Chapter 656 - 412: Fish and Dragon Hidden in the Depths

As soon as Duan Rong’s voice fell, Ge Rusong stood up with a cold expression and walked straight out of the hall.

Many hidden sect elders also stood up and walked out. Some wore cold arrogance, rising and leaving, while others smiled and congratulated Zhu He before turning away.

An elder, with crane-like skin and white beard, passing by Duan Rong, flashed a trace of disgust between his brows and said softly, "So young, yet knows how to pander to power, truly a person driven by fame and fortune!"

Though his voice was not loud, several people passing by heard it, and they all gave Duan Rong a meaningful look.

Duan Rong naturally heard it clearly.

Yet he did not even turn his head, only coldly laughing in his heart.

Having lived two lifetimes, he had seen many people who pretended to be lofty.

Driven by fame and fortune?! Even immortals fight for a stick of incense! Besides, you are not an immortal.

Though in an instant, two-thirds of the people in the hall had left, nearly one-third remained, including Yang Sixuan and Lin Youjian.

After choosing a mentor, the ancient rites must be followed to perform the true apprenticeship ceremony.

Those who stayed, some like Lin Youjian, were curious to see the excitement, and others like Yang Sixuan felt that since they were here, why not do Zhu He a favor?

Then, under the arrangement of the attendant, Dragon Fish Hall was redecorated.

Zhu He sat with a smile on a tall chair, accepting Duan Rong’s kowtow and tea offering, above him hung a plaque at the southern position of the Dragon Fish Hall with the powerful characters of "Fish and Dragon Leap."

The hall’s intricate ceremonies proceeded for the time of an incense stick before finally completing.

Zhu He warmly held Duan Rong’s hand and said, "Disciple, I am very pleased today."

Zhu He smiled but suddenly turned his head to look at the high plaque behind, saying, "I feel these four characters of ’Fish and Dragon Leap,’ though meaningful, still are not quite suitable for you. How about four other characters!"

Duan Rong felt a stir in his heart, Zhu He’s words seemed like an old scholar showing off knowledge, but he still smiled and continued the conversation, saying, "I wonder which four characters master refers to?"

Zhu He said, "Disciple, are you aware of the oracle of the fifth line of the Qian hexagram?"

Duan Rong had thoroughly read the Taoist Collection, naturally he knew, but now he only smiled without speaking, not answering.

Zhu He laughed, "In the oracle of the fifth line of the Qian hexagram, the four characters of ’Flying Dragon in the Sky,’ aren’t they more suitable?"

Looking at Zhu He’s deep, subtle gaze, Duan Rong suddenly shuddered, he had thought Zhu He was showing off knowledge, but now he realized what Zhu He meant.

In the oracle of the fifth line of the Qian hexagram, it does not only consist of "Flying Dragon in the Sky." After these characters, there are four more, called "Favorable to See the Great Man!"

Seemingly using the four characters of "Flying Dragon in the Sky" to praise Duan Rong’s extraordinary talent, in fact, what was said is not the key, the unspoken behind is what matters. Zhu He’s real point is "Favorable to See the Great Man!"

This "great man" refers to himself!

This old man has profound schemes!

This first line upon meeting, those unaware might think he was showing off knowledge. But Duan Rong now at least discerned four layers of meaning.

The four characters of "Flying Dragon in the Sky" have two layers of meaning. The first is that you, Duan Rong, can fly like a dragon in the sky, this is praise for his extraordinary talent, being a promising talent. The second is I can make you fly like a dragon in the sky, meaning that having me as a mentor, all necessary cultivation resources you require will not be lacked, and you will receive guidance in cultivation.

The unsaid "Favorable to See the Great Man" also holds two layers of meaning. The first is as long as you are loyal to the sect, you can naturally fly like a dragon in the sky. The second is, flying high, do not forget the mentor’s nurture, without "Favorable to See the Great Man," where comes the "Flying Dragon in the Sky?"

This seemingly casual short sentence with four layers of meaning contains rebuke, kindness, encouragement, and warning.

Furthermore, there’s another profound layer, it is also a test, Zhu He is observing whether Duan Rong can understand his meaning. He is assessing his mindset and experience in human affairs.

Duan Rong’s expression suddenly deepened, immediately clasped his fist and said, "How dare I? Your kindness and nurturing, master, Duan Rong will never forget!"

The initially relaxed and happy atmosphere became serious with Duan Rong’s heavy words, startling the attendant beside him.

He thought Duan Rong was muddled from the long intricate rites, suddenly blurting out such an inexplicable statement.

Seeing Duan Rong’s reaction, Zhu He immediately clenched his fist, laughing, "Haha. Good disciple. Truly a good disciple! Come, follow me back!"

Duan Rong’s response clearly showed he understood the meaning in Zhu He’s words.

Cultivation talent is indeed important, but if lacking in character and human relations, it’s often easy to stumble at crucial junctures. This is also why Inner Sect Disciples must undergo three years of worldly tasks for experience.

Duan Rong followed Zhu He out of the hall, only then wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, realizing he almost missed the cue earlier.

Though not his first time dealing with Zhu He, and knowing well the deep machinations of this old man, he realized he still somewhat underestimated his master’s mind.

This old man’s cultivation is indeed profound! Upon meeting, he delivered an invisible blow of authority!