Chapter 512 Dream Journey

With the help of his mother, Empress Wang Zhi, his aunt, Liu Piao, and his grandmother, Empress Dowager Dou, Liu Che became the crown prince at the age of seven and ascended the throne at the age of sixteen. Moreover, at the time of his ascension, the two emperors before him had left him a very full treasury.

It can be said that Liu Che's beginning was very smooth.

But the same person who brought him success also brought him downfall. At this time, the power of the country was completely in the hands of Empress Dowager Dou and some relatives of different surnames. The young Liu Che found it difficult to accomplish anything and could only pass the time by going out shopping or riding horses and hunting every day.

With nothing else to do, I became somewhat interested in the so-called methods of seeking immortality and enlightenment.

After all, the Liu family, starting with the founding emperor, had always been involved in these supernatural and mystical matters. So Liu Che felt that it wouldn't be a big deal to learn about it; he wasn't someone who was easily fooled.

Besides, what if he actually gets his hands on something real?

The slender incense sticks were inserted into the gilded incense burner with animal patterns. Liu Che watched the rising smoke and felt that the light and shadows in front of him were blurred.

This Immortal-Seeking Incense is a secret medicine newly offered by alchemists. It is said to be able to connect the mysteries of heaven and earth and draw immortals into their dreams.

Liu Che didn't take it seriously, but the smell was indeed quite pleasant and seemed to have a calming effect. He slowly closed his eyes, resting his head on the cloud-patterned jade pillow.

Dreams surged like a tide, and the clear chimes of bronze bells tore through the chaos.

Liu Che's fingers gently brushed across the swirling clouds around him. He was acutely aware that he was dreaming, a lucid dream.

But this dream seems to be somewhat unusual.

The clouds and mist shifted rapidly, and the fragrance of ink wafted from the buildings with their green tiles and upturned eaves, as if Confucian sages were arriving with music.

The sage, whose face was obscured, held a sharp sword, the blade gleaming with a majestic blue light. The maxim, "Cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world," transformed into golden light, illuminating the surrounding fields like brilliant heavenly light.

The other person stood tall and elegant, his sword appearing and disappearing in his hand. With a light swing of the sword, invisible sword energy cleaved the clouds and mist into neat cuts, and the Daoist charm of "sitting in oblivion and without mind" permeated the air.

The last person, Lingxu, danced with his sword, unleashing a sky full of sword flowers. The strategic saying, "Hesitation leads to chaos," transformed into a tangible chessboard phantom, seemingly deducing the situation of the world.

Are Confucian scholars really that skilled in swordsmanship? Liu Che was utterly astonished; Dong Zhongshu had been keeping it a secret from him all along.

On the other side, the majestic Mo Family Mechanical City appeared, its bronze gates suddenly opening in the void.

The master mechanic, whose face was also obscured, commanded the mechanical tiger to roar out; as the huge iron hammer fell, the earth trembled and the ancient totem of "universal love and non-aggression" appeared.

A dashing swordsman plays the Ice Soul Melody with his sword, and the chilling ice shards cascade down like a silver river; a graceful young woman dances on the water, and a phoenix formed from ice crystals spreads its wings and soars. The chivalry and wisdom of the Mohists are displayed to the fullest.

Liu Che's eyes revealed only two words—"Want it!"

The two Taoists stood facing each other. One of them lightly swung his sword and arrow. As the Taoist energy flowed, the changing seasons appeared in an instant. The concept of "Tao follows nature" made all things stand still.

A person stands on a flying sword, a Tai Chi diagram spinning beneath their feet, drawing in air currents from all directions. Amidst the howling wind, the Daoist principles of Yin and Yang are fully revealed.

The Yin-Yang School's astrological platform rose from the clouds. One person, clad in black robes, raised his hand, and the power of the stars condensed into chains; another pointed his astrological staff towards the sky, creating a multitude of illusions; and yet another's "Ten Thousand Leaves Flying Flowers" technique transformed countless petals into sharp blades. The mystery and power of the Yin-Yang secret arts were awe-inspiring.

The Legalist man flicked out bamboo slips from his sleeve, and the legal provisions were written as a crimson fiery python.

The military strategist led his Golden Fire Cavalry on a cloud-like journey, their spears causing the army's formation to shift unpredictably.

The farmers used the Twenty-Four Earthly Branches Technique, causing the sun and moon to alternate and even the grass and trees to become soldiers.

The eloquence of famous figures can turn words into a real barrier;

The healer's silver needles darted through the air, bringing life to everything in their path...

The figures of the Hundred Schools of Thought converged, their different lights intertwining to form a magnificent galaxy. They shouted in unison, their voices shaking heaven and earth: "The Way of the Hundred Schools, together illuminating the universe!"

Emperor Wu of Han was captivated by the brilliance of the various schools of thought and couldn't help but applaud. If all the existing schools of thought possessed such abilities, why would he need to promote "the exclusive veneration of Confucianism"?

As an emperor, he naturally wants all the good things!

Unfortunately, it was just a dream.

As Liu Che was thinking this, he saw the various schools of thought in the void suddenly turn around and bow in his direction.

Their figures appeared and disappeared in the clouds, but their voices were clear as if they were right next to your ear: "The wishes of the hundred families are entrusted to you."

As Liu Che gazed at these ethereal figures, his heart surged with excitement. In a daze, he seemed to see a prosperous and peaceful world. Before he could think further, he nodded heavily.

Suddenly a cold wind swept in, and Liu Che abruptly opened his eyes. The incense ash in the incense burner had gone cold, and the moonlight outside the window was like water.

Liu Che shielded his eyes with his arm, looking lost and forlorn: "It was just a dream..."

[Ding! "The Wish of a Hundred Schools" has been successfully unlocked. Congratulations to the host for successfully binding with the Jixia Academy System. Let's work together to find the successors of the Hundred Schools and build the academy!]

A strange sound echoed in his mind, and Liu Che suddenly sat up, startling the eunuch on night watch outside.

"His Majesty?"

"Did you hear anything?"

Faced with Liu Che's questioning, the young eunuch lowered his head in fear and begged for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, this servant...this servant did not hear any sound..."

[Host, only you can hear my voice—]

Liu Che's eyes flickered. He stared at the eunuch's stiff back and, seeing that he was completely unaware, waved his sleeve to signal him to leave.

Once everyone else was in the hall, Liu Che calmly asked, "What are you? A mountain spirit or ghost?"

[I am the Jixia Academy System. I was bound to you after you agreed to the wishes of the Hundred Schools of Thought. I am not some mountain spirit or ghost.]

"Jixia Academy System..."

He wasn't quite sure what the system was, but he knew what the Jixia Academy was.

Thinking about everything he had just seen in his dream, he pondered, "So, it wasn't a dream?"

[This is the place where the aspirations of all the schools of thought in ancient China converged—]

The young Liu Che had a very quick mind. Upon hearing this, his first reaction was, "Could Emperor Taizu really be the son of the Red Emperor? Are the Liu family descendants of true immortals?"

Otherwise, this doesn't make sense!

Are there any other questions?

Seeing that Liu Che remained silent, the system couldn't help but press him for an answer.

Liu Che lay down on the bed seemingly unconcerned and casually said, "No problem, you can go now."

【Wait...why are you letting me leave? We're supposed to build the academy together!】

"Who agreed to go with you?" Liu Che raised an eyebrow indifferently, looking like a rogue.

You agreed! Everyone asked you, and you nodded!

"You actually believe what you're saying in your sleep?"

【You, my little pig...】

Liu Che suddenly raised an eyebrow: "Who are you calling 'piggy'?"

The system's voice sounded somewhat confused and flustered: "Isn't your nickname 'Zhi'er'?"

"Who told you that my nickname is Zhi'er?"

"Isn't that right? I remembered it as unofficial history..." The system's voice trailed off as it fell silent.

Liu Che understood, a glint of insight flashing in his eyes. This system didn't seem very intelligent, so...

Liu Che stroked the jade pendant at his waist, then suddenly smiled and said, "Fine, if you really want me to build an academy, that's not impossible."

He slowly and deliberately plucked at the system's heartstrings, "But there's never a free lunch in this world—what do you intend to give in exchange for my approval?"