Kunlun Immortal Mountain, ancestor of all mountains and source of dragon veins. Its terrain was majestic, stretching for countless billions of miles, shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, immortal aura swirling through the air. Strange peaks vied in splendor, waterfalls and springs flowed everywhere. It was truly one of the Primordial World's finest Blessed Lands, and the very dojo of the Three Pure Ones—the orthodox lineage of Pangu.
Xuan Wazi rode a streak of escape light, concealing himself beneath the aura of the Chaos Bead, and from afar caught sight of the magnificent Kunlun Divine Mountain. Even with his current cultivation and experience, he could not help but marvel.
"As expected of the Three Pure Ones' old nest. This location, this spiritual energy—it's far better than that little backwater at the foot of my Mount Buzhou." He clicked his tongue in wonder, then curled his lip. "Still, good feng shui attracts thieves easily—thieves like yours truly, for example."
He did not directly barge into Kunlun Mountain's core region. The Three Pure Ones had laid down powerful restrictions there, and forcing his way in would inevitably alert them. He descended in the outer region and put on the [Heavenly Secret Concealment Mask] again. This time, he transformed into an immortal-looking old Daoist with a fly whisk in hand, white hair and a youthful face. He imitated the aura of a Profound Immortal, appearing to be a rogue cultivator who had come seeking immortals and the Dao.
After tidying his appearance, Xuan Wazi cleared his throat, adopted the bearing of an enlightened master, and headed toward a mountain gate wreathed in mist. Pure energy and Dao resonance faintly circulated there; it should have been one of the entrances to the Three Pure Ones' dojo.
As soon as he neared the mountain gate, two young boys in azure Daoist robes appeared to block his way. Their faces were childish, but their eyes were clear and bright. They cupped their hands and said, "Infinite Heavenly Venerate of Blessings! Please wait, Fellow Daoist. This is where the Three Pure Ones patriarchs cultivate in seclusion. May I ask where you come from and what business you have here?"
Xuan Wazi returned the salute, smiling warmly and speaking gently. "This humble Daoist is Xuan Yunzi, a Rogue Cultivator from Overseas. I have long admired Pangu's Orthodox Lineage and the profound virtue of the Three Pure Ones. Filled with admiration, I have come to pay a visit, discuss the Dao, and seek the truth. I hope you two will announce me."
His explanation was flawless, and he had lowered his stance sufficiently. Seeing that he possessed an extraordinary bearing, spoke respectfully, and was a Rogue Cultivator from Overseas, the two boys exchanged glances. One of them said, "Please wait here, Fellow Daoist. I will report to Senior Martial Uncle."
The boy turned and entered the mist. Xuan Wazi calmly surveyed the surrounding scenery, secretly thinking, Senior Martial Uncle? That must be Laozi. Heh, I'll meet this future leader of the Human School first.
Before long, the mist parted, and a middle-aged Daoist with a lean face, an indifferent expression, and yin-yang Daoist robes slowly emerged. He was none other than Supreme Purity Laozi. His aura was restrained, profound as an abyss. He had already reached the Quasi-Saint realm, and his tranquil gaze settled on Xuan Wazi as though it could see through every illusion.
Xuan Wazi's heart tightened slightly. This Laozi truly was unfathomable. He hurried forward and saluted once more. "Rogue Cultivator from Overseas Xuan Yunzi greets Fellow Daoist Supreme Purity."
Laozi nodded slightly in return, his voice even and calm. "Fellow Daoist Xuan Yun has come from afar as a guest. What Dao do you wish to discuss?"
"This humble Daoist's cultivation is shallow. Recently, I have found myself somewhat confused over the distinction between being and nonbeing. I have long heard that Fellow Daoist Supreme Purity is deeply versed in this matter, so I have come to seek guidance." Xuan Wazi had long prepared this line and immediately threw out a topic that sounded profound. In his previous life, he had read some Daoist classics, after all, so he had some confidence in his ability to talk the talk.
A trace of surprise flashed through Laozi's eyes. The distinction between being and nonbeing was indeed one of the key matters he had recently been comprehending. He glanced at Xuan Wazi and said lightly, "The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. Nonbeing is named the beginning of Heaven and Earth; being is named the mother of all things. Thus, through constant nonbeing, one observes its mysteries; through constant being, one observes its manifestations. These two arise from the same source but bear different names; together they are called mystery. Mystery upon mystery, the gateway to all wonders."
He had opened with the very first passage of the Dao De Jing! Xuan Wazi grumbled inwardly, but his face showed rapt fascination and sudden enlightenment. Clapping his hands, he praised, "Wonderful! Fellow Daoist Supreme Purity's words point directly to the Great Dao Origin! Being and nonbeing give birth to one another; difficult and easy complete one another; long and short define one another; high and low incline toward one another; sound and voice harmonize with one another; before and after follow one another... such is the constant way!"
He smoothly continued, likewise quoting a later passage from the Dao De Jing. Though he was merely reciting it, in this context it was perfectly fitting, as though it truly were an insight gained from Laozi's guidance.
This time, Laozi was genuinely moved. He could sense that this "Xuan Yunzi" was not merely repeating words; there was indeed a unique understanding of the Great Dao's dialectics in his speech. Though shallow, the angle was novel. His originally detached expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "For Fellow Daoist to gain such insight from this, it seems your affinity with the Dao is not shallow."
The two discussed the Dao outside the mountain gate, trading words back and forth. Laozi mainly spoke of tranquility, non-action, and following nature; Xuan Wazi sometimes agreed, and at other times raised questions from the perspective of "stubbornness," questions that seemed heretical but contained hidden insight upon consideration. For instance: "If Dao Follows Nature, then does our cultivation against Heaven mean we have already defied nature?" And, "If Non-action that achieves everything, then might playful unruliness also be one aspect of the Dao?"
Their discussion made Laozi fall into thought from time to time, and his gaze toward Xuan Wazi gradually carried a hint of inquiry. He felt that this Fellow Daoist "Xuan Yunzi" had a rather... unique and unrestrained way of thinking.
Just as the discussion grew more animated, a stern voice tinged with displeasure rang out. "Elder Brother, who is making such noise here and disturbing our secluded cultivation?"
A middle-aged Daoist with a dignified face emerged, clad in magnificent Daoist robes and wearing a Yuqing lotus crown. He was none other than Yuqing Primordial Heavenly Venerate. His gaze swept over Xuan Wazi. Seeing that he was merely a Profound Immortal and an unfamiliar face, he frowned slightly, his eyes carrying innate superiority and scrutiny.
Xuan Wazi secretly laughed. Oh, so this is the future Primordial Heavenly Venerate, the one who cares most about pedigree and appearances. His expression remained unchanged as he saluted again. "This humble Daoist is Xuan Yunzi. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yuqing."
Primordial Heavenly Venerate merely gave a faint "Mm" in response, then said to Laozi, "Elder Brother, this man's origins are unknown, and his cultivation is shallow. Would discussing the Dao with him not delay our cultivation?"
The moment Xuan Wazi heard that, his mischievous streak immediately rose. Pretending not to hear Yuanshi's words, he instead sighed to Laozi, "Fellow Daoist Supreme Purity, just now I heard you speak of 'the highest goodness is like water; water benefits all things and does not contend.' It gave me much insight. I recall seeing mountain streams during my travels. When they met rocks, they flowed around them; when they met ravines, they filled them. They seemed weak and non-contentious, yet they penetrated everywhere and overcame all hardness. Perhaps this is the Struggle of Non-Contention? Even stubborn rocks, after being washed by flowing water for thousands of years, become smooth and polished. This shows that even stubborn stones are not beyond teaching; one simply needs to find the right method."
On the surface, he was praising the virtues of water, but beneath it, he had compared Primordial Heavenly Venerate to a "stubborn rock" that needed to be "washed" by water, while also pointing out that "stubbornness" had its own value.
A knowing smile flashed through Laozi's eyes. How could he fail to understand Xuan Wazi's hidden meaning? He only found that this Fellow Daoist "Xuan Yunzi" not only had decent comprehension, but also a clever and amusing mind.
Primordial Heavenly Venerate's face darkened. Given who he was, he naturally heard the barb in those words. He snorted coldly. "Clever words and a pleasing tongue! The Great Dao is vast and glorious. How can it be wantonly speculated upon by the likes of you and your unorthodox ways!"
"Second Brother, why get angry?" Another clear voice came from nearby. A young Daoist in azure robes stepped out, his brows carrying a sharp and unruly air. He was none other than Supreme Purity Tongtian. He looked at Xuan Wazi with interest and smiled. "What Fellow Daoist Xuan Yunzi says may be somewhat... unusual, but it may not be without reason. The Great Dao has three thousand paths, and every path can lead to Primordial Unity. Why cling so rigidly to a single form?"
Tongtian had a straightforward nature and disliked Yuanshi's obsession with cumbersome formalities and pedigree. Instead, he found Xuan Wazi's words quite to his liking.
Xuan Wazi looked at Tongtian and gave him silent approval. Now that's someone who gets it! He quickly cupped his hands toward Tongtian. "Fellow Daoist Supreme Purity sees clearly! This humble Daoist merely believes that cultivators should possess hearts broad enough to embrace all things and free enough to leap beyond boundaries. Only then can they see the true Dao. Take Father God Pangu, for instance. When he split Heaven and Earth and performed that Heaven-defying deed, was he not also breaking free of the boundaries of chaos?"
His words both praised Pangu and subtly aligned with Tongtian's doctrine of seizing a thread of life, making Tongtian nod repeatedly. He found Xuan Wazi increasingly agreeable.
Seeing Tongtian actually speak for an outsider, Yuanshi's expression grew even uglier. Yet with Laozi present, he could not easily lash out, so he merely flicked his sleeve and snorted.
Laozi had watched everything unfold and sighed inwardly before speaking. "Fellow Daoist Xuan Yun's insights are unique and have given my brothers and me something to gain as well. Let us end today's discussion here. Would Fellow Daoist be willing to come inside for a talk?"
Xuan Wazi stopped while he was ahead. He knew that a first meeting should not involve too much entanglement, and Yuanshi's gaze felt as though it could kill someone. He hurriedly waved his hand and smiled. "Thank you for Fellow Daoist Supreme Purity's generous invitation. However, this humble Daoist has suddenly gained some insight and must find a place for quiet cultivation to digest today's gains. I will not disturb the three of you in your secluded cultivation. If fate permits, I shall visit again another day."
With that, he saluted the Three Pure Ones once more. In particular, he shot Tongtian a subtle look that said, "You know what I mean," then rode away on escape light. His figure soon vanished into Kunlun's clouds and mist.
Watching the direction in which Xuan Wazi had departed, Laozi fell into thought. Yuanshi said unhappily, "Elder Brother, this man's mind is flighty and his words eccentric. He is certainly no good person." Tongtian retorted, "I think he is forthright by nature and possesses considerable wisdom."
For the first time, the Three Pure Ones developed a subtle disagreement over an "outsider." Meanwhile, Xuan Wazi, the instigator of it all, was currently hiding in the clouds and snickering.
"Heh, the seeds have been planted. Laozi finds me interesting, Yuanshi finds me annoying, and Tongtian thinks I'm to his taste... Perfect!" Xuan Wazi was extremely satisfied with his first visit to the Three Pure Ones. "When Zixiao Palace opens next time, I'll give you all something even stronger!"
In high spirits, he hummed a tuneless little song and decided to visit Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain next, to see whether he could somehow score a couple of Ginseng Fruits from Zhen Yuanzi.
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