Chapter 15 – Stepping onto the Path


    Time within the Hollow Library seemed suspended, the glow from countless lanterns flickering gently upon shelves filled with knowledge lost to the ages. Shen Mu sat cross-legged in the secluded chamber, eyes closed, breathing steady. Wei Jin and Li Mei stood nearby, quietly observing, unwilling to disturb his concentration.


    Shen Mu felt the subtle currents of Dao Insight moving within him, clearer and stronger than ever before. The words from the scroll echoed continuously in his mind, guiding him forward: “To truly understand, you must first embrace the very thing you’ve avoided most—your own mortality.”


    A gentle sigh escaped his lips as he slowly opened his eyes. The realization had settled deeply within him. He could no longer be merely an observer, detached from the world. To truly comprehend the Dao, he needed to fully participate—to cultivate openly and accept all its consequences.


    Wei Jin stepped forward cautiously. “How are you feeling?”


    “Clear,” Shen Mu replied calmly, rising smoothly to his feet. “It’s as though I’ve finally chosen a direction after wandering aimlessly.”


    Li Mei nodded thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding. “Then you must start immediately. The first stage, Foundation Breathing, will solidify your spiritual channels, aligning your body fully with your insights.”


    Shen Mu inclined his head respectfully. “Please guide me.”


    Li Mei moved beside him, gesturing for Shen Mu to mimic her seated posture. “Feel the essence of the world around you—not just through your insight, but through your physical form. Allow it to flow through you freely, without resistance.”


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Shen Mu closed his eyes again, following her instructions. At first, he encountered subtle resistance—a lifetime spent subtly distancing himself from true cultivation made his spiritual channels rigid, unyielding. He breathed deeply, consciously relaxing, gradually surrendering his innate resistance.


    Warmth slowly spread through his body, an unfamiliar sensation both comforting and invigorating. The essence of the world flowed through him, not separate but integrated, weaving seamlessly with his Dao Insight.


    Wei Jin watched intently, quietly amazed. “He’s adapting so quickly. Most cultivators spend months reaching even this level of clarity.”


    Li Mei observed Shen Mu carefully, a rare admiration in her voice. “He’s not like most cultivators. His mind has long been ready—it was only his choice that lagged behind.”


    Hours passed in serene silence as Shen Mu fully immersed himself. His perception sharpened further, every detail of the room, every breath and heartbeat, becoming vividly clear.


    Finally, Shen Mu opened his eyes once more, their calm depth now holding a subtle but unmistakable confidence. “It’s done.”


    Wei Jin exhaled in astonishment. “Already?”


    Shen Mu nodded gently, standing with renewed grace. “The first step is complete. I see clearly now—Foundation Breathing was always within reach; I simply had to accept it.”


    Li Mei smiled faintly, respect clearly evident in her gaze. “Your real journey begins here.”


    Suddenly, a low, resonant hum echoed through the library, causing the lanterns to flicker more intensely.


    Wei Jin tensed. “What was that?”


    Li Mei’s eyes narrowed with concern. “The library’s wards—someone else has arrived.”


    Shen Mu turned calmly toward the entrance of the chamber, his newly awakened senses reaching outward. A familiar presence brushed gently against his consciousness, cold and unyielding.


    “Qiu Gang,” Shen Mu said softly, eyes focused intently.


    Li Mei drew her blade, stance shifting defensively. “He found us quicker than expected.”


    “Not just him,” Shen Mu added quietly, feeling multiple powerful auras approach. “This time, he’s not alone.”


    Wei Jin drew his sword, glancing at Shen Mu cautiously. “Are we ready for this?”


    Shen Mu met Wei Jin’s gaze steadily, conviction clear in his voice. “We must be.”


    He stepped forward decisively, embracing fully the path he had finally chosen to walk.