Rowing against the current could capsize the boat; riding the current made it easy to reach shore

"I have reached a decision regarding the superior foundation establishment method."

Xuanming spoke with measured emphasis. "Sweet dew does not nourish rootless grass; the Great Dao does not ferry those without affinity. The superior method of our Truth-Seeking Abbey depends solely on affinity. If there is none, even with blades pressed against us, we would rather shatter as jade than survive as common tile."

His resolute tone shook True Person Yuanji to the core. Once he recovered and realized there was an opening, delight mingled with bewilderment, and he asked, "How will you determine whether there is affinity?"

Xuanming said, "Since our fellow Daoists seek it for their respective lineages, and we of the Daoist Tradition honor the Dao above all, we shall debate the Dao. Those who surpass me will be considered to have affinity; those who fall short will not."

Glancing at True Person Yuanji, who looked as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head, Xuanming feigned ignorance and continued, driving in a sharp blade with a placid voice:

"Though the Truth-Seeking Abbey's foundations are shallow, we are not clay for our fellow Daoists to mold as they please. Before the debate, five hundred Daoist scriptures must be offered as the brick that knocks open the door.

"Moreover, since this debate is a contest, with winners and losers, there must naturally be stakes. Our Truth-Seeking Abbey will stake the opportunity to study the superior foundation establishment method. Should our fellow Daoists lose, they must surrender their insights into Qi Refining or a cultivation method commensurate with their cultivation."

True Person Yuanji stared at Xuanming in astonishment, never having imagined this fellow Daoist would be so bold. Yet on second thought, it seemed only natural. They had come to take his lineage's superior method;