Under one person: I, Zhang Zhiwei, the arrogant Zhang.

"Also a wrong path?" Zuo Ruotong was taken aback and asked, not understanding, "Does young friend Zhiwei mean that the new reverse life path I proposed is wrong?"

“It’s not wrong,” Zhang Zhiwei said. “Didn’t I just say that if you can do that, you can reach the level of an Arhat in Buddhism?”

"Then why?" Zuo Ruotong asked, puzzled.

“Aim high and you'll get middle; aim middle and you'll get low; aim low and you'll get nothing.” Zhang Zhiwei said, “If you truly cultivate to that level, perhaps you've reached a certain realm, perhaps you can even reach the point that you, Master Zuo, are pursuing—transforming the acquired into the innate and seamless. But at that time, you will definitely not be the person you are now. How can I describe that state…”

Zhang Zhiwei paused for a moment and then said, "I would describe it as authentic, but not complete. You are still your most authentic self, but not your whole self."

"When one becomes an Arhat...preserving authenticity...incompleteness..." Master Zuo repeated what he had just said. Although he did not know exactly what the state of an Arhat was like, he still knew the definition of an Arhat.

This is the highest attainment in Theravada Buddhism, also known as "Sravaka Bodhi" or "No More Learning," representing the ultimate achievement of personal liberation.

Above Arhat is the Bodhisattva stage, but this is the realm of Mahayana Buddhism, meaning "enlightened sentient being" or "Bodhisattva".

As for preserving authenticity, but not complete nature, having said all that, he naturally understood the meaning behind it. He had cultivated his most authentic self, but without all his true nature.

The concept of "fullness preservation" is evident from the fact that they use the term "fullness" rather than "preservation of authenticity." In a sense, fullness is greater than preservation of authenticity.

Zhang Zhiwei continued, "'Preserving authenticity' is like cutting through tangled mess with a sharp knife! It leaves only the most core 'true self's thinking, cutting away all superfluous emotions, whether good or evil, beautiful or ugly...!"

"As for Quanxing, it requires in-depth analysis. For example, you just said that one should be sincere in one's conduct, and you used the word 'sincerity'. But the concept of 'sincerity' itself is an external way of thinking that comes from reading books."

“In your most primal, purest form of thinking, there was no concept of ‘sincerity’ at the beginning.”

"The truest essence of the authentic self is actually a pure, natural, and unpolluted Qi, containing no acquired concepts and having no idea what sincerity or insincerity is."

"It is the purest existence in the world, not even in our real world, but in another dimension. Wang Yangming called it the innate conscience in the state before it is manifested."

"This essence of conscience is an absolutely pure and clean state, the state before the birth of all your temperaments, the root of life, which is the state of primordial Qi that you Sanyi Sect pursue."

"But this state is not the real 'you' itself. You can understand it as the foundation, the raw material at the starting point of life, but you must never think that this foundation is equal to 'you' as a person!"

"The real 'you' is the sudden awakening at a crucial point in the birth of life, the miraculous moment when the mind first flashes with a sense of self-existence, that spark of thought ignited from the intertwining of sex and destiny—that is the real, unique you. It is not the original chaotic state of reversing the practice and tracing back to the primordial Qi."

Zuo Ruotong frowned, deep in thought. After a moment, she said, "So... our Sanyi Sect's cultivation has actually mistaken that primordial chaotic state for the true 'self'?"

Zhang Zhiwei said, "That's right! This is the most fundamental difference. Only by recognizing this difference and overcoming this hurdle can we truly preserve our integrity and authenticity."

"I see!" Zuo Ruotong said, "So, if there is only preservation of truth and no preservation of nature, does that mean that I am still me, but not the me I am now? I will become a blank sheet of paper, without joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness, without good or evil, in a state of detachment from all emotions, with only the pure and inactive mindset of my true self remaining?"

“That’s right, that’s exactly what I mean!” Zhang Zhiwei said. “In Taoism, this is called the Supreme Being Forgets Emotions; in Buddhism, it’s called the Arhatship; and in Confucianism, it’s the sage’s realm pursued by the Cheng-Zhu school, which advocates preserving heavenly principles and eliminating human desires.”

Zuo Ruotong said, "No wonder the difference between the Bodhisattva and Arhat stages is 'enlightened sentient beings,' and no wonder Arhats can only liberate themselves and not sentient beings, because they simply don't have that concept."

"So, even if the Reverse Life Path of my Sanyi Sect can reach the heavens, it is still only at the Arhat level."

“That’s not entirely true,” Zhang Zhiwei said. “How far one can go depends on one’s own cultivation.”

Master Zuo immediately realized what was happening and said, "I was too narrow-minded, always having higher expectations for my own methods."

"In fact, whether it is cultivating reversal of birth, or cultivating Buddhism or Taoism, it is essentially just a method of cultivation."

"Whether you walk, ride a bicycle, or drive a car, you can theoretically reach the destination. How far you go depends on yourself."

"If you have enough self-cultivation, you can go the highest and farthest on foot. If you have insufficient self-cultivation, you will overturn halfway even if you are in a car. These are all tools, all crutches."

“That’s right!” Zhang Zhiwei nodded. “So there’s no need to be so particular about it.”

"So, what should we pay attention to when practicing Quanxing?" Zuo Ruotong asked.

“The practice of the whole nature is done step by step, especially in recognizing and strengthening the mind of the true self. One must be careful in this regard.”

“In the past, I was very resistant to external thoughts and thoughts generated by bodily instincts, such as feelings of hunger and cold. This is also why many Taoist priests and monks like to fast.”

"But later I discovered that these things are not something to be afraid of. We can learn from others' experiences and external ideas and instinctive reactions can also become fertilizer and energy for the growth of our own thinking."

"So I don't try to suppress these things. In the past, I could go for years without sleeping."

"But now, I sleep when I'm tired and eat when I'm hungry. Sometimes, when I'm in the mood, I even ignore the rules and go eat some beef. My main idea is to do things as I please."

"Zhang Zhiwei's level of skill is truly beyond my reach!" Zuo Ruotong exclaimed, thinking to herself that the world only knows that Zhang Zhiwei has exceptional talent, immense strength, and is ruthless and direct in his actions, having killed countless people.

However, they all overlooked his extraordinary level of thought. The principle of simplicity is perfectly embodied in him, to the point that many people cannot understand it.

Zuo Ruotong exclaimed, "Young friend Zhiwei's current level of attainment reminds me of the legendary Living Buddha Ji Gong."

"Ji Gong drank wine and meat through his intestines, but Buddha remained in his heart. If people follow his example, it is like entering the demonic path. My young friend Zhiwei is no exception."

"Therefore, when I imitate them, I must be careful and constantly reflect on myself, lest I end up in the same situation as those Quanxing demons."

“Master Zuo, you flatter me. Your level of cultivation far surpasses that of the Quanxing people. Even their sect leader is a bit lacking. It’s just that you’re blinded by a leaf and can’t see Mount Tai. Now that the clouds have parted and the sun is shining, the road ahead will be bright!” Zhang Zhiwei said.

"I wouldn't dare think that way!" Zuo Ruotong said, "Young friend Zhiwei, let me share my understanding, and I welcome your corrections!"

"Please speak, Master Zuo!"

Zuo Ruotong continued, "You just said that the stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade, turning external ideas into fertilizer for the growth of one's own thinking. In fact, it is about finding the truest original intention of one's own thinking, and then cultivating and refining it little by little around this."

"If your original intention is to help others, then act chivalrously with a pure heart. If your original intention is lust and love, then love with a pure heart." "Just like those who practice the Joyful Meditation, the only difference between them and the demonic path of replenishing yang by yin is that one is inward and the other is outward, one is driven by the id and the other by the second mind."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded: "Yes, this thing is easy to talk about, but actually not easy to distinguish. There's a guy named Liang Ting in Quanxing, the Left Sect Leader should know him, right?"

Zuo Ruotong nodded: "Bai Xiao Liang Ting naturally knows about him. This man deceived his master and destroyed his family, and committed all kinds of evil deeds. It is no exaggeration to say that he is a first-class devil. However, didn't he die at the hands of my friend Zhiwei many years ago?"

“He did indeed die at my hands!” Zhang Zhiwei said, “But Master Zuo, do you know why he slaughtered his entire sect?”

"It is said that because of his ugly appearance, he suffered some unfair treatment in his sect. He held a grudge and began to take revenge after he had gained enough power!" Zuo Ruotong said.

Zhang Zhiwei said, "In fact, what he craves is the astonished look in the eyes of the world when he looks back at him. It's like showing off in front of people. But he mistakenly believes that it's the hateful and painful look in the eyes of others when he kills people. That's why he keeps killing."

“It’s both pathetic and hateful!” Zuo Ruotong said.

"Yes, so one must be careful when venturing into this field, as even a slight deviation could lead to completely the opposite outcome!" Zhang Zhiwei warned.

"I should heed your warning, young friend Zhiwei!"

After saying that, Zuo Ruotong stood up, clasped his hands and bowed deeply: "Your guidance today, young friend Zhiwei, is like a wake-up call for me, and it has given me enough ideas for my next cultivation."

After bowing once, the Left Gatekeeper was about to bow again, but Zhang Zhiwei stopped him with his hand.

"Master Zuo, there's no need for such formalities between us!"

……

Everyone around was astonished by what they saw, staring at the scene in disbelief.

"What's going on? Why would a figure like the Great Ying Immortal, the Left Gate Master, a towering figure in the world of extraordinary beings, bow to the Little Celestial Master?"

"Aren't they discussing the Way? Isn't discussion mutual? Why are they bowing?"

"Can't you even see that? Little Celestial Master is nicknamed Humanoid Opportunity. After Master Zuo discussed the Dao with Little Celestial Master last time, he broke through the third level of Reverse Life. Judging from what just happened, could it be that Master Zuo received some kind of hint during his discussion with Little Celestial Master again?"

"That must be it. Otherwise, why would someone like him bow to a junior like the Little Celestial Master in front of everyone?"

…………

…………

Everyone was talking quietly.

"As expected of Senior Brother Zhang, he can even give guidance to the Left Sect Leader!" Lu Ci exclaimed, then glanced at Lu Jin, who was staring in disbelief.

He thought to himself, “Don’t be fooled by Lu Mang’s behavior. He’s sometimes at Longhu Mountain and sometimes at Sanyi Sect. He seems to be getting all the benefits and resources from both Senior Brother Zhang and the Left Sect Leader. But actually, he’s just wasting his time. All I need to do is cling to Senior Brother Zhang’s coattails.”

At the head table.

The red-faced old Taoist said, "Judging from Master Zuo's appearance, he must have benefited greatly. Celestial Master, your disciple is truly remarkable!"

"You also want to discuss this?" Zhang Jingqing asked.

"I'll pass. I know when to advance and retreat, and I understand gains and losses. This old fellow isn't as ambitious and energetic as Master Zuo," the red-faced old Taoist said with a smile.

The Sanyi Sect is a pseudo-mystical sect, and many of its concepts can only be explored through trial and error, inevitably leading to deviations. He, on the other hand, was born into a true mystical sect and was the senior brother of Sect Master Sun. He had received much guidance from his junior brothers. There were some things he couldn't do, simply because he couldn't do them; he understood the reasoning behind it.

Of course, if he can't do it, he can't preach to others either; wouldn't that be misleading people?
After the Left Sect Leader, the handsome Yang Sect Leader of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, who carried a large iron sword and resembled Yang Guo, came to seek guidance from Zhang Zhiwei. Because the Left Sect Leader had come first, this Yang Sect Leader also showed great courtesy.

Zhang Zhiwei had a decent impression of this Master Yang. The sword is the gentleman among weapons, and those who specialize in swordsmanship and achieve some success are usually not too corrupt.

People with impure intentions will find it difficult to achieve anything in swordsmanship. Just like in Japan, there are many sword dojos, but they are all just using the name of swordsmanship; the weapons they actually use are all knives.

The discussion with Master Yang was much simpler. The Flowing Cloud Sword Sect was an unorthodox sect that focused more on the sword than on the person themselves, much like the sword cultivators in later cultivation novels. The sword was the life of the person, and the person died when the sword died.

As the top swordsman of Longhu Mountain, it was easy for Zhang Zhiwei to offer some suggestions to Master Yang.

Afterwards, several more seniors came to ask for advice, and then the banquet came to an end.

Although Wudang will continue to hold banquets to entertain fellow practitioners and pilgrims who arrive one after another, those present will not stay for that long.

The next morning, many sects were bidding farewell, and the Celestial Master's Mansion was no exception.

The red-faced old Taoist personally escorted Zhang Jingqing, Zuo Ruotong, and their entourage to the Wudang archway.

"Even after a thousand miles of seeing you off, we must eventually part ways. Master Li, that's enough for now!" Zhang Jingqing said.

"Master Li, until we meet again!" Master Zuo clasped his hands.

The red-faced old Taoist priest clasped his hands and said, "Farewell, everyone!"

After exchanging greetings, everyone left.

Zhang Jingqing looked at Zhang Zhiwei: "Activate your profound power and set off!"

Having experienced the speed of lightning once, he no longer valued the magic of talismans like the Jade Horse.

“Alright.” Zhang Zhiwei was about to cast the spell when Zhang Huaiyi interrupted him:
"Master, Senior Brother, my training isn't over yet, so I won't be returning to the mountain with you. I'll start my journey from Wudang." (End of Chapter)