Chapter 311 - 170: Plagued by Vanity, Never Content

Chapter 311: Chapter 170: Plagued by Vanity, Never Content

A True Monarch’s Dao Skill was not something an ordinary person could fathom.

Among the cultivators present, whenever one picked up a black stone to make a move, a white stone would fly from its bowl and land on the board of its own accord. After a mere dozen moves, many of the cultivators were already frowning, lost in bitter contemplation.

As a True Disciple of Dinghu Mountain, Zhuo Hansheng was no stranger to playing Go or practicing the sword. However, this was the first time he’d had the opportunity to play a game against True Monarch Guangcheng.

He was in no hurry to place his stone. Instead, he first focused his mind, quieting his spirit for a moment to sweep away all worldly thoughts. Once he felt his mind clear and his thoughts flow freely, he finally picked up a black stone and placed it in a corner of the board.

As Zhuo Hansheng placed his stone, a white one flew out in response. It landed with a move of traceless grace, embodying the perfect, natural Dao and instantly pulling him into a state where nothing existed beyond the game.

It was as if he were sitting alone on a cliff, a boundless sea stretching out below. Waves crashed against the rock face, the roar of the tide swelling, threatening to engulf him at any moment.

Zhuo Hansheng seemed oblivious to the scene, his hands moving quickly as he placed his stones. The white stones responded without pause. Each move he made was not merely a strategic play; it felt like a test of his Dao, a pointer for his cultivation.

The feeling was indescribable. Each response was not just a counter to his opponent’s move, but also an articulation and refinement of his own understanding of the Dao.

Zhuo Hansheng had absolute confidence in his own Dao. Whenever a white stone landed, he did not hesitate, simply following the answer deep in his heart and responding in kind. In a few short moments, dozens of moves were exchanged.

Suddenly, as another white stone fell, a voice resounded. It was like a magnificent, heavenly sound rolling in from the horizon, deafeningly loud, yet it also seemed to emanate from the deepest part of his own soul—an insistent, soul-searching question that left him deeply conflicted.

Zhuo Hansheng, what does the pursuit of your own Dao have to do with others?

’Of course it has nothing to do with anyone else.’ The answer was obvious, but Zhuo Hansheng’s hand froze over the board.

’If it has nothing to do with others, then why am I always secretly resentful? Why is it that with all the talent in Dinghu Mountain—no, with my own excellence—I am still considered inferior to an outsider in the eyes of the sect’s Zhenrens?’

’If it has nothing to do with others, why do I aim to be ranked among the Eight Prodigies? Why do I use the title "Dinghu One Zhuo" to constantly push myself? Why do I secretly compare myself to Jin Yuanzai, to Li Chengzhen, to Zhong Shenxiu, to Xuzhuang...?’

Zhuo Hansheng suddenly smiled and placed his stone on the board.

’That’s right. I do take these comparisons very seriously. It’s not because I’m jealous, nor because I crave empty fame. It’s because I, Zhuo Hansheng, believe I am absolutely second to none.’

’If I am praised, if I am the one who shines brightest, I cannot become complacent; I must reflect upon myself thrice daily. If others look down on me, if I find myself temporarily ranked lower, then I must fight to catch up, to forever strive for the top.’

’So what if I care? So what if I don’t? It is all part of my own cultivation. There is no need for confusion.’

Playing Go was to play the Dao. To ask of the Dao was to ask of the Law, to ask of the heart, to ask of one’s nature. As stones crisscrossed the board, Zhuo Hansheng was far from the only one whose hand had stalled.

While a solemn atmosphere filled the grounds, True Monarch Guangcheng appeared at the Immoral Taoist’s table. He personally picked a stone from the bowl, made a move, and said with a faint smile, "Young friend, it has been a long time since you last came to listen to my teachings. Your cultivation, however, has progressed considerably."

The Immoral Taoist was surprised that True Monarch Guangcheng would even remember a junior like him. He quickly and respectfully replied, "Thank you for your praise, True Monarch."

True Monarch Guangcheng gave a slight smile and gestured for the Immoral Taoist to dispense with the formalities. Only then did the Immoral Taoist ponder for a moment before placing a stone to block the move.

True Monarch Guangcheng played his moves with serene confidence, placing stones without pause. He asked casually, "I hear you wish to open a Divination Pavilion in Weiyun Immortal City, young friend?"

The Immoral Taoist was slightly taken aback. He quickly replied, "That is correct. My martial brothers and I—all four of us, including Da Ji and Great Evil—do indeed intend to open a Divination Pavilion in Weiyun Immortal City."

"That is an excellent idea," True Monarch Guangcheng said with a smile. "As for the matter you have been discussing with Shuquan, I can approve it on his behalf."

The Immoral Taoist was overjoyed. With his and his brothers’ cultivation and resources, opening a Divination Pavilion in Weiyun Immortal City wasn’t difficult. However, becoming the twelfth Immortal Pavilion to be officially endorsed by the Guangcheng Dojo was another matter entirely.

But the Divination Pavilion they planned to open was never meant to cater to ordinary cultivators, which made a credible endorsement all the more crucial. That was why they had been haggling endlessly with the City Lord of Weiyun Immortal City, Master Shuquan, who was one of True Monarch Guangcheng’s disciples.

Although True Monarch Guangcheng rarely involved himself in such mundane affairs, a single word from him was final.

But amidst his joy, the Immoral Taoist couldn’t help but wonder why True Monarch Guangcheng would personally concern himself with such a trivial matter.

As if reading his mind, True Monarch Guangcheng smiled. "It is merely a matter of cause and effect, young friend. Do not trouble yourself over it." He then suddenly placed a stone. "You have lost, young friend."

The Immoral Taoist glanced at the board. Sure enough, his black stones were out of options. He quickly and respectfully said, "Thank you for your guidance, True Monarch."

True Monarch Guangcheng simply gave a slight nod and strolled away. Instead of returning to his seat, however, he walked onto the grounds and began to survey the other games with great interest.

The Immoral Taoist snapped back to reality and suddenly recalled something. Back when he had yet to achieve the Primordial Spirit realm, his master, the Yi Daoist, had gifted a Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit to one of True Monarch Guangcheng’s Zhenrens. It had allowed that Zhenren to delay his tribulation for three thousand six hundred years.

However, that Zhenren had apparently failed to overcome his Thunder Tribulation in the end, perishing in body and soul. Because of that, the Immoral Taoist had never given the matter much thought. ’Thinking about it now,’ he mused, ’perhaps that good deed was the cause that led to today’s reward.’

Just as the Immoral Taoist was lost in thought, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind via transmission. He turned his head to see Great Evil Zhenren, a smug, arrogant smile plastered on his face. He sneered, "You immoral brat, your cultivation is pathetic! Losing so quickly... You’d better stop bragging about being from an orthodox Primordial Spirit lineage. You’re just embarrassing yourself!"