C21 Admire

Wu Shanbao inwardly cursed, feeling a twinge of annoyance at Fan Spirit beside him. If not for him, he wouldn't have become distracted.

Fan Spirit averted his gaze, feigning ignorance of the situation.

Ye Tian had been observing Wu Shanbao since the lecture began and noticed his focus shift to distraction. Initially pleased, thinking Wu Shanbao was deep in thought, Ye Tian soon realized something was amiss when he heard the muttering.

The boy was daydreaming.

Displeased, Ye Tian didn't hesitate to call out his name.

Instantly, all eyes turned to Wu Shanbao, many with a hint of mockery.

With no other choice, Wu Shanbao stood up reluctantly, "Sect Master..."

"What is the Tao?" Ye Tian stood as well, his robe flowing, and asked with a calm detachment.

Fan Spirit let out a cold huff and floated behind Wu Shanbao, his deep voice echoing in Wu Shanbao's heart, "Just give the answer you believe is right."

Taking a deep breath and under the scrutiny of all present, Wu Shanbao spoke with composure, "What is the Tao? The Tao is simply the Tao, pure and simple."

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.

The disciples whispered among themselves, clearly thinking Wu Shanbao's response was offhand.

Scoffs filled the air, but Ye Tian's brow furrowed, his thoughts unreadable.

"Ridiculous," came a cold voice from a young man in front of Wu Shanbao. Wu Shanbao looked up to meet Ye Lang's scornful eyes.

"The Tao is the goal of all who seek it. How can it be as simplistic as you describe?" Ye Lang stood with his arms crossed and chin raised, confronting Wu Shanbao, "It seems you haven't grasped a single word the Sect Master spoke."

Unflinching, Wu Shanbao met Ye Lang's gaze and maintained his stance, "The Tao is the Tao, and nothing more."

"Childish antics," Ye Lang said, his face showing a hint of anger. His right hand formed into a palm, and from it, a powerful Spiritual Force burst forth, aimed directly at Wu Shanbao.

Wu Shanbao's face changed abruptly; he hadn't anticipated Ye Lang's sudden strike. Unable to dodge, he was forced to cross his arms in front of his face and shut his eyes.

He braced for impact, feeling a gust of wind rush toward him, yet Wu Shanbao's body remained unmoved. Opening his eyes in bewilderment, he wondered, could the attack really be so weak?

Before him stood a towering figure, white beard billowing, hands clasped in front of him—it was none other than Sect Master Ye Tian.

With an impassive face, Ye Tian withdrew his hand, disregarding Ye Lang's stunned look. He turned to Wu Shanbao and burst into laughter, "Hahaha, the Dao is indeed the Dao. Excellent! Very good!"

The crowd was baffled by Ye Tian's reaction, unable to grasp why he appeared so approving of Wu Shanbao's earlier statement.

Meanwhile, Ye Lang's expression grew stormy and uncertain.

Ye Tian, however, was brimming with enthusiasm as he gazed at Wu Shanbao. He sighed, "Impressive, young man. It seems I am a notch below you."

All Wu Shanbao could muster was an awkward smile, at a loss for words.

Turning back to the assembly of disciples, Ye Tian sighed again, "He's correct. The Dao is the Dao, and beyond that, nothing else compares. If you can grasp the essence of this, consider it a stroke of fortune. If not, then so be it." He paused before adding, "I am not Wu Shanbao's equal."

His declaration cast a hush over the crowd.

Ye Tian's status was no small matter—a rare Spirit Refining Stage cultivator of Level One Heaven and a True Dao Sect Master. To hear him openly admit feeling inferior, especially to a child barely in his teens, was nothing short of astonishing.

"This elder is rather intriguing," Fan Spirit chuckled lowly beside Wu Shanbao. "Admitting one's flaws is not something just anyone can do."

Wu Shanbao remained silent, his gaze fixed on Ye Tian.

Ignoring the commotion around him, Ye Tian spoke calmly, his voice quelling all others, "Today's lesson on the Dao concludes here. Wu Shanbao, stay behind. The rest of you are dismissed."

"Shanbao, you... you're truly remarkable," Shen Hu remarked in awe as he approached Wu Shanbao, struggling to find the words before finally voicing his admiration.

Wu Shanbao could only respond with a smile, his curiosity piqued as he watched Ye Tian, wondering why he had been asked to stay behind.

Unbeknownst to Wu Shanbao, who was aligned with Ye Tian, Ye Lang had left from the other side, casting a significant look at Liu Yun, his eyes brimming with murderous intent.

Once everyone had departed, only Wu Shanbao and Sect Master Ye Tian remained in the hall. The flickering lanterns cast a soft glow over them.

"Kid, where did you learn this from?"

Wu Shanbao, of course, couldn't disclose Fan Spirit's identity, so he respectfully answered, "Sect Master, it came to me in a moment of insight while I was listening to your teachings."

Ye Tian fell silent for a long while, his face clouding over before he finally managed a wry smile and a soft sigh. "Such remarkable talent. If I had your gifts, I wouldn't have struggled to leave Level One Heaven."

"On that note, I owe you my thanks. For years, my own understanding of the Dao has held me back, stunting any progress in my strength. But today, your words have sparked some new insights in me."

With that, he gave Wu Shanbao a hearty slap on the shoulder. "My boy, I've indeed found an excellent disciple for the True Dao. A few years from now, our standing at the Grand Assembly will depend on you."

"I am unworthy of such praise," Wu Shanbao demurred.

"You've reached the Body Refining Realm, haven't you? It's time for you to start practicing a cultivation technique," Ye Tian said, stroking his beard. "I'm willing to impart to you the most advanced cultivation technique of the True Dao, one that you won't find in the Cultivation Techniques Hall. While it may not compare to the top techniques of the Great Dao, it's still highly regarded within Level One Heaven. Would you like to learn it?"

Wu Shanbao felt a stir in his heart, recognizing Ye Tian's desire to further secure his loyalty. Everyone cherishes talent, and this was especially true for the True Dao, which had seen better days.

"Sect Master, I already have a cultivation technique that my parents prepared especially for me. I don't wish to abandon the practice I've already begun," Wu Shanbao replied promptly.

Ye Tian's eyes flickered, hinting at more he wished to say, but the resolve in Wu Shanbao's gaze left him no option but to concede.

"Very well, we shall let fate decide."

"You should head back. I apologize for my abruptness today." With those words, Ye Tian turned and walked away.