"Good!!"
Watching the series of transformations unfold before him, Song Yingxing's confidence in the undying Academy grew stronger than ever. Especially after witnessing the depiction on the Sage Wall—the image of the ancient agrarian sage tilling the fields—a profound, intangible sense of duty surged into his heart. It weighed heavily on his shoulders. It was a responsibility he could not shirk.
"To the sages of my human race above, though I, Song Yingxing, am shallow in learning and modest in reputation, I dare today to report to the heavens and to the sages: I wish to establish a branch of the Hundred Schools—the Agricultural School—within the undying Academy.
Now, as the myriad realms merge, the world is in turmoil. The human race struggles to survive, many unable to fill their bellies. I vow to create an Agricultural Academy to cultivate more food and improve farming techniques, so that all people may eat their fill and live in peace. I pray for the blessings of Heaven and the sages.
Once more, I offer reverence to the heavens."
With solemn expression and reverent tone, Song Yingxing declared his intent—not just for the heavens to hear, but for the undying Academy itself, for the will of the people, and for the approval of the ancient sages.
The same declaration echoed once more:
"To the sages of my human race above, though I, Song Yingxing, am shallow in learning and modest in reputation…"
At that moment, throughout Xuanhuang City and across the thousands of miles under its domain, countless human citizens heard this very statement echo simultaneously in their minds.
The voice clearly belonged to Song Yingxing.
Yet it resonated not through physical sound, but through the mysterious power of the undying Academy, manifesting within each person's ears, mind, even soul. Even the deaf could understand its meaning in full.
Somewhere in the unseen forces of the world, a silent question arose in each person's heart:
"Do you agree, or not?"All one had to do was decide in their mind.
"I agree!!"
"Song Yingxing—he's the one who cultivated spiritual rice before! If he wants to establish an Agricultural Academy, that's amazing! Perfect! With him there, we'll definitely get more spiritual grains and spirit vegetables. I fully support him!"
"Absolutely! He's truly a man who cares for us commoners. I still remember how he distributed seeds for the Fiery Sky Peppers at the lowest price possible—he never hoarded them. That kind of selflessness makes him our true farming leader!"
In Xuanhuang City, the people's will converged. The message shown in their minds included not only the proposal to found the academy, but also Song Yingxing's past achievements. His character, actions, and results appeared clearly for all to see and judge.
Nearly all voices rose in approval. Few, if any, dissented.
"Approved!"
Within the undying Academy, a mysterious will responded, its voice echoing through the void.
At that moment, Song Yingxing felt a subtle but profound change within himself. Something intangible yet significant had shifted.
Whoosh!
The dense mist veiling the academy suddenly parted. Before their eyes, an enormous lake emerged. Its size was immeasurable, stretching far into the distance, with vast parts still shrouded in fog. Scattered across its surface were many islands.
From one such island came the sound of chanting students—Confucian disciples reciting the scriptures of the sages.
The undying Academy had a common area at the front, with all kinds of activities and buildings. But deeper within lay the true inner court—this massive Sea of Learning.
Each island on this sea belonged to a different school of thought.
Most of the sea remained hidden by fog, giving it an endless, mysterious appearance. But now, beside the Confucian island, a new island had emerged—appearing out of nowhere, a new home for the Agricultural School.
The group proceeded to the inner court, where the Sea of Learning was located.
"One academy, one island. One school of thought, one island.
This is the Immortal Academy.
Whenever a school gains recognition, and is acknowledged by the Academy, a new island will be born in the Sea of Learning. That island becomes the sacred land of the school.
How you build it, what you plant on it—that is up to you."
Cai Yong pointed toward the lake and explained:
"That's the Confucian island over there. The newly emerged one belongs to the Agricultural School.
You may now begin to build your sacred land upon it. One day, this sea will be filled with islands, and this place shall become truly grand."
The Sea of Learning represented the collective scholarly aspirations of the people. Its size was a reflection of how much knowledge, how many scholars, and how many books existed. The Immortal Academy was one with Xuanhuang City—thus, the sea represented the cultural foundation of the entire city.
The more knowledge, the bigger the sea.
But regular boats could not float on this sea. Anything placed upon it would sink like a stone.
"Where's the boat? We'll go over now. Once we're there, we must begin building the academy immediately. Let it be called the Shennong Institute!"
Song Yingxing was already looking forward to setting foot on the new island.
This was to be the foundation of the Agricultural School—its entire future depended on this place.
"No need to rush. You can't cross the Sea of Learning by normal means.
Look at that stone tablet first."
Cai Yong gestured to a stone monument standing beside the lake.
On it was carved a phrase:
"The mountain of books has a path—diligence is the way.The sea of learning has no shore—hard work is the boat."
"Only through diligence and toil can one cross the Sea of Learning. No other boat will float upon it.
On every island, a special ancient tree will grow—called the Tree of Hardship.
Each student who steps onto the island will be granted a sapling of this tree. The tree belongs only to them.
The harder they work, the faster the tree grows. Eventually, it can grow into a towering presence.
And only when the Tree of Hardship matures can it transform into a Hardship Boat to carry them across the sea."
Huang Chengyan added:
"The Tree of Hardship can even be planted in one's own spiritual sea.
It doesn't absorb heaven and earth energy—only your own diligence.
And once grown strong enough, it can not only cross the sea, but even fly."
It was a special gift—a divine opportunity given only by the Immortal Academy.
But—
"Even so, we still need to get to the island first. We don't have any hardship trees yet. How do we cross now?"
Song Yingxing frowned.
"Don't worry. For the first crossing, the true Hardship Boat will appear to carry you.
But after this, you'll have to rely on yourself.
In the beginning, your tree can only make a little floating board—not even a proper boat. Be careful crossing next time!"
Huang Chengyan smiled at the memory. He had once nearly fallen into the sea himself.
Splash!
As they spoke, a massive black Hardship Boat emerged from the distance, cutting through the water at incredible speed.
In the blink of an eye, it arrived at the shore.
No boatman.
"Just step aboard. It will carry you directly to your island.
Every time a new island is born, this boat will appear once.
After that, it disappears."
Cai Yong smiled.
Song Yingxing stepped aboard without hesitation.
Behind him, the Agricultural disciples followed.
Yi Tianxing and the others, however, remained on the shore.
They watched as the boat sailed off, carrying Song Yingxing and his people across the Sea of Learning toward their new home.
In a moment, the distance between them was vast.
"The Sea of Learning… the Tree of Hardship…
Father-in-law, if I want to step onto any of these islands in the future, do I need to plant one of those trees too?"
Yi Tianxing smiled and asked.
"You don't. That giant Hardship Boat is your personal vessel.
Whenever you wish, it will carry you across the sea.
Only you and I can summon the large Hardship Boat at will.
I am the Academy Master, and you are… the one to whom the Immortal Academy belongs."
Cai Yong replied with a smile.
No part of the Academy would ever bar Yi Tianxing.
From the very moment it was founded, the undying Academy became bonded to Yi Tianxing, linked to Xuanhuang City and its very destiny.
"That's good.
I hope one day this Sea of Learning will be filled with islands.
Then… it will be truly glorious."
Yi Tianxing looked out at the vast, empty waters and silently hoped for a flourishing future.