Several hours passed between Jiang Sheng's first lesson and the Dharma Boat's entry into the Cave Heaven.
The disciples wore different expressions. Some reflected on themselves, while others sank into thought.
Pei Jinglian, first in combat among those in the Spirit Transformation Realm and first in the overall rankings, stirred as if to speak several times. Each time, Jiang Sheng held him back.
As the Dharma Boat entered the Cave Heaven, the hundred-zhang vessel settled gently onto a mountain peak. With a thought from Jiang Sheng, it vanished, leaving the hundred disciples standing on the mountain.
Jiang Sheng looked around and nodded in satisfaction. "This place will do nicely. Many Nature Spirits live in these mountains—plants that attained the Dao and metals and stones that awakened to consciousness. They are living beings of this Cave Heaven, not monsters for you to kill at will. When you travel about, keep your jade tokens on you. They'll recognize them."
"There are fewer than seventy years until the Six Sects Grand Competition. I won't take too much time from your cultivation and study of the arts, but don't expect me to teach you all the way up to the competition, either."
"You have only ten years in this Cave Heaven."
"During those ten years, you will establish your own cave dwellings. Remember three things: do not disturb the natural balance here, do not disrupt the lives of the Cave Heaven's inhabitants, and restore everything to its original state before you leave."
"Is that understood?"
The disciples hurriedly nodded. "We will remember your teachings, True Lord."
Only then did Jiang Sheng smile. "As for me, I'll remain here. On the first day of every month, I'll give a lecture here. Every six months, I'll demonstrate the arts. At all other times, you must cultivate