Chapter 121: A Difficult Situation
Not to mention becoming a disciple, they probably wouldn’t even get inside—the people within could dismiss them with a mere wave of a hand.
Everyone disembarked from the boat, each finding a place to stand. When the last person had stepped ashore, astonishment rippled through the crowd; several thousand had arrived.
At the forefront stood the master of the Charity Hall, Master Kong Ling, along with Changsun Chengluo of the Changsun family and others. Each was accompanied by their own disciples.
“This truly is a haven for the gifted who seek seclusion. Extraordinary indeed—there must be hidden mysteries here!”
“So serene. Upon arriving, even the restless stirrings of the heart cease entirely. It’s truly awe-inspiring!”
The crowd couldn’t help but express their admiration.
“Let us go in and seek out the elder,” Changsun Chengluo said calmly.
At his words, everyone moved forward, each secretly vying to be the first to meet the elder.
Before they even reached the village entrance, they saw a shimmering light. The flowing path of the Dao there was breathtaking.
“Wait, look over there!” the beautiful woman from the Charity Hall exclaimed, pointing ahead with delicate fingers.
Everyone followed her gaze and was immediately struck with terror.
Before them was a barrier radiating a golden glow, inscribed with countless golden characters. The light emanated from each of these characters.
They hadn’t even reached the barrier when they already felt the terrifying power it exuded—as if each character alone could effortlessly crush their entire group.
“This appears to be the legendary Heavenly Edict, but isn’t that only found in the Immortal Realm? Our Tianwu World could never preserve even a fraction of its power.”
“This elder truly has remarkable skill! Extraordinary beyond words!”
“Heavens! With this barrier, we cannot even step inside. What do we do now?”
The crowd buzzed, discussing the small barrier fervently.
“Wait, come take a closer look. This seems to be a riddle left by the elder! Whoever solves it may enter and become a disciple!”
Someone discovered a piece of paper on a stone tablet. After careful reading, that person explained it to the group.
All eyes were drawn once again to the paper.
On it were just a few simple golden characters and a large golden triangle. As soon as they saw it, they felt the triangle was enveloped in the immortal aura of the Dao.
Markings on the triangle bore numbers—two angles were labeled with degrees: forty-five degrees and thirty degrees.
The question: what is the measure of the third angle?
“What kind of riddle is this? Truly terrifying!”
Master Kong Ling studied it carefully but was immediately shaken.
“This question is beyond our comprehension; it is tied to the Immortal Dao.”
“I wonder if anyone knows about the Daoist theory that all things are born of the Three Lives. This triangle might be its ultimate embodiment, containing supreme techniques! I doubt many could even begin to calculate it.”
The master of the Charity Hall said, having been captivated by the large triangle from the start, so much so that she lost track of time.
“The lines resemble sword intent. If one could fully comprehend this sword intent, they might ascend to immortality on the spot!” Changsun Chengluo mused.
“Yes! This riddle contains profound and subtle matters!”
Discussion swirled around.
“I’m afraid I won’t manage. Even if we spent a lifetime here, we couldn’t unlock this riddle...” After a long silence, Meng Yu of the Charity Hall frowned.
Nearby, Xian Chen’s face was dark with displeasure.
“This riddle is too complex. No matter how hard we try, we might only grasp a fraction of it.”
Changsun Puyu said, silently gripping his long sword.
All present were elite among the Tianwu World’s finest, yet none could solve the riddle before them.
Time passed swiftly.
They challenged the riddle for three full days and nights without success.
After such a long time, many were disheartened.
“I fear I shall never have the chance to ascend to immortality in this life.”
“Yes, if we cannot solve the riddle, what use is lingering here? Let’s leave!”
“It’s too difficult—I can’t even understand the question!”
Countless people began to depart, knowing their chances were nil, choosing to give up.
Yet some, though unable to solve the riddle, seemed to sense a certain power emanating from the golden characters and sat down to cultivate right where they were.
Thus, the number of people outside the small mountain village gradually dwindled.
A month later.
Now only a dozen or so remained outside the village.
Among them, Master Kong Ling had sat in meditation for an entire month. Now, opening his eyes, satisfaction gleamed within their aged depths.
He bowed respectfully toward the village.
Though he hadn’t entered, within just a month he had grasped a fragment of the great Dao.
“Although we could not solve the riddle, we are still grateful to the elder for this authentic legacy!”
After bowing, he stood and said, “Xian Chen, it’s time for us to leave.”
Xian Chen’s eyes fixed steadily on the village. Hearing his master’s words, he shook his head resolutely.
“Master, I will remain here. Here, I sense a Buddha nature I have never felt before. Though I lack the chance to meet the elder inside, even if it means being a humble farmer outside this village, I am willing.”
His eyes shone with determination.
Master Kong Ling nodded. “Very well, I respect your choice.”
Without pressuring him further, he departed alone.
“Such charity, truly...” The Saint Lord of the Charity Hall sighed.
She herself had also cultivated here for a month, reaping great insights and abundant gains.
She could even feel the Immortal Dao close at hand, no longer elusive as before.
After paying homage to the village, she left with her beloved disciple.
“This elder’s power must far surpass that of the Immortal Realm. I wonder why he chose to remain here in our Tianwu World...”
Changsun Chengluo’s eyes opened wide. Sword intent flashed briefly before he reined it back swiftly.
He rose and bowed deeply toward the village with utmost reverence.