Big Data Cultivation-Chapter 1921 - 1923: Guest Elder of the Courtyard

Tang Wenji, after understanding the whole story, was both amused and exasperated: Do you think listening to Elder Feng’s lecture is like attending a meeting?

In her opinion, people like this simply don’t know their own limits. Among the four thousand people present, how many are like them?

However, this matter was not suitable for immediate handling, so she instructed Gu Jiahui to keep an eye on the person, and went back inside herself.

The two-hour lecture by Feng Jun passed in the blink of an eye, best described as — "entirely captivating."

One must understand, this was a lecture, not storytelling or a movie viewing, which are relatively dull things, yet it kept four thousand people holding their breath without moving — even in the cold weather, showing how compelling it was.

After the lecture, Feng Jun asked everyone to collect their thoughts and then started the Q&A session two minutes later.

What, time for a bathroom break? Sorry, that’s not happening. Whether you choose to listen to the lecture or go to the bathroom is entirely your choice. Teachings are never lightly given, and no one gives opportunities for bathroom breaks during teachings — this is the way true teachings are passed on.

Only then did Qing Xiaozi finally breathe a sigh of relief. He was quite elderly, and beside him was Chen Shengwang.

Chen Shengwang was the sole scion of Fanghu, having recently found four promising disciples; on this lecture occasion, he brought all eight of them along, returning from Australia himself — of course, via the teleportation matrix plate.

Chen Shengwang was considered half a local of Luohua; having his own storage bag, he could make a pot of hot water for tea while listening — the tea he brewed matched with him was something only Qing Xiaozi across Huaxia could enjoy together.

Qing Xiaozi sighed, "Is Mountain Master Feng intending to... rebuild a system? I’ve never heard of such subdivision."

"So what if he’s rebuilding a system?" Chen Shengwang rolled his eyes at him, "Does he not have the qualification to rebuild it?"

"Let’s not argue," Qing Xiaozi was not upset and drained his cup of tea in a single gulp, "I’m just a little surprised.

Chen Shengwang sneered. Fanghu was a Daoist sect overseas, not within the top ten Cave Heavens nor the Thirty-Six Minor Cavern Heavens or the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands, but in terms of prestige and longevity, Fanghu had never bowed to anyone, yet Luohua gave him an "irresistible" feeling.

"I’m currently considering whether to incorporate the Fanghu Daoism into Luohua."

Qing Xiaozi was utterly taken aback and after quite some time, he tilted his head to look at him in astonishment, "Fang, Fang... that’s Fanghu, your family’s lineage, not beneath mine, of Zhu Mingyao True Heaven."

"Zhu Mingyao True Heaven compared to my three overseas mountains?" Chen Shengwang gave a disdainful sneer, "I mean no disrespect to Luofu Mountain, I won’t say anything excessive... when was your temple established?"

Qing Xiaozi was furious, "But you are overseas tribe barbarians!"

"I’ll give you a black eye!" Chen Shengwang raised his fist, about to strike.

It was at this moment that someone had already begun to ask questions, and as soon as the voice started, the surrounding murmurs and whispers ceased immediately.

However, those who asked were those 120 people; most of the over four thousand listeners could only listen without even having the right to ask questions. Yes, only those cultivating in the Xiuzhen Courtyard had the qualification to ask questions.

The first to question was Wang Dapeng from Wudang. He had been puzzled by the difference between martial cultivation and Dao cultivation for a long time, and today’s lecture by Feng Jun was exactly what he wanted to know.

As for the basic theories of Daoism, he didn’t understand much either, but those he could ask others about. However, the immediate issues could only be addressed to someone present here.

Feng Jun had a very fitting answer for his mindset... Never mind, let’s not dwell on it.

In fact, out of the four thousand people, many had questions they wanted to ask, but even the 120 people didn’t have that many questions — not that there weren’t problems, but no one expected the first lecture to cover these topics.

So the two-hour question session prepared afterward only lasted for about half an hour — 120 newcomers, how many questions could they ask?

The scene was large, but the questioners were too few. Feng Jun straightforwardly announced that if no more questions were forthcoming, they would disband in two minutes.

At this, the bystanders couldn’t hold back any longer. Qing Xiaozi stood up, raising his hand respectfully towards Feng Jing.

Director Mei saw this and knowing there were words to be said, drifted over and softly inquired, "Dare I ask what the senior would like?"

Qing Xiaozi didn’t dare act loftily in front of her. Still, the title "senior" was deserved, so he softly replied, "It’s rare for fellow Daoists to gather here, and as time isn’t up yet, I wish to trouble you to ask Mountain Master Feng if we may ask a couple of questions?"

Teacher Mei also felt the time seemed a bit brief, particularly as gathering so many people wasn’t easy.

Therefore, she flew forward, in full view of the crowd, drifted into the gazebo on the rockery, and conveyed Qing Xiaozi’s intentions.

In truth, Feng Jun had already sensed Qing Xiaozi’s words with his divine sense, yet proper protocol had to be observed.

He glanced in Qing Xiaozi’s direction and nodded slightly, "Alright, the time is still early. May I ask what Senior Qing Xiaozi would like to inquire about?"

Qing Xiaozi wanted to ask—a martial cultivator, after reaching Innate, how should they pursue Martial Enlightenment and enter the cultivation path.

This question might sound absurd, but Luofu Mountain really encountered such a situation; more than a thousand years ago, Zhu Mingyao was born as an Innate Expert, but ultimately did not step onto the Dao path.

That elder was also a person of brilliant talent and extraordinary intellect; his failure to embark on the Dao path led to a complex in the heart of later disciples of Luofu, with capable disciples generally leaning towards the cultivation path.

There were also Luofu disciples who began as martial cultivators but switched to the cultivation path once the conditions were right.

Qing Xiaozi’s question was indeed a bit bold, almost akin to revealing Luohua’s unwritten secret, yet he brought it up very publicly in front of many people at the Daoist temple.

However, Feng Jun didn’t mind and pointed out three key elements: firstly, the cultivator’s age is very important; secondly, it’s best to have a guide to lead the way; and lastly, one must pay attention to the compatibility between one’s own aptitude and the cultivation technique.

Qing Xiaozi wanted to understand more thoroughly, but Feng Jun still refused to elaborate; he simply smiled and remarked, "We can discuss the Great Dao, but for more detailed matters, it’s best for Senior Qing Xuzi to ponder them himself; after all, there’s plenty of time."

His meaning was that currently Luofu Mountain doesn’t even have a High-Rank Martial Master, so it’s a bit premature to be considering such matters.

Qing Xiaozi spoke seriously, "I wonder what the future arrangements for the Xiuzhen Courtyard’s lectures will be. If Luohua allows, my Luofu Mountain would be willing to participate in the lectures, advancing together with fellow Daoists."

He didn’t have any intention of outshining others; he purely wanted to lend a hand and align with Luohua’s practices.

"In my Daoist temple, is it appropriate for you to lecture?" Feng Jun chuckled, shaking his head, "Lecturing here cannot be too frequent; otherwise it interferes with everyone’s cultivation. I’m thinking of having lectures once a month, but next time, we might need to filter attendees."

This time, the audience was also filtered, yet even then, some didn’t silence their mobile phones, so the next time must be stricter.

At that moment, someone raised their hand—it was the Wudang disciple Wang Dapeng. After being permitted to ask, he spoke up, "With permission, Mountain Master, the Luofu lineage’s understanding of Daoist methods is indeed quite profound; my humble self is a martial cultivator, not skilled in Daoist methods, to speak boldly..."

He said "to speak boldly" twice, ultimately unable to continue, as his deep desire for Daoist knowledge couldn’t overcome the awe he felt towards Feng Jun.

Feng Jun, understanding his intent, smiled and nodded, "Well, that’s easily done; I’ll invite Senior Qing Xiaozi to act as a Guest Elder in the courtyard, coming and going freely and lecturing internally as destined... What does Senior think?"

"An honor and a duty!" Qing Xiaozi stood up and raised his hand in salute, speaking in a booming voice despite his age, "This place can be considered a seedbed for our Daoist sects; revitalizing the Daoist sects is everyone’s responsibility!"

"Then I thank you for your noble sentiments," Feng Jun raised his hand in salute and then asked solemnly, "Does anyone else have questions?"

Many people raised their hands again, and Feng Jun selected a familiar face, "Senior Qiu from Zhongnan Mountain, please go ahead."

Daoist Qiu stood up and also spoke loudly, "I am merely an independent cultivator from Zhongnan; my Dao methods are not particularly elegant, and my legacy follows a less conventional path, not comparable to the esteemed major sect representatives here. But one advantage is... encountering enough problems during cultivation!"

"So I boldly seek to act as a Guest Elder with Mountain Master Feng; while my guidance to disciples may not be sufficient, I am good at identifying problems."

He spoke modestly, but Feng Jun understood—Daoist Qiu had a legacy, possibly a righteous one, but perhaps not quite complete.

However, this position of Guest Elder isn’t something he can casually grant; firstly, he needs to understand this person’s background, and secondly... he can’t make Luohua’s Guest Elder title too cheap.

Among the four thousand or so present, more than half belonged to Daoist sects and temples, many of which Feng Jun hadn’t even heard of. If everyone tried to imitate, wouldn’t that be disastrous?

So he slightly nodded, "I understand Senior Qiu’s intentions; once the lecture is over, let’s discuss it further."

This was certainly a differential treatment! Daoist Qiu’s face reddened slightly, though the dim lighting prevented general notice.

However, some experts from major sects, upon hearing, felt a stir in their hearts—acting as a carefree and unfettered Guest Elder might be quite appealing?

The Xiuzhen Courtyard provides spiritual energy, which is splendid enough, not to mention the disciples cultivating within.

If the teachers from other families can lecture in the courtyard but ours cannot, wouldn’t the disciples be at a disadvantage?

After another ten minutes, the sky began to faintly brighten. Feng Jun announced the conclusion of today’s lecture.

Then good Feng Jing stepped forward, asking everyone to exit orderly while announcing that the prayer courtyard had prepared vegetarian offerings.

Cultivators are mostly quite casual, but today, with Daoist big bosses gathered and Luohua’s people commanding a presence, the departure was orderly with no chaos.

But quite a few did not leave; for instance, Tang Wangsun and others. Taibai’s Feng Zhizhang proactively remarked, "Fellow Daoists from here, what kind of benefits do your Guest Elders have? After all, I am a university graduate too."

(Updated as of summon for monthly votes.)