Zhu Xinglian's words were somewhat ambiguous, but Stoneborn seemed to have understood something. He simply smiled and said,
"Fellow Daoist Zhu, how could I, as his disciple, know everything about my master? But I do know that some things often become distorted as they pass from mouth to mouth. Master once said that people often draw connections based on their own desires."
Stoneborn paused, then looked at Zhu Xinglian and the Old Flood Dragon before continuing.
"The Dao of heaven and earth and the principles governing all things generally follow cause and effect. Yet those in this world who cling to delusions often settle on an outcome in their hearts, then search for its cause. All sentient beings possess such stubborn desires, which lead them far from the Dao!"
Zhu Xinglian frowned slightly, while Ai Qingren looked thoughtful.
In truth, although Stoneborn did not know exactly what Zhu Xinglian wanted to ask, his words had nevertheless struck upon several aspects of the causes and consequences behind the matter.
Only after a long while did Zhu Xinglian cup his hands toward Stoneborn.
"Thank you for your instruction, fellow Daoist!"
Stoneborn smiled again.
"I wouldn't call it instruction. Once you've walked among mortals long enough, you naturally come to understand. Though you are a Heavenly God, Fellow Daoist Zhu, you rarely interfere in mortal affairs. Fellow Daoist Ai has long dwelled in the depths of the ocean and walks among mortals even less. Really, an occasional look would show you that what I've said is nothing remarkable."
"All things beneath heaven, all sentient beings, are part of the Dao. Immortals, gods, demons, and spirits cannot stand apart from it, and naturally, neither can the Mortal World. Finding an immortal paradise beyond worldly affairs for secluded cultivation is certainly worthwhile, but to pass