Volume One: Entering the Path Chapter 130: First Interpretation of the Dao Canon

As soon as Li Xi finished speaking, the expressions of those sitting on the prayer mats below the podium turned serious, casting aside their previous playful demeanor.

Although Li Xi did not actually mind their earlier behavior, seeing their current reaction still brought a faint sense of satisfaction to his heart.

With a satisfied expression, Li Xi nodded and continued: "I trust that after these many days, every student here has successfully completed a minor cycle of the Profound Heaven Dao Scripture's cultivation technique, yes?"

The students nodded in succession upon hearing this.

It would be a joke if they hadn't managed to complete a single minor cycle after so much time; it would be utterly disgraceful, and their aptitude would have to be abysmal. If they truly hadn't managed it, anyone with a bit of self-respect would probably want to find a block of tofu to bash their head against and end it all.

Li Xi smiled and added, "I knew I wasn't wrong about all of you. Your talents are quite good indeed, which also proves, on the side, that my eye for talent as a teacher is quite sharp."

As Li Xi spoke, he began to sound a bit boastful. Hearing this, the students couldn't help but roll their eyes and let out a collective scoff.

Li Xi heard the sound but didn't mind, acting as if he hadn't heard it at all. He continued, "So, which students have already successfully broken through to the early stage of Qi Refining through their practice of the Profound Heaven Dao Scripture?"

Upon hearing Li Xi's question, the people on the prayer mats fell silent. Shortly after, a few students here and there began to raise their right hands. Among these, naturally, were Ye Junze, Li Ling, Yun Tianhan, Fan Yan, and Lu Renjia.

Seeing this, Li Xi’s gaze drifted over the students who had raised their hands, lingering on each of their faces for a considerable amount of time, as if he wanted to commit their features to memory.

After observing for a while, Li Xi nodded and said with satisfaction, "Not bad. Alright, everyone, you may put your hands down; I have noted it."

The students who had broken through to the early stage of Qi Refining lowered their arms, sitting back comfortably on their mats to wait for what Li Xi would say next.

Once the room had quieted down, Li Xi spoke again: "It seems that none of you have neglected your cultivation over these past few days. Very good. As for the other students who have yet to break through, do not be anxious. Cultivation is a process of gradual progress. Avoid the urge to rush your own cultivation schedule just because you see others breaking through so quickly. Do not worry; stay steady and grounded. After all, everyone's cultivation speed differs. You might be slow now, but with the foundation you are building today, your speed in the later stages of cultivation might accelerate even further. Cast aside pride and impatience; just be steady and diligent."

With these words from Li Xi, the despondent looks that had appeared on the faces of the students who hadn't broken through dissipated significantly. Instead, their eyes sparkled with renewed anticipation, as if encouraged by Li Xi's words, and they silently steeled their own determination.

Ye Junze nodded deeply, feeling the weight of Li Xi's words. He felt no self-satisfaction for having broken through earlier than others, nor did he look down on those who hadn't yet.

Ye Junze knew that his own cultivation speed was not particularly fast. He remembered that when he first started, he was often mocked by Meng Yuan, who said his progress was like a turtle crawling—unbearably slow. Young Ye Junze, being new to cultivation, naturally believed Meng Yuan's words implicitly. Since Meng Yuan said he was slow, he must be slow, so Ye Junze had no choice but to practice even more diligently. It wasn't until he achieved his first breakthrough that Meng Yuan finally relented and offered a word of praise. The excitement Ye Junze felt when he first received Meng Yuan's personal acknowledgment was beyond words.

However, Meng Yuan immediately poured cold water on him: "That was only the first breakthrough; do not be too happy too soon. There are countless hurdles, large and small, on the path of cultivation. If you are this happy now, be careful, for you may cry all the louder later."

Hearing that, Ye Junze had reined in his excitement, though a joy he couldn't suppress still lingered in his heart. He hid the happiness on his face well, but if one looked closely, a trace of a smile was still visible.

As a smile played on Ye Junze's face, Yun Tianhan, sitting beside him, couldn't help but ask, "Ye Junze, what's wrong? What are you thinking about to be smiling so foolishly?"

Hearing the voice, Ye Junze snapped back to reality, withdrew his smile, shook his head, and replied, "It's nothing."

Yun Tianhan let out an "oh" and stopped asking.

While they were distracted, Li Xi spoke again from the podium: "Now, I assume that those students who have broken through to the early stage of Qi Refining have surely grasped the divine ability that comes with the Profound Heaven Dao Scripture—the Profound Heaven Finger, have you not?"

The students who had raised their hands nodded in unison, answering, "Yes."

Ye Junze and his group were no exception; they joined the others in nodding.

Li Xi nodded with satisfaction and said, "Very good. It seems everyone has been very diligent in their practice."

The students who had not yet broken through were incredibly surprised to learn that once they mastered the scripture, they could also grasp a divine ability.

At the same time, these students nodded to themselves, silently setting a goal: to break through to the early stage of Qi Refining as soon as possible and master the so-called Profound Heaven Finger.

Seeing their reactions, Li Xi smiled to himself, thinking, "These fellows are quite sharp; my painstaking efforts haven't been in vain."

Indeed, Li Xi had his own intentions. He had specifically pointed out the ability to master a divine ability after breaking through the Profound Heaven Dao Scripture to motivate those who hadn't yet succeeded. While he told them to be steady, it wouldn't do for them to be too slow; they couldn't just stand still while everyone else moved on to the next stage. Exposing this benefit would make them care more about their practice—otherwise, who could tell if they lacked talent or were simply lazy?

Li Xi's concerns were not without merit. On the path of cultivation, accidents happen. But more often, the greatest obstacles come from the cultivators themselves. Cultivation is not easy. Some, after getting a taste of the rewards, feel motivated to work harder. But others, even after tasting success, remain aimless and shortsighted, becoming increasingly lazy, living day by day without caring about their progress. Such people essentially cut off their own path. Li Xi knew this was not uncommon; he had seen it many times—among childhood playmates and even among students he had taught since becoming a professor at Anze Academy. They always had excuses to neglect their path, and through their laziness, their cultivation withered. He hoped none of his current students would become like that, so he did his best to encourage them.

Yet, Li Xi also knew clearly that the road of cultivation is full of endless, unpredictable accidents. Some would inevitably lose their way due to these factors. Still, he wanted to believe that even if there was the slightest chance, he would not let them ruin their own path through laziness.

The students remained unaware of Li Xi's internal thoughts, their eyes filled with growing expectation.

Li Xi shook off his thoughts and spoke again: "I want to tell those who have mastered the Profound Heaven Finger—and the rest of you should listen as well, as you will master it sooner or later. Who knows? Perhaps by the time today's class ends and you return home, you will have broken through."

The crowd chuckled, sharing a knowing smile.

The bold male student from before called out, "Then I'll take your word for it, Teacher! I'll break through when I get back today!"

"Is that so? Student Tao Hao, was it? I hope that when I see you next class, you will already be at the early stage of Qi Refining," Li Xi said, calling the boy by name, then added with a mischievous smile, "Otherwise, heh-heh, you know what will happen."

"Uh." The boy fell silent for a moment, surprised that Li Xi knew his name. He looked at Li Xi pleadingly and asked, "Teacher, is it too late to take that back?"

Li Xi glanced at him and replied with an innocent smile, "What do you think?"

The boy named Tao Hao looked pitiful and said, "Teacher, I understand. Just wait—when you see me next class, I will definitely have broken through to the early stage of Qi Refining."

Li Xi smiled and replied, "That would be for the best."

"Let's treat that conversation as a small interlude in our class. Let us continue," Li Xi said with a wave of his hand. "I believe those who have mastered the Profound Heaven Finger can feel that the power of this ability is not trivial; on the contrary, it is quite substantial."

The students who had mastered it nodded, agreeing with Li Xi's assessment, as they naturally knew the power of the technique.

Li Xi nodded with satisfaction and said, "Correct. What I want to tell you all is this: do not underestimate the Profound Heaven Finger, thinking it is merely a technique for the early stage of Qi Refining. You should know that as you continue your cultivation and travel further along this path, you will discover just how extraordinary this ability truly is. As your cultivation deepens, this ability will strengthen more than just your fingers. Of course, you will discover these things in time, so I will not elaborate further for now."

The students listened intently, taking his words to heart.

Li Xi waved his hand and continued, "Next, let me explain some precautions regarding your practice of the Profound Heaven Dao Scripture. During this time, if you encounter any problems while practicing, feel free to raise your hand and ask; I will certainly do my best to answer."

The students nodded in acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Li Xi began his instruction.

Throughout the session, many students raised their hands to ask various questions, and Li Xi answered each one with dedication and care.

Occasionally, when a question was difficult to explain, Li Xi would apologize and ask the student to wait for a moment. Once he had formulated a clear and simple explanation, he would provide his answer.

...

The time for the class passed quickly. When Li Xi had patiently finished his lecture and answered all the questions, the class finally drew to a close.

Li Xi waved his hand to signal for silence and said, "Alright, our lesson for today ends here. I trust that all of you are satisfied?"

The students smiled and nodded in response.

Li Xi smiled as well. "Judging by your expressions, I take that as a yes. Then, our class is over for today. Dismissed!"

After the students and teacher bid each other farewell, Li Xi slowly walked out of the classroom.