C20 Disloyal Dao

Ye Tian sat at the center of the grand hall, his eyes slightly narrowed. His voice, both resonant and authoritative, echoed throughout the space.

"Today, we delve into the nature of the Tao."

"The Tao is truth, as well as morality. It is the most crucial element of our cultivation. Those who grasp the Tao receive abundant aid and ascend to the Nine Heavens."

"..."

Wu Shanbao listened intently until a sudden, uncontrollable shudder ran through his body. Startled, he momentarily lost track of the Sect Master's teachings.

What was happening?

Upon regaining his composure, he realized the tremor originated from the folding fan he always kept at his chest.

Had the Fan Spirit awakened?

With a thought, Wu Shanbao saw an ethereal figure materialize before him—the enigmatic Fan Spirit.

Startled, Wu Shanbao was aware of their unspoken connection. He urgently called out in his mind, "Quickly return! It would be problematic if you were seen by others."

The Fan Spirit crossed his arms and quirked a lip, "Do you think they can see me?"

Wu Shanbao then noticed that everyone else was engrossed in the Sect Master's lecture, oblivious to the Fan Spirit's presence hovering in the air.

"Relax, Shanbao. Unless I choose to, no one here can see me," the Fan Spirit assured, floating beside Wu Shanbao, yet casting a dismissive glance toward the Sect Master at the heart of the hall.

Seeing that the Fan Spirit remained unobtrusive, Wu Shanbao refrained from further comment and returned his attention to the Sect Master's discourse.

"The Dao is both heaven and earth, and perhaps it can be regarded as the origin and destination of us all. Embracing the Dao is our ultimate pursuit as cultivators."

The Sect Master spoke with conviction, prompting Wu Shanbao to nod in agreement, clearly persuaded by the words.

Observing this, the Fan Spirit let out a derisive snort and lazily voiced in Wu Shanbao's mind, "Such pedestrian views are hardly worth your attention."

"You must not disrespect the Sect Master," Wu Shanbao retorted, turning to the Fan Spirit with a trace of displeasure in his gaze. The Sect Master had shown him kindness by welcoming him into the True Dao. Even if the Fan Spirit was his mentor, it was no excuse to disparage the Sect Master.

Moreover, Wu Shanbao felt that the teachings of Sect Master Ye Tian were quite sensible.

With a faint smile, Fan Spirit's teasing voice rang out, "Shanbao, what do you believe the Dao to be?"

Wu Shanbao instinctively answered with the words of Sect Master Ye Tian, "The Dao is the heavens, the earth, the beginning and the end for all. It is from the Dao that we come and to the Dao we return. It is the ultimate pursuit for all who cultivate."

Fan Spirit soared into the air, appearing as if he might disperse at any moment, yet Wu Shanbao sensed an unfathomable depth in him, reminiscent of his first encounter with Sect Master Ye Tian.

He spoke slowly, "Thus, this is merely the perspective of the common folk. Remember, Shanbao, these so-called labels are imposed by later generations. Stripped of these ornate but empty titles, the true meaning of the Dao is quite straightforward. The Dao is simply the Dao, pure and unadulterated."

Fan Spirit's words dropped like a stone, creating ripples in Wu Shanbao's heart.

The Dao is the Dao, such a simple yet profound truth.

As he pondered this phrase, Wu Shanbao felt his spirit elevate slightly.

His gaze towards Fan Spirit now held a newfound respect.

Seeing Wu Shanbao deep in thought, Fan Spirit was quite pleased. The first time one receives the teachings is crucial for any cultivator. If Wu Shanbao had adhered to the Dao as taught by Elder Ye Tian, there might not be immediate issues given his exceptional talent, but what about after years of cultivation? Deviations could arise.

It would be far worse if he were led astray.

Now, noticing Wu Shanbao's contemplative look, it was clear he had taken the words to heart. Fan Spirit breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that the individual he had chosen was quick to grasp the concept.

In any case, his fortunes were now tied with Wu Shanbao's, and he certainly hoped for a smooth journey in his companion's cultivation.

"I understand," Wu Shanbao finally whispered to himself after some time, "The Dao is the Dao, purely so."

"If you truly remember this, then that is for the best," Fan Spirit said as he descended, landing next to Wu Shanbao with a smile.

"Master, have you just awakened?" Wu Shanbao, who had once marveled at the vivid teachings of the Sect Master Ye Tian, now found them less compelling after hearing Fan Spirit's words. He slightly turned his head and posed the question to Fan Spirit.

"Not exactly," Fan Spirit replied with a yawn. "I started to come around when you rescued me that day, though my consciousness was still quite hazy. I was aware of your injury after you joined the True Dao and secretly healed you. Did you really think those basic herbs could have healed your wounds overnight?"

Wu Shanbao met Fan Spirit's gaze with a touch of resignation. If you hadn't moved so silently, how could I have known?

"So why haven't you shown yourself until now?"

"You think I wouldn't if I could?" Fan Spirit retorted with an eye roll. "I haven't regained any of my powers. It's only by chance that the incense in this hall roused me today. I suspect I'll fall back into slumber once you leave."

Wu Shanbao was taken aback. He had been counting on Fan Spirit to teach him the Breeze Fan Technique upon awakening, but now it seemed Fan Spirit would soon be asleep again. Was he expected to remain in this hall indefinitely?

Reading Wu Shanbao's thoughts, Fan Spirit said, "I see you've reached the basic level of physical cultivation, so you might as well start learning the Breeze Fan Technique. But don't look to me for guidance. I've told you, no one has ever practiced this technique before, and I can't offer you any assistance."

Fan Spirit's hands-off approach was clear: he would impart the technique but not guide its practice, leaving Wu Shanbao speechless.

Noticing Wu Shanbao's downcast look, Fan Spirit felt a twinge of inadequacy as a master and offered an awkward smile. "However, rest assured, I've placed several protective wards on you to ensure you don't lose control while practicing the technique."

"Alright." Wu Shanbao, accepting the unchangeable circumstances, simply agreed.

"Wu Shanbao, tell me, what is the Dao?"

As Wu Shanbao pondered, an angry, aged voice rang out before him.

Wu Shanbao looked up, somewhat bewildered, to find Sect Master Ye Tian's gaze fixed on him, a trace of displeasure flickering in his eyes.