From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 112 The Discussion Begins with a Vigorous Spirit

The moment I stepped into the Forum, my heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst out of my chest. Sunlight streamed onto the white jade pavement, reflecting a blinding light that illuminated the unfamiliar faces around me. A tense atmosphere hung in the air, like a taut string that could snap at any moment.

This place was a gathering place for various forces from the Immortal Realm. Whether they were white-haired elders or vibrant young men, each of them exuded powerful spiritual energy fluctuations, making me feel an invisible pressure. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the turbulent emotions within me. Wen Chen had said that confidence is the cornerstone of success, and I couldn't let them lose in terms of momentum.

In the center of the square, a towering platform stood majestically, upon which were placed several ancient stone tables and benches. This, it seemed, was the place for the discussion. I looked around, searching for Wen Chen's figure, but I couldn't find his familiar face. A faint sense of disappointment swept through me, but I quickly suppressed it. He must be watching me from somewhere; I must give it my all and not let him down.

A deep, resonant bell rang throughout the square, announcing the official start of the Daoist Conference. An elderly man with white hair and a youthful face slowly walked onto the high platform. He wore a purple-gold Daoist robe and exuded an air of otherworldly grace; he was none other than the True Lord Ziyang.

Ziyang Zhenjun's gaze swept over the crowd, and he slowly spoke: "Today's discussion on the Dao is on the topic of 'The Dao follows nature.' Everyone is free to speak and express their opinions." His voice was as loud as a bell, yet it carried a reassuring power.

Master Ziyang began by explaining his views, drawing on a wide range of sources, from the beginning of heaven and earth to the evolution of all things, from the workings of the heavens to human ethics. His arguments were profound yet easy to understand, winning rounds of applause from the crowd. I listened attentively, and although there were parts I didn't fully understand, I was still impressed by his extensive knowledge and insightful observations.

I realized that this Daoist debate was far more difficult than I had imagined. Everyone present was an elite of the immortal realm, and their cultivation and knowledge far surpassed mine. I had to be even more cautious in order to remain undefeated in this debate.

My palms were slightly sweaty, and the tension returned. I knew I couldn't back down; I had to bravely face the challenge. Wen Chen, you wait and see, I will definitely show you my progress.

Just then, a fairy dressed in green rose gracefully. She had a beautiful face and an ethereal air; she was none other than the Azure Lotus Fairy. She smiled slightly, her voice clear and melodious: "True Lord Ziyang is absolutely right. However, there is one thing I do not understand. I would appreciate your guidance, True Lord."

Her gaze, however, fell on me...

"Regarding the understanding of 'Tao follows nature,' this... Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao seems to have a different perspective?"

The Azure Lotus Fairy's clear and melodious voice now pierced me like a sharp icicle. Her gaze carried a hint of barely perceptible provocation, making me feel as if I were sitting on pins and needles. "Regarding the understanding of 'the Way follows nature,' this... Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao seems to have a different perspective, doesn't she?"

Different perspectives? What different perspectives do I have? I haven't even fully digested what Master Ziyang said, let alone offered any profound insights. I looked around in a panic, seeing unfamiliar faces staring at me with inquisitive, curious, and even disdainful eyes. My breathing became rapid, and my palms sweated even more.

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. My mind was blank, as if all knowledge had left me in that moment. I tried hard to recall the principles Wen Chen had taught me, but found that they were like scattered beads, impossible to string into a complete necklace.

The whispers around me grew louder and louder, flooding my ears like a tide, making me even more panicked. I felt like a butterfly trapped in a spider's web, powerless to struggle, only able to watch helplessly as I was swallowed up.

"What? Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao, are you mute? Or do you know nothing about 'Dao follows nature' and are just here to make up the numbers?" Daoist Huoyun's rough voice was filled with undisguised sarcasm, like a sharp sword that pierced my pride.

My cheeks burned, a mixture of shame and anger threatening to overwhelm me. I bit my lip hard, my nails digging deep into my palms, barely managing to keep myself from losing control. I told myself I couldn't cry, I couldn't back down, I had to calm down.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in my heart. I raised my head to meet the half-smiling gaze of Fairy Qinglian, and said in a calm tone, "Fairy Qinglian flatters me. I am just a junior who has just entered the path of immortality, and my understanding of 'the way of nature' is still very shallow. I dare not make any comments. I hope that you seniors will give me more guidance."

Although my words were humble, they also showed that I was not completely ignorant. Although I did not directly answer Fairy Qinglian's question, I cleverly defused her difficult situation.

However, Daoist Huoyun clearly had no intention of letting me off the hook. He snorted coldly and said, "Hmph, dare not make any comments? I think you simply don't know what to say! A piece of trash without spiritual roots dares to participate in the Dao Discussion Conference, truly overestimating yourself!"

His words struck like a thunderclap across the square. The whispers around me ceased abruptly, and all eyes turned to me. I felt a burning sensation on my cheek, as if I had been slapped hard across the face.

My fists clenched so tightly my nails almost pierced my palms. I struggled to control myself, to keep from exploding. I knew I couldn't act impulsively; I couldn't let Wen Chen down.

Just then, I felt a cold gaze fall upon me. I turned my head and saw the Palace Mistress of Cold Moon looking at me with an arrogant gaze, her eyes seeming to say… “You are not worthy to be here.” A slight smile played on her lips, as if…

A slight smile played on her lips, as if mocking my overestimation of myself. A chill rose from the soles of my feet, spreading throughout my body, making me shiver involuntarily. The Palace Mistress of Cold Moon Palace, a renowned powerhouse in the cultivation world, exuded an immense pressure with every word and action, making people afraid to look her in the eye. And now, that pressure was falling entirely on me, as if to crush me into dust.

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. I knew I couldn't let their words and looks break me. I came here not to prove anything to them, but to improve myself, to become stronger. Wen Chen had said that the path of cultivation was long and full of challenges; only through perseverance could one ultimately reach the other shore.

The carefree hermit stood to the side, shaking his head and muttering to himself, as if reciting poetry or talking to himself. His indifferent attitude only made me feel more isolated and helpless. I looked around and found that apart from True Monarch Ziyang, who maintained a calm gaze, everyone else was full of hostility and disdain towards me.

"It seems that this Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao has no brilliant ideas," Fairy Qinglian spoke again, her tone tinged with disdain. "In that case, let's not waste everyone's time."

Her words were like adding fuel to the fire. The surrounding whispers resumed, this time louder and sharper, like countless needles piercing my eardrums and wounding my pride. I felt my breathing become increasingly rapid, my heart pounding as if it were about to leap from my chest.

I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging deep into my palms, causing a sharp pain. I told myself I couldn't back down, I couldn't be afraid. Wen Chen was still waiting for me; I couldn't let him down.

I raised my head, my gaze sweeping firmly across the crowd before finally settling on True Monarch Ziyang. He maintained his serene gaze, as if everything around him were irrelevant. I took a deep breath and slowly spoke, "True Monarch Ziyang is absolutely right. 'The Way of Nature' is indeed the ultimate principle of cultivation..."

My voice trembled slightly, but it carried clearly throughout the square. The surrounding chatter gradually subsided, and everyone's eyes were fixed on me, filled with curiosity, inquiry, and a hint of mockery.

I tried to ignore the unfriendly looks and continued, "'The Way of Nature' is not static, but rather..." Before I could finish, I was rudely interrupted by Daoist Huoyun.

"Enough!" he roared, interrupting me. "A piece of trash without spiritual roots dares to spout nonsense here! Do you even know what 'the Way follows nature' means?"

His voice boomed like thunder across the square. I felt a shiver run through me, and a surge of anger welled up inside me. I bit my lip tightly, trying hard to control myself and prevent myself from exploding.

"Daoist Huoyun, please calm down." True Lord Ziyang finally spoke, his voice calm yet powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority, "Everyone has the right to speak, and we should respect every seeker of the Dao."

His words warmed my heart. I looked at him gratefully, then took a deep breath and continued, "'The Way of Nature,' in my view..."

My voice rang out again, this time more resolute and confident. I know my journey is long, and my challenges have only just begun. But I will not give up; I will persevere until I reach the heights I desire.

“I believe…” I paused, my gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on the cold face of the Palace Master of Cold Moon Palace, “that the Dao follows nature, not that it simply goes with the flow…”

“I believe that the Tao follows nature, but it is not about going with the flow, but about learning from nature and ultimately transcending it.” I paused, and met the doubtful or disdainful gazes of the crowd, and continued, “The Tao of nature lies in balance, in cycles, and in the endless cycle of life. We cultivators absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and comprehend the laws of nature. Our ultimate goal is not to merge with nature, but to transcend nature, control nature, and even create nature.”

As soon as I finished speaking, a buzz of discussion arose in the square. Fairy Qinglian covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes full of mockery: "What a fine 'creation of nature'! Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao, your tone is far too arrogant. You are a piece of trash without spiritual roots, unable to even protect yourself, yet you dare to presume to create nature? It's utterly laughable!"

Master Huoyun made no attempt to hide his disdain: "Hmph! He's utterly ignorant of his own limitations! Someone who hasn't even entered the path dares to talk about 'the Way follows nature' here? It's truly laughable!"

Although the Palace Mistress of Cold Moon Palace did not speak, her icy gaze was more lethal than any words. I felt as if I were in an ice cellar, chilled to the bone.

The carefree hermit remained indifferent, reciting unknown verses with a swaying head. Only the Purple Sun True Lord maintained his calm gaze, listening quietly to my speech.

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. I knew I had to adjust quickly, or I'd become a laughingstock at this Daoist conference. I silently encouraged myself: Xiao Yao, you can't back down! You've come this far, you absolutely can't give up! Wen Chen believes in you, and you must believe in yourself too!

“I know my views may be a bit bold,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “but I believe that as long as we keep working hard and exploring, we will eventually be able to reach the realm of ‘creating nature.’ This is not arrogance, but a belief, a pursuit.”

My words once again drew laughter from the crowd. The Azure Lotus Fairy sneered, "Belief? Pursuit? How nice! Belief without strength is nothing but a castle in the air; pursuit without talent is nothing but a fool's dream!"

I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging deep into my palms. I knew I had to show them some real skill to shut them up.

Just then, True Monarch Ziyang spoke up: "Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao, could you give an example of what you mean by 'creating nature'?"

His words gave me a moment to catch my breath. I gave him a grateful look, then took a deep breath and began to explain my understanding, supporting it with some scientific principles I had learned about in the mortal world…

I spoke at length for nearly half an hour, from the most basic five elements and their mutual generation and restraint, to the transformation of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and then to some scientific concepts I brought from modern times, trying to connect "Tao follows nature" and "creating nature".

However, my explanation was not accepted by most people. Master Huoyun even interrupted me directly: "Nonsense! What you're saying is nothing but heresy! The path to immortality lies in understanding the world and following nature, not in making up strange and bizarre theories like you do!"

His words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the hope that had just ignited in my heart. I knew I had to find a more convincing example to turn the situation around.

"Then," Daoist Huoyun stared at me aggressively, "please, Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao, explain how to convert fire-attribute spiritual power into water-attribute spiritual power!"

His voice carried a hint of provocation, a hint of mockery, and also a hint of... murderous intent.