"There's no need for such ceremony," Li Chen said.
Everyone from Fragrance City immediately straightened up and greeted him with smiles.
After attending a welcoming banquet in Fragrant Mountain Ward, Li Chen accepted an invitation to Aroma Leader Peak, where he received cultivators from across several thousand miles within its Mountain Gate.
Valley Masters, Peak Masters, City Lords, and others arrived in an endless stream, reminding Li Chen of his visits to Feng Mingzhu's residence back when he had stayed in Suyang City.
But times had changed. He was no longer an insignificant passerby, but a Puppet Master Grand Artisan.
These people had all come because of his reputation, humbly seeking his guidance.
Ling Jin said, "Senior, you've traveled far to reach us. We long to hear your teachings and learn of the Great Dao. Please do not withhold your wisdom!"
Everyone echoed him. "Please do not withhold your wisdom, Grand Artisan Li!"
Li Chen said, "I'm only passing through and will begin my return journey tomorrow, so let me share my Dao Path with you all."
He then continued, "Through repeated personal advancement and illuminating the mind and seeing one's nature, I, Li Chen, have established my path as the Dao of Wisdom. My particular strength lies in mortal machinery, using the material properties of mechanisms to awaken intelligence and cast its light upon all things."
"I'm sure you have all heard that all things have spirits. When the essence of rocks, plants, and trees awakens to spirituality, they become nature spirits. The sages of antiquity also said that anything possessing nine apertures can become an immortal and seek the Dao."
"I wholeheartedly agree, yet I believe it goes far beyond that!"
"What, exactly, is intelligence?"
"What is the meaning of existence for human cultivators like us, for ordinary