On Jin'ao Island, the pilot reforms in the Artifact Refining Hall and the Array Court were in full swing, and the whole place was brimming with life. Lin Xuan (Xuanyuanzi)'s ideas of "standardization," "Modularization," and "systematization" were quietly changing the face of this Interception Sect sanctuary with irresistible momentum. Lower-ranking disciples rejoiced as the barrier to cultivation fell, middle-ranking stewards were impressed by the gains in efficiency, and even some senior members who had initially been skeptical had begun to seriously examine the novel theory in the face of ironclad data.
Yet though the tree wished for stillness, the wind would not cease. The stirrings within the Interception Sect—especially such a radical transformation—had inevitably drawn attention from the outside world, particularly from the Chan Sect, whose ideals clashed with those of the Interception Sect.
That day, auspicious clouds swirled before Biyou Palace, and the faint strains of immortal music filled the air. A Daoist arrived on a cloud. He wore a jade lotus crown and a purple eight-trigram sash robe. His face was ancient, his expression solemn, and the Dao Charm around him was perfectly harmonious, faintly aligned with the laws of heaven and earth. He was none other than the Chan Sect's chief disciple, a direct student of Primal Heavenly Lord: Guangchengzi!
Guangchengzi had come ostensibly on his master's orders to hold a formal discussion with the Interception Sect about the upcoming "Second Lecture at Zixiao Palace." But anyone with a discerning eye could see his true purpose: to investigate the truth behind the recent upheaval on Jin'ao Island.
Daoist Duobao came out in person to welcome him and ushered him into Shangqing Hall for tea. As they exchanged pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to the new developments on Jin'ao Island.
"Brother Duobao," Guangchengzi said, taking a small sip of immortal tea. His tone was calm, but his gaze was deep as an abyss. "I've recently heard that your sect has introduced many new measures. Some disciples say you have 'standardized' and 'modularized' artifact refining and array formation, making them as orderly as the work of mortal craftsmen and greatly increasing efficiency. Which worthy sage came up with such novel methods? They seem to have the knack for simplifying the complex." Though his words held praise, an almost imperceptible note of scrutiny and doubt ran through them.
What sort of person was Daoist Duobao? How could he fail to hear the implication? He smiled openly. "You're well informed, Daoist Guangchengzi. These measures were proposed by our sect's newly appointed Special Invited Researcher, Xuanyuanzi. Though his cultivation is still modest, he has genuinely original insights into reforming Daoist Magic. His methods have been of considerable help to our lower-ranking disciples."
"Oh? Xuanyuanzi?" A trace of surprise flashed through Guangchengzi's eyes. He had never heard that name before. "Such a remarkable person, then. Might I meet him? I'd be glad to hear more and learn about this novel approach to 'Daoist Magic.'" He paused slightly on the words "Daoist Magic."
Daoist Duobao knew Guangchengzi meant to test Xuanyuanzi, but he did not object. This was a good opportunity to let Lin Xuan's ideas face scrutiny from the outside world, so he sent a young attendant to summon him.
A short while later, Lin Xuan entered Shangqing Hall. He felt Guangchengzi's aura—restrained, yet as vast as the sea—and his heart tightened, but he kept his expression calm and bowed respectfully. "This junior, Xuanyuanzi, pays his respects to Senior Guangchengzi."
Guangchengzi's gaze swept over Lin Xuan like lightning. Seeing that he truly had only reached the Refining Essence into Qi stage, with a solid foundation but nothing particularly astounding, his doubts deepened. He raised a hand to gesture for Lin Xuan to rise and said coolly, "There's no need for such formality, Daoist. I've heard you have ingenious ideas that allow fellow disciples of the Interception Sect to cultivate with twice the results for half the effort. I'm curious and would like to ask you a few questions. What is the principle behind this 'standardization' and 'modularization'? How do they differ from, or resemble, the orthodox Xuanmen methods of cultivation?"
The question seemed ordinary, but it was razor-sharp, aimed straight at the core difference in their ideas.
Lin Xuan knew this discussion was no trivial matter. It concerned the legitimacy of his ideas as well as the dignity of the Interception Sect. He took a deep breath and replied without arrogance or deference. "Since Senior has asked, this junior won't hold back. The principle behind 'standardization' and 'modularization' is 'deconstruction' and 'recombination.' Everything in the world operates according to laws, and cultivation is no exception. My methods aim to deconstruct complex, profound processes into a number of basic, controllable units, clarify their principles, and set standards for them so they can be repeated and verified. Those standardized units can then be flexibly recombined according to different needs to achieve different effects. This follows nature's 'order.' Its purpose is to improve efficiency, lower the threshold, and help more people who sincerely seek the Dao take their first steady step on the path of cultivation."
He sidestepped a direct comparison of their similarities and differences, emphasizing instead the aims of greater efficiency and broader access.
Guangchengzi nodded slightly at his answer, then pressed him further. "Your reasoning sounds plausible. But the Great Dao is both simple and complex. Cultivation lies in comprehending the Heavenly Dao and understanding one's nature, in seeking unity between heaven and humanity. By breaking Daoist Magic down into fixed units and standardized procedures, aren't you placing too much emphasis on the cleverness of 'technique' while overlooking the mysteries of the 'Dao'? In time, your disciples may become skilled in technique but clumsy in the Dao, familiar with procedures yet neglectful of insight. Wouldn't that take them further from the source of the Great Dao? Does this not differ greatly from the Chan Sect's teachings of following heaven's will, acting in accordance with human nature, and placing importance on foundations and innate insight?"
His words identified the fundamental divide between the Chan Sect and Lin Xuan's ideas: one side emphasized following nature, focusing on insight and individual aptitude—the education of an elite—while the other emphasized human initiative, using methodology to make foundational learning widely accessible—the education of the masses.
Lin Xuan had already given the matter much thought and answered calmly. "Senior's concerns are far-sighted. This junior admires them. But I believe the 'Dao' and 'technique' are two sides of the same coin, supporting one another. The 'Dao' is the direction; 'technique' is the boat. Without a boat, it's hard to cross the sea of suffering. Without a direction, the boat has nowhere to go."
He elaborated further. "My methods aren't meant to replace the comprehension of the Heavenly Dao. They're meant to provide a firmer 'foundation' and a clearer 'path' for that comprehension. Take painting, for example. A mortal must first practice 'standard' techniques like line, color, and composition before they can paint freely and capture the 'spirit' of their subject. If they only talk about artistic conception from the start, they may never find the way in. Cultivation is the same. First, 'standardized' methods help disciples build a firm foundation and master the principles of basic 'techniques.' Once they've entered the hall of cultivation, they'll have the ability and leisure to pursue the ineffable mysteries of the 'Dao.' This is the path of 'establishing technique first, then comprehending the Dao,' of 'advancing from skill to the Dao.'"
He looked at Guangchengzi, his tone sincere. "As for following heaven's will and acting in accordance with human nature, this junior humbly believes that 'Heaven' gives life to all things, each with its own nature. We cultivators investigate and make use of the laws of the world to benefit more living beings, giving those with the right opportunity a chance to embark on the path of the Dao. Isn't that also a way of following Heaven's virtue of ceaseless creation and responding to all things' drive to survive and evolve? Isn't it a broader interpretation of 'following heaven's will and acting in accordance with human nature'?"
Guangchengzi fell silent for a long while. Lin Xuan's answer was logically clear and internally consistent. It had addressed each of his doubts and suggested the possibility of another path of cultivation. He couldn't easily refute it, but he could hardly agree with it either. In his deeply rooted view, the Dao followed nature and depended on opportunity and innate qualities. A method so steeped in the craftsman's art was ultimately inferior.
"Your words are novel, Daoist. I've learned something," Guangchengzi finally said, his tone still calm but tinged with distance. "But when the Dao differs, there can be no common cause. The path of our Chan Sect is the orthodox Great Dao passed down by my master. We value foundations and affinity with the Dao, and follow Heaven's will. Your methods may be beneficial in a particular place and time, but it remains to be seen which approach is superior in the long run."
He rose and addressed Daoist Duobao. "Brother Duobao, I've seen the spirit of reform in your sect. Now that we've discussed the matter of Zixiao Palace, I'll take my leave." With that, he turned into a streak of Pure Light and departed without sparing Lin Xuan another glance.
Though the debate had ended, the clash had begun. Guangchengzi had not said so outright, but his attitude made it clear: the Chan Sect reserved judgment on Lin Xuan's "Scientific Cultivation" philosophy, if not outright rejecting it.
After seeing Guangchengzi off, Daoist Duobao turned back to Lin Xuan and sighed. "That's simply how Daoist Guangchengzi is. Don't take it to heart, Xuanyuanzi. Disputes over ideas have existed since ancient times. Today's debate has shown the Chan Sect that our Interception Sect isn't content to stand still."
Lin Xuan nodded. He felt little frustration; instead, his purpose had grown clearer. He knew that this was only the beginning of the clash between his ideas and those of the Chan Sect. The path he had chosen would not be smooth, but that was precisely what made it meaningful.
This first clash with Guangchengzi had been like a rehearsal, foreshadowing the turmoil that two utterly different visions of the path of the Dao would bring to Xuanmen—and perhaps to the entire primordial world.
Before you continue