Jueyangzi had never experienced love either, and he chuckled. "My master told me that the joy of romantic love between men and women is far inferior to the pleasure of cultivating the Dao and attaining enlightenment. I believe him. Daoist Liu, do you think romantic love is more enjoyable, or cultivating the Dao and attaining enlightenment?"
Scholar Zhu and the black pot turned their gazes simultaneously to Daoist Liu.
Daoist Liu possessed extremely profound attainments in Daoist techniques, with mighty and boundless cultivation and extraordinary insights. During the days they had jointly guarded the Empress Temple, they frequently consulted Daoist Liu on Daoist techniques and benefited immensely, holding him in the utmost admiration.
Daoist Liu smiled. "Romantic love between men and women has not the slightest bit of joy. Take us willow trees, for instance. When spring arrives, we burst into full yellow blossoms, and the wind blows to pollinate them, or bees and insects dance and transfer the pollen to nurture our offspring. Afterward, we turn into willow catkins, and when the wind blows, they cover the ground everywhere. What joy is there in such love? It falls far short of cultivating the Dao."
Scholar Zhu clapped his hands in praise, smiling. "Daoist Brother's words speak straight to my heart. I love nothing else; I love only cultivation. Every time I comprehend a principle, achieve an accomplishment, or solve a difficult problem, my heart fills with joy. As for the romantic love between men and women, it is merely vulgar pleasure—better off without it."
"Precisely, precisely." Jueyangzi was deeply convinced.
The black pot barked excitedly, "Woof!"
They all shared a feeling of having attained the Dao, and as they looked toward Chen Shi and Xiao Duan, their gazes were filled with pity.
Daoist Liu said, "Romantic love stinks of