History's Number 1 Founder
chapter-229

Zhu Yi bowed to greet Lin Feng, and said, "Master, I’ve just explained the mantras to the new disciples, and discovered a problem. Our sect’s Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams is too profound, and there are no new disciples with an established foundation in mantras, so no one could grasp its inherent abstractness."

Lin Feng let out a faint smile, as he had expected this from the beginning.

Previously when his personal mastery and Qi cultivation reached a perfect Level 12, he integrated eight kinds of mantras and used the System to create the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams. This mantra was originally meant to be used during his own Foundation Establishment stage.

Later Xiao Yan, Zhu Yi, and the rest also completed their Qi Cultivation stage and prepared for their Foundation Establishment stages before learning the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams.

Lin Feng's reasoning then was that his sect's signature mantra could only truly take off during the Foundation Establishment stage, and when Xiao Yan and the others joined, the mantra had not been created yet. However, objectively speaking, the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams would indeed be too arcane for cultivators in the Qi Cultivation stage to comprehend.

This is especially so for inexperienced people with absolutely no background in Qi cultivation. Although learning the Taoist scriptures would not be impossible, the difficulties faced would be greater, as the scriptures would seem too abstract and complex. This requires very high levels of intelligence, comprehension, and perceptiveness.

Hence, among those who had not completed their Qi Cultivation stage, there was only one person who could harness the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams - Lin Feng's third disciple, Wang Lin.

But who was Wang Lin? Although his innate ability was sub par, his intelligence reached freakishly exceptional levels.

Regarding this matter, Lin Feng had already found a solution. After all, a sect needed an extremely basic mantra that can be picked up by new disciples with no prior experience.

However, he did not reveal his solution immediately as he wanted to see how Zhu Yi would tackle this challenge.

"In your opinion, how should we resolve this problem?" Lin Feng asked with a smile.

Zhu Yi lifted his head and looked at his master, and thought to himself, "Looks like Master already had a plan from the start, but he’s using this to test me."

He already formed a rough outline in his head and did not panic. He replied calmly, "I came up with two solutions to deal with situations like this, and I would like Master to review them."

"In the first solution, like how Master first taught us, we would teach each disciple in accordance with their individual aptitude. By selecting a method tailored to the disciples' various individual foundations, we would introduce them to the basics. And when the time is ripe, we then impart the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams."

"In the second solution, we would create a simplified version of the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams for the new disciples to practice. Once they have built up their foundations, we can then impart them the full version of the mantra."

Zhu Yi paused, then softly said," I have spent the last few days organizing the teaching material, and I’ve revised and drafted a simplified version of the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams, but I would need Master to vet it."

Lin Feng let out a smile, "Zhu Yi, you've done well. I can see your effort."

Not only did Zhu Yi work hard in educating the new disciples, he also invested much effort in practising his mantras.

Breaking down a mantra to obtain a simplified version was by no means a trivial task, and did not just involve mere cancellations and corrections. The essential, profound components of the mantra could not be distorted. Maintaining its integrity was a task of utmost difficulty, and the one bearing this responsibility needed a deep and thorough understanding of the mantra.

When Yang Qing and Yue Hongyan gazed at Zhu Yi, it was evident that the duo revered him deeply. When they became Lin Feng's disciples and were taught the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams, they converted all their mana into Taoist Scripture mana.

The more one practised, the more one felt the esoteric profundity of the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams and realized the infinite possibilities waiting to be discovered.

Zhu Yi was able to make adjustments due to his solid foundation in the mantra, which Yue Hongyan and Yang Qing admired greatly.

Lin Feng chuckled, "The first method won't work. Previously, I used this method to allow you all to explore and realize your individual talents freely. This was to nurture you all to produce your own personal interpretations and understanding of the ways of the world.

"But for these disciples, their situation is vastly different from yours." Lin Feng said bluntly, "Their innate talent differs greatly from yours. Hence, following the same path as you all would not be suitable for them."

Xiao Budian grinned but did not utter a word. Zhu Yi's expression remained unchanged. They were neither overly arrogant nor self-deprecatingly humble.

Lin Feng continued, "Thus, among the two solutions you proposed, the second one would be more viable."

Zhu Yi nodded, then handed over the simplified Taoist Scriptures he had prepared for Lin Feng to inspect.

After reading through them, Lin Feng did not speak and instead, seemed to be lost in thought.

"It's not bad, but if Wang Lin reaches the Aurous Core stage now and has a thorough grasp of the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams, entrusting this matter to someone with his intelligence would produce a better-simplified version of the mantra.

Obviously, Lin Feng could not say this to Zhu Yi's face. He smiled faintly and said, "Very good, but there are some areas that can be further improved."

Upon saying this, he made some corrections to Zhu Yi's simplified version of the mantra without changing the core essence of the mantra.

Lin Feng was the original creator of the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams, and having already formed his Nascent Soul, his comprehension and internalization of this mantra was nearly perfect.

Previously, he had simplified the mantra for new, inexperienced disciples to practice. Naturally, he could now easily edit the imperfect parts of Zhu Yi's version.

Zhu Yi got back the corrected version and browsed through it, and instantly let out a sigh.

Xiao Budian who was reading from the side also laughed, " That's Master for you!"

Lin Feng patted his small head and jested, "What did you expect?" Xiao Budian retracted his head with a mischievous laugh.

Zhu Yi carried on saying, "Although this is the simplified version of the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams, it has evolved into an entirely new mantra. Master, please bestow it a name."

Xiao Budian snickered, "Since it’s the simplified version, we should call it the Small Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams."

Yue Hongyan and Yang Qing, who were listening from the side, both cracked a smile.

Zhu Yi was momentarily rendered speechless, but he too shook his head and laughed.

Lin Feng glanced at Zhu Yi and suddenly felt like teasing him. He coughed and said, "Speaking of which, this mantra is the fruit of your labor and the result of your integrated compilations and personal interpretation of the Great Celestial Way of the Eight Trigrams."

"Erhem, hence this new mantra should be called Zhu Zi's Eight Trigrams Variorum."

"In short, Zhu Zi's Variorum."

Lin Feng thought to himself, " Senior Zhu Xi, I mean no disrespect, I hope you won't mind."

So what if he takes offence?

Crawl out of the grave and hit me if you can!

You’re already in the afterlife!

Upon hearing what Lin Feng said, Zhu Yi's expression immediately became incredibly solemn and even started to take on a slightly sacred radiance.

"Zi is an age-old term used for wise saints who have enlightened the people, who all possess immense wisdom, compassion, courage, and righteousness. Hence, they would add the ‘Zi’ salutation behind their surname." He continued slowly, "Even though you are not eligible for this prestigious title yet, you must strive hard towards this goal. There will come a day when you will live up to such a title, you definitely won’t disappoint me!"

When Xiao Budian and the others heard this, they knew that this was Zhu Yi's aspiration, one that he strived towards with utmost earnestness.

Xiao Budian was no longer smiling. He patted Zhu Yi on the shoulder, "Second Senior, work hard!"

Yue Hongyan and Yang Qing also showered Zhu Yi with their blessings.

Lin Feng, however, grimaced at one side, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "I swear I didn't mean it this way ..."

Whether or not he meant this, Zhu Yi was now totally overwhelmed by the adulation that he replied solemnly, "I have something to report to Master."

"After daily self-reflection and much thought, I have narrowed down eight values to abide by in order to discipline and motivate myself."

Zhu Yi said in a serious tone, "I have termed them as the Eight Principles, and have prepared them to be the benchmark for my everyday actions. Would Master be so kind as to point out any areas of improvement?"

"Very well, you ..." Lin Feng nodded with a smile, suddenly feeling that something wasn't quite right.

The corners of his mouth started to twitch uncontrollably as he fixed his stare on Zhu Yi.

"How many principles are there again?"

Zhu Yi blinked, "Eight principles."

"Eight principles?"

"Eight principles!"

Xiao Budian curiously asked from one side, "Second Senior, what Eight Principles?"

Zhu Yi cleared his throat, "One, constantly strive for self-improvement, and bear great responsibilities with great virtue."

"Two, be intelligent and prudent, and think before you act."

"Three, do not fear the strong, nor bully the weak."

"Four, do not lose your dignity when stricken with poverty, nor lose your way when blessed with prosperity."

"Five, strive towards your goals with boundless courage, and reflect upon your actions three times a day."

"Six, act with proper judgement, and lead a smooth-sailing life."

"Seven, respect your seniors, and protect your juniors."

"Eight, live to benefit all, and be one with the world."

"Huh?" Xiao Budian blinked his huge sparkling eyes, and exclaimed in frustration, "I don't understand!"

Yue Hongyan, who was standing at one side, looked slightly embarrassed, and whispered, "I don't understand the fourth, sixth and eighth principles."

Yang Qing mulled over them and said, "Do not lose your dignity when stricken with poverty, nor lose your way when blessed with prosperity. This principle probably means, in times of poverty, never lose sight of justice and righteousness. And after you’ve achieved greatness, don't turn your back on the proper, honourable path."

"Act with proper judgement, and lead a smooth-sailing life probably means, one must differentiate between right and wrong, treasure friendship, and love oneself, then one would not be led astray."

"Live to benefit all, and be one with the world. A scholar's definition of benefit does not refer to personal gain, but to be useful to society. A gentleman who contributes to society can then co-exist harmoniously with the world."

Zhu Yi smiled and nodded, "It is just as Fifth Junior said, these are the values that I abide by. Creation, Success, Benefit, and Sincerity - these are a gentleman’s four virtues. By enlightening the masses, they benefit, and can hence live fruitfully and subsequently inculcate these values to others. This should be our fundamental cause."

Xiao Budian chuckled, "Although I don't quite get it, this sounds really impressive."

"Second Senior, would these Eight Principles also be called Zhu Zi's Eight Principles?"

Zhu Yi laughed, "I wouldn't dare, these are just values that guide me in self-reflection."

As they were chatting up a storm, they did not notice how flustered Lin Feng had become.

Eight Principles … and the Second Senior …

As he gazed at Zhu Yi draped in purple robes and dressed like a scholar, Lin Feng could not help but picture a scene, where Zhu Yi's head was swapped for a …

Wait! Stop!

The scene he imagined was too beautiful. He really should not continue picturing it in his mind.

"Zhu Yi, it suddenly dawned upon me. This mantra, we should call it Yi Zi's Eight Trigrams Variorum instead." The corners of Lin Feng's mouth curled upwards, and he coughed dryly, " Your ... Eight Principles can also be titled Yi Zi's Eight Principles."

Zhu Yi looked at Lin Feng, slightly perplexed. Lin Feng put on a neutral expression and said, "Your mother placed the word 'Yi' in your name, and bears the connotation of revolutionizing the world and changing the universe. You better live up to her expectations."

When Lin Feng mentioned Meng Bingyun, Zhu Yi immediately turned solemn, "I shall let Master decide everything. I will definitely remember your teachings with all my heart. I won't let Mother or Master down."

"That's good then, that's good." Lin Feng discreetly wiped off his cold sweat.

After sending Zhu Yi and the others off, a thought struck Lin Feng. He entered a Celestial Small World which he created using his own mana. There, the little Taotie Tun Tun was about to rage from sheer anxiety.

...

On the Sword of Radiance Sect’s Lingyun Peak, Murong Yanran was sitting in her cave, dazed.

The Tong Ling Priestess looked at her and let out a sigh. She had just gotten wind of Xiao Yan's current mastery levels, which was far greater than Murong Yanran’s.

"Actually, there is still a solution to this problem." The Tong Ling Priestess hesitated for a moment, gritted her teeth and exclaimed.

Murong Yanran's eyes suddenly flickered with hope. She anxiously tugged at the hem of the Tong Ling Priestess’ robes, "Master, what solution is that?"