My Wife Is A Sword Immortal-Chapter 485 - 329 Gentlemanly Friendship, the Elder’s Gift Decided_2

Chapter 485: Chapter 329 Gentlemanly Friendship, the Elder’s Gift Decided_2

Zhao Rong immediately furrowed his brows and added,

"On the contrary, Tao, my friend, when we first met, I thought you were transcendental and detached, striving to purify yourself as a reclusive Daoist, practicing the esteemed precepts of purity and inaction."

"But now it seems that by serving as a Teacher in the Taiching Four Mansions, actively promoting your sect’s principles, are you not also engaging in the acts of ’doing’?"

The elder in the pavilion fell silent for a while, his eyes reflecting reminiscence.

"You have seen the joke, my young friend. In fact, once upon a time, besides representing the Philosophical Daoism in debates at Jixia Academy, I seldom ’spoke’ or argued with others."

"Even in my younger days, at the most glorious moments of being a gentleman, I was always composed and detached from the world."

"Over the years, facing this contentious world, the shifting powers upon the mountains, I have mostly been silent, sneering at fellow sect members or Daoists who engage in worldly affairs, wasting their time."

"However, as I grow older, my hair turning gray, although continuing to live as a hermit, at ease, I find the weight on my shoulders has become somewhat heavier."

"After much consideration and introspection, despite my tranquil life for most of my years... there are still too many in the world who are not at ease, either puzzled, slow-witted, or misled, trapped in this worldly quagmire."

"It appears my spiritual practice is still inadequate, unable to emulate the discerning knowledge on internal and external matters or the perspective on honor and disgrace of my sect’s ancient wise predecessors, and to reach that state of selflessness, without achievements or fame."

At this moment, Tao Yuanran looked around him.

The gaze of the elder swept across the faces of the Residence Students sitting in meditation on the ground, passing over each one until finally resting on Zhao Rong’s attentively listening face.

"After being silent for most of my life, upon reflection, some words must still be spoken to this world, especially to you young people, because it is you, the youth, who will decide the future course and moral fabric of the Xuanhuang Cultivation World."

"Those seniors in our sect might not care, living in solitude, but I have started to care, unwilling to remain silent any longer, feeling the responsibility to guide you younger generations."

Tao Yuanran bowed his head, patted his sleeve, and said in an even tone, "That is the burden on my shoulders. I cannot let you be misled by the erroneous teachings of other schools, especially the action-prone Confucian!"

The elder slowly raised his head, looking at everyone:

"In coming out this time, I do not intend to act like a Confucian Scholar mending the world, patching up society, setting rigid rules—those futile, meritless tasks. I just can’t stay silent anymore. Hence I accepted the position of Taiching Prefecture’s Teacher to express the thoughts that have been weighing on my heart and have a good talk with you all."

Tao Yuanran looked directly at Zhao Rong.

Zhao Rong, upon hearing this, respectfully accorded honor.

Tao Yuanran, although he had always denounced the Confucian for "doing something," couldn’t help but stand up and "do something" himself.

The reason he gave was that, as an elder, he needed to impart Daoist philosophy to the younger generations, preventing them from being "deceived" by other philosophical schools. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

And that’s exactly how the elder himself felt.

But, in the end... he still engaged with the world, deviating from the Daoist way of desirelessness, and personal tranquility and freedom.

Tao Yuanran tried his best to justify the burden of responsibility on his shoulders without violating his internal understanding of the Great Dao.

Even if he was not an action-oriented Confucian Scholar like Lin Wenruo, he still engaged in a different kind of "action."

One Confucian, one Daoist.

Their Great Dao was different, even diametrically opposed at times.

But their initial intentions were good, both wishing to improve the world, even if just a little bit.

Even so, Zhao Rong felt that this might be the original intent of Daoism; inaction was for the sake of being able to act without restriction.

This was not passive withdrawal; it was, in fact, the most proactive engagement...

Therefore, Zhao Rong felt respect was due.

He nodded earnestly.

"I understand now, but contrary to what you expressed. You are an elder, no longer silent, willing to speak to the world. While I am still young and my learning shallow... I should start being silent and speaking less. A mentor of mine advised me to listen more and think more."

"So today, it’s not just because I feared disturbing you and the others during the lesson, but indeed I have nothing of substance to say. Let’s forego the philosophical debate for today."

"Good."

Tao Yuanran pondered for a moment and nodded:

"However, certain truths become clearer through debate and should not always be suppressed, nor should we work in isolation. When we have time, we can discuss these privately. Rest assured, young friend, our private conversations between us two, unless permitted, will never reach a third person’s ears."

Zhao Rong hesitated for a moment, glanced at the earnest expression of the elder in the pavilion, and after a short while, he nodded.

Witnessing this respectful interaction between two gentlemen of different generations, the surrounding Residence Students, who had been spectating, looked at each other and fell silent.

Tao Yuanran clapped his hands with a laugh, suddenly turned his head, and addressed Zhao Lingfei:

"Miss Zhao, the Pure Purple Energy in your hair, though refined, is not the orthodox method of our sect. It’s only a rough fit."

He glanced at the purple ribbon of energy in Zhao Lingfei’s hair and said with a smile,

"Your acquisition of the East Coming Purple Energy, hitherto the exclusive preserve of our Daoist gentlemen, along with the marvelous word ’pure’, suggests a destiny linked with our Daoist way. I have here a Spell that could unlock infinite wonders with the East Coming Purple Energy. You will understand once you use it. I gift it to you as a token of our first meeting. Take it and refine the Purple Energy anew. In the future, when forging your Golden Core, transforming it into a Purple Pill will be effortless."

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