Chapter 59: Discussing the Dao in Serenity, The Mustard Seed Holds Mount Sumeru

The scenery atop the mountain was far from ordinary. Yet, the gentle breeze and bright moon failed to evoke the same awe as the Seven Bamboo Lions once had. After all, these two hailed from a blessed sanctuary; their insight was exceptional.

Still, when they came upon the fire jujube tree in the spiritual field, their steps paused ever so slightly. The tree was in bloom, its green leaves and crimson flowers breathing out spiritual energy like glowing fireflies, captivating all who beheld it.

The young acolyte praised, “What a fine tree.” He smiled, “Though it falls far short of the one in our Five Villages Temple, it is nonetheless quite remarkable.”

Cao Kong returned the smile, knowing these were words of admiration rather than mockery. Not only his tree, but even the famed jujube tree of Penglai Island could not compare to the one at Five Villages Temple.

“If this tree bears fruit in the future, I shall offer some to you both, to sate your appetites.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue were delighted. There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity between them and Cao Kong; otherwise, when frightened earlier, they might have responded with colorful dialects. Now, seeing Cao Kong’s generosity, their affection grew stronger.

The three ascended the mountain, conversing freely. As fellow followers of the mysterious path, discussions of scriptures and doctrines were inevitable. The two acolytes possessed impressive knowledge; their debates with Cao Kong proved fruitful.

The acolytes were astonished. They were disciples of Zhenyuanzi, whose lineage was among the foremost under heaven and earth. Usually, those who walked the mysterious path could only receive their guidance, and even those with higher cultivation might not match their understanding.

Yet Cao Kong spoke eloquently, at times offering insights that left the acolytes in awe. Their initial hint of pride soon gave way to mutual respect, and they began to address him as a brother of the path.

Before the entrance of the Broken Mountain Cave, they saw a fox meditating, its fur gleaming in a fiery red hue. They could not help but exclaim, “What a splendid fox!”

Qingfeng’s internal energy surged, transforming into a flash of light as he approached Hu Ping, stroking the fox’s head.

Hu Ping was caught off guard, staring blankly. The flow of energy from Qingfeng’s hand felt so comfortable that he couldn’t help but nuzzle closer.

Cao Kong’s pupils contracted; he sensed that Qingfeng’s gesture was highly profound, in harmony with the laws of heaven and earth—a masterful technique.

“Brother, brother! The book is flying!”

A startled cry rang out. The golden leopard came rushing in, chasing a book—the Chronicle of Mountains and Rivers, the same tome once bestowed by heaven.

Cao Kong had no means to shrink things into smaller forms, carrying only the two scriptures of Wine and Sword for study. Since he rarely left his abode, the Chronicle remained within the cave.

As the Chronicle flew by, Qingfeng and Mingyue exchanged bright glances, smiling knowingly. No wonder they felt such kinship with Cao Kong.

The destined one was here.

Years ago, Zhenyuanzi imbued objects of nature—wind, rain, moonlight—with spiritual essence, setting them adrift in the world for the fortunate to encounter.

These two had likewise received such a gift, and, by virtue of it, became disciples of Zhenyuanzi.

Now, seeing another object of the same lineage, carrying the master’s spiritual resonance, how could they not understand?

The acolytes kept this revelation to themselves, communicating through secret arts. Mingyue spoke first, “This is problematic. Master once said he would accept forty-nine disciples; only one remains. He also said that, as the years pass, only one object of his spiritual infusion remains. Whoever obtains it will share a profound destiny with him. It seems it has fallen to this one.”

Qingfeng replied, “Isn’t that a good thing? Haven’t you always longed to be senior brother?”

Mingyue blushed, “But I just called him brother of the path! If he enters the sect, won’t that disrupt the order of seniority?”

Qingfeng was momentarily stunned. Indeed, he had addressed him similarly.

Cao Kong, with a gesture of magic, drew the Chronicle of Mountains and Rivers into his hand. Noticing the shifting expressions of Qingfeng and Mingyue, he grew curious.

“You two?”

Qingfeng and Mingyue snapped out of their reverie and blurted, “I was just thinking—” then quickly stopped themselves. Zhenyuanzi had instructed them only to observe the conduct of the destined one; if he proved virtuous, they might invite him to visit Five Villages Temple. Nothing further was their concern.

They were but disciples, bound to obey their master’s instructions. Though they speculated, they dared not overstep.

“Hm?”

“Oh, what I meant was, it’s about time for a meal. I wonder if we might impose upon our friend here for a bite.” Qingfeng swiftly changed the subject to cover his slip.

Cao Kong checked the hour, puzzled—it was the time of Shen, neither early nor late. The routines of Five Villages Temple must be quite irregular.

He paid little mind to the shift from ‘brother of the path’ to ‘friend’. Smiling, he said, “Certainly. Hu Yan, prepare a meal and bring out some spiritual wine.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue protested, “No need, no need. We cannot hold our liquor.”

The golden leopard watched the pair, admiring their pure spirit and cheerful nature. With sincere enthusiasm, he said, “Guests are guests; a small drink is no harm. All the wine here is home-brewed, nothing too strong.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue, half resisting and half eager, acquiesced.

That evening, two thoroughly drunk acolytes graced the heights of Misty Mountain.

Cao Kong found it amusing. The two started off drinking cautiously, but as the night wore on, the wine took hold, and they felt as if they’d entered a wondrous realm of life.

With wild gestures and spirited tales, they recounted their adventures of the past year, even offering to perform some local dialect. Thankfully, Cao Kong stopped them in time.

The next morning, Qingfeng and Mingyue awoke on Misty Mountain, quietly ashamed of their behavior.

Fortunately, Cao Kong, the golden leopard, and the others seemed to have forgotten the previous night’s antics, putting the two at ease.

They made no mention of leaving, and Cao Kong was happy to have them stay. Their cultivation and insight were exceptional, providing a perfect opportunity for mutual learning. The golden leopard joined in, discussing the Southern Pole Alchemical Scripture with Qingfeng and Mingyue, comparing external alchemy techniques.

The heritage of Qingfeng and Mingyue was lofty indeed, with forty-six accomplished brothers. Even when they stumbled over certain questions, they could cite their brothers’ wisdom, enlightening Cao Kong and the others.

Qingfeng and Mingyue benefited as well. While their master’s guidance was exquisite, debating the principles of the path with peers brought clarity, deepening their understanding. Such insights, felt and realized in the heart, were far superior to mere admonition, and thus their cultivation grew.

One day, the four sat atop a cliff, discussing the triad of essence, energy, and spirit, focusing on energy.

Qingfeng sighed, “Human life relies on energy. Mingyue and I gather energy from the heavens and earth, yet it is hard to keep it perfectly whole and contained.”

Cao Kong pondered, then debated with them, the discussion becoming ever more spirited.

After a long silence and reflection, he replied, “Energy passes through three gates to return to the furnace; channels reverse to form the river cart; circulate through the celestial cycle, ceaselessly moving back and forth.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue grew solemn, involuntarily reciting, “Circulate through the celestial cycle, ceaselessly moving back and forth…”

With their eyes closed, neither knew how much time had passed before opening them again. They found themselves suffused with a new energy, and smiled, “The path ahead is revealed. Thank you, friend.”

They had attained one of the three flowers—the lead flower, also known as the human flower.

Now, hearing the true words, signs of the silver flower appeared. Once they returned home and spent a century or so refining their essence, they would surely produce the silver flower.

They mused that their master must have foreseen this opportunity and sent them out accordingly.

Thinking back on the three months spent with Cao Kong, they recognized his character, talent, and comprehension.

They imagined their master would be delighted upon meeting Cao Kong and felt gratitude for his guidance. They recalled that, before departing, their master said that if they encountered someone with destiny, they could impart a teaching of the path.

This was the tradition of their immortal lineage—to spread the way among mortals.

Thus, they said,

“For your virtue, friend, and seeing that you do not possess the art of storing the universe within a mustard seed, we wish to offer you this teaching.”