[The Dao teaching was scheduled for half a month later.]
[When the news spread, the Taihua Sect stirred, both within and without.]
[Disciples from every sect came flocking in. Even many members of the Sea Clan surfaced from the depths and gathered in the waters around the Taihua Sect.]
[Tens of thousands of sentient beings assembled there, quietly awaiting the voice of the Dao.]
[You had already issued your decree: "None are to be turned away."]
[Whether human, demon, or Sea Clan, all who came to hear the Dao could enter.]
[There was, however, a distinction between the inner and outer areas.]
[The innermost ring of the Dao platform was reserved for the Taihua Sect's disciples.]
[You had ordered your disciples to build that platform. It spanned several thousand zhang, with nine tiers in all, and stood majestically above the sea.]
[Originally, you had intended to teach the Golden Core Dao, beginning with the first nine heavenly tribulation.]
[But when you looked out over that dark, teeming crowd...]
[You found many mortals who had only just begun cultivating, and even some who had yet to begin at all.]
[You spoke slowly, your voice spreading across a hundred li of sea and reaching every ear with perfect clarity:]
["This Dao teaching will last ten days."]
["I originally intended to spend one day explaining how to embark upon cultivation."]
["But—"]
[You paused, your gaze sweeping over those beings who had only just set foot upon the Dao Path:]
["The difficulty is that those present include both cultivators and those who have barely touched the beginnings of cultivation."]
["Very well. This time, I will spend three days explaining the Dao Embryo and Dragon Court Realms."]
["After those three days, I will expound upon the Golden Core Dao."]
["Those whose cultivation is above the