Zhang Yu saluted upward and said, "I intend to seek the Upper Realm, but certain doubts linger in my heart, so I wished to seek guidance from Executive Zhuang."
He naturally had no intention of concealing his desire to seek the Upper Realm. At his level, there was no one who did not hope to enter it.
Throughout history, those seeking perfection would encounter no hindrance so long as they did not take that step. Yet any obstacles and tribulations only came after one had formally begun the ascent. Thus, even if there were hindrances, they would not arise now.
Executive Zhuang said gently, "I have been waiting for Executive Zhang to raise this question. Within Celestial Xia, those now capable of crossing into the Upper Realm are only Chief Executive Chen, Executive Zhang, and Executive Zhengqing. Executive Zhang not only possesses profound cultivation and achievement, but also bears signs of nearing the Dao. Yet that alone may still be insufficient."
Zhang Yu's heart stirred. "I ask Executive for instruction."
Executive Zhuang said, "In seeking the Upper Realm, each person's Dao path differs, as do their Dao methods and means of ascent. The methods of those before cannot be used by those who come after, so I cannot aid you in this regard. Yet I can speak of one thing. If you wish to proceed toward the Upper Realm, beyond perfecting your own cultivation and achievement, there are many changing circumstances blocking the way that must be cleared away. One of them lies in burdens and obligations.
"Burdens and obligations are born with one. Where existence remains, they exist; where action stirs, they arise. Unless the Dao is broken, they cannot be wholly removed. But if one does not find a way to lessen them, the Heavenly Dao will use