The dialogue between Xu Qing and the Master of Heavenly Spirit continued to deepen within the dream, as the atmosphere around them grew increasingly heavy, interwoven with a touch of mystery.
The Master of Heavenly Spirit frowned deeply, internally captivated by Xu Qing’s theories, yet simultaneously filled with wariness toward his motives. He pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, "Even as you say, if the Mechanism Skill indeed holds such mysteries, how many among the multitude in this world can truly grasp its essence? And through what means should one explore the path to the ’Dao’ and the ’creator’?"
Xu Qing’s gaze was profound, as if he could pierce through the illusion of the dream, looking toward the endless distance, and slowly said, "Most people in this world are bound by the pursuit of fame and fortune, love and hate, hence it is naturally difficult to transcend. However, as long as one harbors a heart for the Dao and dares to break conventions, not confined by worldly perceptions, they can perceive the Great Dao inherent in the subtleties of Mechanical Techniques."
"Just like the tools used in our everyday life, which appear ordinary but actually encapsulate the craftsmen’s ingenious concepts and superb skills, reflecting the shadow of the Great Dao. Or perhaps, observing the natural phenomena of the world, the changes of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, the cycle of the seasons, is there not a certain Law governing them, akin to the operation of mechanisms?"
The Master of Heavenly Spirit nodded slightly, his heart somewhat in agreement but still couldn’t help but question, "Though that may be, these are merely superficial phenomena. To reach the essence of the true Great Dao, how easy is that?" New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
Xu Qing smiled faintly, his expression full of certainty, "Precisely because it is not easy, it becomes all the more precious. But as long as we start from these appearances and continue to delve deeper, unravelling layer by layer, we will eventually find the truth hidden behind them. This is akin to how a cultivator begins with the most basic breathing meditation techniques, breaking through realms step by step, to glimpse the mysteries of the heavens and earth."
At that moment, the scenery within the dream subtly changed. In the originally dim space, some vague light and shadow began to appear, resembling ancient mechanism diagrams, yet also seeming like mysterious runes.
Seeing this, Xu Qing gently extended his finger and waved it in the air, causing those lights and shadows to become clearer, slowly rotating, emanating a mysterious and powerful wave of Primordial Qi.
"Senior, look at these light and shadow, they are an external manifestation of the Mechanism Skill. Every rune, every line, contains unique information and energy." Xu Qing pointed at the lights and shadows, explaining seriously.
The Master of Heavenly Spirit leaned in closer, observing intently with surprise in his eyes, "This... these runes, I’ve never seen them before. What do they represent?"
Xu Qing’s expression was solemn, speaking with reverence, "These runes are the most primordial codes of the universe, recording the secrets from the dawn of heaven and earth, and containing the laws of growth and change of all things. Once mastered, it might be possible to grasp the deepest mysteries of the Mechanism Skill."
In reality, these were all things Xu Qing fabricated by combining some insights from his previous life with profound cultivation theories from this life. However, within there must be extremely profound Dao mysteries, though Xu Qing himself only half-understood them.
This is like those great professors conducting experiments in the past life, definitely requiring a group of assistants, even scholars of similar levels, to collaborate for easier success. And the Master of Heavenly Spirit happens to be the "scholar" with a level close to Xu Qing’s.
Xu Qing wasn’t exactly bluffing, at least it was much better than Huang Rong using a fake Nine Yin Scripture to deceive Ouyang Feng. He truly wanted to research and discover something through it.
Moreover, with these things to occupy the Master of Heavenly Spirit’s energy, the old fellow would be less fixated on escaping. After all, for a cultivator like the Master of Heavenly Spirit who enjoys seclusion, it doesn’t matter where they meditate, does it? As long as the Master of Heavenly Spirit needs any resources, Xu Qing is very willing to help gather them.
If the Master of Heavenly Spirit is sensible, when Xu Qing returns to court, it’s not impossible to argue with the old Emperor for better treatment for the Master of Heavenly Spirit, like making him an honorary Guest Elder of the Daoist School.
Furthermore, considering that Daoist Gu is now in a high position, if Xu Qing and Daoist Gu exert their influence together, the old Emperor, weighing the pros and cons, might not be too entangled over the matter of the Master of Heavenly Spirit.
From Xu Qing’s perspective, the old Emperor asking for the Master of Heavenly Spirit is more likely a test. After all, with Xu Qing’s current immense power, it would inevitably make the old man somewhat uneasy. After all, being an Emperor, suspicion is a natural instinct.
In the dream, Xu Qing and the Master of Heavenly Spirit were already fully immersed in the discussion of the Mechanism Skill. They talked about the meaning of the runes, the relationship between mechanisms and cultivation, and how to use the Mechanism Skill to enhance one’s own strength.
The doubts in the heart of the Master of Heavenly Spirit were gradually resolved one by one, and his understanding of Mechanism Science reached a whole new level. He couldn’t help but look at Xu Qing with newfound respect, truly not expecting this young sage to have such deep insights into the Mechanism Skill.
"Xu Qing, discussing the Dao with you has given me a new understanding of the Mechanism Skill. Had I explored it with you earlier, perhaps my path of cultivation would have been smoother," the Master of Heavenly Spirit said with deep emotion.
Having cultivated to such a level, fame and wealth were mere fleeting clouds, not worth mentioning. For someone like him, what matters more is whether he could progress further in cultivation.
Truth be told, if back then when Xu Qing attacked the Old Port, he explicitly stated that he could help the Master of Heavenly Spirit comprehend the secrets to advancing to the creator, the Master of Heavenly Spirit might have unhesitatingly abandoned the numerous disciples of the overseas faction of Fang Immortal Dao.