All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman

Chapter 15: Xu Xinnian Requests a Poem

Haoran Tower.

Li Yuchun had just returned and promptly reported the events that had occurred on the streets.

Upon hearing this, Wei Yuan furrowed his brows. He had not expected these two individuals, whose cultivation levels were not particularly advanced, to possess such boldness.

It was truly surprising—such youthful fervour, brimming with vitality and ambition. Truly, they were young talents of promise.

“I have just conducted an investigation. Both of them seem to possess some talent for solving cases. In terms of martial cultivation, their strengths appear roughly equal.”

“However, Lin Qiye’s talent in swordsmanship is more pronounced. Though he appears to be merely at the ‘Refining Essence’ stage, he has somehow comprehended ‘Sword Intent.'”

“Sword Intent?”

Wei Yuan’s face revealed his astonishment. Sword Intent was no trifling matter. Those who could comprehend it often had a boundless future.

To comprehend Sword Intent required reaching the pinnacle of swordsmanship through relentless refinement and perseverance. Yet now, someone claimed that a mere cultivator at the ‘Refining Essence’ stage had grasped this elusive concept—it sounded absurd.

“As for the other, Xu Qi’an, he is skilled with the blade. The bond between the two is remarkably close.”

“Xu Qi’an’s potential in cultivation remains unclear, but it is unlikely to be anything ordinary…”

Wei Yuan listened carefully to Li Yuchun’s report, his thoughts settling. These two seemed to have a talent for solving cases.

More importantly, Lin Qiye had composed the ‘Song of Ascending the Golden Terrace,’ a poem with no equal before or after—reckless yet profoundly impressive. His poetry was exceptional, yet he was also a swordsmanship prodigy.

Regardless, these two had to be recruited. Wei Yuan found their temperaments rather agreeable. After all, who had not been spirited and ambitious in their youth? Even Wei Yuan himself had been more daring in his younger years.

Having two talents appear simultaneously left Wei Yuan somewhat torn. Years ago, the Supervisor of the Directorate of Celestial Monitoring had hoped for him to take a particular position, but he had declined.

Now, with two potential candidates emerging, Wei Yuan wondered how the Supervisor might choose. Perhaps it was time for him to visit the Supervisor.

Wei Yuan had his own considerations. These two seemed to match his ideals, even if they had not yet joined the Nightwatchers. There were instincts that simply felt right, and these two gave him that sense.

Wei Yuan had made his decision, and so had Princess Huaiqing. She had long acknowledged Lin Qiye’s talent—he was a gifted individual. Learning now that he was also a genius in swordsmanship, capable of comprehending Sword Intent, solidified her assessment. These two were undoubtedly qualified to join the Nightwatchers—brave, strategic, and decisive.

Their actions were swift and precise, marked by resoluteness—traits essential for achieving great deeds. Lin Qiye’s name had already begun to spread due to his ‘Song of Ascending the Golden Terrace.’

Even Xu Xinnian from Yunlu Academy had heard of it. Upon returning home, he sought Lin Qiye’s help.

As it turned out, a senior scholar from the academy was departing on a long journey, and their teacher had instructed everyone to compose farewell poems. However, Xu Xinnian found himself troubled by the task.

Xu Xinnian excelled at discourse and argumentation, but poetry was his weakness. When Xu Qi’an heard this, he asked:

“Cijiu, when will you finally break through to the Eighth Rank ‘Cultivation of Self’ stage?”

Xu Xinnian followed the Confucian path, and Yunlu Academy was a place of great history. Founded over a thousand years ago by the first disciple of a Confucian sage, it was a revered institution where countless individuals aspired to study. It was also the only place remaining where one could pursue Confucian cultivation.

The Ninth Rank of Confucian cultivation was known as ‘Opening the Mind,’ a stage that lacked substantial combat ability. Its benefits were limited to enhanced memory and accelerated learning.

Xu Xinnian shook his head, frustrated. He had yet to touch the threshold of ‘Cultivation of Self.’

The stage of ‘Opening the Mind’ was relatively simple to reach—provided one’s comprehension was sufficient. Memorising the classics of the sages until they became second nature and internalising their teachings could lead to enlightenment.

In essence, it was said that reading a text a hundred times would reveal its meaning, mirroring the gradual accumulation required in the martial arts.

Scholars at the ‘Cultivation of Self’ stage possessed unwavering resolve, and their words could inspire and galvanise others.

Xu Xinnian then turned to Lin Qiye, requesting, “Brother Lin, a senior from our academy is departing for Qingzhou, and all the scholars are expected to compose farewell verses. Could you give me some guidance?”

At this, everyone looked at Lin Qiye. As a tenant in their home and sworn brother of Xu Qi’an, Lin Qiye was still not a true family member. Why would he help?

Xu Lingyue whispered softly, “Second Brother, how could you…”

After all, seeking help from an outsider when one was a student of the academy seemed rather laughable.

Li Ru glared at Xu Lingyue, displeased. “Your second brother is exceptionally talented, yet poetry is not his strength.”

Lin Qiye glanced at Xu Qi’an and chuckled lightly. “Brother Cijiu, it’s not that I refuse to help, but isn’t there already a poetry expert in this room?”

Everyone exchanged glances, puzzled by his words, until they noticed his gaze fixed on Xu Qi’an.

“Brother Lin, are you saying my elder brother can compose poetry too?” Xu Lingyue asked.

Li Ru immediately doubted, “Xu Qi’an writing poetry? Stop joking.”

Everyone appeared confused, questioning the idea—after all, they had lived with Xu Qi’an. If he possessed literary talent, they would surely know.

Lin Qiye nodded solemnly. “I share a room with Ningyan. If he can compose poetry or not, I would naturally know.”

“He has always concealed his brilliance, rarely showcasing his talent. Even I have learned from him. If not for the crisis the Xu family faced, his abilities might have remained buried.”

Xu Qi’an felt speechless—this fellow was clearly dragging him into the matter. When had Lin Qiye ever learned anything from him? If anything, it should be the other way around.

Seeing Xu Xinnian’s hesitation, Xu Qi’an ultimately decided to step up. After all, they were family, and building connections could benefit them all.

“Cijiu, you finally understand. As your elder brother, I am relieved.”

If Xu Xinnian had cultivated more connections with the academy’s scholars before, perhaps the Xu family’s previous crisis could have been averted.

Xu Pingzhi’s brows furrowed as he muttered, “Your maternal grandfather only knows essays, not poetry.”

Li Ru shot him a glare, “Are you blaming my father now? If Cijiu became a scholar, it’s thanks to the Li family. Look at Lingyin—she takes after you, and she hasn’t even begun her studies.”

Xu Qi’an interrupted with a smile, “Auntie, the Xu family has its own talents. After all, you married my second uncle, didn’t you?”

“Today, I shall compose a poem and show you the true calibre of the Xu family!”