Li Yi perford a respectful bow toward the crowd in Zuixian Building before slowly speaking: "This ti, I troubled Senior Tu to invite all the Taoist experts here to Zuixian Building. In truth, it is because I have an important matter to discuss."
"Taiyi, just speak directly. These old bones of ours are worthless. If there is any place where we can be of use, just say the word. As long as this old Daoist can help, I will not delay. After all, I’ve been freeloading food and drink these days, and it feels rather embarrassing." An older Daoist missing a few teeth chuckled as he spoke.
The others nodded in agreent.
They were now utterly destitute, living al to al, far from the glorious days of the past. To have soone regard them with such importance now deeply moved them.
Li Yi said, "Seniors, you must already know. At the **End of Dharma**, Spiritual Energy has vanished, and Daoist Skills fail to manifest. Once-proud Cultivation Experts can no longer adapt to this era. What’s more, vitality is depleting at an alarming rate, and countless experts are passing away in succession. If we don’t take action, in just a few more years, cultivators will completely disappear from the Tao Court."
"How could we not know? But we’re powerless to do anything about it." One of the Daoists sighed deeply, while the others remained silent, their expressions heavy with sorrow.
Li Yi continued, "Right now, seniors, forget about Cultivation—the very act of surviving is already a struggle. In such circumstances, why not burn the boats and leave behind the Tao Court, carrying your doctrines with you? Join and journey across the seas to the **Land of Treasures**. There, I intend to spread a new thod, establish a new foundation, and rekindle the path of Cultivation. Though the path ahead is fraught with challenges, there remains a glimr of hope. It is far better than languishing here and wasting away the remaining years."
"To the Land of Treasures?"
These words left many of them montarily stunned.
Who would have thought that Taiyi was inviting them to embark on an overseas journey to the Land of Treasures, to expand new frontiers, transmit teachings, and establish a new Dao?
"Taiyi, if you wish to spread a new thod, why not do it here in the Tao Court? Why insist on venturing overseas?" Tu Daoist asked, also quite perplexed.
Li Yi responded, "The enemies here are too nurous, the relationships overly complicated—it is difficult to find peace. If I were to try spreading the Dao here, it would only result in more conflict and bloodshed. I do not wish to waste any more ti on these petty battles."
"Taiyi, it’s not that this old Daoist is unwilling to follow you, but the present day is not like the days of Cultivation. The Land of Treasures lies far overseas. In the past, I could fly there effortlessly; now, I fear that once I leave, I may never set foot in the Tao Court again. I was born here, and I should be buried here. As for the new thod—it does not concern . To live out these final years in the Tao Court is enough for ."
An older Daoist, leaning on a cane, slowly stood up, wobbling unsteadily. He bowed respectfully to Li Yi, then turned and left Zuixian Building without looking back.
Li Yi did not try to stop him. He simply returned the bow, offered a couple of supporting steps, and saw the old Daoist off.
He had long anticipated such an outco.
These cultivators had lost their fighting spirit. Bound to their holand, they sought only to die in the Tao Court and be buried within their sects. They no longer had the drive for progress. Such individuals were not suited for a cross-realm journey to Earth.
"Taiyi, we too do not wish to leave the Tao Court. Please forgive us." Soon, a few more Daoists also excused themselves and departed.
Li Yi remained gracious and did not show any anger, even seeing them off with a few steps.
"This poor Daoist is alone in the world; it matters not where I go. Venturing to the Land of Treasures sounds good. Taiyi, I will follow you on this endeavor." The toothless Daoist downed his wine in one gulp, then grinned and said, "Besides, this poor Daoist also wishes to witness the new thod. Even if I die, I want to die knowing."
"Well said. Is it not the sa where a cultivator breathes their last? I wish to carry my doctrines to the Land of Treasures and take a chance. Perhaps I will find an opportunity to reignite my teachings. If not, at least I will have done my utmost, with no regrets in my heart." Another person, despite not holding much hope, simply wanted to gamble, unwilling to leave this world with lingering regret.
"Monts ago, I experienced a sudden spiritual intuition; my heart sensed sothing, though I do not yet understand its aning. Still, I am willing to follow Taiyi on this journey. Tis of change in this **End of Dharma** era surely hold so possibilities—it is a good thing. Just one question: would Taiyi allow this old Daoist to bring along a few undisciplined disciples to the Land of Treasures? If permitted, I will make preparations imdiately."
A cultivation expert in the Tri-Floral Realm trusted his spiritual intuition and, without overthinking, gritted his teeth and decided to give it a shot.
"If anyone wishes to co along, they are naturally welco." Li Yi nodded in agreent.
The Tri-Floral Realm expert imdiately said, "Then I will go inform my few disciples. Where shall we et later?"
Li Yi replied, "Just co to this tavern."
The Tri-Floral Realm expert offered a bow, spoke no further, and left in haste.
But as the figure disappeared, Li Yi could not be certain whether he would uphold the agreent and return to Zuixian Building—whether he would truly co back or simply use this opportunity as an excuse to vanish, Li Yi did not know.
Thereafter, a few more Daoists, having filled their stomachs and packed away so food, offered Li Yi embarrassed bows before leaving quickly. Clearly, they too had no intention of further entanglents.
What new thod? It held no interest for them. In the **End of Dharma** era, with longevity unreachable, what difference would a new thod make? Let it be for those who co after—they only sought to peacefully pass their remaining days.
After all this commotion, more than half of the people in Zuixian Building departed, leaving only a small number willing to journey with Li Yi to the Land of Treasures.
Although the number was small, the outco was already remarkable. After all, Li Yi had rely painted an abstract picture with a few words. The future remained uncertain, and they were all once-proud experts who would not easily fall for empty promises. For most who stayed, the primary reason was a manifestation of spiritual intuition.
In this **End of Dharma** era, the chance to experience such spiritual intuition was rare. No matter what, they did not want to miss out on this potential opportunity.
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