In the house in the Bamboo Grove, Daoyinzi looked at the speck of light on the mountain peak, surprise crossing his face. Then he nodded and smiled.
Xi Ran giggled too. "Our Junior Brother's talent really is astonishing."
"Your Junior Brother must have found an opening, grasped the second state of mind, and triggered the mountain's Restriction. That would explain the change. Given his aptitude, it isn't too surprising."
Dao Yin stroked his beard and nodded, looking pleased. "Still, gifted as he is, and even with the right opening, he could hardly have understood it in so short a time without guidance. Qiongfa Zi and Chuiyunzi deserve credit for that. But this also gives Han Ju another chance to come bother us. I suppose every gain comes with a loss."
Despite his words, his smile did not fade.
Xi Ran's eyes darted. "Master, you've mentioned several times that Book Mountain reveals one's intentions. What mystery lies behind it?"
Dao Yin smiled at her. "That's what comes of spending all your time playing. You remember so little, you've even forgotten what I told you."
Xi Ran stuck out her tongue.
Fortunately, Daoyinzi did not scold her further. Instead, he explained, "Reading is a miniature of cultivation. Ordinary people may have no access to Immortal Sect techniques, but they have a chance to read. Cultivation can bring longevity; reading can bring Wisdom. Both improve the self. Yet people read and cultivate for different reasons. The forebears of Great Hua Mountain therefore divided this heart that seeks learning and the Dao into five kinds."
"Which five?"
"The first is reading or cultivating because one wants something. Call it 'valuing what lies before one.'" Dao Yin pointed toward Book Mountain. "Take Longen Village on Book Mountain. Its people read to put food on the