“Throughout the ages, all conflicts are born from the fact that there are many in this world, but only one cup of water, and there is a good reason to justify giving it to any of them. You want to change fate? It’s difficult but not impossible. But if you change that child’s life, someone else’s life will also be changed, and more grudges will be created. Once upon a time, you said to just give another cup of water, just like how today you wanted to choose a third path. Your intention is to expand the source—a beautiful thought. But I must tell you, it’s basically impossible.”
Xie Lian listened silently but disagreed wholeheartedly; still, he didn’t rebut. “Thank you, State Preceptor, for your wisdom.”
The State Preceptor drank the tea, smacked his lips, and said, “Don’t trouble yourself. Wisdom or not, you don’t listen anyway.”
“…” Having been seen through, Xie Lian softly cleared his throat. “State Preceptor, earlier today in the Palace of Divine Might, in a moment of passion, this disciple offended you. Please forgive me for my affront.”
The State Preceptor shook out his sleeves and smiled. “You’re my favorite disciple, as well as the crown prince; how could I not forgive you? Your Highness, I can tell you that you are the most beloved by the heavens I have ever seen.”
Xie Lian didn’t understand, so he listened closely.
The State Preceptor continued, “You have the innate talent, the ambition, the heart, and you’re not afraid of hard work. You have a prestigious background but still have a compassionate nature. No one is more worthy of the title ‘Darling of the Heavens.’ Still, I am worried about you. I’m afraid there will be a trial you won’t be able to pass.”
“And that is?” Xie Lian asked.
“Although you’ve already reached such a height, there are some things that you are still far from understanding and that others can’t teach you. Like that speech you made today at the Palace of Divine Might, that bit about not worshipping gods or something; very few are able to think that far, and that you managed to arrive at such opinions at such a young age is already impressive. However, do not think yourself to be the only one in the world who has had such thoughts.”
Xie Lian’s eyes widened slightly.
The State Preceptor continued, “The things you spoke of today have already been said by others, decades or maybe centuries ago, but their words never gained momentum. Their voices were too small, so not many heard. Have you ever wondered why that is?”
Xie Lian pondered briefly and replied, “Because even if they thought of it, they never acted on it, and weren’t determined enough.”
“What about you? What makes you think you’re determined enough?” the State Preceptor asked.
“State Preceptor, do you think I can ascend?” Xie Lian asked.
The State Preceptor gave him a look and said, “If you can’t ascend, then no one can. It’s only a matter of time.”
Xie Lian smiled. “Then just you watch, sir.” He pointed to the sky. “If one day I ascend, I will surely do all that I said today and become a power to behold!”
Feng Xin and Mu Qing, who were standing behind him, both unconsciously held their heads higher after hearing his declaration. Feng Xin’s lips curved upward, and the light shining in Mu Qing’s eyes was exactly the same as Xie Lian’s. The State Preceptor nodded.
“Very well, I shall wait and see. However, I don’t think it’s a good thing for you to ascend too early. Let me ask you, what is The Path?”
Xie Lian inclined his head. “As you have said, that which is walked is The Path.”
“Indeed,” the State Preceptor said. “But you haven’t walked enough. So, I think it’s time for you to take a walk down the mountain.”
Xie Lian’s face lit up. The State Preceptor continued, “You’re seventeen this year. I will permit you to descend Mount Taicang and gain some experience through travels on the outside.”
“That’s excellent!” Xie Lian exclaimed.
Every day he spent at the imperial capital, just thinking about the king, Qi Rong, and everything else, Xie Lian couldn’t help but feel crabby. Plus, now that such a magnificent Palace of Xianle had been torched, he wouldn’t be able to avoid another bout with his parents. So why not go farther away and focus wholly on walking his own path?
Just then, the State Preceptor added, “Your Highness, throughout the ages there’s a saying that’s been passed down like it’s self-evident truth. But it’s actually wrong, and no one has ever noticed.”