After seeing that Lin Yu understood what to do, the six people continued to explain.
"Since Brother Lin wants to walk the Heavenly Immortal, then he needs to perfect every step," Zhang Boshi continued.
"The term 'unaffiliated cultivator' does not refer to being undisciplined, but rather to those who have not yet received a clear immortal title or divine office, nor have they fully established their own path in the Dao."
"For example, brother, you are just beginning your journey into the Immortal Dao and have not yet comprehended your own path."
"Although he holds an official position, he has not yet established a clear path in his life."
"Without understanding one's own path, it is like a boat sailing on a vast ocean without any navigational markers."
Zhang Boshi gently waved his feather fan, his gaze distant. "Although there are various interpretations of the realm of Immortal Dao, at its core, it all boils down to the exploration and mastery of the Dao."
"Since you are new to this path, we will explain it to you in a more easily understood manner, so that you may see the way forward."
He paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Upon entering the Immortal Dao, one is Rogue Immortal. After taking another step forward, one can begin to comprehend the Dao."
"Comprehending the principles of the Dao allows one to advance further in cultivation. This step is of paramount importance and is the key that distinguishes a great being from an ordinary immortal."
Seeing that Lin Yu was listening intently, Zhang Boshi explained in detail, "Ordinary Rogue Immortal, although they possess immortal bodies and magical powers, mostly act according to their cultivation methods and use techniques to display their power. Their understanding of the principles of heaven and earth and the origin of power remains superficial."
"Once one begins to comprehend the Dao, it means beginning to understand and touch the fundamental laws that constitute all things in the universe, or the principles of the Dao."
Yao Gonglin interjected, his tone tinged with reminiscence. "It's like an ordinary person learning martial arts. At first, they just practice moves and routines. Once they have great strength and skill, they become masters."
"But a true Grandmaster must understand the principles of boxing and the flow of internal energy in order to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, create their own techniques, and even establish their own school."
Zhang Boshi nodded in agreement. "That's exactly right."
"For example, the Xirang' of your spleen; if you can understand its workings, you can better communicate with the earth and achieve endless transformations."
Guo Shen said in a deep voice, "However, enlightenment is difficult. It requires opportunity, insight, accumulation, and even more so, a profound understanding of oneself and the universe."
Lin Yu listened attentively. What the Six Sages said was all pointing him in the right direction for his future path, and he couldn't afford to be distracted.
"After that, one fully masters a Dao principle; at this stage, one is invariably a powerful being from the Immortal Realm."
"Completely integrate the laws into your own Dao Fruit, forming a Dao Domain that belongs only to you."
"Within this realm, you are the master of this law, your power unfathomable."
Lin Yu was deeply moved. The Six Sages had painted a clear and vast blueprint for the Immortal Dao immortality for him.
"Thank you all, generals, for clearing up my doubts." Lin Yu his hands in gratitude.
If he were alone, it would probably take him a long time to understand these things, which is the benefit of having a lineage.
Yao Gonglin smiled and said, "Don't be impatient or impetuous, take it one step at a time. You have a solid foundation, and with the True Lord and us by your side, as long as you remain steadfast, your future achievements are limitless."
"Come on, let's drink!"
Kang Anyu raised his glass again. "Today we celebrate Brother Lin's ascension to immortality and also point out the path ahead for him. Let us raise a large toast!"
The atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively.
The banquet lasted for a long time, during which the Six Sages of Mount Mei took turns recounting many anecdotes from the celestial realm and the entanglements of various forces.
The common challenges in cultivation, as well as the distribution of power and potential risks around Guanjiangkou Estuary, broadened Lin Yu's horizons and gave him a more comprehensive understanding of his surroundings.
Afterwards, the Six Sages explained to Lin Yu some principles of troop deployment and command, as well as some rules of the True Lord's Cave.
There aren't many rules, but there are a few ironclad principles.
One must never betray the True Lord.
Two things should not involve colleagues turning against each other.
Three things must not be done: One must not bully the weak or wreak havoc on the mortal world.
The remaining unimportant trifles were compiled into a jade slip by the Six Sages, awaiting Lin Yu's detailed examination.
After the banquet, the sky was filled with stars.
Lin Yu returned to Cloud Light Cave, sat cross-legged, but did not immediately enter a meditative state.
He reviewed every word of the Six Sages and made plans for his future spiritual practice.
In addition to daily practice, they also had to regularly go to the training ground to observe the Grass-Head Army.
After all, he is General of Manifest Martial Prowess, and he will inevitably be involved in many battles in the future.
Afterwards, one must also contemplate the workings of heaven and earth and the laws of the Great Dao in the temple every day.
This place is a blessed land created by the True Lord, independent of the Three Realms, yet connected to Heaven and Earth, forming a unified whole.
The spiritual energy and laws within the temple far surpass those of ordinary immortal mountains and blessed lands outside.
Therefore, it makes it easier for Lin Yu to comprehend the Great Dao.
With this plan in mind, Lin Yu felt his future suddenly became very fulfilling, leaving him with no time to rest.
The days passed by in a fulfilling and regular practice.
Besides his arduous cultivation in his cave, Lin Yu also observed military formations and participated in sparring at the training ground.
He also began to sit quietly and contemplate the wonders of nature at several leyline nodes and ancient vines recommended by Zhang Boshi.
As time flows by, the sunrise and sunset seem to lose their specific timeline at this moment.
For Lin Yu, every day was filled to the brim with cultivation, observation, comprehension, and exchange, making him incredibly fulfilled and forgetting the exact passage of time.
Until this day, he was beside that ancient green rock, trying to integrate a wisp of Daoist wisdom he had comprehended into the circulation of his own magical power.
The General of Manifest Martial Prowess's talisman in his arms suddenly vibrated clearly, accompanied by that unmistakable, cold voice:
"Lin Yu, come to the True Lord's Hall."
Lin Yu immediately snapped out of his deep comprehension, concealed his aura, and straightened his clothes.
Compared to the slight trepidation he felt when he first heard the summons a few years ago, he now exudes more composure and calmness.
Years of arduous training not only advanced his cultivation level but also improved his control over the balance of the five elements within his body.
Although he is still far from completely refining the Xirang, that profound power no longer often becomes a source of stagnation; on the contrary, it can become an aid in certain specific situations.
This gave him a calm and composed demeanor in every gesture.
Lin Yu arrived at the True Lord's Hall with practiced ease, and the doors opened silently. He stepped inside and respectfully bowed, saying, "Lin Yu greets the True Lord!"
Yang Jian remained seated on the cloud platform, his three-pointed double-edged sword standing quietly to one side.
His gaze fell on Lin Yu, scrutinizing him for a moment. A barely perceptible glint seemed to flash in his eyes before he spoke, "After several years of cultivation, your progress is commendable. Your foundation is becoming more stable, and your control over your own power has also improved."
Lin Yu was overjoyed to receive a "fair" evaluation from the True Lord and respectfully replied, "It is all thanks to the True Lord's blessing and the guidance of the generals that I dare not slack off."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu's mind jolted.
Memories flooded back like a tide, recalling the scenes of my master and fellow disciples laughing and joking while practicing martial arts.
Years of dedicated cultivation had allowed him to devote almost all his attention to this celestial paradise, making him almost forget the passage of time.
At this moment, upon being mentioned by the True Lord, intense longing and a trace of guilt instantly filled his heart.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions, and said frankly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble general... has indeed not returned for several years."
"At first, I was so immersed in the new realm of Immortal Dao that I felt time was too short and wished I could spend every moment cultivating."
"Unbeknownst to us, several years have passed. Now that the True Lord has mentioned it, Lin Yu... deeply misses his master and fellow disciples, wondering if they are well now."
By the end, his tone was clearly tinged with concern.
Yang Jian's expression remained unchanged, and his voice remained calm. "Cultivation is not about severing emotions and desires. A firm Dao heart does not contradict cherishing old friends."
"Now that you have stabilized your realm, it will be difficult to make a greater breakthrough in the short term. At this time, returning to the mortal world to visit relatives and friends and sever worldly ties may benefit your state of mind. You can also use this trip to verify what you have learned and to observe the various aspects of human life, which may not be without benefit to your cultivation."