Chapter Fifteen: Becoming Air in the Heavens, Taking Form on Earth

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At the Inquiry Academy, on a stone bench.
Xuan Ming’s mouth twitched slightly as he rolled his eyes with a hint of irritation. “These unscrupulous, obnoxious brats.”
The commotion outside didn’t escape his notice.
Everyone present well understood this—it was deliberately loud, clearly meant for him to hear.
Did they really think this old Daoist could be swayed by them?
Guiding two inexpensive junior disciples had already divided his attention; if a few more came, wouldn’t it exhaust this ordinary old man?
The Great Dao is paramount, the path of cultivation crucial.
No one should think of disturbing this old Daoist’s scripture study and cultivation!
Ignoring those ungrateful junior brothers who still fancied adding burdens to him, Xuan Ming’s gaze returned to Chang Ning, burning bright with wisdom that flickered now and then.
Heaven and Earth create all things, and all things are divided into yin and yang.
Every living being carries yin and yang within.
In other words, the interplay of yin and yang is the essence of life.
Different species possess different yin and yang.
Half-demons are special; their yin and yang are equally unique.
The demonic vein is yin, the human vein yang; within these two veins, yin and yang are further divided—great yin and yang envelop the smaller yin and yang.
Observing Chang Ning break through her cultivation boundary and sensing the shifts of yin and yang within her, comparing the subtle differences with human yin and yang, also benefits his own understanding of the Dao of yin and yang.
As Chang Ning’s breakthrough proceeded smoothly, Xuan Ming watched more intently, infusing his eyes with primordial mixed energy, using the shared root and origin to command the dual energies of yin and yang through the mixed primordial qi.
Guided by the flow of qi, he discerned the rise and fall of yin-yang spiritual mechanisms within the half-demon body, projecting an image into his eyes—a slowly forming diagram of the two instruments of yin and yang.
Xuan Ming’s gaze never wavered; soon his mind was void of everything external—no distractions, no affairs, no concepts—immersed entirely in the Dao, as the aura of the Dao gradually permeated his being, and his control over the qi became even more profound and mysterious.
———
Demons consume turbid qi; humans cultivate pure spirit.
Thus, demons belong to yin, humans to yang.
The fluctuation of purity and turbidity nourishes yin and yang.
Once purity and turbidity separate, that is yin and yang.
Once yin and yang transform, that is balance.
The small yin-yang balance drives the great yin-yang balance; perceiving the subtle reveals the profound, from bottom to top, using small to master large.
Yin and yang generate and separate purity and turbidity.
Yin and yang merge and unite purity and turbidity.
Beginning, continuation, transformation, and conclusion—the interplay of yin and yang.
Hence, solitary yin cannot give birth, solitary yang cannot grow; all things bear yin and embrace yang, merging through the vital breath.
Yin and yang manifest as qi in the heavens and take shape on earth.
……
Chang Ning immersed herself in cultivation, determined to break through her own limits.

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Xuan Ming grasped the great through the small, comprehending the subtle mysteries of yin and yang.
Inside the Inquiry Academy, one young and one old each gained their own understanding.
Outside, the assembly waited patiently.
Half an hour later, beneath a sturdy ancient pine,
The young female cultivator’s body trembled slightly; the spiritual energy of heaven and earth dissipated, and a powerful aura spread out.
Chang Ning had successfully broken through her boundary. She opened her eyes, which shone brightly, dazzling and radiant. Her small face beamed with a brilliant smile, and her aura became more lively, like a mountain woodland sprite.
Yet, soon a trace of confusion appeared in her eyes, for an aged finger reached to her brow, and a mysterious force surged briefly into her mind’s gate, fleeting but leaving her whole body feeling comfortable.
“Senior Uncle, what is this?”
Xuan Ming waved his hand, interrupting her.
Seeing the Bagua mark fade from her brow, he smiled with satisfaction. Then, flicking his dust whisk lightly, he said calmly:
“Some matters, you must not ask about.”
“Even if you ask, it’s pointless. This truth, even I do not fully understand. If you wish to know, wait until we return to Su Nu Peak and ask Junior Sister Xuan Su directly.”
“By now, having successfully established your foundation, she will likely no longer hide anything from you.”
Chang Ning, clever and quick, nodded with partial understanding. She rose immediately, bowed earnestly, and expressed deep gratitude:
“Disciple thanks Senior Uncle for this life-giving grace.”
“Without your guidance, I would never have broken through so easily. This debt I will remember in my heart and repay richly in the future.”
Xuan Ming helped her up with a wave of his sleeve and stroked his beard, smiling.
“A person must have ambition; the Dao requires perseverance.”
“Having endured this trial, before Qi Refinement your Dao path will be much smoother. I hope you stay humble and patient in cultivation; do not slack, or this old Daoist will not spare you.”
“Senior Uncle’s teachings, disciple will remember carefully.”
With a serious expression, Chang Ning solemnly promised.
Nodding, Xuan Ming flicked his dust whisk, dispelled the heavy light barrier, and the waiting disciples gradually entered.
Seeing young Chang Ning truly enter the second realm, the crowd, though prepared, couldn’t help but rejoice—not only because they watched this girl grow up, but also because the Order of Seeking Truth’s legacy remained orderly and promising.
“Junior Sister Xuan Su will be overjoyed.”
“Chang Ning’s breakthrough is also a blessing for our Order.”
“Congratulations to Junior Disciple Chang Ning, and thanks to Senior Brother Xuan Ming for his efforts.”
The disciples offered their congratulations, and Chang Ning quickly returned their bows.
She did not linger in the Inquiry Academy, soon excused by Xuan Ming under the pretext of consolidating her realm.
After her departure, the disciples first praised Xuan Ming, then their attention turned to Xuan Xu.
Xuan Xu’s smile stiffened instantly, cursing inwardly at the junior brothers’ lack of fairness. But as the leader of the Order, he had to keep his word and not easily waver.
Just as he braced himself to speak, Xuan Ming cut him off first.
“New bamboo grows taller than old bamboo branches only because the old stem supports it. I know your concern for your disciples.”
“Didn’t you already discuss clearly outside the door and arrange everything for me?”

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The disciples looked embarrassed.
“But I must disappoint you all: my energy is limited. Between scripture study and Dao comprehension, I scarcely have enough time, let alone to teach more juniors.”
“Chang Anzi and Chang Ning’s cases are special, which is why I bothered to instruct them. I believe the others can accept this reason.”
“But if I agreed to all your requests, who then would come to Hidden Dao Peak for guidance?”
“Don’t worry about scarcity but fairness; please don’t forget this.”
Seeing their expressions change, clearly taking his words to heart, Xuan Ming continued:
“Furthermore, I am accustomed to tranquility. Teaching two disciples is already my limit; I cannot assist others.”
Noticing their disappointment, Xuan Ming shifted tone:
“However, since they all call me Senior Uncle, I cannot be too partial. Half a month from now, I will leave three sword marks on the western cliff. All disciples of the Order may study them.”
“Additionally, if in the future any of your direct disciples make progress in the Yin-Yang Foundation Stage, I will provide guidance once—only one disciple, no more.”
“That is decided. Don’t press further and don’t mention this matter again. Otherwise, don’t blame this old Daoist for reprimanding you in front of the juniors.”
By this point, the disciples dared not refuse.
This was already the best outcome.
Upon reflection, they admitted their demands were somewhat excessive and unreasonable.
Senior Brother Xuan Ming was elderly, barely having enough time for his own cultivation. If not for the special cases of Chang Anzi and Chang Ning, he likely wouldn’t have cared so much.
They, as teachers, naturally consider their disciples, but Senior Brother was only their Senior Uncle. Offering guidance was kindness; withholding it was his right.
Now that he was willing to leave sword marks and make such a promise, the Order had already gained much.
If they pushed further, Senior Brother might really resort to wielding a peachwood sword to reason with them.
As for who receives his instruction, it will depend on which disciple excels first—fair and orderly, first come, first served.
“Senior Brother is indeed considerate.”
“Thank you, Senior Brother, for your guidance. It was we who were unreasonable.”
“Indeed, we were stubborn.”
The disciples openly admitted their fault.
This magnanimity pleased Xuan Ming.
Cultivation is about truth.
Admitting mistakes is truth.
Not wanting to teach further is truth.
If wrong, admit it.
If unwilling, speak it out.
Otherwise, one’s Dao heart easily becomes clouded.
After the disciples left, Xuan Ming began seclusion.
He had gained much this time and needed to thoroughly digest the principles of yin and yang, fully internalizing them to enrich his own accumulation.