Chapter 24: Beimingzi

Just as with a nation, regardless of how formidable the external enemies may be, as long as one’s own foundation is sufficient and one’s capabilities are enough to address all changes in the world, the final outcome in an era of great contention will not be too dire.

Look at the State of Han today. For a hundred years, it has been bullied by the States of Wei, Chu, and Qin, yet it has failed to truly rise. Is it because the country lacks great talent? Is it because it lacks great generals? That is not the case. By remaining content in a corner, ceding territory to seek peace, seeking peace for self-preservation, and choosing self-preservation for comfort—only to cede more territory when that comfort fails—how could Han avoid destruction? Even if Han Fei possessed immense ability, if he cannot become the one in control, everything is merely empty talk.

For me, in the current turbulent times, the most important priority is to enhance my strength as the tides of fate surge. In a chaotic world, human life is the least valuable commodity. If I lack even the ability to protect myself, there is no need to discuss anything else.

Apart from the trouble caused by the Net, the journey back went smoothly. It took about twelve days to return to the sect’s residence deep within Ba Commandery. In the month I was away, the Heavenly Sect had not changed significantly; everything remained as it was.

However, my senior brother moved with haste, leading me directly into the depths of the rear mountain forests. This area is another part of the Heavenly Sect, shrouded in formations; without guidance from the sect’s leadership, it is nearly impossible to enter. From the outside, it appears to be nothing more than a region of low hills covered in dense thickets and woods, where birds and beasts roam and their cries never cease. But under Chi Songzi’s guidance, moving with a subtle technique, we took only a few steps before the view suddenly opened up, revealing a place like a secluded paradise.

Clear waters flowed, waterfalls cascaded, and a flat area spanning several miles stood within. My spiritual senses stirred, and immediately, several powerful auras appeared in my perception—most of them were practitioners at the Spirit Transformation and Profound Spirit level. A quick count revealed no fewer than ten.

Peach trees grew throughout the area. With midsummer just past, their green leaves remained lush. In Taoism, it is said that peach wood repels all evil, and the place carried a sense of pure mystery; as we moved forward, a faint, lingering fragrance permeated the air. Dead leaves were scattered across the ground, and every step produced a crisp, low crunch. Bamboo cottages were scattered throughout, and the primordial energy of heaven and earth surged into each one, the rhythmic breathing of the inhabitants causing the surrounding breeze to tremble.

"Senior Brother, is this the foundation of our Heavenly Sect?"

No wonder the Taoist school, despite its low profile and few disciples, had never been bullied. With more than ten Spirit Transformation and Profound Spirit martial artists, combined with Master Beiming, our peak combat power was nearly unmatched among the Hundred Schools.

Moreover, I had always been suspicious. Given the classics left behind by our founder, Laozi, and the sages through the ages, reaching the Spirit Transformation and Profound Spirit level should not have been difficult for those with decent aptitude. Yet, in the sect outside, apart from my senior brother, the strongest were only at the Innate realm—even the elders were no different. So, they were all here! No wonder, no wonder, no wonder! I sighed in my heart.

"Only those who reach the Spirit Transformation and Profound Spirit level may enter. Furthermore, our Taoist Heavenly Sect has always remained aloof from the mundane world and pays little heed to worldly affairs. Thus, those who do not have deep ties with our sect are unaware of our true strength."

"For a thousand years, the only one to achieve the unity of body and all things was our founder, Laozi. Many martial artists have come seeking the true words of the 'Tao Te Ching,' but how could the treasure of the Taoist school be allowed to fall into the hands of outsiders?"

"Moreover, there have always been practitioners in our Taoist school who have reached the realm of 'Returning to Emptiness through Enlightenment.' A martial artist of that realm has transcended the mortal; living beyond one hundred and fifty years is easy, and with proper cultivation, they can even surpass two hundred!"

Man follows Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Tao, and the Tao follows Nature. Taoist practice emphasizes following the ways of Heaven. In this, we are somewhat similar to the Nongjia school, but while the six halls of the Nongjia are rooted among the common people and their influence far exceeds ours, their true strength is nowhere near the Taoist school.

Speaking of this secret place of the Heavenly Sect, Chi Songzi was filled with pride. Among the Hundred Schools of Thought, no other could rival the Taoist school in terms of top-tier combat power. More than ten existences at the Spirit Transformation and Profound Spirit level were enough to look down upon the Central Plains.

Following Heaven to practice and mastering the laws of change in the universe is the only way to endure. I understood this well, and listening to my senior brother's passionate words, I felt a sense of honor. Sensing the presence of our seniors in the surroundings, I bowed in a gesture of Taoist respect. Then, I followed my senior brother closely toward the depths of this secret realm. The fragrance of the peach trees filled the air, and an ancient, tranquil, and eternal Taoist presence persisted.

As we traveled, the sect seniors in the bamboo cottages did not appear, continuing their meditation in pursuit of higher realms. Merging my spirit with the world, my senses expanded. Near the area of the waterfall, an old man in a light grey silk Taoist robe sat cross-legged before a pool.

He sat upon the heaviness of the earth, comprehending the unpredictable nature of water. Clouds rose, the sun moved, and a light breeze stirred the corners of his robes, causing his hair to sway in slight disarray. He wore a crown of flying clouds and phoenix energy, his grey hair draped behind him. Sitting silently by the pool, he resembled a solid boulder—so ancient, so profound, that no external force could probe him; to attempt it was like staring into a vast ocean, unable to glimpse his true countenance.

"Chi Song pays respects to Master!"

Seeing him, Chi Songzi’s expression became solemn, a look of profound respect and admiration crossing his face. He knelt on the ground and bowed. Every time he saw his master, he felt this unique sensation; he truly could not fathom what the realm of "Returning to Emptiness through Enlightenment" actually entailed.

"Xuanqing pays respects to Master!"

Regarding this master, even I had to admit that the word "destiny" truly exists in this world. Six years ago, when I was near death, Master Beiming appeared, saved me, and took me as his disciple. Although he had not provided direct instruction, he had entrusted the responsibility to my senior brother. Otherwise, I would not have spent these past six years so happily and comfortably. A trace of gratitude, respect, and inexplicable relief welled up on my young face.

"Truly a great destiny. It has been only a few months since you broke through to the Innate realm, and now you have broken through again to the Spirit Transformation and Profound Spirit level. In the last thousand years of the Taoist school, your aptitude is the highest."

"And with your current strength, you should be on par with Chi Song. In the first stage of Spirit Transformation, you are already approaching the peak!"

His voice was clear yet carried a hint of age. A mysterious black light flickered around him as he rose gracefully. Sensing his two disciples, he nodded slightly and spoke slowly.

Chi Songzi had not made much progress; it was unlikely he would break into the realm of Returning to Emptiness in this lifetime. But Xuanqing was a talent of stunning potential, perfectly aligned with the essence of Taoist practice. At only six years old, he had already broken into the Spirit Transformation and Profound Spirit level; it would not be difficult for him to touch upon the realm of Returning to Emptiness in the future.

Decades from now, even when I pass away, the Taoist school will still have top-tier experts to guard it, and it will not decline!