Chapter 60: Pillars of Wisdom
After completing the extensive restructuring of the academy system throughout the Country of Everglow, Ye Caiqian finally returned to the City of Beginning. As he passed through the bustling city gates, the air was filled with joyful cheers and reverent gazes from countless citizens, warmly welcoming back their deity who had illuminated the path to civilization and progress.
Standing atop a grand platform in the central square, Ye Caiqian gazed upon the sea of excited faces and felt deeply moved. After a moment of reflection, he spoke, his voice resonant and powerful, effortlessly reaching every ear in the crowded square.
"People of Everglow, today marks yet another significant step forward in humanity's journey. With your dedication, we have successfully established academies that will foster knowledge and cultivation across our nation. Yet, we must not become complacent; our path toward true enlightenment is continuous and endless."
His gaze swept over the eager faces as he continued solemnly, "To align our cultivation path more clearly and efficiently, I will introduce today a more structured and purposeful system. This new cultivation system, known as the 'Soul Master System,' will clearly define each level of spiritual progress and offer a clearer roadmap for future generations."
Ye Caiqian paused briefly, allowing everyone to absorb his words before clearly declaring the new hierarchy of cultivation:
"Tier 1 shall now be known as Soul Trainee—those beginning their journey.
Tier 2 will be Soul Master—those who master basic control of soul power.
Tier 3, Soul Grandmaster—those gaining deeper mastery and strength.
Tier 4, Soul Elder—individuals whose power and experience grow profound.
Tier 5, Soul Ancestor—representing deep-rooted strength and skill.
Tier 6, Soul King—those who wield significant mastery over soul abilities.
Tier 7, Soul Emperor—powerful beings of immense spiritual influence.
Tier 8, Soul Saint—individuals approaching the peak of mortal cultivation.
Tier 9, Soul Douluo—those who have nearly transcended mortal limitations.
And those beyond the ninth tier shall be known forevermore as Titled Douluo, beings closest to divinity."
The gathered crowds erupted into cheers, immediately grasping the clarity and logic this new structure provided. Humanity now had an elegant and definitive cultivation hierarchy that would guide countless future generations clearly and effectively.
Satisfied with the positive response, Ye Caiqian smiled gently and raised his hand, quieting the crowd. "Yet, this is merely the beginning. To ensure humanity's knowledge and wisdom endures for eternity, we must strengthen the foundations of our two greatest institutions: the Library of Wisdom and the Research University of Beginning."
The crowd fell silent, sensing the gravity of his words. Ye Caiqian continued solemnly, "These two institutions are the lifeblood of human civilization. But for them to last forever, they must be entirely independent of politics, power struggles, and transient worldly affairs."
Thus, Ye Caiqian announced the divine law governing the Library of Wisdom: "From this day forth, the Library of Wisdom shall serve as humanity's eternal custodian of knowledge. It must collect, preserve, and maintain knowledge impartially and unconditionally. It will never interfere—whether positively or negatively—in humanity's path forward. It shall remain forever neutral, a sacred ground free from worldly disputes."
Similarly, for the Research University of Beginning, he declared clearly: "The Research University of Beginning shall serve all humanity. It will remain forever devoted solely to research, innovation, and discovery, free from political influence or ambition. This institution shall be open equally to all who wish to study and contribute. Those who manage this university will forever be barred from intervening in political or military matters."
The solemn clarity and foresight of these laws resonated deeply with everyone. Humanity had already experienced firsthand the chaos born from unchecked ambition and the corruption that could poison institutions. With these measures, Ye Caiqian ensured these vital institutions would remain pure, lasting anchors for human civilization.
Over the following weeks, Ye Caiqian personally oversaw the meticulous restructuring of both institutions. He worked diligently with scholars, educators, and researchers, implementing strict guidelines and ensuring clear accountability.
At the Library of Wisdom, he established clear archival standards, systematic categorization of knowledge, and robust preservation techniques. He personally selected scholars known for impartiality, integrity, and deep passion for knowledge, appointing them as permanent librarians and guardians. Under their stewardship, knowledge would endure beyond countless generations.
Simultaneously, at the Research University, Ye Caiqian began carefully establishing specialized elemental halls designed to delve deeply into humanity's elemental cultivation knowledge. Eight grand halls were constructed, each dedicated explicitly to one core element: Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, Light, Darkness, Space, and Life.
Each hall was beautifully crafted, filled with exquisite symbolism related to its respective element. The Hall of Water had serene fountains and clear pools; the Hall of Fire glowed with perpetual flame; the Hall of Earth featured solid stone and rich greenery; the Hall of Wind remained open to gentle breezes. The Halls of Light, Darkness, Space, and Life similarly reflected their elements uniquely, inspiring awe and reverence from students and scholars alike.
Understanding that buildings alone would not guarantee lasting success, Ye Caiqian decided to take on eight personal disciples, each profoundly gifted and possessing natural affinities matching the respective elements. These disciples, carefully selected through rigorous tests across the nation, would become the first-generation Hall Masters, personally trained by Ye Caiqian to uphold standards, ethics, and excellence in elemental research and cultivation.
Ye Caiqian devoted years patiently and thoroughly training these disciples, teaching them not only advanced cultivation techniques but also instilling a profound sense of duty, neutrality, integrity, and humility. He shaped them not merely as powerful cultivators but as wise leaders capable of guiding future generations and upholding the institution's integrity.
Each disciple underwent rigorous training in spiritual cultivation, profound philosophical discussions, scholarly debates, moral lessons, and comprehensive elemental mastery. Ye Caiqian personally imparted his deep insights, gently yet firmly guiding them toward profound understanding and unwavering dedication.
Over time, these eight disciples—four men and four women—became respected figures within the university. Students and scholars admired them deeply, inspired by their wisdom, fairness, and humility. Under Ye Caiqian's careful mentorship, they developed a genuine reverence for knowledge and an unwavering commitment to neutrality and impartiality.
During this time, Ye Caiqian closely observed the disciples, personally ensuring they remained devoted solely to the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual excellence. Gradually, his disciples began independently managing their respective elemental halls, training talented scholars, innovating new cultivation techniques, and contributing profoundly to humanity's overall growth and understanding of the elements.
Under this diligent framework, decades passed smoothly. Ye Caiqian continuously supervised progress, providing gentle corrections, clear guidance, and unending encouragement. The Research University and Library of Wisdom both flourished significantly, quickly becoming respected centers of scholarship, innovation, and spiritual growth, attracting countless students and scholars from all over the nation.
For fifty full years, Ye Caiqian devoted himself exclusively to overseeing, refining, and reinforcing these two great institutions. His presence became a reassuring constant, guiding humanity steadily and impartially toward lasting intellectual and spiritual prosperity.
At the end of this half-century, Ye Caiqian stood quietly atop the university's highest tower, overlooking the bustling campus and the flourishing city beyond. Below, students and scholars studied earnestly, guided by ethical leadership and driven by a profound passion for knowledge.
He knew clearly that these institutions had finally matured enough to endure without him. With wise leadership, rigorous guidelines, clear neutrality, and strict accountability in place, these vital institutions were now well-positioned to support humanity's continued growth indefinitely.
Gently smiling, Ye Caiqian whispered softly, a quiet promise carried by the wind:
"May these pillars of wisdom stand eternally, guiding humanity toward an endless horizon of knowledge and enlightenment."
His words faded into silence, becoming an enduring blessing that humanity would cherish forevermore.