After leaving that enormous library, Yu Ci went to ask Meng Wei, "Senior Sister Meng, what is the Hanzhang Dharma Assembly?"
"The Hanzhang Dharma Assembly... Old Mr. Zhu meant the Minor Hanzhang Dharma Assembly, didn't he?" Meng Wei had just pieced the matter together and smiled as she explained it to him.
The term "Hanzhang" came from the line "Hanzhang may remain steadfast" in the Book of Changes, Hexagram Kun, Sixth Line of the Third Position. It originally referred to possessing literary grace and virtue without flaunting them, to conducting oneself with restraint. Applied here, it meant that this kind of Dharma Assembly did not make a show of cultivation or magical artifacts, nor did it encourage debate. It was merely a mild-tempered gathering where the elites of various sects assembled; at the very least, everyone was expected to maintain a harmonious appearance. Its main purpose was to broaden one's connections and exchange insights.
The reason Meng Wei had added the word "Minor" was that the Hanzhang Dharma Assembly came in different ranks.
The highest-ranking Hanzhang Dharma Assembly was a gathering place for the outstanding disciples of the cultivation world, especially those from orthodox great sects like the Li Chen Sect. During the assembly, elite cultivators from all corners of the world gathered in great numbers, often exceeding ten thousand. When they came and went, sword lights and artifact radiance blanketed the heavens and covered the earth—a splendid sight in this realm.
But such a Hanzhang Dharma Assembly was held only once every forty or fifty years. The last one had taken place six years ago. If Yu Ci truly wished to attend, he would have to wait at least another thirty-odd years.
Since Old Mr. Zhu had said this year, he must have meant the "Minor Hanzhang Dharma Assembly."