Chapter 1946: Practice Martial Arts

"A...bun?" The proprietor's mouth twitched, and his tone changed slightly.

It was only thanks to Qin Sang being a distinguished guest invited by Qingyuan that the proprietor, given his temperament, managed to restrain himself.

Qingyuan chuckled and shook his head, unsure what to say.

The proprietor remained silent for a while. "For the Seven Delicacies Feast, there's a dish called 'Jade Pouch Offering Treasures.' It's made from seven types of rare fish from the Blue Lake in the capital, prepared as 'fish rice.' Mountain-grown white jade bamboo shoots are sliced as thin as cicada wings to form the 'jade pouches,' which are then filled with the fish rice and other ingredients. It is truly a gem among delicacies. If it doesn't suit your taste, I can prepare a separate main course for you..."

After finalizing the Seven Delicacies Feast, the proprietor went to busy himself in the kitchen.

Qin Sang wasn't genuinely trying to make things difficult for the proprietor; he merely wanted to stall for time to consider his next move.

Qin Sang's true body stood elsewhere, hands clasped behind his back, gazing in the direction of Jin County. His expression was unusually solemn as he repeatedly ran through simulations in his mind.

No matter how many times he did, the answer remained the same: he couldn't do it! He even doubted whether a late-stage Void Refinement cultivator could achieve it.

Qin Sang had never truly confronted a Void Refinement cultivator, but based on his own estimations, he could gauge their approximate capabilities. Before breaking through a major realm, there wouldn't be a fundamental transformation. This was unless Qingyuan possessed special cultivation techniques or divine abilities. Unfortunately, Lin Baoshan's cultivation was too low, creating a vast chasm between him and Qingyuan. From that single move, Qin Sang couldn't deduce much more. If Qingyuan could perform similarly against a Soul Transformation cultivator, that would be truly terrifying; anyone using spiritual arts in front of him would have to be extremely wary.

At Drunken Fragrance Tower.

Qin Sang decided to wait and see, curious about Qingyuan's true intentions.

Before the main meal, cold dishes were served, all made from precious ingredients rarely seen by ordinary people. The tea was also tribute tea from the Yan Kingdom.

Qin Sang dismissed the maids, having Yulang serve tea and water, with Taoteng also assisting.

Qingyuan took a sip of tea and looked out the window at the continuous stretch of houses reaching the city walls. The street below was bustling. There were vendors' calls, children's laughter, New Year's greetings, and even the sounds of arguments. Firecrackers, gongs, drums, and the rhythmic thump of pellet drums... After Lin Baoshan left, Qin Sang removed the restrictions, allowing all these lively sounds to flood into the private room.

"It is truly a time of human celebration," Qingyuan remarked with a sigh, seemingly moved. "Does Daoist Priest also find the mountains too desolate after descending?"

"We cultivators must endure solitude. This humble Daoist descended the mountain for other reasons, and it hasn't been long." Qin Sang spoke the truth, merely omitting crucial details.

He turned his gaze to Qingyuan. "Has Daoist Friend been traveling extensively?"

"Indeed. I enjoy good food, and each region offers its own unique flavors and customs. No matter how much I see, there's always a surprise to be found." Qingyuan smiled faintly, then his expression grew somber. "Unfortunately, not every place is as prosperous as the Yan Kingdom, where people live in peace and contentment. Even within the Yan Kingdom, there isn't only joy. The human world is always filled with sorrow and separation, harsh winds and bitter rain."

"Is it only the human world? The sea of suffering is vast; how many can cross it?" Since Qingyuan was in a talkative mood, Qin Sang dismissed his wandering thoughts and echoed the sentiment. This sigh came from the bottom of his heart. If ascending to immortality could free one from the sea of suffering, then looking across the entire Great Thousand Worlds, how many had truly succeeded in ascending? Each realm was a difficult hurdle, blocking countless individuals at the entrance.

"You and I, we are always stronger than those people," Qingyuan said, pointing at Qin Sang, then at himself. He suddenly turned to Yulang and Taoteng, who were listening quietly. "You are both scholars, studying the texts of sages. People often speak of the 'Human Dao.' What exactly is this Great Dao of humanity?"

Yulang and Taoteng were stunned, not expecting Qingyuan to address them. At that moment, they felt an inexplicable pressure, even greater than when called upon by their teacher, causing them to sit up straight. Yulang frowned deeply, lost in thought.

Taoteng waited for a while, and seeing his companion remain silent, he boldly replied, "Fathers and sons should be affectionate, rulers and ministers righteous, husbands and wives distinct, elders and juniors orderly, and friends trustworthy."

Qingyuan nodded. "This can be called the Dao of Human Relations, and it can govern a nation."

Taoteng didn't receive praise and scratched his head. After a moment of contemplation, he recited, "When the Great Dao prevails, the world is shared by all. The virtuous and capable are chosen, and trust and harmony are cultivated. Thus, people do not only love their own parents, nor do they only cherish their own children. The aged are able to find their end, the strong are employed, the young are given growth, and the widowed, orphaned, lonely, disabled, and ill are all provided for..."

Qingyuan smiled without speaking and looked at Yulang. "Little Daoist Priest, you seem to have a different opinion?"

Yulang glanced at his master, then at his companion beside him. In this room, Taoteng was the only mortal. He hesitated, then instead of answering, posed a question: "Are mortals destined to be mere fish to be eaten?"

What Taoteng described, if there were no external interference, was naturally the most ideal world humanity could imagine. However, the world contained not only humans but also immortals, gods, demons, and spirits. Mortals without extraordinary powers were like pigs or dogs, easily slaughtered at will. Even if the mortal realm truly achieved the Great Harmony spoken of by sages, without the ability to protect itself, it would be like a flower in a mirror or the moon in the water—beautiful but illusory. For instance, in Jin County, if it weren't for the protection of deities like the City God, would the city be so peaceful and harmonious today? Could such a Human Dao be considered a Great Dao?

Taoteng stared blankly at Yulang, somewhat confused, unable to grasp the deeper meaning of the question.

Qingyuan's eyes, however, lit up, and he burst into laughter. "To think of such things at such a young age, and to have clearly thought them through, is truly remarkable. Daoist Priest has taught his disciple well. This question, in fact, aligns with the world's discussions on the 'Great Vehicle' and 'Lesser Vehicle.'"

At this point, Qingyuan suddenly fell silent.

Then, a knock came from the private room door.

"Come in," Qingyuan said.

A man dressed as a servant gently pushed the door open. He first bowed to the main seat. "Greetings, esteemed sirs." He then turned to Taoteng. "Young Master, it's getting late. We should depart. Your father asked me to call you downstairs."

"I..." Taoteng looked unwilling. Not only did he not want to part with his friend, but he also wanted to hear what profound insights this gentleman had to offer. His intuition told him that this gentleman, like Daoist Priest Qingfeng, was a master.

The servant, however, was oblivious and urged, "Young Master, your father is waiting for you downstairs."

"Alas!" Unable to resist, Taoteng sighed and stood up, gripping Yulang's hand tightly. "Yulang, you must come to the capital to find me someday!" He then bowed to Qin Sang and Qingyuan before reluctantly following the servant out.

"Great Vehicle, Lesser Vehicle..."

Both Qin Sang's true body and his avatar in Drunken Fragrance Tower were momentarily lost in thought, repeating these two terms in their minds. Faintly, he felt as if he had grasped something.

"This 'Great Vehicle' is not that 'Great Vehicle,' but there should be a connection," Qingyuan said, glancing at Qin Sang. He continued, "Lesser Vehicle and Great Vehicle merely differ in their pursuits; there's no distinction of superiority. Broadly speaking, the Lesser Vehicle saves oneself, while the Great Vehicle saves others!"

Saving oneself!Saving others!

A flash of lightning seemed to strike Qin Sang's mind, instantly illuminating many past doubts. The Dao of the Lesser Vehicle, cultivating oneself for salvation, when perfected, wasn't that achieving immortality, attaining the Dao, and transcending? What then was the ultimate extent of the Dao of the Great Vehicle? This world contained not only humans but also demons, witches, all living beings, and even the entire Great Thousand Worlds. Could it be to save this heaven and earth along with oneself?

"Divine Dao..." Qin Sang murmured. He had always held doubts about the Divine Dao. Especially since he knew that the origin of the Divine Dao might have ties to the Dao Court. Back then, why did some individuals in the Dao Court switch to cultivating the Divine Dao? What Daoist theory did they base their practice on? Divine Dao cultivation, relying on incense offerings, clearly contradicted the immortal path that Qin Sang had always understood. Immortal Dao cultivation pursued ascension to immortality. But what about the Divine Dao? If a Divine Dao cultivator ascended themselves but couldn't bring their mortal believers to the immortal realm, even if their faith wasn't directly severed, wouldn't it be easy for unforeseen changes to occur in the lower realm? Unless the immortal realm and lower realm could freely interact. Furthermore, the more followers a Divine Dao cultivator had, the more entanglements they possessed. How could they transcend?

So, there was also a Dao of the Great Vehicle in the world!

"The Divine Dao can be called the Great Vehicle, but in my view, as the Divine Dao has evolved, some Divine Dao cultivators have become biased, merely treating the Human Dao as fuel for their own divine path, making it difficult for them to be considered the true orthodox path for humanity. The Dao of the Great Vehicle spreads throughout the world, whether through cultivating meritorious virtue, saintly virtue, blessed virtue, or accumulating hidden virtue... rooted in the Human Dao itself. In my travels, I've seen some promising beginnings, some even inspired by the Divine Dao. There might be a Kingly Dao, a Saintly Dao, or various other practices. The future holds promise. Perhaps one day, a hundred flowers will bloom, and a great contention of Daos will arise, capable of solving the little Daoist Priest's doubts."

Qingyuan spoke eloquently. Qin Sang couldn't interject, nor did he wish to; he only wanted Qingyuan to continue speaking. To hear the Dao and be filled with joy! This was precisely what Qin Sang felt now. This unexpected encounter, this karmic connection, came abruptly. Meeting the Dao on the road, hearing it from a stranger, seemed absurd and raised concerns about potential traps. However, Qin Sang could judge for himself; he had already vaguely sensed these insights before, though they were not systematic. Qingyuan's discourse perfectly aligned with his thoughts and provided a more comprehensive understanding. Not only did it resolve many of Qin Sang's doubts, but hearing these words, Qin Sang also felt a subtle stir in his own understanding of cultivation.

Yulang's cultivation realm was not high enough to grasp too much of the profound meaning, and at this moment, he was still contemplating his own question. After hearing these words, his brows remained furrowed. His thoughts could not escape the eyes of these two.

"Little Daoist Priest still seems a bit unresigned. Regardless of the Divine Dao, the Kingly Dao, or the Saintly Dao, mortals still have to depend on others and cannot truly control their own destinies, isn't that right?" Qingyuan smiled slightly. "You only see cultivators as the butcher and mortals as the meat. But have you not seen that among cultivators themselves, and among mortals themselves, there are also strong and weak, and instances of oppression? If I were to tell a story about Miss Yin and the ghosts and gods of Jin County, what could they do to me? If everyone could cultivate, wouldn't Qi Refinement cultivators become like ordinary mortals are now? And could the Great Thousand Worlds even bear it? Have you not seen a locust plague leave nothing but barren land?"

Qin Sang also looked at his disciple and said gravely, "Have you forgotten your teacher's words? A person without ambition stands for nothing, but beware of empty talk and aiming too high."

"Indeed, there's a good saying in the mortal world: 'Not in that position, don't meddle in that government.' If you want to change this world, well... at least catch up to your master first." Qingyuan emptied his cup and picked up the teapot.

"Disciple humbly accepts the teaching," Yulang said, as if waking from a dream. He quickly took the teapot and refilled the cups for Qingyuan and his master. The tea flowed gently. His mind seemed to settle, and he sat upright, his brows no longer furrowed.

Qin Sang and Qingyuan continued their previous discussion.

"In the cultivation world, the debate concerning the Lesser Vehicle and Great Vehicle has gradually gained momentum, particularly intensely within Buddhism. However, there are exceptions. For instance, the Pill Cauldron lineage of the Daoist Gate, though it cultivates Lesser Vehicle Daoist arts, possesses the grand spirit of the Great Vehicle!"

Qingyuan's face showed admiration.

Qin Sang's heart stirred, and he couldn't resist asking, "What does that mean?"

Qingyuan picked up his folding fan and drew a large circle in the air.

"In the Great Thousand Worlds, Five Elements spiritual energy is ubiquitous. Cultivating through the comprehension of the Five Elements is arguably the easiest compared to other paths.

"Once one steps onto the path of cultivation and then changes to another path, it's akin to building a bridge over a chasm. Although this bridge leads in other directions, walking on land is undoubtedly much easier than directly flying across the chasm.

"Legend has it that this bridge originated from the Pill Cauldron lineage of the Daoist Gate!

"Originally, the Daoist Gate synthesized the Five Elements and created the Path of the Golden Core, directly pointing to the Great Dao. They then amazingly spread this Daoist art throughout the world.

"Since then, human cultivation seemed to have found its foundation. Regardless of sect or school, one first cultivates the Five Elements techniques to enter the gate of cultivation, then gradually clarifies their path to pursue their own Dao. It can be called the general outline of all methods!

"The rise of humanity, surpassing all other races in the Great Thousand Worlds, owes an undeniable debt to the Daoist Gate!

"Five Elements spiritual roots also became the most important method for discerning human talent.

"The cultivation realms of the Pill Cauldron lineage—Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and even 'Great Vehicle'—also became prevalent throughout the world and have steadily improved.

"Each transition across a realm is accompanied by a transformation. The stages are clear and convincing, and are now revered by the world as a standard.

"From this, it's clear that when the Pill Cauldron sect named their final realm 'Great Vehicle,' it was by no means arbitrary!

"Cultivating the Dao to save oneself, and Daoist arts to save others—what immense merit is this!"

These words profoundly shocked Qin Sang. While perusing Daoist scriptures in the Talisman Realm, he had seen some records about the Pill Cauldron lineage, knowing that the Pill Cauldron sect was once mentioned alongside the Talisman sect as the two most important branches of the Daoist Gate. Due to the scarcity of texts, Qin Sang could only see things vaguely, guessing that the Pill Cauldron sect might have declined later, or perhaps had a dispute with the Talisman sect and went their separate ways. When the Talisman sect was at its peak, its power was astonishing. But Qin Sang had not realized that the achievements of the Pill Cauldron sect were in no way inferior to those of the later Talisman sect! Today, most cultivators enter the immortal gate through the Five Elements, and they all owe thanks to the Daoist Gate!

"Food and drinks are coming!"

A shout came from outside the private room. A waiter quickly approached the door, knocked twice, and pushed it open, holding a tray. On the tray was an exquisitely presented dish, truly a work of art, steaming hot and exuding a rich aroma. Instantly, the fragrant scent filled the room. The dish was perfect in color, aroma, and taste, stimulating one's appetite.

The waiter, beaming, announced, "The first course: 'Phoenix Welcoming Spring'!" Along with the dish, a pot of wine was also served. "This is premium 'Drunken Spring Wind' wine. Please enjoy, esteemed guests."

The waiter bowed slightly and exited the private room.

Qingyuan put down his folding fan and looked at Qin Sang. "If the Pill Cauldron lineage was like this, what must have been the grandeur of the Talisman lineage, which was once known as the Great Vehicle Daoist Gate!"

"I have always longed to experience it myself!"