Van's mind had drifted off into the complexities of the Great Dao. Having found that his mind had lightened up with a sip from the tea, he had suddenly gotten the urge to comprehend the Dao. While Van had started contemplation of the Great Dao, Fairy Meirong, continued to observe him intensely. A surprised expression flitted across her face before she quickly returned to her nonchalant expression. Using her vision technique, she had discovered that Van had entered into a cultivational state of mind.
"Truly a genius. He was able to instantly enter the legendary Dao state even while sitting here having a conversation. In fact… this not just a genius, but on the level of a monster."
She remarked to herself under her breath. A gaze of true admiration lingered for a while before she, once more, returned to her previous nonchalance. Inwardly, she was surprised at herself. She had never been so astonished that she would show it outwardly outside of her clan. Usually, she would have a mask of nonchalance plastered on her face when interacting with those outside of her clan. But, today, Van's talents had impressed her so much that she completely forgot and cast aside the mask of nonchalance, even if it was only for a split second. The two female attendants had noticed their Young Mistress' breach of character, but chose to not comment on it staying on the side with their heads lowered, awaiting their next order. While the male attendant, like his young mistress, also had his attention fully enraptured by the youth that sat in front of him that held an expression of utmost serenity. The male attendant sighed and said to himself.
"This new generation truly is going to be a golden age… During my age, it was a miracle to even enter the Dao State at all, yet this youth entered it mid-conversation. Aiya…"
Unaware of the disturbance he had caused to the others by going into this profound state, Van had found himself transported to a rather strange space within his mind. A figure of him, which represented his mind and Dao, had appeared in what seemed to be outer space. Opening his eyes, Van found himself sitting cross legged in the space, surrounded by a vast starry expanse. His mouth opened in an expression of complete awe as he took in the vast scenery before him. What seemed to be a few minutes later, he finally shook himself and fell out of a stupor. Immediately, he could feel the complexities of countless daos, calling out to him. Young and ambitious, Van found himself searching for the Dao that was the most awe inspiring. After some intense searching, for about an hour or so, he finally found it. The constellation of "stars" gave off a metallic, silverish glow. Looking at it, he said to himself.
"This is the one. With this Dao, I will rise to the peak of cultivation."
With confidence, he started to reach out towards the group of stars and grasp the entire thing with his right hand. But, instead of obtaining the Dao, he was thrown back, with his mind and Dao figure's right hand cut with a deep wound. Van quickly sat down to adjust his mental state. It took a while, but Van eventually succeeded in restoring the body to full health. After restoring his mental Dao body to peak condition, he immediately started to ponder upon what he had done wrong. He racked his mind, he knew that he had been a bit too rash, but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly he needed to do. Suddenly, it came to him. He remembered a saying that he had once heard that he had picked up during his many days spent reading.
"When offered a feast, the wise man takes care to not overstuff himself so as to choke on the food and collapse dead. But instead one must eat the feast in moderation, slowly digest it so as to fully enjoy the taste and be able to completely finish the feast without any adverse effects."
Having remembered this wise saying, Van once more sat down cross legged to evaluate his capabilities. Performing some quick calculations in his mind, Van found the best course of action. This time, Van slowly reached out his hand, attempting to pluck the smallest dimmest star in the constellation. Van had realized his mistake. He had thought he could obtain the whole Dao, but comprehension takes time. Even the most talented of geniuses didn't make it to the top in one leap, but had to take time to develop - albeit advancing by leaps and bounds - taking multiple steps before they passed the previous generation to take their place at the top of the cultivation world.
Large beads of perspiration immediately started forming on Van's forehead from the amount of exertion that was required of him. After what seemed to be hours, Van finally comprehended the first star. His mental body collapsed, onto its back, fully exhausted.
