The overpowering pressure came and went swiftly, directed outward rather than inward. The Daoists of the Truth-Seeking Abbey felt nothing, but the cultivators outside the mountain felt a mountain's weight pressing down on them and were thoroughly cowed. As they gazed toward Floating Cloud Mountain, some felt reverence, some apprehension, and others joy.
Whatever their reactions, they all warned their disciples, relatives, and friends not to offend the Truth-Seeking Abbey lightly in the future. Times had changed. This newly risen great sect of the Daoist Tradition had already become a colossal power second only to the Rising Sun Sect and Water Moon Abbey.
Withdrawing his pressure, Xuanming stepped out of his thatched cottage and opened the courtyard gate. Led by Xuanxu, voices offering congratulations echoed across Dao-Treasuring Peak.
Seeing the third-generation Daoists gathered in rare completeness, the fourth-generation Daoists radiant with high spirits, and the entire Truth-Seeking Abbey brimming with vigor, he felt joy well up within him. He lightly waved his fly-whisk, and a breeze of magic power lifted the Daoists to their feet. His steady, powerful voice reached their ears:
"Rather than choose another day, we might as well seize this one. Today, I have emerged from seclusion, and all of you are gathered here. I shall preach the Dao to you."
At these words, the Daoists rejoiced.
The fourth-generation Daoists were especially overjoyed.
After bowing in thanks, they sat cross-legged, cleared their minds, and focused their attention. None dared let their thoughts wander, lest they miss this opportunity.
Xuanming likewise sat cross-legged where he stood. A blue lotus broke through the soil and lifted him, making him seem as sacred as a True Immortal. Then his Dao heart flowed out from within him and entered the fields of the Daoists' hearts, watering their Dao Seeds and nurturing