Within the Peaceful Realm, Cheng Shouzhong and Qin Yueling came to Sky-Pillaring Peak every day in the days that followed to listen to the teachings, descending the mountain again at the appointed hour each day.
As time passed, two spacious thatched shelters were built upon the mountain terrace to shield them from wind and rain. Those who often came to listen to the teachings would also seek their guidance.
Whenever this happened, Cheng Shouzhong was exceedingly enthusiastic, tirelessly explaining things to others. Strange to say, although he never understood what was being taught each time, and forgot it all after returning, when he explained it to others, principles welled up endlessly from his heart, as though they had always been there.
Because of this, Cheng Shouzhong grew even more zealous. At times, he even went down to the villages and towns at the foot of the mountain to expound the teachings, where he was quite well received.
Qin Yueling, meanwhile, spent each day teasing the spirit beasts in the mountains. Sometimes she would lose herself in thought, seeming capable of gazing at blue skies and white clouds for an entire day. One was active and the other still, each setting the other off to delightful effect.
Yet as time flowed on, they watched their companions around them mature day by day, then grow old day by day, until at last they returned to dust. Meanwhile, they themselves remained youthful, and a measure of melancholy stirred in their hearts.
And without realizing it, the two had reached a certain level in their cultivation. If they went a little farther, they would reach the limit permitted by this world.
After the day's teaching ended, Cheng Shouzhong suddenly asked, "Sir, why have those great enemies not arrived after so long?"
Zhang Yu said,