C8 His Daoist Name Had Been Decided He Jin Dan

Zhuge Xuanzang was taken aback; he hadn't anticipated that Le Yang would so quickly decipher a casual reference to the 'White Bone Monastery.'

He glanced at his master and then at the skeletal old monster, realizing that his master must practice ghostly Daoist arts. It was likely that his master had begun his studies with this particular Daoist text. It was merely a coincidence.

With his mind now at ease, Zhuge Xuanzang quickly formulated his thoughts and asked, "Then how would you interpret 'born without knowing life, dying for life'?"

He was confident Le Yang would not have the answer.

However, Le Yang simply smiled. Under Zhuge Xuanzang's watchful eye, he began to explain, "This phrase is actually from the 'Longevity Chapter' of 'King's Theory.' It describes a king on the brink of death who captures a Daoist and threatens him for the secret elixir of eternal life, or else he will kill him."

"But the Daoist replied, 'If I possessed the elixir of immortality, why would I fear your threats? And if I don't have it, what good would killing me do you?'"

"'Born without knowing life, dying for life.' After uttering these words, the Daoist transcended to immortality right before the king's eyes. The message is that we, as cultivators, should not strive for the unattainable, lest we end up like someone trying to catch fish by climbing a tree. Senior Brother, I hope my interpretation meets your approval."

Le Yang finished his explanation and looked at Zhuge Xuanzang.

In truth, as soon as Le Yang had spoken, Zhuge Xuanzang realized his mistake. He had chosen this phrase not only because it was from an obscure Daoist text but also because it closely resembled a line from the 'White Bone Monastery.' He had not expected Le Yang to be undeterred by the similarity.

"No, I refuse to believe you've read all the Daoist texts."

Zhuge Xuanzang had lost the composure of a gentlemanly young master. The Five-Colored Fragrant Pill he spoke of was reserved for his own use upon achieving Golden Core status. His family had nearly exhausted half their fortune to acquire it. It seemed worthwhile, as no amount of wealth could compare to the power of a Golden Core cultivator.

However, a mistake had now been made. The once nearly certain method of achieving the Golden Core was causing Zhuge Xuanzang's heart to flutter with uncertainty, a sensation he hadn't experienced even when he first sought discipleship.

"Senior Brother Yue You, isn't it my turn to ask a question?" Yue Yang interrupted the slightly panicked Zhuge Xuanzang with just one sentence.

"The Great Dao encompasses three thousand."

"Hahaha, are you kidding me? There's no such line in any Daoist scripture."

Zhuge Xuanzang felt a wave of relief wash over him as his heart settled back into place. He hadn't expected his seemingly all-knowing junior brother to misquote the Daoist scripture at such a critical moment.

"Junior brother, it's clearly 'The Great Dao is boundless.' I concede this round to you."

Zhuge Xuanzang didn't give Yue Yang any chance to argue. A mistake like this was exceedingly rare in the history of Daoist debate.

"Really?"

Yue Yang looked towards his master with uncertainty, but seeing him shake his head, he didn't lose heart. He had chosen a simpler topic for Zhuge Xuanzang at his master's suggestion, picking the general principles of the Daoist scripture, believing it to be so fundamental that nearly every cultivator would have studied it.

But having read it was one thing; interpreting its phrases was another, subject to personal understanding, which varied from person to person. Yue Yang had yielded, but he was curious to hear Zhuge Xuanzang's take on the phrase, especially since he was at the Foundation Building stage. He hadn't anticipated such a blunder.

The contest for the Daoist name thus concluded. Continuing the competition would have risked throwing the Order of Duality into chaos, especially if Zhuge Xuanzang were to lose.

The elder with the long beard declared a draw, and Yue Yang's Daoist name was thereby established.

From that moment on, all Qi Refining disciples within the sect, no matter their level of cultivation, were to bow and respectfully address Yue Yang as "Master Uncle." Any who failed to comply would face the sect's disciplinary measures.

The disciples of the Order of Duality harbored lingering doubts, yet as the elder with the flowing beard delivered the subsequent announcement, they concealed their discontent within their hearts.

"Under the protection of our Ancestral Master, Elder Le Ku of our order has ascended to the Golden Core Realm. It is fitting that we offer our congratulations."

Le Ku Zi, the Taoist name of Le Yang's master, the Old Monster Skull, became less known over time due to his Taoist practice that rendered his body skeletal. As a result, the moniker Old Monster Skull suited him well, and even some of his disciples were unaware of his actual Taoist name.

It wasn't until Old Monster Skull levitated to offer his salutations that many disciples belatedly recognized the presence of Elder Le Ku, a name previously unfamiliar to them.

"With Elder Le Ku's breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm, we shall now honor him as Elder Quick Ku."

"Salutations, Elder Quick Ku. Your Taoist wisdom is as enduring as the seasons, and your life as everlasting as the heavens."

Following the disciples' thrice-repeated acclamations, the elder with the flowing beard declared the ceremony concluded.

Yet, this internal celebration was more than a mere formality. An elder's advancement to the Golden Core Realm signified a doubling of the Order of Duality's strength—a significant event by any measure.

The elder before the Divine Bell tasked the disciples with extending invitations to the other sects traditionally associated with the Order of Duality, numbering seventy-two in total.

Among these sects were three of Qingyun Continent's most esteemed cultivation orders. Beyond these, eighteen were formidable sects beyond the Order's reach. Forty-three sects were on par with the Order of Duality, and the remaining eight were smaller sects within the Order's sphere of influence. The most advanced among these could boast practitioners at the mid-stage of Foundation Building—a testament to their ancestral fortune.

One month prior to the Golden Core Ceremony, the elder meticulously assigned tasks to the disciples gathered in the hall, emphasizing the importance of proper conduct when interacting with cultivators from various sects and schools. They were cautioned against any oversight that might provoke a conflict among cultivators. Should a cultivator of the Golden Core Realm or higher take action, it would take but a moment to reduce the Order of Duality to ruins.

Le Yang had returned to the grand hall with the Skull Demon. Aside from the four elders who were busy with ceremonial duties outside, the remaining six elders of the Order of Duality were present. Excluding Le Yang, there were five.

"Le Feng, Le Yan, Le Yu, Le You, how long have each of you been at the Great Perfection of Foundation Building or in its late stages?" the Sect Master inquired once the elders were seated.

The responses came one by one. Even Le You, also known as Zhuge Xuanzang, who had the shortest duration, had been at the Great Perfection stage for three years. Yet, the most extreme case was Le Yu, Zhuge Xuanzang's master, the female Taoist, who had been at the late stage of Foundation Building for an astonishing thirty-five years.

Le Yang glanced at his master, the Skull Demon, who leaned in to impart some wisdom. "In the journey of cultivation, the talented lead the way. While we don't shy away from other matters, the bond between master and disciple is sacred. History is filled with disciples surpassing their masters; it's nothing unusual. Perhaps one day, you'll surpass me, and if that day comes, I'll be even more delighted."

After a brief reflection, Le Yang understood his master's joy. Ultimately, cultivation hinged on innate talent. Without it, no amount of grueling practice could overcome the limits of one's lifespan, ending only in a pile of bones.

At that moment, the Sect Leader summoned the female Taoist, Le Yu, for a discussion. Observing their exchange, and knowing from his master that the Sect Leader and the female Taoist were once spouses, Le Yang couldn't help but speculate about the events that had led to their current estrangement.

As his master explained, Le Yu had deviated in her practice, transforming the mid-tier Dual Cultivation technique, "Heart Sutra of the Desireful Woman," into the "Heart Sutra of the Jade Woman," which accounted for her current demeanor.

Suppressing a smirk, Le Yang composed himself when the Sect Leader called him forward, carefully avoiding any direct gaze at Elder Le Yu. In formal terms, he now had to address her as Senior Sister Le Yu, the female Taoist.

"Le Yang, do you really believe you can spot the flaws in a cultivation technique after just one glance?"

The Sect Leader was still incredulous. Despite having witnessed Junior Brother Ku achieve the Golden Core state, the idea of Le Yang possessing such a skill made him seem like a living treasure, a walking stroke of luck. Their Order of Duality was merely a third-tier sect. Could it be that an ancestor had once descended into hell, vanquished countless demons, and accrued such extraordinary merit?

Le Yang didn't glance at the female Taoist, Le Yu, but simply nodded in affirmation.

"Then give it a try."

The Sect Leader had already briefed the elders on the matter, and now he awaited Le Yang's demonstration of his enviable, inimitable talent.

However, the female Daoist Le Yu was somewhat reserved. She had managed to adapt a dual cultivation technique into a solo practice known as the Jade Lady Technique, but it involved several delicate positions not easily shared with others, let alone displayed publicly.

"Senior Sister, take a look at my 'Treasure Chamber.'"

Elder Le Feng, known for his impatience, was eager to test Le Yang's abilities himself. But since the Sect Leader had instructed the Senior Sister to proceed first, he refrained from jumping ahead and instead produced a small yellow object. When he unfurled it, it transformed into an enormous round bed draped with a yellow canopy.

This peculiar bed, lacking any legs, wobbled on the ground. The canopy was adorned with wind chimes that tinkled melodiously, reminiscent of birdsong during moments of joy. Whether it was the exotic scent of the wood or some hidden treasure within, a fragrant breeze wafted through the air, accompanied by echoes of laughter, challenging one's composure.

Le Feng was about to present more of his curious treasures when he was met with a chilling stare from the female Daoist Le Yu, freezing him in his tracks.

Young and naive, Le Yang was unaware of the items' intended uses, yet he could feel his blood racing, as if something was on the verge of bursting forth from his body.

"Recite the 'Pink Skull' chapter from the 'White Bone Monastery' to guard your spirit and dispel any distractions."

Le Yang's face betrayed his inner turmoil as he heard his master Le Ku's instruction. Following the guidance, he found that the previously incomprehensible verses now anchored his wandering thoughts firmly within him, revealing to him the profound beauty of the teachings.

"Senior Brother, why be so naive? This sinister path of ghostly ways doesn't suit such a carefree youth. Why not entrust him to me? Finding true freedom amidst the sea of desires is the crux of our Order of Duality's practice."

Le Feng was well aware of the changes in Le Yang and, to be honest, he took a liking to him the moment they met. Such a youth, if properly guided, would surely become the bane of those claiming purity and desirelessness, like fairy-tale hermits or devout nuns.

"Silence."

There was no need for the Skull Monster to speak; the female Taoist Le Yu sharply interjected, having reached a decision in the briefest of moments.

Le Yang, caught off guard, was plunged into darkness. When his vision returned, he felt as though he was atop tumultuous waves, struggling to stand.

Despite his youth and resolute spirit, Le Yang was understandably shaken in this strange and daunting place. Heeding the Skull Monster's teachings, he quickly surveyed his surroundings. In his fluster, his hand found a tree branch, unexpectedly smooth and comforting, which brought him a measure of calm.