Chapter 4, See the Sea of Clouds

The White Cloud Tower stood in silence; could it be that this old Taoist possesses the ability of divination, to have predicted my visit to observe it

Perhaps due to the abundant spiritual energy of the Xu Yun Peak, with just a slight focus of the mind, one could enter the sea of consciousness. This time, the absorption of the azure glowing points was particularly smooth, and after devouring four of them in succession, a feeling of fullness in the divine consciousness was finally achieved

Since that is the case, and it is still early before the academy opens, I will stay a few more days in the other courtyard, read the Dao scriptures, and observe the drifting clouds. If I can meet the old Daoist, that would be truly fulfilling

In the quiet of the night, with nothing to do, Baiyun Tower felt a bit restless and took an oil lamp to one side of the study to search for some books

In the past few days, my spiritual awareness has gradually strengthened, bringing new hope to Baiyun Tower regarding the path of cultivation. In order to verify my deductions, I specifically sought out several medical texts concerning meridians and acupoints, among which I unexpectedly found a hand-drawn illustration of the meridian system, which was truly a pleasant surprise

Yesterday, I specifically took the jade to play with my father. I mentioned that applying it to the forehead has a cooling sensation. My father followed my advice and applied it to his forehead, but there was no significant effect.

Baiyun Tower cupped his hands and said: "Exactly."

I recall that several books of miscellaneous essays and strange tales mention the concept of consciousness, but only in a few brief phrases

Upon the arrival of the ship at the dock, Uncle Li took his luggage and followed the cargo ship down to Baiyun Building, where he found an inn at the eastern end of the town to settle down first

During this study tour, I passed by the Liuyun Temple and took the opportunity to seek guidance from the old Daoist. I should gain some insights from this experience

The young Taoist priest respectfully took his leave. After having a vegetarian meal in the dining hall of the Baiyun Building in the separate courtyard, he returned to the quiet room as dusk had fallen.

Returning to the quiet room, Bai Yunlou sat quietly on the bamboo couch for a moment, picking up several medical texts and illustrations to study them carefully

Pushing open one side of the window frame, a tranquil valley comes into view. Under the moonlight, the mountains rise and fall in layers, a winding stream flows, several shallow pools appear, and the shadows of the pine forest are faintly discernible, indeed a beautiful scene

The more concentrated the spiritual awareness, the more advanced the cultivation can become; thus, refining one's essence and energy is the foundation of practice, while spiritual awareness is the essence of cultivation

Send forth aspirations to soar high, as the spring breeze carries the traveler

The White Cloud Tower could not help but feel a sense of emotion; having previously searched in vain for a path of cultivation, it now found this extraordinary method to enhance one's spiritual awareness, which could be considered a wish fulfilled

Reading books and practicing calligraphy clearly makes it easier to concentrate, and after focusing, one's hearing becomes more acute, while vision at night also becomes somewhat clearer

Seeing that it was still early, Baiyun Tower asked Uncle Li to wait for him at the inn for two days, then he tightened a bundle and left the inn

Upon hearing this, Mother quickly went aside to instruct the crew, and in the meantime, I greeted Father. Baiyun Tower stepped onto the cargo ship via the gangplank.

I told the young Taoist that I would stay for a few days in the other courtyard, and the young Taoist naturally agreed

I delivered a greeting card to the young Taoist at Shoushan, only to learn that the old master of the temple has recently made some progress in his cultivation and has been in seclusion in the back mountain for over a month. It seems that I will not have the chance to see him this time.

The matter regarding the jade anomaly has not been disclosed to my father, as our departure is imminent, to prevent unnecessary worry on his part upon learning of it

The expansion of one's consciousness indeed brings numerous benefits. In less than two hours, I have read seven or eight out of these several books. Noticing that the night has grown deep, I tidied up a bit and then sat cross-legged by the bed to enter a meditative state

The best time to enter the sea of consciousness is during the midnight hour, as it is less likely to be disturbed by external factors. Consuming the azure luminous points within the sea of consciousness can strengthen the spirit. The stronger the spirit, the more luminous points it can consume.

Since the day before yesterday, I had an encounter at Qingyu, and at Baiyun Tower, I made several attempts, generally grasping some insights.

It seems that one has benefited from a certain opportunity, a kind of fate that is truly fortuitous and cannot be sought after. Baiyun Tower is well aware of the wonders of Qingyu and has long kept it close at hand.

The quiet room is not large, yet it is elegant, featuring a bamboo couch, a bamboo chair, and a wooden table. On the wall hang four large characters that flow like clouds, reading "As Tranquil as Flowing Clouds"

The White Cloud Tower stands gracefully at the bow of the ship, with silver ribbons binding the hair fluttering in the wind. Dressed in blue, with a dragon scale sword at the waist, the youth's brows and eyes exude a heroic spirit, a young man of elegance.

The next morning, at Baiyun Tower, I woke up naturally. Upon arriving at the window, what greeted my eyes was a vast sea of clouds rolling and surging, magnificent and boundless, illuminated by the rising red sun above.

In the past two days, the White Cloud Tower has successively absorbed six azure glowing points, its spiritual awareness becoming more solid, and the resonance with the jade green has already increased to twelve feet.

The young Taoist glanced at the worship note in his hand, the characters neatly and elegantly written. Upon seeing the signature "A student from Baiyun Tower," he was taken aback and hurriedly asked, "Could it be Young Master Bai from Luoshui County?"

Baiyun Tower said: "Thank you for your concern, esteemed observer. If you leave your retreat, please do not forget to inform me, so that I may express my gratitude in person at that time"

Leading to the innermost quiet room of the separate courtyard, a tall ginkgo tree at the entrance of the quiet room is showing new buds, exuding vibrant vitality in the setting sun

By the banks of the Liuhua River, at the Qingzhu Pavilion, both father and mother, along with the shop assistants and kitchen maids, came to see us off. Mother, holding onto the Baiyun Tower, handed over a small cloth bag with a tied mouth and instructed, "This is the peace talisman I asked for at the temple before the New Year, along with a bit of silver. Don't be stingy with it."

The young Taoist hurriedly said: "The Abbot instructed before his retreat that if Young Master Bai comes to the temple, he may act as he sees fit within the temple, and there is no need for formality. Young Master Bai, please feel free to give instructions at any time."

As the consciousness expands, thoughts become increasingly clear; previously vague memories, upon focused reflection, also become more distinct.

Baiyun Tower was visited by my mother when she came to Liuyun Temple, I do remember the path, and in a leisurely stroll, I have already entered the mountain gate and arrived at the half-mountain villa

The clouds are adorned with a myriad of colors, shining like brocade. Several mountain peaks subtly reveal their tips, occasionally appearing and disappearing amidst the mist, resembling a fairyland

While leisurely reading some books along the way and admiring the riverside scenery, we sailed with the wind and entered the river along the banks, and in a hurry, we arrived at a dock by the river after more than half a day

Following the road to the north of the town, I headed towards the Liuyun Temple at Chuyun Peak. In less than half an hour, I arrived at the foot of the mountain, where a few scattered pilgrims were coming down from the mountain.

Next to the quiet room is the study of the other courtyard. The young Taoist looked at the study and said: "The observer has stated that the young master may freely browse through this study at his leisure"

Seeing Lord Bai so pleased, I couldn't help but think that in my youth, I must have looked much like this

In the empty mountains, the people are quiet, leaves fall and insects chirp

Dai Dai gazed back for a moment, collecting his thoughts at Baiyun Tower. Reflecting on the events of the past two days, he could not help but feel a twinge of excitement in his heart

Master Bai arranged for Uncle Li, an old associate from the rice shop, to accompany him, so that he could assist with various matters along the way

The merchant ship hoists its sails and sets off with the favorable wind, watching the gradually distant figure beneath the bamboo pavilion, two parts homesickness, three parts longing, and five parts ambition, all lingering in the heart of Baiyun Tower, this sense of nostalgia silently imprinted in the sea of consciousness of Baiyun Tower

Take good care of the Baiyun Building, and say: "Mother, you know me; I have a big appetite, and I can never treat myself poorly, no matter where I go, hehe."

Looking at the cargo ship waiting at the ferry, Baiyun Tower said to his mother: "The auspicious time has arrived, as recorded in the almanac, it is favorable for long journeys. Mother, there is no need to worry. In a few months, I will request a leave to return home, and at that time, I will bring you the Qianyun cake from the capital. It seems that the wind is just right, and we should be able to reach Liuyun Temple before dark."

The divine consciousness gradually increases as it circulates with the cosmic cycles, and only through the accumulation of daily and monthly cultivation can the divine consciousness be slightly solidified, while cultivating vital energy can lead to a fullness of vital energy

The Daoist scripture "Liu Yun Dao Jing" indeed contains some descriptions of consciousness. The scripture states: "Human beings possess essence, energy, and spirit. Those who cultivate the Dao refine essence into energy, circulate it throughout the body, and then refine energy into essence, transforming the acquired into the innate, only then can they be considered to have just entered the threshold of the Dao.