Chapter 238: Following nature is not insisting after exhausting one's ability

Master is not teaching you to be indifferent; I merely want to tell you that the Dao follows ordinary principles, and destiny cannot be violated.

Elder Qingwei Daoist Priest washed the white-robed Daoist youth's feet and said:

Changqing, if you were merely my disciple, I would say to see death and not rescue, to see the road and not go, to follow nature; but you will become the Mount Shu Sect Leader who bears the world's peace.

Therefore, I have only one word: kill!

Zhuang Buran remained silent for a long time, then said:

Whether I am the Mount Shu Sect Leader or a Mount Shu disciple, having benefited from the five masters' teachings, my understanding of following nature is not merely passive acceptance.

Nor is it using 'following nature' as an excuse when feeling powerless to gloss over life's obstacles and thorns.

It is to first do one's utmost, then heed fate, and finally accept when things turn out contrary to one's wishes.

He looked at each of his several masters in turn:

True following of nature is not insisting after exhausting one's ability, nor is it mere inaction.

Upon these words, the hall fell silent; the Mount Shu Five Elders couldn't help but lift the corners of their mouths, feeling that having such a disciple, what more could they desire?

Elder Qingwei Daoist Priest dried the white-robed Daoist youth's feet and then said:

Since you already have the mindset of being able to let go and pick up, we too can consider ourselves able to let go completely.

Then we might as well lend you a hand, which also counts as our own self-rescue as a few old fellows.

A burst of energy appeared out of nowhere, levitating the white-robed Daoist youth in midair; the five then surrounded him and began transferring their own inner power.

Changqing, your comprehension is innate, you naturally possess great wisdom; this time we are not pulling seedlings to help them grow, but you must also understand that in heaven, earth, and human life, many things depend on circumstance and can only be known through personal experience.

Moreover, some affinities are sown in past lives; even if you have done well in this life, you must still repay the karmic debts accumulated before, only then can they be severed!

The next day, as the sun set westward.

Elder Canggu, changing from his usual decisive manner, repeatedly nagged his eldest disciple, and finally gave a solemn admonition:

Changqing, you must pay attention: your mission is full of heavenly secrets; upon descending the mountain, you must conceal your identity, and if anyone asks, say you have left Mount Shu and returned to secular life—remember that?

Disciple will keep it in mind.

Seeing that he himself was the world-saving hero yet no one showed him concern, Jingtian immediately flung his backpack to the ground and said, extremely displeased:

I won't go.

Elder Qingwei Daoist Priest showed a puzzled expression:

Jingtian, what's wrong with you?

Elder Canggu, who holds the position of Mount Shu Primordial Spirit Grand Elder, has always disliked the unscrupulous Jingtian, and shouted angrily:

You little brat, what mischief are you up to again!

"Look, look." Jingtian hurriedly hid behind Elder Qingwei Daoist Priest:

"I only said one sentence, and he became so fierce; moreover, I almost forgot—this white-clad fellow looks refined and gentle, but his martial arts are strong; who knows if he'll bully me on the road."

"I recall that although he saved me before, he then used that red-haired monster to frighten me, forcing me to follow him up Mount Shu."

Elder Qingwei Daoist Priest merely smiled at Jingtian's childishness and said:

"Child, just tell me what it would take for you to agree to go."

"As an incarnate celestial being, while this white tofu merely has a trace of immortal affinity, let him be my subordinate."

After Jingtian finished speaking, Elder Canggu burst out cursing:

"I spit, having my disciple be your subordinate is utter nonsense."

"Old man, you look fierce, as if you want my life." Jingtian was startled again.

"Primordial Spirit Elder, placing Changqing beneath Jingtian might not be a bad thing." Elder Qingwei Daoist Priest laughed and said:

"He grew up in the mountains from childhood, understanding many principles, but he is far less experienced than Jingtian in dealing with people; it would be good to let him teach Changqing."

Zhuang Buran nodded and said:

"Indeed, I am not skilled at dealing with people; along the way I have followed Jingtian brother's instructions, which saves a lot of trouble."

"You."

Elder Canggu flicked his sleeves and left in anger at his lack of competitiveness.

Elder Heyang spoke:

Changqing, your Elder Canggu will surely understand later; you and Jingtian should set out now.

"Yes."

Having donned white robes, Zhuang Buran bowed to the four masters present, then left the Wuji Pavilion with Jingtian.

Immediately, many Mount Shu disciples came forward and surrounded Zhuang Buran.

Seeing that he had again become the object of neglect, Jingtian shifted his gaze, and while they focused on someone else, he employed the Mighty Hand, Empty Hand technique.

After the many Mount Shu disciples reacted, he then laughed loudly and shouted:

"I know you are reluctant to part with your senior senior brother, but if each of you were to give a farewell gift, it would take too much time; thus I will collect them on your behalf."

Zhuang Buran gave a few warm words of advice to his many junior disciples, then descended the mountain with Jingtian.

"Xu subordinate, you say I carry this sword but cannot wield it; isn't that somewhat unfitting for my identity as a world-saving hero?"

"Jingtian brother has affinity with my Mount Shu; my several masters are also pleased that you do not waste your celestial talent, so it would not be amiss to teach you the Mount Shu heart method and sword technique."

"Very well, since you sincerely wish to teach, I will reluctantly learn a bit."

Zhuang Buran suddenly pointed his sword at Jingtian's brow, causing him to freeze in place.

After a while, Jingtian felt his mind flooded with a vast amount of information, and he couldn't help but cry out in a headache-splitting pain, not knowing how many birds were startled from the forest.

Zhuang Buran seemed to think his good deed had backfired, and immediately explained:

"Jingtian brother, bear with it for now; your extraordinary talent means you need not painstakingly practice like my fellow disciples; once you know our sect's heart method and sword technique, you can self-study to become accomplished and advance bravely."

Jingtian sweated profusely from the pain:

"Why didn't you warn me beforehand, and not even tell me it would hurt this much!"

"Only by enduring the bitterest hardships can one become a person above others; practicing the sword requires talent, and cultivating the Dao requires even greater comprehension." Zhuang Buran sincerely advised.

"Jingtian brother, you don't know how blessed you are; just a moment of suffering, and you can quickly cultivate formidable power and swordsmanship—enough to make over ninety percent of people in the world wish they could take your place."

"Enough, stop talking; you're making my head hurt more." Jingtian held his head, found a relatively clean stone, and sat down.

"At most half an incense stick, you'll get used to it." Zhuang Buran reminded him.

"What?"

As soon as Jingtian lifted his head, he couldn't help but gasp in pain from the cold air.

After one incense stick.

In the void above, Jingtian could be seen flying his sword somewhat awkwardly, while the white-clothed sword-bearing youth followed at his side.

"Bai Doufu, you really didn't lie to me—I really am extraordinarily talented, and I learned the sword-flying technique in an instant."

Jingtian, taking the opportunity, felt a desire to show off, and gave a light cough.

"It's getting late; let's first find lodging in Yuzhou City today."

"Let Jingtian brother decide." Zhuang Buran replied in a calm voice.

Not long after, the two landed outside Yuzhou City; one headed straight for the Yong'an Pawnshop, while the other went to find an inn to stay.

As Zhuang Buran was about to walk into the inn, he suddenly stopped and glanced sideways, only to see a flash of purple clothing disappear in an instant.

(End of chapter)