The Northern Song Dynasty returned south, seeking the truth of the Dao.

Looking at the Taoist priest Luo Puzi, dressed in a white robe and exuding an air of otherworldly elegance, Wang Zhenhuan was deeply moved by his graceful movements, landing as lightly as a feather and accompanied by white cranes like a carefree immortal.

As the saying goes, "A crane returns to the Huabiao pillar after a thousand years, its crimson crown and snow-white robes." He finally understood why, from ancient times to the present, so many people, famous and nameless, have sought to ask this question, one after another.

Perhaps this carefree and serene demeanor after attaining enlightenment, the ability to summon gods and ghosts, to command thunder and lightning, and the freedom of wandering the world accompanied by white cranes, is the true essence of life.

Although this moment lasted only a fleeting blink of an eye, countless thoughts flashed through Wang Zhenhuan's mind. He bowed respectfully to Daoist Luo Puzi, his voice trembling as he spoke.

"May I ask, Daoist Master, if I also wish to follow your path, to seek the truth and find my true self, where should I go?"

Master Luo Puzi looked at Wang Zhenhuan and said with a smile, "To understand the Dao, one must first examine one's heart. Young friend, have you ever considered why you cultivate the Dao? What is your true nature?"

"I...I want to survive in this chaotic world. I want to stop being driven away by the Jurchens and bullied by others. I want to be someone who can protect myself and my family!" Wang Zhenhuan thought for a moment and said in a firm and powerful tone.

"There are many ways to survive. Join the army and become a general. That way you can protect your family and yourself. It's not just about cultivating Taoism," Master Luo Puzi countered.

"But as a general, I can't summon gods and ghosts. What should I do if I encounter such a strange god again?" Wang Zhenhuan shook his head.

After witnessing the two's battle, he realized that he didn't understand this world at all, or rather, that this world was completely different from the era he knew.

"Young friend, life is short, and the path to enlightenment is long. If you seek enlightenment and cultivation out of mere curiosity, you will inevitably fail to grasp the Great Way. Ask yourself honestly, are you truly seeking enlightenment with sincere devotion?"

"Don't rush to answer. As I've said before, young friend, we are destined to meet. A spark of inspiration has guided you onto the path. This is your destiny! It's just that the time is not yet ripe."

After saying this, Daoist Luo Puzi waved his hand at Wang Zhenhuan, and Lin Qingyan, who was lying in his arms, floated away from his body and gently landed on the back of the white crane from mid-air.

"May I ask, Master, when will the time be ripe? And what is this spark of inspiration? Please enlighten me, Master." Wang Huanzhen was still unwilling to give up and took half a step forward to ask.

Daoist Luo Puzi followed closely behind Lin Qingyan, soaring through the air. He landed lightly on the back of the white crane and sat down cross-legged. Seeing Wang Zhenhuan's unwilling expression, he smiled and shook his head, explaining.

"In my Taoist tradition, if a deity were to reincarnate in the mortal realm, they would retain a trace of their spiritual light. This trace of light can be called a seed of Tao or a spiritual root, as you may wish. Although they will lose their memories of their previous life upon reincarnation in the mortal realm..."

But this spark of inspiration will, in some mysterious way, guide them back to the path of cultivation. Do you understand what I mean?

Wang Zhenhuan was deeply shaken by Daoist Luo Puzi's words. His words were like a sudden awakening, jolting Wang Zhenhuan awake. His voice trembled as he asked, "Daoist, do you mean... I... am actually a deity descended to earth?"

"Indeed, but immortals descending to earth show no outward signs, so it's impossible to deduce their past lives. However, this glimmer of light carries some memories of their past lives; the more blurred the memories, the higher the person's status in their past life."

Master Luo Puzi stroked his beard and addressed the woman standing beside Wang Zhenhuan, saying, "You clumsy woman, why don't you reveal your true form and leave with me?"

Upon hearing Daoist Luo Puzi's words, the woman looked up shyly and glanced at Wang Zhenhuan. Her eyes were filled with apology and reluctance, while Wang Zhenhuan's heart surged like a tsunami.

But he still stepped forward, gently patted her shoulder, and comforted her, "Following Daoist Luo Puzi up the mountain and cultivating diligently is a great blessing. I entrust my wife to you, Madam. Besides, man is higher than the mountain, and feet are longer than the road. The world is vast, and we will meet again someday."

The woman wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, bowed to him, and then waved goodbye. As the smoke dissipated, she transformed into a gray field mouse as long as a forearm, which was then put into the sleeve of Daoist Luo Puzi.

Wang Zhenhuan's eyes also reddened. Although he had prepared himself mentally, the sadness still welled up in his heart as the parting approached. He bowed to Daoist Luo Puzi once again.

"Master, I entrust my family to you. When I have finished seeking the Dao and rediscovering my true self, I will go to Mount Gezao to pay my respects!"

"That's only right. Qingyan is not only your family, but also the daughter of an old friend of mine. You should take good care of her. After you return to the mountain, I will take her under my wing and personally teach her."

After Master Luo Puzi finished speaking, he waved his hand at Lin Qingyan, and the jade pendant around her neck automatically disappeared, floating in front of Wang Zhenhuan. Below the jade pendant, there was also a wooden plaque that had flown out from the master's sleeve. Wang Zhenhuan looked up at him in confusion.

"Keep it, keep it as a memento. A person with something to hold onto will not act rashly when faced with problems. Moreover, this jade pendant was crafted by me and has the ability to identify those who are different, so that you will not be deceived in the future. Perhaps your destiny lies within this wooden plaque."

Wang Zhenhuan carefully put away the wooden plaque, then placed the jade pendant in his palm and held it tightly. Feeling the warmth of the jade pendant, he could no longer hold back, lowered his head, and tears silently slid down his cheeks.

Master Luo Puzi gently patted the white crane, and it took flight. He then spoke to Wang Huanzhen, saying, "Before we part, I have a few words to give you. First, most people in the world are ordinary and mediocre, and the reason for this is that they are more action than planning."

Without determining their goals or direction, and without considering the dangers along the way, they hastily set off. Only after embarking did they discover that not only was the journey treacherous, but their preparations were also inadequate. Thus, they had no choice but to abandon their journey halfway.

"Yes, kid, I understand. Think things through before you act." Wang Zhenhuan nodded in response, his eyes red.

"Indeed, the world is full of troubles. It is never too late to mend a broken wall, but suffering is inevitable along the way. Therefore, it is even more valuable to consider things carefully and choose the best course of action."

"Thank you for your teachings, Master Xie. I will certainly keep them in mind." Wang Zhenhuan nodded again.

"Secondly, it is the principle of Yin and Yang taking turns, and the way of Heaven is never wrong. Everything has both advantages and disadvantages. To gain the advantage, one must also suffer the disadvantage. This is the ultimate truth of the way of Heaven. In all things, one should not get caught up in the pros and cons, nor should one try to seek advantage and avoid harm."

Just as your name suggests, only by understanding your heart can you attain true enlightenment. Knowing clearly what you want to do allows you to forge ahead without hesitation. Life is short; don't waste precious time on the road…

The voice of Daoist Luo Puzi faded into the distance with the flapping of the white crane's wings. Wang Huanzhen knelt on the ground, watching the receding figure, and kowtowed heavily.

In a voice only he could hear, he whispered, "I humbly accept your instruction..."