Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Before the morning bell tolls, the mist awakens.

The morning mist over Lingtai Fangcun Mountain is unusually clear today.

Pale gold and moon white intertwine, transforming into a thin veil, with the seventy-two peaks hidden behind it, their outlines hazy, resembling an impressionistic landscape painting.

Li Yanyin got up at the hour of Yin and stood under the old plum tree in the courtyard, gazing at the sky through his eyes.

In the direction of the main peak, the sea of ​​clouds surged like boiling water, and a purple aura seemed to come from the east for three thousand miles, condensing into a canopy of auspicious clouds in the clouds.

Furthermore, a clear light enveloped the entire immortal mountain, appearing even more profound and mysterious than the usual protective array.

Li Yan withdrew his gaze and turned to enter the quiet room.

Inside the quiet room, the Small Five Elements Life Array was running continuously, and the six Earth Essence Seeds had already sprouted about an inch long.

The buds are covered with glistening dewdrops, full of vitality.

The gray sable was curled up on the cushion. When it saw him come in, it raised its head and whimpered softly. Its injuries had healed by about 70%.

"Something important is happening in the mountains today. You should rest well and not wander around."

Li Yan took out a small pinch of spirit rice to feed it before changing into a clean gray robe.

Before leaving the house, close your eyes, concentrate, and reflect on your inner state.

【Li Yan】

【Destiny: Hibernating Dragon Awakening (Blue)】

[Cultivation Level: Opening Stage (Nine Apertures Perfected)]

[Seed of Dao: Unformed (Current Progress: Seed Embryo Formation in Progress 4%)]

[Techniques: "The Classic of Simplicity" (Completed), "The Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" (Completed), "A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder" (85/100)]

[Supernatural Powers: Mind Mirror Reflects Objects, Initial Listening, Enlightenment, Hidden Dragon Conceals Breath]

[Aura of Destiny: 70/80 (Gained from comprehending the chess game and healing the spirit beast)]

"Today's discussion on chess is the opportunity to knock on the door."

Li Yan opened his eyes and pushed open the door to go out.

Outside the courtyard, many disciples were already hurrying along the stone steps of the mountain path, all heading towards the main peak, Yuntai.

In the crowd, those in gray robes who were registered, those in indigo robes who were true disciples, and those in coarse linen clothes who were sweeping were all mixed together.

True disciples mostly travel by sword, while sweeping disciples mostly walk, and those who are registered stay in the middle, traveling in twos and threes.

Li Yan mingled in the crowd.

With his ears wide open, he took in all the surrounding discussions.

"...I've heard that the guest is a celestial being from beyond the heavens, and has been a friend of the patriarch for a thousand years!"

"More than that!"

My master said that when that person set out, a vast expanse of purple aura stretched for thirty thousand miles, but this time, with the rainbow bridge spanning the sky, the aura had been subdued.

"I wonder what kind of scene this discussion on chess will be like."

Last time, Senior Brother Zhao watched the game for three days and broke through several key points. Now he is the top disciple of the Weapon Pavilion!

"This time it's probably even more incredible! Didn't you see that even the sweeping disciples are allowed to ascend to the Cloud Platform? They must have received an extraordinary stroke of luck!"

The more they talked, the more excited they became, and their pace quickened.

Li Yan remained calm as always.

The platform is not open yet, so no matter how early you arrive, you can only wait on the outside.

It's better to slow down, regulate your breathing, and conserve your energy.

Halfway there, they suddenly saw a flash of golden light ahead.

"Senior brother!"

Sun Wukong somersaulted down beside him, his golden eyes gleaming, and he scratched his ear and laughed.

"Finally found you! Come on, let's find a good spot!"

Today it wore a brand new indigo-gold Taoist robe and had a purple-gold true teaching token hanging at its waist.

The golden pillar of fortune above their heads shone even brighter, seemingly threatening to overshadow the rising sun.

The four-colored calamity energy swirled and churned around it, yet it could not penetrate its core.

The golden spot between his eyebrows had grown from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a soybean, with runes flowing inside, showing signs of breaking out of its shell.

"Junior brother, you are quite remarkable today," Li Yan said with a smile.

"Hehe, last night while studying the chess manual, I suddenly had a realization; it seems that the Dao Seed has improved even further!"

Sun Wukong scratched his head and whispered,

"Senior brother, do you think that guest today might want to spar with me? I'm itching to get my hands dirty!"

Li Yan chuckled: "Discussing the Way of Chess is not about fighting with magic, but about understanding the Way."

"If my junior brother could play a game of chess with that person, it would be a great opportunity."

"Okay, okay!" Sun Wukong scratched his ear. "Let's go, or there won't be any seats in the front!"

The two quickened their pace and followed the flow of people to the main peak.

At the summit of the main peak, the cloud platform is vast.

The platform is based on white jade, spanning hundreds of feet in length and width, with four ancient stone tripods standing at its four corners.

The smoke from the cauldron curled upwards, condensing and refusing to dissipate.

In the center was a flat, empty space, devoid of anything.

However, the ground is engraved with intricate Bagua (Eight Trigrams) patterns, which are faintly connected to the earth's veins of the entire Fangcun Mountain.

At this moment, thousands of disciples had gathered around the Cloud Platform.

The front row is the area for true disciples, with about a hundred people, each with a profound aura, and even the weakest among them showing signs of the initial condensation of the Dao Seed.

Familiar faces such as Zhao Yuanqing and the red-clad female cultivator were all present, each sitting cross-legged and adjusting their breathing, their expressions solemn.

The middle row consisted of registered disciples; hundreds of people stood silently, occasionally exchanging hushed conversations.

Zhou Mingli, who was standing near the front, nodded slightly when he saw Li Yan arrive.

The disciples in the back row were sweeping and cleaning, most of them looking excited and glancing around.

Li Yan and Sun Wukong walked to the edge of the front row and found an inconspicuous spot to sit down.

The hour of Chen (7-9 AM) is approaching.

As the eastern sky gradually brightens, the purple aura intensifies.

Suddenly, a clear and melodious jade chime rang out from the center of the cloud platform.

"clang!"

The sound of the chime spread like waves, cleansing the mind and spirit.

The disciples immediately fell silent and all looked toward the center of the cloud platform.

A soft white light shone from the Bagua diagram, and a figure appeared out of thin air—it was none other than the Bodhi Patriarch.

Today, the patriarch is dressed in a plain white Taoist robe, his hair is tied up with a hairpin, and he holds a green jade whisk in his hand, with a serene expression.

He stood in the center of the Bagua diagram, his gaze sweeping over the disciples below the stage, and said in a gentle voice:

"Today we will discuss the art of chess, and an old friend will be arriving."

"Observe quietly, without making a sound or moving rashly. How much you can understand depends entirely on fate."

As soon as he finished speaking, the patriarch gently waved his whisk.

The Bagua pattern shone brightly, and the entire cloud platform trembled slightly, completely connecting with the earth veins of the seventy-two peaks.

In an instant, everyone felt as if they had stepped onto the spiritual vein hub of Fangcun Mountain.

The workings of nature have never been so clear.

"They're here."

The patriarch looked up at the sky.

Purple clouds surged across the eastern horizon.

A rainbow bridge descended from the heavens, its structure neither real nor illusory, but formed from the condensation of endless Daoist principles.

The bridge was bathed in a soft, clear light, obscuring its exact shape, except for a tall, slender figure slowly descending.

The man wore a moon-white Taoist robe, his hair was secured with a wooden hairpin, and his face was shrouded in a hazy, clear light, making it difficult to see clearly.

Only his eyes were gentle and warm, like jade.

His gaze shifted, as if the stars were rising and falling, and the world was being created.

With each step taken, the rainbow bridge becomes more solid.

Upon reaching the sky above the cloud platform, the rainbow bridge dissipated, transforming into specks of clear light that disappeared into his sleeve.

The Taoist priest landed gracefully and stood opposite Bodhi Patriarch.

"Fellow Daoist, how have you been?" The Daoist's voice resonated in everyone's hearts.

"My old friend, you are still as charming as ever." The patriarch smiled. "Please."

The two sat cross-legged at the eye of the yin-yang symbol.

The middle space was empty, without tables, chairs, chess pieces, or a chessboard.

In an instant.

"Buzz!"

The entire cloud platform, spanning hundreds of feet in circumference, transforms into a massive three-dimensional chessboard.

The chessboard is three-dimensional, layered, and a vast star map composed of countless tiny points of light.

The points of light are divided into black and white, forming miniature worlds that move slowly.

It has the appearance of the initial chaos when the pure and turbid energies separated.

There is a small world where the five elements rotate and cycle through mutual generation and restraint.

A long river of fate, woven from the threads of cause and effect.

Time flows on, fragments of time intertwined with the past and the future...

A single point of light, or a small world, is also a manifestation of some kind of great principle.

"This is... Heaven and Earth as the scales, and the rules as the pieces!"

A disciple in the front row gasped softly, then covered his mouth, his eyes filled with shock.

Li Yan opened his eyes wide and stared at the three-dimensional star map.

The mirror of the heart reflects and imprints the trajectory of the light points, showing their interconnectedness.

However, the information was too vast and profound. In just a few breaths, he felt a stinging pain in his soul and quickly focused his gaze, only taking in the general outline.

Even so, I have already benefited greatly.

The movement of those light spots subtly corresponds to the various chess principles in "The Endgame of the Heavenly Chess", yet far exceeds what is recorded in the chess manual.

This is the true manifestation of the Great Dao, a game of chess between two supreme beings using the rules of heaven and earth.

"My old friend, shall you take the black or the white?" the patriarch asked gently.

"Today, I will take up the white robe." The Taoist priest lightly flicked his sleeve.

In the star map, about half of the light spots changed from chaos to pure white, and the other half changed to pitch black.

The white light shimmered and flowed, its grandeur magnificent.

The black motif is deep, ancient, profound, and enduring.

"please."

The patriarch extended his finger and pointed it in the void.

A point of black light flew out and disappeared into the center of the star map.

In an instant.

The chaotic light spots in that area surged, and the clear and turbid energies began to separate at an accelerated pace.

It is subtly evolving into a new world.

But the patriarch's move was not placed in the center of chaos, nor at the boundary between purity and turbidity.

It was placed in a very subtle position.

The rising force of pure qi and the sinking force of turbid qi are perfectly balanced at that point.

At this point, the separation of the clear and the turbid did not accelerate, but gradually slowed down, and they became entangled with each other, forming a balance.

"wonderful."

The Taoist nodded and pointed with his finger.

A point of white light flew out and landed three inches diagonally above the black piece.

The white light entered the area, causing a jolt of chaos.

The Daoist principles then spread out.

The pure and turbid energies, drawn together by this force, slowly began to rotate, forming a small vortex.

At the center of the vortex, a faint light appeared, as if something was about to be born.

The two played back and forth, their pieces landing in the air, without substance or sound.

But with each move, the corresponding small world in the star chart undergoes dramatic changes, evolving into all sorts of mysterious phenomena.

Black's pieces are solid and defensive, placed at crucial points to curb the evolution of White's pieces.

White pieces are intelligent and adept at attacking, thus using skill to overcome brute force and create new opportunities in seemingly impossible situations.

Gradually.

The small worlds evolved from black and white light dots began to influence each other, occasionally connecting, colliding, or merging.

The cycle of the five elements is intertwined with cause and effect, giving rise to new variables.

The long river of time and the shifting of stars intertwine, creating ripples in space and time.

The reversal of Yin and Yang, in opposition to the birth and death of all things, unleashes the Daoist rhythm of destruction and rebirth...

The entire star map transformed into a microcosm undergoing a frenzied evolution.

The patriarch and the Taoist priest are the creators and players in this microcosm.

One move can trigger a chain reaction.

A single hair can affect the whole body.

The disciples below the stage were already completely captivated.

The disciples in the front row held their breath and concentrated, trying to comprehend every subtle change in the star chart.

Some people were sweating profusely, while others were trembling slightly.

Those in the middle and back rows, who were signing names and cleaning, were simply observing the evolution of their own little world and felt that the Great Dao had never been so clear and tangible.

Li Yan closed his eyes slightly, using his mind as the pivot to sense the overall flow of the star chart.

The black pieces are like the earth, heavy and enduring, advancing step by step.

The white pieces are like the wind in the sky, formless, ethereal, and all-pervasive.

"Thump...thump...thump..."

Unbeknownst to him, Li Yan heard a heartbeat.

A single heartbeat corresponds to a major shift in the astrological chart.

And his nine orifices resonated slightly in response.

The water-elemental spiritual energy in the Qi Sea is drawn by a small world called "Lotus Blossoms in Water" in the star chart, causing it to circulate and accelerate on its own.

The fire-elemental true energy within the Crimson Palace resonated with a formation called "Fire Burns the Heavens," subtly surging.

The earth element spirit within the Niwan Palace, nourished by the central Wu Earth formation, becomes increasingly solid...

Within the mirror of the mind, the progress of the Dao Seed's condensation began to slowly fluctuate.

[Observe the Great Dao's manifestation, feel the rhythm of heaven and earth, and the progress of Dao seed condensation +10%...]

Current percentage: 14%

[“A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder” is inspired by the wind and thunder formation in the star chart, comprehension +10]

Current time: 95/100

It's not just Li Yan.

Around the cloud platform, disciples continuously emitted various colored spiritual lights.

One of the sweeping disciples let out a muffled groan, his aura surging, and he broke through two apertures in succession, advancing directly from the mortal realm to the Opening Aperture stage.

One of the registered disciples sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, and a faint vortex of energy appeared above his head, clearly indicating that he was trying to break through to the Dao seed.

The area inhabited by true disciples was filled with even more unusual phenomena.

A speck of platinum light flickered between Zhao Yuanqing's brows, and a phantom sword shadow faintly appeared behind him.

That is a sign that the seed of Tao is about to sprout and manifest one's innate supernatural powers.

The female cultivator in red was surrounded by crimson clouds, with the phantom of a Vermilion Bird seemingly hovering around her.

Further away, a tall, slender disciple, with a verdant bamboo stalk growing above his head, swayed gracefully...

But of all the people, the most astonishing phenomenon was that of Sun Wukong.

The monkey sat cross-legged beside Li Yan, its eyes closed and its brows furrowed.

The golden spot between his brows had transformed into a miniature sun, with runes flowing and changing within it.

A golden pillar of light shot into the sky, almost piercing through the clear light barrier above the cloud platform.

The four-colored calamity energy was constantly dissipated by the golden light, yet it would re-condense and entangle endlessly.

Meanwhile, the aura surrounding him was rapidly surging and constantly transforming.

On the first day, they contemplated the initial chaos and the cycle of the five elements.

Sun Wukong's golden embryo spontaneously sank down, connecting with the Qi and blood of the Crimson Palace.

It corresponds to the divine will of the Niwan point above and connects with the essence of the Qihai point below, thus establishing an invisible root within the body.

The next day, I realized the entanglement of cause and effect, and the impending calamity.

The embryo is nourished by the rhythm of the Great Dao, and its roots spread to the limbs and bones, completely connecting with the nine orifices.

On the surface of the embryo, a tiny crack appeared, and a tender golden sprout slowly emerged.

The second step in cultivating the Dao is nurturing the root and achieving perfection.

The third step is sprouting, which marks the beginning.

The young buds exuded a powerful spiritual energy and began to nourish Sun Wukong.

Nourished by the spiritual sprout, the body faintly glowed with a pale golden luster, and thunderous sounds emanated from within the bones.

Even when closed, his golden eyes shone with a dazzling light.

On the third day, experience the long river of time, the shifting of stars and the reversal of yin and yang.

The tender golden buds grow rapidly in the wind, sprouting branches, unfolding leaves, and taking shape at an astonishing speed...

In less than half a day, a strange Dao tree, three feet tall, grew in the ancestral aperture between Sun Wukong's eyebrows.

The tree trunk is like crystal and jade, crystal clear.

The branches meander like a dragon, and the leaves are shaped like a ruyi (a traditional Chinese scepter).

Each piece is imprinted with different combat runes, including those for staffs, fists, and the laws of heaven and earth...

The fourth step of planting the Dao seed, the tree formation, was completed in one go within three days.

At this moment, the game of Star Chart has reached its end.

The small world evolved from the black and white light spots, and after three days of collision and fusion, it underwent a transformation.

Ultimately, it transformed into a picture of "Returning to the True Nature".

In the diagram, purity and turbidity are distinguished, the five elements are ordered, cause and effect are clear, time flows, stars are arranged, yin and yang are in harmony, and all things flourish...

The patriarch and the Taoist priest have not made a move for a long time.

The two sat facing each other, their eyes fixed on the Great Dao Returning to Truth Diagram, seemingly savoring it or deducing its meaning.

Finally, the Taoist sighed softly:

"I lost by half a point in this game." His voice was devoid of emotion.

The patriarch smiled and said, "My old friend, you flatter me. This mistake was not due to a lack of strength, but rather to a difference in our principles."

The Taoist nodded, said no more, and flicked his sleeves.

The star map slowly dissipated, transforming into a sky full of clear light, and disappeared into the Yuntai earth veins.

The platform was restored to its original state, and the white jade floor was as smooth as a mirror.

"Clang—clang—clang—"

The clear, melodious bell tolled once more, nine times in a row, cleansing the soul.

The disciples gradually awoke from their state of enlightenment, each one looking dazed, as if waking from a dream.

Immediately, someone stood up first and bowed deeply towards the center of the platform:

"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Senior, for bestowing upon me the Way!"

The next moment, thousands of disciples stood up in unison and bowed in respect.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, the rustling of their clothes creating a tidal wave of sound.

There was no commotion, no discussion, only solemnity and reverence.

This is spiritual practice.

Those who receive good fortune and blessings should hold themselves in awe, worshiping Heaven and Earth, and those who spread the Way.

Li Yan bowed to the crowd, his heart also churning with emotion.

He gained a great deal from observing the game over three days.

My understanding of "A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder" is now complete, and I have mastered the application of the two elements of wind and thunder.

More importantly, observing the Daoist teachings allowed him to reach an unprecedented level of understanding of power.

They will benefit immensely in their future spiritual practice, magical battles, and worldly affairs.

After bowing, the disciples slowly straightened up.

In the center of the cloud platform, the patriarch and the Taoist priest had also risen.

The Taoist priest swept his gaze across the audience, pausing briefly on a few disciples whose auras were changing drastically.

Finally, it fell on Sun Wukong.

The monkey sat cross-legged, its eyes tightly closed, and light flickering between its brows.

A three-foot-tall illusory image of a crystal-clear, golden-jade Dao tree faintly emanated from its ancestral aperture.

Its Taoist essence is naturally formed, and its spirituality is boundless.

The Taoist was slightly surprised; the speed at which the starry river flowed deep within his eyes quickened by a mere instant.

His gaze then turned to the Bodhi Patriarch.

The patriarch seemed to sense something, met that gaze, nodded with a smile, but said nothing.

it is more than words.

At this moment, the disciples below the stage also gradually noticed Sun Wukong's strange behavior.

"Junior Brother Sun...that illusory tree!"

"After observing the game for three days, it skipped the initial nurturing and sprouting stages, directly entering the stage of a mature tree?!"

In the area for true disciples, whispers were barely audible, yet they could not conceal the shock within.

The white-gold sword shadow between Zhao Yuanqing's brows trembled slightly, and his gaze toward Sun Wukong was complex, with a hint of competitive intent.

The red-clad female cultivator's crimson aura subsided as she looked at the crystal-clear Dao Tree and bit her lip.

Zhou Ming stood in the front row of the registered disciples, gazing into the distance, his eyes filled with emotion.

She glanced at Li Yan again and saw that he looked normal, which reassured her.

Li Yan was indeed calm.

With his eyes slightly closed and his mind focused, he captured the changes in Sun Wukong's energy throughout his body.

The illusory tree appeared dazzling, but its roots had not yet fully penetrated into the body.

It has plenty of spirituality, but lacks a sense of depth.

Like a rare flower grown in a greenhouse, it may be beautiful, but whether it can withstand the storms of the outside world remains to be seen.

However, this is Sun Wukong's path.

The path I must take is another one.

He calmed his mind and looked inward at himself.

The seed embryo had swelled to the size of a pigeon egg, its surface covered with fine Dao patterns.

A faint light emanates from within, indicating that it is not far from fully solidifying and taking shape.

[Progress of Dao Seed Formation: 60%]

Moreover, the energy of karmic connection is already full.

[Aura of Destiny +100 (Observe the game of heaven and earth, comprehend the secrets of the Great Dao)]

Current time: 170/80

Li Yan exhaled slowly and turned his gaze back to the center of the cloud platform.

At this moment, the lingering sound of the bell completely dissipated.

Bodhi Patriarch stepped forward and said gently, "The first game of the game of discussing the Dao is over."

As is customary, the next three days will be your opportunity.

Disciples in the mountains, whether they are true disciples, registered students, or simply sweeping, may all step forward and play a game of chess with this fellow Daoist.

As soon as he finished speaking, a slight commotion arose around the platform.

Eagerness shone in the eyes of the disciples, but none of them dared to step forward.

Playing against such beings is certainly an opportunity, but if one performs poorly, it will damage one's Dao heart.

The patriarch continued:

"The rules for playing the game are the same as before."

You may choose your own topic, and create a small world, a formation, or a technique.

Or perhaps it's a principle or rule; please, fellow Daoist, make your move to decipher it.

If you can withstand three attacks without collapsing, you will pass the test and receive a gift from your fellow Daoist.

"Remember, the questions must be things you truly understand; trying to find shortcuts will only backfire."

Everyone solemnly agreed.

After a brief silence, in the area for true disciples, a tall, thin young man was the first to stand up.

He wore an indigo Taoist robe, with a touch of emerald green bamboo shadow swaying between his brows.

It was the same person whose strange green bamboo phenomenon appeared above his head when he was watching the game earlier.

"I am Mozhu, a disciple of the Qige School. Please enlighten me, senior."

The young man walked to the center of the cloud platform and bowed to the Taoist priest.

The Taoist nodded slightly, his face, shrouded in a clear light, revealing no expression.

Mo Zhu sat cross-legged, raising his hands slightly.

In an instant, wisps of emerald green spiritual energy surged from his body, intertwining and spreading in the void before him...

In just a few breaths, a miniature bamboo forest world was created.

The bamboo shadows sway gently, a light breeze blows, and the sound of bamboo leaves rustling can be faintly heard.

Moreover, within the bamboo forest, there are seven hidden nodes of spiritual energy, subtly corresponding to the positions of the Big Dipper, and interconnected with each other.

This forms a subtle Seven Star Spirit Locking Array.

It is both a scene and a formation.

"Use bamboo to enter the Dao, and use formations to conceal power."

A gentle voice rang out, conveying neither praise nor criticism.

He stretched out a finger and pointed it in the air.

A sliver of white light flew into the bamboo forest, landing precisely on the node of the spirit bamboo at the Tian Shu position.

"Click..."

The sound of shattering echoed in everyone's minds.

A tiny crack appeared at the joint of that bamboo stalk.

Although the crack was small, it precisely severed the flow of spiritual energy between the Tian Shu position and the other six nodes.

The Seven Star Locking Spirit Array momentarily faltered.

Mo Zhu's face turned pale, and he hurriedly activated his divine sense, trying to mobilize the spiritual energy of the other bamboo sections to repair the cracks.

But the Taoist's second finger had already arrived.

The white light falls on the position of the eclipse and then spins.

The spiritual energy at the joints of the Yaoguang bamboo flows backward and rushes back towards the array's core.

"puff!"

Mo Zhu let out a muffled groan, the bamboo forest's illusory shadows swayed, leaves fluttered, and the formation showed signs of collapsing.

He gritted his teeth, formed hand seals, and forcibly stabilized the formation.

The Taoist priest's third finger fell.

It landed on the clearing in the middle of the bamboo forest.

The next moment, a small, bright red grass with fiery veins sprouted from the open space.

Although the grass is small, it possesses a scorching and domineering fire elemental energy, which perfectly counters the life-giving energy of bamboo and wood.

Fire overcomes Wood.

The wood-elemental spiritual energy within the bamboo forest, drawn by the red grass, began to converge towards it uncontrollably.

The foundation of the formation was shaken.

Sweat beaded on Mo Zhu's forehead. He barely managed to hold on for three breaths before finally letting out a long sigh and dissipating the illusory image of the bamboo forest.

"This junior... has lost."

He stood up, bowed again, his expression somewhat somber, but without resentment.

"It's already quite remarkable that you can catch two and a half of my fingers."

The Taoist priest flicked his sleeve, and a sliver of light flew into the center of the ink bamboo's brow.

"This is the [Yi Wood Azure Spirit Technique], which is compatible with your Bamboo Dao. Study it carefully."

Mo Zhu trembled, joy welling in his eyes, and bowed deeply:

"Thank you for bestowing this teaching upon me, senior!"

Although we lost the first game, we still have a glorious record.

Mo Zhu started the process, and other disciples followed one after another.

The alchemical microcosm, which had evolved from the true teachings of the Daoist, where water and fire complemented each other, was severed by the Daoist's use of the virtue of earth to sever the method of mutual generation, and was broken away by three fingers.

A disciple who had made a name for himself used a series of wind blade techniques, but the Taoist used a point of white light to transform it into a gentle force, which absorbed and neutralized the entire technique.

Some disciples, skilled in sweeping, used the wielding of brooms to create a rudimentary dust-removing and cleaning formation.

Although it collapsed after only holding on for a finger's width, it still received a purifying mantra as a reward.

There are few winners and many losers.

But regardless of victory or defeat, as long as the understanding shown is genuine, there is something to gain.

Incomplete cultivation manuals, essential techniques, spiritual materials and elixirs, insights into cultivation...

The Taoist's gifts were all perfectly timed, directly addressing the current challenges in each disciple's cultivation.

The audience was deeply moved, filled with both admiration and respect.

Li Yan remained silent, mentally rehearsing each game scenario.

The methods used by Taoists may seem casual, but they are in fact profound truths.

To break through the greatest momentum with the least amount of force.

Moreover, each move is aimed at the core of the opponent's evolution of heaven and earth.

Such as the relationship between the generating and restraining elements, or the turning point, or the connection between mind and spirit.

This is not only a crushing defeat in terms of skill, but also an understanding of power and reason that has reached an unbelievable level.

Two hours passed.

Several hundred disciples had stepped forward, but only one person managed to withstand three fingers.

It was Zhao Yuanqing.

He created a Gengjin sword domain, with sword energy crisscrossing and unparalleled sharpness, which withstood the Taoist's three-finger enlightenment.

Although the Sword Domain eventually collapsed, it received the Taoist's evaluation that its golden nature was immortal and could be carved and polished.

He also bestowed upon him a piece of Taibai refined gold.

Zhao Yuanqing retreated with the refined gold, his face pale, but his eyes were even more sharp.

"Next."

The Taoist's voice showed no sign of fatigue.

The disciples were still savoring the subtleties of the game they had just played, or weighing their own skills, and none of them dared to step forward rashly.

It was at this moment.

"call……"

A long, drawn-out breath broke the silence.

Sun Wukong opened his eyes.

Within those golden eyes, divine light swirled, as if two small suns were rising and falling within them.

Within the ancestral aperture between the eyebrows, the three-foot-long illusory image of the crystal tree slowly receded and disappeared into the body.

The pale golden luster around it disappeared, and it returned to normal.

"hey-hey……"

The monkey scratched its ear and chuckled, then flipped itself up and winked at Li Yan:

"Senior brother, I'm awake! Isn't it my turn to go on stage?"

All the disciples around the cloud platform turned their gazes toward it.

Li Yan nodded slightly.

Sun Wukong grinned, somersaulted to the center of the cloud platform, and bowed to the Taoist priest:

"Disciple Sun Wukong humbly requests guidance from Senior!"

His movements were crisp and efficient, without the slightest hint of restraint.

The young Taoist priest's gaze shifted slightly, landing on the monkey.

Beneath the soft light, a faint curve appeared at the corner of her mouth.

He did not respond immediately, but his gaze seemed to casually sweep over a certain spot in the audience.

It was Li Yan who was there.

That glance was gentle and peaceful, like watching the idle clouds in the mountains or the still water in the pond.

However, deep within his gaze, the swift flow of the starry river paused for a moment.

The Taoist priest withdrew his gaze, then looked at the monkey before him, and said gently:

"What method do you wish to perform?"

Sun Wukong scratched his head, his golden eyes darting around:

"I don't have any other skills, I just know how to use a stick a few times."

Senior, I will now demonstrate my skills with the staff, fighting against the world. Please offer your guidance!

As soon as he finished speaking, the monkey lowered its body slightly and raised its right arm.

Instead of taking out the staff, a golden ray of light burst forth from his palm, quickly elongating and solidifying.

It transformed into a long, illusory staff, its entire body gilded, with dark-patterned black iron binding both ends.

The shadow of the staff solidified in an instant, and an unruly fighting spirit soared into the sky, stirring the clear light above the cloud platform.

"Buzz!"

The staff swept across, drawing a mysterious trajectory in the void.

Wherever the trajectory passed, golden light spread, creating a changing scene.

Mountains crumbled, rivers surged; winds raged, thunder roared; beasts howled, and spirits vied for supremacy.

There was also a towering phantom of a giant ape, wielding a giant club, roaring to the sky, its fighting spirit burning brightly.

Its Daoist essence is pure, a manifestation of the principle of "one force can break through all laws, and one battle can manifest all changes."

The disciples were deeply shaken.

The disciples in the front row had solemn expressions.

The platinum sword shadow between Zhao Yuanqing's brows trembled slightly, as if stirred by the fighting spirit.

The red-clad female cultivator was surrounded by undulating crimson clouds.

Mo Zhu gently stroked the bamboo shadow between his brows, his eyes seemingly lost in thought.

In the center of the cloud platform, the Taoist priest quietly observed the evolution of the staff's shadow.

Only after that battleground had fully taken shape did he nod slightly:

"The way of battle lies in advancing relentlessly, proving one's will through strength. However, rigidity cannot last, and sharpness cannot be maintained. Just wait and see."

After speaking, he extended a finger and pointed it at the center of the giant ape phantom in the center of the stick shadow world, between its eyebrows.

The finger falls, devoid of light or brilliance.

A few soft white ripples spread out silently.

The ripples touched the giant ape's phantom, like water seeping into sand, quietly merging with the flow of battle intent.

next moment.

The giant ape phantom's roar to the sky slowed down by half a beat.

The boiling fighting spirit around him had become less violent and more tactful.

And the rhythm of the entire battleground also changes accordingly.

The momentum of mountain collapses has slowed down, and the speed at which rivers are surging backwards has gradually decreased.

The turbulent winds and clouds gradually regained their order, and the thunderous explosions revealed a subtle rhythm.

Amidst the roars of the beasts, a hint of fear and hesitation crept in.

The image of all spirits vying for supremacy has been tempered with a sense of weighing options and retreating.

Sun Wukong's expression changed.

"Hey!"

The monkey growled, its golden eyes glaring angrily, its hands gripping the shadow of a stick, and then gave a powerful shake.

The shadow of the stick surged, and golden light shone brightly.

The giant ape phantom roared to the sky, trying to break free from the binding force of that soft energy.

The entire world was abuzz once more, the fighting spirit reignited, and there was even a surge of counterattack potential.

The Taoist priest remained expressionless and lowered his second finger.

Apply the pressure to the wrist of the giant ape phantom holding the giant club.

This gesture is gentle.

However, it severed the flow of fighting spirit from the heart to the arm, the very thread that infused the shadow of the staff.

"Click..."

The giant ape phantom's arm trembled, and the shadow of the staff swayed accordingly.

Sweat beaded on Sun Wukong's forehead as he gritted his teeth, and a faint golden glow emanated from his body once more.

The illusory image of the crystal tree faintly appeared between his brows, its branches and leaves unfurling, infusing the world of the staff with boundless spiritual energy.

Attempting to forcibly break free from constraints.

A hint of approval flashed in the Taoist's eyes, and he then pointed out with his third finger.

It landed beneath the feet of the giant ape's phantom.

Where the finger touched, soft white ripples spread, turning into a swamp.

The giant ape phantom's feet were stuck in the hole, making it difficult for it to move or dodge.

His immense, earth-shattering power had nowhere to go.

As a result, the entire battleground's operation also slowed down.

Mountains and rivers, wind and thunder, all kinds of beasts and spirits...

All signs of restlessness and rage were dissolved by the gentle and profound Taoist rhythm.

Three fingers fell.

Although the world of shadowy staffs created by Sun Wukong had not completely collapsed, it had lost its edge and was locked in a stalemate.

offstage.

Li Yan's eyes were slightly open, reflecting his inner thoughts.

See clearly the true nature of those soft, white ripples.

That is the purest and most refined Daoist essence of water.

The highest virtue is like water, which benefits all things without striving.

Water has no fixed shape; it can be both soft and hard.

The Taoist used the gentle strength of water to neutralize the sharpness of metal, and used the sustained force to restrain the violent battle.

This is the supreme and wonderful method of overcoming strength with gentleness and controlling movement with stillness.

While pondering.

Sun Wukong's face turned purple and swollen, his golden eyes widened in anger, and every single brown hair on his head stood on end.

The crystal tree within his body trembled.

The branches and leaves, with their ever-changing patterns, continuously infuse the world of the staff's shadow with spiritual energy.

An attempt to revive the nation from its collapse.

However, the three points of gentle light from the Taoist had already permeated the workings of heaven and earth.

The giant ape's brow was softened by a gentle force, losing three-tenths of its sharpness, and the flow of fighting spirit at its wrist was cut off by two-tenths.

Their feet were trapped in the mud, making it impossible for them to maneuver.

Although it has not collapsed, it is like a trapped beast in a cage, possessing the strength to shake a mountain but unable to break through the soft net.

"Senior...impressive skills!"

Sun Wukong gritted his teeth and squeezed out the words.

Sweat rolled down his forehead.

His body shimmered with an unpredictable pale golden light, clearly indicating that his true energy had been greatly depleted.

The young Taoist priest stood still, his moon-white robe spotless, his body radiating a gentle, serene light.

After pointing the three fingers out, he made no further moves, simply observing the changing shadows of the stick.

His gaze was calm, without a trace of pride or urging; it was natural and unhurried.

This posture only made Sun Wukong look even more pathetic.

The disciples below the stage were already watching with bated breath.

The disciples in the front row all had solemn expressions.

The platinum sword shadow between Zhao Yuanqing's brows trembled slightly, as if he were strategizing how to break the deadlock if he were to face such a method.

Mo Zhu stroked the bamboo shadow between her brows and murmured:

"Water's soft power... it has evolved to such an extent that it can overcome the world's greatest strength with the softest of all. This is..."

He didn't say anything more, but a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.

Further away, several profound disciples were also pondering their own thoughts. Some shook their heads and sighed, while others gleamed with shrewdness in their eyes.

The disciples in the middle and back rows who were on duty and cleaning, though unable to see the subtle changes, knew that Sun Wukong was in trouble.

Those who were familiar with the monkeys looked anxious but dared not utter a sound.

At the center of the cloud platform.

Bodhi Patriarch stood quietly to one side, his cloak fluttering in the wind, his whisk draped over his arm, his expression serene and composed.

No one knows what the patriarch was thinking.

At this moment, Sun Wukong had been holding on for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea.

The scene in the world of stick shadows gradually became stagnant.

The roar of the giant ape phantom weakened by three-tenths, the momentum of the collapsing mountains and rivers slowed by fifty-tenths, and the power of the thunderous explosion decreased by seven-tenths.

Only a stubborn will to fight remains, and they are still struggling to hold on.

The monkey's forehead veins bulged, and it suddenly turned its head, a glimmer of hope flashing in its golden eyes:

"Master! Fellow disciples! Does anyone have a way to teach me?!"

Upon hearing this, subtle ripples immediately appeared around the cloud platform.

The disciples looked at each other in bewilderment.

In discussions of chess, it has never been forbidden for others to offer their opinions and assistance.

However, in the past, the players always respected their status and rarely asked for help.

Sun Wukong's direct question today cannot be considered a violation of the rules.

only……

All eyes involuntarily turned to Patriarch Bodhi.

The patriarch stood on the edge of the cloud platform, his gaze slightly lowered.

He remained silent and made no indication of his presence.

Several disciples who were on good terms with Sun Wukong exchanged glances.

The red-clad female cultivator's lips twitched slightly, as if she wanted to speak, but then she looked towards her ancestor.

The patriarch remained silent.

She then looked at the young Taoist priest.

The Taoist priest stood still as before, his face, shrouded in a clear light, revealing neither joy nor anger.

A pair of eyes were fixed intently on the world of sticks and shadows.

This attitude clearly shows that they don't care whether others offer help or not.

The female cultivator in red gritted her teeth and finally whispered:

"Junior Brother Sun, though your strength is gentle, it must have points of transition! Find the place where your water-based energy gathers, and then use fire to overcome it!"

The monkey's eyes lit up.

However, before he could make a move, the young Taoist priest flicked his left sleeve slightly.

Amidst the shadows of the staff, the mud beneath the giant ape's feet suddenly underwent a transformation.

The originally evenly spread soft force transformed into hundreds of thin streams, meandering and flowing through the mud without any fixed pattern.

There was no place to converge at all.

The woman in red turned pale and fell silent.

Seeing this, Zhao Yuanqing pondered for a moment and then spoke up:

"Junior Brother Sun, although water can overcome fire, a strong fire can also evaporate water! Forcefully urge the fire to flow with true intent, burning away all its gentle strength!"

Upon hearing this, the Crystal Tree within Sun Wukong's body trembled violently.

The flame-shaped patterns branded among the branches and leaves lit up.

The scorching and domineering fire elemental energy surged into the world of the staff.

The giant ape phantom was engulfed in crimson flames, attempting to evaporate the mud beneath its feet.

The Taoist priest simply raised his right index finger and made a faint stroke in the air.

Wisps of white steam rose from the mud.

The rising white vapor condenses upon encountering fire, turning into drops of sweet dew that fall back onto the raging flames.

"Hiss!"

The fire not only did not intensify, but was actually weakened by the dew.

Fire steams water, water turns into vapor, vapor condenses into dew, and dew extinguishes fire.

The five elements interact in a cycle of mutual restraint and mutual generation.

Zhao Yuanqing frowned and said no more.

Mo Zhu sighed softly and said:

"Junior Brother Sun, water nourishes wood, and wood can stabilize the earth. Why not use the wood element to solidify the foundation of the land and rivers, and then try to break the deadlock?"

Sun Wukong did as he was told.

The verdant Dao patterns on the glass tree lit up, and the life-giving energy of the wood element infused the world of the staff's shadow.

As the collapse of mountains and rivers slowed down, illusory figures of grass and trees emerged from the edge of the swamp, attempting to take root and stabilize the soil.

The Taoist priest didn't even move a finger this time.

His gaze shifted slightly, fixed on a spot in the swamp.

The next moment, a golden light appeared deep within the swamp.

The golden light was sharp, and wherever it passed, the illusory shadows of grass and trees were all shattered.

Jin Kemu.

Mo Zhu shook his head with a wry smile.

The Taoist priest effortlessly defused the words spoken by three true disciples in succession.

The disciples below the stage were captivated, both amazed by the Taoist's extraordinary abilities and anxious for Sun Wukong.

The monkey's face had turned from purple to white, and the pale golden luster around its body had dimmed considerably.

The shadow of the stick swayed and trembled, and its collapse was imminent.

His eyes darted around, and suddenly he caught sight of Li Yan standing silently below the stage. A thought struck him, and he shouted in a hoarse voice:

"Senior Brother! Senior Brother Li! Do you have any way to teach me?!"

This shout contained seven parts urgency and three parts resentment.

The area around the platform fell silent.

All eyes turned to Li Yan.

This was a nominal follower who had only been a student for a few years.

Among those receiving the true teachings in the front row, some looked surprised, while others frowned in confusion.

Zhao Yuanqing and the others also looked at Li Yan with complicated expressions.

Zhou Ming clenched his fist among the disciples.

At the edge of the cloud platform, Bodhi Patriarch's gaze fell on Li Yan.

The pause lasted for just a moment longer.

A very faint smile flickered across the corner of the patriarch's lips, gone in an instant.

Li Yan stood still, his gray robe neat and his expression calm.

Facing hundreds of gazes, he merely raised his head slightly, looking towards the confined world of the staff in the center of the cloud platform.

The eyes are fully open, and the mind is like a mirror reflecting light.

The giant ape's brow was soft yet powerful, like water seeping into sand; the flow of energy in its wrists was cut off like a dam breaking a river; and its feet were trapped in the mud like a dragon trapped in a marsh.

The three soft points appear independent, but they are actually subtly connected, forming a dense cycle.

The water element energy circulates within it, dissolving and absorbing Sun Wukong's fighting spirit, metal element sharpness, fire element violence, and wood element vitality, and nourishing himself in return.

The more you struggle, the tighter the net becomes.

The words appear in the mirror of the heart.

[The world of the staff, with its sharp, metallic energy as its foundation and fighting spirit as its soul, evolves into the way of battle. However, rigidity cannot last, and sharpness cannot be defended.]

[The three points of softness and strength are respectively positioned to govern the three realms of Heaven, Man, and Earth. The Heaven position transforms sharp energy, the Man position intercepts the flow of energy, and the Earth position confines the foundation.]

The three elements (heaven, earth, and man) are interconnected, like water circulating in a cycle, creating a perpetually vital force. A forceful attack on one area will inevitably be countered by the other two.

The key to breaking the deadlock lies not in using force to overcome softness, but in breaking its cycle.

Li Yan closed his eyes slightly.

Water has no fixed shape; it takes on any shape, from round to square.

To break it, one must find the opportunity for its form and momentum to change.

Water, though soft, freezes into ice when it gets cold, and ice is brittle and easily broken.

Although water is weak, when it flows together it becomes rivers, and rivers have banks.

In the mirror of the mind, countless possible solutions to the impasse appear one by one, only to be denied one by one.

It seems that every interaction of the five elements is within the Taoist's calculations.

However...

Li Yan recalled the twenty-seventh game of "The Endgame of the Heavenly Chess", titled "The Dragon Regrets".

Commentary within the text.

The dragon soaring to the sky represents the extreme of Yang.

When the yang is at its extreme, the yin is born; when the yang is at its extreme, the yin is easily broken.

Regret means knowing when to advance and when to retreat.

Only a sage can know when to advance and retreat, when to live and when to die, and yet remain true to his principles.

At this moment, Sun Wukong was like a soaring dragon.

His fighting spirit soared to the heavens, his sharp edge was overwhelming; this was the pinnacle of Yang.

However, extreme rigidity is easily broken, thus it is trapped in the predicament of softness.

To break the deadlock, we need to add more force and intensity.

But...

"The dragon that soars too high will regret it."

Thinking of this, Li Yan quickly uttered four words and then opened his eyes.

Both on and off the stage, all the disciples were taken aback.

The young Taoist priest slightly turned to the side.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes widened, and he almost couldn't hold on any longer.

How could I possibly remember any of the unresolved issues?

He could only ask, "Senior brother, what do you mean?"