Chen Fugui looked to see where the voice came from.
He saw a white-robed man who possessed a striking appearance. Standing tall with an aura of wisdom, his eyes held an enigmatic depth and piercing gaze like the sharp blade of a sword. He exuded an air of serene authority. His demeanor was composed yet carried an underlying intensity.
Chen Fugui became alert because the man in front of him was really extraordinary. Though he did want to admit it, the man in front of him was more handsome than him.
"Darn it, there was someone out there even more good-looking, refined, charming, knowledgeable... and reliable than this superior figure right here. But hey, let's think positively. I'm still the go-to guy for'most entertaining' and 'expert at causing mischief,' right?" Chen Fugui thought
The person who intercepted Chen Fugui was Ming Xuan.
Observing the man's presence, Ming Xuan couldn't shake the feeling of suspicion. His facial expression alone hinted at shadiness, suggesting a possible connection to theft and seeking refuge amidst these mountains. After all, Ming Xuan pondered: who, in their sound judgment, would venture into these remote peaks without ulterior motives?
Ming Xuan faced Chen Fugui with one hand in the back and said indifferently, "Fellow Daoist, my sect's territory is ahead. Do not proceed any further.
"His sect resides within these peaks. I've meticulously planned for 15 years for this heist. When did a faction establish itself here?"
"Wait a minute! That's not the point. If the previous Dao intent came from his sect's disciples, and they possess such formidable strength, I can't even fathom the depths of his abilities. This must be a secluded sect, keeping itself aloof from the outside world," Chen Fugui contemplated.
"Senior, may I humbly inquire about your esteemed Daoist title and the name of your sect?" inquired Chen Fugui.
"This humble sect is known as the Wujin Bianhua Sect, and I preside as its Sect Leader. As for my Daoist title, your cultivation level doesn't allow for its recognition. Just bear in mind that my sect is modest and seeks peace and serenity on this mountain. Whether you disturb this tranquility knowingly or inadvertently, I care not. However, offending me would be the gravest mistake of your entire insignificant existence," Ming Xuan nonchalantly responded.
Chen Fugui, feeling a mixture of awe and trepidation, stammered, "Ah, Sect Leader, my apologies for any unintentional disturbance. I assure you, I seek only to traverse this mountain in peace."
Ming Xuan's gaze softened slightly. "Well, as long as you tread lightly and don't disrupt the harmony here, we won't have any issues. Now, continue on your way, and remember the warning."
Chen Fugui nodded vigorously. "Of course, Senior. I'll be as inconspicuous as a breeze; you won't even know I'm here!"
Ming Xuan chuckled. "That's the spirit. I see that you are sincere in heeding my words. I shall give you something as a gift."
As he spoke, Ming Xuan waved his hands, after which a gentle breeze blew over Chen Fugui. He instantly felt relaxed by the wind. He felt like he had been taken to another level. All the pores in his body were screaming in joy.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Ming Xuan said, “This is the breath of creation." It is a rare and precious treasure that can nourish your soul and enhance your cultivation. Consider it a token of my goodwill.”
The generous gift stunned Chen Fugui. He felt a surge of gratitude and admiration for Ming Xuan. He quickly bowed and said, “Thank you, Sect Leader. You are truly a benevolent and magnanimous person. I don’t know how to repay your kindness.”
Ming Xuan smiled faintly and said, “You don’t need to repay me anything. Just go on your way. I have other matters to attend to.”
Chen Fugui nodded and bid farewell to Ming Xuan. He turned around and walked away, feeling a warm and comfortable sensation in his chest. He wondered what kind of sect Ming Xuan belonged to and what secrets it hid on this mountain.
Ming Xuan watched Chen Fugui leave, his eyes flashing with a mysterious light. He muttered to himself, “This fellow has an interesting fate. He might be useful to me in the future. I’ll keep an eye on him.” He then turned and flew back to his sect, where his disciple was having enlightenment.
Chen Fugui walked away from Skyview Mountain, casting a backward glance out of sheer habit. To his astonishment, the mountain had disappeared, vanishing into thin air right before his eyes.
"Am I so exhausted that my senses deceive me?" Chen Fugui questioned, rubbing his eyes in disbelief. However, as he reopened them, his eyes widened in sheer disbelief, and a gasp escaped his lips as he staggered backward, his pulse racing with a mixture of confusion and terror.
The mountain that had vanished before his eyes had now reappeared, standing tall and mighty as if nothing extraordinary had occurred. He shivered as he grasped the immense power wielded by the disciple of the Wujin Bianhua Sect residing upon Skyview Mountain.
Panic seized him, and he staggered, desperately trying to reconcile the inexplicable sight he had just witnessed. He muttered to himself, his voice quivering with a mix of fear and awe. "What... what kind of sorcery is this? It can't be... am I hallucinating?"
The enormity of the situation sank in as he realized the profound abilities at play. Disregarding any pursuit, his primary concern now was to distance himself as far as possible from this enigmatic mountain and its seemingly omnipotent guardian. With trembling hands and a racing heart, he turned away, fleeing in the opposite direction, eager to escape the inexplicable phenomena that lay atop Skyview Mountain.
As Ming Xuan was happily climbing Skyview Mountain, whistling and singing a poem,
Upon peaks where the heavens meet the earth's descent,
Whispers stir, yet silence is present,
Mountains, timeless in their ascent,
Harbor truths about Dao's descent.
Their summits touch celestial bound,
Secrets whispered, yet never found,
In stillness, wisdom does resound,
Mountains echo what's profound.
Through valleys deep, a Daoist's quest,
Each step, a lesson, life's own test,
Nature's canvas, divinely blessed,
Mountains' whispers, the Dao's behest.
A voice echoed near Ming Xuan, proclaiming, "Heaven, Earth, and I alone are eternal."
"Ah, my disciple speaks grand words. What schemes are you hatching on your own? Can it be that he has swiftly grasped the 'Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Self'?"
As he spoke, the mountain adjacent to Skyview's peak disappeared.
Ming Xuan: (‘◉⌓◉’)
Ming Xuan's eyes widened like saucers, his face a portrait of sheer disbelief. His mouth gaped slightly, forming a perfect 'O' of astonishment. He blinks repeatedly, trying to comprehend the inexplicable disappearance of the mountain. His expression teetered between amusement and bewilderment, resembling an emoji brought to life, stuck in a perpetual state of 'wait, what?' mixed with a touch of'seriously, what's going on here?'
A resonating voice echoed within Ming Xuan's consciousness.
[Host, your disciple has achieved understanding in the 'Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Self.' Long Aotian has condensed a Lesser Dao-True/False Dao. As a reward, Host gains Mahayana Realm cultivation and 5000 Disciple points.]
As the vanished mountain silently reappeared, Ming Xuan made his way toward Long Aotian's location, where he had emerged from his deep contemplation of the True/False Dao.
Long Aotian bowed respectfully, greeting his master. "Disciple Long Aotian greets Master."
Ming Xuan nodded, a satisfied expression crossing his face. "Indeed, very commendable. To grasp a Lesser Dao-True/False Dao in such a brief period is impressive."
"What? Master, you were already aware." Long Aotian was eager to share his achievement but was taken aback by his Master's prior knowledge.
"How could I not be aware? You are under my guidance," Ming Xuan replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Long Aotian approached Ming Xuan and said, "Master, I have inquiries regarding cultivation."
Ming Xuan responded, "You may ask," inviting Long Aotian to pose his questions.
Long Aotian asked, 'What is the meaning of ‘karma’?"
Ming Xuan explained, "Karma arises when you claim, 'I am the doer' for any action. This belief in being the doer binds karma. However, realizing that you're not the true doer and understanding who actually performs actions dissolves karma, as it lacks support."
Long Aotian, deeply intrigued, sought more wisdom and asked about the principle of karma.
Ming Xuan illustrated, "Imagine shouting 'You are a thief!' into a well. What follows?"
Long Aotian responded, "You'd hear the echo of those words."
Ming Xuan nodded and continued, "Precisely. The echo symbolizes the consequence of your action. Every action, thought, or word resonates with a corresponding effect. It's the law of cause and effect, or the principle of karma: what you put out returns to you.
Speaking and giving what you wish to hear and receive is key to karma; it's like echoes of past actions."