So-called "virtue and practice" were the crux of a Foundation Establishment True Person's cultivation, the bridge to the Great Dao.
Jiang Yi sat upright in the depths of the Water-Moon Grotto-Heaven, his presence drawn inward like an abyss, with only a speck of golden light flickering between his brows.
"The Five Phases are merely techniques, laws-the outward manifestations of heaven and earth's images."
He murmured softly, his voice echoing through the empty cave abode, clear and melodious as jade striking stone:
"Wood bends and straightens; fire blazes upward; earth bears sowing and reaping; metal yields and changes; water moistens and descends... These five are all surface manifestations of the myriad things of heaven and earth, tangible vessels beneath the metaphysical. Though one may borrow them to wield Dao Arts, summon wind and rain, move mountains and fill seas, they remain borrowed strength, not one's own foundation. Through them, it is difficult to enter the gate of the Great Dao." Jiang Yi's gaze was deep as he silently pondered:
"The Five Virtues, however, are the Creation of the Five Phases, the crystallization of the Great Dao-the metaphysical Way."
He slowly raised his hand. In his palm, a speck of crimson flame burned quietly, myriad images whirling through it in turn, containing endless profundities. "[Five Virtues] occupy the heights, with the Metal Position beneath them, thirty Dao Fruits in all.
"Such as [Sword Edge Metal], [Great Sea Water], [Covered Lamp Fire]... Only by pushing one's Dao Arts to the utmost, transforming them into cultivation acknowledged by heaven and earth, can one draw the favor of the Five Virtues' fruitions and receive their blessing." The key sounded simple, but was in truth immensely difficult. Even True Disciples of Sect-tier organizations could not readily set foot upon this path. Throughout their lives, they merely