Auditing Student Crisis, Guangchengzi Raises Questions

The Dao Ancestor Hongjun's sermons were profound and abstruse. With each falling word, Zixiao Palace fell into silence, with only the lingering resonance of the Great Dao flowing slowly through the chaotic void. Many powerful beings either closed their eyes to digest, or communicated with their Divine Sense, all immersed in their comprehension of the supreme Great Dao.

Lin Xuan (Xuanyuanzi), after initial frustration and subsequent enlightenment, had adjusted his mindset. He no longer forced himself to "analyze" the Great Dao with his existing scientific framework. Instead, he utilized the mystery of the "Enlightenment Cushion," emptying his mind and striving to "feel" the Dao Charm, to "experience" that natural artistic conception. He treated every word of the Dao Ancestor's aphorisms, every syllable of the Dao sound, as a higher-dimensional "information stream" to receive and store. He believed that even if he couldn't fully understand it now, these insights would become precious nourishment for future breakthroughs.

However, the tree wished to remain still, but the wind would not cease. He sat discreetly in the rear of the Jie Sect's formation, minimizing his presence as much as possible, yet he still couldn't avoid the gaze of certain individuals with ulterior motives.

During the mid-session break, the Dao Charm receded slightly. Some familiar powerful beings began to converse in low voices. In the Chan Sect's formation, Guangchengzi's gaze swept across the Jie Sect's direction, lingering for a moment on Lin Xuan, who was clearly a whole major realm lower in cultivation, standing behind Duobao Daoist. He frowned almost imperceptibly. As the foremost disciple of the Chan Sect, he valued rules and etiquette above all else, and emphasized one's origins. He had long been dismissive of the Jie Sect's "teaching without discrimination" approach. Seeing a mere Human Race cultivator, who was still refining essence into qi, mingling in such a supreme dojo as Zixiao Palace, listed among Grand Unity and Quasi-Saints, the displeasure in his heart became somewhat difficult to suppress.

Guangchengzi tidied his robes. Without directly confronting them, he first bowed slightly to his Master, the Primal Heavenly Lord, and after receiving implicit permission, he rose and cupped his hands in a salute towards the direction of the Sovereign of the Heavens. His voice was clear, yet carried an undeniable tone of inquiry, instantly drawing the attention of many powerful beings present:

"Uncle-Master Tongtian, this disciple Guangchengzi has a matter I do not understand and presume to ask. I hope Uncle-Master will not be offended."

The Sovereign of the Heavens raised his eyelids slightly, his gaze as calm as water. "Speak."

Guangchengzi straightened up, his gaze seemingly sweeping over Lin Xuan before finally settling on the Sovereign of the Heavens. His tone carried a well-measured doubt and "concern": "Uncle-Master, please allow me to explain. Zixiao Palace is where the Dao Ancestor expounds the Primordial Great Dao. The opportunities here are supreme, yet it is not a place easily entered. We cultivators, who can come here to listen to the Sage's teachings, all rely on the support of our Masters (Primal Heavenly Lord) and Uncles, the Saints, and also require considerable cultivation and foundation to withstand the profound sounds of the Great Dao and gain a glimpse of the path, lest... we labor in vain, or even suffer harm."

He paused, his voice rising slightly, his target now clear: "However, this disciple observes that among your disciples, Uncle-Master, there seems to be a young friend whose cultivation... is rather shallow, seemingly not even having stabilized the Earth Immortal realm. May I ask which esteemed disciple of yours this young friend is? To be able to occupy a seat in Zixiao Palace with such cultivation, he must possess some extraordinary qualities? Guangchengzi is ignorant and curious, and thus seeks to ask Uncle-Master, and also to broaden our horizons."

These words, while seemingly a polite inquiry, were in fact barbed! They directly pointed out Lin Xuan's low cultivation, questioning his qualification to be in Zixiao Palace, and implicitly accused the Jie Sect of disregarding rules by bringing just anyone to such a supreme occasion!

In an instant, countless gazes converged on Lin Xuan! There was disdain and schadenfreude from the Chan Sect disciples, curiosity and scrutiny from the Demon Tribe, Witch Tribe, and other factions, and even inquisitive glances from some rogue cultivators. Lin Xuan immediately felt immense pressure, as if placed under a spotlight, his entire aura stagnating!

Duobao Daoist's expression darkened, about to speak. Wuyun Xian, Turtle Spirit Holy Mother, and other Jie Sect disciples also showed anger. This Guangchengzi was clearly using this as an excuse to attack the Jie Sect's reputation!

However, the Sovereign of the Heavens did not show anger. Instead, a smile played on his lips. He did not look at Guangchengzi, but directed his gaze towards the Primal Heavenly Lord, saying lightly, "Second Brother, your disciple is rather meddlesome. Does anyone who comes to Zixiao Palace from my Biyou Palace need to report to him, Guangchengzi?"

The Primal Heavenly Lord's expression remained unchanged as he spoke lightly, "The matters of Uncle-Master Tongtian's disciples are naturally for Uncle-Master to decide. Guangchengzi, you have spoken too much." Although his tone was one of restraint, there was not much blame in it, clearly indicating his tacit approval of Guangchengzi's questioning.

With his Master's tacit approval, Guangchengzi felt more confident, yet he put on a show of apprehension, bowing again to the Sovereign of the Heavens: "Uncle-Master, please calm your anger. This disciple has no intention of interfering in your internal affairs. It is just that... the sermon in Zixiao Palace concerns the future destiny of the Primordial Era, and is no trivial matter. This disciple also worries that if someone with insufficient cultivation forcibly listens to the sermon, it will not only be unhelpful, but may even lead to the danger of Dao transformation. If your beloved disciple is injured then, it would be most unfortunate. Moreover..."

He changed his tone, finally revealing his true intentions, his gaze sharp as he looked at Lin Xuan: "If this young friend truly possesses extraordinary talent or a special destiny, that allows him to be so valued by Uncle-Master and brought here exceptionally, why not take this opportunity to let us all witness it? If he can speak with substance and elucidate the profound principles of the Heavenly Dao, wouldn't that be a perfect way to prove Uncle-Master's discerning eye, and allow us to have another Dao companion to discuss the Dao with? If not... hehe, I fear it will be difficult to convince the masses and will also diminish Uncle-Master's authority."

This move directly pushed Lin Xuan to the forefront! It forced him to publicly demonstrate his "qualification"! If Lin Xuan couldn't come up with something, not only would he lose face, but the Sovereign of the Heavens and the entire Jie Sect would be ridiculed!

All the pressure fell on Lin Xuan. His heart pounded, but the Dao Charm circulating within the "Enlightenment Cushion" in his sea of consciousness allowed him to quickly calm down. He knew that he absolutely could not falter at this moment, nor could he speak carelessly. Guangchengzi was employing an open stratagem, forcing him to respond.

Lin Xuan took a deep breath. Under the gaze of countless eyes, he slowly stood up. He first bowed respectfully to the Sovereign of the Heavens, then turned to Guangchengzi and cupped his hands in a neither subservient nor overbearing manner: "This junior, Xuanyuanzi, greets Senior Guangchengzi."

His voice was calm, with a touch of appropriate humility, yet without any trace of fear: "Senior's inquiry, this junior is humbled. My cultivation is indeed shallow, this is a fact, and I dare not speak presumptuously. My ability to come to Zixiao Palace is entirely due to the grace of the Sect Master, who bestowed this opportunity. I can only hold reverence in my heart, adhere to my duties, and listen carefully to the Sage's words, daring not to slacken in the slightest."

He first admitted the facts, lowering his stance, attributing the reason to the Sovereign of the Heavens' favor, leaving no room for criticism.

Then, he shifted his tone, his voice still peaceful, but with a hidden sharpness: "As for Senior's mention of 'extraordinary qualities' and 'elucidating the profound principles of the Heavenly Dao,' this junior is even more ashamed to accept. How can the mysteries of the Heavenly Dao be something that a humble cultivator like myself can presume to speculate upon? The Dao Ancestor expounds the Great Dao, encompassing all things, profound and mysterious. This junior is dull-witted, and though I cannot fully comprehend its meaning, my heart in hearing the Dao is no different from that of all Senior Dao companions. Perhaps, the Great Dao is impartial, and different roots, different realms, will lead to different understandings and insights. Though this junior only sees a fraction, perhaps I can glimpse a trace of the Great Dao's compassionate and inclusive intent?"

His words cleverly avoided the direct question. Instead of directly answering what abilities he possessed, he emphasized that the "heart of hearing the Dao" was equal for all, implying that Guangchengzi's focus on cultivation as a threshold might cause him to miss the true meaning of the Dao's "inclusivity." At the same time, he elevated the issue to the level of "Great Dao's compassion," responding to the doubts while maintaining his dignity, and subtly highlighting the Jie Sect's "teaching without discrimination" philosophy.

Guangchengzi's eyes flashed with cold light upon hearing this. He hadn't expected this insignificant Human Race cultivator to be so eloquent! Just as he was about to use his authority to pressure Lin Xuan further, demanding his origins and lineage, or forcing him to reveal his so-called "brilliant ideas."

At this moment, the Sovereign of the Heavens suddenly let out a light laugh, interrupting the escalating conflict. Without even looking at Guangchengzi, he scanned the entire audience, finally settling his gaze on Lin Xuan, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority and protectiveness:

"Although Xuanyuanzi's cultivation is shallow, his disposition is firm, he has unique insights into the Dao, and has made significant contributions to my sect. My bringing him here has its reasons. Zixiao Palace is the Dao Ancestor's dojo, and destiny lies within. Junior Nephew Guangchengzi, if you have doubts, perhaps you can ask the Dao Ancestor directly after the sermon why he allowed him to enter? As for now... do not disturb the peace and quiet of your fellow Dao companions' enlightenment."

As his voice fell, an invisible sword intent subtly permeated the air. Though it vanished in an instant, it caused Guangchengzi and everyone present who harbored distracting thoughts to feel a jolt in their souls! It was a Saint's warning!

Guangchengzi's expression changed slightly, knowing that the Sovereign of the Heavens was already angered. To persist would be to seek embarrassment. He could only suppress his displeasure and bow, saying, "This disciple misspoke, Uncle-Master, please forgive me." He then sat back down, somewhat disgruntled.

A storm was temporarily quelled by the Sovereign of the Heavens' forceful stance. But Lin Xuan knew that the crisis of being an "auditing student" had not been resolved, merely driven underground. After this incident, he had truly entered the sight of the Primordial Era's top powers, and his future path was destined to be even more turbulent.

Inside Zixiao Palace, the Dao Charm permeated once more, and the sermon continued. Lin Xuan knew in his heart that the real test might have just begun.