Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 542: Before fighting against the outside world, one must first make peace with the inside
Leisure time is always too short.

When the butterfly flew into the courtyard, Zhuge Wolong knew it was time to get to work.

Everyone in Baoan Hall was very busy. All the employees who came to visit him talked a lot. From the deputy hall master, the vanguard officer, General Yu Bai, the outstanding rogue cultivators A, B, C, and D, to the two children in Dugu Garden, everyone was busy.

The most common thing we hear is: We don't have much time left.

Xu Xuan's everyday catchphrases were passed down, along with a unique spirit.

Yu Yingnan, the top student at Dugu Garden, Li Yingqi's personal gunman, and the young poet from Qiantang, once mustered up the courage to ask the headmaster a question.

"For thousands of years, as time has flowed by, people have worked in accordance with the four seasons and rested with the sun and moon. But why do we suddenly feel that time is pressing down, like an arrow on a bowstring, causing us anxiety? Is it because times have changed, or people's hearts have changed?"

This question alone is way beyond Li Xianfeng's skill level.

Xu Xuan pondered for a moment and quoted the answer of a great man:

"The world turns, time presses on. Ten thousand years is too long, seize the day."

No matter what the world was like before, and no matter whether what we are doing can change the world, we must strive to do our best.

While leaving things to future generations may feel like a passing down of tradition, wouldn't it be better to accomplish everything with your own hands?

Such a powerful sentence instantly captured the hearts of all ambitious young people.

You might not truly understand it, but just saying it is enough to get your blood pumping. Or rather, it gives you a very unique feeling.

These words have remained in the Dugu Garden ever since.

When the story was relayed to Zhuge Liang, it also took root in his mind. From then on, this very idle new employee felt like ants were crawling all over his body, and even when he could move freely in the Qiantang River, he felt uncomfortable.

The guilt of wasting time has emerged, and the degree of self-pity has deepened further.

This meeting has come at just the right time; he can't wait!
Nighttime, inner courtyard.

Most of the department heads gathered in the conference room again.

Except for Gui Da, who has already gone to Dongting for an undercover mission, everyone else has arrived, even Xu Xuan arrived ahead of time.

This time there was no eerie wind, no flickering candlelight, and no distorted shadows.

There was no tranquil, dark tone or atmosphere.

People no longer play these kinds of games; they just chat idly under the bright lights.

Of course, the main reason was that the leader specifically warned everyone to be more composed since it was the first time the newcomers were attending the meeting.

We must project the image of a righteous and glorious force, even if the timing of the meeting is somewhat eerie.

At that moment, the door opened, and everyone's expressions became somewhat ambiguous.

Because the voice arrived before the person:

Three visits to the prison solidified the past; the east wind of life and death forged the soul.

A single thought can shake heaven and earth; the embers of one's heart and soul are dedicated to the people.

Excellent, excellent, excellent Zhuge Liang! He blends in so seamlessly.

The veteran employees clapped and laughed, and Taihu Shuijun even tried to join in the singing, but was interrupted by Master Xu while he was casting a spell.

Let the newcomers shine today; don't try to steal the spotlight.

Next up is the newcomer.

There was a scholar, over sixty years old, with graying temples, yet his spirit was high, his eyes bright as stars. He stood tall and walked with a steady gait; though the years had left their mark, his vigor and spirit remained undiminished.

His attire was simple yet impeccably clean; he wore a blue robe with a belt around his waist, adorned with jade pendants, and exuded an air of refined elegance as he walked.

It was none other than Zhuge Liang, the famous strategist who once shone throughout the capital.

The old gentleman made his first public appearance after getting a new look, and his appearance was truly remarkable.

He clasped his hands in greeting to everyone, then smiled broadly and said:

"I have failed my father's expectations, disgraced the name of the sage, and felt ashamed before Heaven and Earth and before myself."

"Zhuge Wolong has died in the prison of Dongyang County."

"My name is Zhuge Yu, and I greet you all."

Old Man Yu of Beishan, nearly ninety years old, lived facing the mountain. Dissatisfied with the obstruction of the mountain to the north and the circuitous route for travel, he gathered his family and discussed, saying, "Let us work together to level this dangerous terrain, opening a path to the south of Yu and reaching the Han River's edge. Is that acceptable?"
The character "愚" (foolish) is taken from this, and it can be considered an expression of one's aspirations.

Even at such an advanced age, he still has the determination to fight for his career until the very end.

At the same time, it also serves as a reminder that I have never had great wisdom, and calling myself foolish is quite fitting.

This transformation is astonishing; it's like a complete rebirth.

Changing his name to express his aspirations was a do-or-die move. The old gentleman's awareness was truly admirable.

Many leaders hope that their subordinates have the spirit of the Foolish Old Man Who Moved Mountains.

Xu Xuan's expression was strange. Why change his name?
What has Zhuge Wo and Zhuge Yu been pondering these past few days?
In prison, he was really just looking for this angle as a starting point. If others couldn't see it, wouldn't Xiaoqing see it too?

Why doesn't she try to persuade her?

Enough, enough. This secret must never be revealed now, or Master Zhuge will commit suicide on the spot.

Then Master Xu stood up and burst into laughter, a hearty laugh reminiscent of the heroes of Liangshan.

"Good, good, good, Zhuge Yu is a good name."

"Great courage appears as timidity, great wisdom appears as foolishness, the most noble person enjoys glory without official rank, and the most benevolent person lives long without physical exertion."

"Please take a seat, sir."

After saying this, he led Zhuge Yu to sit in a chair.

There are no rankings, no Heavenly Stars or Earthly Fiends, it's just an ordinary chair.

But as soon as he sat down, the fortune and karma of Baoan Hall began to merge with him.

The previously pale and dim fortune began to recover, while the cause and effect were absorbed by Master Xu.

If Gui Da were here, he would surely be able to sense the astonishing change in this old man.

The hexagram Qian (☰) below and Qian (☰) above, the first line (初九): The hidden dragon should not be used. The Han and Xiao passes are extremely dangerous, the bells and tripods have been overturned, the hidden dragon should not be used, the crows are on the roof, the Dao is praised on the platform, and the merit is corrected in the lower realm.

From now on, we will only wait for the time to fly to the heavens.

The Crouching Dragon abandoned the dragon, yet it possessed such grandeur; this is the essence of the "I Ching".

From then on, Baoan Hall once again received reinforcements, and these were very rare staff-type talents.

Xu Xuan was in high spirits; our power had grown even stronger.

"Meeting."

First, we summarized last year's achievements, then we looked ahead to this year's goals, and we made sure to raise any special circumstances or uncertainties during the meeting for discussion.

The heads of each department were well-prepared and began to explain their prepared materials.

Master Qing has really made a name for herself this time. Last year, she was the most powerful, with incredibly strong performance.

Then he was ruthlessly suppressed by Xu Xuan.

This little snake shouldn't be pampered too much, otherwise it might occasionally act like a snake.

The other reports were also commendable, but Yan Chixia mentioned a special case at the end.

Dugu Garden recently accepted a student from outside the area.

This young girl possesses a refined and elegant appearance, gentle and refined like jade, with an inner spiritual energy. Judging from her physical features, she seems to have an affinity for the Shu Mountain sword style. If she receives guidance from a renowned master, she will surely comprehend the heart of the sword, understand its intent, and achieve extraordinary success.

Its temperament is like a clear mountain spring, with a subtle air of otherworldly refinement, making it an excellent choice for spiritual cultivation.

The work of cultivating new talent has always been ongoing, through medicine, Taoism, and the study of things—there are many paths.

However, if we were to single out those with exceptional talent, it would undoubtedly be people like Yu Yingnan and Yan Renying.

Yan Chixia sensed a connection with Mount Shu and wanted to take it into his sect.

Everyone is very interested in this.

The previous Li Yingqi was already the vanguard officer of Taihu Lake. He used the Yue Nu Sword Technique in combination with the Zi Qing Twin Swords to kill people in droves, and he was unscrupulous.

To have reached the pinnacle of combat techniques within a single realm—that is the true value of a peerless genius destined for greatness.

Yu Yingnan and Yan Renying are also close to entering the Heavenly Gate of Enlightenment, and their cultivation is currently without obstacles.

This progress was so impressive it brought tears to the Taoist priest's eyes; the difference between people is just too great.

Now that another one has arrived, I naturally want to learn more about them.

Even Master Xu was eager to know whose child it was; he couldn't possibly...
"Her name is Zhou Qingyun. She comes from the Tao family in Qiantang County and is the granddaughter of an old housekeeper."

Xiaoqing raised an eyebrow, her eyes flashing with murderous intent.

Madam Tao was already somewhat suspicious, and now her suspicions have only intensified.

Xu Xuan's mind raced with thoughts. It turned out to be the same bad guy the little demon had mentioned in his letter last time. He didn't seem like a bad person on the surface, but his aura was very familiar.

As for the problems, there are definitely problems.

The calamity of Mount Shu is not yet completely over. Long-browed figures remain hidden in the shadows, and the Sichuan-Shu Demonic Alliance, though scattered, has not collapsed. Therefore, there will certainly be many more calamities to come.

These chosen sword masters were both favored and tested by Heaven.

Li Yingqi, Yu Yingnan, Yan Renying, and even Zhou Qingyun now, do not have a complete family.

They suffered so much at such a young age. Losing their parents was already a great hardship, but some even had their eyes gouged out.

It is precisely this balance that makes the sharpness of each divine sword so dazzling when it is born.

Xu Xuan found this pattern somewhat distasteful.

It's estimated that Zhou Qingyun's fate won't be very good either.

Then I'll go and meet this Mrs. Tao when I have time. Of course, I can still enjoy the sugar coating of her sweet talk.

“Conduct a formal background check on Zhou Qingyun, and then guide her swordsmanship in the direction of daily teaching.”

The legacy of the new Shushan lies with Yan Chixia and Li Yingqi; they can make the decision themselves.

After everyone had given their reports, it was Xu Xuan's turn to speak.

Without much preamble, he went straight to the Wenhe 37-year plan.

There were two main things to do in the first quarter.

The first task is to clear out Wu County on the day of the Awakening of Insects.

The second thing is to prepare for the battle at Dongting Lake.

Zhuge Yu was somewhat surprised, not expecting such a big commotion to happen so soon. Baoan Hall was indeed swift and decisive.

Xiaoqing picked up the documents and distributed them to everyone.

Then Master Xu began to briefly explain the purpose of the action.

He was not blinded by the series of brilliant achievements he had made last year. His career was just beginning, and he could barely control even the Wu County, which was only on the map.

There is still a large blank space in Yangzhou, and we must continue to forge ahead.

Therefore, the first major move of the year was to consolidate the rear.

On the day of Jingzhe (the Awakening of Insects), the first spring thunder rumbles, all things revive, and many demons awaken from their winter hibernation.

This is their nature, and the demons that awaken are mostly hungry, which will cause instability in people's lives.

This operation was undertaken to consolidate the base in Wu County and to clear up the various unexpected events caused by cause and effect.

Okay, that's just one of the reasons.

Another reason is to put oneself in another's shoes; even a turtle could have infiltrated the enemy camp.

What if those demons from Dongting Lake cause trouble right on our doorstep?

(End of this chapter)