Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Time flies like an arrow; half a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

Lingtai Fangcun Mountain is shrouded in mist and clouds, yet its seventy-two peaks retain their ever-flowing spiritual energy.

However, the feeling of impending storm was gradually spreading.

During the past six months, Li Yan has lived a secluded life, focusing on his spiritual practice.

In the small courtyard of the medicinal herb garden, the old plum tree has already bloomed for a season.

The finest variety of Wutu seedlings grows to five feet tall, with gnarled stems resembling dragons and thick, jade-like leaves.

The Lesser Five Elements Life-Generating Array, after his repeated improvements, is based on three pieces of tortoise shell, subtly aligning with the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

Furthermore, it incorporated the Daoist principles of the Star Earth, and the spiritual energy within the array became so rich that it condensed into spiritual liquid, dripping into a pool.

In the center of the quiet room, a small pool of spiritual water, about a foot deep, rippled with five colors, reflecting the illusory image of the star map above, creating a truly mysterious scene.

Li Yan sat cross-legged by the Spirit Pool, his body surrounded by swirling starlight and the aura of earth element.

Inside the Niwan Palace, the Dao Tree had grown to three zhang (approximately 10 meters) tall, its branches and trunk displaying a warm, jade-like color, and its leaf veins with star-like patterns as clear as if they were carved.

The primordial spirit sat upright on the flower stamen, its features already vaguely resembling Li Yan's outline, its eyes slightly closed, its appearance solemn and dignified.

All nine petals bloomed, slowly rotating and scattering Daoist charm.

[Cultivation Level: Primordial Spirit Perfected (Nine Petals Solidified)]

[The Three Flowers Activation: When the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit are all perfected, a spark of external influence is needed to ignite them in order for the Three Flowers to manifest.]

The mind's reflection is clear and distinct.

In the past six months, Li Yan used the "Qingyun Danjing" and supplemented it with the spiritual herbs of Fangcun Mountain to refine three batches of the "Three Flowers Spirit-Guiding Pill".

Three pills are produced in each batch, for a total of nine pills.

On the day the elixir was completed, many strange phenomena appeared in the quiet room.

Nine pills floated in the air, each a different color: blue, red, yellow, white, and black, subtly corresponding to the rotation of the five elements.

Even more starlight fell, earth element rose, and the nascent form of three flowers faintly appeared.

Li Yan consumed and refined the elixir. With each pill he refined, the petals of his primordial spirit solidified, and the Dao tree grew slightly taller.

After consuming all nine pills, the nine petals of his primordial spirit solidified completely, and the Dao tree reached a height of three zhang, which was the limit of Li Yan's primordial spirit.

However, the manifestation of the three flowers was ultimately lacking a crucial opportunity.

"The Three Flowers are the sublimation and manifestation of the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit, which require internal and external interaction and the unity of heaven and man."

Although my inner cultivation is complete, I lack the external opportunity to cultivate.

Li Yan opened his eyes, his gaze filled with the Daoist essence of the Star Earth, deep and unfathomable.

In the past six months, he has not been solely focused on rigorous self-cultivation.

Every ten days or so, they would use tortoise shells to deduce celestial secrets and observe changes in the mountains.

The energy of karmic connection increases and decreases accordingly, and has now accumulated to four hundred strands.

[Aura of Destiny: 400/640]

The Heart Mirror records consumption and gains.

[Using the Eighty Threads of Fate Method, I discovered the ancient inscriptions in the cave behind the mountain and obtained the "Earth Vein Dragon-Seeking Technique," increasing my array formation proficiency by +15.]

[By using the 160 strands of karmic connection, the bottleneck in alchemy was deduced, and the Five Elements Reverse Refining Method was comprehended, resulting in a 50% improvement in the quality of the resulting elixir.]

……

Besides his own spiritual practice, Li Yan also paid attention to various matters in the mountains.

Zhou Ming's severed arm has fully recovered, and the skin of his new arm is as smooth as jade. His cultivation has been rebuilt after a period of decline, reaching the mid-stage of the Dao Tree realm.

He specializes in the Aoki sword style, practicing his swordsmanship three thousand times a day in front of the whetstone, gradually developing a sword intent.

Haiqiong's alchemy skills have greatly improved. He used the Crimson Glow True Fire to refine the superior-grade [Crimson Glow Heart-Concentrating Pill], which shocked the Pill Pavilion.

She was chosen by a reclusive elder and taken as his personal disciple.

Brother Zhenpu would explain the classics related to the art of craftsmanship in front of the pavilion every seven days, which was very popular.

As for the few spirit companions...

After the pangolin swallowed the Bone Strengthening and Blood Circulation Elixir, its left claw was completely healed, and its cultivation level even improved, allowing it to speak human language.

It gifted Li Yan three pieces of its own shed scales, which could be used to forge protective magical artifacts.

After Abi digested the Moon Lotus Fruit, her python body grew to ten zhang in length, and a single horn grew on her forehead, showing signs of transforming into a dragon.

It dived into the water veins of Fangcun Mountain to cultivate in seclusion, occasionally using the Water Mirror Technique to communicate with Li Yan, recounting its underwater experiences.

The jade rat was extremely lively, and thanks to the nourishing spiritual fruit and elixirs given to it by Li Yan, its fur was as silvery and shiny as satin.

It often seeks out strange and unusual things in the back mountains.

Sometimes it was a few fragments of ancient jade, sometimes it was a rare spiritual herb, which he would always excitedly bring to share with Li Yan.

The grey sable shows the most variation.

This little fellow cultivates under Li Yan's guidance, absorbing and exhaling starlight and spiritual energy.

He made breakthroughs in six months, and his cultivation level was equivalent to that of a cultivator at the Dao Tree level.

Its silver-gray fur was tinged with faint star-like patterns, and its amber eyes held a hidden glint of light as they opened and closed.

Even more remarkably, it resonated more deeply with the Daoist principles of the three tortoise shells, enabling it to assist Li Yan in deducing heavenly secrets and avoiding misfortune while seeking good fortune.

On this day, Li Yan was in his quiet room deducing the formation.

Three tortoise shells hung in front of him.

The sable perched on Li Yan's shoulder, its tiny paws resting on his neck, its amber eyes reflecting the changing patterns of the tortoise shell.

Suddenly, the tortoise shell of the Daoist vessel trembled.

In the Bagua pattern, the Xun and Dui trigrams light up simultaneously. Xun represents wind, and Dui represents marsh, hence the phrase "Wind and Marsh in Harmony".

"The hexagram Zhong Fu (中孚) signifies that sincerity extends even to pigs and fish... This indicates that things done with genuine sincerity will be revealed."

Li Yan observed intently.

The broken tortoise shell then emitted a warm white light, a sign that the spirit was pointing towards the northeast.

This is where the Samsung Cave is located.

Almost simultaneously, the fragments of the Earthly Fiend Water Vein shimmered with a ghostly blue light, reflecting a blurry image.

In front of the Three Star Cave, the disciples sat in a circle, amidst swirling clouds and mist, with flowers falling from the sky and golden lotuses springing from the ground.

"Is this... the Patriarch about to begin a sermon?"

Li Yan's mind raced.

The preaching at Fangcun Mountain is divided into three levels.

Regular sermons are held monthly, presided over by a true disciple or elder, explaining the basics of cultivation and answering questions.

The intermediate level of sermons is held once per quarter, usually led by an elder who transmits the power, and covers the essentials of Taoist practices and the rudiments of supernatural powers.

The highest level of sermons, also known as the Great Dao Mantra, is personally presided over by Patriarch Bodhi.

Only once every few years or even a decade, will the profound principles of heaven and earth and the origins of the Great Dao be explained.

This is a lecture given personally by the patriarch.

"The opportunity has arrived."

Li Yan put away the tortoise shell, seemingly lost in thought.

He got up and left the quiet room.

Under the old plum tree in the courtyard, the jade mouse was happily munching on a pine cone. Seeing Li Yan come out, it squeaked.

"Li Yan! Li Yan!"

Just now, in that ancient pine forest on the back mountain, many birds flew towards the main peak, chirping and chattering, as if something important had happened!

"The Patriarch is about to begin his sermon," Li Yan said.

The little mouse's eyes widened: "...The Patriarch is preaching?! That's incredible! Can I, the little mouse, go and listen?"

"The sermon will be held in front of the Three Star Cave. Both the outer sect sweepers and registered disciples may go. You may go yourself."

Li Yan said, "However, during the sermon, do not wander off; just listen quietly."

"...Understood!"

The jade mouse carefully collected the pine cones and darted back to its burrow. "I need to wash my face and tidy myself up!"

Li Yan chuckled and looked towards the main peak.

From the depths of the clouds and mist, the faint sound of bells and chimes could be heard, clear and melodious, cleansing the mind and spirit.

Three days later, at Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

In front of the Three Star Cave, thousands of disciples have gathered at the White Jade Square.

The true disciples stood in front, the registered followers stood in the middle, and the outer disciples who were sweeping and cleaning stood at the back, all in perfect order.

Li Yan, dressed in a gray-brown Taoist robe with the Shouzhuo Sword hanging at his waist, found a stone stool at the back of the area for true disciples and sat down.

This spot is inconspicuous, yet it allows for a clear hearing of the sermon and a good view of the entire audience.

His eyes were slightly open as he scanned the area in front of him.

In the True Transmission Area, Sun Wukong sat cross-legged at the very front, his gray robe wide, his golden eyes half-closed, and his aura had returned to its original simplicity.

If it weren't for Li Yan's approaching Three Flowers stage, it would be almost impossible to tell that this monkey had reached the perfect state of Five Qi Converging to the Origin.

The Five Qi refers to the Qi of the five internal organs.

The heart contains the spirit, which belongs to the fire element.

The liver stores the soul and belongs to the element of wood.

The spleen stores intention and belongs to the earth element.

The lungs store the soul (魄), which belongs to the metal element.

The kidneys store willpower and belong to the water element.

The Five Qi Returning to the Origin is the sublimation of the Qi of the five internal organs, which resonates with the five elements of heaven and earth, forming an internal cycle that is endlessly regenerating.

At this moment, five-colored energy flowed faintly around Sun Wukong's body: blue, red, yellow, white, and black, the five elements rotating in a highly restrained manner.

"This monkey is truly defying the heavens."

Li Yan sighed inwardly.

Once the Five Elements have reached their perfect balance, the next step is the Nine Revolutions of the Golden Elixir, which condenses into an immortal golden elixir and lays the foundation for becoming a true immortal.

This level of progress is beyond the imagination of ordinary cultivators.

Let's look at the rest of the true teachings.

Zhou Ming sat at the end of the lineage, his expression calm, the wooden sword at his waist gleaming with a faint blue light.

Haiqiong sat upright on the right, her moon-white Taoist robe spotless, with a crimson pattern between her brows, hinting at the presence of cinnabar fire.

Zhenpu sat on the left, his aura warm and gentle, with a faint sound of a weapon emanating from his sleeve.

Further ahead.

There were also more than ten true disciples whom Li Yan had never met before, all of whom possessed auras above the Nascent Soul stage, and some of whom were at the Three Flowers Realm.

These are likely true disciples who have been in seclusion for many years or traveling abroad. They have only returned to the mountain gate after the patriarch's sermon.

"Thump!"

The bells and chimes rang out in unison, their sound reaching the heavens.

Amidst swirling clouds and mist, a rainbow bridge extends from the mountain peak and rests atop the high platform of the plaza.

On the Rainbow Bridge, Patriarch Bodhi slowly approached.

Today, the patriarch is dressed in a plain white Taoist robe, his beard and hair are as white as snow, and he holds a whisk in his hand.

Wherever his footsteps passed, lotuses bloomed in the void, and the Daoist spirit manifested itself.

All the disciples bowed in unison: "Welcome, Ancestor!"

The patriarch walked to the center of the high platform, sat down on the meditation cushion, and lightly waved his whisk:

"Today I will begin expounding the Great Way; all of you shall listen attentively."

Its sound, like the morning bell and evening drum, penetrates the soul.

Li Yan quickly calmed his mind and focused all his senses.

The patriarch began by speaking about the origins of heaven and earth:

"In the chaos before the separation of heaven and earth, everything was in disarray, and no one could see the vastness of the universe."

Since Pangu broke the primordial chaos, the distinction between the pure and the impure has been established.

"The benevolence that sustains all living beings is supreme, and the creation of all things is for good..."

As the verses were recited, flowers rained down from the sky and golden lotuses sprang from the ground in the square.

Golden lotuses bloom, and their hearts manifest various wondrous phenomena.

Stars rise and fall, mountains and rivers change, plants flourish and wither, and living beings are reincarnated...

Li Yan was terrified.

This is hardly preaching.

It was clearly with supreme divine power that the scene of the creation of heaven and earth and the birth and death of all things was created!

He dared not be negligent, keeping his mind focused and reflecting with all his might.

Inside the Niwan Palace, the Dao Tree swayed, and the primordial spirit opened its eyes, gazing at the flowing Daoist energy outside.

Each golden lotus blossom, a wondrous sight, contains a trace of the true meaning of the Great Dao.

The Star Lotus embodies the wonders of the universe's rotation.

The Mountain and River Lotus interprets the principles of the earth's changing veins.

The lotus, a plant, embodies the cycle of life.

The Lotus of Life reveals the secrets of the cycle of reincarnation.

……

Li Yan was extremely eager and absorbed in it.

The tortoise shell, carrying the Dao, resonates on its own, and the patterns of the Eight Trigrams reveal extraordinary phenomena and changes.

The incomplete tortoise shell, guided by its spiritual essence, helped him capture the key Daoist principles.

The fragments of the Earthly Fiend Water Vein harmonize the mind and prevent one from becoming too deeply immersed in them and losing sight of one's true self.

With the protection of the three top experts and the reflection of his inner mirror, Li Yan's understanding of the Great Dao improved rapidly.

[Listen to the true words of the Great Dao, observe the evolution of heaven and earth, and gain +30 in Daoist comprehension]

[The Star Earth Dao Seed resonates with the celestial bodies, mountains, rivers, and earth's veins, making its foundation ever more profound.]

Within the mirror of the heart, harvests are endless.

However, Li Yan was not satisfied.

He spared a sliver of his attention to observe the reactions of the people in the room.

True disciples often immerse themselves in enlightenment, their bodies radiating Taoist energy, and each gains something from it.

Those who are registered disciples or outer disciples are mostly bewildered and confused, only able to catch a few scattered traces of Daoist principles, and unable to grasp the whole picture.

There was only one exception.

Sun Wukong.

At first, the monkey scratched its ears and cheeks, fidgeting restlessly, but as the patriarch's teachings deepened, it gradually calmed down.

Within the golden eyes, the image of the sun and moon shining together appeared, resonating with the wondrous phenomenon of the golden lotus.

The five-colored energy flowed around his body at an accelerated pace, faintly revealing the phantom images of the five internal organs.

The heart fire is like the sun, the liver wood is like a forest, the spleen earth is like a mountain, the lung metal is like a sword, and the kidney water is like an abyss.

The five elements cycle and return to the origin.

Li Yan observed this with his eyes and understood immediately:

"This monkey is using the ancestral master's teachings to advance the final perfection of the Five Elements Returning to the Origin, preparing for the Nine Revolutions of the Golden Elixir."

While I was pondering this, the patriarch had already reached the middle of his sermon.

The flowers in the sky gradually faded, and the golden lotus disappeared.

The patriarch turned his gaze to the audience below:

"There are three thousand great paths, but one can also attain enlightenment through unorthodox methods."

But to truly understand life and death, and transcend the Five Elements, one must ultimately stand on the fundamental principles.

"Wukong".

Sun Wukong immediately replied, "Disciple is here."

"How long have you been in my Fangcun Mountain?"

Sun Wukong blinked:

"I was so confused and didn't keep track of the numbers."

I only remember that the firewood in the kitchen was intermittent, so I often went to the back mountain to chop wood.

There was a beautiful wild peach grove there, and I saw the fruit ripen three times, and I ate my fill each time.

The patriarch smiled slightly: "That mountain is called Rotten Peach Mountain by the locals."

Since we've become familiar with each other three times, it must have been about three years.

The tone softened slightly,

"What path do you wish to seek from me today?"

Sun Wukong straightened his expression and bowed respectfully: "I will follow Master's instructions."

Seeing his sincerity, the patriarch then gave him further instruction:

"How about I teach you the essential techniques of the 'Art of Words' sect?"

"They can invoke the spirits to guide the gods, deduce celestial secrets, and bring good fortune while avoiding misfortune."

Wukong asked, "Is it possible to achieve immortality?"

The patriarch stroked his beard and said, "Like a spider hanging under the eaves, its web may be ingenious, but when the wind and rain come, it will all fall apart."

Wukong shook his head: "I won't learn, I won't learn."

"What about the 'Flowing Character School'? They are versed in Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Mohism, understand the meaning of the classics, and are knowledgeable in rites and laws."

Is it possible to achieve immortality?

"Like a boat sailing against the current, no matter how hard you try, the oars and poles will eventually come to an end."

Wukong waved his hand: "I won't learn, I won't learn."

The patriarch then said, "Within the gate of stillness, guarding tranquility and embracing oneness, sitting in oblivion and preserving the spirit, is this perhaps in accordance with your wishes?"

"Can one achieve immortality through this method?"

"Like the moon reflected in a deep pool, the water is calm, yet the pool will eventually dry up."

Wukong laughed and said, "It's just an illusion, I won't learn it."

"There's also the category of 'movement' (动)."

The patriarch's eyes held a profound meaning.

"Mining, refining, and burning lead, guiding and shaping it, seizing the opportunities of heaven and earth."

Wukong's eyes lit up: "This can grant immortality?"

"But like a silkworm spinning its cocoon, it dies when the silk runs out, and is forever trapped in the cycle of reincarnation."

After hearing this, Wukong bowed deeply:

"Master, these are not the fundamental truth. Your disciple only desires the true path that transcends life and death, and allows one to live as long as heaven and earth!"

The disciples below were already holding their breath.

The monkey rejected all the wonderful methods one by one.

Li Yan nodded secretly in the crowd.

These four Taoist methods each seem to have their own merits.

The practitioner borrows the power of heaven and earth, the flowing inherits the wisdom of the past and present, the still nourishes the original Qi, and the dynamic seize the power of creation.

However, they were all like climbing branches and clinging to vines, ultimately failing to touch the root.

The patriarch's use of the spider web, the boat going against the current, the moon reflected in the pool, and the silkworm as metaphors is truly ingenious.

Wukong's questioning was not out of arrogance, but rather like a pearl covered in dust, waiting to be wiped clean to reveal its brilliance.

At this moment, the patriarch turned his gaze and landed on Li Yan.

"Li Yan".

The voice was gentle, yet it made Li Yan's heart skip a beat, and he quickly bowed:

"Disciple is here."

"You have been in the mountains for more than six years, and your cultivation has progressed reasonably well."

Let me ask you this: of these four arts—flow, stillness, and movement—will you learn them or not?

The question was thrown at Li Yan, and his mind raced.

Observe the patriarch's expression through your eyes; his gentle demeanor conceals a profound meaning.

They listened to the breathing around them, and everyone held their breath in anticipation.

He recalled his observations over the past six months.

Disciples of the arts often serve as stewards of the outer sect, using divination to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune, but they often suffer backlash and find it difficult to advance in their cultivation.

The disciples of the Liu Sect are well-read and eloquent in discussing metaphysics and Taoism, but they are often at a disadvantage in actual combat.

The disciples of the Jingmen sect practiced arduous seclusion and cultivated their minds to a state of purity, but when unexpected events occurred in the mountains, they were ill-equipped to respond appropriately.

The disciples of the Dongmen Sect have abundant resources for alchemy and weapon crafting, but many of them have weak foundations and are prone to calamities.

Each of the four options has its advantages and disadvantages.

The path of cultivation emphasizes practicality.

Having many skills is never a bad thing, but it's essential to understand the fundamentals and know when to prioritize.

Thinking of this, Li Yan respectfully replied:

"Reporting to the Ancestral Master, this disciple is willing to learn all four gates of the Way."

These words caused an uproar in the room.

A hint of amusement flashed in the patriarch's eyes: "Oh? Why?"

Li Yan gathered his thoughts and said:

"The art of seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, though it cannot grant immortality, can ensure one's safety by knowing and avoiding danger in the world."

I believe that although the path to immortality is lofty and distant, if one dies halfway through, all is in vain.

This technique can be learned for self-defense.

"The classics of various schools of thought on the 'flowing' character are like pillars placed in a wall; a great building will inevitably crumble and decay."

However, the wisdom of all sages comes from practice, and it includes profound insights into the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

I believe that extensive reading can broaden one's horizons and confirm one's own understanding of the Way.

This method is worth learning and can be used as a reference.

"The character '静' (jing) represents tranquility and inaction, like clay bricks in a kiln, unrefined by water and fire."

However, on the path of spiritual practice, inner demons arise and distracting thoughts arise.

Quiet sitting and guarding one's mind, eliminating evil desires, is the foundation of spiritual practice.

This method can be learned and used for cultivating one's character.

"The practice of alchemy and qi cultivation by the 'movement' method, though seemingly like trying to catch the moon's reflection in water, ultimately amounts to nothing."

However, elixirs can strengthen one's foundation, and refining weapons can protect one's body; both are resources for cultivation.

As long as one is not distracted by external things and does not damage one's fundamental nature, this method can also be learned as a supplementary tool.

Finally, he said:

"Therefore, I believe that all four gates are tools. Tools are neither good nor evil; it all depends on how they are used."

The path to immortality is fundamental, while the four skills are branches and leaves.

Only with a solid foundation can branches and leaves flourish. To neglect the essentials and pursue the trivial is like trying to catch fish by climbing a tree.

"However, the root and branches are one."

Without branches and leaves, it is impossible to reach the sky.

Without a foundation, the branches and leaves will eventually wither.

Therefore, this disciple wishes to learn the four gates, using the branches and leaves to protect the root, and using the root to nourish the branches and leaves.

The people in the room reacted with varying expressions upon hearing this.

Some scoffed, thinking that Li Yan was trying to do too much at once and couldn't handle it all.

Some thoughtful people found this statement quite reasonable.

Some, like Zhou Ming and Hai Qiong, seemed to have suddenly realized something.

The patriarch stroked his beard, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and asked again:

"If one studies all four disciplines, one's energy will be scattered, delaying fundamental cultivation. What then?"

Li Yan remained silent.

A glint flashed in the Patriarch's eyes, but his expression remained displeased as he glanced at Sun Wukong and Li Yan:

"One doesn't study any of the four subjects, while the other studies all four."

You two are two extremes.

He stood up, holding a ruler, and first pointed at Sun Wukong:

"You monkey, you are arrogant and proud, you only care about the root and despise the branches and leaves."

Little did they know that without the protection of branches and leaves, it would be difficult to withstand the wind and rain.

It also refers to Li Yan:

"Your disciple is greedy and eager to acquire more, wanting to accept all rivers, and unable to distinguish between what is important and what is not."

Little did they know that with energy scattered, the main trunk could not form a mighty river.

"Duh!"

The patriarch gave a soft shout, his voice like thunder:

"None of them are good enough!"

After saying that, he stepped forward and hit Sun Wukong on the head three times.

He turned around and patted Li Yan on the shoulder again.

He walked inside with his hands behind his back, closed the middle door, and left the crowd behind.

This scene left all the disciples dumbfounded.

It was understandable that Sun Wukong was beaten.

After all, this monkey was far too arrogant.

But Li Yan's words were clearly reasonable and well-founded, so why was he also punished?

"Isn't what Senior Brother Li said quite reasonable?" a disciple murmured.

"What do you know? How could you possibly fathom the meaning of the patriarch's teachings?"

"It seems neither of them has grasped the true meaning of the patriarch's teachings..."

The crowd was buzzing with discussion.

Sun Wukong, however, was overjoyed, scratching his ears and cheeks.

Li Yan also remained calm, bowing as he watched his patriarch depart.

He understood everything perfectly.

The fact that the patriarch struck Sun Wukong three times was an allusion to the time of midnight.

Taking a pat on the back is a way of implying that someone is going along.

This means that the two of them are allowed to go to the back door to hear the Dharma tonight!

"Senior brother, you noticed it too?" Sun Wukong leaned closer and whispered in his ear.

Li Yan smiled and transmitted his voice: "Want to go together?"

"We'll go together!"

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The disciples misunderstood, thinking that the two were unrepentant, and shook their heads.

The sermon was interrupted, and the crowd dispersed dejectedly.

On Li Yan's way back to the herb garden, Zhou Ming caught up with him and whispered:

"Senior Brother Li, what you just said makes a lot of sense. Why did the Patriarch...?"

Li Yan stopped and looked at the sword cultivator whose severed arm had been regenerated:

"Junior Brother Zhou, the Ancestral Master's intention may not lie in right or wrong, but in the right opportunity."

"An opportunity?" Zhou Ming wanted to ask again.

Li Yan shook his head slightly: "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed."

Junior brother, just remember that on the path of cultivation, recognizing your shortcomings and making up for your deficiencies is the right way.

Having said that, he bowed and left.

Zhou Ming stood on the mountain path, seemingly lost in thought.

Li Yan returned to the small courtyard of the herb garden and immediately began preparations.

Tonight, going with Sun Wukong will have a different meaning.

This means that, in the eyes of the patriarch, he was now on par with this chosen one and had received the true teachings.

But the greater the opportunity, the greater the risk.

We need to be fully prepared.

He first took out three pieces of tortoise shell and deduced the various situations that might occur tonight.

[Prediction: Tonight at midnight, we will pay homage to the Patriarch together with Sun Wukong]

[Good or bad fortune: Very good (but there may be hidden trials)]

[Fate/Spell Consumption: 120 strands (Requires stronger concealment to avoid implicating Sun Wukong)]

[Potential tests: temperament, comprehension, foundation, adaptability...]

After completing the simulation, Li Yan began preparations.

By the time everything was ready, it was already dusk.

As if sensing something, the gray sable scrambled onto Li Yan's shoulder, its amber eyes fixed on him.

"I have important business to attend to tonight. You keep watch over the courtyard."

The grey sable nodded softly and patted its chest with its little paws.

The jade mouse also crawled out of its burrow, carrying a small bag of pine nuts:

"...Li Yan, take this with you, you can eat it if you get hungry in the middle of the night..."

Li Yan chuckled and took the pine nuts: "Okay."

Night was falling.

As midnight approached, Li Yan finished changing his clothes, activated the Taiyin Concealing Breath Talisman, and his figure blended into the moonlight.

Just as I stepped out of the hospital gate, a golden figure flashed towards me.

Sun Wukong also changed his attire, wearing a gray-brown short jacket, which concealed his powerful aura, making him look like an ordinary monkey at first glance.

"Senior brother, let's go!"

The two nodded to each other, then used their escape techniques to rush towards the back mountain.

Behind the Sanxing Cave, a secluded bamboo forest lies.

Sun Wukong, familiar with the area, led Li Yan to avoid several restricted points.

Li Yan then used the technique of finding dragon veins to locate a safe path.

With their complementary abilities, they were three points faster than when Sun Wukong came alone.

"Brother, your earth vein technique is truly amazing!" Sun Wukong's golden eyes shone brightly.

"Junior Brother's sensitivity to restrictions is also beyond my reach," Li Yan said with a smile.

Upon reaching the back door, one finds it half-open and half-closed.

The two straightened their clothes and stepped inside.

In the courtyard, the patriarch was already sitting on a stone bench, with his back to the door.

Moonlight spills down, casting swaying shadows of pine trees.

"Disciple Sun Wukong/Li Yan pays respects to the Ancestral Master."

The two bowed in unison.

The patriarch did not turn his head, but said only: "The night is as dark as an abyss, and all sounds are silent."

Why have you two come here instead of sleeping in your caves, resting your heads on clouds?