For Xu Yan, Li Xuan's words were guidance from his master, clues about how to gain enlightenment, how to break the shackles impeding his progress.
"Capture the concealed Spirit Mechanism around you, comprehend the essence of every blade of grass, every piece of wood, the nature of the heavens and the earth..."
In a daze, Xu Yan seemed to have a sudden insight.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master; I understand!"
Xu Yan said reverently.
Seeing his foolish disciple being so easily taken in once again, Li Xuan nodded in satisfaction.
Over the next two days, Xu Yan stopped cultivating and began strolling around the small village instead. Feeding chickens, planting vegetables, sitting on a rock at night and staring at the stars in the sky.
His mind seemed remarkably peaceful.
The obsession to break through the golden bone shackles was gone, as was the attachment to cultivation. His mind, as though having put down a heavy load, felt lighter.
