Chapter 854: If One Hears the Dao in the Morning, One May Die in the Evening

Chapter 836: If I Hear the Dao in the Morning, I Can Die in the Evening

Inside the cave dwelling.

"The Dao..."

Cui Gengnian pondered for a moment and said, "The Great Dao is formless, invisible, ineffable. When you pursue it, it is far away; when you let go, it is close at hand. The Dao is not what you think of as cultivation techniques and spells. Cultivation techniques and spells are merely tools for cultivating the Dao."

"Then what is the Dao?" Li Tianhong asked.

Cui Gengnian chuckled softly. "The Dao is everything between heaven and earth, everything that is. The Dao is the mountain, the rock, the running stream, the fallen leaves, the grass, the sun, the moon, the wind, the rain... everything you can see and everything you cannot see."

Li Tianhong felt confused. "Then, what is the difference between the Dao and the mundane world?"

Cui Gengnian shook his head slightly. "There is no difference. The mundane world is the Dao, and the Dao is the mundane world. The so-called distinction is merely a separation within your heart."

Li Tianhong remained puzzled. "Then, what should I cultivate?"

Cui Gengnian stroked his beard and smiled. "Cultivate your heart. When your heart is clear, the Dao will naturally manifest."

"Cultivate my heart?" Li Tianhong felt even more bewildered.

"Yes, cultivate your heart," Cui Gengnian affirmed. "Cleanse your heart, let go of distractions, and the Dao will be in your midst."

Li Tianhong still couldn't grasp it. "But my heart is full of desires and emotions. How can I cleanse it?"

Cui Gengnian laughed heartily. "Desires and emotions are also part of the Dao. The key is not to eliminate them, but to recognize them, understand them, and not be controlled by them."

Li Tianhong thought about it. "So, cultivating the heart is about understanding my own heart?"

"Precisely," Cui Gengnian nodded. "When you truly understand your heart, you will naturally understand the Dao."

Li Tianhong pondered these words deeply. He felt as if a door had opened in his mind, revealing a new world. Although he didn't fully comprehend it, he felt a faint connection to the Dao.

He spent several months in the cave dwelling, listening to Cui Gengnian expound on the Dao. Cui Gengnian didn't teach him any specific cultivation techniques or spells, only lectured on the principles of the Dao.

Li Tianhong listened intently, pondering each word, seeking to understand the essence of the Dao.

Gradually, he began to feel a change within himself. His mind became clearer, his heart quieter. He started to see the world differently, noticing the interconnectedness of all things.

One day, he was sitting by a stream, observing the flowing water. He suddenly realized that the water was constantly changing, yet it always remained water. It was like the Dao, ever-changing, yet always the same.

He felt a sudden enlightenment. He understood.

He stood up and bowed deeply to Cui Gengnian. "Master, I understand now."

Cui Gengnian smiled gently. "Very good. Now you can leave."

Li Tianhong was surprised. "Leave? But I haven't truly grasped the Dao yet."

Cui Gengnian shook his head. "The Dao is not something you can grasp. It is something you experience. You have already experienced it, so you can leave."

Li Tianhong hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He knew that Cui Gengnian was right. He had learned what he needed to learn.

He left the cave dwelling and returned to the mundane world.

The world still seemed the same, but Li Tianhong had changed. He saw the world with new eyes, and his heart was filled with peace.

He continued his cultivation, but his focus had shifted. He no longer pursued power or immortality, but sought to live in harmony with the Dao.

He traveled the world, observing the myriad things, listening to the sounds of nature, and experiencing the ever-changing nature of the Dao.

Years passed.

Li Tianhong grew old, but his heart remained young and vibrant. He had not attained immortality, but he had achieved a profound understanding of the Dao.

One day, he was sitting under a tree, watching the sunset. He felt a sense of contentment and peace.

He knew that his life was coming to an end, but he had no fear. He had heard the Dao in the morning, and he could die in the evening without regret.

He closed his eyes and peacefully passed away, his soul merging with the vast and boundless Dao.