If Ba Zunan had truly comprehended "self," he would not have asked a question like, "What is 'self'?"
Now Xu Xiaoshou had not answered, instead kicking the ball back to him. He, too, could not offer any clear explanation.
And ambiguous words were better left unsaid.
After some thought, Ba Zunan decided to approach the question from elsewhere—seeking an answer for Xu Xiaoshou, and for himself.
Just as he had never needed others to give him answers, most discussions of the Dao were merely because he hoped to chance upon someone on the same wavelength. Perhaps they would inadvertently speak an "inspiration," or perhaps he would come to understand while discussing it himself:
"I left my village at fourteen. I endured the destruction of my family, lost the meaning of life, drifted aimlessly through the world in confusion, trying to find a new beginning."
"I picked up my old dream again, went to the capital for the imperial examinations, crossed mountains and rivers along the way, traveled through magnificent landscapes, and eventually met Wen Ting and Ning Honghong. We became sworn brothers."
"There, I changed and stepped into the Spirit Refining Realm."
Xu Xiaoshou was slightly stunned.
He had never heard Ba Zunan tell stories of his past.
He only knew that Old Ba had shared some history with Wen Ting and Ning Honghong, and that their relationship was far closer than ordinary friendship.
"The path of Self-Discernment..." Kong Yuhen murmured soundlessly. On one hand, memories had surfaced in his eyes upon hearing this, yet he could not recall anything concrete.
On the other hand, he kept turning the wooden-door pendant in his hand, looking somewhat anxious and absent-minded.
"I was born with a photographic memory and exceptional comprehension. As a child, I read extensively and learned many principles. Though