Volume One: Entering the Path Chapter Twenty-One: The Celestial Dao Scripture

In the classroom, everyone was engaged in lively discussion about what Li Xi had just said, as well as the so-called cultivation technique, while they awaited his return. Not long after, as they waited with anticipation, Li Xi finally came back, just as they had hoped.

This time, Li Xi entered the classroom carrying a box. After placing the box down and arranging it, he said, "Thank you for waiting, everyone." Seeing the expressions of those seated before him, he continued, "Alright, I know what you’re all thinking. Yes, the cultivation techniques I mentioned earlier are inside this box. Please don’t be anxious; I will distribute them to each of you shortly."

At these words, the crowd could hardly contain their excitement. It was as if their enthusiasm had been ignited by his statement, their breaths growing rapid. The atmosphere in the classroom seemed to heat up, whether by illusion or reality.

Seeing this reaction, Li Xi understood that these new students were now singularly focused on the cultivation technique. He decided not to delay any longer. Calmly, he opened the box, revealing inside several objects resembling jade tablets, each lying quietly. The students below grew even more restless at the sight, some impatiently eager, as though ready to leap up and snatch the contents of the box.

Observing this, Li Xi said, "Alright, everyone, please come forward to collect your cultivation technique in the order you are seated. Once everyone has received theirs, I will explain everything in detail."

Upon hearing this, those in the front row immediately rose to collect their jade tablets, while those seated further back regretted not sitting closer to the front, forced to wait their turn and unable to suppress their disappointment.

Ye Junze, though curious about this new cultivation technique, which was distinct from the Void Realm Guide he had previously encountered, did not share the impatience of the others. He waited calmly for his turn. As the students approached one by one, it was finally Ye Junze's turn. He took his jade tablet and examined it quietly. It appeared to be an ordinary piece of jade, distinguished only by its beautiful patterns. After observing it for a while and discovering nothing unusual, Ye Junze decided not to dwell on it, knowing that Teacher Li would explain everything soon.

Thus, one by one, the new students collected their jade tablets, and once the last person returned to their seat, Li Xi, who had been silent for a while, spoke again: "Now that everyone has their cultivation technique in hand, let me explain how to use it."

"The items you now hold are generally called 'jade slips.' The cultivation techniques and all manner of Daoist methods and supernatural abilities you will need for your practice are typically stored within these jade slips." Seeing the thoughtful expressions on the students’ faces, he continued, "Using a jade slip is simple. But please listen to my instructions before you attempt anything. For now, do not move." Upon hearing this, everyone ceased fiddling with their jade slips, listening quietly to Li Xi.

Satisfied, Li Xi nodded and continued, "The cultivation technique you have received is the one practiced by everyone in the Daoist Arts Department, called 'The Mysterious Heaven Dao Canon.' What you hold is the initial chapter, which is sufficient for cultivating up to the Foundation Establishment stage. When you break through Foundation Establishment, the school will provide the next portion. There is no need to worry. I’ll explain Foundation Establishment shortly, but I want you to understand that the school has structured the distribution of cultivation techniques with your safety in mind. The path of cultivation is fraught with unforeseen dangers. This arrangement is to protect the techniques and ensure you proceed steadily, without overreaching."

The students' curiosity grew even more intense as he spoke.

Taking note of their expressions, Li Xi continued, "Alright, I know you’re all eager. Next, I’ll tell you how to use the jade slip. That is—" Li Xi deliberately paused, and the students below seemed about to burst with impatience, fire in their eyes. But what could they do? He was the teacher, and they were powerless against him.

The feeling of wanting to act but being unable to was truly infuriating! So thought the students in helpless frustration.

Seeing their intense gazes, Li Xi hastily said, "Alright, I won’t tease you any longer. Now, press the jade slip tightly against your forehead, and you can begin learning the cultivation technique."

At his words, the students eagerly followed his instructions. As soon as they pressed the jade slip to their foreheads, they all seemed to lose control of themselves, their eyes closing involuntarily.

Observing their reaction and seeing no apparent danger, Ye Junze slowly pressed the jade slip to his own forehead. In that instant, his mind felt as if it were flooded by something, and like the others, his eyes closed of their own accord.

Once everyone began learning the cultivation technique, Li Xi performed some unknown action with his hands, and a transparent barrier arose beneath each student’s meditation cushion, as if to shield them from disturbance. However, the students, now cut off from external sensation, were unaware of this.

A loud boom resounded.

Ye Junze, who had lost consciousness, awoke to the sound, and opened his eyes to survey his surroundings.

Before him stretched an endless world of darkness. In his perception, it seemed like his own sea of consciousness, yet he could sense nothing else. It felt as though the cultivation technique had created a new world within his sea of consciousness. As Ye Junze wondered how to practice this so-called 'Mysterious Heaven Dao Canon,' a voice suddenly echoed from the air.

"The beginning of the mysterious arts is guided by the Dao."

Hearing the voice, Ye Junze looked around, searching for its source, but it seemed to emanate from the entire space. No matter how he searched, he could not pinpoint its origin. After several fruitless attempts, Ye Junze could only wait silently for the voice to speak again, wondering if anything else might change.