As the conversation deepened, Fang Xuanhe suddenly put down his teacup, gave Han Xuanji a meaningful look, stroked his beard, and smiled:
"Young friend, are you aware that many disciples in the building have been discussing you since your arrival today?"
Han Xuanji remained expressionless, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said calmly:
I've heard about it.
Seeing his composure, Fang Xuanhe couldn't help but laugh, his laughter tinged with a touch of melancholy.
"I've heard some of those things before."
"Backdoor deals, undeserved reputation, all based on luck... tsk tsk, they make it sound so convincing, I almost believed them."
He shook his head, his tone shifting to one of disdain:
But seeing it today, I realize those rumors were complete nonsense.
Han Xuanji was slightly taken aback, not expecting this elder, who looked like a hermit, to speak so bluntly.
Fang Xuanhe ignored his reaction and continued speaking:
"I've lived this long and seen far too many so-called prodigies."
Some people talk a good game, but their skills falter when they actually try; others are praised to the skies, but when it comes to real testing, they can't even muster 30% of their abilities.
His gaze fell on Han Xuanji, his eyes full of admiration:
But you are different, young friend.
During our discussion just now, your understanding of the Dao of Principle was clear, logical, and insightful, far surpassing that of those who only engage in empty talk.
While I wouldn't presume to claim I've seen countless people, I do possess a discerning eye.
Han Xuanji cupped his hands and said:
" Elder Fang is too kind."
"A compliment?"
Fang Xuanhe laughed heartily, "At my age, there's no need for me to flatter a junior. I'm just stating the facts."
He paused, sighed, and said earnestly:
"Young friend, if I may be so bold as to say something."
On this path of spiritual practice, gossip and rumors are never lacking.
The more outstanding you are, the more people will be jealous of you.
Those who say you got in through luck or connections are simply incompetent themselves and can't stand seeing others succeed.
He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and spoke calmly:
"If you actually believe those words and feel that you are unworthy of the title, then you have fallen into their trap."
Those who cultivate themselves should guard their true nature; they should listen to idle gossip and let it go, without taking it to heart.
Upon hearing this, Han Xuanji's heart stirred slightly, and he nodded earnestly:
"I have learned a great deal."
Fang Xuanhe waved his hand and laughed:
"I wouldn't call it being taught anything, it's just some experience from someone who's been there."
Okay, enough of that, let's get down to business.
He put down his teacup, his expression gradually becoming serious, and looked directly at Han Xuanji:
"Young friend, do you have any specific plans to comprehend the Five Elements Dao Principle?"
Having chatted animatedly, Han Xuanji no longer hesitated and slowly stated her request, her tone sincere:
" Elder Fang, I have come today with another request."
"I have heard that the Five Elements Pavilion has a core forbidden area called the Five Elements Altar, where the Pavilion Master of the Five Elements Pavilion Master used to cultivate in seclusion for many years. Not only is its Dao essence the most profound, but it also retains the core inheritance of the Pavilion Master of the Five Elements Pavilion Master. This junior humbly requests that the elders allow this junior to go to the Five Elements Altar to observe its Dao essence and comprehend the Five Elements Dao Principle."
Upon hearing the words " Five Elements Altar," Fang Xuanhe's smile faded slightly, and his expression turned solemn. He pondered for a moment before slowly speaking:
"Young friend Han, to be honest, the Five Elements Altar is indeed the core forbidden area of my Five Elements Pavilion. It was built by the Five Elements Pavilion Master with countless efforts. It not only contains his secluded cultivation place, but also his lifelong insights into the Dao Principles and core inheritance. It has never been open to outsiders. Even the core disciples of the Five Elements Pavilion are only qualified to enter."
Han Xuanji's heart sank slightly, but he did not give up and continued to speak sincerely:
"I am aware that this matter is of great importance, and I also know the significance of the Five Elements Altar."
"This junior wishes to borrow the Dao essence of the Five Elements Pavilion Master to quickly condense the Five Elements Dao Principle, and hopes Elder Fang will grant my request."
Looking at the determination in Han Xuanji's eyes, and recalling their conversation just now, Fang Xuanhe pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded:
"Very well, young friend, you are S-Rank Heaven's Chosen recommended by the Soul Household, and you have a special connection with my Five Elements Pavilion. In addition, the Five Elements Pavilion and the Soul Household have been on good terms for generations, so I will make an exception this time."
Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in Han Xuanji's eyes, and he quickly stood up to express his gratitude:
"Thank you for your Elder Fang!"
Fang Xuanhe nodded and slowly said:
"However, young friend, you should also know that reaching the Five Elements Altar is no easy task; you must first traverse the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway."
" The Five Elements Heavenly Stairway?"
A hint of doubt flashed in Han Xuanji's eyes, and he asked softly.
Fang Xuanhe slowly explained:
"Indeed, the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway is the only path to the Five Elements Altar. It has 3,650 steps, and each step is protected by Dao Principles. Successfully climbing the ladder is no easy feat."
"Moreover, this Five Elements Heavenly Stairway has two limitations: first, one's cultivation level must be below that of Eternal True God; second, the stronger one's cultivation, the greater the pressure one faces. To ascend the Heavenly Ladder, one not only needs powerful cultivation but also a profound understanding of the Dao of Principle, and the ability to harmonize one's own Dao Principles with the Dao rhythm of the Heavenly Ladder in order to steadily progress."
After a pause, Fang Xuanhe added:
"Since the establishment of the Five Elements Pavilion, only a handful of people have successfully ascended the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway and reached the Five Elements Altar. They are all exceptionally talented individuals. No one in our Five Elements Pavilion generation has achieved this."
Upon hearing this, Han Xuanji seemed to be deep in thought, and nodded slightly.
He hadn't realized that getting to the Five Elements Altar Five Elements Altar was so difficult, but this only made him more eager to go.
The more difficult it is, the deeper the Daoist essence of the Five Elements Altar is, and the more likely the sign-in rewards will be.
More importantly, this Five Elements Heavenly Stairway might also be a good place to sign in. Even if you can't climb the ladder for the time being, you can still comprehend the Dao Principles on the ladder and then sign in.
As for the other parts of the Five Elements Pavilion, Han Xuanji had already made his judgment.
The Dao essence in those places is certainly much shallower than that of the Five Elements Altar and the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway. They are of little help to him now, and there is no need to waste time signing in.
Now that things had come to this, Han Xuanji didn't think any further. She looked up at Fang Xuanhe, her expression resolute:
" Elder Fang, I understand. No matter how difficult the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway is, I am willing to give it a try. Please lead me Five Elements Heavenly Stairway."
Seeing Han Xuanji's resolute expression and the lack of fear in his eyes, Fang Xuanhe admired him even more and nodded.
"Excellent! With such ambition, young friend, you are destined for greatness in the Dao of Principle. Since you have made your decision, I will now take you to the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway."
Having said that, Fang Xuanhe stood up, straightened his robes, and walked out of the hall first. "Young friend, please follow me."
Han Xuanji followed closely behind, his gaze resolute, already prepared in his heart.
Regardless of whether he succeeds in making it to the top, he won't lose out!
Don't ask, the answer is there's something fishy going on.