Sovereign of the Heavens' Three Questions

Holding the Biyou Token, Lin Xuan, warmly guided by Daoist Huo Ling—now known to be a highly valued disciple of the Jie Sect with the Daoist name "Holy Mother of Fire Spirit"—left the Purple Bamboo Forest and headed towards the depths of Kunlun Mountain, where the Jie Sect's branch residence was located.

The scenery along the way was different from the surroundings of the Jade Void Palace. It lacked the solemnity and grandeur, possessing instead a more casual and natural feel. Immortal cranes roamed leisurely, spirit beasts showed no fear of humans, and occasionally cultivators would flash by, either debating the Dao by a mountain stream or playing chess by a cliff. The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious, allowing Lin Xuan's tense mind to unconsciously unwind.

Holy Mother of Fire Spirit clearly had excellent interpersonal skills. All the Jie Sect disciples they encountered on the road, whether human or demon, greeted him familiarly. They cast curious yet friendly glances at Lin Xuan, who followed behind, without the slightest hint of disdain. This further increased Lin Xuan's good impression of the Jie Sect's principle of "teaching without discrimination."

They arrived before a palace that was not particularly grand but exuded an ancient, elegant, and spiritual aura. The plaque above the entrance bore the three characters "Casual Hall." There were no attendants guarding the entrance, only a few old pines with gnarled branches intertwined.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanyuanzi, please wait a moment. I will go and report to Senior Disciple Brother Duobao immediately!" Holy Mother of Fire Spirit instructed before excitedly entering the main hall.

Not long after, he emerged quickly, his face filled with excitement. He whispered to Lin Xuan, "Fellow Daoist Xuanyuanzi, your opportunity has arrived! Senior Disciple Brother was very interested to hear about you guiding me in alchemy. He has already reported your matter to Master! Master, at this very moment, has a wisp of his divine sense descending upon the branch residence, wishing to see you!"

Saint Tongtian?! A Saint wants to see me?

Even though Lin Xuan had a firm will, his heart couldn't help but pound wildly at this moment! This was a true Heavenly Dao Saint, an existence at the pinnacle of the Primordial Era! It was different from the vast Dao Charm he felt in Cloud Dream Marsh before; this was about to be a direct encounter with a Saint's presence!

He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions, tidied his robes, and followed Holy Mother of Fire Spirit into the Casual Hall.

The interior of the hall was simply furnished, without any luxurious decorations, only a few cushions and a cloud bed. Above the cloud bed, there was no physical form, only a mass of pure light condensed, vaguely revealing a figure clad in a green Daoist robe, with a blurred face but possessing an aura of majesty that seemed to survey the heavens and earth, seizing a sliver of survival. Although it was only an avatar of a wisp of divine sense, the invisible Saintly Might emanating from it still made Lin Xuan feel as insignificant as dust, compelling him to involuntarily bow.

"Junior Xuanyuanzi pays respects to Saint Tongtian!" Lin Xuan respectfully saluted, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible nervousness.

A voice, peaceful yet filled with infinite authority, emanated from the ball of pure light, as if descending from the highest heavens, resonating directly in the depths of Lin Xuan's consciousness: "Xuanyuanzi? Is it you who, with ingenious ideas, resolved Huo Ling's alchemy predicament?"

"I dare not accept the Saint's praise," Lin Xuan maintained his bowed posture. "Junior merely had a fleeting thought and exchanged insights with Daoist Huo Ling."

"Hmm." Saint Tongtian's voice revealed no emotion. "I observe your spirit soul is peculiar, seemingly not bound by the common principles of this realm. The cultivation technique you practice is also not orthodox Xuanmen, yet it subtly aligns with the Origin of Strength Dao. Interesting."

Lin Xuan's heart trembled. The Saint's insight was piercing, and indeed, he had seen through the abnormality of his soul and the uniqueness of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique. He dared not conceal it, nor could he. He could only say, "The Saint sees clearly. Junior indeed had some serendipitous encounters, and the cultivation technique was obtained through an opportunity."

Saint Tongtian neither affirmed nor denied, then asked, "Xuanyuanzi, since you have traveled through the Primordial Era, you have seen the aspects of all beings. I have three questions. Please answer them."

Here it comes! Lin Xuan's spirit perked up, knowing this was the real test. He straightened his body, his gaze clear, and met the ball of pure light. "Please, Saint, inquire. Junior will do his utmost to answer truthfully."

"First question," Saint Tongtian's voice slowly sounded, carrying a resonance that pointed directly to the Great Dao, "What do you believe 'Dao' is?"

What is Dao? This was the fundamental question that cultivators in the Primordial Era pursued their entire lives. Countless past sages and powerful beings had offered their own interpretations, some calling it the Heavenly Dao, others nature, and others the laws. Lin Xuan pondered for a moment, not directly quoting any classics, but combining his own understanding, he slowly replied:

"Replying to the Saint, Junior believes that 'Dao' is the path, the principle, and the origin. It is both the law by which heaven and earth and all things operate, like the alternation of the sun and moon, the cycle of the four seasons, birth, aging, sickness, and death. This is the manifestation of the 'Heavenly Dao,' existing objectively and not changing by will. At the same time, 'Dao' is also the ideal and direction that all beings pursue, the process of understanding laws, utilizing laws, and even transcending the constraints of laws. For cultivators like us, 'Dao' is the path of continuously understanding heaven and earth, understanding oneself, clarifying the mind and seeing one's true nature, and ultimately seeking great freedom and ease. Therefore, the Dao exists in heaven and earth, and also in the human heart; the Dao is the rule, and also transcendence."

He did not engage in empty talk about profound mysteries but broke down "Dao" into a combination of objective laws and subjective pursuit, acknowledging its existence while emphasizing its cognizability and practicality. This answer, slightly different from the mainstream Xuanmen's emphasis on enlightenment and conforming to the Heavenly Dao, leaned more towards an investigative spirit of "Investigating Things to Attain Knowledge."

The pure light on the cloud bed fluctuated slightly. Saint Tongtian offered no evaluation and continued, "Second question, the path of cultivation is full of myriad methods. What do you believe 'Method' is? How is the superiority or inferiority of a method judged?"

What is method? The standard for judging the superiority or inferiority of a method? This question directly addressed the fundamental aspect of cultivation. Lin Xuan recalled the knowledge from his previous life, and his thoughts became even clearer:

"Saint, Junior believes that 'Method' is technique, it is a tool, it is the path and instrument for seeking the Dao. Just as one needs a boat to cross a river and a path to climb a mountain. There is no absolute superiority or inferiority in methods, only whether they 'conform to the Dao' and are 'applicable'."

He paused, organizing his words: "To judge the superiority or inferiority of a method, Junior believes it can be assessed based on three points. First, whether it aligns with the ultimate principles of heaven and earth (scientificity/effectiveness), meaning whether this method can genuinely and truthfully guide cultivation and improve one's cultivation base, rather than being an empty promise. Second, whether it suits the cultivator themselves (applicability/personalization). Just as good medicine must be prescribed for the right ailment, no matter how profound a technique is, if it does not align with one's innate aptitude and disposition, it will be futile, even harmful. Third, whether it possesses universality and developability (promotability/evolvability). Superior methods should not be exclusive to a single person or a small group; they should be 'teaching without discrimination,' benefiting more individuals who are willing to seek the Dao. At the same time, methods are not static; they should be continuously improved and developed as understanding deepens. Stagnant and outdated methods will eventually be eliminated."

This discourse incorporated the tool-like nature of "Method," practical standards, and developmental perspectives. Especially the viewpoints of "universality" and "developability," which subtly echoed Saint Tongtian's core tenets of "teaching without discrimination" and "seizing a chance for survival."

The fluctuation in the pure light seemed to intensify slightly. Saint Tongtian remained silent for a moment and then asked the final, and most crucial, question: "Third question, I established the Jie Sect with the aim of seizing a sliver of survival for all beings. However, the Primordial Era is vast, with trillions of living beings, each possessing different roots, aptitudes, karma, and destinies. In your opinion, how should one 'seize'? And how should one 'teach'?"

This question directly addressed the foundation of the Jie Sect's establishment and its operational principles! Lin Xuan knew this was a critical moment to demonstrate his value. He took a deep breath and skillfully integrated modern education, management, and even some sociological concepts into his answer:

"The Saint is merciful. Junior's humble opinion is that the essence of the word 'seize' lies in 'screening' and 'guidance,' not 'abandonment.' It is for those who are willing, who have destiny, and who possess perseverance, to seize that sliver of possibility for transcendence from the vast predetermined fate of the Heavenly Dao. It is like sifting sand from great waves, washing away the mud and sand to leave behind true gold. However, this 'sifting' process should not be a crude elimination, but rather an active cultivation and discovery."

"As for 'teaching'," Lin Xuan's gaze was firm, "Junior believes it should be 'teaching according to aptitude,' discarding sectarianism and discrimination based on origin. Establish different tiered educational systems, progressing step by step from basic breathing exercises to profound Daoist magic. Create shared knowledge bases and resource platforms, allowing disciples to acquire them based on contribution or talent. Encourage debating the Dao, igniting sparks of wisdom through the collision of ideas. More importantly, it is 'mutual learning and teaching'; teachers and elders must also continuously learn new knowledge and improve themselves to lead the sect forward. Only then can the 'Jie Sect' truly become a supreme great sect that gathers outstanding talents from all over the world and opens up infinite possibilities for all beings!"

He concluded, "Therefore, the 'teaching' of the Jie Sect is not one-way indoctrination, but mutual achievement; it is not adhering to old rules, but courageously innovating; it is not cultivating identical products, but helping each unique life find the path that suits them best!"

As his words fell, a silence descended upon the Casual Hall. Holy Mother of Fire Spirit listened from the side, utterly stunned. Although he couldn't fully grasp the deeper meaning of all Lin Xuan's words, concepts like "teaching according to aptitude," "shared knowledge," and "mutual learning and teaching" struck him profoundly, as if opening a door to a new world.

The pure light on the cloud bed ceased its fluctuation and fell into a long silence. Saint Tongtian's divine sense seemed to be deeply contemplating Lin Xuan's unorthodox, yet subtly pointing towards a certain future, answer.

Lin Xuan had presented a response filled with modern thinking to the Saint's three consecutive questions. Would this answer impress the Heavenly Dao Saint who aspired to seize a sliver of survival for all beings?