In his maiden foray as a mentor, Song Daren, noticing Zhang Xiaofan’s entranced expression with hand cupping his chin, felt a surge of enthusiasm, embarking on an eloquent exposition.
The path to mastery in the Mystic Taiji Celestial Purity Dao unfolds from simplicity to complexity. Most disciples achieve the first level of the Jade Clarity Realm within their first year. However, as they progress, the challenges intensify. The second level typically requires five years of dedication, and the third level stands as a formidable milestone. Lesser talents might find themselves permanently stymied, while the more capable can still spend five or six decades before achieving success.
Zhang Xiaofan listened, mouth agape in astonishment. Smiling slightly, Song Daren continued.
The core teachings of the Mystic Taiji Celestial Purity Dao are generally imparted up to the third level. Beyond that, further advancement relies heavily on individual aptitude and self-discipline. Occasionally, seasoned masters might offer guidance, but this is primarily based on their experience to help disciples avoid pitfalls. These so-called “pitfalls” often stretch over centuries.
Reaching the fourth level of the Jade Clarity Realm grants a disciple a profound understanding, enabling them to explore other mystical arts and cultivate their own talismans. Tales of magical relics and divine artifacts abound in ancient myths, where deities wielded unimaginable power. In the mortal realm, cultivators harnessing these powers can traverse the skies, summon storms, and shake the very earth.
The materials used for these talismans are varied and wondrous, but the potency of a talisman depends greatly on its material. An ordinary iron blade attempting the Thunderclap Sword Technique would turn to ash along with its wielder before it could harm the foe.
Speaking of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, the legendary Founder Qing Ye once obtained the ancient sword Immortalbane Nexus from the Illusory Moon Cavern, using it to reign supreme and inspire generations of swordsmen. Over millennia, this preference for sword cultivation became an unspoken tradition, and the sect could justifiably be called the Azure Ethereal Sword Sect.
However, it is worth mentioning Tian Yisu, the Peak Master of Bamboo Mountain, who, despite being a sword cultivator himself, with the renowned Crimson Spirit as his protective artifact, curiously discourages his disciples from focusing on swords. He instead encourages them to explore other unconventional talismans, a practice that has drawn criticism. Yet, there are no rules against it, and his few, mediocre disciples have been allowed this leeway.
Among the Bamboo Mountain lineage, Eldest Brother Song Daren is the most accomplished, having reached the fifth level of the Jade Clarity Realm. Following him is Fourth Brother He Dazhi, who, though junior to Wu Dayi and Zheng Dali, has surpassed them through sheer intellect, attaining the fourth level.
As for Second Brother Wu Dayi, Third Brother Zheng Dali, Fifth Brother Lü Daxin, and Sixth Brother Du Bishu, they are all struggling at the third level.
Littlest Sister Tianshu, however, is exceptionally bright, having received careful instruction from her parents since childhood. Although she only started her bamboo-cutting chores at ten, she has practiced the Mystic Taiji Celestial Purity Dao for many years. At the tender age of thirteen, she reached the fourth level, capable of wielding talismans, and is widely regarded as a prodigy, beloved by her parents and mentors. Her mother, Su Ru, even bestowed upon her the famous Amber Crimson Sash as a protective talisman.
“How impressive, Sister!” Zhang Xiaofan marveled.
Song Daren smiled, “Indeed, our Littlest Sister is gifted and has a natural affinity for cultivation. Whatever our Master and Mistress teach her, she grasps instantly. Her potential far exceeds ours. Given time, her achievements will be boundless, surpassing us all. The future of the Bamboo Mountain lineage rests on her shoulders.”
His eyes gleamed with hope, clearly fond of the sweet and spirited young sister.
Continuing, Song Daren shared essential tips for Zhang Xiaofan’s cultivation, concluding sternly, “One last thing, Little Brother: our path emphasizes steady progress. Greedy shortcuts lead to peril. Success or failure is fated; do not force it. Like dark sorcery and quick gains, such pursuits often end in divine retribution. Beware.”
Zhang Xiaofan, startled, nodded earnestly, “Yes, Eldest Brother, I understand.”
Satisfied, Song Daren stood up. “For now, you should practice in your room. The Mystic Taiji Cave in the rear mountain is reserved for those who have reached the third level. It’s quiet here, and Master and Mistress seldom visit. Work hard.”
Zhang Xiaofan, rising, thanked him, “Thank you, Eldest Brother.”
With a light laugh, Song Daren patted his head and left. Zhang Xiaofan, energized, returned to his room, shutting the door behind him. The morning’s fatigue vanished, replaced by exhilaration.
He sat on his bed, adopting the meditative posture Song Daren had taught him. Closing his eyes, he recalled the first level of the Jade Clarity Realm. As he prepared to begin, a sudden realization struck, causing him to exclaim, “Wait, this doesn’t match!”
The initial level of the Jade Clarity Realm focuses on qi cultivation, requiring the practitioner to sit in tranquil contemplation, freeing the mind from all worries, and channeling celestial energy into the body. Completing thirty-six cycles solidifies the meridians, preparing one for higher levels.
This method, refined over millennia, is unquestionably correct. Yet, Zhang Xiaofan was troubled. The technique he learned from Monk Pu Zhi, prior to the Grass Temple Village tragedy, was diametrically opposed. Pu Zhi had instructed him to sever all external connections, embodying emptiness, non-birth, non-decay, non-defilement, non-purification, and so forth, as per the Heart Sutra.
Although Zhang Xiaofan couldn’t fully grasp these profound concepts, he recognized the fundamental difference. Confused, he pondered his dilemma, unaware that Pu Zhi had imparted the highest Buddhist scripture, the Great Brahma Prajna.
These two paths, rooted in different philosophies, required a foundational explanation. Taoist and Buddhist traditions, each with its unique origins, emphasize distinct principles. Taoism centers on the “Tao,” the source of all things, fostering harmony with nature. The Mystic Taiji Celestial Purity Dao, derived from Taoist thought, involves synchronizing with the universe and transforming natural energies into great power.
Conversely, Buddhism teaches self-realization and the inherent purity of the self. Cultivation involves understanding one’s nature and the wisdom of the heart. These contrasting philosophies, shrouded in secrecy for millennia, now puzzled Zhang Xiaofan.
“What is the right way?”
Pacing restlessly, Zhang Xiaofan’s thoughts were in disarray. Reluctant to seek help, he eventually sank onto his bed, sighing deeply. Not particularly wise and young, he struggled to decide. Finally, he resolved, “I’ll practice both, just like Monk Pu Zhi taught me.”
Feeling lighter, he resumed his meditation, focusing on the Mystic Taiji Celestial Purity Dao. Unfortunately, the two techniques proved incompatible. The first required opening pores to channel energy, while the second entailed closing them, creating inner peace. This struggle persisted for three months, leaving Zhang Xiaofan frustrated. His daily efforts were nullified, making little progress.
One day, Tian Yisu, curious about Zhang Xiaofan’s progress, was appalled. A normal disciple would have achieved some success after three months, but Zhang Xiaofan’s attempts were pitiful. His inability to control his body and channel energy left everyone speechless, including Song Daren, who was ashamed of his protege’s performance.
Tian Yisu, furious and disappointed, simply left without a word. Zhang Xiaofan, humiliated, vowed to redouble his efforts. Months passed, and Zhang Xiaofan finally completed the first level of the Jade Clarity Realm, also making strides in the Great Brahma Prajna. When he announced this, the entire Bamboo Mountain lineage was astounded, breaking into laughter. Song Daren, overjoyed, lifted and tossed Zhang Xiaofan in celebration, while Tian Yisu muttered, “Idiot!”
At fourteen, Zhang Xiaofan, strengthened by daily bamboo cutting, grew tall, nearly matching Tianshu, now sixteen and blossoming into a stunning young woman. They grew close, with Tianshu often standing up for him despite her occasional bossiness.
Their lives, though simple, were serene. Zhang Xiaofan, occasionally inquiring about the Grass Temple Village incident, gradually let go as the years passed. One morning, heading alone to cut bamboo, he anticipated the end of his chore. His progress, surprisingly, seemed easier than expected, likely due to his consistent practice of the Great Brahma Prajna.
Reflecting on his journey, Zhang Xiaofan felt a glimmer of hope, determined to continue his dual path, even if it meant defying convention.
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