C3 The Primordial Heavendefying Spell
"Of course, why would I need to lie to you? If you're skeptical, then so be it. I'm not particularly inclined to teach you anyway." The man's voice was ancient, yet his words carried a petulant tone that sounded quite jarring.
Lau Yiheng, however, wasn't about to pass up such an opportunity. At this point, he was willing to grasp at any sliver of hope to try his luck. He responded, "I do believe you. Please, teach me the Primordial Heaven-defying Spell. I want—and need—to become stronger."
Hongkun smiled and instructed, "Very well, pay close attention. Primordial energy is the beginning of all things, without heaven, earth, laws, or order. From nothingness comes existence, with the potential to create heaven, earth, laws, and order. Ultimately, nothingness is existence, and existence is nothingness. Thus, the path to enlightenment is forged. The way of the universe is to exist in a state of primordial chaos, where the cosmos is born before heaven and earth. It is silent and vast, standing alone and unchanging, cycling endlessly without wear. Its name is unknown, but we forcefully call it 'the Way.' When we must name it, we call it 'great.'"
As Lau Yiheng absorbed Hongkun's words, he also slowly began to comprehend their meaning, etching them deeply into his memory.
After hearing the teachings once, Lau Yiheng felt a glimmer of insight. A unique power seemed to be stirring within his meridians, a sensation he had never experienced before. For the seven or eight years since he began his cultivation, his meridians had been silent. Now, with this newfound activity, he was immediately thrilled.
Hongkun could sense Lau Yiheng's excitement and cautioned, "Don't get carried away. You've only just touched the surface, and you're already this worked up. It will be challenging to achieve greatness with such impatience. Remember, a cultivator's talent is significant, but the state of mind is even more crucial. Understand?"
Lau Yiheng felt as though he had experienced a moment of profound clarity. He replied, "Yes, thank you for the guidance, Senior."
"Hmm, your attitude is acceptable. Now, tell me, how much did you understand from what I've just explained?"
Lau Yiheng earnestly answered, "Less than two layers?"
"Is that so? Less than two layers?"
"Yes, less than two layers. Is my ability to comprehend that inadequate?"
Hongkun paused before responding, "It is somewhat lacking. Your state of mind is not yet fully stable. If you rush into cultivation now, it could have adverse effects later on. First, share your story with me. Once your mind is completely at peace, then you can proceed with your cultivation."
Lau Yiheng had initially intended to seize the moment, but after listening to Hongkun's advice, he abandoned that plan. "Alright, then I'll share my story with you, Senior," he said. Lau Yiheng proceeded to recount his experiences over the past few years to Hongkun.
In the past, reflecting on these events would have unsettled Lau Yiheng's state of mind, but this time, he was completely unaffected. It was as though he was calmly recounting someone else's story, a testament to his formidable composure, which had only grown stronger now that he knew he could cultivate.
After hearing Lau Yiheng's story, Hongkun laughed and remarked, "Kid, you truly are an oddity. Having endured so much, most would have crumbled long ago. Even if they hadn't, they'd likely be left with a warped psyche and a trail of calamities. Yet, you're the opposite. Your mental state is as tranquil as a still lake, undisturbed by the ripples of hardship. Your family must be blind to have discarded a talent like you. But in a way, their oversight is fortunate; otherwise, who knows when I might have awakened."
Lau Yiheng replied calmly, "I can't blame my family entirely. At least the Patriarch and my fourth uncle have been very kind to me."
"Fair enough, we can't lay all the blame on them. Based on your account, it's clear that your family members are... well, they simply lacked the capacity to understand your situation."
"Senior, how long have I been out? I'm feeling incredibly hungry."
"You've been unconscious for two full days and nights, so it's natural to feel hungry. But are you in a position to get food right now? If I hadn't been safeguarding your heart meridian, you'd be dead. For now, focus on your cultivation. Once you've regained your strength, you'll be able to find food."
"Now that your mind is completely at peace, you should continue your cultivation. Oh, and let me share a piece of wisdom with you: 'The Dao is actionless, yet there is nothing it does not do. If one can maintain this principle, all things will naturally evolve.' That's the secret to transforming spiritual force into primordial power."
Upon hearing this, Lau Yiheng furrowed his brow, but then he relaxed slightly and began to recite softly, "The Dao is always without action, yet action is always present. If one can embrace this, then all things will naturally transform. This suggests that by following nature and allowing for all actions, yet understanding there is nothing we cannot do, we can harness the Dao. Then, all things will naturally serve us, enabling us to unleash our greatest strength amidst the illusions of life and death." As Lau Yiheng finished reciting, he entered a profound state of enlightenment.
Shortly thereafter, Hongkun's voice emerged: "This young one is quite the anomaly. To think he's grasped the initial layer of the Primordial Heaven-defying Spell so swiftly, and with such an exceptional state of mind. To enter a state of enlightenment under these conditions is truly remarkable. He's definitely a talent with great potential."