Chapter Two: Only Upon Meeting the Clear Mirror Do I Truly Know Myself

“One day, upon encountering a clear mirror, I finally realized that I am truly myself.”

“Five years ago, this old Daoist broke free from ignorance and awoke. Though my body was decaying and my vitality waning, the Heavenly Dao took pity and granted me a sliver of life, for my comprehension was not mediocre.”

“I cultivated in secret for five years and ultimately achieved success.”

“This Yin-Yang Foundation Establishment Method is the fruit of my solitary toil over five years, studying three hundred volumes of Daoist scriptures with utmost dedication.”

The assembly of Daoists reacted differently upon hearing this.

Except for Master Xuanyang, who naively nodded and rose to congratulate, the others did not immediately express their joy.

The Sect Leader Xuanxu appeared contemplative.

Xuan Su and Xuan Tong were shocked.

Xuan Yin, Xuan Yu, and Xuan Kong were half-doubtful.

They had presumed the Yin-Yang Method was left by the previous Sect Leader and that Senior Brother Xuanming had merely accumulated strength in the library over five years before unleashing it. When Xuanyang earlier suggested the former possibility, they thought it was just polite flattery to Xuanming.

Unexpectedly, such a possibility truly existed.

Was this matter genuine or not?

Xuanming observed everyone’s reactions carefully.

He had said all that needed to be said.

For the rest, believe it or not.

He would neither waste more breath on such trivial matters nor lose his temper.

A stubborn ox won’t drink water even if you force its head down, would it?

Moreover, aside from Xuanxu and Xuanyang, he was not close to the other Daoists and had no reason to be angry.

In the upper left corner of the library, Xuanxu rose, pressed his fingers together, and performed a Daoist bow to Xuanming, humbly saying:

“A broad mind leads to a long Dao, a narrow mind to a short one.”

“Senior Brother has broken free from the cage and gained new life; the world he now sees is vastly different from before.”

“These five years, our own hearts were confined, like a leaf blocking the eye, still judging others with old perspectives.”

The Daoists were slightly shaken by these words.

It was like clouds parted and the sun emerged, a sudden enlightenment.

Xuanyin, Xuan Kong, and others immediately stood to apologize, faces flushed with shame.

———

At the Sect of Seeking Truth, inside the library.

Xuanming waved his hand with a contented smile.

His smile was not because the Daoists apologized, but because Xuanxu could so quickly break through his mental barriers and frankly admit his mistake—a testament to true Daoist spirit.

Given time and careful cultivation, their Daoist paths would surely ascend to greater heights.

As for the others—

Sincerity was best; their Daoist hearts had hope for progress.

Pretenses aside, the burden of confinement was not on him.

Xuanyang, belatedly realizing that even his strict Sect Leader could admit fault, grinned broadly, toothless and joyful.

Only when Xuanxu shot a glare did he promptly sit upright, eyes focused on his nose and breath.

Once everyone settled, Xuanming resumed:

“I was born in the Sect of Seeking Truth, grew up here, aged here, and sought the Dao here.”

“To this day, I have not repaid the Sect even half a fraction.”

“I have no great treasures, only this Yin-Yang Foundation Establishment Manuscript to barely offer. I hereby dedicate this method to our Sect, for the disciples to cultivate and for all Daoists to comprehend.”

“However, this method depends on affinity; those without it will find it difficult to master and cannot be forced.”

“I hope all disciples, regardless of success or failure, refrain from arrogance and impatience, remain unruffled and undeterred, and focus wholeheartedly on seeking the Dao.”

“The Yin-Yang Method only temporarily holds advantage; the Great Dao is lofty and the Heavenly Dao ever-changing. There is no high or low Dao, no strong or weak method. How far one can advance depends on the person, not the method.”

These words filled the Daoists with joy.

Surprise stemmed from Xuanming’s willingness to part with the method.

Though they inquired, they did so with restraint.

Without permission, they would not pry into the mysteries of the Yin-Yang Manuscript; their questions merely satisfied curiosity, confirming the Sect now possessed a superior foundation establishment technique.

After all, the Sect of Seeking Truth had been passed down over 150 years, from the founding Patriarch to the third Sect Leader Xuanxu, without using any superior foundation methods.

Not for lack of desire, but because none existed.

Ultimately, the Sect of Seeking Truth was a minor sect.

Their joy also arose because Senior Brother Xuanming was willing to share the advanced foundation method.

This would greatly enrich the Sect’s heritage and allow them to gain insights, perhaps advancing their cultivation.

———

“Senior Brother, this cannot be,”

Xuanxu instinctively declined.

It was not reluctance but mere politeness.

Xuanming rolled his eyes in mild irritation.

“Do you truly not want it?”

“Then this old Daoist will take it back.”

Upon hearing this, Xuanxu’s expression changed drastically.

Under the subtle glares of the other Daoists, he was as uneasy as if sitting on needles.

Disregarding formality and reserve, he hurriedly said:

“Senior Brother, wait.”

“I want it, I truly want it!”

Hearing this, Xuanming laughed heartily.

The assembly joined in laughter.

Even Xuanxu laughed, lightly pointing at Xuanming, fully aware he had been playfully tricked by his elder brother.

Unexpectedly, Senior Brother Xuanming had such an irreverent side.

Yet he was not at all angered.

Being the Sect Leader, Xuanxu was magnanimous, and he had long suspected Xuanming’s jest.

His act was merely cooperative.

After all, this was his own elder brother.

And this elder brother was generously offering a supreme foundation method.

Everything else was trivial and harmless.

Moreover, it lightened the atmosphere, which was a good thing.

Xuanming understood this too.

His gaze toward Xuanxu grew gentler.

No wonder he became Sect Leader—upright, frank, yet adaptable.

After the laughter subsided, Xuanming returned to the topic:

“Three days from now, have someone come to the library.”

“I will transcribe the Yin-Yang Foundation Manuscript.”

Xuanxu rose.

The other Daoists also stood, faces solemn, bowing respectfully.

“Thank you for your generosity, Senior Brother.”

“We express gratitude on behalf of all at the Sect of Seeking Truth.”

In the upper right corner, Xuanming stood and returned the salute:

“As a member of the Sect of Seeking Truth, I must contribute to the Sect.”

“Moreover, the Sect’s fortunes are my fortunes; its losses are mine. We share joy and sorrow. When the Sect thrives, I benefit too—no worries about mundane affairs or scarce resources.”

“Ultimately, it is also for my own Daoist path.”

He spoke candidly with clear Daoist heart, revealing no veil over his public or private motives.

Such courage and breadth of mind inspired genuine respect among the Daoists.

If the roles were reversed, few among them would have such boldness or resolve to reveal the Yin-Yang Method so swiftly.

Not to mention openly declaring their intentions.

Senior Brother Xuanming was truly straightforward.

Because of this, their respect was no longer superficial or merely out of deference to rank, but heartfelt.

Their reverence was directed at Xuanming himself, not merely the title.

“The Heavenly Dao is impartial, yet human hearts are selfish.”

“There are no perfect people under heaven; we judge deeds, not hearts.”

“Senior Brother’s willingness to reveal a supreme foundation method is a great merit for the Sect of Seeking Truth—an indisputable fact.”

As Sect Leader, Xuanxu spoke on behalf of the assembly.

He was fair and firm, adding, “Rest assured, Senior Brother, I will not let you suffer any loss.”

The others echoed, “That is only proper.”

———

Inside the library.

Xuanming lightly stroked his beard.

He was pleased with Xuanxu’s approach.

Though he had secluded himself in the library these five years, he was not cut off from the world; occasionally, Xuanxu and Xuanyang visited him.

Through these encounters, plus the gossip of the guarding Daoists, he had gleaned much about Xuanxu’s character.

He knew that even if he remained silent, this Sect Leader would express himself.

To rule others with both kindness and strictness is the way to govern; only then would the Sect be united and respectful.

With this matter settled, the Daoists chatted leisurely.

Their conversations with Xuanming became less distant and more intimate.

The atmosphere in the library was harmonious and joyful.

Outside the library, Daoists of varying ranks were also discussing.

Many had witnessed the extraordinary breakthrough of Xuanming and were abuzz with speculation.

Some said the elder disciple matured late but grew stronger with age.

Others claimed his sincerity and perseverance had shattered all obstacles.

Some believed Xuanming’s five-year secret cultivation in the library, combined with the secret elixir left by the previous Sect Leader, had propelled him to sudden fame and power.

Whatever the theories, Xuanming had become the focus of the Sect of Seeking Truth, inspiring sincere reverence.

Those who once admired his resolve now respected him more deeply.

Those who looked down upon him now felt both respect and awe.

The matter of Xuanming’s donation of the supreme foundation method did not spread widely within the Sect; the upper echelons kept it strictly confidential.

This was the result of consultation with Xuanming.

An innocent man bearing treasure often invites trouble.

The Sect of Seeking Truth was but a minor Daoist lineage; before gaining sufficient strength, the fewer knowing of a supreme foundation method, the better.

Fortunately, only a very few Daoists who understood the distinctions of foundation methods—each a personally instructed senior disciple, all at least in their thirties—were aware.

After being admonished by the Sect Leader and elders, they kept strict silence.

As for Xuanming’s breakthrough, it was explained as five years of diligent cultivation of an intermediate foundation method within the Sect, aided by the previous Sect Leader’s elixir, and this explanation was intentionally promoted.

Its purpose was to minimize attention and prevent unwelcome scrutiny.

This too was agreed upon with the Daoists.

To be weak is to be low-key; to be powerless is to be steady.

Until Xuanming reached the third realm and could defend himself, caution was paramount to avoid exploitation by petty villains.

This was no shame but the survival philosophy of true Daoists, a path of reason and righteousness.

The library’s Inquiry Courtyard.

This was Xuanming’s residence within the library—small in size, yet complete in every detail.

Ancient pines, blue stone paths, stone benches and chairs, babbling brooks, a three-foot lotus pond, three thatched cottages, meditation cushions, sandalwood incense, bookshelves, scriptures, tea trays...

The Sect of Seeking Truth was deep in the mountains, naturally tranquil.

Here, tranquility deepened tranquility; a hidden paradise in a small space.

After sending off the Daoists, Xuanming returned to his quarters and sat beneath a sturdy old pine, his thoughts surging.

Handing over the supreme foundation method was a well-considered decision.

This world was perilous.

This was an era of great cultivation.

Mortal sword immortals soared thousands of miles on their blades; Daoist immortals rode the wind; Buddhist arhats walked on blooming lotuses step by step; mountain demons slaughtered and killed...

He and the Sect of Seeking Truth benefited mutually, each fulfilling needs and helping the other.

To gain, one must be willing to let go.

Xuanming was not like some transmigrators who only took without giving, seemingly benefiting but ultimately cultivating neither body nor heart, ending in emptiness.

Though saintly mentality was undesirable, as a cultivator, one must have broad vision and generous heart.

With vastness in the chest, one always holds a ferry to save others.

Only then can the heart be without shame, thoughts unhindered, and the Dao realized.

Moreover, his special cultivation method required the Sect of Seeking Truth to grow.

With this in mind, Xuanming’s spirit entered profound contemplation.