Chapter 5: On the Dao and the Method

After this investigation, Baiyun Tower completely set aside the burdens in its heart and could sleep peacefully

Inside the room, there is a low table, two cushions, and a low couch, all simple and unadorned. A gentle breeze and warm sunlight filter through the curtains, filling the space with the fresh scent of bamboo.

I possess a method to observe the aura of individuals. Last time, I observed the young friend to be filled with sincere determination. This time, having perfected this method during my retreat, I see even more clearly and thoroughly. The young friend now exhibits a strong and resilient spirit, with a clarity that permeates the entire being, indicating that their consciousness has encountered a significant opportunity.

With a focused mind, I arrived at a fragment of memory, slightly relaxing my spirit, immersing myself in this memory, which precisely reflects the scenes from the past two days spent studying that medical classic

Baiyun Tower said: "I have been enlightened. I dare not forget the teachings of the Daoist priest. The two scriptures gifted by the Daoist priest have also brought me great benefits. There is one matter that I do not understand, and I hope the Daoist priest can clarify it for me."

An old Taoist stood in front of the thatched cottage, full of vitality, with white hair and a youthful appearance; he was none other than the observer, Xianyunzi.

After turning a few corners, I arrived at a bamboo grove, where two thatched cottages were nestled among the bamboo, creating a serene and secluded retreat.

The White Cloud Tower offers only a fleeting taste; such profound memories are not to be lightly ventured into, lest one becomes ensnared and unable to extricate oneself.

The original owner of these fragments of consciousness must have been immensely powerful. After a strand of shattered divine thought scattered into countless points of light within their sea of consciousness, each minute point of light could significantly enhance its own consciousness, which is quite evident.

After a brief exploration, Baiyun Tower, having understood the method to deepen memory, descended into the depths of the Sea of Memory

Moreover, according to ancient texts, only powerful cultivators can enter the sea of consciousness, and what they see in the sea of consciousness is a chaotic expanse. A sea of consciousness as clear and distinct as my own is certainly extraordinary

Baiyun Tower remarked: "Indeed, a few days ago I had an opportunity that expanded my divine consciousness. This time, I have come out to study and specifically seek your guidance, Daoist priest, on a few matters."

The fragrance of tea wafted through the air, and Baiyun Tower could not help but feel a surge of spirit, exclaiming: "This truly is the tea from Chuyun Peak. It must have absorbed the nourishing mist of Chuyun Peak, which has infused this fresh and refined mountain tea. Daoist, does this tea have a name?"

After observing for a while the dark and turbulent clouds swirling in the sea of consciousness, the White Cloud Tower gradually lowered its divine awareness, just submerging into the murky clouds, as a familiar aura enveloped it.

The practitioner cultivates themselves while also exploring these principles. The higher the practitioner's cultivation level, the more principles they can perceive, and the clearer they become.

Baiyun Tower pondered: "Cultivating oneself, seeking the mysteries? In my youth, I read some biographies of immortals and deities, where those with profound cultivation could summon the wind and rain, wandering through heaven and earth. I yearn for this greatly; are these miraculous immortal techniques the mysteries?"

In the following days, Baiyun Tower enjoyed a leisurely life, occasionally studying medical texts and Daoist teachings, and taking the time to indulge in the beauty of the mountains and waters.

After several days of studying the collection of books in the Taoist temple, I have been deepening my memory each night while entering the sea of consciousness, and the gains have been quite substantial

Baiyun Tower was greatly pleased upon hearing this and naturally accepted the invitation, proceeding to the back mountain alongside the young Taoist priest

Baiyun Tower sat down on the cushion at the western end, thanked the old Daoist, picked up the teacup, inhaled the fragrance of the tea, and took a sip

The old master said: "Indeed, most cultivators spend their entire lives in practice, and the growth of their spiritual awareness is limited. The expansion of spiritual awareness can be considered a tremendous opportunity. Young friend, you must not reveal this opportunity in front of others, lest you attract calamity"

Baiyun Tower firmly guards Lingtai, tentatively probing, yet breathes a sigh of relief, for this surging murky cloud is indeed the sea of one's own memories

Young friend, please speak

The old Daoist master took his seat, casually picked up a red clay teapot from the table, and poured two cups, saying: "Young friend Bai, come and taste the fine tea from the back mountain of Chuyun Peak"

If the shallow memory sea resembles mist, and the middle layer resembles flowing water, then the deep memory sea is akin to river silt, where the consciousness wanders with great difficulty

Baiyun Tower nodded in response: "The student has noted it down"

These strands of memory roll and drift, intertwining and entangling, forming a thick cloud of memories. After several investigations, the Baiyun Building has roughly grasped the depth of this cloud.

This sea of memories is divided into several layers. The shallowest layer is filled with a tangle of everyday memories, some clear and some vague. The consciousness freely navigates through the shallow sea of memories, unimpeded.

The old man stroked his beard and smiled, saying: "There is no particularly elegant name, let's just call it plain tea. Just like cultivating the Dao, it may seem miraculous, but in reality, it is merely through self-cultivation that one seeks to explore the mysteries of this world."

Upon entering this realm of memory, apart from the medical texts that are distinctly visible, everything else in the surroundings is blurred. In a moment of contemplation at Baiyun Tower, I revisited this memory, and as I focused and withdrew, I found that this memory had become somewhat clearer.

However, I did not forget to add the offering money with the reminders for my mother, and I also had the Taoist priest who went down the mountain to buy supplies deliver a message to Uncle Li at the inn, indicating that I would set off for the academy a few days later

The idle cloud master stroked his beard and smiled, saying: "This is also the result of the fateful connection between me and the young friend. On that day by the cliff, during morning practice, I happened to encounter the young friend. Your sincere pursuit of the Dao, despite knowing the futility of it, and your unwavering spirit, allowed me to witness a fervent and steadfast original intention. Thus, I was inspired, which led to this retreat. What I just mentioned is precisely the insight gained from this retreat. The so-called cause and effect of fate is nothing more than this."