Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Noon has passed, and the sun is gradually setting in the west.

The seventy-two peaks of Fangcun Mountain are bathed in a layer of golden-purple radiance.

The purple aura from the east had not yet dissipated, while the golden light from the west arrived, the two intertwining to make Yuntai appear like a crystal fairyland.

A mountain breeze drifts gently from the deep ravine, brushing past the misty clouds over Yuntai.

The smoke, illuminated by the sunlight, transformed into auspicious seven-colored clouds, rising gently and casting ever-changing light spots on the white jade ground.

In the light, the disciples stood silently, their robes fluttering slightly.

Every breath exhaled is pure and brilliant.

Even ordinary disciples who were sweeping and cleaning felt refreshed and their previously stagnant points in their practice began to loosen.

Li Yan stood in the center of the cloud platform, dressed in a simple gray robe.

With his eyes slightly open, he took in the wondrous spectacle of the meeting of heaven and earth.

In the mirror of the mind, the image of the sun setting in the west subtly coincides with the thirty-ninth move of the game "The Endgame of Heavenly Chess" [Sunset and Separation].

The commentary on the situation states that as the sun passes its zenith, though its brilliance diminishes, its virtue grows ever stronger.

The character 离 (li) means brightness and beauty.

Only by being able to conceal one's true intentions, and to be able to be both beautiful and simple, can one achieve lasting success.

He slowly inhaled and exhaled, incorporating this wisp of celestial rhythm into the Crimson Palace.

The water-based spiritual energy in the Qi Sea was drawn by the golden light falling from the west, causing faint ripples to appear.

As the soil and water nourish each other, the seed embryo trembles slightly, and the fine Dao patterns on its surface flow faster.

[Nourished by the timing and the Dao's essence, the Dao Seed condensation progress: 70%]

Only 30% short.

At this moment, the young Taoist priest spoke, his voice as gentle as ever:

"Now that you have arrived, young friend, I will set the questions for this game of chess."

Without giving Li Yan a chance to refuse, he finished speaking and drew a line in the air with his right index finger.

A pale gold thread extended out and slowly spread out in the void between the two.

The fine lines meander, outlining a picture that is simple to the extreme.

A crimson sun hangs in the western sky.

Below it are the outlines of undulating mountains, with a winding stream flowing from east to west.

Sun, mountains, streams.

These are the only three things; there is nothing else.

However, once this picture was completed, the light above the cloud platform dimmed by three-tenths.

In an instant, everyone's attention was drawn to this simple diagram.

As far as the eye could see, the crimson sun was slowly sinking in the west.

The more subdued the mountains become, the more imposing the outline of the mountains in the picture appears.

The sound of the flowing stream became clearer in my mind.

The sun blazes fiercely, the mountains are imposing, and the streams flow endlessly.

The three elements intertwined, subtly and subtly.

"This formation is called 'Sunset at Noon' and 'Separation'."

The Taoist priest said gently, "I am performing this game in the same realm as you."

You may choose one method to break it. If you can withstand the attack of this Taoist priest and remain within the range of this diagram for three breaths, then you have passed.

Whispers arose around the gimbal.

"Awakening period versus awakening period?"

"Is this a deliberate concession by you, senior?"

A faint shadow of a platinum sword appeared between Zhao Yuanqing's brows.

His Taoist name was Zhenyangzi, and he was a disciple of the Zhen generation. He had the sharpest eyesight.

Staring at the simple diagram, Mako slowly shook her head:

"This picture may seem simple, but it actually reflects the triple changes of the weather, the terrain, and the water."

The sun's setting in the west is irreversible, the mountains' imposing presence is unshakeable, and the stream's continuous flow is unbreakable.

The three elements mutually generate each other, forming a small circulation. Junior Brother Li, this is difficult.

The female cultivator in red, whose Daoist name was Haiqiong and belonged to the Hai generation, had her beautiful eyes sparkle and replied in a low voice:

"Although the senior is pressing down, his understanding of the Great Dao remains. This stroke already contains the true meaning of power."

Ordinary cultivators in the Enlightenment stage would find it difficult even to see through the mystery, let alone break through the predicament.

Junior Brother Li had some brilliant insights before, but they were ultimately just theoretical. Faced with this real challenge, his superiority would be immediately apparent.

Mo Zhu stroked his forehead in contemplation. He belonged to the "Xing" generation and was known as Xing Zhu. The verdant bamboo shadows rippled around him.

"Junior Brother Li's guidance to Junior Brother Sun just now clearly demonstrates his unique insight into the principles of the situation."

This game is a true test of one's ability to personally master this skill; the difference between the two is immeasurable.

Junior Brother Sun's transformation was due to the explosion of his own inner strength and spirituality.

Junior Brother Li's guidance was like a gentle breeze, stirring up fruit that was already ripe.

During the discussion, Li Yan's eyes were wide open, and his mind was as clear as a mirror.

The simple diagram is magnified in the mind, and every line is clearly reflected.

The sun, crimson red, radiates warmth and light, its westward descent unstoppable.

The mountains rise and fall, the earth is thick and heavy, and they stand firm and unmoving.

The stream meanders, its waters flowing long and winding, following the natural flow.

The three appear to be independent, but in reality, they are subtly connected.

As the sun sets in the west, its light and heat nourish the mountains, adding a touch of warmth to the already heavy earth.

The mountains, being thick and imposing, nourish the streams, making the water flow slow yet deep, and endless.

The stream flows eastward, its vapor rising and subtly moistening the sun, giving it a touch of warmth amidst its intense heat.

This is a situation where the elements of wood, earth, and water mutually generate each other.

This corresponds to the natural order of wood generating fire, fire generating earth, and earth generating water.

However, the true mystery of this situation lies in its momentum.

The sun setting in the west is the inevitable course of events, and it cannot be reversed.

The majestic mountains are an unshakeable advantage of the terrain.

The stream flows eastward, its course unstoppable.

The convergence of three major forces is no longer something that can be overcome by the simple interaction of the five elements.

We need to find the pivotal point in the flow of power, to skillfully overcome force, and to shake the overall situation with subtle movements.

Within the mirror of the mind, countless possibilities for breaking the deadlock are rapidly unfolding.

Using metal to overcome wood?

Although the sun belongs to the element of fire, its setting westward movement conceals the killing power of the metal element. Once the metal energy is released, it actually strengthens the sun's power.

Using earth to overcome water?

The mountains are already imposing; if the earth element is added, the streams may be cut off.

However, the mountain will become even more majestic, and the sun, nourished by the mountain's strength, will shine even brighter.

Using water to extinguish fire?

The stream water is weak and unlikely to extinguish the sun's rays; in fact, it might evaporate and fuel the fire...

All calculations suggest that it would be difficult to break the deadlock within three breaths.

Li Yan calmed his mind, recalling the scene of Sun Wukong's transformation just now.

The dragon that soars too high will regret it; it must return to its rightful place.

In this situation, all three forces are located on the outside.

The sun shines in the sky, mountains rise on the ground, and streams flow in the wilderness.

To break free from this, one must look inward.

Thinking of this, he slowly raised his right index finger and drew a line in the air.

A wisp of pale blue spiritual energy seeped out, outlining a simple rune in the air.

The rune resembles a seed, which is the image of the essence of the Earth element.

As soon as the talisman was completed, Li Yan's aura changed.

From within the nine orifices, the divine intent of the Earth element surged forth, connecting with the rune.

In an instant, the runes materialized, condensing into a pale yellow ball of light the size of a pigeon's egg.

The ball of light slowly descended, landing precisely on the bank of the stream, at the foot of the mountain, where the sun's rays slanted across the land.

The young Taoist's eyes flickered slightly.

The disciples below the stage also watched intently.

The pale yellow light fell into the simplified diagram, like a seed sinking into the earth within it.

next moment.

In the simplified diagram, ripples spread across the ground from the point where the light ball lands.

Where the ripples passed, the outlines of the mountains seemed to gain a hint of life.

The setting sun's rays, shining on the mountains, would normally be absorbed and transformed by the mountains to nourish the streams.

At this moment, however, some of the radiance was absorbed by the vitality and sank deep into the earth.

The stream continues its eastward flow, yet as its vapor rises, a wisp is drawn by the earth's vitality and seeps into the soil.

The flow of the three forces showed a subtle shift.

Although the cycle was not broken, it made it no longer perfect.

A hint of surprise flashed across the young Taoist's eyes, which quickly turned into approval.

He did not act immediately, but waited to see how things would develop.

Take a breath.

The pale yellow light has completely merged into the earth in the picture, transforming into a vibrant node.

The triple potential cycle is slowed down by half due to the existence of this node.

Two breaths.

Li Yan's forehead was covered in sweat.

To maintain this vital node, one must continuously transfer one's own earth element divine will into the simplified diagram from a distance.

Furthermore, precise control is required; too much will trigger a backlash, while too little will cause the node to collapse.

It is extremely taxing on the mind and spirit.

But his expression remained unchanged, the circulation of Qi in his nine orifices accelerated, and the embryo of the Dao seed in his Niwan Palace shone brightly.

[Progress of Dao Seed Formation: 75%...78%...]

They were just one step away.

At that moment, the young Taoist pressed his right index finger downwards.

With this pressure, the crimson sun in the simplified diagram accelerated its westward descent.

The trajectory that had been slowly sinking transformed into a crimson rainbow, plummeting towards the western mountain ridge.

In an instant, the sun's light and heat erupted.

The intense, warm energy of the sun surged towards the mountains and streams, further impacting that vital point of life.

The triple potential cycle was forcibly accelerated, causing the power to surge several times over.

"Buzz!"

The simple diagram is shocking.

Li Yan groaned, feeling the earth element divine intent that had entered the simplified diagram rapidly dissolve.

The node trembled violently, and cracks appeared on its surface.

He gritted his teeth, trying to mobilize more divine will to stabilize the nodes.

However, the sun's westward descent was too forceful, and the mountains, receiving this influx, transformed into towering peaks that pressed down upon them.

The stream was stirred up by this, its flow becoming rapid, and the water vapor churned up like mist, rolling back towards the node.

Under the combined impact of three forces.

"Click."

The lifeline node completely collapsed.

Li Yan swayed and staggered back three steps before barely managing to regain his footing.

His face was slightly pale, and his breathing was disordered.

From the moment the Taoist pressed his finger to the moment the node collapsed, it was only half a breath.

The three-breath agreement was not even halfway complete.

All around the cloud platform was silent.

The disciples could clearly see that Li Yan's defeat was faster than any of his previous opponents.

Even those sweeping disciples who could only hold on for a finger's width managed to hold out for a while.

Li Yan, on the other hand, was almost completely crushed.

The sword shadow between Zhenyangzi Zhao Yuanqing's brows subsided, and he sighed softly:

"Junior Brother Li's understanding of momentum is indeed unique."

That crucial point about life just now was an excellent entry point, a perfect example of how an observer can see things clearly.

However, cultivation level is ultimately a fatal flaw.

Even if one has a deep understanding of the Great Dao during the Enlightenment stage, without corresponding cultivation and foundational support, and with a weak spiritual will, it is like water without a source.

Although the method of establishing nodes is of high ideal, it is like building a tower on sand. The predecessor only needs to apply a little force and it will collapse.

This was not a fault of our fighting spirit, but rather a matter of insufficient strength.

Haiqiong, dressed in flowing red, said lightly, "Yes."

That method of node formation is unique and ingenious. If it were performed by a cultivator with a Dao seed, it might truly disrupt the cycle of the three forces.

However, his own cultivation was too shallow, his spiritual power was not strong, his divine will was not firm, and his foundation was weak.

The predecessor only needed to exert a slight pressure to cause it to collapse immediately.

It is evident that on the path of spiritual practice, a few ingenious ideas can never bridge the fundamental gap.

In the end, he was just a classmate among us with some peculiar ideas.

Xingzhu Mozhu's fingertips brushed across the bamboo shadows as he pondered:

"From this perspective, Junior Brother Sun's ability to withstand three fingers is truly due to his exceptional comprehension and profound foundation."

Then, he underwent a transformation on the spot, combining strength and gentleness, so that he could contend with the gentle strength of his predecessors.

Junior Brother Li's guidance just happened to break through the thin layer of paper that Junior Brother Sun was already close to enlightenment.

However, Junior Brother Li himself did not yet possess the strength to deliver that kick.

Enlightenment and action, knowledge and ability—these are quite distinctly separated in him.

These words expressed the sentiments of many disciples.

After the initial shock, upon reflection, everyone realized that given the monkey's extraordinary talent, such a performance was to be expected.

Li Yan's suggestion was perhaps just a catalyst.

The real source of the transformation lies within Sun Wukong himself.

Seeing Li Yan's swift defeat at this moment further confirmed this thought.

This Senior Brother Li has some obscure insights into breaking through the impasse in the Dao.

However, his own cultivation and combat ability are mediocre, which can be considered a weakness.

That sense of special status seemed so pale and powerless in the face of overwhelming cultivation.

If he were to leave the safe and secure environment of Fangcun Mountain and venture into the outside world, given his shallow foundation and aversion to conflict, I fear...

Everyone had their own judgments and different perspectives.

Some regretted the idea but were powerless to put it into practice, while others secretly felt relieved.

Sun Wukong, standing below the stage, stared wide-eyed, about to speak urgently.

Bodhi Patriarch suddenly coughed lightly.

The sound was soft, yet it flowed like a clear spring through the monkey's heart.

Sun Wukong paused, looking at his patriarch.

The patriarch's gaze was gentle, and he shook his head slightly.

Sun Wukong opened his mouth, but ultimately held back his words, staring at Li Yan with worry in his eyes.

At this moment, the young Taoist priest had already withdrawn his finger.

The simple diagram slowly dissipated, turning into specks of golden light that disappeared into the void.

"Young friend, your approach just now was ingenious."

Furthermore, by using the vitality of the earth as a node to disrupt the triple potential cycle, the idea is excellent.

The tone shifted slightly.

"However, the essence of this method lies in using one's own divine will to merge into heaven and earth, thereby invoking the earth's abundant virtue."

The practitioner needs a very deep understanding of the Earth Element.

Furthermore, one's own divine will must be pure and resilient enough to withstand the feedback from the great forces of heaven and earth.

"Young friend, your cultivation is shallow and your spirit weak, like a seedling trying to support a mountain—your strength is insufficient."

Li Yan regulated his breathing and bowed:

"Your guidance is correct. I understand the principles but find it difficult to put them into practice, and I comprehend the Dao but find it difficult to control the power. Indeed, I have not grasped the essentials."

The Taoist priest nodded slightly, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes: "Since you understand this principle, do you know where the root of the problem lies?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said:

"In my opinion, there are three problems."

Firstly, the duration of cultivation is short, and although the foundation is pure, it is thin, like a tree without roots, unable to withstand wind and rain.

Both sides have knowledge of principles, which mostly comes from classic texts, chess manuals, and observing others. However, there is still a gap between knowledge and practice.

Without personally experiencing the profound evolution of the Great Dao, it is difficult to truly master its power.

The three...

"What I have learned is to value guarding and concealing, to be good at observing, following, and borrowing momentum, but I am not good at creating or breaking momentum."

The situation just now has formed a three-fold cycle, and the disciple is only thinking about how to integrate into and disrupt it.

He failed to consider how to reshape the landscape from his own perspective. This is a bias in his mindset and a limitation on his path.

The disciples below the stage listened with varying expressions.

Zhenyangzi, Zhao Yuanqing, and the others nodded slightly, thinking to themselves that although this young man was of mediocre talent, he was not up to the task.

But this self-awareness is far better than that of many who are all talk and no action, which is a pity.

The young Taoist's eyes showed even more approval: "It is already not easy to see one's own limitations."

Now that you understand this principle, you should always be mindful of it in your future practice, ensuring that knowledge and action are in harmony; this is the right path.

Having said that, he lightly flicked his sleeve.

A sliver of clear light flew out and landed in Li Yan's palm, transforming into a tortoise shell the size of a palm.

The tortoise shell is simple and dark yellow, with natural patterns on its surface that interweave to form the shape of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams).

It feels warm to the touch, carrying a sense of profound and vastness.

"This object is called the Daoist Tortoise Shell, which I obtained during my travels in my early years."

Its patterns subtly align with the principles of heaven and earth. Regular observation can help you comprehend the flow of energy and the manifestation of principles.

This will help you solidify your foundation and apply what you've learned.

Li Yan held the tortoise shell in his hand and felt a deep and profound Daoist aura seep into him, faintly resonating with the embryonic seed of Dao.

The germ trembled slightly, and the speed of the surface grooves increased slightly.

[Having obtained the Dao-carrying tortoise shell and been nourished by the Daoist principles of the Eight Trigrams, the Dao seed condensation progress is 85%]

He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for bestowing this treasure upon me, senior."

The Taoist waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over Li Yan's brow, and his expression hardening slightly.

Then, a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.

He added, "Young friend, your foundation is pure and your mind is calm. You also have unique insights into the Great Dao."

However, Fangcun Mountain, though beautiful, is ultimately just a remote corner of the world.

In the Thirty-Three Heavens of the Celestial Realm, there is a furnace in the Tushita Palace that burns eternally, but it is lacking a fan boy.

If you wish to go, this humble Taoist can introduce you. Ten thousand years later, you may be able to glimpse the path to the Great Dao of Taiqing.

What do you think, young friend?

This statement came out.

The disciples looked at each other, their expressions strange.

The Thirty-Three Heavens of the Heavenly Realm, the Tushita Palace is the place where the Taoist Ancestor Laozi cultivated in seclusion. What kind of place is this?

But the boy who fanned the wind sounded like a servant.

This senior, just how much does he value Junior Brother Li?

still is……

A hint of confusion flashed in Zhao Yuanqing's eyes, which then turned into sudden realization.

Perhaps the senior saw that Junior Brother Li's aptitude was limited and that he would find it difficult to achieve the Great Dao.

But he also has some understanding, so he was given this menial job as a way to make a living.

It could be considered an arrangement made out of respect for the patriarch.

Haiqiong, the female cultivator, parted her lips slightly, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated, and finally let out a soft sigh.

For Junior Brother Li, being a servant in the Tushita Palace is probably an excellent outcome.

It's better than him having to leave the mountain in the future and struggle to survive in this treacherous world of cultivation with his abilities.

Xingzhu and Mozhu pondered, their brows furrowed, while the verdant bamboo shadows swayed in the breeze.

Unknown and without status, of mediocre talent, yet able to enter the Tushita Palace.

Even at the very bottom, to be touched by a trace of the Dao Ancestor's fortune is an immense opportunity.

The cleaning disciples in the middle and back rows were whispering and gossiping among themselves.

I feel this is an incredible opportunity.

After all, it is the Tushita Palace, a place under the Dao Ancestor's tutelage; even chickens and dogs can ascend to heaven.

I feel this is demeaning.

But how could a mere fan boy be the work of a spiritual practitioner?

Although Senior Brother Li is mediocre, he's not that bad...

All eyes were on Li Yan, eager to see how he would respond.

A slight ripple stirred within Li Yan's heart.

Tushita Palace, Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao)...

He had already vaguely guessed the identity of this Taoist priest.

The words of the fan boy may seem dismissive, but how could a mere boy be an ordinary disciple of the Dao Ancestor?

only……

He looked toward the Bodhi Patriarch at the edge of the cloud platform.

The patriarch stood quietly, his cloak fluttering in the wind, his gaze gentle and unreadable.

Li Yan withdrew his gaze and remained silent in thought.

It was at this moment.

Sun Wukong couldn't contain himself any longer. He somersaulted to Li Yan's side and glared at him, saying:

"Hey! You look young, Taoist priest, but your words are so unpleasant to hear! You speak like an old man!"

He pointed at the young Taoist priest, his golden eyes wide open:

"My senior brother is cultivating well at Fangcun Mountain, and the patriarch hasn't said anything to him. Why do you want to drag him to be a fan boy?"

What's so good about that smoky, fiery alchemy furnace?

"Could it be that the heavens are short of firewood and are coming to our mountains to kidnap people?"

The disciples below the stage were terrified.

This is a peerless master who could rival the patriarch in chess, yet Sun Wukong dares to speak like this?!

The young Taoist priest was not annoyed; instead, a smile flashed in his eyes.

He looked at Sun Wukong and said gently:

"You monkey, you're really protective of your own."

It can be known that in the Tushita Palace, even the fan boy is surrounded by the true words of the Great Dao and is imbued with the aura of the Golden Elixir.

Ten thousand years from now, even ordinary celestial beings might not be able to match them.

Sun Wukong didn't care at all, and said with a sneer:

"I don't care about any Golden Elixir Path!"

"Senior brother, you have the guidance of the patriarch and the companionship of your fellow disciples on Fangcun Mountain. Why go to that heaven to be ordered around by others!"

As he spoke, he turned to look at Patriarch Bodhi and shouted:

"Master! Don't you agree? We can't let anyone kidnap our senior brother!"

Upon hearing this, the patriarch smiled slightly.

He looked at the young Taoist priest and said slowly:

"My friend, this little monkey is simple and honest, and although his words are straightforward, they are also reasonable."

Since Li Yan has joined my Fangcun Mountain, he is now a disciple of the mountain.

The decision of whether he stays or leaves is up to him.

The young Taoist priest nodded with a smile: "Of course. I was just asking casually."

He looked at Li Yan again and whispered in his ear:

"Young friend, there's no need for an immediate reply. This matter is not urgent; you can take your time to consider it."

If you have an idea, leave Fangcun Mountain within two years and head towards the place where the sun rises.

However, upon encountering a Taoist temple, one should stop and sincerely bow three times before the image of Taiqing.

Celestial beings will ride cranes and clouds to guide you on your journey beyond the mortal realm.

Then, changing the subject, he raised his voice so everyone could hear him.

"I have a question regarding your practice."

Li Yan bowed: "Please give me your guidance, senior."

The Taoist priest slowly asked, "Since you entered the sect, have you been given a Dharma name or Taoist title?"

Li Yan was slightly taken aback, then shook his head: "No."

The young Taoist turned to Patriarch Bodhi:

"Fellow Daoist, your disciples..."

The names are assigned according to twelve characters: 广, 大, 智, 慧, 真, 如, 性, 海, 颖, 悟, 圆, 觉.

The monkey was named Sun Wukong because it came up with the character "悟" (wù, meaning enlightenment).

Zhenyang, Haiqiong, Xingzhu, and others, each according to their given names. Now that young friend Li Yan has become your disciple, I wonder what given name he should be assigned?

The area around the cloud platform fell silent instantly.

All the disciples looked toward their patriarch.

The patriarch's gaze fell upon Li Yan, his eyes reflecting the mountain mists, and he said slowly:

"Li Yan's son was indeed not named according to the twelve-character naming convention."

"These twelve characters are for disciples who are naturally intelligent or have special talents, and whose destiny is determined by their names and whose nature is bound by their characters."

Once a name is established, cause and effect arise, and the path of one's spiritual journey will be guided by it.

"However, Li Yan's way is not sought in names, nor revealed in words."

The patriarch lightly placed his whisk on his arm and continued:

"Its nature is like earth, thick and virtuous, bearing all things silently. Its heart is like water, humble and uncontentious, adapting to any shape."

Forcing generational names and titles is like carving jade into a vessel, damaging its natural beauty.

Therefore, it is simply called by its common name, and allowed to grow naturally, unfurling and curling with the seasons.

The young Taoist nodded slightly, a galaxy appearing in his eyes:

"I see.

Without deliberation or refinement, without constraints or limitations, letting things take their own course—fellow Daoist's methods subtly align with the true meaning of non-action.

As he spoke, his gaze seemed to pierce through flesh and blood, directly illuminating Li Yan's very essence:

"However, young friend, are you aware that being anonymous also has its drawbacks?"

Li Yan bowed: "Please enlighten me, senior."

"The nameless are like duckweed without roots or fallen leaves without support in the great path."

The words were clear and distinct.

"The karmic connections in this world are mostly based on names and are linked by cause and effect."

Since you are nameless and without a title, ordinary opportunities will hardly come your way, and the sect's fortune will hardly bless you.

On the path of spiritual practice, one mostly cultivates and realizes enlightenment independently, receiving little external assistance.

"Your way emphasizes guarding and concealing, and you are good at observing and following the trend, but it is difficult to create momentum and break the deadlock."

Just like in the game of chess, you can only be immersed in the game, and it is difficult to control the whole situation.

This is not due to a lack of understanding, but rather because one's position is not yet determined; on the chessboard of heaven and earth, there is no clear place to place a piece.

He paused briefly, then his tone deepened:

"Furthermore, you are now in Fangcun Mountain, protected by your ancestral master and cared for by your fellow disciples. The environment is stable, so you can proceed slowly on this path."

However, the path of spiritual practice is long and arduous, and there will eventually come a day when one must leave the mountain.

At that time, the outside world will be dangerous, heroes will rise up, and the struggle for opportunities will depend on luck and reputation.

"Without a name or a reputation, and without a clear foundation, you are like a boat sailing in the dark. Even with talent and wisdom, you will find it difficult to attract like-minded people and will easily be swallowed up by the tide."

It was another secret voice transmission:

"Therefore, I invite you to the Tushita Palace, also to seek a position for you."

Although the palace attendants held lowly positions, they were known as disciples of the Daoist patriarch.

This name is both a talisman and a ladder to heaven.

"Through millennia of exposure and learning, what one gains is far beyond what ordinary rogue cultivators can achieve."

The disciples around the Cloud Platform all fell into deep thought.

Zhenyangzi Zhao Yuanqing whispered:

"That is indeed the case. For us true disciples, in addition to the cultivation techniques and resources, the very name of a true disciple of Fangcun Mountain is a matter of destiny."

When traveling down the mountain, based on this name, fellow practitioners will show three parts respect, while evil spirits will avoid seven parts.

Without recognition or status, it's like casting pearls before swine, making it impossible to move an inch.

Junior Brother Li is like this...sigh.

Haiqiong, the female cultivator, blinked her beautiful eyes and said softly:

"Junior Brother Li's move in the game just now was brilliant, but he was quickly defeated. Besides his lack of cultivation, it is probably also because he is not in a position to play."

He was like a guest in the game, unable to truly take root and establish himself.

This situation will only worsen once we leave the mountain.

Xingzhu and Mozhu pondered, stroking their foreheads:

"The path of the nameless may lead to great freedom, but it also entails great loneliness and great risk."

For someone with such mediocre cultivation as Junior Brother Li to embark on this path is truly like walking on thin ice, with a bleak future ahead.

As the discussion unfolded, the way people looked at Li Yan became more complicated.

In this light, it seems that Li Yan was not only mediocre in talent and shallow in cultivation, but also had no choice but to embark on a clumsy path due to his temperament.

Sun Wukong, standing nearby, listened, scratching his head in frustration.

He was simple and honest, and although he felt that what the Taoist said seemed to make sense, he also had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

Jin looked at Li Yan and saw that his senior brother had a calm expression.

The monkey suddenly remembered when it first entered the mountain gate.

At that time, it was just an outer gate sweeper, ignorant and naive, with countless problems.

Other senior brothers and sisters are busy with their own spiritual practice.

Or perhaps they are not very patient with this monkey and often dismiss it with a few words.

Only Senior Brother Li.

No matter what he was doing, as long as you went up to ask him, he would always stop what he was doing and patiently answer your questions.

Those answers were perhaps not as profound and insightful as those I heard later from the patriarch and other true disciples.

But it was precisely those simple explanations, bit by bit, that laid the initial foundation for its practice.

Later, as its understanding deepened and its cultivation improved, it would occasionally reflect on its past and find some of Senior Brother Li's answers to be somewhat simplistic.

But without that initial patient guidance, I would probably still be wandering outside the door, and how could I be where I am today?

not to mention……

Sun Wukong narrowed his golden eyes, recalling how he had been trapped by soft power during the game, his mind agitated, and he had almost lost.

My mind was in a daze at that time, so how could I remember any chess scores or endgame puzzles?

It was my senior brother's guidance that struck me like a thunderbolt, cleaving through the fog.

Although in hindsight, that may have just been a catalyst, true enlightenment comes from one's own accumulation of knowledge.

But without that reminder, it's uncertain whether he could have seized that glimmer of inspiration before the collapse.

Thinking of this, Sun Wukong's doubts dissipated.

It puffed out its chest, about to speak.

Li Yan bowed first and said to the young Taoist, "Senior's teachings are all precious, and I will remember them."

"I, your disciple, am also aware of the drawbacks of being anonymous."

However, I believe that there are countless paths to enlightenment, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Those who are famous are blessed with good fortune, but they are also bound by karma.

Those who are unknown may lack external help and opportunities, but they may still attain great freedom.

"I am dull-witted and shallow-minded. Only diligence and steadiness can help me persevere in the long run."

Fangcun Mountain has a peaceful environment, which suits the disciple's temperament perfectly.

As for what happens after leaving the mountain…”

He said slowly, "The path to enlightenment is long and arduous; where is there no place where one cannot cultivate oneself? The world is full of dangers; every step is a test."

"I do not seek fame or recognition; I only wish to walk my own path step by step, with my feet firmly on the ground."

Upon hearing this, the young Taoist's eyes flickered with a slight pause, as if the starlight in the river of life had slowed slightly.

Then, he chuckled lightly: "Young friend, your temperament is indeed in line with the word 'humble simplicity'."

He stopped trying to persuade him and turned to Patriarch Bodhi:

"Fellow Daoist, your disciple is walking a clumsy and long path with an uncertain future."

But if one can persevere, a different kind of scenery may indeed appear.

"But it's difficult!" he emphasized.

The patriarch nodded: "The Tao follows the natural way. Each person has their own destiny and their own fate."

You can't force it, and forcing it to stay is useless.

The two great figures conversed in a calm and unhurried manner.

This calmed the emotions of the disciples below the stage, eventually turning into a sigh.

Sure enough.

Where do so many geniuses and fortuitous encounters come from on the path of cultivation?

Most people are just like Li Yan, with mediocre talent, relying on a little diligence and luck to survive in the cracks.

Therefore, the feeling that Li Yan had a special aura about him had vanished.

In their eyes, Li Yan became a nominal follower with some unique ideas.

Sun Wukong listened to the conversation between the two big shots, and then looked at the expressions of his fellow disciples. He blinked his golden eyes.

It felt that something was wrong, but upon closer examination, it seemed that every sentence made sense.

My senior's aptitude is indeed not outstanding.

Their cultivation speed is not as fast as his own, nor as fast as that of Senior Brother Zhao and the others.

Indeed, they were quickly defeated in the game.

but……

The monkey scratched its head, the awkward feeling still lingering in its heart.

It always felt that its senior brother should not be the clumsy disciple that everyone saw as someone who would not survive once he left the mountain.

But it couldn't quite put its finger on what was different.

Perhaps it's just a misperception caused by my close relationship with my senior brother?

Sun Wukong shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

No matter what others say, a senior is a senior.

This monkey is almost stubbornly persistent in staying on what it believes in.

At this point, the young Taoist priest no longer paid attention to Li Yan.

He glanced at the audience and said gently:

"Are there any other disciples willing to step forward and discuss the Dao?"

After a brief silence on the platform, more disciples came forward one after another.

After the two battles between Li Yan and Sun Wukong, the disciples' attitudes have changed.

Some people are more cautious, while others are inspired to compete.

A taciturn, dark-skinned disciple from the Array Academy set up a [Nine Palaces Maze Array], its intricate formation subtly embodying the principles of heaven and earth.

He managed to hold out against the Taoist for five breaths before the formation was broken, and he was rewarded with a fragment of the Hetu Luoshu replica.

The disciple held the fragment in his hand, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, clearly indicating that this item would be of great help to his array formation skills.

In addition, several renowned disciples from various lineages, such as the Talisman Pavilion, Beast Taming, and Spirit Plants, also made their appearances.

Some people develop techniques, some explain principles, and some demonstrate unique skills.

The Taoists responded with equal skill, sometimes with three fingers, sometimes with five breaths, breaking the deadlock and bestowing treasures.

The gifts bestowed may not be exceptionally precious, but they are all appropriate and directly address the current challenges in each disciple's cultivation.

For a moment, the Taoist aura flowed and the colorful lights shone brightly on the cloud platform.

Each disciple displayed their abilities and gained their own opportunities.

Li Yan retreated to the bottom of the stage and stood quietly to watch the battle.

The tortoise shell bearing the Dao in his hand was warm and heavy, exuding a restrained Daoist charm.

A Mirror Reflecting the Heart: [The Tortoise Shell Carrying the Way (1/8)]

[Formed from the molted shell of a primordial spirit tortoise, nourished by the Dao for millennia, its markings subtly align with the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, and the eight trigrams flow within it.]

Regular observation can help one understand the changes in trends and the manifestation of principles, thus solidifying one's foundation and integrating knowledge with practice.

[Note: This object appears to be incomplete. If the remaining parts can be found, it may offer a glimpse into the complete Dao of the Primordial Eight Trigrams.]

He looked thoughtfully at the tortoise shell in his arms.

My state of mind is reflected once again.