Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Fifty: Enlightenment

“As everyone knows, the class we’re having today is called ‘Comprehending the Way,’ correct?” Yin Jia asked with a gentle smile.

Upon hearing this, the students nodded in acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Yin Jia’s expression brightened with satisfaction, and she continued, “First of all, you need to understand what comprehending the Way actually means. Please take a moment to think about it yourselves. If anyone has an idea, feel free to share it at any time. I hope you’ll be bold in your thinking and speak your minds freely.”

With Yin Jia’s encouragement, the new students immediately broke into discussion.

Yin Jia, seeing their enthusiasm, didn’t interrupt, but simply watched them with a warm smile.

Ye Junze, prompted by her question, fell into silent contemplation. He recalled what Li Xi had mentioned before—that everything around him could be considered part of the Way. Then, could comprehending the Way mean understanding the underlying principles of these existences and seeing their true nature? Ye Junze pondered this, uncertain if his line of thinking was correct, but he shook his head and continued to follow the thread of his thoughts.

What Ye Junze did not know was that the Way is vast and manifold; in reality, there is no truly correct answer to this question. Yin Jia’s intention in asking it was merely to encourage deeper reflection. As long as one arrived at an understanding of their own, in a sense, that was a correct answer. But none of them, Ye Junze included, could have known this.

And so, some engaged in scattered discussion, while others, like Ye Junze, quietly pondered on their own.

As time passed, the sound of conversation gradually faded until at last the classroom fell silent, as if everyone had found their own answer and so the debate had ceased.

Noting this, Yin Jia surmised they’d reached a conclusion. She clapped her hands, signaling everyone to stop, and said, “After such a long time, I believe each of you has come to your own understanding. Now, would anyone like to share what you think comprehending the Way means?”

At these words, the students looked around at one another, as if waiting to see who would answer first. But after a moment, no one volunteered, each one apparently hoping someone else would speak up.

Yin Jia observed their hesitation, her eyes filled with expectation. With patient encouragement she said, “There’s no need to be afraid—just share your thoughts. There isn’t a single correct answer to this question. As long as you can express your own understanding, that’s what matters.”

After hearing her reassurance, some students who’d already formed opinions could no longer hold back and raised their hands without hesitation.

Yin Jia nodded in satisfaction and looked toward a boy in the front row who had raised his hand, her gaze encouraging. “Why don’t you share your thoughts with us? No need to be nervous.”

Buoyed by her encouragement, the boy stood up, a note of confidence in his voice as he began, “Teacher, here is what I think comprehending the Way means.”

“Mm? Please go ahead,” Yin Jia replied gently.

Having received her permission, the boy began to articulate his thoughts. “First of all, I think we should start with the literal meaning, which is to grasp the underlying principles. But since we’re in the Department of the Way, the ‘Way’ here clearly doesn’t just mean ordinary principles. It must refer to the Great Way and the arts of cultivation, as one of our previous teachers explained. So, in my view, comprehending the Way is to understand the so-called Great Way and the arts of the Way. That’s the entirety of my understanding.” When he finished, he looked at Yin Jia expectantly, as though seeking her approval.

After the boy had spoken, Yin Jia applauded him, expressing her satisfaction with his answer. She gestured for him to sit, neither confirming nor denying the correctness of his ideas, merely smiling enigmatically, her own thoughts unreadable.

The other students glanced at the boy, their eyes reflecting approval, many nodding unconsciously in agreement. Some found his thoughts echoed their own. In any case, a variety of opinions abounded.

Even Ye Junze couldn’t help but look over at the boy; his words were remarkably similar to Ye Junze’s own thoughts. Judging by the reactions of those around him, it seemed many others shared the same idea.

Regardless of the various musings below, Yin Jia was ready to speak again. She cleared her throat and addressed them: “Alright, let’s all quiet down for a moment.”

At her words, the students immediately fell silent, looking to her with anticipation.

Yin Jia, as if reading their thoughts, didn’t draw things out with unnecessary suspense, but continued, “Actually, the answer just given was already very close to the mark. I imagine most of you have similar ideas?” Seeing them nod, she went on, “To be honest, I’m quite impressed that, so early in your cultivation journey, you already have such awareness. It seems all of you possess remarkable intuition. If nothing else, this very quality makes you well-suited to be students in the Department of the Way.” Her voice was filled with undisguised appreciation.

Hearing her praise, the students couldn’t help but wear expressions of pride. After all, everyone enjoys a kind word—especially from such a beautiful teacher as Yin Jia.

Seeing their faces, Yin Jia didn’t linger on the moment but continued, “Of course, theory alone can never quite convey what comprehending the Way truly is. So, why don’t we all experience it for ourselves now?” She ended with a gently probing question.

No one objected; they merely watched her with curiosity, as if asking with their eyes what she would do next.

Yin Jia quickly satisfied their curiosity. With a few movements of her hands and words softly spoken, the meditation mats beneath the students began to glow with a bright, milky white light. As the radiance spread, the entire classroom was bathed in brilliant luminosity—but those enveloped by the light were oblivious to everything outside.

At the front, Yin Jia murmured to herself, “Alright, little ones, it’s time to truly experience for yourselves the allure of comprehending the Way.”