Chapter 981: Extra Story 4: The Irreplaceable Bond with Jiang Ran

On December 22nd, according to Wenxin Heaven’s newly released “Holiday Calendar System,” it is the second-to-last holiday of the year, Little New Year.

Eight days from now, it will be the New Year’s Eve.

Under the influence of Wenxin Heaven’s publicity, the cultivation forces that previously did not celebrate New Year, mostly started preparation this year, and the atmosphere of the New Year is becoming stronger across different regions.

The Eternal Immortal Sect is no exception, with all the mountain peaks adorned with festive decorations. Initially, everyone harbored doubts about cultivators celebrating New Year because traditionally, the ideals of cultivation advocated distancing from the hustle and bustle of the mundane world.

But in fact, this worldly New Year’s event did not diminish the ethereal aura of the Eternal Immortal Sect; instead, it created some unspeakable Dao rhythm.

Sect Leader Mei Jinqiu was astonished by this and went to discuss with Yushan Daoist,

“…Junior Brother Yushan, what do you think?”

Yushan Daoist gazed at a group of young disciples transporting New Year goods in the distance and couldn’t help but smile,

“Cultivation takes from Heaven and Earth, and understanding the Dao seeks from Nature. In the past, everyone believed Heaven and Earth were separate from humans, and Nature was independent of the mundane world. But in fact, humans are part of Heaven and Earth, and the mundane world is also part of Nature.”

“But mundane matters indeed influence the state of mind in cultivation.”

Yushan Daoist mused, “Festivals are a form of collective activity and best reflect the overall demeanor of a group. In the past, cultivators were affected by mundane matters because they consciously separated themselves from the collective. But times have changed. After Wubing returned the Three Thousand Great Dao to its origin, seeking the Dao became more of a mental tempering than a concrete action.”

Mei Jinqiu pondered thoughtfully,

“An individual’s will is often not absolutely independent but has inseparable connections with others.”

“Yes, for ordinary people, festivals are about being lively together and being happy together. For cultivators, this ‘togetherness’ promotes resonance in will, unknowingly forming a Dao rhythm.” Yushan Daoist laughed, “Although this Dao rhythm might not show direct benefits to them immediately, over time, it will be beneficial for them to break through realms and comprehend the origin.”

Mei Jinqiu, invigorated with spirit, “Then why not hold more collective activities?”

Yushan Daoist shook his head, “Cultivation and seeking the Dao are always personal matters; we should not let collective activities override personal will. Resonance in will is about natural occurrence; too much and intentionality undermines its effect.”

Mei Jinqiu thought for a moment and admired, “Junior Brother Yushan has the broader perspective.”

Yushan Daoist smiled slightly, saying nothing further.

At this moment, a space beside them gently rippled. Then, the figure of Fan Wubing emerged.

Yushan Daoist often could not help but marvel that his disciple’s cultivation had truly reached an incomprehensible level, able to merge effortlessly and naturally with Heaven and Earth, as if he was part of Heaven and Earth and they were part of him.

Fan Wubing greeted with a smile,

“What are Master and Sect Leader discussing?”

Mei Jinqiu laughed, “Welcome Wu Wang True Monarch to our humble sect.”

Fan Wubing shook his head helplessly, “Sect Leader, please don’t do this. Just call me Wubing.”

“Haha… You truly are unfit for the lifestyle of prominent mighty figures.” Mei Jinqiu laughed heartily. He found Fan Wubing to be the most intriguing person he had ever met; when he was weak, he aspired to the cosmos; now, overwhelmingly powerful, he reaches mere dust.

Yushan Daoist laughed, “It’s not that he is unfit for the mighty lifestyle but that he prefers living his own life.”

Fan Wubing said, “Master understands me.” He changed the subject, “No more of this talk, Master, there’s something I need to trouble you with.”

“Oh?” Yushan Daoist showed great interest.

Fan Wubing took out two blank couplets and said with a laugh,

“I hope Master can bestow two pairs of Spring Couplets.”

Yushan Daoist was taken aback, “This… you can write them yourself.”

“My little knowledge, how can it compare to yours, Master?”

Mei Jinqiu laughed, “Wubing, don’t make things difficult for your Master. I grew up with him, and have rarely seen him read much. Aren’t you quite familiar with that Ming Ancestor? Why not ask Ming Ancestor for couplets? She should be the most knowledgeable person in this realm.”

Fan Wubing looked at Yushan Daoist with a silent smile.

That Ming Ancestor inherited the teachings of his master before becoming Ming Ancestor.

However, Yushan Daoist’s former status as Jade Ancestor is still a secret within the Eternal Immortal Sect to this day. To alleviate the awkward atmosphere, he cleared his throat,

“Since it’s a request from a disciple, I, as the master, naturally must fulfill it.”

Mei Jinqiu teased,

“Junior Brother Yushan, you’ve read fewer books than I have, really capable?”

Yushan Daoist gave a dry laugh, “Let’s give it a try.”

With that, he condensed his Qi into brush and ink, danced his fingers, completing it in one breath—

“Thousands of households change their new looks, eight directions and four extremes bid farewell to the old year. Header, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.”

The content was ordinary, but the natural charm of the brush strokes stunned Mei Jinqiu.

He is now a True Immortal himself, surely understanding the profound meaning behind his junior brother’s few strokes.

He couldn’t help but shout,

“Junior Brother Yushan, when did you sneak off to secretly study!”

Yushan Daoist chuckled, “Live and learn.”

…

Fan Wubing pasted the Spring Couplets granted by his Master on the entrance of Orchid Garden, standing underneath to admire.

Luo Qingyao’s eyes gleamed,

“Master truly deserves the title of patriarch-level scholar, a few casual strokes reach heights unattainable for most people in a lifetime.”