Almost all the Moonlight Sword Palace's disciples gathered in a secluded area of the city where an inauspicious small building resided. They numbered more than fifty. Yet compared to the number of active agents of the other sect, they were almost negligible. Too many had died in the recent conflict while others hid within their fortified base.

The building was one of the numerous entrances to the underground tunnel leading to the formation's core. The tunnels were spread throughout the city, guarded by each sect, yet almost all that guarded them were oblivious to their use. Only a few of the higher-ups were even aware of their existence. But now, Zou Lan had made them public, allowing all citizens to know of their existence.

“What’s the meaning of this?” the elder of the Raging Fire Sect said as he watched the crowd gather around the entrance, a deep frown on his face.

Zou Lan chose to ignore him, simply awaiting the opportune moment. All around them, the crowd whispered; no one had been told the reason for this gathering. They merely followed the Moonlight Sword Palace's Sect Mistress's wishes.

Since the Outsiders' withdrawal, Zou Lan's reputation and that of her sect had soared. Everyone knew of their involvement in the city's continued existence, fostering thoughts of gratitude. This city was all that most ordinary citizens had ever known, having lived here for generations. This was their home and would always be.

On the contrary, the prestige of the other three sects couldn't be lower. Many witnessed their cowardice as they retreated to their own garrison, leaving all others to fend for themselves. Coupled with the numerous rumours circulating as to what had happened within the underground chamber, the people's animosity was at an all-time high. It seemed to be on the verge of bubbling over.

The only thing keeping this city from erupting was Zou Lan’s presence. She was like a light in the darkness. The people knew only too well that this was but the beginning. The peace was only temporary. The Outsiders would come again, just as they always did, and they wouldn’t be ready.

All this led to an uneasy atmosphere as the citizens looked upon the representatives of the various sects with disdain, and they reciprocated the same. The city was divided and on the verge of bubbling over, yet it was held in place through might alone. Still, this was only a temporary solution. Zou Lan hoped that Qin Yun's scheme would be enough to alleviate some of it, though she was doubtful.

"The people are uneasy," Zou Lan replied. "After the recent ravages to the city, they desperately wish to know what the sects intend to do to restore order."

“They are merely mortals. What can they do even if they know? They should just do what they are told,” the old man added.

“You underestimate the people's power," Qin Yun said, standing next to Zou Lan. "Gather enough of them, and you might even be able to dethrone a god."

“As if! Don’t talk nonsense, boy,” the man added, barely hiding his scorn. “What do you even know with your limited experience? People are sheep and need someone strong to lead them. Strength means everything. Do not forget the only reason you are allowed to even speak is also due to it.”

The man glanced at Zou Lan, yet she looked utterly unconcerned. The man's eyes couldn't help but narrow slightly, and a slight trace of anger appeared on his face. Still, Zou Lan showed no intentions of doing anything. She knew better than to stop Qin Yun from speaking. Besides, she also wished to know where he intended to go with all this.

“What if they refuse?” Qin Yun replied, hiding his smile.

The man humphed, not bothering to answer his question. Still, he didn't bother to muffle his voice, letting his thoughts be heard by the crowd. The restlessness mounted, yet none could find the courage to oppose him, for they knew their fate. They only turned toward Zou Lan, hoping she would come to their defences.

She could only sigh at the sight. If possible, she wished she wouldn't be an outlet for the people's resentment. Still, she couldn't let it bubble uncontrollably until it burst in her face. However, just as she was about to speak, Qin Yun interrupted her.

“It might work for a time, but you forget one significant detail."

The man didn't even bother to turn around, ignoring him. Still, the elder of the Purple Blossom Sect was intrigued by what she had heard and couldn't help but inquire, "What detail?"

“Mortals are the basis of our society,” Qin Yun explained. “From their unions, new life is born. Haven’t you ever wondered why it’s so difficult for cultivators to procreate?”

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

The woman remained silent, pondering his question. The old man did the same yet chose not to show it. He remained stoic, yet his ears perked up, awaiting the answer, which came from an entirely different place.

“Because the Heavenly Dao is afraid of us,” the envoy of the Immortal Alliance said, taking a few steps toward the group. “It is but a means to control our growth.”

He then turned around, facing the small building, remaining aloof. Still, the three elders were stunned by the revelation. Only Zou Lan remained calm, as she had already predicted this. However, she couldn't help but be slightly fearful, as talking about the Heavenly Dao always came with some risk, even more so for someone as closely linked to it as herself. Regardless, Qin Yun had no such reservations.

"Exactly," he said. "I've thought about this for a long time while I was free. If only ten percent of individuals born to a mortal couple possess a spiritual root, why do ninety percent of those born to cultivators have one? What makes them different?"

“It’s simple,” the sickly elder of the Cult of the Emerald Lord said, joining the conversation. “Spiritual roots are inherited at conception. However, the process is difficult, resulting in the premature death of the new life. Only a few can survive the process. Only a small portion of the time is the spiritual roots not inherited, allowing for a much easier birth."

"Indeed," Qin Yun said, looking at the man with a slight admiration. "However, this is only part of the truth. If spiritual roots are inherited, why do some children possess spiritual root elements unrelated to either parent? Also, if they are inherited, why can mortals—who neither possess spiritual roots to begin with—conceive a child with one?"

“Are you going somewhere with all these questions?” the old man asked, clearly irate, yet was silenced by the purple-robed elder, as she wished to know the answer.

“Did you not wish to know why people have power that can threaten cultivators?” Qin Yun asked, unconcerned by all the stares now aimed at him. His words had captured the interest of the crowd. They kept silent, awaiting his words as if to drink the wisdom contained within.

Still, not all were as captivated. Some of the disciples of the other sects couldn't help but look at him with jealousy in their eyes. For one, Qin Yun seemed to be someone of their generation, yet he could converse with the elders on an even footing. However, more than that, he could stand casually next to Zou Lan.

To them, Zou Lan was like a distant star they could only gaze at from afar. Indeed, she was young and beautiful, yet beauty alone wasn’t enough to capture their hearts, as which cultivator wasn’t beautiful? Cultivation had a way to shape the vessel into its perfect form, which couldn’t help but feel attractive.

No, Zou Lan's attractiveness went beyond the bounds of appearances. In fact, both men and women held her in high regard. Not only was her cultivation high, but she was also the leader of her own sect, possessing power and prestige. Still, she also had an air of mystery.

Countless rumours have spread within the Western Region concerning her ever since she first started on the path of cultivation. Her journey had been like a shooting star; no obstacle had been able to hinder her path. However, her success hadn't been earned without effort. With a single blade in her hand, she had carved herself a place for herself—so much so that even her sect's elders accepted her as their sect master despite her lack of experience.

Of course, Qin Yun would be the target of their ire; how could he not? An unknown man with no achievements to his name stood among the pillars that sustained their world, but his cultivation base made the people talk even more. Many believed themselves more worthy, yet weren't brave enough to act on it, resulting in resentment.

Qin Yun was aware of it, yet couldn’t care less. They were only children, after all. In time, they would come to realize how foolish they were. As for their idolization, he couldn’t deny Zou Lan’s achievements. She was indeed worthy of respect, but he wouldn’t tell her so. It would only spoil his fun.

“Let me ask something else,” Qin Yun added, “Have you ever wondered why spiritual qi is slowly thinning? Year after year, there is less and less to go around. Sooner or later, there may not even be enough to allow people to cultivate.”

While some scoffed at his words, many couldn't help but gasp at the revelation. However, the sentiment was further elevated when they noticed the strange look on the elders' faces, almost as if Qin Yun's words rang true in their minds. Zou Lan even looked above, slightly panicked, wondering whether to stop him. However, nothing seemed to happen, so she chose to wait.

“A cycle," the young man said, looking toward Qin Yun as if for the first time acknowledging his existence. His gaze was clear, yet a slight hint of interest was laced within.

“Indeed," Qin Yun replied, slightly interested in the man himself.

However, the crowd seemed unable to understand the man's words. Even the elders found it hard to comprehend. Only Zou Lan, with her high cultivation base, could understand. Qin Yun looked around and smiled.

“Let me give you an example,” he added, his voice slightly louder, allowing those further away to hear him clearly. “Imagine the world is your body. The sky is your flesh, covering everything in existence in its warm embrace. The countless rivers contain your blood, nourishing the land by its flow. The mountains are your bones, strong and sturdy, supporting the world. Deep within the earth, the earth veins are your qi channels, allowing qi to spread to every corner of the world. Then what, may I ask, is the breeze flowing endlessly throughout the world?"

The crowd remained silent, pondering. Then, the elders came to a realization, yet were unable to verbalize it, too afraid of the repercussions. Even Zou Lan didn't wish to say it; her eyes glanced above fearfully. Only the young man had no such reservation.

“The wind is the breath of life, and the world between the sky and the earth are the lungs,” he said casually.

“Exactly,” Qin Yun said, showing a radiant smile. “The world follows a cycle, breathing in qi and filling its lungs, which leads to prosperity. However, such times cannot last forever. As qi stagnates within the body, it becomes polluted and must be filtered out. Sooner or later, the world must breathe out, eliminating much of the qi and allowing another fresh breath to be taken. This is where we are currently."

“An interesting take, but is it not overly simplified?” the sickly man asked, only for Qin Yun to shrug.

"Of course. How could the world be defined by the mere words of man? This is only an example to better illustrate my point. Take from it what you wish."

Then, a small voice emerged from the crowd, coming from a young woman garbed in red. Despite her hesitance, she couldn’t help but blurt out a question, hoping to find answers.

“If what you say is true, then what is the Heavenly Dao?”

Her question was innocent, yet the elders couldn't help but frown. They knew all too well the consequences of trying to define the Heavenly Dao. Only those who had reached at least the Soul Formation realm were privy to such information as they had touched upon it. Even then, it was slight at best. Not even immortals could claim to know its full extent. Still, Qin Yun couldn't help but smile and answer.

“If the world is a human body, then the Heavenly Dao is consciousness.”