Observing the sky, Long Aotian discerned in the cloud formations the semblance of his parents, as if they were waving at him, expressing their pride in him.

Observing his disciple's teary-eyed reaction, Ming Xuan couldn't help but wonder about the reason behind Long Aotian's sudden display of emotions. His thoughts pondered, What might have triggered this emotional response?

"Disciple, I've imparted the verses of the 'Give Me Taoist Physique' Scripture. Your understanding relies on your innate aptitude," proclaimed Ming Xuan, his robes swaying, lending an ethereal air to his presence.

"Master, how long will it take for me to grasp this scripture fully?"

"Is he suspicious? If I set the bar too low, it might raise doubts. I'll need to set a slightly higher standard," contemplated Ming Xuan silently.

"Apprentice, across countless eons, I've witnessed the cycles of karma, the paths of reincarnation, and the conclusion of epochs. Throughout this timeless expanse, I've encountered innumerable Sons and Daughters of the Heavens. However, in my estimation, your aptitude pales in comparison to the luminaries of ancient eras. I would dare say it might require a year or more for you to grasp this scripture at the level of the divine," Ming Xuan proclaimed in a resounding manner.

"Master, your power is truly awe-inspiring! But a year feels daunting. What if I struggle to grasp this divine scripture within that time?" Ming Xuan expressed anxiety.

"Fear not, disciple. The pursuit of immortality demands patience and unwavering determination. You must remain steadfast and resolute in your path. Even if setbacks arise, let your spirit remain unshaken and wear a smile. Besides, even if your natural talent falls short, who would dare stand against you? Across the universe, I've gathered numerous loyal followers who would heed my command. Even Immortals would hesitate a thousand times before attempting to harm you," reassured Ming Xuan with a sense of dignity.

Long Aotian's admiration for Ming Xuan surged immensely upon hearing his Master's audacious declaration, finding solace in the harsh world's challenges. Apart from his parents, he had never held such deep admiration and respect for anyone else.

"Master, you are very kind to me! What should I do to repay in this lifetime? Your debt of teaching me is as heavy as a mountain." As Long Aotian said this, his eyes started to turn red, and drops of tears began to flow from his eyes.

"Stop crying, disciple. You look ugly when you cry," replied Ming Xuan with a gentle smile. "Repaying this debt isn't about material offerings or grand gestures. The most profound way to honor this teaching is to embody its essence. Walk the path of cultivation with integrity and wisdom. Let your actions reflect that my teachings to you were not wasted. That, my disciple, will be the most meaningful repayment you can offer in this lifetime."

'This naive youngster,' sighed Ming Xuan. He hadn't intended to deceive him, yet now that the path had been embarked upon, there seemed to be no turning back.

As darkness descended, Ming Xuan observed the youth still engrossed in deciphering the scripture, growing increasingly concerned for his well-being.

"Apprentice, cultivation isn't a relentless pursuit. It's crucial to rest and connect with nature. Overexertion isn't the solution. When it's time to rest, take that time to recuperate," Ming Xuan advised, emphasizing the importance of balance in cultivation.

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"Understood! Master," Long Aotian replied.

Ming Xuan then closed his door and went to sleep in his bed.

The next day...

Before sunrise, Long Aotian had already woken from his sleep and patiently pondered Ming Xuan's words.

"From Master's words, I have to be free from deception and see the essence of things. If I became entangled by desires, I would lose sight of what was beyond it. Freed from the desire, I can realize the mystery, and caught by the desire, I can see things that are only visibly real. Yet mystery and reality emerge from the same source. They are the same, but by name.

Within oneself, a constant space exists that remains accessible when desires are kept in check. It is a realm of complete emptiness and boundless potential, marking the origin of profound comprehension."

Long Aotian felt a surge of excitement as he finally began to grasp some of his master's profound teachings. Initially, they had seemed inscrutable, but now he recognized the vast potential for endless understanding within them.

In the quiet of the morning, Ming Xuan emerged from his slumber and ventured towards the kitchen, intending to prepare breakfast. Upon stepping out of his room, he encountered Long Aotian, who was deeply engrossed in a meditative posture.

"Ah, my devoted disciple, tirelessly engrossed in deciphering that counterfeit scripture," mused Ming Xuan to himself. "Yet, how could anyone fathom its depths? Even with a millennium's dedication, the result would be as elusive as an elephant dreaming of soaring through the sky."

As Long Aotian sensed his approaching Master, he gracefully rose from his meditative stance and offered a respectful greeting.

"Master, this disciple pays his respects."

"Let's partake in a meal, disciple. After rigorous training, your body must be weary. Replenishing essential nutrients is crucial. Gather wooden sticks from the mountain surroundings to prepare our food."

"Understood, Master." With a nod of agreement, he set off to collect the needed sticks.

"Master's level is too unfathomable. He is not afraid of tainting his spiritual essence by consuming mundane sustenance. It appears Master is truly an elusive sage, dwelling in the simplicity of mortal existence to delve deeper into the mysteries of Dao," pondered Long Aotian, awestruck by his master's profound way of living.

"I'll also prepare nourishing porridge by washing the rice grains," Ming Xuan said.

Ming Xuan deftly proceeded to the task at hand; the soothing sound of rice grains being cleansed echoed in the serene surroundings. The morning sunlight cast a gentle glow as Master and disciple engaged in their respective culinary duties.

Long Aotian returned with the collected sticks, his dedication evident in the meticulous selection.

"Master, the wooden sticks are ready," Long Aotian reported.

"Good job, disciple. Let's begin our meal preparation," Ming Xuan acknowledged, and together they started making breakfast.

As the wooden sticks were gathered and the rice prepared, the aroma of the imminent breakfast began to envelop the mountain abode.

Long Aotian observed in admiration, noting his Master's discipline and grace in every action. As the breakfast slowly took shape, it symbolized not just a meal but a moment of shared tranquility between mentor and student.

"Study the scripture diligently. If you're unsure about anything, feel free to ask me for help," Ming Xuan advised before departing, displaying a composed and elegant demeanor. Soon after, he ventured to a secluded area at the back of the mountain, a place ideal for hiding.

"This secluded spot is perfect for staying hidden. My disciple won't easily discover this place. When Long Aotian realizes he can't decipher the scripture, he'll seek me out for answers. But how can I solve those queries when I lack the fundamental knowledge about cultivation?" Contemplating this, Ming Xuan chose to remain hidden in the mountains. When the time arrived for Long Aotian to seek answers, he wouldn't be able to locate his elusive master.

"This tactic of mine is brilliant! Heh! I'm quite clever. How did I not receive any recognition in my past life?" After making his remark, Ming Xuan expressed a wistful demeanor, hinting at past grievances as though the world had wronged him deeply.

On the other side...

Long Aotian was encouraged by his Master's words. "If I ask Master questions, he will think my aptitude is poor and abandon me. I must show my worth."

Hours slipped away unnoticed as he navigated his day. Whenever hunger or thirst struck, he searched for wild fruits on the mountainside and drank from the waterfall. His routine involved eating, sleeping, and relentlessly trying to decipher the scripture. This routine became the norm for Long Aotian, and time gradually slipped away.

Half a month later...

One day, as Long Aotian was pondering, a sudden enlightenment struck him. He closed his eyes and approached the scripture with 'Taoist Physique' in his mind.

"In terms of the human body, it represents a complete universe, embodying its own version of Heaven and Earth, as well as housing the Sun and Moon. Within the body, there exists the essence of Heaven and Earth, while Water and Fire constitute its fundamental components.

The expanse of the body mirrors the vastness of the external world. It encompasses heaven and earth, fire and wind, the sun and moon, lightning and stars, as well as both tangible possessions and the intangible. Everything within this realm is encapsulated within the mortal body's boundless space."

Upon reopening his eyes, his perspective underwent a profound shift. He began to perceive the entire world as an extension of himself, where there existed no differentiation between his inner being and the external environment.