novelapdf Chapter 184 On the Way and the Illumination of Nature
Chapter 184 On the Way and the Illumination of Nature
When Ling Xuzi went to the Tianhou clan to rescue Chi Mianxi at Xiao Yuxian's invitation, he had already been thinking about befriending Chen Chunan.
At that time, he felt that Chen Chunan, being Xiao Yuxian's teacher, must have cultivated a unique path.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he suffered a setback with the Tianhou clan and was unable to help them. It was only at this Grand Gathering of Ten Thousand Immortal Treasures that he met Chen Chunan.
But who would have thought that he had overestimated Chen Chunan's abilities, only to underestimate him in the end.
Chen Chunan had just fought a great battle with Yu Chen, who was at the Tribulation Transcending Realm, and he realized that someone could have such cultivation at such a young age!
In ancient times, when the connection between heaven and earth was not severed and spiritual energy was abundant, there could be no genius more outstanding than this.
Based on this, it can be inferred that the path he cultivates must be a path that is earth-shattering and awe-inspiring.
Lingxuzi could no longer contain himself and came to seek the Dao.
Chen Chunan saw through Ling Xuzi's thoughts.
However, he was also at a loss as to how to instruct a cultivator of spiritual energy.
Transmitting the methods of Taoism?
Although he helped me, he was far from being able to pass on his teachings.
Huo Yunzi wanted to hear about the methods of self-cultivation, so he used the Heavenly River Golden Sand as a bribe to exchange for it with Xin Yuan.
Since it is insufficient to transmit the Dharma, what can I offer guidance on?
Chen Chunan had long since stopped cultivating spiritual energy, so he naturally didn't know how to offer guidance. He then asked Ling Xuzi, "What path have you always cultivated, fellow Daoist?"
When Ling Xuzi saw Chen Chunan ask a question, his face lit up with joy: "I dare not address you as a fellow Daoist, senior. I cultivate the Dao of Fire and Wood. Now I have comprehended three great supernatural powers, and the one I am most proud of is this Golden Crow Primordial Spirit."
As Ling Xuzi spoke, he opened his palm, and a black raven appeared in his hand, surrounded by golden flames.
Chen Chunan's eyes lit up as he looked at the golden crow spirit.
His Ten Suns Burning Heaven Diagram had completely refined the nine essences of the Separating Fire into Golden Crow incarnations.
I am confident that I can offer some guidance on this subject.
...
After a while.
Looking at the Golden Crow Primordial Spirit in his palm, which was several times more solid than before, Ling Xuzi's face showed both the joy of having received guidance.
There was also some resentment at not achieving their goal.
He came seeking the Dharma, not the techniques.
Just as my friend said, people who acquire a skill regard it as a treasure, believing it to be absolutely true, but in reality, they have already gone astray.
If I only seek to acquire one skill now, wouldn't I be going astray and failing to attain the Great Way?
Just when Lingxuzi was in a dilemma.
The monk Mingxing returned: "Master Chen, are you free today? I felt as if I were deluded by the five aggregates when I came in, so I came to discuss the Dharma with you!"
"Seeking me to discuss the Way?"
Because there were other people present, the monk Mingxing gave a slight nod.
When Lingxuzi saw that Chen Chunan had a guest visiting and was looking like he didn't want others to hear, he got up.
However, he had not yet achieved his goal for the day, so he was unwilling to take his leave now.
He only looked at Xiao Yuxian.
Knowing Lingxuzi's thoughts, Xiao Yuxian asked, "Master, may we listen in on your discussion of the Dao with Master Mingxing?"
Upon hearing that his friend had already offered his assistance, Ling Xuzi immediately bowed and said, "Senior, you are merciful!"
Chen Chunan naturally noticed the subtle interaction between the two and knew that Xiao Yuxian had specifically asked for it on his behalf.
After becoming his disciple, Xiao Yuxian worked diligently and put in extra effort.
Since it was him who asked, there's no harm in granting his request.
However, this still requires the monk's consent.
Chen Chunan turned to look at Monk Mingxing: "Master Mingxing, what do you think?"
Mingxing looked at Xiao Yuxian and Lingxuzi: "Meeting them is fate, and I have no objection to it."
Seeing that Mingxing had no objection, Chen Chunan's heart stirred.
Such a discussion is a rare opportunity, especially since my disciples and friends are all here.
Whether you're herding one sheep or a flock, it's all the same, so why not just call them all over?
"Master Mingxing, I have a few younger relatives and friends who all say that we can learn from others' experiences. Why don't we invite them over as well?"
Chen Chunan looked at Mingxing with a slightly unnatural expression.
Mingxing, being an experienced and shrewd man, naturally saw through Chen Chunan's thoughts, but this discussion was something he had asked for.
The more people who listen in, the more people there will be.
...
Half an hour later
Everyone took their seats.
Of all the people, Chen Yunling was the happiest.
Apart from Xiao Yuxian, who hasn't even entered the path, she is the only one who has walked the Golden Core path.
My master once said that the Golden Elixir Path prioritizes the mind and nature, followed by enlightenment, and the Buddhists are masters of cultivating their nature.
This discussion on the Dao is a good opportunity to make up for my shortcomings in cultivating my character.
Others, such as Han Yuqiu and Jiu Daoren, were more excited.
They had watched Chen Chunan rise to prominence, and they knew that Chen Chunan was only just turned 18.
To be able to listen in on such a brilliant and talented person discussing philosophy is an immense privilege.
The group sat upright, waiting for the discussion to begin.
After taking his seat, the monk Mingxing pondered for a long time. Today, he was possessed by the will of Heaven, which transformed him into a vertical eye.
He was overwhelmed with emotion and unable to shake off the fear.
Only then did he realize that he had unknowingly fallen from the Arhatship.
This discovery was something he found hard to accept.
After much deliberation, he decided to seek out Chen Chunan to discuss his shortcomings.
"The lady's nature is timid, yet her gentleness reveals a strong will..."
The monk Mingxing started it.
Chen Chunan listened intently, awaiting the debate.
Although Master Mingxing expressed himself cryptically, Chen Chunan still understood that Mingxing's heart was now clouded by the dust of the Dao.
And now I am also exploring the convergence of the three natures, having just realized the harm of the consciousness.
Master Mingxing is clearly being harmed by his conscious mind, which is why his spiritual heart is clouded.
Chen Chunan carefully considered his words before slowly saying, "The reason why one's mind is not firm is because one's primordial spirit is obscured by one's conscious mind. The more one knows, the more thoughts one has. The fear in the Master's heart is probably related to this vertical eye, and also to the Master's experiences after his passing."
Master Mingxing passed away in a world that values science, and it was thought that he would ascend to the Pure Land of Buddha to meet his revered teacher.
However, once this world is revealed, one's Dao heart will inevitably be impacted.
Today he was startled by the will of Heaven again. If he can remain indifferent and unconcerned, then his mental cultivation will truly be astonishing.
When cognition is broken, the mind naturally re-arrives, obstacles of knowledge and perception are formed, and the heart of the Way is naturally obscured.
After listening to Chen Chunan's words, Mingxing had an understanding: "The ancients said: The conscious spirit is the mind, and the primordial spirit is the nature. The conscious spirit is active, and the primordial spirit is still. When still, the conscious spirit is hidden and the primordial spirit emerges. Now my mind is difficult to calm, so the conscious spirit manifests and suppresses the primordial spirit."
These past few days, I first encountered a dispute over the Seven Treasures Pill, and I thought I was going to die. But after many twists and turns, the matter was eventually resolved, and my life was no longer in danger.
But after this experience, how could he possibly remain calm and composed?
Unfortunately, I realized it too late. Now my conscious mind has clouded my primordial spirit, and I need to refine myself again to remove the dust from my heart.
Mingxing's words suddenly reminded Chen Chunan of a past life when he consulted a Taoist priest about the difference between the conscious mind and the primordial spirit.
"It's not that all consciousness is bad. Without consciousness, how would you understand this world? Consciousness is dynamic, while the primordial spirit is static. This interplay of movement and stillness, yin and yang, aligns with the Way of Heaven. As the Sixth Patriarch said: 'Originally there is nothing, so where can dust settle? Guard your stillness, and consciousness will naturally conceal itself, while the primordial spirit will naturally manifest.'"