On the high platform, nine figures were seated.
The top ten disciples stood in a line at the center of the Arena.
The remaining disciples who had participated in the competition had also been summoned back to Jinao Island. They waited in orderly rows below the stage and upon the Auspicious Clouds overhead, awaiting the Saints' teachings.
The nine people on the high platform watched them, each with a different expression in their eyes.
Laozi spoke first. His white hair hung over his shoulders, and his Golden pupils glimmered warmly beneath the sunlight.
"Where is the Dao?"
This was not a question meant for any one person. It was a question for everyone.
Any disciple had a chance to answer.
Laozi lifted his teacup for a sip, his gaze sweeping across those below the stage as he waited for their answers.
The disciples all held different views, and answers came from every direction. Some said it was in the heavens, some said it was in the heart, some said it was between all things, and some said it was within the three thousand Great Daos spoken of by the Dao Ancestor.
There were many answers, but Laozi showed no reaction after hearing them. He simply continued drinking his tea.
Xuan's voice came from the crowd.
"Beneath our feet, in our hands, in every inch of land restored by Farm Teachings."
Laozi's hand holding the teacup paused for a moment. He turned his head and looked at Xuan.
Xuan stood among the crowd as everyone around him watched him. He did not shy away, meeting their gazes calmly.
Laozi did not state his opinion, but Xuan was not uneasy.
He knew his answer was not a standard one, but it was his answer.
Every road he had walked, every Earth Vein