Return to the Temple

After Wang Ping agreed, True Lord Yuanwu picked up the woven basket in his hand and held it up to the sunlight for a look.

Wang Ping kept his head lowered and quietly awaited further instructions. At this moment, though, he dearly hoped the matter would end here, without any further disturbances.

After quite a while, True Lord Yuanwu finished examining the basket in his hand and seemed very satisfied. He turned to Wang Ping, who was waiting, and said, "Everything under Heaven must have its flaws. Where there is gain, there must be loss. If you insist on seeking perfection in everything, you will ultimately accomplish nothing."

"A long time ago, my master told me that when you are satisfied with everything, that is also when you are at your emptiest. But will everyone—including the True Lords standing high above—ever stop pursuing their desires?"

Yuanwu's words made Wang Ping raise his head slightly. Unbidden, words spoken by a Saint in his previous life surfaced in his mind: Great perfection seemed flawed, yet its use never failed; great fullness seemed empty, yet its use never ran dry. Great straightness seemed bent, great skill seemed clumsy, great eloquence seemed tongue-tied. Restlessness overcame cold; stillness overcame heat. Clarity and tranquility set the world aright.

Though there were some differences, the principles were much the same. The Annotation of Heaven and Man also contained similar teachings and annotations.

After saying this, True Lord Yuanwu continued, "If Daoist Wanzhi's disciple can successfully advance to the Fourth Realm within a hundred years, the Dao Palace Second Seat can consider her. In addition, the Earth Cave Sect's remaining Fourth Realm slot will be entrusted to you for assessment. See who in this world is qualified to receive it."

This time, Zhi Gong's advancement had used her