Volume One: The First Steps on the Path Chapter Twenty: The First Lesson

As time passed, all the new students assigned to the Dao Techniques department had completed their registration. At the very moment registration ended, Teacher Li made his way to the lounge. The instant he entered, everyone in the lounge looked up at him, their eyes shimmering with anticipation, as if they were waiting for something. Seeing their expectant gazes, Teacher Li seemed to understand their thoughts. He addressed everyone in the lounge, "Registration is finished. Now, all of you will follow me to the classroom. Your first lesson in cultivation is about to begin." With that, he turned and walked out.

Everyone in the lounge broke into delighted smiles and immediately followed him, for they all knew that the cultivation they had imagined was finally about to start.

Ye Junze slowly rose at the announcement. Lin Xin, standing nearby, said, "Well, I’ll accompany you only this far, junior. The rest is up to you to discover for yourself."

"Thank you so much for today, senior sister. Once I’ve settled in, I’ll definitely treat you to a meal."

"You’re welcome. It’s a promise then—I’ll head back now," Lin Xin said, waving her hand.

"Goodbye, senior sister." With that, Ye Junze joined the crowd heading to the new classroom.

Lin Xin watched Ye Junze leave, then turned and walked away herself.

Along the way, the group chatted and laughed, engaging in lively discussions. Some of the bolder students even struck up conversations with Teacher Li, eagerly seeking his guidance. He took it all in stride, smiling and replying, "You’ll find out soon enough."

Ye Junze walked quietly among them, listening but not joining the discussion.

Their animated conversations continued until they finally arrived at the classroom. Teacher Li stopped and announced, "Alright, everyone, we’ve arrived." Ye Junze looked up and saw a spacious room, with only a few meditation cushions arranged on the floor. Such a classroom was a first for everyone, prompting curious glances and examinations all around. Teacher Li let them explore, smiling as he watched the students.

Once their curiosity faded, Teacher Li cleared his throat and said, "Alright, you’ve seen enough. Now, everyone go inside and take a seat—the main event is about to begin."

The students excitedly filed into the classroom, clearly eager for what was to come.

Ye Junze found a cushion and sat down, waiting for Teacher Li's so-called main event.

When everyone was seated, Teacher Li slowly stepped up to the podium at the front, facing the students. The chatter ceased immediately, as if no one wanted to miss a single word. Seeing their attentive faces, Teacher Li nodded in satisfaction and began, "Before we start, let me formally introduce myself. My surname is Li, my given name is Xi—so, Li Xi. You can call me Teacher Li from now on, though I’ll accept any friendly title you wish to use."

The students burst into applause, clearly pleased by the approachable demeanor of their teacher. Li Xi’s eyes showed a hint of joy as he watched the new students, though he thought to himself with a touch of helplessness, "Ah, these children." After a moment, Li Xi waved his hand to signal them to stop, and the applause gradually faded.

Seeing everyone settle down, Li Xi said, "First, let me welcome you again to Anze Academy, and to our Dao Techniques department." Sensing the students about to applaud again, Li Xi waved his hand, "We are cultivators now—no need for such formalities." The students nodded in understanding.

Li Xi continued, "Our Dao Techniques department is quite straightforward. From the name alone, you can gather its meaning—one is ‘Dao,’ the other ‘Techniques.’ Our purpose is to tread the path of cultivation through Dao Techniques, seeking the Great Way."

The students listened intently. Li Xi paused, then said, "Let me pose a question. No need to answer now, but I hope you’ll ponder it often as you continue your cultivation. The question is: What is the ‘Dao’?"

Everyone began to contemplate the question. Ye Junze was no exception. What is the Dao? Though he had started cultivating two years earlier than most, he realized he had never truly considered this. His only guiding principle so far had been to grow strong. Was that the Dao? Perhaps—the path of strength could be considered a Dao, couldn’t it?

"You don’t need to answer right away," Li Xi said after a moment. "Just keep this question in mind."

He paused, then continued, "Let me share my own perspective. If it happens to coincide with yours, be sure to tell me."

"There’s a saying: ‘The greatest sound is barely heard; the Great Dao is formless.’ It means the Dao has no fixed shape. Anything can be a vessel for the Dao—heaven, earth, nature, time, space, all that we know. Of course, that’s quite profound. In my understanding, the Dao is a direct reflection of your inner self. What you desire in your heart is the path you wish to walk. The Dao of goodness—punishing evil, upholding justice, supporting righteousness—is a Dao. The Dao of evil—burning, killing, stealing, breaking laws, committing all manner of wickedness—is the Dao walked by villains. Naturally, I hope none of you choose such a path, for you are all upright, and aren’t we all champions of justice?"

Everyone laughed at this remark, amused by his jest. Li Xi smiled and continued, "Joking aside, I sincerely hope you stay true to yourselves on your cultivation path, and never walk the villain’s way. Such people inevitably lose their souls, becoming like the walking dead."

"Back to the topic, I’ve discussed some forms of the Dao. Have you figured out your own Dao?" Without waiting for a reply, he went on, "Perhaps many of you haven’t yet. That’s fine. I hope you’ll gradually discover the path you wish to walk. As long as it’s not the evil path I mentioned, then whatever Dao you seek, pursue it bravely. Isn’t it joyful to have so many companions walking the Great Way together?"

His words stirred everyone, and thunderous applause erupted, the mood almost infectious. This time, Li Xi allowed them their enthusiasm. When things quieted down, he spoke again, "Having talked about the Dao, let’s discuss Techniques."

"Before coming here, what did ‘Techniques’ mean to you? Law, family rules, national law, and so on. But here, it’s different. In the Dao Techniques department, ‘Techniques’ refer to magical abilities and spells. Once you begin cultivating, you’ll learn many spells, and might even create powerful ones yourself. The Dao Techniques department combines the path you walk with the techniques you master—that is Dao Techniques."

Seeing the variety of expressions, Li Xi continued, "Let me give you a little hint: the graduation requirement for our department is to create a Dao Technique unique to yourself. It doesn’t matter how strong it is—so long as you create it, you pass."

The students buzzed with discussion, debating the difficulty of creating a Dao Technique.

Li Xi waited, then said, "For now, think over what I’ve just said and the question I asked. When I return, I’ll teach you the foundational cultivation method for our department." With that, he turned and left the classroom.

Already excited, the students became even more animated at his words. After all, everything they had worked for so many days was to embark on the path of cultivation. Now, their wish was about to come true, and their joy was natural.

Ye Junze, however, felt little emotion. After all, he had begun cultivating long ago. Still, he found himself curious about the cultivation method Teacher Li mentioned. What would it be like? Would it be similar to the Void Realm Guidance he practiced?