Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1845 - 1391: Preaching the Dao (Part 2)
Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
Although numerous pressing matters required his attention, they were all cast aside and delayed for the time being. Once the arrangements for Ancestor Rui’s lecture were finalized, those issues would be addressed.
“Ancestor Rui, what are your thoughts on holding the formal lecture in three days?”
“That is fine,” Li Zhirui replied without objection. His choice to teach was born from a sudden impulse, a reflection of the clan's old dreams; he simply wished to contribute his efforts.
Furthermore, since he was currently unable to focus on his own Cultivation, he required other tasks to occupy his time and stave off restlessness.
The remaining logistics were entrusted to Li Liangxiang. Li Zhirui took the role of a hands-off manager, waiting only for the appointed day to make his appearance.
Clang, clang, clang—
The news of Li Zhirui’s lecture was a monumental event open to the entire clan. As the word spread, a massive wave of family members was expected to journey back to Mount Wanxian to receive guidance from a Heavenly Immortal.
To ensure that the personnel stationed at various outposts didn't all abandon their posts at once—which could lead to the theft of Spiritual Objects—proper management and scheduling were essential.
Following a period of intense deliberation, a viable strategy was established. Every member of the clan was subsequently informed of the lecture schedule and the specific arrangements.
“In three days, Ancestor Rui will conduct a lecture at Mount Wanxian!”
Boom—
The announcement hit like a volcanic blast, leaving people stunned. It rapidly became the primary topic of conversation among the clansmen throughout Shanhai State.
“Regardless of the cost, I have to get back to Mount Wanxian for Ancestor Rui’s teaching. This is my chance for a breakthrough. If I let this slip by, there is no telling when the next opportunity will arise; it might never happen again!” one clansman declared with a gaze full of fervor and resolve.
This sentiment was echoed by many. For them, a lecture from Li Zhirui was a pinnacle opportunity that could potentially trigger their advancement.
To miss such an event would be a source of profound regret and heartbreak.
The plan devised by Li Liangxiang and the others was straightforward: it involved mandating that certain clansmen stay at their stations to protect local Spiritual Objects from thieves.
Naturally, the Li family provided significant compensation to these individuals. Forcing them to miss the lecture would undoubtedly cause internal resentment, regardless of their outward compliance.
Before long, the news reached the Loose Cultivators as well.
They were filled with envy but could do nothing. Lacking any ties to the Li family, they were forbidden from entering the Ten Thousand Immortals Mountain Range, much less the inner clan territory.
Still, a few Loose Cultivators clung to a shred of hope, gathering at the borders of the mountain range in the desperate hope of catching even a whisper of the lecture.
For these independent cultivators who lacked a formal inheritance, they often hit walls in their Cultivation due to a lack of esoteric knowledge. This created a massive divide between them and the members of Sects or established families.
Consequently, any chance at enlightenment, however slim, was something no driven Loose Cultivator would ignore.
...
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
As the dawn’s first light brought the Sunrise Purple Qi, Li Zhirui manifested silently upon the highest meditation cushion.
Long before his arrival, the expansive plaza had been blanketed by clansmen. Looking down from above, the crowd resembled a vast, dark ocean.
“I hope to gain some enlightenment from Ancestor Rui’s words to help me overcome this bottleneck.”
“Everyone is hoping for the same thing. But such realizations cannot be forced; they depend entirely on one's own talent and fortune.”
Groups of familiar clansmen sat together, sharing hushed conversations.
Even with their voices lowered, the sheer volume of people created a noticeable stir.
Dong—
The resonance of a bell finally signaled Li Zhirui’s presence. Many had not even noticed his arrival until the sound commanded silence across the grounds.
“Above lies the Yellow Court, below is the Guan Yuan; the Quiet Palace sits in front, and the Gate of Destiny is behind...”
As the lecture commenced, the profound Tao sound drifted out, reaching every ear with perfect clarity.
Though the volume was soft, it resonated within their souls like a cooling wind, instantly calming their agitated and wandering Mental States.
The clansmen fell into a trance-like state of focus. A few with high perception could see the fundamental Great Dao Truth hidden within the simple "Yellow Court Scripture," while the majority struggled to grasp the deeper meanings as they drifted by.
Li Zhirui felt a pang of disappointment; despite the crowd's size, those with true potential were rare. Nevertheless, he showed no bias and continued to teach everyone with equal care.
He knew that high comprehension today did not guarantee future success, just as those who struggled today might achieve greatness later.
He remembered Li Zhixuan; during her Spirit Testing, she was found to have only common Four Spiritual Roots, drawing little interest from the clan.
Yet, looking at her today, her success proved that early potential isn't everything.
To the less gifted members of the clan, Li Zhixuan was an even greater symbol of inspiration than Li Zhirui himself, serving as their most respected idol.
The serene Tao sound persisted, assisting the clansmen in their internal Cultivation.
At the same time, Li Zhirui’s voice carried across the distance, reaching the ears of the Loose Cultivators outside.
The Loose Cultivators were overjoyed as the Tao sound stabilized their Dao Hearts and calmed their spirits. Had it not been for this soothing quality, hearing such profound truths might have backfired, triggering a Heart Demon.
Even the Spirit Beasts in the mountains, which usually filled the air with roars, grew quiet. They dared not make a sound for fear of interrupting the sacred Tao sound.
While such caution might have been excessive, it demonstrated the immense gravity of the lecture.
As time marched on, the Tao sound grew more intricate. Many listeners began to feel overwhelmed and confused as the complexity surpassed their current Cultivation levels.
The Loose Cultivators, lacking a foundation of inheritance, suffered the most; they were unable to endure the depth of the message very early on.
Li Zhirui did not stop for them, however. In addition to the clansmen, Da Qing, Xiaoqing, and several Earth Immortals were also in attendance.
Instead, he used a spell to dampen the sound for those who could no longer follow, allowing them to focus on reflecting upon what they had already heard.
From dawn until dusk, the lecture continued as time slipped away.
Before anyone realized it, the session was reaching its conclusion.
“Taoist Technique follows Nature!”
Rather than ending with an incredibly complex Great Dao Truth, Li Zhirui chose these four simple words.
However, these words struck several clansmen with the force of a falling star.
Suddenly, a clansman who had been on the verge of an advancement found his path illuminated. He shattered his bottleneck instantly. His aura exploded as his Cultivation technique accelerated, pulling in massive amounts of local Spiritual Energy and creating a swirling Spirit Qi Vortex.
The influx of Spiritual Energy surged into his body, facilitating a seamless transition to the next level.
Soon, dark thunder clouds gathered overhead. Only by surviving the Thunder Tribulation could one truly claim the title of an Individual Immortal.
Before the storm could fully manifest, Li Zhirui shifted the clansman to a secluded area to ensure his breakthrough wouldn't be disturbed by others.
Simultaneously, Li Zhirui suppressed his own aura entirely so as not to inadvertently increase the power of the Thunder Tribulation.
The clouds greedily drank in Spiritual Energy, expanding until they covered several miles in a heavy, dark shroud.
Rumble—
The first bolt of Tribulation Thunder roared down toward the clansman. He remained composed, preparing his defenses.
Watching from the side, Li Zhirui gave a small nod of approval. The man’s performance was solid. If he succeeded, the clan would soon welcome a new Individual Immortal to its ranks.