hotmtlnovel Chapter 16 Heavenly Gate Foundation Establishment
Chapter 16 Heavenly Gate Foundation Establishment
Lu Yu and Wukong, full from mountain peaches, chatted happily on the back hill. Soon, the sun set behind the West Mountain, and the two made their way back to the dojo together. After walking for a while, they passed a small river. Gazing at the ceaselessly babbling stream, Lu Yu couldn't help but reflectively say, "Thus passes the past, ceaseless day and night."
For a moment, all the memories of the past surged into his heart. Scenes flashed before his mind: one moment he was a diligent ordinary youth on Earth, and another, he was a baby just born. He was also a devoted student in the Great Chen Dynasty who studied through bitter cold, and a seeker of the Dao who roamed the world with his sword.
The final image settled on a tempestuous storm at sea, where the Scholar with arms wide open embraced the vast ocean.
At this moment, Lu Yu felt as though the world had opened its heart to him. The feeling that had once appeared in the vast ocean re-emerged, and the surrounding water vapor seemed to come to life, constantly moving towards him.
"The highest goodness is like water, water benefits all things and does not compete. It dwells in places that most detest, and thus it is nearly in harmony with the Dao." A passage of scripture suddenly appeared in Lu Yu's mind, and, as if blessed by sudden enlightenment, he relaxed his body.
The surrounding spiritual energy was swept up by the water vapor, continuously rushing towards Lu Yu and entering his body through his pores and orifices, flowing into his meridians. The movement was so intense that it formed a visible misty vortex above his head.
Just then, Lu Yu seemed to see the babbling brook flowing continuously through the meridians in his body, mending those that had been damaged from frequent use of the Flying Sword, and finally gathering in his Dantian, slowly converging into an ocean. By this time, Lu Yu was no longer an ignorant youth.
Having listened to the Ancestral Master's teachings for so long, though he had not received a direct Cultivation Technique, he had gained a general understanding of cultivation.
This was Heavenly Gate Foundation Establishment, a condition experienced by ancient powers in the past. At the dawn of time when the world first opened and no cultivation techniques were transmitted, these great beings were enlightened by the spiritual charm of heaven and earth and self-realized the Taoist Laws.
They later taught throughout the realms, leading to the prosperous era of cultivation that followed.
A cultivator who achieves Heavenly Gate Foundation Establishment perceives the Heavenly Dao and realizes the Taoist Laws personally tailored for them, naturally fitting them perfectly. Cultivating in this way progresses exceptionally fast, far surpassing inherited teachings.
"It's actually Heavenly Gate Foundation Establishment, Scholar, you're truly incredible. This is your first step into the path of cultivation!" The Monkey, realizing the reason and feeling envious, said enthusiastically.
Lu Yu, carefully sensing the changes within his body, understood this was what was known as Qi Cultivation Practice. Looking at the delighted Monkey, he excitedly said, "Yes, after ten years of seeking the Dao, I've finally stepped onto the path of immortality."
As Lu Yu was immersed in the wonders of the Yin God, suddenly a bell rang, signaling the time for the ancestral master's sermon. The disciples had already started flooding towards the great hall.
The ancestral master preached arousingly, his words as captivating as flowers scattering from the sky and golden lotuses sprouting from the ground. Skillfully he unfolded the teachings of the Three Vehicles, encompassing the subtleties of myriad laws. Slowly waving his fly-whisk, he sprayed pearls and jades, his voice booming like thunder shaking the Nine Heavens.
He spoke now of the Dao, now of Chan, melding the three traditions as naturally as if they were one. With one word, he expounded the earnest principles of devotion, guiding us towards the profound mystery of inherent nature. The disciples listened, utterly mesmerized, and the Monkey King danced in joy.
Thus, the ancestral master paused his teaching to inquire about the Monkey King's time at the monastery.
The ancestral master said, "The mountain is called Decayed Peach Mountain. You have eaten there seven times, so it must have been seven years. What do you wish to learn from me now?"
Lu Yu listened to the conversation between the ancestral master and the Monkey King and saw the unique opportunity that fell into the Monkey King's lap. While many fellow disciples were complaining about the Monkey King, Lu Yu was secretly happy for him.
Lu Yu's journey of seeking the Dao was arduous, and the Monkey King had never had it easy either. It was only after meeting Lu Yu that his life started to improve somewhat. Now he was about to achieve his wishes, and Lu Yu felt genuinely happy for him, even though he had known this day would come.
"It seems I need to work harder; I can't let the Monkey King get too far ahead!" Lu Yu thought to himself. He was well aware that for someone like the Monkey King, a 'Child of the Era', stepping on the cultivation path would be truly terrifying.
In less than a hundred years, the Monkey King had evolved from an ordinary Monkey King into the Great Sage Equalling Heaven capable of causing Havoc in Heaven. Although many speculated that the Immortal Gods might have been lenient, it still attested to the Monkey King's frightening talent for cultivation.
The night was clear, with the full moon hanging high and cool breezes blowing. Everyone had fallen into sleep. The Monkey King carefully climbed out of bed, tiptoed towards the door, and relaxed a little when he saw no signs of his fellow disciples waking up. He then slowly made his way towards the attic where the ancestral master resided.
Just as the Monkey King left, Lu Yu also opened his eyes. Looking at the clear moon through the window and feeling the coolness of the night, he knew exactly what the Monkey King was up to.
He could even imagine the current scene in the ancestral master's attic: the Monkey King kneeling on the ground, the ancestral master sitting cross-legged on the platform, revealing the Cultivation Techniques one after another. Thinking of this, Lu Yu let out a knowing smile and then continued his sweet dreams. It was a fine night, he thought to himself.
The next day, it was the Monkey King's robust voice that woke the disciples. They were unaware he had received a fortunate opportunity, and he was now in an excited state. Of course, this event might seem insignificant in another disciple's life but would have a tremendous impact on the Three Realms.