Chapter 2, The True Explanation of the Dao Yuan

The Dao Yuan Zhen Jie of the Qingyang Sect was obtained by Master Gu Song, the granduncle of the sect, seven hundred years ago. He studied it for over a hundred years without grasping its principles, so he passed this scripture on to his fellow disciples of the Qingyang Sect. Yet, none of them were able to comprehend it thoroughly. Consequently, he had no choice but to share this scripture with the other four great sects of the Yue Kingdom. Countless eminent figures from the five great sects have devoted immense effort to this scripture, yet they still achieved nothing.

A feeling that was both melancholic and proud surged within Fang Yuan's heart

That diviner was a close friend of Master Gu Song's great-uncle, having known each other for eight hundred years. After pondering over the scriptures, he believed that this original truth was profound and unfathomable, containing great opportunities within. The higher one's cultivation, the more easily one could be blinded, making it difficult to perceive the ultimate principles contained within. Therefore, those who could glimpse the transformations of this scripture should be sought among the children who have yet to embark on the path of cultivation. Master Gu Song's great-uncle firmly believed in his words and began to recruit disciples from the mortal realm three hundred years ago. Over time, this led to the triennial grand examination of the immortal sects.

With the knot in his heart untied, Fang Yuan's previous confusion dissipated like smoke, and he felt a surge of strength within him. He let out a long sigh, preparing to leave, but just as he stood up, another question involuntarily crossed his mind: "If the 'True Explanation of Dao Yuan' is false, then what about the subtle feelings that have stirred within me over the past few years while I have been contemplating the scriptures?"

Then... why today of all days...

After all, other disciplines can be learned gradually once one enters the realm of immortality, but the true understanding of the Dao must begin from a young age

The authenticity of the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie is not to be discussed, but if it is said to be the most difficult to learn, surely no one would disagree. This scripture is intricate and convoluted, with profound meanings; every word and every sentence can lead to a multitude of interpretations and extensions. To achieve success in this field, it is not merely sufficient to memorize all the texts, but one must also completely memorize the publicly available versions from other sects, as well as the insights and experiences of countless practitioners. Even exhaustive study cannot adequately describe the hardships involved. Even the great practitioners of this era have delayed their cultivation in order to delve into the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie, and many have even fallen into madness. How much more so for you, children with unstable minds?

Fang Yuan was already stunned, unsure of how to respond

Mr. Zhu sighed and said, "I did not come here to say these things, but rather to tell you one thing!"

Fang Yuan hesitated to speak, feeling somewhat perplexed as to why, at the very moment he achieved the top position, it was canceled

The Qingyang Sect ... ...

At this point, Mr. Zhu looked at Fang Yuan with eyes full of affection: "I have taught at the Immortal Hall of Taiyue City for several decades, and I do not know how many exceptionally talented prodigies I have encountered, but I have never seen anyone as diligent and hardworking as you. The countless great practitioners and learned elders could not achieve what you have accomplished. This alone makes me admire you greatly..."

Fang Yuan subconsciously opened his mouth, his expression somewhat hesitant

Fang Yuan came to his senses and said with a bitter smile, "If you wish to comfort me, it would be better to present me with a jar of the pear blossom wine you have hidden away..."

Fang Yuan was momentarily taken aback, raising her head to look at Mr. Zhu

Whispers spread around, piercing into Fang Yuan's ears like cunning mosquitoes

Then he looked up in the direction where Mr. Zhu had departed and silently said to himself: "Mr. Zhu, rest assured, I will not fall into despair!"

Fang Yuan's expression darkened; ten years of hard work were destroyed in an instant. How could one not feel disappointed?

The other people in the lobby, whether intentionally or unintentionally, avoided him at this moment, leaving him all alone to occupy a large table, as if an invisible force field had emerged around him, keeping others at a distance!

Fang Yuan gazed at Mr. Zhu's back, softly repeating the words he had just spoken.

Reflecting on this issue, he could not help but recall a month ago, during countless nights spent reading the "Dao Yuan Zhen Jie" as he drifted in and out of sleep, suddenly experiencing a moment of clarity within, ... feeling that mysterious and profound sense of power ...

Although the three great masters perished in the Yuxu Cave, rumors have spread in the world that they have posthumously produced a scripture called "Daoyuan Zhenjie," which contains profound principles for countering the great calamity of three thousand years. Major forces are willing to go to any lengths to find the "Daoyuan Zhenjie"

However, he did not mention the matter of taking a son-in-law again, and there was no longer room for even one of him in the esteemed seats of the inner hall

How I have walked through these ten years

Since you are here, why the need to leave in haste

At this moment, the lord's mansion is hosting a banquet

A large hand pressed down on Fang Yuan's shoulder, forcing him back into his seat just as he was about to stand up

However, looking at the concerned gaze of the Daoist master, he merely smiled and said: "I was just wondering, does the city lord still want me as his son-in-law?"

Ah, for a disciple from a humble background to rise to prominence, how easy can it be? Even the heavens seem to be against him...

However, no one expected that this Daoist scripture would truly appear. Not only did it appear, but it also manifested in dozens or even hundreds of copies. Among so many Dao Yuan Zhen Jie texts, some contents are similar, but many others are completely different. In that moment, no major power could discern which was genuine and which was false. Yet, every sect that obtained the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie did not dare to take it lightly. Countless talented individuals devoted themselves to studying the secrets within. Unfortunately, after several hundred years, without exception, all were ultimately proven to be false

At the age of seven or eight, while busy working in the fields alongside my uncle and aunt, I was also mentally recalling the characters taught by Mr. Zhu. I did not even notice when the sickle cut my hand. When I turned back, I saw blood splattered on the seedlings, bright and glistening

How did I come here

He has been left off the list, but the city lord, seemingly with good intentions, still had a servant bring him over and arranged a seat for him

According to tradition, after the major examination held once every three years, the city lord would host a banquet to honor those who excelled in the examination and are about to become disciples of the immortal sect. This year is no exception, and it is even more lively due to the fact that his daughter has also made the list. However, Fang Yuan, who was originally supposed to sit in the inner hall's VIP section during this grand banquet, can only sit blankly in the outer hall, guarding an empty table.

At the age of five, I climbed the locust tree outside the Fairy Hall to eavesdrop on Mr. Zhu's lectures, only to be stung all over my head by a wasp

Fang Yuan was slightly lost in thought, and the smile on her face carried a hint of bitterness

In my teenage years, what I dreamed of every day in my dreams were those difficult and tongue-twisting scriptures

He could feel the gazes around him, mixed with sympathy, pity, mockery, and even schadenfreude, and he felt exceptionally weary

Inside the brightly decorated lord's mansion, Fang Yuan sat alone at a table in the outer hall, gazing blankly at the colorful fish swimming in the nearby pond. Suddenly, he had a strong desire to leap into the pond and become one of them

He had almost forgotten how he had walked down the platform and how he had been brought here by the servants of the city lord's mansion

This elder is the Daoist master of the Immortal Lady Hall and was once an inner disciple of the Qingyang Sect. It was he who, ten years ago, brought Fang Yuan, who was eavesdropping outside the Immortal Lady Hall, into the hall. It is also through his diligent teaching over the past ten years that the current Fang Yuan has come to be

Please sit down and speak

What do you mean by him still sitting here, waiting to humiliate himself?

Indeed, in the assessment of the Immortal Gate, Fang Yuan only took the Dao Yuan True Interpretation examination and achieved the top position on the Jiazi list

How could this happen

Mr. Zhu

He should not be here!

He does not know how to describe that feeling which is both real and illusory, nor has he ever spoken about it to others

Mr. Zhu appeared deeply moved, seemingly with a sense of regret

I ... ...

If I were to have a daughter, I would not mind her marrying you, but if you desire my pear blossom white, you might as well give up on that thought

Mr. Zhu chuckled and scolded lightly, then gazed into Fang Yuan's eyes. After a long pause, he spoke solemnly: "What I am saying is not meant to comfort you, but merely to inform you of a fact... The Daoyuan True Explanation may be false, but your position as the top scholar is certainly not false"

He indeed feels that it is time for him to leave

Fang Yuan hurriedly stood up to bow, showing great respect to the elderly man before him

Mr. Zhu let out a bitter smile and said: "In fact, I have spent most of my life on this scripture. Each time I feel as if I have gained something, yet in the end, I still end up with nothing. I have long suspected that this scripture might be false. I sensed that such a day would come, but I have continued to teach you. It is not that I wish to harm you; rather, regardless of whether this Daoist truth is real or not, it is still the most important part of the grand examination of the immortal sect. Moreover, studying this path does not require the expenditure of vast sums of money like other fields of study, making it particularly suitable for disciples from humble backgrounds. If one can use this to enter the immortal sect, it would indeed be a good thing. Even if one has to later discern the false from the true and start over, it is still better than being turned away at the door. Over the past century, I have sent quite a few promising individuals from humble origins into the immortal sect using this method. It is just unfortunate for you..."

He once believed that after he truly began his cultivation, guided by that feeling, he could uncover the true principles contained within the Dao of the Original Truth. Yet, who would have thought that at this critical juncture, the Dao of the Original Truth would actually be proven false

Haha, you are currently nameless on the list, with a bleak future; who would marry their daughter to you

After saying these words, Mr. Zhu drank a glass of wine and turned to leave

Alas, the young man from the Fang family is truly pitiable; he clearly should have been at the top, yet the result is...

Fang Yuan turned his head and saw an old man dressed in a blue robe, appearing to be in his fifties or sixties, lean and vigorous, exuding an imposing presence without anger. He let out a long sigh, sat down beside Fang Yuan, filled a cup from a full wine jug, and handed it to Fang Yuan.

Mr. Zhu's expression was serious as he patted Fang Yuan's shoulder heavily, his voice somewhat somber: "Child, today is the last lesson I will teach you. Do not forget how you have walked through these ten years. When you embark on the path of cultivation in the future, this will be your heart of the Dao"

Have I suffered?

Fang Yuan's forced smile was also stiff as he looked up at Mr. Zhu

Mr. Zhu waved his hand, turned to Fang Yuan, and said softly: "Are you very disappointed?"

But who could have anticipated that before he received the jade talisman, such a dreadful sound would come?

Mr. Zhu also laughed upon hearing this, downed a glass of wine, and forcefully shoved it into Fang Yuan's hand. Then he let out a long sigh and said, "In fact, the 'True Explanation of Dao Yuan' being proven false was already anticipated long ago"

So ... ...

This honor of being at the top is the result of your ten years of hard study, achieved among one hundred thousand students from the seven prefectures of the Yue Kingdom. You originally stood in the same position as others, and due to your family background, your conditions were even worse than theirs. Yet, after ten years, you have risen to a position higher than theirs. Who can say that your position at the top is false? Who can deny that you are stronger than them?

Mr. Zhu himself poured a cup, drank it in one gulp, and sighed softly: "It is said that every three thousand years, a great calamity descends upon the world, annihilating all living beings. A thousand years ago, in order to combat this great calamity, the top experts from the Immortal Sect, Demon Sect, and Monster Clan set aside their grievances and gathered at the Jade Void Palace in Kunlun Mountain. They worked together to devise a method to counter the great calamity. However, they did not anticipate that just as they were about to emerge from their ten years of seclusion for research, a great change suddenly occurred. Heavenly fire rained down, and the Jade Void Palace was destroyed. Not a single one of those three sects' masters was able to survive, and to this day, the reason remains unknown!"

I have invested ten times more effort and dedication than others to reach where I am today

Mr. Zhu is correct; you may claim that the Daoyuan Zhenjie is false and remove my name from the list, but who can deny that I indeed secured the top position on this list through my own strength, placing all of you beneath my name

Although, in today's world, Fang Yuan is merely an unfortunate individual without any recognition

Because Master Gu Song, the granduncle, has passed away three days ago

Indeed, how have these ten years passed?

The true explanation of Dōgen has been canceled, and not only is he no longer at the top of the Jiazi list, but he cannot even enter the Xiaoyi list...

Because he devoted too much effort to the study of the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie, it was naturally impossible for him to achieve significant expertise in other areas, whether in pharmacology, divination, or tools. In fact, one could say that he was nearly ignorant of other subjects. This is because Mr. Zhu had stated long ago that mastering the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie alone could equate to the sum of all other knowledge combined

Since then, various speculations have arisen, one of which comes from a diviner in Yilou who stated

At this point, Mr. Zhu let out a long sigh: "However, three hundred years ago, it is unknown how many people were admitted into the immortal sects, yet their understanding of the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie yielded nothing. On the contrary, the grand examination of the immortal sects has found many excellent candidates who remained in the mortal realm. Gradually, the other immortal sects have long since lost hope in interpreting the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie, and they only select disciples who excel in other areas. As early as over a hundred years ago, someone from the Qingyang Sect pointed this out, but the grand master uncle was obstinate, and no one dared to go against his wishes. It is precisely for this reason that until yesterday, the Dao Yuan Zhen Jie remained the most important subject in this grand examination of the immortal sects..."

He poured Mr. Zhu's drink into his mouth forcefully, and then filled a glass to the brim again