The Great Way to Truth, Starting from Jiazi Laodao

Chapter 40: The Great Way Leads to Heaven, Asking the Truth about the Heart

The Dogen Conference is divided into two types: literary and martial arts competitions.

The literary competition includes debate, talisman drawing, alchemy, battle array, weapon making, puppet making and other items, which mainly test the disciples' attainments in Taoist scriptures and the hundred arts of cultivating immortals.

As for the understanding of Tao, most disciples have been practicing for a short time and their understanding is relatively shallow.

Each contestant needs to choose two of the literary competition events; debate is a must and tests basic skills; cultivation of immortal arts tests special skills, and at least one must be selected.

Fighting with weapons is simple and easy to understand. It just depends on who is stronger. The strong ones advance and the weak ones are eliminated.

Finally, the top 100 students will be selected based on their comprehensive ranking in the civil and martial arts competitions and will be admitted to Fengyang County Tiandi Academy.

As for those with special talents, eccentric talents, and eccentric talents and the extra quotas granted by the court, that is another matter.

After the rules were announced, the green-robed immortal raised his hand and pointed lightly, and a stream of light flew from his fingertips onto the ground.

In an instant, the ground shook and the mountains roared. A mountain rose from the ground, all white: the grass and trees were white, the rocks were white, and the rivers were silvery white...

The mountain is not high, only a thousand feet high. Looking up, you can see its top. An ancient Taoist palace stands on it. It is green in color, like a corner of the blue sky showing through the sea of clouds.

The steps extend from the foot of the mountain to the middle of the mountain. The steps are like white jade, crystal clear and bright.

"Please come in, Taoist contestants."

Following the orders from the Immortal in Green, one young Taoist priest after another took action and were moved to the foot of the mountain by the formation on the stands.

Some are full of fighting spirit, some are arrogant, some are sleepy, and some have a serious expression.

Each posture is different and has its own characteristics.

---

"There is a time to see the sun after the clouds have been cleared. The moon will be bright after the clouds have been cleared. This mountain is called Yuntian Peak. It was built by Yuntian Zhenjun a thousand years ago. There is one in each of the 108 Tiandiyuan of Daxuan."

"Seeking the Tao is like ascending to heaven, and the tribulations of practicing the Tao are like heavy clouds and fog. The Yuntian Peak has a total of 999 virtual and real steps, which are also called the Road to Heaven and the Path to Enlightenment, which means the Great Dao ascends to heaven."

"Once someone climbs the mountain, the prohibition will be triggered. How high they can climb and how far they can go depends on the climber's understanding of the Tao and his or her perseverance. There is no other way."

"The time has come, please climb the mountain."

As Qingyi Zhenren gave another order, tens of thousands of Taoists climbed the mountain together, creating a spectacular scene.

When the first young Taoist stepped onto the stairs, clouds and mist instantly covered the entire White Mountain. Each contestant could only see the stone steps under their feet, and they were all at a loss when they looked around.

They couldn't see each other, couldn't see the road ahead, couldn't see the scenery around them clearly, and it seemed as if they were the only ones left in the world, desolate and lonely.

You can only keep climbing and crossing the steps.

And just as they were climbing the mountain, a water mirror emerged, projecting clear images for the many guests to see.

On the Qiuzhen viewing platform, Xuanyin Dao said: "Although I have seen it once, but seeing it again this time, I still admire Yuntian Zhenjun's wonderful ideas."

Xuanxu nodded and agreed:

"The mountains are like white clouds, and the Taoist palace is like the blue sky."

"The first half tests the Dao Sutra. All the principles are taken from the Dao Canon. The Great Dao is tangible and the steps are visible to the naked eye. It is aimed at those who have practiced the essence of the Dharma."

"The second half tests the principles. Many principles originate from the heaven and earth. The great way is invisible and the steps are hard to find. One can only use one's own principles to achieve the goals. The deeper one's practice, the clearer the principles, the higher the steps, and one will face the Qigong Master."

"Existence and non-existence are combined, reality and illusion are intertwined, and principles are intertwined. This setting fits the mystery of the great way and is truly amazing."

"True Lord Yuntian is extremely wise."

---

Xuan Kong's lips moved slightly, and he couldn't help but say:
"Brother, it is said that the 108 Yuntian Peaks are connected to each other. Anyone who reaches the top will become a Great Immortal in the Qingtian Dao Palace, leaving their name on the Dao Peak and enjoying great fame. Is this true?"

"That's right! I only knew after participating in the three grand events that Yuntian Peak has a great fortune that can help Qigong masters travel through the void, glimpse a little of the mystery of spiritual practice, and achieve great masters. However, in the past thousand years, very few people have been able to get this opportunity. Because of this, everyone who reaches the top of Yuntian Peak will be recorded in the Qingtian Dao Monument and be revered by future generations."

Xuanxu nodded and explained, then glanced at Xuankong. This junior brother was indeed the best Bagua Sword practitioner in Qiuzhen Temple except for Senior Brother Xuanming, and he knew a lot of information.

Xuan Kong became even more excited, his eyes sparkling, and continued, "I wonder how much do you know about Master Dafan's deeds, Brother?"

Xuanxu shook his head: "I only know that Dafan Zhenren was born in Tiancang County, his family name is Zhang, and he calls himself Dazi Generation Yueban Zhenren. Although he is a casual cultivator, he has extraordinary talent and a deep Taoist nature."

"He entered Taoism through cooking. A hundred years ago, he entered the Hutian Palace in Tiancang County and crossed the Yuntian Peak. It took him seven days and seven nights to reach the top in one fell swoop. He became a great immortal and a guest official of the Tiandi Academy."

"As for the rest, I don't know for now."

Xuan Kong was a little disappointed, but after a second thought, he felt it was normal: "That's right, a layman like you who only cares about abstinence and wants to eat wind and drink dew all day long, how can you appreciate the joy of food and the greatness of the real people."

Xuanxu stared.

Xuankong immediately shrank his head.

Finished!

He stumbled over his words again.

I accidentally said what was in my heart.

"Brother, I said I didn't mean it, do you believe me?"

"If it's not intentional, then it's intentional!"

Xuan Yang interrupted.

Xuankong glared angrily: You are everywhere!
Senior Brother Xuanming is right about what he said, you are really bad at making jokes sometimes, and you are really good at adding fuel to the fire.

At this time, a Taoist priest came over from the stands next to him and bowed to Xuanxu and others.

"Danxia Sect's Feibai greets all of you fellow Taoists."

"Xuanxu and his fellow disciples and sisters come to see you, fellow Daoist."

Qiuzhen immediately returned the greeting, confused. Just as Xuanxu was about to ask, the newcomer spoke first:
"Were you guys talking about Dafan Zhenren just now?"

Xuanxu admitted it and asked curiously, "I wonder how you knew that?"

You know, although the stands are connected and not far apart, they are blocked by soundproof covers. Logically, their conversation should not be heard by those next door.

Taoist Feibai grinned, his teeth looking exceptionally white and bright against his dark complexion, and he apologized:

"I accidentally ate poisonous mushrooms in my early years and became deaf for three years. It was a blessing in disguise that I learned the art of lip reading. I just saw you fellow Taoists chatting animatedly and couldn't help but look at you a few more times."

"Master Dafan is the person I admire most in my life, so I couldn't help but come here uninvited. I hope you can forgive me."

Xuanxu and others were slightly stunned, while Xuankong was very surprised.

After a while, looking at the two Black and White Moon Taoists chatting animatedly and hitting it off immediately, Xuanxu and the headmaster of the Danxia Sect next door exchanged a glance and saw the helplessness in each other's smiles, as well as a similar sense of relief:

It turns out that there are weirdos not only in our own sect!

They are mentally balanced.

"As soon as I saw Daoist Fellow Xuankong, I felt familiar with him. He is indeed a fellow Daoist. This must be your first time attending the Daoyuan Grand Gathering, otherwise, how could you know about Master Dafan only now?"

"To be honest with you, I am indeed a newcomer here."

"In that case, I will tell you about Dafan Zhenren. This senior has two most famous spiritual weapons: a real fire stick and a Qiankun pot."

“It is said that the lifelong wish of a great immortal is to stew Kunpeng in an iron pot, claiming that this is the pinnacle of the culinary art. Some even see Kunpeng in their dreams, and when they wake up, they write down a magnificent poem with their brushes and ink.

Unfortunately, only a few words have been passed down: There is a fish in the North Sea, its name is Kun..."

The endless chatter between Xuankong and Taoist Feibai kept coming into Xuanxu's ears. The corners of Xuanxu's mouth twitched, and he stared at the water mirror intently, thinking, out of sight, out of mind.

Xuan Yang came over at some point, his ears perked up, listening with pleasure.

---

Chang'anzi was completely oblivious to the excitement of his elders.

He was focused and took steps up the stairs. He was already standing on the 17th floor. It was not the fastest, but it was very steady. Chang'anzi remembered Uncle Xuanming's daily teachings, seeking progress in a steady manner, not rushing for success, and taking every step down to earth.

Therefore, he had a deep understanding of the stairs under his feet.

Each level of stairs is ten feet high.

There is a path every ten feet.

The higher the step, the more difficult the test of truth is; it may be a test of breadth or depth, or a tricky angle or a weird question.

Every time you climb a step, the reflection in the step will question your true self, raising various questions, each of which points directly to your original heart.

That's exactly what it says:

Only you know yourself best.

Understand your inner fears.

Understand your weaknesses.

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

Taking a deep breath, Chang'anzi stepped forward.

The 18th step:

"What is the biggest thing in the world?"

"The Tao is the greatest."

The 19th step:

"What is Tao?"

“My heart is the Tao.”

The 20th step:

"What is the heart?"

"External and internal, physical and spiritual, appearance and reality, which one do you want to hear?"

……

The 27th step:
"What is quiet?"

“A calm mind leads to clarity, and a harmonious heart leads to tranquility.”

The 28th step:
"What is purity?"

"When thoughts are clear, they are pure."

The 29th step:
"You are obsessed with the death of your master. Your mind is not at peace, your spirit is not pure. How dare you talk about peace and tranquility?"

"The lotus is pure, and its roots are in the mud. The rice fields are dirty, but they can fertilize the soil. If people can be pure and tranquil so easily, why would the road be difficult? Why would the road to immortality be long? If I am pure and tranquil, why would you need to ask me?"

The 30th step:

"Quietness and peace, which one do you choose?"

"I want both! Peace is the goal, purity is the state, peace is the way of cultivation, and peace is the way of attainment. I am on the path of seeking, cultivating peace and pursuing purity."

……

Thirty-first floor:
"Master has been dead for ten years. Why have you been living in the Sutra Library for so many years and only come here today?"

"Because I have to wait until I am fully prepared."

Thirty-second floor:
"Hypocrisy! Isn't it worth you to throw away your life for your master who treats you like a son? You are just timid, cowardly, and afraid of death!"

"I am afraid of death, because only by living can there be hope. Before I find out the real cause of Master's death, I dare not die."

……

42nd Floor:
"You honor Uncle Xuanming, not because you respect him, but because you pity him, because he is more pitiful than you. Your kindness is only for the weak, you are simply a hypocrite!"

"I took care of my uncle because he felt sorry for me. I have never hidden this fact, nor have I ever denied it. My uncle also knows it well. Pity and respect are not contradictory.

I can be pitiful in front and respected behind.

Moreover, I have never been kind, nor have I ever claimed to be good, so how can I be hypocritical? I have never concealed, so how can I be pretending?

It is human nature to pity the weak, but would you pity someone who is stronger than you? If so, you are truly pitiful. "

43rd Floor:
"Your uncle is a great man who never made a name for himself. You respect him but you are also jealous of him. We are both in the Sutra Repository, so why is this old man better than you?"

"I am indeed jealous. Everyone is jealous. The key is how to suppress the jealousy. I have controlled it. I have received careful instruction from my uncle. You are also jealous, but you cannot control it. That is why I asked. A reflection is just a reflection. It can never become the real one."

……

Layer after layer, step after step.

Chang'anzi was immersed in it.

In the first thirty levels, he demonstrated all he had learned.

In the last thirty levels, he faced his inner demons.

During this process, Chang'anzi solved many problems that he had subconsciously avoided before, and even saw some problems that he had never noticed before.

His steps became slower and slower, his heart became stronger and stronger, and his Taoism became as solid as a rock and as clear as jade.

As Chang Anzi continued to climb, the problems changed and he was gradually drawn into the fog.

61st Floor:
"who am I?"

"I don't care who you are!"

62nd Floor:
"who are you?"

"I am Chang'anzi."

63rd floor:
"You are wrong. Chang'anzi is just a Taoist name. Everyone can be called Chang'anzi. Flowers, plants and trees can be called Chang'anzi. I can be called Chang'anzi too. But if you abandon this, who are you?"

"I am me."

64th floor:
"Am I your reflection?"

"Yes!"

65th Floor:
"Am I a part of you then?"

"Yes!"

66th floor:
"Am I you, in a way?"

"Yes!"

67th floor:
“Back to the original question, who am I?”

"you are me!"

……

Questions were answered one by one.

Ask questions one by one.

Chang'an Ziqingming's eyes gradually became confused, his pupils slowly blurred, the steps glowed with cloud-like light, and changes occurred unconsciously.

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(End of this chapter)