenyan glanced at it and chuckled inwardly.

These questions were a piece of cake for him, given his higher education in his previous life.

He picked up his pen and quickly wrote down the answer.

Mr. Qian took the paper, examined it carefully, and a look of surprise appeared in his eyes:

"This solution is quite novel."

"It's much simpler than the method I usually teach."

He put down the paper and looked at Gu Shenyan:

"Where did you learn this solution from?"

"Sir, I figured it out myself."

Gu Shenyan humbly replied:

"Please point out any errors, sir."

"Is it wrong? What's wrong with it?"

Mr. Qian shook his head and chuckled:

"Although this solution is different from the usual method, the answer is exactly the same."

"It's even simpler and clearer than the usual method."

He thought for a moment, then said:

"Gu, if you're interested, you could compile these solutions into a book someday."

"Perhaps it can be passed down to future generations and benefit those who study it."

Gu Shenyan cupped his hands in agreement.

Mr. Qian then posed several more difficult questions, all of which Gu Shenyan answered with ease.

"I agree as well." Mr. Qian nodded.

"With your academic abilities, it is indeed a waste for you to stay in school."

"Even if you don't go to that university, it's more beneficial to gain experience earlier."

Next, Zhao, the instructor of Gewu, and several other teachers took turns examining the students.

Gu Shenyan could answer all questions fluently, and sometimes even offered unique insights, which made these knowledgeable teachers take notice.

Ultimately, all seven teachers voted in favor.

Director Li nodded in satisfaction:

"Since all the gentlemen have agreed, then the matter of taking a leave of absence from school is settled."

He looked at Gu Shenyan, a hint of admiration in his eyes:

"Gu, I have a question for you."

"Please go ahead, Director."

"Are you in such a hurry to suspend your studies to prepare for next year's 'Xuanzheng Division recruitment'?"

Director Li's tone carried a hint of probing.

Gu Shenyan's heart stirred, but he remained outwardly calm: "This student does indeed have this intention."

"really."

Director Li touched his mustache:

"In fact, several senior students have applied for a leave of absence recently."

"Most of them are preparing for the recruitment of the Xuanzheng Division."

He glanced at Gu Shenyan:

"It's really rare to see someone like you who has already met the requirements for taking a leave of absence and graduating early in the second year."

Director Li stood up and walked up to Gu Shenyan:

"Gu, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

"Please speak freely, Director."

"Although the Xuanzheng Division offers generous benefits, it is ultimately dangerous."

Director Li's voice became serious:

"Every year, many young people are ruined by the clutches of demons in pursuit of their future."

"Given your talent, why not consider a clerical career?"

"Although the power and future prospects are not as good as those in the military, they are at least more stable."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shenyan shook his head: "Thank you for your concern, Director."

"But the student already has a choice in mind, and hopes the director will grant it."

Looking into his resolute eyes, Director Li finally sighed:

"Fine, since you've made up your mind, I won't try to persuade you any further."

"Just be extra careful in your future actions."

As he spoke, he took a document from the drawer, stamped it, and handed it to Gu Shenyan:

"This is your leave of absence certificate."

"From today onwards, you no longer need to come to school."

"but……"

He added:

"If you want to apply for early graduation in the future, you will still need to have the procedures approved by me."

Gu Shenyan accepted the document and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you, Director."

………………

As evening approached, the sun began to set in the west.

Gu Shenyan stood under the sycamore tree in the school, looking at the leave of absence certificate in his hand, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

From this day forward, he was completely free from the constraints of the school.

No longer need to worry about those tedious studies, you can devote all your energy to spiritual practice.

He put away the documents and turned to walk towards the west side of the school.

That is the "meditation room" that Xuanji will prepare for its members.

After passing through the corridor, we arrived at a secluded courtyard.

The courtyard gate was tightly closed, with a bronze plaque hanging on it that read "Quiet Room".

Gu Shenyan took out the bronze token that Xuanji would give him from his bosom and placed it in the groove on the door.

With a soft "click," the courtyard gate opened.

He walked into the courtyard.

The courtyard was small, with three side rooms arranged neatly in a row.

Each room door was covered with talismans, which faintly emitted fluctuations of spiritual energy.

Those talismans were clearly used to isolate the inside from the outside and prevent disturbances.

Seeing that one of the rooms was occupied, Gu Shenyan was not surprised. He went straight to the innermost room and pushed open the door.

The room was furnished very simply, with only a futon and a small incense burner.

Inside the incense burner, a stick of pale blue incense was burning.

The fragrance was exceptionally refreshing, instantly calming the mind.

He sat cross-legged on the prayer mat and closed the door.

In the past few days, he has already started the new mode of "assisted cultivation".

However, considering the unstable factors in his own martial arts school, he ultimately decided to be cautious and dared not try it rashly.

Now, in this meditation room, isolated from the outside world, it's perfect to give it a try without worry.